Planning authority gives go-ahead for Trusk Lough boardwalk

An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for a new boardwalk at Trusk Lough in Ballybofey.

The planning authority gave conditional permission for the development of a timber boardwalk and a new viewing area at the scenic lake, which is around 5km from Ballybofey town.

A previous decision by Donegal County Council in February to grand conditional permission was objected to. An appeal, containing the signatures of 66 local residents and landowners, was lodged in a bid to halt the development.

The objection, in the name of John Conaghan and Others, highlighted some concerns, including that the proposed development would be paid for by public money. The objectors were irked that planning permission was sought ‘without consultation of any form with the local community, stakeholders and landowners’.

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The group said that the area around Trusk Lough contains many notable features of scenic, archaeological, historical and geographical nature. They highlighted concerns over a possible impact on the environment.

While they mentioned that the Donegal Draft Development Plan 2005 said it was to be protected as a special area of high amenity, the local authority said the lough is not listed as a protected site.

The applicant, Ballybofey and Stranorlar Integrated Community Company (BASICC) have been given the go-ahead now for the works, over the existing stone-covered walking trail at Trusk Lough.

In its ruling, An Bord Pleanála said: “It is considered that, subject to compliance with the conditions, the proposed development would not have any detrimental impact on the rural character of the area, would not pose any risk to public safety, would not present any increased risk of flooding elsewhere in the area, and would constitute an acceptable development at this location. The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

The planning authority has laid down three conditions: The development must be carried out in accordance with the plans and particulars as in the application; Details of finishes and materials to be used are to be submitted to and agreed in writing with, the planning authority; and a construction management plan is to include hours of working, noise management measures and off-site disposal of construction/demolition waste.