As an avid swimmer and kayaker I spend a lot of my Summer on the scenic waterways around Inis Cealtra (Holy Island, Lough Derg). It's natural beauty, bustling ecosystem and tranquillity are true medicine for the soul and I'm not alone, It has become a safe haven for wildlife and people alike.  It's a place where young families can swim and play in safety amongst the fish nurseries at Knockaphort pier. Where you can kayak past waterbirds building their nests in the floating fortresses that are the reeds which act as barriers, protecting the shallows and the young that thrive there. It's home to the Heron who patrols the banks and the endangered Irish eel. It's where the Mayfly first makes appearance in Ireland every year, which in turn sustain the Trout and Salmon to name but two of the fish that call these waters home. There are international fishing competitions held here annually.  Along the banks of the Island, ancient trees towering 50-60ft challenge the very air for dominance, creating ecosystems of their own, being home for thousands of tiny lifeforms and a refuge for countless more as they complete their different life cycles throughout the seasons. This little piece of paradise is an SPA (Special Area of Conservation). 

However it is now under threat by a proposed planning application to turn Inis Cealtra into a tourist site, by Clare county Council. After reading the said plans, I can not in good conscience, stand by and do nothing. This sentiment isn't mine alone but shared by the local community who inhabit the shores of Lough Derg, especially those who, like myself, swim and kayak across the mesmerizing waterways during the summer months and/or enjoy the peace and beauty of holy Island itself.

Holy Island was considered the most sacred Monastic site in Europe for a
long time, it was visited by Irish and European pilgrims for hundreds of years, who came to meditate and study there as scholars, writers and artists. It has connections with the high King of Ireland Brian Boru, who's brother was Abbot there before his untimely death at the hands of a Viking raider. It is an historic and mystical place and to turn it into a cash enterprise is sacrilege of the highest order. It is a site of pilgrimage not wealth. 

Within these proposed plans, they intend to cut down several of the ancient Ash trees that reside on the island to make room for "3 staff and public welfare facilities pods". The destruction of these ancient trees alone can lead to the loss of countless habitats, upsetting the balance of the local ecosystem. As noted by the Woodland Trust, every single mature tree can be home to hundreds of different species, including rare and threatened wildlife. They intend to build a floating jetty extending 53 metres from the island into the waterway, which they intend to dredge and remove the reeds in the middle to allow motor cruisers to drop off and pick up tourists  throughout the day, during peak season. This will make it completely unsafe for anyone else to use the water around the island and will systematically destroy the natural habitat and ecosystem in that stretch of water, which will have a knock on effect across the entire lake if Clare County Council's plans come to fruition. 

With this petition, we stand united against the proposed development. It's time for the Clare County Council to rethink their plans and consider the environmental toll it would have on the incomparable beauty and tranquillity of Inis Cealtra, or Holy Island. Let us protect the natural splendour of this site not just for ourselves, but for future generations as well. Please, stand with us and add your voice to this urgent call – sign our petition today.