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An Bord Pleanala has given the go-ahead to build a 32 km paved greenway in South Kerry along the old Ring of Kerry railway.
The Kerry County Council also obtained authorization for the mandatory purchase of more than 220 properties from just under 200 owners in 27 cities.
The building permit is subject to 11 conditions.
The land was returned to private ownership after the railroad was abandoned in 1960.
The Kerry County Council’s request, under the Highway Act, to build a 10-foot-wide paved area, was carried out at a lengthy oral hearing a year ago in Tralee.
The objectors included several landowners and environmentalists.
The use of compulsory purchase, under the powers of the Housing Laws for a greenway, turned out to be a particular stumbling block.
The IFA, the country’s leading farmers’ organization, strongly opposed the use of the CPO, arguing that a cycle and a service path were not public infrastructure in the normal sense of the term, and more efforts should be made to reach a agreement.
An Bord Pleanala has now confirmed CPO’s order saying it was in the interest and benefit of the public and the community.
It was necessary “to provide a catalyst for the economic regeneration of the area,” he said.
He also considered “the increased provisions for a range of non-motorized road users to be achieved from the use of the acquired land,” he said.
First proposed by local development agencies, the “iconic greenway” was announced in 2014 on the Gleesk railway viaduct over Kells Bay and would become a flagship project for the bike path network promoted by the Department of Transportation.
At more than 20 million euros, the greenway will face considerable engineering challenges.
Some of the most impressive structures that characterized the old line, with its panoramic views over the Atlantic: the Caherisveen Railway Bridge, the Gleensk Viaduct and the Drung Hill tunnels are yet to be repaired.
Kerry’s N70 ring underpasses will also be built, as well as a new bridge.
Kerry’s Cathaoirleach County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen, has welcomed An Bord Pleanála’s decision, saying the project 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.
Meanwhile, the Cork County Council has said that the additional funding announced for the Midleton Youghal Greenway is further proof of the project’s importance to the East Cork region.
The total funding secured by the Cork City Council for the development amounts to 19.8 million euros.
County Mayor Mary Linehan Foley said: “The Greenway has great potential to support our local communities and businesses in post-Covid recovery and will be a significant tourism asset not only for the local area but for the county in general”.
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