Kerry County Council says it intends to sell the former Pretty Polly site in Killarney to Kerry ETB.
The information was provided in response to a motion from independent councillor Maura Healy-Rae at the recent full council meeting.
She asked for an update on the redevelopment of the former factory to a college for hospitality and tourism.
In November 2022, Kerry Education and Training Board announced it planned to redevelop the former Pretty Polly and Sara Lee site.
The following October, it formally submitted a proposal to convert the old Killarney factory into a college with an emphasis on hospitality.
It’s envisaged that once completed, the campus will accommodate 4,000 full-time and part-time students.
In response to the motion raised by Cllr Maura Healy-Rae, the council advised that it intends to sell the site to Kerry ETB.
It added the ETB is currently working through business case governance procedures in accordance with infrastructure guidelines.
Cllr Healy-Rae responded that there are a lot of positives but noted there has been a significant wait for the project and asked for a timeline on its delivery.
Supporting the motion, independent councillor Martin Grady asked that the council’s planning department ensure accommodation is supplied for these students as part of the project.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil councillor Norma Moriarity advised that a Kerry ETB meeting is due to take place in the coming days and a full update will be provided at this.
Cllr Healy-Rae’s motion was seconded by Fianna Fáil councillor, Tommy Cahill.
