"Wetlands have a valuable and beneficial role in flood regulation, water purification, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Wetlands include a wide range of habitats including swamps, marshes, peatlands, wet heath and inter-tidal areas. Several ecologically diverse peatlands are designed in the county including a number within SACs and NHAs. Wetlands, in particular peatlands, can be important carbon sinks and can contain archaeological features of interest." This is a statement taken from the development plan, to ensure that the wetlands in the county are preserved, the Landscape Character Assessment written by council in 2012, needs to be withdrawn and zoning for windfarms in the County should be withdrawn. The Landscape Character Assessment states that the majority of the landscapes of North Kerry are 'not important for scenery, tourism or recreation'. This statement contradicts the County Development Plan stated aim to increase tourism into the whole of the county and to promote the Wild Atlantic Way as a holiday route for visitors to the area, both nationally and internationally, to explore and enjoy. The whole of the county needs to benefit from the promotion of Kerry as a viable tourism destination.
Kerry should be promoted as an eclogically protected area for everybody to enjoy and to capitilaise on the increasing number of people who wish to visit unspoilt areas. With the Greenways, Blue Flag beaches and the Wild Atlantic Way Kerry should be leading the way in encouraging walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers and anglers. The provision of good signage to places of interest, car parks, wheelchair acess and information boards should be of prime importance. There should be accomadation suitable for everyone including options such as glamping, caravans and camping. Kerry's historical and archealogical buildings and sites should also be promoted. The majority of these need signage and at least information boards. A County Kerry app covering historical sites, places of interest, beaches, places to walk and fish along with suggested routes to tour the county would be an innovative step.
Kerry needs to advertise and encourage visitors to all parts of the County which will have the added benefit of easing congestion in Killarney and the Ring of Kerry in the peak months.