PROPOSAL: Add an objective, “Facilitate the revitalization of the Outlet Centre, and additional use of the upstairs space.”
RATIONALE: The Outlet Centre is currently underutilized, despite it being one of the largest open-space buildings in Killarney open to the public. Options should be explored to enhance its usage.
PROPOSAL: Add an objective, “Encourage and support food-sellers to reduce food waste by utilizing apps such as ‘Too Good to Go’ or by coordinating between food-sellers and charities, and to reduce packaging waste through offering food refill options (such as in Beech Road’s ‘Going Green’ shop).”
RATIONALE: Food waste is contributor to climate change, due the greenhouse gases that are unnecessarily emitted when producing the wasted foods. There are now simple yet highly effective technologies available, such as the app ‘Too Good to Go,’ that could be used by Killarney food sellers to reduce waste significantly, all the while offering fresh food to residents at reduced prices. The local authority should show leadership in working with the Chamber of Commerce and business to raise awareness around the problem of food wasted and guide business in how to work together to solve the issue.
PROPOSAL: Add an objective, “Facilitate and support local food markets and offerings such as the NeighbourFood Killarney Market and the Killarney Fruit and Veg Market in Fairhill car park.”
RATIONALE: There is a growing demand for locally produced food, not least for the high-quality of such foods. Many people have a desire to support local farmers and businesses rather than very large multinational that thrive on offering convenience to consumers. Local food producers often cannot compete with such large multinationals, and often require support to both market and sell their foods. The local authority should work with the chamber of commerce and food producer to support local food producers and offer them a space to market and sell their goods directly through the public. This would also be a way of supporting local farmers who are in a position to sell their produce direct to market. A thriving town market would also greatly enhance the atmosphere of the town.