Global chain stores will be asked to tailor their signs and tone down their colour schemes to a more traditional palette under new guidelines published by Kerry County Council in a bid to protect distinctive shop fronts.

The surprise U-turn by the new council came after the new office of the Planning Regulator intervened and warned that "the substantial parcel of lands" was outside the core area of Knightstown

Famous Kerry footballer Mick O’Connell and a neighbour are battling with county council and department of local government planners opposed to land on Valentia Island, Co Kerry, being designated for low-density housing