Greater connectivity, particularly focusing on better access by rail, air and road to and from Kerry, was close to the top of the agenda when the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce executive met with Finance Minister, Jack Chambers, for an important pre-election briefing.
The cost of doing business, greater supports for smaller operators and the need for a more intense focus on the provision of housing also formed a key part of their discussions which were facilitated by Fianna Fáil general election candidate Linda Gordon Kelleher.
The Chamber executive met with Minister Chambers in the Killarney Park Hotel while he was canvassing with the candidate and the business representative organisation described the encounter as constructive, practical and helpful.
“He was well briefed on the topics of key interest here in Killarney. Minister Chambers listened to what we had to say and he was very attentive and forward-thinking in his response,” said Chamber Co-President Johnny McGuire.
The Chamber officials also stressed the need for more urgency with the delivery of pledges to construct a new N22 Farranfore-Lissivigeen road and the development of a promised third level tourism and hospitality college at the former Pretty Polly site on Park Road.
The Fitzgerald Stadium redevelopment was also highlighted as a priority as was the need to provide sufficient URDF funding to meet local requirements.
Chamber also sought assurances on the finance required for the necessary infrastructure to tackle traffic congestion in Killarney, including the construction of a multi-storey car park and new inner relief and slip roads.
Given the critical importance of Killarney National Park to Kerry, the minister was also briefed on the need to sanction additional funding for the National Parks and Wildlife Service to allow hugely important projects to be brought to fruition.
“Minister Chambers was very favourably disposed to what we had to say,” said Mr McGuire.
It was stressed to the minister that as Killarney is Ireland’s premier tourism town, it has a whole range of support needs to improve infrastructure and opportunities.
Chamber said a town of its importance needs to have its interests adequately and constantly represented at the cabinet table.
The Chamber representatives at the briefing included co-presidents Johnny McGuire and Pádraig Treacy, Pat O’Leary, Mike O’Carroll, Bernadette Randles, Paul Sherry and Niamh O’Shea.
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