The long-awaited Teen Hangout Area for Killarney looks set to be developed on Park Road, with the proposed location identified as the layby across from the entrance to the Ardshanavooly estate, the Killarney Advertiser understands.

The project, which received €50,000 in funding earlier this year, is being advanced by Kerry County Council and will now go through a Part 8 public planning consultation before it can be approved by the elected councillors of the Killarney Municipal District.

The proposed site will feature an outdoor shelter, seating area, Bluetooth speakers, outdoor exercise units, bike racks, and a secure outdoor locker.

The design will also include wheelchair-accessible facilities to ensure it can be enjoyed by all young people.

Mayor Cllr Martin Grady welcomed the progress, saying it was “certainly not before time,” adding that Killarney has long lacked suitable youth amenities and spaces for both young people and community groups.

KWD Recycling has taken home top honours at the inaugural Repak Resource Awards 2025, winning the Waste Recovery Operator and Facility Award at a ceremony held in The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin.

The new-look Repak Resource Awards, formerly known as the Pakman Awards, are Ireland’s National Environmental Awards, recognising excellence in waste prevention, recycling, reuse, circular design, and community-led sustainability initiatives

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Sponsored by the Irish Waste Management Association, the Waste Recovery Operator and Facility Award celebrates companies that set the standard for innovation and leadership in resource recovery.

KWD Recycling, one of Ireland’s largest family-owned recycling groups, was recognised for its significant investment in a state-of-the-art Killarney facility that recovers recyclables from general waste.

Working in partnership with Tomra and European processing plants, KWD now diverts over 10% of plastics and 50% of organics from disposal.

Beyond its technical achievements, KWD has also led strong community education programmes and continues to play a key role in the annual County Clean-Up.

The company views residual waste as a valuable resource and plans to expand recovery rates further by adding new metal separation systems and developing an Irish-based plastic recycling facility.

Speaking after the awards, Repak CEO Zoe Kavanagh praised KWD Recycling’s innovation and leadership in the sector.

“We are delighted to recognise KWD Recycling for its outstanding commitment to innovation and leadership in waste management.

As one of Ireland’s largest family-owned recycling groups, KWD continues to demonstrate how investment in advanced infrastructure and technology can deliver real progress toward a circular economy.

Their new Killarney facility, community engagement, and ongoing efforts to treat residual waste as a valuable resource reflect best practice in Ireland’s recycling sector,” she said.