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

[4][5][6] The 1898 Act introduced elected county councils to Ireland, following their establishment in England and Wales in 1889 and Scotland in 1890.

The election took place during the Irish War of Independence, and control of the council was won by Sinn Féin.

[7] The council moved to new premises, the Ashe Memorial Hall, Denny Street, Tralee in March 1928.

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

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

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