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An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for a 32-kilometer greenway in South Kerry and the mandatory purchase of more than 220 properties along the route.
The building permit is subject to 11 conditions.
The confirmation of the Mandatory Purchase Order for the land along the former Ring of Kerry railway is subject to change.
The project, mired in controversy since it was first raised six years ago, was the subject of a month-long oral hearing last year.
Kerry’s Cathaoirleach County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen has welcomed the decision, saying it represents a huge boost for the county and for South Kerry in particular.
“I am delighted that An Bord Pleanála has given the green light to this project. This greenway will bring enormous tourism, social and economic benefits to the entire South Kerry area and I look forward to its construction as soon as possible,” he said.
The Kerry County Council is considering the details contained in the An Bord Pleanála decision and will comment further in due course.
In a hearing last year, the Kerry County Council said the greenway is necessary to help address the ongoing economic and demographic decline.
The council also said the greenway, which runs from Reenard, southwest of Cahirciveen, to Faha, west of Glenbeigh, would not have a significant impact on the nearby environment.
However, some people, mainly farmers, opposed the council’s plan to impose mandatory purchase orders.
The greenway is planned as a three meter wide paved stretch for pedestrian and cyclist use and the council hopes it will follow the success of the Great Western Greenway in May and the Waterford Greenway which have attracted large numbers of visitors.
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