It is ‘‘essential’’ that all of the land along the planned South Kerry Greenway route is acquired to allow a planning application to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála so the project can proceed, according to a spokesperson for Kerry County Council.

The 32km route stretches from Glenbeigh to Renard in the county. A spokesperson for Kerry County Council said that the council is currently engaged in preparing the compulsory purchase order (CPO) process to acquire all of the necessary land for the development of the route.

“Kerry County Council had hoped to acquire the necessary landholdings by agreement. However, this did not prove possible.

“This involves the acquisition of land from 130 landowners and, though the council reluctantly entered into the CPO process, it is essential that all of the land be acquired to allow a planning application be lodged with An Bord Pleanála and to apply for funding to proceed with the project.”

The council is working on an environmental impact study on the project, which will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála, along with the CPO.

If An Bord Pleanála approves the planning application and CPO, Kerry County Council will proceed with the acquisition of land and seek funding from Government to progress the greenway.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal last week, Kerry IFA chair Patrick O’Driscoll said that the legitimate concerns of the affected landowners are not being addressed.“Most people are in favour of the greenway, they just don’t want a CPO. The landowners have legitimate concerns that aren’t being addressed.”