GREENCASTLE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

Photo: The back of Greencastle pier

We hear a lot these days about vandalism. For example windows of local businesses were broken over St Patricks day and the school in Glengad was broken into and vandalised a short while ago. When we hear of these acts we often shake our heads and think what is the world coming to. Vandalism shows a lack of respect for other people, for the community, for the environment. Young vandals get a lot of negative publicity but another type of vandalism that perhaps influences us all and doesn’t set a good example of respect for the younger generation is permanent environmental vandalism.

ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE

One form of environmental vandalism can be caused by groups of young people who gather on parks and street corners at the weekend usually to drink. The outcome can be broken bottles, vandalised trees, broken benches and graffiti (not to mention the days lost due to hangovers). I’m not saying this isn’t a serious problem; it is. But as annoying and time-consuming as it may be, rubbish from these unfortunate gatherings can be picked up, graffiti can be rubbed out and we can always plant another tree. The problem is temporary and with environmental awareness being taught in schools, the problem could improve in time. I would like to move on to a more permanent form of vandalism.


HERITAGE SITES

The very active and progressive Moville and Greencastle environmental group held a meeting last week. I went along to listen to Joe Gallagher who was the guest speaker for the evening. Joe is the Heritage Officer for Donegal. The aims of the Heritage Officers around the country are to raise awareness of heritage matters, and to provide advice and propose policy on our natural, built and cultural heritage. This will help the well being and sustainability of communities. Hopefully with Joe’s help there will be more awareness to the value of our land and historical buildings. Inishowen is steeped in history and if steps aren’t taken to preserve our national treasures the results will be permanent and devastating for all communities in Inishowen. The resulting vandalism from inappropriate development and unsympathetic planning can’t be painted over or put into a dustbin liner bag; it would be here for the long term! If we as a community are seen not to care about the environment then why should the young folk? Let me give you a few examples to reinforce the problem. There is talk of an apartment building going up in Greencastle. Plans are for the building to go directly in front of the castle, which is the focal point of the town. Another development that is attracting a lot of negative attention is the removal of a large house on the main road in Moville. The house has a long and interesting history and would attract many visitors if renovated, but value is seen only in the large garden, the house unfortunately, is dispensable. This is because the land can accommodate a new housing estate. These are just two examples of thoughtless planning. There are many more around the peninsula and the country come to think of it. I don’t have to tell you this though; all you have to do is look out of your window!


OVERSEAS VISITOR

I was out for walk recently with a woman from in Canada. She was shocked at the amount of damage the peninsula is enduring by development. She also was very surprised at the small amount of opposition from residents in the affected areas. Green space where she lives in Canada is scarce, as development has swallowed up the land. She even has to pay to use the beaches as they are all under private ownership! Sometimes people coming to the peninsula put a fresh perspective on the area and they can see things clearer than we can. As Joni Mitchell sang in 1970 “ Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”……. Hopefully with the work of environmental groups, that sentiment will never apply to Inishowen!

CONTACT

If you have any questions or concerns regarding aspects of our natural, built or cultural heritage, Joe Gallagher can be contacted at the County Council Heritage Office, Donegal County Council in Lifford on (074) 917 2576 or by e-mail: heritage@donegalcoco.ie

Environmental.