Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Today, I respectfully call for a new vision for Kenmare Harbour. What we needs is a practical, modest development, including a new pier, a safe slipway, a few berths for boats, proper facilities for the rowing club, a carpark for campervans and toilet and showering facilities to cater for tourists. This would create local jobs, support tourism by keeping people coming to the town all year round and boost the economy for the whole area, including shops, cafes, bed and breakfasts, small businesses and hotels. Most of all, it would give the people of Kenmare something they could be proud of and something they could use and enjoy. If we can fund marine infrastructure in other coastal towns, then we can and must do the same for Kenmare. The people there are every bit as entitled to support and investment as anyone else. I will continue to fight tooth and nail to see this project move forward. This is not about vanity or prestige; it is about fairness, common sense and doing right by a town that has been far too patient for far too long. I am asking this Government to put this in the national development plan and to provide funding.

Kenmare's existing pier is situated on the picturesque Kenmare River. It is primarily now only used for small-scale fishing and limited tools and activities. The pier faces several challenges, including insufficient capacity, limited water depth - the bay needs to be dredged - and the lack of modern facilities.

These limitations restrict its use for larger vessels and hamper the growth of marine-based recreation and tourism. Kenmare has lagged behind towns like Bantry, Castletownbere and Dingle and all the harbour towns around it. Kenmare has stood still. I ask for fairness in this regard.

This is a tourism-driven opportunity. Kenmare is already a well-established tourist destination renowned for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, vibrant arts and food culture. Its location on the Ring of Kerry and proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way make it a natural stop for visitors exploring the region. Enhancing the harbour with new piers, a small marina and supporting infrastructure could significantly strengthen Kenmare's tourism appeal. Parking for camper vans is most important because the area is very restricted as it is. In general, car parking is very tight there. Making improvements in Kenmare would increase a growing segment of the travel market that is dedicated to tourism.

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