Mountaineering Ireland members may have seen a news report today about an application by the owners of Slane Castle Estate for a rock-climbing area on the estate.
Mountaineering Ireland staff visited the site with the landowners and provided advice on the suitability of the rock for sport-climbing. Having seen the potential of the site for a growing aspect of our sport, we liaised with the agent who prepared the application and provided a letter of support.
The proposed venue is in a beautiful, yet sensitive location beside the Boyne. As there are multiple nature conservation designations on the site, engagement took place with the National Parks & Wildlife Service. An application for exempted development was submitted to Meath County Council, however the council determined that the proposal was a development requiring planning permission.
Mountaineering Ireland welcomes the interest of the landowners in the proposed development, and our support was provided on the basis that there would be public access for recreational climbing by people with appropriate equipment and experience. The provision of climbing sessions by suitably qualified instructors would complement the existing outdoor activity businesses on the estate.
Further details of the application can be found on https://www.meath.ie/council/council-services/planning-and-building/planning-permission/view-or-search-planning-applications