Planning For Blessington Greenway Denied By An Bord Pleanála

Tuesday, 10 December 2024 12:21

By Hannah Kelly

The proposed Blessington Greenway project would consist of a 33km of walking and cycling paths that travel around the Poulaphouca Reservoir/Blessington Lakes

An Bord Pleanála has denied an application for a major greenway in Blessington.

In 2020, €6.4 million was allocated to the greenway project as part of a plan to expand walking and cycling pathways in Ireland, with the loop path in Blessington waiting to commence since 2022.

The proposed Blessington Greenway project would consist of a 33km of walking and cycling paths that travel around the Poulaphouca Reservoir/Blessington Lakes.

However, An Bord Pleanála has now denied the application.

The inspector report details that the Board was not satisfied with the proposed project, citing the absence of detailed information on the impact of the project on the water quality of the nearby reservoir, as well as the drinking-water quality in the river.

The report also stated that permission was denied due to the lack of information on the environmental impact, specifically on the conservation of native bird species.

"The Board is not satisfied on the basis of the information on file, that adverse disturbance and displacement impacts on foraging and roosting Special Conservation Interest bird species will be adequately mitigated having regard to the increased presence of pedestrians and cyclists associated with the proposed greenway", stated the Board.

In relation to the protection of the reservoir as a drinking water source, the Board said: "The proposed development would, therefore, give rise to a potential source of water pollution, would be prejudicial to public health and be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area".

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