Proposal for €80,000 Loop Head playground

Plans for a new playground costing an estimated €80,000 in the middle of the picturesque Loop Head Peninsula have been unveiled by a local community group.
Kilballyowen Development Limited has submitted a planning application to Clare County Council for the construction of a new community playground at Kiltrellig, Kilbaha.
Situated in a prime tourist location, just a short distance from two local pubs, the group want to provide the playground for local and visiting children to the area.
Playground committee treasurer, Janet Haugh, described Kilbaha as a thriving tourist area. “It has been very popular for the Loop Head drive from Kilkee and the natural beauty of the Bridges of Ross. This year, we saw the opening of the Loop Head Lighthouse and Loop Head winning the prestigious European Destination of Excellence, Eden award,” she said.
Following consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the group was requested to prepare a Nature Impact Statement on the proposed impacts of the playground construction of the candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) and its qualifying interests.
Dr Simon Berrow stated in his report for the council that the playground, covering an area of 22m3, would occupy a small corner of an inward extension of the cSAC, which incorporated a tidal pond and adjacent reedbed.
The proposed playground is on an elevated site about three metres above the pond following the disposal of dredge spoil from the dredging of Kilbaha pier 20 years ago.
No signs of otter movements were recorded by Dr Berrow. There were footprints noted in the mud but these were attributed to a dog, which suggests the site is subject to disturbance.
However, he also admitted it was extremely likely otters use the site more than is suggested from the survey. They are frequently seen along the adjacent seashore at Kilbaha and would be considered frequent and abundant in the area.
“The lack of recent otter activity is attributed to the recent extensive draining works carried out. It is likely that otters will continue to use the site after it has recovered from these works but it is predicted the playground will not impact the otters as the proposed site is not typical otter habitat.
“No impact on the adjacent pond and aquatic habitats is expected. The proposed development site is elevated, which will not lead to any increased drainage or significant run-off. The vegetation on the site is of no ecological significance,” said Dr Berrow.
“There was evidence otters do use the adjacent pond and ditches. However, the single sprainting site observed had no recent spraints and only one old one, suggesting the site had not been used recently.
“No impact on any qualifying interest in the Lower River Shannon cSAC is expected from the creation of the playground. The site is of no ecological importance and due to its elevation above the adjacent pond and spartina meadow, will have no effect on the hydrology,” he stated.