Kilkee
Kilkee Location and Context Kilkee is identified in the Clare settlement hierarchy as a Small Town and its role as an important service centre and tourism resort is recognised. The town is a popular, wellestablished Victorian seaside resort situated on the picturesque Moore Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way. The original core of the settlement is home to some fine Victorian buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The town also has a concentration of pubs, restaurants, hotels and visitor accommodation, take-away outlets, shops, and a number of tourism related retail outlets. There are a number of unused buildings throughout the town centre which provide opportunity for appropriate redevelopment which would assist to further enhance the character of the town. Kilkee acts as a centre for community services, not only to local residents but also to the wider population of West Clare. Facilities such as the library and theatre at Cultúrlann Sweeney, the community centre and childcare facilities reflect the important role of Kilkee in local social, community and cultural activities. It is also a centre for education with educational opportunities provided at a post-primary level in St. Joseph’s Community College. Other facilities in the town include the Kilkee Digital Hub which forms part of the Council’s Digi-Clare initiative and provides remote working and hot desk facilities that are broadband enabled in the centre of the town. There was significant growth in Kilkee in the 1990s and 2000s, primarily tourism related developments in the form of holiday homes, apartments, hotels and serviced accommodation, and tourism related leisure facilities. There is a large influx of tourists during the summer season, when the population of the town increases from around 1,000 to 15,000, making Kilkee one of the country's largest seaside holiday resorts. This is reflected in the 2016 Census records which recorded just over 72% vacancy in Kilkee on the night of the census. However, the demand for holiday accommodation has led to a shortfall in the provision of permanent, social, and affordable housing in the town. Furthermore, the reliance on the tourism industry, which at present is seasonal in nature, has resulted in the town being seasonally quiet, which can have a negative impact on the character of the area. The seasonal change in population also places a considerable strain on the town’s infrastructure and, as with most seaside resorts, the town experiences extremes of seasonality. It is therefore important to ensure that future development is balanced and contributes to a thriving community which can support a range of services which are viable on a year-round basis. Drinking water is supplied via the West Clare Regional (Doolough Lake) Water Supply (RWS). There is currently limited wastewater treatment in Kilkee, however, a new wastewater treatment plant, pumping station and rising main are planned for the town. Work is due to __________________________________________________________________________________ Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029
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