Killarney sports hall chosen as count centre for Kerry

An indoor sports arena in Killarney has been selected as the count centre for the new single constituency of Kerry.

A row had broken out before the election was even called and a venue selected, with some Tralee councillors saying the count should take place in the county town, Tralee, while Listowel councillors suggested it might be held in their town.

Kerry has been united for the first time as a single constituency since 1937.

Holding counts in out-of- town sports and fitness centres was also criticised, with the absence of hot food and lack of convivial atmosphere highlighted.

However, Kerry County registrar Padraig Burke has confirmed the count is to be held in the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre, a municipal centre on the N22 Killarney bypass. It is Kerry’s largest indoor sports arena.

However, the centre is not without political form, as it was opened officially by former ceann comhairle and minister John O’Donoghue, who in his tourism port- folio helped secure key government funding for it and who later lost his seat there.

It is understood that local bus operators may consider offering a shuttle bus service ferrying visitors in and out of Killarney town centre.

Mr Burke had investigated a number of hotels and venues but uninterrupted availability for up to a week was a key factor.

Safety and security of the count, clear visibility, and accommodation of staff and visitors were important too.

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Mr Burke said that the Killarney Sports and Leisure venue had been tried and tested and as well as local and general elections, had been the sorting centre for all four electoral areas in Kerry for the last local and European elections.

The electorate in both constituencies of Kerry South and Kerry North-West Limerick in 2011 numbered over 123,000 — but west Limerick is not included in 2016.

The current register of electors is being finalised.