A PRIME town centre community facility, under lock and key since it was generously donated to the people of Killarney five years ago, is finally to get a new lease of life.
A long-term legal wrangle had resulted in the Áras Phadraig community hall and clubrooms being deemed off limits since it was gifted to the town by the Franciscan Order.
Fears had been expressed that unless the situation was resolved before the town council is abolished this month, the property could become totally derelict.
But it emerged this week that all legal impediments have now been overcome and the facility will be reopened following essential repair work to be funded by the council.
The Lewis Road complex, which houses a theatre-style hall and balcony, several meeting rooms, a multi-purpose area and a spacious kitchen, was handed over by the Franciscan community in May 2009.
As a result of a legal stand-off, however, the doors remained bolted, an adjoining car park had been blocked off and nothing has been done to open the facilities to the general public.
Cllr Seán Counihan, who has raised the matter at council level on several occasions, was told the matter was in the hands of the county law agent as difficulties about the ownership and future of the facility had to be addressed.
But he was assured this week that the problems have now been overcome and the facility will be back in use once essential electrical and extensive decorative work is completed.
“I’m delighted that my persistence has paid off and that the finances will be made available for the refurbishment so that it can be returned to the town and the many organisations that have used it previously,” he said.
When the hall and grounds were given to the council, the Franciscans specified that any future development should be carried out in conjunction with the Kerry Parents and Friends Association and used for community purposes.
The Aras Phadraig, which covers 2,623sq meters, was built in 1960 and substantially extended in the mid 1980s. It has been used in the past for concerts, public meetings, election counts, a variety of sporting activities, youth drama and blood donation clinics.
When the facility was donated to the town, in 2009, the council described the gesture as one of the most generous gifts the people of Killarney ever received.
