Council officials have carried out inspections of work
Machinery at work on the sand dunes in Strandhill. Pic: Donal Hackett
Excavation work at the golf course in Strandhill has been ongoing for a number of days.
Concerns have been raised at the excavation works.
Sligo County Council has confirmed that work being carried out on the sand dunes in Strandhill remains under investigation by the local authority.
In a statement issued to The Sligo Champion it stated that it had received a number of complaints in relation to works being undertaken at Strandhill Golf Course.
These complaints were being investigated by the enforcement section of the council to determine whether any unauthorised development has occurred.
“We understand that the works relate to alterations to an existing golf course (green and tee boxes) and are being undertaken by Strandhill Golf Club.”
The matter was also discussed at Monday morning’s meeting of Sligo Borough District Council with Cllr Declan Bree raising the matter under any other business.
Addressing the meeting Cllr Bree said; “I presume many of us will have been contacted by members of the public who have expressed concern about heavy earth moving machines carrying out work on part of the dunes between Strandhill and Culleenamore.
“I believe the works commenced late last week.
“When I was contacted on the matter on Friday last I checked to see if a planning application had been submitted or if planning permission was granted for such works and I found planning permission had not been sought or granted by the Planning Authority.
“I assumed that all major works which require the excavation of earth materials would need planning permission and when I contacted the council’s Enforcement Section I was advised that the council had opened an enforcement file on foot of complaints received.
“However, the Enforcement Section and the Council’s Planning Department, having inspected the works taking place on the dunes on Thursday last did not deem the works unauthorised and did not issue a Warning Notice under the Planning Act.
“I was advised that officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service had met with representatives of the Strandhill Golf Club regarding the works and the NPWS were happy with the works carried out to date.
“In addition I was told that the Council would issue correspondence to the golf club today but was given no indication what that correspondence might contain.
“So as to allay public concern about the works I feel it would be helpful for everyone if the Council Planning Department issued a statement clarifying matters.”
The meeting heard it is intended for a further inspection to be carried out this week.
-Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
