News
Taoiseach to arrange investigation into Kilcummin Sewerage Scheme
By Michelle Crean
Taoiseach is Micheál Martin has this week said that he will "have the matter investigated" when questioned about the huge delays and cost of the Kilcummin Sewerage Scheme.
The scheme, which was last week heavily criticised by Cllr Marie Moloney following an online meeting with Irish Water - was raised during Leader's Questions in the Dáil on Tuesday by Danny Healy-Rae TD.
For 21 years the people of Kilcummin - the largest parish in the country - have been trying to progress with the scheme but have been left angered by the many setbacks along the way, the latest the exclusion 40 houses in the area; two roads at Rahanes via Mass Rock and via the graveyard, as well as the road through Tangneys Cross and another towards the GAA Club.
Originally expected to cost €1.2m, the latest figure stands at €9m for the scheme, and Cllr Moloney fears that if plans for connection in late 2022 don't go ahead that it could drive the cost up even more.
"The sanctioning of the scheme is important," Taoiseach Micheál Martin said in his reply to Mr Healy-Rae.
"We will talk to Irish Water to get submissions from the residents and see if something can be done here because when we put in infrastructure we want to make it comprehensive. We do not want to have to go back again in a few years' time to upgrade or redo it. I will have the matter investigated."
Deputy Healy-Rae added that "the Government will have to fund Irish Water properly" and that the "five Deputies from Kerry need to meet".
"The municipal members of the Killarney municipal area want to meet the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, about this. We will not take no for an answer."
On Tuesday morning a special meeting of Killarney Municipal District was also held, via MS Teams, to discuss the issue, during which the Council agreed to write to all TDs and the minister.
"We would like to have a meeting with the minister as it's a very important issue," Cllr Marie Moloney, who last week said she was left "disappointed and dismayed" following a meeting with Irish Water, told the Killarney Advertiser.
She said if Irish Water had at the time laid the pipes it would have cost €3,900 for each connection but it now stands at €150k per every one hundred metres.
"They should be incentivising people. The cost of the scheme also now stands at €9m, my worry is that the money will be pulled if they don't get on with it. We keep waiting and waiting."
Local farms selected for new social farming respite programme
Several farms across the wider Killarney area have been selected to take part in Kerry Social Farming’s newly launched summer respite programme for people with disabilities
.
The initiative was officially opened by Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Kerry TD Norma Foley at Patrick and Mary B Murphy’s dairy farm in Ballycarbery West, Cahirciveen. In total, the project provides up to 100 people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in hands-on farming experiences and supportive social outlets.
Among the initial intake, 15 participants are based in Killarney, two in Beaufort, and one each in Kilcummin and Glenflesk.
The scheme forms part of the HSE’s €5 million Summer Respite Initiative. Along with day-to-day farm activities, participants will enjoy group outings, including visits to agri-tourism enterprises, livestock marts, county fairs, and local scenic spots.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Foley said:
“It is an honour to launch this summer respite programme funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality via the HSE and delivered by Kerry Social Farming. This programme gives people with disabilities hands-on experience of the joys of being on a farm, supporting their wellbeing and enhancing their quality of life. Particular thanks to Joe McCrohan and the SKD team, Patrick and Mary B for their hospitality, all the host farmers and the participants themselves who bring such energy, enjoyment and fun to the programme.”
Minister Foley also praised the growth of Kerry Social Farming since its establishment 13 years ago, noting that the organisation expanded from delivering 76 social farming days in 2013 to 2,500 in 2025.
The launch was attended by Noel Spillane, Chief Executive of South Kerry Development Partnership; Joseph McCrohan, Manager of Kerry Social Farming; Eamon Horgan, Chair of the Kerry Social Farming working group; and Mary Keane, HSE Disability Client Services Manager for Kerry.
Killarney Racecourse launches first student race day
Killarney Racecourse has partnered with radio station SPIN South West to host Kerry’s biggest student race day this autumn.
The back-to-college event is scheduled for Monday, October 5, combining horse racing with live entertainment. SPIN South West will bring its SPIN House Party Stage to the venue, featuring performances from local DJs.
To accommodate attendees from across Munster, Killarney Racecourse will organise dedicated bus transport running directly from key locations across Kerry, Cork, and Limerick. Additionally, The Gleneagle Group has signed on as the official hospitality partner, offering accommodation options for visitors travelling to the event.
Chris Davies, Sales and Marketing Manager at Killarney Racecourse, confirmed that full details regarding ticket packages, transport schedules, and accommodation will be released in the coming weeks.
Local farms selected for new social farming respite programme
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