In the matter of the proposed development comprising the Blessington Greenway Scheme

(Bord Pleanála application reference number ABP-312479-22)

Notice of the Submission by Wicklow County Council to An Bord Pleanála of

Further Information pursuant to Section 175(5) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended.

Wicklow County Council hereby gives notice that it has furnished significant further information to An Bord Pleanála in respect of proposed development comprising the Blessington Greenway Scheme (application register reference number ABP-312479-22).

The proposed scheme consists of providing a predominately off-road shared use path for pedestrians and cyclists. The Proposed Development will cover approximately 33 km and involve the provision and upgrading of a greenway mostly through forest and woodlands adjacent to the shoreline of the Blessington Lake/Poulaphouca Reservoir SPA in the townlands following townlands located in the Counties of Wicklow and Kildare, namely Blessington , Haylands  , Knockieran Lower, Knockieran Upper, Carrig, Sroughan, Lacken, Ballynastockan, Ballyknockan, Carrigacurra, Annacarney, Valleymount, Monamuck, Humphrystown , Baltyboys Upper, Baltyboys Lower, Burgage Moyle,  Russellstown,  Russborough,  Rathballylong, Tulfarris, Glebe East,  and Burgage More and passing adjacent to the villages of Valleymount, Ballyknockan and Lacken before returning to Blessington at Knockiernan Bridge.

The significant further information, including a revised Natura Impact Statement, may be inspected free of charge, or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy) during public opening hours for a period of six weeks commencing on the Wednesday 8th of May 2024 at the following locations:

• The offices of Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Station Road, Co. Wicklow.
• Baltinglass Municipal District, Civic Offices, Blessingtion Business Park, Blessington, Co. Wicklow.
• Blessington Library, New Town Centre, Blessington, Co. Wicklow.

The significant further information may be viewed/downloaded during the aforesaid period of 6 weeks at all hours on the following websites www.wicklowgreenways.ie and www.wicklow.ie/Living/ConsultationHub.

Any submissions and observations on the proposed development in relation to –

1. the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned,
2. the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, and
3. the likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European Site, if carried out,

may be made in writing by hand or post to the offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin, D01 V902, or by email to laps@pleanala.ie. 

Any submission/observation must be received by An Bord Pleanála before the expiration of the period of six weeks commencing on the 8th day of May 2024, i.e. by close of business on the 18th of June 2024.

A person may question the validity of any decision by An Bord Pleanála in relation to the proposed development by way of an application for judicial review under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. No. 15 of 1986) in accordance with section 50 of the Planning and Development Acts, 2000 as amended. 

Practical information on the review mechanism can be accessed under the heading Publications – Judicial Review Notice on the Board’s website www.pleanala.ie or on the Citizens Information website www.citizensinformation.ie.