Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to insufficient information to rule out significant adverse effects on the Cliffs of Moher Special Protection Area (SPA) and technical discrepancies regarding the capacity and loading of the proposed on-site wastewater treatment system.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient information, including a revised Appropriate Assessment screening, to demonstrate that the development would not adversely affect the integrity of the Cliffs of Moher Special Protection Area (SPA), particularly concerning the Chough and Peregrine Falcon populations.
- There are significant technical discrepancies between the submitted Site Assessment Report and the AA screening report regarding the exact hydraulic and organic loading for the proposed on-site wastewater treatment system, preventing a proper assessment of public health risks.
- The application lacked a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and failed to adequately assess the cumulative environmental impacts of increased visitor numbers in the context of existing developments and the sensitive Wild Atlantic Way landscape.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CDP 6.20CDP 8CDP 6.21CDP 10.2CDP 14.5CDP 14.7CDP 15.3CDP 15.4
Decision Document Summary
The Chapel Gate Whiskey Company sought permission for a 1,048sqm whiskey maturation rackhouse and an on-site wastewater treatment system at Doonagore, Doolin, Co. Clare. The site is situated within a designated heritage landscape proximate to the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way. While the development was considered acceptable in principle as a rural enterprise, it was refused because the Planning Authority was not satisfied that the project would not negatively impact the Cliffs of Moh...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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