The developer has submitted new documents as part of the planning application for the repurposing of the lands adjacent to Pairc na Coille, Ennis co Clare.
Included is an updated Environmental Impact Assessment which attempts to downplay the impact.
This new development could have on the local environment including the Bat population.
The methodology used to ascertain potential impacts.
The scope of the bat survey, and the vague conclusions reached by the applicant fall short of providing any sort of evidence that this development.
Will not have a significant adverse impact on the natural environment at the site beyond.
An E.I.A provided by a developer should include two important parts which seem to have been ignored by MKO:
- a description of the features of the project and/or measures envisaged in order to avoid, prevent or reduce.
And, if possible, offset likely significant adverse effects on the environment;
A new E.I.A is required to address this omission, especially in the case of the Annex IV species which reside and feed on the site.
- a description of the reasonable alternatives studied by the developer. Which are relevant to the project and its specific characteristics.
And an indication of the main reasons for the option chosen, taking into account the effects of the project on the environment;
No reasonable alternatives have been explored by the developer for housing development in Ennis.
Why should a mature wooded area of significant value to the ecology of the area be destroyed?
when other viable sites nearby are far more suitable?
Bat survey
The Bat survey included in the E.I.A is completely unreliable and must be revisited.
The two static detectors were strategically placed at two locations without any explanation or reasonable justification.
Whether intentional or not, these two locations are located at the north end and center of the site.
And one detector is placed close proximity to a road with street lighting.
The other detector is placed well below the trees.
The detector used requires no obstruction in its path to get a maximum detecting range of about 20 meters.
Because of the location here maximum detecting range would be 1 or 2 meters at best
Bats must not be exposed to unnecessary levels of light and sound and will always choose to forage in unlit and quiet areas over noisy and lit-up areas.
Why were the two static detectors placed in their respective locations?
A new survey with more static detectors was placed throughout the whole site.
And a comprehensive report on whether or not roosts are present should be carried out and published accordingly.
Bats are protected under the EU Habitats directive and they are of significant importance to agriculture.
As they eat the pests. (several thousand each per night) which attack crops.
The Lesser Horse Shoe Bat which was recorded in this report as being present is on the ‘threatened’ list.
The Irish population of this bat is very important.
Because it is one the largest in Europe and County Clare is one of only 6 counties where this Bat has been recorded.
The site next to Pairc na Coille provides perfect foraging and potential.
Roosting opportunities for the Lesser Horse Shoe due to its proximity to The Edenvale and Newhall complex.
which is part of a wider S.A.C and crucial to the conservation of the species.
The site at Pairc na Coille is thriving with Bats and Clare County Council and a Bord Pleanála must ensure enough scope is given to survey the area in full.
Two detectors at two questionable locations for 19 days doesn’t cut it.
Ennis co Clare
Flooding risk
The site in question is situated in part on a slope and its redevelopment will present challenges with regard to drainage.
Trees capture up to 60% of rainfall, reducing surface water runoff entering our drainage systems, reducing flooding potential.
Cities and townlands throughout the world that suffer from seasonal flooding such as Ennis are in urgent need of rethinking their flood management strategies.
Trees in villages, towns, and cities can play an important part in water management.
Including safeguarding water quality and contributing to flooding alleviation.
In recent years, flooding has become an increasing cause for concern in Ennis due to heavier rainfall.
Heavy storms are becoming more common in Ireland and it is predicted that changing weather patterns are likely to continue.
Rainfall in winter has increased and unprecedented flooding has destroyed businesses and homes up and down the country.
The Office Of Public Works (OPW) recently acknowledged that the budget for the new flood control scheme in Co Clare has nearly doubled to close to €20 million.
Due to ‘unexpectedly’ poor ground conditions so would it be wise to lay concrete over the entirety of a mature wooded area close to the town center?
Ennis co Clare By giving the green light to this new development
Ennis County Council would be ripping out the natural drainage systems which not only help to alleviate flooding but ensure the watercourses are regulated for toxins.
According to a report by Teagasc, the benefit of trees in towns and cities can see a 75% reduction in sediment mobilization.
And runoff into watercourses and a 75% interception of nutrient run-off into watercourses.
Trees and other green spaces intercept rain, reducing the volume and rate of runoff.
The leaves, branches, and trunks of trees slow the speed at which rain reaches the ground, with some rain evaporating into the atmosphere.
An interception by trees increases the volume of water that infiltrates into the soil, giving drains longer to carry rain away.
Slowing the speed at which rainwater reaches the drains reduces the risk of surface water flooding and pollutants harming water quality.
It is possible, therefore, that allowing for this development to go ahead could,
In turn, lead to increased flooding in areas by overwhelming the already overworked sewage system in Ennis.
The properties surrounding the site at present are free from flooding.
As the site is naturally sloping, its redevelopment could possibly pose risks for some of these properties.
That, coupled with the risk of adding to the present drainage and flooding issues experienced in Ennis.
Should raise alarm bells and the planning application must be opposed.
Jean Fallon
Scientist now retired.
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.
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
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.
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 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.
. 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
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!!
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