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Calls to remove Protected Structure status at St Finan’s

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By Sean Moriarty

Local councillor Brendan Cronin is calling for the removal of the ‘Protected Structure’ designation at the former St Finan's Hospital.

Cllr Brendan Cronin

The historic building has been lying idle since it closed in September 2012.

The hospital and adjoining lands are up for sale by the Health Service Executive (HSE) since then.

So far no realistic offer has been made on the site despite suggestions that it could be used for social housing, a catering college and a hotel.

Each year the building, which was built in the 1850s, falls into further disrepair.

Cronin believes its protected status is deterring potential buyers.

At Monday’s full meeting of Kerry County Council Cronin asked the Council executive to reconsider the designation.

“This is a strategically important site and the protected structure designation is a major impediment to any development or use of the building and adjacent lands, the building has been left empty and idle since closing in 2012 and taking on the burden of well over €100 million renovations has proven to be financially toxic,” he told the meeting.

“Ultimately, as time moves on it will become a derelict eyesore like similar buildings in other counties and cities. A change needs to be made in the current designation to lift the obstacles blocking the potential of this important site."

Kerry County Council management did not support the idea.

“A declaration has been issued in relation to the St Finan’s building and it is considered that the elements specified to be retained are not overly restrictive and do not impinge on the ability of this structure to be retained and renovated for a variety of uses. Kerry County Council offers a comprehensive pre-planning service and looks forward to meeting and engaging with the owners or prospective owners of the building with regard to its renovation,” said a Council official.

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Public realm works begin on Main Street and Kenmare Place

Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This phase of the project, […]

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Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This phase of the project, funded by the URDF, focuses on enhancing the streetscape and accessibility of both Main Street and Kenmare Place.
To allow the appointed contractors to carry out the investment safely, a section of the R-878 on Main Street, stretching from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, is now closed to traffic. This first period of construction is scheduled to run from April 20 until July 3.
Recognising the importance of the tourism season, the council has confirmed the street will fully reopen from July 4 to October 4 to accommodate peak summer traffic. Following this break, works will resume for a second period starting October 5 and running until December 4.
While vehicle diversions are in place, pedestrian access to all businesses and emergency service access will be maintained throughout the construction phases. Kerry County Council stated that these works are part of a wider programme to improve the safety and quality of the town centre and has thanked the public and local business owners for their cooperation during these essential improvements.

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Jordan Lee selected for Ireland’s Para Athletics relay team

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Jordan Lee selected for Ireland’s Para Athletics relay team


Killarney Valley AC has celebrated another historic milestone following the selection of international Paralympic athlete Jordan Lee for Team Ireland’s first-ever Para Athletics 4x100m Universal Relay squad.


The selection marks a landmark step for Irish Para Athletics, with the newly formed team focusing its long-term sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. Jordan, a high-jump specialist, has recently added the shot putt to his competitive disciplines, and his performance through recent trials secured his place in this groundbreaking relay unit.
The Universal Relay is a unique event in Para Athletics, featuring athletes from different impairment groups competing together. Everyone at KVAC and across the town has extended their best wishes to Jordan as he prepares to represent Ireland on the global stage.

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