Planning application 2660193

for the development consists of measures to restore and rehabilitate 780 hectares of atlantic bog and heathland to include the felling and removal of 288 hectares of low yielding conifer planting and felling and mulching to waste of 467 hectares of low yielding conifer planting, for the purposes of peatland restoration and includes 25 hectares of unplanted buffer areas that are distributed across the site. The proposed restoration includes tree removal, tree mulching, drain blocking (manual and mechanical), surface smoothing techniques, provision of silt traps, drain blocking and artificial land drains to restore the high-water table necessary for blanket bog growth, including measures to control invasive species, provision of new internal forest access roads extending to 5.2km, upgrading of 1.5km of existing forestry road, provision of 11 permanent water course crossings (six clear span structures and two embedded culverts and upgrading of three existing culverts to improve fish passage), temporary watercourse crossings (timber bridges), installation of water monitoring stations, erection of sheep fencing and ancillary development. The application seeks a 10-year permission in order to allow for phased completion. The site lies adjacent to the Connemara bog Complex Special Area of Conservation and Connemara Bog Complex Special Protection Area. The application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report

Cappaghoosh Boheeshal , Townlands of Cappaghoosh and Boheeshal , Clifden Co. Galway