64 new homes are to be built in Kenmare, but they won’t be occupied until Uisce Éireann upgrades its water capacity for the area.
Enda Crowley was granted planning permission by Kerry County Council to build the homes on grasslands at Gortamullen, about 1km west of Kenmare off the N70 towards Sneem.
The council’s planner wrote that they had regard to the urgent need for housing supply, in granting permission for the 64 homes, which will be mainly three-bed houses.
46 of the homes will be three-bed, semi-detached houses, with ten two-bed semi-detached houses, and eight four-bed detached houses.
Submissions were made on the planning application from locals, who raised issues with the development, including that it may overlook other properties, and may lead to traffic problems.
Uisce Éireann made a submission on the application as well, in which it initially confirmed the existing Water Treatment Plant in Kenmare cannot supply the additional demand from these new homes.
It said the developer will need to consider alternative arrangements for water supply to service the development until a new public supply is available.
Following further engagement between the applicant Enda Crowley and Uisce Éireann, the national water utility confirmed a connection to wastewater infrastructure can be facilitated and is feasible without infrastructure upgrades by Uisce Éireann.
However, it said for water supply, connection is only feasible subject to upgrades, and the applicant needs to consider alternative arrangements until that new public supply is available.
Kerry County Council’s planner wrote that given the urgency of the situation in relation to water supply in Kenmare, it’s anticipated Uisce Éireann will upgrade its infrastructure within the next five years, meaning the water supply issue shouldn’t prevent the houses being built.
In relation to the other issues raised, the planner said there would be no significant impacts on residential properties on adjoining lands, and the development is acceptable in terms of traffic and pedestrian safety.
Kerry County Council granted permission, but one condition stipulates no houses will be occupied until connections to public water and public sewerage have been provided to the satisfaction of Uisce Eireann – which cannot happen until Uisce Éireann upgrades its infrastructure.
The utility had been criticised by public representatives for delays in upgrading the water infrastructure in Kenmare.
