The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
A bright new future beckons for Rathmore...
IF you want an example of community dynamism and endeavour coming to fruition then one need look no further than Rathmore. The residents and people involved in Rathmore Community Council have campaigned relentlessly for over 30-years for infrastructural improvements to Rathmore.
Cllr Niall Kelleher confirmed that a contractor has been appointed and works will soon commence on the redevelopment of Rathmore town. This marks the culmination of many years of representations since Cllr Kelleher was elected in 2014 and he initiated a campaign for a €1 million investment for the area.
Cllr Kelleher pointed out that thousands of euros in development levies and rates had been collected in Rathmore but the town remained in the dark ages when it came to infrastructural developments.
Work is set to commence in the coming weeks which will result in a massive overhaul of the town’s amenities: street lighting, footpaths, overlaying of roads, new road calming measures, pedestrian crossings, new parking layout, relocation of the monument to the playground and enhancement of said area is in the pipeline for 2019. The entire cost of the works is expected to fetch in excess of €2.5 million.
“This is a major project for the town and community,” said Brian Kelly, Chairperson of Rathmore Community Council.
“Going forward it’s going to make a massive improvement to business and residential life in the town. Matching funds must also be raised from within our own community and we’ll be organising a series of local fundraisers. We would be hopeful that people will support this drive to improve Rathmore.”
The works will not only benefit Rathmore but they will also help enhance what is a gateway to one of the most sought after tourist destination in the world – Killarney. Access via Rathmore is often the first impression tourists get when they arrive in Kerry from Cork, which is why the residents of the town feel the new works will have a double benefit.
“This upgrading is badly needed and we’ve lobbied for this for over 30-years now. Rathmore Community Council has been very active in pushing for this. Cllr Niall Kelleher has also been most active in securing funding for this project. We’re very excited about this as it benefits both Rathmore’s present and future aspirations as a town,” Brain said.
Funds have been secured from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Clár and the Community Support Fund. It’s also hoped that Leader funding can be secured in the coming weeks.