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A number of legal challenges to a proposed 32km greenway in Co Kerry have been launched by people concerned about the welfare of slugs and bats and landowners against the compulsory purchase of land for the project.
The long-mooted south Kerry greenway was last November
approved by An Bord Pleanála, paving the way for the 32km greenway along the
former Ring of Kerry railway line.
While some landowners had objected to the project, Kerry
County Council secured approval in November for the compulsory purchase of just
over 220 pieces of land from owners in almost 30 areas on the route.
However, a number of objections have now been brought
before the High Court. If they are permitted to proceed through the courts the
permissions for the greenway already secured will have to be defended.
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One of the actions is being taken by Peter Sweetman, who
campaigns on environmental issues, and Kerry farmer James Clifford and both are
challenging An Bord Pleanala’s decision to grant permission for the greenway.
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They believe the permission granted breaches EU
directives on habitats and environmental impacts and did not protect the Kerry
slug and the lesser horseshoe bat.
The second challenge is by a group of local landowners
whose lands are set to be acquired for the greenway project by compulsory
purchase orders. They also want the permission granted for the greenway to be
quashed.
Both cases were briefly before the High Court today and
were adjourned to a date later this month.
The new greenway project, which was thrashed out in an
oral planning hearing in 2019, would cost over €20m and aside from traversing spectacular
countryside it would also incorporate iconic landmarks.
Cyclist and walkers on the greenway would get to cross
the Caherciveen rail bridge and Gleensk viaduct while the Drung Hill tunnels
are also part of the route.
The 32km cycleway would start in Renard Point, which is
near Caherciveen and from where the Valentia Island ferry departs, and take
walkers and cyclists all the way to Glenbeigh. The 3-metre wide paved surface
would have grass verges either side and would be fenced off.
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