Killarney housing project gets go-ahead

THE green light has been given for an extra 50 local authority houses in Killarney, which will go some way towards reducing a waiting list of more than 400 housing applicants.

However, it could be two years before the houses are built on a site at Direen, on the outskirts of the town.

Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue said the council had approval to seek tenders for the scheme.

The project will include 10 affordable houses.

The high cost of building land and houses in Killarney is making it increasingly difficult for many people to purchase their own homes in the area. Many people are having to move several miles away from Killarney and to outlying villages such as Rathmore, Barraduff and Milltown for housing.

Meanwhile, a decision by Kerry County Council to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Jeanie Johnston boatyard site in Blennerville, Tralee, is to be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

The proposal by Scotia Properties Ltd, Tralee, is to demolish the boatyard and build 47 houses and 28 apartments on the site.

Also, Friends of the Irish Environment have welcomed a decision by Kerry County Council to refuse planning for a major development in Kenmare.

Neidín Developments and some local investors had applied for planning for 300 residential units, including a three-storey apartment block, a major retail outlet and 260 parking spaces.

Among the grounds for refusing the application were increased traffic and an inadequate water supply.