News
Call for river drainage at Kingsbridge
WARNING: Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Michael Gleeson is warning that the walls at Kingsbridge could become unstable if urgent work isn't completed. Photo: Grigoriy Geniyevskiy
EXCLUSIVE
By Sean Moriarty
The Mayor of Killarney Cllr Michael Gleeson is calling on the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to clarify the legal ownership of Kingsbridge amid fears that sediment in the River Deenagh may lead to excessive corrosion in the area.
Kingsbridge, situated at the bottom of Mission Road, directly across from St Mary’s Cathedral, is one of the main entry points to Killarney National Park.
In recent years sediment has been gathering on the northern banks of the Deenagh and is effecting the free-flow of the river. A wall on the southern side is subject to increased erosion and there are fears the wall could weaken or even collapse unless the sediment bank is removed. The sediment bank is also becoming an eyesore and is has become a gathering point for loose litter.
Kerry County Council is willing to do the work subject to permission from the NPWS.
The Council officials confirmed that they have spoken to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and that body has no objection to the work being carried out.
However, neither body can do work in NPWS property without permission from the Park’s body. So far both the Council and IFI have be unable to secure the permit and neither have been able to confirm who actually owns the land where the problem exists. It is not clear either who should take on the job of clearing the sediment.
“I am calling on the NPWS to clarify the legal situation in relation to responsibility of the upkeep of the river,” Mayor Gleeson told the Killarney Advertiser this week. “It is pushing the water to the southern side of the river, and is undermining the wall there. There is the added problem, that should the wall collapse, there will be expenses incurred to restore it.”
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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