The requirement of permanent pedestrianisation is seen as key in the council choosing to submit Kenmare Place in Killarney for a Fáilte Ireland scheme.
A special meeting of the Killarney Municipal District councillors and management was called to explain the criteria for the Fáilte Ireland Weatherproofing & Outdoor Dining Infrastructure scheme.
There had been frustration and confusion among councillors as to why the council had decided on submitting applications for just Kenmare Place in Killarney and the boat yard site in Dingle for the scheme.
At the special meeting, the council outlined why Kenmare Place was more suitable than other areas in Killarney.
Councillors in the Killarney MD expressed disappointment that only one location in Killarney was chosen for Kerry County Council's application to Fáilte Ireland.
Charlie O'Sullivan, the council's Director of Roads, Transport and the Marine, outlined that the scheme is a bid process and that it's about submitting the strongest bid possible.
David Doyle, senior engineer with the council, explained that the Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure would need to be operational for 10 months of the year for the next five years.
He said this would mean the area selected would have to be permanently pedestrianised, which would cause difficulties with areas such as Main Street, High Street, New Street, and Beech Road.
The pedestrianisation would close traffic in these areas, which David Doyle said would increase congestion and restrict access to some car parks.
Several councillors again asked if the funding could be spread around to different areas of the town.
Charlie O'Sullivan stated upgrading facilities in other areas will be looked at, but not as part of the bid for Fáilte Ireland funding.
David Doyle added it's hoped construction would start by September 1st of this year subject to statutory processes, and the bid being successful, to be completed by November.
