Plan to demolish baths turned down
Developer John Walsh proposed to replace the buildings, on the Ladies’ Strand, with a modern, three-storey development, including three apartments, four duplex houses and a commercial unit.
However, the planning appeals board decided the site was unsuitable for such a terraced complex — although Kerry County Council had given planning permission subject to 40 conditions.
Dalys’ Seaweed Baths have been a landmark in the well-known resort for decades, being visited by people from many parts of Cork, Kerry, Limerick and further afield.
An Taisce lodged an appeal against the council’s decision, saying the corner of the beach concerned was a high amenity area and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Extra activity generated by the new development would have a negative impact on the SAC, An Taisce claimed.
Mr Walsh, while acknowledging it was a “sensitive location”, said the development would be small scale with negligible impact on the cliff area.
Existing buildings were not protected structures and the area was subject to ongoing antisocial behaviour, he also said.
The site at is at a base of a high embankment and an 18-metre cliff and senior Bord Pleanála inspector Robert Ryan said that was a cause of concern.
The slope, he pointed out, was very steep and there were strong indications that movement may have occurred in the slope.
Also, existing buildings, which he described as “semi-derelict’’, may be supporting the slope.
In its ruling, the appeals board deemed it an unsuitable site and would not allow the proposed redevelopment to go ahead.
The board said it would result in an unwarranted risk to future residents because of the risks of slippage and flooding due to its location to the rear of a public beach. The site was immediately under a cliff which showed evidence of instability and slippage.
The plans also included redeveloping the sea wall with a boardwalk, a new road layout and car parking spaces.
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