Concern has been voiced about plans to demolish feature stone pillars, walls and railings at the entrance to the former St Lelia’s Church in Fossa as part of an overall traffic calming plan in the area which was unanimously approved by Killarney Municipal District Council.
One of 28 public submissions received by the council before a vote was taken on the matter questioned the need to knock the existing traditional stone wall given that the structure has been in place since 1840.
The wall, pillars and gates lead to a car park for the building which is now used as a community centre and it is used as a drop-off and collection point for children attending the immediately adjacent Fossa National School.
Queries about the demolition plan were contained in a joint submission sent to senior council management by Cllr Marie Moloney, Cllr Brendan Cronin and Cllr John O’Donoghue.
In response, the council said it is deemed necessary to upgrade the community centre car park to improve the area as a drop-off and collection point for pupils and the main entrance pillars will be taken down and reconstructed using the existing stone.
The council said it has consulted in advance with the school and the landowner regarding the proposed lay-out.
“The proposal does not conflict with any conservation or archaeological objectives provided for in the Kerry County Development Plan 2015-2021,” the council stressed.
Officials said they will will remain in contact with the school and the landowner and the current arrangement is that parents are encouraged to drop-off their children in the community car park or the church car-park across the road and walk them to the school gate.
Two spaces will be set aside in the community centre car park for minibus set-down or parking bays and a designated disabled person’s parking space will be provided in front of the school with two more blue badge spaces to be located in the community centre car park.
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