Work to start on Kerry beach facility after summer season

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Works are set to commence on a long-awaited beach facility in north Kerry as the area looks to increase its offerings to visitors.

Plans for the Ballybunion Beach Facility have been approved at a Listowel Municipal District (MD) meeting this week, with elected members told construction would commence in September/October this year.

Located on Ballybunion South Beach, the proposed facility will provide toilets, showers, lockers and storage, among other amenities.

Following a public consultation which saw a redesign of the building to include storage for local running and triathlon clubs, the project looks to be shovel-ready by the close of the summer season.

Listowel MD councillors hailed the development as “hugely positive” for the area, with Councillor Aoife Kennelly expressing her satisfaction with the public consultation process.

Concerns were heard and acted upon, she said, with “everyone enthusiastic about it”.

Councillor Michael Leane welcomed the development but quipped “hopefully we get something even better next time”.

The facility will provide changing, sanitary and meeting facilities for visitors engaged in water-based and other sporting activities.

Proposed public realm works will establish an open paved area, raised planters and seating. The facility will be fully wheelchair accessible and built with solar heating panels to meet Nearly Zero Energy Building Standards.

One public submission did raise concerns about the potential build-up of sand on the site, given the beach’s orientation to prevailing winds, but the council said this had been considered in the layout and design of the facility.

All councillors, bar Councillor Michael Foley who wasn’t present, voted to pass the plans.