On Page Pg.38 of the Draft CDP it states:
- "…This masterplan should, at a minimum, include the following ‘core areas’ – one should centre around Lullymore Heritage Park, Lullybeg Wetlands, Butterfly Reserve, Lodge Bog – with an extensive buffer zone; a second core area would focus on Ballynafagh Bog, Ballynafagh Lake and Hodgestown Bog; a third area would focus on Killinthomas Wood (Coillte owned), Ballydermot Bog East; a fourth would focus on Ummeras. Each of these would be connected either through the Grand Canal Greenway or the Barrow Blueway/Slate River and/or new and broad Peatway Corridors (the Connectors) and elsewhere there will be other ‘stepping stones’ in the form of key wetlands, intact raised bogs, woodlands, etc. A number of proposed long distance peatways that could connect the Royal Canal with the Grand Canal/Barrow Blueway are listed below in Section 12.14.8.8. It is expected that 50% of the Peatland Area will remain free from any development."
Bord na Móna respectfully request further information about this paragraph in particular the last sentence which states that a % of the peatlands which will remain free from any development. This could be interpreted in many different ways and it is not clear what the council means by the term “development”. This statement could read that the council may also be constraining amenity or any other land use. A Local Authority or any government body cannot constrain bogs from future land use/developments in this manner and at such a high level. Constraining out lands like all developments undergo rigorous assessment, consultations, planning applications to name but a few.
Bord na Móna are seeking clarification in relation to what the council mean by “development’ and what ‘peatland area’ means.
This might put some perspective on the statement above and provide more clarity.
We may subsequently suggest re-wording of this statement/sentence pending clarification of the above.
We look forward to your response in this regard.