News
Solution to traffic issue in sight
E
EXCLUSIVE
By Sean Moriarty
Following a meeting with local residents Killarney Municipal District will prepare a draft traffic management plan in an effort to eliminate unnecessary traffic from O’Sullivan’s Place.
Residents are concerned for their own safety after a notable increase in traffic through the area’s narrow streets. Motorists use the lanes as a way of avoiding traffic queues that build up on St Anne’s Road and continue down Lewis Road, particularly at peak times and during the busy summer months.
Several elected councillors tabled similar motions at this week’s Killarney Municipal District meeting.
Cllr Maura Healy Rae asked if there is any progress on a request to trial a closure of the St Anne’s Road entrance to the estate while Cllr Niall Kelleher asked if there had been any progress on requests made by residents to find a solution to reduce traffic in the area.
Senior Kerry County Council officials confirmed at Wednesday’s meeting that they had met with residents and that a no-entry system at the St Anne’s Road entrance was the solution that found most favour with locals.
“Following the traffic count and speed survey which had been carried out, Kerry County Council had an on-site meeting with residents of O’Sullivan’s Place. As a result of this, Kerry County Council are preparing design drawings for traffic calming which it intends to place on public display before the end of the year,” the Council said.
The decision was welcomed but the Council was warned that if the plan was not successful it would have to be revisited. Concerns were raised that in previous cases, plans could not be reversed without a second public consultation and elected members were concerned that the new traffic plan could become a permanent fixture, even in the event of the new plan not working.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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