News
Brewery appeal withdrawn
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By Anne Lucey
Plans for a €24 million brewery and whiskey distillery, visitor centre and restaurant at Fossa, Killarney, will get underway in January - after an appeal to An Bord Pleanála was withdrawn.
Aidan Forde, Director of Torc Brewing of Church Close, Muckross, had appealed plans by Killarney Brewing Company, to develop a micro-craft distillery, brewery, cask maturation area, exhibition area, visitor centre, restaurant, and parking to cater for coach and private cars at the old Rosenbluth office building at Killalee on the main Ring of Kerry Road, on the grounds of firewater retention. He has now withdrawn his appeal.
Fossa may shortly see three new whiskey distilleries and visitor centres - within a stone’s throw of each other.
Less than half a mile away, the adjoining townland of Lakeview, the seat of the O’Connell family in Killarney, has already begun producing its first whiskey called ‘The Liberator’ in a 300-year-old complex that includes a bonded warehouse.
And a third proposal for a distillery, this time by Killarney Distillers Limited, in a protected structure at Knoppogue in Aghadoe, Fossa, is also underway. A detailed application for planning for conservation and refurbishment of a derelict 19th century coach house at Aghadoe House as a craft distillery development will be finalised in late January, the Council said.
A spokesperson for Killarney Brewery yesterday said site works were already underway and the project is to go "full steam" ahead now.
Kerry County Council grant of permission lays down the restaurant must close by midnight.
The brewing company, which has been operating since 2015 at a site on the Muckross Road, produces gin and beer with a number of new whiskeys planned when the brewing part of operation moves to Fossa.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
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