20 May 2007
Dea-Scéal
23/05/07 21:17
Dea-Scéal
On 23 February 2007 Bord Pleanála decided as follows in relation to a planning application (06/2865) for a house close to Tristaun Ford:
The site of the proposed development forms part of a significant area of historical and cultural value directly associated with, and inextricably linked to, the Battle of Aughrim (1691) a nationally important seventeenth century historical event. It is a policy of the current Galway County development Plan to ensure that heritage protection is an integral part of economic and social development and of urban and rural planning. The proposed development would be contrary to the preservation, conservation and maintenance of this area of significant historical value, would in itself, cumulatively with existing development in the immediate vicinity, and by the precedent it would set for further development, undermine the integrity of the setting of this important historical site and would therefore, cause inappropriate change to its setting and character. The proposed development would be contrary to the policy of the planning authority, would seriously injure the amenities of the area and would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
This is a major step forward. It is to be hoped that Galway County Council will take note. Another step forward is the Battlefields Project set up by the Minister for the Environment, Dick Roche. At present (June 2007) the expert group is meeting to draw up terms of reference for contractors to compile a descriptive listing and mapping of the key battle sites with a view to giving them statutory planning protection.
Pádraig Lenihan
On 23 February 2007 Bord Pleanála decided as follows in relation to a planning application (06/2865) for a house close to Tristaun Ford:
The site of the proposed development forms part of a significant area of historical and cultural value directly associated with, and inextricably linked to, the Battle of Aughrim (1691) a nationally important seventeenth century historical event. It is a policy of the current Galway County development Plan to ensure that heritage protection is an integral part of economic and social development and of urban and rural planning. The proposed development would be contrary to the preservation, conservation and maintenance of this area of significant historical value, would in itself, cumulatively with existing development in the immediate vicinity, and by the precedent it would set for further development, undermine the integrity of the setting of this important historical site and would therefore, cause inappropriate change to its setting and character. The proposed development would be contrary to the policy of the planning authority, would seriously injure the amenities of the area and would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
This is a major step forward. It is to be hoped that Galway County Council will take note. Another step forward is the Battlefields Project set up by the Minister for the Environment, Dick Roche. At present (June 2007) the expert group is meeting to draw up terms of reference for contractors to compile a descriptive listing and mapping of the key battle sites with a view to giving them statutory planning protection.
Pádraig Lenihan
