Exclusive
In a move that is expected to have a major impact on traffic flow in Killarney town centre, An Bord Pleanála today approved an application from Kerry County Council for a compulsory purchase order authorising the acquisition of lands to facilitate the construction of a new inner relief road at Bohereen-Na-Goun, from the Monsignor O’Flaherty Road at the top of High Street to exit near Dunnes Stores off New Street.
The application was submitted by the local authority in February 2022.
An Bord Pleanála said it had considered the objections received and a report from an oral hearing into the case and it took into account the constitutional and convention protection afforded to property rights.
The board said it had considered the community need, the public interest served and the overall benefits, especially in terms of traffic management and road safety to be achieved from the proposed road.
It also examined the suitability of the lands and the necessity of their acquisition, the submissions and observations made at the oral hearing and the report and recommendation of the inspector.
Other matters considered included the provisions of the National Planning Framework, the Climate Action Plan, the Southern Regional assembly Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and the objectives of the Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028, including the section which seeks the completion of the inner relief road.
An Bord Pleanála said it is considered that the acquisition by Kerry County Council of the lands in question is necessary for the purpose stated which is a legitimate objective being pursued in the public interest.
The decision further states that the compulsory purchase order and its effects on the property rights of affected landowners are proportionate to that objective and justified by the exigencies of the common good.
“In reaching this conclusion, the board agrees with and adopts the analysis contained in the report of the person who conducted the oral hearing into the objections,” it was stated.
It was further stressed that the compulsory purchase order should be modified in relation to four named plots which refer to lands at Killarney Enterprise Centre, to add Mr Patrick Diggins as the co-owner along with Mr John Quill, as confirmed at the oral hearing.
Confirming news of the development this Wednesday night, the development was welcomed by Cllr Niall Kelleher, Cllr Brendan Cronin and Mayor of Killarney Cllr Maura Healy-Rae.
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