Chapter 1: WildKildare welcomes the thrust of chapter one in terms of the setting out of a Strategic Vision that mentions “enhancing our natural environment for future generation”. The Policy Context 1.4 also mentions key EU and international policies of relevance including EU Directives on Habitats, EIAS etc. 1.4.1 Points 1,3-7,16 and 18 all relevant and highly compatible with the Peatland Park objectives as is 2 of the 3 “Key Principles” in 1.4.3
Concerns: 1.7.3 Mentions SEA,EU Directives and AAs – was the wind energy zonings in Appendix 2 subject to these mandatory assessments?? Paragraph in AA section strongly suggests there are issues in regards to that ,which brings in the topic of what we consider inadequate buffer zones with regards to wind energy projects near environmentally sensitive areas – our concerns in this regards are further heightened by the fact that it is mentioned that such assessments are still “being carried out” despite the fact that the windfarm zonings become “official” ahead of such assessments being completed!!
SFRA(Flood assements) are still being carried out too and clarity is needed here if the findings will be included in the final CDP, especially given the apparent ongoing artificial pumping of peat silt laden water from recovering BNM bogs in parts of the county(and elsewhere as recently highlighted by the Mid Shannon Wilderness Park group on BNM bogs adjacent to the Shannon which have been shown to be damaging previously recovering vegetation and dependent red listed species such as Lapwing)
1.9 Mentions the Role of the “Planning Regulator” – an entity which unfortunately has not seen fit to ensure compliance in this area with SEA,AAs and other relevant EU Directives, when Bord Pleanala decisions have been found to be in violation of same by the ECJ as in the Derrybrien, Keeper Hill cases etc,