Kerry politics wrapped 2025: From the Healy-Raes to Greenways
The KerrymanHere’s a look back at some of the events that defined a year of politics in the kingdom.
January: ‘We are ready now to work even harder for the people of Kerry’
After several weeks of intense negotiations, Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae agreed to form part of the new government, with Michael Healy-Rae promoted to junior minister at the department of agriculture.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae described it as “proud moment in which he is honoured, humbled and ready to serve the farming community”.
“I wonder too where we all would be only for the brave decision my late father Jackie took in April 1997 to stand for the Dáil. We as a family are proud of that legacy and work hard both night and day to honour it”.
February: ‘I am blown away by the huge levels of support’
The Fine Gael councillor Michael Kennelly was elected to the Seanad’s Labour panel, joining fellow county man Senator Mark Daly, who was re-elected.
Senator Kennelly first served on Listowel Town Council in 2009, and as a member of Listowel MD since 2014. Speaking after his election, he called it ‘a massive honour’.
“I am blown away by the huge levels of support I received from public representatives throughout the country across all parties and none,” he said.
“I am hopeful that my election to the Seanad will help to unite the party in Kerry so that we can regain a seat in Dáil Éireann at the next general election.”
March: ‘A victory for common sense over ideological dogma’
Planning permission was awarded for the new 600 MW power plant operated by Shannon LNG at the Tarbert/Ballylongford Landbank.
The long-awaited LNG project was 16-years in the making, having encountered stiff opposition from environmentalists.
Ireland South MEP Billy Kelliher described the decision as “a victory for common sense over ideological dogma”, adding that it’s an important milestone in ensuring Irish energy security into the future.
“Too much ideological purity has led us to where we are: vulnerable to external energy shocks,” he said.
Aoife Kennelly arrived home from Australia to take over the Fine Gael council seat vacated by her father Michael Kennelly after his promotion to Seanad Eireann in February.
“It wasn’t an easy decision for me, but I’m delighted to have made it,” said Cllr Kennelly.
“I’ve kind of inspired myself from watching my father doing politics over the years. I’ve always had that interest. As soon as the opportunity arose, I decided to go for it. It’s great to be back home”.
May: ‘Clinking wine glasses with a genocide supporter’
Kerry County Council were accused of “clinking wine glasses with a genocide supporter” after US Congressman Richard Neal received a civic reception at Muckross House in Killarney.
A crowd of over 60 protesters gathered outside the building for the duration of the meeting as members of Kerry Friends of Palestine waved Palestinian flags and held signs saying, “US bombs murder babies in Gaza”.
“We’re appalled and it’s incredibly disappointing that the council thought this was an appropriate time to bestow the highest honour on a man who is an active voter in the laws that are impacting Palestinians,” said a member of Kerry Friends of Palestine.
Fine Gael Councillor Mike Foley was elected as the new Mayor of Kerry, succeeding outgoing mayor, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald.
A native of Ballylongford, Mayor Foley is an elected representative of the Listowel MD and has been involved in politics for over 12 years in various roles.
Municipal District mayors were also elected, with Cllr Martin Grady for Killarney, Cllr Terry O’Brien for Tralee, Cllr Michael Leane for Listowel, Cllr Bobby O’Connell for Castleisland/Corca Dhuibhne and Cllr Norma Moriarty for Kenmare.
July: ‘We have taken a massive risk’
Killarney councillors put millions on the line in a high-stake vote against the proposed redevelopment of the derelict Áras Phádraig.
Just over €867,000 was spent on redevelopment plans after the Killarney MD voted through the €47m plans for a theatre and primary care centre at the Áras Phádraig site in February.
After public backlash from a second public consultation, councillors reversed their support for the project, saying they would instead seek a library and administrative offices along with a larger theatre.
“The easy thing to do would have been to let it continue on. We made the difficult decision and saved the county coffers a lot of money,” argued Killarney Cllr John O’Donoghue.
August: ‘The group that falls between the two stools’
A report released by the National Oversight and Audit Commission showed a motley picture of the council’s performance over 2024.
The council sold the highest number of social houses of any council last year while also adding the lowest percentage of new units to its housing stock, which Cllr Norma Moriarty said reflected the large delivery of social housing prior to 2024.
“Where there has been least activity is in the private market, the group that falls between the two stools if you like, who can’t afford to buy, or even secure a mortgage, and are above the threshold for social housing,” she said.
September: ‘The people of Kerry should be the ones who decide’
In a heated gathering at KCC’s headquarters the motion not to propose Mr Sheridan for presidential candidacy was put to a vote among the 32 councillors present and was defeated by 18 votes 14.
Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael attempted to block the vote, with Cllr Norma Moriarty strongly opposed selecting Mr Sheridan.
“Are we going to nominate someone for the sake of it? Or are we going to nominate someone who we believe would make an exceptional president? That is the question that’s before us,” she said.
Labour Party Councillor Terry O’Brien spoke of supporting democracy and the candidates’ right to speak and put themselves forward.
“The people of Kerry should be the ones who decide and the way you do that is by putting someone forward for election. My colleague [Cllr Moloney] and I will not be blocking competition,” he said.
Three Kerry survivors of Industrial and Reformatory schools went on hunger strike outside Dáil Eireann on September 22, ending on November 10, after 51 days.
Mary O’Donovan and Miriam Moriarty Owens from Tralee, and Maurice Patton-O'Connell from Cahersiveen formed part of a six-person group partaking in the hunger strike.
Their ordeal culminated in a deal that included HAA medical cards and full contributory state pensions, owing to the work they were forced to do as children while in state-care.
“Finally, justice for all survivors of Ireland’s industrial and reformatory schools. An apology for our criminal records. An apology for the boarded out, which was very important,” said Ms Owens.
November: ‘So what if it’s taking a long time? I’m in no rush’
Kerry county council passed its €248m draft budget for 2026 in a meeting that saw flashes of anger as councillors rushed to digest the 187-page report.
Commercial rates for businesses are set to stay put, with Cllr Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan saying it was “good news” for businesses and would provide a much-needed relief.
While Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae and other members took issue with the fact that there was no new funding for school traffic wardens, only Cllr Robert Brosnan voted against the budget due to the increase in the price of Eco Sense Bags, from €10 to €12 for a pack of four.
December: ‘This is a generational project’
The first section of the South Kerry Greenway was opened in what was a landmark moment for the flagship project.
“Finally, this is the first sign of real, concrete progress being made on one of several projects in the South Kerry region,” said Cllr Tommy Cahill.
“This is a generational project and this will be the most impressive Greenway not only in Ireland, but across Europe and beyond.”