Kerry town’s masterplan ‘ambitious, optimistic’ but a step in the right direction

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

While Kenmare’s first masterplan has set a high bar, with major proposals ranging from the purchase of historic sites to a mobile cinema, local councillors seem more concerned with the basics.

The plan sets out an overarching vision for the town’s centre considering everything from community and business needs, to heritage, culture and visitor experience.

For Councillor Dan McCarthy, the proposed renovation of Kenmare’s old Butter Market is a difficult task, involving multiple rounds of national funding to bring to fruition.

Originally constructed in the 19th century, the market was transformed into a vibrant dance hall in the 1960s. Located in the centre of town, the historic 529 square metre building is now on the market, with an asking price of €850,000.

“It would be great for the town if it was purchased…but if it was bought what can be done with it? I’d take another massive grant to see what can be put in there,” said Cllr McCarthy.

His major concerns revolve around parking and bringing more business and residents into the town centre.

“We have to be realistic,” he said, “parking is our big issue and dereliction - trying to get people back into the town again and living upstairs.

“Restaurants and cafes are under pressure, so we have to focus on how we can get people to stay in the town.”

There are major plans to turn the former St Clare’s Convent building into a multi-use community space, with a business innovation hub and rooms for local groups, services and events.

While accepting the retrofit of the building was a big ask, Cllr McCarthy was very supportive of plans for a car park in the surrounding land which could provide much needed accessibility for visitors.

“The buying of the convent and turning it into a car park will be a major plus to the town,” he said, “I can’t see pedestrianisation happening for a long time”.

“The masterplan is ambitious, optimistic and a lot of work needs to be done.”

Councillor Johnny Healy-Rae also emphasised the importance of establishing new parking in the town, highlighting its key role in the town’s tourism sector.

“Like all plans, it’s fine on paper and it looks good,” he said.

“Before the plan is implemented there are a lot of things that need to come with it, the likes of parking, proper bus stops…it’s a work in progress.”

“Parking is a huge thing. If people can’t park, moreover in a tourist town like Kenmare, you can’t get people to stop and we’re dependent on that.”

Currently proposed for Kenmare’s oft overlooked pier is a comprehensive enhancement including public toilets, tourism information and a pontoon to support water-based activities. Overnight parking at the pier is suggested to be removed in favour of parking elsewhere.

While plans for renovating the pier were welcomed by Cllr Healy-Rae, he thought the council needed to think more ambitiously about the structure.

“I like to see that developed, it’s totally underutilised for the town, and it has potential, whether it’s a small marina or something else,” he said.

“We need Kerry County Council to move along with a design and get their teeth stuck in that a bit.

“There’s a lot of positive things but before any part of that plan is implemented, in my opinion, it’s short a few items like that to come along with it.”

Councillor Tommy Cahill was more optimistic about some of the flagship proposals and expressed his excitement at the potential unlocked by the purchase of the former convent building.

“The Kenmare Town Centre First Masterplan contains many positives for the town. It rightly prioritises revitalising the town centre by encouraging people to live above shops, supporting new businesses, and tackling vacancy and dereliction,” he said.

“The proposed purchase and development of the old convent is a key opportunity to deliver further and much-needed community facilities.”

However, he warned pedestrianisation of the town centre could only happen after new car parking was created and that any scheme must leave some central parking available for elderly and physically impaired visitors.

“The need for parking close to the town centre is clear which is an issue for many of our towns,” said Cllr Cahill.

“However, caution is needed around any pedestrianisation until adequate parking close to the town centre is secured.”

Also proposed is a feasibility study for the development of a multi-purpose community centre, incorporating a sports hall and facilities for other social and cultural activities.

According to the plan, community feedback suggests strong support for a centre, but the exact requirements, functions and site are yet to be defined.

Cllr Cahill said: “I warmly welcome the commitment to a feasibility study and business case for a new multi-purpose community centre and sports hall.”

“This reflects the strong community demand for such a facility and rightly places it as a high priority for Kenmare’s future and would be a huge addition to the town.”

“Overall, the masterplan provides a strong direction for Kenmare’s future, but its success will depend on balanced implementation, investment, and meaningful local engagement.”