Macro Monitoring Results

MACRO MONITORING RESULTS

OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEYING AND MONITORING

FOR THE

WILD ATLANTIC WAY OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME

for: Fáilte Ireland

88 -95 Amiens Street Dublin 1

by: CAAS Ltd. 1st Floor 24 -26 Ormond Quay Upper Dublin 7

October 2019

Macro-Monitoring Results of the Environmental and Monitoring for the WAW Operational Programme Surveying

Table of Contents 1 Introduction ...... 1 2 Background...... 2 2.1 Methodology for Macro - Monitoring ...... 4 3 Presentation and Analysis of Results ...... 6 3.1 Dungloe ...... 8 3.1.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality ...... 8 3.1.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume ...... 10 3.1.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches ...... 12 3.1.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast ...... 12 3.1.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity ...... 13 3.1.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers ...... 15 3.1.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals ...... 16 3.2 Bundoran ...... 18 3.2.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality ...... 18 3.2.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume ...... 20 3.2.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches ...... 22 3.2.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast ...... 22 3.2.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity ...... 23 3.2.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers ...... 25 3.2.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals ...... 26 3.3 Newport ...... 28 3.3.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality ...... 28 3.3.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume ...... 30 3.3.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue flag Beaches ...... 32 3.3.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast ...... 32 3.3.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity ...... 33 3.3.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers ...... 36 3.3.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals ...... 37 3.4 Galway Bay ...... 39 3.4.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality ...... 39 3.4.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume ...... 41 3.4.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches ...... 43 3.4.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast ...... 43 3.4.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity ...... 44 3.4.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers ...... 46 3.4.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals ...... 47 3.5 Kilrush ...... 49 3.5.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality ...... 49 3.5.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume ...... 51 3.5.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches ...... 53 3.5.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast ...... 53 3.5.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity ...... 54 3.5.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers ...... 56 3.5.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals ...... 57 3.6 Cahersiveen ...... 59 3.6.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality ...... 59 3.6.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume ...... 61 3.6.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches ...... 63 3.6.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast ...... 63 3.6.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity ...... 64 3.6.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers ...... 67 3.6.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals ...... 68 3.7 Bantry ...... 70

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3.7.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality ...... 70 3.7.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume ...... 72 3.7.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches ...... 74 3.7.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast Awards ...... 74 3.7.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity ...... 75 3.7.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers ...... 78 3.7.7 Monitoring Indicator 8 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals ...... 79 3.8 Ballybofey ...... 81 3.8.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality ...... 81 3.8.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume ...... 83 3.8.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches ...... 85 3.8.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast Awards ...... 85 3.8.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity ...... 86 3.8.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers ...... 89 3.8.7 Monitoring Indicator 8 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals ...... 90 3.9 Gort ...... 92 3.9.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality ...... 92 3.9.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume ...... 94 3.9.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches ...... 96 3.9.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast Awards ...... 96 3.9.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity ...... 97 3.9.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers ...... 100 3.9.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals ...... 101 3.10 Castleisland...... 103 3.10.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 Water Quality ...... 103 3.10.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume ...... 105 3.10.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches ...... 107 3.10.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast Awards ...... 107 3.10.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity ...... 108 3.10.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers ...... 110 3.10.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals ...... 111 3.11 Lahinch ...... 113 3.11.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality ...... 113 3.11.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume ...... 115 3.11.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches ...... 117 3.11.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast Award ...... 117 3.11.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity ...... 118 3.11.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers ...... 120 3.11.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals ...... 121 3.12 General Indicator for all Sites - Irelands Environment - An Assessment 2016 ...... 122 3.13 Overall Analysis of Macro-Monitoring 2015-2017 ...... 123

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List of Figures Figure 2.1 Locations of Macro Monitoring sites, the control sites and the gateways settlements ...... 3 Figure 3.1 Weekday 24 Hour Average Interval traffic at Dungloe from 2015-2018 ...... 10 Figure 3.2 Weekend 24 Hour Average Interval traffic at Dungloe from 2015-2018 ...... 11 Figure 3.3 Dungloe monitoring site 10x10km tile (B70) from the NBDC dataset ...... 13 Figure 3.4 Record of Protected Species within 10km of Dungloe ...... 14 Figure 3.5 Comparison of visitor numbers for Border Region 2015 - 2018 ...... 15 Figure 3.6 Weekday Interval traffic at Bundoran from 2018 -2015 ...... 20 Figure 3.7 Weekend Interval traffic at Bundoran in 2018 -2015 ...... 21 Figure 3.8 Bundoran monitoring site 10x10km tile (G85) from the NBDC dataset ...... 23 Figure 3.9 Record of Protected Species within 10km of Bundoran ...... 24 Figure 3.10 Comparison of visitor numbers for Border Region 2015 - 2018 ...... 25 Figure 3.11 Weekday Interval Traffic at Newport from 2018 -2015 ...... 30 Figure 3.12 Weekend Interval Traffic at Newport from 2015-2018 ...... 31 Figure 3.13 Newport monitoring site 10x10km tile (L99) from the NBDC dataset ...... 33 Figure 3.14 Overall Record of Protected Species within 10km of Newport ...... 35 Figure 3.15 Comparison of visitor numbers for Border Region 2015 - 2018 ...... 36 Figure 3.16 Weekday Interval Traffic at Galway Bay from 2015 -2017 ...... 41 Figure 3.17 Weekend Interval Traffic at Galway Bay from 2015 -2017 ...... 42 Figure 3.18 Galway Bay monitoring site 10x10km tile (M20) from the NBDC dataset ...... 44 Figure 3.19 Record of Protected Species within 10km of Galway Bay ...... 45 Figure 3.20 West Regional Performance 2015 -2017 ...... 46 Figure 3.21 Weekday Interval traffic at Kilrush from 2015 -2018 ...... 51 Figure 3.22 Weekend Interval Traffic at Kilrush from 2015 -2018 ...... 52 Figure 3.23 Kilrush monitoring site 10x10km tile (Q95) from the NBDC dataset ...... 54 Figure 3.24 Overall Protected Species within 10km of Kilrush ...... 55 Figure 3.25 Mid-West Region Visitor Numbers 2016 -2018 ...... 56 Figure 3.26 Weekday Interval traffic at Cahersiveen from 2015 -2018 ...... 61 Figure 3.27 Weekend Interval Traffic at Cahersiveen from 2015 -2018 ...... 62 Figure 3.28 Cahersiveen monitoring site 10x10km tile (V47) from the NBDC dataset ...... 64 Figure 3.29 Overall Protected Species within 10km of Cahersiveen ...... 66 Figure 3.50 South West Regional Performance 2015-2018 ...... 67 Figure 3.31 Weekday Interval traffic at Bantry from 2015 -2018 ...... 72 Figure 3.32 Weekend Interval Traffic at Bantry from 2015-2018 ...... 73 Figure 3.33 Bantry monitoring site 10x10km tile (V94) from the NBDC dataset ...... 75 Figure 3.34 Overall Record of Protected Species within 10km of Bantry ...... 77 Figure 3.35 South West Region Visitor Numbers 2015 -2018 ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 3.36 Weekday Interval Traffic at Ballybofey from 2015 -2018 ...... 83 Figure 3.37 Weekend Interval Traffic at Ballybofey from 2015 -2018 ...... 84 Figure 3.38 Ballybofey Monitoring site 10x10km tile (H19) from the NBDC dataset ...... 86 Figure 3.39 Overall Record of Protected Species within 10km of Ballybofey ...... 88 Figure 3.15 Comparison of visitor numbers for Border Region 2015 - 2018 ...... 89 Figure 3.41 Weekday Interval Traffic Data at Gort from 2015 -2018 ...... 94 Figure 3.42 Weekend Interval Traffic at Gort from 2015 -2018 ...... 95 Figure 3.43 Gort Monitoring Site 10x10km tile (C30) from the NBDC dataset ...... 97 Figure 3.44 Overall Record of Protected Species within 10km of Gort ...... 99 Figure 3.20 West Regional Performance 2015 -2017 ...... 100 Figure 3.46 Weekday Interval Traffic at Castleisland from 2015 -2017 ...... 105 Figure 3.47 Weekend Interval Traffic at Castleisland from 2015 -2018 ...... 106 Figure 3.48 Castleisland Monitoring Site 10x10km tile (Q90) from the NBDC dataset ...... 108 Figure 3.49 Overall Record of Protected Species within 10km of Castleisland ...... 109 Figure 3.50 South West Regional Performance 2015-2018 ...... 110 Figure 3.51 Weekday Interval Traffic at Lahinch from 2015 -2018 ...... 115 Figure 3.52 Weekend Interval Traffic at Lahinch from 2015 -2017 ...... 116 Figure 3.53 Lahinch Monitoring Site 10x10km tile (R08) from the NBDC dataset ...... 118 Figure 3.54 Overall Record of Protected Species within 10km of Lahinch ...... 119 Figure 3.25 Mid-West Region Visitor Numbers 2016 -2018 ...... 120

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List of Tables Table 2.1 Macro Monitoring Indicators and data sources 5 Table 3.1 Dungloe Water Quality 8 Table 3.2 Bathing Water Quality at Dungloe 9 Table 3.3 Carrickfinn/Portnoo/Narran Blue Flag Beaches 2015 -2018 12 Table 3.4 Dungloe Green Coasts 2015 -2018 12 Table 3.5 Overall list of Invasive Species recorded within 10km of Dungloe 13 Table 3.6 Bundoran Water Quality 18 Table 3.7 Bathing Water Quality at Bundoran 19 Table 3.8 Bundoran Blue Flag Beach 2015 -2017 22 Table 3.9 Bundoran Green Coast Awards 2015 -2017 22 Table 3.10 Overall list of Invasive Species recorded within 10km of Bundoran 23 Table 3.11 Bathing Water Quality at Newport 29 Table 3.12 Newport Blue flag beach 2015 -2018 32 Table 3.13 Newport Green Coast Awards 2015 -2018 32 Table 3.14 Overall Record of Invasive Species within 10km of Newport 34 Table 3.15 Galway Water Quality 39 Table 3.16 Galway Bay Bathing Water Quality 40 Table 3.17 Galway Bay Blue Flag Beach 2015 -2018 43 Table 3.18 Galway Bay Green Coast 2015 -2018 43 Table 3.19 Overall list of Invasive Species recorded within 10km of Galway Bay 44 Table 3.20 Kilrush Water Quality 49 Table 3.21 Kilrush Bathing Water Quality 50 Table 3.22 Kilrush (Cappagh Pier) Blue Flag Beach Status 2015 -2018 53 Table 3.23 Kilrush Green Coast Status 2015 -2018 53 Table 3.24 Overall Record of Invasive Species recorded within 10km of Kilrush 54 Table 3.25 Cahersiveen Bathing Water Quality 60 Table 3.26 Cahersiveen (Whitestrand) Blue Flag Beach Status 2015 -2017 63 Table 3.27 Cahersiveen Green Coast Status 2015 -2017 63 Table 3.28 Overall Record of Invasive Species recorded within 10km of Cahersiveen 65 Table 3.29 Bantry Water Quality 2015 -2018 70 Table 3.30 Bantry Bathing Water Quality 71 Table 3.31 Bantry (Barley Cove) Blue Flag Beach Status 2015 -2018 74 Table 3.32 Bantry Green Coast Awards 2015 -2018 74 Table 3.33 Overall Record of Invasive species within 10km of Bantry 76 Table 3.34 Ballybofey Bathing Water Quality 2015 -2017 82 Table 3.35 Ballybofey Blue Flag Beach Status 2015 -2018 85 Table 3.36 Ballybofey Green Coast Awards 2015 -2018 85 Table 3.37 Overall Record of Invasive Species within 10km of Ballybofey 87 Table 3.38 Gort Bathing Water Quality 2015 -2018 93 Table 3.39 Gort Blue Flag Beaches 2015 -2017 96 Table 3.40 Gort Green Coast Awards 2105 -2017 96 Table 3.41 Overall Record of Invasive Species within 10km of Gort 98 Table 3.42 Castleisland Water Quality 2015 -2017 103 Table 3.43 Castleisland Bathing Water Quality 2015 -2017 104 Table 3.44 Castleisland Blue Flag Beach status 2015 -2017 107 Table 3.45 Castleisland Green Coast Awards 2015 -2017 107 Table 3.46 Overall Record of Invasive Species within 10km of Castleisland 108 Table 3.47 Lahinch Water Quality 2015 -2017 113 Table 3.48 Lahinch Bathing Water Status 2015 -2017 114 Table 3.49 Lahinch Blue Flag Beach Status 2015 -2018 117 Table 3.50 Lahinch Green Coast Status 2015 -2018 117 Table 3.51 Summary on Progress with the Four Key Challenges Listed in the State of the Environment Report 122

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland iv 2019 Macro-Monitoring Results of the Environmental and Monitoring for the WAW Operational Programme Surveying

1 Introduction

This document details the results of the Macro Monitoring Study carried out as part of the Environmental Surveying and Monitoring for the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) Operational Programme for 2019. It has been undertaken by CAAS Ltd. on behalf of Fáilte Ireland.

The Strategy for Environmental Surveying and Monitoring was carried out as part of Fáilte Ireland’s commitments in the WAW Operational Programme 2015 -2019. A copy of the Operational Programme and associated documents are available on the Fáilte Ireland website.

The purpose of the monitoring strategy is to ensure that the effects of the implementation of the WAW Operational Programme are understood and acted upon. This will contribute to avoiding delays in identifying existing or emerging activities that could threaten the environment.

The Strategy for Environmental Surveying and Monitoring for the WAW is intended to describe the existing conditions of sites with a view to: • Contributing to Visitor Management Strategies; • Contributing to future editions of Fáilte Ireland’s WAW Guidelines; • Identifying remedial action/works required; • Assessing the capacity for future loadings; and • Integrating site management with future European Site Management Plans.

There are three strands of Monitoring including: • Strand 1: Macro-Monitoring (Concentrates on long-established, high quality, official baselines); • Strand 2: Visitor Observation (Surveying activities of visitors at designated points along the WAW); and • Strand 3: Ecological Monitoring (Surveying ecological effects of visitor activities at designated points along the WAW).

This report forms Strand 1 of the monitoring reports. Details of the methodology and results obtained are contained in the following sections. The results of the Macro Monitoring are collated and presented to a Monitoring Group each year along with results of all other WAW monitoring activities.

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2 Background

Strand One of the monitoring strategy concentrates on long-established, high quality and high-level official baselines. These measures inter alia the seasonal variances in environmental loading caused by visitors - such as water quality, road traffic, Blue Flag Beach conditions and Green Coast Awards. There are 7 monitoring sites and 4 control sites selected for the purpose of the macro monitoring.; the 7 sites are:

• Dungloe; • Bundoran; • Newport; • Galway Bay; • Kilrush; • Bantry; and • Cahersiveen.

The 4 control points are:

• Ballybofey; • Gort; • Castleisland; and • Lahinch.

A number of gateway locations exist along the WAW, namely Cork, Killarney, Limerick, Kilrush, Ennis, Galway, Westport, Sligo, Donegal and Letterkenny. These gateway locations capture the infiltration of visitors. They also supply the high-level ‘input’ data for the monitoring before they become dissipated among many smaller destinations and intra-urban settlements.

The sites were selected on the basis that they are primary settlements along the Wild Atlantic Way route which are representative of a range of typical tourism-based settlements and where data is readily available

The purpose of macro monitoring is to identify the state of the environment at these intra-urban settlements such as Bundoran in Co. Donegal, which often accommodate and entertain the bulk of overnight visitors.

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Figure 2.1 Locations of Macro Monitoring sites, the control sites and the gateways settlements

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2.1 Methodology for Macro - Monitoring

The initial macro monitoring focuses on the seven aforementioned sites (intra-urban settlements). This monitoring can be expanded to prioritise other areas in order of sensitivity and significance as directed by the monitoring group, sites will be updated and informed by results.

The 4 control sites can also be expanded in order of sensitivity and significance as directed by the monitoring group.

The technical indicators chosen are outlined in Table 2.1 below. Each indicator was chosen based on meeting a specific criterion whereby datasets presently exist for infrastructure. The information collected from the existing datasets will be combined annually to identify trends and changes in the technical indicators identified for each of the 11 monitoring points. The results will be presented to identify which trends and changes to technical indicators are directly attributed to tourism.

1. Traffic Volume; 2. Water Quality; 3. Blue Flag Beaches and Marinas; 4. National Green Coast Award; and 5. Fáilte Ireland visitor numbers.

Other intervening factors such as a technical failure at a wastewater treatment plant which are not attributed to tourism will also be highlighted.

If the results show that visitor activity and/or visitor intensification is predicted or identified to result in a negative way on the environment in particular locations, the recommendations will be made depending on the outcome and as directed by the monitoring group.

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Table 2.1 Macro Monitoring Indicators and data sources Factor Technical Indicator Monitoring Authority/Source Frequency

Water Quality Non-conformities with Non-conformances relating to minimum water quality standards and the licenced Environmental Protection Agency Annual relevant legislative Population Equivalent (P.E) loading for the WWTP will be examined. (EPA) requirements in Waste Where a non-conformance is identified, the EPA collects and details information on Water Treatment data the reason for failure. Persistent effects that is attributable to tourism i.e. overloading available from licensed of treatment capacity resulting in failure to meet minimum requirements in summer facilities (Waste Water months as a result of high visitor numbers. Treatment Plants and Non-conformances related to a relevant intervening factor, such as Agglomerations) mechanical/technical issues, will be noted. Conformance with Non-conformances relating to minimum bathing water quality standards and legislative requirements legislative Coastal Water Quality status will be assessed at the closest bathing water monitoring site Traffic Volume Upward/downward trend Assessment of National Roads Authority traffic counters adjacent to chosen sites and National Roads Authority (NRA) Annual in traffic volumes during along the WAW route where year-round statistics are collected. tourist season and Assessment of Local Authority data from intermittent monitoring of regional and local Local Authorities shoulder seasons road traffic (where available). Regional and local roads comprise of 75% of the WAW Route. Blue Flag Beaches Upward/downward trend Assessment of the number of annual Blue Flag Beach status being retracted/awarded An Taisce Annual and Marinas in award/status at the closest bathing water. National Green Coast Assessment of the number of National Green Coast Awards being retracted/awarded Award at the closest bathing water. EPA Ireland's Changes in The status of this indicator be informed and updated by emerging findings and Environmental Protection Agency Every 4 Environment - An environmental status information sources from this report. (EPA) Years Assessment (2016) along the WAW The status of EU Changes in the status of The status of this indicator be informed and updated by emerging findings and National Parks and Wildlife Service Occasional Protected Habitats EU Protected Habitats information sources from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and other (NPWS) and Species in Ireland and Species in Ireland stakeholders on the status of EU Protected Habitats and Species. Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG) Department of Agriculture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG) Visitor Numbers Changes in Fáilte Ireland Upward/downward trends in visitor numbers during the tourist season and shoulder Fáilte Ireland Annual data on visitor numbers season. Tourism related Refusals of unsuitable Applications to An Bord Pleanála will provide an official high-level indicator as to where An Bord Pleanála Annual planning refusals tourism related projects pressure points are occurring in Counties along the WAW without the need to capture by County all planning applications to Local Authorities and or Foreshore Lease/Licence applications to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. A high level of tourism related refusals is a potential indicator pressure on the environmental status of said County. Record trends in tourism related applications.

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3 Presentation and Analysis of Results

This section of the Report is an account of the Macro Monitoring Indicators at the 7 Monitoring sites and 4 Control sites along the WAW.

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Dungloe (Co. Donegal)

Macro-Monitoring Results

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3.1 Dungloe

3.1.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality

Table 3.1 Dungloe Water Quality Monitoring Point WWTP WWTP/ Status Reasons for non-conformity Complaints and Population Improvements Licence No. Agglomeration Reported Equivalent Incidents Dungloe (2018) D0208-01 Dungloe Not Available as at 23rd Jan 2020

s of conformity

Dungloe (2017) D0208 -01 Dungloe The final effluent n/a 2 complaints, 2400 New Plant was from the Primary 2 Reported commissioned in 2017 Discharge Point Incidents and is being operated was compliant with under a DBO. the Emission Limit Values in 2017. Dungloe (2016) D0208 -01 Dungloe The final effluent n/a 0 complaints, 2400 The existing septic tank from the Primary 5 Reported (125m³) is under control Discharge Point Incidents of a DBO contract for a was compliant with new WWTW for Dungloe the Emission Limit agglomeration Values in 2016. This is currently being commissioned an is expected to be up and running in Q2 of 2017. Dungloe (2015) D0208 -01 Dungloe The final effluent n/a 2400 No capital or operational from the Primary changes undertaken in Discharge Point 2015. was compliant with the Emission Limit Values in 2015.

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3.1.1.1 Bathing Water

Table 3.2 Bathing Water Quality at Dungloe County Monitoring Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Reason for non-conformity or Days restricted by Point Monitoring Site Status 2018 Status 2017 Status 2016 Status 2015 change in condition from Short term previous years pollution Donegal Dungloe Naran Excellent/ Excellent/ Excellent/ Excellent/ n/a 0 Beach/Carrickfinn Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent

Naran is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2018 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2015 to 2018. Naran has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2015 to 2018. Carrickfinn is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2018 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2015 to 2018. Carrickfinn has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2015 to 2018.

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3.1.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume

Dungloe Weekday Traffic Volume

4500

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.1 Weekday 24 Hour Average Interval traffic at Dungloe from 2015-20181

1 Note the Y-axis starts at 2000 and not 0

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Dungloe Weekend Traffic Volume 4500

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.2 Weekend 24 Hour Average Interval traffic at Dungloe from 2015-20182

Results show that there has been a steady increase in interval traffic volumes during weekends and weekdays since 2015. The surge is likely due to the increase of tourists travelling from WAW sites, mainly during summer months.

2 Note the Y-axis starts at 2000 not 0

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3.1.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches

Table 3.3 Carrickfinn/Portnoo/Narran Blue Flag Beaches 2015 -2018

Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015 ✓ No change in status between 2015 and 2018. 2016 ✓

2017 ✓

2018 ✓

Carrickfinn/Portnoo and Narran have all been compliant with the specific criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and environmental management.

3.1.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast

Table 3.4 Dungloe Green Coasts 2015 -2018 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015 ✓ No change in status between 2015 and 2018. 2016 ✓

2017 ✓

2018 ✓

Dungloe has not received a green coast award between 2015 and 2018. Dooey beach located 13km from Dungloe received a Green coast award in 2018.

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3.1.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity

Figure 3.3 Dungloe monitoring site 10x10km tile (B70) from the NBDC dataset

Table 3.5 Overall list of Invasive Species recorded within 10km of Dungloe Species Group Species Name Impact Level

Flowering plant (Wall Cotoneaster) Cotoneaster horizontalis Medium Impact Invasive Species Mollusc (Common Garden Snail) Cornu aspersum Medium Impact Invasive Species Mollusc (Jenkins' Spire Snail) Potamopyrgus Medium Impact Invasive antipodarum Species Mollusc (Wrinkled Snail) Candidula intersecta Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (American Mink) Mustela Vison High Impact Invasive Species

Terrestrial mammal (Brown Rat) Rattus Norvegicus High Impact Invasive Species

Terrestrial mammal (European Oryctolagus Medium Impact Invasive Rabbit) Species Terrestrial mammal (House Mouse) Mus Musculus High Impact Invasive Species

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Overall Record of Protected Species 500 466 450 Bird Terrestrial Mammal 400 Marine Mammal Insect (Butterfly) 350 Amphbian 300 Liverworth Reptile 250 Clubmoss

200

150

100 50 42 50 24 2 2 2 1 0 Bird Terrestrial Marine Insect Amphbian Liverworth Reptile Clubmoss Mammal Mammal (Butterfly) Figure 3.4 Record of Protected Species within 10km of Dungloe

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3.1.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers

Border Region Visitor Numbers 2015-2018 (000s) 1200

1001 10081001 1000

800 771

600 Title

400 360 318 302 283 263 239 244 246

200 144 145 147 110 76 43 47 40

0 Britain Mainland Europe North America Other Areas Domestic

2015 2016 2017 2018

Figure 3.5 Comparison of visitor numbers for Border Region 2015 - 2018

2016 saw the highest number of visitors to the Border Region with 1,815,000 in total from across all locations compared to 1,753,000 for 2018. This was a 23% rise in numbers from 2015 and a 2.3% drop in numbers in 2017 with a total of 1,755,000.

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3.1.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals

All planning applications within 10km of the monitoring point were screened for refusals based on visual and/or amenity as these are considered to be key factors for tourism. This assessment found that there were no Tourism related planning refusals in Dungloe during 2018.

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Bundoran (Co. Donegal)

Macro-Monitoring Results

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3.2 Bundoran

3.2.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality

Table 3.6 Bundoran Water Quality Monitoring Point WWTP WWTP/ Status of conformity Reasons for non-conformity Complaints and Population Improvements Licence No. Agglomeration Reported Equivalent Incidents Bundoran D0130-01 Bundoran Not Available as at 23rd Jan 2020 (2018)

Bundoran D0130-01 Bundoran The final effluent from the The following parameters 0 complaints, N/A The following (2017) Primary Discharge Point exceeded the emission limit 10 Reported improvement works were was non-compliant with values in 2017: - Incidents undertaken in 20173 the Emission Limit Values • BOD (mg/l) in 2017. • COD (mg/l) • TSS (mg/l) • Ammonia N (mg/l) Bundoran D0130-01 Bundoran The final effluent from the The following parameters 0 complaints, 0 (Not served by a The following (2016) Primary Discharge Point exceeded the emission limit 31 Reported wastewater improvement works were was non-compliant with values in 2016: - Incidents treatment plant) undertaken in 2016: - the Emission Limit Values • BOD New wastewater in 2016. • COD treatment plant and • TSS associated network • Ammonia N including pumping stations is under construction during 2017. Expected completion date Q2 2018 Bundoran D0130-01 Bundoran The final effluent from the The following parameters 0 complaints, N/A No capital or operational (2015) Primary Discharge Point exceeded the emission limit 36 Reported changes undertaken in was non-compliant with values in 2015: - Incidents 2015. the Emission Limit Values • cBOD in 2015. • COD • Suspended solids • Ammonia

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3.2.1.1 Bathing Water

Table 3.7 Bathing Water Quality at Bundoran County Monitoring Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Reason for non- Days restricted Point Monitoring Site Status 2018 Status 2017 Status 2016 Status 2015 conformity or by Short term change in pollution condition from previous years Donegal Bundoran Bundoran/Mullaghmore4 Good/Sufficient Excellent/ Excellent/ Excellent/ n/a 0 Excellent Excellent Excellent

Bundoran is classified as achieving Good Water Quality in 2018 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2015 to 2018. Bundoran achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the three consecutive years 2015 to 2017. Mullaghmore Beach is classified as achieving Sufficient Water Quality in 2018 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2015 to 2018. Mullaghmore Beach achieved a Good Water Quality rating for 2017 and 2016 and achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating in 2015.

4 There are on-going issues with regard to cattle accessing Mullaghmore beach from commonage adjacent to it. There is a risk of faecal contamination of the bathing water from cattle faeces on the beach. There may be a short-term increase in bacterial numbers in the bathing water resulting for cattle faeces on the beach.

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3.2.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume

Bundoran Weekday Traffic Volume 10000

9500

9000

8500

8000

7500

7000

6500

6000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.6 Weekday Interval traffic at Bundoran from 2018 -20155

5 Note the y-axis starts at 6000 and not 0

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Bundoran Weekend Traffic Volume 10000

9500

9000

8500

8000

7500

7000

6500

6000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.7 Weekend Interval traffic at Bundoran in 2018 -20156

6 Note the y-axis starts at 6000 and not 0

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 21 Monitoring Results Bundoran

3.2.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches

Table 3.8 Bundoran Blue Flag Beach 2015 -2017 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Blue Flag status from 2015 -2018. 2016 

2017 

2018 

Bundoran did not receive blue flag status during 2015-2018 monitoring.

3.2.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast

Table 3.9 Bundoran Green Coast Awards 2015 -2017 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015 ✓ No change in Green coast award status from 2015 - 2016 ✓ 2018

2017 ✓

2018 ✓

Bundoran did not receive any award for Green Coasts between 2015 and 2018.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 22

3.2.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity

Figure 3.8 Bundoran monitoring site 10x10km tile (G85) from the NBDC dataset

Table 3.10 Overall list of Invasive Species recorded within 10km of Bundoran Species group Species name Impact Level

Alga Green Sea Fingers (Codium fragile subsp. Medium Impact Invasive Species tomentosoides) flowering plant Canadian (Elodea canadensis) High Impact Invasive Species Waterweed flowering plant Cherry Laurel Cherry Laurel (Prunus High Impact Invasive Species laurocerasus) flowering plant Giant-rhubarb Giant-rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria) High Impact Invasive Species

flowering plant (Indian Balsam) (Impatiens glandulifera) High Impact Invasive Species

flowering plant (Japanese (Fallopia japonica) High Impact Invasive Species Knotweed) flowering plant (Nuttall's (Elodea nuttallii) High Impact Invasive Species Waterweed) flowering plant (Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum High Impact Invasive Species ponticum) flowering plant (Sycamore) (Acer pseudoplatanus) Medium Impact Invasive Species

flowering plant (Traveller's-joy) (Clematis vitalba) Medium Impact Invasive Species

Mollusc (Spire Snail) (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) Medium Impact Invasive Species

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 23

Mollusc (Slug) (Tandonia sowerbyi) Medium Impact Invasive Species

terrestrial mammal (American (Mustela vison) High Impact Invasive Species Mink) terrestrial mammal (European (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Medium Impact Invasive Species Rabbit) terrestrial mammal (Fallow Deer) (Dama dama) High Impact Invasive Species

Overall Record of Protected Species 400 362 350 Bird Terrestrial Mammal 300 Insect (Butterfly) Marine Mammal 250 Moss Bony Fish 200 177 Amphbian Reptile 150

100

50 16 9 7 6 2 2 0 Bird Terrestrial Insect Marine Moss Bony Fish Amphbian Reptile Mammal (Butterfly) Mammal Figure 3.9 Record of Protected Species within 10km of Bundoran

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 24 Monitoring Results Bundoran

3.2.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers Border Region Visitor Numbers 2015-2018 (000s) 1200

1001 10081001 1000

800 771

600 Title

400 360 318 302 283 263 239 244 246

200 144 145 147 110 76 43 47 40

0 Britain Mainland Europe North America Other Areas Domestic

2015 2016 2017 2018

Figure 3.10 Comparison of visitor numbers for Border Region 2015 - 2018

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 25 Monitoring Results Bundoran

3.2.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 26 Monitoring Results Newport

Newport (Co. Mayo)

Macro-Monitoring Results

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 27 Monitoring Results Newport

3.3 Newport

3.3.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality

Monitoring Point WWTP WWTP/ Status Reasons for non-conformity Complaints and Population Improvements Licence No. Agglomeration Reported Equivalent Incidents Newport (2018) D0224-01 Newport Not Available as at 23rd Jan 2020

s of conformity Newport (2017) D0224-01 Newport The final effluent N/A 3 complaints, 1287 No improvement works from the Primary 0 Reported were undertaken in Discharge Point Incidents 2017: Appointing was compliant with consultants for design of the Emission Limit new treatment plant for Values in 2017. compliance with Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Newport (2016) D0224-01 Newport The final effluent The following parameters 1 Complaint, 1900 During 2016, a flume was from the Primary exceeded the emission limit 8 Reported constructed on plant Discharge Point values in 2016: Incidents storm water overflow, was non-compliant Ortho P (mg/l) and was expected to be with the Emission completed in Q.1 2107 Limit Values in 2016. Newport (2015) D0224-01 Newport N/A (applied) N/A N/A N/A N/A

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 28 Monitoring Results Newport

3.3.1.1 Bathing Water

Table 3.11 Bathing Water Quality at Newport County Monitoring Point Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Reason for non- Days restricted Monitoring Site Status 2018 Status 2017 Status 2016 Status 2015 conformity or by Short term change in pollution condition from previous years Mayo Newport Mullranny/Clare Excellent/ Excellent/ Excellent/ Excellent/ n/a 0 Island/Bertra Excellent/Good Excellent/Excellent Excellent/Excellent Excellent/Excellent

Mulranny Beach and Clare Island are classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2018 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2015 to 2018. Mulranny Beach has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2015 to 2018. Bertra Beach, Murrisk is classified as achieving Good Water Quality in 2018 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2015 to 2018. Bertra Beach, Murrisk achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the three consecutive years 2015 to 2017.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 29 Monitoring Results Newport

3.3.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume

Newport Weekday Traffic Volume 5000

4500

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.11 Weekday Interval Traffic at Newport from 2018 -20157

77 Note the y-axis starts at 2000 and not 0

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 30

Newport Weekend Traffic Volume 5000

4500

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.12 Weekend Interval Traffic at Newport from 2015-20188

8 Note the y-axis starts at 2000 and not 0

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 31 Monitoring Results Newport

3.3.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue flag Beaches

Table 3.12 Newport Blue flag beach 2015 -2018 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Blue Flag status from 2015 -2018. 2016 

2017 

2018 

Results show that Mulranny and Clare Island both held Blue Flag status between 2015 and 2018. Bertra has not received Blue Flag status between 2015-2018.

3.3.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast

Table 3.13 Newport Green Coast Awards 2015 -2018 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015 ✓ No change in Green coast award status from 2015 - 2016 ✓ 2018

2017 ✓

2018 ✓

Results show that since 2015 Newport has not been awarded a Green Coast award.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 32 Monitoring Results Newport

3.3.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity

Figure 3.13 Newport monitoring site 10x10km tile (L99) from the NBDC dataset

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 33 Monitoring Results Newport

Table 3.14 Overall Record of Invasive Species within 10km of Newport Species group Species name Impact Level Flowering plant (Butterfly Bush) Buddleja davidii Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Indian Balsam) Impatiens glandulifera High Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Japanese Knotweed) Fallopia japonica High Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Three-cornered Garlic) Allium triquetrum Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Rhododendron ponticum) Rhododendron ponticum High Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Sycamore) Acer pseudoplatanus Medium Impact Invasive Species Mollusc (Common garden Snail) Cornu aspersum Medium Impact Invasive Species Mollusc (Jenkins Spire Snail) Potamopyrgus antipodarum Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (American Mink) Mustela vison High Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Brown Rat) Rattus norvegicus High Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (European Rabbit) Oryctolagus cuniculus Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Feral goat) Capra hircus Medium Impact Invasive Species Tunuicate (Urochordata) Didemnum vexillum High Impact Invasive Species

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 34

Overall Record of Protected Species

450

395 400 Bird Terrestrial Mammal

Marine Mammal Amphbian 350

Mollusc Moss 300

250

200

150

100 91

13 8 2 1 0 Bird Terrestrial Mammal Marine Mammal Amphbian Mollusc Moss

Figure 3.14 Overall Record of Protected Species within 10km of Newport

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 35 Monitoring Results Newport

3.3.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers

Border Region Visitor Numbers 2015-2018 (000s) 1200

1001 10081001 1000

800 771

600 Title

400 360 318 302 283 263 239 244 246

200 144 145 147 110 76 43 47 40

0 Britain Mainland Europe North America Other Areas Domestic

2015 2016 2017 2018

Figure 3.15 Comparison of visitor numbers for Border Region 2015 - 2018

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 36 Monitoring Results Newport

3.3.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 37 Monitoring Results Galway Bay

Galway Bay (Co. Galway)

Macro-Monitoring Results

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 38 Monitoring Results Galway Bay

3.4 Galway Bay

3.4.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality

Table 3.15 Galway Water Quality Monitoring Point WWTP WWTP/ Status Reasons for Complaints and Population Improvements Licence No. Agglomeration non-conformity Reported Incidents Equivalent

Galway (2018) D0050-01 Galway The final effluent from the n/a 1 complaint 170000 Ensure that appropriate remedial sPrimary of conformity Discharge Point 2 Reported Incidents works to the sewer network are was compliant with the completed as soon as possible to Emission Limit Values in ensure that the discharge of 2018. contaminated surface water at SW013 is ceased; • Carry out a clean-up of the affected areas, as appropriate; • Consult with complainants in relation to actions taken or planned in relation to clean up; and • Update incident record INCI016245 on a regular basis until all necessary works are completed to address the issues arising from this incident. Galway (2017) D0050-01 Galway The final effluent from the n/a 104 complaints, 170000 The Galway Agglomeration Drainage Primary Discharge Point 2 Reported Incidents Area Plan (DAP) commenced in Q4 was compliant with the 2016. The improvement works Emission Limit Values in required to update the remaining 2017. CSOs listed on the WWDL which have not been remediated to date are being assessed and reviewed by Irish Water via the DAP so they can be undertaken on a prioritised basis. Galway (2016) D0208 -01 Galway The final effluent from the n/a 0 complaints, 170000 Plant upgrade works to increase the Primary Discharge Point 5 Reported Incidents plant capacity from 91,600 PE to was compliant with the 170,000 PE which commenced in Emission Limit Values in September 2014, were completed and 2016. commissioning took place in Q1 2016

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 39 Monitoring Results Galway Bay

3.4.1.1 Bathing Water

Table 3.16 Galway Bay Bathing Water Quality County Monitoring Bathing Water Bathing Water Status Bathing Water Bathing Bathing Reason for non- Days restricted by Point Monitoring Site 2018 Status 2017 Water Water conformity or change in Short term pollution Status Status 2015 condition from previous 2016 years Galway Galway Bay Salthill/Grattan Excellent/Sufficient/Sufficient Excellent/Good/Poor Excellent/ Excellent/ A change in the E. coli and Ballyloughane has an Road/Ballyloughane Good/Poor Sufficient/Poor intestinal Enterococci have advisory bathing result in the change to water restriction in place for the quality at Grattan Road and 2018 season due to its Ballyloughane. ‘Poor’ classification.

Salthill Beach is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2018 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2015 to 2018. Salthill Beach has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2015 to 2018. Grattan Road Beach is classified as achieving Sufficient Water Quality in 2018 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2015 to 2018. Grattan Road Beach achieved a Good Water Quality rating in 2017 and 2016 and had a Sufficient Water Quality rating in 2015. Ballyloughane Beach is classified as achieving Sufficient Water Quality in 2018 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2015 to 2018. Ballyloughane Beach had a Poor Water Quality rating for the three consecutive years 2015 to 2017.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 40

3.4.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume

Galway Bay Weekday Traffic Volume 26000

21000

16000

11000

6000

1000 Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.16 Weekday Interval Traffic at Galway Bay from 2015 -2017910

9 There is no data for December 2017 as roads works were taking place during this time resulting in road closures. 10 A national status red warning weather event resulted in no data being available for January or February, this also resulted in low traffic numbers for March.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 41 Monitoring Results Galway Bay

Galway Bay Weekend Traffic Volume 26000

21000

16000

11000

6000

1000 Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.17 Weekend Interval Traffic at Galway Bay from 2015 -201711

There was a rise in weekday traffic during 2017 compared to figures recorded during 2015 and 2016. There is no data for December 2017 as roads works were taking place during this time resulting in road closures.

11 A national status red warning weather event resulted in no data being available for January and February, this also resulted in low traffic numbers for March.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 42 Monitoring Results Galway Bay

3.4.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches

Table 3.17 Galway Bay Blue Flag Beach 2015 -2018 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  (Salthill)  No change in Blue Flag status from 2015 -2018. 2016  (Salthill) 

2017  (Salthill) 

2018  (Salthill) 

Salthill has received Blue Flag status between 2015 and 2018. Neither Grattan Beach or Ballyloughane have received the award since 2015.

3.4.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast

Table 3.18 Galway Bay Green Coast 2015 -2018 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  Salthill received Green Coast status in 2018. 2016 

2017 

2018  (Salthill)

Salthill has been dual awarded, achieving the international Blue Flag and Green Coast Award status in 2018.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 43 Monitoring Results Galway Bay

3.4.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity

Figure 3.18 Galway Bay monitoring site 10x10km tile (M20) from the NBDC dataset

Table 3.19 Overall list of Invasive Species recorded within 10km of Galway Bay Species group Species name Impact Level

flowering plant (Butterfly-bush) Buddleja davidii Medium Impact Invasive Species flowering plant (Japanese Knotweed) Fallopia japonica High Impact Invasive Species

flowering plant (Spanish Bluebell) Hyacinthoides hispanica Invasive Species12

flowering plant (Sycamore) Acer pseudoplatanus Medium Impact Invasive Species flowering plant (Three-cornered Allium triquetrum Medium Impact Invasive Garlic) Species Mollusc Budapest (Slug) Tandonia Medium Impact Invasive budapestensis Species Mollusc Common (Garden Snail) Cornu aspersum Medium Impact Invasive Species terrestrial mammal (Bank Vole) Myodes glareolus High Impact Invasive Species

terrestrial mammal (Brown Rat) Rattus norvegicus Medium Impact Invasive Species terrestrial mammal (European Rabbit) Oryctolagus cuniculus High Impact Invasive Species

terrestrial mammal (Feral Goat) Capra hircus Medium Impact Invasive Species terrestrial mammal (House Mouse) Mus musculus High Impact Invasive Species

12 Does not include data on Designation

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 44 Monitoring Results Galway Bay

Overall Record of Protected Species

1000

900 858 Bird Terrestrial Mammal Marine Mammal Insect (Butterfly) 800 Amphbian Reptile Alga Moss 700 Bony Fish

600

500

400

300

200 154

100

26 15 9 3 1 0 0 0 Bird Terrestrial Marine Mammal Insect (Butterfly) Amphbian Reptile Alga Moss Bony Fish Mammal Figure 3.19 Record of Protected Species within 10km of Galway Bay

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 45 Monitoring Results Galway Bay

3.4.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers

Western Region Visitor Numbers 2015-2018 (000s) 1800 1662 1622 1591 1600 1482

1400

1200

1000

806 807 800 733 690 677 594 600 479 436 400 331 350 346 332

166 149 200 133 114

0 Britain Mainland Europe North America Other Areas Domestic

2015 2016 2017 2018

Figure 3.20 West Regional Performance 2015 -2017

2015 brought the lowest number of visitors to the West region with a total of 3,072,000 overall. There has been a rise of 15% since 2015 with 3,267,000 visitors overall in 2016 and 3,534,000 in 2017. 2018 saw the highest number of visitors with 3,627,000 overall.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 46 Monitoring Results Galway Bay

3.4.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 47 Monitoring Results Kilrush

Kilrush (Co. Clare)

Macro-Monitoring Results

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 48 Monitoring Results Kilrush

3.5 Kilrush

3.5.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality

Table 3.20 Kilrush Water Quality

Monitoring Point WWTP WWTP/ Status of Reasons for non- Complaints and Population Improvements Licence No. Agglomeration conformity conformity Reported Equivalent Incidents Kilrush (2018) D0075-01 Kilrush No data available as at 23rd January 2020 Kilrush (2017) D0075-01 Kilrush No influent or N/A None 4000 There were no major effluent monitoring capital or operational is undertaken as no changes undertaken in wastewater plant is 2016. present. Kilrush (2016) D0075-01 Kilrush No influent or N/A N/A 4000 There were no major effluent monitoring capital or operational is undertaken as no changes undertaken in wastewater plant is 2016. present. Kilrush (2015) D0075-01 Kilrush N/A (applied) N/A N/A N/A N/A

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 49 Monitoring Results Kilrush

3.5.1.1 Bathing Water

Table 3.21 Kilrush Bathing Water Quality County Monitoring Point Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Reason for non- Days restricted Monitoring Site Status 2018 Status 2017 Status 2016 Status 2015 conformity or by Short term change in pollution condition from previous years Clare Kilrush Cappagh Pier Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent No change from 0 2015 -2017

Cappagh Pier, Kilrush is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2018 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2015 to 2018. Cappagh Pier, Kilrush has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2015 to 2018.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 50 Monitoring Results Kilrush

3.5.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume

Kilrush Weekday Traffic Volume 2400

2200

2000

1800

1600

1400

1200

1000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.21 Weekday Interval traffic at Kilrush from 2015 -201813

13 Note the y-axis starts at 1000 and not 0

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 51 Monitoring Results Kilrush

Kilrush Weekend Traffic Volume 2400

2200

2000

1800

1600

1400

1200

1000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.22 Weekend Interval Traffic at Kilrush from 2015 -201814

Both weekday and weekend traffic were reduced in 2017. This may be contributed to the weather conditions seen in Ireland throughout October. Traffic figures peaked during July and August 2018. This rise is most likely due to an increase of tourist to the WAW and the good weather conditions experienced in Ireland that year.

14 Note the y-axis starts at 1000 and not 0

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 52 Monitoring Results Kilrush

3.5.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches

Table 3.22 Kilrush (Cappagh Pier) Blue Flag Beach Status 2015 -2018 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Blue Flag status from 2015 -2018. 2016 

2017 

2018 

Cappagh Pier has been compliant with the specific criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and environmental management and has retained its Blue Flag status since 2015.

3.5.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast

Table 3.23 Kilrush Green Coast Status 2015 -2018 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Green Coast status from 2015 -2018. 2016 

2017 

2018 

There has been no changed to the Green coast status of Kilrush (Cappagh Pier) since 2015.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 53 Monitoring Results Kilrush

3.5.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity

Figure 3.23 Kilrush monitoring site 10x10km tile (Q95) from the NBDC dataset

Table 3.24 Overall Record of Invasive Species recorded within 10km of Kilrush Species Group Species Name Impact Level

Flowering plant (Common Cord- Spartina anglica High Impact Invasive Species grass) Flowering plant (Himalayan Persicaria wallichii Medium Impact Invasive Knotweed) Species Flowering plant (Japanese Knotweed) Fallopia japonica High Impact Invasive Species

Flowering plant (Russian-vine) Fallopia baldschuanica Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Sycamore) Acer pseudoplatanus Medium Impact Invasive Species flowering plant (Three-cornered Allium triquetrum Medium Impact Invasive Garlic) Species Mollusc (Common Garden Snail) Cornu aspersum Medium Impact Invasive Species Mollusc (Jenkins Spire Snail) Potamopyrgus Medium Impact Invasive antipodarum Species Mollusc (Keeled Slug) Tandonia sowerbyi Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (American Mink) Mustela vison High Impact Invasive Species

Terrestrial mammal (Brown Rat) Rattus norvegicus Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (European Oryctolagus cuniculus Medium Impact Invasive Rabbit) Species Terrestrial mammal (House Mouse) Mus musculus High Impact Invasive Species

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 54 Monitoring Results Kilrush

Overall Recorded of Protected Species

450 428

400 Bird Terrestrial Mammal

350 Marine Mammal Insect (Butterfly)

300 Amphibian Reptile

250 Moss

200

150

100

49 50 30

4 4 3 1 0 Bird Terrestrial Mammal Marine Mammal Insect (Butterfly) Amphibian Reptile Moss

Figure 3.24 Overall Protected Species within 10km of Kilrush

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 55 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

3.5.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers

Mid West Region Visitor Numbers 2015-2018 (000s) 3000

2500 2401

2000

1500

1000 890 879 817

565 476 481 419 454 500 377 368 401 357 302 347 342

85 80 110 83 0 Britain Mainland Europe North America Other Areas Domestic

2015 2016 2017 2018

Figure 3.25 Mid-West Region Visitor Numbers 2016 -2018

The Mid-West Region saw the highest number of visitors during 2018 with 3,898,000 tourists across all locations. 2,038,000 was the lowest count of visitors in 2015. This shows a rise of 1,051,000 visitors to the Mid-West since 2015.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 56 Monitoring Results Kilrush

3.5.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 57 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

Cahersiveen (Co. Kerry)

Macro-Monitoring Results

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 58 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

3.6 Cahersiveen

3.6.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality

Table 3.40 Cahersiveen Water Quality 2015 -2017 Monitoring Point WWTP WWTP/ Status of Reasons for non- Complaints and Population Improvements Licence No. Agglomeration conformity conformity Reported Equivalent Incidents Cahersiveen D0181-01 Cahersiveen The final effluent N/A None 5600 There were no major (2018) from the Primary capital or operational Discharge Point was changes undertaken in compliant with the 2018. Emission Limit Values in 2018. Cahersiveen D0181-01 Cahersiveen The final effluent N/A None 5600 There were no major (2017) from the Primary capital or operational Discharge Point was changes undertaken in compliant with the 2016. Emission Limit Values in 2017. Cahersiveen D0181-01 Cahersiveen The final effluent N/A None 5600 There were no major (2016) from the Primary capital or operational Discharge Point was changes undertaken in compliant with the 2016. Emission Limit Values in 2016. Cahersiveen D0181-01 Cahersiveen The final effluent N/A N/A 5600 There were no major (2015) from the Primary capital or operational Discharge Point was changes undertaken in compliant with the 2015. Emission Limit Values in 2015.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 59 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

3.6.1.1 Bathing Water

Table 3.25 Cahersiveen Bathing Water Quality County Monitoring Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Bathing Water Reason for non-conformity or Days restricted by Point Monitoring Site Status 2018 Status 2017 Status 2016 Status 2015 change in condition from Short term pollution previous years Kerry Cahersiveen White Strand Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent No change from 2015 -2018 0

White Strand, Cahersiveen is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2018 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2015 to 2018. White Strand, Cahersiveen has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2015 to 2018.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 60 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

3.6.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume

Cahersiveen Weekday Traffic Volume 5000

4500

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.26 Weekday Interval traffic at Cahersiveen from 2015 -201815

15 Note the y-axis starts at 1500 and not 0

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 61

Cahersiveen Weekend Traffic Volume 4500

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.27 Weekend Interval Traffic at Cahersiveen from 2015 -201816

16 Note the y-axis starts at 1500 and not 0

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 62 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

3.6.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches

Table 3.26 Cahersiveen (Whitestrand) Blue Flag Beach Status 2015 -2017 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Blue Flag status from 2015 -2017. 2016 

2017 

2018 

Whitestrand has been compliant with the specific criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and environmental management.

3.6.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast

Table 3.27 Cahersiveen Green Coast Status 2015 -2017 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Green Coast status from 2015 -2017. 2016 

2017 

2018 

There has been no change in status of the Green coast award.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 63 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

3.6.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity

Figure 3.28 Cahersiveen monitoring site 10x10km tile (V47) from the NBDC dataset

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 64 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

Table 3.28 Overall Record of Invasive Species recorded within 10km of Cahersiveen Species Group Species Name Impact Level

Alga (Wireweed) Sargassum muticum High Impact Invasive Species

Flowering Plant (Cherry Laurel) Prunus laurocerasus Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (Butterfly Bus) Buddleja davidii Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (American Skunk- Lysichiton americanus High Impact Invasive Species cabbage) Flowering plant (Common Cord-grass) Spartina anglica High Impact Invasive Species

Flowering plant (Giant-rhubard) Fallopia sachalinensis High Impact Invasive Species

Flowering plant (Himalayan Knotweed) Persicaria wallichii Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Japanese Knotweed) Fallopia japonica High Impact Invasive Species

Flowering plant (Rhododendron Rhododendron pontocum Medium Impact Invasive pontocum) Species Flowering plant (Sycamore) Acer pseudoplatanus Medium Impact Invasive Species flowering plant (Three-cornered Garlic) Allium triquetrum Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (Parrot’s-Feather) yriophyllum aquaticum High Impact Invasive Species

Mollusc (Common Garden Snail) Cornu aspersum Medium Impact Invasive Species Mollusc (Jenkins Spire Snail) Potamopyrgus Medium Impact Invasive antipodarum Species Mollusc (Keeled Slug) Tandonia sowerbyi Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (American Mink) Mustela vison High Impact Invasive Species

Terrestrial mammal (Brown Rat) Rattus norvegicus Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (European Rabbit) Oryctolagus cuniculus Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (House Mouse) Mus musculus High Impact Invasive Species

Terrestrial mammal (Sika Deer) Cervus nippon High Impact Invasive Species

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 65 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

Overall Record of Protected Species

600

538 Bird Terrestrial Mammal

500 Marine Mammal Amphbian

Fern Mollusc

Insect (Butterfly) Alga 400

300

200

100

32 18 11 3 2 1 1 0 Bird Terrestrial Mammal Marine Mammal Amphbian Fern Mollusc Insect (Butterfly) Alga

Figure 3.29 Overall Protected Species within 10km of Cahersiveen

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 66 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

3.6.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers

South-West Visitor Numbers 2015-2018 (000s) 3000

2500 2401

2066 2077 2000 1746

1500

VisitorNumbers 924 1000 857 808 772 803 692 719 632 593 616 591 490 500

174 122 171 169

0 Britain Mainland Europe North America Other Areas Domestic

2015 2016 2017 2018

Figure 3.30 South West Regional Performance 2015-2018

Domestic tourism was substantially higher in 2018 than in previous years. Overall the South-West region received the highest level of tourism in 2018 with 4,913,000. 2015 had the lowest record of tourists at 3,850,000. This is a growth of 27% between 2015 and 2018.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 67 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

3.6.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 68 Monitoring Results Bantry

Bantry (Co. Cork)

Macro-Monitoring Results

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 69 Monitoring Results Bantry

3.7 Bantry

3.7.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality

Table 3.29 Bantry Water Quality 2015 -2018

Monitoring Point WWTP WWTP/ Status of conformity Reasons for non- Complaints and Population Improvements Licence No. Agglomeration conformity Reported Equivalent Incidents Bantry (2018) D0168 -01 Bantry No data available as at the 23rd January 2020. Bantry (2017) D0168 -01 Bantry The final effluent from the N/A None 6000 There were no major Primary Discharge Point was capital or operational compliant with the Emission changes undertaken in Limit Values in 2017 2016. Bantry (2016) D0168 -01 Bantry The final effluent from the N/A None 6000 There were no major Primary Discharge Point was capital or operational compliant with the Emission changes undertaken in Limit Values in 2016. 2016. Bantry (2015) D0168 -01 Bantry The final effluent from the N/A None 6000 There were no major Primary Discharge Point was capital or operational compliant with the Emission changes undertaken in Limit Values in 2015. 2015

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 70 Monitoring Results Bantry

3.7.1.1 Bathing Water

Table 3.30 Bantry Bathing Water Quality County Monitoring Bathing Bathing Bathing Bathing Bathing Reason for non-conformity or change in condition from Days restricted by Short Point Water Water Water Water Water previous years term pollution Monitoring Status Status Status Status Site 2018 2017 2016 2015 Cork Bantry Barley Cove Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent No change from 2015 -2017 0

Barley Cove is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2018 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2015 to 2018. Barley Cove has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2015 to 2018.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 71 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

3.7.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume Bantry Weekday Traffic Volume 8500

7500

6500

5500

4500

3500

2500 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.31 Weekday Interval traffic at Bantry from 2015 -201817

17 Note the y-axis starts at 2500 and not 0

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 72

Bantry Weekend Traffic Volume 8500

7500

6500

5500

4500

3500

2500 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.32 Weekend Interval Traffic at Bantry from 2015-201818

18 Note the y-axis starts at 2500 and not 0

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 73

3.7.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches

Table 3.31 Bantry (Barley Cove) Blue Flag Beach Status 2015 -2018 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Blue Flag status from 2015 -2018. 2016 

2017 

2018 

Barley Cove has been complaint with the specific criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and environmental management.

3.7.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast Awards

Table 3.32 Bantry Green Coast Awards 2015 -2018 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Green Coast status from 2015 -2017. 2016 

2017 

2018 

There has been no change in the green coast status of the site since 2015.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 74

3.7.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity

Figure 3.33 Bantry monitoring site 10x10km tile (V94) from the NBDC dataset

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 75

Table 3.33 Overall Record of Invasive species within 10km of Bantry Species Group Species Name Impact Level

Alga (Wireweed) Sargassum muticum High Impact Invasive Species

Flatworm (Turbellaria) Arthurdendyus High Impact Invasive Species triangulatus Flowering Plant (Cherry Laurel) Prunus laurocerasus Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (Butterfly Bush) Buddleja davidii Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (Himalayan Leycesteria formosa Medium Impact Invasive Honeysuckle) Species Flowering plant (Japanese Rose) Rosa rugosa High Impact Invasive Species

Flowering plant (Giant-rhubarb) Fallopia sachalinensis High Impact Invasive Species

Flowering plant (Himalayan Knotweed) Persicaria wallichii Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Japanese Knotweed) Fallopia japonica High Impact Invasive Species

Flowering plant (Rhododendron Rhododendron pontocum Medium Impact Invasive pontocum) Species Flowering Plant (Sea-buckthorn) Elodea nuttallii Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Sycamore) Acer pseudoplatanus Medium Impact Invasive Species flowering plant (Three-cornered Garlic) Allium triquetrum Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (Nuttall's Waterweed) Elodea nuttallii High Impact Invasive Species

Mollusc (Common Garden Snail) Cornu aspersum Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Bank Vole) Myodes glareolus Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Brown Rat) Rattus norvegicus Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (European Rabbit) Oryctolagus cuniculus Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Leathery Sea Styela clava High Impact Invasive Species Squirt) Terrestrial mammal (Sika Deer) Cervus nippon High Impact Invasive Species

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 76 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

Overall Record of Protected Species

800

709 700 Bird Terrestrial Mammal

Marine Mammal Insect (Butterfly) 600 Moss Fern

500 Mollusc Liverworth

Reptile Amphbian 400 Alga

300 242

200

119 100

10 6 3 2 2 2 1 1 0 Bird Terrestrial Marine Insect Moss Fern Mollusc Liverworth Reptile Amphbian Alga Mammal Mammal (Butterfly) Figure 3.34 Overall Record of Protected Species within 10km of Bantry

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 77 Monitoring Results Cahersiveen

3.7.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers

South-West Visitor Numbers 2015-2018 (000s) 3000

2500 2401

2066 2077 2000 1746

1500

VisitorNumbers 924 1000 857 808 772 803 692 719 632 593 616 591 490 500

174 122 171 169

0 Britain Mainland Europe North America Other Areas Domestic

2015 2016 2017 2018

Figure 3.35 South West Regional Performance 2015-2018

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 78 Monitoring Results Bantry

3.7.7 Monitoring Indicator 8 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 79 Monitoring Results Ballybofey

Ballybofey (Co. Donegal)

Macro-Monitoring Results

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 80 Monitoring Results Ballybofey

3.8 Ballybofey

3.8.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality

Table 3.56 Ballybofey Water Quality 2015 -2018

Monitoring Point WWTP WWTP/ Status of conformity Reasons for Complaints and Population Improvements Licence No. Agglomeration non- Reported Equivalent conformity Incidents Ballybofey (2018) D0120-01 Ballybofey No data available as at 23rd January 2020 Ballybofey (2017) D0120-01 Ballybofey The final effluent from the Primary N/A None 5600 There were no major Discharge Point was compliant with capital or operational the Emission Limit Values in 2017 changes undertaken in 2016. Ballybofey (2016) D0120-01 Ballybofey The final effluent from the Primary N/A None 5600 There were no major Discharge Point was compliant with capital or operational the Emission Limit Values in 2016. changes undertaken in 2016. Ballybofey (2015) D0120-01 Ballybofey The final effluent from the Primary N/A 9 complaints, 1 4000 There was no major capital Discharge Point was compliant with reported incident or operational changes the Emission Limit Values in 2015. undertaken in 2015.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 81 Monitoring Results Ballybofey

3.8.1.1 Bathing Water

Table 3.34 Ballybofey Bathing Water Quality 2015 -2017 County Monitoring Bathing Bathing Bathing Bathing Bathing Reason for non-conformity or change in condition from Days restricted by Short Point Water Water Water Water Water previous years term pollution Monitoring Status Status Status Status Site 2018 2017 2016 2015 Donegal Ballybofey N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A No change from 2015 -2018 0

The Water Quality at Ballybofey has been classed as good since 2015. There is no bathing water monitoring point for Ballybofey resulting in no data being gathered.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 82

3.8.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume

Ballybofey Weekday Traffic Volume 12000

11500

11000

10500

10000

9500

9000

8500

8000 Jan Feb mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.36 Weekday Interval Traffic at Ballybofey from 2015 -201819

19 Note the axis starts at 8000 and not 0

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 83 Monitoring Results Ballybofey

Ballybofey Weekend Traffic Volume 11000

10500

10000

9500

9000

8500

8000 Jan Feb mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.37 Weekend Interval Traffic at Ballybofey from 2015 -201820

Results show varying levels of traffic in Ballybofey across both weekdays and weekends. In both instances there was an increase during summer months most likely due to visitors to the Wild Atlantic Way.

20 Note the y-axis starts at 8000 and not 0

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 84 Monitoring Results Ballybofey

3.8.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches

Table 3.35 Ballybofey Blue Flag Beach Status 2015 -2018 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Blue Flag status from 2015 -2018.21 2016 

2017 

2018 

Ballybofey did not receive Blue Flag status between 2015 and 2018.

3.8.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast Awards

Table 3.36 Ballybofey Green Coast Awards 2015 -2018 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Green Coast status from 2015 -2018. 2016 

2017 

2018 

Ballybofey did not receive a Green Coast Award between 2015 and 2017.

21 It is noted that Ballybofey is an inland monitoring site and therefore will not have any blue flag status

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 85 Monitoring Results Ballybofey

3.8.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity

Figure 3.38 Ballybofey Monitoring site 10x10km tile (H19) from the NBDC dataset

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 86 Monitoring Results Ballybofey

Table 3.37 Overall Record of Invasive Species within 10km of Ballybofey Species Group Species Name Impact Level Alga (Wireweed) Sargassum muticum High Impact Invasive Species Flatworm (Turbellaria) Arthurdendyus High Impact Invasive triangulatus Species Flowering Plant (Canadian Waterweed) Elodea canadensis High Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (Indian Balsam) Impatiens glandulifera High Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Himalayan Knotweed) Persicaria wallichii Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Japanese Knotweed) Fallopia japonica High Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Rhododendron Rhododendron pontocum Medium Impact Invasive pontocum) Species Flowering plant (Sycamore) Acer pseudoplatanus Medium Impact Invasive Species Mollusc (Jenkins' Spire Snail) Potamopyrgus Medium Impact Invasive antipodarum Species Terrestrial mammal (American Mink) Mustela vison High Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Brown Rat) Rattus norvegicus Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Eastern Grey Sciurus carolinensis High Impact Invasive Squirrel) Species Terrestrial mammal (European Rabbit) Oryctolagus cuniculus Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Sika Deer) Cervus nippon High Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Fallow Deer) Dama dama High Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (House Mouse) Mus musculus High Impact Invasive Species

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 87 Monitoring Results Ballybofey

Overall Record of Protected Species

300

253 Bird Terrestrial Mammal 250

Insect (Butterfly) Amphbian 200

161 Marine Mammal

150

100

2 2 1 0 Bird Terrestrial Mammal Insect (Butterfly) Amphbian Marine Mammal

Figure 3.39 Overall Record of Protected Species within 10km of Ballybofey

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 88 Monitoring Results Ballybofey

3.8.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers

Border Region Visitor Numbers 2015-2018 (000s) 1200

1001 10081001 1000

800 771

600 Title

400 360 318 302 283 263 239 244 246

200 144 145 147 110 76 43 47 40

0 Britain Mainland Europe North America Other Areas Domestic

2015 2016 2017 2018

Figure 3.40 Comparison of visitor numbers for Border Region 2015 - 2018

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 89 Monitoring Results Ballybofey

3.8.7 Monitoring Indicator 8 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 90 Monitoring Results Gort

Gort (Co. Galway)

Macro-Monitoring Results

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 91 Monitoring Results Gort

3.9 Gort

3.9.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality

Table 3.64 Gort Water Quality 2015 -2018

Monitoring Point WWTP WWTP/ Status Reasons for non- Complaints and Population Improvements Licence No. Agglomeration conformity Reported Equivalent Incidents

Gort (2018) D0195-01 Gort The final effluent from There have been several 0 complaints 4310 The aeration system was upgraded to sthe of Primary conformity Discharge records emission limit value 3 incidences a Fine Bubble Diffused Air Point was non- (ELV) breaches for ammonia. (FBDA) system in May 2018 with the compliant with the concentration of ammonia Emission Limit Values subsequently reducing. Following a in 2018. period of process review and optimisation the WWTP had been achieving compliance with the ELV for ammonia i.e. for the three months prior to the visit. Gort (2017) D0195-01 Gort The final effluent from The following parameters 3Complaints; 4310 The following improvement works the Primary Discharge exceeded the emission limit (Investigation of were undertaken in 2017: Point was non- values in 2017: Sewage flooding) Refurbishment of Inlet Screen, compliant with the • TSS (mg/l); 17 Incidents, 2 Refurbishment of Sludge Dewatering Emission Limit Values • Ortho P / MRP (mg/l); and reported Centrifuge, Manhole covers replaced in 2017 • Ammonia N (mg/l). on network to reduce infiltration of rainwater. Works to be carried out in 2018 are: Replacement of Surface Aeration with FBDA Gort (2016) D0195-01 Gort The final effluent from The following parameter 0 complaints, 19 4310 The following improvement works the Primary Discharge exceeded the emission limit (4 individual were undertaken in 2016: Clarifier Point was Non- values in 2016: results Scraper blades were replaced in the compliant with the •Ammonia submitted) single clarifier in 2016. Emission Limit Values •TSS reported in 2016. •COD incident •BOD Gort (2015) D0195-01 Gort The final effluent from The following parameter 0 complaints, 1 (11 4310 There was no major capital or the Primary Discharge exceeded the emission limit individual results operational changes undertaken in Point was non- values in 2015: - submitted) 2015. compliant with one of • Ammonia reported incident the Emission Limit Values in 2015.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 92 Monitoring Results Gort

3.9.1.1 Bathing Water

Table 3.38 Gort Bathing Water Quality 2015 -2018 County Monitoring Bathing Bathing Bathing Bathing Bathing Reason for non-conformity or change in condition from Days restricted by Short Point Water Water Water Water Water previous years term pollution Monitoring Status Status Status Status Site 2018 2017 2016 2015 Galway Gort N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A No change from 2015 -2018 0

Water Quality in Gort has been classed as poor. The Waste Water Treatment plant has been non-compliant with Emission Limit Values since 2015. Gort is aiming to get to Good Status by 2021.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 93 Monitoring Results Gort

3.9.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume

Gort Weekday Traffic Volume 23746

21746

19746

17746

15746

13746

11746

9746

7746

5746

3746 Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.41 Weekday Interval Traffic Data at Gort from 2015 -2018222324

22 Note the y-axis starts at 3746 and not 0 23 The sharp fall in numbers between November and December is a result of road works taking place between 22/11/2017 and 10/12/2017, road closures were in place between these dates so no data was collected. 24 Road closures due to storms resulted in no available data for January and February.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 94

Gort Weekend Traffic Volume 24000

22000

20000

18000

16000

14000

12000

10000

8000

6000

4000 Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.42 Weekend Interval Traffic at Gort from 2015 -20182526

The sharp fall in numbers between November and December is a result of road works taking place between 22/11/2017 and 10/12/2017, road closures were in place between these dates so no data was collected. Road closure due to storm Emma resulted in no data for January and February.

25 Note the y-axis starts at 4000 and not 0 26 Road closures due to storms resulted in no available data for January and February.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 95 Monitoring Results Gort

3.9.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches

Table 3.39 Gort Blue Flag Beaches 2015 -2017 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Blue Flag status from 2015 -2017. 2016 

2017 

2018 

Gort has not received a Blue Flag award between 2015-2018

3.9.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast Awards

Table 3.40 Gort Green Coast Awards 2105 -2017 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Green Coast status from 2015 -2017. 2016 

2017 

2018 

It is noted that Gort is an inland monitoring site and therefore will not have any Green coast status.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 96 Monitoring Results Gort

3.9.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity

Figure 3.43 Gort Monitoring Site 10x10km tile (C30) from the NBDC dataset

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 97 Monitoring Results Gort

Table 3.41 Overall Record of Invasive Species within 10km of Gort

Species Group Species Name Impact Level Alga (Wireweed) Sargassum muticum High Impact Invasive Species Flatworm (Turbellaria) Arthurdendyus triangulatus High Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (Canadian Waterweed) Elodea canadensis High Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (Black Current) Ribes nigrum Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (Butterfly Bus) Buddleja davidii Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (Giant Hogweed) Impatiens glandulifera High Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Himalayan Knotweed) Persicaria wallichii Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Japanese Knotweed) Fallopia japonica High Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Rhododendron pontocum) Rhododendron pontocum Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Sycamore) Acer pseudoplatanus Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (Japanese Rose) Rosa rugosa Medium Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (Salmonberry) Rubus spectabilis Medium Impact Invasive Species Mollusc (Jenkins’ Spire Snail) Potamopyrgus antipodarum Medium Impact Invasive Species Mollusc (Keeled Slug) Tandonia sowerbyi Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (American Mink) Mustela vison High Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Brown Rat) Rattus norvegicus Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Eastern Grey Squirrel) Sciurus carolinensis High Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (European Rabbit) Oryctolagus cuniculus Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Sika Deer) Cervus nippon High Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Fallow Deer) Dama dama High Impact Invasive Species

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 98

Overall Record of Protected Species

500

442 450

400 Bird Terrestrial Mammal Amphbian Mollusc

350

300

250

200

150

100

54 50

2 1 0 Bird Terrestrial Mammal Amphbian Mollusc

Figure 3.44 Overall Record of Protected Species within 10km of Gort

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 99 Monitoring Results Galway Bay

3.9.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers

Western Region Visitor Numbers 2015-2018 (000s) 1800 1662 1622 1591 1600 1482

1400

1200

1000

806 807 800 733 690 677 594 600 479 436 400 331 350 346 332

166 149 200 133 114

0 Britain Mainland Europe North America Other Areas Domestic

2015 2016 2017 2018

Figure 3.45 West Regional Performance 2015 -2017

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 100 Monitoring Results Gort

3.9.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 101 Monitoring Results Castleisland

Castleisland (Co. Kerry)

Macro-Monitoring Results

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 102 Monitoring Results Castleisland

3.10 Castleisland

3.10.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 Water Quality

Table 3.42 Castleisland Water Quality 2015 -2017

Monitoring Point WWTP WWTP/ Status of conformity Reasons for non- Complaints and Population Improvements Licence No. Agglomeration conformity Reported Equivalent Incidents Castleisland D01808-01 Castleisland No data available as at 23rd (2018) January 2020 Castleisland D01808-01 Castleisland The final effluent from the N/A 4 Complaints 6000 There were no major capital or (2017) Primary Discharge Point was (Blocked Sewer) operational changes undertaken compliant with the Emission in 2017. Consulting Engineers Limit Values in 2017 No reported incidents have been appointed by Irish Water to assess the loading and capacity of the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Castleisland Castleisland D01808-01 Castleisland The final effluent from the The following 6 complaints, 1 6000 The following improvement works (2016) Primary Discharge Point was parameter Reported incident were undertaken in 2016: Clarifier Non- compliant with the exceeded the Scraper blades were replaced in Emission Limit Values in 2016. emission limit the single clarifier in 2016. values in 2016: • Ortho P (mg/l) Castleisland D01808-01 Castleisland The final effluent from the N/A 0 complaints, 1 (11 6000 There was no major capital or (2015) Primary Discharge Point was individual results operational changes undertaken compliant with one of the submitted) reported in 2015. Emission Limit Values in 2015. incident

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 103 Monitoring Results Castleisland

3.10.1.1 Bathing Water

Table 3.43 Castleisland Bathing Water Quality 2015 -2017 County Monitoring Bathing Bathing Bathing Bathing Bathing Reason for non-conformity or change in condition Days restricted by Short Point Water Water Water Water Water from previous years term pollution Monitoring Status Status Status Status Site 2018 2017 2016 2015 Kerry Castleisland N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A No change from 2015 -2017 0

Castleisland’s Water Quality has been classed as good since 2015. The Waste Water Treatment Plant has been compliant with emission limit values. There is no bathing water monitoring point for Castleisland resulting in no data being gathered.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 104 Monitoring Results Castleisland

3.10.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume

Castleisland Weekday Traffic Volume 18000

17000

16000

15000

14000

13000

12000

11000

10000

9000

8000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.46 Weekday Interval Traffic at Castleisland from 2015 -2017 27

27 Note the y-axis starts at 8000 and not 0

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 105 Monitoring Results Castleisland

Castleisland Weekend Traffic Volume 17000

16000

15000

14000

13000

12000

11000

10000

9000

8000

7000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.47 Weekend Interval Traffic at Castleisland from 2015 -20182829

Interval traffic at Castleisland remained at a steady level between 2015 and 2018. A peak in number during the summer months could be contributed towards tourists travelling to the WAW.

28 Note the y-axis starts at 7600 and not 0 29 The sharp rise of traffic in 2018 may be contributed to the fact that the Castleisland by-pass was closed, resulting in traffic being diverted through this route.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 106 Monitoring Results Castleisland

3.10.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches

Table 3.44 Castleisland Blue Flag Beach status 2015 -2017 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Blue Flag status from 2015 -2018. 2016 

2017 

2018 

There has been no change in Castleisland’s Blue Flag status between 2015 and 2018.

3.10.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast Awards

Table 3.45 Castleisland Green Coast Awards 2015 -2017 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Green Coast status from 2015 -2018. 2016 

2017 

2018 

Castleisland has never been awarded with a Green Coast Award.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 107 Monitoring Results Castleisland

3.10.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity

Figure 3.48 Castleisland Monitoring Site 10x10km tile (Q90) from the NBDC dataset

Table 3.46 Overall Record of Invasive Species within 10km of Castleisland Species Group Species Name Impact Level Flowering Plant (Cherry Laurel) Prunus laurocerasus High Impact Invasive Species Flowering Plant (Indian Balsam) Impatiens glandulifera High Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Japanese Knotweed) Fallopia japonica High Impact Invasive Species Flowering plant (Rhododendron Rhododendron pontocum Medium Impact Invasive pontocum) Species Flowering plant (Sycamore) Acer pseudoplatanus Medium Impact Invasive Species Mollusc (Jenkins’ Spire Snail) Potamopyrgus Medium Impact Invasive antipodarum Species Mollusc (Budapest Slug) Tandonia budapestensis Medium Impact Invasive Species Mollusc (Common Garden Snail) Cornu aspersum Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (European Rabbit) Oryctolagus cuniculus Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Sika Deer) Cervus nippon High Impact Invasive Species

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 108

Overall Record of Protected Species 450 391 400 Bird Terrestrial Mammal Amphbian 350 Mollusc Moss 300

250

200 139 150

100

50 4 2 1 0 Bird Terrestrial Mammal Amphbian Mollusc Moss Figure 3.49 Overall Record of Protected Species within 10km of Castleisland

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 109 Monitoring Results Castleisland

3.10.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers

South-West Visitor Numbers 2015-2018 (000s) 3000

2500 2401

2066 2077 2000 1746

1500

VisitorNumbers 924 1000 857 808 772 803 692 719 632 593 616 591 490 500

174 122 171 169

0 Britain Mainland Europe North America Other Areas Domestic

2015 2016 2017 2018

Figure 3.50 South West Regional Performance 2015-2018

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 110 Monitoring Results Castleisland

3.10.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 111 Monitoring Results Lahinch

Lahinch (Co. Clare)

Macro-Monitoring Results

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 112 Monitoring Results Lahinch

3.11 Lahinch

3.11.1 Monitoring Indicator 1 - Water Quality

Table 3.47 Lahinch Water Quality 2015 -2017 Monitoring Point WWTP WWTP/ Status Reasons for non- Complaints and Population Improvements Licence No. Agglomeration conformity Reported Equivalent Incidents

Lahinch (2018) D0080-01 Lahinch No data available as at s23 ofrd Januaryconformity 2020

Lahinch (2017) D0080-01 Lahinch The final effluent from The following parameters 2 complaints 8400 No major capital or operational the Primary Discharge exceeded the emission limit (Sewage flooding changes were undertaken in Point was non-compliant values in 2017: from manhole); 2017. Lahinch agglomeration is with the Emission Limit • cBOD 1 reported Incident being reviewed and Lahinch Values in 2017 • COD WWTP has been added to the • Suspended solids Capital Investment Plan 2017 - • Ammonia as N 2021. • Total Phosphorus 2016 D0080-01 Lahinch The final effluent from The following parameter 0 complaints, 14 4310 There were no major capital or the Primary Discharge exceeded the emission limit reported operational changes undertaken Point was Non- compliant values in 2016: incident in 2016. with the Emission Limit • cBOD Values in 2016. • COD • Suspended solids • Total Phosphorus • Total Nitrogen • Ammonia 2015 D0080-01 Lahinch The final effluent from The following parameter 1 complaint, 24 8400 There was no major capital or the Primary Discharge exceeded the emission limit reported incidents operational changes undertaken Point was non-compliant values in 2015: in 2015. with one of the Emission • cBOD Limit Values in 2015. • COD • Suspended solids • Total Phosphorus • Total Nitrogen • Ammonia

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 113 Monitoring Results Lahinch

3.11.1.1 Bathing Water

Table 3.48 Lahinch Bathing Water Status 2015 -2017 County Monitoring Bathing Bathing Bathing Bathing Bathing Reason for non-conformity or change in condition from Days restricted by Short Point Water Water Water Water Water previous years term pollution Monitoring Status Status Status Status Site 2018 2017 2016 2015 Clare Lahinch Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent No change from 2015 -2017 0

Lahinch is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2018 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2015 to 2018. Lahinch has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2015 to 2018.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 114 Monitoring Results Lahinch

3.11.2 Monitoring Indicator 2 - Traffic Volume

Lahinch Weekday Traffic Volume 3700

3500

3300

3100

2900

2700

2500

2300

2100

1900

1700 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.51 Weekday Interval Traffic at Lahinch from 2015 -20183031

30 Note the y-axis starts at 1700 and not 0 31 A rise in traffic in August may be contributed to the fight for climate change event held at Lahinch in 2016, along with the visit of Minister Denis Naughthen to the Moneypoint PowerStation.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 115 Monitoring Results Lahinch

Lahinch Weekend Traffic Volume 3300

3100

2900

2700

2500

2300

2100

1900

1700

1500 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2018 2017 2016 2015

Figure 3.52 Weekend Interval Traffic at Lahinch from 2015 -201732

Interval traffic at Lahinch has remained at a steady level between 2015 and 2018. A peak in number during the summer months could be contributed towards tourists travelling to the WAW.

32 Note the y-axis starts at 1500 and not 0

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 116 Monitoring Results Lahinch

3.11.3 Monitoring Indicator 3 - Blue Flag Beaches

Table 3.49 Lahinch Blue Flag Beach Status 2015 -2018 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Blue Flag status from 2015 -2018. 2016 

2017 

2018 

3.11.4 Monitoring Indicator 4 - Green Coast Award

Table 3.50 Lahinch Green Coast Status 2015 -2018 Year Y N Reason for Change in status 2015  No change in Green Coast status from 2015 -2018. 2016 

2017 

2018 

Lahinch has not been awarded a Green Coast award.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 117 Monitoring Results Lahinch

3.11.5 Monitoring Indicator 5 - State of Knowledge of Irelands Biodiversity

Figure 3.53 Lahinch Monitoring Site 10x10km tile (R08) from the NBDC dataset

Species Group Species Name Impact Level Flowering plant (Sycamore) Acer pseudoplatanus Medium Impact Invasive Species Mollusc (Jenkins’ Spire Snail) Potamopyrgus Medium Impact Invasive antipodarum Species Mollusc (Common Garden Snail) Cornu aspersum Medium Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (European Oryctolagus cuniculus Medium Impact Invasive Rabbit) Species Terrestrial mammal (Feral Ferret) Mustela furo High Impact Invasive Species Terrestrial mammal (Raccoon) Procyon lotor High Impact Invasive Species

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Overall Record of Protected Species

450 422

400 Bird Terrestrial Mammal 350 Amphbian Mollusc 300

250

200

150

100 54 50 2 1 0 Bird Terrestrial Mammal Amphbian Mollusc Figure 3.54 Overall Record of Protected Species within 10km of Lahinch

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3.11.6 Monitoring Indicator 6 - Visitor Numbers

Mid West Region Visitor Numbers 2015-2018 (000s) 3000

2500 2401

2000

1500

1000 890 879 817

565 476 481 419 454 500 377 368 401 357 302 347 342

85 80 110 83 0 Britain Mainland Europe North America Other Areas Domestic

2015 2016 2017 2018

Figure 3.55 Mid-West Region Visitor Numbers 2016 -2018

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3.11.7 Monitoring Indicator 7 - Tourism Related Planning Refusals

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3.12 General Indicator for all Sites - Irelands Environment - An Assessment 2016

In Ireland the picture is mixed when considering progress in addressing the four main challenges outlined in the State of the Environment report 2016.

The four key challenges from the EPA’s State of the Environment report 2016 are listed in Table (EPA, 2016). The table also provides an indicative high-level summary on progress with these challenges.

Table 3.51 Summary on Progress with the Four Key Challenges Listed in the State of the Environment Report Four Key Challenges Indicative Summary on Progress across the country

Valuing and protecting our natural environment Economic value of eco-system services is a concept that has a higher profile but it is not on a routine basis integrated into business decisions and policy making.

Building a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy Ireland has significant work to do to transition to a low-carbon economy. Fossil fuels dominate our energy system and need to be phased out over the coming decades and our national GHG emissions are projected to increase.

Implementing environmental legislation Despite progress in several areas, including waste recycling and emissions from industrial facilities, Ireland still faces challenges in implementing a number of regulations and directives that are designed to protect our environment and, by extension, our health. Poor adherence to regulations dealing with litter, waste prevention etc. Putting the environment at the centre of decision making Information sources, such as websites with information for the public, data and map layers, have improved but it is more difficult to translate information into action on the ground that results in changes in behaviour. Good progress on Strategic Environmental Assessment of national plans and programmes

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3.13 Overall Analysis of Macro-Monitoring 2015-2017

Site Indicator 1 Indicator 2 Indicator 3 Indicator 4 Indicator 5 Indicator 6 Indicator 7

Dungloe No data available as Increase in interval Awarded Blue flag No Green coast Birds were the 2016 saw the highest All planning at the 23rd January traffic during summer beach status award in Dungloe, highest recorded number of visitors to applications within 2020. months across all 4 2015,2016,2017,2018. Dooey beach 13km species across all the Border Region 10km of the years, likely due to from Dungloe Monitoring and with 1,815,000 in monitoring point tourists travelling to received the award in Control sites in 2018. total from across all were screened for WAW Sites 2018. locations compared refusals based on to 1,753,000 for visual and/or 2018. This was a amenity as these are 23% rise in numbers considered to be key from 2015 and a factors for tourism. 2.3% drop in This assessment numbers in 2017 found that there with a total of were no Tourism 1,755,000. related planning refusals during Bundoran Good water status Increase in interval Bundoran has not Bundoran did not 2016 saw the highest 2018. traffic during summer received blue flag receive any award number of visitors to Excellent bathing months across all 4 status between 2015 for Green Coasts the Border Region water status 2015- years, likely due to and 2018. between 2015 and with 1,815,000 in 2017, Good in tourists travelling to 2018. total from across all 2018. Mullaghmore WAW Sites. locations compared had excellent to 1,753,000 for status between 2018. This was a 2015-2017 and 23% rise in numbers sufficient in 2018. from 2015 and a 2.3% drop in numbers in 2017 with a total of 1,755,000.

Newport No data available Increase in interval Mulranny and Clare Newport did not 2016 saw the highest as at the 23rd traffic during summer Island both received receive any award number of visitors to January 2020. months across all 4 blue flags from 2015- for Green Coasts the Border Region years, likely due to 2018. between 2015 and with 1,815,000 in tourists travelling to 2017. total from across all WAW Sites Bertra has never locations compared received a Blue Flag. to 1,753,000 for 2018. This was a 23% rise in numbers from 2015 and a 2.3% drop in numbers in 2017

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with a total of 1,755,000.

Galway Bay Good water status A rise in weekday Galway Bay did not Galway Bay did not 2015 brought the in Galway bay traffic during June receive blue flag receive any award lowest number of between 2015- 2017 may be as a status between 2015- for Green Coasts visitors to the West 2017. Bathing result of visitors to 2017. between 2015 and region with a total of water quality in the area for a 2017. 3,072,000 overall. Ballyloughane was popular triathlon. No There has been a poor in 2015 and data for December rise of 15% since 2017. 2017 due to road 2015 with 3,267,000 closures. visitors overall in 2016 and 3,534,000 in 2017. 2018 saw the highest number of visitors with 3,627,000 overall.

Kilrush No data available Both weekday and Cappagh Pier retained Kilrush did not The Mid-West Region as at the 23rd weekend traffic has its Blue Flag status receive any award saw the highest January 2020. reduced in 2017. from 2015-2017 for Green coast number of visitors This may be between 2015-2017. during 2018 with contributed to the 3,898,000 tourists weather conditions across all locations. seen in Ireland 2,038,000 was the throughout October. lowest count of visitors in 2015. This shows a rise of 1,051,000 visitors to the Mid-West since 2015. Cahersiveen Cahersiveen water Steady increase in Whitestrand has There has been no Domestic tourism quality has been interval traffic retained its Blue Flag change in status of was substantially classed as good volumes during status since 2015. the Green coast higher in 2018 than since 2015. The weekends and award. Cahersiveen in previous years. Waste Water weekdays since is not in partnership Overall the South- Treatment Plant 2015. The surge is with any local West region received has been complaint likely due to the community so it the highest level of with Emission Limit increase of tourists cannot be considered tourism in 2018 with Values. The travelling from WAW for a Green coast 4,913,000. 2015 had bathing water sites, mainly during award the lowest record of quality has been summer months. tourists at 3,850,000. excellent since This is a growth of 2015. 27% between 2015 and 2018.

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Bantry No data available Steady increase in Barley Cove retained There has been no Domestic tourism as at the 23rd interval traffic its blue flag status change in the green was substantially January 2020. volumes during between 2015 and coast status of the higher in 2018 than weekends and 2017. site since 2015. in previous years. weekdays since Overall the South- 2015. The surge is West region received likely due to the the highest level of increase of tourists tourism in 2018 with travelling from WAW 4,913,000. 2015 had sites, mainly during the lowest record of summer months. tourists at 3,850,000. This is a growth of 27% between 2015 and 2018.

Ballybofey No data available There was little It is noted that It is noted that 2016 saw the highest as at the 23rd change in the level of Ballybofey is an inland Ballybofey is an number of visitors to January 2020. interval traffic at monitoring site and inland monitoring site the Border Region Ballybofey between therefore will not and therefore will not with 1,815,000 in 2015 and 2018. Any have any blue flag eligible to apply for a total from across all rise in numbers status Green Coast Award locations compared throughout summer to 1,753,000 for months could be 2018. This was a contributed to 23% rise in numbers tourists travelling to from 2015 and a the WAW. 2.3% drop in numbers in 2017 with a total of 1,755,000.

Gort Water Quality in There was a sharp It is noted that Gort is As Gort is an inland 2015 brought the Gort has been fall in numbers an inland monitoring monitoring site and lowest number of classed as poor. between November site and therefore will therefore will not visitors to the West The Waste Water and December is a not have any blue flag eligible to apply for a region with a total of Treatment plant result of road works status. Green Coast Award 3,072,000 overall. has been non- taking place between There has been a compliant with 22/11/2017 and rise of 15% since Emission Limit 10/12/2017, road 2015 with 3,267,000 Values since 2015. closures were in visitors overall in Gort is aiming to place between these 2016 and 3,534,000 get to Good Status dates so no data was in 2017. 2018 saw by 2021. collected. the highest number of visitors with 3,627,000 overall.

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Castleisland No data available Interval traffic at No Blue Flag status in No Green Flag Overall the South- as at the 23rd Castleisland Castleisland between awarded to West region received January 2020. remained at a steady 2015-2017 Castleisland between the highest level of level between 2015 2015-2017 tourism in 2017 with and 2017. A peak in 4,446,000. 2015 had number during the the lowest record of summer months tourists at 3,850,000. could be contributed This is a growth of towards tourists 2.3% between 2015 travelling to the and 2017. WAW. Lahinch No data available A rise in traffic in Lahinch has received Lahinch has not been The Mid-West Region as at the 23rd August 2016 may be the international blue awarded with a saw the highest January 2020. a result of the fight flag beach award Green Coast award number of visitors for climate change every year since between 2015-2017 during 2018 with event held at 2015. 3,898,000 tourists Lahinch. across all locations. 2,038,000 was the lowest count of visitors in 2015. This shows a rise of 1,051,000 visitors to the Mid-West since 2015.

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