Cathedral could be new viewing tower

Cathedral could be new viewing tower
BY MARY MURPHY

ONE of Killarney’s most historic buildings could offer a viable alternative to plans for a controversial new one, it has been suggested.

Planning for an observation wheel – similar to the London Eye – was recently ruled out by Killarney Town Council because the height and scale the proposed development would be visually obtrusive, incongruous and dominant in the immediate townscape.

The planners also insisted that the wheel – planned for the main New Street car park – would be detrimental in the wider context to highly scenic landscape setting of the town.

A previous proposal to erect a 270ft viewing tower at the site of the historic Malton Hotel was also refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála.

But now Cllr Tom Doherty has proposed a possible alternative that could turn one of the town’s most beautiful historic structures into a more popular visitor attraction.



"Killarney has a natural viewing tower situated in St Mary’s Cathedral. Throughout Europe many churches are open to the public offering panoramic views of their locality and hinterlands. This opportunity may also be viable here in Killarney," Cllr Doherty told The Kingdom.

"A feasibility study should be undertaken to ascertain if such a proposal could be achieved," he said.

The landmark cathedral was designed by Augustus Pugin and constructed in the neo gothic style with the tower and spire reaching up to 86 meters.

Under Cllr Doherty’s plan the tower at the site of the church could provide a ready-made viewing platform for the town.

"From such a spiritual and historic structure, the view of heavens reflex would be breathtaking," Cllr Doherty remarked.

THE KINGDOM NEWSPAPER