Councillors have given the go ahead for a 1.5km urban cycleway in North Kerry.
Members of the Listowel Municipal District held a special meeting, to consider the chief executive’s report on proposed works in Listowel. The works were under Part 8 legislation, which is, in effect, the council applying to its members for planning permission, following a period of public consultation.
Kerry County Council has secured funding to develop a cycle/walkway between Upper Church Street and the former Neodata site in Listowel, via Gurtinard and Listowel Town Park. The works within the park will result in the widening of approximately 760 metres of existing paths and construction of 100 metres of new cycleway, while 240 metres will be constructed in a wooded area south of St Michael’s College and near the Gurtinard housing estate.
20 submissions were received during a period of public consultation, with many citing potential effects on the biodiversity of the town park and claims alternative routes could have been used. One submission in particular, comprising 55 signatories, raised concerns about felling trees, increased safety concerns and the potential effect on environmental conservation efforts.
The council said it met with multiple landowners to discuss alternative routes, with the chosen route being the most favourable, and adds an environmental impact assessment wasn’t required due to the project’s nature and size. Cathaoirleach of the MD Fine Gael councillor Mike Kennelly was in favour of the proposal, while Kerry Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil councillor Jimmy Moloney said he believes the cycleway will be a great boon for the town.
The Listowel MD councillors voted for the works, five in favour, with Sinn Féin councillor Robert Beasley absent from the meeting.
Find the full report here: CE Report - N69 Part 8 Neodata
