ABP to decide if permission is needed to block Pollet Arch access

An Bord Pleanala is being asked to decide if the closing of an entrance to the Pollet Great Arch requires planning permission.
The was great anger in the summer when public access, to what is one of Fanad’s renowned attractions, was blocked.
It was claimed there had been a right of way in place for over one hundred and fifty years.
The case has now been referred to An Bord Pleanala which will consider whether the means of closure of the original entrance to the start of the pathway leading to Pollaid Great Arch is or is not development or is or is not exempted development.
The Active Party in the case is The Great Arch Action Committee.
An Bord Pleanala says it will make its decision known by the 21st of February 2018.
A verbal agreement has been reached with landowners over an alternative access to the great arch which would also include new car parking facilities.