Save Bearna’s Coastal Amenity Park

At a recent meeting of Galway County Council, 19 Councillors voted to pass an amendment (proposed by a local Councillor from Bearna) to the Draft County Development Plan 2022-2028 to reduce the proposed Bearna village centre coastal amenity and recreational space by 50% and to allow high density development up to 15m from the foreshore boundary (in spite of increased coastal flooding risks predicted by climate science and the negative impact on the environment and coastal character of Bearna village). An alternative proposal by another councillor for a 50m setback did not receive a seconder.
Given the projected population increases and the planned high-density developments for the centre of Bearna (including 4 story apartment blocks which are already in advanced consultation with An Bord Pleanala) – it is imperative that appropriate community recreational space is zoned in the village centre to facilitate a promenade, cycleway all along the coast and coastal amenity park with play facilities.

S.O.S. Bearna - Petition to Galway County Council
We the undersigned, wish to object in the strongest possible terms to this amendment to County Development Plan 2022-2028 and support the alternative proposal of a 50m setback from the foreshore boundary wall in the village centre between Lacklea and Mags Boreen to facilitate appropriate development of a coastal amenity park for all residents of Bearna.