An Bord Pleanala rejects plan for Greenway
AMBITIOUS PLANS for a Wexford to Curracloe Greenway have been turned down by An Bord Pleanala, who have considered aspects of the council’s plans to be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development of the area in question.
The plans were submitted earlier this year following discussion in Wexford Borough District Council, where concerns were raised over the viability of the plan, given the special areas of conservation along the proposed route, and the fact that the middle section of the route would be closed for seven months of the year.
The greenway proposed was to be a 10.7 km cycle and pedestrian route that would begin in Ferrybank and bring people to the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve. The middle loop would traverse agricultural land, the reserve and lands around the North Slob to Raven Wood, while the final loop would be around Raven Wood. Access control for the middle section was to include a 1.8 metre high fence, secure gates and a series of other measures.
However, An Bord Pleanala was not satisfied with some of these elements of the plan.
In their order, they noted the Raven Point Nature Reserve Special Area of Conservation, the Wexford Harbour and Slobs Special Protection Area, and the Raven Special Protection Area, saying that the increased level of usage of these areas via the greenway would increase accessibility and human activity, and potentially result in a significant negative impact. They voiced particular concerns for the Greenland white fronted geese and hen harrier populations in the wildfowl reserve.
The Board also raised issue with the fencing that, they felt, would have ‘unacceptable negative effects’ on the environment and residential properties in the vicinity.
Finally, the Board felt it had not been demonstrated that the development would not have an adverse ecological and biodiversity impact, arising from the loss of habitat and bird breeding sites in what is an ecologi- cally sensitive area, as a result of vegetation clearance and works during the construction phase. Nor was the board satisfied that provision had been made for the increased volume of people in the area who may diverge from the greenway route.
‘As such, the potential arises for significant adverse ecological impacts on the fragile dune system and habitat and associated species at Raven Point.’
In a statement, Wexford County Council expressed disappointment at the decision saying that it had endeavoured to protect the sensitive landscape in the area. They said they had received a number of submissions on the proposal, some in favour and some in objection. While the council had held discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the body had still raised concerns in their submission.
The council said they had taken advice from experts and were thus disappointed by the refusal. They intend to examine the decision before determining the next course of action on the project.
A number of county councillors responded to the news.
Cllr Lisa McDonald said she always felt this outcome was foreseeable, saying she believed there were too many hurdles for it ever to be a runner.
‘My difficulty with it is that we’ve put a lot of time and energy into this when we could have been advancing other projects like the Wexford to Rosslare, and Rosslare to New Ross greenways.’
She added that this development would be good for the entire south coast of Wexford and could give Rosslare Europort a boost as well as people could arrive and get straight onto a greenway.
‘The bottom line is that we are behind other counties when it comes to greenways.’
Her party colleague and New Ross councillor Michael Sheehan called on the NPWS to re-engage with council to resolve the issues saying he found it hard to believe the plan had been rejected after two years of work, including engaging with the NPWS.