AN BORD Pleanála has rejected plans for the retention of a private marina on the shore of Lough Derg in Co Tipperary.
Michael Kelly, from Dromineer, Nenagh, had appealed a decision by North Tipperary County Council to refuse permission for the retention and completion of works to convert a berthing area into a marina in the townland of Shannonvale, Dromineer.
The North Tipperary branch of An Taisce had also objected to the development.
The planning board upheld the council’s decision and pointed out that the marina development was “visually obtrusive”. The board also stated that the marina development would detract from what was described as an ecologically sensitive area”.
The development, the board said, would detract from the amenities of this ecologically sensitive and scenic area and would, therefore, be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
In its initial decision on the marina, the council’s planning department pointed out that the development “resulted in a significant loss of habitat and erosion of the undeveloped character of a National Heritage Area and Special Protection Area”.
Bord Pleanála agreed that the development also contravened the council’s county development plan, which states that private harbours or jetties would only be considered to accommodate a single boat, and then only in certain circumstances.
“It is considered that the proposed scale is excessive, having regard to the need to limit the amount and scale of such development due to the negative impact which private marina development is having on the shoreline of Lough Derg,” the board stated.
The board also added that “the proposed development has resulted in the removal of a considerable amount of trees and other natural vegetation from the lakeshore. The development would therefore have a significant visual impact when viewed from the lake and would, in addition, detract from the amenities of the Lough Derg Way walking route”.