Dublin City Council announced this week that it recommends harvesting raw water from Lough Derg to supply drinking water to the Dublin area.
However, many people in the midlands are vehemently opposed to the plan to extract water from the Shannon, which they fear could have significantly detrimental effects on water levels and the myriad of wildlife and pursuits dependent on the river.
One group, the Shannon Protection Alliance, have pledged to concertedly campaign until both Dublin City Council and the Minister for the Environment abandon what they see as potentially disastrous plans for Lough Derg and the River Shannon.
Dublin Council say they plan to carry out 'intensive monitoring' of water levels and water quality in Lough Derg as a prelude to moving forward on its controversial plan to extract water for the greater Dublin region.
Part of the plan involves storing and treating water in a proposed reservoir site at the Bord na Mona owned Garryhinch cutaway bog in county Offaly, which the council announced last week in compliance with EU regulations.
The plan sees water being treated at Garryhinch to drinking water standards before filling the reservoir, which would have the capacity to supply water to more than one-million people in the midlands and Dublin region and could eventually supply 50-percent of Ireland's water.
An initial application was made by Bord na Mona to An Bord Pleanala in August for consultations relating to infrastructure and over the next two years an environmental impact assessment and detailed planning application will be prepared for submission to the board.
Director of the project, Tom Leahy, said this week that he believes the plan is 'the best one for Ireland to provide a sustainable future water supply for the 10 counties along the route as well as to the greater Dublin area.'
'The water scheme - including the new midlands water-based eco-park and storage, is essential to provide security of supply and job creation - will no affect water levels on the Shannon and fully protects the environment,' Mr. Leahy said.
Monitoring equipment has already been installed in the river at Athlone to record water discharge and data collection equipment is to be installed at a number of other locations to gather long-term data on water levels.
Dublin City Council has sought consultations with an Bord Plenala with a view to lodging a planning application for the overall project in 18 months and processing the planning application could take up to two years.
Midland Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label lough derg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lough derg. Show all posts
Monday, 12 September 2011
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Seaplane base for Lough Derg approved
A NEW base for seaplanes on the River Shannon at Lough Derg was approved yesterday by An Bord Pleanála.
The board rejected appeals against the proposal from An Taisce and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
Local anglers and residents had also appealed Clare County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the the base at Mountshannon.
The base is to form part of a network of facilities by Harbour Flights Ireland Ltd for a seaplane service around the country.
Yesterday, Harbour Flights chief executive Emelyn Heaps said he was delighted with the decision, and hopes to start flying tourists in next year.
Mr Heaps said the base at Mountshannon is just one location from which the seaplane service will operate, with other locations at Foynes, Limerick city, Galway city, Inishmore, Cobh, Waterford and Dublin.
In its ruling yesterday, the appeals board gave the project planning approval after finding the proposal would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity; would not give rise to creation of a traffic hazard; would not be prejudicial to public health, and would not have significant effects on the Natura 2000 site – Lough Derg (Shannon) Special Protection Area. In its appeal, Inland Fisheries Ireland stated a plan to locate an airport on Lough Derg with aircraft coming in at high speed would pose a risk to anglers, fisheries staff and other boat users.
The IFI, incorporating the former Shannon regional fisheries board, argued the construction of an airport on the lake would be an infringement of the fishing rights or property rights on the lake.
The director of the Shannon River Basin District at the IFI, Seán Ryan, told the appeals board: “These property rights have to be defended in a clear and constructive manner . . . Anglers must have unrestricted access to the fisheries so that they are able to enjoy fishing rights throughout the lake. These rights as a consequence need to be protected.”
In its appeal, An Taisce heritage officer Ian Lumley argued: “The proposal would constitute a public safety risk, in particular an accident risk through interface with other boating users of Lough Derg in particular.”
However, Mr Heaps said: “The objectors have achieved nothing and have managed only to hold up the plan for one year, and that means delayed jobs and delayed tourists for the area.”
He added: “We have had a welcome in all of the other areas, but what we got in Mountshannon were signs saying ‘Get off our lake’.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The board rejected appeals against the proposal from An Taisce and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
Local anglers and residents had also appealed Clare County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the the base at Mountshannon.
The base is to form part of a network of facilities by Harbour Flights Ireland Ltd for a seaplane service around the country.
Yesterday, Harbour Flights chief executive Emelyn Heaps said he was delighted with the decision, and hopes to start flying tourists in next year.
Mr Heaps said the base at Mountshannon is just one location from which the seaplane service will operate, with other locations at Foynes, Limerick city, Galway city, Inishmore, Cobh, Waterford and Dublin.
In its ruling yesterday, the appeals board gave the project planning approval after finding the proposal would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity; would not give rise to creation of a traffic hazard; would not be prejudicial to public health, and would not have significant effects on the Natura 2000 site – Lough Derg (Shannon) Special Protection Area. In its appeal, Inland Fisheries Ireland stated a plan to locate an airport on Lough Derg with aircraft coming in at high speed would pose a risk to anglers, fisheries staff and other boat users.
The IFI, incorporating the former Shannon regional fisheries board, argued the construction of an airport on the lake would be an infringement of the fishing rights or property rights on the lake.
The director of the Shannon River Basin District at the IFI, Seán Ryan, told the appeals board: “These property rights have to be defended in a clear and constructive manner . . . Anglers must have unrestricted access to the fisheries so that they are able to enjoy fishing rights throughout the lake. These rights as a consequence need to be protected.”
In its appeal, An Taisce heritage officer Ian Lumley argued: “The proposal would constitute a public safety risk, in particular an accident risk through interface with other boating users of Lough Derg in particular.”
However, Mr Heaps said: “The objectors have achieved nothing and have managed only to hold up the plan for one year, and that means delayed jobs and delayed tourists for the area.”
He added: “We have had a welcome in all of the other areas, but what we got in Mountshannon were signs saying ‘Get off our lake’.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Bord Pleanála rejects €100m development plan
THE MIDWEST economy suffered a setback yesterday with An Bord Pleanála rejecting a planned €100 million redevelopment of the Tinerana estate on the shores of Lough Derg.
The plan by Tinerana Ltd to transform the estate into a tourism resort was to generate 400 jobs through the construction and operation phase of the integrated tourism development.
The Limerick-based company purchased the estate on 270 acres of land on the shores of Lough Derg from former Killaloe doctor Paschal Carmody and his wife, Dr Frieda Keane Carmody in a multi-million euro deal in 2006.
In the plan, the company sought planning permission for the refurbishment of Tinerana House; an 18-hole championship golf course, a 32-bed apart-hotel, 155 two-bed holiday homes and an equestrian centre.
The developers claim that the development would have generated €30 million per annum for the regional economy and €8-€10 million per annum for the local economy.
There were no local objections to the plan and it was granted planning permission by Clare County Council last October. However, An Taisce appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála with its heritage officer Ian Lumley describing the proposal as an “outmoded, exploitative, construction-based, car-based development”.
In a rebuttal, the developers accused An Taisce of “scaremongering” in opposing the development. However, An Bord Pleanála refused planning permission for the proposal after its inspector stated that “the net economic benefit to the county of a grant of permission for such uses on an inappropriate site is negligible”.
The inspector stated that the proposal “would be a large commercial scheme which would provide employment and facilities for tourists.
“However, there is only a finite market for the visitor accommodation and other hotel uses which make up the bulk of the proposal.
“Authorising such uses on one site would render it less commercially attractive to develop them somewhere else.”
The board formally refused permission on two grounds: that the proposal would involve an unacceptably large amount of built development distributed through the landscape, whose scale and character would not be in keeping with the rural location of the site and that the proposal would pose an unacceptable risk of environmental pollution, be prejudicial to public health and to the natural heritage of the area.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The plan by Tinerana Ltd to transform the estate into a tourism resort was to generate 400 jobs through the construction and operation phase of the integrated tourism development.
The Limerick-based company purchased the estate on 270 acres of land on the shores of Lough Derg from former Killaloe doctor Paschal Carmody and his wife, Dr Frieda Keane Carmody in a multi-million euro deal in 2006.
In the plan, the company sought planning permission for the refurbishment of Tinerana House; an 18-hole championship golf course, a 32-bed apart-hotel, 155 two-bed holiday homes and an equestrian centre.
The developers claim that the development would have generated €30 million per annum for the regional economy and €8-€10 million per annum for the local economy.
There were no local objections to the plan and it was granted planning permission by Clare County Council last October. However, An Taisce appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála with its heritage officer Ian Lumley describing the proposal as an “outmoded, exploitative, construction-based, car-based development”.
In a rebuttal, the developers accused An Taisce of “scaremongering” in opposing the development. However, An Bord Pleanála refused planning permission for the proposal after its inspector stated that “the net economic benefit to the county of a grant of permission for such uses on an inappropriate site is negligible”.
The inspector stated that the proposal “would be a large commercial scheme which would provide employment and facilities for tourists.
“However, there is only a finite market for the visitor accommodation and other hotel uses which make up the bulk of the proposal.
“Authorising such uses on one site would render it less commercially attractive to develop them somewhere else.”
The board formally refused permission on two grounds: that the proposal would involve an unacceptably large amount of built development distributed through the landscape, whose scale and character would not be in keeping with the rural location of the site and that the proposal would pose an unacceptable risk of environmental pollution, be prejudicial to public health and to the natural heritage of the area.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Bord Pleanála rules against Lough Derg private marina
AN BORD Pleanála has rejected plans for the retention of a private marina on the shore of Lough Derg in Co Tipperary.
Michael Kelly, from Dromineer, Nenagh, had appealed a decision by North Tipperary County Council to refuse permission for the retention and completion of works to convert a berthing area into a marina in the townland of Shannonvale, Dromineer.
The North Tipperary branch of An Taisce had also objected to the development.
The planning board upheld the council’s decision and pointed out that the marina development was “visually obtrusive”. The board also stated that the marina development would detract from what was described as an ecologically sensitive area”.
The development, the board said, would detract from the amenities of this ecologically sensitive and scenic area and would, therefore, be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
In its initial decision on the marina, the council’s planning department pointed out that the development “resulted in a significant loss of habitat and erosion of the undeveloped character of a National Heritage Area and Special Protection Area”.
Bord Pleanála agreed that the development also contravened the council’s county development plan, which states that private harbours or jetties would only be considered to accommodate a single boat, and then only in certain circumstances.
“It is considered that the proposed scale is excessive, having regard to the need to limit the amount and scale of such development due to the negative impact which private marina development is having on the shoreline of Lough Derg,” the board stated.
The board also added that “the proposed development has resulted in the removal of a considerable amount of trees and other natural vegetation from the lakeshore. The development would therefore have a significant visual impact when viewed from the lake and would, in addition, detract from the amenities of the Lough Derg Way walking route”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Michael Kelly, from Dromineer, Nenagh, had appealed a decision by North Tipperary County Council to refuse permission for the retention and completion of works to convert a berthing area into a marina in the townland of Shannonvale, Dromineer.
The North Tipperary branch of An Taisce had also objected to the development.
The planning board upheld the council’s decision and pointed out that the marina development was “visually obtrusive”. The board also stated that the marina development would detract from what was described as an ecologically sensitive area”.
The development, the board said, would detract from the amenities of this ecologically sensitive and scenic area and would, therefore, be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
In its initial decision on the marina, the council’s planning department pointed out that the development “resulted in a significant loss of habitat and erosion of the undeveloped character of a National Heritage Area and Special Protection Area”.
Bord Pleanála agreed that the development also contravened the council’s county development plan, which states that private harbours or jetties would only be considered to accommodate a single boat, and then only in certain circumstances.
“It is considered that the proposed scale is excessive, having regard to the need to limit the amount and scale of such development due to the negative impact which private marina development is having on the shoreline of Lough Derg,” the board stated.
The board also added that “the proposed development has resulted in the removal of a considerable amount of trees and other natural vegetation from the lakeshore. The development would therefore have a significant visual impact when viewed from the lake and would, in addition, detract from the amenities of the Lough Derg Way walking route”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 12 January 2008
Appeal against Lough Derg housing and leisure plan
An Bord Pleanála is to consider an appeal against a lakeside development at Lough Derg on the Shannon.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, together with a group of local residents, have lodged an appeal to the board against a decision by North Tipperary County Council to grant permission for a major housing and commercial development at Old Court in Terryglass, Co Tipperary.
Developers Gladedale Ltd have been granted planning permission for a sustainable energy housing development, along with a health centre, a marina, shops, a bar/restaurant and a play area for children.
The first part of the planned development provides for a village streetscape comprising of two-three storey units, with peripheral units of one-two stories.
The existing barn is to be converted to apartments, with adjoining storage buildings and a greenhouse to be removed.
The developers also plan to erect an art gallery with an artist studios/management company office, 21 apartments, 15 houses, 22 sustainable energy houses and bin storage areas.
A hair/beauty salon, creche, marine shop, public bar/restaurant, service area, youth recreation centre, public play area, public tennis court, meeting point and communal greenhouse are also proposed.
A service building will accommodate maintenance equipment and a carbon-neutral industrial pellet boiler to service the sustainable energy houses.
A recycling area and 89 car-parking facilities are also included in this phase of the development.
The developers are also proposing a two-storey health centre, a fishing club and a service block for the Old Court site.
The ground floor of the centre will have a reception lobby, lift, gymnasium, coffee shop, storage, toilets, swimming pool, changing rooms, office, plant room and a service area.
The first floor will have a health spa to include lobby, changing rooms, central lounge, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, cold shower rooms, two treatment rooms and balcony area.
Plans for the fishing clubhouse and service block include a private inland marina with service docks using an existing break in the shoreline for an entrance and a separate smaller inland marina to service the fishing club with a new entrance from the lake.
North Tipperary County Council had attached 58 conditions to the granting of planning permission.
An Bord Pleanála is expected to make its ruling on the matter by April.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, together with a group of local residents, have lodged an appeal to the board against a decision by North Tipperary County Council to grant permission for a major housing and commercial development at Old Court in Terryglass, Co Tipperary.
Developers Gladedale Ltd have been granted planning permission for a sustainable energy housing development, along with a health centre, a marina, shops, a bar/restaurant and a play area for children.
The first part of the planned development provides for a village streetscape comprising of two-three storey units, with peripheral units of one-two stories.
The existing barn is to be converted to apartments, with adjoining storage buildings and a greenhouse to be removed.
The developers also plan to erect an art gallery with an artist studios/management company office, 21 apartments, 15 houses, 22 sustainable energy houses and bin storage areas.
A hair/beauty salon, creche, marine shop, public bar/restaurant, service area, youth recreation centre, public play area, public tennis court, meeting point and communal greenhouse are also proposed.
A service building will accommodate maintenance equipment and a carbon-neutral industrial pellet boiler to service the sustainable energy houses.
A recycling area and 89 car-parking facilities are also included in this phase of the development.
The developers are also proposing a two-storey health centre, a fishing club and a service block for the Old Court site.
The ground floor of the centre will have a reception lobby, lift, gymnasium, coffee shop, storage, toilets, swimming pool, changing rooms, office, plant room and a service area.
The first floor will have a health spa to include lobby, changing rooms, central lounge, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, cold shower rooms, two treatment rooms and balcony area.
Plans for the fishing clubhouse and service block include a private inland marina with service docks using an existing break in the shoreline for an entrance and a separate smaller inland marina to service the fishing club with a new entrance from the lake.
North Tipperary County Council had attached 58 conditions to the granting of planning permission.
An Bord Pleanála is expected to make its ruling on the matter by April.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
€60m plan for ‘tourist haven’ on Lough Derg
PLANS to create a “tourist haven” in Tipperary, with the development of a €60 million marina on Lough Derg, were announced yesterday.
Project promoters Eclipse Developments said the proposed integrated tourism development scheme in Ballina/Killaloe would generate 70 jobs.
The development, Shoreline, is reportedly one of the biggest investments on the Shannon.
During a proposed two-year construction period, about 120 jobs will be created.
Extensive public car parking and 90 residential units are also planned for the site.
The development will incorporate “a living breathing marina” with 1.5km of public walkways and a plaza with restaurants, cafes and shops.
The overall scheme is expected to positively impact on visitor numbers to the region and would provide a welcome boost to the local economy — reportedly between €2m-€4m.
The developers say they plan to build a world-class marina with top of the range services including marine supplies, telecommunications and wi-fi.
It is also expected the proposed development will extend the tourist season in the Shannon region.
The promoters are seeking planning permission from North Tipperary County Council.
Retail and commercial space is expected to include chandlery and marine services, specialist retail, gallery and health and spa facilities.
One of the key features of the Shoreline proposal is the extension and enhancement of the existing marina facilities which includes public pathways woven around the site employing bridges, links and decking to complete a circuit of 1.5km of uninterrupted pedestrian walkways with exquisite views over the Shannon.
One of the most spectacular viewing points will be from atop the signature building which slopes upwards from ground level. Members of the public will be able to access a viewing platform at the highest point, with views towards Béal Boru and the lake beyond, and southwards towards Ballina and Killaloe. This building will act as a marker for boats on the Shannon and signal their arrival at Ballina/Killaloe.
The Lough Derg Marina site historically functioned as a departure point for day-trippers taking the steamship to and from Banagher.
Eclipse Developments said it plans to recommence the service to allow visitors to take a trip along the river and lake, departing from and returning to the marina site.
David Lehane of Eclipse Developments said: “With Shoreline, we are seeking to create a haven on the Shannon for visitors to the region and locals alike.
“The public spaces, walkways and facilities on site will make it the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy Shannon life on or off the water.
“We want to create something that is world-class and truly unique on the waterways in Ireland — in a way that is sustainable and sensitive to local heritage and the environment,” he said.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Project promoters Eclipse Developments said the proposed integrated tourism development scheme in Ballina/Killaloe would generate 70 jobs.
The development, Shoreline, is reportedly one of the biggest investments on the Shannon.
During a proposed two-year construction period, about 120 jobs will be created.
Extensive public car parking and 90 residential units are also planned for the site.
The development will incorporate “a living breathing marina” with 1.5km of public walkways and a plaza with restaurants, cafes and shops.
The overall scheme is expected to positively impact on visitor numbers to the region and would provide a welcome boost to the local economy — reportedly between €2m-€4m.
The developers say they plan to build a world-class marina with top of the range services including marine supplies, telecommunications and wi-fi.
It is also expected the proposed development will extend the tourist season in the Shannon region.
The promoters are seeking planning permission from North Tipperary County Council.
Retail and commercial space is expected to include chandlery and marine services, specialist retail, gallery and health and spa facilities.
One of the key features of the Shoreline proposal is the extension and enhancement of the existing marina facilities which includes public pathways woven around the site employing bridges, links and decking to complete a circuit of 1.5km of uninterrupted pedestrian walkways with exquisite views over the Shannon.
One of the most spectacular viewing points will be from atop the signature building which slopes upwards from ground level. Members of the public will be able to access a viewing platform at the highest point, with views towards Béal Boru and the lake beyond, and southwards towards Ballina and Killaloe. This building will act as a marker for boats on the Shannon and signal their arrival at Ballina/Killaloe.
The Lough Derg Marina site historically functioned as a departure point for day-trippers taking the steamship to and from Banagher.
Eclipse Developments said it plans to recommence the service to allow visitors to take a trip along the river and lake, departing from and returning to the marina site.
David Lehane of Eclipse Developments said: “With Shoreline, we are seeking to create a haven on the Shannon for visitors to the region and locals alike.
“The public spaces, walkways and facilities on site will make it the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy Shannon life on or off the water.
“We want to create something that is world-class and truly unique on the waterways in Ireland — in a way that is sustainable and sensitive to local heritage and the environment,” he said.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)