By Michelle Crean

Killarney town is set to benefit as €400,000 has been allocated to make some streets safer under the Additional Outdoor Infrastructure Fund 2021.

Kerry County Council received funding totalling €793,386 from the National Transport Authority for the county for measures such as traffic management and road and street public realm improvements in urban areas which will enable people to walk, cycle and meet each other outdoors in a safe way as COVID-19 restrictions are eased, through the provision of physical infrastructure including parklets, planters, buildouts and coverings.

The funds include €10,000 for Upper High Street, €20,000 for New Street and New St car park upper, and €10,000 for Fair Hill/College Street for road/street space reallocation using temporary kerb for social distancing. Glebe car park is to receive €40,000 for the reallocation of car park spaces to create a public realm, €15,000 for High St to enhance the existing public realm, €45,000 for Beech Road and €50,000 for College Square for the reallocation of car park spaces to create a public realm, €40,000 for Main St and €45,000 for College St for a parklet and footpath widening, with €125,000 allocated for pedestrianisation at South Well Lane.

"I welcome the funding for specific areas within Killarney town, for additional outdoor infrastructure from the NTA. Every effort must be made to utilise this money for the benefit of local businesses and to make provision for public safety for everybody visiting the town," Mayor Brendan Cronin told the Killarney Advertiser.

The fund will also provide for Safe Destination Signage for towns which promotes Kerry as a safe place to visit for recreation and work purposes.