Target Delivery

We note that objectives set out in previous development plans for Ballylongford and the wider North Kerry area have not always been fully realised. To address this, we suggest that the settlement plan incorporate a clear review and monitoring mechanism, allowing progress to be tracked and adjustments made where necessary to ensure that key targets are delivered.

Flood Risk Management

We also wish to draw attention to the conflicting position affecting lands along Bridge Street and Quay Street, where zoning objectives for development (including mixed-use and tourism-related uses) are constrained by flood risk. While recent works along the Ballyline River and at the Móinín are welcomed and have had a positive impact, we believe that a comprehensive flood relief scheme remains essential to provide long-term protection and to unlock the development potential of these centrally located lands.

In this regard, we must highlight a significant issue currently impacting progress. There is an ongoing EPA investigation relating to the discharge of untreated effluent from a number of properties in Ballylongford into the Ballyline River. It is important to emphasise that this situation is largely a legacy issue arising from historical practices and infrastructure arrangements, and is not the fault of the current property owners. Nonetheless, the continued discharge is environmentally unacceptable and is also preventing the OPW from advancing further flood relief funding for the village. Despite the existence of a wastewater treatment plant, it is understood that approximately 15 properties remain unconnected to the public sewer. We strongly urge that this matter be addressed as a priority, with those properties connected to the public system without delay.

We further emphasise that this issue requires coordinated action between Uisce Éireann and Kerry County Council. Both bodies must take cognisance of their respective responsibilities, clearly establish accountability, and work together to ensure that the discharge of untreated effluent to the Ballyline River is eliminated as a matter of urgency.

Dereliction/Vacancy

We welcome the inclusion of Objective KCPD BD-15 to support the preparation of a Town Centre Health Check (TCHC) for Ballylongford. Evidence suggests that vacancy becomes a critical issue in rural settlements where rates exceed 10%. Based on local knowledge, we estimate that the vacancy rate in Ballylongford exceeds 20%, indicating a significant and pressing challenge. We recommend that additional resources be directed toward tackling vacancy and bringing underutilised properties back into residential use.

Quay Street remains an area of particular concern due to the concentration of vacant and derelict buildings, largely arising from an unfinished development dating back to the economic downturn. We would encourage a proactive approach to regeneration in this area, including the use of the Derelict Sites Register and, where appropriate, Compulsory Purchase Orders to bring properties back into productive use.

We also acknowledge the positive role that existing grant schemes, including the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, can play in addressing vacancy. When combined with other supports such as the Repair and Lease Scheme and SEAI energy upgrade grants, these initiatives can significantly enhance the viability of refurbishing vacant homes in Ballylongford.

Given the scale of vacancy and dereliction locally, we suggest that Ballylongford could serve as a pilot location under the Town Centre Health Check process, with a targeted focus on revitalisation. As part of this, a local information event could be organised to inform property owners and the wider community of available supports and the measures being taken to achieve Objective KCPD BD-4. Ballylongford Enterprise Association would be pleased to assist in facilitating such an initiative.

New Housing Development

We welcome the allocation of a housing target of 35 dwellings for Ballylongford over the lifetime of the plan. It is encouraging that the necessary infrastructure—such as water services, wastewater capacity, road access, footpaths, public lighting, and stormwater drainage—is already in place to support this level of development.

In addition, we see strong potential in the development of serviced sites within the village. There are a number of infill and zoned residential lands that could be activated through the provision of fully serviced sites. This approach would offer a practical and attractive option for individuals and families wishing to build homes locally, particularly given that essential infrastructure such as water, wastewater, electricity, and broadband capacity is already available in the village.

Tarbert–Ballylongford Landbank and Strategic Energy Infrastructure

Ballylongford Enterprise Association welcomes the recognition within the proposed Variation of the strategic importance of the Tarbert–Ballylongford landbank and its role in supporting future economic development, employment generation, energy security, and sustainable industrial activity in North Kerry.

We believe it is important that the Listowel Municipal District Settlements Plan fully reflects and reinforces the policy framework already contained within the Kerry County Development Plan in relation to the Tarbert/Ballylongford landbank. This includes continued policy support for the development of the area as a strategic location for energy-related, industrial, and economic development, including objectives relating to the Power Plant Hub at Tarbert, gas importation infrastructure, data centres, enhanced electricity and gas supply networks, additional electricity generation capacity, and associated strategic infrastructure. The policies, objectives, and development management standards contained within the Kerry County Development Plan should continue to apply and be clearly supported within this Variation.

In this regard, we welcome Objectives KCDP TT-1 and KCDP TT-2, which support the designation and development of an appropriate planning framework for the landbank and promote the sustainable industrial development of this strategic location, making use of its deep-water access, existing infrastructure, natural resources, and unique estuarine location.

However, we believe it is important that any future proposals for the development of a Green Energy Park based on the Large Energy-Use Action Plan (LEAP) are progressed in a manner that complements and supports, rather than interferes with or delays, developments for which planning permission has already been granted or applications are currently advancing on the landbank i.e the proposed development of a 600MW power plant, commercial LNG terminal, and data centre and the proposed 26km gas pipeline and associated 220kV electricity grid infrastructure linked to the proposed 600MW power plant. Clarity and certainty in planning policy are essential to maintaining investor confidence and ensuring that strategic energy and industrial projects can proceed in a coordinated and timely manner.

The Tarbert–Ballylongford landbank represents one of the most significant economic opportunities for North Kerry in decades, and we believe that its future development has the potential to deliver substantial long-term benefits for Ballylongford and the wider region.

Looking Forward

Ballylongford benefits from a strong community spirit, active local organisations, available school capacity, and a rich cultural and built heritage. We are hopeful that, with the right supports and a focused approach to implementation, the population decline observed in recent census data can be reversed. Ballylongford Enterprise Association stands ready to work with Kerry County Council to help achieve the ambitions set out in this plan.

Ballylongford Enterprise Association

Proposed Variation No 4 of the Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 - Submissions

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