Feathers ruffled as bird sanctuary gets green light

FEATHERS are being ruffled in one of Limerick’s most fashionable addresses over birds of prey.

A local man who looks after injured birds, such as falcons, has been given planning permission by the city council to retain bird pens in his back garden.

However, one neighbour is not happy and has appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála.

Gerard O’Neill who moved into Iona Drive, North Circular Road, eight years ago, has been given the all clear by the city council to keep six bird pens.

Neighbour Patti O’Neill, however, feels that the presence of the bird pens will devalue her property and is taking her case to the planning appeals’ body.

Mr O’Neill says that, for more than 20 years, birds of prey have formed an integral part of his life and are a passion with him, and not just an ordinary hobby. His work with birds of prey includes the rehabilitation and release of injured birds which are often handed in to him by people who know of his work and also by veterinary surgeons.

Objector Ms O’Neill wrote to the city council two months ago and said there were health and safety issues involved as well as the impact the bird pens were having on her property. She also said she was concerned at the spread of avian flu.

Ms O’Neill said in her objection to An Bord Pleanála that part of her property has been overshadowed by her neighbour’s development.

She said: “The applicant’s development creates a strong visual impact to the public side of my property. This in consequence devalues my property.”

She further claimed in her letter of objection that the pens had a serious impact on the growth of her plants and vegetables.

In granting planning, the city council said that the bird lover O’Neill’s bird sanctuary must not be used commercially and that he could not at any one time have more than six birds in the pens.

The case is due to be ruled on by An Bord Pleanála on June 30.