Kerry pier an ‘absolute disgrace’ says councillor as funding remains elusive

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

A Kerry councillor has blasted the state of a pier in north Kerry as an ‘absolute disgrace’, urging the council to source funding for repairs.

Councillor Michael Foley expressed his frustration with the on-going issues at the new pier on Tarbert Island and its safety for the public.

Cllr Foley had raised concerns last May about the new pier which hosts the Tarbert Island ferry terminal.

In 2024, a ‘dangerous’ sinkhole had already appeared in the structure, which now opens to the sea water below, according to Cllr Foley.

A cone has been put into the hole to stop pedestrians falling into it, he said, as well as bollards at the entrance of the pier to stop people driving onto the damaged structure.

“The most frustrating part of our jobs is waiting for these things to be done,” said Cllr Foley.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve followed it up…for us it’s the entrance and exit point for the wild Atlantic way and you have a pier there with a surface that’s an absolute disgrace.

“How long should it take to do it? It’s really irritating now.”

Cllr Foley argued that Shannon Ferries, use the pier as part of their Killimer-Tarbet ferry route, should be asked to pay for half of the regeneration works.

Councillor Liam ‘Speedy’ Nolan echoed Cllr Foley’s comments and emphasised the health and safety issues due to the state of the pier.

He said a lot of people walk along the pier when they’re waiting for the ferry and walk past the sinkhole in the structure.