Slieve Croob likely to be designated a special area

Slieve Croob likely to be designated a special area

20 May 2015

THE Slieve Croob area of County Down may be designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is proposing the designation because of the importance of many geological features in the area. The NIEA has written to Newry, Mourne and Down council telling them of the proposal and giving them until July 27 to comment.

Slieve Croob is part of a geological area known as the Newry Igneous Complex (NIC), which extends over an area of 45 square kilometres from Slieve Croob in the north east to Forkhill in south Armagh.

Rocks in the NIC are between 414 and 407 million years old and are a source of considerable importance for research.

An area designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) is carefully controlled by regulations designed to preserve the integrity of the region. In the case of Slieve Croob, regulations will protect the geological formations in the area.

The regulations will control building in the area, the use of vehicles, woodland management, the clearing of boulders or stones, the disturbance of the surface or subsurface, recreational and educational activities.

In a letter to the council outlining plans for the designation of the ASSI the NIEA says it will work with owners, occupiers and users of the area to “ensure that the management of this area maintains and enhances the features of interest.”

“The earth science interest at Slieve Croob occurs as rock exposures on the summit of Slieve Croob contained within a single field. The Department would encourage the maintenance of the ASSI and its earth science interest,” said the letter.

“The site is currently used for the grazing of livestock. This does not detract from its geological importance nor adversely affect the ASSI,” it adds.

“Provided no damaging activities, as set out in the schedule, are undertaken without consent, the needs of owners, occupiers and the Department can be met. 

“Earth science features such as those at Slieve Croob may require occasional management intervention in order to maintain access to, and exposure of, the geology. This could include selective removal of vegetation or any major build up of loose rock.”

The proposal will be discussed by the council’s Regulatory and Technical Services Committee tonight.