boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council

More documents

Recommendations

Info

PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 2012 – 2018 & BEYOND Chapter 6: Built & Natural Heritage Photos: 46 & 47 Boyle River Lough Key is situated at the foot of the Curlew Mountains, in close proximity to Boyle. It is a beautiful lake and is studded with many wooded islands. Its southern shores, with their hills and woodland, constitute Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. Its immense range of habitats encourages a huge diversity of wildlife and birds such as summer visitors; the cuckoo, tern, willow warbler, whitethroat and blackcap. Photo 48: Lough Key Photo 49: Lough Key 6.2.3 Alien Species There are many alien species of plant and animal, now common in Ireland, which are not actually native, but were introduced in the past. Invasive alien species are those whose introduction threatens native biological diversity. Specific habitat types currently under threat in Ireland from invasive species include freshwater river systems, ponds, mesotrophic lakes, native woodland, lowland heath, coastal floodplain, coastal salt marsh and coastal sand dunes. A variety of native species are also threatened by invasive species, including red squirrels, white-clawed crayfish, red deer and earthworms. The threat to biodiversity in County Roscommon by invasive species is real. One invasive species, Japanese Knotweed, for example, is found in several locations around the county. Earth from areas infested with Japanese Knotweed should never be moved, as this is the main cause of its spread. RCC recognises the threats posed by invasive species and supports the work of organisations such as the Western Region Zebra Mussel Control Initiative, based in Galway County Council. RCC will support other initiatives to raise awareness of the dangers of the spread of invasive species. Further information on this issue is available on www.alienspecies.ie. 6.2.4 Landscape Character Assessment A Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is a study of a given landscape to ascertain its ‘character’. Landscape character is the combination of physical, as well as, perceived aspects of the landscape. Landscape character maps and an accompanying document with descriptions and recommendations is the end product of the assessment process. The aim of the County Roscommon LCA, which forms part of the Roscommon CDP 2008-2014, is to provide a tool for decision making regarding development control and to influence landscape policy at Local Authority level. In considering landscape character in the area, RCC acknowledges the importance of taking into account adjoining landscape character, landscape features and designations, including those in adjoining counties. The LCA for County Roscommon was primarily prepared because Section 10 of Planning and Development Act requires that all Local Authorities consider ‘the character of the landscape’ when drawing up objectives for their new county development plans, in the interests of proper planning and sustainable development. The European Landscape Convention (ELC), which Ireland ratified in 2002, requires signatories to assess and map their landscapes in the interests of wider European landscape planning and sustainable development. An important aspect of the ELC was to engage in widespread public consultation when assessing landscape value, which is a key component of the Roscommon LCA. The Boyle LAP area forms part of two Landscape Character Areas (LCA), LCA 16 - Lough Key and Boyle River Network and LCA 17 – Boyle and Curlew Mountains. Details of these Landscape Character Areas are outlined below. Roscommon LCA 16: Lough Key & Boyle River Network Key Characteristics Undulating in an easterly direction this drumlin lakeland landscape is dominated by Lough Key and a series of other loughs, including Oakport Lough and Boyle Local Area Plan 2012-2018 Page 86
PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 2012 – 2018 & BEYOND Chapter 6: Built & Natural Heritage Lough Eidin, all of which are linked by the Boyle River flowing in an easterly direction to connect to the River Shannon. The ridgeline of the hills located just north of Lough Key mark the northern boundary, while the southern boundary is delineated by the N4. The land cover in the northwest of the LCA is predominantly wet grassland with large areas of understorey forest, scrub and patches of heath. In contrast the south eastern half of the LCA is made up of dry grassland with large areas of mature forest and patches of cut over raised bog and reclaimed raised bog. There are a number of designated Scenic Routes and Scenic Views which overlook Lough Key Forest Park from elevated vantage points, taking in its wooded shoreline and islands. Figure 9: LCA 16 - Lough Key & Boyle River Network Built development is generally sparse in the LCA; however there is evidence of ribbon development along the R285 around Knockvicar and the third class roads leading into Cootehall village and the townland of Carrigeenree (north of Lough Key). A mineral extraction site next to Lough Fin, just south of Knockvicar has been mapped. The shoreline of Lough Arrow, just inside the county boundary to the west has been designated an NHA, SAC and SPA. Large tracts of Lough Key and the whole of Lough Eidin, as well as its adjoining wetlands to the east are designated as an NHA. The overall image of this landscape is one of an extensive organically shaped lakeland fringed by broadleaf forest. Landscape Value The Lough Key and Boyle River Network character area is of Exceptional Value. Lough Key Forest Park is the jewel in the crown for tourism in County Roscommon, attracting large numbers of visitors for its water amenities, habitats and surrounding scenic landscape. The Historical Walking Trail passes through the LCA taking in the shore of Lough Key and connecting with Boyle in the south and the Miners Way further north in the Arigna Mountains. Without doubt it is one of the most scenic areas in County Roscommon and is of national repute. Photo 50: View from the R280 to the north east over looking Lough Key Forest Park Forces of Change Any inappropriate or insensitively positioned development in and around the Lough Key Forest Park area could have a negative impact on the water amenity and scenic quality of the area. During the public consultation of the LCA, there was concern at the increase in leisure activities, specifically high speed pleasure crafts, which are spoiling the tranquil quality of the lakeland area. Increased afforestation is a possibility. This presents an opportunity to enhance deciduous tree planting. Poor management of forests, however, could erode the valuable woodland character of the LCA. Key Recommendations • Single rural dwellings should be prohibited where they would block views from designated locations. • Where new applications arise there should be regard to the existing woodland character of this local character area in accordance with the forestry and landscape guidelines prepared by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Forest Service. • Policies adopted by the Council to protect Scenic Routes and Scenic Views should take into account the exceptional scenic character of this LCA. Roscommon LCA 17: Boyle and Curlew Mountains Key Characteristics Located in the north of the county this LCA is dominated by the Curlew Mountains which slope steeply into the Boyle River corridor. The Boyle River meanders its way between the foot hills of the Curlews Boyle Local Area Plan 2012-2018 Page 87
Page 1:
BOYLE LOCAL AREA PLAN 2012 - 2018 M
Page 4 and 5:
Table of Contents 7.2.2 Retail & Co
Page 6 and 7:
PART I: INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT Chap
Page 8 and 9:
Page 10 and 11:
Page 12 and 13:
Page 14 and 15:
Page 16 and 17:
Page 18 and 19:
Page 20 and 21:
Page 22 and 23:
Page 24 and 25:
Page 26 and 27:
Page 28 and 29:
PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2012-
Page 30 and 31:
Page 32 and 33:
Page 34 and 35:
Page 36 and 37:
Page 38 and 39:
Page 40 and 41: PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2012-
Page 42 and 43: PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 2
Page 132 and 133: Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 - 2018 A
Page 134 and 135: Appendices 30. 00600696 Terraced Ho
Page 136 and 137: Boyle Local Area Plan 2012 - 2018 A
Page 138: Appendices 26. RO006-024 Deerpark L
show all

boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?