Mike Kennelly
Labour Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I express my deep concern at the devastating wildfire that affected Killarney National Park yesterday evening. It is one of the most treasured national landscapes in the country.”
“However, as that excitement builds ahead of the biggest day in the GAA's calendar, there is again a growing concern among Kerry and Mayo supporters and others about how they will get to Croke Park.”
“I welcome the Minister of State. My ask is for the Minister for Transport to liaise with Irish Rail and Bus Éireann to ensure that adequate transport is provided for all football supporters from Kerry and Mayo for the upcoming All-Ireland final. I congratulate Kerry and Mayo on reaching this year's All-Ireland football final.”
“This is not just a Kerry issue or a Mayo issue; it is a national issue. We heard yesterday on the Order of Business that even Louth and Wicklow supporters had difficulties getting to Croke Park last Saturday. The All-Ireland final is one of the largest sporting events in the country, bringing tens of thousands of supporters together.”
“The use of barbecues, open flames or any activity that creates a fire risk in such conditions is simply unacceptable. What may seem like a harmless act can, in a matter of minutes, destroy habitats that have taken generations to develop and places lives in danger.”
“Yesterday was just a reminder of the of the serious consequences that can arise when risks are taken with fire. The land and trees are so dry at the moment that a spark could destroy every amenity we have.”
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“Its streets were filled with music, entertainment and visitors, while local cafés, restaurants, pubs and accommodation providers all benefited from the influx of people. It was a fantastic showcase of what can be achieved when a community works together with ambition, determination and pride in their place. The Horizon Festival has firmly put Ballybunion back on the map as a destination, not just for its world renowned beach and golf links but as a town capable of hosting major cultural and community events. I hope this is just the beginning and that the festival will go from strength to strength.”
“Yesterday was just a reminder of the of the serious consequences that can arise when risks are taken with fire. The land and trees are so dry at the moment that a spark could destroy every amenity we have. I commend the organisers, volunteers, local businesses and everyone else involved in making the inaugural Horizon Festival in Ballybunion such an outstanding success over the weekend. What was achieved was nothing short of remarkable. A dedicated group of local people came together with a vision for their town and delivered a festival that attracted huge crowds and created an atmosphere that will live long in the memory of all who attended. For one weekend, Ballybunion's vibrant seaside town was truly alive.”
“The use of barbecues, open flames or any activity that creates a fire risk in such conditions is simply unacceptable. What may seem like a harmless act can, in a matter of minutes, destroy habitats that have taken generations to develop and places lives in danger. I pay tribute to the extraordinary efforts of the firefighters yesterday evening, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, and its service staff, the aviation helicopter crews and all the emergency personnel who responded so quickly and professionally to this incident. Their dedication, bravery and swift action prevented what could have become an even greater environmental catastrophe than that we saw on 23 April 2021, when nearly 2,000 ha of the Killarney National Park were destroyed.”
“I express my deep concern at the devastating wildfire that affected Killarney National Park yesterday evening. It is one of the most treasured national landscapes in the country. Initial reports indicate that the fire was caused by human activity, with concerns that the reckless use of disposable barbecues may have been a contributing factor. Killarney National Park is not just a tourist attraction. It is a unique habitat of national and international importance. The fire has damaged valuable peatland, bogland and native woodland, putting wildlife, biodiversity and fragile ecosystems at risk. Early assessments suggest that approximately 25 ha of land have been affected. At a time when we are experiencing exceptionally dry and warm weather, every one of us has a responsibility to act with care in our countryside and our public communities.”
“Unfortunately, Kerry is a very remote county. It is the most beautiful county in the country but we have people living in Ventry, for example, who need an hour and a half just to get to a train station and then have to make a four-hour journey by train to Heuston Station. I am raising my voice today to make sure extra services are put on before tomorrow to let people know they can travel from Ventry, Sneem and all over Kerry to Tralee and there will be extra capacity on the trains from there. I thank the Minister of State for his response. If we have the luck of the Cork people behind us going to Croke Park, I am sure it will be a great day out for the kingdom.”
“I welcome the Minister of State's comments and his assurance as regards Irish Rail's statement that, as soon as the all-Ireland football final was confirmed, work began to arrange additional services and the company hopes to be in a position to confirm the number of additional services later this week. I ask that the Minister of State double down with Irish Rail and Bus Éireann on whatever additional services are needed. The timing of this can take away people's fear about how they will get to Dublin. The Minister of State mentioned people travelling from Kerry to Dublin. The Kerry supporters are the most loyal supporters in the country-----”
“Therefore, I urge the Minister for Transport to engage immediately with Irish Rail, Bus Éireann and all relevant stakeholders to assess the demand and put in place sufficient additional services for supporters from Kerry and Mayo. Early planning and clear communication will not only reduce stress for supporters but also help manage traffic, improve safety, which we all need, and ensure that everyone can focus on what should be a great celebration of Gaelic games.”
“Supporters should not be left scrambling for transport or be forced onto overcrowded roads because suitable public transport options are not available. Just as important, any decision on additional services must be communicated as early as possible, not just 24 hours before the game. Supporters of both sides are already making plans. Families, clubs, groups of friends and volunteers need that certainty. They need to know today, or no later than Friday, and not a few days before the game what transport options will be available so that they can organise their journeys, book their tickets and make arrangements with confidence.”
“This is not just a Kerry issue or a Mayo issue; it is a national issue. We heard yesterday on the Order of Business that even Louth and Wicklow supporters had difficulties getting to Croke Park last Saturday. The All-Ireland final is one of the largest sporting events in the country, bringing tens of thousands of supporters together. We must be prepared to think outside the box and explore every possible option to get people to Dublin safely, efficiently and affordably. This means looking beyond the standard timetable. It means considering additional rail services, extra Bus Éireann capacity, private coach partnerships, park-and-ride options and any other practical measures that can help meet the exceptional demand that occurs on occasions of this scale.”
“However, as that excitement builds ahead of the biggest day in the GAA's calendar, there is again a growing concern among Kerry and Mayo supporters and others about how they will get to Croke Park. Last weekend, three additional rail services were provided for Kerry supporters travelling to Dublin, yet even the third train sold out online within 15 minutes. That train was added on the Thursday before the semi-final on the Sunday and it was just too late. That level of demand sends a very clear message that the appetite is there but the transport capacity is not. On average, a train pulling out of Tralee can transport 400 people. Twelve hundred people had been booked in by Thursday and then an extra train was put in place, carrying another 400 people. Ultimately, 1,600 were transported to Heuston.”
“I welcome the Minister of State. My ask is for the Minister for Transport to liaise with Irish Rail and Bus Éireann to ensure that adequate transport is provided for all football supporters from Kerry and Mayo for the upcoming All-Ireland final. I congratulate Kerry and Mayo on reaching this year's All-Ireland football final. I pay particular tribute to my own team, Kerry, and Jack O'Connor on their outstanding semi-final victory against our great rivals, Dublin, at the weekend. It was tremendous performance, displaying skill, determination and character, and it has again filled the kingdom with a real sense of pride and excitement. I also commend Mayo on an excellent campaign. I wish both teams every success in what promises to be a fantastic final on Sunday, 26 July.”
“I call on the Leader to urge the Minister for Transport to do whatever he must do, and not to wait until next Wednesday or Thursday to do it, to put a plan in place to transport the Kerry and Mayo supporters safely to the all-Ireland final in Dublin by way of an adequate service of which we can be proud. Both Pádraig Kennelly and John B. Keane said that being from Kerry gives people a head start. I ask the Leader to contact the Minister for Transport to ensure all the Kerry supporters get up to Dublin safely.”
“I wish Mark Bourke, the Kerry manager, all the ladies and the management team the best. I also commend Mayo on their excellent campaign. I wish both teams all the very best on 26 July. However, the excitement is being overshadowed by the lack of transport being provided for the Kerry supporters and, indeed, the Mayo supporters. These are two remote counties facing into an all-Ireland final. Last weekend, three additional rail services were provided for Kerry supporters travelling to Dublin, the third of which was filled in 15 minutes, and we still did not have adequate public transport provision.”
“First, I welcome Councillor Marie-Thérèse Duffy from Mayo, a proud footballing county. I think they are starting to gang up on us already, a Chathaoirligh. I also welcome the former Senator Ned O'Sullivan from Listowel, my home town. He has just left the Chamber. I congratulate Kerry and Mayo on reaching this year's All-Ireland senior football final. I want to pay particular tribute to the Kerry team and Jack O'Connor on their outstanding semi-final victory over our great rivals Dublin at the weekend. Despite all the boos and the bahs, it was a tremendous performance and one that has filled the kingdom with pride and a lot of excitement ahead of the All-Ireland final. I also want to wish our Kerry ladies' football team, who face the same opposition again on Saturday evening in Semple Stadium, Thurles, for the All-Ireland semi-final.”
“The comments by Sinn Féin Senator Chris Andrews yesterday about the greyhound industry were shocking. He said, "the greyhound industry ... has a shocking dog welfare record. It is absolutely shocking and there is no transparency or accountability." These comments should be withdrawn from the Seanad record. This is damaging to the greyhound industry in this country, which many people in rural areas and I support. The greyhound industry and regulated hare coursing remain important pillars of rural Ireland. They support jobs, contribute to local economies, preserve valued traditions and bring communities together. By continuing to promote regulation, responsible practices, animal welfare, conservation and transparency, we can ensure that these long-standing traditions continue to make a positive contribution to Irish society.”
“Independent research has also found no observed difference between coursed and non-coursed hares. In addition, the coursing community continues to support efforts to combat illegal hunting by promoting regulated and accountable activities. There is also a significant economic impact. Hare coursing is estimated to generate economic activity in excess of €17 million, benefiting local businesses, hotels, restaurants, shops and service providers in rural areas. Not everyone agrees with greyhound racing, and in a democratic society, different opinions should always be respected. Strong views exist on all sides. However, it is important that debate be informed by facts rather than misinformation. Honest discussion, transparency and continued focus on the highest welfare standards will help to ensure that public confidence is maintained.”
“The same can be said for regulated hare coursing. The Irish Coursing Club has been in existence for over 100 years. Today, it represents 108 affiliated clubs across this country. Over the 100 years of its existence, coursing has evolved into highly regulated activity, operating under strict rules and oversight. Supporters remain committed to operating within a highly regulated environment, supporting hare conservation, combating illegal hunting, protecting rural traditions, supporting local economies and maintaining positive relationships with statutory bodies. The facts often cited by supporters are worth noting. Research indicates that there are 18 times more hares in areas where organised coursing exists. During the 2023 and 2024 coursing season, 99.52% of all coursed hares were released back into the wild.”
“For generations, families have gathered at tracks and events across the country, creating lasting memories and maintaining local traditions. The vast majority of owners and trainers have a genuine love of their animals and devote considerable time, care and resources to ensuring their welfare. These dogs are not simply racing animals; they are valued companions and an important part of family life in rural Ireland. Like the horse industry, greyhound racing is one of Ireland's oldest sporting and cultural traditions. It is woven into the fabric of many communities and has been passed down from one generation to the next. Rather than abandoning that heritage, we should work together to preserve and strengthen it in order to ensure that it continues in a responsible and sustainable manner for many years to come.”
“I cannot wait to get to Rush. I wish to express my support for the greyhound industry in Ireland and for the regulated practice of hare coursing, both of which make a significant contribution to our economy, our rural communities and our cultural heritage. The greyhound sector supports approximately 5,000 jobs across the country, providing employment in training, breeding, veterinary care, transport, hospitality and many other related services. For many families, particularly those in rural Ireland, it represents an important source of income and economic activity. At a time when sustaining rural communities remains a national priority, we should recognise the valuable role this industry continues to play. Beyond its economic contribution, greyhound racing is also a social and community activity.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. The good news is since 2024 the retirement age is up to 62, as he clearly stated. My ask is for the retirement age of 62 to be increased to the pension age of 66. I do not see an answer to my Commencement matter, as such. I ask the Minister of State to take back my seriousness on this matter. He outlined that many personnel have gone into the fire service since the introduction of the new work conditions, contracts and so forth, but my ask is to extend that 62 to 66, especially for people approaching 62, which is the age they are asked to finish at. Will the Minister of State take that back to the Department to see if that ask can be considered? It has to be considered.”
“I am asking the Minister of State today to commit to amending the regulations to allow retained firefighters to serve until the age of 66 where they continue to meet the required medical and fitness standards and to introduce an immediate freeze so that no firefighter is disadvantaged while this change is being considered. These men and women have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities and if they remain fit to serve, we should allow them to continue serving.”
“Firefighters are approaching their 62nd birthdays in the coming weeks and months and face compulsory retirement under the current regulations. If the Government intends to make this change, it must act now. I am asking for the Government to introduce an immediate pause or freeze on compulsory retirements at age 62 while the necessary regulatory changes are progressed. It would be deeply unfair if experienced firefighters were forced to retire only for the rules to change shortly afterwards. This is a very sensible and very practical reform. It would help retain experienced firefighters, strengthen emergency response, support rural fire services and align retirement with the State pension age, while maintaining the highest standards of safety through annual medical and fitness assessments, which are ongoing.”
“Requiring experienced firefighters to retire at 62 only makes that situation a lot worse. This proposal is not about lowering standards. Those wishing to remain in service already undergo annual medical and fitness assessments and can only continue with the approval of their employing fire authority and local authority, for example, Kerry County Council and so forth. The safeguards are already there. The proposal simply extends the existing fitness-based approach to the State pension age of 66. There is also a clear issue of fairness. Retained firefighters can be required to retire up to four years before they qualify for the State pension despite being fit, capable and willing to continue serving. This gap has to be addressed. There is a real urgency here.”
“They respond to fires, road traffic collisions, flooding and other emergencies, while balancing their roles with work and family commitments. They provide an invaluable front-line service to communities across the country. Under the current regulations, retained firefighters can remain in service beyond the age of 55 if they pass annual medical and fitness assessments, but they must retire at 62. That means many are forced to leave up to four years before they qualify for the State pension. The Government acknowledged recently that there were challenges with recruitment and retention when it increased the retirement age from 60 to 62 in 2024. However, those challenges remain. Fire services, in particular in rural Ireland, continue to struggle to recruit and retain personnel.”
“I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I welcome the Minister of State this morning. I thank the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad for accepting this serious Commencement matter. My ask this morning is for an extension of the retirement age for retained firefighters. I ask that we urgently amend the regulations governing the retirement age for retained firefighters across Ireland, allowing those who remain medically and physically fit to continue serving until the State pension age of 66. There are approximately 3,300 firefighters serving across Ireland, with more than 2,000 serving as retained firefighters. They staff the vast majority of our 217 fire stations and are the backbone of the fire service in rural and regional Ireland.”
“I ask the Minister for housing to come to the Seanad to debate amending the regulations to allow retained firefighters to serve until the age of 66, where they continue to meet the required medical and fitness standards, and to introduce an immediate freeze to that no firefighter is disadvantaged while this change is considered.”
“I ask the Minister to introduce an immediate pause or freeze on compulsory retirements at the age of 62 while the necessary regulatory changes are progressed. It would be deeply unfair if experienced firefighters were forced to retire only for the rules to change shortly afterwards. This is a sensible and practical reform. It will help to retain experienced firefighters, strengthen emergency response, support rural fire services and align retirement with the State pension age, while maintaining the high standards of safety through annual medical and fitness assessments.”
“Those wishing to remain in service already undergo annual medical and fitness assessments and can only continue with the approval of their employing fire authorities, which are the local authorities. The safeguards are already in place. The proposal simply extends the existing fitness-based approach to the State pension age of 66. There is also a clear issue of fairness. Retained firefighters can be required to retire up to four years before they qualify for the State pension despite being fit, capable and willing to continue serving. That gap has to be addressed. There is real urgency. Firefighters approaching their 62nd birthday in the coming weeks and months face compulsory retirement under the current regulations. If the Government intends to make this change, it must act now.”
“Under the current regulations, retained firefighters can remain in service beyond the age of 55 if they pass annual medical and fitness assessments but must retire at 62. That means many are forced to leave up to four years before they qualify for the State pension. The Government acknowledged recruitment and retention challenges when it increased the retirement age from 60 to 62 in 2024. However, those challenges remain. Fire services, particularly in rural Ireland, continue to struggle to recruit and retain personnel. Requiring experienced firefighters to retire at 62 only makes that situation worse. This proposal is not about lowering standards.”
“I ask the Minister for housing and local government to amend regulations governing the retirement age for firefighters to allow those who remain medically and physically fit to continue serving until the State pension age of 66. Approximately 3,300 firefighters are serving in Ireland with more than 2,000 serving as retained firefighters. They staff the vast majority of our 217 fire stations and are the backbone of the fire service in rural and regional Ireland. They respond to fires, road traffic collisions, flooding and other emergencies while balancing their role with work and family commitments. They provide an invaluable front-line service to communities across the country.”
“It is about keeping our culture and our identity through the pub business. I really welcome the Minister of State's comments.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his reply. It is really encouraging. He said that the proposal merits careful consideration. That is one thing I can take back to the Vintners Federation of Ireland, its members and local families. I grew up in a pub. I have three nephews who are in the pub business. I can see the struggles and the hardship. Every cut goes onto the price of a pint. I will again put this in football terms. Ballymacelligott won the all-Ireland junior club final. There are two pubs in the village. An Ghaeltacht won the intermediate all-Ireland final. There are three pubs in that area. It was all centralised around that. That is where the social inclusion and community elements come in. If those pubs were not there, that element of community would be lost. It is not about major profits in rural Ireland.”
“The Government already recognises the importance of supporting sectors that contribute to Ireland's economy and culture. Our pubs deserve the same recognition. It cannot be right that production companies can receive tax relief for filming in a pub while the pub in question struggles to keep its doors open. If we value vibrant villages, thriving towns, rural tourism, local employment and social connection, which is vital in rural Ireland, we must value and protect our pubs. Once a pub closes, it is often gone forever and the community loses a piece of its identity. I call on the Government to act, to engage with the Vintners Federation of Ireland's proposals and to provide the supports necessary to safeguard these essential community hubs for future generations.”
“The on-trade sustainability scheme proposed by the vintners would work by giving pubs financial supports based on the amount of draught products they purchase from suppliers each year. These supports would come in the form of a tax credit, helping publicans offset rises in electricity, wage and utility costs, among others. For example, if a small rural pub in Cork has significant supply costs throughout the year, it could qualify for a tax credit worth several thousand euro. This credit could then be used to reduce its tax bill. If the pub had little or no tax liability, it could be paid out as a direct cash support. The scheme would be capped at €20,000 per annum per pub, ensuring that support would be targeted at small and medium-sized family-run pubs rather than the large operators in the bigger cities.”
“This Saturday, as the Minister of State himself knows, people will be in the local pub down the road watching his home county, Mayo, take on Cork, and my county, Kerry, taking on Tyrone. Next Saturday, rural local pubs will be central to that, yet they are under enormous pressure. More than 2,200 pubs have closed across Ireland since 2005 and closures continue at an alarming rate. Every pub that closes represents not only a lost business but a lost meeting place, employer and community asset. Currently, publicans face unsustainable business cost increases. Electricity costs have risen by about 70%, wages have risen by 40% and water charges have increased significantly. While recent VAT measures have helped establishments that serve food, they offer little or no benefit to the majority of small rural wet pubs that do not serve hot food.”
“I ask the Government to recognise the vital role wet bars and traditional pubs play in communities across Ireland, and to provide meaningful support to help them to survive. For many people, especially in rural Ireland, the local pub is far more than a business. It is the heart of the community. It is where families and neighbours come together to celebrate life's milestones and support one another through difficult times in events from christenings, to confirmations, 21st birthdays, engagements, weddings, the afters of weddings, anniversaries and gatherings following funerals. To use a phrase I used last week, it is from the cradle to the grave. That is what the rural pub means to the community. It is woven into the fabric of Irish family and community life.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the Seanad this morning. My Commencement matter is about the need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement in support of the recent proposals made by the Vintners Federation of Ireland in its pre-budget submission for budget 2027. I was in the audiovisual room last week where there was standing-room only for the presentation by the Vintners Federation of Ireland to Oireachtas Members. It was looking for support for the businesses its members operate. We heard about the reality and the concerns about the wet bar – I do not really like the term - which refers to the traditional bar – and the pressures these people are under in our communities.”
“Once a pub closes, it is often gone forever and a community loses a piece of its identity. I call on the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to visit the Seanad to debate these proposals.”
“For example, if a small, rural pub incurred significant supply costs throughout the year, it could qualify for a tax credit worth a few euro. This credit could then be used to reduce its tax bill or, if the pub had little or no tax liability, be paid directly as a cash support, and it is support we are looking for. The scheme would be capped at €20,000 per annum per pub to ensure that support is targeted at small and medium-sized family run pubs. The Government already recognises the importance of supporting sectors that contribute to our economy and culture and our pubs deserve the same recognition. If we value vibrant villages, like we say we do every day in here, thriving towns, rural tourism, local employment and social connection, then we must value and protect our local pubs.”
“Every pub that closes not only represents a lost business but also a lost meeting place, a lost employer and a lost community asset. Publicans are facing unsustainable cost increases. Electricity costs have risen by around 70%, wages by 40% and water charges have increased significantly. While recent VAT measures have helped the establishments serving food, they offer little or no benefit to the majority of small, rural wet pubs that do not serve hot food. The proposed on-trade sustainability scheme will work by giving pubs financial support based on the number of draft products they purchase from suppliers each year. The support will come in the form of a tax credit, thereby helping publicans offset rising costs such as electricity, wages and utilities.”
“It is where families and neighbours come together to celebrate life's milestones and to support one another through difficult times from christenings, confirmations, 21st birthdays, engagements, the afters of weddings, anniversaries and even gatherings following funerals. As the famous song goes, it is like from the cradle to the grave. It is woven into the fabric of family and community life. I attended the audiovisual room last week where the Vintners Federation of Ireland attended to seek support. I have never seen such a large crowd of TDs and Senators. They came in to hear their stories and to support them. These pubs are under enormous pressure. More than 2,200 pubs have closed across Ireland since 2005, and closures continue at an alarming rate.”
“On his first day on duty as the Leader of the Seanad, I too congratulate Senator Ahearn on his promotion. It is also a very proud day for his family who are here today including his father, brothers Liam and Scott, Laura, and Jamie and Daniel, who are the sparkle of this guy's eyes when they are not here. We are delighted to have them here as distinguished guests. I ask the Government to recognise the vital role that wet bars and traditional pubs play in communities across Ireland and to provide meaningful support to help them survive. For many people, especially in rural Ireland, the local pub is far more than a business. It is the heart of the community.”
“I propose that the RSA be notified through the Department, so that we can come to a very easy solution to the problem in north Kerry for new drivers.”
“I thank Minister of State for his response. As he can see from my data and his data, it is evidently clear that a driving test centre is needed in the north Kerry area. The Minister of State said that the 14-week wait time in Tralee, which is three and a half months, and the 13 weeks in Killarney are improvements on the 16-week average wait times for both centres. Most of the people who are waiting in those areas are from north Kerry, if the Department wants more data. I urge the Minister of State to contact the RSA to make north Kerry a priority area when choosing a location for a driving test centre. The data is there and the evidence is clear that we need a driver safety testing centre in north Kerry. The RSA said that north Kerry has not been highlighted to it as a new location for a driver testing centre as of yet.”
“Can immediate measures be introduced to reduce waiting times, especially acknowledging the cycle of repeat tests, which is further adding to backlogs? The current situation in Kerry is not sustainable. It is placing an unfair burden on rural communities and delaying access to employment, education and independence for many people. It is time that north Kerry was properly recognised in the planning of driving test services. The biggest issue we have right now is road safety. People learning how to manoeuvre properly and safely on our roads should do so on their local roads. People travelling 50 or 60 minutes in a car to do a test on a side street in another jurisdiction is just not working, and that is why I am calling for a driving test centre to be located in north Kerry.”
“The Listowel municipal district alone has a population of approximately 32,000 people, representing a substantial demand base that is not being directly served by a local test centre. Given the scale of demand, the consistently high waiting times and the additional pressures created by repeat tests, there is a strong and evidence-based case for the RSA to reassess north Kerry. Has a detailed demand and capacity assessment been undertaken specifically for north Kerry, including the Listowel municipal district area? If not, can we initiate one as soon as possible? Will consideration be given to establishing a driving test centre in Listowel or providing a part-time or outreach service in the area?”
“In Killarney there were 1,899 passes and 1,684 failures. They are back in the system again, and maybe for the third time. This shows that a substantial number of applicants do not pass on their first or second attempt, and must re-enter the system, often facing the same long waiting periods again for a second or even third test. The result is a compounding backlog, which is why my Commencement matter is of the highest importance. For people in north Kerry, the impact is particularly severe. Residents of north Kerry must travel considerable distances - it is wide open territory - most often to Tralee, and in some cases Killarney, for both lessons and tests. This places an added financial and logistical burden on learner drivers and their families, especially in a rural area with limited public transport options.”
“These figures clearly demonstrate the volume of demand already being handled by these limited centres. However, even more concerning are the waiting lists. In Tralee, the number of applicants waiting for a driving test invitation has consistently remained too high altogether, fluctuating between 900 and more than 1,000 people through 2025, reaching 1,009 in April of this year. Similarly, in Killarney, hundreds remain waiting at any given time, with 714 applicants still awaiting as of April 2026. This means that across Kerry alone, more than 1,500 people are typically waiting for a test invitation at any one time. That does not account for those who must reapply after unsuccessful attempts. The data on passes and failures further underline the pressure on the system. In 2025 there were 1,876 passes and 1,481 failures in Tralee.”
“I was unaware of that to be honest. I must get a copy of The Irish Times . I welcome the Minister of State to the Seanad. I wish to raise with him the urgent need for the provision of an additional Road Safety Authority driving test centre in north Kerry to serve communities such as Listowel, Ballybunnion, Tarbert, Moyvane, Ballyduff and surrounding areas. It is a huge area. At present, County Kerry is served by just two main test centres for standard driving tests in Tralee and Killarney. This is despite the fact that very significant demand exists across the region. Figures provided by the RSA show that in 2025 alone, 3,736 tests were conducted in Tralee and 3,933 in Killarney, with a further 1,346 tests in Tralee and 1,477 in Killarney in the first four months of 2026.”
“I spent over 16 years as a councillor in Kerry and planning was always a very serious issue when the son or daughter could not built next to mom and dad. There was a big difference between some councils. In Kerry, it was no bother if we had the son or daughter or the nephew or niece, but if you owned a farm along the national routes into Kerry, and your son or daughter wanted to inherit and work that farm, they could not build a house on it due to constraints from TII. That has to be in the guidelines. I hope it will be reviewed again before the guidelines come out and there is an agreement with TII. On the GAA, I am from Kerry and depopulation is killing it, especially in villages. If we do not bring Uisce Éireann to every county council and local authority, then this will continue. It did not invest for years. I could go on.”