Maintenance offer to Kerry greenway landowners
Noel Spillane, CEO of the South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd (SKDP), appealed to landowners opposing the greenway to reconsider their position, in view of the proposed maintenance scheme, and the economic importance of the project.
Referring to compulsory purchase orders opposed by farmers, Mr Spillane said: “A thorough consultation process by Kerry County Council, supported by SKDP, failed to secure the agreement of all landowners required, so unfortunately Kerry County Council have no alternative but to proceed with the CPO process if the Greenway is to proceed”.
Costing €3.2m, the purpose-built walking and cycling track would follow the 27km old railway line from Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen and Reenard, the Valentia ferry departure point.
Kerry County Council says it would bring in at least €7.2m a year of tourism revenue.
But many landowners along the route oppose acquiring the land by CPO.
The greenway plan requires Kerry County Council to buy 192 parcels of land, from 172 landowners.
The proposed maintenance scheme, administered by the SKDP rural development organisation, would pay landowners on the route at least €300 a year, plus €2 per metre of greenway they maintain.
They will be provided with training and necessary materials, and will be fully covered by insurance.
Their work will include strimming, keeping the route free of litter, and ensuring animals do not cause a hazard. They will inspect the route and the fencing, gates and trail furniture regularly, to ensure they are not damaged.
SKDP already administers a similar scheme on the Kerry Way and Beara Way.
There is no obligation on landowners to sign up for this voluntary scheme. Where landowners choose not to participate, SKDP will undertake the work instead.
Kerry County Council would have responsibility for required structural work and replacement of fencing and trail furniture.
