Planning laws ‘threaten island life’

THE future of the only inhabited island off the Kerry coast could be undermined by planning laws that are too restrictive, it was claimed yesterday.

Valentia island has a permanent population of around 650 people and residents say the new draft County Development Plan could have adverse implications for its future, as people may not be able to get planning permission on over half of the island.

"The plan as it stands would have severe repercussions for the retention of people on the island and the ability of people to get planning permission on their own land," said Pat O'Shea, Valentia Development Group.