A hearing into planning process around the the South Kerry Greenway started on Tuesday and is expected to run until 18 October. A senior planning inspector from An Bord Pleanála will oversee the process in the Manor West Hotel and Leisure Club in Tralee.

In August 2018, Kerry County Council lodged a planning application for the 32km greenway which is to run mainly on the old railway line from Glenbeigh to Renard outside Cahersiveen.

The application included a total of 222 pieces of land measuring up to 0.2 hectares which are subject to compulsive purchase orders (CPOs). While farmers in the area have stated they are not against the greenway, they are opposed to the use of CPOs.

IFA objection

The IFA is also objecting, as it feels the use of the CPO for a greenway will act as a precedent for other projectsaround the country.

Speaking previously on the issue, Kerry IFA chair Pat O’Driscoll said: “Farmers impacted by this proposed greenway feel misled. When the project started, they were clearly told CPOs were off the table, yet the council ignored this commitment. This is not acceptable and it’s not in keeping with the Government’s policy for greenway development.”

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Hearing on South Kerry Greenway planning begins

The oral hearing for the South Kerry Greenway started on Tuesday. The use of CPOs to acquire land along the 32km route has led to objections from local farmers and the IFA.