A REPORT claiming that outdoor dining pods were being considered for Killarney has been dismissed by Kerry County Council.
It had been claimed that transparent, dome-shaped pods, similar to those found in some European cities, were to be placed along Kenmare Place where a lay-by has been closed off as part of the Covid-19 Safe Streets initiative.
In association with local businesses, the council has plans to create a suitable outdoor dining space in the area but no specifics are available. It emerged today, however, that there are no plans to provide a pod-style of dining out option.
Cllr Niall Kelleher, who is also President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, said the report had led to upset in the town.
“When something appears in the media that is factually incorrect and we, as a local authority, know it’s incorrect, it needs to be called out,” he said.
“Unfortunately, something went out there, with relevant innocence, regarding the outside dining in Killarney and it appeared in a media source. It had our town up in arms,” he added.
“There have been other experiences like that and I would like if something that is factually incorrect is brought to the attention of our management that the matter is cleared up,” Cllr Kelleher said.
Council chief executive, Moira Murrell, said when incorrect articles are published, the council’s press office attempts to make contact with the media involved to advise that it is not correct.
Cllr Brendan Cronin said he has a big issue with the fact that council management had picked the area in Kenmare Place area for further outdoor dining works and it had caused “a big hoo-ha in Killarney”.
“There could be two or maybe three locations, like College Street of New Street or High Street or Milk Market or Old Market lanes,” he said.
Cllr Cronin said the space outside the new ANAM centre on East Avenue Road would be ideal and it could accommodate up to 10 or 15 tables but there was no mention of that.
“It’s a beauftiful area and we’ve spent a fortune there,” he said.
Cllr Cronin, who is the Mayor of Killarney, said council management had already made that decision before they briefed local councillors online last Thursday.
“I have serious issues and concerns at the way that was done,” he said.
