Press Release : “It could only happen in Sligo”

Posted on March 26, 2007 | Filed Under Press Releases

That an airport company would seek planning permission to extend a runway over 250 meters into Wetlands recognised since 1996 by the international community as being of significant value not only for the country, but for humanity as a whole*.

Wetlands are defined as an ecosystem of incomparable important to millions of migratory birds, fish, amphibians, insects, plants and trees**.

Apart from the obvious destruction of an internationally recognised area of significance to humanity, attempting to deny Sligo people the right to a coastline, they have used for generations, surely could only happen in Sligo. But this is only an attempt to deny our rights. Seriously, we feel confident the people, our public representatives and planners would not allow this to happen.

This would be a step too far for any county. Surely this is one thing that “could not happen in Sligo”.

* (The List of Wetlands of International Importance, 9 March 2007, pages 1,19; Visited: 25th March, 2007)

** (What are wetlands? Visited: 25th March, 2007)

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Press Release : Airport request meeting with DCCG

Posted on March 12, 2007 | Filed Under Press Releases

On Friday 9th March, the Dorrin’s & Cummeen Conservation Group (DCCG) were invited to meet with representatives of Sligo Airport and their consultants. Councillor Higgins, Chairman of the Board of Sligo Airport, billed this meeting as the start of a consultation process between Airport personnel and representatives of the local community.

The meeting started with the expert consultants to the Airport giving presentations on why the extension to the East Side was the only feasible option. It became clear that despite this meeting being a consultation process, the Airport were not in favour of changing their plans despite the opposition voiced in two recent public meetings in Strandhill and over 70 objections to Sligo County Council’s Planning Section. The airport also suggested that it would have to close if it did not extend the runway to the East.

A spokesperson for the Dorrin’s & Cummeen Conservation Group addressed the meeting and asked the Airport Company to withdraw the current application for planning permission. He said this would instill confidence in the consultation process between the Airport and the Strandhill community.

He also stated that the application for planning permission submitted by the Airport was comprehensively flawed. The vast majority of Strandhill residents are deeply concerned about building a runway extension on Dorrin’s Strand with the consequent damage to the ecology, wildlife, heritage, and access to recreational activities. Local residents also have grave concerns for the access road to Coney Island and the massive damage to the local fish farming industries by the proposal to divert the channel from its current course.

In response to the request to withdraw the planning application, Councillor Albert Higgins, Chairman of the Airport Company, stated that such a decision would need to be considered by the airport company and that he would bring this DCCG request to the board.

The DCCG concerns with the inadequacy of the Environmental Impact Statement were supported by the Sligo Co. Co. Planning Department who had written a lengthy letter to the Airport seeking further information on a wide range of issues concerning the application.

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Press Release : Formation of Dorrin’s and Cumeen Strand Conservation Group

Posted on March 5, 2007 | Filed Under Press Releases

Dorrin’s and Cumeen Strand Conservation Group (DCCG) announced that they have formed a group to work for the conservation of Dorrin’s and Cumeen Strand. This action is considered necessary in the light of the recent application by Sligo Airport for planning permission to build a 270 metre embankment out onto Dorrin’s Strand. The group, made up from residents of Strandhill and the surrounding area, had their founding meeting at Strandhill National School on Thursday 1st March 2007.

The group plan to hold meetings with any person or persons who have an interest in the conservation of Dorrin’s and Cumeen Strand.

On Friday 2nd March The Group wrote to each member of the Board of Directors of Sligo Airport asking them to withdraw their current application for planning permission to enable them take on board the concerns of the local community.

The Group also call on Sligo County Council not to grant planning permission for the current application given the high levels of concern expressed by the community as evidenced by over 70 written objections being lodged in the planning office.

The Group are currently carrying out a brief survey in the village to get the views of the residents as we feel they have not been fairly represented or consulted to date. We would ask that everyone complete this survey. There is a drop off box for completed surveys in the Spar Shop in the village.

The Group will meet again on Monday night the 5th of March in Kelly’s Hotel at 8.00pm. If people would like to find out more or would like to help the group, we would urge them to come along on Monday night.

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