Trust report criticises planning process in conservation areas

The failure to consider adequately within the planning process the extent of potential damage to special areas of conservation (SACs) threatens some of Ireland's most important landscapes and habitats, according to a report by the Irish Wildlife Trust.

The IWT campaigns manager, Ms Shirley Clerkin, said the findings were an indictment of local authorities and of Duchas, the heritage service.

The study, funded by the Heritage Council, examined planning applications within proposed SACs in Cos Clare, Wicklow, Offaly, Leitrim, Roscommon and Mayo. Its purpose was to determine if the planning process ensures SAC sites "remain at a favourable conservation status".

To determine whether a development would have an adverse impact on the ecological integrity of these sites, a specific assessment is required under the EU Habitats Directive. Consultation by the planning authority with Duchas is vital to this assessment, Ms Clerkin said.

Fewer than 50 per cent of these planning applications were referred to Duchas for comment, the study found. It only replies to half of these referrals.

Ms Clerkin expressed disappointment that a majority of applications submitted within proposed SACs were "not even assessed".

The failure of the local authorities to consult Duchas, and the failure by Duchas to reply meant the first stages of SAC protection were being ignored, she said.

All applications referred by planning authorities to the National Parks and Wildlife (NPW) service should be commented on, the report says.

Where the NPW objects to a proposed development within an SAC, the local authority should refuse planning permission or refer the matter to the European Commission, it recommends. The report also recommends that local and regional NPW staff should liase more closely with planning authorities.