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Why shouldn’t Killarney become a financial hub?

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IN A FEW weeks’ time, expressions of interest will be sought in relation to the future use of the Pretty Polly site in Killarney. It got us thinking – what about establishing it as a centre for a financial hub in the town?

Brexit is pushing Dublin up in global financial hub rankings. But why should the capital be the only centre to benefit?

Since the UK voted to leave the European Union, Britain’s many financial firms have explored moving headquarters or setting up new subsidiaries elsewhere to keep a foothold in the EU’s single market.

Why shouldn’t Killarney present itself as a contender in the battle between European cities to lure banks, insurers and other finance-related industries?
Dublin is well positioned to attract Brexit-related relocations for several reasons, including that it’s a short flight from London, shares the same language, and levies some of the lowest tax rates in the Europe.

Yet with a bit of foresight Killarney should surely be just as enviable a location.
We have one of the best conference locations in Ireland and in addition, we are an hour from Cork Airport, and hour and a half’s drive from Shannon Airport and just fifteen minutes from Kerry Airport.

And while we complain about our property prices, they are far, far less expensive than those in Dublin or London.
So why shouldn’t Killarney entice some of the financial service companies post-Brexit? Killarney has the transport routes, conference facilities and accommodation to service international services industries.

So, come on, and let’s think big. Why not put together a professional working group to target sectors such as these? We need a single-minded independent commission-based project to drive this forward.
 


 
Above: London's financial district.

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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