Planning refusal for Kerry leisure park a ‘sucker blow' to rural region
'This is the 'sucker punch' that local residents and the South Kerry diaspora, scattered throughout the world, did not deserve. It appears to be the same old story, remote, rural areas of our country are being dealt decisions by officialdom, which will negatively impact on the sustainability of the local economy forever more,' stated the Kerry TD.
The plans for 'Rinn Rua' holiday Park, revealed in 2023, include the demolition of the famous Reeroe hotel which has been derelict for over 30 years to develop a large scale holiday park west of Reenroe beach.
The proposal included holiday lodges, mobile homes, touring campervans, tent/caravan pitches, glamping pods and hobbit huts and all associated services.
Planning was also sought for a leisure complex with swimming pool, play areas and a surf shop.
Kerry County Council gave four reasons for the refusal including that such a development would contravene the County Development Plan objective as this area is deemed 'visually sensitive'. Another reason was that the local authority said it was not satisfied that it would not cause pollution of groundwater.
In light of the decision Mr Cahill, the FF spokesperson on Tourism, said planning restrictions in rural Ireland must be judged by different criteria other than that used for urban settings to help regenerate rural areas.
'With the progression of the South Kerry Greenway project, we were beginning to believe that, at last the pendulum was swinging in our direction. Decisions like this knock the stuffing out of you. Anything that can attract visitors to remote areas, must be encouraged, as the revenue they generate can help to create an employment ripple effect, that allows young people to remain on, and emigrants to return to available livelihoods,' he said.
'Planners need to take into account the bigger picture in rural areas, such as the Iveragh Peninsula. Places that have been neglected for generations like South Kerry, now need to be nurtured and returned to financial health, so that they can sustain viable businesses and jobs,' he said.
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