Article 6 (3) Appropriate Assessment Screening Report - Interim repair works at Bandon fish pass, Co Cork
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Article 6 (3) Appropriate Assessment Screening Report Interim repair works at Bandon fish pass, Co Cork
Interim repair works at Bandon fish pass, Co Cork
AASR F02 - 2021.04.20- 210359
DOCUMENT DETAILS
Client: Office of Public Works
Project title: Interim repair works at Bandon fish
pass, Co Cork
Project Number: 210359
Document Title: Article 6 (3) Appropriate
Assessment Screening Report
Document File
Name: AASR F03 – 2021.04.23 - 210359
Prepared By: MKO
Tuam Road
Galway
Ireland
H91 VW84
Rev Status Date Author(s) Approved By
01 Draft 15/04/2021 IR PR
01 Final 16/04/2021 IR PR
02 Final 20/04/2021 IR PR
03 Final 23/04/2021 IR PR
Interim repair works at Bandon fish pass, Co Cork
AASR F02 - 2021.04.20- 210359
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................... 1
1.1 Background .................................................. 1
1.2 Appropriate Assessment ...................................... 1
1.2.1 Screening for Appropriate Assessment ............................ 1
1.2.2 Statement of Authority .......................................... 2
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED WORKS ............................... 3
2.1 Site Location ............................................... 3
2.2 Characteristics of the Proposed Works ....................... 3
2.2.1 Description of the project ...................................... 3
2.2.1.1 Access from Riverview Shopping Centre access road................. 4
2.2.1.2 Access from the northern riverbank................................ 4
2.2.2 Description of the Baseline Ecological Environment .............. 6
3. IDENTIFICATION OF RELEVANT EUROPEAN SITES ....................... 9
3.1 Identification of the European Sites within the Likely Zone of
Impact ...................................................... 9
3.2 Likely Cumulative Impact of the Proposed Works on European
Sites, in-combination with other plans and projects ........ 14
4. ARTICLE 6(3) APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING STATEMENT AND
CONCLUSIONS ....................................................... 15
4.1 Data Collected to Carry Out Assessment ..................... 15
4.2 Concluding Statement ....................................... 15
BIBLIOGRAPHY ...................................................... 16
TABLE OF PLATES
Plate 2.1 Exposed concrete sill at the upstream exit of the fish pass.
Area of very shallow water in front of sill followed by an area
of high turbulence evident .................................. 3
Plate 2.2 Possible access points for the work. The most likely route
of the excavator to access the fish pass from the northern
bank is shown in orange ..................................... 4
Plate 2.3 View of the southern riverbank, the upstream exit of the
fish pass is visible in the centre of the picture ........... 7
Plate 2.4 View of the northern riverbank from the upstream exit of
the fish pass ............................................... 7
Plate 2.5 View of sloping agricultural grassland field to be crossed
if access from the Riverview Shopping Centre access road is
not possible ................................................ 8
Plate 2.6 View of wet grassland area in proximity of the river .... 8
TABLE OF TABLES
Table 3.1 Identification of European Sites within the Likely Zone of
Impact ..................................................... 11
Interim repair works at Bandon fish pass, Co Cork
AASR F02 - 2021.04.20- 210359
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
MKO has been appointed to provide the information necessary to allow the competent authority to
conduct an Article 6(3) Screening for Appropriate Assessment of interim repair works at Bandon fish
pass in Bandon, Co Cork.
Screening for Appropriate Assessment is required under Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the
conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the Habitats Directive). Where it cannot be
excluded that a project or plan, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, would have a
significant effect on a European Site then same shall be subject to an appropriate assessment of its
implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. The current project is not directly
connected with, or necessary for, the management of any European Site consequently the project has
been subject to the Appropriate Assessment Screening process.
The assessment in this report is based on a desk study and field survey undertaken in April 2021. It
specifically assesses the potential for the proposed works to result in significant effects on European sites
in the absence of any best practice, mitigation or preventative measures.
This Appropriate Assessment Screening Report has been prepared in accordance with the European
Commission’s Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological
Guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (EC, 2001) and
Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC (EC, 2018)
as well as the Department of the Environment’s Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland
- Guidance for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG, 2010).
In addition to the guidelines referenced above, the following relevant documents were also considered in
the preparation of this report:
1. Council of the European Commission (1992) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May
1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. Official Journal
of the European Communities. Series L 20, pp. 7-49.
2. EC (2000) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’
Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities,
Luxembourg.
3. EC (2007) Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the 'Habitats Directive' 92/43/EEC –
Clarification of the concepts of: alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding
public interest, compensatory measures, overall coherence. Opinion of the commission.
4. EC (2013) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 28.
European Commission.
1.2 Appropriate Assessment
1.2.1 Screening for Appropriate Assessment
The Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild
fauna and flora) aims to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of
community interest across Europe. The requirements of this Directive are transposed into Irish law
through the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations) 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of
2011).
Under the Directive a network of sites of nature conservation importance have been identified by each
Member State as containing specified habitats or species requiring to be maintained or returned to
favourable conservation status. In Ireland the network consists of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), and also candidate sites, which form the Natura 2000 network.
1
Interim repair works at Bandon fish pass, Co Cork
AASR F02 - 2021.04.20- 210359
Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive requires that, in relation to European designated sites (i.e. SACs and
SPAs that form the Natura 2000 network), "any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary
to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in
combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for
the site in view of the site's conservation objectives".
A competent authority (e.g. the OPW or Local Authority) can only agree to a plan or project after having
determined that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned. Under article 6(4) of the
Directive, if adverse impacts are likely, and in the absence of alternative options, a plan or project must
nevertheless proceed for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI), including social or
economic reasons, a Member State is required to take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure the
overall integrity of the Natura 2000 site. The European Commission have to be informed of any
compensatory measures adopted, unless a priority habitat type or species is present and in which case an
opinion from the European Commission is required beforehand (unless for human health or public
safety reasons, or of benefit to the environment).
1.2.2 Statement of Authority
th
A baseline ecological survey was undertaken on the 14 of April 2021 by Inga Reich Honours degree
(Biology), Ph.D. (Applied Ecology) who also wrote the report. This report has been reviewed by Pat
Roberts B.Sc. (Env.) MCIEEM. Pat has over 15 years post graduate experience in ecological consultancy
and impact assessment.
2
Interim repair works at Bandon fish pass, Co Cork
AASR F02 - 2021.04.20- 210359
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED WORKS
2.1 Site Location
The fish pass is situated on the River Bandon and bypasses the weir in Bandon, Co Cork. It is located
just north of Macswiney Quay and Weir Street, which is the access road for the Riverview Shopping
Centre (grid ref: E 148859 N 055022). The site is surrounded by urban infrastructure to the south, east
west and a wet grassland field to the north. It is situated about 23km downstream of the Bandon River
SAC which is designated, amongst others, for brook lamprey but also supports populations of Atlantic
salmon. The site location is shown in Figure 2.1.
2.2 Characteristics of the Proposed Works
2.2.1 Description of the project
The gravel and rock bed in the Bandon fish pass was seriously damaged by recent flood events which
exposed a concrete sill at the upstream end of the fish pass that now impedes the migration of several fish
species, including eel, salmon, trout and lamprey (Plate 2.1). The proposed interim works are necessary
for the efficient functioning of the fish pass, and a number of different options are considered which will
result in raised water levels and reduced velocity of the water across all or part of the sill.
Plate 2.1 Exposed concrete sill at the upstream exit of the fish pass. Area of very shallow water in front of sill followed by an area of
high turbulence evident.
Depending on whether sufficient large boulders can be sourced from the local area, one of two options will
be selected:
Option 1: Two rows of large boulders (weight of approx. 5 tons) will be placed across the width of the pass
(12.6m), one at 3m and one at approx. 9m downstream of the exposed sill.
3
Interim repair works at Bandon fish pass, Co Cork
AASR F02 - 2021.04.20- 210359
Option 2: Two rows of precast concrete traffic separator barriers (approx. 2 x 1 x 0.5m) will be placed
across the width of the pass (12.6m), one at 3m and one at approx. 9m downstream of the exposed sill.
Gaps will be left between the concrete blocks to enable fish passage.
While it will be avoided if at all possible, it may be necessary that a person will have to enter the upstream
area of the pass to unsling the boulders/concrete barriers from the crane. In this case, to create a safe
working environment for the person, a row of 1 ton bags filled with clean washed gravel will be placed in
the river immediately upstream of the pass, to reduce or prevent water flow into the pass during the works.
These will be removed once works are finished.
In addition, as it is not yet clear which access route will be used to access the works area, two access routes
are assessed:
2.2.1.1 Access from Riverview Shopping Centre access road
The boulders or concrete blocks will be placed carefully by crane situated on the Riverview Shopping
Centre access road. These works will be carried out in the evening and overnight with artificial lighting to
avoid obstructing access to the adjacent Riverview Shopping Centre during opening hours.
2.2.1.2 Access from the northern riverbank
If it is not possible to carry out the works from the Riverview Shopping Centre access road, a large
excavator will be tracked over areas of grassland located on the northern bank of the River Bandon
opposite the fish pass (Plate 2.2). The rock armour on the riverbank will be flattened to allow the creation
of a slope from which the excavator can track into the river. If the water depth at time of work is too deep
for the machine to cross, the scour hole in the middle of the river will need to be filled in with gravels
sourced from the riverbed. The excavator will be placed at the upstream end of the fish pass and existing
boulders will be dragged up towards the sill or sufficiently large boulders that are currently part of the
rock armour at the northern riverbank will be used alternatively. While it is unlikely and will be avoided if
at all possible, there may be a need of a tractor with dumper trailer to deliver boulders to the bank.
Plate 2.2 Possible access points for the work. The most likely route of the excavator to access the fish pass from the northern bank is
shown in orange.
4
Map Legend
Location of fish pass
Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. AR 0021820© Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland
Microsoft product screen shots reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation
Drawing Title
Site Location
Project Title
Interim repair works at Bandon fish
pass, Co. Cork
Drawn By Checked By
IR PR
Project No. Drawing No.
210359 Figure 2.1
Scale Date
15.04.2021
MKO
Planning and
Environmental
Consultants
Tuam Road, Galway
Ireland, H91 VW84
+353 (0) 91 735611
email:info@mkoireland.ie
Website: ww.mkoireland.ie
Interim repair works at Bandon fish pass, Co Cork
AASR F02 - 2021.04.20- 210359
2.2.2 Description of the Baseline Ecological
Environment
Assessing the impacts of any project and associated activities requires an understanding of the ecological
baseline conditions prior to and at the time of the project proceeding. Ecological Baseline conditions are
those existing in the absence of proposed activities (CIEEM, 2018).
th
A multidisciplinary walkover survey was conducted on the 14 of April 2021 in line with NRA (2009)
guidelines. The habitat classifications and codes correspond to those described in ‘ A Guide to Habitats in
Ireland’ (Fossitt, 2000). All habitats within and adjacent to the works area were readily identifiable during
the site visit. Following on from the multidisciplinary survey there was no requirement for additional
dedicated floral or faunal surveys to be undertaken due to the built-up/disturbed surroundings and the
nature and scale of the proposed works. During the survey, the site was also searched for species listed on
the Third Schedule of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations (S.I. 477 of
2011).
The Bandon fish pass is an eroding/upland river (FW1) while the River Bandon upstream and
downstream of the pass is a depositing/lowland river (FW2). The southern riverbank where the fish pass
is located is dominated by buildings and artificial surfaces (BL3) with banks consisting of amenity
grassland (improved) (GA2) (Plate 2.3). The northern riverbank is characterized by earth banks covered
with wet grassland (GS4) vegetation, boulders and treelines (WL2) consisting of willow (Salix spp.), alder
(Alnus glutinosa) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) as well as areas of bramble (Rubus fruticosus) scrub (WS1)
(Plate 2.4).
If works from the Riverview Shopping Centre access road are not possible, the excavator would track
through an area of sloping agricultural grassland (GA1) with a large percentage of herbs, in particular
ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), silverweed (Potentilla anserina) and dandelion (Taraxacum
vulgaria) (Plate 2.5). Towards the eastern field margin, which consist of a treeline (WL2), the ground
cover incorporates emerging bramble, dock (Rumex spp.) and winter heliotrope (Petasites pyrenaicus). A
small patch of hybrid bluebells (Hyacinthoides x masartiana), a Third Schedule invasive, was identified in
the north-eastern corner of the field in vicinity of the neighbouring garden. A small, largely overgrown
stream (FW2) will be crossed over an existing concrete structure covered with soil and established
vegetation and the excavator will track through a wet grassland (GS4) field before reaching the river. This
area is characterized by soft rush (Juncus effusus) and Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), creeping buttercup
(Ranunculus repens), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and pockets of horsetails (Equisetum spp.),
yellow iris (Iris pseudacoris) and marsh cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris). Clusters of willow of varying
maturity can be found throughout this area (Plate 2.6).
6
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AASR F02 - 2021.04.20- 210359
Plate 2.3 View of the southern riverbank, the upstream exit of the fish pass is visible in the centre of the picture.
Plate 2.4 View of the northern riverbank from the upstream exit of the fish pass.
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AASR F02 - 2021.04.20- 210359
Plate 2.5 View of sloping agricultural grassland field to be crossed if access from the Riverview Shopping Centre access road is not
possible.
Plate 2.6 View of wet grassland area in proximity of the river.
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AASR F02 - 2021.04.20- 210359
3. IDENTIFICATION OF RELEVANT EUROPEAN SITES
3.1 Identification of the European Sites within the Likely
Zone of Impact
The following methodology was used to establish which European Sites are within the Likely Zone of
Impact of the proposed works:
Initially the most up to date GIS spatial datasets for European Designated Sites and water
catchments were downloaded from the NPWS website (www.npws.ie) and the EPA website
(www.epa.ie) on the 07.04.2021. The datasets were utilized to identify European Sites which could
feasibly be affected by the proposed works.
All European Sites within a distance of 15km surrounding the site were identified and are shown
on Figure 3.1. In addition, the potential for connectivity with European Sites at distances of greater
than 15km from the proposed works was also considered in this initial assessment. In this case,
Bandon River SAC, which is located about 23km upstream of the works will be assessed due to
the connection between one of its QIs and the functioning of the fish pass. No potential for impact
on any other sites located further than 15km from the proposed works was identified due to lack
of pathways and size and scale of the proposed works.
The catchment mapping was used to establish or discount potential hydrological connectivity
between the site of the proposed works and any European Sites. The hydrological catchments are
also shown in Figure 3.1.
In relation to Special Protection Areas, in the absence of any specific European or Irish guidance
in relation to such sites, the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Guidance , ‘Assessing Connectivity
with Special Protection Areas (SPA)’ (2016) was consulted. This document provides guidance in
relation to the identification of connectivity between proposed works and Special Protection
Areas. The guidance takes into consideration the distances species may travel beyond the
boundary of their SPAs and provides information on dispersal and foraging ranges of bird species
which are frequently encountered when considering plans and projects.
Table 3.1 provides details of all relevant European Sites as identified in the preceding steps and
assesses which are within the likely Zone of Impact. The assessment considers any likely direct or
indirect impacts of the proposed works, both alone and in combination with other plans and
projects, on European Sites by virtue of the following criteria: size and scale, land-take, distance
from the European Site or key features of the site, resource requirements, emissions, excavation
requirements, transportation requirements and duration of construction, operation and
decommissioning were considered in this screening assessment
The site synopses and conservation objectives of these sites, as per the NPWS website
(www.npws.ie), were consulted and reviewed at the time of preparing this report 07.04.2021.
Figure 3.1 shows the location of the proposed works in relation to all European sites within 15km
of the proposed works.
Where potential pathways for Significant Effect are identified, the site is included within the Likely
Zone of Impact and considered in the Screening Assessment.
9Map Legend
Location of fish pass
15km Buffer
Special Area of
Conservation
Special Protection
Area
WFD Hydrological
Subcatchments
Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. AR 0021820© Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland
Microsoft product screen shots reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation
Drawing Title
EU Designated Sites within
15km
Project Title
Interim repair works at Bandon fish
pass, Co. Cork
Drawn By Checked By
IR PR
Project No. Drawing No.
210359 Figure 3.1
Scale Date
15.04.2021
MKO
Planning and
Environmental
Consultants
Tuam Road, Galway
Ireland, H91 VW84
+353 (0) 91 735611
email:info@mkoireland.ie
Website: ww.mkoireland.ieInterim repair works at Bandon fish pass, Co Cork
AASR F02 - 2021.04.20- 210359
Table 3.1 Identification of European Sites within the Likely Zone of Impact
European Sites and Qualify Interests/Special Conservation Conservation Likely Zone of Impact Determination
distance from proposed Interests for which the European site has Objectives
works been designated (Sourced from NPWS
online Conservation Objectives,
www.npws.ie on the 07/04/2021
Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
Courtmacsherry Estuary [1130] Estuaries Detailed conservation There will be no direct impact on the SAC as it is located outside of the
SAC [001230] [1140] Mudflats and sandflats not covered objectives for this site (Version footprint of the proposed works.
by seawater at low tide 1, July 2014) were reviewed as
[1210] Annual vegetation of drift lines part of the assessment and are No potential pathway for effect was identified for any of the following QI
Distance to site: 9.4km
[1220] Perennial vegetation of stony available at www.npws.ie habitats due to their terrestrial nature:
banks
[1310] Salicornia and other annuals [2110] Embryonic shifting dunes
colonising mud and sand [2120] Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila
[1330] Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco- arenaria (white dunes)
Puccinellietalia maritimae) [2130] Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey
[1410] Mediterranean salt meadows dunes)
(Juncetalia maritimi)
[2110] Embryonic shifting dunes This SAC is separated from the works area by the open sea and the
[2120] Shifting dunes along the shoreline River Bandon discharges to an entirely separate catchment. Hence, no
with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) potential pathway for significant effect arising from deterioration of water
[2130] Fixed coastal dunes with quality was identified for the remaining QI habitats:
herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes)
[1130] Estuaries
[1140] Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide
[1210] Annual vegetation of drift lines
[1220] Perennial vegetation of stony banks
[1310] Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand
[1330] Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae)
[1410] Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi)
As such, there is no potential for indirect effects to occur.
This SAC is not in the Likely Zone of Impact, no further assessment is
required.
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AASR F02 - 2021.04.20- 210359
European Sites and Qualify Interests/Special Conservation Conservation Likely Zone of Impact Determination
distance from proposed Interests for which the European site has Objectives
works been designated (Sourced from NPWS
online Conservation Objectives,
www.npws.ie on the 07/04/2021
Bandon River SAC [3260] Water courses of plain to montane No conservation objectives are There will be no direct impact on the SAC as it is located outside of the
[002171] levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and available for this site yet. footprint of the proposed works.
Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation [3260]
[91E0] Alluvial forests with Alnus The SAC is upstream from the works area. Hence, no potential pathway
Distance to site: 22.9km
glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno- for significant effect arising from deterioration of water quality was
Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) identified for any of the QIs.
[1029] Freshwater pearl mussel
(Margaritifera margaritifera) Disturbance to QI species within the European Site can be ruled out
[1096] Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) due to the distance between Bandon fish pass and this SAC. While
brook lamprey occurs the proposed works area, the works are small
scale and very short-term (less than 1 day) and will not cause any
significant disturbance for ex situ fish.
In addition, a functioning fish pass will have a positive effect on the QI
species [1096] brook lamprey as it will enable upstream migration and
will also benefit the other QI species [102] freshwater pearl mussel as
their larvae are dependent on salmonids hosts which will also use the
fish pass for migration.
There is no potential for significant negative effect, no further
assessment is required.
Special Protection Areas (SPA)
Courtmacsherry Bay SPA [A003] Great northern diver (Gavia Detailed conservation There will be no direct impact on the SPA as it is located outside of the
[004219] immer) objectives for this site (Version footprint of the proposed works.
[A048] Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) 1, October 2014) were
[A050] Wigeon (Anas penelope) reviewed as part of the This SPA is separated from the works area by the open sea and the
Distance to site: 9.4km
[A069] Red-breasted merganser (Mergus assessment and are available at River Bandon discharges to an entirely separate catchment. Hence, no
serrator) www.npws.ie potential pathway for significant effect arising from deterioration of water
[A140] Golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria)
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AASR F02 - 2021.04.20- 210359
European Sites and Qualify Interests/Special Conservation Conservation Likely Zone of Impact Determination
distance from proposed Interests for which the European site has Objectives
works been designated (Sourced from NPWS
online Conservation Objectives,
www.npws.ie on the 07/04/2021
[A142] Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) quality was identified for supporting habitats associated with the SPA and
[A149] Dunlin (Calidris alpina) in particular the following SCI:
[A156] Black-tailed godwit (Limosa
limosa) [A999] Wetland and waterbirds
[A157] Bar-tailed godwit (Limosa
lapponica) Disturbance to SCI species within the European Site can be ruled out due
[A160] Curlew (Numenius arquata) to the distance between Bandon fish pass and this SPA. While some of
[A179] Black-headed gull the SCI species may occur in the proposed works area, the works are small
(Chroicocephalus ridibundus) scale and very short-term (less than 1 day) and will not cause any significant
[A182] Common gull (Larus canus) disturbance for ex situ birds.
[A999] Wetland and waterbirds
As such, there is no potential for indirect effects to occur.
This SPA is not in the Likely Zone of Impact, no further assessment is
required.
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3.2 Likely Cumulative Impact of the Proposed Works on
European Sites, in-combination with other plans and
projects
The works are associated with the much larger Bandon flood relief scheme and involve a small adaption
to that permitted scheme. However, they are designed specifically for the purpose of facilitating upstream
fish passage and have no potential to impact negatively on any European Site individually – they therefore
cannot contribute to any negative effect when considered cumulatively.
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4. ARTICLE 6(3) APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT
SCREENING STATEMENT AND CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this Screening Assessment are presented following the European Commission’s
Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological Guidance on
the provisions of Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (EC, 2001) and Managing
Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC (EC, 2018) as well as
the Department of the Environment’s Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance
for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG, 2010).
4.1 Data Collected to Carry Out Assessment
In preparation of the report, the following sources were used to gather information:
Review of NPWS Site Synopses, Conservation Objectives for the European Sites
Review of 2019, 2013 and 2007 EU Habitats Directive (Article 17) Reports.
Review of OS maps and aerial photographs of the site of the proposed project.
Review of online web-mappers: National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS),
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Water Framework Directive (WFD).
Information provided by email from OPW
th
Meeting with Damien Cannon and Owen Lynch from Byrne Looby on 14 of April
2021.
th
Site visit conducted by Inga Reich on the 14 of April 2021.
4.2 Concluding Statement
It is concluded beyond reasonable scientific doubt, in view of best scientific knowledge, on the basis of
objective information and in light of the conservation objectives of the relevant European Sites, that the
proposed works, individually or in combination with other plans and projects, will not have a significant
effect on any European Site.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Birds Directive (2009/47/EC) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/naturelegislation/birdsdirective/index
_en.htm
CIEEM (2018) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial,
Freshwater, Coastal and Marine version 1.1. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental
Management, Winchester. Version 1.1..
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and
flora (Habitats Directive) and Directive 2009/147/EC (codified version of Directive 79/409/EEC as
amended) (Birds Directive) – transposed into Irish law as European Communities (Birds and Natural
Habitats) Regulations 2011 (SI 477/2011).
DEHLG (2009) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland: Guidance for Planning
Authorities. DEHLG, Dublin.
DoEHLG (2010). Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning
Authorities. Revision, February, 2010. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
EC (2018) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC,
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. European Commission.
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