Farmers have accused Kerry County Council of using a heavy-handed approach to acquire land for a greenway project in the south of the county.
The 32-kilometre greenway is planned to follow the route of an old railway line between Glenbeigh and Renard, which boasts some of the most spectacular scenery the Ring of Kerry has to offer.
However, farmers have criticised the use of compulsory purchase orders to acquire land for the project.
One local farmer said that he understands the value of tourism to the area and supports the greenway, but says the proposed route would split his farm in two.
The council has rejected claims it has acted heavy-handedly, saying it was forced to seek the CPOs after extensive negotiations with landowners failed.
There are more than 170 landowners along the proposed route, many of whom have called for further consultation on the project.
A planning application for the greenway is expected to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála in the coming weeks.
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