Objections to improved UL pedestrian access

WATERWAYS Ireland and fishermen have objected to the proposed provision of improved pedestrian access to the Clare campus of the University of Limerick.
The university has pledged to protect the rich natural habitat of a Special Area of Conservation site (SAC) on its Clare campus as part of new plans to improve pedestrian access. A planning application lodged with Clare County Council seeks permission for the provision of a boardwalk of about 657m, upgrading of materials over a section measuring 823m, retention of a portion of boardwalk measuring 45m and retention of an upgraded walkway measuring 585m.
The application also seeks planning approval for a new route to link the upgraded walkway to Cappavilla student village. The upgraded and improved walkway is located close to the southern boundary of the Clare campus and will be for pedestrian-use only.
In its submission to the council, Waterways Ireland claimed the ownership boundary shown on one of the drawings lodged with the planning application is incorrect, as parts of the lands within the property of Waterways Ireland are shown as the property of the university. “There has been no consultation with Waterways Ireland regarding this project and consequently, Waterways Ireland is objecting to this planning application,” the submission stated.
Limerick-based solicitors Lucy Collins lodged a submission on behalf of Stephen Slattery, Norwood Park, Ballysimon Road, Limerick and Peter McNamara, Hillcroft, St Patrick’s Road, Limerick.
The submission stated the area contains otters, frogs, salmon, sea lamprey, duck, swans and other wildlife and the proposed development would open it up to the public and interfere with the  flora and fauna.
It stated the development would also attract people using horses, quad bikes and motor bikes while the boardwalk would impede access to the riverbank.
“Stephen Slattery and Peter McNamara together with 15 to 20 other local fishermen and their ancestors have been fishing this stretch of river for upwards of 50 years.
“There is no other area along the bank of this river suitable for use by these fishermen, who fish there seven days a week during the fishing season. Some of these fishermen are out of work and could not afford to travel elsewhere to pursue their hobby, which has become a way of life for them and their families after such a long period of time.
“The development would attract large numbers of the public on foot and otherwise prevent these fishermen from continuing to safely and quietly fish. Stephen Slattery and Peter McNamara contend the development is a ‘frivolous’ cosmetic exercise and a waste of available funds,” the submission alleged.
In addition to controlling invasive species, there are plans for information boards to be constructed at key points to inform the visitor of the habitat and its unique and protected features. The university also commissioned an appropriate assessment screening on portion of the site, which was the subject of the application for planning retention.