The Mayor of Killarney has voiced his concern that the town will lose its character and “become tacky” unless new regulations are introduced to ensure conformity in the appearance of shopfronts.
Cllr Martin Grady said the current policy has too many exemptions and not enough restrictions and it needs to change.
“There is no planning required to change shopfronts unless there is change of use.
“People can hardly hang a flower basket in urban or rural areas yet certain retail shops can have illuminous colours, neon lights and all sorts of paraphernalia inside the window on display,” he observed.
Mayor Grady said he fears if this is left continue Killarney will suffer.
He has asked Kerry County Council officials to formulate a policy relating to shopfronts in the Killarney Municipal District to ensure conformity.
In response, the council said Kerry County Council has published detailed shopfront design guidelines which includes 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 are available at https://www.kerrycoco.ie/planning/planning-policy/.
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