Environmentalists and others may be interested in a brief update on the planned Ballyshannon bypass road.

Public hearings were held by Bord Pleanála, the national planning body, in Ballyshannon during the month of July.

Concerns relating to the proposed route were voiced by local residents. The impact on nearby housing, noise levels, and the inadequacy of prior consultation were among the objections raised.

Objection to the plan was also voiced by Leitrim County Council.

Within the constraints imposed by space, a few highlights from submissions made by residents of the town to Inspector Oliver Feighan of Bord Pleanála sum up the nature of many of the objections.

Mr. Eugene McLoughlin, Station Road, a retired ESB employee, stated:

"Ballyshannon, due to its geographical situation....has already seen the vast hydro scheme which caused vast changes to the environment and Erne River. While recognising the economic necessity to the nation at that particular time, in that it brought much needed employment and a subsequent boost to the economy, it is still a fact that the scenic, tourist and fishing amenities were lost to the town."

The lifetime of the hydro station had outlived its usefulness in terms of its contribution, and ESB staffing levels were very low.

Mr. McLoughlin also stated that the present concerns regarding traffic flow should not be solved at a cost to future generations, as was now evidenced by the hydro-electric scheme fifty years after its construction.

Mrs. Edel McNally, Belleek Road, based her submission on three main points. By definition, a bypass was a route which directed traffic from a town and returned the town to the community. This, she said, was clearly not the case in the current plan.

There was no precedent for the type of bypass proposed. It would divide the community. She took exception to Station Road being described as an annex to the town. It was a vital part of the community and should be treated accordingly.

"I resent the implication that (the proposed) route is the only option. A route outside the town boundary, properly explored and evaluated, would return the town to its community, and the land presently suggested for this throughpass could be further developed for the benefit of the community," she added.

"If the road is built , the amount of traffic travelling on the bypass would infringe on the quality of our lives greatly. We can't even contemplate living so close to the proposed road with the noise of traffic all hours of the day and night."

One of the more telling comments on the proposed route was made by Mr. Patrick O’Malley, Chairman of the Ballyshannon Town Commissioners, who said, as quoted in the Irish News:

"If you take the river (the Erne tailrace) into account, the town will be cut into four by the proposed superhighway."

Ballyshannon and its inhabitants deserve better.

Should an adverse decision be handed down, it is understood steps will be taken to take the matter further.

The hearings will resume in the fall/autumn.