Children would have played in
gardens contaminated with these
chemicals Tylene, Zylene, Toluene,
Chromium and Arsenic?
We believe that Hazelwood
House, a national and international
important building must be preserved
for the local community, the nation and
and the world. We also believe that it
still could serve as vital role has a
educational or tourist amenity for the
northwest of Ireland and must be
protected.
The ancient ecological system
that is in the alluvial woodland of the
Hazelwood Forest must not be disturbed
or altered forever. The added burden on
the natural environment, with the
increased population and their domestic
animals would have created adverse
effect on woodland and fauna. Such a
rare woodland habitat must be
preserved.
OUR CONCERNS
Hazelwood House, the first and
most important Palladian Villa built to the
design of Richard Cassells in 1731, and
its surrounding landscape the River
Garravogue and Lough Gill is of
outstanding beauty, was threatened from a
proposed housing development that
would have scarred the natural
environment forever.
Trees, ruthlessly pulled down.
Roads, pavements and houses smothering
the fertile land where wild flowers grow.
The exquiste views along the river's edge,
replaced by the sight of bricks and
concrete. The woods much loved and
frequented by locals and visitors alike
gone under the bulldozers, never to
return.
The unspoilt magnificence of
Lough Gill, regarded by many as one of
the most glorious lakes in Ireland, would
never have been the same.
If the planning application had
been granted by Sligo County Council
residents and visitors would no longer
have been able to enjoy this wonderful
amenity.
Our Concerns
Hazelwood House & Buildings Within Curtiledge
•
Owners of a protected property have a responsibility to restore and maintain it, with or without planning permission. They have
failed to do this
•
No firm plan and timetable in place for restoration of Hazelwood House and a lack of evidence of taking immediate measures by
new owners to make good leaks to roof of house and two wings since taking ownership
•
No drawings of Windmill House, former Toll House, Boat House, and later Gamekeeper's Cottage within curtilege have been
made.
The Development Project
•
Entire project, bulk /scale unsuited to the surroundings.
•
Housing on the East too dense and contrary to Sligo County Councils Development plan.
•
Housing on the West side is inappropriate, too close to shore line , and should be removed.
•
No precedent for this type of riverside development. Totally unsuitable for a rural setting.
Tourism
•
Spoiling such scenic beauty will discourage tourism
Infrastructure and Services
•
Pipe laying facilitating new sewer will mean destruction to hedgerows, road surface and habitat.
•
No consultation with landowners
•
Existing local services pressure, schools in area already overcrowded. Up to 500 people requiring extra services.
•
IPPC licence not transferred from previous owners Contamination on site has been identified.
•
Project will increase further contamination risk
•
Potential serious health risks to humans, flora and fauna
•
Lake water, Sligo's supply source, contamination
•
Concern regarding mix of contamination
•
Recreational Amenities: diminished enjoyment.
•
All existing rights of way, paths, etc should be preserved for public use.
•
Some proposed development only 8m away from some areas of public walkway.
•
Serenity and beauty of the river will be spoiled.
•
Public may have no access to proposed marina
Environmental Issues
•
Ancient ecological system, the alluvial woodland will be disturbed and possibly eradicated for ever. Such a rare woodland habitat
must be preserved.
•
Added burden on the natural environment.
•
Increased population and their domestic animals create have adverse effect on woodland and fauna.
•
Possible destruction of 3 badger setts.
•
Six of the nine different types of bats in Ireland are found around Hazelwood house.
•
Red squirrels recently on the increase in Hazelwood are now threatened.
•
Bird life, both woodland & water birds will have their habitats at best greatly reduced, and at worst removed completely
•
Trees designated to be cut down merely described as 'scrub' in the planning application are in actual fact 'Mature Native' trees.
•
There has been no comprehensive report on trees.
•
This area is an Alluvial woodland one of only a few in Ireland and is worth protecting.
PLEASE SUPPORT
THE
HAZELWOOD ACTION
GROUP SLIGO
PLEASE JOIN US
