Sinn Fein Welcomes Decision to Protect the Rocks Area of Kilcoole

Speaking after Wicklow County Council voted to accept an amendment to the councils development plan which will protect The Rocks area of Kilcoole from future development, Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow / East Carlow John Brady, and The Party’s Leader in Wicklow County Council Cllr Nicola Lawless have described the decision as a great victory for both the local community and the native wildlife.
Teachta Brady Said:

“This issue has been bubbling away for quite some time. The council’s plans to disrupt the natural habitat of the Rocks which would have had a devastating effect on an ancient area of natural beauty and ecological significance have been opposed by Sinn Fein and local residents from the outset. Studies confirmed that the area is of historic geographical importance and a rare example of an untouched ice age glacial valley with a diverse range of wildlife. Whilst continued development in County Wicklow is very important and can often have very positive outcomes on a number of levels; here was one example of where a costly plan was quite simply not in the best interest of anybody. ”

Cllr Nicola Lawless spoke of her relief when the decision was taken after a long battle against the plans:

“On a personal level I am relieved that this issue has been put to bed once and for all to the satisfaction of local residents and environmental groups. Concerns had been raised at plans to dump 280,000 tonnes of river bed material from the Dargle into the site, turning the area into a so-called Eco park. From my own perspective it was hard to imagine how anything could replace such an exceptional legacy of natural beauty with a variety of plant and animal life and an inimitable landscape. This view was shared by local residents and many council colleagues who have fought to protect the area in its current form. After dozens of meeting and numerous representations to elected representatives I am delighted with the outcome. I would like to commend the dedication and resilience of the ‘Save The Rocks’ campaigners; they are the true heroes in this saga.”