Big Isle - new airport a non-runner, so what now?

[He3]

There is an intriguing invitation up on the government etenders website today. It relates to development of 140 acres of land in Donegal that was bought under a CPO for an intended airport.

The Council seems to have given up the ghost on that airport idea due to the 'more robust' attitude on matters ecological adopted recently by the European Court, leading the Council to conclude that building an airport on an SPA/NHA might not be universally welcomed.

So they are open to new suggestions. Any ideas?

Extract:

Following a recent European Court ruling, it is now clear that a more robust and through and intensive assessment of the ecological implications, of development in or near Natura 2000 sites is required. Against this backdrop the County Council wish to explore the potential of the site, which was originally acquired by CPO for Airport development. The County Council are therefore interested in investigating the potential development of the Big Isle lands, through an appropriate assessment, of uses which may be compatible and/or consistent with the conservation designations under Natura 2000 and the other constraints outlined above. To take this objective a stage further, the County Council wish to commission a comprehensive environmental assessment of the potential uses of the site. In this regard Consultants are requested to examine the site from an environmental/ecological rather than economic/financial feasibility point of view. A number of uses have been discussed and advanced and Consultants are requested to consider the compatibility or otherwise of the following potential uses or mix of uses or to advance any other uses that may potentially arise from their assessment.

- Racecourse for horse riding – all weather track as in Dundalk and grass/turf as in Down Royal / Sligo.
- Horse racing – point to point
- Equestrian events.
- Hare coursing/greyhound racing
- Sports pitches – football, gaelic, rugby, hockey etc.
- School of motoring – driving, training – cars/motorbikes/
cycling, road safety proficiency
- Gliding
- Light aircraft/microlight aircraft – airstrip
- Nature reserve – interpretative centres
- Wildfowling/angling
- Walking/rambling
- Other non-specific passive recreational uses.

Link to etenders site - free registration required.

[goosebump]

The Council seems to have given up the ghost on that airport idea due to the 'more robust' attitude on matters ecological adopted recently by the European Court, leading the Council to conclude that building an airport on an SPA/NHA might not be universally welcomed.

Whatever gave them that idea?

Surely the time has come for Donegal to have a 2nd airport? If Derry, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare and Kerry all have airports, surely Donegal can have 2?

[ibis]

The Council seems to have given up the ghost on that airport idea due to the 'more robust' attitude on matters ecological adopted recently by the European Court, leading the Council to conclude that building an airport on an SPA/NHA might not be universally welcomed.

Whatever gave them that idea?

Surely the time has come for Donegal to have a 2nd airport? If Derry, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare and Kerry all have airports, surely Donegal can have 2?

And surely an SPA/NHA is the obvious place to build it? After all, you can't do anything else with the damned things.

[locke]

What on earth was the point of an airport there? It's 25 miles at most from City of Derry.

[alonso]

are we discussing ANOTHER airport on the Wesht coast? Fcking hell!!! How many do ye feckers need. There's only 1 over here for the 2 million that live in Leinster!!!

[He3]

are we discussing ANOTHER airport on the Wesht coast? Fcking hell!!! How many do ye feckers need. There's only 1 over here for the 2 million that live in Leinster!!!

Chill alonso - Lough Swilly would be North coast.

And are you overlooking the uniquely advantageous Weston, and the nicely uniformed Baldonnel?

[goosebump]

What on earth was the point of an airport there? It's 25 miles at most from City of Derry.

25 miles!!!

God lord, Sir. You can't expect people in rural Ireland to travel 25 miles to avail of a service!

The only time that people in rural should be required to travel 25 miles is from their home to their place of work.

[Bobert]

Jaysus Lads, I got an idea that can't fail. Lets build houses on it!

[alonso]

Chill alonso - Lough Swilly would be North coast.

And are you overlooking the uniquely advantageous Weston, and the nicely uniformed Baldonnel?

ah i see. Now it makes perfect sense. Would the people of the west like me to pay for it directly by cash or through the more traditional eastern subvention of western lifestyles we;re so used to via our taxation system?

And what the hell is wildfowling?

[He3]

alonso all major credit cards accepted, but I cannot help you on the wildfowling.