Residents win appeal against holiday homes

RESIDENTS of a scenic Ring of Kerry village, who claim they are being ‘overwhelmed’ by holiday homes, have won the backing of An Bord Pleanála.

People in Caherdaniel, including the local national school management board, have successfully appealed against a Kerry County Council decision to grant planning permission to Philip Carey for six holiday homes.

Bord Pleanála has overturned the decision on the basis that it went against the council’s development plan regarding excessive holiday home developments.

Bord inspector Mairead Kenny, in her report, said she agreed the local population was being overwhelmed by holiday homes.

“I consider that a refusal of permission is warranted for this reason,” she stated.

People in the Caherdaniel/Derrynane area have been crying halt to a huge number of holiday homes. There are now almost as many holiday homes as year-round residences in the area.

One of the appeals against the latest proposal was from the management board of Caherdaniel national school, which is directly opposite the entrance to the site.

Sixteen houses, which had been constructed near the school, are having an adverse impact on the school including a loss of light and play facilities, according to the management board.

Local man Timothy O’Shea objected to the latest proposal and serious concerns were submitted by An Taisce.

Ms Mairead Kenny also said the extra holiday homes would seriously injure the amenities of the area and would be premature pending the adoption of a local area plan.

She said the development would amount to “additional unplanned housing sprawl” on the edge of Caherdaniel and further erode the character of the area.

An observation submitted by parish priest Fr Fergal Ryan, who is chairperson of the Caherdaniel school management board, claimed the school would be at the very centre of such a ghost town if the development was allowed go ahead.

But, Mr Philip Carey, the developer, said it was a low density development.

The site was only visible for a short distance, was well screened and the entrance was within the 50kph speed limit, he added.

Mr Carey said the village was a tourist destination and if the six houses were used as holiday houses, they should have a positive impact on the local economy.