Action group to appeal against seaplane site approval

An organisation opposing plans to develop a seaplane operation in Mountshannon has announced it is to lodge an appeal against the proposed development and will fight “tooth and nail” against such an operation.
The Lough Derg Action Group was founded at a meeting held recently for those who opposed plans by applicants Harbour Air Ireland Ltd, also known as Harbour Flights Ireland, to develop a pontoon and slipway at Mountshannon Harbour, which would facilitate a seaplane service on Lough Derg.
Harbour Air Ireland Ltd received planning permission last month for the development but there were strong objections lodged from members of the local community and organisations who raised concerns regarding the plans.
In a statement to The Clare Champion, a spokesperson for the Lough Derg Action Group said, “We are fully behind the promotion of a sustainable tourism industry in the East Clare and Lough Derg area but we believe that creating a mini-airport on a serene inland lake is counter-productive to sustainable development. We intend appealing the decision of Clare County Council to An Bord Pleanála.
“The attraction of Lough Derg is that it offers local communities and visitors a tranquil and serene environment that feeds the human spirit. To allow scheduled commercial seaplane flights to operate on the waterway would be squandering a beautiful natural amenity that is enjoyed by all, just to line the pockets of a select few,” the spokesperson said.
Concerns have also been raised by the group in relation to the plane landing and take-off.
“The area for landing and take-off is in a Special Protection Area (SPA), which supports important numbers of wintering wildfowl. Introducing a mini-airport on the lake, with the intense noise generated by seaplanes, would destroy the quiet habitat that is vital to protect the wide variety of wildlife,” the spokesperson added.
Further concerns were raised in relation to the possible threat of a fuel spillage from an aircraft. Should this occur the group believes it would have “devastating consequences for local communities, flora and fauna and especially to fresh water lamprey eels, as well as the endangered species of pollan, which are unique to just four Irish lakes. A pollution threat would also pose a danger to spawning areas for all wild native fish like the wild brown trout”.
The group also claims that while landing and taking off, the planes would pose a health and safety hazard to users of the lake, especially children being taught to sail in the harbour.
“The Lough Derg Action Group is now adding its voice to the huge level of opposition to the plan. The group has received further support for its stance from the Munster Trout Angling Council, The National Association of Regional Game Councils, local residents and the Trout Angling Federation of Ireland, who fear that seaplanes could result in further invasive species being introduced to the lake, with potentially massive consequences for the unique eco-system of Lough Derg,” the statement added.