Kerry County Council (KCC) is undertaking a broad public consultation over the coming months to seek the observations, views and suggestions of members of the public and stakeholders about how the Gap of Dunloe area should be managed into the future from many perspectives including tourism, transport, access and the environment.

Congestion and delays during the tourist season on the road through the Gap of Dunloe is being experienced more frequently in recent years by both visiting and local road users. This is leading to a diminution of the experience for some visitors and is also making it more challenging for residents in the locality. The views of the public are being sought on these and all relevant issues.

The Council recognises the need to develop a sustainable approach to managing the Gap of Dunloe into the future as it is an iconic and internationally recognised feature of the Kerry landscape and is a significant attraction for visitors from around Ireland and around the world. It is one of the finest examples of a glaciated valley in Western Europe and is world renowned for its scenery. The Gap of Dunloe is an environmentally sensitive area and is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), being part of the Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC. It is important therefore that the Gap of Dunloe is treated sensitively, protected and carefully managed.

The number of visitors to the area has been increasing in recent years and this included the summer of 2020 when the Gap of Dunloe was enjoyed by significant numbers of domestic visitors. The public road is the principal access to a distinct local community in the Gap of Dunloe and Black Valley and accommodates a range of normal commercial traffic serving that community.

This public consultation includes a publicity campaign, notification to the relevant state agencies, and engagement with community and business stakeholders and a letter drop locally. Observations and submissions can be made in writing and marked ‘Gap of Dunloe Public Consultation’, Administrative Officer, Kerry County Council, Roads, Transportation and Marine, Room 115, Áras an Chontae, Rathass, Tralee, Co. Kerry or by email to: roads@kerrycoco.ie. The closing date for the receipt of submissions is January 29, 2021.