The upgrade of an existing field entrance to a forestry standard road entrance

Carmel Taheny has lodged an application with Sligo County Council to upgrade an existing field entrance to a forestry‑standard road entrance at Bunnadober Townland, Ballinafad, Co. Sligo. The proposal, submitted on 21 May 2026, is currently in the pre‑validation stage of the council’s planning process. The council file, reference 2660191, records the applicant’s intent to improve access to the site by converting the existing field entrance into a road that meets forestry standards.

The upgrade would involve widening the approach, installing appropriate drainage and ensuring that the new entrance complies with the forestry road specifications set out by the council. The applicant has not yet provided detailed plans or engineering drawings, and the council has not yet issued a decision. As the application is in pre‑validation, the council will assess whether the proposal meets the necessary planning criteria before moving to the next stage of review.

Ballinafad is a rural area within Co. Sligo, and the proposed upgrade is expected to facilitate forestry operations and improve connectivity for local landowners. The council will consider the environmental impact of the work, including any potential effects on surrounding land and wildlife. The applicant will need to demonstrate that the upgrade will not adversely affect the local environment and that it complies with relevant forestry and planning regulations.

The council’s planning department will review the application against the county’s planning policies and forestry guidelines. If the proposal is found to be compliant, the council will issue a decision, which could include conditions to mitigate any environmental or community impacts. The applicant will be notified of the council’s decision and any conditions that may be imposed.

The application remains in the pre‑validation stage, and no decision has yet been made. The council will continue to assess the proposal and will publish a decision once the review is complete. For more details, see the Sligo County Council planning file (reference 2660191).

Summary written by localnews.ie from the original source coverage. Click through for the full report.