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Residents maintain their opposition to marina plan
STRONG opposition continues in Ballina to plans for the development of the marina.
At a public meeting organised by Ballina Marina Action Group, spokesman Joe Cahalane urged local residents to lodge planning objections to what he described as the "totally inappropriate development being proposed for a marina in a small lakeside heritage town".
The development, he claimed, would further erode the services the marina can offer.
"The scale and density, the impact on the sensitive lakeside environment and the pressure on local infrastructure were the main reasons for opposing the developer's proposals," Mr Cahalne said..
A spokesperson for the developers, Eclipse Developments, said they had worked for almost three years with award-winning architects Murray O'Laoire and consulting engineers, Arup, to develop a vision for Lough Derg Marina that was in keeping with the Western Area Plan.
"Opposition to the proposed development has reduced steadily over this time as we have successfully addressed any concerns held by the majority of local residents," the spokesperson claimed.
"Ours is a vision for what we firmly believe could deliver a quality tourist amenity and asset to the local community.
"Shoreline will be somewhere people can come and walk along by the river, which will be well lit at night, and take in the stunning views this site offers of the Shannon."
The objectors are not convinced however.
At the public meeting, Geoff O'Donoghue, a trustee of Lough Derg Yacht Club, said that under the current County Council Development plan, the marina was designated as an integrated tourist area.
But the developer's planning application is for a residential development with boat berthing and "could not be described, in any sense of the word, as a marina."
Marine biologist Dr Dan Minchin told the meeting that it was "inexplicable that no Environmental Impact Assessment was being submitted for such a massive development beside a conservation area that included a Special Protection Area (SPA), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a National Heritage Area (NHA) in a recognised heritage town".
The meeting was also addressed by Fine Gael councillor Phyll Bugler; Fianna Fil councillor John Sheehy; Labour senator Alan Kelly and Junior Minister Mire Hoctor.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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