In February–March 2024, Knocknagoshel undertook one of the most significant community planning initiatives ever held in the parish:

• A series of four professionally facilitated meetings, led by community planner Paul O’Raw, whose experience includes plans for Asdee, Moyvane, and Mitchelstown.

• Average attendance of 50–100 people per meeting, an exceptional level of participation for a rural village.

• Full community participation through table discussions and written feedback.

• A consensus-based, inclusive process designed to identify local priorities and shape the coordinated social and economic development of Knocknagoshel.

  The Future of Knocknagoshel

The resulting document — The Future of Knocknagoshel: Summary of Key Actions Agreed — is a democratically produced, community-owned vision for the parish.

It contains over 30 actionable priorities across four major themes:

• Local Economy (enterprise centre, community shop, remote-working facilities, business support)

• Amenities & Infrastructure (new footpaths, lighting, road resurfacing, sports facilities, bus shelters, upgraded services)

• Environment & Sustainability (walkways, cycle routes, renewable energy, Dark Sky observation, EV charging)

• Community Life (community hub at old school, childcare, festivals, youth engagement, playground)

  The Future of Knocknagoshel

• This community plan is an active, living process. Several groups are already working on implementation, including all four of the organisations making this submission.

The Ongoing Work of Local Organisations

The Draft Development Plan suggests a village limited in capacity and ambition. In reality:

• Knocknagoshel Community Centre provides services, events, meals, facilities, and volunteer coordination.

• Knocknagoshel GAA Club continues to develop sporting infrastructure and community fitness amenities.

• Knocknagoshel Environmental & Angling Association is active in environmental protection, walking routes, river systems, and nature education.

• Knocknagoshel Tidy Towns led the 2024 planning process, undertakes environmental enhancement, and coordinates volunteer initiatives.

These organisations are already implementing many actions identified by the community plan. However, they cannot deliver the village’s agreed goals alone. Progress requires partnership and alignment with Kerry County Council.

Lack of Reference to the 2024 Community Plan

We request that the Draft Variation be updated to acknowledge:

• The existence of The Future of Knocknagoshel (2024)

• The scale of participation in its development

• Its role as the guiding local development framework

Outdated Characterisation of the Village

Sections describing Knocknagoshel as isolated, lacking demand, or with limited services must be revised. These portrayals no longer correspond to reality and risk undermining funding applications and community morale.

Integration of Community-Identified Priorities

The following priorities should be reflected in the County’s objectives:

• Establishment of a community shop/coffee shop

• Development of a remote-working centre / enterprise hub

• Footpath and lighting connection between the village and the GAA grounds

• Upgraded bus services and shelter at Headley’s Bridge

• Refurbishment of vacant premises

• Expansion of sports and recreation facilities

• Development of walking and cycling trails linking to Lyre, Knockbrack, Aggie’s Inch, and the Greenway

• Creation of a community hub in the old school building

• Provision of childcare services

• Installation of renewable energy infrastructure and EV chargers

• Design and construction of a village playground

These are not abstract aspirations — they are supported by documented community consensus and ongoing organisational work.

We propose replacing or augmenting the Draft Vision with a statement that captures the community’s reality:

“Knocknagoshel is an ambitious, collaborative, forward-looking village with a strong tradition of voluntary action and community leadership. Following a major participatory planning process in 2024, the village has produced a detailed set of priorities that reflect local consensus and guide its social, economic, environmental and infrastructural development. The County Development Plan should support and align with this community-led vision.”

The organisations making this submission — Knocknagoshel Community Centre, Knocknagoshel GAA, Knocknagoshel Environmental & Angling Association, and Knocknagoshel Tidy Towns — are fully committed to:

• Supporting the objectives of the Kerry County Development Plan

• Advancing the agreed actions of the 2024 community plan

• Working collaboratively with Kerry County Council to deliver sustainable development in Knocknagoshel

We respectfully request that the Council engage with us in a structured way to implement shared objectives.

Knocknagoshel is not a village in decline — it is a village on the rise.

The 2024 community planning process represents one of the most significant democratic local development initiatives in the region. It must be acknowledged and integrated into the County Development Plan.

We, the undersigned organisations, stand ready to work collaboratively with Kerry County Council to achieve the shared vision for Knocknagoshel’s future.