A CONTROVERSIAL plan to turn a historic 19th century Lighthouse at the highest point of Inis Mór in the Aran Islands into a teahouse has been approved, despite seriolus concerns about the plans.
The lighthouse is one of the dominant landmarks of Aran, beside Dun Eochla, a major prehistoric monument of the island. Eochaill ( Oughill ) derives its name from Dún
Eochla, a late Bronze Age ring fort. The name means Yew wood "Eo
Choill".
This fort commands some of Aran's most spectacular views. From here, on a clear day 5 counties can be seen, Kerry, Limerick , Clare, Galway and Mayo.
To the west is the old signal tower; built in 1799 after the 1789 rebellion to protect Ireland's west coast from Spanish or French invasion. Similar buildings can be seen on Golam Island and Inis Oirr. Signals were sent by light and semaphores - flags.
Beside
this is the island's first lighthouse which began its short working
life on a May Day 1818. Unfortunately the lighthouse was ill positioned
and was blind to ships in the Gregory Sound and when rounding Earrach
Island to the west. It was decommissioned when new lighthouses were
constructed in Killeaney Bay and on Earrach Island to the west, though
it was manned during both world wars. Hat tip Aran Pony & trap Tours
An appeal against the development by An Taisce, the national trust for Ireland has failed, and An
Bord Pleanála has given the project the go-ahead. A report by the planning inspector Louise Kiernan on 9 April last said "the proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."
As often happens in Ireland, political pressure led to Galway county
council granting permission for the controversial plan last yea. An Taisce then appealed the decision only to be overruled by An
Bord Pleanála last week.
Dun Arann Signal Tower and Lighthouse, both of which are National Monuments and Protected Structures are close to the development which is located in a designated Natural Heritage area and Special Area of Conservation. The archaeological fort of Dun Eochla, which is also a National Monument is close by. There is also a wedge tomb located between the subject site and Dun Eochla Fort.
An
Bord Pleanála previously ruled that "'The introduction of a modern house on the site of the Lighthouse and located in close proximity to Oghil Fort which is a National Monument, would be out of character with and seriously detract from the historical importance of the
Lighthouse and from the archaeological significance, natural setting and
tourism potential of Oghill Fort. "
It went on to say it would "would seriously injure the visual
amenities of the area and be contrary to the proper planning and development."
In her report Ms Kernan noted that the "Aran Islands by their nature are rich in archaeological finds. As such it is a very sensitive archaeological site.
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