Killarney residents appeal planning go-ahead for nursing home and apartment block
An appeal has also been lodged by a local anglers association, which said the developers had failed to show the development would not adversely affect Killarney National Park and the Caragh River.
Local residents have appealed against permission granted to a new nursing home and apartment block in Killarney because its “sheer scale” could be “detrimental” to the reputation of the town and create an unsustainable precedent.
An appeal has also been lodged by a local anglers association, which said the developers had failed to show the development would not adversely affect Killarney National Park and the Caragh River.
Following a lengthy planning process, NKP Ltd was given the green light by Kerry County Council last month for the 90-bed nursing home, 18 independent living units and 31 duplex/apartments.
The lands set aside for the project were located at the junction of the N22 and Ballycasheen Road on the eastern edge of Killarney town.
The proposed nursing home and independent living units will be accommodated within a three-to-five storey building, with the apartments located in two buildings ranging from three to four storeys.
In its planning statement, it was argued there was currently a shortage of available places for elderly-specific accommodation in the area.
“It is considered that the provision of a nursing home and independent living units at this location will positively contribute to the housing needs of the region,” planners on behalf of NKP said.
“The proposed development will provide further opportunities for the local elderly and those in need of specialised accommodation to remain living in the Killarney area, close to their friends and families."
Kerry County Council sought further information to accompany the application in several instances, while it received submissions outlining concerns with the plan from multiple parties.
This included a group representing residents of Ballycasheen Road, who subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
“While development of the vacant site is welcomed by residents of the local community, particularly the nursing home element, there are several elements of the approved proposals that have not been adequately addressed within the application or conditions attached to its approval,” they wrote.
Their concerns included the visual impact of the height and density of the development, the impact on existing infrastructure and services and the traffic/roads impact.
An Bord Pleanála has said it is due to decide on the case in early November.
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