Advertising on parking tickets

That this council explores the concept of creating advertising space on our parking tickets. Information on the ticket can be used for promotions, awareness campaigns and cultural, sporting and tourism events. Revenue from such a venture may off-set the actual cost of parking to the consumer

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Brand Killarney

That this council promote locally produced products and crafts under the brand name “Killarney” by supporting cooperatives and business incubation. This may also  encourage and promote other skill producers to locate here. Examples of such products could include pottery, glass, knitware, paintings and other craft works.

This local by design concept of cottage industries could be promoted and set up in the Pretty Polly site with IT support from the Killarney Technology Innovation Centre.

Incubation support will  help “brand killarney” business get established while keeping expenses low, while cooperatives allow for shared shop space and marketing efforts. Both allow artists and crafters to form a support network which is very helpful to future business growth.

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Plan to evict convicted drug dealers from Killarney council houses

By Donal Hickey

Monday, November 29, 2010

CONVICTED drug dealers will be evicted from council houses in Killarney under a new draft anti-social behaviour policy adopted by the local town council.

Drug-dealing, harassment and excess noise can all be tackled in council estates under the revised policy, which also includes "nuisance behaviour". 

Drinking alcohol in public, illegal dumping and "unreasonable" holding of parties are among the activities which come under the definition of antisocial behaviour in the policy. 

A strategic approach involving pro-active prevention and estate management — is highlighted in the policy document, which allows for consultation with the Killarney Drugs Liaison Committee, voluntary bodies and residents’ associations.

@ Irish examiner



tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

DEFIBRILLATOR locations, KIllarney

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

National Accessibility Week 2010

National Accessibility Week 2010

National Accessibility Week 2010 is taking place in local authorities from 29th November to 3^rd December 2010. The week-long campaign will coincide with International Day of People with Disability which is taking place on 3^rd December 2010.

The National Accessibility Week has been designed with a particular focus on illegal and inconsiderate parking, poor parking behaviour and the difficulties and access issues that are caused by parking on footpaths, blocking entrances etc. The theme of the week is ‘Park Right’. Parking illegally on the footpath effectively forces people with disabilities, wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs, older people and all pedestrians onto the roadway and into traffic. The campaign aims to create general awareness of this issue on both a national and local level.

The week is being co-ordinated by the Local Authority Access Officer Network under the aegis of the LGMSB Disability Steering Committee and is supported by Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

LIGHTING UP THE STREETS

LIGHTING UP THE STREETS 

KILLARNEY will be in sparkling form as the magical Christmas in Killarney Children’s Parade unfolds on Friday, November 26, at 6.30pm. 
The parade, in association with Eddie Rocket’s Killarney, will begin at Scotts Street, travelling to Main Street, with the official switching on of the town’s spectacular Christmas lights taking place at the Market Cross. 
All children are invited to take part, and of course they will be joined by a very special guest, Mr Claus himself. 
Already lined up to take part in the parade are participants from local schools and organisations. 
Denis Pio Moriarty of Eddie Rocket’s Killarney said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the Children’s Parade this year. The switching on of the town’s Christmas lights is a pinnacle moment of the whole festival and a truly magical way to mark the festive season. We look forward to welcoming all the local children taking part in the event.” 
Other activities for young people to look forward to include Battle of the Bands which takes place in Killarney KDYS on Saturday, November 20, and at Tralee KDYS on Friday, November 26.
Also lined up on the Christmas in Killarney Advent Calendar of Events are the open-air Christmas markets, Saturday, November 27, and Sunday, November 28, and Saturday, December 11, and Sunday, December 12, and Saturday, December 18, and Sunday, December 19.
Killarney on Ice runs from Friday, December 3, until January 2011, while The Xmas Factor will be held on December 2, December 5, December 8 and December 12. 
The 5km Santa Fun Run and the Christmas Community Concert take place on Saturday, December 11.
The Concerto Classico Opera Nights in association with Cucina Italiana are presented on December 16, 17 and 18.
The Free Santa’s Grotto in association with The Kingdom takes place on Saturday, December 4, and Sunday, December 5, and Saturday, December 11, and Sunday, December 12.
The Christmas in Killarney agenda also includes shows and concerts in the INEC and the Walk Killarney and Kerry 2010 Programme. 
For further information on all the festival activities and to enter the fantastic ‘12 Stays of Christmas’ competition visit www.christmasinkillarney.com or check out the festival’s Facebook page on facebook.com/christmasinkillarney and Twitter (XmasinKillarney).


tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Killarney Defibrillators

ON COURSE TO SAVE LIVES 


THEIR hard work will pay off for 150 trainees who will receive their Heartsaver AED qualification on Wednesday, November 24. 
The Michael Linehan Heartsafe Killarney Committee, which organised the training, has also confirmed that the first boxes with public accessible defibrillators will be installed in the week of November 15 by Southern Safety.
The first of these will be officially opened in Market Cross on December 8. 
“The Michael Linehan Heartsafe Killarney Committee organised three training days in conjunction with the Irish Heart Foundation,” said spokeswoman Ann Nieuwenhuizen. 
“Approximately 150 people participated and learned how to act when a person suffers sudden cardiac arrest and how to use a defibrillator. They have all been invited to an informal presentation evening on November 24 at 7.30pm in the Gleneagle Hotel, where they will be presented with their Heartsaver AED certificates and a map with all locations of Public Accessible Defibrillators (PAD) in Killarney.” 
Installation of public accessible defibrillators takes place from November 15 when Martin O’Brien of Southern Safety and electrician Seamus O’Donoghue will install the first PADs in Killarney.
The PADs will be placed around town including Killarney Court Hotel, St Mary’s Cathedral, Market Cross, the taxi rank, Killarney Cineplex, Daly’s Supervalu, Ilona Louise (Woodlawn), White Gates Hotel and Hegarty’s (Muckross Road). 
The Michael Linehan Heartsafe Committee will continue to raise funds, not only to place more defibrillators in Killarney but also to pay for ongoing costs, like insurance. If you wish to make a contribution, please contact Siobhan Linehan, treasurer, on 087-6396584.
tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Reduced Parking rates for Christmas shoppers 2010

Free parking for the month of Dec in Lewis Rd and High St. car parks.

Town centre car parks which are the Glebe and New St. car parks will be reduced by 50% on the following  Saturday dates of the 4th ,11th & 18th of Dec.



tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Christmas in Killarney 2010

Childrren's parade & switching on of lights - 26th of Nov.


Christmas Markets - 26th & 29th of Nov, 10th, 13th, 17th & 20th of Dec.


Santa fun run - 11th of Dec.

Santa's Grotto - 4th, 5th & 11th, 12th of Dec.

Ice rink - from the 3rd to the 24 of Dec & the 26th of Dec to the 9th of Jan.



tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Pedestrianisation of Main St.

Pedestrianisation of Main St. is to be examined.

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

disability friendly equipment in our playground.

That this Council investigate the use of more disability friendly equipment in our playground.



As a tourist and local community playground universal access by all is a must. Families require various facilities to make their recreational experience safe, enjoyable and comfortable. A sibling of any family should be able to partake in such activities in the same joyous manner inclusively if they have a disability or not. By levelling the play field and having equipment to suite all abilities, it create a community of youth that learns together, plays together and has a greater understanding and respect for each other. While some activities are adaptable, others need to be specific such as a “ liberty swing” for wheelchair users to sensory zones for others.

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Glebe car park

That this Council review the Glebe car park from a safety point of view. To review (a) the entering and exiting of the car park. (b) the positioning of the bottle bank. (c) the confusion of the taxi area with that of the car parking area.




tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Head shop drugs evading customs | Irish Examiner

Head shop drugs evading customs | Irish Examiner

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie087 2942260

Public Meeting: the needs of rural communities

You are invited to attend a special public discussion on issues affecting County Kerry ,

which takes place in the Malton Hotel, Killarney, on Thursday, October 28th (8pm sharp).


Open to the general public and hosted by Calor Gas, the discussion will be chaired by award-winning broadcaster and author, Ken Murray ( INN Political correspondent in Leinster House, journalist with Irish Times/Sky News/UTV).

Among the attendees will be local and national public representatives, community/voluntary, business, sporting, educational and other sectors from the local region. All are welcome to attend, and everyone will be free to submit a question or comment over the course of the discussion. Teas and coffees will be served.

Part of a nationwide campaign/regional road show (eight locations nationally), the debate is a key element of the ‘Future of Rural Energy in Europe ’ initiative, a European-wide initiative which highlights the needs of rural communities and strives for greater legislative priority in both Dáil Éireann and the European Parliament. (Weblink: www.rural-energy.eu or www.calor.ie/news). Advertisements for the event will be running on both Radio Kerry and in all the local newspapers in the coming week.

Road closure

A road closure will be in operation on Sunday,10th of October from 1pm to 6.30 to facilitate the holding of a street party to celebrate Killarney's recent success in the national tidy town competition

Killarney Town Flag

That this council encourage more extensive use of theKillarney town flag to represent the town of Killarney and to express a sense of pride and tradition. A a civic flag, flown for civic events and other occasions would enhance our product and hospitality which is Killarney.

Examples of its uses are as follows:
The flags would be very beneficial as a welcome for conferences. Fly when any local sporting club or organisation are involved in events. To fly over community centres.
To fly in Industrial estates and Businesses that are proud to be bases in Killarney.
Fly over the town hall and at Civic honours. It can be send to towns we are twined with. To fly at all schools, becoming a integral part of the Killarney landscape. Used in the hosting of shows, events as a “representation of welcome” to our town.

Knockreer

That this Council evaluate the Knockreer recreational playing field which is opposite St. Marys Cathedral. As this field has traditionally been used for sporting activities it is important to establish its usage and true openness as a community resource.

Kerry Airport

Kerry airport
Ryanair is to reduce its daily return flights from Kerry to Dublin to just one return flight a day. This has come as a surprise as they have the PSO (Public Service Obligation) contract. The PSO contract is a government subsidy paid to the airline that provides the regional fights. It may be time for Aer Arann to step in and get the contract as soon as possible.
The Transport Minister Noel Dempsey is said to be in favour of scrapping the PSOs. The industrial and tourism interests must surely see the value of keeping the status quo. Therefore Board Failte and the IDA should be contacted to seek their support for peripheral regions

Beal na mBlath

A group of Fianna Fail supports left Killarney from the Heights Hotel at 11 am on Sunday, August the 22th, to support Brian Lenihan’s address at the annual Michael Collins, Béal na mBláth commemoration.
This was a historic occasion as Minister Lenihan was the first Fianna Fail politician to deliver the Beal na mBlath oration. Michael Collins was himself appointed Minister for Finance in 1919.
Cllr Tom Doherty stated, “. With the interaction between the conflicting political traditions, on the six county region of our Island in recent years, this occasion hopefully will help to further heal our Civil War scars. In 2010, political focal points should echo the challenges and opportunities that face us as a nation going forward into the future. We travel with respect in the memory of Michael Collins and wishes of support for Brian Linihan during his time if illness”.
A very exciting and plesent day was had by the group that traveled from Killarney to Beal na mBlath in warn sunshine. Everyone in the group agreed that the opportunity to travel to hear the Minister speak was historical and symbolic. The Minister was greeted with great affection from all who attended. The spirit of the day was as warm as the weather. The generosity of the welcome was very much appreciated.

App for Killarney

Smart phones
That this Council seek to enhance modern marketing and tourism information, by supporting smart phone technology, alongside our web site. Within four years Sales of smart phones are expected to exceed 300 million and will make up around one quarter of all new phones sold.
It is important that we keep up to date with tourism marketing trends.
By creating and controlling our own smart phone application (apps), we can offer tourist information about places to stay, eat, night life, places if interest, festivals and special offers. Also we review information such as correct opening and closing times of facilities.
The large travel and trips adviser companies, have already started to move in this direction.
Such apps are downloaded easily and can be of little cost or indeed downloaded free by the consumer.
While paper information and guides still have great value, apps provide the discerning visitor with information on the go, up to date and in real time.
A smart phone application created specifically for Killarney can be used before, during and after a visit to Killarney.

Sensory Gardens

That this Council investigate the creation of a “sensory garden”. In sensory gardens, plants and other design elements are selected with intention to provide experience for seeing , smelling, hearing, touching and tasting. Specifically created to be accessible and enjoyable to visitors, both disabled an non disabled.
Killarney is open to all and as such should be accessible to all giving the opportunity for heavens reflex to be enjoyed by all.

The creation of a sensory garden would give a greater understanding of the difficulties and challenges that people face in their life.
Killarney national park may be avenue for such a venture with their extensive grounds and staff expertise.
A sensory garden, I believe would be a wonderful asset to the ground of Killarney House.
A sensory garden should be a priority in a leading tourist destination such as Killarney.

Cathedral could be new viewing tower

Cathedral could be new viewing tower
BY MARY MURPHY

ONE of Killarney’s most historic buildings could offer a viable alternative to plans for a controversial new one, it has been suggested.

Planning for an observation wheel – similar to the London Eye – was recently ruled out by Killarney Town Council because the height and scale the proposed development would be visually obtrusive, incongruous and dominant in the immediate townscape.

The planners also insisted that the wheel – planned for the main New Street car park – would be detrimental in the wider context to highly scenic landscape setting of the town.

A previous proposal to erect a 270ft viewing tower at the site of the historic Malton Hotel was also refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála.

But now Cllr Tom Doherty has proposed a possible alternative that could turn one of the town’s most beautiful historic structures into a more popular visitor attraction.



"Killarney has a natural viewing tower situated in St Mary’s Cathedral. Throughout Europe many churches are open to the public offering panoramic views of their locality and hinterlands. This opportunity may also be viable here in Killarney," Cllr Doherty told The Kingdom.

"A feasibility study should be undertaken to ascertain if such a proposal could be achieved," he said.

The landmark cathedral was designed by Augustus Pugin and constructed in the neo gothic style with the tower and spire reaching up to 86 meters.

Under Cllr Doherty’s plan the tower at the site of the church could provide a ready-made viewing platform for the town.

"From such a spiritual and historic structure, the view of heavens reflex would be breathtaking," Cllr Doherty remarked.

THE KINGDOM NEWSPAPER

Killarney outlet hands over €100k in newly-illegal substances

Killarney outlet hands over €100k in newly-illegal substances




by Breda Joy

An estimated €100,000 in so-called 'legal highs' were handed over to gardaí by staff of the Funky Skunk headshop in Killarney on Tuesday, just hours after the Government announced new measures to criminalise substances sold in over 100 similar nationwide.

Gardaí called to the shop in High Street, Killarney, and to the Happy Hippy outlet in Bridge Street, Tralee, at about 6pm, on foot of existing anti-drugs legislation and a newly-drafted bill from the Department of Justice.

The shelves of both shops had been cleared. An investigation is continuing into the Tralee shop, where a lesser amount of substances were handed over to gardaí.

The Happy Hippy is now closed but the Killarney shop, which sells clothes and artifacts in addition to the products handed over to the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit members, remains open.

Detective Garda Inspector Dan Keane, who has responsibility for the Drugs Unit, said the shop owners had given an undertaking that they would be putting nothing from the new list of banned substances on the shelves.

Det Keane said the Tralee shop was closed when gardaí called at around 6pm on Tuesday, but the owner was contacted and access was gained.

Practically all of the Tralee shop, which had been closed throughout the day, had been cleared.

“The owner, who has a number of shops in Clare and Dublin, handed over a sizeable bag of products, now illegal,” Det Keane said.

He estimated that the substances handed over in Killarney were worth in the region of €100,000.

In relation to the possibility of a black market evolving in the wake of the crackdown, Det Keane said there were hefty fines and prison sentences in relation to the newly-banned substances which had been sold as an alternative to illegal drugs.

The new penalties include up to seven years' imprisonment and/or a fine for unlawful possession and, on indictment, up to a maximum period of life imprisonment for unlawful supply.

Det Keane said that, in June, new legislation will be introduced in relation to any illegal substances which had a psychiatric effect. He said gardaí would be able to apply to the District Court for a closure in relation to any shop selling illegal substances.

“We will be very active if there is any emerging problem,” he said.

He encouraged anyone with illegal products bought in head shops to bring them to the Garda stations in Tralee or Killarney where they would be destroyed.

“There's a whole new generation of people who would not have gone to a dealer to dabble in getting some sort of a high and who had this opportunity open to them to go into a shop to buy a product with no implication from a legal point of view,” Det Keane said.

“A whole new generation were taking these products and were sucked into becoming dependent on them,” he said.

“We know from A&E units and psychiatric services that there have been increased admissions out of all these.

“The best outcome of the new measures is that they take it off the streets and prevent a new generation of kids from being introduced to these products in such a cavalier fashion,” he said.

Killarney Councillor Tom Doherty, a former chairman of the Killarney Drugs Liaison Committee which petitioned the Minister for Justice about headshops, welcomed the action taken this week.

“Young people believed that the legal highs had no harmful side-effects which couldn't be further from the truth,” Cllr Doherty said.

“I'm sure a lot of parents will be able to rest easy after this. There was a fear factor among parents because kids could get easy access to products that could cause psycho-active episodes.”

KERRY'S EYE NEWSPAPER

Fitzgerald Stadium

Council rejects call for other sports in stadium
BY IAN HOWARD

A PROPOSAL to launch a political campaign to open up Killarney’s GAA headquarters Fitzgerald Stadium to other sports has been emphatically rejected by Killarney Town Council.

Cllr Tom Doherty got little support for his motion which, he maintained, would have been of great benefit to the GAA, other sporting codes and the entire community.

Only Cllr Seán Counihan, a former Kerry team selector, voted in favour of the proposal when it was raised at town council level.

Cllr Dohery said an example could be taken from the action of Cork GAA kingpins Nemo Rangers who allowed the Munster rugby team to use their facilities for preparations ahead of their recent Heineken Cup quarterfinal clash.

The GAA sought clarification following the incident but Cllr Doherty has said that type of reaction belongs in the past.

"Time moves on. Opening up Fitzgerald Stadium would be hugely advantageous for all concerned," he told The Kingdom.

"We are seeing inter-county GAA players losing their jobs and some of these players are emigrating which is going to damage a lot of inter-county teams and the GAA as a result. Those players could benefit out of the extra money the GAA would generate as a result of opening up the stadium," he said.

"Likewise the GAA would increase revenue and keep players by possibly offering them employment opportunities. They could also direct some of this money towards training in national schools which would help safeguard the GAA’s future."



Cllr Doherty said keeping GAA facilities closed to other codes was justified in the past but he now believes a more modern approach to the situation is in order.

"Such an approach was right when Ireland was fighting for its freedom but now an alternative approach is needed. I think we are all proud to be Irish now and we don’t need to be making gestures to protect our heritage, language and our sport," he stated.

"All great facilities we have can be shared and I don’t think our founding fathers and the founding fathers of the GAA would have anything to fear by this," Cllr Doherty remarked.

He said he was annoyed by the Nemo Rangers controversy and he insists the GAA should be concerning themselves with more pressing issues.

"To see the club getting hassled by the organisation to which it has contributed so much to just because the Munster rugby team trained in their facilities was absolutely ridiculous," he stated.

Cllr Doherty said opening up Fitzgerald Stadium would create significant employment opportunities in Killarney due to the influx of people attending extra events being held there.

"GAA stadia throughout the country are being under utilised. If Fitzgerald Stadium was to hold a sporting event of a different nature, Killarney would gain additional tourism as could GAA grounds around the country. This could lead to job opportunities in Killarney and elsewhere," he said.

The Kingdom Newspaper

Student Maintenance Grants

That this Council supports the need for student maintenance grants for mature students.

It is important during these times of recession and lack of employment opportunity that education and up skilling is to the fore. Many PLC students are unable to continue their 3rd level education due to cut backs in mature student funding. The maintenance grant which is means tested after all is a vital cog in any up turn in our economy and the basic raw material in attracting new companies setting up here

Youth Cafe Funding

That this Council gets a update from the County Development Board about the “Youth Café” funding from POBAL.

Their is funding for small scale fit outs, refurbishment works, building enhancements projects to existing Youth Cafes and the start up of new youth cafes. It is important that those involved with youth groups are aware of this funding. It is important that Killarney Town has a full time representative on the development board. The present situation of a rotating member from the 3 Kerry Town Councils is not satisfactory because important information is not being received by Councillors.

Road Works; MAY

The following road works will be ongoing over the next couple of weeks:
Deerpark Rd - 14th and 15th of May.
Upper Pard Rd - 17t and 18th of May.
Countess Rd - commencing 20th of May for two weeks

new road at woodlands

The new road at woodlands is almost complete. We are hopeful ie will be open to traffic next week at the latest and the official opening will take place as soon as possible thereafter.

Countess Road improvements

Killarney Town Council intends to close Countess Road from the East Avenue to Rockery Road junction in the next few weeks to install surface water drainage pipes. Appropriate signage and public notices will be put in place.

Fitzgerald Stadium

That this Council encourage the opening up of Fitzgerald Stadium to all sporting codes and events.

Due to the fact of our economic downturn, Fitzgerald Stadium can be used as a venue for hosting all types of events. As Killarney is a prime tourist destination this ready made venue can support employment sustainability and economic opportunity. Industrial factories of high job creation are few and far between. The income raises can then be ploughed back into the GAA locally. According to the players association GPA, there are now 15 to 20% of inter-county players out of work. In a local Kerry parish 11 young people all emigrated as the same time recently.

“Head Shops”

That this Council review the establishment of “Head Shops” within our development plan.

The planning authority has attached a condition to most new retail units requiring that “Prior to the first and subsequent letting of the proposed retail unit, the specific use type shall be agreed, in writing with the Planning Authority

Defibrillators

the Michael Linehan Heartsafe Killarney committee.

They will officially launch the initiative, which will involve an initial investment of some €21,000, on Tuesday, April 13, at a public information evening in the Gleneagle Hotel.

It will feature addresses from leading cardiologists and public health experts, as well as an address by 22-year-old Daniel O’Connell, who survived a cardiac arrest at a sports ground thanks to an AED.

The public will also be invited to sign up for a training course on May 22 which will teach people how to react when a person suffers sudden cardiac arrest and how to use a defibrillator.

Housing and Allocation Funds

I welcome the €435,000 housing and allocation funding for Killarney Town Council 2010

Head Shops

I welcome the banning by the government of certain 'legal highs' which are being sold in head shops under the Misuse of Drugs act . Although a close eye must be kept on any new emerging substances available in the future. We also need tighter consumer protection and planning laws in this area.

While we wait for this law to be enacted some facts about the Head Shop Phenomena are as follows:

More than 90 substances have been reported through the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)

This Market is demonstrating an ability to adapt quickly to control measures and production processes. Therefore product ranges and marketing approaches are highly innovative.

Many suppliers and manufactures use descriptions such as bath salts, incense or plant foods, They claim these substances are “ not intended for human consumption” as a way of getting around the drug laws. Legal highs are sold under a variety of names often with no or obscure ingredients listed on the packet so it is impossible to know what is being taken and how the user is going to react

Other legal highs are known as synthetic drugs. These are drugs created to get around the drug laws usually by modifying the chemical structure of existing drugs or by creating a new drug that can produce similar effects to illicit drugs but which can be sold legally.

The Internet has emerged as a new marketplace for psychoactive substances
Two European surveys in 2008 and 2009 showed that in 2008 there were 68 on-line shops which rose to 115 in 2009. These are spread across 17 countries with the majority (52%) located in the UK, followed by Netherlands (6%) and Germany (4%) Ireland accounted for 1%

Killarney Community Hospital Statue.

Killarney Community Hospital Statue.
It is of great concern to me, the removal of the statue from the Killarney Community Hospital.. This Christian symbol has been part of the hospital landscape and structure for countless years. This welcoming statue gave some reassurance and calmness to those who entered.
The wellness and wellbeing of patients is supported with this vision giving faith in the excellent support from the professional staff when they entered the doorway under the statue.
It is disappointing to me that the removal of the statue is upsetting to members of our community. The façade of the building and its skyline where the statue stood, was very much a recognised feature and integral part of historical Killarney. The statue should be restored in its original position.

Social Tourism

That this Council investigate the possibility of Social Tourism


The Concept of Social Tourism

Is to make tourist leisure accessible to the majority, including youth, families and elderly people,

And to provide quality tourism at attractive prices to as many people as possible.
Social tourism strengthens the tourism industry's revenue generation potential. It enables off-season tourism to be developed, particularly in regions where tourism is well developed but highly seasonal,
Social tourism encourages the creation of longer-lasting employment opportunities in the tourism sector by making it possible to extend such jobs beyond the respective peak season.

Calypso
The European Parliament approved the implementation of a Preparatory Action Plan known as Calypso through the European Commission in 2009.

The objective of Calypso is to promote the development of social tourism initiatives amongst the member states of the EU, given the importance of this industry, and the positive social and economic effects on the regions where it is carried out.
Participants must be nationals of EU Member States and Candidate Countries and must belong to one of the following categories of target groups:
a) over 65 years of age or pensioners / early retired citizens that receive pension benefits;
b) all youths aged between 18 and 30 years;
c) disabled adult citizens, together with one accompanying person (if needed);
d) families (children, parents and/or grandparents) certified by their country's coordinating authority as facing difficult social (financial, personal and/or disability) circumstances.
The adoption of this project, to which a one-million-euro budget has been granted, comes primarily as a consequence of an initiative presented by French and Spanish Members of the European Parliament.

Examples
FRANCE
the nationalised electricity grid -which allows
workers and their families to go away for their holidays at a reasonable cost.
Netherlands
Flanders Tourism Flanders spoke about the authority that the Flanders government had given Tourism Flanders to promote social tourism.
Spain
The Europe Senior Tourism program
This initiative by the Spanish government

The Spanish government would like to make it as easy as possible for you to enjoy your free time, which is why it is proposing that you take an active holiday during the winter in Spain, by organizing a full trip for which it will pay a portion of the expense.

Senior Holidays
Costa del Sol or Costa de la Luz
ONLY €365.00
including Flights and 4* Hotel
Depart Dublin or Cork
Travel: October – April
Only two requirements:
Be over 55 years old & Be resident in Ireland
Free rail travel vouchers to over-55s who are planning to holiday in Ireland should be put in place for the Autumn / Winter off season

Business tourism in 2010 Should also be part of Killarney marketing.

The development of new ‘social tourism’ programmes, as in other European countries, could expand our tourism market


• generate economic activity and growth
• improve tourism seasonality patterns
• strengthening full-time employment prospects
• increase the European citizenship

Supporting European tourism
The EU tourism industry generates more than 4% of the EU GDP, with about 2 million enterprises employing around 4% of the total labour force (approximately 8 million jobs). When related sectors are taken into account, the estimated contribution of tourism to GDP creation is much higher - tourism indirectly generates about 11% of the European Union's GDP and provides about 12% of the labour force
Approximately 1m American tourists visit Ireland every year. While overall tourism numbers dropped by 12% last year, the fall-off in US visitors was 2%. The 3.5m-strong British market dropped 16%.

Feeney’s €3.4m perk for tourists, Atlantic Philanthropies
Chuck Feeney, the billionaire philanthropist, is to co-fund a holiday voucher scheme to boost American tourism to Ireland next year.
He will support a scheme to offer $100 holiday vouchers to Americans planning a trip to Ireland.
“[Visitors] can combine it with discount flights or accommodation offers.”

boundary wall in Whitebridge

That this Council gives an update on the repairs needed for the boundary wall in Whitebridge.

Repair work will start on this wall soon

Joint Policing Committee

That this Council establish a “Joint Policing Committee.”


Section 36 of the Garda Siochana Act, 2005 provides for the establishment of a Joint Policing Committee in each Local Authority administrative area.
Cllr. Tom Doherty said it is important to set up this Committee as soon as possible to create a strong working relationship between the garda, the Council and the general public.
Joint Policing Committee
Section 36 of the Garda Siochana Act, 2005 provides for the establishment of a Joint Policing Committee in each Local Authority administrative area.
Cllr. Tom Doherty said it is important to set up this Committee as soon as possible to create a strong working relationship between the garda, the Council and the general public.

Purpose of the JPC
The purpose of the JPC is to serve as a forum for consultation, discussion and recommendation on matters affecting the policing of a Local Authority by:
1. Keeping under review
• levels & patterns of crime, disorder & anti-social behaviour in that area (including the patterns and levels of alcohol & drug misuse)
• factors underlying & contributing to the levels of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area.
2. Advising the Local Authority and the Gardaí on how best they might perform their functions having regard to the need to do everything feasible to improve the safety and quality of life and to prevent crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour within the area.
3. Arranging & hosting public meetings concerning matters affecting the policing of the Local Authority’s administrative area.
4. Establishing in consultation with the local Garda Superintendent local policing forums.
5. Co-ordinating the activities of local policing fora (guidelines for which will be issued after the pilot phase).
Matters for consideration by the JPC
The matters to be considered by committees & subcommittees might include traffic, vandalism, anti-social behaviour, underage drinking, casual trading, litter, planning for events attracting large crowds, community-based crime prevention initiatives, Garda Divisional and District annual policing plans and Local Authority initiatives.

Countess Grove estate

That this Council give an update on safety measures for entering and exiting Countess Grove estate.

The report from the executive was as follows.
The sight lines at the junction of Countess Road and Countess Grove require improvements. This will involve the acquision of a plot of land as outlined on the attached map. This land is in the ownership of the HSE and we have written to them, requesting that they make this land available to us. We will contact them again latter on this week. If the land is made available, this work can be considered for the 2010 works programme. Due to the state of some of the public in Killarney following the recent weather and the anticipated cuts in the road budget allocation.

Cllr Tom Doherty also highlighted the issue of vehicles blocking the view of traffic at this junction.

Attracting Events To Killarney

That this Council Advertise the infrastructure and environment available to National Governing Bodies of sporting and international organizations to hold training camps, competitions and conferences.

Killarney has a brand name as a destination. When we travel we travel with pride. Just look at the athletes that traveled from here to partake in the Olympics games. London is hosting the Olympics games in 2012. Our climate is similar and therefore suited to attracting training camps to our region.
There is a strong heritage and tradition of sport in Killarney. We have hosted such activities as the Munster football and hurling finals, rallies, horse racing, the Irish open golf, the outdoor adventure challenge and stages of cycling events.
With Killarney as an accommodation base, we can work closely with other towns and communities. There are fine facilities in such places as Tralee and indeed there is an athletic track in Castleisland. Greater co-operation and joint up thinking can create a product of excellent quality. The coastline is also not far from us, giving us another natural resource for events such as windsurfing. Millstreet, another town just down the road from us has hosted show jumping events, both indoor and outdoor.
There is a lot happening here sports wise, martial arts, gymnastics, squash, archery, snooker, volleyball, rowing, GAA, soccer, tennis, badminton, walking, hill climbing, cycling, fishing, golf, pitch and putt, basketball, rugby and more.
There are an abundance of facilities, gaa and soccer pitches, the Killarney sports and leisure complex, natural outdoor terrene
for cross country, orienteering, road races, marathons and triathlons. There are a lot of great community halls and other resources in parishes throughout our environs.
This is a niche market we can develop enhancing our tourism product and highlighting our environmental friendliness and green credentials. We should also strive to attract national and international conferences and award dinners. Attract senior masters and youth championships.
We should be able to enhance our disability friendly status by attracting activities held by such organisations as the Irish Deaf Association, Irish Blind
Sports and Cerebral Palsy Sports Ireland.
There are approximately 56 NGBs under the umbrella of the sports council.
Contact from a local level to national level within organisations helps to enhance the reputation of our town to host events.
There are other organisations to communicate with, Boy scouts and Girl Guide jamborees, clan rallies, bridge championships and the national community games.
So by collating what we have to offer, working with the Council, Camber Of Commerce and community expertise, we can market our credentials on a local, national and international level.

Celtic

That this Council give an update on lands near Killarney Celtic. Local sports clubs are a vital part of our local community.