There has been a widespread welcome in Killarney for the decision to grant planning permission for a raised platform over a scenic

walkway and cycleway in the national park that will provide spectacular views over Muckross Lake and the surrounding landscape.
The project, which will complete the existing Dinis to Torc loop, will be built on an elevated platform to maintain and protect the natural habitat beneath.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service said the most significant benefit will be on safety grounds as pedestrians and cyclists enjoying the attraction must currently travel along the busy N71 road to complete the route.
This new raised cycleway and walkway feature will connect the Dinis car park and Torc car park and it will remove any requirement for people to take a risk by travelling on the main Killarney-Kenmare road.
Currently, the only possible option is via an 800m dangerous stretch of the N71where cyclists and pedestrians are forced to share the narrow road, which contains several dangerous bends, with vehicular traffic, including tour buses.
The new development will feature spectacular, elevated views across Muckross Lake and it will be fully accessible for people with disability or mobility issues.
The planning permission was granted subject to 18 conditions.
Welcoming the development, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce said the finished Dinis to Torc Loop will be yet another major attraction for locals and visitors to enjoy safely.
“Safety was always our main concern as the narrow and winding N71 is not suitable for walkers and cyclists to travel safely,” Chamber said.
“This development is well overdue having been mooted and discussed at length for more than a decade”.
The loop offers one of the best ways to experience the incredible beauty of Killarney National Park with opportunities to explore historical sites like Muckross Abbey, Dinis Cottage and Old Weir Bridge.
“The new addition will offer an accessible option with gentle inclines and it is suitable for all, whether one is a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful walk in nature and the project will have minimal environmental impact,” the Chamber executive noted.

“We are very grateful to the NPWS and all those who worked so hard to get this project over the line and we look forward to the work being completed at an early stage”.
The planning decision has also been enthusiastically welcomed by the Kerry Tourism Industry Confederation.
Chairperson, Pat O’Leary, said this piece of infrastructure is long overdue, primarily on safety grounds on such a dangerous section of roadway.
“The benefit to both locals and visitors as an amenity will be immense as it will become an iconic feature of the renowned Dinis loop route,” he said.
“Continued investment in tourism-related infrastructure in the county is critical to preserving the county's reputation as the tourism capital of Ireland.
“The commitment of Kerry County Council, NPWS, Fáilte Ireland and other State bodies to the ongoing development of the tourism product in Kerry is to be commended,” Mr O’Leary stated.
Irish Hotels Federation Kerry branch Chairman, Brian Lawlor, said the completed project is going to have a huge impact and it will make such a wonderful attraction more accessible to locals and visitors and much safer for everybody to use.
”With the huge amount of people that want to visit and appreciate the sheer beauty of Killarney, this really has the potential to be a game-changer,” he said.
“From Killarney’s point of view it’s another wonderful attraction and for those that appreciate the great outdoors and splendid scenery, it is a real bonus,” Mr Lawlor said.