boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council

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