By Michelle Crean

Better infrastructure and more services to cater for the needs of young and old are part of an ambitious new five-year plan for the Ballydribeen area.

The Resident’s Association have begun a project to develop better services for the community which covers an area with over 350 homes and continues to experience more growth through new housing developments.

It currently has a community house but locals are keen to hear what residents need going forward and have arranged a series of community meetings, the first taking place next Wednesday (September 28) at 7.30pm in Killarney Celtic Clubhouse.

They will ask residents to fill in a community survey to identify the key issues and priorities of this diverse and energetic community.

Resident’s Association members will also be calling door-to-door over the coming days.

"We encourage all resident’s to get involved in this community consultation and planning project so that Ballydribeen will become an even better and more integrated place to live and raise a family," Liam Grimes, Chairman of the Residents Association, explained.

"We're looking to put a proper plan together," he told the Killarney Advertiser.

"There's seven estates in one area, and more in another area and private housing. We want to form a plan for the future development for the area to ensure it remains a good place to live. It's a blank canvas at the moment and we're looking for views of the people who reside there. Hopefully the plan will lead to giving them what they want."

The project is funded by South Kerry Development Partnership and Kerry County Council, and is facilitated by Paul O'Raw, Community Consultant & Associates.

For more information call into the Community Resource Centre or phone 083 0905745 or email ballydribeenrescom@gmail.com.

See their Facebook page BallydribeenCommunity for more updates.