The future of Connemara National Park

Although thoroughly fed up of Covid-19 and all it entails, one of the messages it imprinted on many of us was the importance of the natural world. The legacy of the pandemic combined with news overnight of the appointment of a government with no ministers from the west of Ireland is a reminder that unless we speak up and make ourselves heard, we will have little say in relation to what happens to those places that mean so much to us. 

Last week Mountaineering Ireland’s attention was drawn to plans for a number of developments at Connemara National Park. A planning application has been submitted to Galway County Council. Full planning information is available through the online planning section of Galway County Council’s website (http://www.galway.ie/en/services/planning/onlineplanningsystems/). The planning reference number is 20676.

Mountaineering Ireland’s Access & Conservation Committee has taken a quick initial look at the plans and has decided that it is appropriate for Mountaineering Ireland to submit observations. These observations will be informed by Mountaineering Ireland’s policies and also the views of local clubs, including ourselves. If anyone has any concerns, feel free to make a submission as an individual or contact a Rosway committee member and we will follow it up. Although the deadline for responses is Tuesday 7th July, if you wish to have your say, please get in touch as soon as possible, preferably this week. 

Club walk Sunday 14th June 2020

Boots at the ready. Walking sticks in the air. Hang sangwitches in the bag. We're back. Sunday next 14th June. Moderate bog walk, approximately 2.5 hours duration. Meet Pat and Brid's house (location on text) at 10am. Please text either Pat or Bríd (their phone numbers are also on the text) to let them know if you'll be there as each group size will be limited to 15 people. Under government guidelines regarding contact tracing, we'll have to record name and phone number of each person on the walk on the day. A reminder once again to familiarise yourself with guidelines and observe them on the walk. 

A message from our chairperson: It's life, Jim, but not as we know it...

I would like to thank all Club members for their co-operation and patience over the past few months and going forward. Confinement has been difficult for most but as restrictions are being lifted we are looking forward to benefiting from some new found freedom again.

Under Phase 2, we are permitted to travel within our county or within 20 kms (12.5 miles) of home if it crosses county boundaries. In addition, we can meet in groups of up to 15 people from outside our own household. Based on these current Government guidelines, Mountaineering Ireland has issued advice for clubs and walkers. Please see Phase 2 Covid-19 advice for walkers. As a result we have made the decision to start scheduling Club walks again, starting this weekend. We would ask all Club members to make themselves aware of the guidelines and adhere to advice before coming and while on a walk.

As we are limited to where we can go, we will have to make some alterations to our calendar. Any offers from members to lead walks would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Club Secretary on 086 2250793.

Bríd and Pat Barrett will lead a local walk this Sunday, 14th June. Details to follow.

It's good to be back, even if it is the 'new normal'.

Claire Dolphin