24/595
Permission for:: (i) retention of partial infill of former lobster pond, (ii) completion of in-fill of pond, (iii) construciton of rock armour sea-defence buttress wall, at sea side of existing long-standing concrete structure, (iv) protection of same, (v) completion of infill to remainder of "lobster pond", and (vi) for all associated site works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted with the application. The Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy
Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to insufficient ecological justification for habitat removal, conflict with Town Greenbelt and marine development policies, and the absence of required Maritime Area Consent.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient information to rule out negative ecological impacts on the foreshore habitat or justify the interference with natural coastal processes using unknown infill material.
- The proposal represents an unacceptable incursion into the Town Greenbelt and conflicts with strategic objectives to support marine and tourism facilities within the Castletownbere development boundary.
- The application is premature as it lacks a Marine Area Consent (MAC) or a relevant declaration from the Marine Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) under the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021.