'Kiss goodbye to castle views': Blarney residents raise concerns about potential development

Blarney residents have criticised a proposed development in the area, claiming it will impact views from the top of the famous Blarney Castle.

Some 150 new houses are proposed for Blarney by developer Eoin Sheehan, located in the Monacnapa area, next to Sunberry Drive just off the Blarney relief road.

The project would be a mixture of 112 houses and 38 apartments and would offer a variety of dwellings, from one-bedroom units to four-bedroom units.

The developers claim the mix of housing will cater to a wide range of future residents, from those looking to buy a first home to those with larger families.

However, the Sunberry Residents Group said the development will negatively impact on the “world famous views” from the top of Blarney Castle.

In the past 12 years, the residents group have twice won on appeal against two different plans to develop the site, at a cost of almost €20,000 in the process.

The group is appealing to An Bord Pleanála, TDs, Fáilte Ireland, and tourism groups as they once again battle a planning application for the site.

The Sunberry Residents Group has until October 14 to submit a formal objection.

“This plan will ruin views of the village from the top of the castle,” the group claimed.

“Millions of visitors from all over the world have paid big money to visit the world landmark, one of Ireland's greatest treasures, and kiss the Blarney Stone.

“They don't want to be looking out on a huge housing scheme on the opposite hillside.

“Tourism is a huge money-spinner for the country, and has been the lifeblood of the village for many years - it's vital we protect those views of one of Ireland's prettiest villages.” 

The residents are pleading for an extension to prepare for this appeal, claiming they cannot prepare properly due to current Covid-19 restrictions.

The planning application has been submitted to An Bord Pleanála as a Strategic Housing Development, the fast-track planning scheme for large housing developments.

A decision on the plan is due early next year.