Kerry town in danger of losing its character – ‘There has been some questionable things around'
Killarney town centre is in danger of losing its character unless rules are introduced to govern the appearance of shopfronts, the Mayor has claimed.
Mayor Martin Grady has called on Kerry County Council to formulate a policy to ensure conformity in the appearance of shopfronts in the Killarney area.
The Mayor, speaking at last Friday's Municipal District meeting, said planning permission is not required to make alterations to a shopfront.
This is unless a 'change the use' is desired at the premises.
'So in other words, somebody can come along, apply for change of use, and in five months' time they can look around and do what they want to the shopfront,' Mayor Grady said. 'I think it's very wrong.'
'There is many exemptions. Somebody said there is not enough restrictions.
'People can hardly hang a flower basket outside of their houses in the countryside or inside in town.
'Yet, we have the town centre and you can have a neon light, paint the shop front whichever colour you wish, you can have all sorts of paraphernalia inside the window for sale. I think it's wrong.
'Look, I just feel we are going to lose our character in the town on this. So look if the council ourselves can do something on this, if not write a letter to the Minister to make a change.'
Independent councillor Maura Healy-Rae seconded the Mayor's proposal.
'There has been some questionable things around the town,' Cllr Healy-Rae said.
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The council's response to the Mayor's proposal stated that it has published detailed 'Shopfront Design Guidelines'.
These guidelines include advice and guidance in respect of materials and colours to be used, signage, lighting, advertising and the relationship between a shopfront and adjacent structures. The guidelines can be inspected on the Kerry County council website.
A council official indicated to Mayor Grady that the guidelines outlined currently do not have to be adhered to by law.
The official said the appearance of shopfronts is being looked at nationally through new planning regulations and acts.
He suggested the council will have 'more leverage' to take action on the appearance of frontages under new laws.
The Planning and Development Act 2024 states that a planning authority may, in some cases, prepare a draft scheme setting out objectives for streetscape developments including the co-ordination and upgrading of shop frontages.
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