Kerry to 'dezone' thousands of acres

MORE THAN 3,000 acres zoned for residential development is to be “dezoned” in Co Kerry over the next two years, a council meeting…

MORE THAN 3,000 acres zoned for residential development is to be “dezoned” in Co Kerry over the next two years, a council meeting heard yesterday.

The total area currently zoned for residential development was 2,265 hectares yet only 471 hectares of residential zoned land were needed. Some 600 acres around Kenmare had already been “dezoned”, the meeting heard.

Amid criticism from some members about the zoning zeal of councillors during the boom – Cllr Robert Beasley said the Ring of Kerry was “no longer the tourist attraction it was” – councillors accused planners of being partly responsible.

“Councillors cannot be blamed totally. I know of land that wasn’t zoned at all around Kenmare and permission was granted by the planners,” said Cllr Danny Healy-Rae.

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Cllr Michael Cahill said the ghost estates near Castlemaine in mid-Kerry were a result of planners’ zonings and not councillors.

Lands previously zoned for residential purposes are now to be considered for amenity, community and other uses.

In a concession to Mr Healy-Rae, the so called townland rule has been broadened to ensure locals from rural areas are considered eligible applicants.

The proposals now go before the public for comment.