Latest news with #TraleeMD
Irish Independent
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Palestinian Ambassador visits Tralee and calls for immediate ceasefire in Palestine
The Ambassador met with members of the Tralee Municipal District at the Destination Town Gateway which lists the city of Beit Sahour in Palestine as having a sister city relationship with Tralee. Following a photograph at the Destination Gateway sign on the N86 road into Tralee, the Ambassador then attended a welcome event at Council Chambers hosted by the Tralee Municipal District. Mayor of Tralee Cllr Terry O'Brien said the gathering recognises the challenges faced by the Palestinian people, and the hope that through ongoing dialogue, cooperation, and goodwill, a just and lasting peace can be achieved in the region. 'We are truly grateful and proud to host this welcome, reflecting not only our commitment to international friendship and solidarity but also our deep respect for the rich history, culture, and aspirations of the Palestinian people,' said the Mayor. The Ambassador expressed her appreciation for the solidarity shown by the people of Kerry and shared insights into the current situation in Palestine. 'Today marks a new chapter in the sister city relationship between Tralee and Beit Sahour. The Destination Gateway sign not only acknowledges the relationship between the two towns but also acts as a reminder of the strong ties between the people of Ireland and the people of Palestine,' said the Ambassador. She reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine and told elected Tralee MD members and 'the people of Ireland' and 'the rest of the world' that this should happen.
Irish Independent
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Should Kerry have a designated dog park? – ‘The land for this is sitting there'
Labour Party Councillor Terry O'Brien tabled a motion at the recent Tralee MD meeting calling for such a park to be established on a trial basis, confident that it would become popular with the public. He referenced how current bylaws already restrict dogs at certain beaches during designated times, while dogs are also being 'slightly restricted' in some public parks. Tralee Municipal Area recently acquired 42 acres of land that Cllr O'Brien believes a section of which should be cornered off and used as a dog park. 'We were told in the past this [park] isn't necessary. I disagree with that opinion. I think it's something we should be looking at as there is a huge amount of people with dogs,' he said. 'The land is sitting there. Why not make this park available. You would be very surprised – if people had a place to go with their dogs – how quickly it catches on,' Cllr O'Brien added. In its reply, Tralee MD management reaffirmed its policy that was agreed on at a November 2023 council meeting that dog parks are not warranted. It stated the matter would be reconsidered at the Environment, Climate Action, Marine and Emergency Planning SPC later in 2025. The council added that under the Section 9 (1)(c) of The Control of Dogs Act 1986, owners are required to keep 'dogs under effectual control' at all times, and that Kerry County Council Dog Wardens and An Garda Síochána enforce the Act as authorised officers. However, Cllr O'Brien feels the approach is outdated and does not reflect the wider need for designated dog spaces. He intimated the council was behind the times as Ireland already has such parks that are often referred to as 'off-leash parks'. 'This is done nationally and internationally. All large towns and cities have these parks and I do think we're trailing behind. I know the SPC has said no, but we have a big area of land. Corner off a section and make a certain area available on a trial basis. You would be very surprised how it takes off,' he said. The motion was seconded by Fine Gael Councillor Angie Baily.
