LEITRIM COUNTY Council is to hold a special meeting today to consider whether to mount a legal challenge to An Bord Pleanála’s decision to give the go-ahead to two broadband masts in the county. Local residents are furious at the decisions in relation to the masts at Aughacashel and Carrigallen, which they say are in breach of the county development plan.
This prohibits the construction of such telecommunications structures within 500m of residential dwellings. Amid widespread local concerns about the health implications, the company involved, 3G Ireland, said that “even the World Health Organisation” had accepted there were no health risks.
Brian Purcell, a spokesman for the company, said it was working on behalf of the Government, having won a tender in December 2008, to bring broadband to rural areas.
“This is the most enabling technology since rural electrification,” said Mr Purcell. He said people operating small businesses in local areas were demanding a service that people in cities had taken for granted for some time.
“This will allow people to operate businesses and rear their children in rural areas. It will allow them to do things others take for granted, such as online banking or booking their Ryanair tickets,” he said.
But locals said there are already six masts in the Aughacashel area providing mobile and broadband services and that “only a handful” would benefit from the new structure.
Cllr Francis Gilmartin (Fianna Fáil), like most of his colleagues, is angry at the board’s decision to overturn the county council’s refusal of planning permission.
“I have asked the company to give me a guarantee in writing that there will be no health effects and of course they won’t do that,” he said. “Leitrim is riddled with cancer and there is no point in 20 years telling us that these things were not safe.”
Today’s meeting has been called to discuss whether the local authority should seek a judicial review of the two board decisions.
More than 90 local people objected to the Aughacashel mast, which they say is within 500m of four dwelling houses and within 300m of a group water scheme.
“Leitrim County Council has no money and I don’t know where we will find €100,000 to fight this case,” Mr Gilmartin said. But he said councillors and local people felt strongly that there was no point in working hard to draw up a county development plan, “if it can be ignored by faceless people in An Bord Pleanála”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label leitrim county council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leitrim county council. Show all posts
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Thursday, 22 May 2008
Windfarm rejected for Arroo mountains
A proposed windfarm in a designated "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" on the Arroo mountain range in north Leitrim has been blocked by An Bord Pleanála.
The Arroo mountains, which feature blanket bog, heathland, wooded ravines and steep limestone cliffs, are a breeding ground for peregrine falcons and golden plover.
The board found that the development, comprising of 12 turbines measuring 80m in height and with rotor blades measuring 45m in length, would be a prominent and obtrusive feature in the landscape, would be "highly visible" locally and would spoil the view.
Leckanarainey Windfarm Limited, Old Schoolhouse, Lower Rosses, Rosses Point, Co Sligo, had appealed against a decision made by Leitrim County Council last November to refuse permission for the windfarm.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The Arroo mountains, which feature blanket bog, heathland, wooded ravines and steep limestone cliffs, are a breeding ground for peregrine falcons and golden plover.
The board found that the development, comprising of 12 turbines measuring 80m in height and with rotor blades measuring 45m in length, would be a prominent and obtrusive feature in the landscape, would be "highly visible" locally and would spoil the view.
Leckanarainey Windfarm Limited, Old Schoolhouse, Lower Rosses, Rosses Point, Co Sligo, had appealed against a decision made by Leitrim County Council last November to refuse permission for the windfarm.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 2 May 2008
Dowra Marina Project blown out of the water
Huge blow to economic prospects in village says Feely
A development involving the construction of a 16-berth marina on the river Shannon between Lough Allen and Annagh Upper, near Dowra, and the creation of a navigable channel by Waterways Ireland, has been scuttled by An Bord Pleanála.
The Bord refused permission for the development last week, overturning a decision made by Leitrim County Council last July to grant premission for the project subject to conditions.
The decision to refuse the development has been lashed by Fianna Fáil Councillor John Paul Feeley, who claimed that the people of rural Ireland no longer have any confidence in the planning appeals board.
The appeal was brought to An Bord Pleanála by a number of parties including: Kevin Deering from Swanlinbar; An Taisce; the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government; Cavan Leitrim Environmental Awareness Network Ltd; Action for Thoughtful use of natural resources and Water World Europe.
The board gave three detailed reasons for refusing the application. It said that it was not satisfied that an appropriate assessment of the affects of the development had been carried out based on the Environmental Impact Statement and other information in the application.
It found that it had not been established that the proposed development would not have a significant adverse impact on populations of Irish Pollan, an Annex V species or their spawning grounds and that the boating activities would not result in the introduction into the area of the highly invasive Zebra Mussel, with serious impacts on the River Shannon ecosystem.
The board also considered that the proposed development, due to its isolated location and unserviced rural area at a remove from the nearby village of Dowra, would be at variance with the general provisions of the Leitrim County Development plan 2003-2009.
The decision has been savaged by local Fianna Fáil Councillor John Paul Feeley, how`s calling for the decision to be reviewed. He said it was a disgrace and a disaster for the area, that Bord Pleanala had given into to what he described as "narrow minded people" who "were plugging a single minded agenda to do down an area".
It seems they want to turn Dowra into a little theme park for themselves. He said that the proposal was to bring the navigation to within one mile of Dowra Village. He described it as a very sensible, balanced and carefully considered proposal.
Cllr. Feeley said that Waterways Ireland is very annoyed about the decision. "We have to refocus on the objective and that it to bring the Shannon navigation as near Dowra as possible and find ways to accomplish that."
He said the project had the widespread support of the local community and for An Bord Pleanála to it down is essentially saying "to the people of rural Ireland, you opinions do not matter".
Mr Feeley said that the people of rural Ireland had no confidence in Bord Pleanala. "The operation and activities of The board needs to be very carefully examined in the light of this decision".
Tourism chief concerned
Meanwhile, the newly appointed chairman of Failte Ireland North West, Paschal Mooney, has expressed serious concern at the Bord`s decision and voiced his concerns at Monday`s Failte Ireland North West Board meeting.
"There was unanimous agreement that this decision could have an adverse effect on the tourism potential of the Lough Allen basin and its environs," he said.
"I would strongly urge Waterways Ireland to look at the judgement in detail and to address the objections with a view to re-submitting a further application. The proposed
Canal forms part of a tourism development plan for an area that is socially and economically disadvantaged and if completed would generate significant income for the local economy and the wider Leitrim, West Cavan and North Roscommon region," concluded Mr. Mooney.
However, Speaking on behalf of Cavan Leitrim Environmental Awareness Network Ltd, Mr. Peter Crossan said that the board`s decision was quite comprehensive and wideranging. It was a very definite decision and there was no ambuigity about it. "I`m very pleased about that."
Sean McMahon
Anglo Celt
www.buckplanning.ie
A development involving the construction of a 16-berth marina on the river Shannon between Lough Allen and Annagh Upper, near Dowra, and the creation of a navigable channel by Waterways Ireland, has been scuttled by An Bord Pleanála.
The Bord refused permission for the development last week, overturning a decision made by Leitrim County Council last July to grant premission for the project subject to conditions.
The decision to refuse the development has been lashed by Fianna Fáil Councillor John Paul Feeley, who claimed that the people of rural Ireland no longer have any confidence in the planning appeals board.
The appeal was brought to An Bord Pleanála by a number of parties including: Kevin Deering from Swanlinbar; An Taisce; the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government; Cavan Leitrim Environmental Awareness Network Ltd; Action for Thoughtful use of natural resources and Water World Europe.
The board gave three detailed reasons for refusing the application. It said that it was not satisfied that an appropriate assessment of the affects of the development had been carried out based on the Environmental Impact Statement and other information in the application.
It found that it had not been established that the proposed development would not have a significant adverse impact on populations of Irish Pollan, an Annex V species or their spawning grounds and that the boating activities would not result in the introduction into the area of the highly invasive Zebra Mussel, with serious impacts on the River Shannon ecosystem.
The board also considered that the proposed development, due to its isolated location and unserviced rural area at a remove from the nearby village of Dowra, would be at variance with the general provisions of the Leitrim County Development plan 2003-2009.
The decision has been savaged by local Fianna Fáil Councillor John Paul Feeley, how`s calling for the decision to be reviewed. He said it was a disgrace and a disaster for the area, that Bord Pleanala had given into to what he described as "narrow minded people" who "were plugging a single minded agenda to do down an area".
It seems they want to turn Dowra into a little theme park for themselves. He said that the proposal was to bring the navigation to within one mile of Dowra Village. He described it as a very sensible, balanced and carefully considered proposal.
Cllr. Feeley said that Waterways Ireland is very annoyed about the decision. "We have to refocus on the objective and that it to bring the Shannon navigation as near Dowra as possible and find ways to accomplish that."
He said the project had the widespread support of the local community and for An Bord Pleanála to it down is essentially saying "to the people of rural Ireland, you opinions do not matter".
Mr Feeley said that the people of rural Ireland had no confidence in Bord Pleanala. "The operation and activities of The board needs to be very carefully examined in the light of this decision".
Tourism chief concerned
Meanwhile, the newly appointed chairman of Failte Ireland North West, Paschal Mooney, has expressed serious concern at the Bord`s decision and voiced his concerns at Monday`s Failte Ireland North West Board meeting.
"There was unanimous agreement that this decision could have an adverse effect on the tourism potential of the Lough Allen basin and its environs," he said.
"I would strongly urge Waterways Ireland to look at the judgement in detail and to address the objections with a view to re-submitting a further application. The proposed
Canal forms part of a tourism development plan for an area that is socially and economically disadvantaged and if completed would generate significant income for the local economy and the wider Leitrim, West Cavan and North Roscommon region," concluded Mr. Mooney.
However, Speaking on behalf of Cavan Leitrim Environmental Awareness Network Ltd, Mr. Peter Crossan said that the board`s decision was quite comprehensive and wideranging. It was a very definite decision and there was no ambuigity about it. "I`m very pleased about that."
Sean McMahon
Anglo Celt
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 18 January 2008
Plan aims to realize the potential of Lough Allen
Leitrim County Council has approved a draft plan which aims to unlock the enormous potential of the Lough Allen area by collectively promoting its economic, social and cultural development.
A report commissioned by the Council was presented to its monthly meeting last Monday night. Councillors were brought through the report in detail and informed of the work carried out by a steering group comprising Leitrim County Council, Roscommon County Council, Leitrim Enterprise Company, Failte Ireland Northwest, Leitrim Tourism, Waterways Ireland, Shannon Regional Fisheries Board and Arigna Leader Company.
Louise Browne, from consultants Colin Buchanan & Partners, explained the potential that Lough Allen has to offer as a key driver of economic development, in particular tourism, within the region.
Prompted by the preparation of the new County Development Plan 2009-2015 the objective of the study is to identify, assess and recommend a range of actions that will safeguard the integrity of the natural resource, meet the needs of the wider community, secure economic and social benefits and establish Lough Allen as a visitor destination in its own right.
Councillors gave the report a guarded welcome. While recognising the untapped potential of Lough Allen, many felt the implementation of reports such as these was the key issue.
Cllr Enda McGloin said the lake is completely and utterly underdeveloped, apart form the hotel in Drumshanbo. He said he hopes the Dowra development will proceed and the investment by Waterways Ireland in Ballinaglera. He said they need to pinpoint certain ideas for business that could be located on the lake, that would, in his view, encourage more cruiser traffic onto the lake.
Cllr Mary Bohan, while recognising and complimenting what has been done at Corry Strand and Spencer Harbour, said in general that what has been done round the lake has been piecemeal. She said what was positive about this particular report is that all of the agencies are involved, and she called for a positive direction to be adopted after the public consultation process.
Cllr Aodh Flynn said Lough Allen has enormous potential but he noted the absence of the OPW from this plan. He said the northern shore of the lake used to have large strands but the water level has been kept high in recent years
Cllr Gerry Dolan said there is a lot of good work that can be done in the Lough Allen area while Cllr Francis Gilmartin said the lack of fish stocks in the lakes, particularly bream, meant they were losing their valuable angling tourism industry.
Clir Michael Colreavy said there is a lot of good analysis and research done in these reports but where a lot of them fall down is in their implementation because there's no funding for that implementation.
"I think it should be part of the brief of a company developing a report such as this to work with the major funding agencies to see what can be done," he said, noting that such cooperation was not there.
Clir Martin Kenny said that very often reports are used as a lever for funding but very often you find the money has been spent but there is nothing to show for it but another nice document that sits on the shelf. "It's important we don't allow that to happen here," he said.
Cllr Sean McDermott agreed and said it is no good unless it is followed through and said the Council has to work with it until things start to happen.
Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Community, Enterprise & Cultural Development, said it is important to get a framework to work within which will also hopefully get people thinking about what they can do.
The draft document will be available during public opening hours for public inspection at the office of Leitrim County Council, Aras an Chontae, Carrick-onShannon and on www.leitrimcoco.ie.
The draft plan will be available until February 13, 2008. People involved in the tourism sector and anyone who has an interest in the development of Lough Allen are encouraged to examine the draft plan and forward written submissions to Joan Lowe, Administrative Officer, Leitrim County Council, Community and Enterprise Department, Carrick-on-Shannon. Submissions received by February 27, 2008 will be taken into account in the completion of the final document.
Donal O'Grady
Leitrim Observer
www.buckplanning.ie
A report commissioned by the Council was presented to its monthly meeting last Monday night. Councillors were brought through the report in detail and informed of the work carried out by a steering group comprising Leitrim County Council, Roscommon County Council, Leitrim Enterprise Company, Failte Ireland Northwest, Leitrim Tourism, Waterways Ireland, Shannon Regional Fisheries Board and Arigna Leader Company.
Louise Browne, from consultants Colin Buchanan & Partners, explained the potential that Lough Allen has to offer as a key driver of economic development, in particular tourism, within the region.
Prompted by the preparation of the new County Development Plan 2009-2015 the objective of the study is to identify, assess and recommend a range of actions that will safeguard the integrity of the natural resource, meet the needs of the wider community, secure economic and social benefits and establish Lough Allen as a visitor destination in its own right.
Councillors gave the report a guarded welcome. While recognising the untapped potential of Lough Allen, many felt the implementation of reports such as these was the key issue.
Cllr Enda McGloin said the lake is completely and utterly underdeveloped, apart form the hotel in Drumshanbo. He said he hopes the Dowra development will proceed and the investment by Waterways Ireland in Ballinaglera. He said they need to pinpoint certain ideas for business that could be located on the lake, that would, in his view, encourage more cruiser traffic onto the lake.
Cllr Mary Bohan, while recognising and complimenting what has been done at Corry Strand and Spencer Harbour, said in general that what has been done round the lake has been piecemeal. She said what was positive about this particular report is that all of the agencies are involved, and she called for a positive direction to be adopted after the public consultation process.
Cllr Aodh Flynn said Lough Allen has enormous potential but he noted the absence of the OPW from this plan. He said the northern shore of the lake used to have large strands but the water level has been kept high in recent years
Cllr Gerry Dolan said there is a lot of good work that can be done in the Lough Allen area while Cllr Francis Gilmartin said the lack of fish stocks in the lakes, particularly bream, meant they were losing their valuable angling tourism industry.
Clir Michael Colreavy said there is a lot of good analysis and research done in these reports but where a lot of them fall down is in their implementation because there's no funding for that implementation.
"I think it should be part of the brief of a company developing a report such as this to work with the major funding agencies to see what can be done," he said, noting that such cooperation was not there.
Clir Martin Kenny said that very often reports are used as a lever for funding but very often you find the money has been spent but there is nothing to show for it but another nice document that sits on the shelf. "It's important we don't allow that to happen here," he said.
Cllr Sean McDermott agreed and said it is no good unless it is followed through and said the Council has to work with it until things start to happen.
Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, Community, Enterprise & Cultural Development, said it is important to get a framework to work within which will also hopefully get people thinking about what they can do.
The draft document will be available during public opening hours for public inspection at the office of Leitrim County Council, Aras an Chontae, Carrick-onShannon and on www.leitrimcoco.ie.
The draft plan will be available until February 13, 2008. People involved in the tourism sector and anyone who has an interest in the development of Lough Allen are encouraged to examine the draft plan and forward written submissions to Joan Lowe, Administrative Officer, Leitrim County Council, Community and Enterprise Department, Carrick-on-Shannon. Submissions received by February 27, 2008 will be taken into account in the completion of the final document.
Donal O'Grady
Leitrim Observer
www.buckplanning.ie
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