This article is from page 12 of the 2006-09-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
A PROPOSED 82-berth marina and clubhouse at Killaloe Sailing Club have been refused because of the undesirable precedent it would set in the Lough Derg area.
In June, Killaloe Sailing Club lodged plans for the facility at Ogonnelloe on the shores of Lough Derg, but An Taisce expressed concerns over the development.
The National Trust stated that there was a risk that the southern end of Lough Derg would become overdeveloped with regard to the plans for the marina.
An Taisce also stated that public services in Killaloe were overstretched and any huge development would be premature. The proposed site is not close enough to necessary services, it was claimed.
In response to the club’s plan, and without seeking additional information from them, the council refused planning permission on five separate grounds.
The council ruled that granting permission would set a precedent for this type of development in isolated locations and detached from all settlements. The development, if permitted, would result in an adverse obstruction of a vulnerable landscape, resulting in a degradation of views from the scenic route outside of any settlements within a rural setting.
The council was stated dissatisfied, on the basis of the information submitted, that the proposed development would not result in the intrusion into the lake, a National Heritage Area and onto its shore. This would contribute to the erosion of the character of the lake shore, thereby seriously injuring the amenities of the area.
The council also ruled that the proposed marina development “would set an undesirable precedent for further similar developments at other rural locations outside settlements, which would, in themselves and cumulatively, be contrary to the preservation and enhancement of the amenities of Lough Derg and would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and development of the area.”
Nor was the council satisfied that the proposed development would not result in a road traffic hazard and would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and development of the area.
The applicants now have one month in which to appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanala.