Ireland Is Among The Worst Offenders

Posted on January 31, 2010 | Filed Under Environment, Press Releases, Uncategorized

In an article in today’s Sunday Business Post an article by Niamh Connolly Political Correspondent writes about Ireland’s poor record when it comes to infringing EU environmental laws.

http://www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/ireland-high-among-eu-environmental-offenders-47083.html#mon

The location in which Sligo Airport would build a runway extension on Dorrins Strand is an area designated under EU and Irish Law. The area is protected by the following designations:

Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

Special Protection area (SPA)

Candidate National Heritage Area (cNHA)

Shellfish Water Directive

It is quite astonishing that Sligo County Council have backed this plan because if it ever did get built, Sligo County Council and The Irish Government  could face huge fines from EU Commission for non-compliance with EU Environmental law.  Of course it is not really the Co Co or the Government who would pay such fines. That would be for you the taxpayer.

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John MacDermott’s Letter To Sligo Champion re Airport Runway

Posted on January 31, 2010 | Filed Under Environment, Press Releases

The Sligo Champion recently published an article in which it stated that the extension of the runway at Sligo Airport was in everyone’s interest.  John MacDermott countered that view by writing to The Sligo Champion. His letter appears at this link:

http://www.sligochampion.ie/temp/difficult-to-maintain-that-sligo-airport-is-vital-to-the-region-2039587.html

The text of John’s letter is published below :

Sir,

It is not correct to say as suggested in a recent article by Paul Deering that Sligo Airport will be able to cater for larger planes if the proposed extension is built. The runway will remain the same length so bigger planes will not be able to land. The extension is to cater for safety margins on both ends.

It is not correct to say that suggestions to move the airport to a green field site was to satisfy objectors. Moving to a green field site should stand on its own merits or otherwise. If the issue was seriously looked at 10 or 15 years ago then maybe the airport would be in a much stronger position to-day. It is now unlikely to be a viable solution for many years to come if ever.

It is not correct to imply that the only thing preventing the airport building an extension onto Dorrins strand is the existence of a few objectors. The problem for the airport is that Dorrins Strand belongs to the people, is a beautiful tranquil place, has a viable shell fish business and its environment is protected by stringent Irish and European laws. The airport has to overcome the law not the objectors. What does the airport mean to Sligo?

On the positive side it clearly provides a useful function. It is handy for Sligo people to fly to and from Dublin without having the bother of going to Knock. On top of that every time you fly you receive a minimum of 80 euro subsidy from the taxpayer. Understandably this is something people would not like to lose. It also gives some status to Sligo. Finally even though it is not its function it does provide important local jobs.

Clearly then it is a good thing for Sligo. If it is economically viable and does not destroy the environment or public beaches then most reasonable people would support it.

However, as it is getting taxpayers money and is proposing to rob people of their beach and their rights to avail of its amenities then it is reasonable that the issues be looked at in a more hard nosed way. Is it a vital asset to Sligo as is claimed?

This can only be said with any credibility if figures are put forward to back it up. No research has been done or figures published indicating the economic contribution the airport is making to the economy of the region.

In the absence of figures it is more logical to assume that it makes a very small contribution to the economy of the region and also because of good bus and rail links and the proximity of Knock airport it is difficult to maintain that it is vital to the region.

The first hard fact to be faced is that to provide Sligo Airport’s one air service route cost the taxpayer €25 million over the period 1998 to 2007.

With present plans it will cost the taxpayer another €10 million to build the runway extension and ongoing yearly costs of 2.5 to 3 million.

The question must be answered is this good value to the taxpayer?

Subsidising air travel to the region for business people or tourists who are bringing economic wealth to the region makes sense. If these people could use Knock or the rail service just as easily does it make sense to subsidise Sligo airport?

Is it fair to subsidise these people when the vast majority of people in Sligo could not afford to fly even at the subsidised prices.

This issue of whether subsidies are justifiable has to be faced. There is no way it should be avoided at any time but in these difficult economic times it has to be part of the equation when discussing cut backs in other areas.

It is therefore not correct for Mr. Deering and others to assert that it is in every ones interest that the airport would continue in its present subsidised form.

Unless we can get to the stage that the airport makes a substantial economic benefit to the region, and so benefits everyone, then we are using taxpayers money to benefit a very small number of people in Sligo.

Those who have an interest in the development of Sligo Airport should call for a business plan that will make the Airport viable and sustainable into the future. If this was done 10 years ago the airport would not be in the difficult position it is in to-day.

There is no point in having pie in the sky flights of fancy that we might have flights to London some day. If it did not happen in ten years of the Celtic Tiger it will not happen now or in the future without a realistic plan to achieve it.

The other issue that I feel was not correct in Mr. Deering’s article is that the airport needs this extension to survive or to continue to land planes safely. It is a self evident fact that the airport is landing planes safely at the moment. It has only a small restriction in order to do so. It cannot land planes with a full load of 70 passengers but must reduce the numbers to a maximum of 64 per flight.

If Sligo Airport could have an average load of say 60 passengers per flight to and from Dublin (as they are now allowed) then the business would be on the road to being financially viable.

Safety can be maintained without the extension and the lack of the extension is not the factor preventing the airport flying with an economic number of passengers per flight.

The viability of Sligo Airport is determined by factors other than an extension to the runway.

- John Mac Dermott, Chairman of Dorrins and Cummeen Strand Conservation Group

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Airport must to consider all alternatives

Posted on October 22, 2008 | Filed Under Press Releases

On their second planning application to build an extension to the runway onto Dorrins strand in Sligo bay, Sligo Airport have been asked to furnish further information.

Dorrins and Cummeen strand conservation group (DCCG) are delighted that Sligo Planning Authority indicate in their request for further information that this application must be considered under Article 6(4) of the EU Habitats Directive. Under this article planning can only be granted if three major conditions are met.

The first condition that must be met is that it must be proved that there are no alternatives to the plan.

This means there must be no alternatives regardless of preference or cost. Moving to a green field site would be considered an alternative option under this article unless it was proved for instance that there is no suitable location available.

Our legal advice is that no alternative does not mean just that the Airport company have no alternatives. It means that there is no other way of fulfilling the peoples needs for adequate air transport in the region.

We in DCCG strongly contend that the airport have totally failed to deal with the issue of alternatives. Only one option, that of building on a public beach, has been adequately explored. Under article 6(4) of the EU Habitats Directive it must be proved that there are no alternatives as defined by the act.

Even if it is established, beyond all reasonable doubt, that there are no other alternative solutions the Airport have another major hurdle to overcome in the second requirement under Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive.

The second condition of the act requires that there must be “Imperative Reasons for overriding public interest“. In the guidelines imperative is defined as indispensible or fundamental.

Therefore the indispensible reasons for going ahead with this project must be established and the benefits, according to the act, must also be long term as the potential damage to the environment is long term.

We in DCCG have continually pointed out that Sligo airport have put forward no evidence or figures showing that the airport contributes in any significant way to the economy of the region nor have they produced a business plan which would indicate that they are likely to be viable into the future.

It is not enough for people to be assured on a day to day basis that there is no threat to Sligo airport. There must be a certainty that the airport is viable into the future.

Even people who don’t see how wrong and potentially disastrous it would be for the environment to build on this beach admit they don’t want to see up to ten million euros of tax payers money put into a hole in the ground for no economic benefit.

Under the EU Habitats directive article 6(4) imperative reasons for overriding public interest must be established.

The third condition states “Once the lack of suitable alternatives and the acceptance of imperative reasons of overriding public interest are fully ascertained and documented, all compensatory measures that are needed to ensure the protection of the overall coherence of the Natura 2000 network have to be taken”.

The airport have been given a maximum of six months to furnish the further information.

Ends

Reference:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/art6/guidance_art6_4_en.pdf

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223 Objections Received to Sligo Airports Proposal to Build Runway on Dorrins Strand

Posted on September 15, 2008 | Filed Under Press Releases

In March 2007 Sligo Co Co received over 70 objections to Sligo Airports proposal to build a runway on the scenic and environmentally sensitive Dorrins Strand. Last Thursday (11 Sept 08) over 3 times the number of objections ( 223) were submitted in response to their recent application.

Sligo Airport Company withdrew their initial application and submitted a revised one in an effort to overcome concerns raised, by the Councils Planning Department, about many elements of the proposed project.

Dorrins & Cummeen Strand Conservation Group (DCCG), local residents, visitors from all over Ireland and the UK, shellfish farmers as well as NGOs such as Birdwatch Ireland and Keep Ireland Open have all exercised their right to object to the destruction of Dorrins Strand. The Department of Agriculture Coastal Zone and Marine Division (CZMD) made a submission in which they raised several concerns about the development and described the Environmental Impact Statement as “incomplete” in certain ways.

Chairman and Spokesman for the DCCG, John MacDermott said

“We are pleased with this growing support from the local and wider community. It is an endorsement for our highlighting the inherent dangers in a development of this scale on a public beach. We put the increase in opposition down to two things- (a) a greater awareness of the extent of the devastation that would be caused to this unique environment protected under local, national and EU law and (b) the fact that while all small airports are under severe economic pressures their application gave no evidence that Sligo airport will be able to overcome these difficulties and continue to operate into the future.

Sligo Airport did not establish any connection between having, or not having, this extension and the survival of the airport. Many people wanted to be assured that if they gave up their beach they would at least have an airport.“

DCCG are now calling on political representatives to take heed of the groundswell of public opinion on this subject. It is time for politicians to show political courage and leadership and draw up an integrated transportation policy and plan for Sligo and its environs and show what role air travel would play in such a plan.

Such a plan will have to take into account the new realities in our lives today with the need for sustainability and viability, the need to respect our environment, wildlife and our aquaculture industries.

We also ask the Planners in Sligo County Council to heed the many objections made in writing and reject this application.

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Sligo Airport to withdraw planning application to build on Dorrins Strand.

Posted on June 16, 2008 | Filed Under Press Releases

Planning consultants to Sligo Airport announced, at a meeting with Dorrins / Cummeen Strand Conservation Group, their intention to withdraw their present application to build a runway extension on Dorrins Strand. Their intention is to make a new application in due course.

Dorrins / Cummeen Strand Conservation Group are delighted with this news and now intend to campaign to have the plan to build on Dorrins Strand dropped.

It was the group’s view from the beginning that it was outrageous and unjust to propose to rob a community of its beach, its rights of way, its environmental heritage and its shellfish industry.  This could be justified only in the most exceptional circumstances or to meet essential needs of society and when there is no possible alternative course of action. This clearly is not the situation in this case.

We therefore call on the Airport board to lift this threat to the local community and make it clear they do not intend to apply for planning permission to build on Dorrins strand.

Never before in Ireland has anyone applied to build on a beach. Landlords of old and even the most gung-ho developers have viewed beaches as sacrosanct and belonging to the people.  Beaches must remain a step too far for developers. The rights of people to walk their beaches must remain.

Arising from the recent referendum everyone agrees that the ordinary people need to be listened to more carefully.  Let us hope that the lesson is learned and that the ordinary people in this case won’t be brought through a long and time consuming process in order to defend their rights.

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Press Release – Call to Investigate Re-location of Sligo Airport

Posted on October 8, 2007 | Filed Under Press Releases

Successful Meeting On Airport Controversy

Members of the Dorrin’s & Cummeen Strand Conservation Group (DCCG) hosted a successful and useful meeting with local councillors on Thursday evening (4th Oct 2007) at Strandhill. The councillors who attended included Cllr’s Albert Higgins, Sean McManus, Imelda Henry, Declan Bree, Tony McLoughlin, and Jim McGarry. Cllr Deirdre Healy McGowan sent apologies.

The meeting proved to be a very constructive exchange of views between all parties concerned and opened up alternatives that could now be explored.

Firstly, the DCCG made a comprehensive presentation to the Councillors using visual aids and large photographs. They presented, in a very visually graphic way, the impacts that the proposed runway extension would have on the local landscape, wildlife, ecology and not least local residents.

The graphic description of the total destruction of Dorrin’s strand made it clear to everyone that it was a nonsense to maintain, as the airport board does in its planning application, that the environment can be protected, jobs in the shell fish industry saved or that the rights of way of the community would be unimpeded.

The councillors present, including those on the Airport board, agreed that in any other circumstances they would oppose a proposal to build any structure on Dorrin’s strand. For example if a developer applied to build a row of houses in the same location on the strand everyone would be against it and it would not get planning permission based on its effect on the environment, the fact that it would be against EU law and also would be in contravention of the County Development Plan among many other obvious reasons. As an indication of how planning sensitive this area is local residence gave instances of not getting planning permission to build one house way up from the shore and others who had to wait 10 years to get theirs.

The only way that planning could be given for such a development was if it was an issue of great national need and if there were no alternatives.

The reason given why councillors on the board of the Airport voted for this development was because they believed that there was no alternatives and without the extension onto Dorrin’s strand the airport would close..

It was suggested by the meeting that there was no evidence that there was any in-debth study done of the alternative ways the runway could be extended on the present site. It was accepted by the councillors on the airport board that there was no study done on the feasibility of moving the airport to a green field site.

All those present agreed that Sligo should have the type of infrastructural development that would allow it achieve its objectives as a Gateway City. The view was expressed that, in its current location, Sligo Airport could never achieve those objectives.

What are the Alternatives?

In the second half of the meeting there was a full discussion on what the alternatives are. A number of people pointed out that even with the proposed runway extension, Sligo Airport in its current location would still experience severe limitations. The Airport would only be able to cater for the same type of turbo prop aircraft currently used. So even with the destruction of Dorrin’s Strand the airport would provide no extra benefits.

There is no prospect that, even with the extension, the Airport could handle jet aircraft similar to those used by Ryanair, Easyjet or Aer Lingus for carrying larger numbers of passengers directly to continental Europe. It will therefore not be able to provide the kind of air access that Sligo – the Gateway City, needs and deserves.

One local businessman present, who travels extensively by air, contrasted Sligo Strandhill Airport with Kerry Airport. He stated that Sligo Airport, while located in its current location at Strandhill, can never be an adequate airport. “Sligo deserves better” was the sentiment being expressed.

It was strongly suggested by several people present that the best location for a new Sligo Airport, to replace the current one, is somewhere close to main arterial road routes. The project should be to build an airport with a runway long enough to accommodate jet aircraft and which would provide adequate air access to the North West region for the next 50 years, and integrated with other modes of transport.

Many people present were attracted to the idea of building a new replacement airport on a greenfield site close to N4 / N17 in the Collooney area. This would leave the lands currently owned by the Airport in Strandhill available for more sensitive development.

It was seen as regrettable that the Airport board had not explored the alternatives with the community before now. If they had it seems likely that they would not now be putting us all under the threat – We need to destroy Dorrin’s strand or the airport closes.

It was suggested that a package could be put together which would make it economically possible to build the airport on a green field site. A number of people are to work on this.

The big fear is that Dorrin’s strand would be destroyed for ever and in a few years time the new extended runway would prove to be too short and the airport would then have to move or close.

No one present could guarantee that this would not happen. This is no way to plan for sustainable development.

Councillors asked for support

This part of the meeting explored how councillors could support the group in its efforts to protect Dorrin’s strand from destruction. Their main influence is in getting appropriate motions passed at council meetings. It was agreed to work on possible motions particularly ones in relation to getting research done on all the alternatives for Sligo airport and to explore how these options could be financed and progressed.

The meeting ended and the Councillors who attended were thanked for their participation and constructive exchange of ideas.

ENDS

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Press Release : Sligo Airport fail to consult locally on runway proposals

Posted on September 17, 2007 | Filed Under Press Releases

Sligo Airport accused of failure to consult locally on Runway Proposals

Strandhill community group Dorrin’s and Cumeen Conservation Group express dismay at the total lack of consultation, yet again, in relation to the proposal to extend the runway at Sligo Airport

In January of this year Sligo Airport made a controversial application for planning permission to construct a huge platform on Dorrin’s Strand, on which to build a 259m runway extension. Recognising the devastating impact this could have on residents, the ecology, amenity value and employment in the area, a number of public meetings were held in Strandhill in January and February ’07 at which large scale public concerns were voiced.

Following publication of the planning application, some seventy objections were lodged with Sligo County Council both by members of the public and by commercial interests threatened by the proposals.

Sligo County Council planners wrote to Sligo Airport on 7th March, seeking extensive additional information from the Airport. It is highly regrettable that during the six months between 7th March to 7th September 07 the Airport management or their consultants have not seen fit to consult with the local community to discuss their concerns and seek agreed solutions.

It seems that the airport authorities have made a firm decision that they want to build the runway extension out on to Dorrin’s Strand and devastate an area of great environmental and commercial importance.

Sligo Airport although nominally a private company is in large measure funded by taxpayer’s money. All of the capital expenditure is funded by grant aid from Dept of Transport and the whole passenger service operation is heavily subsidised through the public service obligation grants also from Dept of Transport. The Board of Directors of Sligo Airport includes three County Councillors, three Sligo Borough Councillors and the County Manager.

In effect these seven people control the Board. As local citizens we rely on our elected representatives to protect our rights, our local heritage and our environment. We are concerned that Sligo County and Borough members of the board would remain impartial in this debate and take note of our very serious concerns.

The primary concerns of the community are the serious impact on environment and wildlife, infringement on designated protected areas, loss of visual amenity, loss of access by local citizens, massive disturbance during construction, destruction of a shell fish industry and potential damage to the access causeway to Coney Island.

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Press Release : Successful Birdwatching Outing at Dorrins Strand/Killaspugbrone

Posted on May 10, 2007 | Filed Under Press Releases

Outing to Dorrins Strand/Killaspugbrone to look at birds of the shore and sea.

On Tuesday evening last (8th May) Dorrin’s & Cummeen Strand Conservation Group in association with Birdwatch Ireland held a walk along the Coastline from Dorrin’s Strand round to Killaspugbrone.

There was a great turnout for the event and the group consisted of over 20 well seasoned bird watchers, beginners and nature enthusiasts of all ages. Although the rain threatened to fall, the sun came out to help start the walk at Dorrin’s Strand and stayed for the evening. The willing group continued up through the forest onto the Silver Strand and over to Killaspugbrone Church.

This time of year sees a change of guard as the winter birds are heading North and the traditional summer birds are returning from the South, Martin Enright of Birdwatch Ireland spoke about just some of the visitors to our shores over the winter, which included the magnificent Brent Geese who have now returned to the Canadian Artic for the summer.

Other visitors who like to feed on the grasses on the edge of Dorrin’s and Cummeen strands include the Lapwing and Oystercatchers with the cheeky Skylarks seen hovering over the dunes. The group had an added bonus to their evening with an insightful talk by Joyce Enright on the origins of the Church at Killaspugbrone.

All agreed that the event should be repeated. Birdwatch Ireland will be holding an event to mark the Dawn Chorus on the 20th of May at 6.00 am at Lissadell and all are welcome.

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Press Release : Birdwatching at Dorrins Strand/Killaspugbrone

Posted on May 3, 2007 | Filed Under Press Releases

Outing to Dorrins Strand/Killaspugbrone to look at birds of the shore and sea. Tuesday 8th May 2007 6.30pm.
Meet at Old Airport Road (turn off at Texaco Garage), Strandhill – where the Old Airport Road meets the shore.

Martin Enright of Birdwatch Ireland – Sligo Branch will be hosting an interactive look at the birds that nest, feed and socialise on Killaspugbrone and Dorrin’s Strand. This fascinating walk is suitable for adults and children, bird watchers and environment enthusiasts or those who would just like to know a little bit more about our unique coastline and its inhabitants.
Bring wellingtons, binoculars, cameras or just yourself but do not miss the opportunity to see and hear about, by experts, the variety and habits of native and foreign birds living on our very own beaches.

www.sligobirding.com www.birdwatchireland.ie
BirdWatch Ireland (BWI) is the trading name of the Irish Wildbird Conservancy (IWC) formed in 1968. We are the the leading voluntary conservation organisation in Ireland, devoted to the conservation and protection of Ireland’s wild birds and their habitats. We are a registered charity supported almost entirely from membership subscriptions, donations, grants and sponsorship.

BWI has over 10,000 active members and supporters, and a network of 20 branches throughout the country actively promoting the importance of birds and habitats, and general conservation issues. BWI is the Birdlife International partner in Ireland, participating in worldwide conservation efforts.

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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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keep looking »