This is the decision on which the present work on the beach in Portmarnock is based. Towards the end there are motions passed which remove the beach exit between the hotel and golf course.                                      

Extract from Planning meeting 01/11/1999.   FP/296/99                                                                                                                  

REPORT ON PORTMARNOCK DUNES CONSERVATION SCHEME

The following report by the manager, which had been circulated, was considered:

1.INTRODUCTION

A detailed report on the Portmarnock Dunes Conservation Scheme was presented to the Planning Committee of the County Council on 7th December 1998. At that meeting the findings of the joint report on the Conservation Scheme prepared by Consultants, Mr. Michael Quigley and Dr. Michael Shaw were considered by the County Council. Pursuant to the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1994 and 1995 and in accordance with the procedure set out in the Regulations, a scheme subsequently prepared by the consultants, was advertised on the 12th July 1999 and the detailed plans and particulars were made available for public inspection from Monday, 12th July 1999 to Wednesday, 11th August 1999 (both dates inclusive). Submissions or objections with respect to the proposed scheme, dealing with the proper planning and development of the area, were invited to be made in writing to the Council up to and including Wednesday, 27th August 1999.

Details of the submissions received are set out in (c).

a.DESCRIPTION OF NATURE AND EXTENT OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND THE PRINCIPAL FEATURES THEREOF.

The nature of the proposal is to carry out physical works with a view to stabilising and conserving the existing dune system at the Velvet Strand, Portmarnock. The principal features of the proposal are-

1.Clear rubbish and other debris from dunes.

2.Working in sections, remove the existing Marram grass from the areas to be regraded.

3.The bare sand to be reprofiled to the proposed shape using mechanical plant.

4.Jute matting or a spray-on binder to be used on the newly regraded slopes to help stabilise the unprotected sand and limit blowing sand caused by the action of the wind on the unprotected dunes.

5.The new shaped dunes to be replanted as soon as possible after completion of earthwork on that section of dunes, using original Marram grass kept in storage, after 2 above, and supplement same with new Marram planting.

6.Sand fencing to be erected at equal intervals (approx. 10m) perpendicular to the line of the dune crest. The golf course fence to be replaced and realigned to suit the new dune profile and reduce the visibility of the fence from the beach. Additional higher level fencing to be installed at the northern end of the golf course.

7.Extend existing grassed revetment 250 metres in a southerly direction and construct sleep wall fronting beach.

8.Provide gabion mattress carpet at the toe of the dunes facing the beach (between 16th and 18th tees) to protect vulnerable areas subject to erosion by high tides.

9.Construct new footpath from the existing public right of way adjacent to the hotel and provide link along the grassed promenade to the public car park.

10.Perimeter fencing to be erected around sections of the dunes to prevent public access to the new marram planting during the establishment phase.

11.Signs and notice boards to be erected at strategic locations along the beach explaining to members of the public the extent and nature of the works to be carried out as part of the Dune Conservation Scheme.

12.Construct boardwalk across dunes at the southern end of the Velvet Strand to provide link to public car park at Golf Links Road.

a. EVALUATION OF THE LIKELY IMPLICATIONS, IF ANY, OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IN RESPECT OF THE PROPER PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA IN WHICH THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE SITUATED.

The relocation of the fence to the landward side of the dune crest will reduce the visibility of the fenceline from the beach; thereby ameliorating the visual intrusion caused by the boundary fence in its current location along the dune crest.

The proposed works are also intended to strengthen and stabilise the dune system and attempt to significantly reduce any further erosion or degradation of this important natural habitat. It will be necessary to restrict public access to the dunes for the duration of the works and until the new plantings have been fully established.

b. LIST OF PERSONS OR BODIES WHO MADE SUBMISSIONS OR OBSERVATIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT.

1.Portmarnock Action Committee

2.Deputy Sean Ryan

3.Deputy Nora Owen

4.Mr. S. Connery

5.Councillor Heidi Bedell

6.Ms. Pauline Connolly

7.Professor David Jeffrey, T.C.D.

a .SUMMARY OF THE ISSUES WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPER PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA RAISED BY THE PERSON OR BODIES WHO MADE SUBMISSIONS OR OBSERVATIONS AND THE RESPONSE OF THE LOCAL AUTHORITY THERETO.

1. Proposal No. 6 of the conservation measures - contravention of condition 13 of Planning Permission 94A/603. What is meant by "Additional Higher-Level Fencing".

2. Retention of public right-of-way to beach.

3. Width and height of grass revetment to be minimised.

4. Treatment of dunes to rear of grass revetment and topography of the northern end of dunes.

5. Relocation of fence to landward side of dunes.

6. Financial contribution towards cost of Dune Conservation Scheme by owners of Golf Course.

7. Type of grass species proposed for dune re-planting - Sea Couch grass more suitable.

8. Use of gabions mattresses in the scheme is not considered appropriate.

b.RESPONSE - GENERAL POINTS

1.It is the view of the County Council that proposal no. 6 of the conservation measures does not contravene condition no. 13 of Planning Permission 94A/603. The "additional higher level fencing" mentioned in the Public Notice refers to its height in relation to the proposed dune sand fencing. The height of this fencing will in fact be only 1.2 metres and will be significantly lower than the existing golf course boundary fence and its purpose is solely to direct pedestrians away from the most vulnerable and badly eroded section of the dunes.

2.The public right of way from the golf course across the dunes at the northern end of the beach is to be rebuilt and upgraded as part of proposal no. 9 of the scheme. A diversion of approx. 30m of the existing pedestrian access to the beach will be required to enable the necessary protective fencing to be erected.

3.The edge of the revetment will be a natural continuation of the existing line and can be curved gradually inwards at its southern extremity.

4.There can be no fore-dune behind the grassed area. A fore-dune develops as a response to vegetation colonisation above the back-shore area. Currently, within the whole system, the fore-dune is vestigial due to sea encroachment.

5.The relocation of the fence to the landward side of the dune crest will reduce the visibility of the fence line from the beach; thereby ameliorating the visual intrusion caused by the boundary fence in its current location along the dune crest.

6.IMG have agreed to make a substantial financial contribution towards the cost of the Dune Conservation Scheme; which is being carried out on land outside their ownership.

7. The points raised in relation to the type of grass species to be used in the scheme have been taken on board and efforts will be made to source suitable planting material to enhance the effectiveness and success of the scheme.

8.Gabion mattresses will be used over a very restricted area of the dunes where tidal erosion is most acute. It is proposed to bury the mattresses to reduce any visual intrusion from the beach.

a.INDICATION OF THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS INTENDED TO PROCEED

It is intended to proceed with the Dune Conservation Scheme as proposed, taking into account the various representations which have been made as part of the public consultation process. It should be noted that in view of the nature of the work and instability of the Sand Dune System and its vulnerability to the affects of wind and wave action at Portmarnock, the scheme can merely seek to prolong the life of the dunes and reduce the rate of deterioration. Over this winter, and possibly prior to the commencement of the main scheme, it may be necessary to undertake emergency measures to protect the dunes from erosion originating in winter storms. The erosion of the dunes has accelerated in recent years such that, in certain critical sections the crest line of the dunes has retreated by at least 10 metres to beyond the boundary fence on the golf course side within the last 3 years.

The Cathaoirleach welcomed Dr. Michael Shaw, Kirk McClure Morton and Mr. Michael Quigley, Trinity College to the meeting. Dr. Shaw indicated the area and proposals by slide presentation. Councillors H. Bedell, P Coyle, and M. Kennedy raised questions and the Manager and Messrs. Quigley and Shaw replied.

The Manager advised the meeting that the reference in the report to a public right of way across the Dunes at the North Edge of the beach should refer to a managed public access.

It was proposed by Councillor P. Coyle seconded by Councillor S. Ryan -

"That direct easy access be provided from the grassed areas to the beach (via boarded walk/steps, toed to the beach) at a number of points including:

i.Directly in line with the public car park entrance

ii.Directly in line with the pedestrian entrance at the northern end of the IMG golf course."

An amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor M. Kennedy and seconded by Councillor G.V. Wright -

That the words 'directly in line with the public car park entrance' be replaced with 'from the public car-park area'.

This was Agreeed unanimously.

Another amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor M. Kennedy and seconded by Councillor GV Wright:-

That all of part (ii) be deleted.

Following discussion, the amendment was PUT and on a division the voting resulted as follows-

For 13 Against 9 Abstain 1

For: Councillors C. Boland, M.J. Cosgrave, L. Creaven, A. Devitt, S. Dolphin, M. Kennedy, J. Maher, T. Morrissey, D. Murray, M. Richardson, N. Ryan, S. Terry, and G.V. Wright.

Against: Councillors H. Bedell, J. Burton, P. Coyle, C. Daly, J. Higgins, T. Kelleher, M. O'Donovan, S. Ryan, and S. Sweeney.

Abstain: Councillor D. O'Connor

The Cathaoirleach declared the amendment PASSED.

The motion was then PUT.

"That direct easy access be provided from the grassed areas to the beach (via boarded walk/ steps, toed to the beach) at a number of points including:

(i) From the public car-park area."

This was AGREED unanimously.

It was proposed by Councillor P. Coyle and seconded by S. Ryan

"That a boarded path be constructed from the pedestrian entrance (right-of-way) at the northern end of the IMG golf course directly to the beach (without any major northward diversion)."

Following discussion to which Councillors P Coyle, S. Ryan and M. Kennedy contributed the motion was PUT and on a division the voting resulted as follows -

For 10 Against 13 Abstain Nil

For: Councillors H. Bedell, J. Burton, P. Coyle, C. Daly, J. Higgins, T. Kelleher, D. O'Connor, M. O'Donovan, S. Ryan, S. Sweeney.

Against: Councillors C. Boland, M.J. Cosgrave, L. Creaven, A. Devitt, S. Dolphin, M. Kennedy, J. Maher, T. Morissey, D. Murray, M. Richardson, N. Ryan, S. Terry and G.V. Wright.

The Cathaoirleach declared the motion LOST.

It was proposed by P. Coyle and seconded by S. Ryan -

"That the proposed 'additional higher level fencing to be installed at the northern end of the golf course' be removed from the proposed works."

The Motion was PUT and on a division the voting resulted as follows -

For 10 Against 13 Abstain Nil

For: Councillors H. Bedell, J. Burton, P. Coyle, C. Daly, J. Higgins, T. Kelleher, D. O'Connor, M. O'Donovan, S. Ryan, S. Sweeney.

Against: Councillors C. Boland, M.J. Cosgrave, L. Creaven, A. Devitt, S. Dolphin, M. Kennedy, J. Maher, T. Morrissey, D. Murray, M. Richardson, N. Ryan, S.Terry and G.V. Wright.

The Cathaoirleach declared the Motion LOST.

It was proposed by Councillor P. Coyle and seconded by S. Ryan

"That the IMG golf course boundary fence at the northern end (adjacent to the proposed 250 m. grassed area), be no more than 1.2 metres high in areas where there are no screening works carried out."

This was ruled OUT OF ORDER by the Cathaoirleach.

It was proposed by Councillors P. Coyle and seconded by S Ryan -

"That a review of the works be carried out within twelve months, and a further report be presented to the Council."

The Motion was PUT and on a division, the voting resulted as follows:-

For: 23 Against: NIL Abstain: NIL

For: Councillors H. Bedell, C. Boland, J. Burton, MJ Cosgrave, P. Coyle, L. Creaven, C. Daly, A. Devitt, S. Dolphin, J. Higgins, T. Kelleher, M. Kennedy, J. Maher, T. Morrissey, D. Murray, D. O'Connor, M.O'Donovan, M. Richardson, N. Ryan, S. Ryan, S. Sweeney, S. Terry, and GV Wright.

The Cathaoirleach declared the motion PASSED.

It was proposed by Councillor S. Terry seconded by M. Kennedy and RESOLVED "That the Manager's report be adopted".

This was AGREED.

TOP