Exclusive
Planning permission for a large-scale development comprising of 76 houses and 148 apartments in Killarney has been granted by An Bord Pleanala, KillarneyToday.com can reveal.
The development, being undertaken by Portal Asset Holdings Ltd, is located at Port Road and St Margaret’s Road, taking in the townlands of Coolgrean, Inch, Knockreer, Ardnaweely and Derreen.
It will involve the construction of a residential development of 224 units with a two-storey crèche, landscaping, road improvements, pedestrian and cycleways and associated site development works.
The plans will feature eight two-bed and 23 three-bed townhouses, 10 three-storey semi-detached units and 30 four-bedroom semi-detached units.
The proposed development will also include 148 apartments/duplexes as follows:
- Block 1: Four two-bed and four three-bed units over three storeys
- Block 2: Two two-bed and two three-beds over three storeys
- Block 3: Four one-bed, 10 two-bed and six three-beds over three storeys
- Block 4: 10 one-bed and 10 two beds over three storeys
- Block J: 32 two-beds over four storeys
- Block K: 16 one-bed and 16 two-bed apartments over four storeys
- Block L: 32 two-bed apartments over four storeys
The development will provide for a new vehicular access and pedestrian entrances on to Port Road, upgrades to Port Road comprising a reduction in carriageway widths, provision of a shared pedestrian-cycleway path, an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing and a pedestrian connection to Millwood Estate.
In 2022 An Bórd Pleanála refused a strategic housing development application made by the same company, on the same site, for 228 residential units, due to potential impacts on the lesser horseshoe bat.
Despite a third party appeal, from a number of individuals and groups, to a later decision by Kerry County Council to give the project the green light, An Board Pleanála has decided to grant permission for the proposed development, in accordance with the said plans and particulars, subject to compliance with 26 revised conditions.
A Natura Impact Statement accompanied the new application lodged in July of this year.
Michael Hegarty of Portal Asset Holdings Ltd told KillarneyToday.com that the decision is great news for the people of Killarney.
“We welcome the decision of An Bord Pleanála. It was a very comprehensive application process and it was very considered decision by the board,” he said.
“This is a large-scale development that comes at a time when Killarney’s housing needs were never greater,” Mr Hegarty added.
He said development works on the project will commence immediately.
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