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Airport Development Could Destroy Important Peatland in Conamara

For release 1 November 2000

A Bord Pleanála oral hearing was held last week on in Galway to consider a
proposed airport development on an area of bogland at Cloon, approximately
six miles North of Clifden. The site where the airport is to be located is
within an open area of wild bogland, known to be an important wildlife area.
The principal objector to this scheme is Mr. Mike Harding, a broadcaster and
Film Maker. The Irish Peatland Conservation Council also oppose the
development. The airport plan involves the construction of a runway, a stock
proof perimeter fence, a control tower with attendant car park, and toilets.

The development is being proposed by the Clifden Airport Company, while the
Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands are also supporting
the project. Both groups insist that the main purpose of the development is
to service the Islands of Inishboffin, Clare Island and Inishturk, and to
make them more accessible. Udarás na Gaeltachta funded half the cost of
producing the Environmental Impact Statement estimated at £65,000.

Dúchas, the State agency responsible for nature conservation made no
objection to the proposed airport. However, they have not been given a copy
of the Environmental Impact Statement for comment. The regional manager of
Dúchas Dr. Noel Kirby when questioned at the hearing stated that in his
opinion the site did 'merit designation as a Special Area of Conservation'.
This would seem to question the wisdom of having both the responsibility of
nature conservation (Dúchas) and development of the Gaeltacht and the
Islands (Udarás Na Gaeltachta) under the one government department with
conflicting interests.

In the submission made by Patrick Crushell, IPCC's Conservation Officer he
stated that "the high conservation value of the site would be destroyed if
this development were allowed to go ahead. IPCC believe that the airport
could have serious impacts on the surrounding peatland and the nearby
internationally important Roundstone Bog SAC". The Council accused Dúchas of
not carrying out its obligations under the Habitats Directive by failing to
designate the site as an SAC.

Prof. David Bellamy supported IPCC's objections to this development by
saying 'The Clifden area is one of the great jewels in the crown of the
landscape of western Ireland. An area designated as of "High Scenic
Amenity", the essence of which is its "naturalness, peace and tranquility",
will continue to bring high-quality visitors to Galway on a sustainable
basis'.

On Friday the IPCC stated that they fully supported the people of the
islands in their call for an air service to the mainland, however the site
at Cloon is not suitable. The Irish Peatland Conservation Council hope that
An Bord Pleanála will see that an airport is an unsuitable development for
this remote wild peatland area and overturn the decision by Galway County
Council to grant planning permission to this development.

ENDS

For further information please contact Patrick Crushell, Conservation
Officer, IPCC, 119 Capel Street, Dublin 1. Tel/Fax: 353 1 872 2397

E-mail:bogs@ipcc.ie Website : www.ipcc.ie

IPCC - Action for Bogs - Ag caomhnu na bportach

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