Wicklow County Council on Monday rejected putting a Special Amenity Order on The Sugarloaf by a margin of 14 against and 4 in favour. ‘I am very disappointed at this decision as the Sugarloaf is a great recreational area and an SAAO would give it added protection’. Council officials have put a great deal of effort over some years into drawing this up. Originally it was to cover quite a wide area but the rejected proposal had been reduced so that it excluded all houses and quarries.

Some years ago the Council approved an SAAO for Bray Head and while successful I am disappointed that this has not lead to more funding to protect it.