By Michelle Crean

A blueprint for the future development of a community which has a population of over 2,000 people was launched on Monday.

Locals gathered in Kilcummin Community Biodiversity Park where they shared their plans for the lively and growing community situated in East Kerry just five kilometres from Killarney town.

The development of Kilcummin's three year Community Plan was commissioned by the Kilcummin Looking Good Committee (KLG) and was part funded by NEWKD under the LEADER Rural Development Programme and Kerry County Council and the plan has been developed by Tom O’Leary & Associates.

"With a population of over 2,000 people, the biggest cohort being people under the age of 18, it is a given that the village will grow and develop along with its residents," Sinéad Collins from Kilcummin Looking Good told the Killarney Advertiser.

"The future developments that Kilcummin Looking Good hope to implement are underpinned from research, public consultation and take into account infrastructure and different demographics and socio economic backgrounds."

Some of the main features that they hope to work on over the next three years include traffic calming at the entrances to the village, pedestrian crossings and the expansion and development of footpaths, continued lobbying for an upgrade to the wastewater treatment, support the development of the facilities at the GAA grounds and Mastergeeha Soccer Pitch, further develop the Community Biodiversity Park and promote and develop biodiversity in the schools and within the clubs.

And although the Kilcummin Looking Good committee are spearheading these initiatives; a holistic approach including the schools, clubs and community members is pivotal to implementing these changes, she added.

"It is important that we create our own identity as a village and not merely a commuter village servicing Killarney."

UNIQUE

The community has its own unique characteristics and assets that need to be sustained.
"KLG acknowledge securing funding of €25,000 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020 from Kerry County Council and a contribution of €5,000 from Councillor Marie Moloney. This has allowed the further development of the Community Biodiversity Park with new wheelchair friendly walk ways, a beautifully designed storytelling circle, a ‘sense of time’ area, fresh peat free compost from our organic composter, new raised beds. It has also allowed for the provision of bike stands within the village, national schools, GAA and soccer pitches and so much more," she added.

"KLG deeply appreciate the invaluable contribution of Ian Mc Gregor (Gortbrack Organic Farm) for his work in the development of the Community Biodiversity Park and for his continued guidance and support. KLG also acknowledge the continuing excellent work in maintaining the village and Community Biodiversity Park by the employees from the local Community Employment Scheme. All updates on the continued development of our village and its surrounding areas can be found on the ‘Kilcummin Looking Good’ Facebook page," she said.

"If you are interested in volunteering your time or taking part in any of the upcoming initiatives or developments – everybody is welcome."

Copies of the three year plan are available from the Rural Development Office.