This article is from page 15 of the 2007-08-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
A WELL-KNOWN Clare business- man faces the prospect of having to demolish a helipad he built without planning permission near the seaside resort of Lahinch.
This follows An Bord Pleanala re- fusing planning permission for Mr Seamus Lynch to retain the helipad after it concluded that helicopters us- ing the helipad could give rise to col- lisions with protected birds.
In it’s decision, the board stated that proposed retention of a helipad on the site would give rise to undue conflict and collision risk for protected spe- cies, would impact upon the ecologi- cal importance of the River Inagh and would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
The board also ruled that the re- tention of the development would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard due to the nature of the development and the resultant disturbance to drivers by reason of helicopter take-offs and landings at this location.
Mr Lynch’s holiday home is located across the road from the helipad and, earlier this year, the council refused planning permission to Mr Lynch af- ter opposition was voiced against the retention application by adjoining landowner and local businessman, Eamon Slattery.
Mr Lynch lodged the planning ap- plication last year after receiving a warning letter from the council al- leging that the helipad is an unau- thorised development.
The Department of the Environ- ment pointed out that the Inagh es- tuary and tidal section of the river
are feeding grounds for hundreds of wintering birds.
In its submission to the appeals board, An Taisce stated that inad- equate justification to retain the fa- cility has been presented due to the level of helicopter activity and direct habitats loss, the helipad will ad- versely affect the ecological integrity of the site and the many rare species for which it is designated and thus its retention should not be permitted.
The board’s inspector in the case stated that the proposed development would be contrary to the proper plan- ning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to zoning of the site, its proximity to the Europe- an Designation of the River Inagh as a candidate Special Area of Conser- vation and proposed Natural Herit- age Area and its location on a scenic route within county Clare.
In the appeal lodged, consultants for Mr Lynch pointed out that the helipad has been in existence for six years and is only used at weekends during summer months. He claims it has not attracted any objection from neighbouring residents located across the road to the north and does not impact on their amenity or deval- ue their property in the vicinity.
Mr Lynch stated that he intends to plant hedgerows along the boundary of the site in order to mitigate against disturbance and it does not signifi- cantly impact on a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The appeal states, “The helipad has been in existence for six years and was constructed without the knowl- edge that planning was required. It is important to note that the helipad as operated for the past six years with- out any objection.”