In preparing the new County Development Plan, the Council is calling for members of the public to submit their views on proposed changes to areas designated as ‘Areas of Especially High Scenic Amenity’. The deadline for receiving submissions is 31 March 2006.
Proposed changes set out in the Draft County Development Plan 2005 include omitting areas of Especially High Scenic Amenity at Maghery, Cruit, Glasserchoo, Ardnagappary and Crohy whilst designating new additional areas at Rathmullan and Crooveenanta/ Clogher North/ Croaghubbrid.
Speaking recently, Gerry Richards, Senior Planner in Donegal County Council described these areas as ‘our highest quality landscapes’. He stated that “they are characterised by wilderness and few man made structures including high cliffed coastal zones and upland mountain areas. These are the areas that are most scenic and contribute so much to our County and particularly to the tourism industry”.
He added that “the Draft County Development Plan 2005 aims to protect these scenic landscapes from development that would seriously affect their quality and only very limited development would be allowed in these areas so that we can protect these landscapes and ensure their survival and enjoyment by future generations and maintain landscapes as a vital tourism resource.’
Have your say
The deadline of the 31 March 2006 for receiving submissions is fast approaching and Gerry Richards is calling for public feedback on the proposed changes to the areas of Especially High Scenic Amenity. Maps of each proposal can be viewed on www.donegalcoco.ie or in the offices of Donegal County Council. Submissions should be sent to Central Planning Unit, Donegal County Council, County House, Lifford and must be in by 31st March 2006.
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For further information contact:
Gerry Richards
Senior Planner
Donegal County Council
Tel: 074 91 72307
Or
Anne Marie Conlon
Communications Officer
Donegal County Council
Tel: 074 91 72574
Mob: 087 9192275
Email: amconlon@donegalcoco.ie