Inspector’s Report ABP-301576-18

Development CONSTRUCT A FOREST ACCESS ROAD WITH AN ENTRANCE OFF AN EXISTING PRIVATE ROAD, AND ALL ANCILLARY WORKS (INCLUDING AMENDED AGRICULTURAL ACCESS GATES)

Location LETTEREENEEN, BARNAHOWNA, TOURMAKEADY

Planning Authority Mayo County Council

Planning Authority Reg. Ref. 17/529

Applicant(s) Coillte

Type of Application Permission

Planning Authority Decision Refuse permission

Type of Appeal First Party

Appellant(s) Coillte

Observer(s) Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Coiste Pobal

Date of Site Inspection 20th July 2018

Inspector Donal Donnelly

ABP-301576-18 Inspector’s Report Page 1 of 49 Contents

1.0 Site Location and Description ...... 4

2.0 Proposed Development ...... 4

3.0 Planning Authority Decision ...... 5

3.1. Decision ...... 5

3.2. Planning Authority Reports ...... 5

4.0 Planning History ...... 7

5.0 Policy Context ...... 7

5.1. Mayo County Development Plan, 2014-2020 ...... 7

5.2. Natural Heritage Designations ...... 8

6.0 The Appeal ...... 8

6.1. Grounds of Appeal ...... 8

6.2. Planning Authority Response ...... 12

6.3. Observations ...... 14

7.0 Assessment ...... 16

7.2. Development Principle ...... 16

7.3. Landscape and Visual Impact ...... 17

7.4. Impact on the Environment ...... 19

8.0 Environmental Impact Assessment ...... 22

8.1. Introduction ...... 22

8.2. Reasonable Alternatives ...... 23

8.3. Land Take ...... 24

8.4. Assessment of the potential direct and indirect effects of the project ...... 24

8.5. Reasoned Conclusion ...... 39

9.0 Appropriate Assessment ...... 40

ABP-301576-18 Inspector’s Report Page 2 of 49 10.0 Recommendation ...... 47

11.0 Reasons and Considerations ...... 48

ABP-301576-18 Inspector’s Report Page 3 of 49 1.0 Site Location and Description

1.1. The appeal site is located in the townlands of Lettereeneen and Barnahowna in southern Co. Mayo between the Partry Mountains and Lough Mask. is the highest peak in the vicinity rising to 673m OD at a distance of approximately 5km to the west. The site is accessed off the R300 Regional Road, which continues along the western shore of Lough Mask.

1.2. The site of the proposed access road extends for a distance of 2.4km along the north-eastern side of the Owenbrin River. The site boundary commences off a private road that forms one arm of a ‘Y’ junction where the public road ends. The site then continues slightly up-gradient towards a number of dwellings before entering the steeper slopes of the valley. The forestry plantation continues further up the valley along the southern slopes of the Party Mountains. The south-eastern end of the site sits at an elevation of 69m OD and the north-western end is at a height of 134m OD.

1.3. A felling licence has been granted for 24.12 hectares of a 57.8 hectares site. The entire forestry plantation covers an area of approximately 120 hectares.

2.0 Proposed Development

2.1. Planning permission is sought for the construction of a c. 2.4km forestry access road with entrance off an existing private road, and all ancillary works (including amended agricultural access gates). The purpose of the proposed development is to provide access to an area of forestry for carrying out of felling, timber extraction and replanting operations. The proposal also includes the following main elements:

• Road running width of 3.8m;

• Permeable unbound hardcore stone surface;

• Cut and fill with majority of materials sourced at site;

• Retaining wall structure combined with anti-erosion protection measures;

• 3 no. clear span bridge watercourse crossings and 34 no. smaller water crossings;

• 18 month construction phase and 8 month settlement period;

ABP-301576-18 Inspector