Plans for raised walk and cycle way around Killarney lakes appealed to planning board

Permission was granted earlier this month for the 1km structure between Dinis and Torc along the N71 national secondary road

The area, which is within Killarney National Park, is a special area of conservation and is highly sensitive. Picture: Dan Linehan

Plans by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for a raised walkway and cycle platform with views over the lakes of Killarney have been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Permission was granted to the NPWS earlier this month for the 1km structure between Dinis and Torc along the N71 national secondary road.

A Natura Impact Statement accompanied the application to Kerry County Council.

The area, which is within Killarney National Park, is a special area of conservation and is highly sensitive. 

A derogation under EU habitats legislation was sought by the NPWS on the grounds of social and economic reasons, namely the project was of overriding public interest, including social and economic grounds.

The plans were intended to loop with a popular cycleway around the lakes of Killarney within the park, and work was to be completed during 2025.

The council’s decision to give the go-ahead had been widely welcomed by businesses and individuals in the area.

However, an appeal has now been taken by Peter Sweetman on behalf of Wild Ireland Defence, based in Allihies in West Cork.

Mr Sweetman claims the plans are in breach of habitat assessment regulations as set down by the European Court of Justice in a case taken by himself previously.

He has asked An Bord Pleanála to carry out a new assessment of the application.

The application by the NPWS was lodged in January 2024. Further environmental studies were undertaken after requests by the council.

These included further ecological studies and baseline studies.

An ecologist to oversee any disturbance to the Kerry slug is among 18 conditions imposed by the council in the grant of planning.

Low numbers of the slug — only 11 — were uncovered. 

Other stipulations by the council planners include that strands of the invasive Rhododendron ponticum would be removed and native holly encouraged.

The section of the N71 is extremely narrow and considered dangerous for cyclists and walkers. Some 136,000 cyclists and walkers used the N71 section in 2023.

The 915m long x 3m wide raised platform is to be part of a safe car-free loop for cyclists around the three lakes of Killarney.

The development will involve bringing tonnes of steel, concrete, precast concrete slabs and other materials into a sensitive area, Mr Sweetman submitted.

He questioned how this could not have an effect on a special area of conservation.

Citing European Court of Justice requirements as set out in a case taken by himself against An Bord Pleanála in 2011, Mr Sweetman suggested the scientific assessment was incomplete.

The case is due for decision by June 24.

Meanwhile, the walkway is one of a number of major projects by the NPWS for Killarney National Park.

Plans have also been submitted to Kerry County Council for a new immersive education centre on a six-acre site at Torc Waterfall.