Roundstone News 20th March 2006
Public Meeting:
Last Tuesday The Roundstone Community Development Council (RDC) met to discuss a request from the representatives from the public meeting to withdraw our objection to An Board Planola re an application by a Carna developer to build seven Holiday Homes in Roundstone. The demand was discussed in detail, as are all issues brought before RDC, but due to a complete lack of any compelling reasons whatsoever as to why the RDC should withdraw our appeal, it was unanimously agreed by the committee that there would be no such action taken.

RDC in response has sent a letter to these individuals requesting an explanation of their position. In particular, we are looking for them to explain why and how the development of these 7 houses would be of benefit to the wider community in Roundstone? Some of the questions asked include:

• How will this development impact on the full time population of Roundstone as well as the numbers attending school?
• What is the estimated purchase price of these houses?
•  How many, if any, local families would they envisage living in these houses?
• Have they sought or been offered anything from the developer in return for their support?

In the interest of clarity, to ensure the whole community of Roundstone are kept up to speed with this and other situations, Roundstone Community Development Council has published a statement which has been sent by post to all homes in the area today. This outlines the reasons as to where we stand as an elected Development Council, representing Roundstone, and why we are convinced that these actions are necessary to safeguard the future of Roundstone. It will also act to clear up much of the misinformation that has been in circulation lately, both locally and in certain newspaper articles. This statement will also be publicly available as it is being published in the local Connemara View newspaper, has been placed on the Roundstone.ie website and a copy has also been forwarded to Galway Bay FM and the Connacht Tribune.

The bottom line is Roundstone needs positive Developments, you might well ask what is positive Development, well just to name a few (a) Provide year-round employment (b) Increases School Going Numbers (c) Results in Pubs, Hotels, Restaurants or any other business open for the twelve months of the year. (d) Increases Population. (e) Re-vitalises Roundstone, not just in the 3 months of the summer (f) Does not put un-necessary pressure on already overstretched infrastructure such as sewage and water (g) Provides for more housing opportunities for local people with a housing need

West Galway School of Navigation:
Christopher Mc Donagh, Tom Sullivan, John Mongan, Michael John Folan, Brendan Devane and Micky Mannion all attended a work Shop with John Roberts who is the instructor and Examiner in a one day Radio Course, VHF and DSC (Digital Selective Calling) this was a one day course with pre course study followed by DCMNR exam, the results of their exams is not out yet, so we wish them luck in their results.

Wild life
Some mink wire traps have not been very successful owing to the fact, that the traps are sprung before the mink get in, this is because, the prey probes at the cage attempting to get the tempting morsel, which in turn with the movement the trap is sprung, however a friend of mine came up with a very simple idea, set the trap cover the whole thing in a casing of wood, keeping the entrance free, it has proved very successful for him.
Talking about animals I received an e-mail from a representive from the Irish Council against Blood Sports relating to the capturing of wild Hares on Gurteen informing me that it is very likely that these hares were being netted for use as live lures for coursing, and that contact could be made to the National Parks & Wildlife Service about this, to see if the beach should be out of bounds to these people. As a matter of interest, hares are a protected species under the Wildlife Act, but despite their protected status, a license is issued annually to the Irish Coursing Club to take them from the wild for coursing.
Can anybody come up with a suggestion as to how to stop badgers digging up lawns without going to extremes?

Geraldine King:
We would like to welcome back Mary Kings daughter, Geraldine and Young Dillon from their eight week stint in the states.

As part of the Roundstone News here is the statement from the Roundstone Community Development Council Ltd
Roundstone Community Development Council is issuing this statement regarding requests by local parties to withdraw our appeal to An Bord Pleanala, in respect of a proposed development by Jackie Folan for 7 Houses (Phase 1) on Farrell’s Road.

Roundstone Community Development Council (RDC) is a legally recognized body, with limited company status, elected by the local community. We exist in order to promote the development of the village of Roundstone, and its surroundings, to the benefit of the whole community. In doing so, we are bound by the constraints of the Galway County Development Plan, the wishes of the local community, and our own strategic plans.

As of January 2005, RDC took the decision to object to developments that would not relate to a local housing need, or which would not be lived in on a full-time basis, until a Local Area Village Plan was drawn up by Galway County Council. This village plan would give the residents of Roundstone the opportunity to have your say as to how you wish to see Roundstone progress into the future, outlining which developments are badly needed in Roundstone as well as determining areas where over-development has taken place. It would also address issues relating to the provision of recreational facilities, the encouragement of job creation in Roundstone, and the upgrading of infrastructure such as roads, sewage facilities, lighting and water supply. In short, it is absolutely vital in order to safeguard the future of Roundstone and the local community.

This decision to act as we have done not reached lightly, nor was it taken by RDC on its own terms. In fact, it was the result of concerns expressed locally about the number of non owner-occupier developments in the village and the negative impact the continued building of these would have. Furthermore, these concerns were also articulated at a packed meeting on planning issues, independently chaired by Councilor Seamus Walsh, in March 2005. The over-whelming view from the floor at this meeting was that Roundstone has had enough of non-owner occupier developments, as these are putting increased pressure on local infrastructure (water, sewage, traffic), impact negatively on the scenic beauty on which Roundstone depends, and are priced beyond the means of most locals. The lack of a Village Plan, with no specific zoning or development objectives for Roundstone was also highlighted. The minutes of this meeting are freely available to anyone who so wishes.

Following on from this, RDC assumed a mandate from the local community, the responsibility to abide by their wishes. In the absence of a Village Plan we have, and will continue, to object to all non owner-occupier developments in Roundstone, be they for houses or apartments. However, we are willing to keep an open mind on mixed use developments (for example where apartments are built over new shop units), as well as developments that would be seen to be in response to facilities and services wedding and leisure centre facilities, to name but a few).
Currently lacking in Roundstone (e.g. hostel, enterprise units, top-class hotel with conference,

The facts we highlight in our submissions to the Planning Authority can be summarized as follows:

1. The number of non-owner occupied units in Roundstone currently stands at 52% of the total housing stock. This contributes to Roundstone being a virtual ghost-town for 9 months of the year.
2. The Galway County Development Plan has stated that Roundstone will be permitted 20 units over the 6 years of the plan. This equates to just over 3 units per year. This number of units was permitted to stimulate the local population. If this total figure is used up on non owner-occupied houses, what will happen when a local person wishes to then build?
3. The water supply in Roundstone cannot currently cope with the pressure put on it in the height of the summer. Adding more houses that are not for locals is therefore not sustainable.
4. Roundstone has no sewage treatment plant, and to permit continued development of non owner-occupier houses would be an unreasonable danger to public health.
5. Roundstone relies on its scenic beauty to attract tourists. Any unnecessary development will only diminish it. Look at Doolin and Lahinch to see the negative impact unregulated development can have.
6. Any developments for Roundstone must be considered in light of how positive they are likely to be. By this we mean:
1. Will they increase the full-time year round population?
2. Will they provide full-time jobs?
3. Will the increase the National School numbers?

Our intention to follow this course of action was publicly expressed on a number of occasions, so as to prevent any confusion whatsoever regarding the position adopted by RDC:

• A newsletter was issued to all houses in the summer of 2005, to indicate the plan of action we intended to take. No communication to the contrary or any disagreement was received by RDC.

• This information was also published in the Connemara View newspaper in June 2005. No negative comment or any disagreeing viewpoints were received by RDC.

• Our AGM was held in Eldon’s Hotel in December 2005 at which any and all members of the community were free to comment on, or question aspects of, RDC policy. Again no disagreeing views or communication were received.

Since January 2005, we have carried out our directive, and have objected to proposed apartment developments, as well as developments which would not be used on an owner-occupied basis. Our reasons for objecting have been consistent with the views of the vast majority the local community, as well as being consistent with policies contained in the Galway County Development Plan 2003-2009. Each and every time the process undertaken has been open and transparent.
It is for these reasons that we have objected to the proposed development for Farrell’s Road. To withdraw our appeal would be inconsistent with all our acts to date, would not be in the public interest, and would leave us open to claims of selectivity in the carrying out of our role as mandated by the local community. In the absence of a Village Plan, which we would welcome and which would outline the path towards the future sustainable development of the village, we have no option but to progress as such.

We trust that this statement has cleared up any confusion concerning the role of RDC and our actions to date, and also that it will ensure there is absolutely no misunderstanding regarding our future actions.

Positive Developments

What is Positive Development?

• Provides Year-round Employment
• Increases School Going Numbers
• Results in Pubs, Hotels, Restaurants or any Business being Open for 12 Months
• Increases Population
• Re-vitalises Roundstone

• Enterprise Units
• Mixed use Retail Development
•  More Locally Owned Family Homes
• Upgrading of Sewerage Treatment System
• Hotel and Leisure Centre
• Improvements to National School
• Renovation of Community Hall
• Town Plan For Roundstone
• Improved Road and Map Signage for Roundstone & Connemara
• Introduction of Broadband
• Community Playing Field
• Roundstone as a holiday Destination
• Improved Biking, Hiking, Walking and Fishing Facilities for Tourists
• Year Round Festivals and Events
• Development of Small Cottage Industries, i.e. Pottery making, Basket Weaving, Currach / Hooker Boat building
• Locally owned Hi-Tec, High Skilled industry
• Sailing School & Marina
• Centre for the Arts
•  Tele-Working Centre
• Improvement of Beach Facilities
• Sea and Land based Activity Centre Conference and Meeting Venue
• Organic Farming
• High Quality Youth Hostel
• English Language Centre
• Civil Service De-centralisation
• College Campus
• Cooking/Culinary Holiday Centre
• Crèche and Playschool
• Health & Relaxation Spa
• Re-opening of Galway-Clifden Railway Line

Negative Developments
What is Negative Development?

• Impacts Adversely on the Landscape
• Increases Price of Land & Housing for Locals
• Puts Increased Pressure on an already Inadequate Water & Sewerage System
• Puts Outward Pressure on Local Population

Over Development of Holiday Homes

• Buildings out of Character with their Surroundings
• The Closing of any Business or School.

This Fact Sheet is a summary of what Roundstone Development Council perceives to be potential positive and negative developments for Roundstone.
Roundstone Development Council is committed to supporting Positive and Sustainable Development.
Any written comments on the above would be greatly appreciated, Please forward same to:
Roundstone Development Council,
Community Hall,
Roundstone,
Co. Galway.