Golf club fence proposal shot down over wildlife fears

Attempts by Galway Golf Club to erect a boundary fence at the seaside walkway past Blackrock have been refused for a second time.

According to the club, the spot – adjacent to the former driving range fencing – is constantly being used by people training dogs and allowing them to interfere with wildlife.

However, Galway City Council shot down the application, pointing out that the club had not shown the fence would not have a negative impact on what is a protected area, which hosts seals, otters, and Brent Geese.

An appeal cannot be made on the decision to An Bord Pleanála, as the statutory four-week period has elapsed.

The club had proposed erecting 350 metres of fencing measuring 1.2m high to prevent pedestrians and dogs from entering the grounds.

“This fence will also protect the cSAC (Candidate Special Area of Conservation) site from intrusion by pedestrians and dogs which has been a constant issue with persons entering the club grounds at that point to train dogs on the golf course and allowing them interfere with the wildlife.

“The existing ground in this area is a low embankment which slopes upwards from the seaside public walkway,” the application read.

There were two objections to the application on the grounds that it was similar to the previous application; that it would interfere with the view of the seascape and open lands; that the embankment, marsh and lake already serve as a trespass barrier; the fence would interfere with flora and fauna; and it would adversely impact the amenity of the coastal footpath.

The City Council refused the application on the grounds that the site is within the Galway Bay Complex Candidate Special Area of Conservation, and contains priority habitats.

It also hosts two species, the harbour seal and otters, and 20 bird species, including the Brent Goose which uses the site for feeding and roosting.

“It is considered that the applicant has not demonstrated and satisfied the planning authority that the proposed development will not have a negative impact on the conservation and preservation of [the] site.

“The introduction of a 1.2m high metal/industrial fence along this open coastal pathway would diminish and adversely impact upon the high level visual amenity and interfere with the open landscape quality of these lands,” the decision reads.

However, the Council’s planning report notes in its decision that some form of boundary could be considered.

“Notwithstanding the conclusions outlined, it is considered that the development of some type of boundary along the northern boundary of the coastal pathway allowing for the reasonable protection if private lands, providing transparency for view, permitting users of the coastal walk the continued enjoyment of the open landscape without views being impeded, could be considered,” the report reads.