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A unique landscape
and how to protect it
●
Rare wildlife
and ecology
● Sliabh
Bán's history, ancient and modern
● Walking,
recreation and the Holy Cross
Contact the Sliabh Ban Community Group on
089 434 5731 |
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˄
Croagh Patrick on the Mayo coast, just visible from Reagh,
half way up Sliabh Bán |
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Sliabh Bán facts:
Height: 262 metres
Grid Ref: M95476 74313
Prominence: 207m Isolation: 25.3km
It is located 6km NW of Lanesborough. The name has nothing to do
with bán, 'white'. Bána is the modern form of Badbgna, name of a Fir
Bolg chieftain of this area. From it in clear conditions you can see
Croagh Patrick on the west coast of Co. Mayo, and the Oldcastle
Hills in Co. Meath to the east, and in between a fine view of the
many islands on Lough Ree.
Slieve Bawn is the highest point in south County Roscommon, and the
second highest point in the county as a whole.
Nationally it is the 997th highest summit, but in geograpic,
historic and social significance it is the 6th most important in
Ireland.
It is the second most southerly summit in the North Midlands area.
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˄ Annual gathering at the
Cross
● Slieve Bawn is a small
but highly significant mountain set among the lakes and flatlands of
eastern Co. Roscommon overlooking Aughamuck, Strokestown and Ballyleague. It
is part of the historic landscape of the Táin Bó Cúailnge, and was said by the historian John
O'Donovan to be
the last haunt of the Fir Bolg in the county.
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It
has a central place - not just geographically, but also historically,
mythically, ecologically and culturally - in the annals of Ireland.
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Help us keep the mountain as a
place of natural sanctity; a place of peace, quiet and long views; a haven
for wildlife; a place for recreation, walking, riding, cycling in safety;
a refuge from the stresses of modern life; an educational link with the
history of Roscommon; an inspirational link with the ancient history and
literature of Ireland.
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Sliabh Bán is one of the outstanding landmarks of
Ireland.
But it is under threat.
Coillte proposes to make money by installing on it
twenty wind
turbines of which at least half will be 131 metres - half the total height
of the mountain and ten metres taller than the Dublin Spire.
Sliabh Bán is possibly the least suitable
location for a windfarm in the whole of Ireland because -
● There are no other mountains in the area -
it is the most prominent feature in the midlands plain
● Despite being only 262 metres it is the tallest peak in south Co. Roscommon
● From
its top are clearly visible the Loughcrew Hills in Co. Meath to the east,
and to the west the peak of Croagh Patrick on the Co. Mayo coast. This
gives a view of approx 250kms - almost coast-to-coast - one of the widest
in Ireland
● Its wide views mean that the mountain can itself be seen over a vast area – and
therefore the towering proposed wind turbines on its summit would dominate
the skyline over an even greater distance
● It is the county's principal tourist
attractions, a noted
hillwalking centre as well as offering visitors excellent riding
facilities and cycling routes
● It overlooks, and is an intrinsic part of,
Cruachan Aí - one of the most
important and best preserved Celtic Royal Sites in Europe. Modern
scientific archaeology is continuously shedding new light on the
significance of this ancient, complex and mysterious landscape
The proposed turbines will dwarf the beautiful mountain and
its surrounding landscape, and their construction and maintenance will
turn Roscommon's most venerated mountain into an industrial site.
There
is a
place for wind farms - but that place is offshore, or on Bord na Mona cutaway bog
- already a wasteland. It is not in the heart of rural communities and
their valuable landscapes.
Click on the links in the menu on the left to read our story...
For more info phone the Sliabh Ban Community Group on 0894345731 |
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