A majority of those who voted in a plebiscite organised by the Kenmare Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, which took place on Friday last, rejected a proposal before Kerry County Council to increase the size of the town to 2-1/2 times its existing size.
Some 613 people voted no, and these represented 75 per cent of those who voted. Over 1,700 voting cards were issued and 45 per cent, or 804 people, voted. Councillors have already indicated their support for the expansion because they say jobs are in danger of being lost and the town needs to expand like other towns.
Mr John Brennan, president of the chamber, said the people of Kenmare had no objection to a planned expansion of the town, as long as there was proper planning and they were consulted. "The local councillors and politicians will now have to answer who are they representing. How can they move such a proposal without consulting the people?" he asked.
Kerry County Council is to vote on the proposal at its meeting in September. Legally, the plebiscite need not be taken into account by the council.