Park Road works described as “unacceptable”

Cllr Brendan Cronin has called for the long-delayed works on Park Road to be brought to an end, describing the situation as “unacceptable” at a recent meeting of the Killarney Municipal District. He said that there has been adequate time allocated for the construction to finish and claimed it is now “dragging on”. He urged the roads department to “turn the screws and get this sorted and finished”. Mayor Killarney Mayor Grady seconded the motion, saying the whole project has been “a disaster from start to finish”. Cllr Cronin called for a final date for when the works will finish, noting that the works were originally scheduled to conclude in December but are still ongoing into May.

A new retail sub-committee of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has encouraged those with specific concerns and ideas relating to the town’s retail offering to engage with its members and allow them to represent their interests.

The committee, chaired by Killarney Outlet Centre manager Paul Sherry, involves Aoife McBride of MacBees, Enda Walshe of Quills, Brian O’Shea of Brian James and Mary Counihan of Adams Jewellers.

The main objective is to engage on behalf of retailers, both members and non- members of Chamber, with Kerry County Council and any other relevant bodies to ensure the retail offering in Killarney is afforded every opportunity to be as good and as strong as it can be.

“It is important that all bodies and groups work for the benefit of the town as a whole. These are difficult times for all business operators but, by working together, a great deal can be achieved,” said committee chairman Paul Sherry.

The sub-committee has already made initial representations to Killarney Municipal District Council officials on a number of issues including the persistent occupation of designated loading bays by private vehicles which is presenting significant operational challenges for retailers.

Retailers say they are broadly supportive of busking and street performance, but the increased prevalence of amplified and unregulated busking is causing problems due to volume and frequency.

The introduction of a long-promised CCTV system for the town centre, which has been under discussion for several years, should be introduced as a matter of priority to enhance public safety and support the town’s reputation as a secure and welcoming destination, according to the group.

Another concern is the public realm works currently underway on Main Street and Kenmare Place. While considered a hugely positive development, which will significantly enhance the overall character of the area and the town centre’s retail, commercial and tourism offerings, the group says it is important that stated targets are met and the route will be open to all traffic during the busy tourist season.

Mr Sherry thanked outgoing retail sub-committee chairman Anthony Walshe and all those who have engaged on behalf of retail for the great work that has been done in the last few years and he hopes the new group can continue that effort and add strength and vitality to all things retail in Killarney.

“The members of the committee are strategically positioned, location wise, to listen to and bring any issues that exist to committee and to the Chamber executive. We encourage all retailers, independent, corporate or otherwise, to engage with us and allow us to represent them and I am confident that we can make things happen,” the chairman said.