“thank you Mary…an extremely concerning situation for sure lots of information that needs to be highlighted please share”.

“Very worrying situation in Ennis. Flooding a real problem and the developers couldn’t care less. Action needed!!”.

“The large tank was put in place to save extra flood water reaching the town. This might mean flooding elsewhere. but the town got saved”.

“A planning application has been lodges for a nursing home on St Flannans Lands . I know that a new nursing home is needed but two things they have plenty of room on their own site to upgrade and they preferred a site in Charcalla with unlimited land. To develop on either of these site would have less of an impact on the environment, ecology than to development of the St Flannans site. If this development is granted planning permission ( an application has been lodged) up to 100 trees will be lost the homes and nesting home of 100s of birds will be lost . The home of birds bats badgers foxes frogs and many other animals will be lost for ever as fell as a very valuable feeding area. This area also double as a sports and leisure facility for all age groups. the college students will be two playing fields down this field floods and the plan is to drain it over to the storm Gully at the back of Iniscarragh Estate are crazy There’s enough water going there already Look out Inishcarragh the flood is on the way . This is not a man made biodiversity area it if made by nature which makes it all the more pure.Please dont destroy it”.

“Well said Mark. This indeed is one for the green party to sort out. Do they care about bats being protected, as they should by law. ?. They are more interested now in stopping the farmers cutting turf and suggesting to use candles for warmth. Cut down on water when having a shower. What next.”.

“The optics for Ennis and for Ireland, destroying the plant life trees and wildlife which has now become a high profile piece of land would do an awful lot more harm than good. This area needs to be preserved at all costs. This area is unique for the town, as being the only unspoilt, letting nature do what it does best when it is left alone area. The area needs to be rezoned and preserved.”.

“I am a farmer in East clare and today the 28th of February is the deadline for cutting hedges. Am I happy about this?. Yes because now is the time when birds start thinking about nesting. I am a nature lover and being a farmer am always close to it. My daughter brought this website to my attention and congrats to all involved in creating it. I lt made me realise how I am surrounded by my own small habitat. I watch the birds collecting for their nests. Some works of art when they are finished. I leave nettles uncut for the caterpillars. These in turn form into beautiful butterflies. My grandchildren enjoy watching these in the summer when they throng to the flower garden. I see bats at night swishing by like fork lightning when I’m out tending to the cattle. I leave piles of leaves at the end of my garden in autumn so that a hedgehog can hibernate in the winter. So this nearly 11 acres is magnified a thousand times over compared to my area. Can you imagine all the activity that goes on there. It would be a disgrace to destroy it. Surely all the concerned people and nature lovers will get the right outcome here. Paddy.”.

“I can gather from this website that reports on this planning are not available. By law this shouldn’t be allowed. If they aren’t available why not. ?. Could it be the case that proper procedures didn’t take place here. I also gather that a walk through inspection by an ecologist was done when in fact that would have been impossible. Was it a case here that planners and developers did a quick botch job?. I mean we are talking here of nearly 11 acres of woodland. If proper reports were done this area wouldn’t be even considered for housing.”.

“Many years ago before the bust in 2007 Clare county council did me a great favour by refusing planning permission for a new house in Tulla, because a hedge would have to be removed. That is their planning policy, so they are not going to grant this. If they do a lot of people should be entitled to compensation.”.

“Ennis is a growing town. This green area is needed for the town’s wildlife to live. If it is decided to destroy it. It would be a very bad decision by the local authority and for the town”.

“The optics would not be good. The local authority if they grant any of this will have got it badly wrong. They certainly will not be winning any awards as a local authority“.

“The local authority and business people in the town need to understand the reality, that killing all this wildlife and destroying this large habitat, with a drone flying high above, as well as being wrong is not good for business. Images on this website of JCBs doing this destruction will not look good and will not paint the town in a good image, as a tourist town.”.

“The owner of the site is doing reports so he can develop it and put in as many housing units as possible. Where else would his agents put Bat detectors but in areas where the bats won’t be detected, a bit keen under lamposts. Fair play to the lady that walked through the briars and heavy undergrowth, I don’t think anyone else would have achieved it, knowing this area well and living close by. It will be interesting to see what Clare County Council makes of it all. “.

“Well said, David, Ennis needs green habitat areas to be preserved. Is there any overall green area and habitat plan for the town? As far as I know, there is little habitat area left if this is destroyed”.

“We have got to stop killing nature. It’s not necessary to destroy this habitat area. When their are many alternatives.”.

“The area needs to be accessed properly. It seems established that Lesser horseshoe bats forage here. Sightings of Barn owls by several residents locally, and badgers are all protected species. No reliable assessments exist as yet The local authority has a legal responsibility under Irish law and European Directives to make sure the species named above are protected. “.

“Towns and cities throughout the world where governing authorities were forward-thinking to preserve green areas like this close to centers, Reap more rewards for residents as time goes by and populations increase.    I do believe that Clare county council will also be one of those authorities and not do the unthinkable and destroy this area. That if  left green will grow in its importance for the town and its residents.”.

“Areas like this are part of the character of the town with all its wildlife. Remove it’s gone forever. This 10.5 acres is prominent in the town. If all is destroyed protected bats and barn owls and badgers and all the other creatures that give joy to us all. This is one for the green party to sort out. If they don’t want to lose votes in Ennis “.

“So close to the town more houses growing town. This 10.5 acres of habitat with protected species living within. To remove would be reckless in the extreme for the town. There are sightings of Barn owls I believe in the woods behind Cahercalla drive area. This has not been confirmed or denied by the local authority.”.

“Whatever group of people will sit down to decide on this have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. How can they have a conscience if they say Yes go ahead and bulldoze that habitat out. If it were 9 or 10 years ago there may not be as many inhabitants living there and it wouldn’t sound so bad maybe. We live in a democratic country where the general public are entitled to their opinions. If not allowed to have a say, we voted in people who we hope will represent us and have a say on our behalf. That is what we were led to believe anyway. Marian.”.

“Great website. Thanks to clare echo I saw this. What a fabulous overhead view of this dense green area. What a shock to realise all this could be removed. T This would be the envy of many towns im sure. I’m envious of the people who live in the nearby estates. To have nature so close to you must be heavenly. Judging by the website you are all doing your utmost to save it. I’m a real lover of nature myself. Hard to believe there were errors made in the placing of the bat detectors. Surely this was done by caring experts in that field. Perhaps this whole planning wasnt given enough consideration. Wouldnt a heritage officer be appalled. Or a green party member would be thinking green. And in this case nearly 11 acres of green.”.

“I have studied this expertly put together website. Dont think I have ever seen such a large area to be mapped for housing. Would be a shame to lose it . Lovely trees and full of nature. Its a bonus to conserve these areas with protected species etc. Not many green areas left now. I’m sure the professional people involved in making the final decision on this will give the right one. Also the politicians im sure wouldn’t like this nature reserve destroyed. Roger.”.

“this site is unique – it’s outrageous that the planning has even gotten to this stage. why is this site zoned for residential use? there are plenty of other sites with nothing growing, only grass/wasteland. this area is so rich will wildlife…they will be wiped out!!”.

“We need to do so much more to help preserve these fantastic creatures. In another twenty years so many more species will be lost. Reading this report saddens me greatly. The report by MKO should not be accepted by the local authority, and likely it will not. Clare County Council has good expertise in this area. Unlikely to accept Bat detectors located close to lamposts to monitor Bat activity on the site. It would be ridiculous to do so particularly as it is highlighted so much on this website.”.

“. Clare County Council will refuse housing if it interferes with mature hedgerows to gain access to a new plot for one off housing, and have done so. It is wrong to say they don’t care. The Clare Biodiversity plan is well put together. with many good outcomes because of it. I think giving the excellent work this local authority has been doing for years in promoting Biodiversity. It’s unlikely they are going to grant permission close to the centre of Ennis for 10.5 acres to be destroyed, and fly completely in the face of their many publications for the county. Including the Clare Biodiversity plan”.

“The images of butterflies bees and flowers in the Clare Biodiversity plan are similar to the images taken at this site. Yet at the Drumbiggle site, the local authority has this land zoned for destruction. with all the same beautiful creatures that are featured in the Clare Biodiversity Plan, that we are told to save at virtually all costs, Clarity is needed here. “.

“This planning application will be decided under different headings. Experts in the local authority will do reports. Roads engineer will do a report regarding access footpaths etc The drainage engineer will do their report. The heritage officer would be required to do a lengthy report on this site. And so on. All the reports would be freely available to anyone that wants to study them. The original zoning advice and drainage functionality and condition reports would also be available, If someone wants to study them John Fahy Retired planner London”.

“Local authorities have their experts who access planning applications in a good and professional manner. I think when all decisions are made Clare County Council will not be found wanting here. Their professional opinions will be made available to the public, so they can be seen to be transparent.”.

“Reports done by the developer need to be revisited. Will the advice by experts in the local authority that have the expertise on biodiversity be made available to the public. Sean Kelly Ennis Town”.

“Yes, backward thinking indeed. As for progress, it seems here that your local authority can do what they like. Unless of course after studying this website ye the great people who have a love of nature can indeed prove that laws are been broken here. I live in Galway near a lovely area of nature of about 3 acres. I take my children out there and they love learning about all the flora and fauna. The birds nesting birdsong honey bees on the flowers butterflies flying around. This education is so important for children and everybody who comes here to enjoy this area. Imagine my surprise to learn that a much larger area in Ennis is in danger of being lost. I I wish ye all the best here in yere endeavors to safe this area. Pat.”.

“Absolutely sarah. I think the reports will be made available too. Its the publics right to see them. After all that’s what we voted these people in to power for. And they promised us honesty and transparency. The truth always comes out in the wash. Marie.”.

“Its so important that we don’t lose that big area in ennis. I have memories of being brought out in a boat from my house some years back after the estate got flooded. Nobody wants a repeat of that. Matthew.”.

“Could it be the case that the land was re-zoned/ zoned for residential use before the area matured into a wooded area? If so, surely the zoning must be re-considered. It’s not suitable for housing at present as it adds so much value to the locality and town as a natural resource. A site like this is unique, even if it was located in the middle of a rural area let alone an urban one. The council seems prepared to allow for its destruction for the sake of “progress”? Backward thinking at best!!”.

” Reports need to be made available Issues with drainage can lead to serious health problems. Reports should be done by competent engineers to identify issues-particularly capacity issues so proper plans to upgrade in good time. Drainage and roads reports are regularly done. And should be freely available under the freedom of information act. In response to Zoning and Drainage reports“.

“Need transparency here. If the contents of this blog are correct it’s not good I am sure the reports will be made available. In response to Zoning and Drainage reports. “.

“Eamon Ryan is a good guy has done a lot of good things for the country he may help here. I have voted green for years, he needs to sort out this large green area close to the centre of Ennis. I get the feeling this website is only getting started.”.

“The advert in the Echo is very prominent and costs somebody a lot. But it’s great people are getting to know more about the damage that may be done here. Keep this website in place for years, please. We can show our kids how Ennis developed from this point. Keep up the good work John keep this website in place. you will have a lifelong fan here. “.

“Yes Kate most of us try to preserve green areas. Especially areas like this, Edge of the burren limestone rock full of wildlife. That adds so much to the town The green party are very strong here and do a lot of good work Unfortunately They don’t have an elected representative here in Clare. As it happens the green Leader is coming to Ennis this weekend. So maybe he may look at this issue “.

“Badgers are a protected species, or does that not matter when its a local authority. “.

“Climate change, Governing bodies should be leading by example. A disgrace to be even considering this “.

“Ennis town lacks green areas and places for its wildlife to live. In recent years The damage human kind has done to nature is well publicised. It is an absolute disgrace this local authority zoned this land for housing. If the bulldozers goes in only then will we be reading all about the diversity that did exist here in a national newspaper. This should not be happening in 2022”.

“It is true the elected representatives cannot intervene in planning matters. I checked with my brother in Ireland, I know it sounds ridiculous but that is the way it is. Jim Foley Seattle Jan 29 2022”.

“I know this area well. A walkover of the site was not possible it is simply too overgrown, “.

“These beautiful gentle creatures are entitled to their home too.”.

“Clare County Councils will be breaking their laws by destroying this area. A few years ago, my neighbor in Tulla got fined €3000 for removing small trees and some briars. I am sure there are loads similar throughout the County. So how are they going to continue this if they destroy this area David in Tulla”.

“Clares Biodiversity plan is well written, what does it mean in the context of this site. Is this site somehow exempt from the reccomendations in the plan Sarah Fitzgerald”.

“The local authority here is failing the people of Ennis. 10.5 acres of habitat within a stone throw of Ennis town. And the local authority has not done any report on this vital piece of land. So it would seem. Instead, relying on the developer, Dan McMahon. Previously from Ennis Town. Jan 21 2022”.

“What a lovely story this is. It shows how kind people are to wildlife. Must be a heartbreaking thought to think a development would wipe out these creatures. Arent badgers supposed to be a protected species. The powers that be obviously don’t care. But they shouldn’t be let get away with this. Hayley.”.

“Great comments declan. This is a great website. At the beginning there are articles pleading to have this lovely area left as it is with all the wildlife there and certainly that should be the outcome. However further on there are articles from the heritage and ennis tidy towns committees saying habitats should be restored that the bats are a protected species that hedgerows and trees are essential now in times of climate. That clean water and air are essential. So all this information should be the answers to the questions asked by these concerned people for the environment. So come on I mean we have seen our answers. Implement them. Brian.”.

“Has this local authority got any idea what they are doing? Reading through the blogs on your website so far. It is clear no thought was put into the zoning of this land. if it all goes pear-shaped and this area is destroyed. Ennis will end up in the news for all the wrong reasons. And that will do no good for the town. Jim Ennis “.

“Why should it be ok for Clare County Council to destroy this area with all its wildlife? And at the same time, fine farmers for removing hedgerows, And refuse planning to farmers sons and daughters because of a hedgerow is in the way of building their house Maybe they are going to do a mass refund and revisit the planning permissions they have refused for these reasons. “.

“Sarah Casey Ballynacally The location and the lack of accessible green areas in the town. The local authority should buy this 10.5-acre site for its residents. And the wildlife that lives within. I don’t think this website will ever let the local authority forget about it, or the country if they don’t. Which is good. Love the website. Thank you Mr. Hodnett for highlighting this issue”.

“Under the REAP scheme, the government are paying millions to farmers to upgrade and plant hedgerows which would take years to develop into a habitat like at Pairc Na Coille This is all very confusing I am sure common sense will prevail. Which will see these lands retained as they are. Clare County council has a good reputation here. They act in the best interest of most of the population. most of the population would not want to see this area destroyed. “.

“Hello Mary. I read your article with interest. As you say wildlife rich woodland and hedgerows take decades to mature. What a disaster it would be to stop this maturity. We are lucky in ireland that we don’t have natural disasters such as avalanches hurricanes or tsunamis. All these cause havoc in other countries. So to intentionally wreak a disaster in this lovely wooded area is unthinkable. How could humans employ other humans to go in there and cause an avalanche to all the life in this area. So whoever is planning this disaster be advised that it can and will be prevented. It isn’t rocket science at all. Its just a fact of life.”.

“Ennis town is a great place to live. Enjoy it keep this green area it’s a big part of the town. .John Ryan”.

“Great images support from Ballyfermot Dublin. Holiday in Ennis every year. Clare Local authority please leave this place as it is. Wish it was in Ballyfermot “.

“Wildlife matters none of the wildlife at this site should be in any way endangered. Its time now for the planners to make true on the statements in their well put togeather Clare Biodiversity Plan and I am sure they will”.

“The potential for extra flooding is a big concern. The local authority has not a good record here. I used to rent a house off the Gort road many years ago. The house I rented in Aughanteeroe flooded to the ceiling a short time after planning was granted for the estate. The local authority at that time had produced a report saying chances of flooding were minimal. Nobody was held accountable. So how can the same county council be relied upon here.”.

“Thanks gwen for that. It brought me right back to my childhood. Wouldn’t you want every child to experience the same. Some might describe areas like the one at pairc na coille a wilderness. But what does wilderness mean?. It means diversity. Its nature in its purest form. Its a blank canvas on which everyone can their own thoughts. It means that we should stop trying to control nature and let it fend for itself. Do you remember during the lockdowns when animals such as foxes were seen rambling around towns. They stopped hiding when the urban movement subsided. Also some people said the birds were singing louder. They always sang at the same pitch. Its just that we had slowed down and were more aware. Let’s always appreciate nature. Darren.”.

“Nicely put Bridget . After watching the website I was curious to see this area. So I decided to come and have a look at it. I was horrified to see that such a huge area could be lost. In these times of climate change etc its preserving these areas we should be. Its very apparent that there are lots of wildlife here. While in the area i saw a group of starlings eating from bird feeders erected by the residents there. And this was a winter scene. I can only imagine what its like in the summer time. To all those sitting in their offices planning this areas fate I would ask you to reconsider your decisions. After all who wants to destroy beauty animals birds and trees. David.”.

“Hello Mary. Was browsing through this website this morning and saw your comment. Some people don’t realize that animals and birds have feelings too. So to have their homes and familiar territories destroyed is indeed a disaster for them. The message here is don’t do to others what you wouldn’t like done to yourself.”.

“I agree with you, Jennifer. Everything should be taken into account about flooding and climate change. Imagine waking up one day only to discover that everything you’ve always known has instantly changed. The home you’ve lived in for your entire life is gone. The roads are different making navigation far more complicated. You find yourself in areas that are unfamiliar to you. All around you are elements that could easily cause you harm and there is no escaping. This scenario would be sad, extremely overwhelming and many people would not survive. Why then do developers and the powers that be think it’s OK to destroy natural habitats? Well, everything possible is going to be done to save them. Mary Keane.”.

“Hi David. Your article is brilliant as are all the other ones in this great website. I would like to share a few of my favourite sayings about nature which I think reiterates whats already said. 1 for most of history man has had to fight nature to survive. In this century he is beginning to realise that in order to survive he must protect it. 2 the least movement is of importance to all nature. The entire ocean is affected by a pebble. 3 let us permit nature to have her way. She understands her business better than we do. 4 mans heart away from nature becomes hard.”.

“Couldn’t agree with you more on this . I visit a friend in pairc na coille and this area is so vibrant with wildlife. I watched a Robin feeding its young. There were blue skies on the day. Butterflies on the budhlia trees honey bees buzzing around in the flower gardens. The sound of birdsong in the trees all happily singing away. This area is a rare haven. The cycle of nature and the seasons are amazing. In winter the hibernation of wildlife dormancy sleep. But for every winter there is a spring. It it all awakens again and comes to life. Can you you imagine what the interference of these cycles would mean. Devastation sadness and cruelty. Please don’t let this happen. The term a little bird told me applies here. Michael moriarty.”.

“Thanks Martha for a lovely article. And your work in highlighting this important issue. Clare county Council be true to your own words in the Clare Biodiversity plan, and leave this area be, with its well established thousands of creatures and plant life. Sile Constantine”.

“More open green area are badly needed in the town of Ennis not less. My garden an Aviary of birds in the summer time. If this area is developed . My aviary will die with the development. Mr planner I hope destruction of established Habitats is hardly what you learned in town planning school. Let common sense and good town planning prevail.”.

“Hi Local authorities should be leading by example. And a good example is needed more now than ever. Your website could make front-page news if destruction is seen here. I don’t think Clare county council will want that kind of spotlight. Thanks for your good work. Thanks, John for sending this to me. I will send the link on Sean Grimes, New york”.

“Its very important that we save as much of our wonderful natural environment we possibly can. Seeing the beauty of trees flowers and wildlife especially animals that are already struggling such as hedgehogs squirrels bats and butterflies. Seeing them helps us relax reflect and gives us hope. These places may not mean a great deal to many but to a little child they are a source of wonderment. They explore and see nature for the first time. Do you remember the first time you felt a butterfly land on your hand see a rabbit pop its head out of a burrow or a bird feeding their young. Werent you excited. I was. Gwen.”.

“Martin and bridie i hope this terrible devastation doesn’t go ahead. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and ye experience it every day. Amazing how some people go through life without ever appreciating nature. That doesn’t give anybody the right to destroy it. Let’s hope that all the organisations involved eg birdwatch ireland bat conservation and of course our politicians we elected to represent us can stand up here to help. We opened our doors to ye when ye knocked. So hopefully ye will answer our knock. Mary.”.

“Hello Liam. I agree totally with you. I’m surprised that the people who wrote the clare bio diversity plan aren’t up in arms about this situation. The plan outlines about the conservation of the environment and wildlife. They mention about the wildlife in Dromore Wood and edenvale etc. The wildlife in the 10 acres at pairc na coille don’t understand politics. So why not save them all.”.

“Hi Martha Good article and good website. The days I thought of ruthless deforestation and destroying Habitants was over, with the threat of global warming. and more and more wildlife becoming extinct. Reading the Clare biodiversity plan which is a good document. It will mean nothing if any of this goes ahead. Let’s hope commonsense prevails. Mary Taylor Ennis”.

“I agree wholeheartedly with all this. Now is the time we must act for climate change. More trees need to be planted to remove carbon dioxide from the air. From looking at this website it seems that 10 acres of them could be cut down. Let’s do all we can to save these areas.”.

“Great article John. Yes its unbelievable to think that a beautiful area of nature could be destroyed. Its amazing why the people that wrote the biodiversity plan in clare aren’t up in arms about this. They write about preserving the environment and wildlife in Dromore Wood and edenvale etc. Animals and birds don’t understand politics. So there is no difference between the wildlife in these areas to the ones in the 10 acres at pairc na coille. The mind boggles.”.

“Well said David.”.

“Hi Tony Good luck with the campaign. I cannot see this kind of destruction. In order for us all to survive these are the kind of areas that need to be preserved. What kind of a message would this send to the school children of the town. Lead by example. It’s not going to happen. David Spellman, Dublin”.

“Bats are generally protected. so why is Clare County Council? Considering breaking the law here. There is so much more that can be done with this natural green area, it’s a jewel in the crown of Ennis so close to Ennis center. Why would anyone even think about destroying it and all the wildlife and plant life that live there? John Constantine Kilrush”.

“Love the website, Are the people that wrote The Clare Biodiversity action plan not advising the planners on this, or are two different departments within Clare County council completely at odds with each other, Where do our elected representatives stand in all of this. Michael Watson, Limerick”.

“If this goes ahead thousands of wildlife will be killed. Huge damage to the BioDiversity of the town of Ennis. Uproar and protest are needed. The local authority is completely wrong to even consider this. Liam”.

“Hi Tony A great article like your pictures, it took patience to get the ones with the insects on the flowers. It’s hard to believe that any local authority in Europe never mind Ireland would remotely consider such destruction. I thought there were several European directives against this. Good luck with it all Tony”.