Slugs on the move as bypass sanctioned

PROTECTED slugs which forced the redesign of a €200 million bypass are to be moved from certain areas along the route after An Bord Pleanála gave the road project the green light.

The board noted several environmental, historic and cultural concerns relating to the proposed Macroom bypass on the Cork to Kerry road. But it went against its inspector’s report and said it should go ahead for several reasons, including:

n the severe traffic congestion in Macroom;

nthe seriously substandard condition of much of the N22 between Macroom and Baile Bhúirne;

nthe negative impact of excessive through-traffic on the commercial, social and environmental conditions and road safety in Macroom, and the villages of Baile Mhic Íre and Baile Bhúirne;

n and the grant by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of a Derogation Licence under the Habitats Regulations in respect of the Kerry Slug.

The board attached conditions to granting permission, including the appointment of experts to “identify, create and manage a suitable receiving environment for the long-term translocation of the Kerry Slug”.

Bats will also get special flyovers on the bypass’s underpasses and bridges.

The discovery of the protected slug in Cascade Wood near Ballyvourney forced the redesign of a section of the bypass.

Historians then warned that the bypass would destroy the site of one of the biggest War of Independence ambushes.

But pro-bypass campaigners took to the streets of Macroom during summer months when traffic congestion is at its worst to lobby in support of the bypass.

An oral hearing was held last summer and in its ruling yesterday, the Bórd said the bypass would not have a significant effect on the area.

The positive impacts would outweigh the negative socio-economic impacts of removing through traffic from towns and villages on its route, it said.

It has now directed that a survey be undertaken to map historic and cultural sites, including War of Independence and Civil War sites, along the route.

These maps will be made available for public display.

The board also noted that the inspector did not recommend refusal because of the road’s possible impacts on Carrigaphooca Castle and the nearby stone circle the impacts on the Civil War monument at Carrigaphooca, the impacts on the War of Independence ambush site at Cúil na Cathrach, and the impacts on the protected Carrigaphooca House.

Local Cllr Aindrias Moynihan welcomed the decision.

“This could provide lots of local jobs which would greatly benefit the Macroom region. It’s up to the Government now to prioritise funding and to see that this project goes ahead,” he said.