News
Regulator questions multi-storey car park plan
Plans for a multi-storey car park in Killarney have been questioned by the State’s planning regulator, who has called on Kerry County Council to drop the proposal from its draft variation of the County Development Plan 2022-2028.
The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) said the plan does not align with national or regional policy on air quality and sustainable transport. The proposal commits the council to “facilitate the provision of a multi-storey car park in Killarney at an appropriate location.”
Council officials had previously pointed to the New Street car park site as the preferred location. Estimates suggested a three-storey facility there could provide 516 spaces, a net gain of almost 300, at a cost of €12.7 million.
However, the OPR noted that the council itself has stated that current parking supply is already adequate. Figures show there are 1,373 spaces in public car parks in the town, in addition to on-street and private parking.
The regulator also highlighted a separate proposal for 139 spaces at Green Lawn, off Mission Road, which was recently put out for public consultation.
The debate comes after Killarney councillors voted last week, by a narrow margin, to approve plans for the Green Lawn car park near St Mary’s Cathedral.
That decision was opposed by local residents and raised concerns among gardaí, who warned of possible increased traffic congestion in the area.
The draft variation was prepared to set out a settlement plan for the Killarney Municipal District and to provide a detailed planning framework for the town.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food Ireland 20th Anniversary Awards 2026.
The annual awards recognise businesses that feature Irish food and drink as part of their visitor service.
In the luxury accommodation categories, Muckross Park Hotel and The Europe Hotel and Resort have both received nominations for 5 Star Irish Hospitality Experience of the Year and Hotel Restaurant Experience of the Year.
In the town centre, The Mad Monk has been shortlisted for Best Irish Seafood Experience.
The Brehon Hotel has been named a finalist in the Wild Atlantic Way category.
And the Kerry Creamery Experience has also been nominated for the Irish Culinary Tourism Innovation Award for its work showcasing local dairy heritage.
The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the InterContinental Dublin on Monday, November 16
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
Holy Cross Mercy National School has announced details for its 2026 Killarney Memory Tree, the annual Christmas fundraising hosted at the New Road school.
The initiative offers local residents the opportunity to purchase lights on the tree to commemorate loved ones over the festive season.
The official switch-on ceremony takes place at the school on Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm. Fr Seán Murphy will lead prayers, accompanied by festive carols by candlelight.
A special mass for all those commemorated on the tree will be celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 17 at 1pm. The service will be open to the public and streamed online via the Killarney Parish website.
The Memory Tree will remain lit each evening until January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.
Lights can be purchased directly from the pupils, staff, or the school office at Holy Cross Mercy National School on New Road, with all proceeds going towards school development.
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards
Local hospitality nominated for Good Food Ireland awards Several Killarney hotels and restaurants have been shortlisted for the Good Food...
Holy Cross Mercy announces return of Memory Tree initiative
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