Environmental Impact Statement

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 296 Appendices: 17

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By th F01 Final 14 June 2016 Various SO’M ML

Copyright RPS Group Limited. All rights reserved. The report has been prepared for the exclusive use of our client and unless otherwise agreed in writing by RPS Group Limited no other party may use, make use of or rely on the contents of this report. The report has been compiled using the resources agreed with the client and in accordance with the scope of work agreed with the client. No liability is accepted by RPS Group Limited for any use of this report, other than the purpose for which it was prepared. RPS Group Limited accepts no responsibility for any documents or information supplied to RPS Group Limited by others and no legal liability arising from the use by others of opinions or data contained in this report. It is expressly stated that no independent verification of any documents or information supplied by others has been made. RPS Group Limited has used reasonable skill, care and diligence in compiling this report and no warranty is provided as to the report’s accuracy. No part of this report may be copied or reproduced, by any means, without the written permission of RPS Group Limited

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY ...... 1-1

1.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION ...... 1-1

1.2 THE APPLICANT ...... 1-1

1.3 REQUIREMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) ...... 1-1

1.4 PURPOSE OF THE EIS...... 1-3

1.5 EIS METHOD OLOGY AND STRUCTURE ...... 1-3

1.6 IDENTIFI CATI ON OF LIKELY SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS...... 1-5

1.7 CONTRIBUTORS ...... 1-6

1.8 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT ...... 1-6

1.9 TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES ...... 1-6 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND CONSTRUCTION ...... 2-1

2.1 SITE LOCATION ...... 2-1

2.2 SITE DESCRIPTION ...... 2-1

2.3 LAND OWNERSHIP ...... 2-2

2.4 DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION ...... 2-2 2.4.1 General Description ...... 2-2 2.4.2 Wind Turbines ...... 2-5 2.4.3 Footing and Foundations ...... 2-7 2.4.4 ESB Grid Connection ...... 2-8 2.4.5 Sub Station and Compound ...... 2-8 2.4.6 On site Electrical Cabling ...... 2-9 2.4.7 Site Entrances...... 2-9 2.4.8 Access Tracks and Crane Platforms ...... 2-10 2.4.9 Borrow Pits, Stockpile Areas and Sidecasting ...... 2-10 2.4.10 COMMUNITY GAIN ...... 2-11

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

2.5.7 Turbine Delivery and Construction Access ...... 2-17 2.5.8 Waste Disposal ...... 2-19 2.5.9 Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan ...... 2-20

2.6 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED ...... 2-20 2.6.1 Site Selection ...... 2-20 2.6.2 Nature and Extent of Development...... 2-21 2.6.3 Alternative Layout Proposals ...... 2-21

2.7 POTENTIAL CUMULATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS ...... 2-23 3 PLANNING AND POLICY CONTEXT ...... 3-1

3.1 INTROD UCTI ON ...... 3-1

3.2 STRATEGIC POLICY CONTEXT...... 3-1 3.2.1 International and European Context ...... 3-1 3.2.2 National Policy Context ...... 3-1

3.3 STATUTORY PLANNING CONTEXT ...... 3-5 3.3.1 Legislative Framework...... 3-5 3.3.2 DoEHLG Wind Energy Guidelines 2006 ...... 3-5 3.3.3 IWEA Best Practice Guidelines for the Irish Wind Energy Industry 2012...... 3-7 3.3.4 South East Regional Planning Guidelines 2010 ...... 3-8 3.3.5 South Tipperary County Council Climate Change Strategy ...... 3-8 3.3.6 South Tipperary Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) 2014...... 3-9 3.3.7 South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009 - 2016 ...... 3-10 3.3.8 Proposed Variation No. 3 to South Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 Including Draft Renewable Energy Strategy and Draft Wind Energy Strategy ...... 3-16 3.3.9 Kilkenny County Development plan 2014 - 2020 ...... 3-18

3.4 COMPLIANCE OF PROPOSALS WITH PLANNING AND POLICY CONTEXT...... 3-21

3.5 CONSULTATION ...... 3-21 3.5.1 Pre-planning Meetings ...... 3-21 3.5.2 Public Engagement ...... 3-21 3.5.3 Prescribed Bodies ...... 3-23

3.6 PROJECT NEED ...... 3-23 4 HUMAN BEINGS ...... 4-1

4.1 INTRODUCTION...... 4-1

4.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 4-1

4.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 4-2

MCE0760RP0006F01 ii Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

4.3.1 Population...... 4-2 4.3.2 Employment ...... 4-3 4.3.3 Community...... 4-5 4.3.4 Land Use ...... 4-10 4.3.5 Health and Safety ...... 4-10

4.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 4-10 4.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 4-10 4.4.2 Cumulative Impact ...... 4-14 4.4.3 Operational Phase ...... 4-14 4.4.4 Cumulative Impact ...... 4-16 4.4.5 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario’ ...... 4-16 4.4.6 ‘Worst Case Scenario’ ...... 4-16

4.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 4-17 4.5.1 Construction Phase ...... 4-17 4.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 4-18

4.6 PREDI CTED RESI DUAL I MPACTS ...... 4-19 4.6.1 Construction Phase ...... 4-19 4.6.2 Operational Phase ...... 4-20

4.7 MONITORING AND REINSTATEMENT MEASURES ...... 4-21 5 ECOLOGY ...... 5-1

5.1 INTRODUCTION...... 5-1

5.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 5-1 5.2.1 General ...... 5-1 5.2.2 Desk Study ...... 5-2 5.2.3 Field Survey ...... 5-3 5.2.4 Habitat Evaluation and Impact Assessment Criteria ...... 5-4 5.2.5 Consultation ...... 5-5

5.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 5-5 5.3.1 Designated Sites ...... 5-5 5.3.2 Protected Species Record ...... 5-10 5.3.3 Habitat Survey Results ...... 5-14 5.3.4 Invasive Species ...... 5-16 5.3.5 Protected Species Survey Results ...... 5-16 5.3.6 Fauna Evaluation ...... 5-19

MCE0760RP0006F01 iii Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

5.4 AQUATI C ECOLOGY...... 5-20 5.4.1 Water Quality ...... 5-20

5.5 POTENTIAL IMPACTS...... 5-21 5.5.1 Construction Phase ...... 5-21 5.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 5-34 5.5.3 Cumulative impacts ...... 5-38 5.5.4 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario ...... 5-39 5.5.5 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario ...... 5-39

5.6 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 5-39 5.6.1 Construction Phase ...... 5-39 5.6.2 Felling ...... 5-41 5.6.3 Operational Phase ...... 5-47

5.7 PREDI CTED RESI DUAL I MPACTS ...... 5-47

5.8 MONITORING AND REINSTATEMENT MEASURES ...... 5-47 5.8.1 Enhancement Opportunities...... 5-48

5.9 REFERENCES ...... 5-48 6 SOILS, GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY ...... 6-1

6.1 INTRODUCTION...... 6-1

6.2 METHODOLOGY...... 6-2

6.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 6-4 6.3.1 Location ...... 6-4 6.3.2 Soils & Subsoils ...... 6-5 6.3.3 Geology...... 6-7 6.3.4 Economic Geology ...... 6-8 6.3.3 Hydrogeology ...... 6-9 6.3.5 Geological Heritage...... 6-11 6.3.6 Geotechnical Stability Assessment of Site / Slope Stability...... 6-12

6.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 6-13 6.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 6-13 6.4.2 Operational Stage ...... 6-15

6.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 6-16 6.5.1 Construction Stage...... 6-16 6.5.2 Operational Stage ...... 6-18

6.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS...... 6-18

MCE0760RP0006F01 iv Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

6.6.1 Construction Stage...... 6-18 6.6.2 Operational Stage ...... 6-18 7 HYDROLOGY AND FLOODING...... 7-1

7.1 INTRODUCTION...... 7-1

7.2 METHODOLOGY...... 7-1

7.3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 7-2 7.3.1 Location ...... 7-2 7.3.2 Hydrology...... 7-2 7.3.3 Flooding in the Area ...... 7-3

7.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 7-4 7.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 7-4 7.4.2 Operational Stage ...... 7-6

7.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 7-9 7.5.1 Construction Stage...... 7-9 7.5.2 Operational Stage ...... 7-10

7.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS...... 7-11 7.6.1 Construction Stage...... 7-11 7.6.2 Operational Stage ...... 7-12 8 AIR QUALITY ...... 8-1

8.1 INTRODUCTION...... 8-1

8.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 8-1

8.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 8-1

8.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS...... 8-2 8.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 8-2 8.4.2 Operational Phase ...... 8-4 8.4.3 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario ...... 8-5 8.4.4 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario ...... 8-5

8.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 8-5 8.5.1 Construction Phase ...... 8-5 8.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 8-6

8.6 PREDI CTED RESI DUAL I MPACTS ...... 8-6 8.6.1 Construction Phase ...... 8-6 8.6.2 Operational Phase ...... 8-7

8.7 MONITORING AND REINSTATEMENT MEASURES ...... 8-7

MCE0760RP0006F01 v Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

9 NOISE AND VIBRATION...... 9-1

9.1 INTRODUCTION...... 9-1

9.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 9-1 9.2.1 Relevant Noise Guidance Documents ...... 9-1 9.2.2 Methodology for Noise Monitoring ...... 9-5 9.2.3 Location of Proposed Turbines...... 9-5 9.2.4 Noise Specification for Proposed Turbine ...... 9-6 9.2.5 Prediction Method ...... 9-6 9.2.6 Noise Threshold Limits ...... 9-6

9.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 9-12 9.3.1 Locations of Nearest Noise Sensitive Receptors ...... 9-12 9.3.2 Noise Monitoring Survey ...... 9-14

9.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS...... 9-18 9.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 9-18 9.4.2 Operational Phase ...... 9-21 9.4.3 Decommissioning Phase ...... 9-24

9.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 9-24 9.5.1 Construction Phase ...... 9-24 9.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 9-25 9.5.3 Decommissioning Phase ...... 9-25

9.6 PREDI CTED RESI DUAL I MPACTS ...... 9-25 9.6.1 Construction Phase ...... 9-25 9.6.2 Operational Phase ...... 9-25 10 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ...... 10-1

10.1 INTRODUCTION...... 10-1 10.1.1 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND PRE-PLANNING ASSESSMENT ...... 10-1 10.1.2 CURRENT PROPOSAL ...... 10-3

10.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 10-4 10.2.1 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 10-4 10.2.2 Scope of Assessment Area ...... 10-7 10.2.3 Assessment Criteria ...... 10-7

10.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 10-10 10.3.1 Description of the Site and Surrounding Area ...... 10-10 10.3.2 PLANNING CONTEXT - Landscape Character Assessment ...... 10-17

MCE0760RP0006F01 vi Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

10.3.3 Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic Landscape Character Area ...... 10-18 10.3.4 Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic Landscape Character Area...... 10-19 10.3.5 South Tipperary County Development Plan and Maps & Appendices, 2009-2016...... 10-20 10.3.6 Carrick on Suir Town Development Plan 2013...... 10-24 10.3.7 Kilkenny County Development Plan 2014 – 2020 ...... 10-24 10.3.8 Wind Energy Policy – South Tipperary Development Plan 2009 - 2016 ...... 10-25

10.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS...... 10-27 10.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 10-27 10.4.2 Operational Phase ...... 10-27

10.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 10-50

10.6 PREDI CTED RESI DUAL I MPACTS ...... 10-53 10.6.1 Construction Phase ...... 10-53 10.6.2 Operational Phase ...... 10-53 11 SHADOW FLICKER...... 11-1

11.1 INTRODUCTION...... 11-1

11.2 METHODOLOGY...... 11-1

11.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 11-6 11.3.1 Impact Zones ...... 11-6

11.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS...... 11-6 11.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 11-6 11.4.2 Operational Phase ...... 11-6 11.4.3 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario ...... 11-8 11.4.4 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario ...... 11-8

11.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 11-8 11.5.1 Construction Phase ...... 11-8 11.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 11-8

11.6 PREDI CTED RESI DUAL I MPACTS ...... 11-9 11.6.1 Construction Phase ...... 11-9 11.6.2 Operational Phase ...... 11-9 12 ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE ...... 12-1

12.1 INTRODUCTION...... 12-1

12.2 METHODOLOGY...... 12-1 12.2.1 Desktop Study ...... 12-1 12.2.2 Field Inspection ...... 12-9

MCE0760RP0006F01 vii Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

12.2.3 Impact Criteria...... 12-9

12.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 12-10 12.3.1 General Legal and Policy Context ...... 12-10 12.3.2 Archaeological Legal and Planning Context ...... 12-10 12.3.3 Architectural Heritage Legal Context ...... 12-13 12.3.4 Archaeological and Historical Context ...... 12-14 12.3.5 Field Inspection ...... 12-24

12.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS...... 12-27

12.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 12-30

12.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS...... 12-32

12.7 PROJECT REFERENCES ...... 12-32 13 TRAFFIC AND ACCESS...... 13-1

13.1 INTRODUCTION...... 13-1

13.2 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 13-1 13.2.1 Existing Traffic Volumes ...... 13-1

13.3 POTENTIAL IMPACTS...... 13-2 13.3.1 Construction Phase ...... 13-2 13.3.2 Operational Phase ...... 13-4 13.3.3 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario ...... 13-4 13.3.4 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario ...... 13-4

13.4 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 13-4 13.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 13-4 13.4.2 Operational Phase ...... 13-5

13.5 PREDI CTED RESI DUAL I MPACTS ...... 13-6 13.5.1 Construction Phase ...... 13-6 13.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 13-6

13.6 MONITORING AND REINSTATEMENT MEASURES ...... 13-6 14 ELECTROMAGNETIC AND AVIATION IMPACTS ...... 14-1

14.1 INTRODUCTION...... 14-1

14.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 14-1

14.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 14-1

14.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS...... 14-2 14.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 14-2 14.4.2 Operational Phase ...... 14-2

MCE0760RP0006F01 viii Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

14.4.3 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario ...... 14-3

14.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 14-3 14.5.1 Construction Phase ...... 14-3 14.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 14-3

14.6 PREDI CTED RESI DUAL I MPACTS ...... 14-3 14.6.1 Construction Phase ...... 14-3 14.6.2 Operational Phase ...... 14-3 15 IMPACT INTERATIONS ...... 15-1

APPENDICES

Appendix A – Figures

Figure 1.1 – Site Location Map

Figure 2.1 – Wind Farm Layout Plan

Figure 2.2 – Grid Connection Route

Figure 2.4 – Delivery Route

Figure 4.1 illustrates a 500m radius distance around each proposed turbine.

Figure 5.1 – Natura 2000 sites

Figure 5.2 – NHAs

Figure 5.3 – Habitat Mapping

Figure 6.1 – Access Road Layout and topography

Figure 6.2 – EPA soil types in the study area

Figure 6.3 – Teagasc Subsoil map of the study area

Figure 6.4 – Structural Geology of the study area

Figure 6.5 - Geological & Hydrogeological Features Map

Figure 6.6 – Aquifer Map

MCE0760RP0006F01 ix Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 6.7 – Aquifer vulnerability

Figures 9.1 (A-D) – Noise monitoring locations

Appendix 1.1 – Appropriate Assessment

Appendix 2.1 – Route Survey

Appendix 2.2 – Preliminary Construction Environmental Management Plan

Appendix 3.1 – Consultation Report

Appendix 3.2 – Scoping response from An Taisce

Appendix 3.3 – Visitor Attitudes to Windfarms, Fáilte Ireland

Appendix 4.1 - Advice Note on Wind Turbines and Horses – Guidance for Planners and Developers

Appendix 5.1 – Bat Survey Report

Appendix 5.2 – Bird survey Report

Appendix 9.1 – Noise Monitoring Installation Report

Appendix 9.2 - Noise Monitoring Calibration Certificates

Appendix 9.3 – Enercon Test Report

Appendix 10.1 – Photomontages and ZTV

Appendix 12.1 – Archaeological Cartographic Sources

Appendix 12.2 – National Monuments in State Ownership within 5km of the proposed development

Appendix 12.3 – Archaeological Assessment of Grid Connection Route

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 - Site Location ...... 1-2 Figure 2-1- Proposed Site Layout Plan ...... 2-2 Figure 2-2 - Proposed Grid Connection Route ...... 2-4

MCE0760RP0006F01 x Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 2-3 - GSI bedrock data...... 2-13 Figure 2-4 - Local Turbine and Construction Traffic Delivery Route ...... 2-18 Figure 2-5 - Previous Layout Option Considered - Version 1...... 2-22 Figure 2-6 - Previous Layout Option Considered - Version 2...... 2-22 Figure 2-7 - Previous Layout Option Considered - Version 3...... 2-23 Figure 3.1 - Extract of Development Plan Wind Energy Development Landscape Policy Map 11 ... 3-12 Figure 5-1 - Map of Water Features in the Vicinity of the Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm ...... 5-20 Figure 5-2 - Measurement Calculations for Vegetation Clearance Buffer ...... 5-44 Figure 7.1 - Map of Water Features in Area (taken from EPA Maps)...... 7-3 Figure 7.2 - Flood Report from OPW Floodmaps.ie ...... 7-4 Figure 9-1 – Refer to Appendix A ...... 9-1 Figure 9-2 - Noise Monitoring Location 3 - Daytime Regression Curve ...... 9-15 Figure 9-3 - Noise Monitoring Location 3 - Night-time Regression Curve ...... 9-16 Figure 9-4 - Noise Monitoring Location 4 - Daytime Regression Curve ...... 9-16 Figure 9-5 - Noise Monitoring Location 4 - Night-time Regression Curve ...... 9-17 Figure 9-6 - Noise Monitoring Location 5 - Daytime Regression Curve ...... 9-17 Figure 9-7 - Noise Monitoring Location 5 - Night-time Regression Curve ...... 9-18 Figure 10-1 - Option 1 – Pre-Planning: 8 no. 3 MW Turbines, RPS Dwg. No. MID001 ...... 10-2 Figure 10-2 - Option 2– Pre-Planning: 11 no. 2.3 MW Turbines, RPS Dwg No. MID002 ...... 10-2 Figure 10-3 - Option 2– Pre-Planning 11 no. 2.3 MW Turbines, RPS Dwg No. MID002...... 10-51 Figure 11.1 - Sunpath Effect on Size of Shadow Cast ...... 11-1 Figure 11.2 - Houses within 850m- Areas of significant screening (blue)...... 11-4 Figure 11.3 - IMPACT ZONES...... 11-6 Figure 11.4 - Shadow Flicker Graph for House 3...... 11-7 Figure 11.5 - Shadow Flicker Graph for House 4...... 11-8 Figure 14.1 - Potential Impact of Previous Turbine Proposals ...... 14-2 Figure 14.2 - Location of Current Proposed Turbines outside Area of Influence of Telecommunications Signals...... 14-4

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1 - Turbine Grid Co-ordinates...... 2-3 Table 2.2 - Estimated of Material Requirements for Site Construction...... 2-16 Table 3.1 - Consultation Letters Issued ...... 3-23 Table 4.1 - Population change within State, South Tipperary and Relevant Electoral Divisions 2006 and 2011...... 4-3 Table 4.2 - Labour Force and Unemployment Level, 2011 ...... 4-4 Table 4.3 - Numbers of Persons by Socio-Economic Grouping, 2011 ...... 4-4 Table 4.4 - Proportion of Population by Socio-Economic Grouping, 2011 ...... 4-5 Table 5.1 - Confidence Levels of Predictions of Impacts...... 5-5 Table 5.2 - Designated Sites within 15km of the Proposed Windfarm...... 5-6 Table 5.3 - Protected and Invasive Species Records...... 5-10 Table 5.4 - Status of Irish Bat Species within a 30km Radius of the Proposed Wind Farm...... 5-13 Table 5.5 - Status of Irish Bat Species within a 10km Radius of the Proposed Wind Farm...... 5-13 Table 5.6 - Habitat Types Recorded at the proposed Wind Farm Site and their Conservation Evaluation...... 5-15 Table 5.7 - Conservation Evaluation of Faunal Species...... 5-19 Table 5.8 - Waterbody Status ...... 5-21 Table 5.9 - Summary of Impact Characterisation on Key Ecological Receptors ...... 5-24

MCE0760RP0006F01 xi Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Table 5.10 - Summary of construction impact significance and confidence levels in the predicted impacts on the key habitats without mitigation ...... 5-27 Table 5.11 - Summary of characteristics of construction impacts on the key receptors of ecological significance ...... 5-28 Table 5.12 - Summary of construction impact significance and confidence levels in the predicted impacts on the key receptors without mitigation...... 5-32 Table 5.13 - Summary of Characteristics of Operational Impacts on the Key Fauna Receptors of Ecological Significance ...... 5-35 Table 5.14 - Summary of Operational Impact Significance and Confidence Levels in the Predicted Impacts on the Key Fauna Receptors without Mitigation...... 5-37 Table 5.15 - Assessment of potential turbine/bat conflict zones ...... 5-43 Table 5.16 - Monitoring Schedule Recommended for Bat Mitigation Measures ...... 5-48 Table 6.1 - Assessment of Impact...... 6-3 Table 6.2 - Soil Types Based On EPA Soil Map ...... 6-5 Table 6.3 - Subsoil Types Based On Teagasc Subsoil Map ...... 6-7 Table 6.4 - GSI Vulnerability Classification ...... 6-11 Table 8.1 - Emissions Savings ...... 8-5 Table 9-1 - Noise Threshold Limits at Nearest Sensitive Receptors for Construction Activities ...... 9-4 Table 9-2 - Noise Monitoring Locations ...... 9-5 Table 9-3 - Proposed Locations of Wind Turbines ...... 9-5 Table 9-4 - Noise Specification Data for Enercon E82 E3 ...... 9-6 Table 9-5 - Applicable Noise Threshold Limits at the Nearest Noise Sensitive Properties (Daytime). 9-7 Table 9-6 - Applicable Noise Threshold Limits at the Nearest Noise Sensitive Properties (Night-time) ...... 9-9 Table 9-7 - Noise Sensitive Receptor Included in Noise Model ...... 9-12 Table 9-8 - Noise Levels for Construction Plant (Ref: BS 5228:2009+A1:2014)...... 9-18 Table 9-9 - Typical Combined Construction Noise Levels ...... 9-19 Table 9-10 - Worst-Case Predicted Construction Noise Levels at Nearest Noise Sensitive Properties. 9- 20 Table 9-11 - Predicted Noise Levels (LA90) at Nearest Residential Properties from Proposed Wind Turbines...... 9-21 Table 11.1 - 30 Year mean sunshine, Kilkenny (1978-2007)...... 11-3 Table 11.2 - Monthly Co-efficient values ...... 11-5 Table 11.3 - Table Headings...... 11-5 Table 11.4 - Shadow Flicker Results ...... 11-7 Table 12.1 - Recorded archaeological sites within 5km of proposed development site ...... 12-1 Table 12.2 - Megalithic Tombs within 5km of PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE...... 12-15 Table 12.3 - Recorded Monuments and Places sites within/adjacent to proposed development area ...... 12-18 Table 12.4 - Interpretations of Local Townland Names Site ...... 12-23 Table 15.1 - Interaction of Impacts ...... 15-2

MCE0760RP0006F01 xii

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 6 Appendices:

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By th F01 Final Issue 20 May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

rpsgroup.com/ireland

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY ...... 1-1

1.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION ...... 1-1

1.2 THE APPLICANT ...... 1-1

1.3 REQUIREMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) ...... 1-1

1.4 PURPOSE OF THE EIS...... 1-3

1.5 EIS METHOD OLOGY AND STRUCTURE ...... 1-3

1.6 IDENTIFI CATI ON OF LIKELY SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS...... 1-5

1.7 CONTRIBUTORS ...... 1-6

1.8 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT ...... 1-6

1.9 TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES ...... 1-6

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 - Site Location ...... 1-2

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

1 INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY

1.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION

DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd (referred to as ‘DunoAir’ hereafter) proposes to develop a wind farm within the townlands of Curraghadobbin, Macreary, Ballinurra, Poulmaleen, and Newtown Upper, County Tipperary. The location of the proposed wind farm is on two hills, Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill approximately 7km to the north of Carrick-On-Suir. The windfarm proposal comprises mainly of 8 No. turbines (24MW), access tracks, a meteorological mast, sub-station and ancillary drainage and site development works.

The application also incorporates an approx. 13.9km 38kV underground grid connection which runs through the townlands of Ballinurra, Macreary, Curraghadobbin, Lissadober, Ballynacloona, Mayladstown, Kylanoreashy, Butlerstown, and Ballydine to an existing ESB 110kV substation at Ballydine, all in Co. Tipperary.

Figure 1.1 below, and in Appendix A, presents a Site Location Map of the windfarm and grid connection proposal.

DunoAir has appointed RPS to prepare a planning application, carry out an environmental impact assessment and produce an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for this proposed wind farm project.

This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is made up of the following elements:-

. Non-Technical Summary; . EIS Main Report; . EIS Figures - Appendix A; and . Technical Appendices related to various Chapters (Chapter 1: Appendix 1.1; Chapter 2: Appendices 2.1, 2.2 etc)

The reader is directed to Appendix A for any figures which do not appear in the EIS main report.

1.2 THE APPLICANT

The parent company of DunoAir is a Dutch renewable energy company with a proven track record in completing wind projects that are economically, environmentally and socially sustainable. Over the past ten years, DunoAir has successfully installed 270 MW of renewable generation in Germany.

1.3 REQUIREMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS)

Environmental Impact Statements are carried out as per the requirements of the European Community Council Directives of 27th June 1985 and as amended on the 23rd March 1997, on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (85/337 and

MCE0760RP0006F01 1-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

97/11/EC). The enabling Statutory Instruments, which transpose 85/337/EC into law in Ireland, are European Communities Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations 1989 to 2006, with the main legislation being Statutory Instruments 349/89 and 93/99. These regulations set out the types of projects that must be subject to an EIA and the format and contents of the EISs as listed in Annex III of the Directive 85/337/EC.

Figure 1.1 - Site Location

The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (S.I No 600 of 2001) as amended, provides for the carrying out of an EIA for any development of a class specified under Article 24 of S.I 93/99.

The requirements of the EIA Council Directives are also provided for in the Planning and Development Act and Regulations. Section 176 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 makes provisions for the making of Regulations to give effect to the EIA Directive. Article 93 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 to 2015 in turn states that the prescribed classes of development for the purposes of section 176 of the Act are set out in Schedule 5 of the Regulations.

This proposed development falls within the class of development types requiring an EIA under Article 93, Schedule 5, Part II, Section 3 (Energy Industry) (i) as follows:-

“3) Energy Industry

(i) Installations for the harnessing of wind power for energy production (wind farms) with more than 5 turbines or having a total output greater than 5 megawatts.”

MCE0760RP0006F01 1-2 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The proposed development comprises of 8 No. turbines with a total output of 24MW. An EIS is therefore mandatory in this instance.

1.4 PURPOSE OF THE EIS

This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) presents the findings of an environmental impact assessment for the proposed wind farm at Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill, Co. Tipperary and the approx. 13.9km 38kV underground grid connection from the wind farm site to Ballydine all in County Tipperary. The environmental impact assessment is an evaluation process which enables the team responsible for the project (the developer), persons with an interest in the project (stakeholders), and the statutory authorities to:

. Identify and understand the significant environmental impacts and risks of the project; . Develop plans or procedures for mitigating or reducing significant risks; and . Appreciate the benefits that would be derived as a result of the implementation of the project.

The structure of the EIS, and the process undertaken by RPS on behalf of DunoAir, to complete the assessment, aligns fully with the relevant legislation as per Section 1.5 below. There are particular sensitivities that need to be addressed in undertaking an environmental assessment for a wind energy development and these are dealt with at length within the EIS. The EIS will be submitted to Tipperary County Council in support of the Planning Application for the wind farm.

1.5 EIS METHODOLOGY AND STRUCTURE

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) can be described as the following:-

‘An EIA is a systematic process for anticipating the effects on the environment that a development may cause, in advance’ (Glasson et al., 2001).

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the document produced as a result of that process. Its purpose is to identify the environmental effects of the upgrade and examine how these impacts can be avoided or reduced during the design process, construction and operational stages of the development.

This EIS is prepared having regard to all relevant National legislation and EU Directives including:-

. The Council Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment as amended;

. The EU Directive implemented in Ireland through SI No. 349 of 1989 entitled European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 1989 as amended;

. The Planning and Development Act 2000, Part X Environmental Impact Assessment as amended; and

MCE0760RP0006F01 1-3 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2015 (in particular S.I. 600 2001 and S.I. 685 of 2006).

This EIS has been carried out in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 6 “Information to be Contained in an EIS” of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 to 2015. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements, 2002 and Advice Notes on Current Practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements, 2003 were also consulted in completing the Statement, as were the Draft revised versions of these documents published in September 2015. The DoEHLG Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) - Guidance for Consent Authorities regarding Sub-threshold Development, 2003 and Guidelines for Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála on Carrying Out Environmental Impact Assessment, 2013 were also considered as were the Wind Energy Development Guidelines published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) in 2006.

This EIS has been prepared in the following format:-

. Non-Technical Summary: This document provides an overview and summary of the EIS using non-technical terminology. It is required under the Council Directive 85/337/EEC and also Schedule 6 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2015.

. Site Description and Land Use, Proposed Underground Cable Connection: This section describes the site in the context of its setting and surrounding land use. It describes the proposed development including its construction requirements. This section also includes a description and assessment of the alternatives considered. Please refer to Chapter 2 of the EIS for this information.

. Background and Scope: This section addresses the need for the development and sets out the legislative and planning context. In addition, the scoping and consultation undertaken is described. This information is contained in Chapter 3 of the EIS.

. Baseline Environment, Construction and Operational Stage Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures: This section examines the individual environmental aspects of the site as required under Article 3 of Council Directive 85/337/EEC and Schedule 6 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 to 2015.

. Each of the environmental aspects as listed below are examined in terms of the existing or baseline environment, identification of potential construction and operational stage impacts and where necessary proposed mitigation measures are identified. The interaction of the environmental aspects with each other is also examined in this section. Environmental aspects considered include:-

Chapter 4 Human Environment; Chapter 5 Flora and Fauna; Chapter 6 Soils, Geology & Hydrogeology; Chapter 7 Hydrology and Flood Risk Assessment, Water Quality and Fisheries; Chapter 8 Air Quality; Chapter 9 Noise and Vibration;

MCE0760RP0006F01 1-4 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Chapter 10 Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment; Chapter 11 Shadow Flicker; Chapter 12 Archaeology, Architectural & Cultural Heritage; Chapter 13 Traffic and Access; and Chapter 14 Electromagnetic Impacts.

The assessment follows the “Grouped Format Structure” as set out in Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements, EPA, 2002. This method of assessment examines each environmental topic as a separate section making reference in each section to the existing environment, the potential impacts of the proposed development and proposed mitigation measures. As a result each chapter is presented in the following format:-

- Introduction and Methodology; - Existing Environment; - Potential Impacts; - Proposed Mitigation Measures; and - Conclusion/Residual Impacts.

. Interaction of the Foregoing: This section summarises the findings of the assessments and includes conclusions on the interaction of impacts. This information is contained in Chapter 15.

1.6 IDENTIFICATION OF LIKELY SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS

The EPA Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements (EPA 2002) define an impact as “the degree of change in an environment resulting from a development” and go on to elaborate on impacts in terms of quality (positive, neutral or negative), significance (imperceptible, slight, moderate, significant or profound), duration (temporary, permanent, short- term, medium-term or long-term) and type (cumulative, 'do nothing', indeterminable, irreversible, residual, synergistic or 'worst case'). These impact parameters have been taken into account throughout this environmental impact assessment.

The following factors were considered when determining the significance of the impacts, both positive and negative, of the proposed development on the various aspects of the receiving environment:

. The quality and sensitivity of the existing/baseline-receiving environment;

. The relative importance of the environment in terms of national, regional, or local importance;

. The degree to which the quality of the environment is enhanced or impaired;

. The scale of change in terms of land area, number of people affected and number and population of species affected, including the scale of change resulting from all types of impacts. This was determined based on:

MCE0760RP0006F01 1-5 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

- The consequence of that impact/change occurring;

- The certainty/risk of the impact/change occurring;

- Whether the impact is temporary or permanent; and

- The degree of mitigation that can be achieved.

The methodologies used to determine the magnitude of the impacts outlined in the following chapters take into account the guidelines given by the EPA in its publications (2002 and 2003) and also the DEHLG (2006) and IWEA (2012) guidelines.

Where mitigation measures have been suggested during the EIA process, these have been incorporated into the project during the development of the proposed design.

1.7 CONTRIBUTORS

This EIS was prepared by RPS. Specialist inputs were received from:-

. John Cronin & Associates - Archaeology, Architectural & Cultural Heritage (Chapter 12). . Cormac Kane Architects – Photomontages and Shadow Flicker (Chapters 10 and 11) . Áit Urbanism & Landscape - Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Chapter 10) . Electromagnetic Technologies Ltd – Telecommunications Interference (Chapter 14) . Exceptional Load Services Limited – Traffic (Turbine Delivery and Access) (Chapter 13)

1.8 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT

An appropriate assessment (AA) screening process was conducted in parallel with the environmental impact assessment as part of this planning application in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. The AA screening concluded that the proposed development does not have potential to have significant impact on a Natura 2000 site (i.e. Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA)).

There are no Natura 2000 sites within the proposed development site. However, in accordance with relevant guidance, a 15km buffer zone was identified as a precautionary measure and all Natura 2000 sites within it were examined for the potential of the proposed development to impact on them.

The Appropriate Assessment screening report undertaken for the proposed development is contained in Appendix 1.1 of this EIS.

1.9 TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

No technical difficulties were encountered during the preparation of this EIS.

MCE0760RP0006F01 1-6

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 23 Appendices: 0

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By rd F01 Final Issue 23 May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

rpsgroup.com/ireland

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND CONSTRUCTION ...... 2-1

2.1 SITE LOCATION...... 2-1

2.2 SITE DESCRIPTION ...... 2-1

2.3 LAND OWNERSHIP ...... 2-2

2.4 DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION ...... 2-2 2.4.1 General Description ...... 2-2 2.4.2 Wind Turbines ...... 2-5 2.4.3 Footing and Foundations ...... 2-7 2.4.4 ESB Grid Connection ...... 2-8 2.4.5 Sub Station and Compound ...... 2-8 2.4.6 On site Electrical Cabling ...... 2-9 2.4.7 Site Entrances ...... 2-9 2.4.8 Access Tracks and Crane Platforms ...... 2-10 2.4.9 Borrow Pits, Stockpile Areas and Sidecasting ...... 2-10 2.4.10 COMMUNITY GAIN ...... 2-11

2.5 CONSTRUCTION PROPOSALS ...... 2-11 2.5.1 Construction Programme ...... 2-11 2.5.2 Subject Site Soil Classification and Stability Issues ...... 2-12 2.5.3 Potential Storage/Stockpile Areas ...... 2-14 2.5.4 Turbine Construction ...... 2-15 2.5.5 Site Compound ...... 2-15 2.5.6 Material Requirements ...... 2-15 2.5.7 Turbine Delivery and Construction Access ...... 2-17 2.5.8 Waste Disposal ...... 2-19 2.5.9 Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan ...... 2-20

2.6 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED ...... 2-20 2.6.1 Site Selection ...... 2-20 2.6.2 Nature and Extent of Development ...... 2-21 2.6.3 Alternative Layout Proposals ...... 2-21

2.7 POTENTIAL CUMULATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS ...... 2-24

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2-1- Proposed Site Layout Plan ...... 2-3 Figure 2-2 - Proposed Grid Connection Route ...... 2-4 Figure 2-3 - GSI bedrock data ...... 2-13 Figure 2-4 - Local Turbine and Construction Traffic Delivery Route ...... 2-18 Figure 2-5 - Previous Layout Option Considered - Version 1 ...... 2-22 Figure 2-6 - Previous Layout Option Considered - Version 2 ...... 2-22 Figure 2-7 - Previous Layout Option Considered - Version 3 ...... 2-23

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1 - Turbine Grid Co-ordinates ...... 2-3 Table 2.2 - Estimated of Material Requirements for Site Construction ...... 2-16

MCE0760RP0006F01 ii Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND CONSTRUCTION

2.1 SITE LOCATION

The proposed wind farm site is located on two hills called Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill approximately 7km to the north and northwest of Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary. They comprise parts of the townlands of Curraghadobbin, Macreary, Ballinurra, Poulmaleen and Newtown Upper. The village of Faugheen lies to the south of the site and the settlement of Ahenny to the northeast.

The application also comprises of an underground grid connection running for approx. 13.9km along public county roads. It runs through the townlands of Ballinurra, Macreary, Lissadober, Ballynacloona, Mayladstown, Kylanoreashy, Butlerstown, and Ballydine, all within Co. Tipperary.

Figure 1.1, in Chapter 1 and in Appendix A, identifies the location of the site and grid connection on an OS discovery series map. The wind farm site lies to the west of the R697 and to the east of the R696. It comprises of a development area on each of Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill. A county road runs between the two hills. Each of the hills will be accessed separately. The development of 5 No. turbines and met mast on Carrigadoon Hill is accessed from a county road to the immediate east of the hill and which links the village of Faugheen to the south to the settlement of Ahenny to the north. The development of 3 No. turbines and sub-station on Curraghadobbin Hill will be accessed from the county road to the south which connects the R696 to the R697.

2.2 SITE DESCRIPTION

The application site, including the main wind farm site and grid connection route measures approx. 347 ha. in total. The main wind farm site is planted as commercial forestry and has undergone a number of phases of afforestation and felling. There are a number of tracks running through the forestry on each of the hills. The existing vehicular entrance to Carrigadoon Hill is from the county road on the eastern side of the hill. There is a vehicle accessible track from here to the top of the hill where there is an existing telecommunications mast.

Access through the lands on Curraghadobbin Hill is not currently possible from the public road by car as the standard of the tracks in places would require specialist construction vehicles. Coillte vehicle access to this hill is currently via a private farmyard, across which Coillte has a right of way. The tracks are accessible by foot from the county road to the south of the hill and also from the road running between the two hills, across third party lands. To access the hill for the purposes of a wind farm it is necessary to provide a new access point from the public road. This is now proposed from the county road to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill adjacent to an existing pedestrian track.

There are archaeological hillfort remains at the top of each hill which are designated National Monuments. The locations of the hillforts are currently under cover of commercial forestry. The hillfort locations are excluded from the application site area. There are three additional redundant national monument records located at Curraghadobbin Hill. These are also located in areas of forestry.

There are one-off houses located in all directions around the site. None are located within 500m of a proposed turbine however. There is a national school located on the public road to the east of

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Carrigadoon Hill at Newtown Upper. It lies just to the north of the existing vehicular access to Carrigadoon Hill and just over 1km from the closest proposed turbine (T8). The proposed upgraded entrance will be located closer to the school than the existing entry point. The upgraded entrance will also be directly opposite an existing dwelling.

There are no houses immediately adjacent to the proposed new access point to Curraghadobbin Hill. There is a cottage located on the county road approximately 140m to the west of the proposed access point to the wind farm from the public road. The next closest residences to the proposed new entrance are a house set back from the public road at the base of Curraghadobbin Hill approximately 350m to the east of the new access track and a farmhouse and buildings a similar distance to the west.

The areas surrounding the hills are low lying agricultural lands. There are a number of equestrian activities also in the areas surrounding the hills in particular to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill and to the north of Carrigadoon Hill. The mountain of Slievenamon is located approximately 7 – 8 km to the northwest of the wind farm site.

2.3 LAND OWNERSHIP

The wind farm site is predominantly in the ownership of Coillte and is planted as commercial forestry. The proposed access track to Curraghadobbin Hill passes through lands in the ownership of a third party landowner, Mr. Gerard J. Brett.

The proposed grid connection is routed along county roads, for which Tipperary County Council has responsibility for maintenance and upkeep. The Roads Department has confirmed to the Planning Authority that it has no objection to the making of the application.

2.4 DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION

2.4.1 General Description

The proposed wind farm development on Carrigadoon and Curraghadobbin Hills is for 8 No. turbines, a met mast, a sub-station, and access tracks. It is proposed to locate 5 No. turbines on Carrigadoon Hill and 3 No. turbines on Curraghadobbin Hill. Access to Carrigadoon Hill will be via a relocated and upgraded entrance adjacent to the existing Coillte vehicular entrance on the eastern side of the hill. Access to Curraghadobbin Hill will be from a proposed new access point and track from the county road to the south of the hill. The proposal will also comprise of a sub-station on Curraghadobbin Hill. The turbines on Carrigadoon Hill will be connected to the sub-station via a trench in the public road. The site layout proposed is illustrated Figure 2.1 (below and in Appendix A).

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-2 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 2-1- Proposed Site Layout Plan

The turbines proposed have an energy output rating of 3MW. The hub height will be a maximum of 85m and the blade diameter a maximum of 82m. This gives a maximum blade tip height of approximately 126.5m. The grid co-ordinates for the eight turbines are set out in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 - Turbine Grid Co-ordinates

Turbine Ref. Easting Northing T 1 237184 128406 T 2 237573 128411 T 3 237959 128376 T 4 239221 128419 T 5 239500 128196 T 6 239718 128482 T 7 240047 128704 T 8 240347 128442

The development also comprises an approx. 13.9km 38kV underground grid connection which runs through the townlands of Ballinurra, Macreary, Curraghadobbin, Lissadober, Ballynacloona, Mayladstown, Kylanoreashy, Butlerstown, and Ballydine connecting to the existing ESB 110kV substation at Ballydine, all in Co. Tipperary. The new bus-bar connection point at the ESB sub-station must be subject of a future application by ESB Networks. This will affect the final approach route into the sub-station. The statutory application drawings show the route of the connection as far as

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-3 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement the N24. From here it will cross under the railway line and N24 (visa directional drilling) and run through lands in in the ownership of MSD. While the final connecting point and route is dependent on the bus-bar location to be chosen within the substation by ESB Networks, for the purposes of this application and environmental assessments the final section of the route into the sub-station is shown indicatively and the impacts of same are assessed as part of this EIS. The proposed route is shown on Figure 2.2 (below and in Appendix A).

Figure 2-2 - Proposed Grid Connection Route

Roads will consist of crushed rock or gravel surfacing on suitable reinforced road foundations. Part of the access roads on Carrigadoon Hill and Curraghadobbin Hill will be paved as the gradients in these areas rises to a maximum of 17%. These need to be paved to facilitate turbine delivery and to comply with the turbine suppliers requirements. The locally steepened sections also minimise the amount of excavation required. Cable runs from the turbines will be located in trenches alongside site tracks.

The site does not currently have any open water courses. A drainage plan is proposed to accommodate any runoff from roads, hardstanding areas, soil storage areas, construction compound etc. This will address potential run-off during both construction and operational phases. Given the absence of existing water courses on the site, there is little identified potential for impact on any nearby water courses. This is of note given the presence of the Lingaun River in a valley to the east of Carrigadoon Hill, which forms part of the Lower River Suir Special Area of Conservation (SAC). In any case, the drainage plan for the site includes various sediment control devices, including measures to be adopted during construction and also permanent measures for the operational phase of the wind farm.

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-4 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The proposed turbines and access track positions have been laid out on the hills with buffers around the known archaeological sites to ensure that there will be no direct impact on these national monuments as a result of the proposed development. The ringforts on each hill are also excluded from the application site area. No ancillary development such as substation, met mast or stockpile areas are proposed in any of the buffer zones around other sites of archaeological interest.

There is an existing telecommunications mast on Carrigadoon Hill. The turbines have been positioned to avoid interference with telecommunications signals.

The wind farm will have a 30 year lifespan and will be decommissioned and the site remediated thereafter.

A licence for tree felling will be required and sought following receipt of planning permission.

2.4.2 Wind Turbines

2.4.2.1 Turbine Model and Technical Characteristics

The Carrigadoon Wind Farm development will consist of eight wind turbines. It is proposed that the turbine model to be provided on site will be an Enercon E82 3000mW, or equivalent. The turbines comprise of tubular steel towers; three glass reinforced GRP (epoxy resin) blades making up the rotor; nacelle housing and hub containing the generator and operating equipment. The turbines will have a rated power output capacity of up to 3 MW.

The selected wind turbines will have a tower of ‘hub’ height not exceeding 85m and a blade diameter not exceeding 82m. The overall height from ground to blade tip will therefore not exceed 126.5m. A typical wind turbine is illustrated on Drwg No.MCE0760/PL0025 D01 lodged with the planning application. The colour of the proposed turbines and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background, minimising visual impact.

The rotational speed of the turbines will be 6 – 18.5 revolutions per minute (rpm), depending on wind speeds. The turbines rotate in a clockwise direction. The turbines will commence power generation at wind speeds of 3 metres per second (m/s), rising to their rated power output of 3 MW at wind speeds of 16 m/s. The cut out wind speed is 28 - 34 m/s (with storm control).

Gearless Generator

The turbine models proposed contain a gearless annular (ring-shaped) generator. Combined with the rotor hub, this provides an almost frictionless flow of energy, and allows for a smaller number of moving components which assures minimal material wear. Unlike conventional fast-running generators, the annular generator is hardly subjected to mechanical wear, making it ideal for heavy loads and a long service life.

The advantages of this annular generator are:

. No gears; . Low wear due to slow machine rotation;

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-5 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. Low machine stress due to high level of speed variability; . Yield-optimised control; and . High power quality.

Rotor System and Blades

In the turbines proposed, the rotor hub and annular generator are directly interconnected to form one gearless unit. This rotor unit is then mounted on a fixed axis. The drive system is designed on the principle of fewer rotating components reducing mechanical stress while at the same time increasing the equipment’s technical service life. Wind turbine maintenance and service costs are reduced (fewer wearing parts, no gear oil change, etc.) and operating expenses lowered.

The blades are shaped and designed not only to draw energy from their outer edges but also to use the inner radius of the swept area, considerably increasing power output. The shape of the blades is less susceptible to turbulence and provide an even flow along the entire length of the blade profile. The blade tips are also designed to minimise noise emission and increase power output. Turbulence at the blade tips due to overpressure and under pressure is effectively eliminated in the rotor plane. The entire length of the blade is therefore utilised without any loss of energy caused by turbulence.

. Higher efficiency due to modified blade design . Less noise emission due to optimised blade tips . Longer service life due to reduced load impact . Easier transport due to streamlined blade design

The rotor blades are manufactured from glass reinforced GRP (epoxy resin). In order to efficiently protect the surface against weather elements such as wind and water, UV radiation, as well as erosion and bending loads, the rotor blades have a protective finish of gel coat, filler, edge protection and top coat. To efficiently withstand wind loads over the entire usage period, the proposed turbines have an extremely large flange diameter with a double-row bolt connection.

The Control System

Each turbine is equipped with a state-of-the-art microelectronic control unit. The main processing unit (MPU) is the central element of the turbines control system, and controls all functions of the turbine. The MPU constantly registers information from the peripheral control elements of the turbine, in order to adjust the individual system parameters to ensure that the turbines achieve maximum output under all weather conditions. It includes adjusting systems such as:

. Yaw Control - the component responsible for the orientation of the wind turbine rotor towards the wind. This requires constant evaluation of measurement data from the wind sensor. . Pitch Control – responsible for turning the angle of attack of the blades into or out of the wind to control the production or absorption of power. Achieving the ideal angle of flow on the rotor blades ensures maximum output and stress reduction on the entire wind turbine. . Variable speed for maximum wind turbine efficiency at all wind speeds, and elimination of undesirable output peaks and high operating load.

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-6 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. Brake system for maximum turbine reliability by means of three independently operated pitch mechanisms with standby power supply (batteries) in case of a mains failure. . Tower and generator monitoring by means of vibration and acceleration sensors to check tower oscillation. . Temperature and air gap sensors between rotor and stator ensure dependable annular generator operation.

Other important control measures are described below:

Monitoring Grid Connection: Ensuring proper power feed from the wind turbines into the grid requires grid connection monitoring. Grid parameters such as voltage, current and frequency are measured on the low-voltage side between the turbine inverter and the system transformer. The measured values are continuously transmitted to the control system, enabling the turbine to react immediately to changes in grid voltage or frequency. If the defined limit values for system or grid protection are exceeded, the wind turbine is safely shut down and the service teams are informed. As soon as voltage and frequency return within the permissible tolerance range, the turbine is automatically started up again. Prolonged downtimes are thus avoided.

Storm Control: The wind turbines run with a special storm control feature. Storm control enables reduced wind turbine operation in the event of extremely high wind speeds, and prevents typical shutdowns which cause considerable yield losses. In wind turbines without storm control, this occurs, for example, at a wind speed of 25 m / s within the 20 second mean. The wind turbine only starts up again when the average wind speed drops below the shutdown speed or an even lower restart speed. In gusty wind conditions there may be a longer delay, which means that considerable yield losses are incurred.

At high wind speeds, the proposed wind turbines work on a different principle. They are equipped with special storm control software which prevents unnecessary abrupt shutdowns. This is achieved by slightly pitching the rotor blades out of the wind. Once the wind speed drops, the blades turn back into the wind and the turbine immediately resumes operation at full power. This prevents yield- reducing shutdown and start-up procedures. This Storm Control feature also offers the grid substantial security benefits.

Shadow Flicker Control: The turbine control software can be programmed to turn a turbine off at specified times on specified dates in the event that it is necessary to comply with shadow flicker guidelines.

2.4.3 Footing and Foundations

The turbine towers will be fixed to a concrete foundation (which will measure approximately 17m x 17m in area and 1.9m in depth. The detailed foundation design specifications will depend on the ground conditions encountered at each turbine location and the turbine suppliers exact requirements.

The surface vegetation and topsoil layer will be removed and stored at designated storage locations adjacent to the foundation site, whilst excavation of the foundation progresses. The stored surface material will be used during reinstatement of the foundation area following construction.

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-7 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

2.4.4 ESB Grid Connection

A grid connection offer to the proposed wind farm has been applied for and received. The connection point is at the existing Eirgrid 110kV/38kV transmission substation at Ballydine, approximately 8km to the southwest of the wind farm site, just to the south of the N25. The length of the grid connection however is longer than 8km as it follows the meandering route of existing county roads. The total length then is approx. 13.9km.

A 38kV underground cable will be run from the existing Ballydine sub-station to a proposed new 38kV tail fed sub-station to be built on the site of the wind farm. The proposed location for this substation is on Curraghadobbin Hill, as indicated on the drawings accompanying the planning application.

The proposed route is shown on Figure 2.1. The connection will be buried in a trench in county roads, from the site to the sub-station. The route will cross one Regional Road (the R696) where it will again be in a trench in the road. The route will also cross the N24 and railway line at Ballydine just before it reaches the sub-station. This crossing will be accommodated by directional drilling under the road and the railway line. The new bus-bar connection point at the ESB sub-station must be subject of a future application by ESB Networks. This will affect the final approach route into the sub-station. The statutory application drawings therefore show the route of the connection as far as the N24. While the final connecting point and route is dependent on the bus-bar location to be chosen within the substation by ESB Networks, for the purposes of this application and environmental assessments the final section of the route into the sub-station is shown indicatively and the impacts of same are assessed as part of this EIS.

The cable route crosses over the Glen River and two of its tributaries. The cable will be laid in the road at the crossing points and may require some localised re-grading of the road to provided sufficient protection to the cables. This will avoid the need for in-stream works. All cabling and trenching will be carried out in strict accordance with ESB standards and industry best practice, with the appropriate safety and warning measures in place. There are some existing services running in the roadway at places along the grid connection route. Services mapping and on-site investigations will be undertaken prior to construction in order to determine the exact positioning of the trench. This will be undertaken by the contractor. As-built drawings will be provided to the local authority on completion. Trenches within the carriageway shall be backfilled with lean mix concrete to prevent long term settlement. Proprietary warning tape, incorporating a metallic strip, will be laid at two levels during backfilling subject to sufficient cover being available.

2.4.5 Sub Station and Compound

A new 38kV sub-station will be built on the site of the wind farm. The design principle of the development is to develop a simple, discrete and efficient substation to best practice standards. The design is largely dictated by ESB Code of Practice, and industry standards for such an installation. The land take of the development and height of the ancillary elements have been kept to the minimum acceptable tolerance to mitigate any visual impacts.

The proposed substation compound measures approximately 40m x 20m and will be surrounded by a 2.6m high palisade fence. The outdoor compound will be divided in two (ESB side and Client side) and will accommodate the following equipment:-

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-8 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. ESB side - cable terminal, CTs, VTs, circuit breakers, surge arrestors, ESB communications mast . Client side – Cable supports, surge arrestors, main power transformer (25MVA, 38kV/20kV), reactive power compensation equipment . Overall – lightning protection antennae (approx 6 No. slim-line poles, each approx 6m high)

The largest single piece of equipment will be the power transformer which will be approx 3m x 5m x 3.5m high

An indoor substation, measuring approx 62.9 sq.m., and adjoining the external compound, will also be provided, which will include the following:-

. ESB control room (housing ESB monitoring and control equipment); . Client 20kV switchroom; . Client control room; . Store room; . Tea station; and . Toilet.

The use of the toilet facilities is expected to be minimal. A foul water tank will be installed within the compound. It will be sealed and emptied every 6 months or more often as required. The tank will be fitted with a level sensor which will be connected to the site SCADA control system and will alert the wind farm operator when the foul water reaches a certain level.

2.4.6 On site Electrical Cabling

Power and control cable connections from the wind turbines to the substation will consist of underground 20kV (power) and Fibre Optic (Control cables). Cables will be installed in proprietary cables ducts, which will be laid in cable trenches, typically 750mm deep x 500 mm wide.

Cable routes will be located alongside site tracks in accordance with the system operator’s specifications and approved industry standard. The cable trench will be dug to a width of approximately 0.5m. The excavated material will be laid alongside the trench for use in reinstatement once ducting is complete. Proprietary warning tape, incorporating a metallic strip, will be laid during backfilling. Permanent posts will mark the trenches along the site tracks at regular intervals and at all changes in direction. An as built layout plan showing the location of underground cables will be on permanent display within the control building.

2.4.7 Site Entrances

Access to Carrigadoon Hill will be from a relocated and upgraded entrance on the eastern side of the hill adjacent to the existing Coillte vehicular entrance.

Access to Curraghadobbin Hill will be from the public road to the south of the hill.

These access points will be used for turbine delivery and construction and also for ongoing access and maintenance when the wind farm is operational.

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-9 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

2.4.8 Access Tracks and Crane Platforms

Due to steep gradients on parts of both hills, combined with restricted options for access points from the public road, it has not been possible to design much of the access road network along the routes of the existing forestry tracks. The development proposes a total of approximately 6km of new access roads across both hills.

In general the access roads have a usable road width of 5.5m. Roads will consist of crushed rock surfacing on suitable road foundations. Part of the access road on Carrigadoon Hill and Curraghadobbin Hill will need to be paved to facilitate turbine delivery as the gradients in these areas rises to a maximum of 17%. Cable runs from the turbines will be located in trenches alongside site tracks.

The crane platform will be a crushed rock completely level surface with a top surface constructed from natural gravel or clean, crushed rock. This will ensure rapid drainage of any surface water from this area.

There will be a drainage system installed around the access tracks and crane platforms.

2.4.9 Borrow Pits, Stockpile Areas and Sidecasting

Initial site assessments indicate that it is most likely that it will be possible to undertake the works without the need for a borrow pit on site. To achieve suitable gradients on the main access road on Carrigadoon Hill there is a significant amount of cut required from the main entrance on the eastern side of the hill. To help minimise the volume of cut material on site, three of the turbines on Carrigadoon Hill have been located on the downhill side of the access road and will be constructed on embankments consisting of engineered fill. The volume of cut required will amount to approximately 14,000m3. The volume of material required to construct the fill areas is approximately 18,500m3. This is roughly a 43:57 cut fill ratio.

On Curraghadobbin Hill, the proposed access has been designed to minimise the cutting required and hence limit the amount of surplus material. Cut slopes have been steepened to 1V:1.5H and fill slopes are a shown at a gradient of 1V:2.5H. Access roads have been steepened in places to minimise the amount of excavation required while retaining usability. Also, to further reduce the surplus and provide screening at a lower level, a mound is to be constructed on either side of the entrance road. This is shown on the application drawings. The total cut volume on this hill is in the region of 85,000 m3 with an estimated fill volume of 67,000 m3 which equates to a ratio of 56:44 cut to fill ratio.

Subject to detailed site investigation data, it is assumed that 87% of the site won material may be processed and reused on site for roads and hardstand areas at the turbine locations and at the substation.

It is not anticipated that there will be temporary stockpiling of material required on either hill if suitable construction phasing is carried out. The majority of material may be side cast on either side of the proposed road and can be used for reinstatement at a later stage. The embankments forming the turbine bases can also be excavated at the end of the life of the wind farm and the material used for reinstatement.

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-10 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Excess material will need to be exported off site, this is estimated at approximately 13,000m3.

2.4.10 COMMUNITY GAIN

A key priority for DunoAir is to ensure that residents living close to the proposed windfarm benefit from the project. The project team has consulted with local and national energy agencies in order to determine a best practice approach for community benefit. It has also studied other community benefit approaches in Co. Tipperary, elsewhere in Ireland and in Europe.

It is now proposed to introduce a community benefit scheme which will contain the two initiatives below:

Community Fund DunoAir will contribute €25,000 annually to a fund to be administered by the local community over the project lifetime (30 years). The details of how this fund will be administered will be determined in consultation with the local community.

Community Turbine Co-ownership Investment Opportunity In what is a new departure for a developer-led project in Ireland, DunoAir proposes to put in place a community turbine shared-ownership investment opportunity. This will provide the opportunity for members of the local community to participate in the project and become co-owners of one turbine.

An investment of €500 will secure one share returning a minimum guaranteed 4% annual dividend. Investors within a 4km radius of the site will receive an additional 1% neighbour bonus. An annual productivity bonus will be also paid subject to the generation performance of the community turbine.

2.5 CONSTRUCTION PROPOSALS

2.5.1 Construction Programme

Construction of the proposed wind farm development will follow the sequence set out below:

. Tree clearance; . Clear and hardcore an area for provision of temporary site offices; . Construct bunded area for oil tanks; . Construct temporary drainage features where required, and permanent where possible in advance of road construction operations (as per site drainage plans); . Construct new site roads and hardstands along with any integral drainage elements (as per drainage plans); . Dispose off site any excess material from road construction. . Excavate for turbine bases. Store excavated soil adjacent to excavation area for backfilling and/or re-use to form permanent berms; . Place blinding concrete to turbine bases. Fix reinforcing steel and anchorage system for turbine tower section. Pour concrete;

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-11 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. Excavate trenches for site cables, lay cables and backfill. All cables will be ducted; . Excavate for sub-station building; . Construct sub-station and compound; . Erect towers, nacelles and blades; . Erect meteorological mast; . Complete earthings of towers and complete backfilling of foundations; . Complete electrical installation, SCADA system etc; . Complete grid connection; . Commission and test plant; . Demobilise offices etc; . Provide any gates, landscaping, signs etc which may be required; and . Replanting and various mitigation works.

Once the site access roads and crane hardstanding areas are constructed the turbines will be erected.

It is anticipated that each turbine will take two to three days to erect. Normally two cranes will be used for this work. As each turbine is installed, the electrical connections will be made. Following completion of the turbine installation, substation construction, electrical system installation and grid connection, the turbines will be tested and commissioned. It is estimated that the overall construction phase of the project will take approximately 18 - 24 months to complete.

2.5.2 Subject Site Soil Classification and Stability Issues

2.5.2.1 Soil Classification

The Irish Soils Information System project was undertaken for EPA by scientists from Teagasc and Cranfield University. Phase 1 of this project was launched in September 2014. The Irish Soil Information System project has gathered together existing information and data from previous soil survey work in Ireland and augmented it with a new field campaign, leading to the production of a new national soil map at a scale of 1:250,000.

An extensive range of soil types (or ‘series’) have been identified in Ireland, each of them different in properties, with different environmental and agronomic responses.

There is a hierarchy of soil classifications provided in the Information System. At the highest Level all soils fall within one of 11 No. ‘Great Groups’. The subject site incorporates two Great Group types; Podzols and Brown Earths.

The Podzol Soil Sub-Group identified at the subject site are Ferric Podzols. Typical Podzols have a Bs horizon. A Bh horizon is absent or incipient (< 2.5 cm thick). The identified Soil Series in turn is Ballycondon which is loamy drift with siliceous stones.

The Brown Earth sub-group is identified as ‘Typical Brown Earths. These soils have distinct topsoil, without any distinguishing features. The identified Soil Series is Clonroache which is Fine loamy drift with silIceous stones.

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-12 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The geology mapping from the GSI also indicates that no peat lands occur within the site boundary.

In addition to the desk studies, the site walkover also indicated that no peat deposits exist on site. Some rock outcrop was noted at different parts of the site, particularly at higher elevations. The loamy soils recorded at the site contain sand, silt and clay with hummus in the upper layers.

2.5.2.2 Bedrock Data

GSI data in the area indicates a mix of bedrock in the general area. The site is located with the sandstone, conglomerate, siltstone area. Figure 2.3 has been extracted from the GSI datasets and shows the variation of material across the general area with the site marked in black.

Figure 2-3 - GSI bedrock data

2.5.2.3 Construction Characteristics

A site walkover indicated that there were no peaty materials within the area of proposed construction. Working on non-peat sites generally allows for standard construction techniques to be applied. At this stage, it is not considered that large volumes of material need to be removed due to soft ground and that slopes in excavations can be benched at 1V:1.5H max(possibly steeper in rock cuttings). It may be possible to re-use excavated materials, subject to passing certain criteria, to form embankments on site where required.

The site walkover also uncovered an abandoned quarry feature on the northern side of Carrigadoon Hill. This is an indicator of shallow underlying rock which would be beneficial when designing and installing turbine foundations and the interior road network.

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-13 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The depth and quality of rock on site is currently unknown and it may be possible that localised blasting may be required. Detailed site investigation in the area prior to the commencement of development will confirm any such requirements.

2.5.2.4 Slope Stability

The overall site is located on two hills and therefore the site itself is in essence a slope. The proposed access roads will in turn themselves be constructed on gradients, and will also have changes in vertical alignment as they pass through cut and fill. Similarly, to create level areas for hardstanding associated with turbine construction, and to a lesser extent the sub-station area, there will be further areas of cut required which will introduce further new slopes.

The most notable areas of cut on the site will be at the main entrance track from the county road at the eastern side of Carrigadoon Hill and the access track to Curraghadobbin hill. To facilitate turbine delivery these access roads will be constructed at a slope of 17% maximum. The cuttings at the side of these roads will be at a slope of 1V to 2H in overburden and 1V to 1H where suitable rock is uncovered. To achieve this slope the width of area subject to excavation works will be up to 79m in places, however this could be reduced if suitable rock is encountered. This road gradient will decrease once it reaches the upper areas of the site. The access roads traversing the slopes have been designed to follow the existing contours and run parallel to the slopes thus minimising the gradient of the road and the amount of earthworks required. In such areas, the founding layers of the road will be benched into the slope to help prevent a slip surface developing.

Some minor embankments may be required for construction as well as stockpiles, and it is expected that any areas of cut are to be at 1:1.5 or steeper and embankments or stockpiles shall be at a maximum side slope of 1V:2H or flatter. subject to detailed design.

2.5.3 Potential Storage/Stockpile Areas

Following on from tree clearance, the topsoil layers along the proposed access roads and at the turbine hardstand areas and substation sites will have to be cleared prior to construction of the works. The depth of this layer is currently unknown but an estimate of 0.3m is used. This should be stockpiled locally on site and re-used when topsoiling and grass seeding is to commence towards the end of the civil construction phase. In this case, topsoil may be side cast along the perimeter of the excavation.

As the ground on site appears to be peat free and generally stable, the stockpiles can be placed at 1V:2H side slopes in any area on site that is generally flat (maximum of 1V:5H surface gradient). Stockpile areas should be to a maximum height of 3m unless otherwise approved by a qualified site based geotechnical engineer. Where ground conditions are proven to be suitable for road construction just below the topsoil layer, side casting of the topsoil along the proposed road edge is acceptable.

In general, it should be possible to construct the works with minimal requirements for stockpiling if the earthworks are programmed carefully. It should be possible to form the cuttings and deposit the spoil in its final location without the need for storing large volumes and double-handling of material.

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-14 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

2.5.4 Turbine Construction

Each turbine foundation will be excavated down to a suitable bearing stratum (minimum of 3m below ground level). The stiffness of the layer shall be assessed and compared with the manufacturers / designers requirements. Crushed rock will be laid on top of the base of the excavation and a reinforced concrete foundation will be constructed. The central part of the base will be approximately 17m in diameter. It will encompass a pre-fabricated insert and holding down bolts to connect to the bottom of the turbine tower. The anticipated volume of concrete required for each tower base will be approximately 580m3. The area around the base will be backfilled with compacted granular material.

2.5.5 Site Compound

During the construction stage it will be necessary to provide contractor welfare facilities for the workers. Due to the location of the proposed development on two hills it will be necessary to provide a site office and staff welfare facilities at a suitable location on each hill as work is being undertaken. All surplus plant and materials shall be stored in these locations when not in use. Welfare facilities will include a canteen, drying room, toilets and first aid. Power will be provided using a small petrol generator. The petrol generator and fuel storage containers used for various items of plant will be located within a sealed containment bund. Telephone communications will be by mobile phone.

The locations of the compounds will be a matter determined by the contractor when appointed. A possible location is identified on each hill on the site layout plans accompanying the application but alternative locations may be chosen by the contractor.

Runoff from the construction compounds and any hardstanding areas shall be routed through silt traps prior to being discharged to the proposed drainage system to be installed onsite. Please see the drainage layout plans submitted with the application for further details of the proposed drainage at the site, which run immediately adjacent to the indicative construction compound locations.

Temporary portable toilet facilities will be provided on site. These units will be maintained and the waste collected therein will be disposed of using an appropriate contractor. There will be no use of underground tanks for these temporary facilities. Storage areas will be clearly identified and agreed with all relevant parties in advance of construction.

2.5.6 Material Requirements

Material will be required on site for the construction of the site access roads and hardstanding areas. Other materials such as concrete, steel and bituminous road surfacing will have to be brought onto the site and will result in construction traffic generation.

Table 2.2 below shows the estimated volumes of materials which will be required for the proposed wind farm development.

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-15 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Table 2.2 - Estimated of Material Requirements for Site Construction

Sourced Number Width Depth of Weight of Volume No. Of Element Length (m) Area (m2) from Load type Required (m) Structure (m) steel (t) (m3) Deliveries site Turbines Bases - Concrete 8 17 17 289 2 - 4624 - 578 Readymix truck Bases - 8 - - - - 820 - - 28 Reinforcing Steel Rigid/artic truck

Steel Towers 24 85 ------24 Exceptional length truck Rotor blades 24 41 ------24 Exceptional length vehicle Nacelles and 16 ------16 generator Artic truck Substation Plant & Structures 1 ------6 Rigid/artic truck Hardstanding 1 40 20 800 0.3 - 240 50% 8 Rigid truck Palisade Fencing 1 115 ------2 (2.6m height) Rigid truck Site Access Roads Rockfill (Class 6) - 6060 5.5 varied 0.3 to 0.5 - 13,300 33% 585 Rigid truck Crane Hardstand

Areas Rockfill (Class 6) 8 50 25 1250 0.6 6000 33% 265 Rigid truck Electrical Cable

Ducts Cable Ducts - 6300 - - - - - 11 Rigid/artic truck Concrete 15N - 250 1 250 0.9 - 225 28 after 7 days Readymix Truck

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Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The items of construction plant and machinery, which will typically be used during the course of construction, are as follows:

. 2 – 3 Hydraulic Excavators; . 2 - 3 Dump Trucks; . 2 Dozers; . 2 Cranes (main and assist); . Concrete Pump (Lorry mounted); . 2 Dumpers (2t); . Backhoe loader; . Loader; . Site Generators; . 1 – 2 Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles; . Cement Mixer; . Water pump; . Wheel wash; . Miscellaneous Power Tools; and . Rock breaker.

2.5.7 Turbine Delivery and Construction Access

A route survey was undertaken to determine the optimal delivery route which in turn had implications for the proposed site entrances. Appendix 2.1 contains a Route Survey undertaken by a specialist company Exceptional Load Services Ltd. It identifies both the optimal route and also any constraints along the local delivery route and mitigation works required.

Based on the study undertaken, the preferred port of entry for the turbines will be Bellview Port, Waterford, based on distance and costs. This will therefore be the most likely port of entry for the turbines. The route survey has revealed however that routes from Dublin Port and Ringaskiddy would also be possible though not optimal. Delivery to Dublin Port would increase travel times due to travel restrictions in the Port Tunnel and environs. Tunnel closures for maintenance also add to delivery disruptions which reduce its attractiveness as an entry port option. Similarly, though a route from Ringaskiddy would be technically possible, due to costs associated with tunnel and police restrictions it was not surveyed in detail.

The local delivery route from Carrick-On-Suir to the site is illustrated in Figure 2.4 (below and in Appendix A). This will be the local route regardless of what port was used for turbine delivery (it is identified as local access option A in the Route Survey at Appendix 2.1). There are a number of works / mitigation measures required to safely accommodate the turbine delivery on this local route. They are as follows:

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-17 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. Widen junction at Ballinurra Cross within area of previous road alignment

Figure 2-4 - Local Turbine and Construction Traffic Delivery Route

These works required are relatively minor and are either within the public roadway or are on lands within the control of the applicant. The works within the public roadway would be the subject of a detailed traffic management plan for turbine delivery which would be agreed in advance with Tipperary County Council and An Garda Síochána as required. The need to widen the existing access at Carrigadoon Hill is addressed by way of a relocated and upgraded entrance which is an integral element of the design proposals of the project as shown on site layout plans, and is within the control of the applicant. Similarly the proposed new access point to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill is an integral element of the proposed development and has been designed to accommodate the turbine delivery trucks.

These same access points will be used for all construction traffic and will be the permanent access points for the wind farm once operational.

In addition to turbine delivery and general construction traffic site staff will also generate light local traffic but this is likely to occur only in A.M and P.M peaks.

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-18 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

2.5.8 Waste Disposal

2.5.8.1 Waste Generated during Construction

The wastes likely to be generated during the construction phase will include the following:

. Any excess in the form of cut-offs from building material will be taken off-site for re-use, recycling, or authorised disposal; and . Domestic-type waste generated by contractors. This material will be collected on–site, stored in an enclosed skip and disposed of at an authorised waste treatment facility. . Temporary toilet facilities will be provided on site. Foul water will be stored onsite and removed to an authorised treatment facility.

2.5.8.2 Storage and Disposal of Excavated Material

Excavated soil material will be stored, out of the path of trafficking machinery. The contractor will keep topsoil and subsoil storage areas separate to avoid mixing. These soils will be used for site reinstatement and ensure re-vegetation of the land occurs as quickly as possible.

Site inspections indicate that the soil conditions at the site will facilitate material being stockpiled to a height of no greater than 3m. Depending on geotechnical considerations, the maximum gradient of side slopes in the spoil storage areas should be 1V:2H to ensure safe storage of materials and reduce the overall erosion potential at the site. The top of the soil mound is to be profiled gently to facilitate surface water runoff and therefore prevent ponding and saturation of the soil. All stockpiling will be temporary and specific site locations for stockpiling will be determined by the appointed site engineer and will form part of a final Construction and Environmental Management Plan prior to the commencement of development.

Drainage channels will intercept clean water runoff and will be directed away from the spoil storage areas to prevent sedimentation. Runoff from the storage areas will pass through a sediment basin to ensure suspended particles are filtered out.

The vegetated topsoil layer (300-500mm depth typically) removed from the surface will be side-cast where feasible and used to resurface ground adjacent to road edges, turbine bases and other disturbed areas to assist in the recovery of vegetation. Natural re-vegetation is preferred. Reinstatement will be carried out as soon as possible after excavation to ensure vegetation recovers without delay. This will ensure that, as well as restoring the natural environment, the erosion potential for the soil will be minimised thus reducing the risk of sediment entering watercourses.

The majority of the excavated material underlying the topsoil will be side cast where possible. At certain locations along access roads it may be possible to side cast this material adjacent to the roads and place vegetated topsoil over it. This topsoil layer will be graded to reflect the surrounding landscape.

Excess material will need to be disposed of off-site.

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-19 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

2.5.9 Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan

An outline Construction Environmental Management Plan (outline CEMP) has been developed for the proposed development and is provided at Appendix 2.2 of this EIS. This outline CEMP forms the basis for a comprehensive plan for the management of various environmental aspects of the site and the proposal during the construction phase of the development. It presents the management and mitigation measures identified as necessary within this EIS. This is in outline format only and shall be required to be updated following receipt of planning permission and prior to the commencement of development on site.

2.6 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

2.6.1 Site Selection

A potential wind farm project was previously the subject of investigation and consideration on lands to the north of the subject site by an alternative developer. The site incorporated lands on the northern side of Carrigadoon and Curraghadobbin Hills. Various environmental assessments and design work was undertaken in respect of the proposal with a view to lodging a planning application. Prior to the lodgement of the application, South Tipperary County Council prepared a Wind Energy Strategy and the lands on which the wind farm were proposed were designated as not being suitable for wind energy developments. That planning application was not progressed further as a result.

The proposers of that previous potential wind farm project applied to the ESB and were granted a 24MW Gate 3 access to the national grid. The point of connection to the grid is the existing ESB substation at Ballydine.

The applicant for this current planning application, DunoAir, purchased the Grid Connection offer from the previous proposers. In identifying a suitable site for its wind energy development DunoAir had a number of site selection criteria that were assessed when investigating and selecting a suitable location for the wind farm development. Preliminary criteria used in determining suitable sites for wind farm development include;

. Compliance with the criteria set out by the County Development Plan – wind energy development had to be open for consideration on the site; . Elevation and average wind speeds at the site location; . Proximity to existing turbines; . Distance to residential housing – sought a site which could achieve a layout with a minimum suitable distance to existing dwellings; . Distance to the electricity grid network; . Road access to the site; . Proximity to/potential impact on environmentally sensitive areas; and . Proximity to/ potential impact on scenic areas or tourist attractions.

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2.6.2 Nature and Extent of Development

When the site was identified with reference to the above listed criteria, a number of development options were considered. In the first instance two high level options were considered for how a 24MW wind energy development could be achieved. These were by means of:

. 11 No. 2.3 MW turbines, or . 8 No. 3MW turbines

A high level assessment of the potential visual, noise and ecological implications of these two options was undertaken. It was determined that the 8 No. 3MW turbine option would result in a lesser visual impact. This was due to the lower number of turbines required. The ecological implications were also deemed preferable with the 8 No. 3MW turbine option, as it required less onsite infrastructural works and associated vegetation removal. While the noise implications of the 3MW turbine option was identified as potentially greater than the 2.3MW options at certain locations, it was nevertheless deemed to be achievable within recommended standards.

2.6.3 Alternative Layout Proposals

Following a decision to proceed with the proposal on the basis of 8 No. 3MW turbines, the next alternatives considered related to the layout of the turbines. The initial proposed layout identified locations which were optimal from a wind perspective. Under this layout turbines were proposed on sites generally at higher elevations. The initial environmental assessments undertaken however required the repositioning of the turbines. The final chosen locations were determined as those with the least potential for overall environmental impacts. Potential visual, telecommunications, heritage and archaeological impacts on site and in the wider context had particular influence on the final proposed locations which are now presented in this application. The assessments of the initial alternative proposals with reference to a number of different environmental topics are discussed in the relevant chapters as appropriate, in particular with regard to visual and electromagnetic issues. Alternative road access routes across the hills were also considered in the course of development of proposals. Figures 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 (below identify previous iterations of layouts considered prior to the final layout being determined).

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-21 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 2-5 - Previous Layout Option Considered - Version 1

Figure 2-6 - Previous Layout Option Considered - Version 2

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-22 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 2-7 - Previous Layout Option Considered - Version 3

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-23 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

2.7 POTENTIAL CUMULATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS

It is necessary that this EIS consider any potential cumulative impacts due to this proposal in combination with any other relevant development. In the case of wind energy development in general, it is often the case that there may be multiple wind farm developments in the same vicinity which could potentially lead to an intensified cumulative impact.

In the case of this instant application there are no other windfarms within the vicinity of the proposed development.

A review of the South Tipperary County Council planning register and County Development Plan was undertaken to identify any plans or projects which in combination with the proposed wind farm may have potential for cumulative impact. No such developments were identified.

In the early stages of the assessment of this project a possible route for a 400kV line by EirGrid had been identified to the south of the subject site. This possible development formed part of the initial cumulative assessments of this project. However, that project is no longer proposed by EirGrid and accordingly is not a relevant consideration for cumulative impact assessment.

MCE0760RP0006F01 2-24

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 26 Appendices: xx

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By th F01 Final Issue 20 May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

rpsgroup.com/ireland

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 PLANNING AND POLICY CONTEXT ...... 3-1

3.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-1

3.2 STRATEGIC POLICY CONTEXT ...... 3-1 3.2.1 International and European Context ...... 3-1 3.2.2 National Policy Context ...... 3-1

3.3 STATUTORY PLANNING CONTEXT ...... 3-5 3.3.1 Legislative Framework ...... 3-5 3.3.2 DoEHLG Wind Energy Guidelines 2006 ...... 3-5 3.3.3 IWEA Best Practice Guidelines for the Irish Wind Energy Industry 2012 ...... 3-7 3.3.4 South East Regional Planning Guidelines 2010 ...... 3-8 3.3.5 South Tipperary County Council Climate Change Strategy ...... 3-8 3.3.6 South Tipperary Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) 2014 ...... 3-9 3.3.7 South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009 - 2016 ...... 3-10 3.3.8 Proposed Variation No. 3 to South Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 Including Draft Renewable Energy Strategy and Draft Wind Energy Strategy ...... 3-16 3.3.9 Kilkenny County Development plan 2014 - 2020 ...... 3-18

3.4 COMPLIANCE OF PROPOSALS WITH PLANNING AND POLICY CONTEXT ...... 3-21

3.5 CONSULTATION ...... 3-21 3.5.1 Pre-planning Meetings ...... 3-21 3.5.2 Public Engagement ...... 3-21 3.5.3 Prescribed Bodies ...... 3-23

3.6 PROJECT NEED ...... 3-23

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3.1 - Extract of Development Plan Wind Energy Development Landscape Policy Map 11 .... 3-12

LIST OF TABLES

Table 3.1 - Consultation Letters Issued ...... 3-23

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

3 PLANNING AND POLICY CONTEXT

3.1 INTRODUCTION

As part of the preparation of this planning application, RPS has completed a planning assessment of the relevant strategic policy and statutory planning policy context for the proposed development at Carrigadoon Wind Farm located in South Tipperary. The strategic policy section sets the context for the development of the renewable energy resource, including its role in combating climate change, its contribution to security of energy supply and its contribution to economic competitiveness. The chapter makes particular reference to electricity generation and associated infrastructure and examines specific policy in relation to this where available.

3.2 STRATEGIC POLICY CONTEXT

3.2.1 International and European Context

The following documents set the context for global action on climate change and EU commitments and targets to contribute to this global effort:-

. 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Rio de Janeiro and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol resulted in an EU commitment to an 8% reduction of 1990 levels for four greenhouse gases and two groups of gases during 2008-2012. Ireland is obliged to limit growth in annual emissions to 13% above 1990 levels during the same period. A reduction in greenhouse gases can be achieved through increasing energy efficiency in all sectors and by increasing reliance on renewable energy.

. The European Sustainable Development Strategy 2006 states that 21% of EU electricity generation should be met by renewable sources by 2010. This strategy was updated in 2009.

. EU Directives on Renewables (2001/77/EC), Single Electricity Market (2003/54/EC) and National Renewable Energy Plan (2009/28/EC) oblige member states to promote energy from renewable sources. The 2001/77/EC Directive increased earlier EU targets for renewable energy following on from the addition of member states to the EU in 2004 and the need to comply with Kyoto commitments. The overall EU objective for energy consumption from renewables was set at 21%. The latest Directive in 2009 establishes the basis for achieving a revised renewable energy target of 20% by 2020. Member states have different individual targets with Ireland’s being set at 16% of energy from renewable sources by 2020. The 2009 Directive requires each State to adopt a national renewable energy action plan and submit these to the European Commission. The plans are to set out the Member State’s national targets for the share of energy from renewable sources consumed in transport, electricity and heating and cooling in 2020, taking into account the effects of other policy measures relating to energy efficiency on final consumption of energy.

3.2.2 National Policy Context

The National Spatial Strategy for Ireland 2002-2020 (NSS) seeks to achieve a spatial balance by developing the potential of areas, which will depend on enhancing capacity for the movement of

MCE0760RP0006F01 3-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

people, goods, energy and information between different places. The NSS notes that physical networks of infrastructure such as energy networks are of particular relevance to achieving this balance, since they have a spatial impact and influence the location, timing and extent of development. Effective energy networks are acknowledged as being essential in realising the innate potential of places and achieving balanced regional development. A National Planning Framework, will be developed to provide the context for national spatial planning for the next decade and beyond. It is due to be published later this year and will take the place of the NSS.

A new 20 year National Planning Framework (NPF) is being prepared for Ireland which will replace the NSS. A Road Map for the delivery of the National Planning Framework 2016 which outlines the principles of the framework was published in December 2015 with a view to publishing a draft plan in late 2016. Section 1.2 of the road map states that the NPF will provide a strategic context for investment in critical national infrastructure by both the public and private sectors in key areas including energy.

Section 1.5 of the Road Map clarifies that the NPF will be a statement of the Government’s objectives for Ireland’s spatial development and it will form the top tier of Ireland’s planning policy hierarchy. It will build on the strengths of the former strategy while at the same time addressing newer challenges in relation to the need for greater emphasis on environmental matters such as climate change and sustainability, as informed by European Union legislative requirements that have been introduced since the NSS was published.

The Road Map notes at section 1.7 that one of the potential themes for the NPF is to deal with ‘Transitioning to a low carbon society’. Climate Change is identified as a key challenge that needs to be addressed within the plan. A number of challenges exist including the need to ensure that rural communities benefit from a well-planned approach to renewable energy development.

The Bioenergy Action Plan for Ireland 2007 is a comprehensive strategy to increase the deployment of renewable energy across three key sectors: transport, heat and electricity. The commitments in the Government Action Plan include that by 2020 a third of all electricity consumed in Ireland will come from renewable sources (i.e. wind, tidal, solar, etc).

The National Climate Change Strategy 2007 covers the period 2007 – 2012 and draws together measures put in place by previous policies such as the National Climate Change Strategy 2000, Transport 21, and the BioEnergy Action Plan, which will enable Ireland to meet its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol in the period 2008-2012. This Strategy notes that electricity generation from renewable sources provides the most effective way of reducing the contribution of power generation to Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Accordingly it is noted that the Government has established ambitious national targets for the contribution of renewables to power generation which are in excess of EU targets. These targets as set out in 2007 were that 15% of electricity consumed would be from renewable sources by 2010 with 33% from renewables by 2020.

The National Development Plan 2007 – 2013 (NDP) states that environmental protection is one of the key pillars underpinning sustainable energy policy, along with creating competitive markets and security of supply. The exploitation of renewable energy resources requires support and intervention across the three principal energy sectors, i.e. electricity, heat and transport. In the case of electricity, the 2010 target for renewable energy consumption was increased to 15%.

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In November 2011, the Government announced that the National Development Plan was to be succeeded by a Capital Investment Plans. The Department of Public Expenditure published Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021 which presents the Government’s new €42 billion framework for infrastructure investment in Ireland over the period 2016 to 2021. This plan acknowledges that investment in national energy infrastructure is critical to ensuring the continuous supply of affordable and safe electricity to homes and businesses throughout the country. It identifies that renewable energy targets are driving demand for additional renewable energy capacity, especially wind, to meet the 40 percent renewable electricity target.

Building Ireland’s Smart Economy - A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal 2008 notes that it is imperative that Ireland reduces its dependence on imported fossil fuels and diversifies energy sources. The document notes the increase in the national target for the production of electricity from renewable resources by 2020 to 40%, increased from the target of 33% stated in prior government policy documents.

Grid 25 is the EirGrid strategy for the development of the national electricity transmission grid. The implementation of the strategy seeks to facilitate more sustainable, diverse, competitive and secure power supplies to support economic and social development and renewable energy deployment. The development of the grid is necessary to ensure that it can play a full role in the provision of secure and sustainable energy supplies. Capacity had remained largely unchanged in the previous 20 years despite a 150% growth in electricity demand. EirGrid estimates that the capacity of the bulk transmission system (220kV or greater) will need to be doubled by 2025 through major reinforcements to the existing network.

The Grid 25 strategy divides the country into regions and the regions in turn into sub Areas. The South East region is divided into Areas A and B, with the subject site located in Area B, i.e. eastern part of South Tipperary and bordering areas of County Waterford and the south western part of County Kilkenny. Within the region as a whole the Strategy notes that demand is expected to rise by 45% by 2025. To this end, Area B is expected to generate up to 210 MW on-shore wind generation. Large parts of the network are required to be upgraded to accommodate this growth. The Strategy specifically identifies the need for grid reinforcements to connect significant amounts of wind generation. The Strategy sets out that a new interconnector from this region to either Great Britain or mainland Europe will enable the export and import of power when appropriate.

Improvements to the grid, which would be complemented by the proposed wind farm, have benefits such as increased security of supply to the region, the connection of greater numbers of renewable generators to the national grid, facilitation of export of renewable generation from the region and the accommodation of significant future growth in demand from both industry and domestic users.

In reappraising the need and the drivers for the investments of Grid 25, Eirgrid published Ireland’s Draft Grid Development Strategy in March 2015 with a view to finalising this plan in early 2016. This strategy aims to reflect changes in the economy and advances in transmission technologies since publishing Grid 25 in 2008. It notes that Ireland is on course to meet the Government’s renewable energy target of 40% of electricity demand from renewable energy by 2020 noting that a large proportion of this renewable electricity will come from wind power.

The draft strategy identifies that in January 2015 the uptake of Gate 3 offers was particularly high with 82% accepted, 7% under consideration and only 11% having been declined by applicants which

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is in line with original Grid25 assumptions. These additional connections indicate generation growth in areas that are distant from the urban centres where typically demand is greater.

The draft Strategy identifies that Ireland faces three crucial and inter-related energy challenges: energy security, sustainability and competitiveness. It states that we are heavily reliant on energy imports, leaving us particularly vulnerable to the fluctuations of international energy prices. In 2013 89% of Ireland’s total energy use was imported, costing an estimated €6.7 billion. That same year, almost 50% of Ireland’s electricity generation came from imported natural gas. It concludes that by increasing grid capacity this will allow us to operate the grid securely, while increasing the ability to take variable generation from renewable sources including wind.

The National Renewable Energy Action Plan 2010 (NREAP) responds to EC Directive 2009/28/EC and sets out national targets for the share of energy from renewable sources consumed in transport, electricity and heating and cooling in 2020. In the electricity sector, Ireland’s target for renewable energy share is 40% by 2020. It is noted that Ireland has made huge strides in accelerating renewable electricity generation in recent years, largely due to the growth of onshore wind energy supply. Developments in the national grid are ongoing to support this sector with future sources of renewable energy supply identified, including wind energy.

The DCENRs Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012-2020 is a high level Strategy underpinned by the detailed NREAP. It sets out the Government’s strategic goals for renewable energy and the key actions underway and planned in the short and medium term for each of the renewable energy sectors. The key actions are designed to address current challenges and support progressive delivery on national ambitions for renewable electricity, heat and transport. The NREAP requests that local authorities consider the actions and targets of the NREAP and identify how it is intended to contribute to the achievement of these targets at the local authority level, particularly in the context of renewable energy resources that are available.

The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan: Maximising Ireland’s Energy Efficiency, 2013-2020 (NEEAP) was first published in 2009 by the DCENR and updated in February 2013. It aims to create a 20% more energy-efficient Ireland. Targets include: reducing public sector energy consumption by 33%, and providing tax incentives to businesses and grants to residences to increase energy efficiency. The NEEAP helps to shape the backdrop against which renewable energy projects are delivered. It acknowledges that energy demand and consumption in Ireland has fallen as a result of the economic crisis however, energy savings have also been delivered through national energy efficiency measures. The NEEAP sets out the Government’s ambitions to deliver further energy savings over the period to 2020. Better energy efficiency is closely intertwined with a move away from energy from fossil fuels to energy from renewable resources, thus the implementation of measures under both the NREAP and the NEEAP are equally important in achieving Irelands’ EU emissions commitments.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Strategic Plan 2010-2015 seeks to make Ireland a recognised global leader in sustainable energy. The strategic plan envisages a future which includes electricity requirements generated entirely from indigenous renewable resources and the export of electricity across Europe through an interconnected grid system. Specific Irish policy goals include the acceleration of the growth of renewable electricity from 15% of demand in 2010 to 40% by 2020.

The Government White Paper - Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030 is a complete energy policy update for Ireland, which sets out a framework to guide policy to 2030. Its

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objective is to guide a transition to a low carbon energy system, which provides secure supplies of competitive and affordable energy to our citizens and businesses. It seeks to ensure security of energy supply, promote the sustainability of energy supply and use and enhance the competitiveness of energy supply.

This paper highlights that a radical transformation of Ireland’s energy system is required to meet climate policy objectives. It envisages a low carbon energy system whereby greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the energy sector are reduced by between 80% and 95%, compared to 1990 levels, by 2050, and will fall to zero or below by 2100. It identifies that new technologies, services, energy network architectures and community-based energy initiatives will emerge to facilitate and drive the energy transition.

It states that the 2020 target of 40% RES-E is likely to require a total of 3,500-4,000 MW of onshore renewables generation capacity, compared to the 2,500 MW available at end December 2014, of which wind generation accounted for 2,200MW. To achieve our target, the average rate of build of onshore wind generation will need to increase to up to 260 MW per year. The current rate of build is about 170 MW per year (Section 129) which indicates a significant shortfall.

3.3 STATUTORY PLANNING CONTEXT

3.3.1 Legislative Framework

In accordance with the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010 Development Plans must contain objectives for the provision of infrastructure including energy facilities. Policy and decision makers on wind energy related planning applications must have regard to relevant government or ministerial policy. The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 requires local authorities to provide objectives specifically for the promotion of measures to reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions among other amendments.

Section 172 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, provides for the making of Regulations to identify the types of development for which an application for planning permission will be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement.

Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 specify under Article 93 the type of development which requires an EIS. Item 3(i) of Part 2 of Schedule 5 states as follows:

“Installations for the harnessing of wind power for energy production (wind farms) with more than 5 turbines or having a total output greater than 5 megawatts.”

This instant application comprises 8 no. turbines with a total output of 24MW and therefore an EIS is required to accompany the application.

3.3.2 DoEHLG Wind Energy Guidelines 2006

The key planning policy document for guidance on wind energy planning applications in Ireland are The Wind Energy Guidelines 2006, which were published in 2006 and issued under Section 28 of the

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Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The stated purpose of the guidelines (section 1.1) is:-

‘To offer advice to planning authorities on planning for wind energy though the development plan process and in determining applications for planning permission.’

The guidelines are also intended to ensure a consistent approach throughout the country in the identification of suitable locations for wind energy development and the treatment of planning applications for wind energy developments. The Guidelines state that while the development of renewable energy sources, together with measures aimed at a reduction and more efficient use of energy, are priorities, nationally and at European level, the implementation of renewable energy policies must also have regard for the environment.

According to the Guidelines:-

‘The development plan must achieve a reasonable balance between responding to overall Government Policy on renewable energy and enabling the wind energy resources of the planning authority’s area to be harnessed in a manner that is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development.’

The assessment of individual wind energy development proposals needs to be conducted within the context of a “plan-led” approach. This involves identifying areas considered suitable or unsuitable for wind energy development, which should be set out in the relevant Development Plan to provide clarity for developers, the public and other interested parties. According to the Guidelines, development plans should also include a positive and supportive statement on the importance of wind energy as a renewable energy source (together with an objective to ensure the security of energy supply); objectives to secure the maximum potential from the wind energy resources of the planning authority’s area and specific criteria for wind energy development that the planning authority will take into account when considering any wind energy.

The Guidelines recommend that pre-planning consultation with the relevant local authority be undertaken prior to lodgement of an application for wind energy developments.

General considerations for the assessment of wind energy planning applications are set out in the Guidelines, which advise that planning authorities should have regard to national policy regarding the development of alternative and indigenous energy sources and the minimisation of emissions of greenhouse gasses in considering a planning application for wind energy development.

The Guidelines note that while not mandatory the undertaking of public consultation with the local community is good practice and should be encouraged by Planning Authorities.

In addition to general national policy the Guidelines acknowledge that in order to fully assess the impact of a wind energy development, a planning authority may need information on some if not all of the following matters:-

. Ground conditions, including peat stability; . Site drainage and hydrological effects, such as water supply and quality and watercourse crossings;

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. Size, scale and layout and the degree to which the wind energy project is visible over certain areas; . Potential impact of the project on natural heritage, to include direct and indirect effects on protected sites, on habitats of ecological sensitivity and biodiversity value and, where necessary, management plans to deal with the satisfactory co-existence of the wind energy development and the particular species / habitat identified; . Potential impact of the project on the built heritage including archaeological heritage; . Landscape issues; . Visual impact of ancillary development, such as access roads; . Local environmental impacts including noise, shadow flicker, electromagnetic interference, etc.; . Adequacy of local access road network to facilitate construction of the project and transportation of large machinery and turbine parts to site; . Information on any cumulative effects due to other projects, including effects on natural heritage and visual effects; . Information on the location of quarries to be used or borrow pits proposed during the construction phase and associated remedial works thereafter; . Disposal or elimination of waste / surplus material from construction / site clearance, particularly significant for peatland sites; and . Decommissioning considerations.

The Guidelines also detail possible environmental and aesthetic implications of a wind energy development and issues to be considered in the siting and design of a development.

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DoEHLG) commenced a review of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines in 2013. The draft revision document which related specifically to noise, proximity and shadow flicker was published in December 2013. The revised noise and shadow flicker sections of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines proposed;

. The setting of a more stringent absolute noise limit (day and night) of 40 decibels (dB) for future wind energy developments. This limit is an outdoor limit, in general the reduction of noise levels between the outside of a dwelling and inside would be approximately 10 decibels. . A mandatory setback of 500 metres between a wind turbine and the nearest dwelling for amenity considerations. . A condition be attached to all future planning permissions for wind farms to ensure that there will be no shadow flicker at any dwelling within 10 rotor diameters of a wind turbine. If shadow flicker does occur, the wind energy developer or operator will be required to take necessary measures, such as turbine shut down for the period necessary, to eliminate the shadow flicker.

No further actions have been undertaken since December 2013 and the proposed revisions remain unadopted and draft proposals only. According to ‘A Programme for a Partnership Government’ published in May 2016 it is proposed that the wind farm planning guidelines will be updated within 3 to 6 months.

3.3.3 IWEA Best Practice Guidelines for the Irish Wind Energy Industry 2012

The IWEA published Best Practice Guidelines for the Irish Wind Energy Industry in 2012 which provides best practice practical guidance and recommendations for developing onshore wind

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projects in Ireland. In approaching the development of IWEA’s Guidelines, the aim was to be complementary to DoEHLG’s guidance rather than re-stating its subject matter.

The purpose of the Guidelines is to encourage responsible and sensitive wind farm development, which takes into consideration the concerns of local communities, planners, and other interested groups. It outlines the main aspects of wind energy development and provides practical guidance and recommendations in relation to the development of on shore wind farm developments in Ireland. Its emphasis is on responsible and sustainable design and environmental practices, on aspects of development which affect external stakeholders, and on good community engagement practices.

3.3.4 South East Regional Planning Guidelines 2010

The South East Regional Planning Guidelines were adopted in 2010 and provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the development of the South-East Region for this period and to guide and inform the Development Plans and Local Area Plans of the local authorities in the region. The Guidelines aim to guide the development of the region for the next 20 years and address the growth and development of the region including energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Section 6 of the Regional Planning Guidelines is entitled ‘Communications, Energy, Regional Climate Change Strategy’ and it is stated that the South-East Regional Authority actively and strongly supports the sourcing and generation of energy from within the South-East. It is an objective of the Guidelines that local authorities, the private sector, energy production and supply companies are encouraged to formulate sustainable energy policies and practices which seek to:

(a) Ensure security of energy supply in order to support economic and social development; (b) Source energy at a price that does not adversely affect competitiveness; (c) Develop variable and alternative sources of energy generation; (d) Maximise the use of renewable energy technologies; (e) Promote a culture of energy conservation by all users; (f) Assist the development of indigenous sustainable energy enterprises; (g) Support and promote sustainable indigenous Bio-energy industries including the Bio-ethanol industry.

The development of the wind energy industry on suitable sites would be in accordance with these principles.

The South East Regional Authority has now been replaced by the Southern Regional Assembly. It is a function of the Regional Assembly to prepare and oversee the implementation of a Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). No such strategy has yet been prepared for the Southern Region. It is proposed that this will be prepared after the publication of a National Framework Plan (which will replace the NSS) which is due to be finalised by the first quarter of 20171.

3.3.5 South Tipperary County Council Climate Change Strategy

1 A Programme for a Partnership Government, May 2016.

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South Tipperary County Council has prepared its own Climate Change Strategy, which is an initiative aimed at complying with the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol and the National Climate Change Strategy. The strategy has been prepared by the Council’s Climate Change and Energy Management Committee, which is representative of all relevant sections of the Council and has representatives from the South Tipperary Local Authorities. The intention of the strategy is to focus on the Council’s activities and to define practical steps for direct action by the Council with timetables and targets.

The results of an analysis with respect to the county’s Energy and Emissions Balance indicated that, based on a range of standard measures, the Kyoto targets will not be met and is projected to fall 25% below the Kyoto Target.

The strategy acknowledges that large scale wind developments will make a significant impact in the region in helping to achieve county renewable energy targets, however note that limitations with respect to grid connection could have implications for actually achieving these targets.

3.3.6 South Tipperary Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) 2014

South Tipperary Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) has identified a vision for growth for renewable energy development for South Tipperary based on its real renewable energy potential. Based on this a planning policy framework to guide development has been proposed and will underpin the statutory planning and development policy of the County Development Plan.

The aim of the RES is to underpin its commitment to the achievement of the renewable energy targets set out in the NREAP at the county level. It recognises the key renewable energy resources of the county and the benefits that will arise from the sustainable development of these resources. It is the goal of the Council ‘to support and facilitate the development of the renewable energy sector of the county in line with the Strategic goals set out by the Department of Communications, Energy and National Resources whilst balancing the need for new development with the protection of the environmental, cultural and heritage assets of the county.’ Key strategic targets have been proposed as part of the RES in order to achieve the NREAP targets.

According to the RES, energy in the form of electricity from wind accounts for a high portion of renewable energy produced in the county. At the end of 2012, there was approximately 385MW of wind energy capacity permitted in South Tipperary, with approximately 63.66MW of this actually installed. The Strategy refers to the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) requirements for approximately 2,000MW of new wind capacity in the Republic of Ireland to 2020 in order to ensure that Ireland meets its RES-E target.

The RES sets out that it is not possible to identify how much wind energy generation is expected per county. It states that the potential for each county to produce wind energy is very varied, however to date South Tipperary has adopted a proactive approach to wind energy development in line with its Wind Energy Strategy set out in the South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009. A continued proactive approach to the sustainable development of wind energy is recommended by the IWEA to ensure that South Tipperary can contribute to meeting the national 2020 targets for electricity generated from wind.

The RES highlights the importance of employment generation from renewable energy production within the county, noting that from a long term perspective, the operation and maintenance of renewable energy facilities offers the greatest potential for employment to the county.

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As part of the South Tipperary County Council Wind Energy Strategy a Phase 1 Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) of the ‘Uplands’ was prepared which informed the strategy at the time in providing suitable, unsuitable and areas open for consideration for wind energy development. As part of the RES a Phase 2 LCA with respect to the ‘Lowlands’ was carried out in order to inform countrywide policy on landscape, however details in relation to same are not available within this strategy and no changes have been made to the wind energy strategy as a result.

According to the RES, South Tipperary County Council is very supportive of active community involvement in renewable energy schemes and encourages local communities and renewable energy developers to liaise with the Tipperary Energy Agency to investigate opportunities for community involvement.

It is furthermore recommended that the following policy approach to wind energy development should be incorporated into the County Development Plan in support of the current wind energy policy:

. In applying the Wind Energy policy of the County Development Plan, the Council will actively encourage developers and investors to engage with local communities to ascertain their concerns with respect new development, to undertake to address these concerns where feasible and to consider the setting up of appropriate community funds or schemes that will help to confer a gain to the local community in areas where it is proposed to install large-scale renewable energy developments.

. In applying the Wind Energy policy of the County Development Plan, the Council will actively encourage developers and investors to consider the cumulative impact of wind energy development in areas where wind developments have already been permitted. Reference in this respect may be made to the Wind Energy Guidelines 2006 and to the Scottish Natural Heritage Guidelines – ‘Assessing the Cumulative Impact of on-Shore Wind Energy Developments 2012’.

. In applying the Wind Energy Policy of the County Development Plan, the Council will ensure the protection of the environment and apply the minimum environmental protection standards.

3.3.7 South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009 - 2016

The statutory Development Plan for the application site is the South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009 – 2015. There are a number of policy provisions within the Plan which have relevance for the siting of wind energy developments. These relate to landscape characterisation and to the wind energy policy of the Plan. The Plan also contains development management specifications which should be considered for any planning application for wind energy development.

The County Wind Energy Policy was adopted by South Tipperary County Council in December 2006 and is incorporated in Appendix 3 of the South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009 – 2015.

Policy INF 10 of the development plan supports Wind Energy type development as long as it accords with its wind energy policies. Policy INF 10 is set out as follows;

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The Council will facilitate the exploitation of the natural wind energy resource available, provided that it can be demonstrated that such development, and associated infrastructure, is in accordance with Appendix 3: Policy on Wind Energy Development, and the other policies contained in this County Development Plan.

Policy WIND 1 provides a ‘General Policy Statement on Wind Energy Development’, which supports wind energy developments in principle at appropriate locations.

‘The Council recognises that there is a need to promote the development of ‘green electricity’ resources and to reduce fossil fuel dependency and green house gas emissions in order to address the global issue of climate change, and to comply with European and international policies with regards to renewable and sustainable energy resources. It will be an objective of the Council to ensure the security of energy supply by accommodating the development of wind energy resources in appropriate areas in the county.’

Policy WIND 3 relates to the suitability of different parts of the county for the siting of wind energy developments, including ‘preferred areas’, ‘areas open for consideration’ and ‘unsuitable areas’. According to the wind energy policy maps, the proposed wind farm site is located in an area ‘open for consideration’. Policy Wind 3 states as follows:

It is the policy of the Council to ensure that wind energy development shall only be permitted in areas as detailed below, and as identified on the associated wind energy maps:

Preferred Areas – wind energy development in these areas shall generally be considered to be acceptable in principle, subject to proper planning and sustainable development, and the guidelines set out in this policy document.

Areas Open for Consideration – wind energy development in these areas may or may not be appropriate, depending on the character of the landscape and the potential impact of the proposed development. Any impact on the environment must be low and subject to proper planning and sustainable development, and the guidelines set out in this policy document.

Unsuitable Areas – wind energy development in these areas is not permitted. These areas either have a special or unique landscape character, and the main objective is conservation.

Figure 3.1 below is an extract of Map 11 of the Landscape Policy for Wind Energy Development which relates to the area of the subject site. The location of the subject site is identified thereon. In general it shows the area to the north of the subject site, on the northern side of Carrigadoon Hill and the northeastern slopes of Curraghadobbin Hill as falling within the ‘Areas Unsuitable for Wind Energy Developments’. The application site itself and lands to the south and west are designated as ‘Areas Open for Consideration’.

On this basis all of the proposed turbines and the entire development proposal fall within the ‘Areas Open for Consideration’. Wind energy development may be permitted here depending on the character of the landscape and the potential impact of the proposed development.

South Tipperary County Council, in June 2002, undertook Phase 1 of the Landscape Character Area (LCA) which concentrates on the upland areas of the county, namely Sliabh na mBan, the Galtee

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Mountains and Slievenamuck Hills, the Knockmealdown Mountains, the Hollyford Hills and Slieveardagh Hills. The Council has utilised Phase 1 of the LCA to identify primary and secondary amenity areas that equate to special sensitivity areas and high sensitivity areas respectfully as set out in the LCA. In primary amenity areas (specially sensitive) it is considered that landscape values are too high to absorb more than limited change while in secondary amenity areas (highly sensitive) the landscape is capable of absorbing change that reflects and enhances the current landscape condition. In assessing applications for development within these areas, the Council will have regard to the capacity of the landscape to absorb the development. In so doing, the development plan notes that the Council will balance the need to protect the landscape character against the requirement for the appropriate and sustainable socio-economic development of the area while also having regard to the relevant policies on wind energy (South Tipperary County Development Plan p.68).

Figure 3.1 - Extract of Development Plan Wind Energy Development Landscape Policy Map 11

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The Wind Energy section of the development plan (Section 7.5 of the Plan) also states that the Council will require prospective developers to scope for wind potential for a period of approximately two years, which could run concurrent with the preparation of an EIS, prior to any planning application being made for subsequent wind energy development. In this regard it should be noted that the Applicant has recorded wind data at the site for a year (2014 – 2015) and also has obtained wind data from previous recording undertaken on lands to the north with a similar wind profile for 16 months in 2006 and 2007. The applicant is satisfied that suitable wind conditions are available at the subject site.

According to Policy Wind 2: Government Legislation and Guidance, it is the policy of the Council to ensure that all wind energy development in the county complies with the provisions of all applicable government legislation and guidance on wind energy development and renewable energy resources.

Finally, in addition to the general policies in respect of landscape character areas and renewable energy developments, the South Tipperary County Development Plan Wind Energy Strategy contains detailed guidelines for the assessment of a wind farm development in addition to the DoEHLG’s Wind Energy Development Guidelines and are set out in detail in the planning support statement which also accompanies the application.

In addition to the requirements of Article 23 of the Planning and Development Regulations and Chapter 5 of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG) 2006, the Wind Energy Strategy advises that the Council will require the submission of the following information in support of all planning applications for wind energy development including the following:

(i) Longitudinal site sections showing clearly details of all structures and ancillaries proposed on the site; (ii) Details, maps, drawings etc. as required to indicate connections to the national grid; (iii) Predicted noise and shadow flicker outputs from the proposed wind energy development to determine impact on nearby residents; (iv) Details, maps, drawings etc. as necessary showing requirements for additional ancillary equipment/infrastructure; (v) (Hydro geological survey of the site, with particular reference to significant impacts and mitigation measures required in the vicinity of proposed turbines, access roads, borrow pits and drainage channels. Details of any blasting should also be provided; and, (vi) Details of total predicted noise levels at noise sensitive locations, significant impacts thereof and mitigation measures as necessary. (South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009 – 2015, Appendix 3, p.6&7)

Policy WIND 4 of the CDP sets out a list of General Considerations for Applications for Wind Energy Development as follows:

It is the policy of the Council that when assessing planning applications for wind energy development, the Council will require compliance with policy INF 7, the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG) 2006 and the criteria set out below.

(i) Site location in terms of its suitability designation (e.g. Preferred Areas, etc);

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(ii) Visual impact of turbines and of ancillary development (such as access roads, boundary fencing, control buildings and grid connections), having regard to the ZTV within South Tipperary and neighbouring counties and Appendix 3 of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG) 2006; (iii) Siting and location; (iv) Spatial extent, scale and design of wind energy developments; (v) Cumulative effect having regard to issues raised in point (b) above and the effect of other wind energy developments in the area; (vi) The impact on natural and built heritage, particularly Annex 1 bird species, protected mammals, macro invertebrates, fish etc., designated landscapes and habitats2. The developer should liaise with the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) if Annex 1 species are present at or in the vicinity of the site; (vii) Impact on geology and ground conditions with particular consideration given to significant impacts such as bog bursts, landslides etc. during all phases of the development3. Sufficient information must be provided to allow ground conditions to be adequately assessed; (viii) Impact on existing built environment, particularly neighbouring residential properties and other sensitive amenity areas; (ix) Landscape and visual impacts of operation and decommissioning. Special regard should be had to Table 1 of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG) 2006; and, (x) National policy on wind energy (e.g. Government legislation and guidelines). (xi) The impact of any proposal for wind energy development on surrounding tourism and recreational related activities and the compatibility of same will be carefully considered in the assessment of any planning application. The Planning Authority will endeavour to liaise with Bord Fáilte and regional and local tourist bodies during the assessment of planning applications for wind energy development which may impact on tourism / recreational related activities and will consider any observations received accordingly.

The Council will refer to current Government legislation and guidelines with regard to development management standards for wind energy development and associated ancillary development. (South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009 – 2015, Appendix 3, p.7)

All of these matters are considered in the detailed specialist assessment chapters of this EIS.

Policy WIND 5 sets out the requirement for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in relation to wind farm developments.

It is the policy of the Council to require wind energy development to be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in compliance with Government legislation, policy or guidelines which pertain at time of consideration of the planning application. The Council may if it considers necessary, require the preparation of an environmental assessment for sub- threshold development.

Note: the current requirement under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 – 2008 is that an EIA is required for the development of installations for the harnessing of wind power for energy production with more than 5 turbines or having a total output greater than 5 megawatts.

Policy WIND 6 relates to Conditions on Wind Energy Development, it states that;

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It is the policy of the Council that when granting planning permission for wind energy developments, to have regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and in particular Chapter 7 of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG) 2006. In addition, the Council may include conditions regarding:

(i) Surface water management plans; (ii) Environmental management plans for all phases of the development; (iii) Limiting construction to a certain part of the year; (iv) Duration of the planning permission and eventual decommissioning of the development; (v) Landscaping; (vi) Surveys on birds and relevant protected species and other baseline environmental data collection; and, (vii) Ongoing monitoring during operation of the wind energy development.

According to Section 6.4.2 of the Development Plan Ahenny is designated as an Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA). Policy AEH 12 seeks to conserve and enhance these areas and is set out as follows:

Policy AEH 12: Architectural Conservation Areas It is the policy of the Council to conserve and enhance the special character of the ACA’s included in this plan. The special character includes its traditional building stock and material finishes, spaces, streetscape, landscape and setting.

Ahenny and Faugheen are identified as settlement nodes within the South Tipperary County Development Plan. Policy SS 4 of the Development Plan sets out the Council’s policy with respect to Settlement Nodes, it states that;

It is the policy of the Council to promote, encourage and enhance the role and function of Rural Settlement Nodes as centres for the local community. Within these settlements, the Council shall facilitate development subject to the following

(i) Residential development, which meets the needs of the local population. The scale, layout, design and siting of new residential development shall reflect the local character of the existing settlement and shall also be capable of accommodating serviced sites. (ii) New commercial and retail uses should be appropriate in size and scale to accommodate local needs and such uses shall be located within the village centre only. (iii) Some local indigenous employment uses may be accommodated here provided it is of a scale appropriate to the village setting, the infrastructure has the capacity to accommodate same and adjoining uses are not adversely affected. (iv) The developer, in compliance with all relevant policies, shall provide infrastructure and comply with development management standards as set out in the County Development Plan.

Development Objective D01 which relates to the settlement node of Ahenny sets out that ‘The Council will seek to protect views from the village centre towards the surrounding uplands.’ Parts of this settlement to the east and north west are zoned for low density residential serviced sites. The Development Plan under Development Objective DO4 states that ‘The Council will seek to improve the carriageway and junction definition in order to facilitate the appropriate expansion of the village.’

MCE0760RP0006F01 3-15 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Within Faugheen, parts of the settlement to the north east and north west are zoned for low density residential serviced sites. Development Objective D02 relating to Faugheen seeks to protect views from the village. It states; Where new development is proposed the Council will protect views from the village centre north towards neighbouring uplands.

There are a large number of protected structures located in South Tipperary. Policy AEH 11 of the Development Plan sets out the policy of the council in relation to these structures, it states as follows:

Policy AEH 11: Protected Structures It is the policy of the Council to conserve and protect buildings, structures and sites contained in the Record of Protected Structures that are of special interest and when considering proposals will have regard to the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities and relevant Conservation and Management Plans where applicable. The Council will proactively work with developers/applicants to facilitate the appropriate reuse/redevelopment of Protected Structures.

There are two groups of protected structures located in the settlement of Ahenny including two rows of single storey slate roofed houses at Vickers Street (Reference No. S149) and a row of single storey slate roofed houses at Moore Street (Reference No. S150). There are two protected structures located in Faugheen, including; St. Patrick's Catholic Church (Reference No. S151) and George V letterbox set into roadside boundary wall (Reference No. S152). The Victoria slate quarries located to the north east of Ahenny in Clashnasmut is also designated as protected structure (Reference No. S418).

According to the Development Plan there are no protected views in the vicinity of the site.

Section 6.3.7 of the Development Plan refers to access and public rights of way. This section of the plan states that there are three main walking schemes in Ireland including; the National Way Marked Way/Walking Programme in the Irish Sports Council, the Slí na Sláinte Scheme under the Irish Heart Foundation and Coillte Recreational Forests. There is only one Coillte Recreational Forest located in South Tipperary. This is located at Bishops Wood, Gortrush, Dundrum which is not located in close proximity to the site. Policy AEH 10 which refers to access and public rights of way is set out as follows;

Policy AEH 10: Access and Public Rights of Way It is the policy of the Council to preserve and protect existing rights of way and create new access routes to amenity areas and facilities as the opportunity or need arises and will seek to establish a meaningful network throughout the county.

3.3.8 Proposed Variation No. 3 to South Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 Including Draft Renewable Energy Strategy and Draft Wind Energy Strategy

Tipperary County Council has placed Variation No. 3 to the South Tipperary County Development Plan on display and is inviting submissions until 23rd May 2016. The proposed variation includes a draft Renewable Energy Strategy (draft RES) and Draft Wind Energy Strategy (draft WES) for the County (including South Tipperary). The draft WES is based on a new Draft Tipperary Landscape Character Assessment 2016 (draft LCA). While the draft WES is partially based on the findings /

MCE0760RP0006F01 3-16 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement recommendations of the Draft LCA it does not appear that the proposed Variation No. 3 in itself proposes to adopt the draft LCA. In this regard, the draft Variation then appears to rely on recommendations which are not currently adopted policy of Tipperary County Council, or indeed formally proposed draft policy.

The draft RES identifies that total renewable energy use nationally increased by 13.3% during 2014, with most forms of renewable energy sectors experiencing some growth, with wind growing by 13.2%. However notwithstanding growth, the contribution of renewables to gross final consumption (GFC) was only 8.6% in 2014 which is only half way to meeting Ireland’s renewable energy penetration target under the EU Renewable Energy Directive of 16% by 2020.

The draft RES acknowledges that investment in the renewable energy sector will deliver employment as direct jobs in generation of renewable electricity and heat, indirect jobs in the servicing and in support of the industry and the resultant investment of the energy cost savings and salaries in the local economy. (Section 3.4.4)

The draft RES identifies Tipperary has been a leader in the area of local and community-led renewable energy and energy efficiency schemes in the county that demonstrate the benefits of investment in the area. It also supports the provision of financial contributions by wind farm operators to local communities.

The draft Tipperary County Wind Energy Strategy is contained in Appendix 1 of the draft RES. It sets out a planning framework for development of wind energy in the county. The draft Strategy has been informed by the Draft Landscape Character Assessment Review (April 2016) and, identifies areas where wind energy development is ‘open for consideration’ and where wind energy developments are considered ‘unsuitable’. The draft Strategy also sets out the appropriate planning policy and development management standards to support and manage sustainable wind energy development.

General Wind Energy Policies are outlined in Section 7.1.1 of the draft WES as follows:

TWIND 1: General Policy Statement on Wind Energy Development It is the policy of the Council to support, in principle and in appropriate locations, the development of wind energy resources in County Tipperary. The Council recognises that there is a need to promote the development of ‘green electricity’ resources and to reduce fossil fuel dependency and greenhouse gas emissions in order to address the global issue of climate change, and to comply with European and International policies with regards to renewable and sustainable energy resources.

TWIND 2: Government Legislation and Guidance It is the policy of the Council to ensure that all wind energy development in the county complies with the provisions of all applicable government legislation and guidance on wind energy development and renewable energy resources (and any review thereof).

TWIND 3: General Considerations for Applications for Wind Energy Development. It is the policy of the Council that when assessing planning applications for wind energy development, to require compliance with the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG) 2006 or any revision thereof, and the policy and objectives of the County Development Plan (as Varied).

MCE0760RP0006F01 3-17 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TWIND 4: Policy Areas for Wind Energy Development It is the policy of the Council to assess new wind energy development in accordance with the associated wind energy strategy map and the following parameters:

. Areas ‘Open for Consideration’ – wind energy development in these areas may or may not be appropriate, depending on the character of the landscape and the potential impact of the proposed development. Any impact on the environment must be low and subject to proper planning and sustainable development, and the guidelines set out in this policy document. . Areas ‘Unsuitable for Further Development’ – new wind energy development in these areas is not permitted. These areas have a special or unique landscape character where the main objective is conservation. Where there are existing wind energy developments in these areas, their repowering may be considered appropriate. Any impact on the environment must be low and subject to proper planning and sustainable development, and the guidelines set out in this strategy.

Map 11 of the Draft WES proposes to amend the current wind designation of the subject site from ‘Open for Consideration’ to ‘Area Unsuitable for Further Development’. It appears that the proposal to revise the designation is based on the provisions of the Draft LCA. This Draft LCA initially assesses the landscape sensitivity of various parts of the county and attributes a sensitivity rating to same. From the mapping presented in the Draft Landscape Character Assessment it appears that sensitivity ratings of 2 and 3 are assigned to the site of the proposed development. The Draft LCA then considers the sensitivity findings of all areas within each individual Landscape Character Area and attaches a ‘Dominant Sensitivity Rating’ to the entire Landscape Character Area. On this basis a sensitivity rating of 5 was attributed to the subject site by reason of the fact that it falls within the overall Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic which has a ‘Dominant Sensitivity Rating’ of 5.

The proposed revision then to the wind designation of the subject site as contained in the proposed Variation No. 3 is based on a generalised landscape sensitivity rating for the entire Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic area contained in a Draft LCA document which in itself has no current statutory basis.

A submission has been made by DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd to Tipperary County Council in respect of this proposed Variation No. 3 requesting that the current designation of the site as ‘Open for Consideration’ be retained under the Wind Energy Strategy and that the proposal to amend it to ‘unsuitable’ be omitted.

3.3.9 Kilkenny County Development plan 2014 - 2020

The proposed windfarm site is located within the south east of South Tipperary and is located less than 1 Km from the Kilkenny County boundary to the east. Therefore, although the subject site does not fall under the actual remit of Kilkenny County Council and the Kilkenny County Development Plan 2014 – 2020, regard has been given to the policies and provisions of the Kilkenny County Plan in the context of this development proposal given its proximity to same.

The Renewable Energy Strategy strategic aim for the Kilkenny County Development Plan is;

To promote and facilitate all forms of renewable energies and energy efficiency improvements in a sustainable manner as a response to climate change.

MCE0760RP0006F01 3-18 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The Wind Energy Strategy for Kilkenny County is set out in Appendix J of the County Development Plan. Chapter 8 of the CDP deals with Heritage. County Kilkenny has a rich and varied built, natural and cultural heritage resource. The Strategic aim of the plan in relation to heritage is to:

To seek the protection and sustainable management of heritage for the benefit of current and future generations; to encourage the collection of knowledge to inform its protection; and to promote access to, awareness of and enjoyment of heritage.

Kilkenny County is rich in cultural heritage artefacts. The Council seeks to protect the built heritage of the County as detailed in Section 8.3 of the Plan.

Objective 8K seeks to protect the Record of Protected Structures;

To ensure the protection of the architectural heritage of County Kilkenny by including all structures considered to be of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest in the Record of Protected Structures.

Objective 8I seeks to protect archaeological sites and monuments;

Protect archaeological sites and monuments (including their setting), underwater archaeology, and archaeological objects, including those that are listed in the Record of Monuments and Places, and in the Urban Archaeological Survey of County Kilkenny or newly discovered sub‐ surface and underwater archaeological remains.

St. Nicholas's Church in Tullahought is on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS No. C291). This is a detached five-bay double-height single-cell Catholic Church, dated 1885, possibly incorporating fabric of earlier Catholic chapel, pre-1840.

There are a large number of Records of Monuments and Places (RMPs) scattered throughout County Kilkenny and in the vicinity of the site to the east within County Kilkenny. The Kilkieran, Killamery and Kilree High Crosses which are all RMP’s are located in Kilkenny County are part of the Ossory group, which includes the high crosses at Ahenny.

The village of Owning is located 4km to the south east of the site. This village is not identified as a settlement within the Kilkenny County Development Plan. However it is identified as a village of historical and social significance due to its distinctive farm village physical pattern and visual character.

Section 7 of the plan deals with Recreation, Tourism and the Arts. The Strategic Aim with respect to Recreation, Tourism and the Arts is as follows:

To protect and improve recreational, tourism and arts facilities for the benefit of Residents and for the promotion of tourism.

Current trails (and rights of way) are depicted on Figure 7.1 of the CDP. According to the Plan, the South Leinster Way runs from Carrick on Suir to the south of the site, through part of County Kilkenny to the village of Kildavin in County Carlow.

MCE0760RP0006F01 3-19 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Mountain Grove wood is also located to the south east of the site within County Kilkenny and the Kilmacoliver Looped walk is also located in Tullahought 2 Km to the north east of the site.

Section 7.3.3 of the Plan acknowledges that the Nore, Suir and Barrow (known as the “Three Sisters”) are the principal rivers flowing through County Kilkenny, and they form part of the Natura 2000 network. The Plan states that these rivers, together with their tributaries offer significant opportunities for recreational opportunities both water and landside, including an interconnecting network of routes for walking and cycling which also provide access for water‐sports such as swimming, angling, boating, kayaking and nature trails amongst others. The Plan states that the Council will promote the natural amenity potential of the Rivers Nore, Suir and Barrow in order to facilitate the development of amenity, recreational, biodiversity and tourism benefits for the city and county generally, and will work with adjoining local authorities agencies and communities to improve access and facilities along the rivers in appropriate locations subject to the availability of resources.

Section 8.2.10.1 of the Plan refers to the Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) for the plan area. The LCA describes, maps and classifies landscapes of the county in order to identify the importance of certain landscape elements and the processes that may alter landscape character in the future.

Landscape Character Assessment Objective 8G seeks:

To protect and sustainably manage the landscape character of County Kilkenny, having regard to the findings of the landscape character assessment and the development management standards as set out in this chapter for the sustainable development of the county and appropriate conservation of its landscape character.

According to the Landscape Character Assessment of the CDP, the landscape character to the north east of the site is ‘C’ – South Western Hills which is identified as an upland area. The landscape character assessment identifies the lands located to the east of the site as the ‘Southwestern Hills Southern Transition area’. However little detail is provided with respect to the Character of these areas and their importance within the context of the county. The Suir Valley has been identified as being highly scenic and visually pleasing, and as having significant visual amenity value and tourism potential within the county. This area extends southeast wards along the Kilkenny / South Tipperary border from just below Faugheen to Waterford City. The following development management standard applies to the Suir Valley landscape character area:

To ensure that development within the Landscape Character Areas of Brandon Hill Uplands and the River Valleys of the Nore, Barrow and Suir, which are highly scenic and visually pleasing, and of significant visual amenity value, are carefully sited and designed and can be successfully assimilated into the landscape.

Section 8.2.10.6 of the Plan refers to Views and Prospects. The plan states that there is a need to protect and conserve views and prospects adjoining public roads and river valleys throughout the county where these views are of high amenity value. In conserving views, it is not proposed that this should give rise to the prohibition of development along these routes but development, where permitted, should not seriously hinder or obstruct these views and should be designed and located to minimise their impact. The views and prospects to be protected are contained in Appendix H and on Figure 8.2 of the Plan. The Plan also notes that the Planning Authority will be cognisant of the impact of developments within the county on views from neighbouring counties.

MCE0760RP0006F01 3-20 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Objective 8H seeks to protect views and prospects within the plan area and is set out as follows:

To preserve and improve places or areas from which views or prospects of special amenity value exist, as identified in Appendix H and on Figure 8.2.

View no. 17 seeks to protect views south, southwest and west over the Suir valley on Templeorum/Barrabehy Road No. LP 1040. This view is further south of the subject site and therefore the proposed development is unlikely to have any impact on this view.

View no. 18. is located to the north east of the site. This view seeks to protect the views to the west into County Tipperary on Kilmacoliver/Scough Road No. LS5097. Any potential impacts relating to the proposed development will be assessed as part of the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment as outlined in Chapter 10 of this EIS.

3.4 COMPLIANCE OF PROPOSALS WITH PLANNING AND POLICY CONTEXT

The principle of developing the wind energy industry on suitable sites is fully supported by national policy and guidelines. There is a need to increase Ireland’s generation of electricity from renewable sources, and wind energy is the main method of achieving this goal on sites across the country.

Regional and statutory plans and policy documents also support the principle of energy production from the wind resource of the region.

Local and national guidelines however of course note that such provision must be made on suitable sites. In this regard, the subject site of the Carrigadoon wind energy proposal lies within an area in which wind energy is identified as open for consideration within the current South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009.

The detailed assessments of the potential and likely impacts of the development on various environmental aspects is considered in the following specialist chapters. A brief assessment of the development management objectives of the county plan for wind energy developments, based on the findings of this EIS, is also included in the Planning Support Statement which accompanies the planning application.

3.5 CONSULTATION

3.5.1 Pre-planning Meetings

A pre-planning meeting was held with Tipperary County Council on 18th December 2014

3.5.2 Public Engagement

A project information service was put in place from July 2014 which included a dedicated telephone line, email address and website.

MCE0760RP0006F01 3-21 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Information was first delivered to local residents in the form of an introductory letter on 15th July 2014 and a community update brochure was delivered on 8th and 9th September 2014.

A series of briefings with elected representatives was held in Carrick-On-Suir on 28th and 29th August 2014.

A six week non-statutory consultation period was held between the 8th September 2014 and 18th October 2014. The terms of reference for this focussed consultation period were to consult with members of the public and interested parties on:

. the preliminary turbine locations; . the proposed community benefit scheme; and . on any other aspects of the project of interest to stakeholders.

The objective of this consultation process was to provide the opportunity for stakeholders to influence the project development process at an early stage while all options were still open.

A public information day was held at The Carraig Hotel, Carrick-On-Suir, Co. Tipperary on Friday 19th September 2014 from 12 noon until 8pm. The information day was promoted in advance through the community update brochure; print media advertisements; press releases; media interviews with the Project Manager in local newspapers and on local radio; and on the project website. Access to the project’s technical experts in planning, engineering, ecology and archaeology was provided to members of the public at the open day.

In total, 83 submissions were received by the project team during the focussed consultation period.

Feedback was received in submissions made at the public information day and other meetings (45%), by email (38%), by post (13%), and by telephone (4%).

The main categories under which the majority of issues and concerns were raised in relation to the project are as follows:

. Landscape and Visual Impacts . Planning and Policy Issues . Project Location . Archaeology and Cultural Heritage . Community Benefit Scheme

A consultation report was prepared which summarised the feedback provided during the public consultation process. This report was reviewed by the technical team while also taking account of the findings of the technical and environmental studies. The project team has sought to address the issues and concerns raised during the consultation, in line with the technical, economic and environmental constraints of the project, in the preparation of this Environmental Impact Statement.

MCE0760RP0006F01 3-22 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

A copy of the Carrigadoon Wind Park Project - Consultation Report is contained in Appendix 3.1 of this EIS.

A planning application for the proposed development was lodged in July 2015 which was invalidated by the Planning Authority. The current application comprises predominantly of the same proposals, with the main alteration being a revised access proposed to Curraghadobbin Hill. As the proposals remain largely as previously proposed no further public consultation / information events were held.

3.5.3 Prescribed Bodies

RPS undertook written consultation with the following consultees to advise them of the proposed development of 8 No. 3 MW turbines at the subject site. Table 3.1 below lists the bodies consulted. The consultation letters were sent out on the 26th November 2014. Few responses were received. A written response was received from An Taisce dated 5th December 2014. It noted that the development was significant in potential landscape impact on the Suir Valley and also noted its sensitivity due to its proximity to the high crosses at Ahenny. A copy of this letter is provided at Appendix 3.2. A telephone response was received from Fáilte Ireland who referred to the previous study undertaken by Fáilte Ireland in respect of Visitor Attitudes to Wind Farms. A copy of the report on this study is attached at Appendix 3.3.

Table 3.1 - Consultation Letters Issued

Consultees An Taisce, An Chomhairle Ealaíon Commission For Energy Regulation Development Applications Unit Department of Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht - Architectural Heritage Advisory Unit Development Applications Unit, Department of Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht – National Parks and Wildlife Service Electricity Supply Board Fáilte Ireland Department of Agriculture Food and The Marine - Forest Service The Heritage Council Health Service Executive Irish Aviation Authority Inland Fisheries Ireland National Roads Authority Office of Public Works Railway Procurement Agency South & East Regional Assembly (Formerly South-East Regional Authority)

3.6 PROJECT NEED

Ireland has a legally binding target, set by the European Commission, to source 16% of our total energy needs from renewables by 2020. To achieve this, the Irish Government has set a target of providing 40% of our electricity from renewables by that year. Wind generated energy accounted for

MCE0760RP0006F01 3-23 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

15.3% of electricity demand in Ireland in 20122. Most of the renewable energy to be produced will be generated by wind. Up to 2020, 3.5 GW of wind energy capacity will need to be installed in Ireland to meet the Irish renewable energy target. The majority of these projects will be connected under the Gate 3 programme.

Wind will be the main driver in the transformation to a low carbon energy future and will help to contribute to the South Tipperary goal to have 20% of its energy supply produced in the county from renewable energy sources.

The project comprises of 8 No. 3 MW turbines which will be located in an upland area on Coillte commercial forestry lands. The site is suitable for a wind park due to good average wind speeds at the site. The project will have an output of 24 WM. It will supply enough clean energy equivalent to meet the electricity needs of approximately 15,000 homes or almost half of the homes in South Tipperary and will help to meet both Irish and South Tipperary renewable energy targets.

The proposed windfarm will generate electricity for use by homes and businesses in Ireland, it will be locally generated and will provide clean energy for local use. The project will create and sustain jobs locally in consultation, operation and maintenance of the windpark.

Savings from wind generation in the Republic of Ireland in 2012 were estimated at €177 million in displaced fossil fuels and €11 million in reduced CO2 emissions

2 Normalised actual figure from Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland report: Quantifying Ireland’s Fuel and CO2 Emissions Saving from Renewable Electricity in 2012, Page 1.

MCE0760RP0006F01 3-24

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP006F01

Text Pages: 21 Appendices: xx

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By th F01 Final Issue 20 May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

rpsgroup.com/ireland

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 HUMAN BEINGS ...... 4-1

4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4-1

4.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 4-1

4.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 4-2 4.3.1 Population ...... 4-2 4.3.2 Employment ...... 4-3 4.3.3 Community ...... 4-5 4.3.4 Land Use ...... 4-10 4.3.5 Health and Safety ...... 4-10

4.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 4-11 4.4.1 Construction Phase...... 4-11 4.4.2 Cumulative Impact ...... 4-15 4.4.3 Operational Phase ...... 4-15 4.4.4 Cumulative Impact ...... 4-16 4.4.5 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario’ ...... 4-16 4.4.6 ‘Worst Case Scenario’ ...... 4-17

4.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 4-17 4.5.1 Construction Phase...... 4-17 4.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 4-18

4.6 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 4-19 4.6.1 Construction Phase...... 4-19 4.6.2 Operational Phase ...... 4-20

4.7 MONITORING AND REINSTATEMENT MEASURES ...... 4-21

LIST OF TABLES

Table 4.1 - Population change within State, South Tipperary and Relevant Electoral Divisions 2006 and 2011 ...... 4-3 Table 4.2 - Labour Force and Unemployment Level, 2011 ...... 4-4 Table 4.3 - Numbers of Persons by Socio-Economic Grouping, 2011 ...... 4-5 Table 4.4 - Proportion of Population by Socio-Economic Grouping, 2011 ...... 4-5

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

4 HUMAN BEINGS

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Human beings comprise one of the most important elements of the “environment”. Any potential impact on human beings that may arise from the development of the proposed wind turbines and associated works, including access roads, must therefore be appropriately assessed. The principal concern is to ensure that human beings within the study area experience no significant unacceptable diminution in aspects of “quality of life” as a consequence of the construction and operation of the proposed development. Relevant components of “Human Beings” in this section of the EIS include population and employment, and community groupings. The community surrounding the proposed development can be divided into three principal elements; the resident, working and visiting communities. It also considers any potential impacts from the changes that are proposed to land uses in the area in which the proposed development is to be located. Health and safety aspects of the proposed development will also be considered.

This chapter is dedicated to the aspects of the proposed development that may impact on human beings and the human environment. Each section will set out the detail of the existing environment, the characteristics of the development that could impact on humans; the consequences of such impacts; and mitigation measures if considered necessary. Certain environmental aspects with potential to impact on the human environment such as noise, shadow flicker, material assets and visual impact are addressed in detail elsewhere in this EIS.

Information on the demographic and employment characteristics of the resident population within the catchment area that are considered of relevance is provided. This information is sourced from the Census of Population 2006 and 2011. Site visits were also undertaken in August and December 2014 and May 2016 to inform the content of this chapter.

The proposed development is for an 8 No. 3MW turbine windfarm development to the north of Carrick-on-Suir, on hills known locally as Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill. The subject site in its rural context and distance from high concentrations of residential and other sensitive land uses limits it’s potential to adversely impact on human beings and sensitive uses. There are some tourist and recreation functions in the general area. Therefore, the development will examine the potential to impact on this range of population groupings. This section considers in detail the existing socio- economic context of the site, identifies the various sensitive ‘communities’ within the vicinity of the site, and assesses the potential for impact on same.

4.2 METHODOLOGY

This human beings impact assessment is carried out by way of a combination of desk-based studies and site visits and investigations. The methodology adopted is based on the guidelines and recommendations contained in the EPA advice documents as follows:-

. Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements (2002) . Advice notes on Current Practice in the preparation of EIS (2003)

MCE0760RP0006F01 4-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Demographic characteristics of the area are ascertained from the Census of Population data and other statistics released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The most recent census carried out by the CSO was undertaken in April 2016. Information is not yet available from this Census however so the data on which this assessment is based is taken from the 2011 Census which was undertaken on the 10th April 2011. The Census records demographic information at State, county and local levels. In this regard, an Electoral Division (ED) is the smallest administrative area for which census data is provided nationwide (previously termed District Electoral Division or Ward). Detailed information for each ED is provided in the Small Area Population Statistics (SAPS). The 2011 Census results were also compared against the results of the 2006 Census of Population (2006 Census) and in some cases the 2002 Census of Population (2002 Census). Consideration of current unemployment patterns is based on up-to-date information available from the Live Register. Information on tourists visiting the area was obtained from Fáilte Ireland Annual Tourism Facts accessed via the Fáilte Ireland website.

Identification of sensitive communities and land uses in the vicinity of the site was undertaken by a mix of site visits, review of digital mapping and aerial photography and Development Plan mapping. A survey of all housing within 500m and 1km radii of each of the proposed turbines was also undertaken as part of this assessment. This identifies all occupied and / or habitable dwellings within the vicinity of the proposed development which could potentially be impacted by the development. In addition, the South Tipperary County Development Plan, 2009 as varied was consulted for details on existing and future planning trends with regard to the development site and surrounding area.

With respect to Health and Safety, information on proposed activities was obtained directly from the developer and design team.

The focus of the chapter is on establishing the potential for impact on population and employment in the area and impacts on the community, including the resident, working and visiting community. Land use is considered in addressing impacts on the resident and working community. In this regard, any particular sensitive land uses are identified and considered in this assessment. Each section will set out the detail of the existing environment, the characteristics of the development that could have socio-economic impacts, the consequences of such impacts, and mitigation measures where considered necessary.

4.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

4.3.1 Population

The most recent census of population for which statistical results is currently available is the 2011 census. The smallest geographical units distinguished by the CSO are Electoral Divisions (previously called District Electoral Divisions or Wards). In this case, demographic trends will be analysed at state, county, and local level. The local level population of the area was examined and identified in the form of the three Electoral Divisions (EDs) in which the site is located and will be referred to as the ‘study area’ within this chapter. The wind farm site is primarily located within the ED of Newtown, while the western part of the site is located within the ED of Kilmurry and partly within the ED of Garrangibbon. The proposed development is considered to be at a suitable distance from other EDs so as not to impact on population elsewhere.

MCE0760RP0006F01 4-2 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

4.3.1.1 Population levels

Table 4.1 below summarises population trends within the study area between 2002 and 2011. For the purpose of comparison, population change within the State, South Tipperary and the relevant Electoral Divisions including the overall study area are provided.

Table 4.1 - Population change within State, South Tipperary and Relevant Electoral Divisions 2006 and 2011

Population Population Population Change 2002- Change 2006- Area 2002 2006 2011 2006 (%) 2011 (%) State 3,917,203 4,239,848 4,581,269 8.2% 8.1% South 79,121 83,221 88,432 5.2% 6.3% Tipperary Study Area 1,299 1,334 1,398 2.7% 4.8% Newtown ED 374 382 422 2.1% 10.5% Kilmurry ED 321 318 342 -0.9% 7.5% Garrangibbon 604 634 634 5.0% 0% Source: Census of Population 2002, 2006 and 2011

The population of the State increased at rates of 8.2% and 8.1% between the periods of 2002 to 2006 and 2006 to 2011. Rates of growth within South Tipperary were lower within the same periods, 5.2% and 6.3% respectively. There was a much slower rate of population growth within the study area between the periods of 2002 to 2006 and 2006 and 2011 with rates of 2.7% and 4.8% respectively in comparison to the State and South Tipperary. It is likely that these low patterns of growth within the study area are due to localised patterns on birth and death rates and out migration from the area due to its rural location.

The nearest town to the site is Carrick on Suir located approx. 7km to the south of the site and had a population of 5,931 in 2011. The village of Faugheen lies to the south of the site and the settlement of Ahenny to the northeast. There are no population statistics available for either of these settlements individually.

4.3.2 Employment

The impact of the proposed wind farm development will be examined in the context of its implications for employment in the area in which the site is located.

The most recent information available from the CSO in respect of the principal economic status of the area is from the 2011 Census of Population.

The information from the 2011 Census is shown in Table 4.2. It gives an indication of how the local catchment area performed economically relative to the County or the State during the economic recession. In this regard, it is clear that the unemployment level within the study area was higher than the state average but lower than levels within South Tipperary as a whole.

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The impacts of economic recession have resulted in a sharp decline in the number of persons at work and rising unemployment rates across the state. This rising unemployment rate has had implications for both urban and rural areas nationally.

These unemployment levels are generated purely from the principle economic status of persons over 15 years recorded in the Census of Population and as such are not a true reflection of real unemployment rates. However, they are useful for comparing the relative performance of an area compared with State or County averages.

It is likely that unemployment levels are higher than state averages within this area because of its rural location and associated more limited work opportunities in this area.

Table 4.2 - Labour Force and Unemployment Level, 2011

1st time Unemployment Area At Work Unemployed Work Force Jobseeker Level (%) State 1,807,360 34,166 390,677 2,572,121 15.10% South 33,310 662 8011 41,983 19.10% Tipperary Study Area 525 10 109 644 16.92% Newtown ED 167 3 36 206 17.47% Kilmurry ED 144 0 24 168 14.20% Garrangibbon 214 7 49 270 18.10% Source: CSO, 2011

A more accurate recording of unemployment rates can be obtained from live register figures recorded by and available from the Central Statistics Office. Seasonally adjusted live register figures also give a more up-to-date picture. In this regard, it should be noted that the rate of unemployment recorded for the State as a whole in April 2011 was 14.3%. This rate has declined significantly since then to a rate of 8.4% in April 2016, which is the latest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate available. The number of people recorded on the Live Register locally at the Carrick on Suir Social Welfare Office has also declined in that period, from 2,100 persons in April 2011 to 1,475 in April 2016. This indicates that there has been an overall decrease in unemployment levels both nationally and locally between 2011 and 2016 which indicates that the economy is showing signs of improvement.

Information on ‘population by socio-economic group’ is available on a localised ED basis from the 2011 Census. By examining the current occupations of those at work, and the previous occupations of unemployed and retired persons, it is possible to categorise the relevant individuals by socio- economic group. All other persons are classified to the socio-economic group of the person in the family on whom they are deemed to be dependent.

Tables 4.3 and 4.4 show the absolute number of persons and the proportions of the population respectively by different socio-economic groupings in relation to the study area in which the site is located, South Tipperary and the State for comparative purposes.

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Table 4.3 - Numbers of Persons by Socio-Economic Grouping, 2011

Area and Employer Higher & Non- Semi- Own Farmers Unknow Total Grouping s Lower Man. & Skilled & Account Agric. n Managers Profess’al Man. Unskille Worker Worker Skilled d s s State 703,726 776,447 1,227,8 558,453 268,680 269,499 705,757 4,510,40 47 9 South 10,540 11,085 23,038 13,727 4,704 10,385 14,440 87,919 Tipperary Study Area 134 159 272 198 59 375 194 1391 Newtown ED 35 51 78 74 19 116 57 430 Kilmurry ED 32 44 90 47 7 85 50 355 Garrangibbo 67 64 104 77 33 174 87 606 n Source: CSO, 2011

Table 4.4 - Proportion of Population by Socio-Economic Grouping, 2011

Area Employers Higher Non-Man Semi- Own Farmers Unknown Managers Lower & Man Skilled & Account Agric. Profess’al Skilled Unskilled Workers Workers State 16% 17% 27% 12% 6% 6% 16% South Tipperary 12% 13% 26% 16% 5% 12% 16% Study Area 10% 11% 20% 14% 4% 27% 14% Source: CSO, 2011

The immediate local study area has the highest proportion of persons in the ‘farmers and agricultural workers’ grouping (27%), compared with South Tipperary in general and the State as a whole. The figure of 27% is more than four times the State average for this grouping and more than double the county average. In contrast the area has lower proportions of workers in the socio economic groupings such as ‘employers’ and managers’ and ‘professional’ groupings.

These patterns are likely due to the rural nature of the area and the types of work available in this area largely being in agriculture and forestry. It is likely that these patterns are also due to the limited employment opportunities in the managerial and professional groupings due to the distance to a large urban centre. While the site is close to Carrick on Suir such employment opportunities are also restricted here due to the modest size of the town and the range of services it offers.

4.3.3 Community

4.3.3.1 Resident Community

As discussed above, the nearest settlements to the subject site include Ahenny which is located to the northeast of the site and Faugheen which is located 1 km to the south east of the site. No population figures are available for either of these settlements as they are not recorded settlements under the Census of population or within the development plan for the area.

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Ahenny is a small settlement comprising primarily of two rows of terraced housing which are designated as protected structures (Reference No.s S149 and S150) and as an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA). The houses were originally built to house Welsh Miners working in the area. There are no particular services serving this settlement. The Ahenny High Crosses which are on the Record of Monuments and Places are located to the south of the settlement (RMP No.’s TS079-007002, TS079-007003, TS079-007004 and TS079-007005). No services were recorded within this settlement during site visits undertaken.

Limited services are available within Faugheen including a pub, church, graveyard and bottle bank. During a site visit undertaken in December 2014, there was a commercial unit available to let which appeared possibly to have been in use previously as a local shop.

Newtown Upper National School is located on the public road to the east of Carrigadoon Hill between Ahenny and Faugheen. This is just to the north of the proposed upgraded entrance to Carrigadoon Hill. It is just over 1km from the nearest proposed turbine.

Lisadobber stand-alone grocery shop is located to the south west of the site at the junction between the R696 and the local road to Faugheen which runs along the southern foothills of Carrigadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill to the south of the site.

Carrick-on-Suir Town is located approximately 7 km to the south of the site and is the main service centre serving the rural area surrounding the site. The town of Carrick-on-Suir had a recorded population of 5,931 according to 2011 Census.

Pilltown is located 7.5 km to the south east of the site and is described as one of the Kilkenny towns and Villages within the Kilkenny CDP settlement hierarchy. Piltown had a recorded population of 1,187 people in the 2011 census of population. Kildalton Agricultural and Horticultural College is located in Piltown which is the largest agricultural college in the country.

One-off rural housing is scattered throughout the area, with some ribbon development located on the public roads near the site. Based on a site visit and house survey of the area, population density in the immediate vicinity of the site appears to be moderately low, which is likely to be a result of the upland nature of some of the lands immediately surrounding the application site and the generally rural nature of the area. No residential dwellings are located within 500m of a proposed turbine. There are no houses immediately adjacent to the proposed new access point to Curraghadobbin Hill. There is a cottage located on the county road approximately 140m to the west of the proposed access point to the wind farm from the public road. The next closest residences to the proposed new entrance are a house set back from the public road at the base of Curraghadobbin Hill approximately 350m to the east of the new access track and a farmhouse and buildings a similar distance to the west. There is an existing dwelling directly opposite the proposed relocated and upgraded entrance on the eastern side of Carrigadoon Hill at Newtown Upper.

4.3.3.2 Working Community

As discussed under the employment section above, the predominant economic activities in the immediate vicinity of the site include agriculture and forestry, all of which are employment sources that have a low intensity of employee numbers. It is likely that the majority of the remainder of the

MCE0760RP0006F01 4-6 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

workforce commute to neighbouring Carrick on Suir and Clonmel for commercial and industrial employment.

The wind farm site itself is largely in use as a commercial forest. The site is also being used for telecommunication purposes. A telecommunications mast is located on Carrigadoon Hill. Based on a planning enquiry search and a site visit, the areas surrounding the hills are low lying agricultural lands.

There are a number of equestrian activities also in the areas surrounding the hills in particular to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill and to the north of Carrigadoon Hill.

There is also a slate quarry located to the north east of the site, however this is no longer in operation and is overgrown

4.3.3.3 Visiting Community

Fáilte Ireland recommends that the treatment of tourism in an EIS should consider impacts caused by tourism projects or impacts affecting tourism, e.g. the quality of a destination or tourism activity.

Fáilte Ireland published ‘Tourism Facts 2014’ in October 2015 (Revised February 2016). The report evaluates Irish tourism and its value to the Irish economy for the 2014 period. According to Fáilte Ireland, overseas tourist visits to Ireland in 2014 grew by 6% to 7.1 million. Visitor numbers from Britain, Mainland Europe, North America and the rest of the world all experienced growth and the trend for overseas visitor numbers has now been increasing since 2010.

Britain is our largest market, accounting for 42% of overseas tourists, followed by Mainland Europe at 35%. Some 16% of our overseas tourists come from North America. In 2014, out-of-state tourist expenditure, including spending by visitors from Northern Ireland, amounted to €4 billion. With a further €1.1 billion spent by overseas visitors on fares to Irish carriers, total foreign exchange earnings were €5.1 billion. Domestic tourism expenditure amounted to €1.5 billion making tourism in total a €6.6 billion industry in 2014.

The subject site is located within the South East Region. After the North West and East / Midlands the South East was one of the least visited regions by overseas visitors during 2014, i.e. 870,000 visitors or 8% of overseas visitors visited the South East.

With respect to the activities in which overseas tourists engaged in during 2014, many are available in the general area (see below). 1,193,000 engaged in hiking / cross country walking; 286,000 participated in cycling activities; 172,000 played golf; 157,000 engaged in angling and 79,000 participated in equestrian pursuits.

Domestic tourists undertook 7,354,000 trips during 2014, which is an increase on trips taken during 2013 (just over 3%). The main purposes of the trips were for holiday trips (both long and short breaks) and for the purposes of visiting family or friends. Hotels and self-catering accommodation proved the more popular bed-night options. The top five activities engaged in were hiking/walking, visits to houses or castles, visits to spas, visits to national parks and water-sports.

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Visitor Attractions

Built Heritage

Visitor attractions within the area include the Ahenny High Crosses which are located to the south of the settlement of Ahenny to the north east of the site. The Ahenny High Crosses are part of the Ossery Group of High crosses which are believed to be the earliest crosses of their kind and date from the eighth to ninth centuries AD. Other Ossery High Crosses include the Kilkieran, Killamery and Kilree High Crosses which are all RMP’s located in Kilkenny County. No visitor numbers are recorded with respect to these crosses but it is reasonable to assume that they do generate a number of visitors to the area.

The settlement of Ahenny is designated as an ACA which includes two groups of protected structures comprising of two rows of single storey slate roofed houses at Vickers Street and a row of single storey slate roofed houses at Moore Street. These houses were built to house Welsh Miners working in the nearby Victoria Slate Quarries and are considered to be a tourist attraction in the rea.

The Knockroe Neolithic passage tomb at Knockroe (known locally as ‘The Caiseal’) (RMP No. KK034- 019001) in County Kilkenny is located 2 km to the north east of the site. This passage tomb is considered to be of national importance. The site has been excavated but not restored. Again there is no record of the number of visitors to this site but is considered to be a tourist attraction for the area and in particular attracts large numbers for the summer solstice.

The village of Owning is located 4 km to the south east of the site. This village is not identified as a settlement within the Kilkenny County Development Plan. However, the Kilkenny County Development Plan identifies it as a village of historical and social significance due to its distinctive farm village physical pattern and visual character and is identified as a tourist attraction.

There are a number of tourist attractions located in the town of Carrick-on-Suir which is approx. 7km to the south of the site. These include the Carrick-On-Suir Heritage Centre and Ormond Castle which is an Elizabethan Manor House dating back to the 1560’s.

Walking and Cycling

There are a number of signposted informal walking and cycling routes traversing the area in the form of trails and along local roads. For example the local road which runs between Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill is sign posted as a cycling trail. Both hills and the Coillte forest tracks are also regularly used for walking recreation purposes, in particular Carrigadoon Hill.

To the north west of the site lands to the east of the N76 are named Glenbower Wood. However no formal paths or looped walks were evident on a site visit of the area undertaken in December 2014. Kilmacoliver Looped walk is located in Tullahought 2km to the north east of the site.

The South Leinster Way which is a long distance walking route runs from Carrick-on-Suir to the south of the site, through part of County Kilkenny (via Piltown) to the village of Kildavin in County Carlow. However this route is not located in close proximity to the site. Mountain Grove Wood is located approx. 6km to the south east of the site within County Kilkenny.

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The mountain of Slievenamon is located approximately 7 – 8 km to the northwest of the wind farm site and is a popular walking and hiking destination. The origin of the mountain's name is explained in mythology. According to the tale, Fionn mac Cumhaill was sought after by many young women, but he said that he could have only one partner. He determined that his partner would be whichever woman won a footrace to the top of the mountain. The winner was Gráinne. There are two prehistoric cairns on Slievenamon. One is at the very top, and the other is on a lower summit to the northeast known as Sheegouna. The song Slievenamon, written in the mid 19th century by Charles Kickham, is a well-known patriotic and romantic song about an exile who longs to see "our flag unrolled and my true love to unfold / in the valley near Slievenamon". It is regarded as the unofficial "county anthem" of Co. Tipperary.

According to the Discover Ireland website, there are a number of linear routes running through the towns of Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel along the Suir, however these are not located in close proximity to the site. Both of these destinations are popular for walking and hiking.

In addition the Fáilte Ireland and Coillte websites were accessed to identify any attractions within the area. There were no records of forest recreation areas or driving routes identified in the vicinity of the proposed windfarm on any of the websites consulted, but as noted above the subject site is in reality used for the purposes of recreational walking.

The area around Carrick-on-Suir previously served as a cycling training ground for the young Sean Kelly and continues to attract avid cyclists.

Angling

The River Linguan runs to the east of the site and is part of the Lower River Suir Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The Suir is renowned as a premier salmon and coarse fishing river. It is not clear whether the parts of the river close to the site are used for angling as there is no evidence of any angling clubs or angling locations within the area. It is likely that angling is more popular further south of the Suir where the watercourse is wider.

Equine

There are a number of equine establishments within the area comprising of racing yards and stud farms, and sport horse facilities which attract a visiting community to the area. These are to the north of Carrigadoon Hill and to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill to the southeast of the new proposed access point to Curraghadobbin Hill.

4.3.3.4 Grid Connection Route

The existing community along the route of the Grid Connection comprises primarily of local residents with dwellings located along the county roads which comprise the route. As the route of the grid connection runs on county roads most of the traffic is local. The route does cross a regional road and will also pass below a national route (by directional drilling). These routes serve non-local traffic.

The grid connection runs through primarily agricultural areas.

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Adjacent to the Ballydine ESB sub-station to which the wind farm will connect is the Merck, Sharp and Dohme Pharmaceutical manufacturing plant. This plant has been operational at Ballydine since the mid 1970’s and employs over 400 people.

4.3.4 Land Use

The wind farm site itself is predominantly in use as a commercial forest. The site also accommodates a telecommunications mast on Carrigadoon Hill.

Based on a planning enquiry search and a site visit to the area, the areas surrounding the hills are low lying agricultural lands. There are a number of equestrian activities also in the areas surrounding the hills in particular to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill and to the north of Carrigadoon Hill.

There is also a former slate quarry located to the north east of the site, but it is no longer in use and is overgrown.

4.3.5 Health and Safety

A route survey was undertaken to determine the optimal delivery route which in turn had implications for the proposed site entrance. This is provided at Appendix 2.1 of this EIS. The survey identifies the optimal route being from Carrick on Suir to the south and also identifies local constraints to be addressed for the purposes of turbine delivery along the route.

Construction activity on site will typically comprise of tree felling, site clearance, excavation work for access roads and hardstand areas, site development work for turbines placement, turbine basements, turbine erection, met mast erection and substation construction. The contractor retained by the applicant to carry out the works on site will prepare a Health and Safety Plan for the site to cover all aspects of safety at the site. All relevant health and safety standards will be adhered to, i.e. the Code of Practice for Managing the Safety and Health in Forestry Operations (HSA, 2009) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013.

A site construction compound will be provided on site for the duration of construction. Welfare facilities will be provided for site staff including toilets, eating area and drying area.

One-off rural housing is scattered throughout the area, with some ribbon development located on the public roads near the site.

MCE0760RP0006F01 4-10 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

4.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

4.4.1 Construction Phase

4.4.1.1 Population

The construction phase of the proposed development is likely to generate noise, dust and construction traffic that has the potential to impact on road safety and potential to cause obstruction to road users on a temporary basis during the construction period.

The demographic study area as defined in section 4.3.1 above is not densely populated and roads are not heavily trafficked in this area. Therefore the potential numbers of people that could be impacted by the proposed development are relatively low. Construction traffic associated with materials being brought onto site will be relatively low. There will be a need to remove excess materials from site due to road excavations. This will give rise to significant number of construction traffic during the excavation and road building phase of the development. This will result in inconvenience to residents of the area during this period and will be a moderate impact for a temporary period only.

The construction work required for the grid connection works in the public road also has potential to inconvenience nearby residents and road users. Traffic flow will be maintained along the route at all times however with local stops and diversions required. This will be subject of a detailed Traffic Management Plan to be agreed between the contractor and the Local Authority prior to the commencement of development.

While the construction phase of the proposed development is likely to result in adverse effects on the local population due to inconveniences caused by construction traffic, the temporary disruption experienced is unlikely to result in changes to the population levels in the surrounding area. Construction impacts are likely to be moderate and temporary in nature particularly where modifications to public roads are required for the purposes of turbine delivery and also for the laying of the grid connection in the county roads.

The construction phase of the proposed development is expected to be completed in approximately 18 – 24 months.

4.4.1.2 Employment

The construction phase of the proposed development will result in a temporary increase in the working community at the site. It is envisaged that approximately 15 to 30 people will be employed over an approx. 18 -24 month construction period. Therefore this is likely to have a temporary positive effect.

Some minor disruption to existing economic activities such as agriculture and forestry in the vicinity of the application site is possible during the construction phase. This is due to the necessary movements of construction traffic on public roads in the wider area associated with the proposed works.

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Temporary disruption to traffic accessing Merck, Sharp and Dohme may also arise due to the local grid connection works required for access to Ballydine sub-station. This potential for impact is low however due to the restricted works required and to their proposed routing.

Local disruption to traffic will not affect existing employment levels.

New site roads to access turbines within the site will be required on each hill. These will extend from the revised entrance point at the east of Carrigadoon Hill and from the proposed new entrance from the county road to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill. A 10m working corridor either side of the roads will also required to be cleared of trees. Areas around the turbines will also have to be cleared of trees for a 50m diameter. In the context of the overall forestry area however this will equate to a small proportion of the overall Coillte forestry site. The site comprises of commercial forestry and has undergone a number of phases of afforestation and felling. These activities can therefore carry on as normal with little potential for any significant impact from the wind farm.

There may be some potential for impacts with respect to noise during the construction period with respect to the equine industry. According to the British Horse Society ‘Advice Note on Wind Turbines and Horses – Guidance for Planners and Developers’ (see Appendix 4.1 of this EIS), it is recommended that separation distances of 200m or three times blade tip height (378m in this instance) or whichever is greater should be provided between wind turbines and any route used by horses or a business with horses. The closest equine horse gallop to the site is located in Raheens to the north west of the site and is located over 750m from the nearest wind turbine (T1). Therefore no significant impacts are likely in this regard. There is also a stud facility located to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill but this is further removed from the proposed turbines at a distance of approx. 1km from the closest turbine.

Other than the direct employment generated by the construction of the turbines and access roads, the construction activities are not expected to have potential for significant impact on other employment activities in the area.

4.4.1.3 Community

Resident Community

Potential impacts arising from the proposed development at construction phase are as follows:

. Impacts on residential amenity by way of increased traffic, noise, dust, impacts on safety and obstruction to road users; . Disruption to school traffic; and . Visual impact

These potential inconveniences will be temporary in nature however, with the construction period expected to take approximately 18 - 24 months. The potential for impact in this regard then is not significant.

The dwelling located opposite the entrance to Carrigadoon Hill is the dwelling with greatest potential for impact during construction due to proximity, the road construction works and also to

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movement of construction traffic through the site. These activities have potential to give rise to inconvenience and annoyance to these residents due to temporary noise, dust and traffic disruption impacts. Depending on the level of activity close to these dwellings at various times during construction the levels of impact have potential to vary from minor to moderate negative. They will however be temporary impacts. The closest dwellings to the proposed new entrance to Curraghadobbin Hill are a cottage located on the county road approximately 140m to the west of the proposed access point to the wind farm from the public road and two dwellings approx 350m from the entrance set back from the public. These residents will be inconvenienced in a similar way to other residents in the general area.

Working Community

There are a number of farming and equine industries located within the vicinity of the site which generate relatively low employment levels. Other employment activity in the area is predominantly limited to forestry, education and local services. The construction of the proposed development has potential to impact on these workers in a similar manner to the impacts listed with respect to the resident community and listed below:

. Impacts on amenity by way of increased traffic, noise, dust, impacts on safety and obstruction to road users; . Disruption to equine, agricultural and forestry related traffic; and . Visual impact.

The construction phase will increase the working population in the area on a temporary basis when approximately 15 to 30 people will be employed for the construction of the wind farm

Visiting Community

As outlined in the Receiving Environment section above, there are a number of tourist attractions within the immediate vicinity of the site in the form of the Ahenny High Crosses and Ahenny Village and local walking and cycling trails. Therefore there is potential for impact on the visiting community to this tourist resource in the immediate vicinity of the proposed development site during the construction phase as a result of increased traffic, noise, dust, impacts on safety and obstruction to road users and visual impact.

The temporary nature of the construction period of the proposed development and the seasonal nature of the tourist industry will mean that the impact on tourism development or attractions within the area will also be temporary in nature. It is not considered significant.

4.4.1.4 Land Use

The wind farm site itself is largely in use as a commercial forest. The proposed turbines, access roads and associated development do not have a significant built footprint. Therefore it is proposed that the commercial forest will continue to operate on site. However the commercial forestry area will be reduced. This is not considered to be significant and will have little impact with respect to land use within the area.

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No temporary land take is proposed as part of the construction phase of the proposed development. There may be some temporary disruption to employees working in the area during the construction period however there will be no direct impact on land uses outside of the site.

4.4.1.5 Health and Safety

The proposed development will require the operation of heavy plant and machinery. There are potential impacts to the Health and Safety of workers on site. Impacts are predicted to be negligible however as the relevant health and safety standards will be adhered to as, i.e. the Code of Practice for Managing the Safety and Health in Forestry Operations (HSA, 2009) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013.

There will be potential for temporary health and safety impacts to road users using the haulage route in which the turbines will be delivered. However most of these impacts will only be at the time of delivery. According to the turbine delivery Route Survey there are a number of constraints along the local delivery route which will be impacted as a result of the delivery of the proposed turbines. These include:

. Removal of bollards on introduction of parking restrictions at Ballyrichard Road, Carrick on Suir. . Removal or road signs from splitter island and relocation of telephone pole on public road at junction at Newtown Lower . Widen existing entrance to the Coillte lands (this is shown in the detailed design proposals for the project) . Widening of road at Ballinurra crossroads (within previous road alignment)

These works required are relatively minor and are either within the public roadway or are on lands within the control of the applicant. The works within the public roadway will be the subject of a detailed Traffic Management Plan. This Plan will also address the matter of turbine delivery, and any proposals will be agreed in advance with Tipperary County Council and An Garda Siochána as required.

There will be potential for health and safety impacts from other construction traffic throughout the duration of the construction period. Local roads have the highest potential for safety impacts as these roads are generally narrow and do not easily accommodate heavy goods vehicles. Delivery vehicles will access/egress the site via the relocated and upgraded existing entrance at the eastern side of Carrigadoon Hill and via the new proposed entrance to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill.

The greatest concentration of construction related traffic will be during the excavation and road building phase of development. This will be for a limited duration however with potential for inconvenience lessening outside these periods.

The site is currently publicly accessible by foot which could pose health and safety risks during the construction period. Public access to the site will have to be prohibited during construction which will be a negative implication for locals that use the site regularly for recreational walking.

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4.4.2 Cumulative Impact

There are no plans or projects identified within the vicinity of the site which in combination with the proposed wind farm development have potential to give rise to cumulative impacts on Human Beings.

4.4.3 Operational Phase

4.4.3.1 Population

The operational phase will comprise of 8 no. wind turbines, a sub-station, access tracks and grid connection from the site to the existing ESB sub-station at Ballydine. The potential impacts at operational phase are likely to be in relation to noise, shadow flicker and visual. Population growth rates in the area are generally much lower than that of the County and state. It should be noted that future population decline is likely to stem from the existing population profile. It is not considered that the operational phase of the development proposal will result in any significant effects on the population profile. Any disruption experienced is not likely to be so significant as to result in changes to the population levels, demographic profile or trends in measures such as household size in the surrounding areas.

There are no dwellings located within 500m of the proposed turbines. Figure 4.1 illustrates a 500m radius distance around each proposed turbine. Dwellings in the area are identified as red dots on this map. No dwellings fall within this distance of any turbine.

4.4.3.2 Employment

Once operational, the wind farm will employ one full time member of staff to operate the proposed wind farm development. It will also generate a number of part time service positions, independent consultancy positions, as well as office support staff.

The impact of the landtake on the existing commercial forestry on site will not be significant. These activities can therefore carry on as normal with little potential for significant impact during the operational phase of the development.

4.4.3.3 Community

Potential impacts on the community during the operational phase largely relate to noise, visual impact, and shadow flicker due to the introduction of new turbines. These issues are addressed in detail in Chapters 9, 10 and 11 of this EIS, which have regard to nearby residences and to the national school. The national school is located 1,077m from Turbine T8 which is the nearest turbine. No likely and significant potential adverse impacts in these respects are identified, though it is considered that there will be temporary minor to moderate negative impacts initially until the local community become used to the presence of the development.

The proposal will not impact any existing or proposed recreational facilities; therefore no potential impacts on the community in this regard are likely.

MCE0760RP0006F01 4-15 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The wind farm has potential to impact on tourism and recreation. It will alter the visual setting of the area for walkers who use Carrigadoon and Curraghadobbin Hills, and also has potential to impact on important tourist related views. The visual impact of the wind farm is considered in Chapter 10. In terms of the use of the hills themselves for recreational walking purposes, it is noted that once operational the new access tracks which will also serve the forestry activities will again be available for public access (subject to the owners Coillte facilitating same as is also the current situation). The turbines will also alter the visual setting for walkers but it is considered that over time locals who use the hills for walking will become used to the altered situation. It is however likely to be perceived negatively by walkers at least in the initial period of use of the wind farm.

The wind farm will also alter the visual setting of the area from a number of cultural heritage sites in the wider area. These impacts are considered further in the Cultural Heritage and Landscape and Visual Impact Chapters.

4.4.3.4 Land Use

It is proposed to continue to operate the commercial forest on the subject site once the wind farm is operational. Therefore the existing commercial forestry land use will remain on site along with the proposed wind farm land use, although the overall available forestry area will be reduced. This is not considered to have a significant impact with respect to land use within the area.

No impact on land uses outside of the site are envisaged during the operational phase of the development.

4.4.3.5 Health and Safety

The commercial forest within the site will be publicly accessible by foot. Is it proposed to fence off each of the turbines in the future in order to eliminate health and safety risks in this regard. Maintenance works for the turbines and for the access tracks which may be required during the life of the wind farm, will all be subject to health and safety standards such as the Code of Practice for Managing the Safety and Health in Forestry Operations (HSA, 2009) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013.

No other health and safety impacts are likely during the operational phase of the development.

4.4.4 Cumulative Impact

4.4.5 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario’

Under the ‘do nothing scenario’ the commercial forest currently located on site is likely to continue to undergo future phases of afforestation and felling. Without the construction of the proposed windfarm the potential to generate renewable energy will not be maximised within this area. As a

MCE0760RP0006F01 4-16 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

result it is likely that non-renewable energy to service this deficit will be required and will contribute to climate change.

4.4.6 ‘Worst Case Scenario’

The ‘worst case’ scenario with respect to the proposed development is that there will be impacts on human beings as a result of the proposed development. Based on the ‘worst case scenario’ the following potential impacts to human beings could arise:

. Reduction in population due to people migrating from the area as a result of the proposed development; . Decrease in the numbers visiting local cultural heritage sites as a result of the proposed development; and

4.5 MITIGATION MEASURES

4.5.1 Construction Phase

4.5.1.1 Population

The proposed wind farm development will not have any effect on demographics and as such no specific remedial measures are required. Mitigation measures with respect to impacts due to noise, air, dust, water etc. to ensure minimal disruption to the local population are set out within the other specialist chapters of this EIS.

4.5.1.2 Employment

There are no specific remedial or reductive measures required for impacts on employment generation or the creation of unemployment. The outline Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) sets out mitigation measures to ensure that disruption to existing economic activity in the area will be minimised during the construction period for the wind farm development. In this regard, a Construction Traffic Management Plan will be submitted by the Contractor to Tipperary County Council prior to the commencement of construction.

4.5.1.3 Community

The potential impacts on the resident, working and visiting communities at construction phase are noise, air and dust, impacts associated with construction traffic and general health and safety impacts associated with the construction process. The mitigation measures set out for Construction Traffic Management in the outline CEMP and the chapters on Noise, Shadow Flicker and Air Quality can be referred to in relation to impacts on community.

Construction traffic and deliveries shall be timed to reduce impact on vehicular access to the national school at Newtown Lower. The construction works associated with the relocation and upgrade of the entrance and the access tracks into the wind farm site shall be organised within the site boundaries so as to minimise interference with traffic flow on the public road.

MCE0760RP0006F01 4-17 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Noise generating equipment will be located as far as possible from local noise sensitive areas. Construction operations will be limited in so far as possible to 08.00-20.00 Mon to Friday, 08.00- 18.00 on Saturday with no Sunday works proposed. The site contractor will be required to conform with relevant standards and regulations for Health and Safety on site, which will mitigate against any risks to the temporary working community.

The Coillte lands on both hills have a number of informal access points from the surrounding public road. Information signage will be provided at all such points to advise the public of the works and temporary works will be put in place to prohibit access to the construction site during the course of the works.

4.5.1.4 Land Use

No significant impacts have been identified with respect to land uses during the construction stage and therefore no mitigation is proposed in this regard as a result.

4.5.1.5 Health and Safety

The site contractor will be required to conform with relevant standards and regulations for Health and Safety on site, which will mitigate against any risks to human beings. A final CEMP, including Construction Traffic Management Plan will be agreed with the local authority prior to construction which will also consider matters relating to health and safety.

4.5.2 Operational Phase

4.5.2.1 Population

The proposed development will not give rise to any adverse impacts on population and demography during the operational phase of the proposed development. No mitigation in respect of demography is therefore required. Mitigation measures outlined in the Chapters on Noise, Shadow Flicker etc. within the EIS will in turn also mitigate impact on the local population

4.5.2.2 Employment

The development will support one full time job in the area in combination with the established first phase of development. It will also generate a number of part time service positions, independent consultancy positions, as well as office support staff. Periodic servicing and maintenance work will be sourced locally if available. No remedial or reductive measures are proposed.

4.5.2.3 Community

Mitigation measures set out in the chapters on landscape and visual impact, air quality, noise and shadow flicker are sufficient mitigation with regard to impacts on community during the operational phase of the wind farm.

MCE0760RP0006F01 4-18 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

It is noted however that the Application proposes to provide a community fund and also to make investment opportunities available to the local community which are further mitigation measures.

4.5.2.4 Land Use

No significant impacts have been identified with respect to land uses during the operational phase of development and therefore no mitigation is proposed in this regard as a result.

4.5.2.5 Health and Safety

Proper adherence to health and safety regulations by the windfarm operating staff should ensure any risks during the operational phase are minimised. With mitigation in place, no significant adverse impacts in terms of health and safety are anticipated to arise.

4.6 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS

4.6.1 Construction Phase

4.6.1.1 Population

The construction phase will give rise to disruption to the population by way of noise, dust, delays and obstruction due to construction traffic presence on the road network surrounding the site and other impacts normally associated with construction works.

The volume of construction traffic will have local significant impact given the background low levels of traffic in the area. These will be temporary in nature however. Relevant mitigation measures are outlined in the Construction Environmental Management Plan and associated Construction Traffic Management Plan and in the Noise and Air Quality chapter of this EIS.

The proposed development will not generate population increases in the area during the construction phase, as due to the nature of the project, the construction workers will be in the area temporarily only. There will therefore be no direct impacts on the population or demographic profile of the area as a result of the development.

4.6.1.2 Employment

The proposed development will generate temporary employment due to the construction of the wind farm. This is a slight positive impact as the workface may be sourced locally in part. Also local goods and service providers will experience a slight increase in demand during the construction period.

Agricultural, equine and forestry activities in the area are expected to continue in the area during the construction phase. Any potential temporary inconveniences to such activities during the construction phase are unlikely to impact on employment levels.

MCE0760RP0006F01 4-19 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

4.6.1.3 Community

There will be unavoidable temporary impacts on the community during the construction phase of the proposed project. Such potential impacts include increased traffic associated with the construction process, increased levels of noise and dust associated with the construction process. Some obstruction to road users may also occur during the construction period, particularly when plant and turbines are being transported to the site and turbines are being delivered, and when material is being moved off site.

Traffic levels in the area generally are predicted to increase during the temporary construction phase due to the requirements for construction plant and workers’ own vehicles to access the site. Mitigation measures to alleviate any potential noise and traffic impacts will be put in place and are outlined in detail within the Traffic Chapter of this EIS and will include provision of a detailed Traffic Management Plan for construction traffic management will be prepared and submitted to Tipperary County Council prior to construction beginning.

4.6.1.4 Land Use

It is proposed to continue to operate the commercial forest on the subject site during the construction phase. However there will be a reduction in the overall forestry area due to the construction of the wind farm development. This is not considered to have a significant impact with respect to land use on the site.

No impact on land uses outside of the site is envisaged. Therefore no residual impacts are predicted as a result.

4.6.1.5 Health and Safety

Construction activities and associated traffic to the site will be the subject of Safety and Traffic Management Plans. All safety procedures required under law and as specified in the plans will be followed. No residual impacts are identified in respect of health and safety matters.

4.6.2 Operational Phase

4.6.2.1 Population

The proposed development will not give rise to any material impacts on population in the site environs or in the wider area.

4.6.2.2 Employment

Overall, the operational phase of the proposed development is not likely to impact negatively on existing economic activities in the area. By its nature, there will be some alterations to forestry activity on the site resulting from the wind farm development as a whole as the land available for forestry use will be reduced. However this is not anticipated to have an impact on employee numbers operating the commercial forest on site.

MCE0760RP0006F01 4-20 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The development will support one full time job in the area in combination with the established first phase of development. It will also generate a number of part time service positions, independent consultancy service positions, as well as office support staff. Periodic servicing and maintenance work will be sourced locally if available.

Outside of the development site, all agricultural uses and forestry can continue and should not be impacted upon by the proposed development. Therefore, it is not considered that the proposed development will have significant adverse impacts on employment or economic activity in the area.

4.6.2.3 Community

Potential impacts on the community during the operational phase are addressed under the Landscape and Visual, Noise and Shadow Flicker Chapters of the EIS. Proper adherence to Health and Safety Regulations by the working community on site should ensure any risks are minimised. With mitigation in place, no significant adverse impacts on the community are anticipated to arise.

4.6.2.4 Land Use

It is proposed to continue to operate the commercial forest on the subject site once the wind farm is operational. Therefore the existing commercial forestry land use will remain on site along with the proposed wind farm land use however its forestry area will be reduced. This is not considered to have a significant impact with respect to land use within the area. No impact on land uses outside of the site is envisaged. Therefore no residual impacts are predicted as a result.

4.6.2.5 Health and Safety

Proper adherence to Health and Safety Regulations by the windfarm operating staff should ensure any risks during the operational phase are minimised. With mitigation in place, no significant adverse impacts in terms of health and safety are anticipated to arise.

4.7 MONITORING AND REINSTATEMENT MEASURES

Noise, air, traffic and shadow flicker etc. with the potential to impact on local residents will be monitoring as outlined in the individual chapters of the EIS dealing with these topics.

MCE0760RP0006F01 4-21

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 50 Appendices: xx

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By F01 Final Issue 20th May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 ECOLOGY ...... 5-1

5.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 5-1

5.4 AQUATIC ECOLOGY ...... 5-20 5.4.1 Water Quality ...... 5-20

5.5 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 5-21 5.5.1 Construction Phase ...... 5-21 5.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 5-34 5.5.3 Cumulative impacts ...... 5-38 5.5.4 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario ...... 5-39 5.5.5 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario ...... 5-39

5.6 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 5-39 5.6.1 Construction Phase ...... 5-39 5.6.2 Felling ...... 5-41 5.6.3 Operational Phase ...... 5-47

5.7 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 5-47

5.8 MONITORING AND REINSTATEMENT MEASURES ...... 5-48 5.8.1 Enhancement Opportunities ...... 5-48

5.9 REFERENCES ...... 5-48

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 5-1 - Map of Water Features in the Vicinity of the Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm ...... 5-20 Figure 5-2 - Measurement Calculations for Vegetation Clearance Buffer...... 5-44

LIST OF TABLES

Table 5.1 - Confidence Levels of Predictions of Impacts ...... 5-5 Table 5.2 - Designated Sites within 15km of the Proposed Windfarm...... 5-6 Table 5.3 - Protected and Invasive Species Records ...... 5-10 Table 5.4 - Status of Irish Bat Species within a 30km Radius of the Proposed Wind Farm ...... 5-13 Table 5.5 - Status of Irish Bat Species within a 10km Radius of the Proposed Wind Farm ...... 5-13 Table 5.6 - Habitat Types Recorded at the proposed Wind Farm Site and their Conservation Evaluation...... 5-15 Table 5.7 - Conservation Evaluation of Faunal Species ...... 5-19 Table 5.8 - Waterbody Status ...... 5-21 Table 5.9 - Summary of Impact Characterisation on Key Ecological Receptors...... 5-24 Table 5.10 - Summary of construction impact significance and confidence levels in the predicted impacts on the key habitats without mitigation ...... 5-27 Table 5.11 - Summary of characteristics of construction impacts on the key receptors of ecological significance ...... 5-28 Table 5.12 - Summary of construction impact significance and confidence levels in the predicted impacts on the key receptors without mitigation ...... 5-32 Table 5.13 - Summary of Characteristics of Operational Impacts on the Key Fauna Receptors of Ecological Significance ...... 5-35 Table 5.14 - Summary of Operational Impact Significance and Confidence Levels in the Predicted Impacts on the Key Fauna Receptors without Mitigation ...... 5-37 Table 5.15 - Assessment of potential turbine/bat conflict zones ...... 5-43 Table 5.16 - Monitoring Schedule Recommended for Bat Mitigation Measures ...... 5-48

MCE0760RP0006F01 ii Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

5 ECOLOGY

5.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter assesses the ecological impacts associated with the proposed Carrigadoon wind farm project. The principal aims of the assessment are to:

§ Undertake a baseline ecological survey of the study site and evaluate the nature conservation importance of the site; § Assess the direct, indirect and cumulative ecological implications or impacts of the project during its lifetime; § Where possible, propose mitigation measures to remove or reduce those impacts at the design and construction stage; and § Achieve the best possible biodiversity outcome from a change in current land use within the development site or within the EIS site boundary.

An Appropriate Assessment Screening has also been undertaken on the proposed development in accordance with the requirements of Article 42 of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 as amended. Article 42(1) requires that:-

“A screening for Appropriate Assessment of a plan or project for which an application for consent is received, or which a public authority wishes to undertake or adopt, and which is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site as a European Site, shall be carried out by the public authority to assess, in view of best scientific knowledge and in view of the conservation objectives of the site, if that plan or project, individually or in combination with other plans or projects is likely to have a significant effect on the European site.”

Thereafter, article 42(6) outlines the need to undertake appropriate assessment if the appropriate assessment screening cannot exclude, on the basis of objective scientific information, that the plan or project, individually or in combination with other plans or projects, will have a significant effect on a European site.

The Screening Report prepared concludes that the proposed development is not likely to have a significant effect on a European site. Accordingly a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is not required under the Regulations or with reference to Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora.

5.2 METHODOLOGY

5.2.1 General

The ecological impact assessment was carried out in accordance with the following guidelines:

§ EPA (2002), ‘Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements’, Environmental Protection Agency;

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

§ EPA (2003), ‘Advice Notes on current practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements’, Environmental Protection Agency; § Fossitt, J., 2000, ‘A Guide to Habitats in Ireland’. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny; § CIEEM (2016), ‘Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom’, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management; § NRA (2008) ‘Ecological Surveying Techniques for Protected Flora and Fauna during the Planning of National Road Schemes’, National Roads Authority; and § NRA (2009) Guidelines for the Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes Rev. 2, National Roads Authority.

The assessment was carried out in two stages; firstly through a desktop study, and secondly by field survey work, in order to identify, describe and map areas of known or potential ecological value.

5.2.2 Desk Study

Sources of information that were used to inform the assessment were:

§ The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) natural heritage database (www.npws.ie) was consulted for designated sites of nature conservation interest in the study area, § The National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) species database (www.biodiversityireland.ie) was consulted to obtain historical species records in the study area, § A review of Ordnance Survey maps and ortho-photography, § Environmental Protection Agency map viewer www.gis.epa.ie/Envision, and § Water Framework Directive (WFD) website and Water Maps viewer www.wfdireland.ie/maps.

The NBDC database provides details on species records held for the study area. The database was reviewed on 18th May 2016for details on species recorded in the study area, and within the 10km x 10km grid squares S32 and S42. The resulting lists of species records were then searched for rare and protected species, including:

§ The presence of any Annex IV (Habitats Directive) species of flora and fauna, and their breeding sites and resting places, which are strictly protected under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, 2011; § The presence of Annex II (Habitats Directive) species; § Species of fauna and flora which are protected under the Wildlife Act, 1976 (as amended); § Flora Protection Order (FPO) 2015 species; § ‘Protected species and natural habitats’ as defined in the Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC) and European Communities (Environmental Liability) Regulations, 2008; and § Irish Red Data Book (IRDB) Species.

In addition to a search of the NPWS and NBDC databases, the desktop research for birds consisted of a review of published literature on the distribution of birds in this area of Co. Tipperary. The publications reviewed include:

§ Birds Habitats in Ireland (Nairn & O’Halloran, 2012),

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-2 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

§ Bird Atlas 2007-11; the breeding and wintering birds of Britain and Ireland (Balmer et al, 2013), § Ireland’s wetlands and their waterbirds (Crowe 2005), and § Republic of Ireland National Hen Harrier Survey 2010 (Ruddock et al, 2012).

A desk study of extant bat records in the vicinity of the study area was undertaken by evaluation of relevant literature and a review of Bat Conservation Ireland’s National Bat Records Database and the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s National Lesser Horseshoe Bat Roost Database.

Ordnance Survey (OS) maps and ortho-photography were used to inform the field survey work by identifying any habitats present that may be of ecological interest, and to identify adjacent habitats of potential ecological value, along with any connecting habitats, or ecological corridors, that may be present.

5.2.3 Field Survey

A general field survey was conducted on 12th September 2014, and a targeted Badger survey was also conducted on 15th December 2014. Survey of the grid connection route was conducted in May 2016. Areas highlighted during the desktop assessment were investigated further, and a habitat survey carried out. Habitats on site were classified in accordance with the Heritage Council publication ‘A Guide to Habitats in Ireland’ (Fossitt, 2000) and mapped in accordance with the ‘Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping’ (Smith et al, 2011). The classification is a standard scheme for identifying, describing and classifying wildlife habitats in Ireland. The classification is hierarchical and operates at three levels, using codes to differentiate habitats based on the plant species present. Species recorded in this report are given both their Latin and common names, following the nomenclature as given in the ‘New flora of the British Isles’ (Stace, 2010).

Badger, Otter, Red Squirrel, Pine Marten and Frog survey was carried out in accordance with the National Roads Authority publication ‘Ecological Surveying Techniques for Protected Flora and Fauna during the Planning of National Road Schemes’.

Bat surveys were conducted by bat specialist Mr Conor Kelleher from Spring to Winter 2014. To comprehensively research, and accordingly understand, the existing behaviour of bats within the study area the approaches detailed in the following guidelines were followed:

§ Hundt, L. 2012 in Bat Surveys: Best Practice Guidelines (2nd edition). Bat Conservation Trust; § Bat Conservation Ireland 2012, Wind Turbine/Wind Farm Development Bat Survey Guidelines, Version 2.8. Bat Conservation Ireland, Virginia, Co. Cavan; § Carlin, C. and Mitchell-Jones, T. 2012, Bats and Onshore Wind Turbines – Interim Guidance (2nd Edition), Technical Information Note TIN051. Natural England, Peterborough, UK; § National Roads Authority 2006, Best Practice Guidelines for the Conservation of Bats in the Planning of National Road Schemes, NRA, Dublin; § National Roads Authority 2006, Guidelines for the Treatment of Bats during the Construction of National Road Schemes, NRA, Dublin; § Northern Ireland Environment Agency 2011, Bat survey – specific requirements for wind farm proposals. Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Department of the Environment, Belfast; and

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§ Rodrigues, L., Bach, L., Dubourg-Savage, M-J., Goodwin, J. and Harbusch, C. 2008, Guidelines for Consideration of Bats in Wind Farm Projects: EUROBATS Publication Series No. 3. UNEP/EUROBATS Secretariat, Bonn, Germany

Full details of the methodology used can be found in the bat survey report, included in Appendix 5.1 of this EIS.

Bird surveys were conducted by ecologist Mr David Rees. Winter bird field studies took place over the winter period 2013/2014 with breeding bird surveys carried out in spring/summer 2014. The following survey guidelines were followed;

§ Bibby, C.J., Burgess, N.D., Hill, D.A. & Mustoe SH (2000). Bird Census Techniques, 2nd Edition. Academic Press, London; and § Gilbert G, Gibbons D. W. and Evans J. (1998) Bird Monitoring Methods. RSPB, Sandy § Scottish Natural Heritage, (2014). Recommended bird survey methods to inform impact assessment of onshore wind farms, SNH.

Full details of the methodology used can be found in the full bird survey report, included in Appendix 5.2.

5.2.4 Habitat Evaluation and Impact Assessment Criteria

An evaluation of the development area and determination of the impacts on the flora and fauna of the area was carried out in accordance with the ‘Guidelines for the Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes’ (NRA, 2009), and Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment (IEEM, 2006). In summary, the habitats found are evaluated based on their naturalness, value and vulnerability, as well as their inclusion within the Natura 2000 network. Habitats that are considered to be good examples of Annex I and Priority habitats are classed as being of International or National Importance. Semi-natural habitats with high biodiversity in a county context and that are vulnerable, are considered to be of County Importance. Habitats that are semi-natural, or locally important for wildlife, are considered to be of Local Importance (higher value) and sites containing small areas of semi-natural habitat or maintain connectivity between habitats are considered to be of Local Importance (lower value). The NRA (NRA, 2009) refers to key ecological receptors as those ecological features which are evaluated as being of Local Importance (higher value) or higher and are likely to be impacted significantly by the proposed development. The features that were evaluated as being of Local importance (higher value) and higher in this study were selected as key ecological features and the impact significance on each of these features was assessed.

Once the value of the identified key ecological receptors (features and resources) was determined, the next step was to assess the potential effect or impact of the proposed Carrigadoon wind farm development on the receptors. The impacts were assessed under a number of parameters such as magnitude, extent, duration and reversibility. In line with the EPA Guidelines (EPA, 2002), the following terms are defined when quantifying duration:-

§ Temporary: up to 1 year; § Short‐term: from 1‐7 years; § Medium‐term: 7‐15 years;

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-4 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

§ Long‐term: 15‐60 years; and § Permanent: over 60 years.

Confidence levels of the impact predictions were also given based on the 4 point scale as given in both the IEEM (2006) and NRA (2009) guidelines. See Table 5.1 below.

Table 5.1 - Confidence Levels of Predictions of Impacts

Confidence Level Category Near Certain >95% chance of occurring as predicted Probably 50‐95% chance of occurring as predicted Unlikely 5‐50% chance of occurring as predicted Extremely Unlikely <5% chance of occurring as predicted

5.2.5 Consultation

The following were consulted for any comments or concerns they may have regarding the proposed Carrigadoon wind farm development on the local ecology:-

§ Developments Application Unit, NPWS, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government; § An Taisce; § Inland Fisheries Ireland; and § The Heritage Council

No response to consultation from any of the Bodies listed above has been received.

5.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

5.3.1 Designated Sites

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are designated under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), respectively, and as such form part of the Natura 2000 network. Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) are legally protected from damage from the date they are formally proposed for designation under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, while proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) have not been statutorily proposed or designated, but do receive some protection under the agri-environment schemes, Coillte and Planning and Licensing Authorities. The land in which the proposed Carrigadoon Wind farm project is situated has no designated conservation areas. The wind farm site and grid connection route are within 15 kilometres of 5 SACs, 1 SPA, 1 NHA and 16 pNHAs, as detailed in Table 5.2, and Figure 5-1 and Figure 5-2 in Appendix A. An Appropriate Assessment Screening for the proposed Carrigadoon Wind farm project has been completed and is presented separate to the EIA report.

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-5 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Table 5.2 - Designated Sites within 15km of the Proposed Windfarm

Designated Area Reasons for Designation/ Qualifying Feature Approximate Connectivity to Distance from Study Area Study Area Lower River Suir Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia 130m east of Indirect SAC (002137) maritimae) [1330], Mediterranean salt meadows Wind Farm connectivity as (Juncetalia Maritime) [1410], Water courses of site; 200m the proposed plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion south of grid grid connection fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation connection at crosses the a [3260], Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities Ballydine tributary of the of plains and of the montane to alpine levels Lingaun River, [6430], Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and which flows into Blechnum in British Isles [91A0], Alluvial forests the Lingaun with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno- River and Lower Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0], River Suir Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles [91J0], c.2.5km Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera downstream. margaritifera) [1029], White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) [1092], Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) [1095], Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) [1096], River lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) [1099], Twaite shad (Alosa fallax fallax) [1103], Salmon (Salmo salar) [1106], Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355] Comeragh Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with 14km south of No Connectivity Mountains SAC vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of wind farm (001952) & pNHA the Isoeto-Nanojuncetea [3130], Water courses of site; 8.4km (001952) plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion south of grid fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation connection at [3260], Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica Ballydine tetralix [4010], European dry heaths [4030], Alpine and Boreal heaths [4060], Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8210], Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8220], Shining sickle moss (Drepanocladus vernicosus) [1393] River Barrow And Estuaries [1130], Mudflats and sandflats not 13km north of No Connectivity River Nore SAC covered by seawater at low tide [1140], Salicornia wind farm site (002162) and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [1310], Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330], Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410], Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation [3260], European dry heaths [4030], Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels [6430], Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) [7220], Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in British Isles [91A0], Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0], Vertigo moulinsiana [1016], Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) [1029], White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) [1092], Sea lamprey

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-6 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Designated Area Reasons for Designation/ Qualifying Feature Approximate Connectivity to Distance from Study Area Study Area (Petromyzon marinus) [1095], Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) [1096], River lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) [1099], Twaite shad (Alosa fallax fallax) [1103], Salmon (Salmo salar) [1106], Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355], Killarney fern (Trichomanes speciosum) [1421], Pearl mussel (Margaritifera durrovensis) [1990] Hugginstown Fen Alkaline fens [7230] 11km east of No Connectivity SAC (000404) & wind farm site pNHA (000404) Nier Valley Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in 10km south No Connectivity Woodlands SAC the British Isles [91A0] east of Grid (000668) Connection at Ballydine

River Nore SPA Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) [A229] 13.5km north No Connectivity (004233) of wind farm Slievenamon Bog Upland Blanket Bog 5km west of No Connectivity NHA (002388) wind farm; 3km northwest of Grid connection route Kyleadohir Wood Site synopsis not available 13km north of No Connectivity Nature Reserve wind farm pNHA (000405) Garryrickin Nature Deciduous woodland 8.5km north No Connectivity Reserve pNHA of wind farm (000403) Kilkeasy Bog pNHA Wetland area with small lakes, floating fen, wet 13km east of No Connectivity (000839) grassland, cutover bog and heathland. wind farm Tibberaghny Site synopsis not available 7km south No Connectivity Marshes pNHA east of wind (000411) farm site; 6km south east of grid connection route Fiddown Island Site synopsis not available 10.5km south- Remote indirect pNHA (000402) east of wind connectivity via farm; 9.5km the Newtown south east of Lower River, grid which flows into connection the Lingaun route River c.2.6km downstream from the grid connection route, which

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-7 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Designated Area Reasons for Designation/ Qualifying Feature Approximate Connectivity to Distance from Study Area Study Area then flows into Fiddown Island pNHA c. 10.5km downstream Lizzy Smyth'S Bog Lowland wet grassland/ fen developed on 9.5km north- No Connectivity pNHA (001980) reclaimed bog. west of wind farm Grove Wood pNHA Deciduous woodland. 14.5km west No Connectivity (000954) of wind farm Templetney Quarry Disused limestone quarry which supports an 9.5km west of No Connectivity pNHA (001982) undisturbed limestone flora and several plants that wind farm; are rare in the area. 5km west of grid connection route River Suir Below Site synopsis not available 6km south of Remote indirect Carrick-On-Suir wind farm; 5 connectivity via pNHA (000655) km south of the Newtown grid Lower River, connection which flows into route the Lingaun River c.2.6km downstream from the grid connection route, which then flows into the River Suir Below Carrick- On-Suir pNHA c. 6.5km downstream. Kilsheelin Lake Site synopsis not available 10.5km south- No Connectivity pNHA (001701) west of wind farm; 5km west of grid connection at Ballydine Toor Wood pNHA Mixed deciduous woodland. 11km south- No Connectivity (001708) west of wind farm; 4km southwest of grid connection Lower River Suir Site synopsis not available 13.5km south- Remote indirect (Coolfinn, Portlaw) east of wind connectivity via pNHA (000399) farm; 12.5km the Newtown southeast of Lower River, grid which flows into connection the Lingaun route River c.2.6km

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-8 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Designated Area Reasons for Designation/ Qualifying Feature Approximate Connectivity to Distance from Study Area Study Area downstream from the grid connection route, which then flows into the Lower River Suir c. 15km downstream. Portlaw Woods Site synopsis not available 13km south of No Connectivity pNHA (00669) wind farm Nier Valley Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in 10km south No Connectivity Woodlands pNHA the British Isles [91A0] east of Grid (000668) Connection at Ballydine

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-9 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

5.3.2 Protected Species Record

The proposed wind farm site and grid connection are located within or adjacent to Ordnance Survey 10km x 10km Grid Squares S32and S42. Records of rare, protected and invasive species from these grid squares are detailed in Table 5.3, excluding bats, which are considered separately in Section 5.3.2.2.

Table 5.3 - Protected and Invasive Species Records

Scientific Name Common Name Date of Last Record Grid Square Designation Lissotriton vulgaris Smooth Newt 31/08/2012 S32 Wildlife Acts Rana temporaria Common Frog 07/03/2013 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts Alcedo atthis Common Kingfisher 31/12/2011 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts, EU Birds Directive Annex I Bird Species Anser albifrons Greater White- 31/12/2011 S42 Wildlife Acts, EU fronted Goose Birds Directive Annex I Bird Species Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier 31/07/1972 S32 Wildlife Acts, EU Birds Directive Annex I Bird Species Crex crex Corn Crake 31/07/1972 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts, EU Birds Directive Annex I Bird Species, Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan 31/12/2011 S42 Wildlife Acts, EU Birds Directive Annex I Bird Species Egretta garzetta Little Egret 31/12/2011 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts, EU Birds Directive Annex I Bird Species Numenius arquata Eurasian Curlew 31/12/2011 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts, Birds of Conservation - Red List Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer 31/12/2011 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts, Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon 20/05/2013 S32 Wildlife Acts, EU Birds Directive Annex I Bird Species Lagopus lagopus Red Grouse 31/07/1972 S32 Wildlife Acts, Birds of Conservation

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-10 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Scientific Name Common Name Date of Last Record Grid Square Designation Concern - Red List Larus argentatus Herring Gull 29/02/1984 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts, Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull 31/12/2011 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts, Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Tringa totanus Common Redshank 31/12/2011 S42 Wildlife Acts, Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Tyto alba Barn Owl 31/12/2011 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts, Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Vanellus vanellus Northern Lapwing 31/12/2011 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts, Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Euphydryas aurinia Marsh Fritillary 31/12/1990 S42 EU Habitats Directive Annex II Petromyzon Sea Lamprey 01/01/2001 S42 EU Habitats marinus Directive Annex II Austropotamobius Freshwater White- 25/09/2008 S32 EU Habitats pallipes clawed Crayfish Directive Annex II, Wildlife Acts Centaurium Lesser Centaury 31/12/1898 S32 Flora Protection pulchellum Order Groenlandia densa Opposite-leaved 31/12/1900 S32, S42 Flora Protection Pondweed Order Zootoca vivipara Common Lizard 01/09/1973 S32 Wildlife Acts

Halichoerus grypus Grey Seal 11/05/2009 S42 EU Habitats Directive Annex II, Wildlife Acts Dama dama Fallow Deer 21/02/2014 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts

Erinaceus West European 22/07/2015 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts europaeus Hedgehog Lutra lutra European Otter 17/03/2014 S32, S42 EU Habitats Directive Annex II & Annex IV, Wildlife Acts Martes martes Pine Marten 23/02/2015 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts

Meles meles Eurasian Badger 07/01/2009 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts Sciurus vulgaris Red Squirrel 07/05/2015 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts

Sorex minutus Eurasian Pygmy 31/07/2012 S32, S42 Wildlife Acts Shrew

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-11 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Scientific Name Common Name Date of Last Record Grid Square Designation Invasive Species Elodea canadensis Canadian 25/09/2008 S32 High Impact Waterweed Invasive Species Fallopia japonica Japanese Knotweed 09/05/2012 S32, S42 High Impact Invasive Species Fallopia japonica x 17/05/2008 S42 High Impact sachalinensis = F. x Invasive Species bohemica Heracleum Giant Hogweed 02/09/2004 S32, S42 High Impact mantegazzianum Invasive Species Impatiens Indian Balsam 02/09/2004 S32 High Impact glandulifera Invasive Species Myriophyllum Parrot's-feather 06/09/2008 S42 High Impact aquaticum Invasive Species Prunus Cherry Laurel 21/07/2002 S32, S42 High Impact laurocerasus Invasive Species Rhododendron 10/09/2012 S32, S42 High Impact ponticum Invasive Species

Mustela vison American Mink 13/12/2014 S32, S42 High Impact Invasive Species Sciurus carolinensis Eastern Grey 31/12/2007 S32, S42 High Impact Squirrel Invasive Species

5.3.2.1 Birds

Desktop research shows that the proposed wind farm site is not located within a designated site and further that there are no SPAs within 10km of the site. There is a historical record of Hen Harrier from grid square S32, recorded in 1972. However, the results from the most recent national Hen Harrier survey show that no breeding Hen Harriers were found within 10km of the site (Ruddock et al, 2012). The same survey also shows that no other species of raptor were recorded in this area during the survey (Ruddock et al, 2012). The most recent bird Atlas also shows that no Hen Harriers were recorded within the vicinity of the site (Balmer et al, 2013).

There are no waterbodies that could support populations of waterbirds in the winter. The nearest major waterbody is the River Suir, approximately 7km to the south of the main site and 200m to the south of the grid connection at Ballydine. There are no major waterbodies lying to the north of the site, meaning that there are unlikely to be any regularly used flightlines across the site during the winter period. Crowe (2005) lists wetland sites that hold good numbers of waterbirds during the winter period. The nearest site listed in Crowe is the River Suir Lower. This site includes the Coolfinn Marshes, Derrigal Marshes and Fiddown Island. The western end of this site lies approximately 8km from the proposed wind farm site.

5.3.2.2 Bats

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-12 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

A review of existing bat records within 10km and 30km radii of the wind farm site (sourced from BC Ireland’s National Bat Records Database) reveals that, currently, six of the ten known Irish species have been observed within a 10km radius and eight species within a 30km radius. These include Common, Soprano and Nathusius’ pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. Pygmaeus & P. nathusii respectively), Leisler’s (Nyctalus leisleri), Brown Long-eared (Plecotus auritus), Daubenton’s (Myotis daubentonii), Whiskered (M. mystacinus) and Natterer’s (M. nattereri) bats as shown in Tables 5.4 and 5.5 below. Roosts of several of these species, as shown in the tables, have also been identified within these radii but none are within or immediately adjacent to the wind farm site.

The two remaining Irish species; Lesser Horseshoe (Rhinolophus hipposideros) and Brandt’s (M. brandtii) bats have not been recorded in the local area to date. Of these, the Lesser Horseshoe bat is not known to occur in the county as the species’ distribution range is confined to the west of Ireland and only a single confirmed specimen of Brandt’s bat has been found in Ireland (Mullen 2007).

Tables 5.4 and 5.5 below outline the status of each bat species within a 30km and a 10km radius of the proposed wind farm.

Table 5.4 - Status of Irish Bat Species within a 30km Radius of the Proposed Wind Farm

Common name Scientific name 30km radius Known roosts Source Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Present 9 known BCIreland Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus Present 9 known BCIreland Nathusius’ Pipistrellus nathusii Present 0 known BCIreland pipistrelle Unknown Pipistrellus spp. 6 known BCIreland pipistrelle Leisler’s bat Nyctalus leisleri Present 10 known BCIreland Brown long-eared Plecotus auritus Present 19 known BCIreland bat Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii Present 6 known BCIreland Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri Present 4 known BCIreland Whiskered bat Myotis mystacinus Present 2 known BCIreland Lesser horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros Absent 0 known BCIreland/NPWS bat Brandt’s bat Myotis brandtii Potential – rare 0 known BCIreland Unknown species 3 known BCIreland

Table 5.5 - Status of Irish Bat Species within a 10km Radius of the Proposed Wind Farm

Common name Scientific name 10km radius Known roosts Source Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Present 0 known BCIreland Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus Present 0 known BCIreland Nathusius’ Pipistrellus nathusii Potential 0 known BCIreland pipistrelle Leisler’s bat Nyctalus leisleri Present 0 known BCIreland Brown long-eared Plecotus auritus Present 1 known BCIreland bat

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-13 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Common name Scientific name 10km radius Known roosts Source Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii Present 0 known BCIreland Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri Potential 0 known BCIreland Whiskered bat Myotis mystacinus Present 0 known BCIreland Lesser horseshoe Rhinolophus Absent 0 known BCIreland/NPWS bat hipposideros Brandt’s bat Myotis brandtii Potential – rare 0 known BCIreland

5.3.3 Habitat Survey Results

The study area of the proposed Carrigadoon Wind farm is a coniferous plantation situated in a predominantly agricultural landscape. The soil type is loamy (fine to course) over siliceous stones.

The plantation contains coupes of conifer in various stages of rotation, with species planted including Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), Larch (Larix spp), Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta) and Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). Narrow strips of Beech (Fagus sylvatica) are frequently planted in strips between coupes, and there are occasional Oak (Quercus robur) and Willow (Salix cinerea) at the edges of the coupes. Several areas of plantation also contain scattered broadleaved trees, mainly Beech, within the conifer stands. The ground flora in the areas under conifer plantation is sparse.

Areas of mixed woodland are comprised mainly of Beech, with occasional Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), Silver Birch (Betula pendula) and Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia); and with a shrub layer of Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Traveller’s-joy (Clematis vitalba) and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus). Species in the ground flora includes Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), Rosebay Willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium), Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Great Wood-rush (Luzula sylvatica).

Vegetation along the tracks includes Black Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Eyebright (Euphrasia spp.), Red Bartsia (Odontites verna), Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Marjoram (Origanum vulgare), Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea) and Fairy Flax (Linum catharticum). There are also some remnants of heathland flora among the young conifer in some areas that have been felled and recently replanted and on top of some rocky outcrops. Vegetation here includes scattered Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Bell Heather (Erica cinerea) and Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). The habitats recorded on site and their conservation evaluation (based on criteria as detailed in Section 5.2.4) are detailed in Table 5.6, and are mapped and presented in Figure 5-3 in Appendix A. There are some minor drainage channels to the side of some of the tracks. These channels were dry at the time of survey.

The land immediately adjacent to the study area is predominantly comprised of improved agricultural grassland, bound by hedgerows. A number of coniferous plantations are present in the area, as is some scrub. There are two rivers including the Lingaun and the Glen, and their associated tributaries: the Lingaun River is located to the east of the proposed wind farm site, while the Glen River rises to the south-west of the proposed wind farm site. These are rivers are described in more detail in Section 5.4.

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-14 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The grid connection route comprises of tarmacadam roadways, bound by hedgerows and residential property boundaries in places. The lands surrounding the grid connection route are predominantly improved agricultural grassland, with some landscaped residential gardens and a small amount of coniferous planting. The proposed route crosses one tributary of the Lingaun River, two tributaries of the Glen River and the Glen River itself; a total of four watercourse crossings.

Table 5.6 - Habitat Types Recorded at the proposed Wind Farm Site and their Conservation Evaluation.

Habitat Type Fossitt Category Conservation Evaluation Rationale Mixed broadleaved WD1 Local importance (higher Cannot be classified as semi- woodland value) natural habitat but does have potential to support protected species. Mixed broadleaved/ WD2 Local importance (higher Cannot be classified as semi- conifer woodland value) natural habitat but does have potential to support protected species. Conifer plantation WD4 Local importance (lower The majority of the plantation value) to negligible is comprised of dense, species poor conifer stands. However, there is remnant heathland flora under one recently planted area, and some potential for mature coops to provide shelter for protected species. Exposed siliceous rock ER1 Local importance (lower Supports scattered patches of value) heathland flora. Dry Heath HH1 Local importance (lower Small pockets of scattered value) remnants of heathland flora under planted conifer saplings and on exposed rock. Stone walls BL1 Local importance (lower Some colonisation of stone value) walls by mosses, ferns and lichens has occurred. Tracks BL3 Local importance to Well used tracks are of negligable² negligible value, but a semi- natural flora is developing on some little used tracks, and these are considered to be of local importance. Drainage ditches (dry) FW4 Negligible No associated features of ecological value are present. There are no links to features of higher ecological value such as watercourses.

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-15 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

5.3.4 Invasive Species

Japanese Knotweed was observed during the site survey in September 2014, and was located in the south-east of the proposed wind farm site at Carrigadoon Hill, near a gateway to the adjoining field (see Figure 5.3 in Appendix A) The stand of Knotweed was approximately 1.5-2m high, and 5m wide. There were also two smaller stands in close proximity to this larger stand. Japanese Knotweed has also been recorded in 2012, less than 1km south east of Carrigadoon Hill. No evidence of invasive species was observed along the route of the proposed grid connection during the site survey conducted in May 2016.

5.3.5 Protected Species Survey Results

5.3.5.1 Amphibians

There are historical records of Common Frog from grid square S32 and S42, and a record from approximately 5.3km south-east of the grid connection at Ballydine, recorded in 2013.There is a record of Smooth Newt, recorded in 2012 at Ballydine Quarry. No amphibians were recorded in the study area. Further, amphibians are semi-aquatic species; no aquatic habitats were recorded at the proposed wind farm site does, therefore the site is unlikely to support amphibians.

5.3.5.2 Birds

Field surveys at the proposed wind farm site were conducted by ecologist Dr David Rees, following recognised standard methods. Winter bird field studies took place over the winter period 2013/2014 with breeding bird surveys carried out in spring/summer 2014.

During the winter surveys, a total of 22 species were recorded, with 26 species recorded during the breeding surveys. Overall, 29 species were recorded over the two seasons. None of the species recorded during the field surveys are species that are listed under Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. Birdwatch Ireland and RSPB have produced a report detailing the conservation status of bird species in Ireland, Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland (BOCCI) (Colhoun & Cummins, 2013). In this document, birds of high conservation concern are placed on a red list, those of medium conservation concern are amber listed, whilst those of low or no conservation concern are green listed.

Of the species recorded during the field surveys, only one species is red listed; Meadow Pipit. Meadow Pipit is a species that favours open, upland grassland habitats, frequently found in upland bog and grassland. In the winter months, birds can move down to the lowlands, along the coastal areas and often form flocks. Meadow Pipits were recorded in areas with some tree replanting and open areas; they were also recorded in open agricultural grassland habitats adjacent to the site. Only five species recorded during the field surveys are amber listed: Goldcrest, Linnet, Mistle Thrush, Robin and Sparrowhawk. All other species recorded during the field surveys are green listed with the exception of Pheasant which is not listed as it is a species that is still reared and released for shooting interests. Note that Song Thrush and Siskin were recorded during fieldwork but neither species is listed in the BOCCI lists, an issue that is currently being clarified with Birdwatch Ireland.

Looking at the numbers of species recorded, it can be seen that more species were recorded generally during the breeding season. Species recorded in the summer included typical migrant species such as Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff. Both Crossbill and Siskin were only

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-16 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement recorded in winter, despite being species that breed in conifer plantations, although they do form flocks in winter that can move around areas searching for suitable cone crops.

5.3.5.3 Rare Plants

There is a historical record of Lesser Centaury, a Flora Protection order species last recorded in grid square S32 in 1898. Lesser Centaury favours damp grassy places, sandy coastal ground and dry saltmarshes. The proposed wind farm site is currently used for commercial forestry, and as such the forested areas of the site do not provide suitable habitat for Lesser Centaury. The site tracks were surveyed for Lesser Centaury during the site survey conducted in 2014 and no evidence of this species was observed.

Opposite-leaved Pondweed grows in lakes, rivers, canals and ditches with clear base-rich water. The proposed wind farm site does not contain any habitat suitable for supporting Opposite-leaved Pondweed.

The proposed grid connection route is predominantly in the body of public roads, with short sections crossing agricultural land and forestry. No evidence of rare plant species was observed along the proposed grid connection route during the site survey conducted in 2016.

5.3.5.4 Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are found in woodlands, hedgerows, gardens, and meadows. Hedgehogs are mostly nocturnal, but juvenile or sick animals can sometimes be seen during the day. Hedgehogs have been recorded in 2012 approximately 1km north of the proposed grid connection route at Ballynacloona, and are likely to be present across the study area.

5.3.5.5 Otter

There are several records of Otter along the River Suir, including a record from 2011 at Ballydine. Evidence of Otter has also been recorded on the Glen River, south of Lissadober, in 1981. There are no habitats suitable for Otter at the proposed wind farm site. No evidence of Otter was observed during the site survey of the proposed grid connection route conducted in 2016; however, it is likely that this species forages throughout the Suir Catchment area.

5.3.5.6 Badgers

Evidence of badger (Meles meles) latrines was observed on paths and tracks throughout the proposed wind farm site during the field survey on 12th September 2014. Recent feeding signs of badger were found in more open areas; however the closed canopy forest plantations provide poor foraging habitat for badger.

A targeted survey of the proposed turbine locations and surrounding area was conducted on 15th December 2014. No evidence of badger setts were found during this survey, and no paths leading towards any of the co-ordinates of the proposed turbines were observed. However, it should be noted that six of the eight proposed turbine locations were inaccessible due to impenetrable Bramble or very densely planted young conifer. As with the survey conducted in September 2014, evidence of badger latrines was observed on paths and tracks throughout the study area during the

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-17 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement survey conducted in December 2014. No evidence of badger was observed along the proposed grid connection route during the site survey conducted in 2016.

5.3.5.7 Bats

In 2014, onsite bat activity surveys at the wind farm site were undertaken by Mr. Conor Kelleher during the spring, summer and autumn seasons on 17th April, 24th July and 8/9th October. These surveys identified five bat species: Common and Soprano Pipistrelle, Leisler’s, Brown Long-eared and Natterer’s bat.

Bat Activity Survey Findings

The key locations of importance for bats in the local area include water bodies, watercourses, woodlands, treelines and hedgerows. Additional habitats include scrub and scattered trees. The bat fauna present at the wind farm site is typical of the habitats present, with the mainly non-native coniferous forestry plantations providing poor habitat for these animals and other wildlife as faunal diversity is greater in areas dominated by semi-natural vegetation.

Common and Soprano Pipistrelles were the most commonly recorded species onsite and were ubiquitous along hedgerows, treelines, forest edges and tracks throughout the area. Brown Long- eared bat was encountered along woodland tracks in several areas but this species may be present without being detected as it is a very quiet species and sometimes hunts without echolocating. Leisler’s bat, which forages over agricultural landscapes, scrub and woodland as well as urban areas, commuted across and foraged high above the area. Natterer’s bat, a woodland species, was observed hunting along forest tracks and within more open forest areas.

Roost Survey Findings

No onsite bat roosts were identified during surveys and the nearest known bat roost to the proposed wind farm site is in Piltown village, approximately 8km to the southeast.

The assessment of bat hibernation sites within or adjacent to the study area found that veteran and mature trees, older buildings, bridges, farm outbuildings and derelict structures have potential for use as winter roosting sites in which bats can hibernate, however no such hibernation site is currently known in the local area and none was identified during the assessment. In winter, bats can secrete themselves deep within such structures and so can be present without being visible. The exception is the Lesser Horseshoe bat which hangs in the open within structures and is easily seen but this species is absent from the area. Bats in Ireland, as elsewhere, are known to hibernate in natural caves especially in limestone areas but there are no known natural caves in the immediate area (Drew 2004). Apart from natural underground features, manmade prehistoric underground structures - souterrains - are also known to be used by these animals and the nearest potential such sites are within the townlands of Ahenny Little and Raheen to the north and west of the study area, respectively (ref.: www.archaeology.ie) however neither feature is accessible to bats.

The proposed grid connection will be installed within the body of the road crossing the bridge spanning the Glen River. This bridge is a masonry bridge. It was not accessible at the time of the survey, but appears to have potential to support bats.

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-18 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

5.3.5.8 Pine Marten

Pine Martens are generally associated with areas of coniferous or broadleaf woodland and scrub, but can also use wider habitat areas such as pasture. There are no records of Pine Marten from the proposed wind farm site, the closest record is from Owning, approximately 5.2km south-east of the site, recorded in 2015. No signs of Pine Marten were observed during the field surveys.

5.3.5.9 Deer

Fallow deer are often found in deciduous and mixed woodland habitats, and were last recorded in 2014 in the general 10km grid squares S32 and S42. There were mammal tracks present in areas of the site characterised by less densely planted stands of conifer, with deer prints observed occasionally on both hills.

5.3.5.10 Red Squirrel

Red Squirrels are most commonly found in large blocks of coniferous woodland, or broadleaf/ mixed woodland where Grey Squirrels are absent. Red Squirrel has been recorded in 2013 approximately 1.3km south east of the wind farm site in mixed broadleaf habitat. No signs of Red Squirrel were observed during the field survey.

5.3.5.11 Invertebrates

Butterflies observed in the study area during the site walkover in September 2014 include Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria), Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) and Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus). No rare or protected species of butterfly were observed during the site walkover.

5.3.6 Fauna Evaluation

Fauna recorded in the study area have been evaluated below in Table 5.7 for their conservation importance, based on criteria detailed in Section 5.2.4. Key ecological receptors are bolded.

Table 5.7 - Conservation Evaluation of Faunal Species

Species Status Evaluation Rationale Birds No Annex I species; 1 National importance Species recorded listed BOCCI red list species and on the BOCCI Red list 5 amber list species recorded¹ Hedgehog Wildlife Acts National importance Listed in the Wildlife Acts Otter Annex II, Annex IV, National importance Listed in the Habitats Wildlife Acts Directive & Wildlife Acts Badger Wildlife Acts National importance Listed in the Wildlife Acts Bats Annex IV; Wildlife Acts National importance Listed in the Habitats Directive & Wildlife Acts Deer Wildlife Acts National importance Listed in the Wildlife Acts

¹See Table 5.2 and Sections 5.3.2.1 and 5.3.5.2 for further details.

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-19 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

5.4 AQUATIC ECOLOGY

5.4.1 Water Quality

The study area lies within the Suir Hydrometric area. The River Lingaun rises to the north west of the study area. It flows in an easterly direction, then changes course to flow south past the site to meet the River Suir, east of Carrick on Suir. The River Lingaun is part of the Lower River Suir SAC. The Newtown Lower River is a tributary of the Lingaun. It rises to the south of the site and flows in an easterly direction past the study area then turns south to meet the Lingaun River.

The study area lies within the Suir River catchment. The eastern part of the proposed wind farm site on Carrigadoon Hill lies within the Lingaun River Sub Basin. However there are no streams or formal drains directly connecting the wind farm site to any major water body. The Glen River rises to the south west of the proposed wind farm site and flows in a south easterly direction to meet the River Suir in Carrick-on-Suir. The western part of the proposed wind farm site on Curraghadobbin Hill and most of the grid connection route lies within the Glen River Sub Basin. The final part of the grid connection route closest to Ballydine sub-station is within the Suir Sub Basin. The proposed grid connection crosses one tributary of the Lingaun River, the Glen River and two of its tributaries (Figure 5.4).

The Water Framework Directive waterbody status of the rivers in the vicinity of the proposed development is detailed in Table 5.8.

Figure 5-1 - Map of Water Features in the Vicinity of the Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-20 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Table 5.8 - Waterbody Status

Code Name Status Objective Lingaun, Trib of Suir IE_SE_16_4197 Moderate Restore 2021 Lingaun IE_SE_16_4191 Glen, Trib of Suir Good Protect

The Suir catchment supports important salmonid (Salmo salar and S. trutta) populations. Salmon are listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (as amended) and are, therefore, protected by European and National legislation.

The River Lingaun and River Suir are not designated salmonid waters under the Salmonid Waters Regulations. Inland Fisheries Ireland has indicated that the Lingaun headwater tributaries act primarily as ‘contributaries’ to downstream nursery waters for salmonids and other species. Salmonid fish do not spawn within them, but they provide food downstream by drift of aquatic organisms. The Suir catchment also supports Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), River lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis), Twaite shad (Alosa fallax fallax), White- clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) and Otter (Lutra lutra).

In relation to Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera), the study area is situated in a catchment with pre-1970 live records (extant populations unlikely, but information is insufficient to list as ‘extinct’). The Suir-Clodiagh catchment of SAC Margaritifera populations listed in the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) Regulations, SI 296 of 2009 is located approximately 8km south of the wind farm site, and approximately 4.5 from the closest point of the grid connection as the crow flies. However, the Clodiagh River feeds into the River Suir approximately 18km downstream of the section of the Lingaun River which runs to the east of the study area boundary. There is no hydrological connection between either the study area (i.e the proposed wind farm site and grid connection) or the Glen River and Lingaun River and the Suir-Clodiagh catchment population of Margaritifera, therefore this species will not be considered further in this assessment.

5.5 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

This section will identify in detail the impact of the construction and operational phases of the Wind farm development on the local natural environment.

5.5.1 Construction Phase

The following are the main elements of the Wind farm construction, set out in sequence of works:

§ New Entrance to Curraghadobbin Hill and relocated entrance to Carrigadoon Hill § Tree clearance; § Clear and hardcore an area for provision of temporary site offices; § Construct bunded area for oil tanks;

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-21 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

§ Construct temporary drainage features where required, and permanent where possible in advance of road construction operations (as per site drainage plans); § Construct new site roads and hardstands along with any integral drainage elements (as per drainage plans); § Excavate for turbine bases. Store excavated soil adjacent to excavation area for backfilling and/or re-used to form permanent berms; § Place blinding concrete to turbine bases. Fix reinforcing steel and anchorage system for turbine tower section. Pour concrete (concrete foundations will measure approximately 17m x 17m in area and 2m in depth); § Excavate trenches for site cables, lay cables and backfill. All cables will be ducted; § Excavate for sub-station building; § Construct sub-station and compound; § Erect towers, nacelles and blades; § Erect met mast; § Complete earthings of towers and complete backfilling of foundations; § Complete electrical installation, SCADA system etc.; § Complete grid connection; § Commission and test plant; § Demobilise offices etc.; § Provide any gates, landscaping, signs etc. which may be required; and § Replanting and various mitigation works.

Once the site access roads and crane hardstanding areas are constructed the turbines will be erected.

5.5.1.1 Impacts to Designated Sites

The wind farm site and grid connection route are within 15 kilometres of five SACs, one SPA, one NHA and sixteen pNHAs, as detailed in Table 5.2, and Figures 5.1 and 5.2 in Appendix A. The proposed works are not situated within any designated sites; therefore no direct impacts will occur through landtake or fragmentation of habitats.

The potential impact of the proposed Wind farm on European Sites (SACs and SPAs) has been assessed as part of the Screening for Appropriate Assessment. The screening found that the potential impacts to the integrity of European Sites as a result of the proposed wind farm are limited to the following impacts:

§ Water quality (construction phase), and § Collision risk to low flying bird species

There are no streams or formal drains directly connecting the wind farm site to the Lingaun River, or any other water body. The proposed grid connection crosses one tributary of the Lingaun River, the Glen River and two of its tributaries. There will be no in-stream works and the grid connection will cross all watercourses in the body of the road. It should be noted that while the grid connection point at Ballydine sub-station is approximately 200m from the Suir it is not hydrologically connected. Taking into consideration the hydrological characteristics of the wind farm site and the lack of direct

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-22 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement connectivity with the grid connection route, and also taking into account the protective measures built in to the project design, the Screening concluded that it is not anticipated that there will be any significant effects on the Lower River Suir SAC. The remaining SACs (Comeragh Mountains SAC, River Barrow and River Nore SAC, Hugginstown Fen SAC, Nier Valley Woodlands SAC) are all situated over 10km from the proposed development, with no connecting pathways (e.g. rivers and streams), therefore, no significant potential impacts are anticipated in relation to these SACs from the proposed wind farm.

The River Nore SPA is designated for the protection of Kingfisher which is listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. The River Nore SPA is located approximately 13.5km north of the area of proposed works, and there is no connectivity (i.e. rivers or streams) between the area of proposed works and the River Nore SPA. Taking into consideration the distance of the proposed development site to the SPA, and the lack of connectivity, it is not anticipated that there will be any significant effects on the River Nore SPA as a result of the proposed works.

Likewise, there are no connecting pathways between the study area and the NHA or any of the pNHAs listed in Table 5.2, therefore no significant impacts are anticipated in relation to these from the proposed wind farm.

5.5.1.2 Impacts to Habitats

Tables 5.9 and 5.10 below provide the assessment of impacts using NRA criteria (see Section 5.2.4) of the proposed wind farm development on the site’s habitats of value during the construction phase. The main impact to habitats is habitat loss. The impacts on ecological habitats which were not selected as key ecological features are not assessed. The grid connection route is confined to public roadways for the majority of its length and will not result in any loss of habitats of conservation value. Figure 5.3 in Appendix A illustrates the proposed location of the turbines and associated infrastructure in relation to the habitats present on site. As Figure 5.3 shows, six of the turbines are located within coniferous forestry plantation, while two are located within mixed broadleaved/ conifer woodland.

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Table 5.9 - Summary of Impact Characterisation on Key Ecological Receptors

Positive/ Description of Construction Habitat Magnitude/ Extent Duration Reversibility Timing/Frequency Negative/ Impact Neutral The extent of habitat loss to accommodate turbines will be Habitat loss will occur as a approximately result of clearance for Turbine 2,000m² (0.2ha). Permanent Irreversible - Negative 4. Adjacent areas may undergo habitat alteration. The extent of habitat loss to accommodate new tracks will be approximately 1,200m² (0.12ha). Habitat loss will occur as a This includes for a Mixed broadleaved result of clearance for new clearance of 10m Permanent Irreversible - Negative woodland (WD1) access tracks. either side of the track. Adjacent areas may undergo habitat alteration.

Site cables will be located Approximately 193m alongside the track in mixed of cable will be broadleaved woodland. The located alongside the excavated material will be laid track in mixed alongside the trench for use broadleaved Temporary Reversible - Negative in reinstatement once ducting woodland in trenches is complete. This will result in approximately 0.5m disturbance to the ground wide. As a result, flora. approximately 96.5m² (0.009ha) of

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-24 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Positive/ Description of Construction Habitat Magnitude/ Extent Duration Reversibility Timing/Frequency Negative/ Impact Neutral ground flora in mixed broadleaved woodland/ conifer will be disturbed. The extent of habitat loss to accommodate turbines will be Habitat loss will occur as a approximately result of clearance for 20,300m² (2.03ha). Permanent Irreversible - Negative Turbines 3, 5 and Turbine 6. Adjacent areas may undergo habitat alteration. The extent of habitat loss to accommodate the new tracks will be approximately Mixed broadleaved/ Habitat loss will occur as a 18,400m² (1.84ha). conifer woodland result of clearance for new This includes for a (WD2) access tracks. clearance of 10m Permanent Irreversible - Negative either side of the track. Adjacent areas may undergo habitat alteration. Site cables will be located Approximately alongside the track in mixed 1635m of cable will broadleaved/conifer be located alongside woodland. The excavated the track in mixed Temporary Reversible - Negative material will be laid alongside broadleaved/conifer the trench for use in woodland in trenches reinstatement once ducting is approximately 0.5m

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Positive/ Description of Construction Habitat Magnitude/ Extent Duration Reversibility Timing/Frequency Negative/ Impact Neutral complete. This will result in wide. As a result, disturbance to the ground approximately flora. 817.5m² (0.08ha) of ground flora in mixed broadleaved woodland/ conifer will be disturbed. Total Habitat Loss in Mixed Broadleaved Woodland = Local Importance 3,290 m² (0.329ha) Total Habitat Loss in Mixed Broadleaved/ Conifer Local Importance Woodland = 39,500m² (3.95ha).

Following on from the characterisation of the impacts, the next step is to assess the significance of these impacts and to indicate the confidence level in these predictions. This is summarised in Table 5.11 below. The confidence levels are explained above in Table 5.1.

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Table 5.10 - Summary of construction impact significance and confidence levels in the predicted impacts on the key habitats without mitigation

Characterisation of Unmitigated Impact on the Significance Without Mitigation and Confidence Habitat Feature Levels There will be a loss of habitat. However, this habitat is predominantly comprised of non-native species such Negative effect: probable Mixed broadleaved woodland (WD1) as Beech and Sycamore, therefore is not classified as semi-natural. The main value of the habitat is its Significant negative effect at the Local level: Unlikely potential to support protected species. There will be a loss of habitat. However, this habitat is predominantly comprised of conifer species with scattered Beech. The habitats in the majority of the study area are dictated by forestry activities, therefore Negative effect: probable Mixed broadleaved/ conifer woodland (WD2) road construction, planting, growth and harvesting of Significant negative effect at the Local level: Unlikely trees, so that the additional clearance required for roadways and turbines will be an extension of ‘normal’ activities in this habitat.

5.5.1.3 Impacts to Fauna

Tables 5.11 and 5.12 below assess the impacts using NRA criteria (see Section 5.2.4) of the proposed wind farm development on the sites species of value during the construction phase, in the absence of mitigation. The main potential impacts to fauna include indirect impacts arising from a reduction in water quality, disturbance to and/or displacement of fauna. The impacts on species which were not selected as key ecological features are not assessed.

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-27 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Table 5.11 - Summary of characteristics of construction impacts on the key receptors of ecological significance

Fauna Description of Construction Magnitude/ Extent Positive/ Impact Duration Reversibility Timing/Frequency Negative/ Neutral Salmon There are no streams or rivers Effects of pollutants such as located within the proposed wind concrete and sedimentation farm site. There is a risk of can impact for some distance indirect impact as a result of downstream, depending on sedimentation and pollutants amounts released and the in- entering the watercourses along stream concentrations. the proposed grid connection route. Wet concrete and mortar are highly alkaline and can cause serious fish and invertebrate damage and kills if entering the Temporary Reversible Spawning for salmon takes Negative aquatic environment. If any place in December. concrete enters the watercourses as a result of the works this can have a negative impact on stream chemistry locally with effects as described above if left in the stream. There is also a risk of indirect impact from sedimentation which can also block stream channel gravels and obstruct salmon spawning. Lamprey There is a risk of indirect impacts There is potential for Brook and River Lamprey as a result of pollutants, run-off, polluted runoff to enter March to May (spawning / eutrophication and sedimentation watercourses, but the hatching) decreasing water quality of the likelihood of impact is low. Temporary Reversible Negative Lingaun and Glen River and their Sea Lamprey tributaries. May to July (spawning / hatching) White-clawed There is a risk of indirect impacts There is potential for Temporary Reversible November-late June Negative

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Fauna Description of Construction Magnitude/ Extent Positive/ Impact Duration Reversibility Timing/Frequency Negative/ Neutral Crayfish as a result of pollutants, run-off, polluted runoff to enter (breeding / berried females eutrophication and sedimentation watercourses, but the + hatching) decreasing water quality of the likelihood of impact is low. Lingaun and Glen River and their tributaries. Twaite Shad There is a risk of indirect impacts There is potential for as a result of pollutants, run-off, polluted runoff to enter eutrophication and sedimentation watercourses, but the Spawning for Twaite Shad Negative Negative Negative decreasing water quality of the likelihood of impact is low. takes place between April Lingaun and Glen River and their and June. tributaries. Otter There is a risk of indirect impacts There is potential for Otter are active year round as a result of run-off, degradation of water quality and may breed at any time – eutrophication and sedimentation to reduce available prey, but therefore year round Negative Negative Negative decreasing water quality of the the likelihood of impact on mitigation required, but Lingaun and Glen River and their otter is low. must avoid breeding otter tributaries. holts Birds Direct habitat loss and Removal of habitat disturbance. Some direct habitat (coniferous forestry). loss will occur through keyhole However, this is in the felling to enable clearance for the context of the study area Permanent Irreversible - Negative construction of the turbines, being located within associated electricity cables, commercial forestry. access tracks, sub-station and compound. Disturbance from construction Likely if clearfelling occurs noise. during bird breeding season. Bird breeding season is However, this is in the Temporary Reversible between 1st March to 31st Negative context of the study area September being located within commercial forestry where

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-29 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Fauna Description of Construction Magnitude/ Extent Positive/ Impact Duration Reversibility Timing/Frequency Negative/ Neutral clearfelling occurs all year round. Badger No badger setts were observed at Setts are unlikely to be the proposed turbine, track, sub- present in dense stands of station or compound locations. young conifer, but could However, badgers create new become established setts regularly, and the site alongside tracks and in areas provides suitable habitat for of mixed woodland. It is not Reversible Breeding season is between Temporary st st Negative foraging and sett excavation in possible to quantify the 1 December and 31 June areas due to be cleared for extent of this potential construction. impact; pre-construction survey will establish the presence of any previously unidentified setts. Badgers forage across the study Disturbance and interruption area and clearance for of movement is likely in construction will result in construction areas across the increased disturbance and study area. However, this is Temporary Reversible Negative interruption of movement. set in the context of the use of the study area for commercial forestry. Bats Off-site widening of existing road Direct impact as a result of carriageways to allow unimpeded loss of commuting and haulage of the large turbine foraging habitats. sections. This road widening will Approximately 40m of Permanent Irreversible - Negative involve hedgerow removal which hedgerow will be removed at may affect bats. the site entrance.

New onsite haul roads and Indirect impacts as a result of clearance areas for turbines will loss of commuting and Permanent Irreversible - Negative need to be constructed resulting foraging habitats.

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Fauna Description of Construction Magnitude/ Extent Positive/ Impact Duration Reversibility Timing/Frequency Negative/ Neutral in the loss of vegetation which may be in use as flight path features by bats. Onsite human construction Indirect impacts from activity may also cause disturbance due to increased Temporary Reversible Negative disturbance to bats. human activity. Works may be required to a Direct impact as a result of masonry bridge spanning the Glen loss of roosting place River in order to accommodate the grid connection. This has Permanent Irreversible - Negative potential to have a direct impact on bats should they use the bridge as a roosting or resting place. Deer Increased disturbance, particularly Indirect impacts possible due during clearfelling and from to clearfelling and human Temporary Reversible Negative increased human activity activity. Red Squirrel Increased disturbance, Likely to be impacted by particularly clearfelling to clearfelling operations if red accommodate wind farm squirrels using the felled Permanent Irreversible Negative infrastructure. trees.

Following on from the characterisation of the impacts, the next step is to assess the significance of these impacts and to indicate the confidence level in these predictions. This is summarised in Table 5.12 below. The confidence levels are explained above in Table 5.1.

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-31 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Table 5.12 - Summary of construction impact significance and confidence levels in the predicted impacts on the key receptors without mitigation

Fauna Characterisation of Unmitigated Impact on Significance Without Mitigation and Confidence Feature Levels Salmon Suspended and deposited sediment has adverse Negative effect: Unlikely. impacts upon aquatic species such as reducing Significant negative impact at the International level: availability of oxygen to spawning beds and decreased Extremely Unlikely. survival of incubating eggs. Pollutants such as concrete Lamprey Negative effect: Unlikely. have deleterious effects on fish, plants and invertebrates. Increased nutrients from forestry Significant negative impact at the International level: operations and sediment runoff may cause Extremely Unlikely. White-clawed Crayfish eutrophication of receiving waters. It should be noted Negative effect: Unlikely. that there are no waterbodies in the proposed wind Significant negative impact at the International level: farm site; however, the proposed grid connection will Extremely Unlikely. cross watercourses that drain to the River Suir. Twaite Shad Negative effect: Unlikely. Significant negative impact at the International level: Extremely Unlikely. Otter There is potential for degradation of water quality to Negative effect: Unlikely. reduce available prey, but the likelihood of impact on Significant negative impact at the International level: otter is low. Extremely Unlikely. Birds Removal of vegetation will lead to loss of habitat for Negative effect: Probable breeding and foraging birds and could potentially Significant negative effect at National Level: Unlikely disturb any breeding birds if vegetation removal takes place during the breeding season (although this is set in the context of the use of the study area for commercial forestry). Badger Although no setts were observed on site there was Negative effect: Probable extensive evidence of badger activity across the site Significant negative effect at National Level: Unlikely and there is potential for setts to occur. Direct impacts on badger setts are possible, and it is likely that badgers will be disturbed during the construction phase. Bats Direct impacts as a result of loss of roosting, Negative effect: Probable commuting and foraging habitats; indirect impacts

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-32 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Fauna Characterisation of Unmitigated Impact on Significance Without Mitigation and Confidence Feature Levels from disturbance due to increased human activity and Significant negative effect at National Level: Unlikely cumulative impacts arising from displacement of populations, abandonment of young and mortality. Deer May experience indirect impacts as a result of Negative effect: Unlikely disturbance, however this is set in the context of the Significant negative effect at National Level: Extremely use of the study are for commercial forestry. Unlikely Red Squirrel While no red squirrel was observed on site potential Negative effect: Probable exists for it to occur and it may experience disturbance Significant negative effect at National Level: Unlikely during the construction phase.

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5.5.2 Operational Phase

5.5.2.1 Impact to Designated Sites

Designated sites are not expected to be significantly affected by the proposal.

5.5.2.2 Impact to Habitats

During the operational phase of the Wind farm there will be considerably less site activity compared to the construction phase. Maintenance visits are likely to be regular but infrequent, and will use established tracks. Therefore it is highly unlikely that vehicular access or turbine maintenance operations will result in habitat damage.

5.5.2.3 Impact to Fauna

Tables 5.13 and 5.14 below assess the impacts using NRA criteria (see Section 5.2.4) of the proposed Wind farm development on the sites species of value during operational phase. The main operational impacts of the wind farm will arise from the rotation of the blades of the wind turbines and, to a lesser extent, from occasional vehicular movement along access roads. The rotation of the blades is likely to present a potential collision hazard to birds and bats. The rotation of the blades of the turbines will result in increased noise levels which may cause disturbance to local wildlife.

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Table 5.13 - Summary of Characteristics of Operational Impacts on the Key Fauna Receptors of Ecological Significance

Description of Construction Duration Reversibility Timing/Frequency Positive/ Negative/ Fauna Magnitude/ Extent Impact Neutral Birds Wind farms can potentially Given that the proposed wind farm Lifetime of the wind Reversible - Negative impact on bird populations site lies within a commercial farm through four main categories: conifer plantation and that only § Collision ‘keyhole felling’ is proposed, the magnitude of potential impacts is § Disturbance displacement at most ‘low’. § Habitat loss or damage § Barrier effects Birdwatch Ireland has recently undertaken a study to provide a bird sensitivity mapping scheme for wind energy development (Muldoon & McGuiness, 2014). This process identifies 22 bird species that are considered to be vulnerable to wind energy developments. None of the 22 species considered to be particularly sensitive were recorded at Carrigadoon during the field surveys. Desktop studies also show that these species are not regularly recorded in the general area either. In his review of wind farms and birds in Ireland, Percival used a matrix of sensitivity against magnitude to determine the significance of impacts on bird species (Percival, 2003). From this criteria, only Meadow Pipit is of

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-35 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Description of Construction Duration Reversibility Timing/Frequency Positive/ Negative/ Fauna Magnitude/ Extent Impact Neutral Medium sensitivity as it is red listed. Bats Direct impacts arising from It is not possible to quantify the Lifetime of the wind Irreversible Timing not Negative death through collision with magnitude of impacts as there are farm. expected to be an turbine blades, and death currently no published results of a issue as there is no through barotrauma. study of bat mortality from Irish evidence of a bat wind turbines. There is an roost within the increasing amount of detailed site. published evidence from mainland Europe and North America that wind turbines cause bat fatalities. However, there is currently no evidence that mortality of bats on the same scale occurs in Ireland. Other Potential for disturbance from Expected to be low. Fauna Life time of the wind Initial - Negative Fauna occasional vehicular traffic, expected to habituate to the farm disturbance increased human presence and presence of the wind farm. reversible noise from turbines. within a year of two as fauna habituate to the presence of the wind farm.

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Table 5.14 - Summary of Operational Impact Significance and Confidence Levels in the Predicted Impacts on the Key Fauna Receptors without Mitigation

Fauna Characterisation of Unmitigated Impact on Significance Without Mitigation and Confidence Feature Levels Birds The operational impacts are expected to be low to very Negative effect: Probable low for the species of bird in the study area. Significant negative impact at National Level: Unlikely

Bats The operational impacts are expected to be low to Negative effect: Probable medium for the species of bat in the study area. Significant negative impact at National Level: Unlikely

Other Fauna The expected operational impacts are expected to Negative effect: Probable be low for the other vertebrate fauna within the Significant negative impact at National Level: Unlikely study area.

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5.5.3 Cumulative impacts

A cumulative impact arises from incremental changes caused by another past, present or reasonably foreseeable actions together with the proposed wind farm development. Most of the new infrastructure will be constructed within species‐poor coniferous forest habitat and mixed broadleaved habitat and within the body of public roads, there will be no in-stream works. Conifer forest within the site exhibits poor biodiversity with depauperate ground flora, and is considered a highly modified species poor habitat. The mixed broadleaved woodland is also a highly modified habitat, and is dominated by non-native species.

5.5.3.1 Other Wind Farms

There are no other wind farms located within 10km of the proposed Carrigadoon Wind farm1.

5.5.3.2 Forestry

Forestry is a common land-use on the ridge of hills to the north of Carrick-on-Suir, with several plantations of mature and young conifer stands present in this area. One of the impacts of this on the local environment is habitat loss, habitat creation and potential reduction in water quality. Historically, it can be assumed that the forestry in the area has resulted in a loss of peatland habitats such as blanket bog, wet and dry heath, and possibly some semi-natural woodland. This would have reduced the habitat available for certain fauna and flora species.

The development of forestry may also have resulted in degradation of the aquatic habitat for species such as otter, salmon and lamprey. The study area lies within the Suir River catchment. There are no streams or formal drains directly connecting the proposed wind farm site to any major water body. The proposed grid connection crosses one tributary of the Lingaun River, the Glen River and two of its tributaries. There will be no in-stream works and the grid connection will cross all watercourses in the body of the road. While the grid connection point at Ballydine sub-station is approximately 200m from the Suir it is not hydrologically connected. Taking into consideration the hydrological characteristics of the wind farm site and the lack of direct connectivity of the River Suir with the grid connection route, and also taking into account the measures included in the construction methods, it is not anticipated that the proposed Wind farm will contribute to a cumulative impact with forestry operations on water quality within the Suir River Catchment.

5.5.3.3 Farming

The study area is set in a predominantly agricultural landscape, with land immediately adjacent to the study area mainly comprised of improved agricultural grassland, bound by hedgerows. The main potential impacts of agriculture would be in terms of potential increase in nutrient levels of local watercourses.

However, as previously noted, there are no streams or formal drains directly connecting the proposed wind farm site to any major water body. The proposed grid connection crosses one tributary of the Lingaun River, the Glen River and two of its tributaries. There will be no in-stream works and the grid connection will cross all watercourses in the body of the road. While the grid

1 Information from http://maps.seai.ie/wind/, accessed June 2015

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connection point at Ballydine sub-station is approximately 200m from the Suir it is not hydrologically connected. Taking into consideration the hydrological characteristics of the wind farm site and the lack of direct connectivity of the River Suir with the grid connection route, and also taking into account the measures included in the construction methods, it is not anticipated that the proposed Wind farm will contribute to a cumulative impact with farming activities on water quality within the Suir River Catchment.

5.5.3.4 Other Projects

5.5.4 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario

Under the ‘do nothing scenario’ the commercial forestry currently located on site is likely to continue to undergo future phases of afforestation and felling. There would be no risk of impacts to bats as a result of collision with turbines or barotrauma. However, there would be disturbance to fauna and alteration to habitats as a result of normal forestry operations.

5.5.5 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario

The ‘worst case’ scenario with respect to the proposed development is that there will be impacts on habitats and fauna as a result of the proposed development. Based on the ‘worst case’ scenario the following potential ecological impacts would be likely as a result of the development:

§ Loss of 0.33ha of mixed broadleaved woodland during the construction phase; § Loss of 3.95ha of mixed broadleaved/ conifer woodland during the construction phase; § Loss of habitat (coniferous forestry) and disturbance of birds during the construction and operational phase; § Indirect impacts to aquatic species including salmon, lamprey, white-clawed crayfish and twaite shad as a result of pollutants and sediments entering watercourses; § Indirect impacts to otter as a result of a reduction in water quality affecting levels of available prey; § Direct impacts to badger setts resulting from clearance during the construction phase, disturbance to badgers during the construction phase; § Direct and indirect impacts to bats during the construction and operational phase; and § Disturbance to red squirrel during the construction phase.

5.6 MITIGATION MEASURES

5.6.1 Construction Phase

Construction of the wind farm is expected to cause adverse impact on the local ecology as outlined in the impact assessment in Section 5.5 above. A number of planned mitigation measures detailed below will reduce these impacts significantly. Many of the mitigation measures below have been based on CIRIA technical guidance on water pollution control (Murnane, E., Heap, A., and Swain, A., 2006).

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-39 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

5.6.1.1 Environmental Manager

It is recommended that an Environmental Manager with appropriate experience and expertise will be employed for the duration of the construction phase to ensure that all the mitigation measures outlined in relation to the environment are implemented. This manager will be awarded a level of authority and will be allowed to stop construction activity if there is potential for adverse environmental effects other that those predicted in the EIS.

5.6.1.2 Working in or Near Valuable Habitats

It is recommended that valuable habitats adjacent to working areas are demarcated to indicate clearly that no access is permitted. Where construction activity takes place in habitats categorised as ecological receptors (i.e. valuable habitats) it is important that activity is limited to the footprint of the infrastructure and immediate surrounds. Again areas where access is restricted should be demarcated.

5.6.1.3 Runoff and Sediment Control

Erosion control where runoff is prevented from flowing across exposed ground and sediment control where runoff is slowed to allow suspended sediment to settle are important elements in runoff and sediment control. An erosion and sediment control plan has been prepared and will be implemented (see Appendix 2.2 for preliminary Surface Water Management Plan) to prevent sediment and pollutant runoff during the construction phase. The plan will:

§ Implement erosion control to prevent runoff flowing across exposed ground and become polluted by sediments; § Intercept and divert clean water runoff away from construction site runoff to avoid cross contamination of clean water with soiled water; § Implement sediment control to slow down runoff allowing suspended sediments to settle in situ, particularly on roads; § Implement the erosion and sediment controls before starting site clearance works; § Minimise area of exposed ground by maintaining existing vegetation that would otherwise be subject to erosion in the vicinity of the wind farm infrastructure and keeping excavated areas to a minimum; § Designate a stockpiling area located away from drains that are protected by silt trapping apparatus such as a geo‐textile silt fence to prevent contaminated runoff where necessary; § Install a/a series of silt fence/s or other appropriate silt retention measure where there is a risk of erosion runoff to watercourses from construction related activity particularly if working during prolonged wet weather period or if working during intense rainfall event; § Implement sediment control measures that includes for the prevention of runoff from adjacent intact ground that is for the separation of clean and ‘dirty’ water; § Install appropriate silt control measures such as silt‐traps, check dams and sedimentation ponds; § Provide recommendations for road cleaning where needed; and § Controls need to be regularly inspected and maintained otherwise a failure may result, such as a build-up of silt or tear in a fence, which could lead to water pollution. Controls must work

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-40 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

effectively until the vegetation has re‐established; inspection and maintenance is critical after prolonged or intense rainfall.

5.6.1.4 Fuel and Oil

It is also recommended to implement a fuel management plan which should incorporate the following elements:

§ Mobile bowsers, tanks and drums should be stored in secure, impermeable storage area, away from drains and open water; § Fuel containers must be stored within a secondary containment system e.g. bund for static tanks or a drip tray for mobile stores; § Ancillary equipment such as hoses, pipes must be contained within the bund; § Taps, nozzles or valves must be fitted with a lock system; § Fuel and oil stores including tanks and drums should be regularly inspected for leaks and signs of damage; § Only designated trained operators should be authorised to refuel plant on site; § Procedures and contingency plans need to be set up to deal with an emergency accidents or § spills; and § An emergency spill kit with oil boom, absorbers etc. is to be kept on site in the event of an accidental spill.

5.6.1.5 Wheel Wash De-watering and Concrete

If the public roads are being dirtied by heavy goods vehicle traffic, it is recommended that a wheel wash area is provided and resultant waste water is diverted to siltation pond for settling out of solids. It is important that any pumping dewatering system is well planned and pumped water will need to be treated in the adequate settlement pond and silt trap.

It is important to prevent concrete from entering water on site and always to prevent it entering watercourses. Among other things, concrete will be used for construction of hard standings and bases and the following measures should be implemented:

§ Designate a concrete washout area away from drains and watercourses; § Washout of concrete trucks should occur off site at a designated, contained impermeable area; § A designated trained operator experienced in working with concrete will be employed during the concrete pouring phase; and § Large volumes of concrete water can be pumped into a skip to settle out; settled solids will need to be appropriately disposed of off‐site.

5.6.2 Felling

Tree felling will take place to facilitate access to the areas adjacent to the turbines, and these areas will be permanently cleared of forestry. Felling shall be undertaken outside the bird breeding season (1st March to 31st September). All associated tree felling will be undertaken using good working

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-41 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

practices as outlined by the Forest Service in their ‘Forestry Harvesting and Environment Guidelines’ (2000a) and the ‘Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines’ (2000b). The latter guidelines deal with sensitive areas, erosion, buffer zone guidelines for aquatic zones, ground preparation and drainage, chemicals, fuel and machine oils.

The Hydrology and Hydrogeology chapter have proposed mitigation measures to reduce the impact of nutrient runoff from felling operations.

All felled brash shall be removed off site to avoid release and runoff of phosphorous into sensitive watercourses.

Mature trees shall be checked for potential red squirrel nests or dreys prior to clear felling by the project or a suitably qualified ecologist.

5.6.2.1 Special Measures for aquatic ecology

An outline Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), including a surface water management plan, has been drawn up for the proposed wind farm and grid connection, which includes stringent measures that ensure the protection of watercourses, including the use of pollution and sediment control measures. This CEMP will be strictly adhered to and augmented by the contractors detailed method statement. A mechanism for reporting of pollution incidents will be agreed in advance between the contractor(s) and the awarding authority.

Please refer to Appendix 2.2 for details of the special protective measures built in to the project design for protection of aquatic species and habitats.

5.6.2.2 Special Measures for Badgers

A pre-construction survey should be undertaken prior to the commencement of construction to identify active badger setts occurring within the site.

In the event of badger setts being identified within proximity to the proposed works area, the following mitigation measures are proposed to ensure no disturbance of the local badger population during the construction phase of the proposed works (NRA 2005):-

§ A buffer distance of 10m from sett entrances should be employed in instances where light works such as digging by hand or in the event of scrub clearance. § A buffer distance of 20m from Badger sett entrances should be incorporated where light machinery (generally wheeled vehicles) are in operation within the site. § A buffer distance of 30m from Badger setts should be employed where heavy machinery is in operation within the site. § None of the above activities should be undertaken within 50m of active setts during the breeding season (1st December to 31st June inclusive).

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-42 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

§ In the unforeseen event that the project requires works to be undertaken within the recommended buffer distances outlined above, further measures as outlined in NRA (2009) will be adopted in liaison with local NPWS staff.

5.6.2.3 Special Measures for Bats

The following specific measures will be required to protect bats onsite and are in line with the NRA guidelines on provisions for the conservation of bats during the planning and construction of roads (2006). Reference is made to the NRA Guidelines (Best Practice Guidelines for the Conservation of Bats in the Planning of National Road Schemes and the Guidelines for the Treatment of Bats during the Construction of National Road Schemes).

Each of the proposed locations of the 8 turbines was surveyed and the bat activity findings recorded have identified specific areas of conflict that are listed in Table 5.15 below along with recommended mitigation measures to prevent or reduce the potential negative impacts in these areas.

Table 5.15 - Assessment of potential turbine/bat conflict zones

Turbine number Nearest vegetation Bat activity Recommended mitigation measures and general comments 1 Forestry Low Remove vegetation within 50m of the turbine blades 2 Forestry Low Remove vegetation within 50m of the turbine blades 3 Forestry Low Remove vegetation within 50m of the turbine blades 4 Forestry Low Remove vegetation within 50m of the turbine blades Forestry/ mixed Remove vegetation within 50m of the 5 Low broadleaved woodland turbine blades 6 Forestry Low Remove vegetation within 50m of the turbine blades 7 Forestry Low Remove vegetation within 50m of the turbine blades 8 Forestry Low Remove vegetation within 50m of the turbine blades

As shown in Table 5.15, mitigation measures to protect bats are required at each of the proposed turbine locations. In all cases it is recommended that existing vegetation is cleared to provide a vegetation-free buffer zone around the turbine.

Buffer Zones Bats commuting and foraging along onsite forest edge, treelines and hedgerows should be safeguarded by providing a 50m minimum distance buffer zone between the rotors of the planned turbines and the nearest vegetation to reduce the risk of collision and/or barotrauma. This is in line with present best practice guidelines (Carlin and Mitchell-Jones 2012) and should prevent impacts to bats that mainly fly low along such linear features e.g. the pipistrelles. Such a buffer zone can be

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-43 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

provided by either siting the turbines so that rotors are a minimum of 50m away from existing vegetation or by felling any trees within 50m of rotors. Such cleared vegetation should be managed and maintained during the operational life of the development.

From Carlin and Mitchell-Jones 2012: It is incorrect to measure 50m from the turbine base to habitat feature at ground level as this would bring the blade tips very close to the canopy of a tall hedgerow tree and potentially put bat populations at risk. Instead, it is necessary to calculate the distance between the edge of the feature and the centre of the tower (b) using the formula:

Figure 5-2 - Measurement Calculations for Vegetation Clearance Buffer

where, (in metres): bl = blade length; hh = hub height; and fh = feature height. For the example below, b = 69.3m

Removal of deciduous trees Any mature broadleaved trees that are to be removed, should first be surveyed for bat presence by a suitably experienced specialist. If bats are found, an application for a derogation licence should be made to the National Parks and Wildlife Service to allow its legal removal. Such trees should ideally be felled in the period late August to late October, or early November, in order to avoid disturbance of any roosting bats as per National Roads Authority guidelines (NRA 2006a and 2006b) and also to avoid the bird breeding seasons. Tree felling should be completed by mid-November at the latest as

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bats roosting in trees are very vulnerable to disturbance during their hibernation period (November – April). Trees with ivy Hedera helix cover, once felled, should be left intact onsite for 24 hours prior to disposal to allow any bats beneath foliage to escape overnight.

Should the removal of mature broadleaved trees be unavoidable, it is recommended that 2 bat boxes for each felled mature broadleaved tree shall be attached to suitable alternative trees in order to compensate for the loss of potential roosting space. The principal recommended type is the Schwegler 1FF bat box. 1FF bat boxes may be erected in pairs and all boxes must be placed in sites that will be protected from disturbance. Bat boxes must be no less than 2 metres from the ground and facing south. Bat boxes must be clear of scrub and away from ivy encroachment as well as lighting and traffic. These boxes must be away from any felling or trimming to ensure that they are not accidentally damaged or removed.

Retention of trees Several species of bats roost in trees. Where possible, treelines and mature trees that are located immediately adjacent to the line of proposed haul roads or are not directly impacted should be avoided and retained intact. Overall impacts on these sites should be reduced through modified design and sensitivity during construction. Any trees and treelines along approach roads and planned site access tracks should be retained where possible. Retained trees should be protected from root damage by machinery by an exclusion zone of at least 7 metres or equivalent to canopy height. Such protected trees should be fenced off by adequate temporary fencing prior to other works commencing.

Grid connection and material haul routes The bridge spanning the Glen River has potential to support roosting bats. The following recommendations adhere to best practice in maintenance of bridges for bats, as outlined in Shiel’s 1999 report Bridge Usage by Bats in County Leitrim and County Sligo (www.heritagecouncil.ie/publications/bats/index.html):-

§ Immediately prior to works on bridges, a thorough bat survey should be conducted by a bat specialist in order to identify whether any crevices are in use and to establish the size of these crevices. § When bridges are being renovated or new bridges built, known roosts should be retained and/or artificial roost units should be incorporated into the structure. § Bat boxes may be attached to a bridge after strengthening works have been completed. Bat boxes do not exactly replicate the conditions found in a deep crevice, and so should be used as a remedial measure only when there are no alternative roosting sites available in the bridge proper (for example, after pressure grouting). Where opportunities occur to incorporate bat roosting devices into bridges during repairs or construction of new sites these should be taken up. § Bats may roost in bridges at any time of the year but usually in small numbers. If a bridge is known to hold a nursery roost of bats it is vital that they are not disturbed in June and July when the young are born and have not started to fly. § It is also essential that bats are not disturbed if they are hibernating. The process of arousal from hibernation uses up critical fat reserves needed to sustain the animal through the winter months. § Individual or small numbers of non-breeding bats may be excluded temporarily to allow maintenance work to continue.

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-45 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Compensation for loss of commuting routes Linear features such as hedgerows and treelines serve as commuting corridors for bats (and other wildlife). Mitigation measures are recommended to compensate for the loss of these features that are used by bats as commuting routes. These measures will also compensate for habitat loss and provide continuity in the landscape.

Severed linear features such as hedgerows should, where possible, be reconnected using semi- mature trees under-planted with hedgerow species to compensate for the loss of hedgerows that are currently used by bats. The exact locations of such planting will be designed at detailed landscaping stage prior to construction. Native species should be used as they support more insect life than non-native varieties.

All planting shall preferably, be completed during the pre-construction phase to provide hedgerow growth prior to completion of the development. This would ensure that bats commuting in the area have prior knowledge of newly planted landscape features as well as ensuring the newly planted hedgerows are well established prior to completion of the wind farm.

Habitat retention, replacement and landscaping

Habitat replacement and landscaping could compensate for or add to the wildlife value of the area and also provide areas of aesthetic as well as wildlife interest. Further pro-active habitat restoration measures are considered below.

In general, best practice design should aim to retain the quality of the landscape where possible and ensure its protection within the landscaping programme. Existing hedgerows and treelines, semi- natural scrub or semi-natural grasslands should be retained where possible and incorporated into the landscaping programme.

The overall design of the project should also include habitat replacement or enhancement of existing onsite woodland, hedgerow, treeline and scrub habitats and it is recommended that the planting of native broadleaved trees is also considered. Native species should be chosen in all landscaping schemes. Planting schemes should attempt to link in with existing wildlife corridors (hedgerows and treelines) to provide continuity of wildlife corridors.

Lighting restrictions

In general, artificial light creates a barrier to bats so lighting should be avoided where possible. Where lighting is required, directional lighting (i.e. lighting which only shines on work areas and not nearby countryside) should be used to prevent overspill. This can be achieved by the design of the luminaire and by using accessories such as hoods, cowls, louvers and shields to direct the light to the intended area only.

5.6.2.4 Special Measures for Invasive Species

The presence of Japanese Knotweed has the potential to lead to an offence under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011). Regulation 49 of the 2011 Regulations prohibits (unless under licence) the breeding, release, or allowing or causing

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-46 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

the dispersal from confinement of any animal listed in the Third Schedule of the Regulations; or the planting, allowing or causing dispersal, and spreading of any plant listed in the Third Schedule. Japanese Knotweed is a plant listed in the Third Schedule.

It is an offence to plant or encourage the spread of Japanese Knotweed by moving contaminated soil from one place to another, or incorrectly handling and transporting contaminated material or plant cuttings. Persons must therefore take all reasonable steps and exercise due diligence to avoid committing an offence under the 2011 Regulations.

5.6.3 Operational Phase

5.6.3.1 Special Measures for Bats

Buffer zones

The vegetation-free buffer zones around turbines should be managed and maintained during the operational life of the development.

5.7 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS

With regards to bats, some of the planned turbines are to be located within or close to existing vegetation but providing a vegetation-free buffer zone around these turbines or increasing cut-in speeds should reduce the risk of collision and/or barotrauma to foraging and/or commuting species such as pipistrelles.

The worst case scenario is that, during operation, the turbines may possibly cause injury or death to a few individual specimens of Leisler’s bat as it is a high flying species (10m to 70m+). However, the amount of time spent hunting at the upper height limit cannot be assessed accurately due to the maximum distance (60m to 80m) of detection of this species by ultrasound detectors (Rodrigues et al. 2008) but most activity and time can be expected to occur in the mid-region of the species hunting altitude i.e. 40m. The resulting impact of the proposed development on local bat populations, with implemented mitigation measures, is considered to be minor negative with the favourable conservation status (FCS) of bat species being unaffected and all species confirmed or expected on or near the study area are anticipated to persist.

For ground mammals, the impacts will be negligible in the long-term following mitigation. There may be a reduction in some mammal activity (e.g. red squirrel) close to turbines due to noise disruption. Likewise, the impacts on birds will be negligible in the long-term following mitigation.

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5.8 MONITORING AND REINSTATEMENT MEASURES

Bat fatality monitoring As no research currently exists on bats and wind farms in Ireland, the planned development could provide an opportunity to gain baseline data on bat/turbine interaction and it is recommended that the scheme be monitored for bat fatalities for the first three years of operation.

Monitoring of mitigation measures

The success of the implemented mitigation measures for bats on the project should be monitored for a period of three years after construction and appropriate measures taken to enhance these if and where required. A recommended schedule for such monitoring is given in Table 5.16 below.

Table 5.16 - Monitoring Schedule Recommended for Bat Mitigation Measures

Mitigation Monitoring Description Duration measure required Planted material shall be checked periodically over the Ensure Newly growing season to remove dead material. Any dead From time of viable planted material shall be replaced within the same season with planting to 1 year growth of hedgerows viable stock according to age/height restrictions already post construction planting specified in mitigation. Bat boxes and tubes shall be examined by a licensed bat specialist according to NPWS recommendations. Records From mounting to Bat boxes Monitor bat should be submitted to Bat Conservation Ireland for 3 years post and tubes use inclusion in their bat distribution database. Re-site if construction. necessary. Annual cleaning required if well used by bats or if used by birds. Replacement if damaged/lost. From initial Mortality Fatality Corpse searches beneath turbines to assess the impact of operation to three study monitoring operation on bats. years post commissioning.

5.8.1 Enhancement Opportunities

There is an opportunity to provide some diversity to the habitats and consequently the bird populations through planting scrub species such as willow (Salix sp.), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and spindle (Euonymus europaea) along the edges of the access tracks. A qualified ecologist should draw up a suitable species for any such planting scheme.

5.9 REFERENCES

Arnett, E.B., Huso, M.M.P., Schirmacher, M.R. and Hayes, J.P. (2010). Altering turbine speed reduces bat mortality at wind-energy facilities. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, DOI: 10.1890/100103, The Ecological Society of America.

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Balmer, D.E., Gillings, S., Caffrey, B.J., Swann, R.L., Downie, I.S. & Fuller, R.J. (2013). Bird Atlas 2007- 11: the breeding and wintering birds of Britain and Ireland. BTO books, Thetford.

Bat Conservation Ireland (2012). Wind Turbine/Wind Farm Development Bat Survey Guidelines, Version 2.8. Bat Conservation Ireland, Virginia, Co. Cavan.

Bat Conservation Trust (2012). Bat Surveys: Best Practice Guidelines (2nd edition). Bat Conservation Trust, London.

Bibby, C.J., Burgess, N.D., Hill, D.A. & Mustoe SH (2000). Bird Census Techniques, 2nd Edition. Academic Press, London.

Billington, G.E. and Norman, G.M. (1997). The Conservation of Bats in Bridges Project: a Report on the Survey and Conservation of Bat Roosts in Bridges in Cumbria. English Nature, UK.

Byrne, A., W.; Sleeman, D., P.; O’Keeffe. J.; Davenport, J. (2012). The ecology of the European Badger (Meles meles) in Ireland- a review. Biology and Environment- Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 112 (1): 105-132. Royal Irish Academy.

Carlin, C. and Mitchell-Jones, T. (2012) Bats and Onshore Wind Turbines – Interim Guidance (2nd Edition), Technical Information Note TIN051. Natural England, Peterborough, UK.

Colhoun, K. & Cummins, S. (2013). Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2014-2019. Irish Birds 9.

Crowe, O. (2005). Ireland’s Wetlands and their Waterbirds: Status and Distribution. Birdwatch Ireland.

Drew, D. (2004) A Cave Database for the Republic of Ireland. Geography Department, Trinity College Dublin.

Drewitt, A.L. & Langston, R.H.W. (2006) Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds. Ibis, 148, 29 – 42.

Environment Agency (2013). The Knotweed Code of Practice. Managing Japanese Knotweed on Development sites V3. UK Environment Agency.

Fossitt, J. (2000). A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny.

Gilbert G, Gibbons D. W. and Evans J. (1998) Bird Monitoring Methods. RSPB, Sandyford.

Highways Agency (2001). Design Manual for Roads and Bridges Vol. 10: Environmental Design and Management; Section 4; Nature Conservation; Part 3; Nature Conservation Advice in Relation to Bats; HA 80/99.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (3rd Edition) (2004). Bat Workers' Manual: Chapter 11, Section 11.3: Bats in Bridges. Available as a pdf download at: www.jncc.gov.uk

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-49 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Nairn, R. & O’Halloran, J. (2012). Bird Habitats in Ireland. The Collins press.

NRA (2005) Guidelines for the Treatment of Badgers Prior to the Construction of National Road Schemes. National Roads Authority.

National Roads Authority (2006a). Best Practice Guidelines for the Conservation of Bats in the Planning of National Road Schemes. NRA, Dublin.

National Roads Authority (2006b). Guidelines for the Treatment of Bats during the Construction of National Road Schemes. NRA, Dublin.

NRA (2008). Guidelines for the Management of Waste from National Road Construction Project. National Roads Authority.

NRA (2010). Guidelines for the Management of Noxious Weeds and Non- Native Invasive Plant Species on National Roads (Revision December 2010). National Roads Authority.

Muldoon, C. & McGuinness, S. (2014). Bird Sensitivity Mapping for Wind Energy Developments and Associated Infrastructure in the Republic of Ireland. BirdWatch Ireland, Kilcoole, Wicklow.

Mullen, E. (2007). Brandt’s bat Myotis brandtii in Co. Wicklow. Irish Naturalists’ Journal 28: 343.

Percival, S.M. (2003). Birds and Wind Farms in Ireland: A review of potential issues and impact assessment. Ecology Consulting. Durham, UK

Rodrigues, L., Bach, L., Dubourg-Savage, M-J., Goodwin, J. and Harbusch, C. (2008). Guidelines for Consideration of Bats in Wind Farm Projects: EUROBATS Publication Series No. 3. UNEP/EUROBATS Secretariat, Bonn, Germany.

Ruddock, M. & Dunlop, B.J., O’Toole, L., Mee, A., Nagle, T.(2012) Republic of Ireland National Hen Harrier Survey 2010. Irish Wildlife Manual, No. 59. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland.

Russ, J. (1999). The Bats of Britain and Ireland: Echolocation Calls, Sound Analysis and Species Identification. Alana Books, Powys, Wales.

Russ, J. M., Hutson, A.M., Montgomery, W.I., Racey, P.A. and Speakman, J.R. (2001). The status of Nathusius’ Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii Keyserling and Blasius, 1839) in the British Isles. Journal of Zoology 254: 91 – 100.

Shiel, C. (1999). Bridge Usage by Bats in County Leitrim and County Sligo. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny.

SNH, (2014). Recommended bird survey methods to inform impact assessment of onshore wind farms.

MCE0760RP0006F01 5-50

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 18 Appendices: 0

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By rd F01 Final Issue 23 May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

rpsgroup.com/ireland

RPS Group Limited has used reasonable skill, care and diligence in compiling this report and no warranty is provided as to the report’s accuracy. No part of this report may be copied or reproduced, by any means, without the written permission of RPS Group Limited

rpsgroup.com/ireland

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6 SOILS, GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY ...... 6-1

6.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 6-1

6.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 6-2

6.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 6-4 6.3.1 Location ...... 6-4 6.3.2 Soils & Subsoils ...... 6-4 6.3.3 Geology ...... 6-7 6.3.4 Economic Geology ...... 6-8 6.3.3 Hydrogeology ...... 6-8 6.3.5 Geological Heritage ...... 6-11 6.3.6 Geotechnical Stability Assessment of Site / Slope Stability ...... 6-11 6.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 6-13 6.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 6-13 6.4.2 Operational Stage ...... 6-15 6.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 6-16 6.5.1 Construction Stage ...... 6-16 6.5.2 Operational Stage ...... 6-17 6.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 6-18 6.6.1 Construction Stage ...... 6-18 6.6.2 Operational Stage ...... 6-18

LIST OF TABLES

Table 6.1 - Assessment of Impact ...... 6-3 Table 6.2 - Soil Types Based On EPA Soil Map ...... 6-5 Table 6.3 - Subsoil Types Based On Teagasc Subsoil Map ...... 6-6 Table 6.4 - GSI Vulnerability Classification ...... 6-11

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

6 SOILS, GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY

6.1 INTRODUCTION

This Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of a planning application for the Carrigadoon Wind Farm. The proposed wind farm development includes the construction of 8 no. turbines, turbine hardstands, turbine foundations, drainage infrastructure, a sub-station, an underground cable route, 6km of new road construction, and new vehicular entrance and the relocation and upgrading of an existing entrance. This chapter assesses the impact of the proposed development on the soils, geology and hydrogeology of the study area.

The site is located approximately 7km north of Carrick on Suir. The site is currently in use for commercial forestry. The area of land in the ownership of Coillte is composed of two non- contiguous parcels of land. The western portion which contains proposed turbines T1, T2 and T3 on Curraghadobbin Hill occupies an area of 1.5km2. The eastern portion which contains proposed turbines T4, T5, T6, T7 and T8 on Carrigadoon Hill occupies an area of 1.6km2. The surrounding lands include agricultural operations and some equestrian activities in addition to a number of one off houses.

Access to the windfarm site will be from a relocated and upgraded vehicular entrance on the eastern side of Carrigadoon Hill and from a new entrance to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill. A substation is to be constructed on Curraghadobbin Hill. An underground grid connection is to be provided to the existing substation at Ballydine.

At present there is a vehicular accessible track from the existing entrance to Carrigadoon Hill from the country road on the eastern side of the hill. This track provides vehicular access to the top of the hill.

A new vehicular access and access roads are proposed at Curraghadobbin Hill. Due to the positions of the turbines, gradients of the hills and delivery truck requirements it has not been possible to use the existing forest tracks for wind farm purposes. The layout is shown on Figure 6.1 in Appendix A. It is proposed that the access roads will comprise of crushed rock or gravel surfacing on suitable foundations. The access roads are to have a usable road width of 5.5m. The crane platform areas are to comprise of a level area constructed from crushed rock with a top surface of natural gravel.

Part of the access road on Carrigadoon Hill close to the eastern entrance will be paved to facilitate turbine delivery as the gradient rises to 17%. There are no open water courses at the site at present. A drainage plan has been developed to accommodate the runoff from the access roads, crane platform areas, hardstanding areas, soil storage area and the construction compound. It is proposed that finger drains shall be used for the disposal of runoff to the ground.

The turbine towers are to be installed on concrete foundations of approximately 17m by 17m in area and to a depth of 2m (volume 578m3). The surface vegetation and soil layer will be removed and stored at designated storage locations adjacent to the foundation site. The stored surface material will be reused during the reinstatement of the foundation area following construction. It is proposed that the turbine foundations will be constructed using the excavate-and-replace method. Based on the known ground conditions it is not anticipated that piled foundations will be required at the site.

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The cable runs from the turbines will be located in trenches alongside the access tracks. The cable trench will be excavated to a width of approximately 0.5m and 0.75m deep. The excavated material will be laid alongside the trench for use in reinstatement.

A new substation, measuring approximately 40m by 20m, will be built on the site of the wind farm at Curraghadobbin Hill.

A grid connection is to be provided to the existing Eirgrid transmission substation at Ballydine over a distance of approximately 13.9km. The cable is to be buried in a trench in country roads from the site to the substation. The route will cross the N24 and railway line at Ballydine before it reaches the substation. This crossing will be accommodated by directional drilling under the road and railway line.

Tree felling will be required to facilitate the works and a tree felling licence will be sought following the receipt of planning permission. Tree felling is limited to a corridor of 10m either side of the roads and a 50m radius from the blade tip extents of the turbines.

There is unlikely to be a requirement for a borrow pit on site as a significant amount of cut is required on the main access road on Carrigadoon Hill (maximum depth 15m) from the main entrance on the eastern side of the hill and in turbine bases. Some of the turbines on Carrigadoon Hill are proposed on the downhill side of the road to minimise cut and to reuse material from other areas of cut. Excavated material will be used for the construction of the site access roads and hardstanding areas as the turbine locations and at the substation. There is roughly a 43:57 cut fill ratio on Carrigadoon Hill. Some excess material from the works on Curraghadobbin Hill can be used here if necessary.

Works on Curraghadobbin hill are likely to produce an excess of material and a borrow pit will not be required.

There will be some temporary stockpiling of material on both hills. There will be a residual amount of material which will not be used on site and which will be sidecast along the proposed access roads where possible though due to the sloping nature of the site opportunities will be limited. Excess material will be disposed of off-site.

The purpose of this chapter is to identify and address the impacts on soil, geology and hydrogeology in respect of the construction and operational stage of the wind farm.

6.2 METHODOLOGY

The assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the following guidance documents:-

. Guidelines for the Preparation of Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology Chapters of Environmental Impact Statements (Institute of Geologists of Ireland, 2014).

. Guidelines on Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements (Environmental Protection Agency, 2002).

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-2 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. Advice Notes on Current Practice in the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (Environmental Protection Agency, 2003).

. Windfarm Planning Guidelines, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2006).

This section of the EIS examines the soils, geology and hydrogeology of the study area and assesses the impacts of the proposed development on these aspects of the site. This report is based on a desk-top review of the available information and walkover surveys undertaken by RPS in June 2014. Ground investigation works will undertaken prior to detailed design and construction. A site walkover was carried out by an RPS geotechnical engineer in June 2014. The following were examined on site as part of the geotechnical assessment: ground conditions, topography, presence of soft ground / peat, drainage features and location of existing watercourses.

The following sources of data were used in the compilation of this chapter:-

. The Geological Survey of Ireland (www.gsi.ie online mapping); . Geology of Tipperary 1:100,000 Bedrock Geology Map Sheet 18 (GSI, 1996); . GSI 6” historical bedrock field sheets (Sheet 79); . EPA online mapping; . GSI areas of geological heritage (www.gsi.ie/mapping); . South Tipperary County Development Plan (2009) County Geological Sites;

The baseline information has been used to assess the potential impact of the proposed development on the soils, subsoils, bedrock geology and hydrogeology of the study area. Where possible mitigation measures have been proposed to ensure that any potential impacts identified can be mitigated during the construction and operational phase.

The potential impacts have been assessed as per the assessment criteria outlined in “Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements” EPA, 2002. In accordance with the EPA guidance the impacts have been assessed as positive, neutral or negative while the magnitudes have been assessed in accordance with the EPA criteria as outlined in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1 - Assessment of Impact

Impact Type Description

Positive Impact A change which improves the quality of the environment Neutral Impact A change which does not affect the quality of the environment Negative Impact A change which reduces the quality of the environment.

Significance of Impact Description

An impact capable of measurement but without noticeable Imperceptible consequences.

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-3 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Impact Type Description

An impact that alters the character of the environment without Slight affecting its sensitivities. An impact that alters the character of the environment in a Moderate manner that is consistent with existing or emerging trends. An impact, which by its character, magnitude, duration or Significant intensity alters a sensitive aspect of the environment. Profound An impact which obliterates all previous sensitive characteristics.

The duration of the impacts has been assessed as follows:

. Temporary (construction related and lasting less than one year); . Short-term (lasting 1 to 7 years); . Medium – term (lasting between 7 to 15 years); . Long term (lasting 15 to 60 years); . Permanent (lasting over 60 years).

6.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

6.3.1 Location

The study area is located approximately 7km north of Carrick On Suir. The proposed wind farm site is located approximately 6km east of Slievenamon and approx. 500m southwest of the Ahenny High Crosses. The land is in the ownership of Coillte and is operated as a commercial forestry.

The proposed wind farm site is composed of two areas. The western area is located at Curraghadobbin Hill with a topographic high of 237mOD. The western portion contains proposed turbines T1 to T3 at ground elevations of approximately 205mOD – 215mOD. The eastern area of the site is located at Carrigadoon Hill with a topographic high of 263mOD. The eastern portion is composed of proposed turbines T4 to T8 at ground elevations ranging from 180mOD to 232mOD.

The proposed development area is located on a ridge of high ground which marks the topographic divide in the area and acts as the catchment divide between the Lingaun River to the north and Glen River to the south. The ground slopes to the north and the south of each of the topographic highs at Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill. The topography of the study area is illustrated on Figure 6.1 in Appendix A.

6.3.2 Soils & Subsoils

6.3.2.1 Soil

Information on the soil types in the study area has been obtained from the EPA website and is illustrated on Figure 6.2 in Appendix A. A description of each of the soil types and their main features is provided on Table 6.2.

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-4 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Table 6.2 - Soil Types Based On EPA Soil Map

Parent Colour Code on Fig Soil Name Soil Group IFS Description Material 6.1 Shallow Brown Earths / Grey Brown Podzolics, Basic Shallow Well Drained BminSW Rendzinas, GLs Light grey Mineral Lithosols some outcropping rock. Grey Brown Basic deep Well Drained BminDW Podzolics, brown TLs Dark Grey Mineral earths Shallow acid brown, earths / brown podzolics, Acid shallow well drained AminSW RckNCa Pink / buff colour lithosols, mineral soil regosols, some outcropping rock Surface water gleys, Acid deep poorly drained AminPD TLPSsS Medium pink groundwater mineral soil gleys Acid brown Acid deep well drained AminDW earths, brown TLPSsS Dark pink mineral podzolics Acid poorly drained mineral AminPDPT Peaty gleys TLPSsS Bright blue soils with peaty topsoil Podzols (peaty), Acid shallow lithosolic or lithosols, peats, podzolic type soils Light blue / grey AminSRPT Rck NCa some potentially with peaty outcropping rock topsoil.

The proposed turbine locations have been assessed in terms of the available EPA mapped soils data.

In general the topographic high on the ridge is underlain by acid shallow well drained mineral soil (AminSW). These are the areas shaded in light pink on Figure 6.2 in Appendix A. The EPA soils maps indicates there are deposits of acid shallow lithosolics or podzolic type soils potentially with peaty topsoil (AminSRPT) on the areas where rock is close to the surface on the topographic high points at Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill.

On the north side of the ridge acid deep poorly drained mineral soils are found (AminPD). To the south of the topographic high point the soils are composed of acid deep well drained mineral soils (AminDW).

Turbines T1 and T2 are mapped as being located in acid deep poorly drained mineral soil (AminPD). While turbine T3 is mapped on acid shallow well drained mineral soil (AminSW).

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-5 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

In the eastern portion of the site turbines T6, T7 and T8 are mapped as being within acid deep well drained mineral soil (AminDW). While proposed turbines T4 and T5 are located within Amin(PD) acid deep poorly drained mineral soil.

Outside of the site boundary there are also deposits of acid poorly drained mineral soils with peaty topsoil (AminPDPT). There are also deposits of alluvium (AlluvMin) and lacustrine type soils (LAC) in the area but these are outside of the site boundary.

No peat deposits were observed on site during the site walkover survey in June 2014.

A proposed underground grid connection (cable route) is to extend over a distance of 13.9km from the proposed wind farm site to the existing Eirgrid transmission substation at Ballydine. The underground grid connection is to be located in a trench in the existing road network. The soils types along the proposed cable route are composed mostly of acid deep well drained mineral soils (AminDW) and acid deep poorly drained mineral soil (AminPD). There is also an area of alluvium along a tributary of the Lingaun River. There is an area of basic shallow well drained mineral soil (BminSW) along the Glen River south of Lissadober and in the area south of Butlerstown. There is an area of basic deep well drained mineral soil (BminDW) in the Ballydine Area in the vicinity of the proposed N24 road and rail crossing.

6.3.2.2 Subsoil / Overburden

Information on the overburden deposits present on site is available from the Teagasc Subsoil map as shown on Figure 6.3 of Appendix A. A summary of the main subsoil types in the area is provided in Table 6.3. All of the proposed turbine locations are located within areas mapped as being underlain by sandstone and shale till (TLPSsS). There is no site specific site investigation data available on the thickness and type of subsoil material present at the site. Rock is mapped as being close to the surface at the highest elevations within the windfarm site. Rock is close to the surface in the vicinity of turbine T2 as shown on Figure 6.3.

Outside of the proposed development area to the north and south of the ridge sandstone till is dominant (TDSs). There are also minor deposits of alluvium along the stream sections but these are outside of the site boundary (A). There are also deposits of limestone sand and gravels (GLS) to the south of the study area.

Table 6.3 - Subsoil Types Based On Teagasc Subsoil Map

Description Parent Material Permeability Colour Sandstone and shale till (Lower TLPSsS Moderate Yellow green Palaeozoic) Alluvium undifferentiated A Moderate Orange Sandstone till (Devonain) TDSs Moderate Blue Limestone sands and gravels GLS High Green (carboniferous)

Sandstone till (TDSs) has been mapped along most of the route of the proposed underground cable (grid connection to Ballydine Transmission Substation). There are minor areas of alluvium in the

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-6 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement area south of Ballinurra. There is an area of limestone sand and gravels (GLs) in the Lissadober area and also where the cable route crosses the R696. Rock is seen to outcrop close to the surface in the area to the north east of Woodlands. There is an area of limestone till (TLs) to the west of the proposed route at Butlerstown and in the area of the proposed crossing of the N24 and railway line at Ballydine. The subsoil in the Ballydine area is quite variable with alluvium and shallow bedrock also being mapped. There is no potential for soft ground indicated on the subsoil map along the proposed underground cable route.

6.3.3 Geology

6.3.3.1 Desk Study

Information on the bedrock geology of the study area is available from the GSI 1:100,000 Bedrock Geology Map, Sheet 18 Geology of Tipperary (GSI, 1996).

The bedrock geology and structural geology of the study area is characterised by the Slievenamon Inlier which is composed of Lower Palaeozoic rocks which form a plateau at an average height of 185mOD. The plateau is surrounded by a ridge of higher ground underlain by Old Red Sandstone. Siluirian greywackes and slates are located to the north of the study area while Lower Carboniferous Limestone forms the bedrock to the south. There is an approximate east to west trending anticlinal axis located to the north west of the study area. The proposed development area is located on the southern dipping limb of the fold. This results in the bedrock dipping to the south. There is one fault mapped within the application area boundary approximately 860m west of proposed turbine T1. The structural geology of the area is illustrated on Figure 6.4 of Appendix A in association with the regional bedrock geology map.

The bedrock underlying the ridge of higher ground within the study area including the proposed development area is composed of Old Red Sandstone rocks of Devonian age. The Kiltorcan Formation (KT) is mapped as forming the bedrock over the southern half of the study area, south of the majority of the proposed turbine locations. The Kiltorcan Formation is composed of yellow and red sandstone and green mudstone and forms the bedrock in the area of turbine T5.

7 no. of the proposed turbines are to be located on ground mapped as being underlain by the Carrigmaclea Formation (CI) these being T1, T2, T3, T4, T6, T7 and T8. The Carrigmaclea Formation is composed of red brown conglomerate and sandstone.

Moving northwards the bedrock geology changes to bedrock of Silurian age. Due to the presence of an unconformity (erosional break in the geological succession) along the northern margin of the Carrigmaclea Formation (Cl) there are no Ordovician rocks present in the area. The presence of an unconformity along the northern margin of the Carrigmaclea Formation results in Silurian Rocks of the Slievenamon Succession being unconformably (units missing from the geological succession) in contact with the Devonian rocks. The Silurian rocks include the South Lodge Formation (SL) which is composed of greenish greywacke and slate and the Ahenny Formation (AY) which is composed of grey and blue slate with minor tuffs.

Information on the bedrock geology has also been obtained from the 1:10,560 field sheets for the study area. The study area is covered by Tipperary Sheet 79. The field sheets indicate red conglomerate and sandstone to the north of proposed turbines T1, T2 and T3. There is no rock outcrop indicated in the immediate vicinity of the turbine locations. In the eastern portion of the

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-7 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement site there is outcrop of ”hard red sandstone” and “dark red shaly beds” dipping at 15 degrees to 25 degrees to the south. In the south of the study area “yellow sandstones” are reported to outcrop. There is a fossil location marked on the map in the vicinity of proposed turbine location T7 and T8. To the north of the study area the outcropping bedrock is described as “light grey slates”.

Between Ballinurra and Ballydine the underlying bedrock formations along the proposed underground grid connection are all limestones formations. The formations include the Ballysteen Formation (BA) a dark muddy limestone shale, the Waulsortian Limestone (WA) massive unbedded lime mudstone and the Kilsheelan Formation (KS) limestone which is occasionally cherty. In the area between Ballinurra and the crossing of the R696 no bedrock outcrops have been mapped. Shallower bedrock is expected in the vicinity of the crossing of the R696. Rock outcrops are limited to the areas between Woodlands and the R696 and in the area between Butlerstown and Ballydine Cross Roads.

The proposed crossing of the N24 and the railway line is in an area mapped as being underlain by karstified limestones. This will require detailed design and monitoring by a suitably experienced geotechnical engineer.

6.3.4 Economic Geology

The GSI website has been examined in relation to mapped aggregate potential of the study area and surrounding area. The aggregate potential mapping indicates that there are a number of historic pits and quarries in the north east corner of the site within the Coillte lands concentrated to the north and east of Turbine T7. There is no detail on these quarries provided on the GSI database (Figure 6.5 of Appendix A Geological & Hydrogeological Features Map).

The GSI database indicates the presence of mineral localities approximately 2km to the north east of the site. The closest former pits and quarries are located within 1km of turbine T7 and are shown on Figure 6.5.

There is also potential for sand and gravel deposits in the areas along the Lingaun River to the east of the site.

6.3.3 Hydrogeology

Information on the hydrogeology of the study area has been obtained from the Geological Survey of Ireland online mapping (www.gsi.ie) and the GSI groundwater body descriptions for the Carrick-On- Suir and Mullinavat groundwater bodies.

Aquifer Classification

Information on the aquifer classification for the area has been obtained from the GSI website. The GSI aquifer classification scheme is based on the value of the groundwater resources and the hydrogeological characteristics of the aquifer. Eight categories have been defined by the GSI as follows:

Regionally Important Aquifers (R):

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-8 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. Karstified Aquifers (Rk) . Fissured Bedrock Aquifer (Rf) . Extensive Sand and Gravel Aquifers (Rg)

Locally Important Aquifers (L): . Sand / gravel (Lg) . Bedrock which is Generally Moderately Productive (Lm) . Bedrock which is Moderately Productive only in Local Zones (Ll)

Poor Aquifers (P): . Bedrock which is Generally Unproductive except for Local Zones (Pl) . Bedrock which is Generally Unproductive (Pu)

A copy of the aquifer map is presented on Figure 6.6 of Appendix A. The majority of the proposed turbine locations (T1, T2, T3, T4, T6, T7 and T8) are mapped as being within the Carrigmaclea Formation which is classed as a Locally Important Aquifer (Ll) i.e. bedrock which is moderately productive only in local zones. The southern portion of the study area is underlain by the Kiltorcan Formation which is classed as a Regionally Important Fissured aquifer (Rf) and contains turbine T5.

There are deposits of sand and gravel to the south of the study area which are classed as Locally Important Sand and Gravel Aquifers (Lm) which are moderately productive.

In general Locally Important Aquifers tend to be capable of supplying private houses and farms. The borehole yields are often reduced significantly in dry spells as storage in the bedrock is low. Regionally Important Aquifers would be capable of supplying larger industrial demands or public regional water supply schemes.

Between Ballinurra and the proposed transmission substation south of Ballydine Cross Roads the majority of the proposed underground cable route is within the Regionally Important Karstified Aquifer (RKd). There are also minor areas where the route crosses bedrock which is generally moderately productive (Lm) aquifer.

Private Wells

There are no private houses within 500m of the proposed turbine locations. The GSI well database records indicate no private wells in the immediate vicinity of the proposed turbine locations. However it should be noted that not all boreholes in a given area will tend to be recorded on the GSI website.

There is no groundwater level data available from the site. Based on the topography of the area and the surface water catchments the regional groundwater flow direction is expected to be in a southerly direction.

There are no GSI or EPA Source Protection Zones indicated on the GSI website in the vicinity of the proposed development for any public water supplies. The Source Protection Zone for the Piltown / Fiddown Water Supply Scheme is located approximately 4km east of the proposed windfarm development area in the Mullinavat Groundwater Body.

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-9 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Karst Features

The proposed turbine locations (T1 to T8) and site development works at the wind farm site including the site access roads and substation will not be taking place in any areas underlain by limestone bedrock. There is no potential for the development of karst features within the wind farm site based on the mapped geology. The karst features in the vicinity of the windfarm site are shown on Figure 6.5 of Appendix A Geological & Hydrogeological Features Map.

The proposed cable route from the wind farm site to the transmission substation at Ballydine is located in areas underlain by limestone bedrock. A number of karst features are indicated on the GSI karst database in the areas which the proposed cable route passes through. There is a high concentration of identified karst features in area the west of the R696 between Woodlands and Kylanoreashy and in the limestone formations as far south as Ballydine Cross Roads. The majority of the features are described as enclosed depressions. While a swallow hole is mapped in the Ballinurra area.

Groundwater Body

The proposed windfarm development area is located in the Carrick On Suir and Mullinavat groundwater bodies. The bedrock geology map indicates that turbine T4 is located on the Kiltorcan Formation which is part of the Carrick On Suir Groundwater Body. The remainder of the turbines are located on the Carrigmaclea Formation which is part of the Mullinavat Groundwater Body. The proposed cable route to the substation at Ballydine is located within the Clonmel Groundwater Body.

Information on the groundwater quality and status has been obtained from the EPA website (07/07/15). The Water Framework Directive (WFD) Risk Score for the Carrick On Suir Groundwater Body, in the southern portion of the development area, is classed as category 1a i.e. the groundwater is at risk of not achieving good status. The Mullinavat Groundwater Body, located in the northern part of development area, is not classified. The Clonmel Groundwater Body is also classed as category 1a i.e. at risk of not achieving good status.

For the most recent available monitoring period (2007 to 2012) the WFD groundwater status has been reported as good status for all three groundwater bodies.

Information on the hydrogeology of the study area has been obtained from the groundwater body descriptions. The Mullinavat groundwater body underlies the northern portion of the windfarm site including turbines T1-T3 and T4, T6, T7 and T8. The effective aquifer thickness is expected to be approximately 25m. Discharge from the groundwater body is reported to occur typically at the foot of the hills which surround the River Suir. Due to the low permeability of the soil and subsoil and the sloping nature of the ground a high proportion of recharge discharges rapidly to surface water via the upper layers of the aquifer. This results in the groundwater and surface water being closely linked with typically short groundwater flow paths (30 – 300m). Due to the poor productivity of the aquifer it is unlikely that any major groundwater surface water interactions occur.

The Carrick On Suir Groundwater Body is classed as a productive fissured bedrock aquifer and underlies the southern portion of the site. Turbine T5 and some of the site roads are to be located on the Carrick On Suir Groundwater Body. Within this groundwater body longer flow paths are

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-10 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement expected with groundwater at depth expected to flow into shallower groundwater and subsequently into surface water bodies in outcrop areas at lowest elevations.

The Clonmel Groundwater Body is located south of study area in the area underlain by limestone formations and is classed as a productive karstic aquifer (RKd). The proposed cable route will be located on this groundwater body.

Aquifer Vulnerability

The aquifer vulnerability to pollution is a function of the overburden thickness and type (permeability) as outlined in GSI vulnerability classification in Table 6.4. The data for the area as mapped by the GSI is illustrated on Figure 6.7 of Appendix A.

The GSI vulnerability map indicates an extreme vulnerability rating at all of the proposed turbine locations (T1 to T8). The extreme vulnerability category includes the extreme (E) category and (X) category where rock is present at the surface. The mapping indicates that rock is at the surface in the vicinity of T3.

Table 6.4 - GSI Vulnerability Classification

Subsoil Permeability (Type) and Thickness Low Permeability Vulnerability High Permeability Moderate Permeability (Clayey Subsoil, Clay, (Sand / Gravel) (Sandy Subsoil) Peat) Extreme (E) 0 – 3.0m 0 – 3.0m 0 – 3.0m High (H) > 3.0m 3.0 – 10.0m 3.0 – 5.0m Moderate (M) N/A > 10.0m 5.0m – 10.0m Low (L) N/A N/A > 10.0m

6.3.5 Geological Heritage

No geological heritage sites have been identified with 1km of the proposed works area. The closest site is located approximately 2km west of turbine T1.

6.3.6 Geotechnical Stability Assessment of Site / Slope Stability

Site Walkover

An assessment of the site soil classification and stability issues was undertaken by RPS in combination with a site walkover in June 2014. No peat deposits were identified on the available mapping within the site boundary. In addition to the desk studies the site walkover also indicated no peat deposits exist on site. Rock outcrops were recorded in different parts of the site particularly at higher elevations. An abandoned quarry was also identified.

Stability Assessment

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-11 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The most notable areas of cut on the site will be at the main entrance track from the county road at the eastern side of Carrigadoon Hill and the access track to Curraghadobbin hill. To facilitate turbine delivery these access roads will be constructed at a slope of 17% maximum. The cuttings at the side of these roads will be at a slope of 1V to 2H in overburden and 1V to 1H where suitable rock is uncovered. To achieve this slope the width of area subject to excavation works will be up to 79m in places this could be reduced if suitable rock is encountered. This road gradient will decrease once it reaches the upper areas of the site. The access roads traversing the slopes have been designed to follow the existing contours and run parallel to the slopes thus minimising the gradient of the road and the amount of earthworks required. In such areas, the founding layers of the road will be benched into the slope to help prevent a slip surface developing.

Storage / Stockpile Areas

Following on from tree clearance, the topsoil layers along the proposed access roads and at the turbine hardstand areas and substation sites will have to be cleared prior to construction of the works. The depth of this layer is currently unknown but an estimate of 0.3m will be used. This should be stockpiled on site and re-used when topsoiling and grass seeding is to commence towards the end of the civil construction phase.

As the ground on site appears to be peat free and generally stable, the stockpiles can be placed at 1V:2H side slopes in any area on site that is generally flat (maximum of 1V:5H surface gradient). Where ground conditions are proven to be suitable for road construction just below the topsoil layer, side casting of the topsoil along the proposed road edge is acceptable.

Site Investigation

A detailed ground investigation will be required to assist the detailed design stage prior to the commencement of development. This should include site investigations at turbine locations where rock is not evident at the surface to ascertain depth to bedrock and suitable founding conditions. The site investigation will provide information on the rock properties to aid material classification and safe excavation side slope angles and hence increase the accuracy of stability analysis and road design recommendations.

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-12 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

6.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

The following potential impacts have been identified in relation to the soils, geology and hydrogeology.

6.4.1 Construction Phase

Soils and Geology

There is potential for sediment release as a result of the generation of sediment and spillage of soil from mobile plant and associated equipment during the construction phase. The mobilisation of sediment may lead to sedimentation of surface water features with increased concentrations of suspended solids.

Impact: Temporary Neutral Imperceptible Impact

The excavation of topsoil will be required along the proposed access road network, at the turbine bases and crane pads and at the proposed substation. It is proposed that this material will be used in the reinstatement of the foundation areas following construction. Any surplus material will be side cast. Unless managed correctly soil side casting and stockpiling creates the risk of soil erosion, mass movement and water quality deterioration.

Impact: Temporary Negative Slight Impact

Incorrectly designed drainage may increase instability risk on sloping ground. Drainage can increase suspended solids in natural water courses leading to siltation of stream beds with subsequent implications for fauna and flora as well as increased flood risk. Therefore, a detailed drainage system has been designed to cater for the expected flows and silt loadings.

Impact: Long Term Negative Slight Impact

Movement of construction traffic may lead to compaction of the soil reducing soil permeability and rainfall infiltration. This could lead to an increase in run-off and a subsequent increase in erosion.

Impact: Long Term Negative Slight Impact

The construction of the roads and turbines will involve the use of a range of materials and fluids. Fuels and lubricants used for construction machinery, which if spilled, have the potential to give rise to contamination of soils.

Impact: Temporary Negative Slight Impact

The excavation for the cable trench route will involve trenching adjacent to the proposed internal road layout within the site. In addition 13.9km of underground cable trench is required between the substation site at the wind farm site and Ballydine. This will also involve the excavation of a trench

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-13 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement in the public road. This will result in an impact on the ground due to compaction and removal of material off site where cable trenches are constructed adjacent to the road.

Impact: Permanent Negative Slight Impact

A Slope Stabilityassessment has been undertaken and indicates that the site is low risk with respect to slippage.

Impact: Long Term Negative Slight Impact.

As a result of the proposed development there is potential to sterilise natural resources in the study area. The GSI aggregate potential mapping does not indicate any potential for aggregate in the study area but a former quarry was encountered during the walkover survey and a number of pits and mineral localities are located to the north east of the windfarm site.

Impact: Permanent Neutral Imperceptible Impact.

Hydrogeology

The excavation and removal of the overburden material during the construction of access roads and turbine foundations will alter the potential vulnerability of the groundwater to pollution. In particular the significant depth of cut (maximum depth 15m) proposed adjacent to the site entrance.

Impact: Long Term Negative Slight Impact.

During the construction works on site temporary pumping of groundwater may be required during the excavation of drains or during the excavation of the underground cable route. There is potential for the discharge of suspended sediments in the pumped groundwater which may negatively impact on the surface water courses in the vicinity of the site.

Impact: Temporary Negative Slight Impact.

The pumping of the groundwater during the excavation of the underground cable trenches would lead to localised changes in groundwater levels. There are areas where sand and gravel deposit have been identified (Lissadober area) which could have high groundwater flows associated. There are no existing groundwater users in proximity to the site and the changes would be in a very limited area. The main impact is expected in the vicinity of the deep cut.

Impact: Temporary Negative Imperceptible Impact.

During the construction stage there is potential for the discharge of foul effluent from the onsite temporary welfare facilities. If not properly maintained there is potential for the contamination of groundwater beneath the site and potential for subsequent discharge to either the surface water in the area.

Impact: Temporary Negative Slight Impact.

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-14 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

There is potential for contamination of soil and groundwater from spillages including chemicals, solvents, fuel, lubricants, and hydrocarbons from plant or materials stored onsite during the construction operations. The potential exists for contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water. There is potential for contamination of the aquifer via direct percolation to the groundwater or via contamination of the surface water and subsequent percolation into the groundwater.

Impact: Temporary Negative Slight Impact.

6.4.2 Operational Stage

Following the completion of the construction stage there will be on going site management operations which may impact on the soils, geology and hydrogeology.

Soils and Geology

There is potential for an increase in instability risk on sloping ground as a result of inadequate drainage design.

Impact: Long Term Negative Slight Impact

There is potential for the clogging of drains and silt traps to take place if the proper maintenance operations are not carried out.

Impact: Long Term Negative Slight Impact.

There is potential for the sterilisation of lands with aggregate potential as a result of the proposed development. There are a number of historic pits and quarries indicated in the vicinity of T7.

Impact: Long Term Negative Slight Impact.

Hydrogeology

The access roads will be required to be maintained during the operational stage to facilitate turbine maintenance. There will be some changes to the drainage regime, although this will not significantly impact on the volume of recharge taking place to groundwater due to the porous nature of the access roads.

Impact: Long Term Neutral Impact.

During the operation stage of the wind farm there is potential for leakage of oil and fuel from vehicles accessing the site which could impact on the soil and groundwater quality.

Impact: Long Term Negative Slight Impact.

There are no down gradient private water supplies located within 350m of the boundary of the site. There is no potential for private well users in the area to be impacted.

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-15 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Impact: Long Term Negative Imperceptible Impact.

6.5 MITIGATION MEASURES

6.5.1 Construction Stage

During the construction phase there will be a number of measures put in place to mitigate any potential impacts on the geology and hydrogeology at the site.

Final detailed design of all road construction, stockpile areas and the substation site shall be carried out prior to construction.

All works will be carried out under the supervision of suitably experienced and competent personnel. All personnel on site will be informed of all ground conditions to be expected on site and made aware of any mitigation measure necessary to successfully complete the construction of the project.

Site preparation works will be carried out in dry weather where possible to minimise soil erosion and the release of sediments. Drainage and silt management measures as outlined on the Indicative Drainage Layout Plans will be installed to protect water quality down gradient of the site. Road side drains will be constructed in accordance with the Code of Best Forest Practice. The long term maintenance of roadside drains and silt traps is required. Check dams and dispersal drains are included in the proposed drainage regime and these shall be inspected regularly to ensure they are free of debris and sediment. Maintenance and remedial actions will be undertaken as necessary.

In order to reduce the potential for soil compaction and excessive disturbance of exposed soils all road construction vehicle traffic movements will be limited to the proposed access roads.

Although not envisaged as likely, any potential stockpiling areas are to be assessed by a geotechnical engineer prior to stockpiling taking place.

The assessment of the stability of soft soil in all excavations will be carried out by a suitability experienced geotechnical engineer during the construction stage.

Drainage infrastructure will be required to be installed at the start of the project. Inspection, monitoring and maintenance procedures need to be put in place to ensure the surface water drainage measures remain operational to prevent impact on slope stability. All proposed drainage works and ground preparation will be carried out in accordance with Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines (Forest Service, 2000).

The outline Construction and Environmental Management Plan will be updated prior to the construction stage which will provide detailed proposals in relation to the management, storage and disposal of excavated materials. The plan will be developed in consultation with the relevant statutory bodies including Tipperary County Council, Inland Fisheries Ireland and National Parks and Wildlife Service.

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-16 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

In order to limit the compaction of soil at the site, low ground pressure vehicles or vehicles with wide tyres, tracks and chains will be employed on site. The machinery will be specifically chosen to reduce the potential damage to soil and water pollution and slope stability issues. In addition to reduce the risk of soil compaction and rutting the load sizes specified by the manufacturers should not be exceeded.

Temporary welfare facilities will be provided by the contractor during the construction operations. Sewage generated during the construction phase of the project will be discharged to temporary portable toilet facilities. These units will be maintained and the waste collected therein will be disposed of using an appropriate contractor. The potential impacts of wastewater on soils and groundwater are therefore considered to be minimal.

Any construction machinery in use on site shall be maintained in good operational order while on site to minimise the risk of pollution incidents arising from leaking vehicles or machinery. A number of measures are proposed to prevent the contamination of the soil and groundwater during the construction phase arising from the storage of potentially polluting materials on site:-

. All fuels and oils for construction plant and machinery shall be contained in dedicated storage areas and bunded to contain a 110% volume of the capacity of the largest tank / containers within the bunded area. Drainage from the bunded area shall be diverted for collection and safe disposal. Re-fuelling points for plant will be located within a designated area of the site and located at least 50m from the nearest aquatic zone on a dry elevated site. For vehicles that cannot be moved to the dedicated fuel storage area a mobile double skinned tank shall be used and operated by trained personnel kitted out with a spill kit.

. A supply of spill kits and hydrocarbon packs shall be stored on site and operators shall be trained in the use of these materials. In advance of the construction phase commencing procedures for fuel and or chemical handling and storage shall be developed.

. Hazardous waste materials generated on site during the maintenance operations shall be removed from site disposed or at an appropriate licenced facility.

Following the completion of the construction operation any sediment and debris which may have accumulated is to be removed from drains, sediment traps and culverts.

The installation of the N24 road and railway line crossing south of Ballydine Cross Roads is required in an area of potentially karstified limestone. This will require detailed design and monitoring by a suitably experienced geotechnical engineer.

6.5.2 Operational Stage

In order to ensure that drains are operating correctly and are not being clogged, visual inspections of the drainage system shall be carried out on a regular basis to ensure they are free from contamination and clogging of sediments. Any materials requiring disposal from cleaning of the drains will be removed for disposal at a suitable location.

Toilet facilities are to be provided at the substation compound. Based on the number of personnel working on site during the operational phase usage is expected to be minimal. A foul water tank will

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-17 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement be installed within the compound and fitted with a level sensor which will be connected to the site SCADA control system and will alert the wind farm operator when the foul water reaches a certain level. It will be emptied every 6 months or more often if required.

6.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS

This section provides the assessment of the predicted impacts of the proposed works under this application once the mitigation measures outlined above have been taken into consideration.

6.6.1 Construction Stage

Provided that appropriate engineering supervision, good site practices and all of the mitigation measures outlined are implemented there, the construction phase will have the following residual impacts:

. Permanent excavation of materials for roads, turbine bases and substation area. . Compaction of ground from construction traffic.

There are no significant residual impacts on the soils, geology and hydrogeology as a result of the construction stage.

6.6.2 Operational Stage

Provided all the mitigation measures outlined are implemented no residual impacts are predicted from the operational stage on the soils, geology and hydrogeology.

MCE0760RP0006F01 6-18

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environment al Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 12 Appendices:

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By th F01 Final Issue 20 May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

rpsgroup.com/ireland

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

7 HYDROLOGY AND FLOODING...... 7-1

7.1 INTRODUCTION...... 7-1

7.2 METHODOLOGY...... 7-1

7.3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 7-2 7.3.1 Location ...... 7-2 7.3.2 Hydrology...... 7-2 7.3.3 Flooding in the Area ...... 7-3

7.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 7-4 7.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 7-4 7.4.2 Operational Stage ...... 7-6

7.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 7-9 7.5.1 Construction Stage...... 7-9 7.5.2 Operational Stage ...... 7-10

7.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS...... 7-12 7.6.1 Construction Stage...... 7-12 7.6.2 Operational Stage ...... 7-12

APPENDICES

Appendix A Title

Appendix B Title

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 7.1 - Map of Water Features in Area (taken from EPA Maps)...... 7-3 Figure 7.2 - Flood Report from OPW Floodmaps.ie ...... 7-4

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

7 HYDROLOGY AND FLOODING

7.1 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this chapter is to identify and address the impacts on hydrology in respect of the proposed wind turbines, forest roads, the associated clearfell, and any potential cumulative impacts, and to complete a flood risk assessment of the proposed works.

7.2 METHODOLOGY

The findings of this report are based on a desk-top review of the available information and on site walkover surveys.

The assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the following guidance documents:

. Guidelines on Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements (Environmental Protection Agency, 2002). . Advice Notes on Current Practice in the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (Environmental Protection Agency, 2003). . Code of Best Forest Practice – Ireland (Forest Service & Department of Marine & Natural Resources, 2000). . Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines (Forest Service, 2000). . Forest Harvesting and the Environment Guidelines (Forest Service, 2000).

The following sources of data were used in the compilation of this chapter:

. GSI 6” historical bedrock field sheets; . EPA online mapping; . OPW Hydronet.com; . Floodmaps.ie; . OPW Hydrotool;

The site walkover was carried out by an RPS hydrologist on the 4th of September, 2014. The following were examined on site as part of the route assessment: ground conditions, topography, identify any drainage features and location of watercourses. The baseline information was then used to assess the potential impact of the proposed development on the hydrology of the study area and to carry out a flood risk assessment of the development. Where possible mitigation measures have been proposed to ensure that any potential impacts identified can be mitigated during the construction and operational phase.

The potential impacts have been assessed as per the assessment criteria outlined in “Guidelines On the Information To be Contained In Environmental Impact Statements” EPA, 2002.

MCE0760RP0006F01 7-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

7.3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

7.3.1 Location

The study area is located on Carrigadoon Hill and Curraghadobbin Hill. There are eight proposed turbines in the locations shown in Figure 2.1 of this EIS. Each turbine requires an area of hardstanding and an area of turbulence clearfelling (50m from rotor blades). The new access roads are to be constructed at elevations ranging from 40m to 250mOD. The site lies within the Suir Hydrometric area (HA16, Source: EPA envision mapping). The surrounding land use is a mixture of forest and agricultural land.

7.3.2 Hydrology

A desktop study of the existing topography and drainage of the area was carried out. The desktop study utilised aerial photographs, OSI mapping, historical mapping, EPA Envision mapping and OPW Hydrotool mapping. A site visit was also carried out by RPS staff on 4th September 2014; drainage aspects of the area were noted.

The proposed site lies within the Suir Hydrometric area. The River Lingaun rises to the north west of the proposed site. It flows in an easterly direction, then changes course to flow south past the site to meet the River Suir east of Carrick-on-Suir. There is a drinking water abstraction point immediately north of Carrick-on-Suir, approximately 5km downstream of the windfarm site.

The EPA records identify the Newtown Lower River as a tributary of the Lingaun, which rises to the south of the site and flows in an easterly direction past the site then turns south crossing the public county road to meet the Lingaun River around Cregg Bridge. At the time of the site visit this was not visible as a notable open water channel crossing the county road, but may run in a drain below the road at times of higher rainfall.

The eastern part of the proposed site on Carrigadoon Hill lies within the Lingaun River catchment, however there are no streams or formal drains directly connecting the site to any major water body.

The Glen River rises to the south west of the site and flows in a south westerly direction to meet the River Suir in Carrick on Suir. The western part of the proposed site on Curraghadobbin Hill lies within this river catchment, but there are no streams or formal drains directly connecting the main wind farm site to any major water body. The proposed grid connection route however which runs in the public road to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill crosses the Glen River and 2 tributaries of same in three places along this road. Two of the crossing points are bridges with one draining under the road. The grid connection will be placed within the road build up at each of these locations. No instream works are proposed.

MCE0760RP0006F01 7-2 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 7.1 - Map of Water Features in Area (taken from EPA Maps)

7.3.3 Flooding in the Area

The proposed wind farm site is located on Carrigadoon and Curraghadobbin Hills. The steep topography of the area precludes any risk of flooding in its immediate vicinity. The national flood hazard mapping website indicates two recurring incidents of flooding within 2.5km of the Carrigadoon/Curraghadobbin area (see Figure 7.2 below, Flood Report from OPW Floodmaps.ie). The Lingaun River is reported to back up at the Newtown Bridge to the south east of the site, flooding the road approximately once every two years. To the south west of the site a stream is reported to back up at Barry’s bridge causing “extensive land flooding” approximately once every two years. In 2004 a house was flooded as a result of this.

MCE0760RP0006F01 7-3 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 7.2 - Flood Report from OPW Floodmaps.ie

7.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

7.4.1 Construction Phase

The main works to be undertaken at the site for the construction stage is the construction of approximately 6,060m of new access road, the erection of 8 no. wind turbines, the construction of hardstanding areas for the turbines, clearfelling for roads and hardstanding areas and some local areas of replanting along road corridors where clearfell will be required for road construction purposes.

The proposed access roads will be maintained to facilitate maintenance of the wind farm and they will also serve future planting, harvesting and maintenance of the forest area. They will be composed of crushed rock and stone which is to be placed in a series of layers on a suitable

MCE0760RP0006F01 7-4 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

foundation layer. For a section of road on each of the hills where the slopes are particularly steep, the proposed access road is to be given a tarmac finish (to facilitate turbine delivery) which will have close to 100% impermeability. This affects a length of road of approx. 720m on Carrigadoon Hill and approx. 110m on Curraghadobbin Hill. No borrow pits are proposed to be excavated on site for materials. The construction of roads can impact on drainage and hydrology increasing runoff from the site and reducing infiltration to groundwater. This in turn could increase the peak flow to streams locally, and consequently increase flood risk. This is considered to be a potential permanent slight negative impact.

Soil will be compacted by the movement of construction machinery. The compaction of the soil may lead to the reduction in the ability of these soils to store water and result in increased runoff and flood risk. This is a long term slight negative impact.

During the construction stage, the existing soil regime will be disturbed, particularly in the areas which require excavation of up to 15m for the access road on Carrigadoon Hill. In these areas bare soil will be exposed on steep slopes for a period until vegetation has been re-established. There is the potential for sediment laden runoff from the site clearance and construction works to occur. Drainage and silt management measures will be required to be installed in association with the road construction to address and prevent this. This is considered to be a temporary slight negative impact.

There is potential for contamination of surface water from spillages including chemicals, solvents, fuel, lubricants, and hydrocarbons from plant or materials stored onsite during the construction of the access roads and the clearfelling and replanting operations. This is considered to be a temporary slight negative impact.

Following the clearfelling operations there is potential for an increase in runoff from the site which could impact on the hydrological environment until vegetation becomes established on bare soil. Increased runoff could result in an increase in the peak flow to the streams locally, and consequently increase flood risk. Following the fallow period some localised replanting will take place. This is a short term slight negative impact.

The clearfell and replanting operations will disturb soils and may result in increased sedimentation of run-off at the site. This is considered to be a temporary negative impact in relation to hydrology.

There is a stand of Japanese Knotweed in the south-east of the study area at Carrigadoon Hill. The Japanese Knotweed shall be managed in accordance with the recommendations set out in the NRA document Guidelines for the Management of Noxious Weeds and Non- Native Invasive Plant Species on National Roads (Revision December 2010), which is likely to require both physical and chemical treatment. With the use of chemical treatment, there is potential for contamination of surface water. In the event of herbicide or pesticide application being required and contaminating surface water, it would represent a short term slight to moderate negative impact.

There is potential for leaching of nutrients to the surface water. The forestry guidelines (Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines, 2000) indicate that phosphorus loss can occur during site preparation while nitrate and ammonia can be lost during initial site drainage, thinning and harvesting stages. The maximum leaching of nutrients can tend to occur a few years after cutting. The potential for leaching of nutrients is considered to be a short term slight negative impact. Nutrients may also be

MCE0760RP0006F01 7-5 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

added to surface waters from fertilisers. No fertilisers are proposed to be applied but the Forest Service may require the application of urea to stumps to prevent butt rot.

7.4.2 Operational Stage

Following the construction, clear-felling and replanting there will be site management operations which may impact on hydrology.

Herbicides and pesticides are not proposed to be applied on site in general. However, treatment of the Japanese Knotweed in the south-east of the study area at Carrigadoon Hill may be ongoing into the operational phase. In the event of herbicide or pesticide application being required into the operational phase and contaminating surface water, it would represent a short term slight to moderate negative impact.

There is potential for the clogging of drains and silt traps to take place if the proper maintenance of same is not carried out. This is considered to be a long term slight negative impact.

The access road will be required to be maintained during the operational stage. There will be some changes to drainage regime but the changes are not expected to be significant. This is considered to be a permanent slight negative impact.

During the operational stage of the wind farm there is potential for leakage of oil and fuel, from maintenance vehicles accessing the site, to the surface water. This is considered to be a long term slight negative impact.

The replanting of trees at the site will result in an alteration of the drainage characteristics of the site as water will be absorbed by the roots of trees. However this is considered to be a neutral impact as the land is currently under forestry at the present time.

7.4.2.1 Flood Risk Assessment

The construction of new hard surfaced areas at the site (i.e. the proposed new access roads, hardstand areas) will result in a reduction in the amount of permeable land on site, thereby increasing the rate at which surface water will run off the land. Left unmanaged, increased runoff rates may result in downstream flooding, channel erosion and river pollution amongst other adverse effects.

The Modified Rational Method was used for the estimation of runoff from the proposed hard surfaced areas.

Q = 2.78 * Cr * Cv * I * A

where, Q = Flow (l/s) A = Area (ha) I = Rainfall Intensity (mm/hr)

Cv = Volumetric Runoff Coefficient Cr = Routing Coefficient

MCE0760RP0006F01 7-6 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Rainfall intensities were calculated for 100 year storm events with durations of between 5 minutes and 24 hours using the method outlined in the Flood Studies Report (Natural Environment Research Council - 1975).

100 yr Return Period Duration Rainfall Intensity (mins) (mm/hr) 5 140.69 10 105.96 15 87.93 30 59.43 60 39.28 120 24.75 240 15.74 360 11.96 600 8.40 1440 4.64

The rainfall intensity used for design purposes is 50mm/hr. This approximately equates to a 50 minute storm event with a 100 year return period.

A routing coefficient of 1.3 was applied.

Most of the proposed forest road will not be 100% impermeable, but will be constructed using hardcore and will therefore have some degree of permeability. For the purpose of estimating surface water runoff, the impermeability of these hardstanding areas is assumed to be 70%. This translates to a run-off coefficient of 0.7.

The approximately 830m of proposed road to be given a tarmac finish and the concrete bases for the turbines will be close to 100% impermeable. For the purpose of estimating surface water runoff, the impermeability of these hardstanding areas is assumed to be 100%. This translates to a run-off coefficient of 1.

The approximate areas of the proposed new access road and hardstanding draining to each of the catchments are broken down as follows:

A - 70% 1 A - 100% Impermeable Catchment Name Impermeable area 2 area (ha) (ha) Lingaun 2.33 0.52 Glen 2.73 0.14

The estimated rainfall is increased by a factor of 20% to allow for climate change, as per the recommendations of Volume 5 of the Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study and the Draft Guidance issued by the OPW on the Assessment of Potential Future Scenarios for Flood Risk Management.

MCE0760RP0006F01 7-7 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Based on the above, runoff rates for the hard surfaced areas in each catchment were calculated as follows:

Lingaun A1 Runoff: 352 l/s

Lingaun A2 Runoff: 114 l/s Total Runoff to Lingaun: 466 l/s

Glen A1 Runoff: 415 l/s

Glen A2 Runoff: 30 l/s Total Runoff to Glen: 445 l/s

To compare these flow rates to the overall catchment, an estimated value for the mean annual flood flow rate (Qmed) was taken from the OPW Rainfall and Flood Estimation Application for each catchment area:

Lingaun 18,475 l/s

Glen5,348 l/s

By comparing these figures we can conclude that in the unlikely event that a 50 minute rainfall event with a 100 year return period were to occur while the rivers were flowing at the mean annual flood rate there would be an increase in flow rate of 2.5% in the Lingaun and 8.3% in the Glen if no controls are in place.

It is proposed to control and mitigate this increase in flow by using the roadside drainage channels, check dams, silt traps and attenuation areas (described in the SWMP) to slow down and attenuate run-off from the proposed development.

The runoff will be divided among finger drain outfalls at 50m intervals where possible. The use of inline attenuation and evenly distributed finger drains will mimic the existing drainage regime by spreading the runoff throughout the catchment.

To ensure that the works do not impact on the existing drainage regime in the area, and natural flow paths will not be interrupted or diverted in such a manner as to give rise to erosion or instability of soils caused by an alteration in water movement either above or below ground, proposals have been provided in an SWMP (See Outline CEMP, Appendix 2.2), which aim to replicate the natural drainage regime as closely as possible. Should the proposals be implemented by the developer, then the associated flood risk with the new hard surfaced areas is deemed to be very low. No impacts are expected to arise to any roads or private properties downstream of the proposed development. Potential for impact is considered to be imperceptible in the short and long-term.

MCE0760RP0006F01 7-8 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

7.5 MITIGATION MEASURES

7.5.1 Construction Stage

Site preparation works shall be carried out in dry weather where possible to minimise soil erosion and the release of sediments to watercourses. In order to protect surface water quality, exclusion and buffer zones will be put in place in accordance with the Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines (Forest Service 2000). As there are no water bodies or aquatic zones within 100m of the proposed works these buffer zones will not be in any way prohibitive to the works. The exclusion and buffer zones will be sized based on the actual slope in a particular area but they shall not be less than the minimum recommended distances as set out in the afore-mentioned Guidelines.

Road construction particularly is to be carried out outside of periods of heavy rainfall. This will reduce the potential for the wash out of sediment to the adjacent surface water courses.

The access roads are to be constructed from granular fill material. Where possible the proposed access roads are to be gravel surfaced to allow infiltration and the road profile will be designed to allow runoff into the adjacent drainage ditches rather than along the length of the access road. The granular nature of the road construction materials will facilitate the infiltration of surface water and reduce surface water runoff and flood risk. However due to the excessive slopes (>12%) for approximately 830m it will be necessary to apply a hard top surface to the proposed roads.

To interfere with an existing drainage pattern during the construction phase of a project can lead to an effective increase in the catchment area of one watercourse, and consequently to a decrease in the catchment area of another. In accordance with best practice it is proposed that any part of the clearfell and road construction area located within a particular catchment will continue to be drained to that catchment and therefore to preserve the existing hydrological regime the existing drainage network is to be maintained where possible. However, adjacent to the access road, some diversions will be required, along with piping under the road. A Surface Water Management Plan is set out in the ‘Outline Construction and Environmental Management Plan’ (Appendix 2.2) and this will be developed and detailed further prior to the construction stage to ensure the existing flow regime can be maintained where possible to prevent against disruption of the flow regime which could lead to slope failure. Drainage infrastructure will be required to be installed in advance of the clear felling operations. Inspection, monitoring and maintenance procedures need to be put in place to ensure the surface water drainage measures remain operational to prevent impact on hydrology and flood risk. All proposed drainage works and ground preparation will be carried out in accordance with Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines (Forest Service, 2000).

In areas with large cut slopes or embankments silt fences will be required along the toe of the slopes while vegetation is re-established on the soil.

MCE0760RP0006F01 7-9 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Road side drains will be constructed in accordance with the Code of Best Forest Practice. Check dams and dispersal drains are also to be included in the proposed drainage regime and these too shall be inspected regularly to ensure they are free of debris and sediment. Remedial actions will be undertaken as necessary.

Drainage channels and pipes will be designed to have adequate capacity for 1 in 100 year rainfall events. Flexible pipe systems will be used to limit breakages, blockages and springs arising if movement of the ground occurs.

In order to limit the compaction of soil and excessive disturbance of exposed soils at the site, the access road and site compound will be utilised for vehicle movements (other than machinery associated with felling activities that is required to access the clearfell areas). Low ground pressure vehicles or vehicles with wide tyres, tracks and chains will be employed on site. The machinery will be specifically chosen to reduce the potential damage to soil and resulting sedimentation and surface water pollution. In addition to reduce the risk of soil compaction and rutting the load sizes specified by the manufacturers should not be exceeded.

Any construction machinery in use on site shall be maintained in good operational order while on site to minimise the risk of pollution incidents arising from leaking vehicles or machinery. A number of measures are proposed to prevent the contamination of the surface water during the construction phase arising from the storage of potentially polluting materials on site:-

. All fuels and oils for construction and clearfelling plant and machinery shall be contained in dedicated storage areas and bunded to contain a 110% volume of the capacity of the largest tank / containers within the bunded area. Drainage from the bunded area shall be diverted for collection and safe disposal. Re-fuelling points for plant will be located within a designated area of the site on a dry elevated site. For vehicles that cannot be moved to the dedicated fuel storage area a mobile double skinned tank shall be used and operated by trained personnel kitted out with a spill kit. . A supply of spill kits and hydrocarbon packs shall be stored on site and operators shall be trained in the use of these materials. In advance of the construction phase commencing procedures for fuel and or chemical handling and storage shall be developed. . No fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides will be stored on site. . Hazardous waste materials generated on site during the maintenance operations such as pesticide or herbicide containers shall be removed from site disposed or at an appropriate licensed facility.

The clear felling operations will be carried out in accordance with a felling plan which will be developed for the site.

7.5.2 Operational Stage

In order to minimise the impact of increased runoff from access roads, roadside drains will connect to existing drainage channels via finger drains. In accordance with best practice it is proposed that any part of the clearfell and construction area located within a particular catchment will continue to be drained to that catchment at the operational stage.

MCE0760RP0006F01 7-10 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) as set out in the Outline CEMP describes proposals to include check dams and silt traps at appropriate spacings along the new wind farm roads and turning areas, along with outfall pipes and a dispersal system located on the downhill side of the proposed access track.

An open drainage channel shall be constructed along the new access tracks. Where ground conditions allow, the drainage channel will allow runoff to infiltrate into the ground. The primary function of the drainage channels will be conveyance of runoff through a series of check dams and silt traps to a point where it is released to filter across a vegetation buffer zone by way of finger drain outlets, before reaching any watercourses. A check dam is a small dam built across a minor drainage channel. Silt traps will be created by widening and deepening the drainage channels locally. Further detail is provided in the Outline CEMP. Check dams and silt traps reduce the effective slope of the channel, thereby reducing the velocity of the flowing water, and allowing the formation of stream pools in the drainage channel. Under low-flow circumstances, water infiltrates into the ground, evaporates or, seeps through or under the dam. As a result, the check dams and silt traps will provide a level of attenuation in the drainage channel. Specifically, the sections of new road from chainage 0 – 1160m and chainage 3500m – 3650m will require an increased frequency of check dams due to the steeper gradient in this location. See SWMP in Outline CEMP.

V-notch finger drains provide radial dispersal of site runoff to intact vegetation. The shallow drainage trenches form a series of radial spurs from the drainage channels, creating a diffuse outfall flow to the adjacent intact vegetation. It is proposed that outfalls from the main drainage channel will cross under the road to dispersal systems at regular intervals. Site observations will be carried out to allow the developer to determine the most appropriate locations for outfall pipes under the road and the associated dispersal system.

The long term maintenance of roadside drains and silt traps is required. In order to ensure that drains are operating correctly and are not being clogged, visual inspections of the drainage system will be carried out on a regular basis to ensure they are free from contamination and clogging of sediments. Any materials requiring disposal from cleaning of the drains will be kept outside the aquatic buffer zones or removed off site for disposal at a suitable location.

The storage, use and application of herbicides (if required) will comply with the Forest Protection Guidelines (Forest Service 2002), the Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines (Forest Service, 2000) and any other relevant water quality guidelines and legislation.

In the event that pesticides application is required in the future in response to a specific pest attack the use, storage and application of pesticides will need to comply with the Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines (Forest Service, 2000).

MCE0760RP0006F01 7-11 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

7.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS

7.6.1 Construction Stage

Provided that appropriate engineering supervision, good site practices and all of the mitigation measures outlined are implemented there should be no significant residual impacts on the hydrology or flood risk of the area as a result of the construction stage.

7.6.2 Operational Stage

Provided all the mitigation measures outlined are implemented there should be no significant residual impacts from the operational stage on the hydrology or flood risk of the area.

MCE0760RP0006F01 7-12

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 7 Appendices: xx

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By th F01 Final Issue 20 May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

rpsgroup.com/ireland

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

8 AIR QUALITY ...... 8-1

8.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 8-1

8.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 8-1

8.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 8-1

8.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 8-2 8.4.1 Construction Phase...... 8-2 8.4.2 Operational Phase ...... 8-4 8.4.3 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario ...... 8-5 8.4.4 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario ...... 8-5

8.5 MITIGATION MEASURES...... 8-5 8.5.1 Construction Phase...... 8-5 8.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 8-6

8.6 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 8-6 8.6.1 Construction Phase...... 8-6 8.6.2 Operational Phase ...... 8-7

8.7 MONITORING AND REINSTATEMENT MEASURES ...... 8-7

LIST OF TABLES

Table 8.1 - Emissions Savings ...... 8-5

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

8 AIR QUALITY

8.1 INTRODUCTION

A wind farm has little potential for impact on air quality when operational. The main potential for impact then arises from the construction period and the significance of impact is influenced by proximity to sensitive receivers.

8.2 METHODOLOGY

A draft dust management plan has been drawn up for the site as part of the outline CEMP presented in Appendix 2.2 of this EIS. This assessment of impact of the development on air quality and possible nearby sensitive receptors has regard to the proximity and nature of the proposed construction works receptors and to the dust management measures which will be undertaken as an integral part of the construction works.

8.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

Existing Air Quality Conditions

The proposed Carrigadoon wind farm site is located in a largely rural area, with a number of one-off rural houses and farmhouses located on the local roads surrounding the site. There is also a settlement at Faugheen to the south of Carrigadoon Hill and the much smaller settlement of Ahenny to the north of Carrigadoon Hill. The landuse in the area is a mixture of forestry and agriculture. The lack of industrial activity or large population centre in the immediate area is likely to ensure good air quality.

The site is in EPA Zone D (rural) in terms of air quality and demonstrates low background concentrations.

Although site air quality is assumed to be good there are existing potential sources for air quality issues on the site and surrounding area:-

. Agricultural activities such as spreading of fertiliser, and to a lesser extent insecticides, on surrounding agricultural land;

. Exhaust emissions from forestry removal equipment in the Coillte forest, during extraction and transport away from the areas of felling (on maturity of coupes of the forestry);

Potentially Sensitive Receivers

There are no dwellings within 500m of the proposed turbines. There is one dwelling on the western side of Carrigadoon Hill which is approx. 510m from Turbine T4. Further to the north at Rathclarish there are 3 No. dwellings all within approx 650m – 750m from T3 and T4. The next closest sensitive receiver to a turbine is located on a local road at Poulmaleen immediately to the south of

MCE0760RP0006F01 8-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Carrigadoon Hill. This dwelling is approximately 520m from the closest turbine which is T8. There are 4 No. other dwellings on this local road at Poulmaleen within approx. 650m – 750m from T8.

Other than the dwellings at Rathclarish the closest dwellings to the turbines on Curraghadobbin Hill are a house approx. 750m to the south of T2 and a cluster of dwellings approximately 750m to the northwest of T1.

Thus, there are no dwellings located within 500m of a proposed turbine and only 2 No. dwellings within 550m of a proposed turbine.

A number of dwellings and sensitive users will be located at a closer distance to access road proposals and works. At the eastern side of Carrigadoon Hill potentially sensitive receptors in the vicinity are the national school at Newtown Upper which is located just 45m to the north of the proposed upgraded entrance (which will bring it slightly closer to the school than the existing) and an existing dwelling directly opposite the entrance. This dwelling will be the closest sensitive receiver to the works associated with the wind farm development. There is native forestry planted between the subject site and the school.

The closest dwellings to the south of Carrigadoon Hill at Poulmaleen are separated from the proposed turbines and access tracks by at least 400m of dense forest and also arable agricultural land. Similarly the dwellings at Raheen to the northwest of Curraghadobbin Hill and to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill are also separated from the turbines and access roads by dense forest and arable agricultural lands.

There are no open watercourses on the proposed windfarm site. There are a number of streams and channels on the southern side of both Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill. These are all well removed from proposed areas of works.

In addition to the wind farm itself this development also incorporates a grid connection to Ballydine substation. This requires the digging of a trench in the public road for a distance of approximately 13.9km. The closest sensitive receivers to this construction work are the residential properties located along the county roads. These are all set back from the public road however it is noted.

8.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

8.4.1 Construction Phase

Dust Emissions

The primary potential source of air emission during construction is dust. In particular there is potential for the generation of dust from the excavations and preparation of material for and laying

MCE0760RP0006F01 8-2 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

of access tracks and for the excavation of the trench for the grid connection. The degree of nuisance that this may create is a function of the terrain and is related to weather conditions, dry conditions with high wind being worst, and proximity of dwellings.

Cement dust in particular, because of its alkaline nature, has the potential to cause significant damage to the ecology if permitted to contaminate watercourses in any quantity. Use of ready mix concrete deliveries as opposed to on site batch mixing will negate this risk.

Activities with the potential to generate dust include:-

. Earth moving and excavation equipment including the handling and storage of soils and subsoil material; . Transport and unloading of crushed stone around the site during road construction; . Extraction and the subsequent crushing of stone recovered from road excavation for reuse on access track construction (if suitable); . Vehicle movement over hard dry surfaces on the site, particularly freshly laid access tracks; and . Vehicle movement over surfaces off site contaminated by muddy materials brought off the site.

Dust can be a significant problem in areas suffering high winds and prolonged dry periods, but is not a likely significant issue the subject site due to the types of soil removed during construction (not sandy) and the higher rain fall and vegetation cover present.

Potentially Sensitive Receivers

Airborne dust has a limited capability for remaining airborne. The distance of travel depends on a number of factors including particle size, density and ambient weather conditions – particularly ground wind speeds and levels of turbulent mixing with other levels. Although particles can travel many hundreds of miles once airborne in the upper atmosphere, as is evidenced by the occasional depositing of Saharan sand in Northern Europe, this is abnormal and requires very specific and locally significant wind conditions.

Research by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the USA has found that:-

. 90% of airborne dust returns to rest within 100m of source; and . 98% has returned to rest within 250m.

Dust nuisance then is most likely to occur where sensitive receptors such as residences or potentially ecologically sensitive watercourses are within 100m of the dust source.

There are two dust sensitive receivers located within 100m of proposed roads / access works associated with the main wind farm site. These are a house and national school at Newton Upper immediately opposite and adjacent to the main site entrance. There are also a number of properties located along the grid connection route which are within 100m of the proposed trenching for the connection. There is potential for dust due to the construction activities in these areas to come to rest within these properties. In the cases of the national school and many of the properties along the grid route there is existing vegetation between the proposed construction site and the sensitive properties. This planting / vegetation will naturally mitigate the potential for air emission impacts.

MCE0760RP0006F01 8-3 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

There is potential for moderate negative impact on these properties during construction. There is limited boundary vegetation around the dwelling opposite the main proposed entrance at Newtown Upper however. This is the property with greatest potential for impact during the construction period. Potential dust emissions and dust deposition at this property could give rise to inconvenience to the residents which would be a moderate to significant adverse impact. This would however be for a temporary period only. The period for greatest impact here will be during the excavation works for the access road. On completion of this part of the access road the potential for future dust impact will be restricted by the fact that this part of the access road will have a tarmacadam finish.

The grid connection trenching works required are not significant construction activities that would give rise to significant dust generation and emissions, such that any potential for impact on nearby residents is low.

Exhaust Emissions

A second possible source of air emissions during construction are exhaust emissions. The internal combustion engine produces gaseous emissions including carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), unburnt hydrocarbons and particulates. During construction increased vehicle movements will result in locally increased levels of these exhaust emissions and, therefore, local levels of pollution although these are likely to be indiscernible.

8.4.2 Operational Phase

Exhaust Emissions

Vehicles accessing the site during servicing produce emissions but these are not significant. There are no significant negative operational impacts on air quality from a wind farm.

Reduction in Climate Change Emissions

The most significant benefit of wind energy and the reason behind it of course is the generation of electricity from the wind with no production of emissions. The British Wind Energy Association recommends calculations of avoided emissions based on typical emissions from coal-fired plant of 860g CO2/kWh, 10g SO2/kWh and 3g NOX/kWh.

Emissions reductions can be calculated using the following formulae:

• CO2 (in tonnes) = (A x 0.3 x 8760 x 860)/1000

• SO2 (in tonnes) = (A x 0.3 x 8760 x 10)/1000

• NOX (in tonnes) = (A x 0.3 x 8760 x 3)/1000

Where,

• A = the rated capacity of the wind energy development in MW;

MCE0760RP0006F01 8-4 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

• 0.3 is a constant, the capacity factor, which takes into account the intermittent nature of the wind, the availability of the wind turbines and array losses; and • 8760 is the number of hours in a year

In terms of air emissions and contribution to climate change emissions reduction, the proposed Carrigadoon windfarm (24MW generation potential) equates to approximate emissions savings as outlined in Table 8.1.

Table 8.1 - Emissions Savings

Pollutant Emissions Saved Per Annum (Tonnes)

CO2 54,241 SO2 630 NOX 189

This saving in greenhouse gas and other emissions represents a long term positive impact on air quality and contributes to climate change policy targets.

8.4.3 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario

Under a do-nothing scenario the potential for short term dust emission impacts at a nearby residential property and at a National School will not arise. The opportunity to generate clean renewable energy however will be lost, and with it the significant associated savings on greenhouse gas emissions which a 24MW project represents.

8.4.4 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario

In dry weather conditions the nearest sensitive receivers could experience dust emissions and dust deposition during the course of construction activities. This would be a source of inconvenience and annoyance to local residents and school goers.

8.5 MITIGATION MEASURES

8.5.1 Construction Phase

As outlined above the potential for impact to the nearest sensitive receivers derives from possible dust generation due to construction. Mitigation measures to minimise the potential for dust generation and for dust emissions then are necessary at the sensitive locations adjacent to the site access points. ‘Good practice’ site procedures will be adopted to limit potential for secondary impacts due to dust and dirt being transported onto the surrounding road network. The degree of active control measures necessary to be adopted at the proposed development will depend on the time of year and the weather conditions prevalent at that time. The ‘good practice’ site control measures will include if required:-

MCE0760RP0006F01 8-5 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. Approach roads and construction areas will be regularly cleaned and maintained as appropriate. Hard surface roads will be swept to remove mud and aggregate materials from their surface;

. Wheel wash facilities and use of a mechanised road sweeper at the public road entrance if mud transfer is identified as an issue;

. Dust suppression by water spray on access roads and other areas if dust becomes an issue;

. Use of appropriately covered vehicles for transport of potential dust generating material such as sand;

. Any un-surfaced roads will be restricted to essential traffic only;

. Use of ready-mix concrete to be delivered to the site;

. Vehicles using site roads will have their speed restricted and this speed restriction must be enforced rigidly;

. Public roads outside the main area of works shall be regularly inspected for cleanliness, and cleaned as necessary;

. Material handling systems and main site compound stockpiling of materials shall be designed and laid out to minimise exposure to wind. Water misting shall be applied as required if particularly dusty activities are required during dry or windy periods; and

. All complaints to be reported to the Site Manager, and also logged within an on-site register.

These mitigation measures are included in the Air and Dust Management Plan provided in the Outline Construction and Environmental Management Plan which itself forms Appendix 2.2 of this EIS.

8.5.2 Operational Phase

No mitigation measures are required.

8.6 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS

8.6.1 Construction Phase

There will be indiscernible increases in exhaust emissions due to the relatively low volume of construction traffic associated with the development.

MCE0760RP0006F01 8-6 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

There is potential for impact on 2 No. neighbouring properties due to the proximity of the properties to proposed roads / access works. The periods for greatest potential impact on air quality at these locations however will be for a limited duration when the works in these areas are taking place.

With the mitigation measures proposed the impacts on nearby properties will be minor in most cases but may be considered moderate at the residence opposite the main site entrance at Newtown Upper. They are temporary impacts only. When the works at the main entrance are complete the air quality impacts at this dwelling will be reduced to minor negative and will be associated with vehicle movements rather than construction activity.

8.6.2 Operational Phase

The proposed development will have a moderate positive impact due to the savings in climate change emissions which will result from the provision of renewable energy from the turbines.

8.7 MONITORING AND REINSTATEMENT MEASURES

Roads surrounding the site will be regularly monitored to ensure material from the site has not been transferred to surrounding areas. The roads will be checked and kept clean to eliminate any potential for impacts outside of the immediate works area.

MCE0760RP0006F01 8-7

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 25 Appendices: xx

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By th F01 Final Issue 20 May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

rpsgroup.com/ireland

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

9 NOISE AND VIBRATION ...... 9-1

9.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 9-1

9.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 9-1 9.2.1 Relevant Noise Guidance Documents ...... 9-1 9.2.2 Methodology for Noise Monitoring ...... 9-5 9.2.3 Location of Proposed Turbines ...... 9-5 9.2.4 Noise Specification for Proposed Turbine ...... 9-6 9.2.5 Prediction Method ...... 9-6 9.2.6 Noise Threshold Limits ...... 9-6

9.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 9-12 9.3.1 Locations of Nearest Noise Sensitive Receptors ...... 9-12 9.3.2 Noise Monitoring Survey ...... 9-14

9.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 9-18 9.4.1 Construction Phase...... 9-18 9.4.2 Operational Phase ...... 9-21 9.4.3 Decommissioning Phase ...... 9-24

9.5 MITIGATION MEASURES...... 9-24 9.5.1 Construction Phase...... 9-24 9.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 9-25 9.5.3 Decommissioning Phase ...... 9-25

9.6 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 9-25 9.6.1 Construction Phase...... 9-25 9.6.2 Operational Phase ...... 9-25

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 9-1 – Refer to Appendix A ...... 9-1 Figure 9-2 - Noise Monitoring Location 3 - Daytime Regression Curve ...... 9-15 Figure 9-3 - Noise Monitoring Location 3 - Night-time Regression Curve ...... 9-16 Figure 9-4 - Noise Monitoring Location 4 - Daytime Regression Curve ...... 9-16 Figure 9-5 - Noise Monitoring Location 4 - Night-time Regression Curve ...... 9-17

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 9-6 - Noise Monitoring Location 5 - Daytime Regression Curve ...... 9-17 Figure 9-7 - Noise Monitoring Location 5 - Night-time Regression Curve ...... 9-18

LIST OF TABLES

Table 9-1 - Noise Threshold Limits at Nearest Sensitive Receptors for Construction Activities ...... 9-4 Table 9-2 - Noise Monitoring Locations ...... 9-5 Table 9-3 - Proposed Locations of Wind Turbines ...... 9-5 Table 9-4 - Noise Specification Data for Enercon E82 E3 ...... 9-6 Table 9-5 - Applicable Noise Threshold Limits at the Nearest Noise Sensitive Properties (Daytime) . 9-7 Table 9-6 - Applicable Noise Threshold Limits at the Nearest Noise Sensitive Properties (Night-time) ...... 9-9 Table 9-7 - Noise Sensitive Receptor Included in Noise Model ...... 9-12 Table 9-8 - Noise Levels for Construction Plant (Ref: BS 5228:2009+A1:2014) ...... 9-18 Table 9-9 - Typical Combined Construction Noise Levels ...... 9-19 Table 9-10 - Worst-Case Predicted Construction Noise Levels at Nearest Noise Sensitive Properties . 9- 20 Table 9-11 - Predicted Noise Levels (LA90) at Nearest Residential Properties from Proposed Wind Turbines ...... 9-21

MCE0760RP0006F01 ii Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

9 NOISE AND VIBRATION

9.1 INTRODUCTION

This section includes a detailed outline of the Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) completed for the proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm. The layout of the proposed 8 turbine wind farm is illustrated in Figure 9.1.

The Noise Impact Assessment includes an outline of all relevant noise guidance documentation that has been used to assess the potential noise impact associated with the proposed development. The Methodology includes a description of the turbines included as part of the proposed development.

The Existing Environment section includes details of all of the nearest noise sensitive properties to the proposed turbines. The NIA includes consideration of all of the existing wind turbines and wind farms in the vicinity of the proposed development. A noise monitoring survey was completed to record the noise environment in the vicinity of the nearest noise sensitive properties.

The assessment of potential impacts associated with the proposed development includes an assessment of construction phase activities, the operation of the wind farm and the decommissioning of the wind turbines at the end of the life of the wind farm. Mitigation measures required for any of these phases based on the assessment of potential impacts associated with the proposed development have also been included in the NIA.

This section should be read in conjunction with Figure 9.1(A-D) and Appendices 9.1 - 9.3.

Figure 9-1 – Refer to Appendix A

9.2 METHODOLOGY

9.2.1 Relevant Noise Guidance Documents

9.2.1.1 Wind Farm Planning Guidelines (DoEHLG Document, 2006)

The DoEHLG guidance document Wind Farm Planning Guidelines (2006) is the principal guidance document used for the assessment of wind farms in Ireland. In outlining the approach to assessing noise from wind farms in Ireland, the document states:

“Noise impact should be assessed by reference to the nature and character of noise sensitive locations. In the case of wind energy development, a noise sensitive location includes any occupied dwelling house, hostel, health building or place of worship and may include areas of particular scenic quality or special recreational amenity importance. Noise limits should apply only to those areas frequently used for relaxation or activities for which a quiet environment is highly desirable. Noise limits should be applied to external locations, and should reflect the variation in both turbine source noise and background noise with wind speed. The descriptor (LA90 measurement index), which allows reliable measurements to be made without corruption

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

from relatively loud transitory noise events from other sources, should be used for assessing both the wind energy development noise and background noise. Any existing turbines should not be considered as part of the prevailing background noise.

In general, a lower fixed limit of 45dB(A) [L90] or a maximum increase of 5dB(A) above background noise at nearby noise sensitive locations is considered appropriate to provide protection to wind energy development neighbours. However, in very quiet areas, the use of a margin of 5dB(A) above background noise at nearby noise sensitive properties is not necessary to offer a reasonable degree of protection and may unduly restrict wind energy developments which should be recognised as having wider national and global benefits.

Instead, in low noise environments where background noise is less than 30dB(A), it is recommended that the daytime level of LA90, 10min of wind energy development noise be limited to an absolute level within the range of 35-40 dB(A).

Separate noise limits should apply for daytime and for night-time. During the night, the protection of external amenity becomes less important and the emphasis should be on preventing sleep disturbance. A fixed limit of 43dB(A) will protect sleep inside properties during the night.”

9.2.1.2 The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms (ETSU-R-97)

ETSU-R-97 is a UK guidance document and hence is not the applicable guidance document for assessing noise from wind farms in Ireland. It does however provide a lot of detailed information in relation to the assessment of noise from wind farms and is a useful reference document, especially where the Wind Farm Planning Guidelines (2006) do not go into particular detail on the assessment of noise from wind farms.

ETSU-R-97 describes a framework for the measurement of wind farm noise and suggests indicative noise levels thought to offer a reasonable degree of protection to wind farm neighbours, without placing unreasonable restrictions on wind farm development. This document is the standard reference guidance for assessing wind farm development in the UK.

The ETSU-R-97 document describes the findings of a Working Group on Wind Turbine Noise. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) facilitated the establishment of this Noise Working Group (NWG) for the purposes of providing a consensus view from a group of experts that could provide information and advice to developers and planners on the environmental assessment of noise from wind turbines.

The NWG has sought to protect both the internal and external amenity of the wind farm neighbour. The NWG has concluded that the most appropriate way of controlling wind farm noise is by the application of noise limits at the nearest noise sensitive properties to the proposed wind farm.

The NWG considers that absolute noise limits applied at all wind speeds are not suited to wind farms in typical UK locations and that limits set relative to the background noise are more appropriate in the majority of cases. Also, separate limits should apply for daytime and night-time.

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-2 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

9.2.1.3 A Good Practice Guide to the Application of ETSU-R-07 for the Assessment and Rating of Wind Turbine Noise

In response to a request from the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Institute of Acoustics set up a noise working group (NWG) to develop good practice guidance on the 'Application of ETSU-R-97 to Wind Turbine Noise Assessments' for the planning application stage of a development proposal. The work was to be completed in three stages, namely:

Stage 1 - to produce a discussion document for consultation;

Stage 2 - to undertake a consultation on this document and to hold workshops;

Stage 3 - to produce a 'Good Practice Guide' taking on board the consultation and workshop responses.

Stage 1 of this process was completed in July 2012, Stage 2 has been ongoing between July 2012 and May 2013 and Stage 3 was completed when the 'Good Practice Guide ' was published on 20th May 2013.

This document provides more detailed consideration of the methodology included in ETSU-R-97 and is a useful reference document, especially where the Irish Wind Farm Planning Guidelines (2006) do not go into particular detail on the assessment of noise from wind farms.

9.2.1.4 International Standard ISO 9613-2: Acoustics – Attenuation of Sound during Propagation Outdoors, Part 2 General method of Calculation

This ISO standard specifies an engineering method for calculating the attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors in order to predict the levels of environmental noise at a distance from a variety of sources. The method predicts the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level under meteorological conditions favourable to propagation from sources of known sound emission.

The method specified in this part of ISO 9613 consists specifically of octave band algorithms (with nominal midband frequencies from 63Hz to 8kHz) for calculating the attenuation of sound which originates from a point sound source or an assembly of point sources. Individual terms are provided in the algorithms for the following physical effects:

. Geometrical divergence; . Atmospheric absorption; . Ground effect; . Reflection from surfaces; . Screening by obstacles.

The method is applicable in practice to a great variety of noise sources and environments. It is applicable, directly or indirectly, to most situations concerning road or rail traffic, industrial noise sources, construction activities and other ground-based noise sources. It has been applied for the purposes of predicting noise levels from proposed wind turbines in this instance.

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-3 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

9.2.1.5 British Standard BS 5228:2009+A1:2014 Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites

This British standard consists of two parts and covers the need for protection against noise and vibration of persons living and working in the vicinity of construction and open sites. The standard recommends procedures for noise and vibration control in respect of construction operations and aims to assist architects, contractors and site operatives, designers, developers, engineers, local authority environmental health officers and planners.

Part 1 of the standard provides a method of calculating noise from construction plant, including:-

. Tables of source noise levels; . Methods for summing up contributions from intermittently operating plant; . A procedure for calculating noise propagation; . A method for calculating noise screening effects; and . A way of predicting noise from mobile plant, such as haul roads.

The standard also provides guidance on legislative background, community relations, training, nuisance, project supervision and control of noise and vibration.

The ABC method outlined in Section E3.2 has been used for the purposes of determining whether the predicted noise levels from the construction activities will result in any significant noise impact at the nearest noise sensitive properties.

Table 9.1 outlines the applicable noise threshold limits that apply at the nearest noise sensitive receptors. The determination of what category to apply is dependent on the existing baseline ambient (LAeq) noise level (rounded to the nearest 5dB) at the nearest noise sensitive property. For daytime, if the ambient noise level is less than the Category A threshold limit, the Category A threshold limit (i.e. 65dB) applies. If the ambient noise level is the same as the Category A threshold limit, the Category B threshold limit (i.e. 70dB) applies. If the ambient noise level is more than the Category A threshold limit, the Category C threshold limit (i.e. 75dB) applies. The applicable limits that apply at each of the sensitive receptors are presented and discussed in Section 9.4.

Table 9-1 - Noise Threshold Limits at Nearest Sensitive Receptors for Construction Activities

Threshold Limits [dB(A)]

Category A Category B Category C

Night-time (23:00 - 07:00) 45 50 55

Evening and Weekends (19:00 - 23:00

Weekdays, 13:00-23:00 Saturdays, 55 60 65 07:00-23:00 Sundays) Weekday daytime (07:00-19:00) and

Saturdays (07:00-13:00) 65 70 75

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-4 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

9.2.2 Methodology for Noise Monitoring

Noise monitoring was completed at five locations in the vicinity of the proposed development in order to determine the background noise levels in the vicinity of the nearest noise sensitive receptors to the proposed development. The five locations were selected so as to be representative of the alternative topographical landscape layouts between the proposed turbines and the nearest noise sensitive properties. The noise monitoring locations are illustrated in Figure 9.1 and listed below in Table 9.2.

Table 9-2 - Noise Monitoring Locations

Noise Noise Meter Location (Grid Monitoring MIC Monitoring Period Reference Reference) Location UA1404 NML 1 2285850 236285, 127070 12 - 26 March 2015 (2057893) UA1404 NML 2 2654427 240243, 127999 12 - 26 March 2015 (2057897) UA1404 NML 3 2151873 128867, 129091 3 - 26 March 2015 (2380127) UA1404 NML 4 2727942 238867, 128488 3 - 26 March 2015 (2746077) UA1404 NML 5 2590900 238597, 128718 3 - 26 March 2015 (1773652)

The Installation Report for the five noise monitoring locations is included in Appendix 9.1, while calibration certificates for the equipment used in the noise monitoring survey is included in Appendix 9.2.

Noise levels were recorded using the LA90 10min descriptor. Each 10 minute measurement was synchronised with a 10 minute wind speed measurement referenced to a 10m height. The wind speed data was retrieved from the existing meteorological station located at the proposed wind farm site. Rainfall data was also recorded at the noise monitoring location (also synchronised in 10 minute measurement periods).

9.2.3 Location of Proposed Turbines

The proposed wind farm consists of 8 turbines and their locations are illustrated in Figure 9.1. The proposed grid reference locations for the wind turbines are detailed in Table 9.3.

Table 9-3 - Proposed Locations of Wind Turbines

Turbine Easting Northing Turbine 1 237184 128406 Turbine 2 237573 128411 Turbine 3 237959 128376 Turbine 4 239221 128419 Turbine 5 239500 128196 Turbine 6 239718 128482

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-5 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Turbine Easting Northing Turbine 7 240047 128704 Turbine 8 240347 128442

9.2.4 Noise Specification for Proposed Turbine

The NIA has been completed on the basis of the Enercon E82 E3 turbine being used for all eight turbines in the proposed wind farm. The specification used in this assessment is from a detailed Test Report completed by Muller-BBM in accordance with IEC 61400-11 in 2011 and contains full spectral data in the wind speed range of 7-10m/s. The Test Report extract relating to the Enercon E82 E3 turbine with hub height 85m is included in Appendix 9.3 and a summary of the spectral data that was included in the noise model is included in Table 9.4.

Table 9-4 - Noise Specification Data for Enercon E82 E3

Wind Frequency (Hz) Speed 63 125 250 500 1kHz 2kHz 4kHz 8kHz (m/s) 7 88.0 94.8 99.7 98.7 96.5 94.1 88.0 79.8 8 89.1 95.7 100.0 99.4 95.2 91.5 83.8 78.5 9 84.6 92.8 99.4 100.2 96.8 94.3 88.7 82.8 10 85.8 93.1 99.3 100.7 97.8 95.5 91.2 84.4

In the noise model, the data for 7m/s has been used for wind speeds 4-6m/s to ensure a worst-case scenario has been assessed. The noise model uses the 10m/s data for 11-12m/s as a range of specifications available for the Enercon E82 E3 turbine illustrate that the sound power output for the turbine peaks at approximately 8m/s and does not increase at higher wind speeds. The Test Report included in Appendix 9.3 tested for tonality from the Enercon E82 E3 and concluded that there were no tonal elements to the sound output. An uncertainty of 0.8dB is recommended in the report and has been included in all calculations included in the noise model.

9.2.5 Prediction Method

Noise predictions have been carried out in this assessment using the distance attenuation prediction methodology outlined in ISO 9613-2 Acoustics – Attenuation of Sound During Propagation Outdoors, Part 2 General Method of Calculation. This method is described in more detail in Section 9.2.1.

9.2.6 Noise Threshold Limits

Section 9.2.1 above includes a description of the principal noise issues included in the DoEHLG guidance document Wind Farm Planning Guidelines (2006). This document sets out the noise limit threshold levels to be applied when assessing noise from wind farms in Ireland. In general, a lower fixed limit of 45dB(A) is applied to daytime hours while a fixed limit of 43dB(A) will ensure no sleep disturbance at night-time. The document states that in low noise environments where background noise is less than 30dB(A), it is recommended that the daytime limit of the LA90, 10min is maintained in the range of 35-40dB(A).

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-6 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

On the basis of the guidance outlined in the Wind Farm Planning Guidelines (2006), noise threshold limits for day and night-time have been derived at each of the nearest noise sensitive properties to the properties to the proposed development. These threshold limits have been derived with appropriate consideration of the recorded background noise levels (LA90, 10min) from the noise monitoring survey. The relevant noise threshold limits for each of the nearest noise sensitive properties are presented in Tables 9.5 and 9.6.

In order to ensure a worst-case scenario is assessed, it was determined that the noise monitoring location with the lowest recorded background noise levels (LA90) would be used for the purposes of feeding into the noise threshold limits. Based on the monitoring data included in Section 9.3.2, noise monitoring location 3 recorded the lowest background noise levels. Based on the use of this data, only noise threshold limits for day and night-time at 12m/s will be elevated above the fixed absolute levels of 45dB for daytime and 43dB for night-time by virtue of applying a limit based on 5dB above background noise level.

Table 9-5 - Applicable Noise Threshold Limits at the Nearest Noise Sensitive Properties (Daytime)

Applicable Daytime Noise Threshold Limit [LA90] – dB(A) Property (see Figure 4m/s 5m/s 6m/s 7m/s 8m/s 9m/s 10m/s 11m/s 12m/s 9.1) 1 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 2 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 3 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 4 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 5 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 6 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 7 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 8 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 9 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 10 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 11 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 12 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 13 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 14 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 15 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 16 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 17 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 18 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 19 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 20 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 21 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 22 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 23 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 24 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 25 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 26 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 27 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 28 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 29 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 30 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47*

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-7 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Applicable Daytime Noise Threshold Limit [LA90] – dB(A) Property (see 4m/s 5m/s 6m/s 7m/s 8m/s 9m/s 10m/s 11m/s 12m/s Figure 9.1) 31 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 32 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 33 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 34 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 35 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 36 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 37 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 38 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 39 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 40 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 41 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 42 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 43 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 44 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 46 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 47 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 48 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 49 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 50 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 51 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 52 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 53 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 54 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 55 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 56 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 57 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 58 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 59 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 60 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 61 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 62 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 63 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 64 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 65 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 66 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 67 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 68 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 69 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 70 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 71 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 72 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 73 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 74 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 75 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 76 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 77 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 78 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 79 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47*

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-8 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Applicable Daytime Noise Threshold Limit [LA90] – dB(A) Property (see 4m/s 5m/s 6m/s 7m/s 8m/s 9m/s 10m/s 11m/s 12m/s Figure 9.1) 80 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 81 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 82 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 83 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 84 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 85 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 86 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 87 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 88 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 89 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 90 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 91 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 92 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 93 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 94 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 95 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 96 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 97 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 98 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 99 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 100 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 101 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 102 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 103 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 104 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 105 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 106 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* 107 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 47* * Wind Farm Planning Guidelines (2006) state that a maximum increase of 5dB(A) above the background noise at nearby sensitive locations is considered appropriate to provide protection to wind energy development neighbours. The marginally elevated threshold limits at these wind speeds are derived from 5dB(A) above the recorded background noise levels at these wind speeds.

Table 9-6 - Applicable Noise Threshold Limits at the Nearest Noise Sensitive Properties (Night- time)

Applicable Daytime Noise Threshold Limit [LA90] – dB(A) Property (see Figure 4m/s 5m/s 6m/s 7m/s 8m/s 9m/s 10m/s 11m/s 12m/s 9.1) 1 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 2 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 3 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 4 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 5 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 6 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 7 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 8 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45*

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-9 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Applicable Daytime Noise Threshold Limit [LA90] – dB(A) Property (see 4m/s 5m/s 6m/s 7m/s 8m/s 9m/s 10m/s 11m/s 12m/s Figure 9.1) 9 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 10 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 11 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 12 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 13 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 14 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 15 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 16 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 17 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 18 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 19 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 20 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 21 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 22 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 23 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 24 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 25 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 26 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 27 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 28 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 29 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 30 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 31 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 32 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 33 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 34 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 35 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 36 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 37 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 38 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 39 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 40 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 41 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 42 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 44 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 45 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 46 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 47 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 48 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 49 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 50 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 51 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 52 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 53 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 54 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 55 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 56 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 57 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45*

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-10 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Applicable Daytime Noise Threshold Limit [LA90] – dB(A) Property (see 4m/s 5m/s 6m/s 7m/s 8m/s 9m/s 10m/s 11m/s 12m/s Figure 9.1) 58 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 59 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 60 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 61 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 62 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 63 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 64 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 65 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 66 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 67 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 68 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 69 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 70 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 71 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 72 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 73 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 74 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 75 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 76 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 77 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 78 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 79 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 80 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 81 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 82 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 83 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 84 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 85 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 86 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 87 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 88 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 89 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 90 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 91 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 92 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 93 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 94 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 95 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 96 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 97 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 98 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 99 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 100 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 101 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 102 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 103 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 104 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 105 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* 106 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45*

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-11 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Applicable Daytime Noise Threshold Limit [LA90] – dB(A) Property (see 4m/s 5m/s 6m/s 7m/s 8m/s 9m/s 10m/s 11m/s 12m/s Figure 9.1) 107 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 45* * Wind Farm Planning Guidelines (2006) state that a maximum increase of 5dB(A) above the background noise at nearby sensitive locations is considered appropriate to provide protection to wind energy development neighbours. The marginally elevated threshold limits at these wind speeds are derived from 5dB(A) above the recorded background noise levels at these wind speeds.

9.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

9.3.1 Locations of Nearest Noise Sensitive Receptors

The locations of the nearest noise sensitive properties to the proposed wind turbines are detailed in Table 9.7 below. Noise level predictions from the proposed development have been completed for all of the noise sensitive receptors included in Table 9.7. The locations of all of these receptors are illustrated in Figure 9.1.

Table 9-7 - Noise Sensitive Receptor Included in Noise Model

Reference Number (See Figure 9.1) Easting Northing 1 235178 128643 2 235117 128516 3 235130 128407 4 235191 128173 5 235189 128128 6 235213 128125 7 235281 128013 8 235667 127908 9 235945 127962 10 236012 127986 11 235601 127676 12 235666 127543 13 235710 127490 14 235969 127144 15 236244 127055 16 236287 127054 17 236341 127076 18 236500 127113 19 236788 127394 20 236962 127214 21 237530 127542 22 237711 127184 23 237838 127237 24 237850 127299 25 237893 127286 26 237923 127269 27 237956 127269 28 238402 127173 29 238435 127170 30 238738 127195

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-12 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Reference Number (See Figure 9.1) Easting Northing 31 238774 127170 32 238888 127110 33 238900 127165 34 238942 127156 35 238967 127120 36 239247 127119 37 239356 127424 38 238947 127753 39 239978 126998 40 240284 126965 41 240283 127016 42 240292 127090 43 240285 127137 44 240268 127168 45 240308 127416 46 240321 127696 47 240115 127799 48 240155 127798 49 240262 127812 50 240234 127935 51 240729 127076 52 240731 127052 53 240735 127028 54 240966 127485 55 241059 127511 56 241109 127518 57 241069 127547 58 241153 127594 59 241099 127600 60 241334 127933 61 (School) 241324 128023 62 241193 128993 63 241166 129129 64 241222 129121 65 240920 129315 66 240745 130066 67 240538 130423 68 240237 130542 69 240330 130586 70 239877 129814 71 239726 129703 72 239621 129609 73 239469 129659 74 239357 129701 75 239000 129250 76 238572 129003 77 238432 128894 78 238613 128699 79 238700 128454 80 238745 130560 81 238144 129900 82 237695 129740 83 237646 129920

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-13 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Reference Number (See Figure 9.1) Easting Northing 84 237925 130206 85 237415 130131 86 237478 130200 87 237348 130292 88 236759 129907 89 237595 130559 90 236816 129304 91 236480 128966 92 236391 128898 93 236398 128838 94 236397 128781 95 236279 128860 96 236046 128867 97 236021 128927 98 235992 128938 99 236067 129042 100 235852 129158 101 235678 129321 102 235581 129502 103 235634 129590 104 235539 129782 105 235614 129826 106 235732 130151 107 236031 130445

9.3.2 Noise Monitoring Survey

A noise monitoring survey was completed at three locations in the vicinity of the proposed turbines between the 3rd March and 26th March 2015 and at two locations between 12th March and 26th March 2105. The noise monitoring locations are illustrated in Figure 9.1 and Appendix 9.1. As individual 10-minute LA90 measurements were taken over the entire survey period, the extent of noise measurement data is too voluminous to include in this section. However, analysis of this data was undertaken to co-ordinate the 10-minute LA90 measurements with 10-minute wind speed measurements that ran concurrently with the noise monitoring survey. All data was reference to a 10m height.

In order to present the data in a form that could be used for the purposes of the Noise Impact Assessment, the data was analysed further to delete all data recorded during rainy periods. The resultant data was further divided to represent specific time periods such as night-time (23:00 – 07:00) and daytime (07:00 – 23:00).

The data for the specific time periods have been further analysed to generate graphs of measured LA90 against wind speed (m/s). These graphs have been used to generate regression lines illustrating the average measured background noise levels (i.e. LA90) against wind speed.

These graphs have been used in the Noise Impact Assessment for the purposes of determining if the recorded background noise levels (LA90) fall into ranges whereby the standard absolute daytime (i.e. 45dB[A]) and night-time (i.e. 43dB[A]) fixed limits as specified in the Wind Farm Planning Guidelines

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-14 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

(2006) do not apply. Figures 9.2 - 9.7 show the regression curves for background noise levels (i.e. LA90) against wind speed referenced to a 10m height for noise monitoring locations 3, 4 and 5. Monitoring was undertaken for 24 days at each of these locations, giving a good spread of data over the relevant wind speed range.

While monitoring was undertaken at noise monitoring locations 1 and 2 for an extensive period of 15 days, the noise monitoring survey coincided with a period of relatively low winds. Large portions of the data were recorded at times when wind speeds were close to or at 0m/s. No wind speed measurements above 7.5m/s were recorded at these locations. This data has not been used extensively in the NIA on account of the lack of representative data at wind speeds in the range 7- 12m/s. Nevertheless, the success in achieving extensive datasets at locations 3, 4 and 5 has ensured that good datasets have been collated at three very different locations throughout the study area to feed into the analysis of appropriate noise threshold limits to be applied in the NIA.

Figure 9-2 - Noise Monitoring Location 3 - Daytime Regression Curve

Location 3 - Regression Curve (Day) 60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0 LA90

20.0

10.0

0.0 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 Wind Speed m/s

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-15 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 9-3 - Noise Monitoring Location 3 - Night-time Regression Curve

Location 3 - Regression Curve (Night) 50.0 45.0 40.0 35.0 30.0 25.0 LA90 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 Wind Speed m/s

Figure 9-4 - Noise Monitoring Location 4 - Daytime Regression Curve

Location 4 - Regression Curve (Day) 60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0 LA90

20.0

10.0

0.0 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 Wind Speed m/s

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-16 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 9-5 - Noise Monitoring Location 4 - Night-time Regression Curve

Location 4 - Regression Curve (Night) 60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0 LA90

20.0

10.0

0.0 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 Wind Speed m/s

Figure 9-6 - Noise Monitoring Location 5 - Daytime Regression Curve

Location 5 - Regression Curve (Day) 60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0 LA90

20.0

10.0

0.0 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 Wind Speed m/s

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-17 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 9-7 - Noise Monitoring Location 5 - Night-time Regression Curve

Location 5 - Regression Curve (Night) 60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0 LA90

20.0

10.0

0.0 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 Wind Speed m/s

9.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

9.4.1 Construction Phase

9.4.1.1 Construction Phase Noise - General

Typical noise levels from various construction plant are displayed in Table 9.8 and typical combined construction noise levels for various construction phase activities are illustrated in Table 9.9. The plant shown in Table 9.8 is representative of the type of plant that will be in use for the construction phase of the proposed development.

Table 9-8 - Noise Levels for Construction Plant (Ref: BS 5228:2009+A1:2014)

Equipment Size, Activity Equivalent Weight (Mass), Continuous Sound Activity / Plant (Reference from Table Power Rating (kW) Capacity Pressure Level L at C2, Annex C, BS5228:2009+A1:2014) Aeq 10m (dB) Clearing Site: Dozer (Ref 1) 142 20t 75 Clearing Site: Tracked excavator (Ref 3) 102 22t 78 Clearing Site: Wheeled backhoe loader 62 8t 68 (Ref 8) Ground Excavation: Dozer (Ref 12) 142 20t 81 Ground Excavation: Tracked excavator 226 40t 79 (Ref 14) Ground Excavation: Wheeled loader (Ref 193 - 80

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-18 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Equipment Size, Activity Equivalent Weight (Mass), Continuous Sound Activity / Plant (Reference from Table Power Rating (kW) Capacity Pressure Level L at C2, Annex C, BS5228:2009+A1:2014) Aeq 10m (dB) 27) Distribution of Material: Dump Truck 306 29t 79 (tipping fill) (Ref 30) Distribution of Material: Dump Truck 306 29t 87 (empty) (Ref 30) Rolling & Compaction: Dozer (towing 142 20t 81 roller) (Ref 36) Directional Drilling: Directional drill 106 - 77 (generator) (Ref44) Pumping Water: Water pump (Ref 45) 20 6 in 65

Table 9-9 - Typical Combined Construction Noise Levels

LAeq LAeq LAeq LAeq LAeq Activity @ 10 m @ 40 m @ 80 m @ 160 m @ 320 m Clearing Site 80 68 62 56 50 Ground 85 73 67 61 55 Excavation Distribution of 87 75 69 63 57 Materials Rolling & 81 69 63 57 51 Compaction Directional 77 65 59 53 47 Drilling Pumping Water 65 53 47 41 35 Combined Total 90 78 72 66 60 for All Activities The combined noise levels in this table have been calculated by combining the various noise levels for the various plant listed in Table 9.8

9.4.1.2 Predicted Impact of Construction Noise from Proposed Development

Construction activity for the proposed development will operate between the hours of 08:00 and 20:00 on Monday to Fridays, between 08:00 and 18:00 on Saturdays and there will be no activity on Sundays or Bank Holidays. If there is a requirement for any activities to operate outside these hours, a full detailed assessment of this will be included in the detailed Construction and Environmental Management Plan for the proposed development prior to the commencement of construction.

The likely plant to be designated for the enabling works and substructures stage of the construction process may include dozer, tracked excavator, wheeled backhoe loader, dump truck, directional drill and water pump.

Additional noise sources will emerge as the construction phase proceeds from sources such as: the use of large mobile or tracked cranes; the delivery of the various parts of the turbines; the use of mobile crane for lifting plant; general deliveries for construction materials; and the collection and delivery of skips for waste removal.

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-19 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The precise construction strategy to be adopted will be a matter for the contractor, but the construction noise levels experienced during the construction phase will be similar to the typical construction noise levels indicated in Table 9.8 for the various plant. In order to assess the worst- case construction noise level from the proposed development, a noise level of 90 dB(A) at 10m has been used for the purposes of the construction noise assessment. This noise level was arrived at as a combination of all of the activity noise levels specified in Table 9.9 operating simultaneously.

Table 9.10 below includes worst-case construction noise level predictions at a selection of the nearest noise sensitive properties to the proposed development. The hard ground distance attenuation equation from BS5228:2009+A1:2014 (Equation F1, Annex F) has been assumed for all of the noise level predictions included in this table. The location of these properties is illustrated in Figure 9.1 (a representative sample of all of the nearest noise sensitive properties included in Figure 9.1 has been used and not all of the properties are included in the operational phase noise assessment).

Table 9-10 - Worst-Case Predicted Construction Noise Levels at Nearest Noise Sensitive Properties

Approximate Worst-Case Distance Predicted Worst-Case Nearest Property Distance from LAeq @ 10m Attenuation Construction Noise (See Fig 9.1) Construction (dBA) (dBA) (dBA) Activity (m) 21 90 870 -39 51 23 90 1,140 -41 49 24 90 1,070 -41 49 25 90 1,080 -41 49 26 90 1,110 -41 49 27 90 1,110 -41 49 30 90 1,340 -43 47 36 90 1,210 -42 48 37 90 880 -39 51 38 90 770 -38 52 45 90 1,200 -42 48 46 90 920 -39 51 47 90 800 -38 52 48 90 820 -38 52 49 90 810 -38 52 50 90 690 -37 53 62 90 900 -39 51 63 90 940 -39 51 65 90 880 -39 51 70 90 1,150 -41 49 71 90 1,030 -40 50 72 90 920 -39 51 73 90 970 -40 50 74 90 1,030 -40 50 75 90 690 -37 53 76 90 770 -38 52 77 90 690 -37 53 78 90 620 -36 54 79 90 550 -35 55 90 90 970 -40 50 91 90 890 -39 51

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-20 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Table 9.10 demonstrates that there is potential for minor construction noise impacts at the nearest noise sensitive properties if worst-case construction activities take place at the proposed development site. There is potential for worst-case noise levels in the mid 50sdB(A) at several of the properties without mitigation measures in place.

Applying the most conservative daytime threshold limit in Table 9.1 (Category A - 45dB), worst-case predicted noise levels from Table 9.10 will be well within the noise threshold limit included in BS5228:2009+A1:2014. In addition to this, predicted noise levels included in Table 9.10 assume all activities are active simultaneously at the nearest point to the nearest noise sensitive receptors, actual construction phase noise levels are likely to be less than this and for the majority of the construction phase, significantly less than those predictions included in Table 9.10.

Mitigation measures aimed at reducing the potential noise impact from the construction phase are outlined in Section 9.5.1 below.

9.4.2 Operational Phase

For the purposes of this assessment, the critical wind speed range over which predictions have been made and for which worst-case noise data is presented is 4 – 12 m/s at 10m height. As no data was available for 4-6m the data for 7m/s has been used for wind speeds 4-6m/s to ensure a worst-case scenario has been assessed. The noise model uses the 10m/s data for 11-12m/s as a range of specifications available for the Enercon E82 E3 turbine illustrate that the sound power output for the turbine peaks at approximately 8m/s and does not increase at higher wind speeds.

Table 9.11 details the predicted noise levels at the nearest residential properties to the proposed wind turbines at each wind speed considered. The predicted noise levels below were modelled using a detailed noise model creating in CadnaA noise modelling software using the calculation method outlined in ISO9613. All predicted noise levels where corrected to the LA90 parameter and included data inputs as described in Sections 9.2.3, 9.2.4, 9.2.5 and 9.3.1 above.

Table 9-11 - Predicted Noise Levels (LA90) at Nearest Residential Properties from Proposed Wind Turbines

Reference Wind Speed (V10) (m/s) Property (see 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Figure 9.1) 1 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 2 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-21 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Reference Wind Speed (V10) (m/s) 3 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 4 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 5 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 6 23.7 23.7 23.7 23.7 24.2 23.7 24 24 24 7 24 24 24 24 24.4 24 24.3 24.3 24.3 8 28.1 28.1 28.1 28.1 28.6 28.2 28.5 28.5 28.5 9 30.1 30.1 30.1 30.1 30.5 30.2 30.6 30.6 30.6 10 31.5 31.5 31.5 31.5 31.9 31.6 31.9 31.9 31.9 11 25.2 25.2 25.2 25.2 25.6 25.2 25.6 25.6 25.6 12 25.2 25.2 25.2 25.2 25.6 25.2 25.5 25.5 25.5 Property (see 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Figure 9.1) 13 25.2 25.2 25.2 25.2 25.7 25.3 25.6 25.6 25.6 14 25.1 25.1 25.1 25.1 25.6 25.2 25.5 25.5 25.5 15 28.1 28.1 28.1 28.1 28.6 28.1 28.5 28.5 28.5 16 28.3 28.3 28.3 28.3 28.7 28.3 28.7 28.7 28.7 17 28.6 28.6 28.6 28.6 29 28.6 29 29 29 18 30.5 30.5 30.5 30.5 31 30.6 30.9 30.9 30.9 19 33.5 33.5 33.5 33.5 33.9 33.6 34 34 34 20 32.8 32.8 32.8 32.8 33.2 32.9 33.3 33.3 33.3 21 37.1 37.1 37.1 37.1 37.4 37.3 37.7 37.7 37.7 22 33.9 33.9 33.9 33.9 34.3 34 34.4 34.4 34.4 23 34.7 34.7 34.7 34.7 35.1 34.8 35.2 35.2 35.2 24 35.2 35.2 35.2 35.2 35.5 35.3 35.7 35.7 35.7 25 35 35 35 35 35.4 35.2 35.5 35.5 35.5 26 34.9 34.9 34.9 34.9 35.3 35 35.4 35.4 35.4 27 34.9 34.9 34.9 34.9 35.3 35 35.4 35.4 35.4 28 34.4 34.4 34.4 34.4 34.8 34.5 34.8 34.8 34.8 29 34.4 34.4 34.4 34.4 34.8 34.5 34.8 34.8 34.8 30 35 35 35 35 35.4 35.1 35.4 35.4 35.4 31 34.5 34.5 34.5 34.5 34.9 34.6 35 35 35 32 34.3 34.3 34.3 34.3 34.7 34.4 34.7 34.7 34.7 33 35 35 35 35 35.4 35.1 35.5 35.5 35.5 34 35 35 35 35 35.5 35.1 35.5 35.5 35.5 35 34.8 34.8 34.8 34.8 35.3 34.9 35.3 35.3 35.3 36 34.9 34.9 34.9 34.9 35.3 35 39.2 39.2 39.2 37 37.7 37.7 37.7 37.7 38 37.8 38.2 38.2 38.2 38 39.6 39.6 39.6 39.6 39.9 39.8 40.2 40.2 40.2 39 33.7 33.7 33.7 33.7 34.1 33.8 34.2 34.2 34.2 40 33 33 33 33 33.4 33 33.4 33.4 33.4 41 33.3 33.3 33.3 33.3 33.7 33.4 33.7 33.7 33.7 42 33.8 33.8 33.8 33.8 34.2 33.9 34.2 34.2 34.2 43 34.1 34.1 34.1 34.1 34.5 34.2 34.6 34.6 34.6 44 34.4 34.4 34.4 34.4 34.8 34.5 34.8 34.8 34.8 45 36.1 36.1 36.1 36.1 36.4 36.2 36.6 36.6 36.6 46 38.3 38.3 38.3 38.3 38.7 38.5 38.9 38.9 38.9 47 40.1 40.1 40.1 40.1 40.4 40.3 40.7 40.7 40.7 48 39.9 39.9 39.9 39.9 40.3 40.1 40.6 40.6 40.6 49 39.7 39.7 39.7 39.7 40 39.9 40.3 40.3 40.3 50 41.1 41.1 41.1 41.1 41.4 41.3 41.8 41.8 41.8 51 31.9 31.9 31.9 31.9 32.3 31.9 32.3 32.3 32.3

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-22 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Reference Wind Speed (V10) (m/s) 52 31.5 31.5 31.5 31.5 32.3 31.8 32.1 32.1 32.1 53 31.6 31.6 31.6 31.6 32 31.6 32 32 32 54 33.8 33.8 33.8 33.8 34.2 33.9 34.2 34.2 34.2 55 33 33 33 33 33.4 33.1 33.5 33.5 33.5 56 32.8 32.8 32.8 32.8 33.2 32.9 33.2 33.2 33.2 57 33.1 33.1 33.1 33.1 33.5 33.2 33.6 33.6 33.6 58 32.7 32.7 32.7 32.7 33.1 32.8 33.1 33.1 33.1 59 33.3 33.3 33.3 33.3 33.7 33.3 33.7 33.7 33.7 60 33.2 33.2 33.2 33.2 33.6 33.3 33.7 33.7 33.7 61 33.6 33.6 33.6 33.6 34 33.7 34.1 34.1 34.1 Property (see 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Figure 9.1) 62 34.6 34.6 34.6 34.6 35 34.8 35.2 35.2 35.2 63 34.3 34.3 34.3 34.3 34.7 34.4 34.8 34.8 34.8 64 33.9 33.9 33.9 33.9 34.3 34 34.4 34.4 34.4 65 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.8 35.5 35.9 35.9 35.9 66 30.5 30.5 30.5 30.5 30.9 30.6 30.9 30.9 30.9 67 27.4 27.4 27.4 27.4 27.9 27.4 27.8 27.8 27.8 68 24.5 24.5 24.5 24.5 25 24.6 24.9 24.9 24.9 69 24.2 24.2 24.2 24.2 24.7 24.2 24.5 24.5 24.5 70 34.9 34.9 34.9 34.9 35.2 35 35.3 35.3 35.3 71 35.7 35.7 35.7 35.7 36.1 35.8 36.2 36.2 36.2 72 36.3 36.3 36.3 36.3 36.7 36.5 36.9 36.9 36.9 73 35.9 35.9 35.9 35.9 36.3 36 36.4 36.4 36.4 74 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.8 35.5 35.9 35.9 35.9 75 38.1 38.1 38.1 38.1 38.4 38.2 38.6 38.6 38.6 76 38.7 38.7 38.7 38.7 39 38.8 39.2 39.2 39.2 77 39.3 39.3 39.3 39.3 39.7 39.5 39.9 39.9 39.9 78 40.3 40.3 40.3 40.3 40.7 40.5 40.9 40.9 40.9 79 41.4 41.4 41.4 41.4 41.7 41.6 42.1 42.1 42.1 80 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 81 31.7 31.7 31.7 31.7 32.2 31.8 32.1 32.1 32.1 82 33 33 33 33 33.5 33.1 33.5 33.5 33.5 83 31.2 31.2 31.2 31.2 31.7 31.3 31.7 31.7 31.7 84 29.2 29.2 29.2 29.2 29.7 29.2 29.6 29.6 29.6 85 29.8 29.8 29.8 29.8 30.3 29.9 30.2 30.2 30.2 86 29.4 29.4 29.4 29.4 29.9 29.4 29.8 29.8 29.8 87 27.3 27.3 27.3 27.3 27.7 27.3 27.6 27.6 27.6 88 30.2 30.2 30.2 30.2 30.6 30.2 30.6 30.6 30.6 89 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 90 34.5 34.5 34.5 34.5 34.8 34.6 35 35 35 91 34.6 34.6 34.6 34.6 35 34.8 35.1 35.1 35.1 92 34.2 34.2 34.2 34.2 34.6 34.3 34.7 34.7 34.7 93 34.5 34.5 34.5 34.5 34.9 34.7 35.1 35.1 35.1 94 34.8 34.8 34.8 34.8 35.1 34.9 35.3 35.3 35.3 95 33.4 33.4 33.4 33.4 33.8 33.6 33.9 33.9 33.9 96 31.6 31.6 31.6 31.6 32 31.7 32.1 32.1 32.1 97 30.5 30.5 30.5 30.5 30.9 30.6 30.9 30.9 30.9 98 30.2 30.2 30.2 30.2 30.6 30.3 30.7 30.7 30.7 99 31.2 31.2 31.2 31.2 31.7 31.3 31.7 31.7 31.7 100 28.7 28.7 28.7 28.7 29.1 28.7 29.1 29.1 29.1

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-23 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Reference Wind Speed (V10) (m/s) 101 25.1 25.1 25.1 25.1 25.5 25.1 25.4 25.4 25.4 102 24 24 24 24 24.4 24 24.3 24.3 24.3 103 23.9 23.9 23.9 23.9 24.4 23.9 24.3 24.3 24.3 104 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 105 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 106 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 107 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10

Table 9.11 above presents the predicted noise levels at the nearest properties as a result of the proposed development. The table demonstrates that all predicted noise levels from the proposed wind turbines are within the required threshold limits based on a worst-case noise output from the proposed turbines.

9.4.3 Decommissioning Phase

The type of activities that will take place during the decommissioning phase will be similar in nature to those that will occur during the construction phase. The noise assessment included in Section 9.4.1 in relation to the construction phase is also relevant to the decommissioning phase.

9.5 MITIGATION MEASURES

9.5.1 Construction Phase

In order to ensure that worst-case construction noise levels are not realised at the proposed development site, a detailed programme for the construction phase will be prepared in the final CEMP in consultation with the contractor prior to development as part of the detailed design phase and will include information such as notifications, contact numbers, method of appointing contractor, monitoring, contractual conditions and timescales. The programme of works will be completed following consultation with Tipperary County Council and the successful contractor will be obliged to comply with the information therein.

During construction works, the contractor undertaking the construction works may utilise the following noise abatement measures and comply with the recommendations of BS 5228:2009+A1:2014- Noise Control on Construction and Open Sites. These measures will ensure that:

. No plant used on site will cause a public nuisance due to fumes, noise, leakages or by causing an obstruction; . The best means practical, including proper maintenance of plant, will be employed to minimise the noise produced by on-site operations; . All vehicles and mechanical plant will be fitted with effective exhaust silencers and maintained in good working order for the duration of the contract; . Compressors will be of the “sound reduced” models fitted with properly lined and sealed acoustic covers which will be kept closed whenever the machines are in use and all ancillary pneumatic tools shall be fitted with suitable silencers;

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-24 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. Machines, which are used intermittently, will be shut down or throttled back to a minimum during those periods when they are not in use; . Any plant, such as generators or pumps, which are required to work outside of normal working hours, will be surrounded by an acoustic enclosure; and . Throughout the contract, the supervision of the works will include ensuring compliance with the limits using the methods set out in BS:5228.

9.5.2 Operational Phase

On the basis of the Noise Impact Assessment included in this report and the use of a worst-case sound power output from the proposed turbines, the threshold noise limits at the nearest noise sensitive receptors will not be exceeded.

9.5.3 Decommissioning Phase

The measures included in Section 9.5.1 for the construction phase apply also to the decommissioning phase.

9.6 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS

9.6.1 Construction Phase

The NIA completed for the proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm indicates that there is potential for short-term moderate noise level increases at the nearest receptors to the proposed development during the construction and decommissioning phases. On account of the short nature of these impacts and assuming that the mitigation measures suggested in this section are adhered to, this impact will be relatively minor.

9.6.2 Operational Phase

During the operational phase, the noise levels from the proposed development will be within the recommended threshold noise limits as outlined in the relevant Irish guidance document (Wind Farm Planning Guidelines, 2006).

MCE0760RP0006F01 9-25

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 53 Appendices: xx

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By th F01 Final Issue 20 May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

rpsgroup.com/ireland

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

10 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ...... 10-1

10.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 10-1 10.1.1 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND PRE-PLANNING ASSESSMENT ...... 10-1 10.1.2 CURRENT PROPOSAL ...... 10-3

10.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 10-4 10.2.1 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 10-4 10.2.2 Scope of Assessment Area ...... 10-7 10.2.3 Assessment Criteria...... 10-7

10.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 10-10 10.3.1 Description of the Site and Surrounding Area ...... 10-10 10.3.2 PLANNING CONTEXT - Landscape Character Assessment ...... 10-17 10.3.3 Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic Landscape Character Area ...... 10-18 10.3.4 Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic Landscape Character Area ...... 10-19 10.3.5 South Tipperary County Development Plan and Maps & Appendices, 2009-2016 . 10-20 10.3.6 Carrick on Suir Town Development Plan 2013 ...... 10-24 10.3.7 Kilkenny County Development Plan 2014 – 2020 ...... 10-24 10.3.8 Wind Energy Policy – South Tipperary Development Plan 2009 - 2016 ...... 10-25

10.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 10-27 10.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 10-27 10.4.2 Operational Phase ...... 10-27

10.5 MITIGATION MEASURES...... 10-50

10.6 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 10-53 10.6.1 Construction Phase ...... 10-53 10.6.2 Operational Phase ...... 10-53

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 10-1 - Option 1 – Pre-Planning: 8 no. 3 MW Turbines, RPS Dwg. No. MID001 ...... 10-2 Figure 10-2 - Option 2– Pre-Planning: 11 no. 2.3 MW Turbines, RPS Dwg No. MID002 ...... 10-2 Figure 10-3 - Option 2– Pre-Planning 11 no. 2.3 MW Turbines, RPS Dwg No. MID002...... 10-51

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

10 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT

10.1 INTRODUCTION

This Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment has been carried out by Áit Urbanism & Landscape as part of this EIS to assess the landscape and visual impact of the proposed Carrigadoon Wind Park development.

10.1.1 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND PRE-PLANNING ASSESSMENT

. Áit Urbanism & Landscape, in conjunction with Cormac Kane Architects, undertook a pre- planning Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment between September and November 2013, on behalf of DunoAir. The purpose of this ‘pre-planning’ LVIA was to assess the likely significant impacts of two wind farm development scenarios on Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill in South Tipperary, in order to assist in the decision making process on which development scenario would ‘best fit’ into the existing landscape and have the least likely significant impacts on the visual and landscape character of the area. The two wind farm scenarios were as follows:

. Option 1 8 no. 3 MW Turbines (RPS Dwg No MID001) . Option 2 11 no. 2.3 MW Turbines (RPS Dwg No. MID002)

The layout options considered identified turbines on both the northern and southern slopes of Carrigadoon Hill and on the southern slope of Curraghadobbin Hill. Figures 10.1. and 10.2 below illustrates the two options considered. The following constraints to the proposed wind farm development were identified as part of this process:

. One of the most sensitive receptors is the settlement of Ahenny. Ahenny settlement is the closest in proximity to the proposed wind farm development, and is essentially overshadowed by its immediacy to Carrigadoon Hill. Ahenny lies within the zoning ‘Secondary Amenity Area’ as designated under the South Tipperary Development Plan 2009-2014. It is also within the Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic Landscape Character Area (LCA) as defined under the Plan, as well as within the zoning ‘Areas unsuitable for Wind Energy Development’ in South Tipperary County Council Landscape Policy for Wind Energy Development, Map 11. . A second highly sensitive receptor is the view from Kilmacoliver to Skough Road, on Baunfree Hill to the east of the site, on the western border of County Kilkenny. This view is representative of a Protected View and Prospect - V18, in the Kilkenny County Development Plan (2014-2020) . The third most sensitive receptor, with a rating of medium to high sensitivity is the village of Faugheen to the south of the proposed development, mainly due to its location to the south of Carrigadoon Hill.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 10-1 - Option 1 – Pre-Planning: 8 no. 3 MW Turbines, RPS Dwg. No. MID001

Figure 10-2 - Option 2– Pre-Planning: 11 no. 2.3 MW Turbines, RPS Dwg No. MID002

A correlation was identified between the LCA boundary areas of the Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic LCA & Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic with the areas zoned for ’Landscape Policy for Wind Energy Development’, Map 11, South Tipperary Development Plan (2009-2015), as well as the areas zoned ‘Secondary Amenity Areas’. These zonings formed a significant constraint to both proposed wind farm options. In particular, the turbines located on the northern and north eastern slopes of Carrigadoon Hill affected these zonings. The height difference between the two proposed options was not seen as being a significant factor in the overall assessment. (Impact on views from Ahenny Village & Ahenny High Crosses towards these turbines remained significant regardless of height).

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-2 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

It has been noted throughout the assessment process that the immediate landscape character of both hills, Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon, have been substantially compromised by the presence of forestry plantations, and visual degradation created by clearfelling particularly on ridgelines. The landscape of these hills contrasts significantly with adjacent hillscapes particularly in the adjacent Co. Kilkenny.

Other potential sensitive receptors included the town of Carrick on Suir, particularly from higher ground to the south of the river, where there are occasional panoramic views north to the proposed development site, including a wider view taking in Slievenamon to the west of the Curraghadobbin Hill.

In terms of Cultural Heritage, an Archaeological Constraints Study was undertaken as part of the EIA process by John Cronin and Associates, in September 2014. The study identified a number of highly significant physical and visual archaeological constraints both within the boundary of the proposed development site and in the surrounding lands. These included eleven protected archaeological sites and extant remains of the only two hillforts in South Tipperary, located within the proposed development site. Five National Monuments are located within approximately 4km of the proposed development site. These monuments are designated by the State as being of national importance and a number form the main heritage tourist attractions in this region, i.e. the High Crosses at Ahenny and Kilkieran to the east, the Neolithic Passage Tomb at Knockroe to the north (which are all within 2km of Carrigadoon Hill) and Kilcash Castle/Church to the west.

All of the above constraints identified in the pre-planning process have informed the development of the design and planning of the proposed Carrigadoon Wind Park. Option 1, which contained 8 No. 3MW turbines was chosen as the better option to progress for a planning application. This option has itself been modified in response to identified environmental constraints and to reach a ‘best fit’ for the existing landscape setting. The locations and layout of each turbine have been altered to take account of the identified constraints to minimise, reduce or eliminate potential significant negative impacts on both local and regional sensitive receptors.

10.1.2 CURRENT PROPOSAL

This Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) describes the existing receiving environment and contiguous landscape and the methodology utilised to assess the impacts. It assesses the visual extent of the proposed development and the proposal’s visual effects on key views throughout the study area. The LVIA will summarise the impact of the proposed wind park on the visual and landscape amenity of the subject site and contiguous area. It will also describe the landscape character of the subject site and hinterland, together with the visibility of the site from significant viewpoints in the locality.

The following visual receptors are addressed:

. Key views from sites of national or international importance

. Designated protected views and views protected through development objectives in the Local Authority Development plans i.e. South Tipperary Development Plan, North Tipperary Development Plan, Kilkenny County Development Plan, Waterford County Development Plan

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-3 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. Amenity, Cultural Heritage Features

. Local community views to assess the landscape and visual impact of the proposals on those who live and work in proximity to the proposed wind farm development as well as those utilising local amenities

. Relevant local settlement nodes

. Major routes adjacent to the site

The proposed development will consist of the following elements:

8 no. 3 MW Turbines (85m hub height; 82m rotor blade diameter and a maximum blade tip height of 126.5m) and associated areas of hard standing.

− Substation compound − Permanent meteorological mast − New and upgraded tracks − Underground cabling − Limited felling of trees.

10.2 METHODOLOGY

10.2.1 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

Landscape and visual impact assessments are two separate but closely related topics.

The first aspect to be considered is visual impacts focusing on the extent to which new developments can be seen. Visual analysis forms one part of a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA), the process by which the potential significant effects of a proposed development on the visual resource are methodically assessed. In turn, VIA forms just one part of a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) and the wider process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The second aspect of LVIA considers potential impacts on the character of the landscape (Landscape Impact Assessment (LIA)), examining responses which are felt towards the combined effects of the new development.

This LVIA has been prepared utilising the following guidance documents:

. ‘Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements’ Environmental Protection Agency , 2002

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-4 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. ‘Advice notes on Current Practices (in the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement), Environmental Protection Agency, 2003’

. ‘Landscape and Landscape Assessment Draft Guidelines’, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) 2000

. ‘Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006 - Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government 2006

. ‘Best Practice Guidelines for the Irish Wind Energy Industry’ – Irish Wind Energy Association March 2006

. ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’, The Institute of Environmental Assessment / Landscape Institute (2nd & 3rd Ed 2002).

. ‘A Handbook on Environmental Impact Assessment – Guidance on the Environmental Impact, Scottish Natural Heritage (SHN) - Assessment’ 2009. Appendix 1: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

. ‘Visual Representation of Wind Farms - Good Practice Guidance’, Scottish Natural Heritage (SHN) -. 2006

. Siting and Designing wind farms in the landscape, Version 1, Scottish Natural Heritage, 2009

A site assessment was undertaken in September and October 2013. Desktops studies were undertaken to evaluate the existing site conditions such as topography, vegetation, settlement patterns, contiguous land use, drainage, landscape character as well as overall visibility of the site from surrounding areas. Information was also collated on protected views, scenic routes, special and protected landscapes etc. The trans-boundary effects of the proposed wind farm on the wider visual landscape were also assessed.

Listed below are the documents and websites that were referenced for the desktop study. These establish the current statutory planning context of South Tipperary and surrounding counties. It is noted that in April 2016 a proposed Variation to the South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009 was published by South Tipperary County Council which proposes the incorporation of a new Renewable Energy Strategy which in turn incorporates a new Wind Energy Strategy. These documents have drawn partly from a draft Landscape Character Assessment prepared in April 2016 which is available on the County Council’s website but which appears not to form part of the proposed Variation itself. In any event this LVIA has been prepared on the basis of the current statutory provisions of the South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009 and the current South Tipperary Landscape Character Assessment – Phase 1 – Uplands 2006.

The relevant documents reviewed are:

. South Tipperary County Development Plan and Maps & Appendices, 2009-2015

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-5 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. South Tipperary Landscape Character Assessment – Phase 1 – Uplands 2006

. South Tipperary Wind Energy Strategy ( Landscape Policy ) and Maps

. South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009-2015 - Strategic Environmental Assessment & Environmental Report

. North Tipperary Development Plan - Wind Capacity Strategy and Outline Landscape Strategy 2009 . Waterford County Development Plan and Maps, 2011 – 2017

. Waterford County Development Plan, 2011 – 2017, Wind Energy Strategy (2011)

. Kilkenny County Development Plan & Maps & Appendices, 2008 – 2014

. Kilkenny County Development Plan & Maps 2008 – 2014, Appendix C – Landscape Character Assessment (2003)

. Kilkenny County Development Plan & Maps 2008 – 2014, Appendix D – Wind Energy Development Strategy 2007

. Kilkenny County Development Plan, Maps and Appendices 2014-2020

. Coillte – www.coillte.ie

. Irish Wind Energy Association – www.iwea.com

. National Parks and Wildlife Service – Interactive Mapping and Aerial Photography - www.npws.ie

. Ordnance Survey Ireland – Interactive Mapping and Aerial Photography – www.osi.ie

. (Other : LVIA relevant Wind Farm EIS docs)

A Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) map was prepared by Cormac Kane Architects to indicate areas from which the development is potentially visible from up to 20km. In addition to this, 12 computer generated photomontages (CGI’s) also prepared by Cormac Kane Architects were used in the analysis of the visual impacts of the proposed development and to assist in determining significance of those effects. These are provided in Appendix 10.1 of this EIS. The sensitivity of the visual receptors and views will be dependent on receptor type and frequency of use, speed at which the view would be gained, landscape designation of the viewpoint, quality of the intervening landscape and the scale of the landscape and context of the view. Visibility maps and visualisations are tools to aid the identification and assessment of significant visual effects.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-6 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV): ‘Also known as a Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI), Visual Envelope Map (VEM) and Viewshed. This represents the area over which a development can theoretically be seen, based on a DTM. The ZTV usually presents a ‘bare ground’ scenario - that is, a landscape without screening structures or vegetation. This information is usually presented upon a map base’.

(‘Visual Representation of Wind Farms - Good Practice Guidance’, Scottish Natural Heritage (SHN) -. 2006)

Digital Terrain Model (DTM) : ‘This term refers to the way in which a computer represents a piece of topography in 3-dimensions as a digital model. The terms Digital Elevation Model, Digital Ground Model and Digital Height Model are also used and are synonymous’.

(‘Visual Representation of Wind Farms - Good Practice Guidance’, Scottish Natural Heritage (SHN) -. 2006)

Wirelines: ‘These are also known as wireframes and computer generated line drawings. These are line diagrams that are based on DTM data and illustrate the three-dimensional shape of the landscape in combination with additional elements. For wind farm projects, wirelines usually show just wind turbines. However, some software also allows the representation of additional elements such as access tracks and masts’.

(‘Visual Representation of Wind Farms - Good Practice Guidance’, Scottish Natural Heritage (SHN) -. 2006)

Photomontage: ‘A visualisation which superimposes an image of a proposed development upon a photograph or series of photographs. For wind farms, photomontages are conventionally used to illustrate proposed wind turbines within their setting. However tracks and other ancillary structures may also be shown. Photomontages are now mainly generated using computer software.’

(‘Visual Representation of Wind Farms - Good Practice Guidance’, Scottish Natural Heritage (SHN) -. 2006)

10.2.2 Scope of Assessment Area

For the Landscape Impact Assessment (LIA), the assessment area considers both the local landscapes up to 5km of the proposed development and wider landscapes within 20km of the proposed development.

For Visual Impact Assessment (VIA), the assessment area considers a visual envelope of up to 20km from the proposed development. The visual envelope may contain areas, which are fully visible, partly visible and non-visible from the development proposed.

10.2.3 Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria presented below evaluates the two distinct aspects of landscape and visual effects of the proposed development. Both threshold criteria are based on examples utilised by practitioners in the UK and are defined in Appendix 6 of ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’, The Institute of Environmental Assessment / Landscape Institute (2nd Ed 2002).

10.2.3.1 Definition of Magnitude/ Degrees of effects on Visual Amenity

None

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-7 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

No part of the development, or work or activity associated with it, is discernible.

Negligible

Only a very small part of the proposals is discernible and / or they are as such a distance that they are scarcely appreciated. Consequently they have little effect on the scene.

Slight

The proposals constitute only a minor component of the wider view, which might be missed by the casual observer or receptor. Awareness of the proposals would not have a marked effect on the overall quality of the scene.

Moderate

The proposals may form a visible and recognisable new element within the overall scene and may be readily noticed by the observer or receptor.

Substantial

The proposals form a significant and immediately apparent part of the scene that affects and changed its overall character.

Severe

The proposals become the dominant feature of the scene to which other elements become subordinate and they significantly affect and change its character.

10.2.3.2 Significance Criteria

Significance criteria for landscape effects are given below as a textual ranking, depending on the extent to which the proposals improve, cause damage, or are neutral with respect to existing landscape features.

Significance criteria for landscape effects

Significance Definition

The proposed scheme would result in effects that − Are at a complete variance with the landform, Severe Adverse scale and pattern of the landscape − Would permanently degrade, diminish or

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-8 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Significance Definition

destroy the integrity of valued characteristic features, elements and/or their setting − Would cause a very high quality landscape to be permanently changed and its quality diminished The proposed scheme would result in effects that Major Adverse − cannot be fully mitigated and may cumulatively amount to a severe adverse effect − are at a considerable variance to the landscape, degrading the integrity of the landscape − will be substantially damaging to a high quality landscape The proposed scheme would Moderate Adverse − be out of scale with the landscape or at odds with the local pattern and landform − will leave an adverse impact on a landscape of recognised quality The proposed scheme would Minor Adverse − not quite fit into the landform and scale of the landscape − affect an area of recognised landscape character The proposed scheme would Neutral − complement the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape − maintain existing landscape quality The proposed scheme has the potential to Minor Beneficial − improve the landscape quality and character − fit in with the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape − enable the restoration of valued characteristic features partially lost through other land uses Moderate Beneficial The proposed scheme would have the potential to − fit in very well with the landscape character − improve the quality of the landscape through the removal of damage caused by existing land uses

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-9 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

10.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

10.3.1 Description of the Site and Surrounding Area

10.3.1.1 Location and Setting

The proposed development site is located in the south eastern corner of County Tipperary on the border with County Kilkenny, approximately 6km north of Carrick on Suir. The site is situated on two hills, Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill. A local tertiary access road runs from Ballinurra north-west to Rathclarish parish. The R696 is located to the extreme west of the site, the R697 to the east of the site. The village settlements of Faugheen is located to the south of the site, and Ahenny Village is situated to the north east, on the lower slopes of Carrigadoon Hill. There are local parishes with smaller settlements south of the site, namely Newtown Upper, Ballinurra, Macreary and Lissadober. The townlands of Raheen, Garryduff, Rathclarish, Curraheen and Ahenny Little are located to the north of the site.

The proposed wind farm development site can be described as a forested hill landscape, intertwined by local access road and tracks, which lies within a wider setting of a mosaic of marginal pastureland. The site is confined to the south facing slopes of Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills.

10.3.1.2 Topography

Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill are landforms or outer foothills directly associated with the Slievenamon Mountain range to the west/north west of the site. The Slievenamon Mountain range encloses the Lingaun River Valley to the north of the site. Both hills rise from approximately 50m OD south of the site, to a high point of 296mOD to the north east of the site on Carrigadoon Hill.

10.3.1.3 Contiguous Land Use

The site itself is forested, with predominantly coniferous plantings of varying ages. The landscape below the hills to the south and west is used mainly for agriculture i.e. tillage and pasture. Similarly, to the north and east, there exists a rich patchwork of field enclosures associated with agricultural use.

10.3.1.4 Vegetation and Drainage

The southern, eastern and western slopes of the both hills are forested with coniferous woodlands.

There are open fields used for grazing to the north of the site on higher ground. These fields can be described as undulating with extensive mature native hedgerows. Large parkland trees are scattered throughout the field network on lower ground, coupled with the native hedgerow plantings, adding a sense of enclosure and intimacy as one moves through the landscape. The local valleys adjacent to the hills have heavily wooded slopes creating a rich visual quality to the general amenity of the area.

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The Glen River rises at the foothills of Curraghadobbin Hill, flowing south-east to Carrick on Suir. The Lingaun River flows along the valley corridor from the north, along the eastern edge of the site, flowing south and joining the River Suir at Tibberaghny to the east of Carrick on Suir.

10.3.1.5 Settlements

Ahenny Village and Faugheen Village are located adjacent to the proposed development site. Ahenny Village is located to the north-east of Carrigadoon Hill, nestled on an elevated position overlooking the Lingaun River Valley on the border with Co. Kilkenny. It is accessible via local access roads connected to the R697. There are several ‘Recorded Monuments’ within and adjacent to the village, the most prominent in the south east of the village in the form of ‘Ahenny High Crosses’. The settlement itself is small, with no recognisable ‘village’ centre. The main features are the Church, High Crosses, cemetery, and a small lane with a double row of one-storey cottages at the northern end of the village. There are two ‘Architectural Conservation Areas’ noted within the village in the South Tipperary Development Plan 2009-2015. There is a primary school located on the local access road to the south of the village, Newtown National School, on the foothills of Carrigadoon Hill, serving the local rural area.

Faugheen Village is situated to the south of Carrigadoon Hill on the local access road which runs east –west from R697 to the R696. Faugheen is situated on a relatively flat agricultural landscape with Carrigadoon Hill forming a backdrop to the north of the village. The predominant features within the village are its church and graveyard. There are two small contemporary residential developments along the northern edge of the village, with a more dispersed settlement pattern along the local access road. Within the village itself, there is a local pub and some light industrial businesses. Faugheen is located within an ‘Architectural Conservation Area’.

Carrick on Suir town is a regional town located approximately 6km south of the proposed development site, and for planning purposes it is governed under the Carrick on Suir Development Plan 2008-2015. It lies within the valley formed by the foothills of Slievenamon and the Comeragh Mountains, with the River Suir flowing through the centre of the town. The surrounding topography, particularly to the south, combined with the presence of the River Suir at its centre adds to the visual and landscape amenity of the town itself. It is recognised as a commuter and market town and is directly linked to Clonmel via the N24 to the west and to Waterford via the N24/N9 to the east. The River Suir is also a prominent regional connective feature between these towns. The R696 and R697 connect Carrick on Suir to Kilkenny to the north east. The town is nestled in the south eastern corner of South County Tipperary. The county boundary with Kilkenny lies to the east of the town along the southern tributary of the Lingaun River. The boundary with County Waterford is located to the south of the town.

10.3.1.6 Visual Analysis

As previously mentioned the proposed wind farm development site presents as the outer rim hills of the Slievenamon Mountain range. The hills are aligned on east-west axis, forming the southern edge to the Lingaun River Valley. The dominant visual feature on the hills themselves is forestry plantations which are managed by Coillte. Although there is a mix of native tree plantings present within the plantations, particularly around the edges of the woodlands themselves, the dominant species are coniferous. These coniferous planting grow at a faster rate than native deciduous material and are evergreen. They form dense branch growth and hence they create a deep dark green hue to the landscape in comparison to the reflective and multi-coloured associations with

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-11 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

native deciduous tree plantings generally. The main (public) access points to the woods are from the east, just south and north of Ahenny Village, from the points along the local access road from Ballinurra to Rathclarish, and from the west off the R696. There is also an access route from the south of Carrigadoon Hill at Poulmaleen. The landscape topography, drainage and vegetation and land use of the contiguous area greatly influences the views into the site.

As one moves north-west from Carrick on Suir along the R696, the landscape is predominantly flat, the land use is primarily agricultural. The field pattern is large with comparatively low, well maintained hedgerows along the boundaries, with the exception of some scattered parkland trees. This creates a relatively open landscape, with wide views north to Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills. As one looks north-west, Slievenamon dominates the view rising above the surrounding landscape. Further north along the R696, the topography gradually changes as the R696 meets with the N76 and moves through the lower western slopes of Curraghadobbin Hill which are densely wooded, creating a sense of intimacy and enclosure. Views east into the hill are obstructed by tree plantings and rising topography.

The R697 runs north from Carrick on Suir, and interweaves through the county boundaries of South Tipperary and Kilkenny. The landscape here is influenced by the topography of the Lingaun River banks and associated dense vegetation along its edges. The views north to the site are for the most part obstructed by the intervening landscape, namely topography and trees/mature hedgerow plantings. The landscape becomes more open as one moves north and intermittent views to the hills become apparent particularly around the townlands of Newtown Lower and Castletown. Carrigadoon Hill becomes visually dominant around the junction to the village of Faugheen. From this point north along the R697, and from the R698 to the east, as well as the local road from Kilmacoliver to Skough, there are clear and open views to Carrigadoon Hill, as the roads move through the valley and skirt the adjacent hill, Kilmacoliver Hill to the east in County Kilkenny.

The landscape gradually reverts back to pasture/ tillage, on the northern slopes of Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hill, although the dark coniferous Coillte plantations characterise the visual landscape of the upper slopes and skyline.

There are three local access routes that run through the agricultural landscape to the south of the hills, running mainly east-west connecting the R696 and R697. As one moves east along the Curraghadobbin to Faugheen road, the hills rise above the farmland. The mature trees and hedgerows obscure part of the view to the lower extent of the hills, but there are clear open views at numerous access gates where there are breaks in hedgerow plantings. At Faugheen Village, Carrigadoon Hill creates a dramatic backdrop, with open views to the hills from the Church and cemetery grounds and boundaries to local residential developments.

The visual landscape at Ahenny Village which is situated on the slopes of the north eastern facade of Carrigadoon Hill is dominated by the backdrop of the hill in this secluded setting. There are direct and clear views of the hill particularly from the site of the Ahenny High Crosses as well as from the rows of cottages at the centre of the village.

Further south, at Carrick on Suir, the proposed development site is visible from areas of higher ground to the south of the River Suir. There are open views north to the site from areas of open space and the local cemetery on elevated areas along the Waterford Road, the R680. There are intermittent views north from the church grounds and cemetery south of the River Suir. The upper slopes and peak of Slievenamon are visible from the points along the south western bank of the

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-12 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement river. Views north to the site from the River Suir are blocked by the intervening built environment of Carrick on Suir town.

View north east from the R696 to Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill in the background of view

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-13 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

View north west from the R696 to Slievenamon Mountain

View of track and forestry plantation within the development site at Carrigadoon

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-14 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

View north to Curraghadobbin Hill from graveyard at Faugheen

View north to Curraghadobbin Hill (left) and Skough Hill (right) from the graveyard at Faugheen

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-15 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

View southwest from Ahenny Village to Carrigadoon Hill

View south west from Kilmacoliver to Skough Road to Carrigadoon Hill

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View north from cemetery at Woodland Heights, Carrickbeg, south of Carrick on Suir

10.3.2 PLANNING CONTEXT - Landscape Character Assessment

The South Tipperary Landscape Character Assessment – Phase 1 - Uplands (2006) identifies two distinct Landscape Character Areas (LCA’s) relevant to the proposed development site and this landscape assessment:

1. Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic 2. Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic

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Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic Landscape Character Area The South Tipperary Landscape Character Assessment – Phase 1 - Uplands (2006)

Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) can be described as the ‘character can be established for an area where there is visual distinctiveness and identified through a continuity of similar characteristics’. The characterisation of a landscape is followed by a Landscape Values Assessment. This can be described as ‘the environment or cultural benefits that are derived from various landscape resource, and may include physical and visual components as well as image elements’.

The Sensitivity of the landscape is ‘the extent to which a particular landscape can accommodate change without unacceptable loss of existing character or interference with values’.

10.3.3 Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic Landscape Character Area

Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill are contained within the outer slopes of the Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic character area and are considered ‘sub-areas’ of the LCA. This LCA is comprised of ‘moorland, forestry and marginal pasture’. This area includes the primary and lesser peaks of Slievenamon at the western extent of the upland, as well as the outer slopes of the hills enclosing the Lingaun River Valley to the east of the peak.

10.3.3.1 Landscape Characteristics

The characteristics of this LCA are identified as marginal mountain landscape, steep forested slopes, a massive peak covered with peat and moorland and lack of built features. Its identifiable features are recognised as a distinctive form in itself and the relative isolation of Slievenamon. There are spectacular views from the mountain particularly to the west over the Golden Vale.

10.3.3.2 Landscape Sensitivity

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-18 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

In general the Slievenamon area is of Special Sensitivity Class 4. This means that the landscape character and value are too high to absorb any more than limited change. The image value of Slievenamon is particularly valued and susceptible to change. However there are sub-areas comprising the lower slopes that enclose the Lingaun Valley plateau where sensitivity is less. These areas are of Sensitivity Class 3 i.e. highly sensitive but capable of absorbing development that complements the existing values and character of the area.

10.3.3.3 Landscape Values

The distinctive landform of Slievenamon, the scenic views provided by the peak, and the extensive natural area and remoteness of moorland and peatland on the upper slopes combine to create the area’s aesthetic and recreational amenity value. The integrity and unity of the traditional landscape pattern and scale of moorland, field patterns and hedgerow vegetation has been compromised by recent land cover change in the form of forestry plantations.

10.3.3.4 Settlement Pattern

The settlement pattern is sparse and limited to the lower slopes, where there has been little recent development. There are no significant settlements or focal points of activity / destinations (other than the peak) the physical prominence and distinctive form of Slievenamon lend the area a distinct sense of place and identity. There are several clusters of cultural-historic features and monuments in the vicinity of existing rural settlements.

Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic Landscape Character Area : The South Tipperary Landscape Character Assessment – Phase 1 - Uplands (2006)

10.3.4 Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic Landscape Character Area

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This LCA is essentially contained within the area to the north of the proposed development site, which may marginally bound or cross over into the Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic LCA. The LCA is comprised of ‘moorland, forestry and varying pasture’. It encompasses the Lingaun River and Valley, which extends eastwards from the peak of Slievenamon. It includes the inner slopes of the hills defining the northern and southern edge of these uplands.

10.3.4.1 Landscape Characteristics

The landscape characteristics of the Lingaun Valley are of relative isolation from the surrounding landscape and is comprised of a typical farmland patchwork with extensive mature hedgerows creating a sense of enclosure from the wider landscape. This landscape is distinctive in that it is enclosed by Slievenamon to the west and the associated rim of hills to north and south of the valley. The built environment is relatively traditional in form and scale with a lack of modern built features.

10.3.4.2 Landscape Sensitivity

The Lingaun Valley area is described as of High Sensitivity, Class 3 i.e. ‘The landscape character is established and capable of absorbing material change that reflects or enhances the current condition’.

10.3.4.3 Landscape Values

The landscape value of the Lingaun Valley is the significant aesthetic amenity of the intimacy and scale of the area’s landscape pattern, the enclosure of the area by Slievenamon and the rim of hills to north and south and the scenic views contained within the LCA, creating a potential recreational amenity value locally. The quality of the relative traditional landscape pattern and scale created by the field patterns and mature hedgerow vegetation are predominantly intact but have been compromised to some degree by the coniferous forestry plantations to the north and west of the valley. In terms of heritage value, there are two hillforts, numerous enclosures, two castle sites in the valley, which are outside the South Tipperary County boundary, and an ecclesiastical site including two high crosses at Ahenny. The scenic combination of the dramatic scale of the mountain landscape (Slievenamon) and the relative intimacy of scale of the enclosed Lingaun valley, along with the area’s rural setting result in a distinct image and sense of place. The dense pattern of mature hedgerows with abundant mature tree cover combined with the Lingaun River and streams contribute to the area’s biodiversity value. There are no designated areas within this LCA.

10.3.4.4 Settlement Pattern

There are numerous hamlets which are described as ‘marginal agricultural clusters’, with few modern residential developments. The traditional settlement pattern and vernacular architecture of the area is considered to be largely intact.

10.3.5 South Tipperary County Development Plan and Maps & Appendices, 2009-2016

The relevant statutory landscape planning policy guidance governing the site is laid out in the South Tipperary Development Plan 2009-2016.

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Carrick on Suir Town Development Plan 2013, North County Tipperary Development Plan 2010-2016, Kilkenny County Development Plan 2014 – 2020 and Waterford County Development Plan 2011 – 2017 were also reviewed to assess any landscape policies that may be affected by the proposed wind farm development. The results of this assessment are laid out below.

Map 11, South Tipperary County Development Plan, County Maps, 2009-2016

South Tipperary Development Plan 2009-2016

Policy AEH 4 Primary and Secondary Amenity Areas

It is the policy of the Council ‘to protect and enhance the visual quality of primary and secondary amenity areas. The scale, design and siting of new developments shall enhance this visual quality’.

The proposed site falls within an area designated as a ‘Secondary Amenity Area’, and correlates with the LCA’s of Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic and Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic. The site falls within the outer rim hills of the Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic and are noted as ‘sub- areas comprising the lower slopes that enclose the Lingaun Valley plateau where sensitivity is less. These areas are of Sensitivity Class 3 - Highly sensitive but capable of absorbing development that complements the existing values and character of the area.

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South Tipperary Development Plan 2009-2016

Policy AEH 5 Protected Assets: Views and Trees It is the policy of the Council to protect views of special amenity value and mature trees as set out respectively in Appendix 6 and Appendix 8 of the Protected Views County Development Plan.

V012 Views to Slievenamon along Clonmel - Kilkenny road (N76), from Kilhefferan -Clashinisky

V014 Views to Slievenamon along Seskin - Killusty road (R706 )

V040 Views north to Slievenamon and south to the Comeragh, east of Kilsheelan (N24).

V041 Excellent views to Slievenamon and the Comeragh. Protected Trees Those which have been noted are outside the site boundary

T107 : Grove : Trees in Grove Estate - Beech, Oak T150 : On minor road from Carrick to Faugheen Cregg Estate -Mature Oaks T151 : Newtown Upper Trees north on minor road to county border All Poplars T152 :Newtown Upper Trees along road north to Newtown Poplars, Horse Chestnut, Limes

Protected Views Development Objective - D01 – Ahenny Village Development Objectives ‘Council will seek to protect views from the village centre towards the surrounding uplands’

Development Objective- D02 - Faugheen ‘Where development is proposed, the Council will protect views north towards the neighbouring uplands’ Policy AEH 6 Designated Environmental Sites (See Ecology Chapter for more detail) It is the policy of the Council to maintain the quality

of designated environmental sites and when assessing NPWS and Natura Sites proposals will provide for the protection, conservation and enhancement of wildlife habitats and designated sites. Ref Code : 002388 : Slievenamon Bog NHA Ref Code : 002137 : Lower River Suir SAC

Policy AEH 10 Access and Public Rights of Way It is the policy of the Council to preserve and protect existing rights of way and create new access routes to

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South Tipperary Development Plan 2009-2016

amenity areas and facilities as the opportunity or need arises and will seek to establish a meaningful network throughout the county.

Policy AEH 11 Protected Structures – (See Archaeology and Architectural Heritage Chapter for more detail) It is the policy of the Council to conserve and protect buildings, structures and sites contained in the Record of Protected Structures that are of special interest and when considering proposals will have regard to the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities and relevant Conservation and Management Plans where applicable. The Council will proactively work with developers/applicants to facilitate the appropriate reuse/redevelopment of Protected Structures.

Policy AEH 12 Architectural Conservation Areas ( See Archaeology and Architectural Heritage Chapter) It is the policy of the Council to conserve and enhance the special character of the ACA’s included in this plan. The special character includes its traditional building stock and material finishes, spaces, streetscape, landscape and setting.

Policy AEH 13 Archaeology It is the policy of the Council to safeguard sites, features and objects of archaeological interest generally and will protect (in-situ where practicable or as a minimum, preservation by record) all monuments included in the Record of Monuments and Places and of sites, features and objects of archaeological and historical interest generally.

Policy AEH 14 South Tipperary Heritage Plan It is the policy of the Council to implement the key objectives and associated actions identified in the South Tipperary Heritage Plan 2004-2008 and any revision thereof. SEAHO 5: The Council will develop networks of cycle and pedestrian amenity routes where opportunities arise, particularly in proximity to settlements. SEAHO 6: During the lifetime of the County Development Plan, the Council will complete Phase 2 of the LCA and identify ‘archaeological landscapes’ as part of an ongoing landscape character assessment of the county.

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10.3.6 Carrick on Suir Town Development Plan 2013

Carrick on Suir Town Development Plan 2013

Policy AH 8 Views and Prospects It is the policy of the Council to protect views and prospects of special amenity value or special interest. These views are set out in Appendix 10. Listed Views – Location and Description Appendix 10 – Listed Trees and Dungarvan Road – Views north towards Ormond Views Castle and Sliabh

10.3.7 Kilkenny County Development Plan 2014 – 2020

Kilkenny County Development Plan 2014 – 2020

Protected Views & Prospects V18 ‘View west into Co. Tipperary on the Kilmacoliver/Skough Road, no LS5097

Objective: 8H To preserve and improve places or areas from which views or prospects of special amenity value exist, as identified in Appendix H and on Figure 8.2.

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Fig 8.2 - Kilkenny County Development Plan showing Protected View No.18 , to the west of Area C ( South Western Hills).

10.3.8 Wind Energy Policy – South Tipperary Development Plan 2009 - 2016

The application site lies within the designation ‘Areas Open for Consideration’ in the South Tipperary Development Plan 2009-2016, Landscape Policy for Wind Energy Development Map 11. The northern and eastern sections of Carrigadoon Hill fall into the designation ‘Areas Unsuitable for

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Wind Energy Development’, but the application site does not extend into this area. These designations coincide with the classifications and areas outlined in the Landscape Character Assessment for the uplands, namely the ‘Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic’ LCA and the ‘Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic’ LCA.

10.3.8.1 Preferred Areas for Wind Energy Development

It is the policy of South Tipperary County Council to ensure that wind energy development shall only be permitted in areas as follows: and as identified on the associated landscape policy for wind energy map below.

Unsuitable Areas – wind energy development in these areas is not permitted. These areas either have a special or unique landscape character, and the main objective is conservation.

Map 11, South Tipperary County Development Plan Landscape Policy for Wind Energy Development , 2009-2015

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10.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

10.4.1 Construction Phase

The landscape and visual impacts of the windfarm relate primarily to the operational phase of the development. There will be some visual impacts however associated with the construction stage, due to felling of trees for access roads and construction of entrance junctions. These are considered typical construction related impacts; they are temporary and not considered significant from a visual perspective. Most of the construction works will be within the site and will not be visible from the surrounding areas until the turbines are erected.

10.4.2 Operational Phase

The purpose of this LVIA is to assess the likely significant impacts of the proposed Carrigadoon Wind Park on Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill, and the wider landscape including Slievenamon in South Tipperary.

The proposed development includes the following elements:-

. 8 no. 3 MW Turbines (RPS Dwg No MID001); . Substation compound; . Permanent meteorological mast; . New and upgraded tracks; . Underground cabling; . Felling of trees for access roads and for turbine locations; and . Grid connection link to Ballydine sub-station.

The following process was undertaken to determine the key views into the site. The 12 viewpoints (VP’s) are representative of the key sensitive receptors in both the local and wider landscape context for the purposes of this pre-planning assessment:-

. Site Assessment; . Desktop Study of relevant documentation; . Preliminary ‘Zone of Theoretical Visibility’ (ZTV) mapping at early stages of the project; . Preliminary Viewpoint location mapping followed by additional site assessment; and . Visualisations based on the results of the above, namely final Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) mapping, and final 12 photomontages representing the key sensitive receptors.

The key views into the site are representative of the following:-

. Key views from sites of national or international importance, amenity / heritage features ie. View from Slievenamon;

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. Designated protected views and views protected through development objectives in the Local Authority Development plans i.e. South Tipperary Development Plan, Kilkenny County Development Plan i.e. Views from Faugheen and Ahenny Village, view west into Co. Tipperary on the Kilmacoliver/Skough Road (LS5097) from the Kilkenny border;

. Cultural Heritage Features (Archaeological Features/National Monuments/Monuments);

. Relevant local settlement nodes i.e. Views from Faugheen, Carrick on Suir; and

. Major and minor routes adjacent to the site i.e. Views from N24,N76,R696, R697.

10.4.2.1 Landscape Impact Assessment

In terms of ‘Landscape Impact’, this assessment determines the capacity of the existing landscape to accept the changes associated with the proposed development, and how the proposals will alter both the local and wider landscape character, its landscape value and sensitivities.

The proposed site falls within an area designated as a ‘Secondary Amenity Area’, and correlates with the LCA’s of Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic and Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic. The site falls within the outer rim hills of the Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic and are noted as ‘sub-areas comprising the lower slopes that enclose the Lingaun Valley plateau where sensitivity is less’. These areas are of Sensitivity Class 3 - Highly sensitive but capable of absorbing development that complements the existing values and character of the area.

There are currently no other wind farm developments in the local or wider area. However, the immediate landscape character of both Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill have been impacted upon by the coniferous tree plantations that dominate the southern and eastern slopes of the hills. The landscape character of both hills is significantly different from adjacent hills particularly to the east in Co. Kilkenny, where a pastoral open landscape of agricultural fields with native mature hedgerows and pockets of native woodland prevails. In addition, a mobile phone mast rises above a clearing of afforestation on the western slope of Carrigadoon Hill altering the landscape character of the site.

The introduction of the proposed wind park would impart another level of change to the existing landscape character of these hills in the form of large scaled structures with moving components. The proposed turbines will not immediately be absorbed into the existing landscape, as they will be perceived initially as being out of context in a wider rural agricultural setting. However, they would be introduced into an ‘altered’ landscape, the alteration being coniferous plantings, which may mitigate to some extent, the installation of the turbines into an established coniferous wooded setting.

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Effects on Landscape character

The landscape character of the proposed development site falls within the ‘sub-areas’ of the Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic LCA, its’ characteristics defined as the ‘outer rim hills’ with steep forested slopes. It is not anticipated that the landscape character of Slievenamon Mountain will be impacted upon due the distance from the proposed development site to the Slievenamon Mountain itself. There is approximately 8km distance from the peak of Curraghadobbin Hill and approximately 11km from the highest point of Carrigadoon Hill to Slievenamon Mountain. Both hills and Slievenamon can only be viewed as a physical unit from open areas south of the site, for example south of Carrick on Suir on elevated ground.

Effects on Landscape Sensitivity and Values

The Slievenamon area is of Special Sensitivity Class 4. This means that the landscape character and value are too high to absorb any more than limited change as the image value of Slievenamon is susceptible to change. The sub-areas comprising the lower slopes that enclose the Lingaun Valley plateau are less sensitive. These areas are of Sensitivity Class 3 ‘sub-areas comprising the lower slopes that enclose the Lingaun Valley plateau where sensitivity is less. These areas are ‘Highly sensitive but capable of absorbing development that complements the existing values and character of the area’.

The landscape values associated with Slievenamon are:

− Distinctive landform of Slievenamon, − Scenic views provided by the peak − Extensive natural area − Remoteness of moorland and peatland on the upper slopes − Aesthetic and recreational amenity value

However, it is noted that the integrity and unity of the traditional landscape pattern has been compromised by recent land cover change in the form of forestry plantations. This is of particular relevance to Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills. Again, the distance of the proposed wind farm site from Slievenamon itself will reduce if not eliminate any negative impacts on the landscape value and sensitivities associated with Slievenamon. Initially, the wind farm development could be seen as having a minor adverse effect, particularly by the local community during construction stage. However it is not considered a significant and negative one that would constitute unacceptable detrimental effects on either the local or wider character.

The turbines will be contained within the coniferous woodland plantations, on an existing altered and compromised landscape, and within the Landscape Policy zoning ‘Areas Open for Consideration’

It is considered that the overall Landscape Effects of the proposed development may be considered to be Minor Adverse before any mitigation measures are considered within the assessment. The proposed scheme would:-

− not quite fit into the landform and scale of the landscape − affect an area of recognised landscape character

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-29 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The landscape at the southern edge of Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic LCA, and the landscape on the southern slopes of the ‘outer rim hills’ of the Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic LCA will be altered from a commercial coniferous plantation, with areas of clearfelling, to one with noticeable vertical elements of the commercial infrastructural components of a windpark.

Cumulative Landscape Impact Assessment

There are no identified plans or projects within the vicinity of the site which in combination with the proposed development would give rise to any additional cumulative impacts in terms of landscape.

10.4.2.2 Visual Impact Assessment

Visual impact is regarded as the most tangible and important aspect of a wind farm development - the local and wider landscape and how it will affect views within the study area. The visual impact is therefore assessed in terms of the extent of the visibility of the proposed wind farm development and how the introduction of the wind farm into the landscape will affect views throughout the study area.

10.4.2.3 Assessment on the Extent of Visibility

A zone of theoretical visibility (ZTV) map was prepared by Cormac Kane Architects as a visual aid for determining areas where turbines are theoretically visible and subsequently identifying sensitive locations and receptors. A preliminary ZVT was carried out at the beginning of the assessment process to assist in determining significant sensitive receptors. The ZTV represents the area over which a development can theoretically be seen, based on a DTM (digital terrain model). The ZTV presents a ‘bare ground’ scenario - that is, a landscape without screening structures or vegetation in the intervening landscape. If landscape features were to be considered in the calculation of the ZTV, the extent of hypothetical visibility and the number of sensitive receptors would significantly be reduced due to the screening effects and restrictions on views within the study area.

10.4.2.4 Extent of Visibility of the Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

The areas within a 20km radius of the proposed Carrigadoon wind farm development with theoretical visibility of the proposed wind turbines are illustrated on the ZTV mapping below. The Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) maps analyse three potential visibility scenarios. These are presented at a small scale below but are presented at a larger scale in Appendix 10.1 of this EIS. The first ZTV Map analyses ‘Nacelle’ visibility over a 20km radius from the proposed windpark at Carrigadoon.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-30 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) – Nacelle Visibility

The second ZTV map depicts the potential visibility of the ‘Half Blade’ over a 20km radius.

Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) – ‘Half Blade’ Visibility

The third ZTV map analyses the potential blade ‘Tip’ visibility of each turbine.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-31 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) – ‘Tip’ Visibility

The legend on the ZTV indicates the number of turbines visible by colour, i.e. In areas where there is no colour, within the 20km radius of the site, the wind turbines will not be visible (in and around Ahenny Village ) and areas coloured purple, all 8 turbines will be theoretically visible.

The visibility statistical analysis breaks down as follows:

Theoretical Visibility Area (sq/km) % Percentage of land Within an area of land within a 20km Colour Code where turbines are visible radius where:

43.29 Zero turbines are visible 545.43 No colour

2.8 35.3 1 turbine is visible Light Green

2.53 31.88 2 turbines are visible Pink

4.95 62.43 3 turbines are visible Blue

2.34 29.54 4 turbines are visible Yellow

1.7 5 turbines are visible 21.41 Dark Blue

2.4 30.24 6 turbines are visible Dark Green

7 turbines are visible 7.88 99.23 Orange

8 turbines are visible 32.1 404.48 Purple In all three scenario’s, all eight Turbines, or parts of the upper structures will theoretically be visible over 32.10% of the analysed 20sq.km radius of the site, over a total area 407.48 sq.km (Purple

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-32 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Colour). The visibility of all eight turbines will be concentrated to the immediate south of the site, to the west to Clonmel, south-west to the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains, on elevated lands to the south of Carrick-On-Suir and from the south-east into Co. Kilkenny. There is also a concentration of visibility of all eight turbines from the west on the eastern and southern slopes of Slievenamon; and from the north of the site within the Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic LCA. All eight turbines will theoretically be visible from various locations to the east of the site along the western border of Co. Kilkenny. Therefore there will be impacts on the Protected View No.18, Skough Road (Kilkenny County Development Plan 2014-2020).

No turbines will be visible from the village centre of Ahenny, where there are two Architectural Conservation Areas, as well several archaeological monuments, including the Ahenny High Crosses.

The nacelle of five of the turbines (dark blue colour) may be visible from the north and north-east of the proposed site. The nacelle of seven of the turbines (orange colour) will also be visible be theoretically visible from lands to the west, north and north-east of the proposed site. This may have an impact on the visual amenity of the Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic LCA. There is a concentration of theoretical visibility of five of the turbines from low lying lands adjacent to the River Suir to the south east of the site, between Portlaw in South Tipperary and Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny.

The key visual receptors were identified in section 10.1.2 above, namely:-

− Key views from sites national or international importance; − Designated Protected Views; − Amenity, cultural, heritage features; − Local community views; − Relevant local settlement nodes; and − Major routes adjacent to the site.

These key visual receptors, in conjunction with the analysis of Zones of Theoretical Visibility, identified twelve viewpoint locations as a representative sample of views to assess the potential impact of the proposed windpark development on the local and wider landscape setting.

10.4.2.5 Assessment on the Effect on Views

The assessment of effects on views is an assessment of how the introduction of the proposed wind park will affect views throughout the study area. The assessment considers:-

. The effects that the wind park will have on views from principal visual receptors, which are the notable settlements, routes, features and attractions found throughout the study area; and

. The effects that the wind park will have on a series of viewpoints that have been selected to represent visibility from around the study area.

A total of 12 viewpoints have been selected for the assessment on the effects on views. The viewpoints include the principal visual receptors identified within the study area and a number of representative locations within the development viewshed covering approximately 20km radius. Photomontages for each of the 12 selected viewpoints were generated to illustrate the ‘before’ and

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-33 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

‘after’ scenarios in terms of the visual changes to the landscape with the wind farm development in place. The photomontages and ZVT (including the viewpoint locations) are included in Appendix 10.1 of this EIS.

10.4.2.6 VP No. 1 Representative View: Close to Baunfree Passage Tomb

Location: Kilkenny, Kilmacoliver to Skough Road –R679 (Baunfree Hill)

Sensitive Visual Receptors:

Protected View & Prospect V18, Kilkenny County Development Plan (2008-2014) Sensitivity: High

Baunfree Passage Tomb Sensitivity: High

Landscape Character Area: Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic - The South Tipperary Landscape Character Assessment – Phase 1 - Uplands (2006)

Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic Landscape Character Area - Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill are contained within the outer slopes of the Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic character area and are considered ‘sub-areas’ of the LCA. This LCA is comprised of ‘moorland, forestry and marginal pasture’. This area includes the primary and lesser peaks of Slievenamon at the western extent of the upland, as well as the outer slopes of the hills enclosing the Lingaun River Valley to the east of the peak.

Landscape Sensitivity:

Assessment:

This viewpoint VP1, is representation of V18, a Protected View and Prospect, in the Kilkenny County Development Plan 2014-2020. It is located to the north-west of the Baunfree Passage Tomb, on the summit of Baunfree Hill. This monument is aligned on Slievenamon to the west. Baunfree Passage Tomb and Knockroe Passage Tomb (National Monument Ref: 655) to the North West are the only two recorded passage tombs within the wider landscape setting. Curraghadobbin Hill and Carrigadoon Hill form the sub areas to the Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic.

As one travels south along the local road LS5097 on the western slopes of Baunfree Hill, one is moving along an elevated and somewhat enclosed corridor with Carrigadoon Hill forming the adjacent side of the valley with the Lingaun River below. The landscape has a high quality of visual amenity, with views opening up to the south to the Comeragh Mountains in Co. Waterford, and

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-34 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement through to a more open agricultural landscape. This road links in with the R697 to the south, which in turn links in with the R698 to the east of Baunfree Hill.

Existing Scenario

The existing view presents the eastern slopes of Carrigadoon Hill, which itself forms the western side of the Lingaun River Valley. The lower slopes are used for agricultural purposes, mainly pasture, while the upper slopes are extensively and densely planted with coniferous trees of varying species and height. The eye is drawn to the uplands as well as the valley below. The summit of Slievenamon is not visible from this viewpoint but is visible further north and south along the R697, looking west. It is screened in this viewpoint by the topography of Carrigadoon Hill. However there is a partial view of part of lower ranges of Slievenamon to the right of the view.

Proposed Scenario

The proposed scenario depicts partial views of the upper portions of Turbines T8, T6 and T7 on the ridgeline of Carrigadoon Hill. The upper portion of the tower of T8, as well as the nacelle and blades are visible to the left of view. Turbine T8 is located on the 200mOD contour. The topography of Carrigadoon Hill rises to the north to between 284m OD and 291mOD, thereby screening the majority of the tower from view from this location. Turbine T6 is located on the 190mOD contour but is located south west of the highest point on Carrigadoon Hill (291mOD). Therefore only the tip of the blade is visible from this location. The upper portion of the tower, as well as the nacelle and blades of Turbine T7 are visible in the centre of view. Again, T7 is located immediately south west of the highest point on Carrigadoon Hill (291mOD), which effectively screens the majority of the tower from view. In this instance, a combination of topography, and vegetation as well as the siting of the turbines themselves screens the bulk of the built structures from view. The landscape character of the upper slopes would be altered to contain both coniferous plantation and wind farm development.

Visual Impact Assessment

The lower slopes and valley of the Lingaun River have a high quality of visual amenity. The extensive coniferous woodland has reduced the quality of the hillscape on the upper slopes. Therefore it is considered that the visual impact of the wind farm development at this location will be moderate to substantial, given that this is representative of a ‘Protected View and Prospect’, V18, Kilkenny County Development Plan. The impact on the cultural heritage of the sight lines between the Baunfree Passage Tomb and Slievenamon is considered moderate to substantial in terms of visual impact. The colour of the proposed turbines and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background, minimising visual impact.

Landscape Effect

In terms of ‘Landscape effect’, the impact of the proposed wind park development will have a minor adverse effect on the local landscape and will affect an area of recognised landscape character. However the quality of the existing landscape on the upper slopes has been reduced by the coniferous plantings and areas of clear felling on both Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-35 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

10.4.2.7 VP No. 2 Representative of view from Kilkieran High Crosses

Location: Kilkenny, on the R679. Close to Kilkieran High Crosses

Sensitive Visual Receptors:

Kilkieran High Crosses ((National Monuments Ref : 79)

The Kilkieran High Crosses are considered both of national significance (National Monuments Ref: 79) and of international significance in terms of early medieval Irish Art (8th to early 10th Century). The high crosses are situated in a graveyard in Kilkieran, County Kilkenny, off the R698.

Landscape Character Area: Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic - The South Tipperary Landscape Character Assessment – Phase 1 - Uplands (2006)

Landscape Sensitivity

Existing Scenario

This viewpoint is taken looking west/north-west from the public road R679, close to the location of Kilkieran High Crosses. The view depicts an agricultural landscape setting, with farm buildings and pastureland in the foreground, enclosed by hedgerows and native woodland edges on the south eastern slopes/foothills of the Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic Landscape Character Area and south west of Baunfree Hill.

Carrigadoon Hill presents to the right of view. The upper slopes are densely planted with commercial coniferous plantings. A large tract of tree felling on the ridge line near the summit of the hill is apparent, further reducing the visual quality of upper sections of Carrigadoon Hill. Curraghadobbin Hill is situated in the background to the left of view, set against the backdrop of the summit of Slievenamon.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-36 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Proposed Scenario

The proposed view depicts all eight turbines visible from this viewpoint location. From the left to right, they are numbered T1 - T8. T1,T2 and T3 are situated on the upper slopes of Curraghadobbin Hill on the 210mOD contour. These three turbines will appear against the backdrop of the south- eastern slopes of the snow capped Slievenamon in the background of view. T4,T5,T6,T7 and T8 are located on Carrigadoon Hill. Although their layout on plan is staggered, T5 (120mOD), T4 (170mOD) and T6 (190mOD), they appear as a linear arrangement on an east-west axis due to the angle of view. Turbines T7 (230mOD) and T8 (200m OD) appear in close proximity to each other, again due to the angle of view. The lower levels of T4-T8 will be screened by the existing coniferous plantings and will partly mitigate the visual impact of the lower levels of the structures from view. However, they will appear visually prominent against the skyline, from this particular viewpoint.

Views to the actual summit of Slievenamon remain open from this viewpoint, between the turbines on Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills. The landscape character of both hills will be altered to contain both commercial coniferous tree plantations and a wind park development.

Visual Impact Assessment

There is a high quality of visual amenity on the lower slopes of both Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills, presenting as a rural and relatively remote agricultural setting with substantial hedgerow and native woodland coverage. The extensive coniferous woodland plantings on the upper slopes of both hills have reduced the quality of this Landscape Character Area. It is considered that the visual impact of the proposed wind park development will be moderate to substantial, given the proximity of the Kilkieran High Crosses (National Monument Ref : 79) to the proposed development itself, as well as views to the summit of Slievenamon from this viewpoint location. The colour of the proposed turbines and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background, minimising visual impact.

Landscape Effect

In terms of ‘Landscape effect’, the impact of the proposed wind park development will have a minor adverse effect on the local landscape and will affect an area of recognised landscape character. However the quality of the existing landscape on the upper slopes has been reduced by the coniferous plantings and areas of clear felling on both Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills.

10.4.2.8 VP No. 3 Local Settlement – Faugheen

Location: Faugheen, Poulmaleen

Sensitive Visual Receptor:

Faugheen Village and Local access routes Sensitivity: Medium to High

This viewpoint is representative of the visual impact on the sensitive receptor of the village settlement and immediate hinterland of Faugheen Village, south of the site. It is also representative

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-37 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

of a local access route whose users may also be affected by the presence of the proposed wind farm development. The sensitivity of this receptor would be considered medium to high due to it’s proximity to the proposed development.

Existing Scenario

The existing view taken with a 50mm lens depicts the southern slopes of Carrigadoon Hill in the foreground and Curraghadobbin Hill in the distance. Much of the hillside is under coniferous plantations with pockets of open agricultural land and associated housing and built structures. The lower landscape in the foreground and mid ground is also agricultural, with typical field boundaries of native hedgerows. Part of Slievenamon is visible to the extreme left of view.

Proposed Scenario

In the photomontages presented at Appendix 10.1 the proposed scenario is divided into two views, 3A and 3B to allow for the accurate representation of the Fields of View (FOV) - : 53.5 degree Horizontal FOV and 18.0 degree Vertical FOV, as the proposed turbines are located on a linear east – west axis on Carrigadoon & Curraghadobbin Hills.

Photomontage Viewpoint number 3A shows, from left to right, Turbines T4, T5, T6, T7, and T8, located on the upper contours (170m OD- 220m OD) of Carrigadoon Hill. There are a number of residential properties visible to the south of Carrigadoon Hill along the local access roads.

Photomontage Viewpoint number 3B shows, from left to right, Turbines T1, T2 and T3 on Curraghadobbin Hill, to the west and to the east, Turbines T5, T4 and T6 on Carrigadoon Hill.

The proposed scenario (as presented in the composite view) shows that all eight turbines would be visible from this location. Turbines T1-T3 will be visible in the distance, on the 210mOD contour of Curraghadobbin Hill. The lower levels of the tower Turbines T1 and T3 will be screened by existing coniferous plantings. Turbine T2 will be viewed fully against the skyline. Turbines T4 -T8 on Carrigadoon Hill will be clearly visible from this close up viewpoint at Faugheen. The lower levels of T4(170mOD),T6(190mOD), T7(230mOD) and T8 (200mOD) will be screened by existing vegetation. Turbine T5 is located on the 120mOD contour, therefore approximately half of the tower will be viewed against the backdrop of the coniferous plantings on Carrigadoon Hill. The landscape character of the upper slopes of both hills will be altered to contain both coniferous plantation and wind farm development.

Visual Impact Assessment

There is a medium to high quality of visual amenity locally at Faugheen, on the lower slopes of both Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills. The visual landscape presents as a rural and relatively remote agricultural setting with substantial hedgerow and native woodland coverage. The extensive coniferous woodland plantings on the upper slopes of both hills have reduced the quality of this Landscape Character Area. It is considered that the visual impact of the proposed wind park development will be moderate to substantial, given the proximity of the local settlement of Faugheen and the presence of local access roads. The colour of the proposed turbines and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background, minimising visual impact.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-38 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Landscape Effect

In terms of ‘Landscape effect’, the impact of the proposed wind park development will have a minor adverse effect on the local landscape and will affect an area of recognised landscape character. However the quality of the existing landscape on the upper slopes has been reduced by the coniferous plantings and areas of clear felling on both Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills.

10.4.2.9 VP No.4 Representative View - Knockroe Passage Tomb

Location: Kilkenny

Sensitive Receptors

Knockroe Passage Tomb: National Monument Ref: 655 : Approximate distance from development: 2km to the north

Sensitivity: High

The Knockroe Passage Tomb, known locally as ‘The Coshel’, belongs to a group of Neolithic monuments that also includes the examples in the Boyne valley. It is the only recorded passage tomb in Co Kilkenny.

As stated in the Architectural and Archaeological Impact Assessment prepared by John Cronin & Associates, there has also been recent research on the significance of Knockroe tomb as an element of the surrounding cultural landscape. The report states that there is a strong inter-connecting visual relationship with the nearby Baunfree passage tomb; the cairn on top of Slievenamon to the west and Carrigadoon Hill to the south. The Winter Solstice is celebrated here on the 21st December.

Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic Landscape Character Area

The South Tipperary Landscape Character Assessment – Phase 1 - Uplands (2006)

Landscape Sensitivity

Existing Scenario

This existing view is looking south/south west towards the site from a local access road close to the Knockroe Passage Tomb. The tomb is located on the slopes of the Lingaun Valley in Co. Kilkenny, in a predominantly agricultural setting. The foreground depicts this open agricultural landscape, with clipped hedgerows enclosing pastureland, overlooking the Lingaun River. The views south/south west are dominated by the topography of Carrigadoon Hill to the left and Curraghadobbin Hill to the right of view. Slievenamon is not visible from this viewpoint, but is situated further west outside the

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-39 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

line of view. This viewpoint overlooks the Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic Landscape Character Area. (The South Tipperary Landscape Character Assessment – Phase 1 - Uplands (2006)

Proposed Scenario

Three of the eight turbines will be most visible from this viewpoint. These are Turbines T1,T2 and T3 on Curraghadobbin Hill to the right of view on the 210mOD contour. The lower sections of the turbine towers are screened by both the topography of the Curraghadobbin Hill itself, as well as the coniferous plantings on the upper slopes. The tips of the blades of T4 will be visible on Carrigadoon Hill, as it is located on the 170mOD contour. The nacelle and part of the blades of T6 will be visible as it is located 20m further upslope on the 190mOD contour. The upper section of the tower of T7, as well as the nacelle and blades is visible against the skyline, as T7 is located on the 230mOD contour. The tips of the blades of T8 are visible in the wireframe view, but not visible on the photomontage. The structures are screened by the existing vegetation of the coniferous plantings on the top of Carrigadoon Hill. T8 is located on the 200mOD contour, but the topography of the hill itself rises to 291mOD at its highest point directly north of Turbine T8, essentially screening the turbine from this viewpoint.

Generally, the siting and layout of the turbines on Carrigadoon Hill has reduced the overall visual impact from this viewpoint location.

Visual Impact

Generally there is a high quality of visual amenity locally, as one looks out over the LCA of the Lingaun Valley with Carrigadoon and Curraghadobbin Hills forming the backdrop of view. The visual landscape presents as a rural and relatively remote agricultural setting with hedgerow and native woodland coverage. The open agricultural field network is interrupted by the extensive coniferous woodland plantings on the upper slopes of Carrigadoon Hill and thereby reduces the quality of this Landscape Character Area. It is considered that the visual impact of the proposed wind park development will be slight to moderate, as the proposed development overlooks the Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic (Landscape Character Area). There may also be indirect impacts on views between Knockroe Passage Tomb and Baunfree Passage Tomb. The Winter Solstice is celebrated here on the 21st December. Baunfree Passage Tomb is located to the south-east of Knockroe. Turbine T7 which is most visible on Carrigadoon Hill, at the east side of the windpark development may impinge slightly on the extremities of the view between the two tombs. The colour of the proposed turbines and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background which will assist in minimising visual impact. The potential impact of the proposed development on views between the tombs may be moderate and negative on a limited number of receptors celebrating the Winter Solstice at these locations on the 21st December each year.

Landscape Impact

In terms of ‘Landscape effect’, the impact of the proposed wind park development will have a minor adverse effect on the local landscape and will affect an area of recognised landscape character. However the quality of the existing landscape on the upper slopes has been reduced by the coniferous plantings and areas of clear felling on the northern façade of Carrigadoon Hill in particular.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-40 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

10.4.2.10 VP No. 5 National Secondary Route

Location: N76, outside Mullinaglock

Sensitive Visual Receptor:

This viewpoint is representative of a view from a National Secondary Route and is within the Lingaun Valley LCA. The sensitivity of this visual receptor is considered high.

Existing Scenario

The existing view is looking south east towards the proposed development site from the N76. Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills are visible in the background of view. The northern slopes of the hills are a more open agricultural and pastoral landscape for the most part with the exception of the north eastern section of Carrigadoon Hill to the left of view where some of the coniferous plantation is visible. The intervening landscape is a rolling agricultural landscape with pockets of native woodland, and is part of the Lingaun Valley LCA.

Proposed Scenario

The proposed scenario depicts elements of all eight of the proposed turbines. Turbines T1, T2 and T3 are visually prominent against the skyline on Curraghadobbin Hill, located on the 210mOD contour of the south facing slope. The towers of Turbine T4 and T5 appear merged into one given the angle of view. As Turbine T5 is located on the 120mOD contour on the south facing slope of Carrigadoon Hill, only a portion of the blades will be visible from this viewpoint. Turbine T4 is located further upslope on the 170mOD contour, therefore the upper sections of the tower, as well as the nacelle and blades will be visible. Approximately half of the tower of Turbine T6, as well as the nacelle and blades will be visible as it is located on the 190mOD contour. Due to the siting of Turbines T7 and T8, they will appear clustered together to the left of view. Turbine T7 will be most visually prominent against the skyline, as it is located on the 230mOD contour. Turbine T8 is located approximately 30m further downslope on the 200mOD contour. The intervening topography and coniferous plantings of the Carrigadoon Hill will screen the majority of Turbines T5 and T8 from this viewpoint. Turbines T4, T6 and T7 will be most visible on Carrigadoon Hill and will slightly alter the landscape character and visual amenity of the hill from this viewpoint location. The three turbines visible on Curraghadobbin Hill stand individually isolated against the skyline making them more visually prominent.

Visual Impact Assessment

Six of the eight turbines towers will be visible either partially or fully on the skyline from this location. The siting and layout of turbines T8 and T5 on the south facing slope of Carrigadoon Hill in particular, as well as distance from the development will mitigate the overall visual impact of the proposals from this viewpoint. The colour of the proposed turbines and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background, minimising visual impact. The visual landscape is compromised slightly in the form of the coniferous plantings visible to the left of the view but the more open pastoral landscape setting is in contrast to the enclosed forested slopes on the south slopes of the hills. This view falls within the zoning of Lingaun Valley LCA, as well as ‘Areas Unsuitable

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-41 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

for Wind Energy Development’. Therefore it is considered the visual impact would be considered moderate for this scenario.

Landscape Impact

In terms of ‘Landscape effect’, the impact of the proposed wind park development will have a minor adverse effect on the local landscape and will affect an area of recognised landscape character. However the quality of the existing landscape on the upper slopes has been reduced by the coniferous plantings and areas of clear felling on both Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills.

10.4.2.11 VP 6 Kilcash Castle/Church

Location: Kilcash, N76, junction with L6510. (Representative View of National Monuments No. 654)

Sensitive Visual Receptor: There are a number of identified RMP’s (Record of Monuments and Places) based in Kilcash, Co. Tipperary. (See Chapter 12, Table 12.1). In terms of ‘Sensitive Visual Receptors’, a number of National Monuments are also located in and around Kilcash.

- Kilcash Church, County Tipperary (National Monument No. 654) - Kilcash Castle, County Tipperary (National Monument No. 654)

Given the presence of the identified RMP’s and National Monuments at Kilcash, the sensitivity of this viewpoint location is considered high.

Existing Scenario

The existing view is from the N76, at the junction with the local road, L6510, to Kilcash, looking east/north east towards the proposed development site. The setting is rural with hedgerows lining the roadway and field boundaries. The lands to the right of view are more flat and open, depicting an agricultural setting. The topography rises to the left of view into the LCA of the Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic. Curraghadobbin Hill rises to centre in the background of view, with Carrigadoon Hill forming the eastern axis of this mountain range. The coniferous tree plantations and areas of clear felling on both hills are visible from this viewpoint location.

Proposed Scenario

The proposed view depicts all eight turbines visible in the background of view. Turbines T1, T2 and T3 are most visually prominent on Curraghadobbin Hill on the 210mOD contour. Turbines T7, T4 and T6 are clustered together on Carrigadoon Hill in between contours 170m OD and 230m OD. Turbine T8 is viewed further east on the 200mOD contour, with Turbine T4 located further downslope on the 120mOD contour of the southern slope of Carrigadoon Hill.

Visual Impact Assessment

Of the eight turbines, Turbines T1, T2 and T3 are viewed against the skyline due to their linear layout on the 210mOD contour line of Curraghadobbin Hill. The staggered layout of the five Turbines T7,

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-42 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

T6, T4,T8 and T5 between contours 120mOD to 230m OD visually mitigates the impact of the turbines on Curraghadobbin Hill. Turbine T7, is the most visually prominent of the cluster (T7, T4, T6) as it is located on the 230mOD contour. The blades, nacelle and upper section of Turbine T4 are visible on the skyline as it is located further downslope on the 170mOD contour. Turbine T6 appears slightly higher and more of the tower is visible against the skyline as it is located 20m further upslope on the 190mOD contour. All of the blades, nacelle and most of the tower of T8 is visible against the skyline due to its location on the 200mOD contour. Turbine T5 is located much further downslope on the 120mOD contour, and is therefore viewed predominantly against the backdrop of the coniferous plantings on Carrigadoon Hill.

The visual amenity of the existing view is of low to medium quality. The visual landscape presents as a rural agricultural setting with substantial hedgerow and native woodland coverage. The extensive coniferous woodland plantings on the upper slopes of both hills have reduced the quality of this Landscape Character Area. There is much visual clutter in the existing view, namely road signage, bollards, ESB power lines and poles. Although the sensitivity of areas of cultural heritage in close proximity are high, it is considered that the visual impact of the proposed wind park development will be slight to moderate, given the distance of the proposed wind park development from this viewpoint as well as the low visual amenity of the areas of coniferous planting on both hills in the background of view. The colour of the proposed turbines and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background, minimising visual impact.

Landscape Impact Assessment

In terms of ‘Landscape effect’, the impact of the proposed wind park development will have a minor adverse effect on the local landscape and will affect an area of recognised landscape character (Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic). The quality of the existing landscape on the upper slopes has been reduced by the coniferous plantings and areas of clear felling on both Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills.

10.4.2.12 VP7 Slievenamon

Location: Access road east of Slievenamon

Sensitive Visual Receptor:

This viewpoint represents a typical view from the eastern slopes of Slievenamon. The elevated nature of the site affords panoramic views to the east and south. The sensitivity of this viewpoint is considered high.

Existing Scenario:

The existing scenario depicts a view south east towards the site from Slievenamon, showing Carrigadoon and Curraghadobbin Hills against a backdrop of the rolling hill landscape of Co. Kilkenny, and the open landscape to the south east in the background of view. The coniferous forestry plantations on the hillside as well on low lying lands in the middle distance reduce the overall quality of the visual amenity of this view. The dark hue and density of the coniferous plantations contrast with the agricultural field patterns, woodlands and hedgerows of this rural setting.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-43 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Proposed Scenario

The proposed scenario shows Turbines T1-T3 visible on the skyline of Curraghadobbin Hill, all located within the 210mOD contour line. They are visually dominant against the horizon from this viewpoint. In contrast, Turbines T5, T4, T6, T7, T8 graduate upslope from west to east on Carrigadoon Hill from the 120mOD contour to the 230mOD contour. The nacelle and blades of Turbine T5, located on the 120mOD contour is only partially visible against the backdrop of the topography in the background of view, and does not break the skyline. The tip of the blades of Turbine T4 (170mOD contour) are visible on the skyline. Similarly, only the tips of the blades of T6 and T8 are visible on the skyline due to their location on the 190mOD and 200mOD contours of the southern slopes of Carrigadoon Hill. The nacelle, blades and a small part of the upper tower of T7 is visible on the skyline, as it is located on the 230mOD contour.

Visual Impact Assessment

Three turbines, T1-T3 will be fully visible against the horizon from this location. The staggered layout of the turbines on Carrigadoon Hill in particular visually mitigates the impact of the proposed development from this viewpoint. The blades or tips of the blades of Turbines T4,T6 andT8 will be visible on the skyline. Turbine T5 will be perceptible but its structure does not appear on the skyline from this viewpoint. The colour of the proposed turbines and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background, minimising visual impact. The visual landscape of this panorama is compromised in the form of the coniferous plantings visible on a substantial portion of Curraghadobbin Hill and a smaller portion of Carrigadoon Hill, in what in a wider landscape context could be described as an open undulating pastoral setting. There are also substantial coniferous plantations in the middle-ground to the right of view. Visual obstruction in the form of powerlines exists in the foreground of view. Therefore, the existing scenario cannot be considered pristine. The visual impact in this instance would be considered slight to moderate.

Landscape Impact

In terms of ‘Landscape effect’, the impact of the proposed wind park development will have a minor adverse effect on the local landscape and will affect an area of recognised landscape character. The quality of the existing landscape, both on the upper slopes of Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills has been reduced by the coniferous plantings as well as areas of clear felling on both. Expansive areas of coniferous plantations to the west of the site, and on low lying lands adjacent to Slievenamon reduces the overall quality of the landscape setting

10.4.2.13 VP 8 Outskirts of Carrick on Suir

Location: Local road, R696, Ballynagrana. On the outskirts of Carrick on Suir.

Sensitive Visual Receptor:

The R696 is representative of secondary roads locally. This road connects with the primary routes N76 and N24. The sensitivity of this visual receptor is considered medium.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-44 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Existing Scenario

The existing view depicts an open, slightly undulating agricultural landscape with well maintained low native hedgerows, and some large parkland trees. The view is taken on the R696 looking north/north-east towards the site. The rim hills of Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon are visible in the background of view. The footprint of the coniferous plantations as well as areas of clear felling reduce the visual amenity and quality of this landscape setting.

Proposed Scenario

All eight turbines are visible in this view. Turbines T1, T2 and T3 appear on or near the horizon line of Curraghadobbin Hill to the left of view, located on the 210mOD contour. Turbines T5 is located on the 120mOD contour line and is the furthest down slope of the five turbines on Carrigadoon Hill. Turbine T4 is located on the 170mOD contour, T6 is on the 190mOD contour line. T7 and T8 are located between the 230mOD and 200mOD contour lines respectively. The extent of coniferous plantation as well as areas of clear felling are apparent from this viewpoint location.

Visual Impact Assessment

All eight turbines will be visible from this location. The small number, relative equal distance and site location of the three Turbines T1-T3 assisting in mitigating the visual impact of the turbines on Curraghadobbin Hill. The staggered layout of the turbines on Carrigadoon Hill visually mitigates the impact of the proposed development from this viewpoint. Only the nacelle and part of the blades of Turbine T5 are visible on the skyline. The upper half of the tower of Turbine T6 is visible on the skyline as it is located on the 190mOD contour. Therefore, due to the siting of the wind turbines, four of the eight will be fully visible on the skyline from this viewpoint. The colour of the proposed turbines and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background, minimising visual impact. The visual landscape is compromised by the presence of coniferous plantings visible on a substantial portion of the southern slopes of both hills. Agricultural built elements such as outbuildings, sheds, silos add to visual clutter to the visual landscape in the foreground to the right of view. The visual impact in this instance would be considered slight to moderate.

Landscape Impact

In terms of ‘Landscape effect’, the impact of the proposed wind park development will have a minor adverse effect on the local landscape and will affect an area of recognised landscape character. The quality of the existing landscape, both on the upper slopes of Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills has been reduced by the coniferous plantings as well as areas of clear felling on both. Expansive areas of coniferous plantations on the southern slopes of the site, as well as the built elements of working farms reduce the overall quality of the landscape setting.

10.4.2.14 VP9 N24 Regional Road

Location: Ballynoran, Townland on the N24, west/north-west of Carrick-On-Suir

Sensitive Visual Receptor

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-45 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The R639 is a regional transport route with views north-east to the proposed development site.

Existing Scenario

The existing view is of an open agricultural landscape, with open fields which appear recently harvested. The field itself is bounded by native trees and hedgerows with larger parkland trees scattered throughout the landscape. Beyond the hedgerow in the middle distance, the landscape begins to undulate into the foothills of Carrigadoon Hill and Curraghadobbin Hill in the background of view. The coniferous plantations and areas of clear felling on both Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills are visible from this viewpoint. There are numerous ESB poles and powerlines interspersed throughout this agricultural landscape setting.

Proposed Scenario

The proposed scenario depicts seven of the eight turbines visible in the background of view. Turbines T1 and T2 are visible to the left on Curraghadobbin Hill, both on the 210mOD contour. Turbine T3, also on the 210mOD contour is screened by the canopy of an existing tree and hedgerow planting in the middle distance. The lower sections of the tower of Turbines T4 on the 170mOD contour are viewed against the backdrop of the coniferous plantings on Carrigadoon Hill. T6, T7 and T5 appear as a cluster due to the angle of view. Turbine 5 is viewed fully against the backdrop of the coniferous plantings on the hillside, located on the 120mOD contour. Turbine 6 is on the 190mOD contour and Turbine 7 some 40m higher on the 230mOD contour. Turbine 8 is viewed to the east or right of view on the 200mOD contour.

Visual Impact Assessment

Seven of the eight turbines will be visible from this location. The layout of the turbines on Carrigadoon Hill are predominantly staggered along contours 120m-230mOD on the southern slopes of Carrigadoon Hill, and none are fully visible on the skyline from this viewpoint which visually mitigates the impact of the proposed development from this viewpoint. There may be further screening of the lower levels of the turbines during the spring and summer months when trees and hedgerows are in full leaf. The colour of the proposed turbines and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background, minimising visual impact. The visual landscape is compromised by the presence of coniferous plantings visible on a substantial portion of the southern slopes of both hills. The presence of ESB infrastructure also detracts from the visual amenity of this particular view. The visual impact in this instance would be considered slight to moderate.

Landscape Impact Assessment

In terms of ‘Landscape effect’, the impact of the proposed wind park development will have a minor adverse effect on the local landscape and will affect an area of recognised landscape character. The quality of the existing landscape, both on the upper slopes of Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills has been reduced by the coniferous plantings as well as areas of clear felling on both. The substantial areas of coniferous plantations on the southern slopes of the site, as well as the impact of agricultural farms practices reduce the overall quality of the landscape setting.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-46 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

10.4.2.15 VP10 N24 National Road

Location: Near Fiddown Village, Co. Kilkenny on the N24, to the south-east of Carrick On Suir.

Sensitive Visual Receptor

Fiddown is a relevant local settlement node and on a major route adjacent to the site

Existing Scenario

The existing view is taken from the N24, south-east of Fiddown, looking north-west towards the site. The view is dominated in the foreground and middle-ground by the infrastructure of the N24, a major national road. The infrastructure includes the four lane road itself, median crash barriers, road signage, concrete boundary fences to the adjacent agricultural field network as well as ESB infrastructure. The built environment of Fiddown is visible in the middle-distance.

The snow capped peaks of the Slievenamon Mountain range are visible to the left, in the background of view. The lower upland areas of Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills are visible in the centre of the background view, and Skough Hill is visible to the right, in the background of view. Of these three hills, Carrigadoon Hill appears most dominant on the skyline from this viewpoint location. The patchwork of coniferous plantations and areas of clear felling on the southern slopes of the hills are evident in this view.

Proposed Scenario

All eight turbines are visible from this viewpoint location. Turbines T1-T3 are visible on the 210mOD contour on Curraghadobbin Hill. Turbines T4 and T5, on the 170mOD contour and 120mOD contours respectively, are viewed in close proximity to each other due to the angle of the view relative to their positions. Turbine T6 is located on the 190mOD contour and T7 appears fully visible on the skyline line on the 230mOD contour. Turbine T8 is viewed lower downhill, on the 200mOD contour. The highest point on Carrigadoon Hill rises to 296mOD to the right, or east of Turbine T8.

Visual Impact Assessment

Eight of the turbines will be visible from this location. The layout of the turbines on Carrigadoon Hill will be viewed as a linear arrangement, along an east–west axis. The turbines on Carrigadoon Hill are staggered between the 120m and the 230m OD contours. Although they are equidistant from each other on plan, Turbines T4 and T5 appear in close proximity due to the angle of view. Similarly the location of Turbine 7 (230mOD) and Turbine 8 (200mOD) appear closer to each other than they are in plan layout. The visual presence of only three of the eight turbines fully on the skyline, combined with the low number of turbines and the distance from the proposed windpark site will assist in mitigating the impact of the proposed development from this viewpoint. The colour of the proposed turbines and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background, minimising visual impact. Views to Slievenamon will not be obstructed by the proposed development from this location.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-47 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The visual landscape is compromised by the presence of coniferous plantings visible on a substantial portion of the southern slopes of both hills. The presence of the N24 road infrastructure, ESB infrastructure and the built environment of Fiddown also detract from the visual amenity of this particular view. The visual impact in this instance would be considered slight to moderate.

Landscape Impact Assessment

In terms of ‘Landscape effect’, the impact of the proposed wind park development will have a minor adverse effect on the local landscape and will affect an area of recognised landscape character, the Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic LCA. The quality of the existing landscape, both on the southern slopes of Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills has been reduced by the coniferous plantings as well as areas of clear felling on both. The substantial areas of coniferous plantations on the southern slopes of the site, as well as the impact of road infrastructure, ESB infrastructure and the built environment of Fiddown reduces the overall quality of this landscape setting.

10.4.2.16 VP11 Elevated View from south of Carrick on Suir

Location: Elevated view from the graveyard at Woodland Heights, Carrickbeg, Carrick-on-Suir

Sensitive Visual Receptor

This viewpoint is representative of a local community view in a relevant settlement node (Carrick-on- Suir, on a major route adjacent to the site, the R676 which runs to the south of the town.

Existing Scenario

This viewpoint is taken from the public footpath adjacent to the graveyard at Woodland Heights, Carrickbeg on the south side of Carrick-on-Suir town. The location is elevated, looking north over the town centre itself, and affords clear and predominantly unobstructed views of the Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic LCA. In the panoramic view, the snow capped peaks of Slievenamon are visible to the left, in the background of view. Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills are visible in the centre and Skough Hill is visible to the right, in the background of view.

The foreground of this view is dominated by the roofscape of Carrick-on-Suir town centre, and the sprawling nature of the residential housing estates intermingled with agricultural fields to the north of the town. There are pockets of woodland and hedgerows visible in the middle-distance as the landscape undulates into a more agricultural setting as one moves north into the foothills of the lower mountain ranges of Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hill to the extreme north of Carrick-on- Suir. The extent of coniferous plantations and areas of clear felling are clearly visible on the southern slopes of both hills.

Proposed Scenario

The proposed development is approximately 7.5km from this viewpoint location. All eight turbines will be visible from this location. Turbine T1 (on the 210mOD contour) on Curraghadobbin Hill, Turbine T5 (on the 120m OD contour) and Turbine T8 (on the 200mOD contour), both on Carrigadoon Hill, are located on lower contours on the southern slopes of the hills. The siting of

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-48 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

these three turbines will reduce the visibility of the upper sections of the towers and blades on the skyline. Turbines T2, T3, (both on the 210mOD contour), T4 (170mOD contour),T6 (190mOD contour), and T7 (230mOD contour) will be visible on the skyline from this viewpoint.

Visual Impact Assessment

All eight turbines will be visible from this elevated viewpoint. The layout of the turbines on Curraghadobbin Hill will be viewed predominantly as a linear arrangement, along an east –west axis. The more staggered arrangement of the Turbines on Carrigadoon Hill, will reduce the overall visibility of the turbines on the skyline from this viewpoint. The apparent equal distance and low number of turbines, as well as the distance from the proposed development site will assist in mitigating the impact of the proposed development from this viewpoint location. The colour of the proposed turbines and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background, minimising visual impact. Views to Slievenamon will not be obstructed by the proposed development from this location. The visual impact in this instance would be considered moderate.

Landscape Impact Assessment

In terms of ‘Landscape effect’, the impact of the proposed wind park development will have a minor adverse effect on the local landscape and will affect an area of recognised landscape character, the Slievenamon Mountain Mosaic LCA, when viewed from a distance. The quality of the existing landscape, both on the southern slopes of Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills has been reduced by the coniferous plantings as well as areas of clear felling on both. The substantial areas of coniferous plantations on the southern slopes of the site, combined with the presence of the expansive built environment of Carrick-on-Suir town and residential hinterland, reduces the overall quality of this landscape setting.

10.4.2.17 VP 12 Grounds of Ormonde Castle

Location: Grassed open space area to the north of Ormonde Castle, Castlepark, Carrick on Suir.

Sensitive Visual Receptor

The view from the grounds of Ormonde Castle represent a local community view, as well as a view from a cultural and heritage feature. Ormonde Castle is a Protected Structure ( Ref RPS: 1.1- Carrick- on-Suir Town Development Plan 2013).

Existing Scenario

The existing view is taken from the grassed public open space to the north of Ormonde Castle and the Carrick on Suir river. It depicts the established residential area of Castlepark to the north-east of the town centre. There are some partial views out to the Carrigadoon and Skough Hill in the background to the right of view. The snow capped peak of Slievenamon Mountain is visible in the background to the left of the view, over the roof tops of the houses.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-49 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Proposed Scenario

The tower and blades of Turbine T8, to the east of Carrigadoon Hill will be visible from this viewpoint location, over the roofscape of the houses in the middle-distance. A portion of the blades of Turbine 7, to the left of Turbine 8, will be visible over the woodland edge canopy. The view of this portion of the structure of Turbine 7 will be predominantly screened from view when the trees are in full leaf during Spring and Summer months. Turbines T1-T6 will not be visible as they will be screened from view by the existing intervening topography, built environment and vegetation.

Visual Impact Assessment

Turbines T1-T6 will not be visible from this viewpoint location. Only part of the blades of Turbine 7, T7, (on the 230m contour) will be visible during the winter months. Turbine T8 will be visible in the distance to the right of view over the roofs of the houses. Turbine T8 will be situated on 200mOD contour, reducing the overall visible height of the tower and blades which will be visible on the skyline. The colour of the proposed turbine and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background, minimising visual impact. Given the distance from the proposed development, 6.7km, and the presence of the intervening built environment and infrastructure of Carrick-on-Suir, the visual impact in this instance will be negligible to slight.

Landscape Impact Assessment

‘Do-Nothing’ Scenario

In the ‘Do-Nothing’ Scenario, the proposed site will continue as a commercial coniferous plantation on the southern slopes of Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills.

10.5 MITIGATION MEASURES

Landscape and visual mitigation measures have been incorporated into the design of the scheme from pre-planning stages, including the assessment of the Option 1, 8 no. 3 MW Turbines and Option 2, 11 no. 2.3 MW Turbines and the assessment of the landscape and visual impacts of both options on identified sensitive receptors, protected views and local landscape character areas (LCA’s) as outlined in Section 10.1.1 above. The design and layout of the chosen option has been carried out in accordance with best practice guidelines as follows:

. ‘Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006 - Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ - Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government 2006 . Siting and Designing windfarms in the landscape’ - Scottish Natural Heritage‘, Version 1, December 2009

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-50 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

One of the most sensitive receptors, identified at pre-planning stage is the village settlement of Ahenny. Ahenny Village is the closest in proximity to the proposed wind farm development, and is essentially overshadowed by its immediacy to Carrigadoon Hill. It lies within the zoning ‘Secondary Amenity Area’ as designated under the South Tipperary Development Plan 2009-2014. It is also within the Lingaun Valley Marginal and Farmland Mosaic Landscape Character Area (LCA), as well being within the zoning ‘Areas unsuitable for Wind Energy Development’ in South Tipperary County Council Landscape Policy for Wind Energy Development, Map 11.

Figure 10-3 - Option 2– Pre-Planning 11 no. 2.3 MW Turbines, RPS Dwg No. MID002

Pre-Planning Assessment of View of Turbines from Ahenny Village

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-51 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

In the above view, of the pre-planning assessment of the visual impact of both Options 1 and 2 on views from Ahenny Village, Turbines T10 and T11, the visual impact was considered Moderate to Substantial. The wind turbines formed a visible and recognisable new element in the visual landscape, creating an immediate and apparent part of the scene and could be perceived as changing the overall character of the visual landscape at this location.

Both turbines T10 and T11 were located on the eastern slopes of Carrigadoon Hill. The negative impact on the highly sensitive receptor of Ahenny Village, identified at pre-planning stage, influenced the redesign of the layout of the proposed windpark away from the higher contours and eastern slopes of Carrigadoon Hill.

Below is a section of the Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) Map, undertaking by Cormac Kane Architects, and referred to earlier in this document in Section 10.4.2.4. This shows the potential visibility from Ahenny of the current proposal as now contained in the planning application.

ZTV map: Ahenny Village is located to the extreme north-east of T8. Ahenny High Crosses are located to the east/north east of T8. The areas without colour on the map are zones where there will theoretically, be no visibility of the wind turbines, due to the location of the turbines themselves on south facing contours, intervening topography and vegetation.

As well as the village of Ahenny itself, the Ahenny High Crosses were identified at pre-planning stage, in terms of the potential visual impact of the proposed windpark on highly sensitive local cultural/heritage landscapes.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-52 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The revised layout of the eight turbines now proposed ensures that there will be no visual impact of the proposed windpark on the cultural/heritage landscape of either Ahenny Village or the Ahenny High Crosses from these locations.

Wind Turbine Design

The colour of the proposed turbines and blades will be semi-matt pale grey to blend with the skyline background, minimising visual impact.

10.6 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS

10.6.1 Construction Phase

There will be residual impacts from tree-felling during construction phase. Areas will be clearfelled along access routes to and including the areas identified for the location of each turbine on Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills. Topsoil will be stripped from the surface and stored for later reinstatement. These works will open up areas on the hillside, changing the visual landscape of these sections of the hills from dark green coniferous plantings to bare ground. These impacts will be short-term, as the bare ground will be replaced with the wind turbine structure and topsoil material will be reinstated locally around the turbine bases. These impacts will be perceived as substantial and negative, by local sensitive receptors, but they will be short-term, given the anticipated 18 – 24 month duration of the construction period.

10.6.2 Operational Phase

The landscape and visibility impacts are outlined in detail in section 10.4.2 above, and are not altered by mitigation measures.

Other residual landscape and visual impacts of the operational phase will be associated with the footprint of the clear felled areas around each turbine as well as along the new and upgraded access tracks to each turbine. These impacts will be greatest in the first 1-3 years of the operational life of the proposed windpark development. These impacts will be perceived more so by the local sensitive receptors, and will be seen as substantial and negative in the short term, but will reduce in time to a slight and neutral impact.

MCE0760RP0006F01 10-53

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 10 Appendices: xx

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By th F01 Final Issue 20 May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

rpsgroup.com/ireland

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

11 SHADOW FLICKER ...... 11-1

11.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 11-1

11.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 11-1

11.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 11-6 11.3.1 Impact Zones ...... 11-6

11.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 11-6 11.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 11-6 11.4.2 Operational Phase ...... 11-6 11.4.3 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario ...... 11-8 11.4.4 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario ...... 11-8

11.5 MITIGATION MEASURES...... 11-8 11.5.1 Construction Phase ...... 11-8 11.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 11-8

11.6 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 11-9 11.6.1 Construction Phase ...... 11-9 11.6.2 Operational Phase ...... 11-9

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 11.1 - Sunpath Effect on Size of Shadow Cast ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 11.2 - Houses within 850m- Areas of significant screening (blue).Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 11.3 - IMPACT ZONES ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 11.4 - Shadow Flicker Graph for House 3 ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 11.5 - Shadow Flicker Graph for House 4 ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

LIST OF TABLES

Table 11.1 - 30 Year mean sunshine, Kilkenny (1978-2007)...... 11-3 Table 11.2 - Monthly Co-efficient values ...... 11-5 Table 11.3 - Table Headings ...... 11-5 Table 11.4 - Shadow Flicker Results ...... 11-7

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

11 SHADOW FLICKER

11.1 INTRODUCTION

Wind turbines, like other tall structures, can cast long shadows when the sun is low in the sky. The effect known as shadow flicker occurs where the blades of a wind turbine cast a shadow over a window in a nearby house and the rotation of the blades causes the shadow to flick on and off. This effect lasts only for a short period and happens only in certain specific combined circumstances, such as when:

. the sun is shining and is at a low angle (after dawn and before sunset), and . the turbine is directly between the sun and the affected property, and . there is enough wind energy to ensure that the turbine blades are moving.

Figure 11.1 - Sunpath Effect on Size of Shadow Cast

a. Near solar noon b. Mid morning/mid-afternoon c. Near sunrise/sunset

Careful site selection, design and planning, and good use of relevant software to control the turbine operation, can help avoid the possibility of shadow flicker in the first instance. It is recommended that shadow flicker at neighbouring offices and dwellings within 500m should not exceed 30 hours per year or 30 minutes per day (Department of Environment Planning Guidelines). At distances greater than 10 rotor diameters from a turbine, the potential for shadow flicker is very low. Where shadow flicker could be a problem, developers should provide calculations to quantify the effect and where appropriate take measures to prevent or ameliorate the potential effect, such as by turning off a particular turbine at certain times.

11.2 METHODOLOGY

To analyse the potential for shadow flicker a computer simulation was run using industry-standard simulation software WindFarm 4.2 by ReSoft, a tool which has been successfully applied to a number of similar studies in Ireland.

Simulations are run on a ‘bare earth scenario’ which means that all existing vegetation and manmade structures are ignored. Planting and buildings may screen the existing houses from shadow flicker but these are discounted for the purposes of making the calculations. The WindFarm

MCE0760RP0006F01 11-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

model uses a maximum theoretical scenario when reporting shadow flicker results for the existing environment. The model assumes that:

1. There is always a window facing the turbine and the event is observed. 2. There is no cloud cover and the sun is constantly shining throughout the day. 3. The wind will be of sufficient speed to rotate the turbine blades constantly. 4. The wind direction will be such that the maximum amount of shadow is cast on the house. 5. There will be no screening by vegetation, trees or neighbouring structures.

A more realistic simulation would use the following assumptions:

1. Not every house will have a window facing the turbine and there may not be an observer present for the entirety of the event. 2. The sun will shine in accordance with 30 year averages as supplied by Met Éireann. 3. The blades will not be turning constantly as wind speeds will vary. 4. The rotor blades will not always be perpendicular to the sun-receptor view line as wind direction varies. 5. Trees, vegetation and neighbouring structures will reduce or eliminate shadow flicker.

It is common practice to use corrected values based on information that can be gathered from Met Éireann 30 year values. This report will show two values for shadow flicker-a ‘maximum theoretical value’ based on the first set of assumptions above and a ‘corrected value’ based on the second set of assumptions. This ‘corrected value’ will make the following assumptions:

1. There is always a window facing the turbine and the event is observed. 2. The sun will shine in accordance with 30 year averages as supplied by Met Éireann. 3. The blades will not be turning constantly as wind speeds will vary. 4. The wind direction will be such that the maximum amount of shadow is cast on the house. 5. There will be no screening by vegetation, trees or neighbouring structures.

While the ‘corrected value’ will be much less than ‘maximum theoretical value’ it will still be more than the expected incidence of shadow flicker as only quantifiable elements have been taken into account, i.e. sunshine hours and wind speed. Wind direction which causes the shadow to fall directly on the house, the screening effect of vegetation and nearby buildings and whether there is a window facing the turbines and whether there will be someone there to observe the event for its entirety will not be used as factors to reduce the ‘corrected values’ further as they are difficult to quantify. The ‘corrected values’ are produced using the following information:

Sunshine Hours:

The amount of time the sun is shining per day is recorded by Met Éireann at regional weather stations around the country. When the sun is not shining, shadow flicker is not possible. Sunshine hours for Kilkenny (closest weather station to Carrigadoon) are presented in Table 11.1. The average

MCE0760RP0006F01 11-2 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

amount of sunshine hours in one year is 1,306. When this is divided by the number of hours of daylight in a year (estimated at 4,380) then the average annual percentage of time the sun shines during the day in the region is 29.8%.

Table 11.1 - 30 Year mean sunshine, Kilkenny (1978-2007).

Mean daily Percentage of Sunshine hours Average length of duration hours per month day (hours per day) %

January 1.8 8.3 21.7% February 2.3 10 23% March 3.32 11.9 27.9% April 4.9 14 35% May 5.6 15.8 35.4% June 4.9 16.7 29.3% July 4.7 16.2 29% August 4.7 14.6 32.2% September 4.0 12.6 31.7% October 3.0 10.6 28.3% November 2.2 8.8 25% December 1.6 7.8 20.5% Total (Average): 3.58 12 29.8%

29.8% is the annual average and will be used to assess houses within the 500m to 1000m zone as the 30 hour annual/30 minute per day limits do not apply. There are no houses within the 500m zone so it is felt that seasonal sunshine hours are not required.

Wind speed:

If the wind is either not strong enough to turn the blades of the turbine or too strong that it causes the turbine to manually shut down the turbine will not be in operation and shadow flicker will not occur. Based on recorded wind data for the area, the maximum proportion of time for which the wind farm would be operational is 92.7% (i.e. blades are turning).

Wind Direction:

The rotor blades will not always be perpendicular to the sun-receptor view line. The maximum theoretical value assumes this criterion. As wind direction changes so too will the extent of the shadow of the blade which could vary in width from 85m to less than 1 m. The model assumes that the full width of the 85m blade falls on the receptors all the time. Wind direction is hard to factor into the equation as it is difficult to assess the shadow on different receptors for different wind directions. The corrected value is not adjusted for wind direction and as such should be seen as overstating shadow flicker that could occur in reality.

Screening:

MCE0760RP0006F01 11-3 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Screening is another factor that cannot be calculated and included into a corrected value. There is extensive screening (outlined in blue on the aerial photograph below) around houses 4, 9 and 10 while 1, 2 and 8 will also have reduced shadow flicker from screening. This screening may prove significant as the shadow flicker that may occur will affect the houses when the sun is at low angles. The corrected value does not take this into consideration and again is overstating shadow flicker that could occur in reality.

Figure 11.2 - Houses within 850m- Areas of significant screening (blue).

Correction Coefficient:

When the average annual sunshine hour percentage (29.8%) is multiplied by the probability that the wind will be rotating the blade at this time (92.7%) a correction coefficient of 27.6% is produced. This would mean that it would not be expected that on an annual average shadow flicker would exceed 27.6% of maximum theoretical values. This figure of 27.6% is still high as the possibility that a window may not face the turbines and the event is unobserved is not factored in, wind direction is not accounted for and screening from other buildings and existing vegetation is not considered. In reality the amount of shadow flicker would be expected to be below 27.6% of theoretical value.

A study presented by the Danish Wind Industry Association is commonly cited as it evaluated the actual number of hours that a receptor was affected by the shadow flicker effect. This study estimated that the actual scenario is approximately 18% of the maximum theoretical scenario. The results were obtained using specific information about cloud cover, changes in wind direction and wind speed cut-in and cut-out speeds. This current EIS in comparison uses a monthly average for houses within 500m (of which there are none) and the yearly average of 27.6% for houses at greater than 500m.

MCE0760RP0006F01 11-4 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

When the operating time is applied to the monthly sunshine hours the following monthly correction co-efficient is produced:

Table 11.2 - Monthly Co-efficient values

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Correction Co- 20.1% 21.3% 25.9% 32.4% 32.9% 27.2% 26.9% 29.8% 29.4% 26.2% 23.2% 19.0% efficient

Table Headings:

Shadow flicker results for each house/site are presented in a table format with the headings shown in Table 11.3. An explanation of each heading is outlined below:

Table 11.3 - Table Headings

Mean Total Corrected House Corrected Days per minutes Annual Correction Mean Survey Total Annual year per day Hours Coefficient minutes per Number Hours (MTV) (MTV) day

House Survey Number: Number of the house as shown in Figure 11.3 overleaf.

Days per year: The number of days per year where shadow flicker is a possibility depending on climatic conditions and time of day.

Mean minutes per day (MTV): The average amount minutes per day that is experienced at maximum theoretical values (MTV).

MTV: Maximum Theoretical Values are the values that the model is run at. Corrected values for climate are used in analysing the model.

Total Annual Hours (MTV): The total amount of hours per year that shadow flicker will occur in maximum theoretical conditions.

Correction Coefficient: The value used to ascertain a realistic figure for shadow flicker. For house/sites within 500m this is calculated on a monthly basis and for houses/sites greater than 500m the annual average figure of 27.6% used.

Corrected Mean minutes per day: The average amount of minutes per day that shadow flicker would be expected in realistic weather conditions.

Corrected Annual Hours: The amount of hours per year that shadow flicker would be expected in realistic weather conditions.

MCE0760RP0006F01 11-5 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

11.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

11.3.1 Impact Zones

Using the Department of Environment Planning Guidelines for Wind farms we can calculate the areas that need to be tested for shadow flicker for both Wind farms and the cumulative effect where they overlap. The first buffer zone is within 500m of each turbine- this is where the 30 hours per year or 30 minutes per day limit of shadow flicker guideline exists. The second buffer zone is within the area greater than 500m but less than 10 times the rotor diameter- 850m in this case.

Figure 11.3 - IMPACT ZONES

LEGEND: Proposed Turbine Existing House

The above diagram illustrates that no houses are within 500m (red zone) of a turbine and eleven houses are within 10 rotor diameters (blue zone).

11.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

11.4.1 Construction Phase

There is no potential for shadow flicker impact during construction.

11.4.2 Operational Phase

The results of running the model in a ‘bare earth scenario’ (i.e. no screening) are contained in Table 11.4 below:

MCE0760RP0006F01 11-6 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Table 11.4 - Shadow Flicker Results

Mean Total Corrected House Possible Corrected minutes Annual Correction Mean Survey Total Annual Days per per day Hours Coefficient minutes per Number year Hours (MTV) (MTV) day 1 0 0 mins 0 hrs 27.6% 0 mins 0 hrs 2 56 24.6 mins 22.8 hrs 27.6% 7 mins 6.8 hrs 3 43 46.2 mins 33 hrs 27.6% 13 mins 9 hrs 4 105 31.8 mins 55.6 hrs 27.6% 9 mins 15 hrs 5 0 0 mins 0 hrs 27.6% 0 mins 0 hrs 6 0 0 mins 0 hrs 27.6% 0 mins 0 hrs 7 0 0 mins 0 hrs 27.6% 0 mins 0 hrs 8 19 10.2 mins 3.2 hrs 27.6% 3 mins 1 hrs 9 58 22.2 mins 21.4 hrs 27.6% 6 mins 6 hrs 10 0 0 mins 0 hrs 27.6% 0 mins 0 hrs 11 0 0 mins 0 hrs 27.6% 0 mins 0 hrs

Six of the eleven houses are showing no shadow flicker. The remaining five have the possibility of experiencing some degree of shadow flicker during the year. When adjusted as outlined in section 11.2 these values range from 1 to 15 hours per year. For houses greater than 500m distant from a turbine, guideline limits do not apply but the houses in question would still meet these limits when adjusted. As a matter of good practice, the two houses that exceed 30 hours per year in Maximum Theoretical Values will be assessed in greater detail below:

House 3

Figure 11.4 - Shadow Flicker Graph for House 3

The graph above illustrates when shadow flicker may occur at House 3. There is potential for shadow flicker at sunrise and sunset in October, February and March mainly.

MCE0760RP0006F01 11-7 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

House 4

Figure 11.5 - Shadow Flicker Graph for House 4

The graph above illustrates when shadow flicker may occur at House 4. There is potential for shadow flicker at sunrise and sunset in August, September, October, February, March and April mainly. There is substantial screening to House 4 that will partially reduce shadow flicker. Screening is more effective at low angles of sun (i.e. sunrise and sunset) and winter sunshine hours are less than summer hours so it is likely that any shadow flicker experienced at House 4 will be less than the estimated 15 hours per year.

11.4.3 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario

If the development is not constructed there will be no potential for shadow flicker.

11.4.4 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario

The bare earth conditions already assessed here comprise a worst case scenario.

11.5 MITIGATION MEASURES

11.5.1 Construction Phase

There is no potential for impact during construction and therefore no mitigation measures required.

11.5.2 Operational Phase

Mitigation measures may be implemented in the event that shadow flicker becomes an issue and exceeds guideline limits of 30 hours per year or 30 minutes per day although the model would suggest that this will not happen. These include turning off the specific turbine that is creating the

MCE0760RP0006F01 11-8 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

shadow flicker effect at a residence whilst shadow flicker is occurring. The developers are prepared to implement this mitigation measure should the need arise. A further mitigation option is the planting of vegetation screening such as a line of shrubs or trees between dwellings and the development. The developer is also prepared to implement this mitigation option for affected dwellings should it be required by the occupiers.

11.6 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS

11.6.1 Construction Phase

There are no shadow flicker impacts during construction.

11.6.2 Operational Phase

Direct Impact of Proposed Windfarm:

There are eleven houses within the 850m zone of the proposed wind farm. None of these houses are within the 500m zone where the annual guidelines of 30 hours per year or 30 minutes per day apply. Five houses are showing potential for some shadow flicker to occur. None of these houses are expected to exceed the stated limits using a corrected value to reflect realistic conditions for annual shadow flicker hours and an average corrected value for daily limits. These corrected values take into account sunshine hours and wind speed but do not take into account the following:

. There may not be a window facing the turbine and the event may not be observed. . The wind direction may not facilitate the casting of a shadow upon the house in question. . The effect screening by vegetation, trees or neighbouring structures will have in reducing shadow flicker.

A report issued by the Department of Energy and Climate Change in the UK in March 16th 2011 states the following:

On health effects and nuisance of the shadow flicker effect, it is considered that the frequency of the flickering caused by the wind turbine rotation is such that it should not cause a significant risk to health. Mitigation measures which have been employed to operational wind farms such as turbine shut down strategies, have proved very successful, to the extent that shadow flicker cannot be considered to be a major issue in the UK – (prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff for DECC).

Shadow flicker is considered to be an ‘Annoyance’ and not a health risk to the observer. It is also possible to implement mitigation measures that will resolve the problem completely.

The current Irish Department of Environment wind farm guidelines state the following condition could be added to a Grant of Permission if considered necessary:

7.14 Shadow Flicker

MCE0760RP0006F01 11-9 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Shadow flicker is not usually critical. However, in unusual circumstances, where the calculations indicate that occupied dwelling houses would be significantly affected, a condition requiring the non- operation of turbines at times when predicted shadow flicker might adversely impact on any inhabited dwelling within 500m of a turbine may be appropriate. Conditions may also address limits on the number of hours per year or minutes per day that the shadow flicker should affect an inhabited dwelling.

The above condition relates to occupied dwelling houses that are within 500m of a turbine. As there are no occupied dwellings within 500m the addition of this condition would seem to be unnecessary.

Summary:

. No houses are within the 500m zone where guideline limits apply. . Five houses within 10 rotor diameters may experience some shadow flicker. . When adjusted for sunshine and wind speeds none of these will exceed the 500m zone limits. . The stated shadow flicker is likely to be less as vegetation will reduce the effects, significantly in some cases. . In the case that shadowflicker does become an issue in any of the affected houses it is believed that mitigation measures can be implemented to reduce shadowflicker to an acceptable level.

MCE0760RP0006F01 11-10

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP006F01

Text Pages: 34 Appendices:

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By th F01 Final Issue 20 May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

rpsgroup.com/ireland

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

12 ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE ...... 12-1

12.1 INTRODUCTION...... 12-1

12.2 METHODOLOGY...... 12-1 12.2.1 Desktop Study ...... 12-1 12.2.2 Field Inspection ...... 12-9 12.2.3 Impact Criteria ...... 12-9

12.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 12-10 12.3.1 General Legal and Policy Context ...... 12-10 12.3.2 Archaeological Legal and Planning Context...... 12-10 12.3.3 Architectural Heritage Legal Context...... 12-13 12.3.4 Archaeological and Historical Context ...... 12-14 12.3.5 Field Inspection ...... 12-24

12.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS...... 12-27

12.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 12-30

12.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS...... 12-32

12.7 PROJECT REFERENCES ...... 12-32

APPENDICES

Appendix A Title

Appendix B Title

Appendix C Assessment of proposed grid connection

LIST OF TABLES

Table 12.1 - Recorded archaeological sites within 5km of proposed development site ...... 12-1 Table 12.2 - Megalithic Tombs within 5km of PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE...... 12-15 Table 12.3 - Recorded Monuments and Places sites within/adjacent to proposed development area ...... 12-18 Table 12.4 - Interpretations of Local Townland Names Site ...... 12-23

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

12 ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

12.1 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this chapter is to assess the impacts the proposed development will have on the known and potential cultural heritage resource (including folklore, tradition, architecture, settlements and archaeological sites) and to identify appropriate mitigation strategies.

12.2 METHODOLOGY

The methodology used for this assessment is based on the EPA (2003) Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements), as well as per the Institute of Archaeologists (IAI) Good Practice Guidelines. This assessment is based on a desktop study which identified all recorded archaeological, architectural and other cultural heritage sites within the study area. This information has provided an insight into the development of the study area over time and an evaluation of both recorded and potential cultural heritage sites. An inspection of the areas to be impacted by the proposed development was undertaken in April 2015. A detailed assessment of the route of the proposed grid connection to the development was undertaken in May 2016 and the results are presented in Appendix 12-3.

12.2.1 Desktop Study

The principal sources reviewed for the assessment of the known archaeological resource were the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) and the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) for County Tipperary and Kilkenny. These provide comprehensive lists of the known archaeological resource and their legislative basis is outlined below (Section 12.3.2).

A study area encompassing the proposed development site, and extending 5km from its boundary, was assessed to ascertain the recorded archaeological resource within the surrounding lands. A wider study area extending 5km from the subject site was also assessed in order to ascertain any potential visual impacts on monuments that are designated as of national importance and monuments that have visual alignments attributes, including inter-visibility between monument groups and alignments on landscape features during astronomical events such equinoxes and solstices. The following table outlines the recorded monuments located within 5kms of the proposed development site.

Table 12.1 - Recorded archaeological sites within 5km of proposed development site

RMP No Class Townland ITM Reference (E,N) KK034-016---- Ringfort - rath Lamoge 643242, 631876 KK034-017---- Ringfort - unclassified Lamoge 643466, 632050 KK038-004003- Bullaun stone Killonerry 641234, 624128 KK038-004004- Bullaun stone Killonerry 641235, 624128 KK038-005---- Megalithic tomb - portal Killonerry 641578, 624295 tomb KK034-018---- Ringfort - rath Corragaun (Reade) 643973, 632246

MCE0760RP0006F01 12-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

RMP No Class Townland ITM Reference (E,N) KK034-019001- Megalithic tomb - Knockroe (Kells By., Killamery Ed) 640815, 631310 passage tomb KK034-019002- Ritual site - holy well Knockroe (Kells By., Killamery Ed) 640842, 631329 KK034-020---- Earthwork Inchanaglogh 641876, 631075 KK034-021---- Ri ngfort - rath Meallaghmore 642009, 631239 KK034-022---- Ri ngfort - unclassified Meallaghmore 642068, 631277 KK035-110001- Standing stone Blackbog 645368, 630689 KK038-006---- Fulacht fia Killonerry 641370, 623845 KK039-001002- Graveyard Owning 644733, 626434 KK030-041---- Fulacht fia Garranhalloo 642641, 633219 KK038-004001- Church Killonerry 641235, 624128 KK038-004002- Graveyard Killonerry 641234, 624128 KK034-001---- Castle - unclassified Oldcastle Lower 640394, 632989 KK034-002---- Ri ngfort - unclassified Oldcastle Lower 640682, 632699 KK034-003---- Ritual site - holy well Kiltrassy 640186, 632345 KK034-004001- Church Oldcastle Lower 640645, 632464 KK034-004002- Graveyard Oldcastle Lower 640645, 632464 KK034-004003- Ritual site - holy well Oldcastle Lower 640642, 632448 KK034-005---- Fulacht fia Oldcastle Lower 640732, 632399 KK034-006---- Fulacht fia Kiltrassy 640142, 632179 KK034-007---- Fulacht fia Kiltrassy 640215, 631870 KK034-008---- Castle - motte Kiltrassy 640590, 632001 KK034-009---- Fulacht fia Knockroe (Kells By., Killamery Ed) 640792, 632189 KK034-010---- Standing stone Knockroe (Kells By., Killamery Ed) 640792, 632139 KK034-011---- Ritual site - holy well Knockroe (Kells By., Killamery Ed) 640720, 631560 KK034-012001- Castle - unclassified Meallaghmore 641690, 632167 KK034-012002- Earthwork Meallaghmore 641690, 632167 KK034-013001- Church Lamoge 643096, 632989 KK034-013002- Graveyard Lamoge 643095, 632978 KK034-013003- Ogha m s tone Lamoge 643095, 632978 KK034-013004- Ogha m s tone Lamoge 643095, 632978 KK034-013005- Ritual site - holy well Lamoge 643095, 633007 KK034-014---- Ri ngfort - rath Cussan 642943, 631640 KK034-015---- Ri ngfort - rath Lamoge 643192, 631921 KK034-023---- Redundant record Cussan 642641, 631289 KK034-024---- Ritual site - holy well Kilmacoliver 643227, 629941 KK034-025---- Castle - motte Tullahought 643261, 630208 KK034-026001- Church Kilmacoliver 643337, 630119 KK034-026002- Graveyard Kilmacoliver 643337, 630119 KK034-027---- Ri ngfort - rath Ballynalinagh,Knickeen 644222, 630654 KK034-028---- Enclosure Ballynalinagh 644554, 630843 KK034-029---- Earthwork Curraghnadimpaun 644455, 630127 KK034-030---- Fulacht fia Bi rchwood 641522, 628329 KK034-031---- Megalithic tomb - passage Baunfree 642966, 628372 tomb KK034-032001- Church Castletown (Iverk By) 642132, 627550

MCE0760RP0006F01 12-2 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

RMP No Class Townland ITM Reference (E,N) KK034-032002- Graveyard Castletown (Iverk By) 642141, 627548 KK034-032003- Cross - Hi gh cross Castletown (Iverk By) 642142, 627545 KK034-032004- Cross - Hi gh cross Castletown (Iverk By) 642141, 627554 KK035-020---- Ri ngfort - rath Curraghnadimpaun 644943, 629948 KK034-032005- Cross - Hi gh cross Ba l lynaboley (Iverk By.) 642129, 627557 KK034-032006- Cross - Hi gh cross Castletown (Iverk By) 642128, 627548 KK034-032007- Ritual site - holy well Castletown (Iverk By) 642194, 627549 KK034-032008- Bullaun stone Castletown (Iverk By) 642166, 627547 KK034-032010- Settlement deserted - Castletown (Iverk By) 642141, 627548 medi eval KK034-032011- Ecclesiastical enclosure Castletown (Iverk By) 642141, 627548 KK034-033---- Ri ngfort - rath Gl e ncommaun 643777, 628559 KK034-034---- Ritual site - holy well Gl e ncommaun 643881, 628271 KK034-035---- Ritual site - holy well Gl e ncommaun 644094, 628411 KK034-036001- House - 17th century Castletown (Iverk By) 641541, 626840 KK034-037---- Field boundary Cussan 642641, 631139 KK034-047---- Standing stone Meallaghmore 641407, 631871 KK034-049---- Souterrain Meallaghmore 641485, 631880 KK034-050---- Fulacht fia Cussan 642771, 631243 KK035-014001- Moated site Ballynalinagh 644723, 630952 KK035-014002- Redundant record Ballynalinagh 644697, 631055 KK035-019---- Enclosure Ballynalinagh 644718, 630161 KK035-038---- Castle - motte Owning 645158, 628237 KK035-053---- Megalithic tomb - portal Owning 644885, 626772 tomb KK035-096---- Megalithic tomb - wedge Owning 645158, 628237 tomb KK038-001---- Ritual site - holy well Whitechurch 641430, 624871 KK038-002001- Church Whitechurch 642400, 624930 KK038-002002- Graveyard Whitechurch 642399, 624930 KK038-002003- Mound Whitechurch 642399, 624930 KK038-002004- Enclosure Whitechurch 642399, 624930 KK038-003---- Mound Killonerry 641279, 624223 KK038-020---- Castle - unclassified Ballyhenebery 643951, 625630 KK038-021---- Souterrain Killonerry 641401, 624091 KK039-001001- Church Owning 644741, 626438 KK039-002001- Ritual site - holy well Owning 644887, 626538 KK039-002002- Church Owning 644840, 626502 KK030-041001- Fulacht fia Garranhalloo 642641, 633219 KK034-032012- Standing stone Castletown (Iverk By) 642158, 627546 KK034-052---- Decoy pond Ballynacronny 643725, 626768 KK034-053---- Designed landscape Ballynacronny 643523, 626776 feature KK034-001001- Enclosure Oldcastle Lower 640394, 632989 TS078-071---- Standing stone Lis sadober 636075, 626960 TS078-018001- Church Garrangibbon 635383, 630349 TS071-020---- Ri ngfort - rath Grangemockler 635692, 632703

MCE0760RP0006F01 12-3 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

RMP No Class Townland ITM Reference (E,N) TS071-025---- Enclosure Glennaskagh 633643, 632159 TS071-027---- Enclosure Tullohea 633293, 630908 TS071-028---- Enclosure Brenormore,Tullohea 633635, 631082 TS071-029---- Ri ngfort - rath Bleenaleen Lower 635740, 632476 TS071-030---- Enclosure Bleenaleen Lower 635868, 632301 TS071-031---- Enclosure Bleenaleen Lower 636009, 632246 TS071-032---- Enclosure Brenormore 633675, 631657 TS071-033---- Enclosure Tullohea 633882, 630923 TS071-034---- Enclosure Brenormore 634359, 631477 TS071-035---- Enclosure Bleenaleen Upper,Brenormore 635139, 631402 TS071-036---- Enclosure Bleenaleen Upper 635477, 631508 TS071-037---- Enclosure Bleenaleen Lower,Bleenaleen Upper 635726, 631770 TS071-042---- Enclosure Brenormore 633733, 631852 TS072-001---- Moated site Bleenaleen Upper 636184, 631806 TS072-002---- Church Templemichael 636457, 631682 TS072-003---- Enclosure Ballinvir 637220, 631801 TS072-004001- Castle - tower house Castlejohn 639583, 632187 TS072-005---- Fulacht fia Tiroe 639348, 631591 TS072-007---- Enclosure Currasilla Lower 637287, 632239 TS072-006---- Enclosure Attyjames 637949, 631024 TS072-009---- Standing stone Ballinvir 636717, 631134 TS072-016001- Fulacht fia Coolarkin 638842, 631609 TS072-016002- Fulacht fia Tiroe 638751, 631536 TS072-016003- Fulacht fia Oldcastle (Newtownlennan Par.) 638645, 631453 TS072-017---- Fulacht fia Tiroe 639065, 631699 TS079-031002- Enclosure Figlash 638412, 624714 TS078-017---- Enclosure Garranbeg 635151, 630779 TS078-011---- Enclosure Mayladstown 633471, 629409 TS078-004---- Enclosure Tullohea 633177, 630583 TS078-003001- Ri ngfort - rath Toor (Kilcash Par.) 632242, 630496 TS078-003002- Souterrain Toor (Kilcash Par.) 632242, 630494 TS078-006---- Ri ngfort - rath Tullohea 633469, 630744 TS078-007---- Enclosure Knockrathkelly 632827, 629891 TS078-008---- Enclosure Knockrathkelly 632847, 629552 TS078-009---- Ri ngfort - rath Carrigaloe 632733, 629317 TS078-010---- Enclosure Mayladstown 633302, 629411 TS078-012---- Moated site Tullohea 633813, 630306 TS078-013001- Ci s t Glenacunna (Garrangibbon Par.) 634569, 630874 TS078-013002- Pit-burial Glenacunna (Garrangibbon Par.) 634568, 630874 TS079-001---- Ri ngfort - rath Garryduff (Garrangibbon Par.) 636942, 630057 TS078-014---- Ri ngfort - rath Glenacunna (Garrangibbon Par.) 634660, 630683 TS078-015---- Ri ngfort - rath Glenacunna (Garrangibbon 634667, 630516 Par.),Heathview TS078-016---- Moated site Hea thview 634581, 630413 TS078-019001- Concentric enclosure Hea thview 634571, 629870 TS078-019002- Souterrain Hea thview 634572, 629868

MCE0760RP0006F01 12-4 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

RMP No Class Townland ITM Reference (E,N) TS078-020---- Castle - ringwork Hea thview 634929, 629494 TS078-021---- Castle - ringwork Ardbane 635457, 629662 TS078-027---- Ri ngfort - rath Mayladstown 633561, 628817 TS078-028---- House - 17th century Kilcash 633536, 627925 TS078-029---- Concentric enclosure Brittas (Kilmurry Par.) 634307, 628857 TS078-030001- Ri ngfort - rath Raheen (Garrangibbon Par.) 635885, 628903 TS078-030002- Souterrain Raheen (Garrangibbon Par.) 635878, 628911 TS078-036001- Church Kilcash 632448, 627396 TS078-036002- Font Kilcash 632444, 627394 TS078-037---- Castle - tower house Kilcash 632580, 627407 TS078-038---- Ri ngfort - rath Kilcash 633407, 627033 TS078-039---- Enclosure Lisbalting 632378, 626378 TS078-040---- Enclosure Kilcash 633361, 626650 TS078-041---- Ri ngfort - rath Kilcash 633832, 626947 TS078-042---- Ri ngfort - rath Ballynacloona 634910, 627122 TS078-043---- Enclosure Lis sadober 635845, 627452 TS079-022---- Enclosure Garryduff (Garrangibbon Par.) 636219, 629105 TS085-009---- Ritual site - holy well Mainstown 639179, 624505 TS085-010---- Enclosure Figlash 637240, 624468 TS079-024005- Cairn - unclassified Curraghadobbin 636871, 628608 TS079-048---- Standing stone Curraheen (Newtownlennan Par.) 639039, 629919 TS079-015001- Church Newtown Lower 640938, 626822 TS079-015002- Sheela-na-gig Newtown Lower 640944, 626824 TS079-049---- Standing stone Ballyneill (Kilmurry Par.) 636284, 625553 TS079-050---- Standing stone (present Ballyneill (Kilmurry Par.) 636236, 625267 location) TS079-047---- Standing stone Curraghadobbin 637008, 626520 TS079-002001- Ri ngfort - rath Garryduff (Garrangibbon Par.) 636666, 629294 TS079-002002- Enclosure Garryduff (Garrangibbon Par.) 636600, 629322 TS078-044---- Concentric enclosure Kilcash 633667, 626842 TS078-055---- Barrow - embanked barrow Kilcash 633375, 627528 TS078-053---- Church Ballyneill (Kilmurry Par.) 635641, 624563 TS078-056---- House - 17th century Ballynacloona 635038, 626997 TS078-058---- Enclosure Tullohea 632814, 630357 TS079-003---- Enclosure Curraheen (Newtownlennan Par.) 639047, 630274 TS079-004---- Enclosure Rathclarish 638740, 629375 TS079-005---- Enclosure Curraheen (Newtownlennan Par.) 639501, 629593 TS079-006---- Souterrain Ahenny Little 641219, 629374 TS079-013001- Enclosure Curraghadobbin 636768, 626350 TS079-007---- Redundant record Ahenny 641269, 629201 TS079-007001- Church Ahenny 641269, 629208 TS079-021---- Enclosure Clas hnasmut 640994, 629973 TS079-007002- Cross - Hi gh cross Ahenny 641269, 629176 TS079-007003- Cross - Hi gh cross Ahenny 641271, 629169 TS079-007004- Cross - Hi gh cross Ahenny 641277, 629171 TS079-007005- Graveyard Ahenny 641268, 629172

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RMP No Class Townland ITM Reference (E,N) TS079-008---- Ri ngfort - rath Garryduff (Garrangibbon Par.) 636929, 628823 TS079-009---- Enclosure Rathclarish 637545, 629243 TS079-010---- Ri ngfort - rath Garryduff (Garrangibbon Par.) 637354, 628987 TS079-011---- Enclosure Rathclarish 638299, 629096 TS079-012---- Ri ngfort - rath Lis sadober 636140, 626745 TS079-013002- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636725, 626307 TS079-013003- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636759, 626285 TS079-013004- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636800, 626277 TS079-014---- Church Macreary 637260, 626607 TS079-015---- Settlement deserted - Newtown Lower,Newtown 640702, 627000 medi eval Upper,Poulmaleen TS079-019---- Enclosure Garryduff (Garrangibbon Par.) 636537, 629972 TS079-020---- Enclosure Garrymorris 637583, 629847 TS079-016---- Castle - tower house Ballyneill (Kilmurry Par.) 636667, 625782 TS079-017---- Enclosure Figlash 637622, 624587 TS079-023---- Concentric enclosure Garryduff (Garrangibbon Par.) 636660, 629028 TS079-024001- Hillfort Curraghadobbin 636872, 628617 TS079-024002- Redundant record Curraghadobbin 637384, 628382 TS079-024003- Redundant record Curraghadobbin 636804, 628225 TS079-024004- Redundant record Curraghadobbin 636985, 628263 TS079-025---- Enclosure Garryduff (Garrangibbon Par.) 637075, 628853 TS079-026---- Enclosure Rathclarish 638703, 628760 TS079-027---- Hillfort Ahenny,Curraheen (Newtownlennan 640252, 629080 Par.),Newtown Upper,Poulmaleen TS079-028---- Enclosure Ballinurra 638721, 627796 TS079-029---- Enclosure Lis sadober 636388, 627386 TS079-030---- Moated site Ballinurra 639402, 626910 TS079-031001- Enclosure Figlash 638380, 624799 TS079-042001- Fulacht fia Clas hnasmut 639795, 630751 TS079-042002- Fulacht fia Clas hnasmut 639832, 630772 TS079-043001- Fulacht fia Curraheen (Newtownlennan Par.) 639793, 630392 TS079-043002- Fulacht fia Curraheen (Newtownlennan Par.) 639793, 630351 TS079-044---- Fulacht fia Ahenny Little 640702, 629625 TS079-045001- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636503, 626410 TS079-045002- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636543, 626370 TS079-045003- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636593, 626340 TS079-045004- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636621, 626305 TS079-045005- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636653, 626285 TS079-045006- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636714, 626227 TS079-045007- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636729, 626150 TS079-045008- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636753, 626115 TS079-045009- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636812, 626070 TS079-045010- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636892, 626030 TS079-045011- Fulacht fia Curraghadobbin 636938, 626010 TS079-046---- Ri ngfort - rath Macreary 637862, 626144 TS084-010---- Ri ngfort - rath Ballycurkeen 635126, 623951

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RMP No Class Townland ITM Reference (E,N) TS078-028001- Bawn Kilcash 633536, 627925 TS078-036003- Graveyard Kilcash 632457, 627384 TS072-002001- Graveyard Templemichael 636460, 631683 TS078-053001- Graveyard Ballyneill (Kilmurry Par.) 635639, 624573 TS079-014001- Graveyard Macreary 637269, 626595 TS079-015003- Graveyard Newtown Lower 640937, 626811 TS078-018004- Graveyard Garrangibbon 635383, 630349 TS079-016001- Bawn Ballyneill (Kilmurry Par.) 636648, 625797 TS079-015007- Graveslab Newtown Lower 640938, 626822 TS079-015006- Graveslab Newtown Lower 640937, 626811 TS071-028001- Enclosure Brenormore,Tullohea 633644, 631046 TS079-015004- Graveslab Newtown Lower 640938, 626822 TS079-015005- Graveslab Newtown Lower 640937, 626811 TS078-036004- Ma us oleum Kilcash 632457, 627384 TS078-053002- Graveslab Ballyneill (Kilmurry Par.) 635641, 624563 TS078-053003- Graveslab Ballyneill (Kilmurry Par.) 635641, 624563 TS078-053004- Graveslab Ballyneill (Kilmurry Par.) 635641, 624563 TS078-053005- Graveslab Ballyneill (Kilmurry Par.) 635641, 624563 TS078-053006- Graveslab Ballyneill (Kilmurry Par.) 635641, 624563 TS078-053007- Graveslab Ballyneill (Kilmurry Par.) 635641, 624563 TS078-053008- Tomb - chest tomb Ballyneill (Kilmurry Par.) 635641, 624563 TS078-074---- Standing stone Carrigaloe 633031, 628927 TS078-075---- Standing stone Toor (Kilcash Par.) 631871, 628798 TS078-037001- House - 17th century Kilcash 632570, 627407 TS072-002002- Bullaun stone Templemichael 636470, 631689 TS078-076---- Enclosure Ballynamona (Kilmurry Par.) 635355, 626131 TS079-026001- Enclosure Rathclarish 638703, 628760 TS078-037002- Bawn Kilcash 632572, 627423 TS078-037003- Bakery Kilcash 632627, 627427 KK034-054---- Fulacht fia Cussan 642827, 631288 KK034-055---- Fulacht fia Cussan 642849, 631321 KK034-056---- Penal Mass station Ballynacronny 644240, 626766

The Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) were the main sources consulted for assessing the known architectural heritage resource. The following sources were also consulted as part of the desktop study element of this assessment:

Development Plans and Planning Policy Guidelines

The local authority development plans relevant to the study area were consulted as part of this assessment. These plans outline the local authorities’ policies for the conservation of the archaeological and architectural heritage resource and include the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and designate Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA). The relevant development plan for the proposed development area comprises the South Tipperary County Development Plan (2009). The Department of Environment Planning Guidelines for Wind Farm developments offers advice to

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planning authorities on planning for wind energy through the development plan process and in determining applications for planning permission.1 The relevant guidelines in relation to the archaeological and architectural heritage resource were consulted as part of the compilation of this study.

Excavations Database

Topographical Files of the National Museum of Ireland

The museum holds an archive of Topographical Files which record the find spots of artefacts within the collection. The paper and digital files are arranged by townland and can also include references to monuments. The discovery of apparently stray artefacts within a townland can indicate the presence of an unrecorded archaeological site.

Cartographic Sources

The detail on cartographic sources can indicate past settlement and land use patterns in recent centuries and can highlight the increased impact of modern developments. This information can aid in the identification of the location and extent of unrecorded, or partially levelled, features of archaeological or architectural interest. The cartographic sources examined for the study area comprised various editions of the Ordnance Survey (OS) maps, including the 1st edition of the 6-inch map OS of 1842 and the 25-inch edition (1888-1913 series) (Appendix 12.1).

Literary Sources

Various literary sources were consulted in order to assess the written archaeological, historical, architectural and folklore record of the study area and these are listed in Section 12.7.

Placenames Database of Ireland

The Placenames Branch (Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) provides a comprehensive management system for data, archival records and place names research conducted by the State. Its primary function is to undertake research in order to establish the correct Irish language forms of the place names of Ireland and to publish them on a public website (www.logainm.ie). The Gaelic roots of many place names can provide information on the potential presence of sites of archaeological interest and the translations of the place names within the study area are provided in Section 12.3.4.

1 http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/FileDownLoad,1633,en.pdf

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12.2.2 Field Inspection

The areas to be impacted by the proposed development were inspected in April 2015. The topography and land use within the study area were assessed as these can often indicate the potential for the presence of hitherto unrecorded archaeological and architectural heritage sites.

12.2.3 Impact Criteria

The assessment for the significance and impacts on the Cultural Heritage resource are based on various criteria guidelines published by the National Monuments Service (NMS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Road Authority (NRA). The significance criteria used to evaluate an archaeological and architectural site, monument or complex are: existing status (level of protection), condition or preservation, documentation or historical significance, group value, rarity, visibility in the landscape, fragility or vulnerability, and amenity value.

Impacts are generally categorised as either being direct, indirect or of no predicted impact. The criteria for determining the nature of impacts are based on the following:

. Direct Impact – where a cultural heritage site is physically located within the footprint of the scheme, which will result in its complete or partial removal. . Indirect Impact – where a cultural heritage site or its setting is located in close proximity to the footprint of the scheme. . No predicted impact – where the potential scheme will not adversely or positively affect a cultural heritage site.

The impact categories are assessed further in terms of the quality of the impact, which is deemed to be negative, neutral, or positive:

. Negative Impact is applied when a change will detract from or permanently remove a cultural heritage site from the landscape. . Neutral Impact is applied when a change does not affect cultural heritage sites. . Positive Impact: is applied when a change improves or enhances the setting of a cultural heritage site.

A significance rating for these impacts is then applied; whether profound, significant, moderate, slight, or imperceptible

. A profound impact applies where mitigation would be unlikely to remove adverse effects that arise where a cultural heritage site is completely and irreversibly destroyed by a proposed development. . A significant impact applies when an impact, by its magnitude, duration or intensity, alters an important aspect of the environment. It applies where part of a cultural heritage site would be permanently impacted upon, leading to a loss of character, integrity and data about the feature/site.

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. A moderate impact applies when a change to a cultural heritage site is proposed that, though noticeable, does not compromise the integrity of the site and which is reversible. This arises where a cultural heritage site can be incorporated into a modern day development without damage and where all procedures used to facilitate this are reversible. . A slight impact causes changes in the character of the environment which are not significant or profound and do not directly impact or affect a cultural heritage site. . An imperceptible impact applied where an impact is capable of measurement but does not carry noticeable consequences.

12.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

12.3.1 General Legal and Policy Context

The management and protection of cultural heritage in Ireland is achieved through a framework of international conventions and national laws and policies (Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands 1999, 35). This framework was established in accordance with the provisions of the ‘European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage’ (the Valletta Convention) and ‘European Convention on the Protection of Architectural Heritage’ (Grenada Convention). Cultural heritage can be divided loosely into the archaeological resource covering sites and monuments from the prehistoric period until the post-medieval period and the architectural heritage resource, encompassing standing structures and sites of cultural importance dating from the post-medieval and modern period. In addition, local place names, folklore and traditions are considered part of our cultural heritage.

In summary, the national policy statements, guidelines and advice notes relevant to this assessment include:-

. National Monuments Act 1930 (and amendments in 1954, 1987, 1994 and 2004); . Heritage Act (1995); . National Cultural Institutions Act (1997); . Policy for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands 1999); . Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and National Monuments Act (1999); . Local Government (Planning and Development) Act (2000); and . Department of Environment, Heritage, and Local Government’s Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2004).

12.3.2 Archaeological Legal and Planning Context

The National Monuments Service (Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) is responsible for the statutory functions and the administration of the national policy in relation to archaeological heritage management. The National Monuments Act 1930 (and subsequent amendments in 1954, 1987, 1994 and 2004), the Heritage Act 1995 and relevant provisions of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 are the primary means of ensuring the satisfactory protection of archaeological remains, which are held to include all human built structures of whatever form or date except

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buildings habitually used for ecclesiastical purposes. A national monument is described as ‘a monument or the remains of a monument the preservation of which is a matter of national importance by reason of the historical, architectural, traditional, artistic or archaeological interest attaching thereto’ (Section 2, National Monument Act, 1930).

There are a number of mechanisms under the National Monuments Act that are applied to secure the protection of archaeological monuments. These include the designation of National Monument status, the Register of Historic Monuments, the Record of Monuments and Places (formerly the Sites and Monuments Record), and the placing of Preservation Orders and Temporary Preservation Orders on endangered sites.

A National Monument is defined as ‘a monument or the remains of a monument the preservation of which is a matter of national importance by reason of the historical, architectural, traditional, artistic or archaeological interest attaching thereto’ (Section 2, National Monument Act, 1930). National Monuments may be acquired by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht whether by agreement or by compulsory order. The State or Local Authority may also assume guardianship of any national monument (other than dwellings). The owners of national monuments (other than dwellings) may also appoint the Minister or the Local Authority as guardian of that monument if the State or Local Authority agrees. Once the site is in ownership or guardianship of the State it may not be interfered with without the written consent of the Minister. The following five National Monuments in State Ownership are located within 5km of the proposed development site (contextual and descriptive information for these sites are provided in Appendix 12.2):-

. Ahenny High Crosses, County Tipperary (National Monument No. 124); . Kilkieran High Crosses, County Kilkenny (National Monument No. 79); . Knockroe Passage Tomb, County Kilkenny (National Monument No. 655); . Kilcash Church, County Tipperary (National Monument No. 654); and . Kilcash Castle, County Tipperary (National Monument No. 654).

The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) was established under Section 12 (1) of the 1994 National Monuments Amendment Act and comprises a list of archaeological monuments and relevant places and maps showing the locations of each monument and relevant place. Archaeological sites listed in the RMP receive statutory protection under the National Monuments Act 1994. Section 12 (3) of the 1994 Act provides that where the owner or occupier of a monument or place included in the Record, or any other person, proposes to carry out, or to cause or permit the carrying out of, any work at or in relation to such a monument or place, he or she shall give notice in writing to the National Monuments Service to carry out work and shall not, except in the case of urgent necessity and with the consent of the Minister, commence the work until two months after the giving of notice.

Section 12 (1) of the 1994 Act provides that the Minister shall establish and maintain a record of monuments and places where the Minister believes that such monuments exist. The record comprises a list of monuments and relevant places and a map or maps showing each monument and relevant place in respect of each county in the State. Sites recorded on the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) receive statutory protection under the National Monuments Act 1994.

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Section 12 (3) of the 1994 Act provides that ‘where the owner or occupier (other than the Minister for Environment and Local Government) of a monument or place included in the Record, or any other person, proposes to carry out, or to cause or permit the carrying out of, any work at or in relation to such a monument or place, he or she shall give notice in writing to the Minister for Environment and Local Government to carry out work and shall not, except in the case of urgent necessity and with the consent of the Minister, commence the work until two months after the giving of notice.’

The 1km study area contains a total of 28 archaeological sites which are included in the RMP/SMR and these sites are summarised below. A total of eleven of these RMP sites are located within, or immediately adjacent to, the boundaries of the proposed development site. It should be noted that while these are recorded (or formerly recorded) archaeological sites, it is possible that further archaeological sites still remain undetected just below the present ground surface, particularly given the large number of archaeological monuments within the study area.

The planning guidelines for wind energy published by the Department of Environment states that potential impact of the proposed wind energy development on the archaeological heritage of the site should be assessed. The assessment should address direct impacts on the integrity and visual amenity of monuments and include appropriate mitigation measures, such as through a desktop study and a field inspection where necessary. The South Tipperary Development Plan outlines the following policies in relation to the protection of the archaeological resource:-

The European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Valetta, 1992) was ratified by Ireland in 1997. Article 1(3) of the Convention states that ‘archaeological heritage shall include structures, constructions, groups of buildings, developed sites, moveable objects, monuments of other kinds as well as their context, whether situated on land or under water.’ Therefore the archaeological heritage of South Tipperary includes any archaeological site that may not have been recorded yet, as well as archaeology beneath the ground surface and the context of any site. The Convention provides the basic framework for policy on the protection of the archaeological heritage in Ireland. The obligations of the State under the Convention relating to the planning and development process can be summarised as follows:

(i) Providing for statutory protection measures, including the maintenance of an inventory of the archaeological heritage and the designation of protected monuments and areas; (ii) The authorisation and supervision of excavations and other archaeological activities; (iii) Providing measures for the physical protection of the archaeological heritage including acquisition or protection by other means; and, (iv) Providing for consultation between archaeologists and planners in relation to the drawing up of development plans and development schemes so as to ensure that full consideration is given to archaeological requirements.

The Council may also require the preparation of archaeological assessment where a proposed development is located at or close to known archaeological monuments or sites, site works that are extensive in terms of area (ground disturbance of 1/2 hectare or more) or length (1 kilometre or more) and developments that require an Environmental Impact Statement. In this regard the Council will consult with the DoEHLG and other Statutory Consultees when considering applications for planning permission for development on or in the vicinity of archaeological sites and/or monuments:-

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Policy AEH 13: Archaeology - It is the policy of the Council to safeguard sites, features and objects of archaeological interest generally and will protect (in-situ where practicable or as a minimum, preservation by record) all monuments included in the Record of Monuments and Places and of sites, features and objects of archaeological and historical interest generally.

12.3.3 Architectural Heritage Legal Context

Protection of architectural or built heritage is provided for through a range of legal instruments that include the Heritage Act 1995, the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and National Monuments (Misc. Provisions) Act 1999, and the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 2000. Section 2.1 of the Heritage Act 1995, describes architectural heritage as ‘all structures, buildings, traditional and designed, and groups of buildings including streetscapes and urban vistas, which are of historical, archaeological, artistic, engineering, scientific, social or technical interest, together with their setting, attendant grounds, fixtures, fittings and contents, and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, includes railways and related buildings and structures and any place comprising the remains or traces of any such railway, building or structure’.

The Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 2000 obliges all Planning Authorities to keep a ‘Record of Protected Structures’ of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. As of the 1st January 2000, all structures listed for protection in current Development Plans, have become ‘protected structures’. Since the introduction of this legislation, planning permission is required for any works to a protected structure that would affect its character. If a protected structure is endangered, planning authorities may issue a notice to the owner or occupier requiring works to be carried out. The Act contains comprehensive powers for local authorities to require the owners and occupiers to do works on a protected structure if it is endangered, or a protected structure or a townscape of special character that ought to be restored. While the South Tipperary Development Plan (2009-2014) does not list any protected structures within the proposed development site, it does include the following structures in the surrounding townlands:-

. S149 AHENNY: Two rows of single storey slate roofed houses at Vickers Street, Ahenny; . S150 AHENNY: Row of single storey slate roofed houses at Moore Street, Ahenny; . S151 NEWTOWN LOWER: St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Faugheen; . S374 AHENNY LITTLE: Slate' slab topped roadside wall, unique design Castlejohn; . S375 AHENNY LITTLE: On of a series of slate quarrymen's cottage part of three terraces To be included as Ahenny Architectural Conservation Area ACA; and . S376 AHENNY: High crosses in Old Ahenny graveyard.

Since 2000 planning authorities have the statutory power to define Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA), which are defined as “a place, area, group of structures, taking account of building lines and heights, that is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or that contributes to the appreciation of a protected structure, and whose character it is an objective of a development plan to preserve” (Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities, p.41).

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The South Tipperary Development Plan (2009-2014) has designated the core of Ahenny village, approximately 800m to the northeast of the proposed development site, as an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA). The following extracts from the Development Plan state the Council’s policy in relation to ACAs:-

6.4.2 Architectural Conservation Areas In addition to the RPS, the Council has also identified a number of Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA’s) throughout the county. ACA’s are places, areas, groups of structures or townscapes, that are of special architectural, historic, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical character, or that contribute to the appreciation of a protected structure. There are 11 ACA’s designated under the County Development Plan; Ahenny, Ballinure, Cahir, Cappawhite, Clogheen, Emly, Fethard, Killenaule, Marlfield, Newcastle and Nine-Mile-House and the extent of each ACA is illustrated in Appendix 13 (Volume 3).

The Architectural Heritage Act, 1999, requires the Minister to establish a survey to identify; record and evaluate the architectural heritage of the country. The function of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) is to record built heritage structures within the Republic of Ireland. The inclusion of a building in the NIAH does not provide statutory protection; and the inventory is used to advise local authorities on compilation of a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) as required by the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 2000. The NIAH does not list any structures within the proposed development site although it does include houses in Ahenny village (Ref. 22207902) and Newtown Upper (Ref. 22207903).

12.3.4 Archaeological and Historical Context

The following section provides a summary of the archaeological and historical context of the study area.

Early Prehistoric Period

The earliest recorded evidence for human settlement in Ireland dates to the Mesolithic period (c. 7000–4000 BC) when groups of hunter-gatherers arrived on the heavily wooded island. These groups foraged for food which led to mobile settlement patterns as they moved to follow the seasonal availability of food resources. The Mesolithic settlements leave no above ground remains but their presence is often indicated by the presence of the distinctive stone tools of the period in ploughed fields. There are no recorded Mesolithic sites within the study area.

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The Irish Neolithic period (4000-2300 B.C.) represents the arrival and establishment of agriculture as the principal form of economic subsistence. Over successive generations, farmers had either moved slowly across Europe or had influenced local hunter-gathering populations to adopt the new economy. By c. 4500 BC farming communities existed along the Atlantic coast of Europe and soon afterwards they began to appear in Britain and Ireland (Mallory & McNeill 1991, 29). The nature of the agricultural economy would have allowed for the new farmers to live in permanent settlements all year long (in marked contrast to the nomadic lives of the hunter-gatherers). These sedentary communities began to construct substantial domestic and ritual structures including rectangular timber house and megalithic tombs. There is significant evidence for Neolithic settlement and ritual activity within this area of South Tipperary and this includes five recorded megalithic monuments located within the study area.

Table 12.2 - Megalithic Tombs within 5km of PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE

Distance from SMR Description Townland ITM (E, N) proposed site KK038-005---- Megalithic tomb - portal KILLONERRY 641578, 624295 4.5km to the tomb south KK034-019001- Megalithic tomb - KNOCKROE (Kells 640815, 631310 2.5km to the passage tomb By., Killamery ED) north KK034-031---- Megalithic tomb - BAUNFREE 642966, 628372 2km to the east passage tomb KK035-053---- Megalithic tomb - portal OWNING 644885, 626772 4.6km to the tomb southeast KK035-096---- Megalithic tomb - wedge OWNING 645158, 628237 4.2km to the east tomb

The Bronze and Iron Ages

The arrival of metalworking in Ireland saw the advent of the Bronze Age period (c. 2400 – 500 BC). The first recorded metallurgical artefacts were constructed in copper and gold but the production of stronger and more durable tin-bronze objects became prevalent at the start of the second millennium BC. This new technology introduced a new artefactual assemblage into the Irish archaeological record and this period was also associated with the construction of new monument types such as standing stones, stone rows, stone circles, barrows and fulachta fiadh. The societal change associated with this new technology is reflected in a move from large communal tombs to individual burials in small pits or stone cists. A characteristic of the earlier Bronze Age in Ireland is the emergence of a distinctive burial custom; often termed the ‘single burial tradition’ (Waddell 1991) that was part of a wider European milieu. In the initial stages of this tradition both inhumation and cremation were practised. Burial in cairns (stone mounds), barrows and tumuli (earthen mounds) or cists (box-like and slab-built compartments) was commonly practiced. The study area contains one embanked barrow and one cist burial.

Standing stones comprise single, unworked stones set upright into a prepared socket dug into the ground. They are often set with their long axis on a northeast-southwest alignment, an attribute they share with other lithic monuments of the Bronze Age, such as stone rows and stone circles. Standing stones are typically interpreted as Bronze Age ritual monuments although examples dating to the Iron Age have been identified and functions such as burial, territorial or route markers have been suggested (Byrne et al. 2009). There are eleven recorded standing stones within the study area.

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Burnt mounds are the most common site associated with the Bronze Age and are often referred to as fulachta fiadh, which is typically translated as “cooking places of the wild (or of deer)”. They frequently survive as low mounds, often horseshoe-shaped, of charcoal-enriched soil packed with fragments of heat-shattered stones (termed ‘burnt material’); when levelled they are often noticeable as black spreads in ploughed fields. They are usually situated close to a water source, such as a stream or spring, or in wet marshy areas and can occur individually or in groups. While it is generally thought that they were probably used as cooking places, the paucity of animal bone remains at excavated examples has led to other theories in relation to their function, including saunas, clothes dying, leather-working and brewing. The majority of radiocarbon dates place these monuments in the Bronze Age. There are a total of thirty three recorded fulachta fiadh within the study area, which, in conjunction with the standing stone and burial evidence, indicates that this area of South Tipperary was extensively settled during this period.

The Irish Iron Age period (600 BC – 400 AD) has been traditionally associated with a Celtic ‘invasion’ but this view has come to be questioned in recent decades as archaeological evidence points instead to a gradual acculturation of the Irish Bronze Age communities following centuries of contacts with Celtic-type cultures in Europe (O’ Brien 2012, 233). Despite the increased discovery of sub-surface remains of archaeological sites of all periods during large-scale developments in the past two decades, the Iron Age remains the most obscure period in Irish archaeological record (Waddell 1998, 279). There is general agreement that the development of improved iron technology was a significant factor in the emergence of this new period but the nature of the transition came about in Ireland is far from clear. As Waddell has stated, ‘domestic occupation sites remain virtually unknown and our understanding of settlement, economy and social structure in the period from 600 BC to the early centuries AD is meagre in the extreme’ (1998, 319). A number of excavated hillfort sites have produced evidence of phases dating to the Iron Age, although their origins may often pre-date this period. There are only two hillforts located in South Tipperary and both of these are located within and immediately adjacent to the proposed development site – on the summits of Carrigadoon and Curraghadobbin Hills. These recorded archaeological monuments are described in further detail below.

Early Medieval

The early medieval period (AD 400 – 1169) was a time of profound internal social and economic change in Ireland. The majority of the recorded archaeological sites within the study area can be classified as being early medieval in date. The dominant types include ringforts, souterrains, enclosures and various monuments associated with early ecclesiastical activity. Generally enclosures are likely to be ringforts but insufficient evidence survives to classify them as such without recourse to archaeological excavation.

Ringforts are the most widespread and characteristic archaeological monuments within the Irish landscape and their Gaelic names (rath, dun, lios) still form some of the most common place-name elements in the country. Ringforts are basically a circular or roughly circular area enclosed by an earthen bank formed of material thrown up from an external concentric fosse (or ditch). There are also large numbers of cashels along the western coastal zone, which are examples built with drystone construction. Archaeological excavation has shown that the majority of ringforts were enclosed farmsteads built in the early medieval period and contain the foundations of both domestic and agricultural buildings. Though not forts in the military sense, the enclosures acted as a defence against natural predators, such as wolves, and may also have afforded some protection against the cattle raids that appear to have been a common event during this period. Souterrains (underground chambers) are often found in association with ringforts, although isolated examples, perhaps

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associated with unenclosed settlements, are also recorded. The study area contains 28 ringforts, 6 souterrains and 53 enclosures, demonstrating that this area was extensively settled during the early medieval period.

The Irish early medieval period in Ireland began with the introduction and establishment of Christianity to the island. It has been noted that the process of conversion of the native population would not have been rapid but rather one of steady infiltration over the initial centuries (Ó Cróinín 1994, 131). Over and above the change in religious outlook that conversion would have meant for the individual, the establishment of the Irish Church was to have profound implications for the political, social and economic spheres, in no small part due to the introduction of writing and the establishment of formal contacts between Ireland and the continent. The early churches were typically built within enclosures that were morphologically similar to ringforts and cashels but can often be differentiated by the presence of associated features such as stone churches, graves, stone crosses and shrines. The presence of an early church site in an area is often recorded by the common placename element kill/cel. The RMPs for the study area lists one known early ecclesiastical enclosure and seven high crosses (contained in two separate sites); the crosses are National Monuments and are discussed below. The RMP also lists a number of features that indicate further early ecclesiastical activity within the study area, including 12 holy wells, 4 bullaun stones and 2 ogham stones.

Late Medieval (AD 1169 – 1550)

The arrival and conquest of large parts of Ireland by the Anglo-Normans in the late-twelfth century marks a watershed in the political history of Ireland. Within this period, towns, markets, and fairs were established and change and reform attempted in the Irish church. With this also came reorganising of fragmentary territorial areas into a unit of systematic regional administration introducing the origins of cantreds, baronies and parishes. The Record of Monuments and Places does not list the presence of any late medieval sites within close vicinity to the proposed development site. However, the presence of large numbers of the following late medieval monuments within the wider study area reflects the extensive settlement of this region in this period: 6 masonry castles (including 3 with enclosing bawn structures), 5 Anglo-Norman earthwork castles, 5 moated sites, 15 churches, 14 graveyards, 1 sheela-na-gig, 10 grave slabs and 2 deserted medieval villages. Kilcash Castle and Church, which are located approx. 4km to the west of the proposed development site, have been designated as National Monuments and the descriptions of these sites published by the Archaeological Survey of Ireland are provided below.

Post-medieval to 20th-century

From the late sixteenth century, new architectural styles were coming into Ireland with the Elizabethan and Stuart Planters and the opening up of the country to external influences. The post- medieval period saw the development of high and low status rural housing and the expansion of the urban settlements throughout Ireland. In particular local landlords improved their estates and built residences for themselves. During this period any given rural settlement cluster is likely to have consisted primarily of single-storey thatched cottages with associated farm buildings. From later Victorian times onwards, two-storey farm houses became more common. In the latter half of the twentieth-century, there was a radical change in the nature and character of Irish domestic architecture manifested by the replacement of older stone-built structures with modern bungalows of concrete blockwork construction. The study area contains the following post-medieval sites which are listed in the RMP: 4 seventeenth century houses, 1 designated landscape, 1 decoy pond, 1 mausoleum and 1 penal mass station. The area to the north of Carrigadoon Hill contains widespread

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remains of post-medieval and early modern slate quarrying activities which, while not included in the RMP, are considered of industrial archaeology significance. The quarry site was owned and worked by Lonergan family prior to being taken over by the Victoria Slate Company in the 1840s and the quarry continued to operate until the late 1930s. Further details on the nature of the proposed development site within the 19th-century is provided in the assessment of the historic mapping provided below.

Summary of Significant Archaeological Constraints

The desktop survey of the published archaeological datasets has identified the presence of a number of recorded monuments in the vicinity of proposed development that are listed in the Record of Monuments and Places and five groups of monuments within the surrounding study area that have been deemed by the State to be of national significance and are, therefore, designated as National Monuments. These include the two collections of high crosses in Ahenny and Kilkieran (to the northeast and southeast), Knockroe passage tomb to the north and the adjacent sites of Kilcash Church and Castle to the west. The following section provides descriptions of these National Monuments and the recorded monuments within the close vicinity of the proposed development site.

Recorded Monuments and Places sites within/adjacent to proposed development area

The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) lists a total of eleven archaeological monuments that are located in the vicinity of the proposed development area. All of these monuments are protected under the National Monuments Acts and include two large hillforts, which enclose the summits of Carrigadoon and Curraghadobbin Hills. The stated policy of the National Monuments Service is that sites listed in the RMP are to be preserved by avoidance and surrounded by exclusion zones in which no development works may occur. There are no defined criteria for the extent of such buffer zones and their extent is typically decided by the National Monuments Service or the Planning Authority on a case-by-case basis. Three of the sites within the landholding are listed as redundant records in the RMP as there is not enough definitive evidence to conclusively prove that they are archaeological in origin. It is, nonetheless, recommended that sites listed as redundant records should be preserved by avoidance in the absence of definitive proof that they are non-archaeological in origin.

Table 12.3 - Recorded Monuments and Places sites within/adjacent to proposed development area

Site Type RMP Reference ITM Coordinates Carrigadoon Hillfort TS078-036001- 632448, 627396 Curraghadobbin Hillfort TS079-024001- 636872, 628617 Cairn TS079-024005- 636872, 628617 Ringfort TS079-008---- 636929, 628823 Enclosure TS079-025---- 637075, 628853 Enclosures TS079-026---- & TS079-026001- 638703, 628760 Enclosure TS079-028---- 638721, 627796 Redundant Record TS079-024002- 637384, 628382 Redundant record TS079-024003- 636804, 628225 Redundant record TS079-024004- 636985, 628263

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Carrigadoon Hillfort RMP ref: TS078-036001- ITM Co-ordinates: 632448, 627396 Archaeology Survey of Ireland description: Enclosing the summit of Carrigadoon Hill. A roughly oval-shaped area (diam. c. 180m N-S; c. 320m E-W) defined by a bank which varies in size and construction in different quadrants. In the NW quadrant the bank is composed of shale rubble, laid horizontally and surmounted by an earth and grass mantle (Wth 4m; int. H 0.9m; ext. H 3m). In the SW sector the bank is reduced in height (Wth 1.3m; int. H 0.45m; ext. H 1.07m) with the external ground level forming a platform (Wth c. 4m) before the ground falls sharply. The S quadrant is similar in that the external ground level forms a slight platform, with a slight suggestion of an outer bank (Wth 0.8m; int. H 0.15m; ext. H 1.72m drop to forest road), before falling sharply. Much of the bank in the S sector has been truncated by a forest road. Quarrying has taken place at the SE end of the hill resulting in a large mound of upcast, the circuit of the hillfort is not traceable at this E end. The enclosing element in the NE quadrant is visible as an internal fosse (Wth 1.2m; D 0.9m) with outer bank (Wth 3.2m; int. H 0.4m; ext. H 0.85m). Two further quarries along the NE quadrant. N sector of hillfort is defined by an inner bank (Wth c. 5m; ext. H 2.66m); V-shaped fosse (Wth 0.5m; D 0.72m) and outer bank (Wth 1.4m; ext. H 0.86m) with a slight ledge (c. 1m) before dropping sharply.

Curraghadobbin Hillfort RMP ref: TS079-024001- ITM Co-ordinates: 636872, 628617 Archaeology Survey of Ireland Description: On the summit of Curraghadobbin Hill. The hill has been planted with conifers, harvested and replanted. A hillfort with a central cairn (TS079-024005-) was identified on aerial photographs (Air Corps V.312/3077-6 and GSI June 1973 S.501/500). Though damaged by forestry activity the wall of the circular hillfort (diam. c. 90m) is still visible in the NW, N, E, SE and SW quadrants. It is composed of sandstone conglomerate boulders (Wth 3-3.6m; H 0.5-1m). There is a large upright boulder (H.1.5m) on the line to the wall in the SE quadrant. From the aerial photographs an outer enclosure (diam. c. 230m) could be identified, with the townland boundary to the E of the hillfort kinking out to form the E quadrant. This outer enclosure is not visible at ground level.

Ringfort (RMP Ref.: TS079-008----) ITM Co-ordinates: 636929, 628823 Archaeological Survey of Ireland description:

On a N-facing ridge below the summit of Curraghadobbin Hill, in pastureland. The hill slope falls gradually immediately N of the ringfort and then sharply. A field boundary runs NE-SW along the S edge of the monument. A possible bivallate enclosure (TS079-025----) is located c. 150m to the NE. A raised circular area (diam. 31m NW-SE; 30m E-W) defined by a rounded bank (Wth 7.2m; int. H 0.3-0.55m; ext. H 2.56m) with a high stone content; a fosse (Wth 1.8m; D 0.35m) and an external bank (Wth 4.8m; H above ext. 1.1m). There is a gap through both banks in the E quadrant.

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Enclosure (TS079-025----) ITM Co-ordinates: 637075, 628853 Archaeological Survey of Ireland description:

On a gently NE-facing slope of Curraghadobbin Hill, in pastureland. A ringfort (TS079-008----) is located c. 150m to the SW. Identified on an aerial photograph (Air Corps V.312/3077-6) as a possible bivallate enclosure. Only the NE-E sector is clearly defined on the photograph, the S quadrant being suggested by a kink in the field boundary which runs NE-SW along the S quadrant. This field boundary has been removed and the enclosure is not visible at ground level.

Enclosure (TS079-026---- & TS079-026001-) ITM Co-ordinates: 638703, 628760 Archaeological Survey of Ireland description:

On a natural terrace of a gradual W slope of Carrigadoon Hill, in gently undulating terrain under pasture. Two conjoined enclosures (TS079-026----) identified on an aerial photograph (Air Corps V.312/3077/6) which are not visible at ground level.

Enclosure (TS079-028----) ITM Co-ordinates: 638721, 627796 Archaeological Survey of Ireland description:

In undulating upland terrain on the lower SW slopes of Carrigadoon Hill, under grass. Identified on an aerial photograph taken in 1973 (GSI S.500/499) as a roughly circular enclosure (diam. c. 60m) with a curving field boundary forming the E quadrant. This field boundary has been removed and the enclosure is not visible at ground level. The terrain is very rough and appears to be an unlikely location for an enclosure.

Redundant Record (TS079-024002-) ITM Co-ordinates: 637384, 628382 Archaeological Survey of Ireland description:

This was classified in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1997) as 'Field system possible' having been identified on aerial photograph (Air Corps V.312/3077-6). The possible feature is situated on a SW-facing slope of Curraghadobbin Hill, in former coniferous forest which has been harvested and recently replanted. On field inspection in 2002 there was no visible surface trace of this feature. The photographic evidence was not sufficient to warrant accepting this as an archaeological monument.

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Redundant record (TS079-024003-) ITM Co-ordinates: 636804, 628225 Archaeological Survey of Ireland description:

This was classified in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1997) as 'Enclosure possible' having been identified as such on an aerial photograph (Air Corps V.312/3077-6). The possible feature is situated on a S-facing slope of Curraghadobbin Hill, at base of a steep incline, in former coniferous forest which has been harvested and recently replanted. The ground has been badly disturbed by forestry activity and area is strewn with boulders. On field inspection in 2002 there was no visible surface trace of this feature. The photographic evidence was not sufficient to warrant accepting this as an archaeological monument.

Redundant record (TS079-024004-) ITM Co-ordinates: 636985, 628263 Archaeological Survey of Ireland Description:

This was classified in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1997) as 'Enclosure possible' having been identified as such on an aerial photograph (Air Corps V.312/3077-6). The possible feature is situated on a S-facing slope of Curraghadobbin Hill, at base of a steep incline, in former coniferous forest which has been harvested and recently replanted. On field inspection in 2002 there was no visible surface trace of this feature, though the area was heavily overgrown with ferns. The photographic evidence was not sufficient to warrant accepting this as an archaeological monument.

Excavations Database

The Excavation Database contains summary accounts of all the archaeological excavations carried out in Ireland (North and South) from 1970 to 2014 and has been compiled from the published Excavations Bulletins from those years. While the database contains no entries for the townlands with the proposed development site it does list the following two entries for archaeological excavations undertaken within the lands surrounding the proposed development site.

Site name: Curraheen Excavations.ie number: 2008:1120 License number: 08E0824 Author: Mary Henry, Site type: No archaeological significance ITM: E 639165m, N 630100m

Five test-trenches were opened on the imprint of a house site in Curraheen townland, Ahenny. A standing stone, located on a very slight circular mound, survives in the north-west part of the same field as where the proposed house will be sited. No archaeological features or remains were uncovered in any of the test-trenches opened. All of the test-trenches were distinctly sterile.

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Site name: Knockroe Excavations.ie number: 426 License number: C424; E000554 Author: Muiris O’Sullivan, School of Archaeology, University College, Belfield, Dublin 4. Site type: Prehistoric with later elements ITM: 240870,131270

This passage tomb site, known locally as ‘The Coshel’, occurs on a south-facing slope less than 150m from the Lingaun River, which forms the boundary between counties Kilkenny and Tipperary in the local slate quarries region about 3km upriver from the village of Ahenny. Two tombs featuring solar alignments around midwinter day, 21 December, are located within a single cairn measuring approximately 20m in diameter. There is evidence that the encircling kerb of large boulders may have been added, or at least adjusted, as part of a secondary restructuring. In all more than thirty structural stones at the site bear megalithic art. Funded by grants from the Royal Irish Academy, a series of excavations were conducted during the summers of 1990, 1991, 1994 and 1995 (Excavations 1990, No. 76, Excavations 1991, No. 84, Excavations 1994, No. 140, and Excavations 1995, No. 172; E000554). The site was subsequently taken into state ownership and a conservation plan was commissioned from Margaret Quinland Architects. As part of OPW reinstatement and conservation works at the site, further excavation took place in September 2010.

Previous excavation had established the principal features and contents of the site, and the 2010 season had three specific goals: (1) to collect residual cremated bone that had become visible and vulnerable in the west tomb due to the accidental disturbance of stones by visitors during the past fifteen years, including the west tomb entrance area which had been adjudged too unstable for excavation until secured by OPW personnel; (2) to examine some areas not considered archaeologically rich but vulnerable to minor disturbance from conservation works; and (3) to investigate anomalies in the results of a geophysical survey about 20m west of the site. Excavations west of the site revealed a cobbled area with some associated artefacts, including fragments of metal and broken honing stones that were not sufficiently diagnostic to establish a date. The cobbling may represent the edge of an industrial or domestic area of broadly medieval date and may be linked with traces of equivalent activity at the eastern edge of the cairn. Small-scale investigations associated with conservation works did not reveal any meaningful evidence. The most informative archaeological layers were encountered on the floor of the west tomb and around the entrance. In the inner of the three tomb compartments a substantial quantity of cremated bone was recovered from gaps between the orthostats and the floor slab. This was interpreted as the remains of cremation deposits removed in previous seasons. Similar residual deposits were recovered from the middle compartment of the tomb and the remains of one previously undisturbed deposit were also recovered. A significant number of previously undisturbed cremation deposits were encountered in the outer compartment of the tomb, both in the gaps between structural stones and as layers interspersed with small boulders on the paved floor of the compartment. As boulders left undisturbed in 1995 were lifted, further deposits of cremated bone were removed from the platform surface immediately in front of the west tomb. While most cremation deposits inside and outside the tomb were mixed with varying amounts of soil, some pockets of bone were cleaner and distinguishable from the surrounding material. Classic passage tomb artefacts were recovered from the cremation deposits: pendants, beads, tubular spacers, fragments of bone and occasionally antler pins. Post-excavation scrutiny and sieving of the cremated bone produced many additional artefacts, generally of a fragmentary nature. As part of the conservation of the

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site, two orthostats were temporarily lifted from their sockets on the right side of the west tomb, revealing further concentrations and residual scatters of cremated bone in gaps between structural stones. This indicates that an unknown amount of cremated bone remains unrecorded in hidden gaps amongst the floor stones and orthostats of the tomb. At the time of writing, the archive from the 2010 season has been processed in UCD and is being integrated with the results from earlier seasons at the site.

Cartographic Review

The detail on the 1st edition 6-inch OS map (c. 1842) and the 25-inch OS map (1888-1913 series) provide information of the nature of the proposed development site in the 19th and 20th centuries. Both editions demonstrate that the proposed development site and the surrounding study area comprised undeveloped marginal uplands that were partially reclaimed as enclosed, rough pasture fields during recent centuries. The mapping records the expansion of extensive woodlands on the southern slopes of both hills during the 19th century that gradually enveloped the upland fields. The information on the cartographic representations of the individual areas to be impacted by the footprint of the proposed development are incorporated into the Field Inspection section of this chapter.

Placename Evidence

The proposed development site is within the Barony of Iffa and Offa, the Civil Parish of Kilmurray and it extends through, or bounds, a number of townlands. Townlands comprise the smallest unit of land division in the Irish landscape and many may preserve territorial boundaries that pre-date the Anglo- Norman conquest. The layout and nomenclature of the Irish townlands was recorded and standardised by the work of the Ordnance Survey in the 19th-century. The Irish roots of townland names often refer to natural topographical features but some name elements may also give an indication of the presence of past human activity within the townland. For instance, place name elements such as lios/lis and rath indicate the presence of a ringfort; while kill and temple suggest an association with a church site. The following Irish origins and translations for the townlands within the Study Area were sourced from www.logainm.ie and record the presence of the hillfort on Carrigadoon Hill and suggest associations with Anglo-Norman families during the medieval period.

Table 12.4 - Interpretations of Local Townland Names Site

Townland Irish Origin Translation Ath = ford. The meaning of Eine is Ahenny Áth Eine unclear the town of An Norach Ballinurra Baile an Noraigh An Norach — from the surname de Noradh (< Anglo-Norman Norry) Carrigadoon Carraig an Dúin Rock of the fort (hill name) the marsh of Doibín Curraghadobbin Currach Doibín Doibín — surname (< Dobbin, diminutive form of Robert) Garryduff An Garraí Dubh the black garden Poulmaleen Poll Maoilín The hole of Maoilín?

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Townland Irish Origin Translation Maoilín — personal name. The spoken form noted in 1840, ‘p— molín (pronounced.)’, rules out the saint’s name Moling Ringfort of Cláiris Rathclarish Ráth Cláiris Cláiris — gaelicised form of the Anglo-Norman surname or (female) personal name Clarice

12.3.5 Field Inspection

The areas to be impacted by the proposed development were inspected in April 2015 in dry weather conditions that provided good overall landscape visibility. Access to the locations of the proposed turbines was gained via a combination of the existing forestry roads and dirt tracks that extend through the sections of Carrigadoon and Curraghadobbin Hills that comprise the proposed development areas. The southern slopes of both hills provide excellent panoramic views of the lands to the south which are dominated by pasture and tillage farmland, with occasional dispersed farm and residential settlements. The ridge line and hill summits to the north of the areas to be impacted by the proposed elements of the development remove views of the lands to the north at ground level. The dense forested nature of the proposed development site has resulted in a screening effect that hinders a detailed visual inspection of all areas of the ground terrain but it was possible to determine that widespread disturbance has been created by the 19th and 20th century forestry plantations and their extensive drainage systems. There were no surface traces of any potential archaeological features noted in the vicinity of the proposed turbine locations and access roads during the site inspection. The following summary of the field inspection incorporates evidence from the historic OSI mapping in order to present the existing environment in conjunction with the land use pattern of the both individual turbine locations and the wider hillside environment in recent centuries.

Curraghadobbin Hill

This hill has a long axis on an east-west orientation with the summit containing the hillfort located at the western end. As noted by the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI), the hillfort has been extensively planted and harvested with forestry in recent decades. The ASI note that consulted aerial imagery indicates the eastern outline of an outer enclosure that follows the line of the townland boundary to the east of the summit. The proposed development will entail the construction of three turbines (T1, T2, and T3) and associated access roads along the south slope of the ridgeline that extends to the east of the summit. The steep southern hill slopes are accessed by overgrown forest roads and are under an extensive modern commercial forestry plantation that comprises areas of mature and newly planted trees. The interior of the plantation was largely inaccessible due to extensive thick undergrowth of brambles that was up to chest height in areas. Where the plantation could be accessed the ground surface was found have been extensively disturbed by the closely planted trees and drains. The proposed wind farm in this area will be accessed by via a new section of track that will enter the plantation from a 3rd class public road at the south side of the hill and connecting with the existing forest road system. A possible field system on the southern hillslope was initially included in the RMP but has since been designated as a ‘redundant record’ (TS079- 024002-). The recorded location of this area in a planted area approx. 150m southwest of the

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proposed location of Turbine 2 but no traces were noted when the ASI inspected the lands in 2002 or during the survey carried out as part of the present assessment.

Turbine 1

This proposed turbine is situated in forestry located on the south side of the ridgeline to the east of Curraghadobbin Hillfort and is accessed via an existing forestry road that extends along the southern slopes of the hill. The turbine location is located approx. 50m west of the forestry road and will incorporate the construction of a new access track through the plantation. The mature forestry in this area has removed the views at ground level in all directions, including towards the hillfort and the presence of thick undergrowth of brambles and gorse meant that the turbine location was inaccessible. This area is shown as woodland on the 1st edition 6-inch map while it is depicted as marginal, unenclosed ground on the 25-inch map and no tracks or any boundary features shown on either map. As noted above, the ASI inventory entry for the hillfort states that the eastern line of an outer hillfort enclosure follows a kink in the line of the townland boundary to the east of the summit. This appears to refer to a curvature in the line of the boundary between Curraghadobbin and Rathclarish townlands to the east of the summit, which is approx. 150m west of the proposed location of Turbine 1.

Turbine 2

This proposed turbine is also situated in the modern forestry plantation on the south side of the ridgeline to the east of the summit of Curraghadobbin Hill and is accessed via the existing forestry road. The turbine location is located to the west of the forestry road and will incorporate the construction of a new access track measuring approx. 50m long. The mature forestry in this area has removed the views at ground level in all directions, including towards the hillfort and the presence of thick bramble undergrowth meant that the turbine location was inaccessible. As with Turbine 1, this area is shown as woodland on the 1st edition 6-inch map while it is depicted as marginal, unenclosed ground on the 25-inch map and no tracks or any boundary features shown on either map.

Turbine 3

This proposed turbine is located at the east end of Curraghadobbin Hill in sloping ground to the south of the east terminal of the existing forest road. This area is shown as unenclosed marginal land on the historic OSI maps. As with the turbines to the west, the presence of the modern plantation, in combination with the thick undergrowth, acted as a constraint to the visual inspection of the proposed turbine location and the approx. 60m long track that will connect Turbine 3 to the proposed new east-west orientated site access track to be constructed in the area to the north.

Carrigadoon Hill

This hill has a long axis on an east-west orientation with the summit containing the hillfort located at the eastern end. The site of the hillfort encircles the summit and the recorded details on the morphology of the surface remains of this monument are provided in Section 12.3.4. The site of the hillfort was visited during the survey undertaken as part of the present assessment and many of the features described by the Archaeological Survey of Ireland are obscured by thick undergrowth and forestry. The views towards the monument were also assessed from all directions in the surrounding lowlands and the surface traces of the enclosure were also found to be obscured from these vantage

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points. The nearest turbine to the hillfort (Turbine 7) is located in the slopes approx. 150m to the southwest of the projected line of the hillfort enclosure. There are no other RMP sites located on the southern slopes of the hill which are in the vicinity of the proposed development. The general detail on the 1st edition OS map demonstrates that the southern slopes of the hillside were occupied by a mixture of upland marginal fields and dispersed woodland in the middle of the 19th century. The 25- inch OS map shows the area had been extensively planted with woodland in the second half of that century that had encroached into the fields. This plantation was accessed by an extensive system of intersecting tracks and a number of these tracks still remain and a number have been incorporated into the existing Coillte roads. The entire area of the southern hillside is now under a modern commercial forestry plantation and the differential areas of tree growth indicate that this plantation has undergone a number of phases of planting and harvesting. The forest floor has been colonised by a thick undergrowth of brambles and gorse which has resulted in much of the interior of the plantation becoming inaccessible. The proposed development will include the construction of a new northwest-southeast access road that will extend up towards Turbine 8 from the site entrance on the public road to the south of Ahenny village. The accessible areas of this route were inspected and the ground levels appear to have been extensively disturbed by planting and drainage works.

Turbine 4

The proposed location of Turbine 4 is within a wooded area on the west side of Carrigadoon Hill and its general location is presently accessed via a dirt track that extends in an east-west direction from the forest road to the east. The turbine is located within densely planted area of the forest and inspection was hindered by the presence of thick undergrowth. This area is shown within an enclosed field that is indicated as marginal land on the 1st edition 6-inch map and woodland on the 25-inch map indicating that it was planted with trees during the late 19th century.

Turbine 5

The proposed location of Turbine 5 is on the southwest slopes of Carrigadoon Hill in a wooded area is presently accessed via a dirt track that extends in an east-west direction from the forest road to the west. The proposed turbine location is situated in sloping ground above the track and is obscured by planted trees and thick undergrowth. The detail on the 1st edition 6-inch OS map shows this area was occupied by sub-rectangular fields, which are indicated as being marginal in nature, while the 25-inch OS map demonstrates that the area had been incorporated in the woodland during the second half of the 19th century.

Turbine 6

The proposed location of Turbine 6 is approx. 40m to the south of an existing east-west forest road that extends along the south-facing western slopes of the hill. As with the other turbines in this part of the plantation the presence of thick undergrowth on the forest floor restricted the visual inspection of this area. There were frequent spreads of stones and boulders visible on the ground surface and these appeared to be bedrock fragments upcast during ground disturbance created by the planting and harvesting of the forest plantation. This area is shown within an enclosed field that is indicated as marginal land on the 1st edition 6-inch OS map while it is depicted as woodland on the 25-inch map indicating that it was first planted during the late 19th century.

MCE0760RP0006F01 12-26 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Turbine 7

The proposed location of Turbine 7 is approx. 150m to the southwest of the summit of Carrigadoon Hill. Its general location presently accessed via an existing forest road that extends in a northwest- southeast direction towards the summit. The plantation and undergrowth in this area is relatively sparse and no surface traces of potential archaeological features were noted during the inspection. The detail on the 1st edition 6-inch OS map shows this area was occupied by sub-rectangular fields, which are indicated as being marginal in nature, while the 25-inch OS map demonstrates that the area had been incorporated into the woodland during the second half of the 19th century.

Turbine 8

The proposed location of Turbine 8 is within a forested area in the slopes below the overgrown southern line of the enclosure around Carrigadoon Hillfort. Access to the general location of this proposed turbine is presently via an existing east-west forest road and no surface traces of the hillfort enclosure were visible from this area. The forest plantation and presence of thick undergrowth in this area restricted the visual inspection of the footprint of the turbine. This area is shown as being in marginal farmland on the 1st edition 6-inch OS map and is shown as being incorporated into woodland on the 25-inch map.

12.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

Construction Phase

Direct Impacts

Recorded Cultural Heritage Sites

It is envisioned that the proposed development will have no direct impacts on any recorded sites or monuments of cultural significance during the construction phase.

Potential Unrecorded Archaeological features

There were no potential unrecorded archaeological features noted during the inspection of the proposed development footprint. As is typical with undertaking survey inspections of proposed developments within modern forestry plantations the presence of closely planted trees and thick undergrowth hindered the visual assessment of the footprint of the proposed development. The physical footprint of the proposed development will impact on hillside slopes that have been under a forestry plantation that has gone through a number of phases of planting and harvesting during the 19th and 20th-centuries. It has been noted that any archaeological sites that may have existed beneath or within modern forestry plantations may have been damaged by a combination of site preparation mounding works and root action (Johnson 1998). There is also a potential for greater levels of disturbance in upland peaty soils as the roots spread over a wider area in order to secure anchorage against the wind.

Given the presence of hillforts on both hill summits within the vicinity of the proposed development the potential for the presence of associated unrecorded archaeological features, deposits and

MCE0760RP0006F01 12-27 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

artefacts cannot be discounted despite the disturbance created by the forestry plantations. Any ground reduction works required for the proposed development, such as the construction of turbine bases and access roads, would have a direct and profound negative impact on any unrecorded sub- surface archaeological deposits that may exist on the footprint of the proposed development.

A proposed 38kv underground link to the Ballydine ESB sub-station will be placed in a trench in the public road. This underground link was also subjected to a cultural heritage impact assessment and the results are presented in Appendix 12-3. In summary the proposed route will not directly impact on any recorded cultural heritage sites but is in close vicinity to a number of recorded archaeological monuments in the vicinity of Faughan village: i.e. a deserted medieval settlement (TS079-015----) and the entrance to the site of a medieval church (TS079-015001-) with an associated graveyard (TS079-015003-), which contains a sheela-na-gig (TS079-015002-) and a number of grave slabs. The impacts of the proposed grid connection on the recorded and protected cultural heritage resource are assessed as imperceptible in nature. However, the ground reduction works required for the proposed cable route would have a direct and profound negative impact on any unrecorded sub- surface archaeological deposits that may exist on its footprint.

Indirect Impacts

Recorded Monuments and Places within/adjacent to proposed development site

The eleven RMP sites within/adjacent to the proposed development site include two large hillforts, which enclose the summits of Carrigadoon and Curraghadobbin Hills. The physical remains of both hillforts survive despite the modern forestry plantation works. The stated policy of the National Monuments Service is that RMP sites are to be preserved by avoidance and surrounded by exclusion zones in which no development works may occur. There are no defined criteria for the extent of such buffer zones and their extent is typically decided by the National Monuments Service or the Planning Authority on a case-by-case basis. Three of the sites within the landholding are listed as “redundant records” in the RMP as there is not enough definitive evidence to conclusively prove that they are archaeological in origin.

The proposed turbine locations and access roads have been designed to avoid all recorded archaeological sites, including those designated as ‘redundant records’ and the proposed development will therefore have no physical impacts on any of these sites. The summits of Carrigadoon and Curraghadobbin Hills both contain hillforts listed in the Record of Monuments and Places. The physical remains of both of these large enclosure sites have been obscured by tree plantations and vegetation overgrowth. The proposed development will have a moderate negative impact on these sites which is defined as a change that, though noticeable, does not compromise the integrity of the site and which is reversible. This arises where an archaeological site can be incorporated into a modern day development without damage and where all procedures used to facilitate this are reversible.

Architectural Heritage

The Record of Protected Structures does not list any buildings or structures within the study area. No unrecorded structures or features of architectural heritage significance were noted during the site inspection. The proposed development will, therefore, have no predicted impacts on the architectural heritage resource.

MCE0760RP0006F01 12-28 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Cultural Heritage

There are no protected sites or monuments of cultural heritage significance within the proposed development. The summit and northern slopes of Carrigadoon Hill do contain the physical remains of historical quarrying activities, which have resulted in profound negative impacts on the site of Carrigadoon Hillfort. The proposed development on the southern slopes of the hill will not impact on the physical remains of this quarrying activity.

Operational Phase

Direct Impacts

It is envisioned that the proposed development will have no direct impacts on any sites or monuments of cultural significance during the operational phase.

Indirect Impacts

National Monuments

The proposed development will not have a physical impact on any of the five National Monuments within the study area. However, the proposed turbines will be visible from a number of National Monuments located to the north, east and west of the proposed development site, and accordingly have the potential to indirectly impact on archaeological features by reason of visual impact.

There are no defined criteria/policies that define or measure the nature of visual impacts of wind turbines on National Monuments and recommendations for planning decisions by the National Monuments Service and Planning Authorities are undertaken on a case-by-case basis. Most of the National Monuments will be outside the shadow-flicker zone extending from the proposed development; however it is likely that the turbine structures themselves will have a range of visual impacts on the setting of these monuments.

The proposed turbines will be visible from the Knockroe passage tomb which is situated on a south- facing slope located approx. 2km to the north. This National Monument has been acquired by the State in recent decades and considerable expense has since been spent on its excavation and conservation. As noted above, a significant attribute of this Neolithic monument is its alignment with the setting sun on the Winter Solstice and this event has attracted large numbers of attendees in recent years. This astronomical alignment is centred towards the area where the sun sinks below the ridge line in the area of the proposed development site. The visual impact of the presence of turbine structures on or near this astronomical event will create a significant negative visual impact on the National Monument. The second passage tomb within the study area, located 2km to the west on Baunfree Hill, is not a National Monument but it is listed in the Record of Monuments and Places. This Neolithic tomb has a recorded alignment towards a cairn monument on top of Slievenamon to the west and this sight-line also extends across the proposed development site and the proposed development will also have a significant negative visual impact on this visual alignment.

None of the proposed turbines on Carrigadoon Hill will be visible from the Ahenny High Crosses located 760m to the northeast of the proposed development site.

MCE0760RP0006F01 12-29 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The proposed turbines will be visible from the Kilkieran high crosses, which are located in a graveyard 1.5km to the east that provides a view towards the southern slopes of both hills. These two collections of National Monuments form part of the Ossory High Cross group and are widely recognised as internationally important archaeological and art historical monuments. The visual intrusion on the setting of the Kilkieran high crosses is assessed as a moderate to significant negative visual impact.

The southern slopes of both hillsides are also visible from Kilcash Castle and Church located 4km to the west. These are both designated National Monuments and the proposed turbines will also be visible from these monuments. Any visual intrusion on the setting of these monuments will be considered to be a moderate to significant negative visual impact.

While any one of the visual impacts on the setting of any of the individual National Monuments described above could be deemed as moderate in nature, their combined cumulative impact are assessed as being a significant negative visual impact.

Summary of potential Indirect archaeological impacts

The archaeological assessment of the proposed Carrigadoon Wind Park development has highlighted a wide range of potential visual impacts on a variety of archaeological monuments that are located within the environs of the proposed development. A number of the monuments in the surrounding lands are deemed to be of national importance and are afforded heightened legal protection as designated National Monuments. It is noted that the development is located in a highly significant archaeological landscape.

12.5 MITIGATION MEASURES

Construction Phase

There are no recorded extant archaeological or architectural heritage sites on the direct footprint of the proposed development. However, given the presence of a number of recorded archaeological sites within the development area and the surrounding study area there is the potential for the presence of unrecorded, sub-surface archaeological deposits and artefacts in areas to be impacted by the proposed development.

A brief archaeological assessment carried out by Coillte in 2012 made a number of proposed recommendations in relation to an earlier proposed wind turbine development within their landholdings on Curraghadobbin and Carrigadoon Hills. In summary, this recommended preservation by avoidance (within exclusion zones) of all recorded archaeological sites, including redundant records, within the landholding. It is important to note that this in-house assessment was solely concerned with the recorded monuments within the Coillte lands and did not address any issues in relation to monuments outside their property. It should also be noted that the recommendations were prepared as an outline of proposed mitigation measures that would ultimately have to be approved by the NMS and the Planning Authority.

The Department of Environment planning guidelines for wind energy projects recommends the following range of archaeological conditions for wind energy developments within close proximity to recorded monuments and sites:

MCE0760RP0006F01 12-30 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

. Funding by the applicant of archaeological assessment, geophysical survey, archaeological testing, archaeological excavation and/or monitoring within the area covered by the permission prior to construction; . Preservation of all or part of the archaeological remains (in situ or by record) in the area covered by the permission; . Relocation of position of turbine(s) in order to minimise impact on the archaeological heritage and/or create buffer zones; . Temporary fencing-off of archaeological monuments during construction, repairing and decommissioning in order to protect and preserve the monuments; and . Other appropriate archaeological mitigation measures that may be deemed necessary.

It is recommended that all of the recorded archaeological sites within the vicinity of the proposed development should be clearly marked as exclusion zones during the construction phase and that no machine traffic, site compounds, soil retention or any other ancillary works will be allowed within these zones.

As noted above, the lands to be impacted by the proposed development are presently obscured by the forestry plantation and thick undergrowth which hindered access and visual assessment of the development footprint. It is, therefore, recommended that all felling and vegetation clearance works should be undertaken under archaeological supervision and that all felled areas should be inspected. In the event that any unrecorded sites or features are noted in cleared areas, the NMS and planning authority will be consulted to determine appropriate mitigation strategies.

Given the presence of the forestry plantation on the footprint of the proposed development the lands to be impacted are not accessible for pre-development test trenching and ground conditions are not appropriate for geophysical surveying. It is, therefore, recommended that the archaeological monitoring of any elements of the proposed development requiring ground reduction works, e.g. trial pits, turbine bases and access roads, should be undertaken during the construction phase.

It should be noted that in the event that any unrecorded archaeological deposits, features or artefacts are uncovered at the proposed development site the preferred policy of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is for their preservation in situ. Where avoidance of identified archaeological sites or features is not possible they must be preserved in record by systematic archaeological excavation. All construction design responses that may arise in relation to uncovered archaeological materials will be discussed and agreed with the National Monuments Service and Planning Authority. It is, therefore, recommended that the tree clearance, ground reduction works and construction elements of the proposed development should be undertaken on a phased basis in order to allow for appropriate timeframes for any required responses that arise, including consultation with statutory authorities, preparation of method statements, licence processing, project redesign and implementation of agreed mitigation strategies.

It should be noted that these recommendations are subject to approval by the National Monuments Service and Tipperary County Council.

Operational Phase

As noted above the proposed development will have moderate to significant negative visual impacts on a number of individual archaeological sites within the surrounding landscape that have

MCE0760RP0006F01 12-31 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement been designated as National Monuments due to their national importance. This includes Knockroe Passage Tomb to the north which has a specific alignment towards the general direction of the proposed development site on the Winter Solstice. The proposed development will also create a visual intrusion into a wider inter-visible group of Neolithic ritual monuments that incorporates Baunfree Passage Tomb to the east and Slievenamon to the west. The proposed development will also be visible from the Kilkieran High Crosses, which are considered one of the most significant Irish art historical ecclesiastical monuments on an international scale. Given the requirement of the proposed turbine development to extend above the hillside there are likely to be no screening or height reduction mitigation measures that will result in the removal or reduction of the visual impact of the proposed development on the National Monuments or the recorded Neolithic ritual landscape that extends across the hillsides in the surrounding landscape.

12.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS

Operational Phase

There will be a residual indirect impact on archaeology by reason of visual impact. These are considered significant negative indirect impacts.

12.7 PROJECT REFERENCES

Carrigan, Rev. W. 1905 (Reprint 1981) The history and antiquities of the diocese of Ossory, 4 vols. Kilkenny. Roberts Books and Wellbrook Press.

Craig, M.J. & Knight of Glin 1970 Ireland Observed: A Guide to the Antiquities and Buildings of Ireland. Mercier Press

Crawford, H.S. 1909 ‘The Crosses of Kilkieran and Ahenny’. In Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 39, 256-260.

Crawford, H.S. 1926 Irish Carved Ornament

Duffy, S. (ed) 2000 Atlas of Irish History. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan.

Duignan, M.V. & Lord Killanin 1967 Shell Guide to Ireland. London: Ebury Press

Edwards, N. 1983 ‘An Early Group of Crosses from the Kingdom of Ossory’, Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Vol. 113, 5-46

Edwards, N. 1983 ‘Some observations on the layout and construction of abstract ornament in early Christian Irish sculpture’, in F. H. Thompson (ed.), Studies in Medieval Sculpture, Society of Antiquaries, London, 3-17.

Harbison, P. 1993. ‘A High Cross Base from the Rock of Cashel and a Historical Reconsideration of the Ahenny Group of Crosses’, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, Vol. 93C, 1-20

MCE0760RP0006F01 12-32 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Harbison, P. 1994. Irish High Crosses, with the Figure Sculpture explained. Drogheda

Henry, F. 1963. L’Art Irlandais, Vol.1

Henry, F. 1965. Irish art in the Early Christian Period (to 800 AD). London

Hickey, E. 1955 ‘North Cross at Ahenny: A suggested Interpretation’. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 85, 118-121.

Lewis, S. 1837 A topographical dictionary of Ireland. London: Lewis & Co.

Macalister, R.A.S. 1928. The Archaeology of Ireland

Mallory, J. & McNeill, T. 1991 The Archaeology of Ulster from Colonization to Plantation. Belfast: The Institute of Irish Studies, The Queen’s University of Belfast.

Ó Cearbhaill, P. 2007 Logainmneacha na hÉireann II: Cill i logainmneacha Co. Thiobraid Árann. Government Stationery Office. Dublin.

Ó Cróinín, D. 1994 ‘Early Irish Christianity’ in Ryan, M. (ed.) The illustrated archaeology of Ireland, 84 – 8. Dublin: Country House.

Ó Floinn, R. 2001. “Patrons and politics: art, artefact and methodology” in M. Redknap (ed) Pattern and Purpose In Insular Art. Oxford

Ó Nualláin, S and Cody, E. 1987 ‘Passage tombs in the Suir Valley region’. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 117, pp. 74-6.

Ó Nuallain, S. and Cody, E. 1987 Passage tombs in the Suir Valley region. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 117, 69–83.

O’ Sullivan, M. 1996 ‘Knockroe and the Neolithic Settlement of Munster’, Group for the Study of Irish Historic Study Newsletter, Spring 1996

O’Sullivan, M. 1987 ‘The art of the passage tomb at Knockroe, County Kilkenny’. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 117, 84–95.

O’Sullivan, M. 1993 Recent investigations at Knockroe passage tomb. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 123, 5–18.

O’Sullivan, M. 1996 A platform to the past: Knockroe passage tomb. Archaeology Ireland 10(2), 11– 13.

O’Sullivan, M. 2004 Little and large: comparing Knockroe with Knowth. In Helen Roche et al. (eds), From megaliths to metals: essays in honour of George Eogan. Oxbow Books, 44–50.

MCE0760RP0006F01 12-33 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Richardson, H. 1994. “The Jewelled Cross and its Canopy”, in C. Bourke (ed) From the Isles of the North: Early Medieval Art in Ireland and Britain. Belfast

Richardson, H. And Scarry, J. 1990. An Introduction to High Crosses. Dublin

Roe, H.M.,1969 The High Crosses of Western Ossory2, Kilkenny Archaeological Society, Kilkenny (1969)

Rynne, E. 1998. “Ireland’s Earliest ‘Celtic’ High Crosses: The Ossory and Related Crosses”, in Monk & Sheehan (eds), Early Medieval Munster. Cork

Smyth, A. 1979. Scandinavian York and Dublin, Vol. 2

Sweetman, P. D. 1984 'Archaeological excavations at Kilcash church, Co. Tipperary'. North Munster Antiquarian Journal, 26, 36-43.

Sweetman, P.D. and De Buitléir, M. 1976 ‘Souterrain in the townland of Ahenny, Co. Tipperary’, North Munster Antiquarian Journal, 18, 73-4.

Waddell, J. 1990 The Bronze Age burials of Ireland. Galway: Galway University Press.

Waddell, J. 1991 ‘Death in the earlier Bronze Age’, in Ryan, M. (ed.) The illustrated archaeology of Ireland, 84 – 8. Dublin: Country House.

Waddell, J. 1998 The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland. Bray: Wordwell Ltd.

Web resources

National Monuments Service website: www.archaeology.ie

National Inventory of Architectural Heritage website: www.buildingsofireland.ie

Excavations database: www.excavations.ie

Placenames database of Ireland: www.logainm.ie

MCE0760RP0006F01 12-34

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 6 Appendices:

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By th F01 Final Issue 20 May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

rpsgroup.com/ireland

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

13 TRAFFIC AND ACCESS ...... 13-1

13.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 13-1

13.2 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 13-1 13.2.1 Existing Traffic Volumes ...... 13-1

13.3 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 13-2 13.3.1 Construction Phase ...... 13-2 13.3.2 Operational Phase ...... 13-4 13.3.3 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario ...... 13-4 13.3.4 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario ...... 13-4

13.4 MITIGATION MEASURES...... 13-4 13.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 13-4 13.4.2 Operational Phase ...... 13-5

13.5 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 13-6 13.5.1 Construction Phase ...... 13-6 13.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 13-6

13.6 MONITORING AND REINSTATEMENT MEASURES ...... 13-6

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

13 TRAFFIC AND ACCESS

13.1 INTRODUCTION

This section assesses the impact of the operational and construction phase of the Carrigadoon Wind Farm on the surrounding road network and any mitigation measures that may be required.

13.2 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

The location of the Carrigadoon Wind Farm is shown in Figure 1.1 in Chapter 1. The site is served directly by local roads, which mainly serve residential properties, the settlements of Ahenny and Faugheen, the Coillte lands at the subject site and agricultural land. Traffic levels on these roads are low as they are used generally by local residents only.

These local roads connect into a number of National and Regional Roads serving the area e.g. R696, R697, N76 and the N24.

The N76 National Road is located to the west of the wind farm site. It links the N10 national primary on the ring road south of Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny to the N24 National Primary Route east of Clonmel in Co. Tipperary. The wind farm site is connected by a county road, which runs between Carrigadoon Hill and Curraghadobbin Hill, to the N24 at a location to the north west of the wind farm site. This county road also runs south from the subject site to Carrick on Suir. The R697 to the east of the site also connects southwards to Carrick on Suir as does the R696 to the west of site which links the N76 to the N24 at Carrick-on-Suir.

The N24 National Primary route connects Limerick to Waterford running through County Tipperary passing Tipperary Town, Cahir, Carrick on Suir and Clonmel. A route options report for a by-pass of Carrick on Suir was previously prepared which would connect with a proposed Clonmel By-pass to form a continuous future N24 corridor. The route options report identified a route bypassing Carrick on Suir in a wide arc to the north of the town and extending into Co. Kilkenny. The future timing of this scheme is currently unknown.

The local roads in the vicinity of the development, including the route of the grid connection are single carriageway with varying road widths.

13.2.1 Existing Traffic Volumes

The traffic flow data on the N24 was extracted from the National Roads Authority database. The NRA maintain permanent traffic counters on the N24 road, which record the volume of traffic and the percentage of heavy goods vehicles (HGV’s) in considerable detail. The closest NRA counters on the N24 to the proposed site are at Pilltown in Co. Kilkenny to the southeast of the site and at Killaloan in Co. Tipperary to the southwest of the site between Carrick-On-Suir and Clonmel.

The estimated 2016 AADT figure on the N24 at Pilltown, is 6,835 vehicles of which 7.5% are HGVs. The 2015 figures were 6,739 AADT of which 7.6% were HGV and the 2014 figures were 6,785 AADT of which 7.3% were HGV.

MCE0760RP0006F01 13-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The 2016 AADT figure estimate on the N24 at Killaloan is 13,734 of which 6.1% are HGVs. The 2015 and 2014 equivalent figures were 13,262 and 6.2% and 13,028 and 6.4% respectively.

The closest NRA counter on the N76 is to the south of Callan, between Callan and Kilbride, Co. Kilkenny. The estimated AADT at this point in 2015 is 5,462 vehicles of which 6.6% are HGVs. The 2015 and 2014 AADT figures at this location were 5,397 and 5,199 respectively with the % HGVS at 6.9% and 7.2%.

13.3 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

13.3.1 Construction Phase

13.3.1.1 Construction Phase

There will be an increase in vehicle movements in the vicinity of the site during the construction phase in the form of material deliveries, workers commuting to/from the site and removal of spoil off site.

It is envisaged that construction of the scheme will commence in 2016 with a construction period of approximately 18 – 24 months.

The site access to Carrigadoon Hill is located at the eastern side of the hill. This is adjacent to the existing Coillte entrance at Newtown Upper which will be relocated and upgraded as part of the wind farm proposals. The upgraded entrance will move slightly closer to the existing school to the north of the entrance. This access will be used for turbine delivery and all other construction traffic associated with the works at Carrigadoon Hill.

A new entrance and access route to Curraghadobbin Hill is proposed from the public county road to the south. All construction traffic and turbine delivery traffic for the development at Curraghadobbin Hill will use this access point.

A route survey was undertaken to determine the optimal turbine delivery route which in turn had implications for the proposed site entrances. Appendix 2.1 contains a Route Survey undertaken by a specialist company Exceptional Load Services Ltd. This route survey was originally undertaken when access options being considered were the Newtown Upper access which is now proposed for Carrigadoon Hill (Option A in the Route Survey) and a possible access option from the county road between the two hills (Option B in the Route Survey).

An alternative access point to Curraghadobbin Hill is now proposed under this application from the county road to the south of the hill. The delivery route for this hill will follow part of the route identified as Option B in the Route Survey report as far as Ballinurra Cross. At this point the delivery route will turn to the west along the county road rather than heading northwards between the two hills. The junction at this point (identified as Point B2, Ballinurra Cross in the Route Survey Report at Appendix 2.1) has previously been re-aligned and the best option is to re-open the line of the old road which is within the road boundary, to facilitate the turn westwards onto the county road. From this point to the proposed new entrance the public road is a relatively straight carriageway with no carriageway restrictions identified. There is an overhead line crossing the public road at this crossroads which may need to be temporarily interrupted to facilitate deliveries.

MCE0760RP0006F01 13-2 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Turbine delivery to Carrigadoon Hill will be via the county road from Carrick on Suir to Faugheen and then onto the entrance at Newtown Upper as identified as Option A in the Route Survey. The local delivery routes from Carrick On Suir to the site are illustrated in Figure 2.4 of this EIS. This will be the local route regardless of what port was used for turbine delivery). There are a number of works / mitigation measures required to safely accommodate the turbine delivery on this local route. They are as follows:

. Removal of bollards on introduction of parking restrictions at Ballyrichard Road, Carrick-On-Suir. . Removal or road signs from splitter island and relocation of telephone pole on public road at junction at Newtown Lower . Widen existing entrance to the Coillte lands (this is shown as relocated and upgraded entrance on the detailed design proposals for the project) . Re-open the line of the former road at Ballinurra Cross which is still within the road boundary, to facilitate westwards turn.

These works required are relatively minor and are either within the public roadway or are on lands within the control of the applicant. The works within the public roadway would be the subject of a detailed traffic management plan for turbine delivery which would be agreed in advance with Tipperary County Council and An Garda Siochána as required. The proposals to upgrade the existing access at Newtown Upper and the provision of a new access to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill are integral elements of the design proposals of the project as shown on site layout plans, and are within the control of the applicant. In advance of the delivery of the turbines any further necessary remedial measures will be agreed with Tipperary County Council prior to construction commencing and will form part of a detailed Traffic Management Plan also to be agreed by the Contractor with Tipperary County Council prior to construction.

Based on the study undertaken, the preferred port of entry for the turbines will be Bellview Port, Waterford, based on distance and costs. This will therefore be the most likely port of entry for the turbines. The route survey has revealed however that routes from Dublin Port and Ringaskiddy would also be possible though not optimal. Delivery to Dublin Port would increase travel times due to travel restrictions in the port Tunnel and environs. Tunnel closures for maintenance also add to delivery disruptions which reduce its attractiveness as an entry port option. Similarly, while a route from Ringaskiddy would be technically possible, due to costs associated with tunnel access and police restrictions it was not surveyed in detail.

Table 2.2 in Chapter 2 contains an estimate of materials requirements and associated numbers of deliveries. The total estimate of deliveries is 1,575 No. which would result in a total number of approx. 3,150 truck movements. Based on an 18 - 24 month construction period this would equate to an average of 150 No. truck movements a month or 8 No. per day (based on 20 No. working days per month). It is likely however that there will be periods of increased construction and delivery activity. Workers commuting to and from the site will also add to the traffic flows. It is anticipated that there will be 15 – 30 people employed at the site during construction. The wind farm has been designed to achieve the best balance of cut and fill on site. Nevertheless, there will be a remaining requirement for movement of spoil off site. It is estimated that the amount of material required to be moved off site will be in the region of 13,000m3 which would equate to approximately 1,200 loads. At peak periods it is estimated that this could add approximately 10 loads, or 20 truck movements per day. The exact numbers will of course be determined by the contractor on site, but these are considered reasonable estimates. This anticipated level of construction traffic will have a

MCE0760RP0006F01 13-3 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement moderate negative impact on the immediate local county roads due to inconvenience to local road users but will be become a minor impact on the wider regional and national road network.

General construction traffic will have potential to cause a minor to moderate impact on the local roads and their users by way of possible delays. It is noted also that the entrance to Carrigadoon Hill is close to an existing national school at Newtown Upper and has potential to conflict with dropping off and collection times.

Turbine delivery traffic also has potential to cause inconvenience to local traffic due to delays and to the local road works required to facilitate the turbine delivery trucks. This is a temporary and short term impact however and is considered a moderate temporary impact.

The construction of the grid connection within the public road network will also result in inconvenience to local road users. No road closures however are anticipated as being required for the works, though local delays may occur around the active construction areas.

13.3.2 Operational Phase

The operational phase of the proposed wind farm will not generate significant volumes of traffic. The turbines will require routine maintenance throughout their lifetime. It is expected that the maintenance of the turbines will generate no more than 1 vehicle per day. The operational phase of the development will not have any impact on the existing road network and therefore no further assessment is required for the operational phase.

13.3.3 ‘Do-Nothing Scenario

Under a do-nothing scenario no traffic associated with wind farm construction will be generated. Limited traffic will continue to be generated for access by Coillte forest workers and for access to the telecommunications mast on Carrigadoon Hill.

13.3.4 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario

The traffic movements outlined for potential construction phase impacts above represent a worst case scenario.

13.4 MITIGATION MEASURES

13.4.1 Construction Phase

A minor impact on local traffic could potentially arise during construction due to delivery traffic, in particular turbine delivery traffic. Mitigation measures in the form of traffic management measures are therefore proposed.

Traffic Management

In order to minimise the level of construction traffic all materials where possible will be sourced locally.

MCE0760RP0006F01 13-4 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

A fully detailed Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will be prepared as part of an overall CEMP by the Contractor prior to the commencement of construction. This will have particular provisions for turbine delivery. Approval must be sought from Tipperary County Council prior to work commencing.

The aim of a TMP is to put in place procedures to manage construction traffic effectively. The plan will consider construction traffic (in particular turbine delivery traffic) accessing the site via the public road network as well as traffic circulation within the construction site. It should also outline measures to enhance the efficient transportation of construction materials and machinery whilst minimising delay and disruption to the general traffic.

Deliveries will be scheduled so as to spread the arrival and departures of construction vehicles over the day and avoid peak traffic on the National and Regional Roads. Particular attention should also be given to the dropping off and collection times at the local national school at Newtown Upper. Turbine delivery normally takes place at night time.

The contractor will liaise with the local school to provide advance notice to teachers and parents and to advise them of all traffic management measures to be implemented.

Written notification of the commencement of the delivery periods for the turbines shall be given to the Gardaí, Fire and Ambulance services to allow the coordination of the work and the mobilisation of the safety procedures.

Local residents in the area will also be notified prior to the delivery of the turbines.

Road Improvements

The condition of the local public roads should be inspected prior to and during the construction stage to ensure that they are in a safe and passable condition. Where necessary, potholes etc should be filled in and the surface made good.

The road works required to accommodate turbine delivery and identified above shall be carried out prior to the commencement of construction works on the wind farm site. Any additional road improvement works identified by Tipperary County Council will also be undertaken at that time.

All overhead cabling and other obstacles along the delivery route will be checked and the necessary modifications carried out to provide the required clearance height.

Monitoring

The condition of the public roads in the vicinity of the development site shall be inspected daily by site management to ensure that the roads are in a safe and passable condition. Where necessary, potholes and road surface shall be filled in and surfaces made good where necessary.

13.4.2 Operational Phase

No mitigation measures are required.

MCE0760RP0006F01 13-5 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

13.5 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS

13.5.1 Construction Phase

During the construction stage there will be moderate negative impacts on the existing road network. The traffic management measures outlined above will mitigate these to minimise inconvenience to local road users. The impacts will be of a temporary nature however and overall are not considered significant.

13.5.2 Operational Phase

During the operational phase the impacts are negligible.

13.6 MONITORING AND REINSTATEMENT MEASURES

Following completion of construction the local road network will be inspected by the contractor and Tipperary County Council and any remedial or reinstatement works required as a result of construction traffic will be made good to the satisfaction of the local authority.

MCE0760RP0006F01 13-6

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 4 Appendices: xx

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By F01 Final Issue 20th May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

14 ELECTROMAGNETIC AND AVIATION IMPACTS ...... 14-1

14.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 14-1

14.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 14-1

14.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 14-1

14.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 14-2 14.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 14-2 14.4.2 Operational Phase ...... 14-2 14.4.3 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario ...... 14-3

14.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 14-3 14.5.1 Construction Phase ...... 14-3 14.5.2 Operational Phase ...... 14-3

14.6 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 14-3 14.6.1 Construction Phase ...... 14-3 14.6.2 Operational Phase ...... 14-3

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 14.1 - Potential Impact of Previous Turbine Proposals ...... 14-2 Figure 14.2 -Location of Current Proposed Turbines outside Area of Influence of Telecommunications Signals ...... 14-4

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

14 ELECTROMAGNETIC AND AVIATION IMPACTS

14.1 INTRODUCTION

This report is based on investigations undertaken by ElectroMagnetic Technologies Ltd. to identify telecommunications signals in the area which may potentially be impacted upon by the proposed development.

14.2 METHODOLOGY

This assessment was based on a desk study, site visit and direct liaison with relevant identified telecommunications operators.

Current telecommunications operations were contacted to determine any potential for impact based on draft turbine layout proposals. The owner of the tower on Carrigadoon Hill was contacted to determine potential for impact also. Discussions were entered into with the relevant stakeholders on the basis of earlier turbine location proposals. On the basis of these discussions potential for impact on existing signals was identified in relation to a number of turbine position proposals on Carrigadoon Hill. The mitigation necessary to address this conflict was to move the proposed turbine positions out of the area of potential impact on these signals. As a result and as part of the iterative environmental assessment process the proposed turbine locations on Carrigadoon Hill were changed to those which are now proposed under the current planning application.

14.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

There is an existing telecommunications mast at the summit of Carrigadoon Hill in the ownership of Towercom.

A number of signals to and from the telecommunications mast were identified. Three signals run southwestwards across the southern slope of Carrigadoon Hill from the mast. They pass to the south of Curraghadobbin Hill away from the proposed wind farm. A fourth signal runs southeastwards across Carrigadoon Hill from the mast. A fifth signal runs generally westwards from the mast and is to the north of the proposals on both Carrigadoon and Curraghadobbin Hill.

Three further signals run northwestwards, northwards and northeastwards from the mast. These cross the northern slopes of Carrigadoon Hill with no potential for impact.

There is an RTÉ signal running to the south east of Carrigadoon Hill in a northeast / south west direction. This is outside the area of potential impact for the proposed wind turbines.

The nearest airport to the subject site is Waterford Airport which is located 20km to the southeast.

MCE0760RP0006F01 14-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

14.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

14.4.1 Construction Phase

There are no potential impacts on telecommunications due to the construction phase of the development

14.4.2 Operational Phase

Based on the previous proposed turbine layouts, potential impact on telecommunications signals due to a number of the turbines proposed on Carrigadoon Hill was identified. Figure 14.1 below is a grid co-ordinate representation of Carrigadoon Hill. The telecommunication signals areas of potential impact are hatched in red. The previously proposed turbine positions are identified in yellow. Three turbines fell within the area of influence of the signals which was deemed to be a significant negative impact as it would potentially give rise to significant interference.

There is no potential for impact on telecommunications signals from the turbines proposed on Curraghadobbin Hill as the site is outside the area of influence of the signals.

Figure 14.1 - Potential Impact of Previous Turbine Proposals

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

The RTÉ signal to the south east of the site identified as a blue line in Figure 14.1 is located too far from the proposed development for any potential impact.

Waterford Airport is located 20km to the south east of the subject site. Flight destinations from Waterford Airport are in the UK with easterly flight paths from the airport. The proposed development has no potential for impact.

14.4.3 ‘Worst Case’ Scenario

The previous proposed turbine positions represent a worst case scenario as three of the turbines would have had significant interference with two of the signals.

14.5 MITIGATION MEASURES

14.5.1 Construction Phase

No mitigation measures required.

14.5.2 Operational Phase

To mitigate the potential impacts of three of the previously proposed turbine positions it was necessary to revise the turbine location proposals. The turbine positions now proposed are located outside of the area of influence of the signals.

14.6 PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS

14.6.1 Construction Phase

No predicted impacts

14.6.2 Operational Phase

Due to the repositioning of the turbine locations now incorporated in the final turbine proposals at Carrigadoon Hill no residual impact on telecommunications signals is considered likely. Figure 14.2 shows the position of the current proposed turbines on Carrigadoon Hill which are all now outside the area of impact of the signals.

MCE0760RP0006F01 14-3 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 14.2 - Location of Current Proposed Turbines outside Area of Influence of Telecommunications Signals

There is no potential for impact on flights to or from Waterford Airport. The site is located too far from any other airports for potential impact.

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Statement

Document Control Sheet

Client: DunoAir Curraheen Windpark Ltd

Project Title: Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm

Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement

Document No: MCE0760RP0006F01

Text Pages: 3 Appendices: xx

Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By th F01 Final Issue 20 May 2016 initial dig sig initial dig sig initial dig sig

rpsgroup.com/ireland

Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

15 IMPACT INTERATIONS ...... 15-1

LIST OF TABLES

Table 15.1 - Interaction of Impacts ...... 15-2

MCE0760RP0006F01 i Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

15 IMPACT INTERATIONS

It is necessary that the interactions between the environmental factors be considered to ensure that potential interactive effects of the project can be identified. Table 15.1 illustrates the interaction of impacts as identified in the EIS. It demonstrates that impacts resulting from one aspect of the environment can have a direct effect on other elements of the environment (receptors) i.e. interaction of impacts. A receptor is defined as a factor of the natural or man-made environment such as a person, water, air or a plant that is potentially affected by an impact.

Schedule 2 of the EIA 1999 Regulations (S.I. No. 93 of 1999) requires consideration of the interactions between the various environmental factors:-

Article 25 2(b)

. “a description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the proposed development, including in particular; . human beings, fauna, flora; . soil, water, air, climatic factors and the landscape; . material assets, including the architectural; archaeological, and cultural heritage; and . the inter-relationship between the above factors”.

The environmental factors and impacts of the proposed development have been assessed individually and mitigation measures recommended in Chapters 4-14 above, where required. Where relevant cumulative impacts with other potential development is also considered in the individual chapters. It is also important to analyse any interactions that could result in impacts having a knock on effect on other elements of the environment.

For the purposes of the EIA, the potential impacts of the wind farm development are considered in terms of impacts on each of the discrete environmental topic areas. In reality, topic areas such as ‘water quality’, ‘ecology’ or ‘landscape’ cannot be considered in isolation since changes affecting one factor may often have secondary implications for other areas. Thus, if one impact of the scheme is to alter the quality and quantity of a watercourse, flora and fauna may be affected as a secondary effect. Under some circumstances, it is possible for the secondary or indirect impacts to be more significant than the changes that triggered them.

Table 15.1 illustrates the interactions and cumulative impacts that could result as identified in the EIS if no mitigation measures are put in place for any impacts identified. It demonstrates that impacts resulting from one aspect of the environment can have a direct effect on other elements of the environment (receptors). A receptor is defined as a factor of the natural or man-made environment such as a person, water, air or a plant that is potentially affected by an impact.

MCE0760RP0006F01 15-1 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Table 15.1 - Interaction of Impacts

Initial Impact Identified in Soils, EIS as Flora L’scape Geology Human Air Shadow Cultural having an Noise & & Traffic & Hydrology Beings Quality Flicker Heritage Interaction/ Fauna Visual Hydro- Cumulative geology Effect on Receptor Human X X X X X X Beings

Noise X

Air Quality X

Shadow

Flicker Flora &

Fauna Landscape X & Visual Cultural

Heritage

Traffic Soils, Geology & X Hydrogeolo gy

Hydrology

In particular the following interactions are likely to occur:

Human Environment and Noise

There are no dwellings located within 500m of any proposed turbine and the noise impact assessment reveals that the noise impacts due to the operation of the wind farm will fall within existing standards. The construction phase has potential to impact on nearby residents due to the noise from plant and machinery. There is potential for worst-case noise levels in the mid 50sdB(A) at several of the properties without mitigation measures in place. While this is a temporary impact, it will nevertheless potentially be a source of inconvenience and annoyance to local residents. There are various mitigation measures specified in Chapter 9 to lessen the level of impact.

Human Environment and Air Quality

The construction stage has potential to generate air emissions in the form of dust which could give rise to some dust deposition at properties located close to the site entrances at the east of Carrigadoon Hill in particular. These have potential to cause inconvenience and annoyance to the local residents and to the local national school at Newtown Upper.

MCE0760RP0006F01 15-2 Proposed Carrigadoon Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement

Human Environment and Shadow Flicker

There is potential for shadow flicker at two dwellings located at the western side of Carrigadoon Hill at sunrise and sunset at certain times of the year. However due to local vegetation screening at one of the properties it is unlikely that the actual flicker experienced would exceed 15 hours per annum, which is well below the guidelines standards. Nevertheless, in the event that shadow flicker is experienced at these properties the turbines can be programmed to stop turning at the critical periods in which flicker could potentially occur at these properties. There will be no outstanding impacts in this regard.

Human Environment and Landscape and Visual

With regard to landscape and visual impacts, evidence from the photomontages, landscape character of the site and the zone of visual influence for the proposed modifications demonstrate that the broader landscape character area and visual context around the subject site has the capacity to absorb the proposals in visual terms. However, visual impact of wind farms on a landscape is also experienced differently by different people. The visual impact of the wind farm is likely to have greater impact for some individuals than others, and is likely to be a source of objection by local residents.

Human Environment, Landscape and Visual and Cultural Heritage

While the development does not have any direct impacts on known structures, monuments or remains of archaeological or architectural importance the wind farm does lie within an area which is rich in cultural heritage. The proposed development will alter the visual context of the local landscape and also on the visual context of a number of culturally important sites. As with visual impact in general the level of impact in terms of the cultural landscape will also be experienced differently by different people, to a greater or lesser degree. This issue is also likely to be a source of objection.

Human Beings and Traffic

The proposed development will introduce new sources of traffic to the local road network for construction and turbine delivery. The levels of same will be moderate on the local road network but will be for a short period only. It does have potential to cause local delays and inconvenience at certain periods in the construction.

Traffic and Noise

There is potential for the construction and delivery traffic to increase noise levels on the local roads due to increased traffic numbers and may cause inconvenience to local residents at busy periods of the construction phase. These are considered to be moderate but short term.

MCE0760RP0006F01 15-3