Man refused planning on land his family has owned for over century
A WEST Kerry man whose family has farmed the same land for over 100-years said he is ‘heartbroken’ after An Bord Pleanála refused his appeal to build a house.
Mike Kennedy is originally from Garfinny but living in Lios Póil just 8km away. Initially, he was refused planning by Kerry County Council (KCC) in 2022 having first engaged in the pre-planning process in 2007.
The reason cited for the refusal is the land is elevated and a house would impact the ‘natural visual amenity’ from the direction of the N86 road. Mike explained how his family farm is a small sheep holding that he and his father work at part-time.
Mike feels his planning application ‘ticked every box’ in that he is from the area, works locally, has kids in school, and is involved in community organisations. The plans were also refused over fears it would set a precedent for ‘ribbon development’ if granted.
“It’s the inconsistency is what is most frustrating. I know of planning in the area that is being granted where the same criteria applies. It’s frustrating to think I won’t have the opportunity to raise my family on the family farm,” said Mike.
“I got the news last week from An Bord Pleanála and it’s heart breaking. I think of my grandfather walking me out around the farm as a child. I wanted to do the same for my children,” he said.
“I’m in tears thinking about it. We’re only small sheep farmers but it’s that connection to the land that I had growing up that my son now won’t have. Why shouldn’t my kids deserve a chance to live on the farm?” Mike asked.
When KCC first refused Mike’s planning in 2022 he promised he would contest the 2024 local elections as an Independent to highlight the issue.
He feels not enough is being done to help young people build on family-owned land and believes it is threatening the existence of farming communities.
“I’ve seen what has happened to me is also happening to other families in the area. Ever since I went public with my story, people have got in touch to say they feel they are being pushed from their land into towns and villages. When I got the 2022 refusal, that gave me the final push into politics. If I’m elected, I’m not going to be a ‘yes man’ on the issue of housing and planning,” he said.
Mike spoke about how his job as an auctioneer based in Dingle brings him face to face with the chronic shortage in housing in the region. He claims the last affordable housing made available in Dingle was in 2007.
“There is a woeful shortage. Add in the fact people cannot build on their own land and it compounds the issue. Those of us who have land, and want to build, feel like we’re being pushed away. There is a local historian here who said when Cromwell’s armies crossed over Garfinny Bridge there were Kennedys living in the area. I’d like to think this will be the case long into the future,” he said.