Developers move in to destroy unique Cork habitat

national | miscellaneous | news report

Wednesday April 23, 2003 13:07

by Sean - Reclaim the Glen (Cork)

Ted: (086) 190 8281

Rare urban sandmartin nests go under the bulldozer

A property developer moved in over the Easter Weekend to destroy a unique habitat on the Northside of Cork. The former Murphy's Quarry at Goulding's Glen is a recognised nesting place for a colony of Sandmartins - a small member of the swallow family which has become endangered over the past few decades.

Photo 1 shows pathway blocked off by Cork City Council as part of its deliberate neglect of the Glen.

Photo 2 shows a view from the ridge of the Glen River.

Photo 3 shows some of the sandmartin nesting sites just feet away from where McSweeney contractors have started excavations.

Photo 4 shows Ted Tynan of the Reclaim the Glen Campaign at one of the sandmartin nesting areas which is under threat.

In January 2002 Cork City Council passed a controversial rezoning motion to allow a wealthy businessman to build 59 houses in an area that has been designated as a 'green belt' for amenity and recreational purposes. 23 Councillors voted for the rezoning motion - only 3 voted against. There is still some mystery as to why so many councillors voted for the rezoning.

After an appeal against the decision by Cork City Council to grant planning permission for the development, An Bord Pleanala agreed it could proceed with certain conditions including one that the sandmartin nesting places be protected. These conditions are now clearly been breached and the City Council Planning Officer responsible for enforcing them cannot be found.

Apart from the building there seems to be an ongoing threat to The Glen with a number of serious dumping incidents and the City Council seem to be going out of their way to aid the general run down of the Glen. Pathways have been deliberately blocked off and the Council have ignored much of the illegal dumping.

Goulding's Glen was a gift to the people of Cork many years ago by Sir Basil Goulding - of Goulding Fertilizers which had started in the Glen in the 19th century. In the 1970s it was developed into the Glen Amenity Park and is one of the natural habitats in the built up area of Cork's Northside. Apart from sandmartins it is also home to Heron, ducks, coot and a number of other species.

If you would be interested in joining the campaign to save Goulding's Glen please contact Ted Tynan at (086) 1908 281.