New Mayor

New Mayor of Killarney wants to get tough on crime

KILLARNEY’S new first citizen has unveiled a series of issues he would like to highlight during his term in office.Mayor Tom Doherty, a member of Fianna Fail, called on all residents of Killarney to join forces to focus on how the town is to develop in the future.Crime was one matter that needed urgent attention, he stated.“Crime and safety issues have to be nipped in the bud. Anti-social behaviour is not acceptable. We have to look into communitybased CCTV schemes in tandem with the Chamber of Commerce and other interested parties.”Mayor Doherty said he wants to recognise the role of the youth, senior citizens and voluntary organisations whose work, time and efforts are of enormous benefit to the wellbeing of Killarney society.“It is important to support the ongoing excellent work to keep Killarney the number-one tourist destination.”Continued commitment and funding for the marketing and promotion of the town as well as strengthening of its twinning links are vital, he added.It is also important for locals and tourists alike that Killarney becomes easily recognisable as a disabilityfriendly town, according to the new mayor.The new Killarney masterplan would, he said, “focus our minds and imagination on how we want Killarney to develop into the future”.With the Pretty Polly site under the control of Killarney Town Council, the council must work closely with the IDA and Forbairt agencies, added Cllr Doherty.He said the council also needed to work closely with the business community, using its experience to create a strategy to develop dynamic social policy for the economic betterment of services and employment opportunities in Killarney.The development of social and recreational facilities such as the sports centre, playgrounds and a theatre was imperative, added the new mayor.“I am determined to do all in my power to enhance such projects and bring them to fruition in the lifetime of this council,” said Cllr Doherty.Continued support for social and affordable housing and the purchase of greenfield sites for such development, should be another important item on the council’s agenda, as was cultural diversity, he added.“With the many and varied nationalities in our workplaces and schools, we must encourage cultural diversity, understanding and respecting their views and beliefs, while helping the to integrate into Killarney society and way of life for us all to enjoy and be proud of,” said Mayor Doherty.

The Kingdom newspaper