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Local councillors are expressing optimism that the upcoming L'Etape Ireland event could serve as a catalyst for bringing a stage of the Tour de France to Killarney.

The L'Etape, a cycling event inspired by the Tour de France, will take place on September 7.

A emergency meeting of the Killarney Municipal District was held on Thursday morning to discuss the impact of the event as the Port Road will be closed to traffic for the duration of the event.

Several councillors expressed belief that the event could showcase Killarney's suitability as a potential host location

At the meeting councillors discussed the potential impact of the L'Etape on the town and also the possibility of attracting a future Tour de France stage.

Residents and business owners had raised concerns that the road closurers for the event could have a negative impact on the town.

Councillors called on Kerry County Council’s executive to change the current ways road closures for events are publicised.

However, they also agreed L'Etape – which is endorsed by Le Tou de France organisers – could be the first step in securing a stage of the world’s biggest bike race to the town.

“The spin off from this is the possibility of bringing the Tour de France to Kllarney,” said Cllr Niall Kelleher.

Cllr Brendan Cronin called for proper Garda presence at critical junction during next week’s event.

“This is a line to the Tour de France,” he added.

Cllr John O’Donoghue said: “This is a huge event for the town, it is a precursor to the Tour de France.”

The last time time the iconic race was held in Ireland was 1998.

The Tour de France is the world's most prestigious cycling race, and its arrival in Kerry would be a major coup for the country.