Locals are fighting a housing development near Blarney Castle that could 'spoil' tourism
The project has already been given council approval in a region earmarked for more homes.
LOCALS HAVE APPEALED a major housing development that has been given the go-ahead in Blarney – arguing it could jeopardise the area’s status as a global tourist draw.
Last year, Cork-based housing developers O’Leary & O’Sullivan Developments filed for permission to demolish an existing dwelling on a site at Knockacorbally, Blarney and build 88 houses.
The County Cork development would consist of 41 four-bed, 44 three-bed, three two-bed houses and a new crèche.
Despite dozens of objections from locals living in the area, Cork County Council granted conditional planning permission for the scheme in May.
However, a number of residents living near the proposed development have appealed the council’s decision to An Bord Pleanála – raising concerns about its impact on the nearby Blarney Castle.
“Developing the areas around Blarney village should be undertaken with caution and sympathy,” one submission said.
“The proposed development will have a negative effect on tourism and the sustainability of Blarney village as an international tourist attraction due to the despoiling of the natural beauty and scenery which forms a major part of the attraction for tourists.”
One type of house proposed for the development.
Another objection from a group of locals highlighted that the housing development would be built on a piece of “scenic landscape” that “sits prominently on the skyline of Blarney”.
The submission to the planning board added that the new houses would have a negative visual impact on the landscape of the area and “compromise” the view of Blarney Castle.
Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, welcoming more visitors annually than Kilmainham Gaol, the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary or Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral.
Last year, the castle was among the top 20 fee-paying attractions nationally, with 420,000 visitors.
Vital housing
However a planning report commissioned for the developers noted that Blarney has been earmarked in the Cork county development plan as a strategic location for future growth.
The report added that the housing development will be a “natural extension” to the town and provide homes for expected population growth in the area.
The development plan said it was predicted the population of the region will swell from the 2,400 figure recorded in the census in six years ago to more than 7,500 by 2022.
In 2011, a local area plan for Blarney stated that the vision for the town is that it will continue to be one of Ireland’s main tourist attractions while also developing as a metropolitan town.
Blarney Castle
Other complaints against the 88-house development from locals focused on the increased traffic the development would bring to “constrained estate roads” during and after building work. This case is due to be decided by 4 October.
