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Kerry County Council

COUNTY KERRY

Kerry, commonly known as "The Kingdom", is located in South West of Ireland in the province of Munster. With an area of 1,815 sq. miles it is the fifth largest of Ireland's thirty-two Counties. The population of the County as recorded in the 2006 Census is 139,835.

The County contains some of Ireland's most magnificent scenery, a combination of high mountain, low rolling hills, lakes, rivers, bog land, rugged coastline and off-shore islands. The country's highest mountains are to be found in Kerry. It contains all but two of the country's dozen peaks in excess of 3,000 ft. including Ireland's highest, Carrantouhil (3,414 ft.). The rugged hills and mountains are generally found in the south and west of the County, with the central area and northern part comprising relatively fertile pasture land.
The County's location in the South-West of the country, where it is influenced by the North Atlantic Gulf Stream gives it a very mild climate with a high level of rainfall - average 66 ins. per year. The mountainous nature of the County contributes to this, while the rainfall level, in turn contributes to the spectacular nature of the changing landscapes. We have the longest coastline of any Irish County, principally because of the three large peninsulas.

There is a rich literary tradition, particularly as the northern part, Listowel and its hinterland has produced such distinguished playwrights/authors as John B. Keane, Brendan Kennelly, George Fitzmaurice, Bryan McMahon and Maurice Walsh. Literary traditions of this area are continuing with Listowel Writer's Week Festival running continuously since 1971. A number of new authors/poets/playwrights has emerged from this area in recent years.

The County also has strong links with the International Film Industry. A number of major films has been filmed on location in the County, particularly in the Dingle area, the best known being perhaps "Ryan's Daughter", "The Playboy of the Western World" and "Far and Away". Major films have been produced based on the works of Kerry authors such as "The Quiet Man", by Maurice Walsh and "The Field" a play of the same title by John B. Keane.

Agriculture is of major importance to the economy, particularly in the central and northern area. The County is essentially one of small farms with dairy farming predominating. Much of the manufacturing employment in the County is in the food processing area with the Kerry Group PLC. now being a major international food processing company.

Manufacturing industry is a significant contributor to economic development and employment creation. The major employers in this area are, of course, located in the large towns such as Tralee, Killarney, Listowel, Killorglin etc..

Forestry is a significant and growing industry with well in excess of 25,000 hectares currently planted.

Fishing and mariculture are very important industries, too, and this is presently a growth sector. Ports such as Dingle, Valentia, Fenit, Maharees, Cromane and Kenmare are among the top twenty-five countrywide in order of value of fish landings.

The Governance of County Kerry is the responsibility of Kerry County Council with its head office and Council Chambers situated in County Buildings in Tralee. The County Manager and his team of Department Heads work with the elected members of Kerry County Council. Kerry is represented by 27 Councillors elected from the 5 Electoral Areas i.e., Listowel Area (6 Councillors), Tralee Area (7 Councillors), Dingle Area (3 Councillors), Killarney Area (6 Councillors)and the Killorglin Area (5 Councillors).

As can be seen from this brief introduction, Kerry is a County with an abundance of richness in culture, heritage and spectacular scenery and amenities. It has attractions both for the residents and the many visitors who come annually, offering a quality of lifestyle that is unrivalled almost anywhere in the world. Kerry County Council is fully committed to serving, enhancing and developing the attractions and amenities of the County for all those who either reside in, work in, or visit the Kingdom. In the following sections of this Report, details will be found of the wide range of services through which the Council endeavours to achieve these objectives.

NON-PRINCIPAL PRIVATE RESIDENCE CHARGES (NPPR)

Please click on link below for the NPPR section of the site.
http://www.kerrycoco.ie/en/allservices/npprcollection2010/

Contact Information

Address: Kerry County Council, County Buildings, Rathass, Tralee
Tel: 066 7183500 - Fax: 066 71 22466 - e-mail: kcc@kerrycoco.ie
website: http://www.kerrycoco.ie