224 New Homes Approved in Killarney: Major Housing Development Greenlit
Planning has been approved for 224 new homes in Killarney. An Bord Pleanála has authorized the Large-Scale Residential Development (LRD) at Port Road and St Margaret’s Road.
Michael Hegarty, the director of Portal Asset Holdings, expressed his excitement about the decision, stating, “This is fantastic news for the town of Killarney.”
The development will include 76 houses:
– 30 four-bedroom semi-detached homes
– 10 three-bedroom semi-detached homes
– 28 three-bedroom townhouses
– 8 two-bedroom townhouses
How does the approval of the Killarney housing development address the community’s housing crisis?
Interview with Michael Hegarty, Director of Portal Asset Holdings, on the Newly Approved Housing Development in Killarney
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Michael. Can you share your thoughts on An Bord Pleanála’s recent approval for the 224 new homes in Killarney?
Michael Hegarty: Thank you for having me. This is fantastic news for the town of Killarney. The approval marks a significant step towards addressing the urgent housing needs of our community, and we are thrilled to bring this development to fruition.
News Directory 3: The development consists of a mix of houses and apartments. Can you tell us more about the specifics of the project?
Michael Hegarty: Certainly! Our plans include 76 houses, consisting of 30 four-bedroom semi-detached homes, 10 three-bedroom semi-detached homes, 28 three-bedroom townhouses, and 8 two-bedroom townhouses. In addition to this, there will be 148 apartments and duplexes with one, two, and three bedrooms. We are also incorporating a creche with a play area for 46 children and sufficient parking for residents and visitors—320 car parking spaces and 350 bicycle parking spots.
News Directory 3: Environmental concerns were a significant factor in the previous application. How did this influence the current planning approval?
Michael Hegarty: Yes, the previous application was denied primarily due to concerns about the lesser horseshoe bat. This time, we took those concerns seriously. An Bord Pleanála has approved our project with specific conditions. We are committed to hiring an ecologist to oversee site preparation and construction to ensure we meet all environmental standards. We’ll also engage an environmental consultant for freshwater monitoring before and after each construction phase. Additionally, we will install at least 30 swift boxes on site to support local biodiversity.
News Directory 3: It sounds like you are taking environmental considerations very seriously. What are your thoughts on not having to hire a bat specialist post-development?
Michael Hegarty: The decision not to require a bat specialist reflects the robust nature of our current plan and the conditions we have in place to protect the environment. While it’s always good to have expert oversight, I believe our commitment to biodiversity—like installing swift boxes—demonstrates our proactive approach to environmental stewardship.
News Directory 3: Looking forward, what are the next steps for this development?
Michael Hegarty: We are eager to begin work on this project as soon as possible. The approval process was comprehensive, and we now need to finalize our partnerships with the ecologist and environmental consultants. Once that is underway, we can move forward with construction, which we expect to commence soon.
News Directory 3: what message do you have for the residents of Killarney regarding this development?
Michael Hegarty: I want to reassure the residents of Killarney that we are committed to creating a development that not only meets housing needs but also enhances the community and protects our environment. We’re looking forward to being a part of Killarney’s growth and prosperity.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Michael, for sharing these insights with us. We look forward to seeing the development progress.
Michael Hegarty: Thank you for the opportunity. We’re excited for what’s to come!
Additionally, the project will feature 148 apartments and duplexes with one, two, and three bedrooms. A creche with a play area for 46 children, 320 parking spaces for cars, and 350 bicycle parking spots will also be part of the development.
Previously, An Bord Pleanála denied a similar application due to concerns for the lesser horseshoe bat. This time, the planning board approved the project with specific conditions. The developer must hire an ecologist to oversee site preparation and construction to ensure environmental standards are met.
Portal Asset Holdings must also engage an environmental consultant for freshwater monitoring before and after each construction phase. They will install at least 30 swift boxes on site to support biodiversity. The board did not require hiring a bat specialist to monitor the impact on the lesser horseshoe bat post-development.
Hegarty reiterated his enthusiasm, stating, “We welcome An Bord Pleanála’s decision. It was a very comprehensive application process and a well-considered decision by the board. We look forward to starting work on this project. This large-scale development comes at a time when Killarney’s housing need has never been greater.”