CONSERVATIONISTS IN Co Donegal have criticised An Bord Pleanála for approving plans by businessman PJ Molloy for 13 “industrial” wind turbines in a scenic Gaeltacht area near Glenties.
Mr Molloy had originally sought permission for 35 Vesta-90 turbines, each with a hub height of 80m and a blade diameter of 90m, but Donegal County Council reduced the number to 19 after seeking further information from the developer.
The Department of the Environment had expressed concern that the proposed wind farm “could significantly damage or destroy” the habitats of freshwater pearl mussel, Atlantic salmon and otters – all protected species under the EU habitats directive.
In its decision, which was subject to 22 conditions, the board required the omission of six of the 19 turbines “to reduce the risk of habitat degradation and environmental pollution associated with development in these locations”.
The board decided, by five votes to two, to grant permission having regard to the National Renewable Energy Action Plan to deliver 40 per cent of electricity from renewable resources by 2020 and the department’s planning guidelines on wind energy.
It also took into account the “general suitability” of the site for a wind farm due to the wind resource available there, and the fact that it lay outside the areas excluded for wind farm development under Donegal County Council’s current development plan.
Other reasons given were that the scale and extent of the proposed development had been reduced relative to the topography of the area, and that permission had already been granted to the ESB for a 110-kilovolt transmission line in the vicinity.
However the locally based Gweebarra Conservation Group said: “No one would sanction felling trees in the rain forest to erect wind turbines yet this is precisely what the Government is doing by giving tax incentives to private investors to destroy our hills and bogs. The boglands in these Gaeltacht townlands . . . are just as important as the rain forests in absorbing CO2.
“These are precious habitats that support a large variety of protected species as well as Irish-speaking families who have lived in this beautiful valley for generations.”
It also expressed concern about health dangers associated with the high-voltage power lines needed to transmit the electricity generated by wind farms. “These power lines are proven to increase cancer rates if located within 2km of people’s homes.”
However another objector, Gerry McKenna, said he believed “we did pretty well reducing the number of turbines from 35 to 13”.
These would also be “well out of sight of the beautiful landscape in the area”, he added.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label Donegal County Council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Donegal County Council. Show all posts
Friday, 4 March 2011
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Playwright and former SDLP leader raise fears over sewerage scheme
ESTUARY CAMPAIGN: PLAYWRIGHT BRIAN Friel, former SDLP leader John Hume and his wife Pat and the North’s Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew, have expressed concerns about Donegal County Council’s plans for a sewerage scheme in a scenic area on the shores of Lough Foyle.
These three well-known figures who all live or holiday in the area have joined with local residents involved in the “Campaign for a Clean Estuary”.
The Moville-Greencastle environmental group has challenged Donegal County Council’s determination to secure approval for one particular location for the pumping station and outflow pipe.
The row dates back well over a decade, and in 2005 the local authority received Department of the Environment approval to proceed with the planning stage.
The council said the scheme was required to “remove the existing raw sewage discharges into the Bredagh river and Lough Foyle, to comply with EU Directives and to provide infrastructure for the development of Moville and Greencastle”.
However, the local authority’s preferred location in Carnagarve was not among the seven recommended after a public consultation exercise it undertook. It identified Carnagarve as being suitable, in spite of proximity to a beach and a popular coastal walking route at Lafferty’s Lane.
An Bord Pleanála, which was handling the planning application, held an oral hearing in Redcastle in July 2009. A result is still pending, as the board sought further information and clarification.
As part of its case, Donegal County Council relied on a definition of Lough Foyle as “coastal waters”, rather than “tidal estuary”. Tidal estuaries are subject to stricter EU directives on water quality than coastal waters.
Campaign spokesman Enda Craig said his group discovered the redesignation took place in 1991. “There was no public participation or consultation on this – another example of why the Aarhus convention is so badly needed,” he said.
Following a submission by oceanographer Mike Quinnell, retained by the objectors for the oral hearing, the local authority changed its position on the standard of treatment. An Taisce, believes a new independent outfall modelling study needs to be commissioned, given the trans-boundary nature of the Foyle, its status as a salmonid and shellfish area and its maritime tourism importance.
In a letter to An Bord Pleanála last May, former SDLP leader and MEP John Hume expressed his “total opposition” to the plan, which he described as “shortsighted” and drawn up “without any thought for the damage which may be done in one of the most beautiful areas of Inishowen”.
Mr Hume, who described his house in Lafferty’s Lane as a “lifesaving retreat” during almost 40 years in public life, said he, his wife and family were “deeply distressed that the pumping station and overflow pipe are at the end of our garden”.
Brian Friel has also written to the appeals board, pointing out the negative impact of the location and the fact that “obvious alternatives” were not presented by Donegal County Council.
Meanwhile, Michelle Gildernew has supported calls for an independent investigation into the situation.
In a letter to the campaign dated January 5th, 2011, Ms Gildernew said that the Loughs Agency, which is responsible for both Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough, has expressed concern about the methodology adopted for hydronamic modelling in Donegal County Council’s environmental impact assessment, and the “potential impact of the proposal on the shellfisheries of Lough Foyle”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
These three well-known figures who all live or holiday in the area have joined with local residents involved in the “Campaign for a Clean Estuary”.
The Moville-Greencastle environmental group has challenged Donegal County Council’s determination to secure approval for one particular location for the pumping station and outflow pipe.
The row dates back well over a decade, and in 2005 the local authority received Department of the Environment approval to proceed with the planning stage.
The council said the scheme was required to “remove the existing raw sewage discharges into the Bredagh river and Lough Foyle, to comply with EU Directives and to provide infrastructure for the development of Moville and Greencastle”.
However, the local authority’s preferred location in Carnagarve was not among the seven recommended after a public consultation exercise it undertook. It identified Carnagarve as being suitable, in spite of proximity to a beach and a popular coastal walking route at Lafferty’s Lane.
An Bord Pleanála, which was handling the planning application, held an oral hearing in Redcastle in July 2009. A result is still pending, as the board sought further information and clarification.
As part of its case, Donegal County Council relied on a definition of Lough Foyle as “coastal waters”, rather than “tidal estuary”. Tidal estuaries are subject to stricter EU directives on water quality than coastal waters.
Campaign spokesman Enda Craig said his group discovered the redesignation took place in 1991. “There was no public participation or consultation on this – another example of why the Aarhus convention is so badly needed,” he said.
Following a submission by oceanographer Mike Quinnell, retained by the objectors for the oral hearing, the local authority changed its position on the standard of treatment. An Taisce, believes a new independent outfall modelling study needs to be commissioned, given the trans-boundary nature of the Foyle, its status as a salmonid and shellfish area and its maritime tourism importance.
In a letter to An Bord Pleanála last May, former SDLP leader and MEP John Hume expressed his “total opposition” to the plan, which he described as “shortsighted” and drawn up “without any thought for the damage which may be done in one of the most beautiful areas of Inishowen”.
Mr Hume, who described his house in Lafferty’s Lane as a “lifesaving retreat” during almost 40 years in public life, said he, his wife and family were “deeply distressed that the pumping station and overflow pipe are at the end of our garden”.
Brian Friel has also written to the appeals board, pointing out the negative impact of the location and the fact that “obvious alternatives” were not presented by Donegal County Council.
Meanwhile, Michelle Gildernew has supported calls for an independent investigation into the situation.
In a letter to the campaign dated January 5th, 2011, Ms Gildernew said that the Loughs Agency, which is responsible for both Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough, has expressed concern about the methodology adopted for hydronamic modelling in Donegal County Council’s environmental impact assessment, and the “potential impact of the proposal on the shellfisheries of Lough Foyle”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Donegal council to trial water-powered street lights
DONEGAL COUNTY Council is set to become what is believed to be the first local authority in Ireland to use water powered street lights.
The council’s energy development officer Toni Needham said a private company had been contracted to install a “hydro light” on a footbridge over the River Finn in Ballybofey.
She said that once water levels drop a micro hydro-turbine will be installed under the bridge which links Jackson’s Hotel and the scenic Drumboe Woods.
Water flowing downstream will pass through the 110 watt turbine and generate enough power to charge batteries which will run the 30 watt LED light on the bridge above.
The council is currently piloting a number of technologies as part of their programme for renewable and low energy lighting.
“I think this will be the first in Ireland and it will be interesting to see how it works.
“It can produce enough energy to power up to three lights. However, we will just use one light at first,” Ms Needham said.
The hydro unit cost €3,000. The council provided €50,000 in 2008 to pilot alternative energy lighting.
LH Ecotech Ltd in Co Laois has been contracted by the council to supply and install hydro and solar power lights on the Ballybofey bridge.
Ecotech joint-owner Jaune Henby said it had already installed two solar powered lights on the bridge and they are both working very well.
However, the hydro light in Ballybofey will be a first for the developing company.
“We only have done tests on the hydro lights and have never installed one for a customer before. However, we do know that they work,” he said.
He explained that the turbine unit would generate enough power to run three lights on the bridge.
A small solar panel will also be fitted to the light as a back-up for the summer months and for when the water level of the river is too low.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The council’s energy development officer Toni Needham said a private company had been contracted to install a “hydro light” on a footbridge over the River Finn in Ballybofey.
She said that once water levels drop a micro hydro-turbine will be installed under the bridge which links Jackson’s Hotel and the scenic Drumboe Woods.
Water flowing downstream will pass through the 110 watt turbine and generate enough power to charge batteries which will run the 30 watt LED light on the bridge above.
The council is currently piloting a number of technologies as part of their programme for renewable and low energy lighting.
“I think this will be the first in Ireland and it will be interesting to see how it works.
“It can produce enough energy to power up to three lights. However, we will just use one light at first,” Ms Needham said.
The hydro unit cost €3,000. The council provided €50,000 in 2008 to pilot alternative energy lighting.
LH Ecotech Ltd in Co Laois has been contracted by the council to supply and install hydro and solar power lights on the Ballybofey bridge.
Ecotech joint-owner Jaune Henby said it had already installed two solar powered lights on the bridge and they are both working very well.
However, the hydro light in Ballybofey will be a first for the developing company.
“We only have done tests on the hydro lights and have never installed one for a customer before. However, we do know that they work,” he said.
He explained that the turbine unit would generate enough power to run three lights on the bridge.
A small solar panel will also be fitted to the light as a back-up for the summer months and for when the water level of the river is too low.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 10 November 2008
Gormley challenges council's builders list
DONEGAL COUNTY Council's plan to draw up a list of small builders and guarantee them planning permission for up to two "one-off" houses a year is being challenged by Minister for the Environment John Gormley.
"The Minister's position is that compilation by the councillors of an annual register of small builders who will then be permitted to build two houses each per year is not appropriate for inclusion in a land-use plan," a spokesman said.
"It is akin to business support - and preferred business support at that - which may be open to legal challenge as it confers preferred development rights on local builders to the exclusion of others from outside the locality.
"This is the fourth case where [Mr Gormley] may have no option but to intervene because a council is not adhering to planning legislation and policy. He believes it highlights an issue where councillors act . . . against the interests of the wider community."
The spokesman said the council's Small Builders Policy - believed to be the first of its kind in Ireland - raised "potential ethics, probity, fairness and competition issues" and also amounted to an abuse of the county development plan.
The Department of the Environment wrote to Donegal County Council last June outlining its "serious concerns" about certain aspects of the then proposed draft variation of the county plan.
"The Minister continues to have serious concerns about the potential planning implications of the proposal, but requires further information about the plan in terms of the number of units/builders etc, in order to determine whether he will intervene," the spokesman said.
Last Friday, Dave Walsh, principal officer in charge of spatial policy, wrote to Donegal county manager Michael McLoone requesting the council to outline clearly how the small builders policy would operate.
He asked on what objective criteria were the applicants for inclusion on the register to be assessed: who could qualify as a builder for the purposes of the register; who would adjudicate on applicants; and what "preferential treatment" they would receive.
Mr Walsh also asked what safeguards would be put in place "to ensure that . . .the proposed system fully accords with the local government ethics framework".
Mr Walsh wrote: "The introduction of this policy could also have significant adverse planning implications for the council . . . [G]iven the lack of detail contained in the proposed variation . . . it is not possible to fully quantify and adequately assess the full planning implications."
The letter "strongly advised" the council to seek legal advice on whether the plan was "well-founded, proportionate and robust to potential legal challenge" and also whether it was valid, given that no environmental assessment was carried out.
"I would appreciate if you would revert to the department with the additional information . . . so that we can assess whether further action is warranted by the department in this matter," Mr Walsh's letter concluded.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
"The Minister's position is that compilation by the councillors of an annual register of small builders who will then be permitted to build two houses each per year is not appropriate for inclusion in a land-use plan," a spokesman said.
"It is akin to business support - and preferred business support at that - which may be open to legal challenge as it confers preferred development rights on local builders to the exclusion of others from outside the locality.
"This is the fourth case where [Mr Gormley] may have no option but to intervene because a council is not adhering to planning legislation and policy. He believes it highlights an issue where councillors act . . . against the interests of the wider community."
The spokesman said the council's Small Builders Policy - believed to be the first of its kind in Ireland - raised "potential ethics, probity, fairness and competition issues" and also amounted to an abuse of the county development plan.
The Department of the Environment wrote to Donegal County Council last June outlining its "serious concerns" about certain aspects of the then proposed draft variation of the county plan.
"The Minister continues to have serious concerns about the potential planning implications of the proposal, but requires further information about the plan in terms of the number of units/builders etc, in order to determine whether he will intervene," the spokesman said.
Last Friday, Dave Walsh, principal officer in charge of spatial policy, wrote to Donegal county manager Michael McLoone requesting the council to outline clearly how the small builders policy would operate.
He asked on what objective criteria were the applicants for inclusion on the register to be assessed: who could qualify as a builder for the purposes of the register; who would adjudicate on applicants; and what "preferential treatment" they would receive.
Mr Walsh also asked what safeguards would be put in place "to ensure that . . .the proposed system fully accords with the local government ethics framework".
Mr Walsh wrote: "The introduction of this policy could also have significant adverse planning implications for the council . . . [G]iven the lack of detail contained in the proposed variation . . . it is not possible to fully quantify and adequately assess the full planning implications."
The letter "strongly advised" the council to seek legal advice on whether the plan was "well-founded, proportionate and robust to potential legal challenge" and also whether it was valid, given that no environmental assessment was carried out.
"I would appreciate if you would revert to the department with the additional information . . . so that we can assess whether further action is warranted by the department in this matter," Mr Walsh's letter concluded.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Donegal Development Plan Policy queried by Minister
Mr John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, today (10 November 08) confirmed that officials from his Department have written to Donegal County Council outlining concerns about specific changes to the Donegal County Development Plan 2006-2012, adopted on 29 September 2008 by way of variation to the Plan under Section 13 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
In particular, the Minister is concerned about the inclusion of a “small builders policy” in the variation whereby the Council will facilitate local builders who are registered with the Council under this measure to build two one-off houses per annum.
Speaking yesterday, the Minister said that such a policy ran against proper planning practice.
“It is my view that this policy runs contrary to proper planning and sustainable development, given that it has the potential to be development-led and not plan-led, this goes against statutory guidance for planning authorities as set out in the Department’s Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005) and Development Plan Guidelines (2007),” Minister Gormley said.
“Good planning should have at its core the objective of serving the best interests of the members of the community. The people of Donegal are at the centre of my concerns and that of the officials in my Department. I am not convinced that this small builders policy will serve the best interests of the community. Accordingly I have asked the local authority to clarify certain matters for me,” said Minister Gormley.
The Department’s letter to Donegal Council has sought additional information on how the policy will operate in order to make a fully informed assessment on its impact.
The information sought includes the number of builders proposed to be involved, the criteria for becoming registered on the list, and the safeguards to ensure the system complies with current ethics laws and guidelines.
The letter has also raised concerns about the potential of legal challenges that could arise whether in relation to individual planning applications or from those excluded from the register, bearing in mind the principles laid down in the EC Treaty regarding open access to markets and freedom of establishment.
The Department has strongly advised the Council to seek legal advice as to whether or not the policy as adopted is well-founded, proportionate and robust to potential legal challenge.
“ If the local authority are concerned with boosting economic development in Donegal, they should consider other more appropriate ways to do this, for example, through the introduction of measures to release lands, publicly and privately owned, in various towns and villages throughout the county for development, “ continued Minister Gormley.
“I hope that the members of Donegal County Council will deal with this matter in a constructive and considered manner,” concluded Minster Gormley, “and I await the Council’s response to my Department’s queries.”
www.buckplanning.ie
In particular, the Minister is concerned about the inclusion of a “small builders policy” in the variation whereby the Council will facilitate local builders who are registered with the Council under this measure to build two one-off houses per annum.
Speaking yesterday, the Minister said that such a policy ran against proper planning practice.
“It is my view that this policy runs contrary to proper planning and sustainable development, given that it has the potential to be development-led and not plan-led, this goes against statutory guidance for planning authorities as set out in the Department’s Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005) and Development Plan Guidelines (2007),” Minister Gormley said.
“Good planning should have at its core the objective of serving the best interests of the members of the community. The people of Donegal are at the centre of my concerns and that of the officials in my Department. I am not convinced that this small builders policy will serve the best interests of the community. Accordingly I have asked the local authority to clarify certain matters for me,” said Minister Gormley.
The Department’s letter to Donegal Council has sought additional information on how the policy will operate in order to make a fully informed assessment on its impact.
The information sought includes the number of builders proposed to be involved, the criteria for becoming registered on the list, and the safeguards to ensure the system complies with current ethics laws and guidelines.
The letter has also raised concerns about the potential of legal challenges that could arise whether in relation to individual planning applications or from those excluded from the register, bearing in mind the principles laid down in the EC Treaty regarding open access to markets and freedom of establishment.
The Department has strongly advised the Council to seek legal advice as to whether or not the policy as adopted is well-founded, proportionate and robust to potential legal challenge.
“ If the local authority are concerned with boosting economic development in Donegal, they should consider other more appropriate ways to do this, for example, through the introduction of measures to release lands, publicly and privately owned, in various towns and villages throughout the county for development, “ continued Minister Gormley.
“I hope that the members of Donegal County Council will deal with this matter in a constructive and considered manner,” concluded Minster Gormley, “and I await the Council’s response to my Department’s queries.”
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Donegal councillors warned on planning
MINISTER FOR the Environment John Gormley has warned councillors in Donegal that he will "use his powers of direction" if they approve the relaxation of certain planning restrictions in favour of builders.
Councillors have proposed to include a "small local builder policy" to allow developers to build more houses in the countryside. The proposal is included in the draft variation to the Co Donegal development plan.
A submission from the Department of the Environment was included in a copy of the county manager's report on the proposed draft variation.
In his report, county manager Michael McLoone said the Department of the Environment was concerned about the "fairness and probity" of a policy that would involve transferring development rights to named individuals.
"The policy discriminates in favour of a particular group and is not consistent with planning policy and sustainable development," Mr McLoone said. "It would furthermore set a clear-cut undesirable precedent for sporadic, unco-ordinated development in the countryside."
Separately, Annagry-based Labour activist Séamus Rodgers has called on the two main political parties to explain the rationale behind a proposal to increase the county's holiday home quota.
The question was also asked by a number of members of the public who made submissions on the draft variation.
Mr Rodgers accused councillors of caring more about vested interests than public opinion.
Others to oppose the increase include organisations such as tourism body Fáilte Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Donegal County Council's heritage officer.
Representatives of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have formally proposed to increase the holiday home quota in Donegal by 50 per cent.
According to the county manager's report, more than 90 per cent of submissions from members of the public were against the proposed increase in the quota.
More than 330 submissions have been received by the council. Of these, 306 were in relation to the holiday-home issue; of that figure, 287, or 91 per cent, were against the proposed increase, with just 19 in favour.
"Public opinion has been firmly expressed in regard to the problems and issues relating to increasing the number of holiday homes," Mr McLoone said in his report.
Community group Pobal Ghort a' Choirce said the draft variation was a "charter for developers". "Who is looking for the increase, who is putting on the pressure and why?" the group asked.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Councillors have proposed to include a "small local builder policy" to allow developers to build more houses in the countryside. The proposal is included in the draft variation to the Co Donegal development plan.
A submission from the Department of the Environment was included in a copy of the county manager's report on the proposed draft variation.
In his report, county manager Michael McLoone said the Department of the Environment was concerned about the "fairness and probity" of a policy that would involve transferring development rights to named individuals.
"The policy discriminates in favour of a particular group and is not consistent with planning policy and sustainable development," Mr McLoone said. "It would furthermore set a clear-cut undesirable precedent for sporadic, unco-ordinated development in the countryside."
Separately, Annagry-based Labour activist Séamus Rodgers has called on the two main political parties to explain the rationale behind a proposal to increase the county's holiday home quota.
The question was also asked by a number of members of the public who made submissions on the draft variation.
Mr Rodgers accused councillors of caring more about vested interests than public opinion.
Others to oppose the increase include organisations such as tourism body Fáilte Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Donegal County Council's heritage officer.
Representatives of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have formally proposed to increase the holiday home quota in Donegal by 50 per cent.
According to the county manager's report, more than 90 per cent of submissions from members of the public were against the proposed increase in the quota.
More than 330 submissions have been received by the council. Of these, 306 were in relation to the holiday-home issue; of that figure, 287, or 91 per cent, were against the proposed increase, with just 19 in favour.
"Public opinion has been firmly expressed in regard to the problems and issues relating to increasing the number of holiday homes," Mr McLoone said in his report.
Community group Pobal Ghort a' Choirce said the draft variation was a "charter for developers". "Who is looking for the increase, who is putting on the pressure and why?" the group asked.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Hotel extension plan criticised
A spectacular view of Downings Bay will be lost after Donegal County Council granted planning permission for a hotel extension.
The claim was made by Cllr Liam Blaney at last week's Milford electoral meeting in relation to a new development at the Rosapenna Hotel.
Mr Blaney said he had been inundated with complaints from residents who were furious that the view from the Carrigart approach to the village had been blocked.
"I am not against tourism, but what's happening in Downings is a disgrace," he said.
"There is a massive concrete jungle blocking the view of the bay. Three local caravan park owners were put out of business by the council because they did not have planning permission. It is a total disgrace that planners would give permission for that ."
However, Cllr Noel McBride defended the Casey family who own and run the hotel.
He said the planning application went through the proper procedure and was granted permission.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The claim was made by Cllr Liam Blaney at last week's Milford electoral meeting in relation to a new development at the Rosapenna Hotel.
Mr Blaney said he had been inundated with complaints from residents who were furious that the view from the Carrigart approach to the village had been blocked.
"I am not against tourism, but what's happening in Downings is a disgrace," he said.
"There is a massive concrete jungle blocking the view of the bay. Three local caravan park owners were put out of business by the council because they did not have planning permission. It is a total disgrace that planners would give permission for that ."
However, Cllr Noel McBride defended the Casey family who own and run the hotel.
He said the planning application went through the proper procedure and was granted permission.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 23 February 2008
Villagers to fight development plan
Residents of a tiny Donegal village on the border with Derry say they will fight proposals to build a new commuter town there.
Plans are to be lodged with Donegal County Council shortly for 500 residential units as well as a hotel and school grounds in the centre of Killea.
Belfast-based McAllister Holdings has confirmed it is preparing a master plan to develop a new "village centre" on a 47-acre site which is part of Toland's potato factory. Killea is a small village 7km southwest of Derry city on the Letterkenny road.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Plans are to be lodged with Donegal County Council shortly for 500 residential units as well as a hotel and school grounds in the centre of Killea.
Belfast-based McAllister Holdings has confirmed it is preparing a master plan to develop a new "village centre" on a 47-acre site which is part of Toland's potato factory. Killea is a small village 7km southwest of Derry city on the Letterkenny road.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 3 January 2008
Retention permission for tank driving at karting track refused
A karting track which features a tank driving and car-crushing ride has run into problems with the planning authorities in Co Donegal.
Donegal County Council has refused retention permission for tank driving and "drifting" to continue at the Castlefin X-treme Karting Centre.
Marcus Griffin was refused permission for the retention of a drifting area, an off-road vehicle circuit incorporating army tank driving and extended opening hours at Sessiagh Long, Castlefin.
Drifting is when a car begins sliding and that slide is maintained using the throttle. It is also known as power-sliding. The aim is for the driver to get the car sideways, keep it there and use their skills to complete a circuit as quickly as possible.
Two local residents appealed the application claiming Mr Griffin had failed to comply with planning permission already granted. They also complained of noise pollution and "antisocial driving" in the area while events were taking place at the track.
On its website, the centre touts its tank driving package as "Ireland's first tank driving and car crushing experience".
The blurb reads: "Step behind the controls of an ex-military FV432, powered by a Rolls Royce engine, for one of the most exhilarating drives of your life.
The centre offers tank-driving packages from €50 to €350 on its website. Council planners said the proposed development was considered premature as conditions of permission already granted had not been complied with by the current application.
They also found that the proposed development was in a rural area with houses and farm lands surrounding the site.
Having regard to the nature of the proposed development, to the traffic movements, noise and other activities which would arise as a result of an intensification of the proposed development by extending opening hours and types of vehicles to utilise the facility, the planners' report said: "The absence of any sound barriers and certified reports regarding the impact of the proposed development on the nearest residential receptors in terms of (a) noise and (b) air pollution, arising from anticipated traffic generation, the proposal would seriously injure the privacy and residential amenities of third-party properties."
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Donegal County Council has refused retention permission for tank driving and "drifting" to continue at the Castlefin X-treme Karting Centre.
Marcus Griffin was refused permission for the retention of a drifting area, an off-road vehicle circuit incorporating army tank driving and extended opening hours at Sessiagh Long, Castlefin.
Drifting is when a car begins sliding and that slide is maintained using the throttle. It is also known as power-sliding. The aim is for the driver to get the car sideways, keep it there and use their skills to complete a circuit as quickly as possible.
Two local residents appealed the application claiming Mr Griffin had failed to comply with planning permission already granted. They also complained of noise pollution and "antisocial driving" in the area while events were taking place at the track.
On its website, the centre touts its tank driving package as "Ireland's first tank driving and car crushing experience".
The blurb reads: "Step behind the controls of an ex-military FV432, powered by a Rolls Royce engine, for one of the most exhilarating drives of your life.
The centre offers tank-driving packages from €50 to €350 on its website. Council planners said the proposed development was considered premature as conditions of permission already granted had not been complied with by the current application.
They also found that the proposed development was in a rural area with houses and farm lands surrounding the site.
Having regard to the nature of the proposed development, to the traffic movements, noise and other activities which would arise as a result of an intensification of the proposed development by extending opening hours and types of vehicles to utilise the facility, the planners' report said: "The absence of any sound barriers and certified reports regarding the impact of the proposed development on the nearest residential receptors in terms of (a) noise and (b) air pollution, arising from anticipated traffic generation, the proposal would seriously injure the privacy and residential amenities of third-party properties."
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 29 December 2007
Judges appeal planning for house
A Supreme Court judge and his wife, also a judge, are among those appealing a Donegal County Council decision to grant permission to a priest for a new house.
An Bord Pleanála has received five objections to the decision to grant permission to Fr Philip Daly for a house on the "sea side" of the road at Lackagh, Portnoo. Fr Daly has been a curate in the area for the last seven years.
Among the appellants are Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman and his wife, Judge Yvonne Murphy of the Circuit Court, who have a holiday home on the upper side of the road. Four other appeals were received from local residents. They are all appealing on the grounds that proposed development will destroy scenic views as it will be located between the road and the sea.
The appeal from Martin Ryan Architects on behalf of Mr Justice Hardiman and Judge Murphy stated they wished Fr Daly would build on "their side of the road".
"Their objection is to development of the application site and not to the appellant, whom they would welcome on their side of the road," the appeal stated.
Another appeal from local residents said: "Whilst we would love to have Fr Daly live in the area, we do object to any building being allowed on the sea-side of the road as this would create a precedent for future development. . ."
Local councillor Enda Bonner wrote a letter of support in favour of Fr Daly. Mr Bonner argued that Fr Daly wanted to build a retirement home, adding that two issues that caused the last application to be refused were being addressed in the latest application.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
An Bord Pleanála has received five objections to the decision to grant permission to Fr Philip Daly for a house on the "sea side" of the road at Lackagh, Portnoo. Fr Daly has been a curate in the area for the last seven years.
Among the appellants are Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman and his wife, Judge Yvonne Murphy of the Circuit Court, who have a holiday home on the upper side of the road. Four other appeals were received from local residents. They are all appealing on the grounds that proposed development will destroy scenic views as it will be located between the road and the sea.
The appeal from Martin Ryan Architects on behalf of Mr Justice Hardiman and Judge Murphy stated they wished Fr Daly would build on "their side of the road".
"Their objection is to development of the application site and not to the appellant, whom they would welcome on their side of the road," the appeal stated.
Another appeal from local residents said: "Whilst we would love to have Fr Daly live in the area, we do object to any building being allowed on the sea-side of the road as this would create a precedent for future development. . ."
Local councillor Enda Bonner wrote a letter of support in favour of Fr Daly. Mr Bonner argued that Fr Daly wanted to build a retirement home, adding that two issues that caused the last application to be refused were being addressed in the latest application.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
Planners in Donegal are overruled by councillors
Donegal county councillors have run into conflict with the county's director of planning by scrapping planners' decisions in order to secure permission for one-off housing for their constituents.
Councillors generally have no involvement in granting planning permission. However, Donegal councillors have used an obscure section of the Local Government Act to overturn decisions to refuse planning permission.
The council planners had refused permission for one-off houses in Donegal town and in Killybegs. The house in Donegal town would have constituted a traffic hazard, the planners said, while the proposed site of the Killybegs house would have been unsuitable for sewage treatment.
Earlier this week councillors voted overwhelmingly to overturn the refusal invoking section 140 of the Local Government Act. Rarely used outside Donegal, Kerry and Galway, this section allows councillors to direct the county manager to perform a particular action, or make a particular decision, as long as it is lawful. However, if there is any subsequent legal action arising out of their use of this power, the councillors are personally liable for legal costs.
Use of this section of the Act is almost unheard of in Dublin. When planning permission was granted for the Dublin Corporation (now Dublin City Council) buildings at Wood Quay in the 1980s, Dublin councillors, concerned about the destruction of the city's Viking heritage, attempted to use section 140 to overturn the permission. However, on learning that they could be liable for all the cost of the project to date, they decided not to use the power.
Donegal's director of planning Francie Coyle is considering whether or not the councillors' motions to overturn the permissions can be allowed to stand. At last Monday's council meeting, Mr Coyle had "strongly urged" councillors not to invoke the act.
He warned councillors that they must give "reasons of an expert or reasoned judgment as to why the advice of the council's expert has been overruled" and that if they failed to provide justification for their actions, he could decide to refuse permission.
If the councillors' decision is adopted and permission is granted, that permission can be appealed to An Bord Pleanála. The planning board said that in such cases, the file prepared by the planning department of the local authority is considered as part of the review.
Olivia Kelly and Cronan Scanlon
The Irish Times
Councillors generally have no involvement in granting planning permission. However, Donegal councillors have used an obscure section of the Local Government Act to overturn decisions to refuse planning permission.
The council planners had refused permission for one-off houses in Donegal town and in Killybegs. The house in Donegal town would have constituted a traffic hazard, the planners said, while the proposed site of the Killybegs house would have been unsuitable for sewage treatment.
Earlier this week councillors voted overwhelmingly to overturn the refusal invoking section 140 of the Local Government Act. Rarely used outside Donegal, Kerry and Galway, this section allows councillors to direct the county manager to perform a particular action, or make a particular decision, as long as it is lawful. However, if there is any subsequent legal action arising out of their use of this power, the councillors are personally liable for legal costs.
Use of this section of the Act is almost unheard of in Dublin. When planning permission was granted for the Dublin Corporation (now Dublin City Council) buildings at Wood Quay in the 1980s, Dublin councillors, concerned about the destruction of the city's Viking heritage, attempted to use section 140 to overturn the permission. However, on learning that they could be liable for all the cost of the project to date, they decided not to use the power.
Donegal's director of planning Francie Coyle is considering whether or not the councillors' motions to overturn the permissions can be allowed to stand. At last Monday's council meeting, Mr Coyle had "strongly urged" councillors not to invoke the act.
He warned councillors that they must give "reasons of an expert or reasoned judgment as to why the advice of the council's expert has been overruled" and that if they failed to provide justification for their actions, he could decide to refuse permission.
If the councillors' decision is adopted and permission is granted, that permission can be appealed to An Bord Pleanála. The planning board said that in such cases, the file prepared by the planning department of the local authority is considered as part of the review.
Olivia Kelly and Cronan Scanlon
The Irish Times
Thursday, 28 June 2007
Donegal councillors to relax rules for builders
Councillors have proposed significant changes to the Donegal county development plan in order to relax building restrictions in favour of developers.
A series of meetings began in Lifford last Monday after councillors called for a review of the plan which was adopted last August. A spokeswoman for the local branch of An Taisce said the proposals were "awful".
Monday's meeting between councillors and planners was held behind closed doors and the policy on urban housing was the main topic. The contentious holiday home issue is to be discussed in the coming weeks.
The existing urban housing policy stipulates that developers must demonstrate how housing developments contribute to the future infrastructure and services of a town or village.
A quota system is in place to protect villages from over-development.
"We talked about increasing the quota system," said one councillor. "The council will carry out a survey of each village to establish its housing capacity, then developers can be approached with a view to providing services such as water, sewerage, footpaths and roads."
Councillors are also proposing to relax restrictions on building houses in rural areas and, in addition, a "small builder policy" is being proposed.
Planners have been asked to insert a policy in the plan so that small builders will be allowed to build one-off houses and small housing schemes in rural areas.
It is also proposed to relax restrictions on "ribbon development" and to support "resource-related tourism product development" alongside holiday homes in rural areas.
Cronan Scanlon
© 2007 The Irish Times
A series of meetings began in Lifford last Monday after councillors called for a review of the plan which was adopted last August. A spokeswoman for the local branch of An Taisce said the proposals were "awful".
Monday's meeting between councillors and planners was held behind closed doors and the policy on urban housing was the main topic. The contentious holiday home issue is to be discussed in the coming weeks.
The existing urban housing policy stipulates that developers must demonstrate how housing developments contribute to the future infrastructure and services of a town or village.
A quota system is in place to protect villages from over-development.
"We talked about increasing the quota system," said one councillor. "The council will carry out a survey of each village to establish its housing capacity, then developers can be approached with a view to providing services such as water, sewerage, footpaths and roads."
Councillors are also proposing to relax restrictions on building houses in rural areas and, in addition, a "small builder policy" is being proposed.
Planners have been asked to insert a policy in the plan so that small builders will be allowed to build one-off houses and small housing schemes in rural areas.
It is also proposed to relax restrictions on "ribbon development" and to support "resource-related tourism product development" alongside holiday homes in rural areas.
Cronan Scanlon
© 2007 The Irish Times
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Probe into septic tanks hidden in sand dunes
A LOCAL authority has commenced an investigation into reports of septic tanks concealed in protected sand dunes in a scenic coastal area.
Donegal Co Council confirmed yesterday that an inquiry was under way into the "alleged presence of septic tanks" at Urris near Clonmany.
The location in the north Inishowen peninsula is 20 metres from a popular beach and on private lands close to a privately owned caravan park.
© Irish Independent
Donegal Co Council confirmed yesterday that an inquiry was under way into the "alleged presence of septic tanks" at Urris near Clonmany.
The location in the north Inishowen peninsula is 20 metres from a popular beach and on private lands close to a privately owned caravan park.
© Irish Independent
Sunday, 27 May 2007
'Entire town is dying on its feet' as the builders bicker
MORE than 400 angry residents held a silent vigil in the Diamond in Donegal town last Sunday morning to protest against a bitter seven-year rivalry between developers that locals claim is killing the town.
The protest flies in the face of other urban centres around the country, where ordinary residents' groups often actively campaign against yet another new retail development, rather than lobby for more shops, apartments and car parks.
However, Donegal is crying out for commercial and residential construction to breathe life into a town that has been left behind by the Celtic Tiger.
For more than 40,000 people in the northwest, Donegal is the natural commercial hub and market centre and a designated "tier 2" area in the Retail Planning Strategy 2000.
But according to its mayor, Ernan McGettigan, the town is stagnating.
He says Donegal is still reeling from the recent loss of 650 jobs at Hospira and Magees. "Now the town is standing still. If something isn't done to stop this madness, Donegal town will be dead as a commercial entity," he said.
While Letterkenny is the fastest-growing rural town in Europe, Donegal has been virtually undeveloped for nearly a decade.
Since 2001, ambitious plans for retail schemes capable of providing both jobs and a commercial kick-start have been stymied by objections to An Bord Pleanala - made by rival developers, or individuals with links to the owners of other potential development sites in the town.
In the latest twist in a long-running saga, local builders Michael Kelly Snr and Jnr were given permission by Donegal County Council to build a €40m mixed-use development near the centre.
The development proposal includes a major retail anchor tenant, a multi-screen cinema, business units, extra parking spaces, office suites, cafes and 52 apartments overlooking Donegal Bay.
Construction was due to begin by the end of the year and would have provided 50 jobs during construction and employment for another 150 people in the finished development. But the Sunday Independent has learned that An Bord Pleanala has received two detailed objections to the Kelly plan.
One is from rival London-based developer Danny Keeney, of Keeney Construction, who heads up a consortium that controls the old Magee factory in the town and who was recently granted permission for a €100m project on that site.
Mr Keeney's firm has a history of objecting to other developments in Donegal town. Applications from Bennett Construction for a Dunnes Stores anchored development was objected to by Tesco (Ireland) with Keeney Construction Limited as an observer. Permission was refused.
Another application, for the construction of an Atlantic Homecare, was also refused by An Bord Pleanala. Keeney Construction Limited was the sole objector.
In another objection by Keeney Construction - to proposed altered ground gradients in and around the River Eske - the company expressed its desire to protect the freshwater-pearl mussel population and to "ensure that this animal can once again breed in the waters upstream from Donegal town".
The second objection to the latest Kelly plan for Donegal town centre is from a Portmarnock resident, Oliver Byrne, who has also objected in the past to other developments in Donegal town.
The Sunday Independent has learned that Mr Byrne has a connection with the principals behind other development lands in Donegal town.
The connection is this. A Kildare solicitor, John Reidy, holds a one-eighth share in development lands at Revlin outside Donegal town, along with Danny Keeney and others. John Reidy is also a director of Revlin Property Ltd.
John Reidy's son, Barry Reidy, was a co-director of a company called Blueberry Cottons Ltd along with Oliver Byrne. Barry Reidy has also been a director of Revlin Property Ltd. Keeney Properties Ireland Ltd also holds a one-eighth share in the same lands at Revlin and also 15 ordinary shares, (an identical holding to John Reidy) in Revlin Property Ltd.
In an interview with the Sunday Independent, Danny Keeney, a former Donegal Emigrant of the Year and a self-made multimillionaire who started his career working on building sites in Germany, defended his right to object to planning permission.
"Over the past few years we in Keeney Construction have faced 25 objections to An Bord Pleanala against developments. I didn't see any silent protests or meetings about that," he said, adding that his objection to the Kelly plan was extremely detailed and could be viewed online. He said that extra traffic congestion was the central reason for objecting. He admitted he was concerned that extra traffic could impact on the "integrity" of his proposed development on the Magee lands.
"An Bord Pleanala is an independent body and will make its decision based on sound planning," he added.
"There is another detailed objection. It is not just us who are objecting," he added. Asked if he knew the other objector, Oliver Byrne, Mr Keeney said: "I do not know him."
Mr Byrne did not return phone calls.
Meanwhile, Ernan McGettigan says local people are fed up to the back teeth with delay after delay in getting retail developments off the ground.
"Not a brick has been laid in seven years. It is a scandal that an entire town is dying on its feet. Donegal town will be left behind while Ballyshannon and Dungloe thrive and Letterkenny thrives. We are fighting for the life of this town," he added.
Sunday Independent
The protest flies in the face of other urban centres around the country, where ordinary residents' groups often actively campaign against yet another new retail development, rather than lobby for more shops, apartments and car parks.
However, Donegal is crying out for commercial and residential construction to breathe life into a town that has been left behind by the Celtic Tiger.
For more than 40,000 people in the northwest, Donegal is the natural commercial hub and market centre and a designated "tier 2" area in the Retail Planning Strategy 2000.
But according to its mayor, Ernan McGettigan, the town is stagnating.
He says Donegal is still reeling from the recent loss of 650 jobs at Hospira and Magees. "Now the town is standing still. If something isn't done to stop this madness, Donegal town will be dead as a commercial entity," he said.
While Letterkenny is the fastest-growing rural town in Europe, Donegal has been virtually undeveloped for nearly a decade.
Since 2001, ambitious plans for retail schemes capable of providing both jobs and a commercial kick-start have been stymied by objections to An Bord Pleanala - made by rival developers, or individuals with links to the owners of other potential development sites in the town.
In the latest twist in a long-running saga, local builders Michael Kelly Snr and Jnr were given permission by Donegal County Council to build a €40m mixed-use development near the centre.
The development proposal includes a major retail anchor tenant, a multi-screen cinema, business units, extra parking spaces, office suites, cafes and 52 apartments overlooking Donegal Bay.
Construction was due to begin by the end of the year and would have provided 50 jobs during construction and employment for another 150 people in the finished development. But the Sunday Independent has learned that An Bord Pleanala has received two detailed objections to the Kelly plan.
One is from rival London-based developer Danny Keeney, of Keeney Construction, who heads up a consortium that controls the old Magee factory in the town and who was recently granted permission for a €100m project on that site.
Mr Keeney's firm has a history of objecting to other developments in Donegal town. Applications from Bennett Construction for a Dunnes Stores anchored development was objected to by Tesco (Ireland) with Keeney Construction Limited as an observer. Permission was refused.
Another application, for the construction of an Atlantic Homecare, was also refused by An Bord Pleanala. Keeney Construction Limited was the sole objector.
In another objection by Keeney Construction - to proposed altered ground gradients in and around the River Eske - the company expressed its desire to protect the freshwater-pearl mussel population and to "ensure that this animal can once again breed in the waters upstream from Donegal town".
The second objection to the latest Kelly plan for Donegal town centre is from a Portmarnock resident, Oliver Byrne, who has also objected in the past to other developments in Donegal town.
The Sunday Independent has learned that Mr Byrne has a connection with the principals behind other development lands in Donegal town.
The connection is this. A Kildare solicitor, John Reidy, holds a one-eighth share in development lands at Revlin outside Donegal town, along with Danny Keeney and others. John Reidy is also a director of Revlin Property Ltd.
John Reidy's son, Barry Reidy, was a co-director of a company called Blueberry Cottons Ltd along with Oliver Byrne. Barry Reidy has also been a director of Revlin Property Ltd. Keeney Properties Ireland Ltd also holds a one-eighth share in the same lands at Revlin and also 15 ordinary shares, (an identical holding to John Reidy) in Revlin Property Ltd.
In an interview with the Sunday Independent, Danny Keeney, a former Donegal Emigrant of the Year and a self-made multimillionaire who started his career working on building sites in Germany, defended his right to object to planning permission.
"Over the past few years we in Keeney Construction have faced 25 objections to An Bord Pleanala against developments. I didn't see any silent protests or meetings about that," he said, adding that his objection to the Kelly plan was extremely detailed and could be viewed online. He said that extra traffic congestion was the central reason for objecting. He admitted he was concerned that extra traffic could impact on the "integrity" of his proposed development on the Magee lands.
"An Bord Pleanala is an independent body and will make its decision based on sound planning," he added.
"There is another detailed objection. It is not just us who are objecting," he added. Asked if he knew the other objector, Oliver Byrne, Mr Keeney said: "I do not know him."
Mr Byrne did not return phone calls.
Meanwhile, Ernan McGettigan says local people are fed up to the back teeth with delay after delay in getting retail developments off the ground.
"Not a brick has been laid in seven years. It is a scandal that an entire town is dying on its feet. Donegal town will be left behind while Ballyshannon and Dungloe thrive and Letterkenny thrives. We are fighting for the life of this town," he added.
Sunday Independent
Monday, 12 March 2007
€16.8m for Greencastle Harbour Development
John Browne T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources has confirmed that an offer of grant-aid has been issued to Donegal County Council in respect of phase 1 of the Greencastle Harbour Development.
Phase 1 of the development involves the construction of a breakwater at an estimated cost of €16.8 million. This funding was approved under the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources 2007 Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure programme. Under this Programme the Department provides 75% funding and the Local Authority pays the balance of 25%.
However as Greencastle is in a CLÁR designated area, the Local Authority contribution is reduced to 12.5% with the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs contributing the other 12.5% under the new CLÁR scheme.
The recommended development option for Greencastle consists of four phases - which will provide a rock breakwater, fuel berth and mussel berth, new deep-water berths and additional berths to the inner harbour - estimated to cost in excess of €45 million. The proposed development at Greencastle has received full planning permission.
On receipt of a commitment from Donegal County Council to contribute the required 12.5% of the Phase 1 cost, the construction will commence. The project will be carried out by DCMNR engineers on behalf of Donegal County Council.
Phase 1 of the development involves the construction of a breakwater at an estimated cost of €16.8 million. This funding was approved under the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources 2007 Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure programme. Under this Programme the Department provides 75% funding and the Local Authority pays the balance of 25%.
However as Greencastle is in a CLÁR designated area, the Local Authority contribution is reduced to 12.5% with the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs contributing the other 12.5% under the new CLÁR scheme.
The recommended development option for Greencastle consists of four phases - which will provide a rock breakwater, fuel berth and mussel berth, new deep-water berths and additional berths to the inner harbour - estimated to cost in excess of €45 million. The proposed development at Greencastle has received full planning permission.
On receipt of a commitment from Donegal County Council to contribute the required 12.5% of the Phase 1 cost, the construction will commence. The project will be carried out by DCMNR engineers on behalf of Donegal County Council.
Tuesday, 16 January 2007
Scenic area's sewage plant causes protest
Anita Guidera in the Westyern People writes that a coastal community has stepped up its campaign to prevent a sewage plant being located close to houses, beaches and a popular scenic walk.
As part of Donegal County Council's plan for the Moville/Greencastle sewage scheme, a holding tank for raw sewage is to be situated within metres of the holiday home of former SDLP leader and Nobel Prize winner John Hume.
The location of the controversial scheme - close to the banks of Lough Foyle and midway between the seaside towns of Moville and Greencastle on the eastern coast of the Inishowen peninsula - has caused outrage among locals.
The site earmarked for the plant in the townland of Carnagarve is within 170 metres of a gaelscoil and Gaelic football pitch and near to about 100 houses.
And 400 metres away on Lafferty's Lane, raw sewage will be pumped from an estimated 60 houses to a vented holding tank beside a beach and picnic area and a number of private homes, including one owned by the Hume family.
Although the Humes are not involved in the campaign, John Hume has publicly expressed his "serious concerns" about the plans.
"Surely for a man who has given so much for the peace process, it could not be considered proper repayment to locate a raw sewage tank 15 metres from his front door," said Enda Craig, spokesperson for the Campaign for a Clean Estuary group.
Last Saturday, up to 70 people took to the streets of Moville for the first of a series of protests in the run-up to the general election.
"This has become an election issue for this community. People are feeling abandoned and betrayed by their elected representatives," Mr Craig said. "It is a cheap and nasty solution to a problem which has been ongoing for 30 years."
The protesters argue that the plant, which will pump effluent into Lough Foyle, close to popular bathing coves and a County Council-developed ‘Sli na Slainte' walk-way and picnic area, will destroy the area's most valuable asset.
"This beautiful shore is one of the few natural assets we have. Nobody will want to swim here or use the walk, with sewage spraying off the rocks," Mr Craig said.
Mr Craig claimed that the selection process for the site was without any consultation with local residents.
Donegal County Council maintains that "considerable time, effort and expense had been put into public consultation" and that the site at Carnagarve represented the "optimum solution from an environmental, technical and financial viewpoint".
As part of Donegal County Council's plan for the Moville/Greencastle sewage scheme, a holding tank for raw sewage is to be situated within metres of the holiday home of former SDLP leader and Nobel Prize winner John Hume.
The location of the controversial scheme - close to the banks of Lough Foyle and midway between the seaside towns of Moville and Greencastle on the eastern coast of the Inishowen peninsula - has caused outrage among locals.
The site earmarked for the plant in the townland of Carnagarve is within 170 metres of a gaelscoil and Gaelic football pitch and near to about 100 houses.
And 400 metres away on Lafferty's Lane, raw sewage will be pumped from an estimated 60 houses to a vented holding tank beside a beach and picnic area and a number of private homes, including one owned by the Hume family.
Although the Humes are not involved in the campaign, John Hume has publicly expressed his "serious concerns" about the plans.
"Surely for a man who has given so much for the peace process, it could not be considered proper repayment to locate a raw sewage tank 15 metres from his front door," said Enda Craig, spokesperson for the Campaign for a Clean Estuary group.
Last Saturday, up to 70 people took to the streets of Moville for the first of a series of protests in the run-up to the general election.
"This has become an election issue for this community. People are feeling abandoned and betrayed by their elected representatives," Mr Craig said. "It is a cheap and nasty solution to a problem which has been ongoing for 30 years."
The protesters argue that the plant, which will pump effluent into Lough Foyle, close to popular bathing coves and a County Council-developed ‘Sli na Slainte' walk-way and picnic area, will destroy the area's most valuable asset.
"This beautiful shore is one of the few natural assets we have. Nobody will want to swim here or use the walk, with sewage spraying off the rocks," Mr Craig said.
Mr Craig claimed that the selection process for the site was without any consultation with local residents.
Donegal County Council maintains that "considerable time, effort and expense had been put into public consultation" and that the site at Carnagarve represented the "optimum solution from an environmental, technical and financial viewpoint".
Friday, 5 January 2007
Donegal landfill dispute deepens
The Irish Times also covered the Donegal Landfill story:
An Bord Pleanála has come under pressure from Donegal County Council to support a new application for a controversial landfill development close to Glenveagh National Park.
Although the appeals board refused planning permission for the landfill at Meenaboll a year ago, it has been asked by the local authority to specify necessary requirements for an environmental impact statement (EIS) for such a project.
The scoping document, which the appeals board has just published, lays emphasis on the need for alternative site locations in any application, "taking into account the effect on the environment".
It names particular species of bird and animal which must be considered - including the golden eagle, which has been re-introduced by the State into the north Donegal area
The document's publication has prompted opponents of the landfill to call on Donegal County Council to "come clean" on the issue and to "stop trying to bully An Bord Pleanála".
The county council identified the proposed regional landfill on a 14.5 hectare site at Meenaboll, west of Letterkenny, over four years ago.
Under its regional waste management plan, the new site would take 24,000 tonnes of municipal waste over 20 years.
The site is an upland area bordering on a special area of conservation, and within sight of Errigal mountain and Glenveagh.
Objectors, including An Taisce and the Meenaboll Environmental Protection Group, said the leachate from the landfill could pollute Gartan Lake near Church Hill, which provides the public water supply to Letterkenny.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted the project a waste management licence but An Bord Pleanála turned down the planning application in January 2006.
The appeals board took the location's proximity to Glenveagh into account in its ruling, and noted that its upland location would pose a risk of landslides and consequent water pollution.
It said it would "constitute an unwarranted intrusion into the landscape and would potentially have significant adverse effects on protected and endangered species".
Gerry Mulgrew, of the Meenaboll Environmental Protection Group, said that he was confident that elected members of Donegal County Council did not support this project, whereas officials seemed to be determined to push it through.
Donegal County Council was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Lorna Siggins
An Bord Pleanála has come under pressure from Donegal County Council to support a new application for a controversial landfill development close to Glenveagh National Park.
Although the appeals board refused planning permission for the landfill at Meenaboll a year ago, it has been asked by the local authority to specify necessary requirements for an environmental impact statement (EIS) for such a project.
The scoping document, which the appeals board has just published, lays emphasis on the need for alternative site locations in any application, "taking into account the effect on the environment".
It names particular species of bird and animal which must be considered - including the golden eagle, which has been re-introduced by the State into the north Donegal area
The document's publication has prompted opponents of the landfill to call on Donegal County Council to "come clean" on the issue and to "stop trying to bully An Bord Pleanála".
The county council identified the proposed regional landfill on a 14.5 hectare site at Meenaboll, west of Letterkenny, over four years ago.
Under its regional waste management plan, the new site would take 24,000 tonnes of municipal waste over 20 years.
The site is an upland area bordering on a special area of conservation, and within sight of Errigal mountain and Glenveagh.
Objectors, including An Taisce and the Meenaboll Environmental Protection Group, said the leachate from the landfill could pollute Gartan Lake near Church Hill, which provides the public water supply to Letterkenny.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted the project a waste management licence but An Bord Pleanála turned down the planning application in January 2006.
The appeals board took the location's proximity to Glenveagh into account in its ruling, and noted that its upland location would pose a risk of landslides and consequent water pollution.
It said it would "constitute an unwarranted intrusion into the landscape and would potentially have significant adverse effects on protected and endangered species".
Gerry Mulgrew, of the Meenaboll Environmental Protection Group, said that he was confident that elected members of Donegal County Council did not support this project, whereas officials seemed to be determined to push it through.
Donegal County Council was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Lorna Siggins
Donegal Meenaboll landfill plan scrapped
This from Donegal News:
A scoping report issued by An Bord Pleanála to Donegal County Council last week has backed-up its reasons for refusing planning permission for the development of a landfill site at Meenaboll.
Last week a decision was taken by County Councillors not to spend any more public money on pursuing a establishing a landfill at that location. In welcoming the decision, a spokesperson for the group opposed to the development of the landfill stated that they are still not satisfied that the issue has been resolved once an for all.
"We have learnt from experience that we cannot trust everything we hear. And in light of this we will be keeping a very watchful eye on the Council and all their moves as regards Meenaboll," explained Gerry Mulgrew.
In January of this year An Bord Pleanála refused permission to Donegal County Council for the development of a landfill site at Meenaboll. As a public body the Council was entitled to request a 'scoping report' from the planning appeals board giving a detailed description for the grounds on which they were refused. This report was issued to the Council at the end of last week, and a copy, obtained by the Donegal News, stated clearly that any development of a landfill site at Meenaboll would have a detrimental affect on the on the natural amenities surrounding it.
At last week's Council meeting, Councillor Francis Conaghan expressed his belief that elected members had been treated "shoddily" on this issue and stated that the executive handled the Meenaboll situation "by stealth".
County Manager Michael McLoone stated: "I do not think the executive have acted without authority in regard to this matter and I did get approval of the elected members to seek the scoping report."
Sinn Fein's Donegal North East representative, Councillor Padraig Mac Lochlainn, praised local people following the decision that no more public money should be spent on the proposal for a landfill site at Meenaboll.
It was also agreed that a workshop should be established to discuss the implications of the situation. That workshop will inevitably involve major focus on future recycling options.
Cllr Mac Lochlainn said: "I want to praise local people for their campaign against the Meenaboll proposal. That campaign was vindicated by An Bord Pleanala's original decision in this matter.
"I also want to commend the other political parties on Donegal County Council for having the good sense to back Sinn Fein's very vocal leadership on this issue.
"The Council's decision to halt the Meenaboll proposal is an important reminder to the Council Executive that they are obliged to work in partnership with the elected members."
Gerry Mulgrew thanked Sinn Fein for tabling the motion as well as the County Mayor Enda Bonner, and Cllrs Francis Conaghan and Ian McGarvey for their support on the issue.
A scoping report issued by An Bord Pleanála to Donegal County Council last week has backed-up its reasons for refusing planning permission for the development of a landfill site at Meenaboll.
Last week a decision was taken by County Councillors not to spend any more public money on pursuing a establishing a landfill at that location. In welcoming the decision, a spokesperson for the group opposed to the development of the landfill stated that they are still not satisfied that the issue has been resolved once an for all.
"We have learnt from experience that we cannot trust everything we hear. And in light of this we will be keeping a very watchful eye on the Council and all their moves as regards Meenaboll," explained Gerry Mulgrew.
In January of this year An Bord Pleanála refused permission to Donegal County Council for the development of a landfill site at Meenaboll. As a public body the Council was entitled to request a 'scoping report' from the planning appeals board giving a detailed description for the grounds on which they were refused. This report was issued to the Council at the end of last week, and a copy, obtained by the Donegal News, stated clearly that any development of a landfill site at Meenaboll would have a detrimental affect on the on the natural amenities surrounding it.
At last week's Council meeting, Councillor Francis Conaghan expressed his belief that elected members had been treated "shoddily" on this issue and stated that the executive handled the Meenaboll situation "by stealth".
County Manager Michael McLoone stated: "I do not think the executive have acted without authority in regard to this matter and I did get approval of the elected members to seek the scoping report."
Sinn Fein's Donegal North East representative, Councillor Padraig Mac Lochlainn, praised local people following the decision that no more public money should be spent on the proposal for a landfill site at Meenaboll.
It was also agreed that a workshop should be established to discuss the implications of the situation. That workshop will inevitably involve major focus on future recycling options.
Cllr Mac Lochlainn said: "I want to praise local people for their campaign against the Meenaboll proposal. That campaign was vindicated by An Bord Pleanala's original decision in this matter.
"I also want to commend the other political parties on Donegal County Council for having the good sense to back Sinn Fein's very vocal leadership on this issue.
"The Council's decision to halt the Meenaboll proposal is an important reminder to the Council Executive that they are obliged to work in partnership with the elected members."
Gerry Mulgrew thanked Sinn Fein for tabling the motion as well as the County Mayor Enda Bonner, and Cllrs Francis Conaghan and Ian McGarvey for their support on the issue.
Wednesday, 22 November 2006
Donegal wind turbine planning appeal lodged
A decision to refuse planning permission for eight wind turbine generators to be erected next to the Tyrone/Donegal border has been appealed. An application for planning permission for the 70-foot turbines in bogland near Croaghnameal, east of Donegal town, was made by Eco Wind Power Limited. The location is around 2km from the border and around 20km from the nearest town in the north, Castlederg.
The north's Planning Service said it received notification from Donegal County Council that the refusal of planning permission was being appealed. Notification of the appeal posted by the Planning Service states that “the development is likely to have significant effects on the environment in
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