‘Don’t send people to Milltown’... unless services are there

“DON’T send people to Milltown if you can’t provide the services” is the strong message from Councillor Michael O’Shea.

Speaking at Monday’s full meeting of Kerry County Council, the Fianna Fáil Cllr said, as one of the fastest growing towns in the county, Milltown needed the full weight of investment in infrastructure and services if it’s to continue as a hub of growth in mid-Kerry. He said schools were already ‘maxed out’ due to the rising population.

“If Kerry County Council dreams of making Milltown a satalitte town because of our location, they need to step up to the mark,” he said. “It’s ideal for industry and residency , but it’s maxed out in many of its key services.

“Don’t bring a family to Milltown as the services can’t be provided.”

He stressed that the town’s population has increased by around 7,000 in a short time, while schools can no longer take pupils because they are full.

Cllr O’Shea’s motion called for an ‘independent forward’ plan for Milltown and that council management need to liaise with Government Departments such as Housing, Health, Education, Environment and Justice as the current services are under ‘immense pressure’. Cllr O’Shea also referenced the recent scarcity of a GP service.

“I’m asking that the services are put in place. I’ve no problem with people coming to Milltown, but we can’t handle it at the moment. If the council has dreams for Milltown, it better put things in place,” he said.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Norma Moriarty. “It is very important that these Government agencies are brought together to make sure the services are in place,” she said.

Kerry County Council said it is preparing the Draft Local Area Plan for the Corca Dhuibhne Electoral Area, of which Milltown forms a significant settlement.

It added that a comprehensive local planning framework, with clear policies and objectives, including land use zoning in the ‘interests of the common good’, will be set out for Milltown. This will include a ‘significant’ public consultation process.

Photo Michelle Cooper Galvin The recently completed new road project leading into Milltown area has been widely welcomed but more infrastructure is needed in the mid Kerry town to cater for the rising population, according to Cllr Mike O’Shea.