KILLORGLIN

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

As local shops, businesses, restaurants, cafe’s, bars etc reopen during phases 2-4 as lockdown measures are eased, it would be great if we could all try and support them by buying local where possible, as well as helping everyone stay safe by following all the public health guidance. South Kerry Greenway

A Kerry County Councillor commenting on the proposed South Kerry Greenway today said that he believes Kerry County Council will get super value for money.

‘If this project gets through the Planning process and comes in anywhere near €20 million, it will be exceptional value. We should remember that the route is over 32 kilometres long with a lot of specialised engineering works/ accommodation works, going through 3 tunnels, over the viaduct at Kells and in over the metal bridge to Caherciveen, that approximately 25% of the estimated cost is for land acquisition works and the landowners need to be adequately compensated’ stated Councillor Michael Cahill.

‘If developed and please God it will, the South Kerry Greenway will be the single, biggest and best ever Tourism project for our county and will be there for generations to come’ said the Rossbeigh based Councillor.

‘The 22 kilometre bypass of Macroom has an estimated cost of €280m which is a large multiple of the funds required for the South Kerry Greenway at 32 kilometres,’ said Councillor Cahill.

‘This relatively small investment by comparison in South Kerry for over 32 kilometres of world class cycle/walking track, which has scenery beyond compare, will repay a dividend in healthy lifestyle and enjoyment along with jobs for local residents for many decades to come’ said the Fianna Fáil Councillor.

‘Projects of this calibre are a scarce commodity, and there is enormous value for money in them for the community at large’ said Mr Cahill.

Councillor Cahill said ‘The South Kerry Greenway is needed now more than ever before to help in the economic recovery of our county and in particular the Caherciveen /Iveragh region that is subject to emigration and continuous population decline.’

‘It’s a pity we don’t have more schemes that can tick all the boxes of health, entertainment and jobs for an area so devastated down the years’ added Councillor Cahill.