Kerry County Council

Local authority of County Kerry in Ireland

Kerry County Council

Comhairle Contae Chiarraí

Type
Type|

County council

of County Kerry

Leadership

Cathaoirleach

Michael Foley,
Fine Gael
since 23 June 2025[1]

Chief Executive

Fearghal Reidy
since January 2025[2]

Structure
Seats| 33

Political groups

Fianna Fáil (9)
Fine Gael (6)
Sinn Féin (4)
Labour (2)
Kerry Ind. Alliance (1)
Independent (11)
Elections

Last election

| 7 June 2024
Motto
Comhar, Cabhair, Cairdeas (Irish)
"Co-operation, Help, Friendship"
Meeting place
Áras an Chontae, Rathass, Tralee
Website
Official website

Kerry County Council (Irish: Comhairle Contae Chiarraí) is the local authority of County Kerry, Ireland. As a county council, it is governed by the Local Government Act 2001. The council is responsible for housing and community, roads and transportation, urban planning and development, amenity and culture, and environment. The council has 33 elected members. Elections are held every five years and are by single transferable vote. The head of the council has the title of Cathaoirleach (chairperson). The council's administration is managed by a chief executive. The council is based at Áras an Chontae (County Buildings) in Tralee.

## History

[edit]

### 1899 to 1922

[edit]

Prior to 1899, the primary function of the county was as a judicial area, overseen by the High Sheriff of Kerry. The county had a grand jury, usually comprising the main landowners, appointed by the county's judges. Grand juries gradually took on various administrative functions, such as the maintenance of roads, bridges and asylums.[3] Elected county councils were established in 1899 under the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898, legislation passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom, of which Ireland formed a part at that time. The new county council took over the administrative functions of the grand jury.[4][5][6] The introduction of county councils to Ireland followed their establishment in England and Wales in 1889 and Scotland in 1890.[7]

Tralee Courthouse: Council's meeting place 1899–1910

The first election was held on 6 April 1899, and the council first met on 22 April at Tralee Courthouse (built 1830–1835)[8] where the grand jury had also held its meetings. St John Henry Donovan, a nationalist from Tralee, was appointed the first chairman of the council.[9][10] The first council had 30 members. Of these, 22 were directly elected for single-member county electoral divisions. The remainder of the council consisted of the chairmen of the six rural district councils, who were ex officio members, and an additional two members who were chosen by co-option.[7] Elections of the entire council were held every three years.[7]

The area governed by the council

The method of election was changed to proportional representation under the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1919, with the first elections under the new system held on 2 June 1920. The election took place during the Irish War of Independence, and control of the council was won by Sinn Féin.[11]

### Post-independence

[edit]

Following the independence of the Irish Free State in 1922, responsibility for local government was taken by the new government.

During the Irish Civil War, the government used its powers to dissolve the council in May 1923, with a commissioner appointed to conduct the business of the council. A new council was elected in May 1926.[7] In September 1930 the council was again dissolved and a commissioner appointed. Following the election of a Fianna Fáil government, the Councillors displaced in 1930 were restored to office in May 1932.[7]

In 1942 the number of Councillors was reduced from 30 to 26. At the same time, the county management system was introduced.[7] The council was again dissolved in May 1945, with elections resuming in October 1948. In 1953 the term of office for councillors was increased from 3 to 5 years, and in 1985 the number of Councillors was increased to 27.[7][12]

The council is responsible for housing and community, roads and transportation, urban planning and development, amenity and culture, and environment.[13]

## Regional Assembly

[edit]

Kerry County Council has two representatives on the Southern Regional Assembly who are part of the South-West Strategic Planning Area Committee.[14]

## Premises

[edit]

The county council is based at Áras an Chontae (County Buildings) in the Rathass area of Tralee.[15] The building was originally completed in 1842 as the Tralee Union Workhouse.[16] It subsequently served as St Catherine's Hospital between the 1930s and 1984.[17] After the hospital closed, the building was refurbished and converted to become the county council's headquarters, opening as such in 1989.[18]

Old County Hall, Godfrey Place: Council's headquarters 1910–1920

From 1899 until 1910 the council met at Tralee Courthouse.[7] In January 1910 the council moved its headquarters to a purpose-built County Hall on Godfrey Place in Tralee, which it shared with Tralee Urban District Council. The building was set on fire by British Black and Tans during the Siege of Tralee of November 1920.[19]

Ashe Memorial Hall, now the Kerry County Museum: Council's headquarters 1928–1989

After the fire, the two councils decided not to return to County Hall, which was instead subsequently repaired to become an entertainment venue.[20] The two councils instead built a new joint headquarters on Denny Street in the centre of Tralee, which was completed in 1928 and named the Ashe Memorial Hall, being dedicated to the memory of the republican Thomas Ashe (1885–1917), who was from County Kerry.[21] The council remained based at the Ashe Memorial Hall until it moved to Áras an Chontae in January 1989.[7]

## Elections

[edit]

Members of Kerry County Council are elected for a five-year term of office on the electoral system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (PR-STV) from multi-member local electoral areas (LEAs).

Year  |  | FF |  | FG |  | SF |  | Lab |  | KIA |  | Ind | Total

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

2024 | 9  | 6  | 4  | 2  | 1  | 11  | 33
2019 | 10  | 7  | 4  | 2  | 1  | 9  | 33
2014 | 9  | 9  | 5  | 2  | 1  | 7  | 33
2009 | 7  | 10  | 2  | 4  | 1  | 3  | 27
2004 | 11  | 8  | 2  | 2  | 1  | 3  | 27
1999 | 12  | 6  | 1  | 3  | 1  | 4  | 27
1991 | 13  | 7  | 0  | 4  | —  | 3  | 27
1985 | 13  | 7  | 0  | 3  | —  | 4  | 27
1979 | 14  | 7  | 1  | 2  | —  | 2  | 26

## Local electoral areas and municipal districts

[edit]

County Kerry is divided into LEAs and municipal districts, defined by electoral divisions.[22]

Municipal District  | LEA  | Definition  | Seats

|
|
|

Corca Dhuibhne–Castleisland  | Corca Dhuibhne | An Baile Dubh (in the former Rural District of Dingle), An Clochán, An Daingean, An Mhin Aird, An Sráidbhaile, Ballinvoher, Ballynacourty, Boolteens, Castlegregory, Cé Bhréanainn, Ceann Trá, Cill Chuáin, Cill Maoilchéadair, Cinn Aird, Deelis, Dún Chaoin, Dún Urlann, Inch, Kilgarrylander, Kilgobban, Kiltallagh, Knockglass, Lack, Márthain, Milltown and Na Gleannta.  | 3
Castleisland | Arabela, Ballyegan (in the former Rural District of Tralee), Brosna, Carker, Castleisland, Coom, Cordal, Crinny, Currans, Derreen, Gneeves, Kilfelim, Killeentierna, Kilmurry, Kilnanare, Kilshenane, Knocknagashel, Lackabaun, Millbrook, Molahiffe, Mount Eagle, Nohaval, OBrennan and Scartaglin.  | 4
Kenmare | An Baile Breac, An tImleach, Ardea, Baile an Sceilg, Banawn, Caher, Cappagh, Caragh, Castlecove, Castlequin, Cathair Dónall, Ceannúigh, Churchtown, Cloon, Curraghbeg, Curraghmore, Dawros, Doire Fhíonáin, Doire Ianna, Dromin, Dromore, Dunloe, Glanbehy, Glanlee, Glanlough, Glanmore, Greenane, Kenmare, Kilgarvan, Kilgobnet, Killinane, Killorglin, Lickeen, Loch Luíoch, Loughbrin, Máistir Gaoithe, Maum, Na Beathacha, Portmagee, Reen, Sneem, Tahilla, Toghroinn Fhíonáin, Trian Iarthach and Valencia.  | 6
Killarney | Aghadoe, Aglish, Ballyhar, Brewsterfield, Clydagh, Coolies, Doocarrig, Flesk, Headfort, Kilbonane, Kilcummin, Killarney Rural, Killarney Urban, Knocknahoe, Lahard, Muckross, Rathmore and Rockfield.  | 7
Listowel | Abbeydorney, Ardagh, Astee, Ballincloher, Ballyconry, Ballyduff (in the former Rural District of Listowel), Ballyegan (in the former Rural District of Listowel), Ballyheige, Ballyhorgan, Ballynorig, Beal, Carrig, Causeway, Cloontubbrid, Drommartin, Duagh, Ennismore, Gullane, Gunsborough, Kerryhead, Kilfeighny, Kilflyn, Killahan, Killehenny, Killury, Kilmeany, Kiltomy, Leitrim, Lislaughtin, Lisselton, Listowel Rural, Listowel Urban, Lixnaw, Moynsha, Newtownsandes, Rathea, Shronowen, Tarbert, Tarmon, Trienearagh and Urlee.  | 6
Tralee | Ardfert, Ballynahaglish, Ballyseedy, Banna, Baurtregaum, Blennerville, Clogherbrien, Doon, Ratass, Tralee Rural, Tralee Urban and Tubrid.  | 7

## Councillors

[edit]

The following were elected at the 2024 Kerry County Council election.

### 2024 seats summary

[edit]

Party  | Seats

|

| Fianna Fáil | 9
| Fine Gael | 6
| Sinn Féin | 4
| Labour | 2
| Kerry Ind. Alliance | 1
| Independent | 11

### Councillors by electoral area

[edit]

This list reflects the order in which councillors were elected on 7 June 2024.[23]

Council members from 2024 election

Local electoral area  | Name  | Party
Castleisland | Jackie Healy-Rae |  |  Independent
Charlie Farrelly |  |  Independent
Fionnán Fitzgerald |  |  Fianna Fáil
Bobby O'Connell |  |  Fine Gael
An Daingean | Tommy Griffin |  |  Fine Gael
Robert Brosnan |  |  Sinn Féin
Breandán Fitzgerald |  |  Fianna Fáil
Kenmare | Johnny Healy-Rae |  |  Independent
Michael Cahill[a] |  |  Fianna Fáil
Norma Moriarty |  |  Fianna Fáil
Teddy O'Sullivan Casey |  |  Fine Gael
Podge Foley |  |  Independent
Dan McCarthy |  |  Independent
Killarney | Maura Healy-Rae |  |  Independent
Martin Grady |  |  Independent
John O'Donoghue |  |  Kerry Ind. Alliance
Brendan Cronin |  |  Independent
Niall Kelleher |  |  Fianna Fáil
Niall O'Callaghan |  |  Independent
Marie Moloney |  |  Labour
Listowel | Mike Kennelly[a] |  |  Fine Gael
Liam Nolan |  |  Independent
Michael Foley |  |  Fine Gael
Michael Leane |  |  Fianna Fáil
Tom Barry |  |  Sinn Féin
Jimmy Moloney |  |  Fianna Fáil
Tralee | Mikey Sheehy |  |  Fianna Fáil
Terry O'Brien |  |  Labour
Deirdre Ferris |  |  Sinn Féin
Sam Locke |  |  Independent
Paul Daly |  |  Sinn Féin
Anne O'Sullivan |  |  Fianna Fáil
Angie Baily |  |  Fine Gael

Notes

1. ^ a b Replaced during term, see table below for details.

#### Co-options

[edit]

Party  | Outgoing  | LEA  | Reason  | Date  | Co-optee

|
|
|
|
|

|  Fianna Fáil | Michael Cahill | Kenmare  | Elected to 34th Dáil at the 2024 general election | 20 December 2024  | Tommy Cahill[24]
|  Fine Gael | Mike Kennelly | Listowel  | Elected to the 27th Seanad at the 2025 Seanad election | January 2025  | Aoife Kennelly[25]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "New Mayor of Kerry and Cathoirligh of five MDs elected". Radio Kerry. 23 June 2025. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
2. ^ "New Kerry County Council chief executive attends first full council meeting". Radio Kerry. 20 January 2025. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
3. ^ Roche, Desmond (1982). Local Government in Ireland. Dublin: Institute of Public Administration.
4. ^ Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898, s. 1: Establishment of county councils (61 & 62 Vict., c. 37 of 1898, s. 1). Enacted on 12 August 1898. Act of the UK Parliament. Retrieved from Irish Statute Book.
5. ^ Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898, s. 124: Commencement of Act (61 & 62 Vict., c. 37 of 1898, s. 124). Enacted on 12 August 1898. Act of the UK Parliament. Retrieved from Irish Statute Book.
6. ^ "Orders declaring the boundaries of administrative counties and defining county electoral divisions: County of Kerry". 27th Report of the Local Government Board for Ireland (Cmd. 9480). Dublin: Local Government Board for Ireland. 1900. p. 269.
7. ^ a b c d e f g h i Quirke, Michael P (1999). "Centenary of Local Government - Kerry County Council". The Kerry Magazine (10). Tralee: Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society: 4–6\. ISSN 0085-2503.
8. ^ "Kerry County Courthouse". National Built Heritage Service. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
9. ^ "Kerry County Council: The first meeting". Kerry News. Tralee. 25 April 1899. p. 3. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
10. ^ "Death of Mr. St. J. H. Donovan, J. P., Tralee". Kerry News. Tralee. 4 February 1916. p. 3. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
11. ^ Lucey, Seán (19 May 2010). "The Poor Law and Local Government in county Kerry, 1850-1921". Economic and Social Research Council. Archived from the original on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 27 March 2011.
12. ^ County Electoral Areas (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 1985, Article 5 (Kerry) (S.I. No. 110 of 1985). Signed on 24 April 1985 by Liam Kavanagh, Minister for the Environment. Statutory Instrument of the Government of Ireland. Retrieved from Irish Statute Book.
13. ^ "All Services". Kerry County Council. Archived from the original on 27 April 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
14. ^ Local Government Act 1991 (Regional Assemblies) (Establishment) Order 2014, Article 5 and Schedule 3 (S.I. No. 573 of 2014). Signed on 16 December 2014. Statutory Instrument of the Government of Ireland. Retrieved from Irish Statute Book on 3 May 2023.
15. ^ "Contact us". Kerry County Council. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
16. ^ Higginbotham, Peter. "Tralee, Co. Kerry". The Workhouse. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
17. ^ "Tralee General celebrates 20 years of delivering the highest quality health care for the people of Kerry". The Kerryman. 29 April 2004. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
18. ^ O'Shea, Owen; Revington, Gordon (2018). Century of Politics in the Kingdom: A County Kerry Compendium. Merrion Press. ISBN 978-1785372018.
19. ^ Barrington, T J (1999) [1976]. Discovering Kerry. Its History, Heritage and Topgraphy (2 ed.). Cork: The Collins Press. p. 127\. ISBN 1-898256-71-3.
20. ^ "Kerry County Hall and Theatre Royal". National Built Heritage Service. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
21. ^ McCarthy, Victoria (1 January 2021). "Thomas Ashe Memorial Hall". Gems of Architecture. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
22. ^

* For initial order see: County of Kerry Local Electoral Areas and Municipal Districts Order 2018 (S.I. No. 619 of 2018). Signed on 19 December 2018. Statutory Instrument of the Government of Ireland. Archived from the original on 2 February 2019. Retrieved from Irish Statute Book on 9 March 2019.
* For order renaming the An Daingean LEA as Corca Dhuibhne see
* County of Kerry Local Electoral Areas and Municipal Districts (Amendment) Order 2019 (S.I. No. 157 of 2019). Signed on 16 April 2019. Statutory Instrument of the Government of Ireland. Retrieved from Irish Statute Book on 30 October 2023.

23. ^ "Kerry County Council – Elected Candidates". RTÉ News. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
24. ^ Kelleher, Sinead (13 December 2024). "Tommy Cahill set to continue the Kerry family's political legacy as he takes over his father's seat". Irish Independent. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
25. ^ "Kerry's newest county councillor officially co-opted". Radio Kerry News. 28 April 2025. Retrieved 12 May 2025.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

Elections to Kerry County Council

* 1899
* 1902
* 1905
* 1908
* 1911
* 1914
* 1920
* 1925
* 1928
* 1934
* 1942
* 1948
* 1955
* 1960
* 1967
* 1974
* 1979
* 1985
* 1991
* 1999
* 2004
* 2009
* 2014
* 2019
* 2024

* v
* t
* e

Local government in the Republic of Ireland

County councils|

* Carlow
* Cavan
* Clare
* Cork
* Donegal
* Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown
* Fingal
* Galway
* Kerry
* Kildare
* Kilkenny
* Laois
* Leitrim
* Longford
* Louth
* Mayo
* Meath
* Monaghan
* Offaly
* Roscommon
* Sligo
* South Dublin
* Tipperary
* Westmeath
* Wexford
* Wicklow

City councils|

* Cork
* Dublin
* Galway

City and County councils|

* Limerick
* Waterford

Regional Assemblies|

* Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly
* Northern and Western Regional Assembly
* Southern Regional Assembly

Disestablished councils|

* Corporation of Dún Laoghaire
* Dublin County Council
* Limerick City Council
* Limerick County Council
* Pembroke
* Rathmines and Rathgar
* North Tipperary County Council
* South Tipperary County Council
* Waterford City Council
* Waterford County Council

Abolished structures|

* Town councils
* Town commissioners
* Urban and rural districts

Acts|

* Municipal Corporations (Ireland) Act 1840
* Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898
* Local Government (Ireland) Act 1919
* Local Government Act 1925
* Local Government (Dublin) Act 1930
* Local Government (Dublin) Act 1993
* Local Government Act 2001
* Local Government Reform Act 2014
* Local Government Act 2019

See also|

* Chief executive
* Local electoral areas
* Local government in Dublin

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template