Controversial Killarney car park given go-ahead by council despite local objections

Car park to be sited on Mission Road, which runs between Muckross and the Ring of Kerry, one of the busiest tourist routes in the county

Mission Road, Killarney: Residents said the car park would seriously and adversely affect this 'unique residential enclave' of old Killarney. Picture: Don MacMonagle

Councillors in Killarney have voted by a narrow majority to create a 139-space car park in a green area in the oldest part of the town.

The controversial proposal for the Green Lawn had attracted 45 submissions from the public, with the majority, 38, opposed to the plan.

The site, which is privately owned and zoned opportunity /residential, is to be leased for 15 years. It is near schools, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Killarney National Park, as well as businesses on Lower New Street.

The vote had been adjourned and the councillors at the adjourned meeting rescinded their earlier decision to remove an exit-entrance onto the N71 Mission Road.

Mission Road, which runs between Muckross and the Ring of Kerry, is arguably the busiest tourist route in Kerry, and long delays are a daily experience heading west to the Fossa/Killorglin side of the ring.

Gardaí had expressed grave reservations about the exit, saying Mission Road was already clogged with traffic.

They welcomed the provision of a car park but said: “Mission Road already experiences high volumes of traffic and traffic congestion is a daily occurrence”.

Residents said the car park would seriously and adversely affect this “unique residential enclave” of old Killarney.

Among the handful in favour were leading local businesses, including hoteliers, who said the town needed additional parking and current lack of parking was “hampering locals and visitors”.

The special meeting to vote on the Part 8 planning process drew heated exchanges between some members. At the end, four councilors voted for and three voted against the plans.

Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady voted against the development car park, which he said would undermine longer term plans for a multi-storey.

“The Green Lawn will soon become Black Lawn,” he said of the plans.

Mr Grady said the majority of the 38 objections were from residents living within close proximity of the car park.

“Their views must be taken into consideration,” he said.

This article was funded by the Local Democracy Scheme