News
Students learn road safety with live crash demo
RESCUE: A young male driver is rescued from a crashed car by members of the emergency services during the live crash demo in the INEC car park on Tuesday morning. Photo: Michelle Crean
By Michelle Crean
The reality of a serious car crash brought home the impact to almost 1,500 Kerry students on Tuesday morning – as emergency services simulated a live road crash in the INEC car park.
Secondary school students from throughout Kerry, including schools from Killarney, witnessed the rescue efforts by dedicated members of the emergency services at the AXA Road Safety Roadshow. The event began at 10.30am with presentations by Gardaí, members of Kerry Fire Service and medical staff from emergency departments including a surgeon, who have all experienced the impact of fatal crashes on Kerry’s roads.
And the event was a huge success, explained Dan Keane from the Kerry Fire Service, who was a speaker on the day.
“Killarney Fire Service did a display and supplied the car,” Dan told the Killarney Advertiser.
“We had a young male driver, an actor, who was brought to safety. The Gardai went through the statistics by county and the country explaining that it was young male drivers who are most at risk. Peter McCarthy from the Traffic Corp described the whole ordeal while Eugene Tangney, a paramedic, told some scenarios.”
[caption id="attachment_29134" align="alignleft" width="300"]
SAFETY FIRST: Students from Presentation Killarney Saoirse Coffey, Carrie Hickey, Kate Lawlor and Jenny Cronin pictured with Sinead Galvin (Killarney Fire Service), Diane Collins (Killarney Community Policing Unit), Dan Keane (Kerry Fire Service) and Martin Grady (Killarney Fire Service) at the live crash demo in the INEC car park on Tuesday morning. Photo: Michelle Crean[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_29133" align="alignleft" width="300"]
ON THE SCENE: Students from Presentation Killarney and St Brendan's College pictured with emergency service personnel at the live crash demo in the INEC car park on Tuesday morning. Photo: Michelle Crean[/caption]
Dan himself spoke as a First Responder followed by the surgeon, while a woman from North Kerry spoke about her son who died in similar circumstances.
“The simulation was about showing the kids roughly what we deal with. What we’re trying to do is give them an idea what we do and what we deal with. It’s great for them to see it but more should be done and more regularly.”
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
Grady demands Killarney traffic review
Killarney councillor Martin Grady has called for an urgent review of traffic management across the town following severe delays along...
Killarney Pumpkin Farm returns for Halloween
The annual event is in its sixth year and caters to people of all ages. The farm is located in...
Killarney Toastmasters host special open night
Killarney Toastmasters is inviting members of the local community to an open night at the Dromhall Hotel on Muckross Road...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
