Cllr Wants Walkway Around ‘Swan Pond’ At The Canal

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The ‘Swan Pond’ at the canal.

A LOCAL councillor has asked Kerry County Council to acquire land for a walkway around the ‘Swan Pond’ at the canal.

The swans have been a popular attraction at the canal, especially since the arrival of cygnets earlier this year.

Members of the public have come in close contact with the family of swans as they regularly came up on to the canal walkway.

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At the recent Tralee Municipal District meeting of councillors, Fianna Fáil Cllr Johnnie Wall said making a new walkway around the pond would be lovely for families and provide a tourist attraction.

He asked would Kerry County Council purchase a strip of land bordering the northern and eastern flank of the ‘Swan Pond’ situated at Hare Street, saying such a purchase, appropriately landscaped, would greatly enhance the biodiversity and amenity value of one of the area.

In reply, the Council said the area surrounding “Swan Pond” is designated as a PNHA (Proposed Natural Heritage Area) and SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and it is also located within 50m of an SPA (Special Protection Area).

Such designations significantly restrict the nature and extent of works that can be considered and any proposal would require environmental assessment at the concept stage.

The opinion of the Council’s Biodiversity Officer will be sought with regard to what nature of works may be possible, following which, the purchase of lands can be further considered.

5 Comments

  1. Leave well enough alone,The swans have peace and quiet at the moment,what they dont need is extra footfall passing them with loud children.Tbe swans will move elsewhere.

  2. Just let the swans live in peace families can already enjoy them without encourage on the lake

  3. Matty O'Leary says:

    Good idea 🙂

  4. This is a terrible idea. That pond provides shelter and a feeding area for a whole host of wildlife, including swans, teal, moorhens, coots, herons, little egret and otters to name just a few. Leave well enough alone.

  5. Matty O'Leary says:

    Oops, maybe Helen and Brian have a good point!

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