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“The children are in danger”

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Call for safety measures outside Fossa National School

A serious or even fatal accident is inevitable unless urgent safety measures are put in place – concerned parents and staff at one Killarney school said this week.
Up to 300 pupils and their parents are regularly taking their life in their hands at drop off and pick up times as they negotiate crossing the busy N72 Killarney to Killorglin road to get to Fossa National School. They are now calling on Kerry County Council to act quickly and put safety measures – such as pedestrian crossing – in place.
The issue has been ongoing for years, principal Pat Clifford explained to the Killarney Advertiser this week.
“We’re highlighting this for a long time,” he said.
“One pedestrian crossing would suffice.
“You’re just watching there in the morning with your heart in your mouth because there are young children from the age of four onwards, and children with special needs, crossing the road. I just think the children are in danger and we’re going to keep at it until some issue occurs unfortunately - that may then force this type of facility to be put in place – but it’s too late to do it then.”
He said that he’s listening to the parent’s safety concerns every day.
“They’re saying it is a nightmare in the morning. There are busses, there are trucks, it’s a very busy road particularly during months from April to October - as there’s a huge volume of traffic there. They have no place to park - only across the other side of the road.”
The school population currently stands at 270, he explained. However, when there was half that number they had a lollypop lady at the school.
“When there was half, about 135 pupils, we had a dedicated lollypop person who used to help children across the road. Why that’s gone – I think the issue is other schools were in an old scheme, like Lissivigeen and other places, and unfortunately as we’re not in that scheme that they don’t allow that now. It’s unfair to the children and it’s certainly compromising their safety.”
Cllr. Maura Healy-Rae, who raised the issue at Wednesday’s Killarney Municipal District meeting, said that it is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately before a serious or even fatal accident occurs.
“It is a national road and there’s huge traffic coming into the town to Liebherr, the town itself, the caravan park, hotels and there’s a church there too,” she said.
“It’s a highly populated area. If you’re a young person trying to navigate the road it’s dangerous. A pedestrian crossing is definitely needed – that would mean that they’re crossing at the same point and not at different sections of the road.
“I’m amazed there hasn’t been an accident to date. They’re wide open and exposed here.”
Kerry County Council replied that they have carried out a Pedestrian Survey at this location and that it indicated that a pedestrian crossing was "not generally justified".
However Kerry County Council said that it will work with the school and its Board of Management to ensure, as reasonably practical, the safety of all road users at this location.

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HeartBeat to host Advanced Healthcare Directive information night

Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) […]

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Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 8pm in the Parish Centre, Park Road.

An ADH is a document which sets out your instructions in relation to healthcare treatments in the future, when you no longer have the capacity to decide. AHDs are not solely relevant to older individuals. Young adults can also significantly benefit from putting these directives in place for themselves or when assisting loved ones. Attendees will gain valuable ‘Knowledge is Power; regarding legal and personal matters
The meeting will specifically look at two key application forms: the standard AHD Form and the Think Ahead / my form.
Prior to the main meeting, a Blood Pressure. and Pulse Clinic will be available from 7:15pm until 8:00pm sharp. Following O’Shea Clarke’s presentation, there will be a Question & Answer session, followed by tea and coffee.
SAGE Advocacy, the national service for older people, works to ensure access to information, support, and independent advocacy, while also providing safeguarding services across various settings, including homes, day centres, hospitals, and nursing homes.
They also support vulnerable adults and healthcare patients in situations where other services may not be available.
For further information, email anne.osheaclarke@sageadvocacy.ie or visit www.sageadvocacy.ie.

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Singer-songwriter Lillie Foley releases second single

Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms. ‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend […]

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Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms.

‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend of pop and soul music, drawing on Foley’s own life experiences. The track marks a further step in the promising career of the emerging local artist.
Recorded at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, ‘That’s Life’ showcases Foley’s emotive lyrics, soulful vocals, and a sound that is both modern and deeply personal. Collaborating with music producer and audio engineer Hermann Ogulla, Foley has crafted a song that blends her Irish background with contemporary musical styles, aiming to resonate with listeners in Ireland,and beyond.
Foley said: “This is a song about resilience and accepting that bad things happen in life and we just have to get on with it and move on as best we can.”
‘That’s Life’ is the second of several songs Foley has planned for release in 2025.

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