News
Killarney’s Cultural Centre officially opened
OPEN: At the official opening of ANAM - Killarney’s Arts and Cultural Centre were Cllr Maura Healy-Rae, Kate Kennelly (Arts Officer, Kerry County Council), Angela McAllen (Manager Killarney Municipal District), Cathaoirleach Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Michael Gleeson, John Purcell (Facilities Manager, Kerry County Council), Cllr. Niall Kelleher (Cathaoirleach Kerry County Council), Mary Nash (Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) and Moira Murrell (Chief Executive Kerry County Council). Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
The official opening of ANAM – Killarney’s Arts and Cultural Centre - was performed by Minister Brendan Griffin TD last Friday night.
The project, which saw the complete refurbishment of the local-authority owned cultural centre on East Avenue, has resulted in the development of a flexible, adaptable and contemporary space, both internally and externally, which can host arts and cultural performances.
The refurbished venue has an indoor seating capacity of 67 to cater for small events, but for larger events the venue can be re-arranged, utilising the auditorium as a stage area with outdoor seating of 131 seats.
In opening ANAM, the Minister acknowledged the role of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and Kerry County Council, who, working together, have brought back to life an integral part of the cultural element of the town, which has huge potential to enhance the already excellent offering to visitors to Killarney, as well as the local community.
“Killarney town and the wider Municipal District has a rich heritage in the arts, both in terms of performance, music, dance, theatre and visual arts,” Cllr Michael Gleeson, Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District said. “For community, youth and local arts and drama groups to have an opportunity to utilise this space provides them with an outlet to showcase their talents to the wider community.”
The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Niall Kelleher, acknowledged the funding from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Kerry County Council and stated that investment in the arts sector was vitally important for Killarney and for Kerry as a whole, allowing for increased participation in the arts in Kerry. He also thanked the staff of Kerry County Council, who managed the delivery of the project, Davide Mosca architect for the design concept, and contractor Jerry Brosnan Construction.
The Arts and Cultural Centre will be managed by Killarney Municipal District Office, with queries and bookings to be sent to killarneyartscentre@kerrycoco.ie.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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