An Taisce seeks Notice of Endangerment for Longford's Carrigglas Manor
An Taisce has sent a letter to Longford County Council concerning ‘the continued neglect and advanced dereliction’ of Carrigglas Manor
AN TAISCE has requested a Notice of Endangerment be issued for Carrigglas Manor outside Longford Town.
The National Trust which protect and preserve Ireland's natural, built, and historic heritage said Carrigglas is a nationally “significant piece of architecture and natural heritage in Longford due to its advanced dereliction.”
An Taisce has sent a letter to Longford County Council concerning “the continued neglect and advanced dereliction” of Carrigglas Manor which is included on An Taisce's 'Buildings at Risk Register.
“We have requested action from Longford County Council to prevent further endangerment of this structure under relevant planning legislation. It is not the first time we have issued such a request,” noted An Taisce.
“We have been advised that earth-moving machines have been active over the past few weeks levelling ground in preparation for the afforestation in this Historic Demesne (subject of Contract Number: CN101589), without the benefit of forestry licence approval from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) which is pending a determination and the outcome of the public consultation process... If new owners are utilising excavation machinery to clear trees and areas of land to facilitate afforestation in advance of any licence grant, this must be reported to the Alleged Illegal Forestry Section of DAFM.
“We would like to advance a discussion on this matter with Longford County Council and would seek to arrange a meeting with you.”
A group of local residents based on the outskirts of Longford Town who previously organised a public meeting in opposition to the plans to plant more than 40 hectares of forestry there said they welcome An Taisce’s intervention and its request to Longford County Council to take enforcement action.
“Carrigglas Manor is an important part of Longford’s built heritage, and the continued deterioration of the property is a matter of serious concern. We believe every effort should be made to protect what remains of this historic demesne and to ensure that the appropriate planning and enforcement measures are taken.
“As a committee and as local people who care deeply about Carrigglas, we have to be honest in saying that we feel let down and ignored by both our local councillors and Longford County Council in relation to this ongoing issue. The concerns of the community have been significant and longstanding, yet we are deeply frustrated by the lack of meaningful progress in protecting this important part of our local heritage. Residents deserve to feel that their concerns are being heard and acted upon.
“We support calls for Longford County Council to use the powers available to it under the relevant planning legislation, including the issuing of a Notice of Endangerment where warranted, to prevent further deterioration and safeguard the site’s future.
“We also believe that the long-term future of Carrigglass should be approached positively, with a view to protecting its heritage and exploring opportunities for its restoration and beneficial use for the community.
“Carrigglass is part of our local history and identity, and it would be a tragedy to see more of it lost through continued deterioration and inaction. We hope that An Taisce’s intervention will prompt a renewed sense of urgency and lead to meaningful action before any further damage occurs.”
Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme