Pearl mussel puts Uplands development on hold

The development of 11 units at Uplands in Fermoy remains on hold subject to a Habitats Directive, the council heard at this week's Northern Committee meeting, writes Katie Glavin.

A motion put forward by local councillor Noel McCarthy, sought an update regarding the development on the council-owned lands, which now sees a hold put on plans due to issues regarding the Blackwater Special Area of Conservation due to the presence of the freshwater pearl mussel.

“It’s good news that there are planned developments for the first phase due to take place shortly, but unfortunately now with the pearl mussel, it is a problem,” Cllr McCarthy said.

He went on to note that the presence of freshwater pearl mussel is an issue affecting the majority of the River Blackwater and requested a time frame for how much longer the Uplands development would be held up because of this EU Habitats Directive.

‘CRYING OUT FOR HOUSES’

The development is to go ahead in two separate phases, with Phase 1 consisting of the development of 31 two and three-bed units which has received Stage 1 approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Phase 2, which consists of 11 two-bed units with age-friendly access has also received approval and it was the intention that these schemes would progress as part of the Housing Directorates Delivery Plan.

“Both projects are on hold until issues pertaining to the declassification of the Pearl Mussel in the Blackwater River and associated tributaries are resolved in terms of requisite water quality. Resolution of this matter is outside of the Housing Department’s remit,” read the response to Cllr McCarthy’s motion.

Cllr McCarthy requested that the council would write to the relevant departments to find out how long of a delay may be imposed on the development and whether the issue would be going to the European Union.

“For such an important development in Fermoy like this one to be stopped because of a pearl mussel, I think we need to address this straight away and find out what the time frame is, because people are really crying out for houses. This would be a huge development for Fermoy like Crann Ard and Pairc de hÍde,” Cllr McCarthy added.

Cllr Frank O’Flynn also sought information on the time frame regarding the development at Uplands, Fermoy.

Divisional manager James Fogarty, reminded those attending the meeting that the council had previously written to the various departments, as did the executive.

“In no uncertain terms we got even a stronger answer, essentially remind us of our duties under the designation and to obey the EU directives and that there was no immediate plan to rescind that designation,” the manager said.