Dramatic fall in Kilkee’s population

IN an effort to address what has been deemed a “catastrophic” 301 person decrease in the town’s population since the 2006 census, a steering committee has been established in Kilkee. Group member, Councillor Paddy Collins, has voiced fears that Kilkee will be downgraded to village status if the population falls below 1,000 people.
The 2011 census figures show the town’s population has fallen by 22% since 2006 when 1,325 lived there. The current population consists of 1,024 people, a fall of 301 people in five years. In 1996, Kilkee had the fourth largest population in Clare but 15 years later the seaside town has slipped down to 13th.
“The steering group has been set up to try and address this situation although we don’t know how yet,” Kilkee town councillor Paddy Collins said, adding that they have written to local TDs, MEPs and the Clare county manager to highlight the situation. He is banking on cross agency support to aid Kilkee.
“This is going to be down to the likes of Shannon Development, the County Enterprise Board and Clare County Council all getting on board, with a lot of joined up thinking because this is a disaster for the town,” he added, noting that a descent to village status would represent a backward step.
“If Kilkee goes down to village status, it would be very bad for the town. It’s a premier seaside resort but it needs its town status. I know that the County Development Plan is trying to address elements of the situation but I really think Kilkee needs to be looked at extra hard. We still have the Shannon Development factory units that are empty. Tourism isn’t enough for the town. We need more than just tourism or else we need to try and find tourism for 12 months of the year,” he suggested.
In an email sent to local bodies and public representatives this week, the steering committee referred to the urgency in putting a stop to “this catastrophic slide in our population”.
Councillor Collins noted the population further west has also declined significantly in some areas.
“Our hinterland, which always fed Kilkee, has also had a massive drop in population. For example Rahona in Carrigaholt is down 40 people,” he said.
The steering committee consists of Mayor of Kilkee Elaine Haugh-Hayes, retired pharmacist John Williams, Johnny Redmond (Kilkee Chamber) and Councillor Collins.