Kerry Airport's plans to expand private jet business opposed by locals

Residents living close to the airport say loud noise and fumes from aircraft are affecting their quality of life

Kerry Airport has lodged an application with Kerry County Council for a 1,877sq m steel hangar for private planes.

An expansion of Kerry Airport's private jet facilities will only exacerbate existing noise and fumes levels, and further impact the quality of life of locals.

These are among the concerns raised by residents over the airport's planning application for a private aircraft hangar to cater for its booming private jet business.

Kerry Airport is now the third busiest, after Dublin and Shannon, in terms of corporate private jet business. At least two large jets a week are flying directly to Farranfore from the US alone, last year’s AGM heard, while wealthy golfers regularly fly in for a game of golf at the Hog's Head in Waterville and other links courses.

The airport has lodged an application with Kerry County Council for a 1,877sq m steel hangar for private planes.

Separate facilities planned include a private arrivals and departures pick-up area, while a separate reception, and waiting and security check-in areas are also proposed.

The new facilities will help the airport’s "potential as a strategically important international gateway” serving the wider South-West region of Ireland, according to the planning application.

“The owners of these private planes have expressed an interest in storing their planes when not in use,” the architects/engineers said.

However, locals in Cragg, Farranfore, along with environmental organisations, have all voiced concern.

'Continuous loud noise'

Neighbours Mary and Eddie McCarthy say the level of noise from private jets at the airport is already affecting them, while John and Maisie McCarthy complain of "continuous loud noise" for long periods during the day and the night. 

Fumes from the planes can linger for a long period of time, the McCarthys state in their submission to Kerry County Council.

Their quality of life has changed in the last number of years and in summer they cannot sit out because of the noise levels and the fumes and cannot open their windows, they say.

Other neighbours also complain of "high-pitched noise" until late at night and of noise and fumes from private planes.

In its submission, Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE), say growing environmental concerns globally are leading to the introduction of restrictions on private jets around the world. In the Netherlands, Eindhoven Airport is set to ban private jets from 2026, and Schipol Airport is facing litigation over its plans to limit aircraft operations during nighttime hours, restrict the construction of new runways, and ban the noisiest aircraft types. 

Private jets are facing reduced welcome in many airports, FIE director Tony Lowe said.

It has received communications from concerned individuals within the community "who, for understandable reasons, wish to remain anonymous", he said.

"These concerned residents have pointed out that the activities at Kerry Airport have been increasingly encroaching upon their daily lives, manifesting as heightened levels of air, noise, and light disturbances." 

The residents report a rise in low-flying helicopter activity from private jets, further disrupting the area's peace and tranquility, affecting residents and farm animals alike. Schools, sports activities, cultural events, ceremonies, and even sleep patterns have been consistently disrupted, they say.

Others to make submissions include a number of Kerry Green Party candidates as well as environmentalist Peter Sweetman.

The Irish Aviation Authority said it had no formal observation but the application would require prior approval regarding impact on airport communications and flight procedure.

A decision by Kerry County Council is due shortly.