Kerry County Council criticised for delayed town regeneration project as works set to start in Q2

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

A Kerry councillor has criticised the progress of a major regeneration project in one of the county’s towns as the scheme’s timelines are pushed back.

Councillor Johnny Healy-Rae raised the Cahersiveen regeneration project at a recent Kenmare Municipal District meeting, asking what had been done on the ground.

Works were expected to begin on several major components of the initiative last year, but the latest update shows no physical work has started.

The project includes the renovation and extension of the Carnegie Community Building as well as the development of a significant waterfront amenity and board walk.

While various components of the scheme were said to be progressing, with many past the detailed design stage, construction is yet to commence on any.

Councillor Johnny Healy-Rae welcomed the progress but criticised the council for not starting work on the ground. He said councillors were being asked continuously about the projects and requested the council provide a more detailed timeline.

Elected members heard the tender stage for the Carnegie Community Building was complete and was awaiting approval from Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), while construction of the waterfront amenity and board walk is set to start in Q2 this year.

The enhancement of the Fair Green amenity and introduction of a one-way system for greater connectivity to the town centre are still undergoing detailed design with no timeline set for their completion.

The one-way system is to be introduced in Bridge Street, Quay Street and O’Connell Street and the preliminary design is complete.

“If we don’t see some boots on the ground or some action taken…the point I’m trying to get across is what are we actually seeing for all this money,” said Cllr Healy-Rae.

Over €8.5m has been provided by the DRCD for Cahersiveen projects, with match funding from the council bringing the total to over €10m.

Car and bus parking is also included in the funding, which the council confirmed land has been acquired for.

Pavement works on the N70 road through Cahersiveen are expected to commence this year and are awaiting funding announcements from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) due this month.

TII previously sought amendments on the proposals which included reconstruction of the current pavement, and the addition of active travel measures and public realm improvement works.

The council cautioned that a phased improvement approach is required, and a strategy is being formulated in consultation with the TII.