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Time for “Plan B”?

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Killarney has been subject of some difficult headlines of late but the fact remains that there is a problem that needs to be dealt with.

"Plan A" was a resounding success as we supported giving refuge to those who urgently needed humanitarian aid. Now it's time for "Plan B".

The lack of infrastructure is what is failing us and the Government needs to look at the bigger picture. We need to have all interested parties involved now to provide the best solution for Killarney town to secure its future.

According to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Ireland is now accommodating 55,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine (Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, or BOTPs) and International Protection applicants. This compares to 7,500 at this time last year.

Currently Killarney is the highest county outside Dublin with almost 5,000 refugees and International Protection applicants.

We’re extending the same hospitality as other European countries and we don't deny them that as they are all fleeing their countries for valid reasons - but the decisions made in big cities by Government agencies is having a huge impact on all involved. They are here now and we want to help them - we want to be part of the solution. It’s not their fault where they end up, it’s purely a Government decision but this same Government now needs to be vocal and tell us how they're going to help Killarney going forward.

"We need to ask the Government what the next part of their plan is"

We don’t want to find ourselves in a situation where, come March, Ukrainians are turfed out on the streets with nowhere to go when hotels need their beds back for the summer season.

Questions need to be answered now and not months down the road when it's too late.

What is the Government going to do next?

Why is there no joined up thinking with services such as housing, doctors or schools?

How do we build a community quickly so that everyone can happily live side-by-side?

Why can’t the Government or Kerry County Council come up with a modular housing-type solution; they have the ability to fast track temporary planning. Is there a way to get private investors together and create a tax relief to invest in certain housing?

Take Sligo this week for example, a vacant site at Doorly Park has been identified as a potential location for temporary modular accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.

Borough District of Sligo have said that the accommodation could potentially consist of 30 two-bedroom units with a capacity for four people in each. The site was also chosen for its proximity to schools and health services. The project is being funded nationally. Ukrainians have immersed themselves into society, attending schools, securing jobs, and getting involved with the community.

And what about the asylum seekers? Wouldn't it be great if they were allowed to work locally and contribute to the local economy?

Can we now help them further? How can we make Killarney a place where tourism and support for our new residents can harmonise?

There was a multi-agency approach during COVID which swept into action - why can’t the many agencies involved in the asylum process join with the HSE, Councils and other groups, make a plan and stick to it?

HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think is the best solution going forward? Share your ideas on our social channels; Facebook and Instagram @killarneyadvertiser or email newsdesk@killarneyadvertiser.ie.

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Final delivery as DJ retires

By Michelle Crean There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties. Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement […]

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By Michelle Crean

There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties.

Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement from the Killarney branch of Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets, a position he has held for the last 15 years.

On Friday night, colleagues from all three Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets stores gathered in the Killarney Height’s Hotel. DJ was also joined by his daughter and her partner for the special night.

“After almost 15 years of steadfast work with Corcoran’s, DJ has been a constant pillar of support for his colleagues and has helped the company go from strength to strength,” owner Kieran Corcoran said.

“Corcoran’s would like to wish DJ the very best of luck for the future and hoping that he enjoys his retirement. Many thanks to Killarney Height’s Hotel for hosting the staff night on Friday. A great night was had by all!”

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Rowers pull together for Order of Malta

Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head. And it was all […]

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Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head.

And it was all done indoors on rowing machines in support of the Killarney Order of Malta.

Just before 11am the Valley armada ‘left shore’, and approximately 40 members aged from 12 to 50ish set to their task with enthusiasm. By midday someone reckoned that Barack Obama’s Plaza had been reached but unfortunately there was no stop for tea, just a splash of holy water, a mouthful of Lucozade and a few jelly babies for the lucky ones!

As the kilometres clicked slowly by the temperature started to rise and the cry went up from the gasping veterans to open all the doors!

No such problems for the junior relay crews who had a fantastic morning rowing, laughing, and racing each other all the way to the finish.

The junior members who took on the half-marathon distance individually were amazing throughout and got stronger as the finish line came into view.

“We’re delighted with how the morning went,” Tadhg Kelly from Flesk Valley said.

“There was a great atmosphere in the venue, and we are grateful to all the parents and Flesk Valley supporters who came along to encourage our young and not-so-young rowers. It was great too to see the members of the Order of Malta in attendance to offer their support, and the club would like to thank everyone who donated on the day.”

Tadhg also expressed his thanks to the underage coaches and committee members for looking after everyone during the event. He especially wanted to mention everyone at Celtic Steps and the Killarney Racecourse for facilitating the club and Workmens Rowing Club and Glenflesk GAA for the use of their equipment.

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