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DESPITE the dismal weather conditions, there was a full house for a public consultation meeting last night on the future use of the Aras Phádraig facility.

Individuals and organisations gathered at the Killarney Avenue Hotel, keen to have their say and share their ideas on how the building should be used for the benefit of the community.

Kerry County Council launched this public consultation process and Exodea Consulting Ltd has been appointed to carry out a feasibility study to assess the potential future use of the property on Lewis Road.

Groups keen to share their views included Killarney Musical Society, Killarney Cardiac Response Unit, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Macra Na Feirme, dancing schools, Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce and Killarney Boxing Club.

A series of interactive workshops produced numerous suggestions, with many common themes, including the use of the building in multi-purpose fashion, featuring the theatre, as well as reviving the facility as a community arts and culture hub.
The cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Brendan Cronin, thanked the turnout and noted the enormous community interest in the revival of the Áras Phádraig. “The building is an important part of the town’s community and social infrastructure,” said Cllr Cronin.

In addition, Kerry County Council has launched an online survey through which people can share their views (http://killarney.ie/killarney-municipal-district/kerry-county-council/) or you can send or drop written submissions into Killarney Town Hall, for the attention of Micheal O Coileain, until February 19.
 

 
Above: At the the public consultation meeting about the Aras Phádraig were Bill Thorne, (Exodea Consulting), Niamh O’Sullivan (Head of Community Development, Kerry County Council), John Purcell Joanna Maher (Exodea Consulting) Micheal O Coilean (Killarney Municipal District), Fiona Callan and Kate Kennelly (Kerry Arts Officer) PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH