Kerry officials urged to reject public walkways

SENIOR officials of Kerry County Council were yesterday urged “not to lead people up the garden path” in relation to plans for public walkways.

Councillors strongly opposed a proposed walkway from the centre of Kenmare to the local pier.

Independent councillor Michael Healy-Rae, pointing out the land involved was private property and permission of the owners would first have to be obtained, said people were being misled into believing a walkway would be provided.

He was supported by his brother, Councillor Danny Healy-Rae, who said the council was putting the cart before the horse.

’I think this is very unfair. The people who own the land should first be asked for permission,’ he said.

The matter arose during consideration of amendments to a local areaplan for Kenmare.

The council’s planning director, Michael McMahon, explained the idea of a walkway had been put in as something that was highly desirable for the area.

“It comes into play in the context of the development of the lands in question,” he said.

“We acknowledge the rights of the landowners and must deal with them if a walkway is to be developed.

“It is important to have the walkway as an objective and the land owner should be aware of it.”

Mr McMahon said the route of the walkway was “indicative” and it could take many years to provide it.

It had taken about 20 years to provide a walkway from Tralee town to Ballyseedy Woods, he remarked.

In a submission to the council, Patrick and James Arthur, of Kenmare, said the proposed walkway from the pier through the stone circle and into Kenmare was on private property.

An existing right-of-way was used by the council for access to the sewage treatment works only, they added.

The council rejected the proposed walkway on an 18-2 vote.