€50k study aims to find solutions to traffic delays in Killarney
However, the proposals in a traffic study — which cost €50,000 to produce — have come under fire.
The study discovered what had been a normal three-minute journey along the main tourist route, the Muckross Road, was taking three times longer than in recent years due to the lack of car parking spaces at peak times.
On the north-western side of the tourist haven, “extensive queues” were also observed.
The report by consultants Malachy Walsh and Partners also showed most traffic had plans to stop in Killarney town, a tourist destination in itself.
However, any proposals for town centre multi-storey car parks would only add to congestion, the study suggested.
It also indicated jarveys should be relocated from their island stand at the Hahah to enhance traffic circulation.
Cllr Maura Healy-Rae, who raised issues in the report, said a multi-storey car park was vital for Killarney and it should be in the heart of the town. Parking charges in the Cathedral car park are under consideration, but the move would affect church goers, she claimed.
“I am against the proposal to reduce the allocation of parking permits to residents or to give them permits for the nearest car park.”
She said the idea to increase use of the Woodlawn/Ballycasheen road for traffic on the Muckross Road heading to Cork was a “bizarre proposal” given the large number of dwellings and housing estates on the route.
Relocating the jarveys, she insisted, was also a “no-no”.
“The jarveys are one of Killarney’s biggest tourist attractions and are one of the things that make Killarney unique. It is hugely important for easy access for visitors that the jarveys are in the town,” she said.
Other suggestions in the plan include large tour buses returning from the Ring of Kerry should “set down” passengers before entering the town.
“A transport hub” for taxis, private cars, bicycles, and buses near the train and bus station is strongly urged in he study, s well as high-quality pedestrian links.
The provision of a Gaelscoil Road link between Deerpark on the N22 bypass would reduce peak hour traffic flows to the Deerpark shopping area and congestion on Park Road, it was also suggested.
