Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 301

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-202 8-37 8.11.3 Champion Trees of Louth The Tree Council of Ireland in conjunction with the Irish Tree Society initiated the Tree Register of Ireland (TROI) project with the aim of compiling a database of trees in Ireland. The publication of ‘Champion Trees – A Selection of Irelands Great Trees’ identified twenty one Champion Trees in Louth. A ‘champion tree’ is the tallest, oldest or enormous example of its species or kind in a given region. These trees are of significant environmental value to the County and should be protected from development where necessary. Champion Trees located in County Louth are as identified in Table 8.11. Table 8.11: Champion Trees, County Louth Champion Trees – County Louth Species Location Dimensions Cedrus libani (Cedar of Lebanon) Red House, Ardee 7.41 @ 1.5 m × 36 m Fagus sylvatica - Atropurpurea (Copper Beech) Red House, Ardee 4.91 @ 1.3 m × 29.5 m Juglans regia (Walnut) Red House, Ardee 4.50 @ 0.6 m × 22 m Abies procera Glauca Group (Noble Fir) Red House, Ardee 4.48 @ 1.5 m × 39 m Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) Red House, Ardee 4.46 @ 1.5 m × 23 m Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar) Red House, Ardee .81 @ 1.5 m × 31.3 m Ilex aquifolium (Holly) Red House, Ardee 31 @ 1.5 m × 21.3 m Ulmus minorvar.minor (Elm) The Rectory Ardee 3.53x15.7m – 2nd tallest of its kind in Ireland Ulmus minor var.minor The Rectory Ardee 2.98 x 22m Cryptomeria japonica Elegans Group (Japanese Red Cedar) Castlebellingham 3.17 @ 0.8 m × 17.7 m Quercus Robur ‘Pendula’ Beaulieu, Drogheda 3.35 x 42.5m Ilex aquifolium (Holly) Kilineer House, Drogheda 1.94 x 16.5m Juglans regia (Walnut) Clermont Park, Dundalk 3.49 @1.4 x 17.5m Ilex aquifolium ‘Albomarginata’ (Holly) Clermount Park, Dundalk 2.17@ 1 x 15.5m Castanea Sativa (Sweet/Spanish Chestnut) Barmeath Castle, Dunleer 5.63 x 21m

2. Page 302

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-38 Champion Trees – County Louth Species Location Dimensions Abies alba (Silver Fir) Barmeath Castle, Dunleer 3.38x42.5m Acer Pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) Knockabbey 6.43x24m Liriodendron tulipfera (Tulip Tree) Knockabbey 6.25x18m Sequoiadendron giganteum (Wellingtonia Giant Sequoia) Knockabbey 6.05 x19.5m Taxus baccata (Yew) Knockabbey 5.42x13.5m Robinia pseudoacacia (Locust Tree/False Acacia) Knockabbey 2.96x17m Policy Objective NBG 29 To protect trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders and seek to designate additional Tree Preservations Orders (TPO), where appropriate. Policy Objective NBG 30 To protect trees and woodlands of special amenity value. Review and where appropriate make Tree Preservation Order(s) in relation to trees of special amenity value. Policy Objective NBG 31 Where in exceptional circumstances, trees and or hedgerows are required to be removed in order to facilitate development, this shall be done outside nesting season and there shall be a requirement that each tree felled is replaced at a ratio of 10:1 with native species and each hedgerow removed is to be replaced with a native species. In Drogheda and Dundalk, replacement trees will be required at a ratio of 5:1 where the removal of trees is required in order to facilitate development. On smaller, more constrained sites where there is limited space/opportunities for planting new trees, consideration may be given to reducing the ratio of trees to be planted on an application site if an alternative location for the shortfall of trees to be planted is identified and the consent of the landowner, on whose lands the trees are to be planted, is provided as part of a planning application. Policy Objective NBG 32 To investigate the identification and addition of suitable trees and woodlands of special amenity value for inclusion in Tables 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 and 8.10 where appropriate, during the lifetime of the Plan.

3. Page 303

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-39 Policy Objective NBG 33 To assess the implications of proposed development on significant trees and hedgerows located on lands that are being considered for development, seeking their incorporation into design proposals where appropriate and in compliance with procedures detailed in Appendix 6. Policy Objective NBG 34 To increase native tree coverage in the County to also act as carbon sinks by promoting the planting of suitable native trees and hedgerows along public roads, residential streets, parks and other areas of open space. Policy Objective NBG 35 To encourage initiatives supporting private and community driven native tree and woodland planting schemes throughout the County, utilising available funding schemes. 8.12 ENVIRONMENT AND AMENITIES County Louth has a number of important areas of outstanding beauty and high amenity value in addition to views and prospects that require protection. 8.12.1 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Within County Louth, two distinct areas were identified as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) by reason of their unspoiled natural landscape, special character and spectacular scenic quality. As both of these areas are extremely sensitive environments, they have been afforded a high degree of protection in the Plan to preserve their uniqueness and amenity value for the benefit and enjoyment of existing and future generations. The two areas identified as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are listed in Table 8.12 and illustrated on Map 8.15. Table 8.12: Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Reference No. Location AONB 1 Carlingford and Feede Mountains AONB 2 Clogherhead and Port Oriel The larger of the two areas is found in the north of the County and encompasses the Carlingford and Feede Mountains. Slieve Foye at 588m O.D and Black Mountain at 508m O.D are the highest points in the range. Much of the area remains in a seminatural condition, used for low intensity sheep and horse grazing and covered in gorse, bracken and heather. Parts of this area are designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) under European and Irish legislation. Spectacular views are available from a number of vantage points over Carlingford Lough to the Mourne Mountains AONB in County Down and the Ring of Gullion AONB

4. Page 304

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-40 in County Armagh and over Dundalk Bay to central and south County Louth. The second AONB is located at Clogherhead and encompasses Port Oriel and the surrounding headland. Although less rugged and remote than the Carlingford and Feede Mountains, this area nevertheless, contains equally spectacular views eastwards to the Irish Sea, southwards towards the Boyne Estuary and County Meath and northwards over Dundalk Bay to the Carlingford and Mourne Mountains. Most of the headland is also designated as a SAC, much of which, is in the ownership of Louth County Council, and which is managed as a de facto Nature Reserve, while also allowing recreational access by the public. 8.12.2 Areas of High Scenic Quality The Areas of High Scenic Quality (AHSQ), whilst not quite possessing the exceptional natural beauty and landscape quality of the AONB, nevertheless add significantly to the stock of natural scenic landscapes within the County. They are listed in Table 8.13 and illustrated on Map 8.15. All of the AHSQ are currently farmed, although the quality of the land for farming purposes varies considerably from area to area. The Council considers it important that AHSQ are protected from excessive development, particularly from inappropriate, one-off, urban-generated housing, in order to preserve their unspoiled rural landscapes. Table 8.13: Areas of High Scenic Quality (AHSQ) Reference No. Location AHSQ 1 Feede Mountains and Cooley Area AHSQ 2 Monasterboice AHSQ 3 Boyne Valley / King Williams Glen AHSQ 4 Collon Uplands AHSQ 5 Dunany AHSQ 6 Ardee bog

5. Page 305

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-41 Map 8.15 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Areas of High Scenic Quality

6. Page 306

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-42 8.12.3 Views and Prospects of Special Amenity Value Louth has many areas of high quality landscape particularly along the coast, the river valleys and its upland areas. As a result, the County boasts many vantage points from which views and prospects of great natural beauty are available. The scenery and landscapes of the County are of enormous amenity value to tourists and residents alike, contributing to quality of life and constituting a valuable economic asset. The protection of this asset is therefore of importance in developing the potential of the County. The challenge is to manage the landscape so any change is positive in its effects thereby ensuring that the landscape is protected. There is a need therefore to preserve views and prospects for the enjoyment of future generations. It is not proposed that this should prohibit development, but rather, where development is permitted that it should not hinder or obstruct these views and prospects and be designed and located to minimise impact. A list of the protected Views and Prospects in County Louth, Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee, in addition to those included in Carlingford, Clogherhead and Tullyallen are listed in Tables 8.14, 8.15, 8.16 , 8.17 and 8.18 and illustrated on Maps 8.16, 8.17, 8.18 and 8.19. Mapped Views and Prospects for Carlingford, Clogherhead and Tullyallen are available on their respective Composite Maps in Volume 2. Comprehensive details of the protected Views and Prospects in the County including Level 3 Settlements are listed in Appendix 7, Volume 3. Table 8.14: Views and Prospects, County Louth Reference No. Location VP 1 Drummullagh – view towards Narrow Water VP 2 Clermontpass Bridge VP 3 Clermont Cairn RTE Mast VP 4 Windy gap VP 5 Carlingford Lough VP 6 Slieve Foye VP 7 Spelickanee VP 8 Glenmore – Mountains and Valley VP 9 Barnavave and Carlingford Mountain VP 10 Jenkinstown Hill VP 11 Jenkinstown VP 12 Ballymakellett VP 13 Faughart Hill VP 14 Dungooly Crossroads VP 15 Views of Castle Roche VP 16 Hackballscross – views of mountains towards Forkhill VP 17 Killin Golf Course - views of mountains towards Forkhill

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-43 Reference No. Location VP 18 Dromiskin - sea views across to Dundalk, Cooley and Mourne Mountains VP 19 North of Annagassan - sea views across to Cooley and Mourne Mountains VP 20 Salterstown - sea views across to Dundalk Bay towards Cooley and Mourne Mountains VP 21 Corstown - sea views across to Dundalk Bay towards Cooley and Mourne Mountains VP 22 Lurganboy - sea views across to Dundalk Bay towards Cooley and Mourne Mountains VP 23 Callystown to Clogherhead VP 24 Dardisrath towards coast and Clogherhead VP 25 Brownstown southwards over AHSQ towards Drogheda VP 26 Newtown Monasterboice towards Monasterboice Tower VP 27 Townley Hall Nature Walk view of Battle of the Boyne site VP 28 Drybridge Escarpment view of Battle of the Boyne Site VP 29 Waterunder Plateau overview of Battle of the Boyne Site (Williamite Army) VP 30 Mount Oriel VP 31 N2 Funshog VP 32 Millockstown VP 33 Townparks VP 34 Anaglog Table 8.15: Views and Prospects, Dundalk View Location of Viewpoint Direction of View DLK VP1 Navvy Bank and open space along Point Road Views of the Ring of Gullion, Cooley Mountains and Dundalk Bay DLK VP2 Castletown Motte Dundalk Bay, Cooley Mountains and Ring of Gullion DLK VP3 Ardee Road Views of the town DLK VP4 Old Racecourse Road Ring of Gullion and Cooley Mountains DLK VP5 Soldier’s Point Views of the Cooley Mountains DLK VP6 Shore Road Dundalk Bay and Cooley Mountains DLK VP7 Coast Road Views of Dundalk Bay and the Cooley Mountains DLK VP8 The Crescent to Main Street Views of Dundalk Bay and Cooley Mountains DLK VP9 From Cockle Hill Road Views out to sea DLK VP10 Car park at St Fursey’s Church, Haggardstown Views of the Cooley Mountains DLK VP11 The Quays Views of Dundalk Bay and the Cooley Mountains DLK VP12 Dundalk House/Green Church/St Mary’s Cooley Mountains

8. Page 308

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-44 View Location of Viewpoint Direction of View DLK VP13 Market Square Crowe Street, Roden Place, Seatown Place and Barrack Street DLK VP14 St Patrick’s Cemetery, Dowdallshill View of Ring of Gullion and Cooley Mountains DLK VP15 Newry Road Bridge View of Castletown River, Castletown Motte, Ring of Gullion, Cooley Mountains and views into town DLK VP16 Táin Bridge Views of Dundalk Bay, River, Castletown Motte, Ring of Gullion, Cooley Mountains DLK VP17 The Blackrock Road (east of Bothar Maol junction) Views of Dundalk Bay and Cooley Mountains Table 8.16: Views and Prospects Drogheda View Location VP 49 Views of the town from Millmount VP 50 Views of the town from Ballsgrove VP 51 Views of Millmount from the West VP 52 Views of Millmount looking southward from the Town Centre VP 53 Views of the Boyne and the Loughboy Callows from Loughboy VP 54 Views of the Boyne East and West from vehicular and pedestrian bridges VP 55 Views of the town from the Rathmullen Road VP 56 Views of Millmount and the Presbytery from Donor's Green VP 57 Views of the railway viaduct from the town centre, the bridges along the Boyne and the Termonfeckin Road from the west Note: VP29 on map – refer to Table 8.14 Table 8.17: Views and Prospects in Ardee Reference No. Location VP 58 Mulladrillen Hill and Mullaghash from the Town Centre VP 59 Ardee Castle VP 60 Castleguard Motte Table 8.18: Views and Prospects in Level 3 Settlements Reference No. Location VP 61 King John’s Castle, Carlingford VP 62 Taaffe’s Castle, Carlingford VP 63 Holy Trinity Church, Carlingford Heritage Centre VP 64 Dominican Friary, Carlingford VP 65 Coast and Harbour, Carlingford VP 66 Clogherhead Harbour VP67 Old Church Lane, In front of Tullyallen Graveyard VP68 Between 2 houses along the east of Old Church Lane, Tullyallen

9. Page 309

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-45 Map 8.16: Views and Prospects, County Louth

10. Page 310

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    Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-46 Map 8.17: Views and Prospects, Dundalk

Source Louth County Council: Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.