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Pedestrianisation continues to divide the town

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By Sean Moriarty and Tristan O’Donoguhe

Pedestrianisation of the town centre remains as divisive as ever following the results of several different surveys this week.

On Monday next most COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted in Ireland. However, this week Kerry County Council announced that the ‘Safe Streets’ project will continue until least December 31 this year.

This means Plunkett St will remain pedestrianised and footpaths in the town centre will retain their wider footprint.

This temporary measure has been in place since July 2020 to allow for “COVID-19 Town Centre Mobility Measures”.

Killarney Advertiser Survey

The Killarney Advertiser asked readers online "after nearly two years should the current pedestrianisation of Plunkett St (and associated projects) continue or should the town return to its pre-COVID-19 layout".

Some respondents (54.12%) want to keep the current layout while 45.88% want the town centre to return to its pre-pandemic layout.

Chamber Survey

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce published the results of its extensive ‘Killarney Sentiment Survey’ this week too.

The business body, through research agency Repucon, engaged with locals, business people and visitors through three different, but linked, surveys.

Analysing that research, it would appear the pedestrianisation of Plunkett Street and Main Street in Killarney has been a hit with 58.5% of businesses saying it was effective, 34.0% not agreeing, and 7.5% saying they don’t know.

In the community survey, 72.3% described the pedestrianisation of Plunkett Street as effective, 22.4% did not agree, and 5.3% said they don’t know while, in relation to Main Street, 56.9% of the community respondents thought pedestrianisation was effective, 37.1% didn’t agree, and 6.1% had no opinion.

Under a separate survey question 38.0% would be in favour of introducing pedestrianisation all year round, 36.5% said they would prefer to continue with the current level of car free zones, and 25.5% were in favour of removing it altogether.

In related matters, 55.9% of business responses were in favour of the decision to increase the width of footpaths in the town centre during the pandemic, 34.4% were against and 9.7% didn’t know.

In the community survey responses, 57.1% were in favour of wider pavements, 36.8% were opposed and 6.0% didn’t give an opinion.

For more on the extensive 'Killarney Sentiment Survey' turn to page 12.

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Final delivery as DJ retires

By Michelle Crean There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties. Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement […]

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By Michelle Crean

There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties.

Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement from the Killarney branch of Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets, a position he has held for the last 15 years.

On Friday night, colleagues from all three Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets stores gathered in the Killarney Height’s Hotel. DJ was also joined by his daughter and her partner for the special night.

“After almost 15 years of steadfast work with Corcoran’s, DJ has been a constant pillar of support for his colleagues and has helped the company go from strength to strength,” owner Kieran Corcoran said.

“Corcoran’s would like to wish DJ the very best of luck for the future and hoping that he enjoys his retirement. Many thanks to Killarney Height’s Hotel for hosting the staff night on Friday. A great night was had by all!”

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Rowers pull together for Order of Malta

Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head. And it was all […]

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Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head.

And it was all done indoors on rowing machines in support of the Killarney Order of Malta.

Just before 11am the Valley armada ‘left shore’, and approximately 40 members aged from 12 to 50ish set to their task with enthusiasm. By midday someone reckoned that Barack Obama’s Plaza had been reached but unfortunately there was no stop for tea, just a splash of holy water, a mouthful of Lucozade and a few jelly babies for the lucky ones!

As the kilometres clicked slowly by the temperature started to rise and the cry went up from the gasping veterans to open all the doors!

No such problems for the junior relay crews who had a fantastic morning rowing, laughing, and racing each other all the way to the finish.

The junior members who took on the half-marathon distance individually were amazing throughout and got stronger as the finish line came into view.

“We’re delighted with how the morning went,” Tadhg Kelly from Flesk Valley said.

“There was a great atmosphere in the venue, and we are grateful to all the parents and Flesk Valley supporters who came along to encourage our young and not-so-young rowers. It was great too to see the members of the Order of Malta in attendance to offer their support, and the club would like to thank everyone who donated on the day.”

Tadhg also expressed his thanks to the underage coaches and committee members for looking after everyone during the event. He especially wanted to mention everyone at Celtic Steps and the Killarney Racecourse for facilitating the club and Workmens Rowing Club and Glenflesk GAA for the use of their equipment.

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