A planning application has been submitted to Kerry County Council for a large-scale residential development on Countess Road.

Dipharma Unlimited Company is seeking a 10-year planning permission for the Large-Scale Residential Development (LRD) located at the site in the townland of Dromhale.

The application was officially received by the local authority during the June 8 to June 14 planning period.

The proposed project consists of 259 residential units, a single-storey crèche, landscaping, and all associated site development works.

To facilitate the build, the plans outline the demolition of two existing two-storey semi-detached houses, a ruinous structure, and the existing site boundary walls along Countess Road.

The housing breakdown features 103 two-storey, three-bedroom houses, which comprise 27 terraced units, 62 end-of-terrace units, and 14 side-entry units.

There are also 82 courtyard apartment units built over two storeys, consisting of 42 one-bedroom units and 40 two-bedroom units.

Additionally, the plans include 74 apartment units, made up of 34 one-bedroom units and 40 two-bedroom units, housed inside two blocks that are part three-storey and part four-storey high.

Vehicular access to the new estate will be provided via a single entrance from Countess Road to the north.

The entrance design incorporates public road improvement works, including a raised crossing point.

Pedestrian and cycle infrastructure will also be constructed to connect Countess Road internally with the development and the adjoining areas.

Ancillary site works detailed in the application include car parking, bicycle parking, bin storage facilities, two ESB substations, and water services.

The drainage infrastructure involves foul and storm network upgrades in Countess Grove. A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared and submitted to the planning authority alongside the application.

Further details on the project can be accessed on the dedicated LRD website at www.CountessRoadLRD.ie

Coolick National School welcomed Minister Norma Foley, for the official opening of its new state-of-the-art modular classroom and to review plans for a major upcoming school extension.

The Minister was received by Principal Gearóid O’Sullivan, members of the Board of Management, staff, pupils, parents, local Councillor Marie Moloney, and members of the wider community.

The newly opened modular classroom provides a modern learning environment for pupils, representing a significant investment in the local area.

During the visit, Minister Foley was also presented with the recently approved plans for the school’s major extension project.

The granted planning permission covers a comprehensive programme of works to modernise and expand the existing building.

The upcoming project includes the construction of a two-storey extension to the front of the existing building, which incorporates a new lower ground level to significantly increase floor area and capacity.

Internal reconfiguration works will modernise the school’s appearance and improve functionality, which will include dedicated facilities for a Special Class.

Additionally, a new parking area will be constructed to improve safety and accessibility for families, staff, and visitors.

The occasion featured a programme of entertainment by the pupils, including performances by the school’s set dancers, music groups, and the school choral group, which recently participated in the Cork Choral Festival. A blessing of the new facility was performed by Fr Joe Begley.