Save The Bats - Stop McDonald’s Magherafelt Construction

Statement Calling for the Suspension of McDonald’s Construction in Magherafelt 

Local environmentalists have demanded the suspension of all building works at the new McDonald's restaurant site , in Magherafelt .

There have been sightings of bats on the site and to disturb it would be contrary to environmental protection laws. 

" This action is necessitated by the presence of a cauldron of Natterer's bats living in close proximity to the site of the new restaurant. 

This species of bat is among the rarest in Ireland, we are lucky to have them. 

It can take years for a colony of this significance to develop. 

If the construction process does not destroy the colony then noise and light pollution from a busy restaurant will. 

Under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended) and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995, it is an offence to intentionally disturb or destroy the habitats of protected species, including bats. 

These laws are in place to ensure the conservation of our rich biodiversity and to protect species that are vital to our ecosystem.

Bats are not only integral to maintaining ecological balance by controlling insect populations, but they are also bioindicators, reflecting the health of our environment. 

The disturbance or destruction of their habitat would not only be a violation of Northern Ireland’s wildlife protection laws but also a significant ecological loss.

We ask for the law to be enforced and the protections to be implemented . 

The developer must halt the construction immediately to safeguard our natural heritage and comply with the legal obligations set forth to protect endangered species.

This restaurant will cause massive environmental damage if opened. 

We ask all political representatives to come together to save the bats of Magherafelt. "