Killorglin Chamber Alliance
Making a positive social impact
Our aim is to be at the core of our community where businesses, individuals, clubs and groups come together. Through our collaborative approach, we can achieve more for the town. One of our goals is to make a positive social impact, through our working group projects, partnerships, initiatives and events.
In recent years Killorglin’s community collaborated to shape a Socio-Economic Plan for the town, reflecting an ambition for enhanced liveability, quality of life and quality of place in the town and its environs.
Our committee members bring balance and a diversity of skills, knowledge and experience. They include Tim McCarthy – Secretary; Kevin Cahillane – Treasurer, Paul Carney – Comms & PR, Catherine Evans, Darragh Burns, Denis McCarthy, Tim Moroney, Mairead O’Sullivan, Josie O’Donnell, Stephen O’Sullivan and Niamh Hogan. Thanks to our outgoing Secretary Liz McCarthy.
Working Groups:
- Bridge Lighting Working Group: Tom Crowley (Lead); Tim McCarthy, Colin Mangan and Karl Falvey.
- Youth Working Group: TJ O’Connor (Lead); Helen O’Sullivan, Fr. Kevin Cahillane and Liz McCarthy.
- Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF) Working Group: Killorglin Chamber Alliance, Killorglin Archive Society, Reeks District and K-Fest
We appreciate all of the various members of the community, organisations, and corporate stakeholders who continue to participate in a variety of ways.
During the next months and years, we will be supporting and implementing several projects for the business, cultural, environmental, youth, the educational and social benefit of Killorglin, some of which you will hear about them in our latest newsletter which can be viewed/downloaded here.
We will be working closely with over 80 community organisations and businesses. We are also greatly supported by Kerry County Council and South Kerry Development Partnership in our work.
Together we have ambition for enhanced liveability, quality of life and quality of place in Killorglin and its environs. We look forward to innovating and collaborating to create a socially diverse, economically
vibrant and sustainable future for Killorglin.
Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF)
KCA has led a series of town planning projects in close collaboration with Kerry County Council (KCC). The approach has been recognised at EU level, where Killorglin was highlighted as an example of best practice for “Smart Village” engagement. Outputs of this planning have been included in the Killorglin Socio-Economic Plan which can be viewed here.
KCA coordinated a Working Group of community organisations to work closely with KCC on the development of an application for funding which was submitted by KCC on July 30th, 2021. This involved extensive work and input from KCA and partner organisations Killorglin Archive Society, KFest, Puck Fair and Reeks District, and involved positive and constructive collaboration with KCC.
The application through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF) was successful, and on January 6th, 2022, it was announced that the first phase of the scheme will see Killorglin town centre receive €961,800 from central government, matched by €241,000 from KCC, to fund the renovation of a key building into a multi-functional hub for tourism, education, training, and co-working purposes, the transformation of a derelict former courthouse into a heritage and cultural centre, and investment in the streetscape in the historical centre of the town.
This is a multi-year plan that will need continued collaboration and involvement with all major stakeholders. We await further engagement about the ambitious development plans, its implementation framework and delivery time frame from the Kerry County Council. We hope to share these updates from KCC in our next newsletter.
Don’t forget to follow us on social media for the latest news and updates:
@KillorglinTown @killorglin.ie @Killorglin.iePlease use the hashtags: #Killorglin #LivePlayThriveHere #ReeksDistrict #WildAtlanticWay when sharing your photos on social media.
Shane McElroy
Killorglin Chamber Alliance New Chair
There are numerous projects ongoing which will all have a positive impact on the future development of our Town. Here's a selection of them:
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Engaging Killorglin’s youth in meaningful ways
Youth Engagement Survey and research has helped highlight the opportunities for investment and development of youth services in the area. -
Killorglin Lighting Project
Phase 1 focusing on lighting the Stone Bridge; and Phase 2 focusing on lighting the Iron Bridge. It’s hoped that the project will be implemented in 2023 once bridge remedial works have been completed. -
#BrandingOurTown
Killorglin.ie, the official website for Killorglin Town and its social channels launched back in December 2019. The new website highlights the many benefits of living, working, doing business and visiting the town.
Get involved!
Why not help us build a stronger community by becoming a new member. Without people stepping up and getting involved in projects, they are passionate about, the ideas simply won’t become a reality.
There are lots of ways to get involved and help so please come on board as a member or volunteer. Simply complete our form below and someone will be in touch with you shortly.
