So what’s going on? A quick timeline ⏱️

🔰 A decision on the proposed Creatively Pacific (same group as Oakmount, Press Up) development at Magheramore was due this week by An Bord Pleanála.

⏳ An appeal to An Bord Pleanála was lodged by Creatively Pacific on June 26th 2023. 

A decision was expected within 18 weeks. Due to a backlog however, this was pushed out to February 6th. This deadline has also now passed. Having corresponded with An Bord Pleneála this week (Feb 7th) it seems as though the decision may be delayed a lot longer for case no. 317447.

Initial response

🚫 The initial proposal was (thankfully) rejected by Wicklow County Council in May 2023, following a wave of public outcry and dozens of submissions against the development. Numerous reasons were cited- including traffic & transport concerns, public rights of way, and the solitude required for the nearby Wicklow Hospice. However, what seemed to emerge most prominently was the overwhelming need to protect the beauty, biodiversity and unspoilt nature of the place.

Wider biodiversity & current social context

🌳 Given the recent publication of the Government’s 4th National Biodiversity Plan- one would hope that its newfound statutory footing might have some bearing on the Bord’s decision. 

Specifically, the site partly sits within the larger Magherabeg Dunes Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which is home to a rich diversity of habitats & species- particularly a priority habitat on Annex I of the Habitats Directive.

One of the targets under the Biodiversity Plan’s (Objective 2 A2) is ‘Enhanced implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives by 2024’, indicated by the ‘Proportion of SACs and SPAs designated by Statutory Instrument’. This is a welcome signal, but the proof will be in the pudding 🍮

Oakmount urban

💭 I think Oakmount/Press Up do some really good work, particularly in terms of urban regeneration and hospitality. However, Magheramore is one place in particular that I firmly believe is not suited for this type of development.

Intrinsic value

🌅 Beyond any official designations it’s a very special place in its own right. 

In my experience, it’s rare enough to find somewhere where you can start to tune into the natural rhythms of life, and begin to get a sense of being immersed in a functioning ecosystem, with its own lifecycles and biorhythms. The coast around Magheramore is one such place. If any investment is to happen this would ideally be in the natural capital of the area, to enhance its immense biodiversity value.