N69 Listowel Bypass Environmental Impact Statement Volume 1 of 4: Non-Technical Summary - May 2017
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N69 Listowel Bypass
Environmental Impact Statement
Volume 1 of 4: Non-Technical Summary
May 2017
Contents 1 Non-Technical Summary 2 1.1 Background to the Proposed Road Development 2 1.2 Description of the Proposed Development 2 1.3 Outline of Alternatives Considered 4 1.4 Socio-Economics 5 1.5 Agronomy 5 1.6 Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology 7 1.7 Hydrology, Geomorphology and Hydromorphology 8 1.8 Air Quality and Climate 9 1.9 Noise and Vibration 9 1.10 Landscape and Visual 10 1.11 Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Architectural Heritage 11 1.12 Waste 11 1.13 Material Assets 12
without the significant intrusion that comes with a continuous stream of through-traffic
1 Non-Technical Summary travelling through its core and along its main shopping streets.
Table 1.1 N69 Listowel Bypass Scheme Objectives
1.1 Background to the Proposed Road Development
No Objective
The Kerry National Road Design Office (NRDO), on behalf of Kerry County Council, has
1 Meet the objectives of National, Regional County and Local Policy Documents.
developed proposals for a bypass of Listowel Town in County Kerry, titled the ‘N69
Listowel Bypass’, hereinafter also referred to as the ‘proposed development’. Listowel is
2 Reduce journey times on the N69 through Listowel.
situated on the N69 Tralee to Limerick National Secondary Route.
3 Reduce congestion within Listowel Town Centre.
This N69 Listowel Bypass Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) presents a statement of
the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development and includes a 4 Provide opportunity for the revitalisation of the town of Listowel.
description of the measures envisaged in order to avoid, reduce and where possible,
remedy any identified significant adverse effects. 5 Support the sustainable development of Listowel Town.
6 Reduce collisions and fatalities on this section of the N69.
The EIS documents have been subdivided into the following four volumes for ease of use:
Provide opportunity for creating a safer environment for pedestrians by removing
Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary; 7
National Traffic from Listowel Town Centre.
Volume 2: Main Text;
Provide an economically viable proposed development in line with Government public
Volume 3: Figures; and
8 spending code directive (one that provides a Benefit to Cost Ratio greater than 1 and a
Volume 4: Appendices. positive Net Present Value).
(a) Need for the Proposed Development 9 Provide a proposed development that will improve accessibility.
The provision of an N69 Bypass for Listowel Town is a stated objective of national, 1.2 Description of the Proposed Development
regional and local policy documents. This reflects the key role played by the N69 in linking
Listowel with the Tralee/Killarney Hub, the Tarbert Industrial Landbank, the Port of The proposed development comprises approximately 7 km of single carriageway road
Foynes, the Limerick/Shannon Gateway and the wider region. The proposed development between the start and end points on the N69 Tralee Tarbert Road and the existing N69 in
is in compliance with the hierarchy of development plans for the Region, County, Town Ballygowlogue. Of this 7 km, approximately 3.8 km is new road construction,
and Local Area. approximately 1.2 km is an upgrade of the existing road network and approximately 2 km
is an upgrade to the existing John B. Keane Road which also includes the additional
The applicable policy is set out in the following Policy Documents: provision of shared cycle and pedestrian facilities. The proposed development includes
three new roundabouts, four bridges, and a number of culverts (to either accommodate
National Spatial Strategy for Ireland, 2002-2020; existing watercourses/drainage ditches or to provide flood mitigation). One of the bridges
Smarter Travel, 2009; is a river crossing of the River Feale and is approximately 115m in length. The proposed
South West Regional Authority - Regional Planning Guidelines, 2010-2022; development also includes attenuation ponds and wetlands, to attenuate and improve the
Kerry County Development Plan, 2015-2021; quality of surface water run-off from the new road. Refer to Figure 1.1 for a plan drawing
Listowel Town Development Plan, 2009-2015; and of the proposed development.
Listowel/Ballybunnion Functional Areas Local Area Plan 2013 – 2019.
In addition to the strong policy need for a bypass of Listowel, there is also a strong
specific traffic need based on the lack of capacity along the existing N69 to cater for
current and future traffic volumes. As a result of this lack of capacity, traffic travelling
along the N69 through the town of Listowel is currently subjected to high levels of
congestion, which results in delays and increased journey times, which will be
exacerbated in the future such that journey times in the evening period will approximately
double by 2032, in the absence of any form of intervention.
(b) Scheme Objectives
The proposed development objectives are outlined in Table 1.1. In addition to the core
objectives associated with addressing the existing capacity issues, the scheme objectives
also include supporting the sustainable development of Listowel Town. The future for
Listowel lies in consolidating its existing local market acting as a focal point for the Town
while diversifying and developing its unique tourism product. In order to do this Listowel
needs to be an attractive, easily accessible, relaxing, pedestrian friendly place to visit
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CR 63.6
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Rev By Date Description Project: N69 LISTOWEL BYPASS
Kerry County Council
0 JTM April 2017 For Publication Component: Environmental Impact Statement
Kerry National Roads Design Office
The Island Centre
Castleisland Title: The Proposed Development
Co. Kerry
Drawing No.
Mr. C. O'Sullivan, B.E., M.Eng., C.Eng., Eur.Ing., MIEI Merrion House Tel: +353 1 2695666 Designed: JTM File Name:
Director of Services
Merrion Road Fax: +353 1 2695706
Operations Capital Infrastructure & Safety
Dublin 4 www.jacobs.com
Drawn: MW Original scales: 1:7,500 @ A1 1:15,000 @ A3 32105301/EIS/Fig 1.1
Checked: AM Date: JUNE 2014
Survey Ireland and Government of IrelandAn assessment of the proposed development and its compliance with the projects defined Various alternative solutions were considered to address the scheme objectives as part of
objectives is outlined in Table 1.2 below. this route selection process. This comprised five different infrastructure options, i.e.
Table 1.2 Objective Compatibility options which included a new road, a ‘Do Nothing’/‘Do Minimum’ option and also a Traffic
Management option.
No Objective Compliance Consideration Compliance
Based on the consideration of the ‘Do-Nothing / Do-Minimum’ and Traffic Management
The proposed development meets the
Meet the objectives of national, options and the conclusion that such measures were not viable or would not satisfy the
objectives of National, Regional and Local
1 regional, county and local
Policy Documents as set out in Section
Yes scheme objectives, these options were discounted from further consideration.
policy documents.
1.3.
As identified in Section 2.12, the proposed Therefore preliminary option assessments were conducted in relation to the five
Reduce journey times on the infrastructure options comprising an assessment of the alternatives on the basis of
2 development reduces journey times on Yes
N69 through Listowel. Engineering, Environment and Economic criteria. This resulted in the further discounting
the N69.
As identified in Section 2.12, the proposed of options leaving three remaining options for a more detailed appraisal. These remaining
Reduce congestion within
3
Listowel Town Centre.
development reduces congestion within Yes options were assessed based on the following criteria:
Listowel Town Centre.
Provide opportunity for the Reduced congestion will create a better Economy;
4 revitalisation of the town of environment for the revitalisation of Yes
Safety;
Listowel. Listowel.
The proposed development is in
Environment;
compliance with the objectives of Accessibility and Social Inclusion; and
National, Regional and Local Policy Integration.
documents, it will inevitably support the
development of Listowel Town in a The preferred route corridor option following this process was the route option titled
Support the sustainable
5 sustainable manner consistent with the Yes Option C/D. Note the following in relation to this option:
development of Listowel Town.
planning documents listed. Much of the
lands proposed for retail development are
It ranked ‘Preferred’ in the Environmental Evaluation;
to the north of Listowel Town which is also
consistent with the northern bypass All three options were ranked as ‘Similar’ under the headings of Accessibility &
proposed. Social Inclusion and Integration;
Reduce collisions and fatalities High Quality Alternative provided to the It ranked as ‘Intermediate’ in the Safety Assessment; and
6 Yes It ranked ‘Preferred’ in the Economic Evaluation with a higher benefit to cost ratio
on this section of the N69. existing N69.
Provide opportunity for As identified in Section 2.12, the reduced and it was also the least expensive option.
creating a safer environment congestion in Listowel Town combined
7 for pedestrians by removing with the improved pedestrian facilities Yes Option C/D was therefore taken forward and refined and improved to reflect the current
national traffic from Listowel along the John B. Keane Road will proposed development as presented in this EIS.
Town Centre. improve the environment for pedestrians.
Provide an economically viable
proposed development in line The proposed development demonstrates
with Government public a positive Net Present Value and a
8 spending code directive (one Benefit to Cost Ratio ranging between 2.1 Yes
that provides a Benefit to Cost and 3.1 subject to the level of anticipated
Ratio greater than 1 and a traffic growth.
positive Net Present Value).
The proposed development improves
Provide a proposed accessibility by providing alternative
9 development that will improve access routes into and out of different Yes
accessibility. parts of Listowel Town and also includes
improved pedestrian and cyclist provision.
As evidenced from the above table, the proposed development complies with all the
objectives which were outlined.
1.3 Outline of Alternatives Considered
A route selection process was undertaken in 2011 and 2012 by Kerry NRDO which
culminated in the production of a Route Selection Report. The Route Selection Report
was prepared in accordance with the NRA Project Management Guidelines and the
assessment was undertaken in accordance with these guidelines and the NRA
Environmental Appraisal and Construction Guidelines.
41.4 Socio-Economics 1.5 Agronomy
The impacts on human beings considered in this assessment relate to direct physical The proposed development will traverse agricultural land passing through two Electoral
impacts of the construction work and impacts on quality of life and safety arising from Divisions (EDs); Listowel Rural and Listowel Urban, and is located within an area of
changed traffic flows and changes in commuting patterns. The assessment also seeks to lowland which consists of lands of good agricultural range and usage. The main farm
identify the land use changes and changes in economic activities directly attributable or enterprises are dairying and mixed livestock. The impact on agriculture will be limited to
attributable in part to the proposed development. those farms directly traversed by the proposed development. The impacts on agronomy
considered in this assessment relate to how the proposed development would impact on
The assessment was undertaken in line with a number of guidance documents including the current farming activities carried out on the land affected by the proposed
the Environmental Impact Assessment of National Road Schemes – A Practical Guide development.
(Revision 1, NRA, 2008).
The assessment was undertaken in line with a number of guidance documents including
Impacts on the socio-economic environment have been assessed for both the the Environmental Impact Assessment of National Road Schemes – A Practical Guide
construction and the operational phase of the proposed development for the following (Revision 1, NRA, 2008).
socio–economic aspects:
Impacts on the agricultural environment have been assessed for both the construction and
Economic activity and employment; operational phases of the proposed development.
Commuting patterns and health and safety;
Tourism, recreation and access; and The principal impacts on agricultural activity during the construction phase of the
Land use and development. proposed development will be:
The assessment concluded that there would be no significant negative impacts on the Construction noise;
local communities or other socio-economic receptors during construction. The overall Dust;
impact of the construction phase on economic activity and employment is assessed as Restricted access to sub-divided land parcels;
being positive. The construction of the scheme will also provide in the region of 118 Disturbance of drainage systems; and
construction jobs over a two year period. The majority of these positions are expected to Disturbance of services.
be filled from within the local area. This is considered to be a positive benefit to the local
economy. The assessment concluded that there would be no significant negative impacts on
agronomy during construction with mitigation measures in place.
The assessment concluded no significant residual negative impacts on the local
communities or other socio-economic receptors during operation. The overall positive The principal impacts on agricultural activity during the operational phase of the proposed
impact of relieving the congestion in central Listowel is envisaged to facilitate the development will be:
movement of people and freight. A negative impact has been identified related to access
to the Sive Walk, however measures to retain access have been included in the proposed Loss of agricultural land;
development. Signage will be installed and maintained to ensure visitors are aware of Individual farm impact;
access arrangements to this feature. Also, planting and landscaping will be undertaken to Overall impact on individual farm holdings; and
maximise the amenity value. Overall, during operation of the proposed development it is Impact on individual farm parcels.
thought that there will be a moderate-positive impact to economic activity and
employment, commuting patterns and health & safety. As a result of the proposed development design, specifically the accommodation works,
one farm will have a major impact reduced to a moderate residual impact and one Farm
will have a moderate impact reduced to minor. One farm will still have a residual impact of
major (representing 4.8% of all farms) as the permanent land take significantly reduces
the dairy herd grazing area.
1.6
5 Noise and physical disturbance during construction;
Surface water run-off during construction;
1.7 Flora and Fauna Spread of invasive species during construction;
Road crossings of water features creating obstructions to mammal movement during
The EIS considered and assessed the potential direct, indirect and cumulative ecological construction and operation;
impacts on terrestrial and aquatic ecology within the ecological study area (zone of Road drainage during operation; and
influence) of the proposed development. Lighting during operation.
The assessment was undertaken in line with a number of guidance documents including Before implementation of mitigation, the proposed development will result in a range of
the Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes (Revision significant impacts due to habitat loss, potential spread of invasive plant species and
2, NRA, 2009). potential pollution risk. Following implementation of mitigation, all impacts will be reduced
to either non-significant or significant impacts at a local level only.
The offline footprint of the proposed development is predominantly characterised by
agricultural lands with a crossing of the River Feale. The River Feale is designated as
part of the Lower River Shannon candidate Special Ares of Conservation (cSAC) at the
proposed bridge site.
A number of specialist surveys have been carried out to establish the terrestrial and
aquatic baseline within and adjacent to the proposed development including:
Habitat Surveys;
Detailed botanical surveys of habitats that were considered to be of a higher
ecological value including the lands within the boundary of the Lower River Shannon
cSAC;
Otters and Badgers surveys;
Amphibians and Reptiles surveys;
Breeding Bird survey;
Wintering Birds - Whooper Swan surveys;
Bats surveys;
Freshwater Pearl Mussel Survey; and
Wolf Spider Survey at the River Feale.
There are nine designated sites within 15km of the proposed development and of these,
only three are considered to be potentially impacted by the proposed development:
Lower River Shannon cSAC;
Stack’s to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle Special
Protection Area (SPA); and
The Cashen River Estuary proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA).
A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) prepared in line with the requirements of the European
Union Habitats Directive assesses the potential adverse effects to the integrity of the
SACs and SPAs (collectively known as Natura 2000 Sites) within 15km of the proposed
development.
In addition to the above protected sites there are a number of internationally and
nationally protected mammal, bird, fish and amphibian species recorded in the vicinity of
the proposed development.
Invasive species were found to be present in the study area including along both banks of
the River Feale in the vicinity of the proposed crossing point.
Key sources of potential ecological impact arising from the proposed development
include:
Direct habitat loss of terrestrial and fluvial habitats during construction;
61.8 Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology A series of mitigation measures have been proposed to mitigate these impacts and post
implementation of these measures, the residual impacts associated with the proposed
(a) Soils, Geology and Contamination development during the construction and operational phase of the proposed development
are considered slight to imperceptible.
This soils and geology assessment considered the impacts on soils and geology
associated with the construction and operational phases of the proposed development.
In addition, the assessment of impacts within this chapter has also considered the
potential for contamination sources to be introduced during construction and operation of
the proposed development that may potentially cause contamination of the sub-surface
and impact on identified receptors.
The assessment was undertaken in line with a number of guidance documents including
the Guidelines on Procedures for Assessment and Treatment of Geology, Hydrology and
Hydrogeology for National Road Schemes (NRA, 2008).
The study area for the soils and geology assessment extended 250 m from the centre line
of the proposed development. The ground investigation undertaken for the proposed
development encountered topsoil, peat, made ground, alluvial (river) deposits and glacial
till at the site. No evidence of contamination was observed during the ground investigation
works.
No sites of geological heritage, sites or features of high or medium geological importance
will be affected by the proposed development. The presence of peat may pose some
geotechnical constraints during construction and ground improvement solutions may be
required. However, once ground improvement solutions have been implemented, the
impact of the proposed development on soils and geology will be Imperceptible. No
significant impacts have been identified during operation.
(b) Hydrogeology
The hydrogeological assessment assesses the potential impacts generated by the
construction and operational phases of the proposed development on the groundwater
environment, including groundwater water supplies and surface water bodies potentially
supported by shallow groundwater.
The assessment was undertaken in line with a number of guidance documents including
the Guidelines on Procedures for Assessment and Treatment of Geology, Hydrology and
Hydrogeology for National Road Schemes (NRA, 2008).
The majority of the area is underlain by a Regionally Important Aquifer. No karst features
have been identified in the area.
A number of private water supplies were identified within a distance of 500m of the
proposed development.
The following construction activities have been identified as potentially causing adverse
impacts on groundwater or surface water receptors:
Piling;
Dewatering;
Preloading of Earthwork Embankments and Construction of Piled Sections; and
Accidental Spillages and Contaminated Runoff.
Impacts associated with the operational phase of the proposed development have been
identified as a result of road runoff and accidental spillages.
71.9 Hydrology, Geomorphology and Hydromorphology Construction works within and adjacent to watercourses including provision of
culverts and watercourse realignments;
The potential impact on various hydrological aspects such as flooding, water quality Excavations including those associated with the provision of drainage works;
geomorphology/hydromorphology, and amenity value likely to be caused by the proposed Site clearance works;
development have been identified as a result of: Stockpiling of materials;
Accidental spillage of anthropogenic polluting substances in or adjacent to
Water quality impact on receiving rivers and streams from routine carriageway runoff watercourses; and
and from accidental spillages; Construction plant and vehicle washing.
The construction and operation of the proposed River Feale bridge crossing;
Other construction work in or adjacent to watercourses including installation of To prevent or reduce the amount of sediment released into watercourses the contractor
culverts, watercourse crossings and realignments; and will be required to implement a number of mitigation measures as outlined in the main EIS
Increased flood risk as a result of reducing the conveyance of the existing and to prepare an erosion and sediment/silt control plan prior to commencing the
watercourse and floodplain network, reducing the volume of flood storage available construction works.
on the watercourse floodplains and/ or increasing runoff rates and volume.
In addition, carriageway runoff during the operational phase may contain pollutants that
The hydrology assessment was undertaken in line with a number of guidance documents can have an adverse effect on the quality of the water within the receiving watercourse or
including the Guidelines on Procedures for Assessment and Treatment of Geology, waterbody and therefore the drainage system identified provides a form of treatment to
Hydrology and Hydrogeology for National Road Schemes (NRA, 2008). ensure that any negative impact is reduced. Under the proposed development a three
stage system is proposed for the proposed development incorporating an oil/petrol
The hydrological study area extends 250 m beyond the landtake boundary of the interceptor, an attenuation pond and a constructed wetland.
proposed development. Where required the study area was extended beyond this to
account for potential impacts outside this study area. The assessment concluded that the proposed development will not cause the
deterioration of water quality within the water bodies adjacent to the proposed
A number of field studies including baseline water quality monitoring have been development either during construction (with implementation of appropriate mitigation
undertaken in order to gain an understanding of the hydrological environment in the measures) or during the subsequent operational phase.
vicinity of the proposed development.
(b) Geomorphology and Hydromorphology
(a) Hydrology
The NRA guidelines recommend that geomorphological impacts are considered within the
The major watercourse within and adjacent to the study area is the River Feale. EIS. The Water Framework Directive defines ‘hydromorphology’ as the hydrological and
geomorphological condition of surface water bodies.
There are other water features within the study area consisting of minor streams and
channels and freshwater wetlands. The predicted residual long term impact of the proposed development on geomorphology
is considered to be negligible for all watercourses within the study area. This results in an
The study area is served by the Dromin Water Works north of the existing N69 which is imperceptible significance for the geology of the eleven watercourses within the study
connected to the main Kerry County Council water supply. The plant serves approximately area. The predicted residual long term impact on the hydromorphology of the River Feale
5,000 – 6,000 people. Water is abstracted from the River Feale at Scartleigh to serve the water body is considered to be negligible resulting in an imperceptible significance.
Dromin Water Works. This abstraction point is located over 600 m west and downstream
of the proposed development.
(i) Flood Risk
A flood risk assessment (FRA) in line with the Office of Public Works (OPW) Guidelines
for Planning Authorities (GPA) 20: The Planning System and Flood Risk Management
(OPW, 2009), has been undertaken. The primary objective of the FRA was to assess the
flood risk in the existing situation and with the proposed development in operation. The
FRA concluded that the proposed N69 Listowel bypass is at low risk of flooding and will
not significantly increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.
(ii) Water quality
During the construction phase there is the potential for pollution of surface water features
from sediment and polluting substances entering watercourses as a result of surface
water runoff or spills on-site. Potential sources during the construction phase include:
Installation of the bridge structure with a clear span over the River Feale;
81.10 Air Quality and Climate 1.11 Noise and Vibration
Air quality monitoring indicates that the existing air quality environment in the area is (a) Noise
generally well within the national and European Union (EU) ambient air quality standards.
The main pollutants associated with traffic assessed under this study are nitrogen dioxide This assessment considered the anticipated types of noise and the impacts of same
(NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and benzene. associated with both the construction and operation of the proposed development.
The assessment was undertaken in line with a number of guidance documents including The assessment was undertaken in line with a number of guidance documents including
the Guidelines for the Treatment of Air Quality during the Planning and Construction of the Guidelines for the Treatment of Noise and Vibration in National Road Scheme (NRA,
National Road Schemes (NRA, 2006). 2004).
The greatest potential impact on air quality during the construction phase of the proposed During the construction works a variety of items of plant will be in use, such as
development is from construction dust emissions and the potential for nuisance dust. Dust excavators, piling equipment, lifting equipment, dumper trucks, compressors and
minimisation measures will be put in place to minimise dust emissions during construction. generators. It is also possible that rock breaking may be required on occasions and there
will be vehicular movements to and from the site that will make use of existing roads. Due
Traffic flow information has been used to model pollutant levels to assess whether any to the nature of the activities undertaken on a large construction site, there is potential for
significant air quality impact on sensitive receptors may occur. Levels of traffic-derived air generation of significant levels of noise.
pollutants will not exceed the ambient air quality standards either with or without the
proposed development in place. Thus, the impact of the proposed development in terms A series of measures have been proposed to mitigate noise levels during construction
of air pollutants is negligible at all eleven worst-case receptors assessed. including adherence to best practice guidelines, timing of works and maintenance of plant
machinery. The application of binding noise limits and hours of operation, along with
No significant air quality impact on ecology will occur as a result of the proposed implementation of appropriate noise control measures, will ensure that noise impact is
development. kept to a minimum.
Greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the proposed development will be insignificant in With regard to operational noise level a computer based model has been prepared in
terms of Ireland’s obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. order to quantify the traffic noise level associated with the operational phase of the
proposed development.
For eleven locations, with the proposed development in place, the noise levels result in
the requirement for noise mitigation. It is proposed to use a combination of acoustic
barriers and low noise road surfacing as the noise mitigation measure on those road
sections which dominate the noise environment for the receivers requiring mitigation. With
the mitigation measures in place, the noise levels are calculated to be within the design
goals for noise at all locations assessed.
(b) Vibration
The potential for vibration at neighbouring sensitive locations during construction is
typically limited to piling, demolition, excavation works, rock-breaking operations and lorry
movements on uneven road surfaces. However, the contractor will be obliged to take
specific abatement measures during construction to comply with the limits set in the main
EIS.
As a vehicle travels along a road, vibration can be generated in the road and
subsequently propagate towards nearby buildings. Such vibration is generated by the
interaction of a vehicle’s wheels and the road surface. However, vibration from road traffic
is unlikely to cause a perceptible impact to properties near the road as long as the road
surface is subject to normal maintenance requirements. Problems attributable to road
traffic vibration can therefore largely be avoided by normal routine maintenance of the
road surface.
91.12 Landscape and Visual Moving traffic during operation.
The landscape assessment involved reviewing plans and sections of the proposed road Mitigation in the form of landscape planting is proposed, and retention of existing
development, aerial photography and various publications, together with visits to the vegetation, which will reduce the visual intrusion of the proposed development in the
environs of the proposed development. medium to long term. Reduction of traffic in the town centre will improve the quality and
environment of the town centre.
The assessment was undertaken in line with a number of guidance documents including
the Environmental Impact Assessment of National Road Schemes – A Practical Guide
(Revision 1, NRA, 2008).
Listowel Town itself has a population of almost 5,000 according to the 2011 census and it
is a market town, which has undertaken environmental and renewal works in recent years.
It is also a town of both architectural and historical heritage and was officially designated
as one of Ireland's 26 "Heritage Towns" in July 2000. The study area has a number of
landscape components including;
Outside the town itself, much of the land is flat, with dispersed ribbon development.
Dairy farmland dominates the area with large farm holdings where much of the
hedgerows have been removed;
To the north of the study area there is the old railway line, known locally as ‘Sive
Walk’, that is used as an amenity path;
Approximately 10 km northwest of Listowel is Knockanore Mountain, at a height of
267 metres;
To the west of the study area, approximately 2 km from the town centre, lies the
Dirrha Bog, which is a blanket bog. This is a unique contrast to the agricultural land
and was much written about by John B. Keane;
To the south lies the River Feale, this meanders through the town of Listowel;
The land beyond the River Feale is also agricultural land but with a greater definition
of field boundaries;
Further south the prominent ridgelines within the elevated hills around Coolnaleen
Upper and Ballyduhig, with the Stack’s Mountains beyond, are important features in
the landscape; and
Views north, east and west of the study area are open, extending over the agricultural
land. To the south the views are somewhat contained by the backdrop of Stack’s
Mountains.
The proposed development does not pass through or is not within close proximity to any
listed areas of Outstanding Landscape. There are no designated scenic landscapes or
tree preservation orders within the study area.
There are a number of protected structures and recorded monuments within the study
area. A number of these structures are visually prominent within the landscape and
significantly contribute to the visual character of the area.
The following main elements have the potential for landscape and visual impact on the
adjoining residential properties and protected structures, visitors to Listowel, the River
Feale, adjoining areas of commercial and industrial development; road users; and amenity
users of the dismantled railway line:
Removal of existing vegetation;
General construction disturbance;
Significant, elevated structures and bridge over the River Feale including earthen
embankments and earth retaining / structural walls;
Illumination at the proposed roundabout junctions comprising 8-10 m high street
lighting columns;
Signage; route confirmatory type and active digital signage (ADS); and
101.13 Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Architectural Heritage 1.14 Waste
The cultural heritage assessment was undertaken in line with a number of guidance This assessment considers the anticipated types of waste and the impacts of same
documents including the Guidelines for the Assessment of Archaeological Heritage associated with both the construction and operation of the proposed development.
Impacts on National Road Schemes (NRA, 2005) and Guidelines for the Assessment of
Architectural Heritage Impacts of National Road Schemes, (NRA, 2005). Waste will be generated during the construction phase as a result of:
(a) Archaeological & Cultural Heritage Excavated materials / Demolished Structures;
Pile Arisings;
A total of 35 archaeological and cultural heritage sites were identified within the study Surplus Materials; and
area. General Waste Management.
Impacts resulting from the construction of the proposed development have been identified It is likely that the majority of excavated material will be unacceptable for reuse in road
for 16 of the 35 archaeological and cultural heritage sites, therefore mitigation is required. embankments, but is likely to be acceptable for reuse as landscaping material. Where the
Mitigation will be by preservation in situ and, where this is not possible, preservation by waste generated is not reusable, it will be sent to an appropriate licensed/permitted
record is required to mitigate identified impacts. facility.
After mitigation the following impacts are predicted during construction; neutral impacts on A Project Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan will be prepared by the
six sites, moderate negative impacts on two sites, a slight negative impact on four sites, contractor for the provision of waste management during the construction phase of the
imperceptible negative impacts on three sites and unknown impact on one area of proposed development. The plan will take into account best practice guidance. The
archaeological potential. contractor will ensure that the facility to which waste is brought is licensed/permitted in
compliance with waste management legislation.
After mitigation, no additional impacts are predicted during operation.
The impacts associated with the proposed development after adherence to the mitigation
(b) Architectural measures during construction phase are slight to negligible.
A total of 15 architectural heritage sites were identified within the study area. The main potential impacts from the operational phase of the proposed development are
likely to arise from road maintenance, verge cleaning, green waste from landscape
Measures to avoid or reduce potential impacts on architectural heritage sites have been maintenance and wastes generated through littering.
considered throughout the design of the proposed development. In addition landscape
planting measures will mitigate any impact on specific architectural sites. Management of wastes arising during the operational phase of the proposed development
will be the responsibility of Kerry County Council or contractors appointed by Kerry County
During construction, potential impacts were identified on 11 of the 15 architectural Council to provide waste management and landscaping services.
heritage sites. After mitigation, there will be a slight negative impact on four sites and
imperceptible impact on seven sites.
During operation, potential impacts were identified on eight sites. After mitigation there
will be a slight negative impact on two sites, imperceptible impact on five sites and no
impact on one site.
111.15 Material Assets
The material assets considered as part of the material assets assessment include major
utilities.
Impact to the utility providers’ services shall be permanent in nature, and occur during the
construction phase. The impact on services in the absence of mitigation would be
profound as many of the services would no longer be functioning. There will be no
additional impact during the operational phase which has not already been considered as
part of the construction phase.
When the mitigation measures detailed in the EIS are implemented such as protection
and diversion of utilities, the magnitude of impact is reduced to imperceptible as the
services will continue to operate in their current form.
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