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‘Impossible unless you are very wealthy’ – Mayor calls for easing of planning rules
‘Impossible unless you are very wealthy’ – Mayor calls for easing of planning rules
Buying or building a house in Killarney has become almost impossible for ordinary workers and families, Mayor of Killarney Cllr John O'Donoghue has warned.
Speaking at Monday's Kerry County Council meeting in Tralee, Cllr O'Donoghue called for urgent clarity on new rural planning guidelines, stating that local residents are being squeezed out of the market entirely.
He pointed out that severe restrictions across the Killarney Municipal District, including three national roads where housebuilding is curtailed and the boundary of the National Park, have severely limited rural planning permissions. At the same time, sky-high property prices in the town centre have priced out workers who do not qualify for social housing but cannot afford local market rates.
Addressing council officials, Cllr O’Donoghue called for an update on how upcoming rural planning guidelines will be interpreted in Kerry:
“These new planning guidelines will affect Kerry more than most counties so it is vital we receive clarity as soon as possible. My own feelings on rural planning are well versed at this stage. Within our own MD in Killarney, house building is very hamstrung by the fact that we have three National Roads on which housebuilding is curtailed, as well as our magnificent National Park. Under the current guidelines, housebuilding is difficult in the countryside, and buying in Killarney is almost impossible unless you are very wealthy.
“The reality in Killarney is that unless you qualify for social housing, or are very wealthy, you can’t buy within the town and you can’t build in the countryside unless you fit a very specific metric leaving you with nowhere to go. I’m not suggesting we have a free for all, but some easing in the guidelines would be very welcome. I’m requesting that as soon as the Council feel they are in a position to do so, that we immediately receive an update on what it will mean for us, and so we can have an input into its interpretation.”
The Mayor pressed the council executive to ensure local representatives have a direct say in how the new national framework is applied locally to help relieve the housing lock-out facing local people.
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House
Scott and Sandra Patterson recently visited Muckross House and Gardens to explore their family heritage, meeting with Muckross House Research Library archivist Patricia O’Hare.
The couple are the great-great-grandchildren of Charles Herbert (1842-1891), the second son of Colonel Henry Arthur Herbert and Mary Balfour. Following their marriage in 1837, Colonel Herbert and Mary Balfour moved to Killarney and began construction on the current Muckross House, which was completed in 1843.
The family, which included children Eleanor, Henry Arthur, Charles, and Blanche, spent much of the Great Famine years in England. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife, Maeve, during their official visit to the club, marking an important occasion in the Rotary calendar and celebrating the club’s commitment to serving the local community.
The visit provided members with an opportunity to showcase the work being undertaken in Killarney and to discuss plans for the year ahead as Rotary clubs across the district embrace this year’s theme, Creating Lasting Impact.
Newly elected President of Killarney Rotary Club, Yolande Nieman, welcomed the District Governor and Maeve on behalf of the club.
“It was a pleasure to welcome George and Maeve to Killarney and to share the enthusiasm and dedication of our members,” said Ms Nieman. “Rotary has a proud tradition of bringing people together to improve lives, both locally and internationally. As President, I am excited to lead our club in supporting this year’s message of Creating Lasting Impact. Together, we want to continue delivering projects that strengthen our community, support local organisations, and create positive change that will be felt for years to come.”
During the visit, District Governor George Roche commended the members of Killarney Rotary Club for their commitment to service and encouraged them to continue identifying opportunities where Rotary can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Killarney Rotary Club has a long history of supporting local charities, community groups, youth development initiatives, and international humanitarian projects. Under President Yolande Nieman’s leadership, the club will continue to build on that legacy while developing new partnerships and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the Killarney community.
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House
Herbert descendants visit Muckross House Scott and Sandra Patterson recently visited Muckross House and Gardens to explore their family heritage,...
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife,...
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