Planning Permission Refused for Crobally Development

We're delighted to bring you the great news that the proposed development at Crobally Upper has been turned down by An Bord Pleanala. In other words, the planning permission has been refused.

There may be appeals in the future, but for now, the trees and wildlife at this site are safe. We'll keep an eye on the situation and tell you if there are appeals or other further developments.

Here's a copy of the reasons given for the refusal of planning permission. They don't relate to the trees, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Hawthorns Need To Be Preserved

Words and Pictures - Norman Graham

These pictures show the hawthorn berries in the area behind the GAA pitch in Tramore. This is the proposed for the development. Hawthorns are the red berries (in the picture). The black berries are elderberries.

Both of these are an important source of food and wild birds, and are becoming increasingly rare, due mainly to the destruction of such ancient hedgerows.

In the background are trees such as Scots Pine and Monterey Pine. These are very scarce trees in the areas around Tramore.

Contrary to a previous survey, all these trees are sound, so there is no evidence of decay. It is worth remembering, however, that even a dead fallen tree is a vital line in the endangered wildlife chain, as it provides a home for millions of insects, and consequently, food for birds, mice, rats, hedgehogs and bats.

Decaying wood is also a vital platform for the growth of many fungi, which are also food and very important carbon sinks. Finally, it is worth mentioning that our local Green Party Councillor has refused to be of any help whatsoever in this campaign.

Interesting Article in Irish Examiner

We came across this article in yesterday's (23 August) Irish Examiner, reporting on the poor condition of Ireland's habitats, including woodland habitats. We think it adds weight to our argument that these trees are worth saving, even if they are non-native Monterey Pines.

Here's the article, and you can decide for yourself whether its points tie in with what we're tyring to achieve for Tramore's woodlands.

Poster for Save the Trees Campaign

We've done up a poster for our campaign to save the trees behind the GAA club in Tramore, which we've been handing to people and putting up around town. Check it out here. Thanks to Graphic Image for designing and printing the poster at short notice.

How to Lodge An Objection to This Development

So far, we’ve been showing you the trees which have been under threat from a new housing development proposed for a site at Crobally Upper, behind the GAA club in Tramore. There is still time to object to this development, but objections must be lodged in writing by Wednesday 28 August.



If you’d like to object, but you’re not sure how, here’s a sample letter that you can use to lodge your objection. A fee of €20 is payable with the objection, and you can pay it via check or postal order.



                                                                                                                                    Address

                                                                                                                                    Dates



Planning Department

Waterford Council

The Mall

Waterford



Re: David Flynn (DFL) Construction Limited, Development of 30 Houses at Crobally Upper, Tramore, Objection Number: 19/549



Dear Sir



I wish to make an objection to this development because …



List your reasons, incl:

·         loss of one of the remaining three woodland areas in Tramore.

·         a 12-acre site across the road which is waiting to be developed.

·         already-existing traffic chaos.

I enclose payment of €20 to lodge my objection.



Yours faithfully.

(your name and signature)           

Site Notice f

This is the site notice for the proposed development at the site where the threatened trees are, in Crobally Upper. It'll give you more information about the development and help you make an informed decision as to whether to object.

Coverage In News and Star

We were delighted to get coverage in this week's Waterford News And Star for our campaign. Thanks to Dermot Keyes for a balanced and fair article.

Here's the article.