Alert Blackrock citizen Brian Hopper stopped illegal works by An Bord Gais on a Special Area of Conservation located just north of Blackrock in Marsh South, an area known as The Loakers according to a story in the Dundalk Democrat. Apparently they were unaware that they were not permitted to carry out works in that area. The matter was resolved following the intervention of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, tel 018882000.
This episode is a salutory lesson in how members of the public can play a vital role in environmental protection. There are several protected areas in County Louth including Natural Heritage Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas and it is an offence to carry out any works, dumping (even of clean top-soil) or any other activity that might interfere with the integrity of, or disturb wildlife in, the area in question.
Conservation Areas around Blackrock.
Well done Brian.
ReplyDeleteIts hard to believe that An Bord Gais were not aware of the SAC.
Great too to see our ever active NPWS people intervening so quickly.
I never find them less than prompt and committed where SPAs and SACs are being infringed upon.
I hope that similar powers will be extended to Natural Heritage Areas in due course.
Mark Dearey