Howth Special Area Amenity Order
Below is the proposed Programme of Works for the Howth Special Area Amenity Order in 2011. Where no money has been allocated or specified it has been agreed only to explore works in this area and funding is subject to further agreement at a Howth SAAO management committee meeting or to funding been made available from other sources.
1. Re-evaluation of looped network – Investigate the option of hardcore surfacing on sections of the looped path network, in particular sections of the lower cliff path. Requires specialized advice/contractors and grant funding.
2. Invasive species control – Carried out by Volunteers and Contractor. Estimated costs €4000.
3. New Access routes/Looped walks – Investigate the possibility of opening up more access routes (rights-of-way) on the peninsula. Working with Howth Pathways and Fáilte Ireland to identify priority routes.
4. Howth Demesne Project – in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and Howth Demesne investigate the possibility of opening up more access routes/looped networks throughout the Rhododendron gardens of Howth Estate and to link with the established looped path network. Project would also involve some restoration of the Rhododendron gardens, and woodland rejuvenation.
5. Heathland management plan – partnership project involving in-house expertise, contract ecologist and possibly research student (Trinity College Dublin) €5,000.
6. Conservation of Red Squirrel – removal of Grey Squirrels from the Howth Peninsula and investigate habitat improvements in the various woodland areas on the peninsula. Project will involve publicity campaign via local schools, newspapers and websites. ‘Hair tubes’ will be set up to confirm presence of Red/Grey Squirrel. Wire mesh cage traps will be installed at locations where Grey Squirrels are suspected – any Red Squirrels will be released. ‘Hair tube’ traps will be set up in gardens across the narrowest section of peninsula to then monitor movement of Greys into the area, if found, wire cage traps will then be set up to trap the incoming Greys. Project cost €9,000. Heritage Council to provide €4,000, SAAO to provide €5,000.
7.Completion of Conservation Plan for Howth. Drafts were sent out to committee members about 12 months ago for comments and recommendations. It is proposed to re-send copies to all committee members and discuss the content of the report at the next SAAO meeting and sign off on this report.
8. Guided walks & talk at Dublin Bay Prawn Festival in Howth. Howth Pathways will organise 2 guided walks on Howth on the 2nd and 3rd April and Declan Doogue will do a talk on the biodiversity of Howth at the Anglers Club in Howth on the 3rd and may lead an outing on Howth subject to levels of interest. A marquee will be installed along the promenade during this weekend to promote the walks and the work associated with the SAAO. Estimated costs for printing re-usable promotional posters is €500.
