The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
NIALL ON CAMPAIGN TRAIL AGAIN
FORMER Mayor of Killarney Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan has confirmed that he will contest next month’s local elections in the Killarney Municipal District area.
The 49-year-old was elected to the former Killarney Town Council as an independent in 2004 and served for two terms, during which time he spent a year as Mayor of Killarney.
In announcing his candidacy for the May 24 council elections, Mr O’Callaghan said he will not run a door-to-door campaign and will instead canvass through social media.
Among the issues he is hoping to address are parking problems and traffic congestion in Killarney.
He runs the Fáilte Hotel with his brother, Paudie, and he said that looking to help the town’s business people is high on his agenda.
“There are many issues that need to be prioritised and, as someone involved in running a business in the town centre, I am very conscious of the pressures associated with rocketing insurance costs and very high commercial rates,” he said.
“If the people of Killarney are good enough to give me their vote, I will also work tirelessly to ensure that sustained pressure is placed on the government to reverse the disastrous decision to increase the VAT rate to 13.5 per cent, which is having an appalling impact on hotels, restaurants, pubs and hairdressers.
“It is forcing many businesses to downsize, and I know that some could be forced out of business altogether,” he added.
Mr O’Callaghan is the son of Eileen and the late former Fianna Fáil Councillor and Mayor of Killarney Dermot O’Callaghan.
He is married to Kathy and the couple has two children: Amy and Darragh.
He is also a selector for Dr Crokes’ senior team and is a member of both Killarney Celtic and St Paul’s Basketball Club.
Part of his manifesto is based on his belief that sports tourism in Killarney has untapped potential to bring people to the town.
“The long-overdue redevelopment of Fitzgerald Stadium would be central to that aspiration,” Mr O’Callaghan said.