Main Street reopens today following public realm works

Main Street, from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, reopens to traffic and the public today, (Friday, July 3), following a temporary resurfacing measure.

An update issued by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, via Kerry County Council, confirms that the majority of underground infrastructure works have now been completed.
This phase included significant utility upgrades and the installation of a reinforced concrete base to support the new granite paving.
As an interim measure to accommodate the peak summer tourist season, the street has been resurfaced with bitumen before welcoming back pedestrians and vehicles today.
The overall project timeline has been impacted by several unforeseen challenges. These include complex underground infrastructure requiring additional coordination, extensive utility diversions to future-proof the town centre, and global supply chain delays affecting the availability of specialist materials.
Works will temporarily pause for July and August before recommencing on September 1. The final completion date for the entire public realm project is now projected for the end of February 2027.
To minimise disruption to local traders, the remaining construction will be completed on a phased basis.
The Chamber has confirmed that specific plans are in place to accommodate seasonal trading, guaranteeing that the Main Street and Plunkett Street junction will reopen to vehicular traffic ahead of the Christmas in Killarney Parades even if the project runs behind schedule later in the year.
Additional sections will also reopen to pedestrians as paving works progress, and the Chamber will continue to engage with the council on behalf of the local business community.

The consultant psychiatrist who blew the whistle on the South Kerry CAMHS scandal, Dr Maya Sharma, is officially opening a new private children’s assessment clinic in Killarney town centre.

The development follows reports in the Killarney Advertiser in May that Dr Sharma was seeking a return to Kerry. The clinic is now confirmed to open within the next two months after suitable town centre premises were successfully secured. The facility will provide a range of specialist assessment services for children, giving local families an alternative option within the county to bypass long public waiting lists. Dr Sharma previously exposed the over-medication and inappropriate treatment of young patients within the South Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Her disclosures led to a major state investigation which revealed hundreds of vulnerable children had been harmed or put at risk by unsafe clinical practices. Councillor Martin Grady, who assisted in finding the town centre location, welcomed the finalisation of the plans and praised Dr Sharma’s bravery and dedication. “I am absolutely delighted that we were able to work together to secure suitable premises for Dr Sharma here in Killarney,” Cllr Grady said. “She is a tremendous asset to our town and to County Kerry. The work she has carried out over the years has made a real difference to so many children and families. Personally, I want to sincerely thank Dr Sharma for her bravery and honesty in coming forward and speaking the truth for the betterment and protection of vulnerable young people receiving treatment. Her actions required immense courage, and many families throughout Kerry and beyond recognise the importance of what she did.” Cllr Grady noted that Dr Sharma has a strong personal connection to the area, particularly her love for the local National Park, and is eager to begin practicing in Killarney again. “There are massive waiting times for children requiring assessments through the public system,” Cllr Grady added. “While this private clinic won’t replace public services, it will provide families with another option and will greatly increase local capacity. We are fortunate to have someone of Dr Sharma’s calibre choosing to establish her practice here.”