Attempts to advance Kenmare project may be withdrawn

Efforts to upgrade the 180-year-old harbour at Kenmare, Co. Kerry are likely to be abandoned after a public meeting indicated a lack of support for the proposal.

The idea was presented to Kerry County Council by the Kenmare harbour development group.
The works include proposals to create a working port of fishing and leisure vessels with up to 150 berths.
Over 500 people attended the meeting in Kenmare. Objectors claimed that the development would spoil the traditional beauty of the harbour and it was also suggested that a private developer was involved.

Donald Lynch of the harbour group stated that people were afraid to speak in favour of the project at the meeting and denied that a private developer was behind the idea.
The group had hoped to get Government and EU funding. It would now be writing to the Department of the Marine, Kerry County Council and other organisations asking them not to carry out surveys of the harbour area.

"We've done our bit. We've been transparent and I'd hope someone would take up the mantle eventually to try to push the project forward," Mr Lynch said.