Issue 70. Mistakes, I've made a few

Reenroe, Podcast, Popstar, Yoga

August 29, 2025

Good Morning and Welcome,

To issue No.70. Late again. So I won’t keep you

South Kerry by the numbers

  • 2000: Was the year Sophie Ellis-Bextor released her first solo single

  • 2015: was the year this single was named the biggest selling vinyl single of the millenium (I have it on vinyl).

  • 2025: September specifically, will see the release of her latest album. Will Mike Murts & the Valentia Island Ferry make the cut?

First, a word from this week’s sponsor

Yoga with Louise is back next week for September! Helping you get back into a healthy routine & stay well for Autumn. Weekly classes in Caherdaniel, Ballinskelligs & Cahersiveen. Two gorgeous opportunities for deep relaxation with restorative yoga in Waterville & Cahersiveen. More details & book here

Reenroe, We Have An Appeal

Committed Oracler’s that you are, you’ll remember, way back in Issue No. 62 I announced that proposed new development on Reenroe had been refused. You’ll likely also remember at the beginning of August, I proclaimed that seeing as the 4 week appeal period was now up & no appeal was visible, no appeal was taking place…

Well, I hope you're sitting down. I was wrong.

We have an appeal. The full appeal documents are now available to read on the County Council’s planning site. Give yourself plenty of time, as the main document is 36 pages long.

The council refused permission for 4 main reasons

  1. Having regard to the scale of the proposed development on a coastal site in an area marked as visually sensitive, the development would have too great of a visual impact.

  2. Having regard to the scale of the proposed development, the wastewater treatment plan was not fit for purpose.

  3. Having regard to the scale of the proposed development & concerns raised by Uisce Eireann, it would cause issues for the local water supply.

  4. Based on the information submitted and having regard to the nature, scale and location of the proposal, the Planning Authority is not satisfied that it would not seriously injure biodiversity interests by way of light pollution and water quality deterioration.

In response, the agents for the applicant have identified (didn’t have to work too hard in fairness) that a large part of the council’s grounds for refusal are based upon the scale of the proposed development. The agents/applicants argue that the scale of the proposed development could have put planning conditions in place to reduce the scale of the development. Whilst I’m completely unqualified in these matters, they do seem to have a point. They go on to illustrate how a series of natural ponds (part of the Waste Water Treatment Plan) would potentially increase biodiversity in the location. Which, too, doesn’t seem like complete fantasy at all.

All those who made submissions against the original proposal have been notified & many have entered submissions against the appeal. An Bord Pleanála have until the 1st of December to respond to the appeal, so you all have more Reenroe news to look forward to as the nights draw in

Best Broadband in South Kerry?

Here’s an interactive version of the broadband map so far. That map really needs updating. We now have 80 odd responses. Given the broadband rollout is actually available to many of us, we have a new question, is your broadband fixed or wireless? Unfortunately, we only have 4 entries for fixed broadband, so all of you lucky enough to have it sorted, take this opportunity to gloat & tell us your numbers

  • Starlink maintains the best average, with 243Mbps.

  • Ivertec is the most popular provider, but is 5th in the list for average speed.

  • Eir has an even higher fastest recorded speed at 488Mbps.

The more we have, the better it will be. Go here, click go, record the number below

It’s The Signs of South Kerry 🎺🎺🎺

Something a bit different this week. A sign, that’s inside, but where?

Congratulations to last weeks winner

  • David Fitz

Who else? Well done David! Correctly identifying that it was of course, the sign for the Iveragh Co-op Mart in Cahersiveen.

We will start a directory

Won’t it be good to have some excitement in the off season? Won’t it? If you want your business to be top of the list, click that button below

Auntie Agnes Answers

This week, Agnes has suffered a blockage in her communication channels, that blockage, being me. Apologies Agnes…


Help her to help you. Just

The Oracle’s 36th Cartoon

This week, Tim does a bit of mind reading

Thanks Tim.

Everything Else

  • There is a temporary swimming ban in place for Ballinskelligs Beach more here

  • Sea Synergy have a beach clean at Waterville beach on Tuesday from 10am

  • Are you a landowner in the uplands of Iveragh? Are you interested in a native woodland scheme? I hope so, and these good people do too

  • It’s the Daniel O’Connell summer school all weekend, more here 

  • Volunteers wanted for Waterville Homework Club. More here

  • Creative Places Tionól is in Tech Amergin, Waterville, on Wednesday from 7pm

  • There’s a mask making workshop in Caherdaniel Community Hall on Sunday, more here

  • Fancy being a Podcaster? Learn how with a new course in Ballinskelligs starting Wednesday. More here

Just Announced

Featuring the World’s greatest Cartoonist

Thanks

Thanks for reading & anything strange or wonderful, just hit reply. In case you aren’t clear, anything strange or wonderful would include Sophie Ellis-Bextor filming in Mike Murts. Would those responsible, please make themselves known. There is always room in the email for such exclusives.

Good luck, be well

Dave