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Popular businessman Tommy Cooper, proprietor of Cinema Killarney, has thanked locals for their support following the news that a proposed second cinema has been given the green light for Killarney.

Speaking exclusively to the Advertiser, Mr Cooper said plans are in place to redevelop the beloved picture house, which has been the site of a cinema for decades.

“Firstly, just to say that Marla and I are deeply grateful for all the supportive comments over the past week,” he said. “We have taken on board suggestions and an application will be made based on the public’s suggestions to optimise the site to provide for a full array of educational, entertainment and exhibition facilities in the next development of Cinema Killarney.

“The current planning that has already been approved to upgrade the existing facilities will proceed at the end of the summer and we are looking forward to continuing the family’s involvement in providing the highest standard of entertainment to Killarney in the coming years.”

Plans for another cinema on the site of the old Torc Great Southern Hotel on the Park Road have been greeted with opposition from the majority of locals, many of whom have questioned the need for another cinema in a town of Killarney’s size. In a poll carried out on the Killarney Advertiser Facebook page, 65% of respondents said they didn’t think the new development was a good idea.

As these Facebook comments show, a number of interesting alternatives have been suggested by our readers. What do you think? Let us know via Facebook or by emailing newsdesk@killarneyadvertiser.

Deirdre Foley: We already have a cinema! I would prefer to see a multi-purpose entertainment complex with indoor activities for kids/teens families both local and visitors with bowling lanes, pool tables, a diner and maybe an indoor play centre. We have a great tourist town but it's lacking in suitable indoor activities for rainy days and evenings.

Mark O’Brien: Isn’t it a pity the people of Killarney weren’t surveyed before planning permission was granted? A lot of people are quite angry over this. Obviously some will welcome it but I feel the majority will feel it’s a wasted opportunity for some other venture.

Chris Rogan: Why do we need another cinema? Just absolute silly there is one already. If they could fix the roads it would be better. 

Agnieszka Rzucidlo: A skatepark could be a good idea.

Hazel Norris: We need something different like a jumpzone or indoor all-year ice rink or bowling or skateboard park or roller disco.