Opposition is growing to a biodiversity initiative placing native Irish cattle on public grassland next to Ballyloughane Strand.
A section of the headland east of the beach at Ballyloughane has been fenced off by Galway City Council in preparation for the arrival of eight Dexter cows. The pilot project, ‘Buaile Bó Ballyloughane’ relies on cattle to graze and fertilise the area over winter months, and – it is hoped – encourage the growth of native vegetation, thereby increasing insects and birds.
The newly-formed Ballyloughane Environmental Action Group (BEAG ) says the hurriedly-erected post and wire fencing is unsightly, prevents wildlife transiting the area, and reduces amenity space for walkers. The group insists it is pro-animal and pro-animal welfare.
“It looks like a concentration camp with cage wire to the ground,” says group spokesman Ger O’Rourke. “Our main issue is the lack of public consultation.” The Doughiska resident says Ballyloughane is an amenity for the whole east of Galway city, and that a “biodiversity experiment” should not happen on public lands without “control measures conducted by professionals in the field of flora and fauna”.
The group has posted protest signs around Ballyloughane, including details of an SMS petition (0877755317 ) encouraging locals to text their opposition. BEAG claims around 80 verified text messages against the paddock, and “a handful” for it.
“Someone is taking down our posters, and it feels that’s part of the dictatorship too,” says O’Rourke.
Council officials say they have consulted with local representatives, schools and retirement groups which they hope will monitor progress of the biodiversity project. Workshops are planned to begin in January. Staff refused to confirm or deny whether the National Parks & Wildlife Service, which it is understood provides some funding for the project, insisted fencing had to be erected ahead of schedule during its 2023 budget cycle.
The headland next to Ballyloughane Strand has been infested with invasive Japanese knotweed for several years, and is considered a “dead zone” in terms of biodiversity. Dogs roaming off the leash and dog fouling is thought to have disrupted wildlife in the area, especially ground-nesting birds. Dexter Cattle projects in Co Clare have indicated their grazing patterns encourage flower, insect and birdlife.
Ballyloughane resident and city councillor Terry O’Flaherty has welcomed the project, but warned the area surrounding the cattle enclosure will require a number of improvements.
“The walkway is in dire need of repairing and will require upgrading to a higher standard than it is currently in; there are three new seats waiting to be installed and the grass surrounding the enclosure should be better maintained,” she said.
