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“We’ll fight wind turbine plans”

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By Michelle Crean

East Kerry locals - in fear for their health and well-being - this week called for an urgent public meeting as plans for wind turbines and a solar farm for their area became known.

A huge gathering turned out in Barradubh Community Field on Tuesday evening where health issues were aired as they became aware that 14 wind turbines 190 metres in height could potentially become part of their landscape.

Although it’s thought that plans for the project are in the very early stages, locals formed the East Kerry Wind Awareness Group (EKWAG) in a bid to oppose it - as they say it’ll not only ruin their beautiful landscape but cause a huge disruption to their lives due to the flicker and sound of the “monstrous” turbines.

In recent weeks, locals became aware of the plans for the project after landowners were approached by Galway consultancy business Land Solutions within MKO who represent the developer. It’s understood that no contracts have yet been signed.

Surveys were also being conducted on the roads in and around the Knocknahoe, Knockyshehane, Raheen, Barraduff and Carrigeen areas, explained local Margaret Campion.

“As far as we know no planning has gone in for the turbines and the solar farm yet,” Margaret told the Killarney Advertiser.
“But we have heard through the neighbours that surveys were being carried out in the area last month including an Environmental Impact Survey in the Raheen area.”

She explained that this area is not open for consideration by the Council and that as a community they’ll fight any plans going forward.

“The developers just want to make money, some people have no scruples. Where I live there’s a lovely walk where I can enjoy peace and quiet. To think that’ll just be ripped up is something altogether. It’s annoying to think people can land in anywhere and see what they can do with it. We don’t know the exact area yet as it’s early stages but whether it’s next to me or not we work as a community and will stick together.”

The Sliabh Luachra Wind Awareness Group (SLWAG), who won their High Court challenge in December for similar plans in their area, say that they will fully support their neighbours.

John McGarry from Land Solutions within MKO declined to make any comment when contacted yesterday (Thursday) by the Killarney Advertiser.

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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