Towns benefit as rural dwellers drift to urban areas, council plan shows

Population fall-offs in rural areas of South Kerry has led to drifts towards the towns of Cahersiveen, Killorglin, Killarney, and Kenmare, a local authority’s draft plan reveals.

Kerry County Council’s plan, which is being made available for consultation by the public, also shows a substantial number of those still living in the countryside travel to work in Kenmare, Killarney, Killorglin, and elsewhere.

In the wider Waterville area, the population has fallen from 2,173 to 2,052 between 2006 and 2011, with some of the inland townlands losing over 22%.

Cahersiveen still has “peripherality” as its greatest challenge, the report notes. Planners advocate better “linkages” to the rest of the county.

While rural population has fallen, the population of Cahersiveen town now stands at 1,454 — a growth of 182 since 2002. Its 19th-century streetscape and buildings have remained largely intact which the plan says is necessary to preserve.

Meanwhile, there are 35 houses vacant or unfinished in Cahersiveen.

The situation with vacant houses in Sneem is far worse. Estates in various stages of completion practically ring the village and about 60 houses are vacant with a further 31 sites prepared for development.

Planners propose no further land should be zoned for housing in Sneem and suggest that steps should be taken to tackle abandoned estates.

Meanwhile, the coastal village of Castlecove near Staigue Fort is singled out as of particular “high quality” relatively untouched by large-scale development.

It is, however, having to battle a number of invasive species including Japanese knotweed.

The plan is available in libraries and council offices.