By Michelle Crean

Killarney’s remarkable gold medal performance in this year’s national Tidy Towns competition should be a source of great pride to everybody in the town, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has said.

TRAFFIC: Cllr Maura Healy-Rae hit out at the Council for not producing a detailed traffic plan at Wednesday's Killarney Municipal District meeting.

PRAISE: Mayor of Killarney Niall Kelleher praised the work of volunteers in this year's Tidy Towns competition.

This year the hard working group increased its overall mark by nine points, to 361.

Competition judges were more than impressed by the high standard of upkeep and presentation in the town saying they were "very impressed at the small volume of fresh litter" that they saw.

Other comments included the KASI community garden which they said was "very impressive and where great crops of vegetables, fruit trees and fruit bushes are grown beside stunning floral displays", adding that the "the bin storage units at Chapel Lane with the colourful murals make the area bright and inviting".

There were a few negative points however, from weed growth to too many 'Bee Friendly' signs.

"You have installed addition ‘Bee Friendly’ signs throughout the town ….don’t overdo the installation of signage as remember it’s the streetscape or natural area we want to see not signage and their associated poles!"

Chamber President Niall Kelleher thanked and congratulated all the businesses, residents’ associations, community groups and individuals who have played their part in ensuring Killarney is presented in the best possible light.

Mr Kelleher also thanked all those involved in the local Tidy Towns committee for volunteering their services for the weekly clean-up work throughout the year and, he said, it made all the difference when the adjudicators paid their annual visits to the town during the busy summer months.

The Chamber President said everybody in the town should be particularly grateful to the management and staff of Kerry County Council for the investment they have made in keeping Killarney Looking Good and for having the vision to implement a number of projects which have helped enormously in Killarney achieving its stated goals.

“The outdoor staff in the Killarney Municipal District Council area, led by Noel O’Leary, are a real force to be reckoned with when it comes to polishing the jewel in the crown of Kerry tourism," he said.

“The work that they do on a daily basis has to be seen to be believed. They are a tremendously dedicated bunch of workers and Killarney owes them an enormous gratitude.”

Johnny McGuire from Killarney Tidy towns also praised the volunteers and Council staff.

"On behalf of the volunteers we'd like to acknowledge the fantastic work of the outdoor staff of Kerry County Council who we have the great hour of working with. It's a testament to the hard working community of volunteer."

He added that it's also bittersweet without Yvonne Quill who passed away in September.

"I would like to acknowledge Yvonne's great contribution over the years. It's the first time without her in 25 years and it's a huge void. She is sadly missed by all the volunteers."