Public Greenway discussion expected later this month

KERRY County Council (KCC) has said that progress on the 32-kilometre Greenway from Glenbeigh remains steady, with Public Consultations on the project to be held later this month.

The local authority outlined this in response to a notice of motion by Councillor Michael Cahill at this week’s meeting of the members of the South and West Kerry Municipal District in Killorglin, in which he requested a detailed progress report in respect of the Greenway.

In its response, KCC said good progress is being made in finalising the route and its details, and that it continues to engage with landowners along the proposed route. Details of Public Consultation have yet to be finalised.

“The Route Selection Report is substantially complete,” a spokesperson said. “The information for the Environmental Impact Statement is currently being compiled and is due to be issued this week. While this is being prepared, work will continue on the Preliminary Design Report and associated elements.” The EIS is tol be submitted to An Bord Plenála as part of the final planning application.

The response went on to outline that Ground Investigation Works are to be undertaken by Priority Geotech in selected locations in the coming weeks and that all relevant landowners have been contacted regarding the same.

KCC has encountered some criticism from affected parties for its decision to acquire lands along the proposed route by compulsory purchase order (CPO). Councillor Johnny Healy Rae has said that a greenway would do untold good for the area, but has expressed concern that the CPO caused much unhappiness amongst landowners.

It’s thought the greenway would be worth millions to a local economy that has been badly affected by recession, emigration and population decline. The council has previously defended its decision to pursue lands by CPO on economic and tourism grounds, citing the greenway as a key strategic project for south Kerry.