CINEMA TRAFFIC: Construction of the new cinema on Park Road was a strong talking point at Wednesday's Council meeting. Photo: Francis Foley

By Sean Moriarty

Elected members of Killarney Municipal District have warned that the new cinema currently under construction at Park Road will cause further traffic problems for the town.

Last year Kerry County Council refused planning permission for the development on the former Torc Great Southern Hotel site but the decision was overturned by An Bord Pleanála.

Construction commenced last year and over the last few months the new building is taking shape – much to the annoyance of many locals who feel the high rise building is blocking views of the mountains and National Park.

Kerry County Council had refused planning on the grounds that it would affect both the night-time economy of the town and the tourism product. It also said it would give rise to unsustainable single-car trips.

Cllr Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan was one of several elected members that voiced his concern at Wednesday’s Killarney Municipal District meeting. He cited excessive traffic in the area in the run up to Christmas was a forewarning to what lies ahead once the cinema is completed later this year.

“The planning was refused because of traffic flow but the big dog comes in and An Bord Pleanála overturn it,” he told the meeting. “It is going to be a big problem for us going forward.”

Cllr Marie Moloney said members of the public are blaming the Council for “allowing this to happen”. Mayor Gleeson said “This is not needed. There is already a very viable cinema in town and his business will be impacted”.