News
Green Lawn residents voice opposition to proposed car park
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Residents in the Green Lawn area of Killarney have expressed t anger and concern over Kerry County Council's plans to develop a 139-space car park in their neighbourhood.
The proposal, which is currently undergoing public consultation as part of the planning process, has sparked widespread opposition among locals in the area.
Many residents fear that the chosen location will increase existing traffic congestion, as the proposed entrance to the car park is on the already heavily trafficked Mission Road.
Furthermore, those living in Green Lawn are worried about the potential negative impact of increased noise and footfall on their residential area, which is home to many elderly individuals who have lived there for generations.
Dominic Rintoul, whose elderly mother lives close to the proposed site said: "We do not feel this is an appropriate place for a car park. There is already grid-lock coming and going from Mission Road, and this will only add to it."
Residents of Green Lawn held a public meeting Wednesday night, to discuss the issue further. Several elected councillors were invited to attend, with residents hoping for their support in opposing the development.
However it seems that there is 50/50 support for and against building the car park within the ranks of the elected councillors and it remains to be seen what the final outcome will be.
Killarney's struggle with parking is a tale as old as time, it seems. The current debate over a proposed car park in the Green Lawn area perfectly captures the town's ongoing challenge: the undeniable need for more parking spaces versus the understandable resistance from residents to developments that disrupt their neighbourhoods.
While it's clear that Killarney, the "event capital" of the country, requires adequate parking to support its tourism and local economy, the approach to finding solutions needs a serious rethink.
Killarney is not short on land, and it's time to explore alternative, less disruptive options. The idea of using some of the grounds of St. Finan’s Hospital is a prime example. It's government-owned, relatively close to the town centre (a short ten-minute walk), and could potentially alleviate parking pressure without directly impacting a residential area. Why is this not a serious contender?
Furthermore, where is the much-promised multi-story car park? This solution, while not without its own challenges, could concentrate parking in a more central location, freeing up ground-level space elsewhere. There is one mooted for the lower New Street car park – just metres form the current Green Lane proposition – so why the need for Green Lane if the multi-story is to be built?
And let's not forget the long-term vision. A Farranfore to Killarney bypass is crucial. By diverting through traffic away from the town centre, we can significantly reduce the pressure on our roads and parking facilities.
Killarney's very success contributes to its parking woes. As an events capital, the town consistently attracts large crowds. The more parking we provide, the more it will be filled. So, while addressing the immediate need is essential, we must also focus on promoting sustainable transportation options and managing demand.
The fifth annual Pedal for Grace community fundraiser will take place in Firies on Saturday, September 5, with organisers aiming to push total funds raised past the €90,000 milestone.
Held in honour of local girl Grace O’Sullivan, who lives with Stargardt disease, the event brings together cyclists, walkers, and supporters from across the local community to raise vital funds for Vision Ireland. Over the past four years, the initiative has raised almost €90,000 for the national sight loss charity.
This year’s event offers options for all fitness levels, including a 60km route, shorter spins, and a walking course, with tandem options also available. Following the physical challenges, the day will feature a community barbecue, family fun activities, a raffle, and an evening of music and entertainment.
Grace was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that affects central vision and causes progressive sight loss. The annual event was established by her family to raise awareness and support Vision Ireland’s work, which provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, and assistive technology to help people living with visual impairments maintain independence.
Members of the public are invited to register in advance or support the event in Firies on the day. Full details and registration information are available on the Vision Ireland website.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
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