Farmers wins appeal over his effort to keep sheep off Connemara tourist road

A CONNEMARA farmer, who erected a wire fence in order to keep his sheep off the road, became the subject of a planning appeal to An Bord Pleanala – the appeal proved to be unsuccessful.

The fence was erected on lands about two miles from Kylemore Abbey as the owner was conscious of the fact that the road running by the property was becoming increasingly trafficked.

The road in question takes tourists through the Inagh Valley and the owner of the lands provided a fence measuring 1,850 metres in length. The fence was erected manually and no machinery was brought on site during the course of the works.

However, An Taisce appealed planning permission that was granted for the retention of the fence which was provided on the lands that are owned by Arthur Walsh. The lands are not commonage.

An Taisce, in their appeal to An Bord Pleanala, stated that the lands are in a highly sensitive location and they considered that the fence was visually intrusive and unsympathetic to the immediate landscape.

They said that the fence detracts from the visual amenities and unique character of the landscape. They added that it is contrary to objectives to preserve the traditional open unfenced landscape.

“The development is located within the Maamturk Mountains Special Area of Conservation. The synopsis for the site notes the fact that the main threats are overgrazing, peat cutting and afforestation.

“To permit the fencing would be contrary to a plan regarding the protection and enhancement of natural heritage and biodiversity and the protection of the integrity of European sites.

“There is no justification for the fencing has been submitted and there is no basis for the use of the bog land for grazing,” An Taisce stated in their appeal to An Bord Pleanála.

In response, Mr Walsh said that because of its low level, the fence does not obstruct views and it was required in view of increased traffic in the area and for safety.

He said that it was not safe to have animals accessing this particular road. He added that the fence would have no change on the landscape. “The effect on the landscape character is judged to be neutral,” he added.

In their ruling, An Bord Pleanala stated that the fence would be in keeping with the established use of the lands for the grazing of sheep and, subject to compliance with the conditions, the proposed development would not have a negative impact on the scenic character of the area or on its potential for recreational amenity.

They also said that a proposed screening initiative meant that it would not interfere with protected sites like the Maamturk Mountains or the Twelve Bens-Garraun complex.