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News that Killarney is to get a second cinema has caused quite a stir over the past couple of days with strong opinions on both sides of the divide. While some have welcomed the move, others have questioned the need of another cinema in a town of Killarney’s size.

The new five-screen cinema will be located on the site of the old Torc Great Southern Hotel on the Park Road, opposite Arshanavooley housing estate. The two-storey building will consist of 2,500 square metres, a restaurant spanning both floors and 200 parking spaces. It will be operated by Omniplex, the company behind the cinema in Tralee.

The largest screen will be a premium large format (PLF) screen with 301 seats. The second largest will have 115 seats and the remaining four will provide 95 seats each.

Kerry County Council initially refused planning for the new facility on the grounds that it would affect the tourism product and the night-time economy of the town. They also claimed it would lead to unsustainable single-car trips. An Bórd Pleanála subsequently overturned that decision, however, and it now appears as though the new development will be going ahead.

Announcing details of the development, the planning officer claimed the new cinema “would not seriously injure the amenities of the area”.

Generally speaking, the move has not been greeted positively by the people of Killarney. In a poll carried out on the Killarney Advertiser Facebook page, 64% of respondents said the new cinema was not a good idea (at time of going to print).

It certainly seems like a strange decision. We already have a good cinema in Killarney. Do we really need another? It’s great that a site which has been vacant for a long time is finally being put to use, but surely they could have thought of something a bit more original.

If nothing else, the new development lacks entrepreneurial spirit. Our readers have already suggested a number of more innovative amenities, such as a bowling alley, laser tag or indoor karting. What do you think? Let us know via our Facebook page or by emailing newsdesk@killarneyadvertiser.ie

Facebook Poll 

A second five-screen cinema has been confirmed for Killarney, on the site of the old Torc Great Southern Hotel on Park Road. We want to hear your opinion... Is this a good idea?

Yes: 36%

No: 64%