This article is from page 20 of the 2008-02-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
AN TAISCE and other groups have voiced opposition to plans to develop a small scale visitor centre to serve the recently opened Pol an Ionain cave in Doolin.
The cave contains what is reputedly the largest hanging free stalactite in the world.
Three years ago, John and Helen Browne, secured planning permis- sion to open the cave despite opposi- tion from An Taisce and the Pol an Jonain Action Group.
Since the cave opened, a bus has transferred visitors to the site from nearby Doolin. The original plan- ning application did not include the visitor centre which is described as a reception building that includes a shop, café and display area.
An Taisce Heritage Officer, Ian Lumley, stated that the application “warrants summary rejection”.
“It abrogates entirely the principle and consideration on which the pre- vious application was granted. The effect of the proposal would be to create a range of significant site im- pacts which would contravene the entire basis on which the previous consent was granted and the mitiga- tion measures contained in the en- vironmental impact statement for the scheme which form part of the legal
consent.”
Gabriel Casey of the Pol an Ionain Action Group claimed the applica- tion was “for a very large develop- ment” in a vulnerable, unspoilt area.
He suggests that the Pol an Ionain enterprise may threaten 103 jobs at Ailwee Cave, 13 miles away.
The Speleological Union of Ireland (SUI), which represents cavers and speleologists, has also objected cit- ing “the uniqueness of the great Sta- lactite and the need to be absolutely sure of its conservation.”
The SUI claims that “surface de- velopment will have an impact below ground. While we note that the cur- rent application includes a bio-cycle sewage treatment plant there seems to be no treatment for surface run-off water from the car park.
“Further development will inevita- bly lead to greater numbers of visi- tors with greater impact on the at- mosphere in the cave chamber with potential effects on the great stalac- tite.
“SUI is not opposed to showcave developments and indeed welcomes the education of the public about caves. However, we consider Pol an Jonain is not a suitable site for devel- opment because it is based on the de- velopment of one unique, irreplace- able feature and raises too many unnecessary threats to it”.