Councillor urges survey on housing barriers in South Kerry

Independent councillor Johnny Healy‑Rae has called on Kerry County Council to carry out a survey to identify what is “prohibiting people from living” in South Kerry.

Speaking at a council meeting, Healy‑Rae highlighted a combination of housing shortages, planning restrictions and inadequate infrastructure that he says are forcing young people and families to leave the region.

He noted that despite Kenmare’s recent appearance on a major US television programme, young couples are struggling to buy or build homes. The lack of housing is affecting schools and businesses, with fewer than 100 pupils starting this year across 12 primary schools from Bonane to Glenbeigh, and some workers forced to stay in hotel rooms.

He cited two families with five children who could not find suitable accommodation, resulting in the loss of five pupils from the local school. He pointed out that little or no new housing has been built in Kenmare since 2006 because of infrastructure constraints and planning rules that deter applications.

Healy‑Rae urged the council to organise a workshop or survey to pinpoint the factors preventing people from moving to or remaining in South Kerry, warning that rural areas such as Lauragh could become “little more than national parks” without younger generations.

Kerry County Council’s report states the Kenmare Municipal District Local Area Plan 2024‑2030 has zoned over 53 hectares for residential development, capable of delivering between 880 and 1,395 homes, but stresses that population growth will also depend on job creation.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Anna Lupa / Pexels.