PROPOSAL: Add an objective, “Provide outdoor covered seating facilities in the town centre (for example, in the ‘car park’ area between High Street, New Market Lane, Bohereencael Glebe, and Old Market Lane Square – see the proposal below in the Opportunity Sites section) similar to what has been set up at Prince Street in Cork City, not only for the purpose of outdoor dining but also to provide a place for residents and visitors to sit outside in shelter to socialize, all the while enhancing the atmosphere of the town.”
RATIONALE: There is a dearth of outdoor seating facilities in the town centre, and such facilities would likely enhance the atmosphere of the town, which is a key aspect of urban regeneration. In particular, this proposal would align with objective five of the Killarney Town Strategic Objectives: “Ensure that the town is attractive, liveable, vibrant, and a well-designed urban place…” While the proposal gives the area near the Glebe as an example, this area could of course be used for other purposes, but in such a case another suitable area should be endeavoured to be found.
PROPOSAL: Add an objective, “On lands owned by the council, grass should be cut infrequently to increase biodiversity and to show leadership in taking steps, however small, in tackling the biodiversity crisis”.
RATIONALE: The government declared a biodiversity emergency in 2019, and it would be entirely appropriate for the local authority to show leadership in Killarney by taking steps to enhance biodiversity. While KA29 refers to working with stakeholders regarding grassland management, it is important to include an explicit policy point regarding the council own actions regarding council-owned land.