News
Second university site proposed for Killarney
S
Second university site proposed for Killarney
By Sean Moriarty
A second proposal aimed at attracting a sub-campus of the newly formed Munster Technological University to Killarney has been put forward.
Last month it was announced that Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and Institute of Technology Tralee (ITT) would merge to create MTU.
It was revealed in last week’s Killarney Advertiser that Killarney Mayor Michael Gleeson was pushing for the old St Finan’s Hospital site to be considered as one of six campuses for the new university.
Since then a second proposal, this time involving the old Pretty Polly Factory site, has been out forward.
Former councillor Sean Counihan has suggested the site which is owned by Kerry County Council and has been lying unused for years.
It was previously owned by the former Killarney Town Council but when town councils were amalgamated in to the county councils ownership transferred to the main council.
According to Counihan the site, at the time it was in town council ownership, it was designated for use “by the people of Killarney” and that it was earmarked for education purposes and could have been used as a catering college.
He believes that the process of returning the Pretty Polly site to Killarney ownership would involve a lot less red-tape than the potential purchase of the St Finan’s site.
“I would argue that if the municipal system has any relevant authority in the Killarney area it would be in a position to offer,free gratis, this site for the benefit of the town and indeed for North Cork East /South Kerry and beyond,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.
“This would remove the interactions between any other proposed sites such as St Finan’s where progress would be much slower and complicated when dealing with bodies like the HSE.”
Frustration mounts over morning gridlock at Coolcorcoran
Mounting traffic gridlock at the Coolcorcoran junction onto the N22 Killarney Bypass is causing daily delays for commuters, with local motorists calling on Killarney Municipal District and elected representatives to take immediate action.
Early morning traffic coming from the Tralee side has become severely backed up past BG Motors during the peak 8.15am commute.
Motorists attempting to enter the bypass from the Coolcorcoran side face long queues and increasing frustration as they struggle to join the main road.
Local drivers point to a specific design issue at the exit, where a raised kerb and a section of unused footpath prevent left-turning vehicles from merging smoothly into the traffic flow.
Road users are requesting a simple layout modification to resolve the bottleneck: converting the exit to left-turn only, removing the kerb obstruction, and directing driver traffic to loop via a U-turn at the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre roundabout. Similar left-turn measures were previously implemented at the nearby Lewis Road junction to improve safety and traffic flow.
The request comes as broader plans for the N22 bypass upgrade and new link road infrastructure remain under progression by Kerry County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Motorists wishing to share their views on local road issues can email info@killarneyadvertiser.ie.
Frustration mounts over morning gridlock at Coolcorcoran
Frustration mounts over morning gridlock at Coolcorcoran Mounting traffic gridlock at the Coolcorcoran junction onto the N22 Killarney Bypass is...
Ailbhe Keogan scoops top television writing award
Acclaimed Kerry screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan has won the Best TV Drama Script award at the 19th Writers’ Guild of Ireland...
Strong turnout for St Paul’s Golf Classic at Beaufort
After a recent spell of indifferent weather, glorious sunshine and a gentle breeze greeted 35 teams at Beaufort Golf Course...
€150,000 granted to draft masterplan for St Finan’s site
Kerry County Council has been awarded €150,000 in government funding to progress a Masterplan and Infrastructure Delivery Plan for the...
GoSafe cameras live at Farranfore level crossing next week
GoSafe cameras live at Farranfore level crossing next week Automated speed cameras at the Farranfore rail level crossing will become...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
