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Traffic wardens to tackle New Road motorists

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By Sean Moriarty

Traffic wardens are to take a more ‘on the ground’ approach to illegal parking and other traffic-related issues at a notorious traffic blackspot in the town.

The warning follows an online meeting on Wednesday between Killarney Gardai, Killarney Municipal District engineers and school principals in an effort to solve the ongoing illegal parking and traffic management issues on New Road at school times.

The street provides access to three secondary schools, two primary schools and one special needs facility - bringing an estimated 2,800 users to the area on a daily basis.

The street is also home to the Killarney offices of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Killarney Garda Station and several private houses.

TRAFFIC PROBLEMS

Mayor of Killarney Brendan Cronin attended Wednesday’s online meeting to represent all of the elected members of KMD.

Traffic has been a problem in the area for years and even measures like imposing a temporary one-way system during school pick-up and drop-off times have not solved the issues.

“It was reported at the meeting that on one day alone, 40 cars disrespected the one-way system,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “Anyone on the road will tell you it just takes one car to mess the place up.”

The situation has worsened in recent weeks; reduced capacity on school buses due to COVID-19 restrictions means there are now more school buses using the street and a marked increase in parents dropping children off as they cannot get spaces on school transport.

Problems include cars parking on footpaths forcing pedestrians out on to the street and cars parking in the designated bus drop-off zone, forcing buses to double park. Traffic wardens will target these two offences with immediate effect.

OUTCOME
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“One outcome of the meeting is that the executive will change the daily rota of the parking wardens so they can monitor this area,” added Mr Cronin. “Some people have a total disregard and they have to be dealt with.”

Killarney Municipal District engineer John Ahern also attended the online meeting. He will undertake a detailed assessment of the area and will report back to each of the schools.

He will examine several aspects, including school opening and closing times and the better use of nearby car parks like the under-used facility on Rock Road.

“This is by no means a simple task, there are so many stakeholders,” added Mr Cronin. “It was a very constructive meeting, we have defined targets and we will get this done.”

Although representatives of Bus Éireann have attended meetings in the past they did not attend Wednesday's meeting.

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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