PLANS BY Met Éireann to move the air monitoring part of its weather observatory in south Kerry on to a large “uncontaminated site” on the north coast of Valentia Island to avail of a cleaner environment, were given the go-ahead by Kerry County Council yesterday.
However there have been strong objections by locals and environmental groups including An Taisce. The heritage body argued the masts and sunken building would introduce “an industrial-type building” into an unspoilt environment. Given the strength of feeling in the objections, it is thought likely the council decision will be appealed.
The unit monitors background pollution coming in over the Atlantic and is a key part of a worldwide network, monitoring climate change and greenhouse gases as well as weather. It provides background air pollution levels for the rest of Europe.
The move from the site on the outskirts of Cahersiveen, on the Ring of Kerry, was necessary because it had become compromised by overdevelopment in recent years, Met Éireann said in its application to the council. “Vehicular traffic” had increased and this too had compromised the mainland site, it said.
Some 13 conditions have been attached to the grant of planning issued yesterday, details of which have yet to be made public. In its application, Met Éireann said it had conducted “a rigorous” investigation of suitable sites and found the Bray site, comprising 59 acres, on the northwest of Valentia the most suitable because of its remoteness.
The observatory, still called the Valentia Observatory, moved to Cahersiveen 40 years ago. However it had originally been part of the weather station on the island, dating to 1860. Its other operations will remain on the mainland.
The application for Valentia Island is for two 10m air and environmental monitoring masts, a laboratory protected by fencing and an access road, and a septic tank.
Seven objections from individuals, An Taisce and Valentia Island Community Environmental Group focused on the sensitivity of the Bray site, a protected area, and demanded an environmental impact study. Rare birds, hares and up to 40 species of wild flowers inhabit the site which also includes blanket bog, objectors said. The need for 59 acres to monitor was questioned and other locations on Valentia put forward.
The area is full of unexplored archaeological sites and an access road would create untold damage, it was argued.
James Shean, chairman of the Valentia Island Community Environmental Group, said heavy machinery would have “devastating incursions” on the bog. Archaeologically, the area is largely unexplored but it contains ancient houses and pre-bog walls. He suggested a site nearer Valentia radio station.
Dr Catherine McMullin of An Taisce said the site was in a coastal area and the air-monitoring facility would introduce “an industrial-type building” into the unspoilt natural landscape.