An Bord Pleanála has rejected the objections of the National Roads Authority to a sign directing worshippers to a prayer centre on the Ring of Kerry. The planning board has, however, ordered the centre to remove the sign’s bright lights.
The simple 1.8m by 1.8m sign showing a Celtic Cross and stating “Kerry Community Church” on the outskirts of Cahirsiveen just off the N70, had been erected by the New Life Christian Centre.
It had replaced a previous sign, using the same sign poles and similar in size, which had advertised a restaurant that had occupied the building, about 1km south of Cahirsiveen on the Waterville Road.
However, the lighting on the sign had been changed and was brighter, and this attracted some comments.
The centre sought retention permission from the council for the sign but one local person objected on the grounds of light pollution.
Kerry County Council granted the New Life Christian Centre permission for the sign. The National Roads Authority (NRA) appealed the council’s decision on a number of grounds, including that allowing a sign on a national secondary road was at variance with national policy and it would lead to a proliferation of such signs.
The NRA is “of the view” the same criteria for tourist signs should apply, but the planning board rejected the appeal.