This article is from page 4 of the 2008-07-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
THE Department of the Environ- ment has raised serious concerns over plans by the Shannon Airport Authority to construct a major piece of infrastructure in a protected la- goon near the airport.
Earlier this year, the SAA lodged plans to construct a pump station in order to control water levels at the Shannon Airport lagoon. According to a submission lodged on behalf of the SAA, it stated that “the proposal
to construct and operate the pump station represents a continuation of the existing station where pumping is achieved by means of a portable, diesel powered pump”.
The submission states, “The Shan- non Airport lagoon is experiencing a reduction in salinity with some evi- OLS aTerom Mat-1 USNR KSI IOLAD ITO Re sr-Nereers in fauna and flora communities.
However, in a strong worded sub- mission to the council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment
states, “The application area is locat- ed within and adjacent to the lower River Shannon and includes the en- tire area of the lagoon.
“The lagoon is an example of the EU Habitats Directive priority habi- tat, and the candidate Special Area of Conservation (CSAC) has been listed for the conservation of the habitat.
“Pumping is having a negative ef- fect on the lagoon, including on its area, Structure and function, and on the species it supports. The proposed development will continue these ef-
fects.
‘This department considers that the proposed development will adversely effect the integrity of the SAC.”
An Taisce has also made a sub- mission stating that the “Shannon lagoon was originally developed in the establishing of Shannon Airport — it was in fact man made but over the years the migrating and wild bird population has developed into a very important bird sanctuary and 1s list- ed under the Special Protection Area of the River Shannon.”