Local councillors are seeking a meeting with the Minister of Transport to discuss the success of the Anseo bus service in Killarney and how to expand it outside of the town.

The councillors feel that it should be extended into “urban” areas like Kilcummin and Fossa, highlighting the potential benefit it could bring to residents trying to travel into town.

Kerry County Council wrote to the National Transport Association requesting an extension of the service.

In response, the NTA said that while the organisation has considered the request, it can not implement an expansion at this time due to it being a pilot programme.

The NTA said: “The Killarney town pilot area was specifically selected to assess the performance of the TFI Anseo system in a town and an expansion outside of the town now would fundamentally change the nature of the operations before the pilot is complete, comprising the objectives and validity of the pilot study.”

The councillors agreed that action needs to be taken now, warning that once the pilot programme ends in August, the opportunity to keep it in Killarney could be lost.

Meanwhile, Cllr John O’Donoghue called for the possibility of creating a designated pull-in area for the Anseo bus on High Street, noting that it is one of the town’s busiest bus stops and is currently disrupting the flow of traffic.

Cllr O’Donoghue said delays occur when collecting customers as it is forced to stop for a couple of minutes.

Ultimately, this puts a halt to all traffic on the street, which builds up quickly.

He said: “Killarney is under such pressure from traffic congestion, every blockage can cause huge tailbacks, and I feel that were we to provide a set down area for the bus, it would greatly help matters.”

In its reply to Cllr O’Donoghue, Kerry County Council said the location is within the scope of the URDF Public Realm enhancements and changes to the development  would be premature in advance.

Council officials added that changes can be considered as part of the overall streetscape design.

A new retail sub-committee of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has encouraged those with specific concerns and ideas relating to the town’s retail offering to engage with its members and allow them to represent their interests.

The committee, chaired by Killarney Outlet Centre manager Paul Sherry, involves Aoife McBride of MacBees, Enda Walshe of Quills, Brian O’Shea of Brian James and Mary Counihan of Adams Jewellers.

The main objective is to engage on behalf of retailers, both members and non- members of Chamber, with Kerry County Council and any other relevant bodies to ensure the retail offering in Killarney is afforded every opportunity to be as good and as strong as it can be.

“It is important that all bodies and groups work for the benefit of the town as a whole. These are difficult times for all business operators but, by working together, a great deal can be achieved,” said committee chairman Paul Sherry.

The sub-committee has already made initial representations to Killarney Municipal District Council officials on a number of issues including the persistent occupation of designated loading bays by private vehicles which is presenting significant operational challenges for retailers.

Retailers say they are broadly supportive of busking and street performance, but the increased prevalence of amplified and unregulated busking is causing problems due to volume and frequency.

The introduction of a long-promised CCTV system for the town centre, which has been under discussion for several years, should be introduced as a matter of priority to enhance public safety and support the town’s reputation as a secure and welcoming destination, according to the group.

Another concern is the public realm works currently underway on Main Street and Kenmare Place. While considered a hugely positive development, which will significantly enhance the overall character of the area and the town centre’s retail, commercial and tourism offerings, the group says it is important that stated targets are met and the route will be open to all traffic during the busy tourist season.

Mr Sherry thanked outgoing retail sub-committee chairman Anthony Walshe and all those who have engaged on behalf of retail for the great work that has been done in the last few years and he hopes the new group can continue that effort and add strength and vitality to all things retail in Killarney.

“The members of the committee are strategically positioned, location wise, to listen to and bring any issues that exist to committee and to the Chamber executive. We encourage all retailers, independent, corporate or otherwise, to engage with us and allow us to represent them and I am confident that we can make things happen,” the chairman said.