Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan
A KERRY politician has told of his disappointment after his call for a remembrance garden for victims of Covid-19 to be developed within the boundaries of Killarney House and Gardens was rejected.
Cllr Michael Cahill said he notes the response from Minister of State for Heritage, Malcom Noonan, with deep disappointment.
“I had not envisaged that this little project would impact in any way on how people currently enjoy that public space. Neither would I wish to disturb any aesthetic or vision laid out there at enormous expense,” Cllr Cahill insisted.
He said Killarney House was put forward only as a possible location by a number of people.
“Personally, I believe Killarney House and Gardens would make the perfect location for this county project as it already has peace, tranquility and beauty in abundance, with parking available in the town,” Cllr Cahill stated.
He said the central theme of his proposal was for a remembrance garden to be provided for the relatives and friends of all those who passed away, without recourse to the traditional Irish grieving process, who would appreciate a place of peace, tranquility and contemplation.
He said it is very disappointing that it is not possible that people could have the vision to utilise the national park in a way that many more people could appreciate and understand its many possibilities.
“It would also be a special place for all those who were not able to visit loved ones who passed away in hospitals and nursing homes since the beginning of the Covid pandemic to visit and reflect. Its location, while very important of course, is only secondary,” Cllr Cahill insisted,
He has now called on Kerry County Council to take the project on board and asked all councillors to work together to deliver the facility for the people of Kerry.
“I’m sure that it is not beyond us to come up with an alternative suitable space” added Councillor Cahill.
