By Michelle Crean 
 

Ministers Ryan and Naughton briefed the cabinet on the plans this morning (Tuesday).

The move comes after the news on Sunday that Stobart Air, which operated the Kerry-Dublin service, was to cease trading with immediate effect. 

The Department today said that it will issue a request for quotes directly to airlines in the coming days, in accordance with applicable EU rules on air service Public Service Obligations (PSOs), and taking account of legal advice. It is anticipated that the emergency procurement process will be completed by early July, with a view to services being restarted by the new operator(s) as soon as possible thereafter. The contract will be subject to a maximum term of seven months and will operate in accordance with EU law.

PROCUREMENT PROCESS

In tandem, the Department will launch a procurement process for a maximum of four years for the continued provision of the services, which will apply after the temporary contract has expired. This will mitigate against any disruption to these services once the emergency contract expires.

The Department recognises the importance of restoring regional connectivity to these airports in advance of the reopening of international travel on July 19 and continues to engage closely with aviation stakeholders in this regard.

Education Minister and Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry, Norma Foley, has welcomed today’s Cabinet commitment to make the Kerry Dublin PSO route a priority.

“The restoration of our regional connectivity is of critical importance to the people of Kerry,” Minister Foley said.

“Transport Minister Eamon Ryan confirmed to me his intentions to seek an expedited tendering process which aims to have a replacement carrier in place by mid-end of July.

“I am confident Government will continue to engage as a priority with relevant stakeholders until a suitable resolution is reached for the benefit of Kerry and the south-west region.”

A free webinar takes place online tomorrow (Wednesday) for parents of Leaving Cert students to best advise them with CAO choices.

Niamh Dwyer, Guidance Counsellor and Careers Advisor at My Career Plan, will advise ‘How to help your teen with the CAO Change of Mind & Career Decisions’ at 7pm.

This webinar will highlight and explain the important things that parents need to know to help their son/daughter use the CAO Change of Mind facility correctly ahead of the final deadline on July 1 at 5.15pm and to explore the many career options open to them after Leaving Cert.

“This is a very stressful time for Leaving Cert students and parents, and the main focus right now is on getting through the exams after a challenging two years,” Niamh said. “The final deadline for CAO is approaching and it is essential that students have finalised their course choices – knowing what to do is critical, that’s where I can help!

“In this one hour webinar I am going to walk through the steps of how the CAO Change of Mind facility works, what happens at the CAO Offer stage, what students need to do to make sure that they have the best chance to secure a college place in autumn 2021, and the common mistakes to avoid when using the CAO Change of Mind. I will also highlight the many other options that are available outside of CAO.”
 

This training is for parents of Leaving Cert students who:

Are confused and want to learn about how the CAO system works.

Are worried that their son/daughter will make a mistake with filling up the CAO Change of Mind facility.

Want to reduce the stress their son/daughter is feeling right now and support them in making this very important career decision.

Are worried that their son/daughter may not get the course they want.

Want to know about career options outside of CAO.

To join the webinar go to: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5316227987750/WN_t7NhIRaFSc-GU6ycjdAyRA

For further details or clarification contact Niamh Dwyer on 087 9801105 or info@mycareerplan.ie.

Check updates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @mycareerplan1, or go to www.mycareerplan.ie.

By Grigoriy Geniyevskiy

A senior player and coach with Killarney Athletic has completed an epic challenge for Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

Darren O’Sullivan ran four miles every four hours for 48 hours over the long weekend to raise the funds.

He completed his final run from Port Road and made his way onto Countess Road and Rookery Road before finishing by Woodlawn Road. Darren started his run on Saturday at 4pm and completed his run on Monday at 4pm – and has raised a total of €953.

Darren said that he was raising money for the Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin as it is close to his heart because he has seen them help so many children and their families.

Darren had been training for three weeks to be able to complete the run.

“Getting up in the morning and starting the run was the hardest part,” he said.

“I would like to thank Killarney Athletic for supporting me. Thank you to those who donated and I was also thinking of doing something similar next year, I’d love to do it again.”