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SouthDoc strike to affect Killarney services

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STRIKE ACTION: SIPTU Kerry branch organiser Donal Doody is overseeing the strike action by SouthDoc. Photo: Grigoriy Geniyevskiy

 

By Sean Moriarty

 

Today’s strike action by SouthDoc staff - from today (Friday) at 5.30pm until tomorrow morning - will have a huge impact on services in Killarney.

Staff at the out of hours medical services are engaging in the strike action in a row centering on the restoration of previous pay cuts.

Back in 2010, the Health Service Executive (HSE) cut pay across all medical support staff sectors by 10 percent.

In recent years, pay has been restored to HSE staff - but other services have not had their previous pay reinstated.

The action, called by trade union SIPTU, affects SouthDoc’s High St premises and will have far reaching consequences across Kerry and Cork.

The local centre employs five drivers and five clerical staff. However, the Killarney branch also acts as the call centre for Cork and Kerry and up to 30 staff, who work on a shift-rota, will also take strike action.

“The cut backs in 2010 related to all health staff,” Killarney-based SIPTU Kerry branch organiser Donal Doody told the Killarney.

“HSE staff had their pay restored but the same is not happening for our members. The Workplace Relations Commission is refusing to concede.”

Staff at Valentia Hospital and St Joseph’s Nursing Home in Killorglin will also take strike action today.

 

 

 

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Killarney sweeps county selections in national carvery awards

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Killarney has taken seven of the nine Kerry spots named as “Knorr Recommended Roast 2026” venues.

The nationwide programme, now in its third year, evaluates pubs and hotels through independent mystery diners to check carvery and roast dinner quality across the country.

Venues across Munster performed above the national average, with a combined score of 81.5% compared to the country-wide average of 80.5%.


The seven Killarney and surrounding area locations making the list include Hannigan’s at the International Hotel, the Killarney Court Hotel, and the Mill Brasserie at the Killarney Heights Hotel.

The Kerry Way Bar & Restaurant in Glenflesk also earned a recommendation, alongside the Killarney Oaks Hotel.


Two local establishments made the list for the first time this year, with the Kenmare Rooms at the Killarney Avenue Hotel and Scott’s Hotel both listed as new entries for 2026.

The remaining two county spots went to Tralee-based venues, namely the Brogue Inn on Rock Street and Gally’s on the Castlemaine Road.

To achieve inclusion in the 148 venues selected across Ireland, each establishment had to demonstrate consistent quality, portion standard, and execution in their daily roast offerings.

Jim Reeves, Customer Director Ireland at Unilever Food Solutions, noted that the results show an exceptional standard of local food and hospitality, stating that each selected venue has a long-standing reputation for serving top-notch carvery dishes.

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Resurfacing works announced for key sections of N22

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A programme of resurfacing works has been confirmed for several key sections of the N22 in and around Killarney.

The investment will involve replacing the road wearing course under the HD28 road maintenance programme to address areas impacted by high traffic volumes.

The project was confirmed at the June full meeting of Kerry County Council and covers four specific locations along the route.

Works will take place on the N22 from the Killarney Leisure Centre through the SuperValu Roundabout to the Coolcaslagh Junction, including the Lissyviggeen Roundabout.

Upgrades are also scheduled for the N22 Killarney Bypass from east of the Kilcummin Junction to the north of the Cleeny Roundabout.

Additionally, resurfacing will be carried out at Madams Hill from the Viewing Park to the north of BG Motors, as well as another section of the N22 running from approximately 1.8 kilometres south of Lawlor’s Cross up to the cross itself.

The works are currently out to tender, with responses expected back shortly. Construction is anticipated to begin in July, with the majority of the resurfacing scheduled to take place at night to minimise disruption for motorists.

The allocation has been welcomed by Deputy Michael Healy-Rae TD and Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae, who noted the importance of the corridor for commuters, tourism, and local businesses.


Deputy Michael Healy-Rae stated that the N22 is one of the most important transport corridors in Kerry and carries thousands of vehicles every day.

He added that maintaining and improving the condition of the road network is vital for road safety, tourism, local businesses, and commuters, while acknowledging Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Kerry County Council for prioritising the funding.

Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae added that well-maintained infrastructure is a basic expectation for residents and visitors alike.

He said that while road maintenance may not always grab headlines, it is one of the most important investments that can be made to improve driving conditions for residents, visitors, and businesses.

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