The opposition TD representing Kerry North West Limerick has welcomed the Government's acceptance of the spirit of opposition amendments to the fuel bill. The Energy Provision Bill is going through Dail Eireann. Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte proposed an amendment to include funding for a programme to address fuel poverty. Martin Ferris, who is Sinn Fein's energy spokesperson, welcomed the amendment. He subsequently withdrew his own, similar amendment.

A Kerry senator says he can't understand Fianna Fail's approach towards the demand for a referendum on the European Fiscal Treaty. The Government is awaiting the Attorney General's opinion on whether the constitution requires a referendum for Ireland to agree to the treaty. There have been suggestions in the past week that non-Government TDs and senators could petition the president to have the matter referred to the Supreme Court. Senator Tom Sheahan says referenda should only be used to determine constituitional matters.

Health Minister Dr. James Reilly yesterday turned the sod for the new Kenmare Hospital building. It marks the beginning of construction and the completion of a long campaign for improved facilities. The new 40-bed unit is expected to be completed in 18 months.

There's been an oil spill on the Castleisland to Killarney road and Gardai are warning motorists to drive slowly there. The affected area is from Castleisland to Lisheen Bawn Cross. The spill stretches over a few miles making driving dangerous. Road overseers from Kerry County Council are on their way to the scene.

A new poster highlighting attractions in Irish wetlands is being launched today in Tralee. There are 45 recognised wetlands in Ireland and Wetland Tourism is being promoted this weekend. Tralee Bay and Castlemaine Harbour are the two designated wetlands areas in Kerry, which are protected under new legal and planning guidelines. Tralee has its own Wetlands Centre and the poster will be launched there this afternoon by Heritage Minister Jimmy Deenihan.

Irish restaurants throw out 64,000 tonnes of food a year, according to MEP Sean Kelly. He quoted the figure to the European Parliament during a debate on food wastage. Mr Kelly, a native of Kilcummin, said the average restaurant throws out 4.5 tonnes of food at a cost of more than €8,000 per year. Domestic food waste is estimated to be around €1,000 per year. The European Parliament is seeking to designate 2013 as the European Year against Food Waste.

Over 140 Rail journeys are set to become more expensive from today - including some from Kerry. An open return ticket from Kerry to Dublin will now cost €79; a single will cost €62; and the day return ticket will cost €71.
Tickets from Rathmore are cheaper by one or two euro. On-line tickets can be considerably cheaper, depending on promotions. 66 fares will decrease in price and 15 will remain unchanged as part of the plans. Barry Kenny from Irish Rail says that while some fares will rise, it will get rid of some unfair pricing.

Éigse na Brídeoge takes place this weekend. The event set in the Uíbh Ráthach Gaeltacht on the Ring of Kerry is celebrating its 20th anniversary. This year the cultural festival has a theme of mountain life and culture. Events include films, songs and stories relating to the mountains and a talk from Dermot Somers who led the first successful Irish expedition to Mount Everest. The weekend was officially launched last night by Junior Minister Dinny McGinley.