Tourist apartments given go-ahead in grounds of historic Kerry castle despite objections

An Coimisiún Pleanála overruled its inspector to grant permission for seven short-term tourist accommodation apartments at Ballyheigue Castle

In an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála, third-party appellants said the proposed design had the 'potential to materially affect the character, setting and landscape of Ballyheigue Castle'. 

Short-term tourist accommodation has been given the go-ahead within the curtilage of the ruins of Ballyheigue Castle in Co Kerry — despite a number of objections.

The castle, which dates to the 18th century, was the seat of the Crosbie family, and also acted as a gaol and an RIC barracks.