Post by Ptarmigan on Feb 29, 2012 15:18:50 GMT
RE: The "Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa" at Bushfoot Dunes, Runkerry!
[/i]
This complex is just too close to the Giant's Causeway, far too close to the beautiful Runkerry ASSI & the environmentally sensitive Bushfoot Dunes are surely the wrong place to build this complex!
Watch the video:
NO to Golf Complex at Bushfoot, Runkerry!
Please SIGN the Petition:
Stop Giant's Causeway Golf Complex!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-giants-causeway-golf-complex/
I have launched this group to find out how local folk feel about this proposed Golf Course, Golfing Academy, 120 bedroom 5* Hotel & 75 Golf Lodges being built right next to Northern Ireland's premier Tourist Attraction, the World Heritage Site & National Nature Reserve, the Giant's Causeway.
I understand that the original plans also included 30 odd retail units and licensed areas. If these are indeed part of the package that was approved by the Environment Minister, I just wonder if local retailers feel that this out of town shopping complex would actually be good for their business.
Clearly, this complex has been on the cards since 1996, when Runkerry was sold off to the American: Talon Group Inc., who very quickly announced on their website the future development of Runkerry House as follows:
www.causewaycoastalroute.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108&Itemid=68
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I believe there are some important environmental questions, especially regarding the Flora & Fauna of Bushfoot Dunes, that surely need to be answered, before any work is allowed to begin on this site.
1:
Are the Bushfoot Dunes still a habitat for the rare Mining Bee {Colletes floralis}?
2:
Why has the Environment Minister given the go-ahead for this project, when he must be aware that at least 9 very Rare species of Flowers are present on this site, including four which have Northern Ireland priority species designation?
The FOUR which have Northern Ireland priority species designation are:
Vicia lathyroides (Spring Vetch)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=3295
Ligusticum scoticum (Scots Lovage)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=3702
Gentianella campestris (Field Gentian)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=3969
Anagallis minima (Chaffweed)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=3945
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The FIVE other Very Rare Species are:
Radiola linoides (All-seed)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=3146
Myosotis ramosissima (Early Forget-me-not)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=4014
Filago vulgarise (Common Cudweed)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=4403
Calystegia soldanella (Sea Bindweed)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=4027
Anchusa arvensis (Bugloss)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=4001
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
3:
This site is right next to Bushfoot Beach, Runkerry ASSI, an Area of Special Scientific Interest, so what effect would this complex have on this special place?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
4:
Given that the edge of this complex will be little more than half a mile from the Giant's Causeway site, is it really a wise decision to build it so close to what is after all, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site?
This Map clearly shows that the proposed 'Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa' at Runkerry, is well within ..
'The Distinctive Landscape Setting of the Giant's Causeway World Heritage Site'!
Will UNESCO really welcome this huge Golf complex, slap bang in the middle of this DLS?
docs.google.com/file/d/0B2HLAPiyfiofM2F3ZnJEQVBRYS1vY3M1T3ZYQVEwUQ/edit
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Friends of the Earth was one of the groups which voiced opposition!
James Orr, said:
"Many discerning tourists will not expect to see a new hotel, practice greens, lighting, new houses and manicured lawns so close to the spectacular wildness of the Giant’s Causeway."
www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/pledge-to-protect-world-heritage-site-as-golf-course-gets-go-ahead-540675.html#ixzz1ngupJunF
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This was his response, when Sinn Fein's Daithi McKay was asked about the new visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway, back in Oct 2007.
So, no doubt, he feels the same way about this development?
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7029340.stm
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Map showing the proposed Golf Complex, apps. one third of which are the Bushfoot Dunes!
assets.u.tv//Galleries/7/7/7/777/RunkerryGolf_21022012.jpg
BBC: Golf Resort plan to get go-ahead!
www.u.tv/Articles/Article.aspx?guid=14c23dd9-5d3b-42c6-a7c9-6327c22906ee
UTV: Runkerry golf resort gets the go ahead!
www.u.tv/Articles/Article.aspx?guid=14c23dd9-5d3b-42c6-a7c9-6327c22906ee
The Causeway Coast is in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)!
Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI’s)
www.ccght.org/about-the-trust/jargon-explained
RUNKERRY ASSI: Area of Special Scientific Interest!
"A beach system of international importance demonstrating beach states from dissipative to reflective. A wide range of rhythmic morphological features are present including beach cusps, rip current channels, longshore rip feeder channels, giant cusps and migratory transverse and crescentic nearshore bars."
www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/assisitedetails?id=ASSI175
The negative effect of Golf Courses on Dunes!
"Golf courses - many dune systems also support one or more golf courses. Here much of the original vegetation may be retained in the rough, but the communities of the fairways, and particularly the greens and tees, are often severely modified by mowing, fertilising andre - seeding. Fragmentation of dune systems by golf courses makes grazing management much more difficult, and strict control on rabbit populations has led to rapid successional change and widespread loss of dune grassland to mesotrophic swards."
www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/coastalsanddune-3.pdf
David McNeill, the BSBI recorder for Co.Antrim, wrote a lengthy letter to the Planning Office about this proposal, as he was aware of 9 very rare flower species which grow on the site. Four of which have Northern Ireland priority species designation.
epicdocs.planningni.gov.uk/ViewDocument.aspx?uri=710866&ext=PDF
"The rare UK BAP priority species, the colletes mining bee Colletes floralis was thought to be extinct in Ireland, until it was rediscovered by the RSPB in the dunes of Portstewart, White Park Bay, Ballymaclary National Nature Reserve(NNR) and .... BUSHFOOT STRAND!"
www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/coastalsanddune-3.pdf
BATS!
In this report, they have stated that they have employed the services of an RPS Bat Expert, and have given assurances that this complex will not have any adverse effect on the local Bat Population.
docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B2HLAPiyfiofNWVkZmMwMDYtODcyYi00ZGQ2LWExNWYtMTVkY2FlYTUxMmYz
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sadly, it would appear that Runkerry has not faired well in the past, with regard to the wishes of its previous owner, Sir Malcolm Macnaghten.
www.facebook.com/pages/Malcolm-Macnaghten/111685418848111
Firstly, the powers that be, disregarded the wishes of this socialist, Sir Malcolm Macnaghten, when they sold off Runkerry House for money, knowing full well that he had actually left it to the nation, for the benefit of the public.
Secondly, they arranged for a right of way on this land to be closed, despite the fact that local folk had used it for perhaps hundreds of years, before Runkerry House was even built.
It would appear that now, they are trying to rub salt in the wound, in their efforts to build a large championship Golf course, Golf Academy, 120-bedroom 5* Hotel and 75 Golf Lodges on this land.
If he came back among us today, I wonder what Sir Malcolm Macnaghten would say about all this!
Runkerry House and Runkerry Point!
www.northantrim.com/Runkerryheadland.htm
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
To summarise:
While I admit that a good Hotel is needed on the coast, I believe his complex is just too close to the Giant's Causeway, far too close to the beautiful Runkerry ASSI & the environmentally sensitive Bushfoot Dunes are surely the wrong place to build this complex! If the 30 odd retail units and licenced areas which were part of the original application are included in the accepted proposals I would fear for the prosperity of the retail outlets in Bushmills itself. I fear that a full survey for the presence of the rare Mining Bee Colletes floralis has not been carried out during the correct months of June to August, when they are most active. I despair at the fact that the 9 species of rare flowers found on the Bushfoot Dunes, including 4 which have Northern Ireland priority species designation, have not been considered during the whole process, despite the authorities being clearly informed of their presence.
For more details on my objections, please read my group postings here, at my facebook group page:
"No to Giant's Causeway Golf Resort!"
www.facebook.com/groups/runkerry/
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
[/i]
This complex is just too close to the Giant's Causeway, far too close to the beautiful Runkerry ASSI & the environmentally sensitive Bushfoot Dunes are surely the wrong place to build this complex!
Watch the video:
NO to Golf Complex at Bushfoot, Runkerry!
Please SIGN the Petition:
Stop Giant's Causeway Golf Complex!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"A proposal to build a huge golf course with accompanying hotel, rental cottages and lighting on dunes of ecological importance nearby has just received the go ahead. Ironically, the argument is the golf complex will attract tourists."
www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-giants-causeway-golf-complex/
I have launched this group to find out how local folk feel about this proposed Golf Course, Golfing Academy, 120 bedroom 5* Hotel & 75 Golf Lodges being built right next to Northern Ireland's premier Tourist Attraction, the World Heritage Site & National Nature Reserve, the Giant's Causeway.
I understand that the original plans also included 30 odd retail units and licensed areas. If these are indeed part of the package that was approved by the Environment Minister, I just wonder if local retailers feel that this out of town shopping complex would actually be good for their business.
Clearly, this complex has been on the cards since 1996, when Runkerry was sold off to the American: Talon Group Inc., who very quickly announced on their website the future development of Runkerry House as follows:
"Runkerry Hotel and Golf Club, Bushmills, Northern Ireland 'Talon is a partner in the development of a meeting, spa and golf resort in Northern Ireland. This facility will offer 5 star accommodations and a world class golf course"
www.causewaycoastalroute.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108&Itemid=68
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I believe there are some important environmental questions, especially regarding the Flora & Fauna of Bushfoot Dunes, that surely need to be answered, before any work is allowed to begin on this site.
1:
Are the Bushfoot Dunes still a habitat for the rare Mining Bee {Colletes floralis}?
2:
Why has the Environment Minister given the go-ahead for this project, when he must be aware that at least 9 very Rare species of Flowers are present on this site, including four which have Northern Ireland priority species designation?
The FOUR which have Northern Ireland priority species designation are:
Vicia lathyroides (Spring Vetch)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=3295
Ligusticum scoticum (Scots Lovage)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=3702
Gentianella campestris (Field Gentian)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=3969
Anagallis minima (Chaffweed)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=3945
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The FIVE other Very Rare Species are:
Radiola linoides (All-seed)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=3146
Myosotis ramosissima (Early Forget-me-not)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=4014
Filago vulgarise (Common Cudweed)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=4403
Calystegia soldanella (Sea Bindweed)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=4027
Anchusa arvensis (Bugloss)
www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=4001
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
3:
This site is right next to Bushfoot Beach, Runkerry ASSI, an Area of Special Scientific Interest, so what effect would this complex have on this special place?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
4:
Given that the edge of this complex will be little more than half a mile from the Giant's Causeway site, is it really a wise decision to build it so close to what is after all, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site?
This Map clearly shows that the proposed 'Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa' at Runkerry, is well within ..
'The Distinctive Landscape Setting of the Giant's Causeway World Heritage Site'!
Will UNESCO really welcome this huge Golf complex, slap bang in the middle of this DLS?
docs.google.com/file/d/0B2HLAPiyfiofM2F3ZnJEQVBRYS1vY3M1T3ZYQVEwUQ/edit
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Friends of the Earth was one of the groups which voiced opposition!
James Orr, said:
"Many discerning tourists will not expect to see a new hotel, practice greens, lighting, new houses and manicured lawns so close to the spectacular wildness of the Giant’s Causeway."
www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/pledge-to-protect-world-heritage-site-as-golf-course-gets-go-ahead-540675.html#ixzz1ngupJunF
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"It is clear that it would be a catastrophe to move ahead with private development proposals that would threaten the world heritage status of the site."
This was his response, when Sinn Fein's Daithi McKay was asked about the new visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway, back in Oct 2007.
So, no doubt, he feels the same way about this development?
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7029340.stm
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Map showing the proposed Golf Complex, apps. one third of which are the Bushfoot Dunes!
assets.u.tv//Galleries/7/7/7/777/RunkerryGolf_21022012.jpg
BBC: Golf Resort plan to get go-ahead!
www.u.tv/Articles/Article.aspx?guid=14c23dd9-5d3b-42c6-a7c9-6327c22906ee
UTV: Runkerry golf resort gets the go ahead!
www.u.tv/Articles/Article.aspx?guid=14c23dd9-5d3b-42c6-a7c9-6327c22906ee
The Causeway Coast is in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)!
Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI’s)
www.ccght.org/about-the-trust/jargon-explained
RUNKERRY ASSI: Area of Special Scientific Interest!
"A beach system of international importance demonstrating beach states from dissipative to reflective. A wide range of rhythmic morphological features are present including beach cusps, rip current channels, longshore rip feeder channels, giant cusps and migratory transverse and crescentic nearshore bars."
www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/assisitedetails?id=ASSI175
The negative effect of Golf Courses on Dunes!
"Golf courses - many dune systems also support one or more golf courses. Here much of the original vegetation may be retained in the rough, but the communities of the fairways, and particularly the greens and tees, are often severely modified by mowing, fertilising andre - seeding. Fragmentation of dune systems by golf courses makes grazing management much more difficult, and strict control on rabbit populations has led to rapid successional change and widespread loss of dune grassland to mesotrophic swards."
www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/coastalsanddune-3.pdf
David McNeill, the BSBI recorder for Co.Antrim, wrote a lengthy letter to the Planning Office about this proposal, as he was aware of 9 very rare flower species which grow on the site. Four of which have Northern Ireland priority species designation.
epicdocs.planningni.gov.uk/ViewDocument.aspx?uri=710866&ext=PDF
"The rare UK BAP priority species, the colletes mining bee Colletes floralis was thought to be extinct in Ireland, until it was rediscovered by the RSPB in the dunes of Portstewart, White Park Bay, Ballymaclary National Nature Reserve(NNR) and .... BUSHFOOT STRAND!"
www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/coastalsanddune-3.pdf
BATS!
In this report, they have stated that they have employed the services of an RPS Bat Expert, and have given assurances that this complex will not have any adverse effect on the local Bat Population.
docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B2HLAPiyfiofNWVkZmMwMDYtODcyYi00ZGQ2LWExNWYtMTVkY2FlYTUxMmYz
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sadly, it would appear that Runkerry has not faired well in the past, with regard to the wishes of its previous owner, Sir Malcolm Macnaghten.
www.facebook.com/pages/Malcolm-Macnaghten/111685418848111
Firstly, the powers that be, disregarded the wishes of this socialist, Sir Malcolm Macnaghten, when they sold off Runkerry House for money, knowing full well that he had actually left it to the nation, for the benefit of the public.
Secondly, they arranged for a right of way on this land to be closed, despite the fact that local folk had used it for perhaps hundreds of years, before Runkerry House was even built.
It would appear that now, they are trying to rub salt in the wound, in their efforts to build a large championship Golf course, Golf Academy, 120-bedroom 5* Hotel and 75 Golf Lodges on this land.
If he came back among us today, I wonder what Sir Malcolm Macnaghten would say about all this!
Runkerry House and Runkerry Point!
www.northantrim.com/Runkerryheadland.htm
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
To summarise:
While I admit that a good Hotel is needed on the coast, I believe his complex is just too close to the Giant's Causeway, far too close to the beautiful Runkerry ASSI & the environmentally sensitive Bushfoot Dunes are surely the wrong place to build this complex! If the 30 odd retail units and licenced areas which were part of the original application are included in the accepted proposals I would fear for the prosperity of the retail outlets in Bushmills itself. I fear that a full survey for the presence of the rare Mining Bee Colletes floralis has not been carried out during the correct months of June to August, when they are most active. I despair at the fact that the 9 species of rare flowers found on the Bushfoot Dunes, including 4 which have Northern Ireland priority species designation, have not been considered during the whole process, despite the authorities being clearly informed of their presence.
For more details on my objections, please read my group postings here, at my facebook group page:
"No to Giant's Causeway Golf Resort!"
www.facebook.com/groups/runkerry/
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *