By Sean Moriarty

Residents of the Millwood Estate and Port Road areas are up in arms over a proposed 228-unit housing development that is being mooted for the area.

HIGH RISE: The proposed development will overlook existing homes and the National Park

Portal Asset Holdings Ltd has lodged planning permission with Kerry County Council for the construction of a development of 76 houses, 56 duplexes and 96 apartments on a green field site to the rear of the District Hospital on St Margaret’s Road and to the rear of the traditional cottages on Port Road.

It is proposed to build an access road off the Port Road too.

The proposed development includes upgrade works to Port Road, a pedestrian connection to Millwood Estate, and improvements to the stormwater network on St Margaret’s Road as part of enabling infrastructure for the project.

Residents believe that a project of this size is not suitable for many reasons.

They say that the development is oversized and out of character with the area, that the proposed pedestrian access to Millwood Estate would create a security risk for existing residents, that the already congested Port Road will face further congestion from new traffic, and a number of single-storey dwellings in Millwood will be faced with large two storey dwellings overlooking them, leading to a loss of privacy.

Residents have also raised concerns about the environmental impact the development will have, given its proximity to the National Park and that the greenfield site is home to several wildlife habitats including several badger lairs.

A total of 35 concerned residents and several local councillors attended a public meeting, at Dr Crokes GAA clubhouse, on Sunday night.

“We have outlined a few concerns that have been raised by residents to date – we believe at least some of these points affect everybody in Millwood and the surrounding area," group spokesperson and Millwood resident, Irene Hartigan, said.

"Also, we need to consider the ecology of the area as other countries would be shielding green space next to national parks to protect the overflow of flora and fauna. We are all well aware of need for affordable housing, however this proposed development is not in keeping with the surrounding area."

LEGAL COSTS
The group is in the process of lodging their concerns with an An Bord Pleanala and have launched a GoodFundMe campaign to help offset some of the costs they face. Engaging a specialist solicitor will cosy as a much as €3000.

“When we are faced with a developer with seemingly bottomless pockets, hiring the best of the best to lodge this massive proposal, we feel that it is in our best interests to engage a similar top end professional to put forward our case in a language that is beyond the expertise and weight of influence of most of us. Furthermore, this needs to be done sooner rather than later,” added Irene.