Results from the village appraisal questionnaire demonstrate a depth of feeling and an attachment to the Village of Termonfeckin.
This is not surprising, and locals with a history in the area will bear out that these feelings have been running deep for some time. Many of the survey findings echo the 1999 publication ‘Building Sensitively and Sustainably in County Louth’ commissioned by Louth County Council. Relevant Extracts of this publication are included within Appendix B of the published Statement.
The desire is for a village that firstly provides safe road and pedestrian access. The explosion of Clogherhead to the North of Termonfeckin has dramatically increased traffic flow through the village. Trucks, vans and cars drive through the village at frightening speed and well above the 30mph limit.
The desire to feel safe on the roads, whether you are a car driver, cyclist, pedestrian or riding a horse, is high on the local agenda.
Ideally safer roads should be achieved by imaginative traffic management measures. Some suggested a by-pass. At the lower extreme, others suggested chicanes to calm traffic.
It was generally felt that the introduction of traffic lights and extensive white lining is not appropriate, as these measures would destroy the character of the village.
Development should be restricted to a rate that allows for easy absorption of additional residential units and their residents.
Developments should not be greater than ten units within any single landownership.
Important views and glimpses must be retained.
The initial (good) impression of the village must be retained.
The nature and character of the village should be retained by ensuring the informal positioning of dwellings within developments, use of a complementary mix of materials within developments, and with due regard to the appearance of existing properties and their scale. Over-fussy house design and a mixture of materials on any single dwelling however are inappropriate.
Impact on the rural nature of the village must be minimised, and any new housing should generate a proper landscape response.
Improved infrastructure, amenities and services along with flood prevention measures must be in place before any substantial development of the village is permitted.
PRODUCED BY TRPAG. JANUARY 2002.
