WILDLIFE TRUST FIGHT TO SAVE ANCIENT CONG LIMESTONE
30 October 1996
THE IRISH Wildlife Trust has lodged an objection with Mayo County Council opposing the granting of planning permission for a quarrying operation near Cong to prevent irreplaceable limestone pavements being destroyed.
Ancient limestone pavements along the shores of Lough Mask are under threat because of quarrying, according to the Trust.
Natural limestone pavements' are so called because of the patterns of deep cracks or fissures which criss-cross flat areas of limestone rocks giving the impression of paving slabs.
These deep cracks or grikes are as a result of thousands of years of weathering and erosion and provide a sheltered habitat for an incredible range of both common and rare plants and animals.
Historically, limestone has always been used in Ireland as a supply of material for dry stone walls and for general construction purposes. Recently, however, according to the Trust, a more worrying trend has developed. A spokesman stated: "The natural, smooth appearance of weathered, surface limestone, has resulted in an increased demand for these rocks as decorative garden rockery material.
"Limestone pavements in Britain are protected by a Limestone Pavement Order which prevents further destruction of this landscape.
"These restrictions in Britain have led to an upsurge in the demand for limestone from Ireland where similar restrictions do not exist.
"The Trust is seriously concerned at the destruction of Irish Limestone habitats for this purpose and is gathering evidence of the sale of Irish waterworn limestone in British garden centres."
He said most people were familiar with the limestone landscape of the Burren but little attention had been given to the excellent examples on the shores of Lough Mask.
One particular area in Dringeen, Oughter near Cong had already been damaged. The site was part of a proposed Natural Heritage Area and has high conservation value on a national and European level.
The application for planning permission to continue shallow quarrying at this site was being processed by Mayo County Council and the Trust had lodged an objection to it. A council decision is due on November 5.
The spokesman added: "Limestone pavements are an ancient landscape with a wealth of glacial,
ecological and social history which should not end up as fragments of rock in a garden rockery."
Connaught Telegraph - News - October 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sport - October 1996
