Dear Sir/Madam
I wish to make the following submission and observations in relation to Kenmare and its environs, i will obviously get an opportunity to elaborate more and discuss various other areas after all submissions are submitted and the Manager makes a draft report.
Public realm:
It is good to see more and better public realm in our towns and villages to make them better places to live in and visit. Please ensure there is adequate access for emergency services and deliveries.
Parking:
Parking is needed towards the top of the town, and a few more locations near the town centre. Hopefully the field adjacent to the Convent will materialise and that a foot bridge and path connecting with the schools and a car park will be put in place.
Active travel measures:
Please put in place active travel measures in Kenmare Town including the approach roads to the town where there is a high concentration of residential homes and Tourism accommodation.
Especially the N71 from Tubrid Cross, R569 Cross roads, N71 from the Two mile bridge, from Dromnevane and Kilmurry and from the Suspension Bridge.
Relief road:
It is essential that Phase 2 of the Kenmare inner relief road is built for better connectivity and to ease congestion. Please make this a priority.
Walkways:
Kenmare needs more walkways and connectivity especially from the Peninsula Lands to the Town, and along the shore line. It's important for locals and visitors to have substantial walks ideally in scenic locations where there is no danger from traffic.
Greenway:
It should be a priority in Kerry's Greenway strategy to have connectivity with the South Kerry Greenway and especially with Killarney, people should be able to cycle and walk from Kenmare Town Centre to Killarney Town centre and back without having to meet little or no traffic. The potential for Tourism and for the well being of locals would be huge. Improvements to the Beara Way and Kerry way would be welcomed too.
Enterprise:
I appreciate there is a strong focus on making Kenmare a centre of excellence for Tourism, however I believe there is not enough focus on alternative employment and Enterprise.
We need a digital hub and enterprise units in ore near the town centre.
Arts & Culture:
The Kenmare Area has always attracted a wide variety of talented and creative people who have contributed greatly to the social and economic fabric of the area. We are very fortunate to have the Carnegie Arts Centre in the area and it is great to see various community groups get to use it. The centre needs more support from Kerry County Council and from the Dept of Arts.
An Artists Hub is also needed for the Town and I encourage KCC to source a suitable building. Such a building could also have a museum for the famous Kenmare Lace.
Dereliction & Vacancy:
Thankfully there are not too many derelict buildings in Kenmare, however where ones are identified Kerry County Council should initially liaise with owners and if there is little cooperation without valid reasons, the laws pertaining getting such buildings into use should be used fully.
Public toilets and showering facilities at Kenmare PIer:
These are needed for the many visitors, swimmers and sports clubs using the wonderful facility on a daily basis.
Town renewal:
It is of vital importance that a Town & Village Renewal Scheme and Rural Regeneration project is secured.
Housing
- There should be a special emphasis and encouragement of 1 & 2 bedroom units for older persons near the town centre, such a cluster should have adequate exercise and medical facilities.
- Designated housing for people with disabilities, so that people with special needs could live independently yet with adequate supports.
- Affordable 3/4 bedroom units with decent size gardens are needed for families.
Water:
Thankfully in recent years we got a new water treatment facility and the wastewater upgrade is currently underway, however it is essential that extra water is sourced for a growing population.
Flood Relief Scheme:
That KCC do all they can to advance the project in a timely manner. residences and businesses cannot wait for another 5 years for defences and flood relief measures.
Convent building and lands:
Hopefully the acquisition of the above property goes through shortly, the convent should be used for community purposes and the grounds to include a nicely designed car park, walkway along the river, and picnic areas.
Lighting of the Suspension Bridge:
The lighting of the iconic bridge would be a wonderful feature for Kenmare. Different lights for occasions. Such a measure would be environmentally friendly and would cost little, the ducting is already in place.
Please acknowledge safe receipt of the above submission.
Yours sincerely
Patrick