Ring of Kerry town plans new focus on tourism interests

THOUSANDS of tourists pass through a Ring of Kerry town each year, without stopping to look around, spend a few euro, or view see the sights.

However, a focus on the riverfront for the development of amenities and tourism-related uses should enhance Caherciveen and even tempt visitors to linger awhile, according to a new plan for the town. A marina is already proving to be an attraction, while a new-look town square is also proposed for Caherciveen, hometown of Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue.

But, townspeople are concerned about the lack of parking, the loss of a public car park in Church Street, which would be incorporated into the new town square, and the rezoning of land around the town.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Paul O’Donoghue welcomed the broad thrust of the Kerry County Council plan which, he believed, would benefit Caherciveen.

“Up to now, the riverfront has not been exploited, but it has tremendous possibilities for both amenity and commercial uses that will attract tourists. At present, many tourists drive through Caherciveen without seeing the riverfront and other attractions.”

Local people and some outside commercial interests have made 14 submissions to the plan.

Michael O’Neill, of Renard, Caherciveen, has proposed that 29 acres on the western side be entirely zoned for residential/hotel and leisure uses because of low employment levels in the area and the need to accommodate holiday homes.

An Taisce has made a number of submissions, stressing the need for open space/amenity areas, particularly in the riverfront area. It also said enough land had been zoned for residential purposes to cover the time span of the plan. An Taisce also wants an old building, Caherciveen’s first church, listed in the record of protected structures.

Meanwhile, the campaign to raise e5 million for the restoration of the O’Connell Memorial Church is to continue in 2006.

Dedicated in 1902 to the memory of the area’s most famous son, Daniel O’Connell, the church has fallen into serious disrepair.

The fund-raising campaign has gone international has already yielded €750,000, according to Caherciveen parish priest Canon Eoin Mangan.

Restoration work will include re-roofing, replacing water pipes and gutters, as well as the replacement of stained glass and leaded windows.