As our previous observation (no.s 1&2) we will outline our observation in bullet point format for clarity:
3. County Development Plan states that we should be supporting Agri Tourism initiatives – the definition of this needs to be broadened. There is no point in having this as an objective when in fact we are refusing planning for a sustainable business plan on a farm. Farmholdings are getting larger and more towards indutrial farming practices. It would be beneficial for everyone if smaller farmers could stay in business by supplementing their farm incomes via agri-tourism offerings. Current county development plan tends to limit agri-tourism to teh immediate vicinity of older farm buildings - this is not appropriate as some farms do not have these buildings or if they do they are in the centre of the working farm and may not be suitable.
4. The Draft Cliff Coast Plan by Failte Ireland is almost finalised and will be sent out for consultation in the coming weeks. The Draft Plan is highlighting the need to increase accommodation in North Kerry. Also the Draft Plan will further highlight the need for more diverse forms of accommodation. ( We had hoped that this plan would be gone out to public consultation and I could have attach same, we spoke to Fáilte Ireland and it is unlikely to be published before the end of the February). However, Failte are also going to make a submission on the draft CDP and they will be saying the above and particularly re diverse accommodation.
5. The provision of diverse accommodation for the visitor means that property in the area can remain in the market for rent or purchase as housing not holiday rental.