Plan for one of Kerry's largest recent housing developments appealed
Portal Asset Holdings Limited had been granted permission by Kerry County Council to build 224 houses on Port Road and St Margaret's Road, Killarney. Picture: Port Road LRD
The construction of more than 220 new homes for Killarney that would be one of the largest housing developments in Kerry in recent times has been appealed.
Portal Asset Holdings Limited had been granted permission by Kerry County Council to build 224 houses on Port Road and St Margaret's Road, Killarney. It includes a mix of housing types and styles, as well as apartments, new vehicular access, utility upgrades, and new public realm improvements.
However, an appeal has now been lodged against this decision, meaning it has been referred to An Bord Pleanála. A third-party, local resident Brian O'Callaghan, has lodged the appeal.
During the planning process, Mr O'Callaghan made a submission, describing the development as "not in keeping with the surrounding area".
Specific concerns raised related to the density of the development, the positioning of a proposed creche immediately adjacent to an existing housing estate, and changes in access as a result of the new scheme.
Numerous ecological issues were also noted, including the presence of a badger sett on the land, and its potential impact on the lesser horseshoe bat.
Previous applications have been made to build large housing schemes on the same site, under the fast-track planning legislation.
In August 2022, An Bord Pleanála refused permission to Portal Asset Holdings Limited for 228 homes on the site amid concerns that the development would result in artificial lighting during construction and occupation that may impact on the lesser horseshoe bats that commute along the river.
As such, it would be damaging in the Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks, and Caragh River Catchment special area of conservation.
