News
Land provision for over 4,000 housing units in Killarney
Members of Kerry County Council today adopted a variation to the current Kerry County Development Plan which has zoned sufficient residential and employment lands to meet the future development needs of the Killarney Municipal District.
In terms of lands available for employment, there are now approximately 75 hectares of undeveloped lands across the Municipal District. With respect to lands for residential development, there are now about 95 hectares of new or proposed residential lands available within the Municipal District. These lands have the potential to accommodate 4,415 units.
The newly adopted plan aims to set out a comprehensive local planning framework with clear policies and objectives including land use zoning, in the interests of the common good. The successful implementation of the Plan will have a positive impact on the Killarney MD, ensuring it develops in a sustainable manner.
In conjunction with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework (NPF), the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES) and the Kerry County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 (KCDP), this Variation will complete the planning framework for the area and complement the implementation of the policies and objectives contained in these higher-level plans.
The principal town in the Municipal District is Killarney which is designated as a Key Town in the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES) and the Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 (KCDP).
Rathmore, Barraduff and Kilcummin occupy important roles as District Towns for the area as identified in the County Development Plan.
Developers urged to act as deadline looms for Killarney affordable housing
Kerry County Council has issued a final call to developers to submit expressions of interest for affordable housing and turnkey acquisitions in Killarney. The deadline for submissions is set for 4:00 pm. on Friday, February.
According to the CEO report presented at Monday's full council meeting in Tralee, the council is seeking developers for turnkey acquisitions across the county, as well as specific affordable housing submissions for Killarney and Tralee.
These initiatives are aimed at increasing the local housing supply through advance purchase arrangements for residential developments.
Enquiries regarding the Turnkey Open Call can be made to turnkey@kerrycoco.ie, while those interested in the Affordable Housing call should contact affordablehousing@kerrycoco.ie.
Speaking after the meeting, the Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Martin Grady, made a strong appeal to developers to engage with the scheme before the February deadline. He esiad that the current shortage of affordable options is pricing a specific group of residents out of the town.
“Killarney is currently experiencing a serious shortage of affordable homes, especially for individuals and families who do not qualify for social housing because they are above the income threshold, yet still cannot afford to purchase a home on the open market,” Mayor Grady said.
He added that this gap in the market is having a "profound impact" on young families and first-time buyers who want to remain in Killarney but are struggling with escalating house prices and the high cost of living. "I wish to strongly encourage developers to express their interest in developing affordable housing on suitable sites within the town," he siad.
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
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