CONSULTATIONS OVER MASTER PLAN URGED AS AN TAISCE ACQUIRES 2,200 ACRES AT SLIABH BEAGH

19 November 2020 No Comments by The Northern Standard

Consultations with An Taisce on the Master Plan prepared for the development of the Sliabh Beagh area in North Monaghan were urged at Monday’s meeting of the Monaghan Municipal District following the acquisition by the Irish National Trust body of 2,200 acres of land there from Lord Rossmore. An Taisce recently announced that they had taken ownership of the former grouse shooting estate in the area owned by Lord Paddy Rossmore, land which extends for over 2,200 acres in Co Monaghan and across the Border into neighbouring Co Tyrone.

In a statement An Taisce said that their acquisition “comprises the unenclosed upland heathland area of Sliabh Beagh, which is the highest point in Monaghan and designated as a European Natura 2000 site for its ecological value on both sides of the Border. “The site supports one of the best blanket bog habitats in Ireland as well as highly protected bird species such as the Hen Harrier. Heathers, bog asphodel, bilberry, bog cotton and a range of mosses can be found throughout the site.

This rich heathland habitat also supports red grouse, hares, rabbits, buzzards, Golden Plover, and skylarks, among others. “The lands form part of the Sliabh Beagh Special Protection Area (SPA), an EU-designated site for the protection of Hen Harrier. The lands are also designated as a Natural Heritage Area under the….

Comments are closed.