Pathways – input to FCC Development Plan 2017

1. Background

Howth Pathways is a volunteer group which undertakes to maintain the pathways on the Howth Peninsula. The idea was first considered in 2005 when a group of local people, concerned that many traditional walking routes were closing over through years of neglect, decided to cut back overgrown paths. Working with , Failte Ireland and with the support of local landowners, 4 loop paths were established in 2009. Howth has now become a popular walking destination benefiting both the local community and the many visitors who come to Howth.

The aim of Howth Pathways is to help walkers enjoy Howth’s wonderful diverse scenery by keeping traditional paths open.

In order to achieve its aim the Group: a) Maintains and keeps paths open by cutting back overgrown shrubbery and other works b) Promotes the paths as a recreational amenity for walkers, c) Encourages volunteers to become involved in all the activities of the group, d) Liaises with the following individuals/groups/agencies to promote sustainable recreation on the Howth peninsula: local landowners, Fingal County Council, Failte Ireland, the National Trails Office the SAAO committee, the Howth Sutton Community Council, An Taisce and other local environmental groups, e) Promotes the concept of sustainable recreation through the "Leave No Trace" message and by encouraging personal responsibility and awareness, f) Monitors planning developments that may impact on Howth’s pathways,

2. Input to Fingal Development Plan 2017 - 2023 Howth Pathways would like the following suggestions to be considered for incorporation into the Fingal Development Plan 2017 - 2023:

HP considers that the Development Plan should take account of the importance of developing, and thereafter, maintaining, the natural amenities of the county. In particular, the development of a coastal pathway, covering the entire shoreline of the county, and incorporating the Howth loop paths.

In relation to the Howth / Sutton area, this has already been reflected in the Howth Special Amenity Area Order 1999, and therefore we are seeking the continuing resolve of the Council to support the objectives of the SAAO.

In particular, we would make the following observations:

• The SAAO designates 21 kilometers of track as public footpath (page 12). These rights of way are already recognised in the SAAO following a process of consultation with landowners and a public inquiry and should be included in the Development Plan. • Furthermore there are other rights of way which should be included in the Development Plan following the process set out in s.14 of the Planning and Development Act. We can identify these routes as Howth Pathways directly to the Planning Department or through the SAAO Management Committee, as appropriate.

• Policy 1.2.2 of the SAAO states “… subject to the agreement of affected landowners, the Council will consider the creation of other rights of way in the development plan”. To date no action has been taken in relation to this policy. There are some desirable links which we would like to discuss with the Council during the development plan process which could add to the range of paths available to the hundreds of walkers who cover the existing range of paths on a daily basis. These would be created according to the provision of s.206 of the Act. Again, we are happy to discuss directly with the Planning Department or through the SAAO Management Committee, whichever is most convenient.

• Policy 1.2.1 states “The Council….. will develop this footpath system in an appropriate manner (signage, footpath surfaces, notices and maps, designation of bridleways etc). Howth Pathways would like to see a detailed timetable for the appropriate development of the footpaths, and in the meantime, suggests that certain signage improvements could be done immediately.

• Howth Pathways suggests that Development Plan incorporate an initiative to provide QR codes at various points of interest, which would direct the walker with a smartphone to the Fingal Tourism website for additional information on that topic. We see this as a flexible and low- cost method of providing relevant and interesting information, and thus enhancing the experience of the walker.

• While we are in favour of appropriate signage in that it adds to the positive experience for the walker, we nonetheless would like to see the Development Plan require the removal of the advertising hoardings from the old bridge outside the DART station, which used to carry the Howth Tram over the main road. This should be included in Table 3 of the SAAO, as a structure to be preserved.

• Howth Pathways suggest that there is a need for the greater enforcement of the existing bye-laws and planning conditions in relation to the SAAO area – in particular for the protection of prospects and open views in the Special Amenity Area (Policy 1.3.1). In that regard, we note that dumping is occurring near the Green Hollows quarry and on coastal lands adjoining the cliff path between the Baily and Ceanchor Road, areas specifically designated as SAC.

• Also, we note that there are instances of traditional vernacular features (dry stone walls and traditional gates) being removed.

• The management and maintenance of traditional paths by HP is helping to protect the heathland habitat. Nevertheless the continuous spread of invasive species such as the rhododendron continues to be a cause of concern as is the ongoing encroachment of gorse, fern and birch. The development plan needs to outline how the conservation and preservation of the heathland will be managed.

• Recent sightings of grey squirrels in the woods behind The Deer Park Hotel and also adjacent the golf course is a serious threat to the small number of remaining red squirrels in Howth. Ensuring their protection must be a priority. In addition, consideration should be given to protection of natural habitats through the development of a fire protection strategy in co- operation with Fire Brigade.

Howth Pathways is an excellent example of the positive benefits of community involvement and the objectives of the Development Plan will be more efficiently realised through working in closer co-operation with such community groups in raising awareness of Howth as a Special Area of Conservation.