Councilors give green light to Killarney outdoor dining room

Fáilte Ireland funding of € 604,505 has been approved in principle for the project, which is part of a national funding program of € 9 million. The area in question is 620 square meters, of which 210 square meters are included in a covered dining area. A 0.7 meter high perimeter wall will run along the side of the road, with glass mesh in place. Two bus drop docks will be located on East Avenue Road, as well as two 15-minute parking drop docks in front of Handy stores. Half of its seats will be available for public use, while neighboring businesses will use the rest of the seats.

A public notice of the plan was first published in The Kerryman in mid-July, and public consultation lasted until September 1. Seven individuals or organizations, including An Garda Síochána, filed comments.

Responding to concerns raised during this phase, the local authority said it had developed additional parking facilities to address the removal of eight parking spaces for this project. A perimeter wall will prevent buses from stopping at the location, the council said, and delivery arrangements will be provided at College Square. Garbage cans will be available nearby and the local authority has engaged with neighboring businesses on maintenance protocols for the area.

It was stressed at the meeting that the area would remain the property of County Kerry Council and that the seats for public use would be clearly marked. The meeting also learned that some € 275,000 in outdoor infrastructure funding was being drawn for other parts of the city, with a view to carrying out work later in the year.

Work on the Kenmare Place project is scheduled to start before the end of the year and finish before the 2022 tourist season.