Dear Friend, As you are aware all submissions are now with An Bord Pleanala and we are awaiting their decision. The case is due to be decided by 06-02-2018. You can view all the submissions made to ABP at: http://www.sdcc.ie/services/parks-and-recreation/dublin-mountains-project/dublin-mountains-project-an-bord-plean%C3%A1la-application-ref-ja0040 As part of our submission we have requested an oral hearing and as such it is necessary for us to continue fundraising to raise the funds required to assist us in the planning process. You can help by: Supporting our next Fundraiser: Pub Quiz, Tuesday 24th October at The Goat Bar & Grill, Goatstown, Dublin 14. Donating: http://savethehellfire.com/how-to-help Sign the Petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-the-hellfire-massy-s-wood We will keep you posted on all upcoming events on social media at: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SavetheHellfire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SavetheHellfire/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savethehellfire/ Website: www.savethehellfire.com PLEASE NOTE AN BORD PLEANALA HAVE REQUESTED MORE INFORMATION FROM SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL – See extract below "Dublin mountains Visitors Centre and all associated works in the:Townlands of Mountpelier, Killakee and Jamestown in South Dublin. Dear Sir/Madam, I refer to the above mentioned proposed development which is before the Board for approval. Please be advised that the Board, in accordance with section 175(5)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, hereby requires you to furnish the following further information in relation to the effects on the environment of the proposed development. 1. Appropriate Assessment The proposed development is not located directly within any designated site. The information available indicates it may contain protected species and is close to three European sites, Glenasmole Valley SAC (Site Code 001209) c. 1.2km away, the Wicklow Mountains SAC (Site Code 002122) c. 0.6km away, and the Wicklow Mountains SPA (Site Code 004040), 0.9km away. All submissions received by An Bord Pleanála on the case have been previously forwarded to the applicant. You are invited to make a response to the submissions made, in particular to the response from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht dated the 25th September 2017, which includes the following: “This Department believe that Massy’s Woods and the Hellfire Club plantations are likely to support birds such as long eared owl, woodcock, peregrine falcon and possible nesting merlins. Peregrine falcons and merlins are special conservation interests for the Wicklow Mountains SPA, therefore any impacts on these two species at this site could result in ex-situ impacts on the SPA. The EIS has not included any survey for birds, so it is not clear therefore, whether merlins nest on the site or not, and therefore whether there is potential for ex-situ impacts or not” The Departments also refers to the fact that it is envisaged that the proposed new visitor centre could form a starting point for the Dublin Way route. The Department refers to the issue of cumulative impacts on the nearby sites of the Glenasmole Valley SAC (Site Code 001209), the Wicklow Mountains SAC (Site Code (002122) and the Wicklow Mountains SPA (Site Code 004040), which need to be assessed cumulatively in terms of any increase in visitor numbers, and how they may impact on the conservation objectives of the three Europeans sites. The applicant is requested to address the above comments in relation to birds and cumulative impact, and provide further information and clarification on such matters. Please note that any conclusion in regard screening for Appropriate Assessment should be set out clearly with details of sources of information/frequency of surveys/days etc. identified. Should such further considerations conclude that significant effects cannot be ruled out/are likely to have significant effects on any European Site, in view of the sites’ Conservation Objectives, then a Natura Impact Statement will be required to accompany the applicant for approval. 2. Red Squirrels The applicant is requested to provide a red squirrel conservation management plan having regard to the Department’s comments. 3. Pine Martens The applicant is requested to address the comments of the Department in relation to presence of Pine Martens, in light of its likely role in controlling grey squirrels. 4. Bats The applicant is requested to address the comments of the Department in relation to the extent of the bat surveys and resultant conclusions. 5. Other The applicant is requested to comment on the Department reference to Hedgerows, Birds, Badgers, Flora and Habitat, Glendoo Brook, Deer, Vegetation clearance, Deer and Construction Management Plan. Please also note that following its examination of any information lodged in response to this request for further information, the Board will then decide whether to invoke its powers section 175(5)(b)(i) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended, to require you to publish newspaper notice of the furnishing of any further information and to allow for inspection or purchase of same and the making of further written submissions in relation to same to the Board. Your response to this letter should be received not later 5:30 p.m. on the 31st October, 2017." Thank you for your continued support! Kind Regards, Grainne Corcoran On behalf of Save the Hellfire Group