NEW CAR PARK: Locals, workers and members of Kerry County Council at the official opening of the new Rock Road car park on Wednesday morning. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

By Sean Moriarty

A brand new car park – bringing 190 additional car and bus parking spaces was officially opened on Wednesday – but it remains to be seen if it will improve the serious traffic congestion which has plagued the town for years.

News of the new 1.25 acre car park on Rock Road was cautiously welcomed by some – with many highlighting that the parking was too far outside the town centre.

Concerns have been raised that both locals and tourists will have to travel too far from the car park into the town to access services – while others have praised the new development stating that the additional spaces are a step in the right direction.

On Wednesday, the generosity of the Sisters of Mercy Order in Killarney was praised by town officials during the opening as they donated land to Kerry County Council to allow its construction.

Works by Ml. Lynch Civil Engineering Ltd and Glas Civil Engineering, which began in November, included moving the existing walls back without taking from the traditional look of the stonework.

“This facility would not have come about, of course, but for the generosity of the Mercy Sisters who kindly donated some of their property to facilitate the construction of the car park,” Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, John Sheahan, said.

“This has been a project which my elected colleagues in the Municipal District have long campaigned for and we are delighted to see it coming to fruition.”

“As elected members, we have been acutely conscious of the need for additional car and bus parking facilities in Killarney.”

Angela McAllen, Manager of the Killarney Municipal District, also attended the official opening on Wednesday, as well as members of the Mercy Order.

“As a local authority, Kerry County Council sometimes relies on the generosity of landowners who see the greater good in providing land for developments such as this and we are deeply grateful to the Sisters for accommodating us in this way,” Ms McAllen said. “I understand that the convent has been here since 1857 and it must have been a big decision for the Sisters to forfeit part of their front garden to accommodate this facility, so that is very much appreciated.”

Municipal District Officer Eileen O’Donoghue added that the Municipal District would like to thank the Mercy Sisters, residents of Rock Road, contractors, and the adjoining organisations for their cooperation during the construction phase.