Office of Public Works Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works - Donegal Arterial Drainage Scheme

2019-2023

Stage 2: Natura Impact Statement

December 2018

Office of Public Works Templemungret House Mungret Co. Limerick

JBA Project Manager Tom Sampson 24 Grove Island Corbally Limerick Ireland Revision History Revision Ref / Date Issued Amendments Issued to V0.4 Internal review Tanya Slattery (JBA) V0.10 Internal review Niamh Burke (JBA) V2.0 / 19 Dec 2018 Revisions following client Tony Brew (OPW) review Contract This report describes work commissioned by Helena Fagan, on behalf of the Office of Public Works, by a letter dated 6 June, 2018. The Office of Public Works representative for the contract was Tony Brew. Joe Freijser and Malin Lundberg of JBA Consulting carried out this work. Field survey work was carried out by Catalina Herrera, Colm O'Leary, Jonathan Harrison and Chris Toop of JBA Consulting between 30 July and 3 August.

Prepared by ...... JBA Joe Freijser BA MSc Ecologist

Malin Lundberg BSc MSc Assistant Ecologist

Reviewed by ...... Tanya Slattery BSc MSc Ecologist

Niamh Burke BSc PhD CEnv MCIEEM Senior Ecologist Purpose This document has been prepared as a Final Report for the OPW. JBA Consulting accepts no responsibility or liability for any use that is made of this document other than by the Client for the purposes for which it was originally commissioned and prepared. JBA Consulting has no liability regarding the use of this report except to the OPW. Copyright © Jeremy Benn Associates Limited 2018 Carbon Footprint A printed copy of the main text in this document will result in a carbon footprint of 577g if 100% post- consumer recycled paper is used and 735g if primary-source paper is used. These figures assume the report is printed in black and white on A4 paper and in duplex. JBA is aiming to reduce its per capita carbon emissions.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx i

Contents

1 Introduction ...... 3 1.1 Background ...... 3 1.2 Legislative context ...... 3 1.3 Appropriate Assessment Process ...... 4 1.4 Methodology...... 5 2 Project Description ...... 8 2.1 Arterial Drainage Maintenance ...... 8 2.2 Drainage Maintenance Activities ...... 8 2.3 The Arterial Drainage Scheme ...... 15 2.4 Drainage Maintenance Works Proposed for the Donegal Arterial Drainage Scheme ...... 15 3 Screening Assessment Results ...... 16 3.1 Surface Water Pathways ...... 16 3.2 Land and air pathways ...... 21 3.3 Groundwater pathways ...... 26 3.4 Summary of screening results ...... 33 4 Existing Environment ...... 35 4.1 General ...... 35 4.2 Ecology - Overview ...... 35 4.3 Ecological walkover survey results ...... 36 4.4 Flora ...... 44 4.5 Non-Native and Invasive Species ...... 45 5 Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence of the works/scheme ...... 46 5.1 River Finn SAC ...... 46 5.2 Lough Swilly SAC ...... 48 5.3 Lough Swilly SPA ...... 49 6 Appropriate Assessment...... 51 6.1 Introduction ...... 51 6.2 Identification of Potential Sources of Impact ...... 51 6.3 Impact Assessment ...... 54 6.4 Impact Evaluation ...... 56 7 Avoidance and Mitigation Measures ...... 75 7.1 Site specific mitigation measures ...... 75 7.2 Mitigation for Bridge/Sluice/Structural Works ...... 76 8 Conclusions ...... 78 References...... 80 Appendices ...... I A Conservation Objectives ...... I B Flora and Fauna ...... XVI I C Non-native invasive species ...... XL VIII D Environmental Drainage Maintenance Manual ...... LIII E Foreman's Bridge Inspection Report ...... LIV F Environmental Risk Assessment Form ...... LV G Ecological Survey Extent ...... LVI

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx

Contents

H Channels, Embankments, Bridges and Sluices screened into assessment and pathways of impact ...... LVI I

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx

List of Figures Figure 1-1: The Appropriate Assessment Process (from: Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities, DoEHLG, 2009).. 4 Figure 1-2: Screening assessment process ...... 6 Figure 3-1 Channels of the Donegal Scheme with potential impacts via surface water pathways ...... 17 Figure 3-2 Channels and embankments with potential impacts via land and air pathways ...... 21 Figure 3-3 Channels and embankments with potential impacts via groundwater pathways ...... 28 Figure 4-1 Depositing lowland river mosaic with wet willow-alder-ash woodland ...... 38 Figure 4-2 Blanket Nook channel C2 with Ranunculus Sp...... 39 Figure 4-3 Marsh habitat next to channel C1 section A at Inch Level with the potential to be Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels (6430) ...... 40 Figure 4-4 Muddy sand shore ...... 41 Figure 4-5 Mud shore with Salicornia habitat present On Swilly embankment E1 ...... 42 Figure 4-6 Potential Alluvial woodland along Deele and Swillyburn E2 embankment ...... 43 Figure 5-1 Overview of SACs and SPAs ...... 46

List of Tables Table 2-1: OPW Drainage Maintenance Subcategories ...... 8 Table 2-2: OPW Drainage Maintenance Types ...... 8 Table 3-1 Natura 2000 sites potentially impacted by the maintenance works ...... 16 Table 3-2 Surface water pathways ...... 17 Table 3-3 Summary results of SWD QIs / FOIs of SACs with potential surface water pathways, potential Annex I habitats present and potential for significant impact ...... 18 Table 3-4 Summary results of SWD QIs / FOIs of SACs with potential surface water pathways, potential Annex I habitats present and potential for significant impact ...... 19 Table 3-5 Land & Air Pathways ...... 21 Table 3-6 Summary results of QIs / FOIs with potential land and air connectivity to SACs, resulting ...... 22 in a potential for impact from the proposed works through land and air pathways ...... 22 Table 3-7 Summary results of QIs / FOIs with potential land and air connectivity to SPAs, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through land and air pathways ...... 24 Table 3-8 Natura 2000 site with potential to be impacted by groundwater pathways ...... 27 Table 3-9 Summary results of QIs / FOIs in Natura 2000 sites with potential groundwater connectivity, to SACs resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through groundwater pathways ...... 28 Table 3-10 Summary results of QIs / FOIs in Natura 2000 sites with potential groundwater connectivity to SPAs, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through groundwater pathways ...... 33 2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 1

Table 3-11 Conclusions of screening assessment for likelihood of significant effect...... 34 Table 4-1 Habitats found along the Donegal Scheme ...... 36 Table 5-1 Threats and pressures to River Finn SAC (002301) ...... 47 Table 5-2 Threats and pressures to Lough Swilly SAC (002301) ...... 48 Table 5-3 Threats and pressures to Lough Swilly SPA (004075) ...... 50 Table 6-1 Impact evaluation table ...... 57 Table 7-1 Specific mitigation measures ...... 75 Table 7-2 Mitigation measures for bridge, sluice and/or structural works ...... 76

Abbreviations AA ...... Appropriate Assessment CA ...... Competent Authority DoEHLG ...... Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government EC ...... European Community EP ...... Environmental Procedures EPA ...... Environmental Protection Agency GIS ...... Geographical Information System GWB ...... Groundwater Body GWD ...... Ground Water Dependant IFI ...... Inland Fisheries Ireland IROPI ...... Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest I-WeBS ...... Irish Wetland Bird Survey MAC ...... Maintenance Access Corridors NIS ...... Natura Impact Statement NBDC ...... National Biodiversity Data Centre NNIS ...... Non-Native Invasive Species NPWS ...... National Parks and Wildlife Services NRA ...... National Roads Authority OPW ...... Office of Public Works RBMP ...... River Basin Management Plan SAC ...... Special Area of Conservation SPA ...... Special Protection Area SWD ...... Surface Water Dependent QI ...... Qualifying Interests WFD ...... Water Framework Directive ZOI ...... Zone of Influence

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 2

1 Introduction

1.1 Background JBA has been appointed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to provide environmental consultancy services in relation to statutory arterial drainage maintenance activities for 2019 - 2023 on the Donegal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme. This includes preparing a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) report to present required information to the relevant Competent Authority (CA) to undertake Appropriate Assessment. Appropriate Assessment is required at this location due to the presence of the River Finn SAC (002301), Lough Swilly SAC (002287) and Lough Swilly SPA (004075) within the Donegal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme. An initial screening assessment was undertaken at this location for the purposes of Appropriate Assessment by JBA in 2014 (JBA 2014). This screening report defined the zone of influence of the works, screened Natura 2000 sites within this zone of influence for potential to be significantly impacted by the proposed works, and identified the potential for the proposed works to have significant impact. In accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora). Due to the identification of potentially significant effects in relation to the proposed works at this location, this NIS has been prepared to further assess the impacts on the integrity of the relevant Natura 2000 sites and devise appropriate avoidance and mitigation measures where necessary. As part of this NIS, the 2014 AA Screening is reviewed and updated within this NIS report as necessary. The proposed works as part of the Donegal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme, referred to as the "Scheme", are required as part of maintenance activities under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act, and include the River Foyle, River Finn and River Swilly various tributaries along the scheme channels. These channels are located within/adjacent to the Lough Swilly SAC and Lough Swilly SPA and River Finn SAC Natura 2000 site and therefore, requires Appropriate Assessment.

1.2 Legislative context The Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) aims to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest across Europe. The requirements of these directives are transposed into Irish law through the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations) 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011). Under the Directive a network of sites of nature conservation importance have been identified by each Member State as containing specified habitats or species requiring to be maintained or returned to favourable conservation status. In Ireland the network consists of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and SPAs, and also candidate sites, which form the Natura 2000 network. Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive requires that, in relation to European designated sites (i.e. SACs and SPAs that form the Natura 2000 network), "any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives". A competent authority (e.g. the OPW or Local Authority) can only agree to a plan or project after having determined that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned. Under article 6(4) of the Directive, if adverse impacts are likely, and in the absence of alternative options, a plan or project must nevertheless proceed for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI), including social or economic reasons, a Member State is required to take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure the overall integrity of the Natura 2000 site. The European Commission have to be informed of any compensatory measures adopted, unless a priority habitat type or species is present and in which case an opinion from the European Commission is required beforehand (unless for human health or public safety reasons, or of benefit to the environment).

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 3

1.3 Appropriate Assessment Process Guidance on the Appropriate Assessment (AA) process was produced by the European Commission in 2002, which was subsequently developed into guidance specifically for Ireland by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) (2009). These guidance documents identify a staged approach to conducting an AA, as shown Figure 1-1.

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4

Screening for AA AA Alternative Solutions IROPI

Figure 1-1: The Appropriate Assessment Process (from: Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities, DoEHLG, 2009)

1.3.1 Stage 1 - Screening for AA The initial, screening stage of the Appropriate Assessment is to determine: a. whether the proposed plan or project is directly connected with or necessary for the management of the European designated site for nature conservation b. if it is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the European designated site, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects For those sites where potential adverse impacts are identified, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, further assessment is necessary to determine if the proposals will have an adverse impact on the integrity of a European designated site, in view of the sites conservation objectives (i.e. the process proceeds to Stage 2).

1.3.2 Stage 2 - AA This stage requires a more in-depth evaluation of the plan or project, and the potential direct and indirect impacts of them on the integrity and interest features of the European designated site(s), alone and in-combination with other plans and projects, taking into account the site's structure, function and conservation objectives. Where required, mitigation or avoidance measures will be suggested. The competent authority can only agree to the plan or project after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site(s) concerned. If this cannot be determined, and where mitigation cannot be achieved, then alternative solutions will need to be considered (i.e. the process proceeds to Stage 3).

1.3.3 Stage 3 - Alternative Solutions Where adverse impacts on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites are identified, and mitigation cannot be satisfactorily implemented, alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the plan or project that avoid adverse impacts need to be considered. If none can be found, the process proceeds to Stage 4.

1.3.4 Stage 4 - IROPI Where adverse impacts of a plan or project on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites are identified and no alternative solutions exist, the plan will only be allowed to progress if imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) can be demonstrated. In this case compensatory measures will be required. The process only proceeds through each of the four stages for certain plans or projects. For example, for a plan or project, not connected with management of a site, but where no likely significant impacts are identified, the process stops at stage 1. Throughout the process, the precautionary principle must be applied, so that any uncertainties do not result in adverse impacts on a site.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 4

1.4 Methodology Data to be used in this assessment has been collected in a range of formats, from a range of sources, including: • A comprehensive desktop survey (Section 1.4.1) • The 2014 Donegal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Screening Assessment (JBA 2014) (Section 1.4.2) • A number of ecological surveys (Section 1.4.3) • National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) website (http://www.npws.ie/) where site synopsis, Natura 2000 data forms, GIS data and conservation objectives were obtained. • National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC 2018)

1.4.1 Desktop This NIS has been prepared with regard to the following documents: • DoEHLG (2009 rev 2010) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland Guidance for Planning Authorities. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG 2009). • European Communities (EC) (2000) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. European Commission (European Commission and Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 2000). • EC (2002) Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. European Commission (EC 2002). • EC (2007) Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the 'Habitats Directive' 92/43/EEC – Clarification of the concepts of: alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding public interest, compensatory measures, overall coherence, opinion of the commission. European Commission (EC 2007). • EC (2013) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 28. European Commission (EC 2013). • Fossitt, J., (2000). A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny (Fossitt 2000). • NPWS (2008). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland (NPWS 2008). • NPWS (2014). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Habitats Assessment Volume 2. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland (NPWS 2013a). • NPWS (2014). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Species Assessment Volume 3. Habitats Assessment Volume 2. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland (NPWS 2013b).

This report has been produced on currently available information, with the most up-to-date versions used.

1.4.2 Screening The screening assessment conducted for these works has been undertaken in line with recommended guidance including that specifically produced for the OPW in 2014 (Ryan Hanley 2014b, 2014a). This methodology is based on source > pathway > receptor chain principles and involves assessing likely significant effects on Natura 2000 sites within the zone of influence of the proposed drainage maintenance in relation to three pathways: 1. Surface water

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 5

2. Land & air 3. Groundwater The screening assessment involves assessing the impacts of drainage maintenance operations within the arterial drainage scheme, and its zone of influence, in relation to each of the three pathways individually. The results of each pathway are then combined in a concluding section to identify if/where likely significant effects may arise.

Figure 1-2: Screening assessment process

eptor Chain eptor Surface water Land & Air Groundwater Pathway present Pathway present Pathway present connecting connecting connecting potential potential impacts potential impacts impacts to relevant to relevant Natura to relevant Natura Natura 2000 sites 2000 sites 2000 sites

Source > Pathway > Rec > Pathway > Source

Further assessment required

The screening process uses a combination of GIS analysis and qualitative assessment to identify which drainage maintenance activities, on which specific watercourses, are likely to have significant effects on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites. The screening report, conducted by JBA ecologists in 2014, has been reviewed and updated as necessary for the production of this NIS.

1.4.3 Ecological surveys To inform the Appropriate Assessment process, a number of assessments and ecological surveys have been conducted, including: • An ecological desk-based assessment to collate information on designated sites and protected and notable species, including bird survey data from the waterbird survey programme and the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS). • Ecological walkover surveys were conducted from 30 July to 3 August on the channels and embankments shown on a map presented as Appendix G. The location of the cannels and embankments within the Scheme is listed below; • Cannels and embankments on the Carrigans tributary of the River Foyle, • Channels and embankments along the River Foyle north of Lifford, • Channels and embankments south east of Letterkenny on the River Swilly and Isle Burn, • Channels and embankments at Blanket Nook near Newtown Cunningham, • Channels and embankments at Inch Level south of Burnfoot. The ecological walkover survey was carried out in general accordance with the methods outlined in the following documents; • Heritage Council (2011). Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping (Smith et al. 2011). 2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 6

• Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology (Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), 1990, revised 2003). • Ecological Surveying Techniques for Protected Flora and Fauna during the Planning of National Road Schemes (NRA 2009). • Fossitt, J. (2000). A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny (Fossitt 2000). Aerial photographs and site maps assisted the habitat survey. Protected species, including mammals (e.g. Otter, Badger) and birds, were surveyed based upon sightings and signs of activity during the habitat survey and also by the identification of potentially suitable habitats. This included a preliminary assessment of features with suitability for roosting bats and recording of any non- native invasive species found. All evidence of protected habitats and species was recorded on a tablet using the bespoke JBA GISmapp application where relevant, and all information gathered was provided to the OPW on a separate GIS database. The full ecological survey extent is shown in Appendix G. The results of these surveys have informed this NIS where relevant.

1.4.4 Consultation The findings of this assessment will be subject to consultation with the NPWS. This report has been produced on currently available information, with the most up-to-date versions used. Where new, or updated, information becomes available the OPW will consider and review the findings of this assessment, if necessary.

1.4.5 Limitations and constraints The conclusion of this report necessarily relies on some assumptions and it is inevitably subject to some limitations. Most of the assumptions and limitations would not affect the conclusion but the following points are recorded to ensure the basis of the assessment is clear: • This NIS investigates the potential direct and indirect impacts of the proposed works upon relevant Natura 2000 sites and assesses the potential impacts for significance alone and in-combination with other plans and projects. This process takes into consideration the nature of the proposed works and the structure, function and conservation objectives of the relevant Natura 2000 sites. It gathers the required information from a variety of sources. Information used in this process may be subject to limitations and constraints that are not made clear in the various sources and these may then, impact upon the results of this report. Attempts are made to interpret potential constraints and limitations from relevant sources where possible. Where constraints and limitations within source data are evident, these are taken into consideration in the following assessment however, this does allow for a margin of error; • Where significant adverse impacts are determined to potentially occur as a result of the works, a number of appropriate mitigation measures to be implemented during the scheme are provided in order to prevent any significant adverse impacts as a result of the scheme and proposed associated works. The conclusion of this report is based on the assumption that during the works, staff will be made aware of sensitive ecological features that may be present on site, will be competent to identify the presence of these features and will be aware of the mitigation measures and Environmental Procedures (EPs) to be followed as required in such circumstances; • Ecological surveys attempt to characterise the habitats and their usage in the most accurate manner but are in effect only a snapshot in time. Surveyor bias, seasonality, tides and health and safety restrictions may allow for variations in survey results. Therefore, ecological surveys may not always identify the presence of all sensitive ecological features that may be present. • The description of activities, assessment and mitigation measures described in this report relate to the content of the draft OPW Environmental Procedures version 06/18 Rev A. • In all instances where constraints or limitations may impact the result of the NIS, the precautionary principle is used to prevent any bias.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 7

2 Project Description

2.1 Arterial Drainage Maintenance Between 1945 and 1995, under the Arterial Drainage Act (1945), the OPW completed 34 Arterial Drainage Schemes on river catchments, along with five estuarine embankment schemes (over 11,500km of channel and 730km of embankments). The OPW is statutorily obligated to maintain arterial drainage channels under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act, and since their completion, maintenance of these Arterial Drainage Schemes has been ongoing, with the majority of channels maintained every five years. However, larger channels tend to be only maintained every ten years, on average.

2.2 Drainage Maintenance Activities Arterial Drainage Maintenance includes a range of operations such as silt and vegetation management, mowing and structure maintenance, as detailed in Table 2-1, and listed as channel, embankment or structure maintenance in Table 2-2 below. It is required to retain the arterial drainage scheme design capacity. Table 2-1: OPW Drainage Maintenance Subcategories

Drainage Maintenance Subcategories A Silt and vegetation management B Aquatic vegetation cutting C Bank protection D Bush cutting/Branch trimming E Tree cutting F Mulching G Mowing H Gate installation I Sluice maintenance J Bridge maintenance K Other

Table 2-2: OPW Drainage Maintenance Types Category Maintenance Type Code

Silt and vegetation management A Aquatic vegetation cutting B Bank protection C Channel Maintenance Bush cutting/Branch trimming D Tree cutting E Other K Bush cutting/Branch trimming D Tree cutting E Embankment Mulching F Maintenance Mowing G Gate installation H Sluice maintenance I Structural Maintenance Bridge maintenance J Bank protection C Bush cutting/Branch trimming D

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 8

Category Maintenance Type Code

Tree cutting E

The following sections, taken from Ryan Hanley (2014a) and OPW (2011a), provide further details on the types and nature of arterial drainage maintenance operations undertaken by the OPW.

2.2.1 Channel Maintenance Activities The majority of drainage maintenance activities are focused on channel maintenance. While the frequency of maintenance on an individual channel may vary, with some channels requiring maintenance annually and others only requiring maintenance every twenty years, the average channel requires maintenance every four to six years. In this regard, approximately 2,000km of channels are maintained annually and nearly all of the 11,500km of channels across Irelands Arterial Drainage Schemes will have been maintained at least once over a period of five years. Channel maintenance is organised on a regional basis, with OPW Arterial Drainage Maintenance Regional Offices in Limerick, Headford, Co. Galway and Trim, Co. Meath. Scheme Design Standards Arterial Drainage Schemes constructed under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 were designed to provide an outfall for drainage of agricultural lands, and generally provided protection for a 3-year flood event. Where the creation of an outfall dictated the design bed levels, greater protection than the 3-year flood event was achieved as a consequence. In the case of modern flood relief schemes, flood protection for a 100-year flood event would be the design objective. The original Scheme designs, including the outfall datum for each of the Arterial Drainage Schemes, are available in the relevant OPW Arterial Drainage Maintenance Regional Office. This includes the mapped Scheme design, and the associated long sections and cross sections. These designs are used to inform channel maintenance. Types of Channel Requiring Maintenance In the years following the construction of a drainage scheme there is a tendency for the channel capacity to be progressively reduced due mainly to the transportation and deposition of bed materials, the accumulation of silt and the growth of in-channel vegetation. The resultant channel maintenance consists of repetitive works of a cyclical nature, to restore the Schemes design levels i.e. outfall datum in order to maintain the channel's designed capacity to convey water. Channels are prioritised for maintenance based on the rate of deterioration and the risk arising. The selection takes account of requests from the general public and potential flooding risk to roads, properties, urban areas and sewage works (OPW 2011a). Plane Bed to Low Gradient Channels Some 60 – 70% of maintained channels are of gentle longitudinal gradient and subject to relatively rapid deposition of silt, especially those that are subject to prolific growth of in-channel vegetation. The majority of maintenance works are therefore located on smaller lower-lying channels, with 90% of works in channels with a base width of <3m (OPW 2011a). In such channels silt and in-channel vegetation may cause the low flow level to rise by 50-300mm above the Scheme design level. In such circumstances maintenance is focused on restoring both low-flow and flood-flow water levels to original Scheme design. Medium to High Gradient Channels A smaller proportion of channels are steep and fast flowing and are subject to flash floods, bank erosion and rapid movement of bed gravel. The steeper sections of channel normally require relatively little and infrequent maintenance works (OPW 2011a) as opposed to channels of low gradient which are subject to rapid accumulation of silt and proliferation of vegetation. These channels will have a greater requirement for bank protection works. Periods and Cycles of Maintenance The average channel requires silt and vegetation management every four to six years. However, channels with prolific weed growth may require maintenance annually, particularly where downstream bridges are at risk of being blocked due to a flow of decaying vegetation in autumn.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 9

Conversely, some channels may only require in-stream maintenance every twenty years due to the self-cleaning characteristics e.g. high gradient channels. Where the period between previous channel maintenance works has been exceptionally long, dense scrub and woody vegetation can establish along the channel and within the maintenance access corridor. In such circumstances, drainage maintenance works will include the removal of scrub/transitional woodland (code WS1 in the Fossitt Classification, 2000) that has developed along the banksides via bush cutting/branch trimming, tree cutting or mulching. This is undertaken between the 1st September and 28th February to avoid the residential bird nesting season (from the 1st March to 31st August as per the Wildlife Act (1976). In contrast, in-stream works for silt and vegetation management are carried out outside of the salmonid spawning season (May to September) and the times that early life stages of salmonid fish will be present as per Section 173 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act (1959) on channels with salmonid spawning habitat. Any works required during this period are carried out in consultation with IFI. As a result, there may be a two stage approach to the works, with silt and in-stream vegetation management carried out during the open season (i.e. summer months), while woody vegetation removal is carried out in the winter months. Other restrictions on works may also apply in relation to the presence/absence of other protected species such as White-clawed Crayfish and Sea, River and Brook Lamprey which will influence the timing of works.

2.2.2 Embankment Maintenance Activities A total of 5 No. Estuarine Embankment Schemes were constructed under the 1945 Act. In addition, a number of the Arterial Drainage Schemes have embanked sections. Embankments are present within the Donegal Arterial Drainage Scheme. Scheme Design Standards As above for the Arterial Drainage Schemes, Estuarine Embankment Schemes constructed under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 were designed to provide an outfall for drainage of agricultural lands, and generally provided protection for a 3-year flood event. Where the creation of an outfall dictated the design bed levels, greater protection than the 3-year flood event was achieved as a consequence. In the case of modern flood relief schemes, flood protection for a 100-year flood event would be the design objective. The original Scheme designs are available in the relevant OPW Arterial Drainage Maintenance Regional Office. This includes the mapped Scheme design, and the associated long sections and cross sections. Types of Embankments Requiring Maintenance All embankments and associated sluice structures (see section 2.2.3) are inspected annually for signs of disrepair. Regular inspections are carried out on sections of embankments, which are known from experience to be at risk, together with additional inspections after a storm surge at sea or a high tidal/flood event. Maintenance of embankments includes removal of vegetation to allow for inspection of the embankment, and in some cases the replacement of existing fencing with gates to allow for future access during maintenance.

2.2.3 Structural Maintenance Activities Structural Design Standards During the maintenance of the Arterial Drainage Schemes under the 1945 Act, some 18,500 No. accommodation bridges were identified and modified, or replaced as required. These bridges provide farmers owning land on both sides of a channels with farm vehicular and/or foot access from one side to the other. The type of bridge provided depended on the width, depth and required flow capacity of the channel, and ranged from concrete piped culverts to relatively large structures formed on concrete or masonry abutments spanned by structural steel beams, or lattice girders together with concrete or timber decking. During the Estuarine Embankment Schemes under the 1945 Act, existing sluice structures were identified and modified, or replaced as required. Additional sluice structures were constructed as

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 10

required bringing the total number to approximately 750. The function of these sluice structures is to allow water from the floodplain behind the embankments to discharge to the main river or estuary. Types of Structures Requiring Maintenance In general, as channel maintenance proceeds, the bridges are examined by the supervisory industrial staff and if required, repairs/replacements are scheduled. The type of bridge structures, which are most likely to have fallen into a critical state of disrepair, are those with timber decking supported on steel beams, and those in which abutment foundations are being undercut. There is a standard type of design for the replacement of these structures, which consists essentially of mass concrete abutments with reinforced cast in-situ decking. This type of structure is simple to construct and under normal circumstances, it will last for many years with little or no maintenance. On many occasions, it is not necessary to totally replace a bridge, and repairs such as underpinning the foundation or replacement of wing-walls, parapets or sections of the deck may be all that is required to extend the useful life of the structure. Where bridge maintenance may be required, a Bridge Inspection Form will be filled out by the Foreman, prior to the works. This will determine the need for further assessment and potentially, any mitigation measures that may be required. See Appendix E - Foreman’s Bridge Inspection Report. All embankments and associated structures are inspected annually for disrepair. Due to the time elapsed since scheme completion, some of these sluice structures have reached their design life and have started to fail. In this instance, full replacement is required. Typically, this involves the installation of pre-cast headwalls and back walls, and the replacement of existing corrugated galvanised steel pipes with PVC plastic pipes. Sluice doors are the most frequent part of the sluice structure that are required to be repaired or replaced. Repairs to a sluice door consist of replacing the arms/hinges on the existing cast iron door. On occasion, the existing cast iron door would be replaced with a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) door. Blockages often occur at the doors of the sluices due to silt build up. These blockages are removed using along reach excavator working from the bank of the channel. It is not known where bridges, sluice doors or structures may require maintenance on the Donegal Scheme. Maintenance of bridges, structures and/or sluices will only occur within the scheme after following the relevant environmental procedures as detailed in the OPW Environmental Procedures document (OPW 2018) and using specific mitigation measures as defined in this document and Section 7.2. Structures that are assessed in this NIS for potential impacts as a result of maintenance works are included in Appendix H. This NIS does not include assessment for the removal, demolition, replacement or erection of bridges, sluices or structures.

2.2.4 Maintenance works considered outside of the Scheme Design Standards and outside of normal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works Occasionally, works are required that can be considered outside of the scope of the normal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works to maintain a scheme. Works considered outside of the normal scope of statutory arterial drainage maintenance works have are not assessed for impacts in this report. Works that could be considered outside of the normal scope of works include those involving extensive bank protection measures, removal of mature woodland, unplanned bridge maintenance works that have not had any assessments completed, or any other unplanned works within the zone of influence of a Natura 2000 site.

2.2.5 Plant and Machinery The types of machinery typically utilised during maintenance works would include 3600 hydraulic excavators (from 15-20 tonne excavators), mini-diggers, tractors and trailers, tipper lorries, hydraulic shears, hydraulic secateurs, chainsaws, mulchers and mowers; the machinery used is dependent on the maintenance activity being conducted. The removal of dense in-stream silt and vegetation requires the use of a hydraulic excavator with a 1.5m wide (approximate) bucket (capacity approximate 500ltrs). For standard excavators, works progress at a rate of 700m to 900m per week. In relation to long-reach excavators, works progress at a slower rate of between 200m and 350m per week. Rates may change due to channel width or ground conditions. 2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 11

2.2.6 Maintenance Access Corridors (MAC) and Working Zone Maintenance sites are generally accessed via the public road and through farmland. A maintenance access corridor is utilised along one side of a channel for maintenance purposes. These established routes are used to track the hydraulic excavators for maintenance and for the disposal of spoil (see section 2.2.8). The same route is generally followed every maintenance cycle. This approach avoids disturbance of habitats on the opposite bank during works. Where grasslands are present within the maintenance access corridor, the impact is predominantly temporary as the grasslands are trampled by machinery and can recolonise following completion of the maintenance activities. Within woodland and scrub habitats a linear path more typical of disturbed vegetation i.e. scrub/transitional woodland (WS1) will be evident along the maintenance access corridor due to regular machine access. In this regard, the disturbance regime associated with the tracking of plant machinery along the maintenance access corridors on the channel bank arrests succession to mature woodland such that scrub/transitional woodland (WS1) dominates. Where mature trees are present these are generally avoided by plant machinery. Structures are generally accessed through farmland from the public road above. Plant machinery will utilise the same maintenance access corridor used for channel maintenance to gain access to the structure. Where individual trees, woodland and scrub habitats are present at the location of the structure, these may be removed to facilitate bridge inspection and works. Where mature trees are present these are generally avoided by plant machinery. The location of drainage maintenance works is generally accessed via public roads and through farmland, with the siting of mobile short-term staff welfare facilities, plant storage and car parking agreed with local landowners. There is no requirement for temporary site lighting. There is a requirement for water supply and disposal of wastewater from the welfare facilities (see section 2.2.8 in relation to waste disposal).

2.2.7 Site Compounds (Welfare Facilities), Access Routes and Haul Roads Haul roads are generally not required to facilitate drainage maintenance activities. Where access is required in soft ground conditions, plant equipment will be brought in on tracks or temporary matting will be laid to provide a corridor for machinery access. Where matting is utilised, it will be completely removed post completion of works to allow vegetation to recolonise. All plant and machinery is confined to one defined access route to minimise disturbance. All plant and machinery are regularly maintained and serviced to minimise release of hydrocarbons. All hydraulic excavators and other plant machinery use long life engine oil and biodegradable hydraulic oil. Fuelling and lubrication are conducted a minimum of 50m away from all channels. Spill kits are present in all plant used in maintenance activities. Integrated submersible pumps are also deployed in the event of structural maintenance and the requirement for dewatering of excavations.

2.2.8 Waste Output/Disposal The material removed from a channel during silt and vegetation management is normally spread thinly along the bank or on top of existing spoil heaps where present within the access corridor. All dead wood material is left on site to decompose or is removed off site and utilised as firewood under local landowner agreements. Where mulchers or mowers are deployed, the arisings are left on site to decompose or the mulched material is buried. Construction and demolition waste from structures includes broken concrete and stone. Steel railings are returned to the depot for recycling. Used engine oil and hydraulic oil is disposed of by a licensed waste handler. Toilet facilities are maintained by a licensed waste handler. Any waste generated on site is returned to the depot for segregation and disposal by a licensed waste handler.

2.2.9 Working Hours All maintenance activities are undertaken during daylight hours. Standard working hours are 8.00am to 4.30pm, with lunch and tea breaks, Monday to Friday. There is no requirement for temporary site lighting to facilitate works. Machines are powered down when not in use.

2.2.10 Environmental Training Environmental training of all staff involved in drainage maintenance is an ongoing process. Technical and Operational Staff have completed formal training in Environmental Drainage 2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 12

Maintenance (EDM) in 2004. This training course was revised and expanded under the OPW’s Environmental River Enhancement Programme (EREP) and was delivered to all staff in 2010. The training programme delivered included presentations in river corridor ecology, the Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance Notes (Ten Steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance), maintenance strategies involving both ‘enhanced maintenance’ and ‘capital enhancement’, and OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols and Environmental Procedures (EPs) (see section 2.2.12 for more details). Both sets of training were developed and delivered by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). The formal approach to EDM Training is complimented with on-site training. Regular site visits from IFI and OPW’s Environment Section provide further guidance and advice to operational staff. Auditing of operational staff on the implementation of the Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance Notes (Ten Steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance (OPW 2018) is also carried out by both IFI and OPW’s Environment Section. In addition, other environmental training takes place as deemed beneficial, e.g. in 2008, the majority of the technical and operational staff were trained in Otter Awareness. This course, provided by the Department of Zoology, Trinity College Dublin, included presentations on Otter ecology, and on-site identification of Otter signs and suitable habitat. More recently, an environmental training course was designed and provided by JBA to all OPW staff in 2017 and 2018. It was given in three different stages. Management staff were given a more detailed 2-day course in Environmental and Ecological training. Ground staff were given 1.5 days of training in the environment and ecology. Modules were designed to assist staff in understanding the relevant legislation, recognising ecologically sensitive habitats and species, invasive non-native species identification and general environmental and ecological training relevant to their work. This included a half day practical session where ecologists demonstrated the identification of the elements taught in the classroom, in the field. Training in the completion of an Environmental Risk Assessment and Bridge Inspections from an ecological perspective, was designed and provided by JBA Consulting to OPW Foremen and selected engineering staff in 2018.

2.2.11 Environmental Audits A portion of operational crews have been audited annually by the OPW Environment Section, IFI and in 2018 by JBA Consulting for the implementation of the Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance Notes (Ten Steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance) and the OPW’s Environmental Management Protocol and EPs. Auditing is carried out by JBA Consulting and the OPW on a rotational basis to ensure all operational crews are audited at least once every three years. All audit results are discussed on-site and forwarded in full to the relevant engineer for that Scheme within two working weeks. In the event of an audit showing elements of unreasonable non- compliance with procedures, the relevant Engineer will be notified within one working day. Audit results are also forwarded to OPW Systems Manager for inclusion in monthly regional benchmarking reports.

2.2.12 Environmental Management Protocol and Environmental Procedures The draft OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols (OPW 2018) set out how regional management staff manage a range of environmental aspects, including programming of works to accommodate certain environmental windows or restrictions on timing of works, and recording of data. A total of 31 No. EPs are applied during operational works. The 31 EPs replace the previous SOPs (OPW 2011b). The EPs will be rolled out across the OPW in 2018. These EPs set out actions designed to eliminate, or substantially reduce, likely impacts to identified species and their associated habitats. A brief summary of these follow. Planning EPs relevant to Management Staff: • Including Environmental Risk Assessment Procedure; and • Appropriate Assessment Procedure

Implementation EPs - relevant to all staff:

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 13

• Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance Notes (10 Steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance) • Tree Management Procedure • Silt Management Procedure • Machinery related procedure

Invasive Species EPs - relevant to all staff • Spread of Invasive Plant (Low Biosecurity) Procedure • Spread of Water Based Invasives (High Biosecurity) Procedure

Species EPs - relevant to all staff • Salmonid Procedure • Otter Procedure • Bats Procedure • Freshwater Pearl Mussel Procedure

Habitat EPs - relevant to all staff • Alluvial (Wet Woodland) Procedure • Wetland Procedure

The OPWs Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (OPW 2011) may still be in use as the updated EP document (2018) is being rolled out throughout the country. The original OPWs Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (OPW 2011b) document can be downloaded from http://www.opw.ie/en/media/OPW%20Environmental%20Management%20Protocols%20&%20S OPs%20April%202011.pdf. The new Environmental Drainage Maintenance Manual is in Appendix D, and not yet publicly available at the time of drafting this NIS. The description of activities, assessment and mitigation measures described in this report relate to the content of the draft OPW Environmental Procedures version 06/18 Rev A. An Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) process has been developed by the OPW which will be filled in by the program producer for >3m base width main channels where maintenance has not occurred for 15 years and embankment works where maintenance has not occurred for 15 years. The ERA form for this process is in Appendix F.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 14

2.3 The Arterial Drainage Scheme The Arterial Drainage Scheme is located in County Donegal. It includes 257.1km of watercourse and 116.1km of embankment.

Figure 2-1 Map of the Donegal Scheme

2.4 Drainage Maintenance Works Proposed for the Donegal Arterial Drainage Scheme Within the Donegal Arterial Drainage Scheme the exact location and type of required maintenance activity varies over time. For the purposes of this NIS not all activities will occur on all scheme channels, structures and embankments. However, due to the high level nature of this report, all normal drainage maintenance activities are assessed.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 15

3 Screening Assessment Results An Appropriate Assessment screening assessment, addressing Stage 1 of the AA process, was originally completed for the Donegal Arterial Drainage Scheme in 2014 (JBA 2014) . This has been reviewed based on up to date information in this report and the Conservation Objectives for each site. Any amendments have been included in this report. The resulting AA Screening identified that likely significant effects on Natura 2000 sites may occur as a result of the proposed maintenance activities and therefore a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is necessary. The Stage 1 Screening Assessment was conducted in line with guidance produced for the OPW in 2014 (Ryan Hanley 2014b, 2014a). This methodology is based on source > pathway > receptor chain principles and involves assessing likely significant effects on Natura 2000 sites within the zone of influence of the proposed drainage maintenance in relation to three pathways: 1. Surface water 2. Land & air 3. Groundwater

The screening assessment involved assessing the impacts of drainage maintenance operations within the arterial drainage scheme, and its zone of influence, in relation to each of the three pathways individually. Conclusions were then drawn to identify if maintenance works upon the channels within the scheme, could impact upon Natura 2000 sites. Sites that had the potential to be impacted by the maintenance works were determined to be within the ZOI and these sites require further assessment. The review of the previous screening included a review of the ZOI and an assessment of any new Natura 2000 sites, and/or any changes to current Natura 2000 sites within the ZOI. The screening assessment review also took into consideration the up to date information on the upcoming programme of works where relevant. The resulting assessment included the Natura 2000 sites in Table 3-1. Table 3-1 Natura 2000 sites potentially impacted by the maintenance works

Ballyhoorisky Point to Fanad Head SAC (001975) Ballyarr Wood SAC (000116) Cloghernagore Bog and Glenveagh National Park SAC (002047) Derryveagh and Glendowan Mountains SPA (004039) Fanad Head SPA (004148) Horn Head to Fanad Head SPA (004194) Leannan River SAC (002176) Lough Fern SPA (0004060) Lough Swilly SAC (002287) Lough Swilly SPA (004075) Meentygrannagh Bog SAC (000173) North Inishowen Coast SAC (002012) River Finn SAC (002301),

3.1 Surface Water Pathways As a result of the screening assessment maintenance activities on those watercourses shown in Figure 3-1 were identified as potentially resulting in significant adverse impacts on the Natura 2000 sites shown in Table 3-2 via surface water pathways. This includes the River Swilly, River Foyle, River Finn, the Blanket Nook channels and the River Skeoge channels.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 16

Table 3-2 Surface water pathways Natura 2000 Site (Site Code) Is site within the same Is there surface water surface water connectivity with the catchment as the scheme? scheme? River Finn SAC (002301) Yes Yes Meentygrannagh Bog SAC Yes No (000173) Lough Swilly SAC (002287) Yes Yes Lough Swilly SPA (004075) Yes Yes

Figure 3-1 Channels of the Donegal Scheme with potential impacts via surface water pathways This assessment was determined based on presence of surface water connectivity between the Natura 2000 sites and the Donegal Arterial Drainage Scheme, and considering a variety of factors. Relevant factors considered in the assessment included the "At Risk" status (Under the Water Framework Directive (WFD)) of all surface waterbodies within the area of works, the potential for impact, the significance of potential impacts and the relevance of any threats and pressures within the Natura 2000 site. Significance was determined based on the nature of the surface water dependant (SWD) qualifying interests that may be present and the nature of the scheme based on the hydrological setting within the catchment. Pre-determined distances and typologies (Ryan Hanley 2014b) were used to define the zone of influence of the works and determine potential and significance of impacts. Using the precautionary principle, during the screening assessment, SWD habitats and species that may be present were assessed as if present, based on information available in the Conservation Objectives, Natura 2000 Data Form and the Site Synopsis. These potentially present Qualifying Interests / Features of Interest were then assessed for the potential to be significantly impacted by the proposed works if present. The results of this assessment are in Table 3-3

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 17

Table 3-3 Summary results of SWD QIs / FOIs of SACs with potential surface water pathways, potential Annex I habitats present and potential for significant impact

EU SWD Qualifying Drainage Activity location relative to Desktop Study Conclusion Code Interest/Special SWD Qualifying interest Comment Conservation Downstream Upstrea Overla Interest m p

River Finn SAC (002301) 1106 Salmon Salmo salar None <5 km Yes (NPWS 2017a)states the Finn river system is on of Irelands best Salmon Potential for Likely waters and the population of spring Salmon appears stable, however due Significant Effect to artificial blockages Salmon is restricted to the lower stretches of the River Finn SAC and restricting access to spawning areas. The channels and embankments are in and along the lower stretches of the River Finn 1355 Otter Lutra lutra None <5 km Yes (NPWS 2017a) states the site is important to Otter which is widespread Potential for Likely throughout the system. The current range of Otter is estimated at 93.6 %. Significant Effect The channels and embankments are in and along the lower stretches of the River Finn 3110 Oligotrophic waters <3km <5km Yes (NPWS 2017a) state that lowland oligotrophic lakes are found at Loughs No Potential for containing very few Finn, Belshade and Derg, as well as in many of the smaller lakes within Likely Significant minerals of sandy the site. The surface water catchments that overlap this SAC and scheme Effect plains (Littorelletalia watercourses are at the very downstream end of the site, along the River uniflorae) Foyle where no lake habitats are present. Lough Swilly SAC (002287) 1130 Estuaries N/A <3 km Yes (NPWS 2011a) report that the site consists of the inner part of Lough Potential for Likely Swilly, a long sea lough, and is estuarine in character; scheme Significant Effect watercourses are located around the lough margins. 1150 Coastal Lagoons N/A <3 km Yes NPWS (2011a) report that lakes which are lagoonal in nature occur at Potential for Likely Inch and Blanket Nook; scheme watercourses are present in both of these Significant Effect areas. 1355 Otter Lutra lutra N/A <5 km Yes (NPWS 2016) states the site supports a population of Otter however, Potential for Likely specific information on the distribution of this species within the SAC has Significant Effect not been provided.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 18

Table 3-4 Summary results of SWD QIs / FOIs of SACs with potential surface water pathways, potential Annex I habitats present and potential for significant impact

SWD Annex I Special Conservation Interest likely to Drainage maintenance activity location Desktop Study Comment Conclusion habitats Habitat occur relative to SWD Special Conservation present Interests Downstream Upstream Overlap Lough Swilly SPA (004075) Estuaries Estuaries Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus N/A <3 km Yes (NPWS 2011a)report that the Potential for [MW4] (1130) Greylag Goose Anser anser site consists of the inner part Likely Significant Wigeon Mareca penelope of Lough Swilly, a long sea Effect lough, and is estuarine in Teal Anas crecca character; scheme Mallard Anas platyrhynchos watercourses are located Shoveler Anas clypeata around the lough margins. Scaup Aythya marila Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Knot Calidris canutus Dunlin Calidris alpina Curlew Numenius arquata Redshank Tringa totanus Greenshank Tringa nebularia Common Gull Larus canus Greenland White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons flavirostris Coastal Coastal Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus N/A <3 km Yes (NPWS 2011a)report that Potential for Lagoons Lagoons Wigeon Mareca penelope lakes which are lagoonal in Likely Significant [CW1] (1150) Teal Anas crecca nature occur at Inch and Effect Blanket Nook; scheme Mallard Anas platyrhynchos watercourses are present in Scaup Aythya marila both of these areas. Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 19

SWD Annex I Special Conservation Interest likely to Drainage maintenance activity location Desktop Study Comment Conclusion habitats Habitat occur relative to SWD Special Conservation present Interests Downstream Upstream Overlap Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Curlew Numenius arquata Redshank Tringa totanus Greenshank Tringa nebularia Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Common Gull Larus canus

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 20

3.2 Land and air pathways As a result of the screening assessment, maintenance activities on those watercourses shown in Figure 3-2, were identified as potentially resulting in significant adverse impacts on the Natura 2000 sites shown in Table 3-5 via Land and Air Pathways. This includes the River Swilly, River Foyle, River Finn, the Blanket Nook channels (Newtown Cunningham) and the River Skeoge channels at Inch Level (Burnfoot). Table 3-5 Land & Air Pathways Natura 2000 Site Name 0.6km Buffer Zone 0.01km (Overlap) (Site Code) Type of Impact Indirect impacts for noise Direct impacts from physical and visual disturbance disturbance of habitats through air pathways through land pathways Lough Swilly SAC Yes Yes (002287) River Finn SAC (002301) Yes Yes Lough Swilly SPA Yes Yes (004075)

Figure 3-2 Channels and embankments with potential impacts via land and air pathways Summary results of qualifying interests (QIs) with potential for significant impact by land and air pathways are shown for each of the Natura sites in Table 3-6.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 21

Table 3-6 Summary results of QIs / FOIs with potential land and air connectivity to SACs, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through land and air pathways EU Species/Habit Maintenance Qualifying Interest/ Location Result Code ats activity location Special Conservation of Impact relative to Interests location relative Natura 2000 to drainage maintenance site boundary activity Lough Swilly SAC (002287) 1130 Estuaries 0km / overlap (NPWS 2016) and show 10m Potential that the site consists of the significant inner part of Lough Swilly, a effect long sea lough, and is estuarine in character; scheme watercourses are located around the lough margins and could impact on this habitat type. 1330 Atlantic salt 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011b) show that 10m Potential meadows salt meadow habitats of this significant (Glauco- type are located near effect Puccinellietalia Rinnaraw Point on the maritimae) eastern shoreline, Begirris Point in the west and where the River Swilly connects to the lough near Castlewray and Drumardagh; scheme watercourses and embankments are located within 10m of the saltmarshes near the River Swilly. 1355 Otter Lutra 0km / overlap (NPWS 2016) states the INST/MAC Potential lutra site supports a population of + 150m significant Otter however, specific effect information on the distribution of this species within the SAC has not been provided. 91A0 Old sessile oak 0km / overlap NPWS (2011b) shows that 10m No woods with Ilex this woodland type is potential and Blechnum located at Ardrumman, significant in British Isles Rathmullan Wood, effect Tullyarvan, Carradoran Woods and around Carrick Lake; none of these locations are within 10m of scheme watercourses or embankments. 6410 Molinia 0km / overlap 11 hectares on Inch Level in 10m No Meadows Donegal has been potential described as Herb-rich significant Molinia meadow containing effect Lychnis flos-cuculi, Cardamine pratensis, Filipendula ulmaria and Myosotis laxa (O’Neill et al. 2010; NPWS 2016). The

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 22

EU Species/Habit Maintenance Qualifying Interest/ Location Result Code ats activity location Special Conservation of Impact relative to Interests location relative Natura 2000 to drainage maintenance site boundary activity Molinia meadows are approximately 500m from the drainage maintenance activities. River Finn SAC (002301) 1106 Salmon Salmo 0km / overlap (NPWS 2017a) states the INST Potential salar Finn river system is on of significant Irelands best Salmon effect waters and the population of spring Salmon appears stable, however due to artificial blockages Salmon is restricted to the lower stretches of the River Finn SAC and restricting access to spawning areas. The channels and embankments are in and along the lower stretches of the River Finn. 1355 Otter Lutra 0km / overlap (NPWS 2017a) states the INST/MAC Potential lutra site is important to Otter + 150m significant which is widespread effect throughout the system. The current range of Otter is estimated at 93.6 %. The channels and embankments are in and along the lower stretches of the River Finn 4010 Northern 0km / overlap (NPWS 2017a)report that 10m No Atlantic wet wet heath is associated with potential heaths with the blanket bog throughout significant Erica tetralix the site and is found on the effect shallow peats and better drained slopes. Scheme watercourses where drainage maintenance works are proposed only come within 10m of the SAC at the downstream, lowland end, adjacent to the River Foyle where blanket bog habitat and the associated wet heaths are not located. 7130 Blanket bog 0km / overlap (NPWS 2017a)state that 10m No (*active only) blanket bog occurs potential throughout much of the significant upland area of the site effect along the edges of the river. Scheme watercourses where drainage maintenance works are proposed only come within 10m of the SAC at the 2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 23

EU Species/Habit Maintenance Qualifying Interest/ Location Result Code ats activity location Special Conservation of Impact relative to Interests location relative Natura 2000 to drainage maintenance site boundary activity downstream, lowland end, adjacent to the River Foyle where blanket bog habitat is not located. 7140 Transition 0km / overlap (NPWS 2017a)state that 10m No mires and transition mires (or quaking potential quaking bogs bogs or scraws) occur at significant several locations, usually at effect the interface between bog and lake or stream, and consequently in the upland areas where the bogs are located. Scheme watercourses where drainage maintenance works are proposed only come within 10m of the SAC at the downstream, lowland end, adjacent to the River Foyle where bog habitat, and consequently the interfacing transition mire habitat, is not located.

Table 3-7 Summary results of QIs / FOIs with potential land and air connectivity to SPAs, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through land and air pathways

EU Species/Habitat Maintenance Qualifying Interest/ Special Location Result Code s activity location Conservation Interests of Impact relative to Natura location relative to drainage 2000 site maintenance activity boundary Lough Swilly SPA (004075) A005 Great Crested 0km / overlap NPWS (2011c)identify that 100m Potential Grebe Podiceps Great Crested Grebe use (winter) significant cristatus subsites OA499, OA486, effect OA399 and OA483 and could therefore be impacted upon. A038 Whooper Swan 0km / overlap NPWS (2011c) identify that 150m Potential Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan use subsites (winter) significant OA499 and OA399 and could effect therefore be impacted upon. A043 Greylag Goose 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c)identify that 300m Potential Anser anser Greylag Goose use subsites (winter) significant OA499 and OA399 and could effect therefore be impacted upon. A048 Shelduck 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c) identify that 100m Potential Tadorna tadorna Shelduck use subsites OA486, (winter) significant OA494, OA 483 and OA499 effect and OA399 and could therefore be impacted upon. A050 Wigeon Anas 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c) identify that 100m Potential Penelope Wigeon use subsites OA499, (winter) significant OA399 and OA486 and could effect therefore be impacted upon. 2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 24

EU Species/Habitat Maintenance Qualifying Interest/ Special Location Result Code s activity location Conservation Interests of Impact relative to Natura location relative to drainage 2000 site maintenance activity boundary A052 Teal Anas 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c) identify that 100m Potential crecca Teal use subsites OA499, (winter) significant OA486, OA494 and OA399 effect and could therefore be impacted upon. A053 Mallard Anas 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c) identify that 100m Potential platyrhynchos Mallard use all subsites within (winter) significant which drainage maintenance effect works are proposed and could therefore be impacted upon. A056 Shoveler Anas 0km / overlap NPWS (2011c)identify that 100m Potential clypeata Shoveler use subsites OA499, (winter) significant OA494 and OA486 and could effect therefore be impacted upon. A062 Scaup Aythya 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c)identify that 100m Potential marila Scaup use subsite OA499 and (winter) significant could therefore be impacted effect upon. A067 Goldeneye 0km / overlap NPWS (2011c)identify that 100m Potential Bucephala Goldeneye use subsites (winter) significant clangula OA499 and OA399 and could effect therefore be impacted upon. A069 Red-breasted 0km / overlap NPWS (2011c)identify that 100m Potential Merganser Red-breasted Merganser use (winter) significant Mergus serrator all subsites within which effect drainage maintenance works are proposed and could therefore be impacted upon. A125 Coot Fulica atra 0km / overlap NPWS (2011c) identify that 100m Potential Coot use subsite OA499 and (winter) significant could therefore be impacted effect upon. A130 Oystercatcher 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c)identify that 100m Potential Haematopus Oystercatcher use all subsites (winter) significant ostralegus within which drainage effect maintenance works are proposed and could therefore be impacted upon. A143 Knot Calidris 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c)identify that 100m Potential canutus Knot use subsite OA486 and (winter) significant could therefore be impacted effect upon. A149 Dunlin Calidris 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c)identify that 100m Potential alpina Dunlin use subsites OA486, (winter) significant OA494 and OA499 and could effect therefore be impacted upon. A160 Curlew 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c) identify that 500m Potential Numenius Curlew use all subsites within (nest site) significant arquata which drainage maintenance 100m effect works are proposed and could (winter) therefore be impacted upon. A162 Redshank 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c) identify that 100m Potential Tringa totanus Redshank use all subsites (winter) significant within which drainage effect maintenance works are proposed and could therefore be impacted upon.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 25

EU Species/Habitat Maintenance Qualifying Interest/ Special Location Result Code s activity location Conservation Interests of Impact relative to Natura location relative to drainage 2000 site maintenance activity boundary A164 Greenshank 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c) identify that 100m Potential Tringa nebularia Greenshank use subsites (winter) significant OA499 and OA494 and could effect therefore be impacted upon. A179 Black-headed 0km / overlap No information is available on 100m Potential Gull Larus the distribution of this species (nest site) significant ridibundus within the site. 50m effect (winter) A182 Common Gull 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c)identify that 100m Potential Larus canus Common Gull use subsites (nest site) significant OA499, OA399, OA494 and 50m effect OA483 and could therefore be (winter) impacted upon. A191 Sandwich Tern 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c) identify that the 100m No Sterna small island in Inch Lough (nest site) potential sandvicensis supports the largest tern significant colony in the north-west, with effect nationally important populations of Sandwich Tern (258 pairs in 2001) occurring. Drainage maintenance activities occur >800m from this island. A193 Common Tern 0km / overlap NPWS (2011c) identify that the 100m No Sterna hirundo small island in Inch Lough (nest site) potential supports the largest tern significant colony in the north-west, with effect nationally important populations of Common Tern (89 pairs in 2001) occurring. Drainage maintenance activities occur >800m from this island. Greenland 0km / overlap (NPWS 2011c) identify that 600m Potential A395 White-fronted Greenland White-fronted (winter) significant Goose Anser Goose use subsites OA499 effect albifrons and OA494 and could flavirostris therefore be impacted upon. A999 Wetlands & 0km / overlap ((NPWS 2011c) identifies that 0.01km / Potential Waterbirds a number of wetland habitats overlap significant occur around the lough effect margins. Notes: MAC = Maintenance Access Corridor BR = Bridge INST = Instream

3.3 Groundwater pathways As a result of the screening assessment, maintenance activities on those watercourses, shown in Table 3-8 were identified as potentially resulting in significant adverse impacts on Natura 2000 sites via groundwater pathways. Summary results of qualifying interests (QIs) with potential for significant impact groundwater pathways are shown for each of the Natura sites in Table 3-8.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 26

Table 3-8 Natura 2000 site with potential to be impacted by groundwater pathways GWB name (EU_Code) Natura 2000 Site (Site Code) Natura 2000 and flow regime Site within GWB Lough Swilly Derryveagh and Glendowan Mountains Yes (IEGBNI_NW_G_059) SPA (004039) Poorly productive bedrock Lough Fern SPA (0004060) Yes Lough Swilly SPA (004075) Yes Horn Head to Fanad Head SPA Yes (004194) Fanad Head SPA (004148) Yes Ballyhoorisky Point to Fanad Head SAC Yes (001975) Lough Swilly SAC (002287) Yes Leannan River SAC (002176) Yes Ballyarr Wood SAC (000116) Yes Cloghernagore Bog and Glenveagh Yes National Park SAC (002047) Meentygrannagh Bog SAC (000173) Yes North Inishowen Coast SAC (002012) Yes Manor Cunningham Lough Swilly SPA (004075) Yes (IE_NW_G_052) Lough Swilly SAC (002287) Yes Poorly productive bedrock Raphoe (IE_NW_G_0540) River Finn SAC (0002301) Yes Poorly productive bedrock River Finn SAC (0002301) Yes Foyle Gravels (IE_NW_G_075) Gravel River Foyle River Finn SAC (0002301) Yes (IEGBNI_NW_G_051) Poorly productive bedrock

This assessment was determined based on the location of the relevant Natura 2000 sites within the same groundwater bodies as the Donegal Arterial Drainage Scheme; Lough Swilly (IEGBNI_NW_G_059), Manor Cunningham (IE_NW_G_052), Raphoe (IE_NW_G_0540), Foyle Gravels (IE_NW_G_075), River Foyle (IEGBNI_NW_G_051), and considering a variety of factors. Relevant factors considered assessing the potential for the Natura 2000 site to be impacted through groundwater pathways and also included the presence of Groundwater Dependant (GWD) QIs / FOIs, the risk status under the WFD of each site and the potential and significance of impact, should one occur. Each qualifying interest of the screened in Natura 2000 site, was then assessed individually for potential to be impacted and the overall assessment included a review of the potential for cumulative and/or in-combination impacts as a result of the identified pressures and threats identified in the Natura 2000 forms (NPWS 2017b, 2017c) (NPWS 2017d). The location of the drainage maintenance activity works relative to the Natura 2000 sites and features of interest were considered to determine relevance at this stage, along with GWD habitat typology. Pre- determined distances and typologies (Ryan Hanley 2014b) were used to define the zone of influence of the works and determine potential and significance of impacts. Location of GWD QIs within the GWB, where available in the Conservation Objectives, Natura 2000 Data Form and the Site Synopsis, were used to determine if they were within the ZOI of the works and therefore, potentially at risk to be impacted by groundwater pathways. Where the location of GWD QIs were not available, the precautionary principle was used during the screening assessment. Species that may be present were assessed as if present throughout based on

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 27

information available in the Conservation Objectives, Natura 2000 Data Form and the Site Synopsis. These potentially present QIs / FOIs were then assessed for potential to be significantly impacted by the proposed works if present. The results of this assessment are seen in Table 3-9.

Figure 3-3 Channels and embankments with potential impacts via groundwater pathways

Table 3-9 Summary results of QIs / FOIs in Natura 2000 sites with potential groundwater connectivity, to SACs resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through groundwater pathways GWB Qualifying GWD Drainage Desk Study Comment Result Interest Habitats Habitat maintenance Typology activity location relative to Natura 2000 site Lough Swilly (IEGBNI_NW_G_059), Manor Cunningham (IE_NW_G_052) poorly productive bedrock GWBs Lough Swilly SAC (002287)

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 28

GWB Qualifying GWD Drainage Desk Study Comment Result Interest Habitats Habitat maintenance Typology activity location relative to Natura 2000 site Coastal lagoons A Upgradient NPWS (2011a) identify Potential [1150] that coastal lagoons are significant present at Inch and effect Blanket Nook within the Lough Swilly GWB; scheme watercourses are present in close proximity to these lagoon habitats within this GWB. There are no lagoon habitats within the Manor Cunningham GWB. Atlantic salt meadows A Upgradient NPWS (2011a) show Potential (Glauco- that salt meadow significant Puccinellietalia habitats of this type are effect maritimae) [1330] located near Rinnaraw Point on the eastern shoreline, Begirris Point in the west and where the River Swilly connects to the lough near Castlewray and Drumardagh; scheme watercourses and embankments are located within 10m of the saltmarshes near the River Swilly within both of these GWBs. Molinia meadows on A Upgradient 11 hectares on Inch Potential calcareous, peaty or Level in Donegal has significant clavey-silt-laden soils been described as Herb- effect (Molinion caeruleae) rich Molinia meadow [6410] containing Lychnis flos- cuculi, Cardamine pratensis, Filipendula ulmaria and Myosotis laxa (O’Neill et al. 2010; NPWS 2016). The Molinia meadows are approximately 500m from the drainage maintenance activities.

(IE_NW_G_090) Foyle gravel GWB Lough Swilly SAC (002287)

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 29

GWB Qualifying GWD Drainage Desk Study Comment Result Interest Habitats Habitat maintenance Typology activity location relative to Natura 2000 site Coastal lagoons A Upgradient (NPWS 2011b) identify No [1150] that coastal lagoons are potential present at Inch and significant Blanket Nook. These effect areas are in the Lough Swilly GWB and not the Foyle gravel GWB therefore adverse impacts are unlikely to arise. Atlantic salt meadows A Upgradient (NPWS 2011b) show No (Glauco- that salt meadow potential Puccinellietalia habitats confirmed to be significant maritimae) [1330] of this type, and also effect potentially of this type are located near Rinnaraw Point on the eastern shoreline, Begirris Point in the west and where the River Swilly connects to the lough near Castlewray and Drumardagh. These locations are outside of the Foyle Gravel GWB. Raphoe (IE_NW_G_0540) and River Foyle (IEGBNI_NW_G_051) Poorly Productive Bedrock GWBs River Finn SAC (0002301) Oligotrophic waters A Downgradient NPWS (2017d)state that No containing very few lowland oligotrophic potential minerals of sandy lakes are found at significant plains (Littorelletalia Loughs Finn, Belshade effect uniflorae) [3110] and Derg, as well as in many of the smaller lakes within the site. Northern Atlantic wet A Downgradient (NPWS 2017d)report No heaths with Erica that wet heath is potential tetralix [4010] associated with the significant blanket bog throughout effect the site and is found on the shallow peats and better drained slopes. Blanket bog (*active A Downgradient (NPWS 2017d) state No only) [7130] that blanket bog occurs potential throughout much of the significant upland area of the site effect along the edges of the river.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 30

GWB Qualifying GWD Drainage Desk Study Comment Result Interest Habitats Habitat maintenance Typology activity location relative to Natura 2000 site Transition mires and A# Downgradient (NPWS 2017d) state No quaking bogs [7140] that transition mires (or potential quaking bogs or scraws) significant occur at several effect locations, usually at the interface between bog and lake or stream, and consequently in the upland areas where the bogs are located. Scheme watercourses within these GWBs are located in close proximity to the downstream part of the River Finn, in lowland areas, and consequently not in close proximity to where the bog habitat and the interfacing transition mire habitat will be located. Foyle Gravels (IE_NW_G_075) gravel River Finn SAC (0002301) Oligotrophic waters A Downgradient NPWS (2017d) state No containing very few that lowland oligotrophic potential minerals of sandy lakes are found at significant plains (Littorelletalia Loughs Finn, Belshade effect uniflorae) [3110] and Derg, as well as in many of the smaller lakes within the site. Northern Atlantic wet A Downgradient NPWS (2017d) report No heaths with Erica that wet heath is potential tetralix [4010] associated with the significant blanket bog throughout effect the site and is found on the shallow peats and better drained slopes. Blanket bog (*active A Downgradient (NPWS 2017d) state No only) [7130] that blanket bog occurs potential throughout much of the significant upland area of the site effect along the edges of the river.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 31

GWB Qualifying GWD Drainage Desk Study Comment Result Interest Habitats Habitat maintenance Typology activity location relative to Natura 2000 site Transition mires and A# Downgradient (NPWS 2017d) state No quaking bogs [7140] that transition mires (or potential quaking bogs or scraws) significant occur at several effect locations, usually at the interface between bog and lake or stream, and consequently in the upland areas where the bogs are located. Scheme watercourses within this GWB are located in close proximity to the downstream part of the River Finn, in lowland areas, and consequently not in close proximity to where the bog habitat and the interfacing transition mire habitat will be located. Note: GWD Habitat Typology after Table 5.1 Kilroy et al (2008) in Ryan Hanley (2014a) A = Type A, Groundwater Discharge Zone Wetlands B = Type B, Groundwater Flow-through Depression Wetlands A or B = No available information, based on expert opinion B1 = Where identified by Kilroy et al (2008) as both A and B type. B has been selected as worst case scenario A# = Type A, Groundwater Discharge Zone Wetlands additionally identified in consultation with NPWS as potentially being impacted by downgradient activities

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 32

Table 3-10 Summary results of QIs / FOIs in Natura 2000 sites with potential groundwater connectivity to SPAs, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through groundwater pathways

GWD Habitats Potential GWD GWD Drainage Desk Study Comment Result as per Natura Habitats Habitat maintenance 2000 Standard supporting Typology activity location Data Form, Site SCIs Fossitt relative to Natura Synopsis or 2000 (Annex I) 2000 site COSD Lough Swilly (IEGBNI_NW_G_059), Manor Cunningham (IE_NW_G_052) Poorly productive bedrock GWBs Lough Swilly SPA (004075) Salt marshes Coastal lagoons A Upgradient (NPWS 2011a) identify that Potential [CM1, CM2] [1150] coastal lagoons are present significant at Inch and Blanket Nook effect within the Lough Swilly GWB; scheme watercourses are present in close proximity to these lagoon habitats within this GWB. Lagoons [CW1] Atlantic salt A Upgradient (NPWS 2011a) shows that Potential meadows salt meadow habitats of this significant (Glauco- type are located near effect Puccinellietalia Rinnaraw Point on the maritimae) eastern shoreline, Begirris [1330] Point in the west and where the River Swilly connects to the lough near Castlewray and Drumardagh; scheme watercourses and embankments are located within 10m of the saltmarshes near the River Swilly within all 3 of these GWBs. Note: GWD Habitat Typology after Table 5.1 Kilroy et al (2008) in Ryan Hanley (2014a) A = Type A, Groundwater Discharge Zone Wetlands B = Type B, Groundwater Flow-through Depression Wetlands A or B = No available information, based on expert opinion B1 = Where identified by Kilroy et al (2008) as both A and B type. B has been selected as worst case scenario A# = Type A, Groundwater Discharge Zone Wetlands additionally identified in consultation with NPWS as potentially being impacted by downgradient activities

3.4 Summary of screening results The Screening Assessment (JBA 2014) identified that the Lough Swilly SAC, Lough Swilly SPA and River Finn SAC were likely to be significantly affected by drainage maintenance operations undertaken within the Donegal Arterial Drainage Scheme, due to the presence of Surface Water, Land and Air and Groundwater pathways. This conclusion is is established through following the methodology described in the Screening Methodology Report (Ryan Hanley, 2014a). These conclusions are based on the assumption that all drainage maintenance activities are to be undertaken on all watercourses, embankments and structures during the life of the plan (2019- 2023).Channels, Embankments, Bridges and Sluices of this Scheme that are included in this screening and their pathways of impact relevant to each Natura 2000 site are in Appendix H. From this screening exercise it has been determined that significant likely effects may occur within the Lough Swilly SAC and Lough Swilly SPA where works could impact via all three pathways.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 33

Likely significant impacts may affect River Finn SAC via surface water and/or land and air pathways Table 3-11.

Table 3-11 Conclusions of screening assessment for likelihood of significant effect

Site Pathway of Impact Comment Surfac Land Ground e and water Water Air Ballyarr Wood SAC No No No No adverse impacts on these site via any of (000116) the three pathways were identified as part Ballyhoorisky Point to No No No of this assessment. Fanad Head SAC (001975) Cloghernagore Bog and No No No Glenveagh National Park SAC (002047) Meentygrannagh Bog No No No SAC (000173) River Finn SAC Yes Yes No The Salmon and Otter populations within (002301) the River Finn SAC could be adversely impacted upon by drainage maintenance activities via surface water and land and air pathways, due to decreased water quality, disturbance and habitat alterations. Other qualifying interests within the site will not be impacted upon. Leannan River SAC No No No No adverse impacts on this site via any of (002176) the three pathways were identified as part of this assessment. Lough Swilly SAC Yes Yes Yes This site is designated for a number of (002287) habitat types and Otter. Different qualifying interests will be impacted upon via different pathways of impact. The only qualifying interests that will not be impacted upon are Spartina swards and old sessile Oak woodlands. North Inishowen Coast No No No No adverse impacts on these site via any of SAC (002012) the three pathways were identified as part Derryveagh and No No No of this assessment. Glendowan Mountains SPA (004039) Fanad Head SPA No No No (004148) Horn Head to Fanad No No No Head SPA (004194) Lough Fern SPA No No No (0004060) Lough Swilly SPA Yes Yes Yes This site is designated for a large number of bird species and wetland habitats, although different species are impacted upon via different pathways, depending on the nature of the habitats that supports them and their patterns of usage in the site. Note: Yes = likely significant effect No = no likely significant effect

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 34

4 Existing Environment This section summarises the findings of the ecological walkover surveys of the river channel and the results of the desktop survey relative to the proposed works for the Donegal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme (2019-2023).

4.1 General The works will be carried out in two catchments; Lough Swilly [39] and Foyle [01]. The Lough Swilly catchment includes the area drained by all streams entering tidal water in Lough Swilly between Fanad Head and Dunaff Head, Co. Donegal, draining a total area of 965km². The largest urban centre in the catchment is Letterkenny where channel C1 or the River Swilly runs through. The other main urban centre in this catchment is Buncrana. The total population of the catchment is approximately 55,455 with a population density of 57 people per km². The catchment is largely mountainous and is underlain by metamorphic rocks with the exception of the Glendowan Mountains in the west which are composed of granite. These rocks generally provide relatively poor groundwater resources. This catchment comprises the catchments of the Swilly Rivers as well as the south western part of the Malin Peninsula and the eastern side of the Fanad Peninsula (EPA 2018a). The works within the Lough Swilly catchment will be carried out the eastern and southern sides of Lough Swilly near Inch Level, Blanket Nook and Letterkenny rivers and tributaries. This catchment is made up of a variety of sub-catchments within which works are planned as part of the Scheme, including the Swilly_SC_010, LeslieHill [Stream]_SC_010, Burnfoot_SC_010, Leannan_SC_020, Crana_SC_010, CASHELPREAGHAN_SC_010, Leannan_SC_010. Subcatchment assessments are not available for any of these sub-catchments (EPA 2018b). Waterbodies within the area of works includes the rivers Burnfoot_010 and Burnfoot_020 which are classified as At Risk, and the transitional waterbodies of the Swilly estuary (IE_NW_220_0100) are also At Risk. The other channels within the Lough Swilly catchment are under review (EPA 2018b). The Foyle catchment includes the area drained by the River Foyle and by all streams entering tidal water between Culmore Point, Co. Derry and Coolkeeragh, Co. Derry. This is a cross border catchment with a surface area of 2,919km², 914km² of which is located within the Republic of Ireland (RoI). The population (in the RoI) is approximately 29,650, with a population density of 32 people per km². The part of the catchment located in Donegal is largely mountainous and is underlain by granites and metamorphic rocks of various types that are relatively poor aquifers (EPA 2018a). This catchment is made up of a variety of sub-catchments within which works are planned as part of the Scheme, including the JohnstonStream_SC_010, Deele[Donegal]_SC_010, LeaghanyRiver_SC_010, Finn[Donegal]_SC_020, Finn[Donegal]_SC_040, MourneBeg_SC_010, MourneBeg_SC_020, Finn[Donegal]_SC_010, Finn[Donegal]_SC_030. Waterbodies within the area of works includes the River Foyle and Faughan Estuaries (UKGBNI5NW250010) which are classified as being At Risk and the rivers Carrigans_010 which is classified as At Risk and the Deele_050 and Swilly Burn_030 which are under review (EPA 2018b).

4.2 Ecology - Overview Twenty Nine Fossit habitats (Table 4-1) were identified during the ecological walkover survey, with a number of mixed or mosaic habitats of these described. The most common habitat present is improved agricultural grassland.

Of the 29 habitats, there are six possible Annex I habitats described: • Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand (1310) • Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) (1330) • Estuaries (1130) • Watercourses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- Batrachion vegetation (3260) • Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels (6430).

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 35

• *Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) (91E0)

In the past 10 years a number of marine mammals and terrestrial mammals have been recorded in and around Lough Swilly; SAC and River Finn SAC like Dolphin, Otter and Badger further described in Section 4.4.1. There is evidence of Freshwater Pearl Mussel being present within the Lough Swilly and Foyle catchment (NBDC 2018). The River Swilly, the River Finn and the River Deele are within the distribution range Freshwater Pearl Mussel (NBDC 2018) and the River Finn is within the Margaritifera sensitive area. Margaritifera margaritifera is protected under the European Union Habitat Regulations Annex II and V. However, it is not a QI for any of the screened in Natura 2000 sites.

4.3 Ecological walkover survey results Table 4-1 Habitats found along the Donegal Scheme Habitat name Fossitt code Arable crops BC1 Tilled land BC3 Earth banks BL2 Buildings and artificial surfaces BL3 Lower salt marsh CM1 Upper salt marsh CM2 Tidal rivers CW2 Spoil and bare ground ED2 Recolonising bare ground ED3 Other artificial lakes and ponds FL8 Reed and large sedge swamps FS1 Depositing/lowland rivers FW2 Drainage ditches FW4 Improved agricultural grassland GA1 Amenity grassland (improved) GA2 Marsh GM1 Dry calcareous and neutral grassland GS1 Dry meadows and grassy verges GS2 Wet grassland GS4 Muddy sand shores LS3 Mud shores LS4 Poor fen and flush PF2 Hedgerows WL1 Treelines WL2 Riparian woodland WN5 Wet willow-alder-ash woodland WN6 Scrub WS1 Immature woodland WS2 Recently-felled woodland WS5

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 36

4.3.1 Arable crops BC1 Eleven fields across the survey area were recorded under crop cover. These habitats had been described as Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1) in previous surveys and are likely used for general agricultural use.

4.3.2 Tilled land One field was recorded as tilled land east of Lifford. This land has been prepared for planting but the use of land or type of crop is unestablished.

4.3.3 Earth banks Three Earth banks were recorded during the surveys. They were encountered along the River Swilly and Isle Burn.

4.3.4 Buildings and artificial surfaces Buildings and artificial surfaces identified during the ecological survey include farmhouses, cottages, rock armour and bridges.

4.3.5 Other artificial lakes and ponds One artificial lake has been recorded along the bank E2 of the Swilly Estuary on a golf course.

4.3.6 Reed and large sedge swamps One reed and large sedge swamp was recorded at Blanket Nook along bank E6.. Species that typically inhabit this habitat are Common Reed Phragmites australis, Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea. Reed and large sedge swamps are overwhelmingly dominated by one or a small number of species.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 37

4.3.7 Depositing/lowland rivers The habitat type Depositing lowland rivers was recorded frequently throughout the survey area. The instream vegetation ranged from dense to a complete lack of vegetation. Water crowfoot Ranunculus sp. was present in the Blanket Nook channel C2 north of Newtown Cunningham. Treelines bordering this river types included Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, Hazel Corylus avellana, Alder Alnus glutinosa and Rowan Sorbus aucuparia. In channel species were Broadleaved pondweed Pontamageton natans, Unbranched burreed Sparganium emersum, Starwort Callitriche stagnalis, Reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea and Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum. The habitat present in the Blanket Nook C2 channel has potential to be 'watercourses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation (3260)'.

Figure 4-1 Depositing lowland river mosaic with wet willow-alder-ash woodland

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 38

Figure 4-2 Blanket Nook channel C2 with Ranunculus Sp.

4.3.8 Drainage ditches Drainage ditches were recorded throughout, often surrounding improved agricultural grassland. Species recorded as being present in ditches included Ranunculus sp.(Blanket Nook channel C3) Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera, Bulrush Typha latifolia and Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, Reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea. This habitat has potential to be 'watercourses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation (3260)'.

4.3.9 Improved agricultural grassland Improved agricultural grasslands were commonly recorded. Many of these habitats are grazed by cattle. Improved Agricultural Grassland is a very common habitat found in the Donegal scheme. It is typically species-poor and due to the domination of Rye-grasses Lolium spp., and often in association with White Clover Trifolium repens. Other species recorded were Silverweed Potentilla anserina, Nettles Urtica spp., Thistles Cirsium spp., Ragwort Senecio spp., Docks Rumex spp. andPurple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria.

4.3.10 Amenity grassland (improved) Amenity grassland habitats was recorded a number of times throughout the Scheme as golf course and sports pitches. The vegetation is typically made up of various grasses, and broadleaved herbs such as Daisy Bellis perennis, Dandelion Taraxacum spp., Clovers Trifolium spp. and Plantains Plantago spp. are common.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 39

4.3.11 Marsh Two marsh habitats were recorded in channel C1 section A at Inch Level west of Burnfoot. Species recorded are Vetches Vicia sp., Willow herb Epilobium sp., Dock Rumex sp., Buttercup Ranunculus sp., Thistle Cirsium sp. and Silverweed Argentina anserina. Marsh occurs on level ground near river banks and lakeshores where the water table is close to ground level for most of the year. It supports a high proportion of wetland species in addition to the typical dominants of Rushes Juncus spp. and Sedges Carex spp., but the proportion should not exceed 50% over herbs. Broadleaved herbs may include Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, Water Mint Mentha aquatica, Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre, Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris, Marsh Pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Common Valerian Valeriana officinalis, Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus minor, Marsh Woundwort Stachys palustris and Marsh Cinquefoil Potentilla palustris. The habitat recorded next to channel C1 section A at Inch Level has the potential to be Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels (6430).

Figure 4-3 Marsh habitat next to channel C1 section A at Inch Level with the potential to be Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels (6430)

4.3.12 Dry calcareous and neutral grassland Dry calcareous and neutral grassland contain Gorse Ulex spp., Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., Willowherb Epilobium sp. and rushes. It was recorded next to channel C2 in Blanket Nook and on channel D5 along the River Foyle. This habitat has the potential to be semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometea) (*important orchid sites) (6210).

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 40

4.3.13 Dry meadows and grassy verges Grassy verge habitat is described at four sites throughout the scheme at Inch Level E2, along the River Swilly E7, River Foyle E3 and on Isle Burn River E3. Grassy verges are occasionally mown and rarely treated with herbicides, and there is little or no grazing or fertiliser application. Species detected were Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, Fescue Festuca sp., Perrenial Rye-grass Lolium perenne, Sand couch Elymus juncea, Nettles Urtica spp., Thistle Cirsium sp., Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, Rumex sp., Cleavers Galium aparine, Willowherb Epilobium sp., , Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, and Bindweed Calystegia sepium. This habitat has links with the Annex 1 habitat 'Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) (6510)'.

4.3.14 Wet grassland Wet grassland is found infrequently, only in one field north of Newtown Cunningham along the Blanket Nook embankment E4.

4.3.15 Muddy sand shores This habitat is recorded at embankment E1of the Blanket Nook estuary which is exposed at low tide

Figure 4-4 Muddy sand shore

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 41

4.3.16 Mud shores Mud shores are formed primarily of very fine sediment and usually occur along the most sheltered sections of coastline. The silt/clay fraction of the sediment (particle sizes of <0.063 mm in diameter) should be at least 30%. A small area of this habitat occurs north of Drumoghill. In one area Glassworts Salicornia spp. are beginning to colonise, which could indicate the presence of the Annex 1 habitat "Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand [1310]".

Figure 4-5 Mud shore with Salicornia habitat present On Swilly embankment E1

4.3.17 Poor fen and flush Poor fen and flush habitats were recorded along river banks of Blanket Nook E6, Deele and Swillyburn E6 and along the Swilly embankments E2. At Deele and Swillyburn E6 Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera was present. Species found were Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, Rushes Juncus spp., Nettles Urtica spp., Rumex sp., and Willows Salix spp. Woodland has Ash Fraxinus excelsior, Alder Alnus glutinosa.

4.3.18 Hedgerows Hedgerows are found throughout the survey area, bordering predominately Improved Agricultural grassland areas, and mostly composed of Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. Hedgerows also included Willow and Alder. Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera is present within some hedgerows along the channel C1 Sect. A of sub scheme Cloonburn.

4.3.19 Treelines Treelines are found parallel to the river in many locations, and composed of many species including Ash Fraxinus excelsior, Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, Alder Alnus glutinosa, and Willow Salix spp., and occasionally a treeline composed of Sitka Spruce Picea sitchensis.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 42

4.3.20 Riparian woodland This habitat is found in three locations. Two of which were found along Deele and Swillyburn embankments E2 and one along channel C1 Section A of the Cloonburn subscheme. . All three locations have potential to be a priority Annex 1 habitat *Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-padion, Alnion incanae, woodland Salicion albae) (91E0). Species recorded were Willow, Alder, Ash, Holly and Hazel.

Figure 4-6 Potential Alluvial woodland along Deele and Swillyburn E2 embankment

4.3.21 Wet willow-alder-ash woodland Six Wet willow-alder-ash woodlands were found. Species recorded were Beech Fagus sylvatica, Ash Fraxinus excelsior, Alder Alnus glutinosa, Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, Holly Ilex aquifolium, Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., Willow Salix sp., Sea aster Aster tripolium, and Common cordgrass Spartina anglica.

4.3.22 Scrub This is a common habitat on the embankments and its composition is variable, including tall herbaceous plants such as Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria. Species recorded were Nettle Urtica spp., Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., Gorse Ulex spp., Meadowsweet and Willowherb.

4.3.23 Immature woodland Young Willow Salix sp. and Alder Alnus glutinosa plantations have been recorded north of Carrigans.

4.3.24 Recently-felled woodland

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 43

There is one small section of recently felled Conifer woodland north east of Lifford.

4.4 Flora There were no plant species listed under the Flora (Protection) Order 2015 found during the ecological walkover surveys. Protected flora identified on the NBDC (2018) website present within approximately 10 km of the survey area includes Spruce's Bristle-moss Orthotrichum sprucei, Red- neck Forklet-moss Dicranella cerviculata, Killarney Fern Trichomanes speciosum which is an annex II protected habitat and annex IV protected species. Also Large Bitter-cress Cardamine amara, Small Cudweed Filago minima and Shady Horsetail Equisetum pratense which are listed as threatened species are listed in the NBDC database (Appendix B). Fauna Note that A full GIS dataset showing the locations of all protected species recorded during the ecological walkover survey has been provided to the OPW.

4.4.1 Mammals In the past 10 years a number of marine mammals have been recorded in Lough Swilly; Atlantic White-sided Dolphin Lagenorhynchus acutus, Common Porpoise Phocoena phocoena, Bottle- nosed Dolphin Tursiops truncatus, Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus and Common Seal Phoca vitulina. Otter, a qualifying interest for the Lough Swilly SAC and River Finn SAC, was recorded on the tributaries of Newtown Cunningham during the ecological survey. It is likely to be present throughout all channels of the scheme. Other protected mammals recorded previously and during the ecological survey include Badger and Pine marten. Evidence of Badger, including setts, latrines and snuffle holes, were noted at several locations around the tributaries of Lough Swilly north of Newtown Cunningham. One active sett was recorded along a Blanket Nook embankment. They are likely to be present throughout the scheme. Several potential bat roosts and bat suitable habitats were identified around the tributaries of Blanket Nook north of Newtown Cunningham during the ecological walkover. Seven species of bats have been recorded within 10 km of the Donegal scheme within the past 10 years (Appendix B).

4.4.2 Aquatic species The annex II and annex V protected freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera has been recorded within 10 km of the River Foyle, NBDC grid number C30, in the past 10 years (NBDC 2018). Lough Swilly and River Foyle catchment: Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar is known to be present in the Lough Swilly catchment and River Foyle Catchment, particularly in the River Finn (NPWS 2014, 2016) Salmonids were observed during the survey in the C1 Sect. A channel of the Skeoge and Burnfoot subscheme, these areas are possibly used for spawning.

4.4.3 Insects Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia, an Annex II listed butterfly species under the EU Habitats Directive, has been recorded within 10km of the Lough Swilly catchment in the past 10 years, it's distribution range encompasses the River Swilly (NBDC 2018).

4.4.4 Birds During the ecological walkover Kingfisher Alcedo atthis was recorded, and evidence of nesting. Curlew Numenius arquata was also recorded in wet grassland, according to BirdWatch Ireland (2017) there are only 150 breeding pairs left in Ireland, confirming a decline of 90% since 2007. Along E1 Swilly embankments Redshank, Bar Godwit and Black Godwit were identified. Osprey were recorded flying over the river Foyle, north of Ballymagorry, on the E3 embankment. All protected birds recorded in the survey area in the past 10 years can be found in appendix B.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 44

4.5 Non-Native and Invasive Species Non-Native Invasive Species identified as being present within the survey area include Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica, Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera, Giant Rhubarb Gunnera tinctoria, Water Fern Azolla filiculoides Himalayan knotweed Persicaria wallichii, and Butterfly Bush Buddleja sp. All of these species, except butterfly bush, are listed on EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 S.I. No. 477/2011. Species listed under S.I. No. 477/2011 are subject to restrictions under Regulations 49 and 50 of the 2011 Regulations (S.I. No. 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. 2011). This includes a prohibition on the introduction and dispersal of these species. Himalayan Balsam was recorded at 48 locations during the field survey throughout the survey area. Japanese knotweed was recorded at three locations at embankment E18 along the River Swilly, along channel C3/1 Blanket Nook and on the Cloonburn channel C1 Sect. A. Giant Hogweed was encountered along the River Foyle on embankment E1 and E2. See Appendix C for National Biodiversity Data Centre records. The Scheme is outside the distribution of White Clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) in Ireland and thus Crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci) is unlikely to have an impact on these areas. The Scheme is also outside the distribution of Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and these aquatic species have not been encountered during the survey.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 45

5 Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence of the works/scheme

This chapter provides baseline information on the Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence of the drainage maintenance activities (i.e. that screened into the assessment as detailed in Section 3. Sites include: • River Finn SAC (002301) • Lough Swilly SAC (002287) • Lough Swilly SPA (004075)

A short description for each site is provided, along with details of the qualifying interest/special conservation interests within the zone of influence. Conservation objectives, the attributes used to define favourable conservation status are detailed in Appendix A. The location of the Natura 2000 sites are shown in Figure 5-1, where it can be seen where the proposed works are relevant to these Natura 2000 sites. The main potential impacts posed by the proposed project relate to impacts during maintenance via surface water, land and air and groundwater pathways to the SACs.

Figure 5-1 Overview of SACs and SPAs

5.1 River Finn SAC This site comprises almost the entire freshwater element of the River Finn and its tributaries the Corlacky, the Reelan sub-catchment, the Sruhamboy, Elatagh, Cummirk and Glashagh, and also includes Lough Finn, where the river rises. The spawning grounds at the headwaters of the Mourne and Derg Rivers, Loughs Derg and Belshade which are all present in the upstream area of the

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 46

SAC.The tidal stretch of the Foyle north of Lifford to the border is also part of the site, and the River Foyle together with the lower reaches of the River Finn and River Deele is where the arterial drainage maintenance works will be carried out. Near the border of the River Finn SAC with the Foyle estuary the lower reaches of the channels through Carrigans works will also be carried out (Cloonburn C1 Sect. A). The Finn and Reelan, rising in the Bluestack Mountains, drain a catchment area of 195 square miles. All of the site is in Co. Donegal. The underlying geology is Dalradian Schists and Gneiss for the most part though quartzites and Carboniferous Limestones are present in the vicinity of Castlefinn. The hills around Lough Finn are also on quartzite. The mountains of Owendoo and Cloghervaddy are of granite felsite and other intrusive rocks rich in silica. There are many towns along the river but not within the site, including Lifford, Castlefinn, Stranolar and Ballybofey.

5.1.1 Qualifying Interests The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes): • [3110] Oligotrophic Waters containing very few minerals • [4010] Wet Heath • [7130] Blanket Bogs (Active)* • [7140] Transition Mires • [1106] Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) • [1355] Otter (Lutra lutra)

Not all of the qualifying features of the SAC occur in the Zone of Influence of the proposed development site and therefore only the relevant features are considered in this assessment. The qualifying features that could be potentially be present in the vicinity and therefore have the potential to be significantly impacted through water quality and/or disturbance include: • [1106] Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) • [1355] Otter (Lutra lutra)

5.1.2 Conservation Objectives A full list of the conservation objectives of the relevant Features of Interest of the SAC is required in order to determine potentially adverse impacts to them. This information is provided in AppendixA.3.

5.1.3 Site Vulnerabilities Negative pressures or threats identified in the Standard Natura 2000 form for this site are listed in Table 2-1Table 5-1. Table 5-1 Threats and pressures to River Finn SAC (002301)

Threat or pressure Ranking A04.01 - intensive grazing H B02.02 - forestry clearance H C01.01 - Sand and gravel extraction H C01.03.01 - hand cutting of peat H E03.01 - disposal of household / recreational facility waste M E04 - Structures, buildings in the landscape L F05.04 - poaching L H01.05 - diffuse pollution to surface waters due to agricultural and forestry activities M K01.01 - Erosion M

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 47

5.2 Lough Swilly SAC This large site, situated in the northern part of Co. Donegal, comprises the inner part of Lough Swilly. It extends from below Letterkenny to just north of Buncrana. Lough Swilly is a long sea lough, cutting through a variety of metamorphic rocks on the west side of Inishowen. The main rivers flowing into the site are the Swilly, Lennan and Crana. At low tide, extensive sand and mudflats are exposed, especially at the mouths of the Swilly and Lennan rivers. The site is estuarine in character, with shallow water and intertidal sand and mudflats being the dominant habitats. All channels within the Donegal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme adjoining Lough Swilly (River Swilly, Isle Burn, Blanket Nook channels and Inch Level Channels) discharge their water directly into the Lough Swilly SAC. Molinia meadows has been added to the QIs of Lough Swilly SAC (NPWS 2016) but isn't included in the Conservation Objectives (NPWS 2011a). The most recent document is being followed therefore Molinia meadows have been added to this document.

5.2.1 Qualifying Interests The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes): • [1130] Estuaries • [1150] Coastal Lagoons* • [1330] Atlantic Salt Meadows • [6410] Molinia Meadows • [91A0] Old Oak Woodlands • [1355] Otter (Lutra lutra)

Not all of the qualifying features of the SAC occur in the Zone of Influence of the proposed development site and therefore only the relevant features are considered in this assessment as shown below.

• [1130] Estuaries • [1150] Coastal Lagoons* • [1330] Atlantic Salt Meadows • [6410] Molinia Meadows • [1355] Otter (Lutra lutra)

5.2.2 Site Vulnerabilities Negative pressures or threats identified in the Standard Natura 2000 form for this site are listed in Table 5-2.

Table 5-2 Threats and pressures to Lough Swilly SAC (002301) Lough Swilly SAC Ranking F02 - Fishing and harvesting aquatic ressources M H01 - Pollution to surface waters (limnic, terrestrial, marine & brackish) H F02.02.05 - benthic dredging M E01.01 - continuous urbanisation H I01 - invasive non-native species L F01 - Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture H J02 - human induced changes in hydraulic conditions H G01 - Outdoor sports and leisure activities, recreational activities H

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 48

5.3 Lough Swilly SPA Lough Swilly is a long sea inlet cut through a variety of metamorphic rocks, situated on the west side of the Inishowen Peninsula in north Co. Donegal. The SPA comprises the inner part of Lough Swilly from just east of Letterkenny northwards to Killygarvan (c. 2 km north of Rathmullan) on the west side and to c. 2 km south of Buncrana on the east side; it includes the adjacent Inch Lough. Also forming part of the site is a series of improved pasture and arable fields on the south side of Lough Swilly between Farsetmore and Inch Levels – these are of importance to geese and swans. It includes sections of the estuaries of the River Swilly, the River Leannan and the Isle Burn and the predominant habitat is a series of extensive sand and mud flats which are exposed at low tide - both estuaries and sand/mud flats are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. Other habitats represented in the site are salt marshes, lagoons (at Inch Lough and Blanket Nook), rivers and streams, sand and shingle beaches, lowland wet and dry grasslands, drainage ditches, reedbeds and scrub. Inch Lough, whilst artificial in origin, is one of the largest and best examples of a shallow, low salinity lagoon in the country; it supports what is probably the largest population in the country of the Red-listed charophyte Chara canescens. A small sandy island, used by nesting terns, swans and gulls, occurs in the southern part of the lagoon. All channels within the Donegal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme adjoining Lough Swilly (River Swilly, Isle Burn, Blanket Nook channels and Inch Level Channels) discharge their water directly into the Lough Swilly.

5.3.1 Features of interest The following qualifying features could potentially be present in the zone of influence of the proposed works and therefore are considered further for significance of impact. • Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) [A005] • Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) [A028] • Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) [A038] • Greylag Goose (Anser anser) [A043] • Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [A048] • Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050] • Teal (Anas crecca) [A052] • Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) [A053] • Shoveler (Anas clypeata) [A056] • Scaup (Aythya marila) [A062] • Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) [A067] • Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) [A069] • Coot (Fulica atra) [A125] • Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130] • Knot (Calidris canutus) [A143] • Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149] • Curlew (Numenius arquata) [A160] • Redshank (Tringa totanus) [A162] • Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) [A164] • Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) [A179] • Common Gull (Larus canus) [A182] • Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris) [A395] • Wetland and Waterbirds [A999]

The qualifying features which are not significantly impacted and have been screened out are listed below: • Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) [A191] • Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) [A193]

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 49

5.3.2 Site Vulnerabilities Negative pressures or threats identified in the Standard Natura 2000 form for this site are listed in Table 5-3.

Table 5-3 Threats and pressures to Lough Swilly SPA (004075) Lough Swilly SPA Ranking A01 - Cultivation H A04 - Grazing H A08 - Fertilisation H E01 - Urbanised areas, human habitation M F01 - Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture H F02.03 - Leisure fishing M G01.01 - Nautical sports M

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 50

6 Appropriate Assessment

6.1 Introduction The following chapter assesses the impact of the proposed works required as part of the Donegal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme, that will occur on the River Foyle, River Finn and River Swilly and various tributaries. These channels are located within/adjacent to the Lough Swilly SAC and Lough Swilly SPA and River Finn SAC Natura 2000 site and therefore, requires Appropriate Assessment. The following chapter assesses the screened in Natura 2000 sites in more detail and examines where adverse impacts may arise from the sources of impact identified above. The full impact assessment on these features is below. The screened in Natura 2000 sites are as follows: • Lough Swilly SAC • Lough Swilly SPA • River Finn SAC Where potentially significant adverse impacts are identified, avoidance and mitigation measures are proposed to offset these impacts. These are discussed in the following sections.

6.2 Identification of Potential Sources of Impact This section further examines the source > pathway > receptor chains that could potentially result in adverse impacts arising on the screened in Natura 2000 sites from the Donegal works; this is informed primarily by Ryan Hanley (2014a). Where relevant, this methodology has been updated and this is reflected in this report. Table 3-1 details which of the possible pathways of impact (i.e. surface water, land and air, or groundwater) have been identified as potentially affecting the screened in Natura 2000 sites. Figure 3-1 to Figure 3-3 illustrate which of the channels and embankments within the works areas could potentially impact upon the identified Natura 2000 sites and are consequently screened into the assessment. All other channels and structures within the Donegal Arterial Drainage Scheme have been screened out of the assessment.

6.2.1 Potential Sources of Impact via Surface Water Pathways Lough Swilly SAC, River Finn SAC and Lough Swilly SPA were identified as potentially being impacted upon via surface water pathways. Not all qualifying interests of Lough Swilly SAC were identified as being at risk from impacts via surface water pathways. Estuarine habitats [1130], coastal lagoons [1150] and Otter [1355] were identified as being potential at risk impacts via from surface water pathway. Atlantic salt meadows [1330] and old Sessile Oak woodlands [91A0] and Molinia meadows [6410] were identified as not being at risk, due to the nature of the habitats and their locations within the site (NPWS 2011a). In Lough Swilly SPA the majority of bird species for which the site is designated, along with the wetland habitats, were identified as potentially being at risk from the embankment works via surface water pathways. River Finn SAC is identified as potentially being impacted by surface water pathways Salmon (1106) and Otter (1355) are potentially at risk. The following sources of impact from the embankment works are identified as potentially affecting the above Natura 2000 sites through surface water pathways: • Release of suspended solids - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection works and bush cutting, branch trimming and tree cutting. It can impact on surface water dependent habitats and species potentially within the area of works, such as Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- Batrachion vegetation [3260] within the Blanket Nook channels, indirectly through increased turbidity, which can reduce photosynthesis levels. This can then impact upon species within the rivers (i.e. Otter and Salmon which are present in the River Swilly and the River Finn) by reducing food availability through changed water quality. Releasing suspended solids into the River Swilly, Isle Burn, or channels in Blanket Nook and Inch Level will potentially 2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 51

impact the qualifying interests of Lough Swilly SAC and Lough Swilly SPA. Releasing suspended solids in the River Finn will directly affect the QIs of the River Finn SAC and sediment released in the River Deele and Carrigans channels will potentially affect the QIs of the River Finn SAC. • Release or changes in nutrient levels/pollutants - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection works and bush cutting, branch trimming and tree cutting. It can impact on surface water dependent habitats indirectly through causing eutrophication. This can then impact upon species within the River Swilly, River Finn, River Deele and River Foyle (i.e. Otter and Salmon) by reducing food availability through changed water quality. There is also the potential for pollutants (e.g. fuel) to be released from activities with machinery working in or near water as a result of pollution incidents, fuel spillages or poorly maintained machinery. Releasing pollutants or increasing the nutrient level of the River Swilly, Isle Burn, or channels in Blanket Nook and Inch Level will potentially impact the qualifying interests of Lough Swilly SAC and Lough Swilly SPA. Releasing pollutants or increasing the nutrient level in the River Finn will directly affect the QIs of the River Finn SAC and polution released in the River Deele and Carrigans channels will potentially affect the QIs of the River Finn SAC. • Changes in water levels/channel morphology - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection works and bush cutting, branch trimming and tree cutting. Removal of vegetation could cause a lowering of the water table within the local area, improving drainage to the channels which are possibly used as spawning habitat for Salmon, especially on the River Finn. It can occur from maintenance activities that deepen and widen the channel back to the original design level and those activities that result in an increase in sediment deposition further downstream. It can also impact on the species for which the SAC is designated for by causing a loss of suitable habitat and impacting upon food chains.

6.2.2 Potential Sources of Impact via Land and Air Pathways River Finn SAC, Lough Swilly SAC and Lough Swilly SPA were identified as potentially being impacted upon via land and air pathways. In the River Finn SAC not all qualifying interests were identified as being at risk from the channel and embankment works via land and air pathways; Atlantic Salmon [1106] and Otter [1355] were identified as being potentially at risk. In Lough Swilly SAC also not all qualifying interests were identified as being at risk from the channel and embankment works via land and air pathways; Estuaries [1130], Atlantic salt meadows [1330], Coastal lagoons [1150], and Otter [1355] were identified as potentially being at risk. However, coastal lagoons [1150], Old Sessile Oak woodlands [91A0] and Molinia meadows [6410] were not identified as being at risk via land and air pathways, due to the location of these habitats within the site, and/ or the nature of them. For example, (NPWS 2011a) identifies that the old Sessile Oak woodland habitat is located at Ardrumman, Rathmullan Wood, Tullyarvan and around Carrick Lake, and Molinia meadows are located at Inch Level approximately 500m from the proposed works; none of these locations are within 10m watercourses or embankments within the Donegal Arterial Drainage Scheme and can therefore be screened out of the assessment. JBA Consulting (2014) identified that within the SPA the wetland habitats supporting the SPAs Features of Interest are potentially at risk from the works via land and air pathways. Therefore, all special conservation interests of the Lough Swilly SPA are considered at risk from the channel and embankment works via land and air pathways. River Finn SAC is identified as potentially being impacted by land and air pathways where Salmon [1106] and Otter [1355] are potentially put at risk during the works. The following sources of impact are identified as potentially impacting upon the above Natura 2000 sites through land and air pathways: • Physical disturbance of habitats (including loss of wood vegetation cover and disturbance to habitats) - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection works and bush cutting, branch trimming and tree cutting. Obtaining access to works areas can also cause physical disturbance to habitats through removal of woody vegetation and 2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 52

tracking of machinery. It can impact on habitats such as Alluvial Woodlands directly (an Annex 1 protected habitat which is present along the embankments of the River Foyle between the River Finn and the River Deele), although temporarily, as a result of machines tracking along the bankside, accessing the works area and as a result of the deposition of spoil on the bankside. This can result in a direct loss of habitat from in-stream/bankside areas and maintenance access corridors, direct mortalities or the displacement of sensitive species, such as Otter. Physical disturbance of habitats may indirectly impact upon designated habitats, such as Atlantic Salt Meadows [1330] or Molinia Meadows [6410], by releasing sediment, debris, and/or nutrients causing changes to water quality as described above. It can also indirectly impact on species through machines tracking along the bankside, reducing vegetation as a food source for birds and Otter. • Noise and visual disturbance - this can arise from a variety of maintenance activities. It can occur as a result of noise emissions and visual disturbance from machinery and the presence of a workforce and other OPW staff. It can result in the flight and displacement of sensitive species from suitable habitat locations. It is not considered relevant in relation to designated habitat types, although it is relevant for the species which these habitats support such as birds, Otter and Salmon. • Spread of non-native invasive species - maintenance activities in areas infested with non- native invasive species can result in their spread if inappropriate working methods are followed and no biosecurity or management measures are put in place. This could then adversely impact upon Natura 2000 sites by reducing the diversity and extent of native species. For certain aquatic species, their spread can result in changes to water chemistry parameters, light penetration and nutrient levels which could then impact upon the species for which SACs and SPAs are designated. However, given the findings of the ecological survey and the species concerned in relation to these sites (i.e. Himalayan Balsam), this is not considered to be a potential source of impact in relation to the special features of interest in the SPA.

6.2.3 Potential Sources of Impact via Groundwater Pathways Lough Swilly SAC, River Finn SAC and Lough Swilly SPA were identified as potentially being impacted upon via groundwater pathways. Within Lough Swilly SAC, the following groundwater dependent habitats were identified as being at risk; Coastal lagoons [1150] and Atlantic salt meadows [1330], Molinia meadows [6410]. The other habitats and species for which the site is designated were not identified as being at risk from groundwater pathways; Estuaries [1130], Old Sessile Oak woodlands [91A0] and Otter [1355]). For the SPA all special conservation interest bird species were identified as being at risk from the channel and embankment works via groundwater pathways since the wetland habitats (Salt marshes [1330] and Coastal lagoons [1150]) supporting the SPAs Features of Interest are potentially at risk from the works via groundwater pathways. Therefore, all special conservation interests of the Lough Swilly SPA are considered at risk from the channel and embankment works via land and air pathways. There are no potential impacts on the River Finn SAC through groundwater pathways. The following sources of impact are identified as potentially impacting upon the above Natura 2000 sites through groundwater pathways: • Release of suspended solids - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection works and bush cutting, branch trimming and tree cutting. Impact from these works may transfer through groundwater pathways to surface water dependent habitats and species. Impacts may arise to the QIs of River Swilly SAC and River Finn SAC like Salmon and Otter indirectly through increased turbidity, which can reduce photosynthesis levels. This can then impact upon these species within the rivers by reducing food availability through changed water quality. • Release or changes in nutrient levels/pollutants - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection works and bush cutting, branch trimming and tree cutting. Impacts from these works may transfer through groundwater pathways to surface water dependant species and habitats. Release of nutrients can impact on surface water

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 53

dependent habitats indirectly, such as Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho‐Batrachion vegetation (present in Blanket Nook channels), causing eutrophication. This can then impact upon species within the river (i.e. Otter and Salmon) by reducing food availability through changed water quality. There is also the potential for pollutants (e.g. fuel) to be released from scheme activities with machinery working in or near water as a result of pollution incidents, fuel spillages or poorly maintained machinery. These pollutants could travel through groundwater pathways, impacting upon groundwater or surface water dependant habitats and species.

6.3 Impact Assessment The main impacts that have the potential to occur as a result of the proposed works around Lough Swilly SAC, Lough Swilly SPA and the River Finn SAC and their associated tributaries and embankments, include temporary impacts that occur during the works and permanent impacts that may occur as a result of the works. Temporary impacts include disturbance to fauna including Otter, Salmon and to wetland habitats, like Molinia meadows, temporary impacts to water quality and physical alterations to habitats that will recover after the arterial drainage works finish. Permanent impacts include permanent loss of species and habitats, potentially permanent impacts to water quality and physical disturbance resulting in permanent loss of habitat. All potentially significant impacts are assessed to determine if they have the potential to adversely affect the integrity of the sites. Mitigation measures required for potential adverse impacts that may arise as a result of maintenance works are described in detail in Section 7 and Table 6-1.

6.3.1 Do nothing impact Should the Donegal Arterial Drainage Maintenance works not be carried out at this site, it is likely that natural succession would occur throughout the location. This is likely to include increased sedimentation in the channels over time, and increased vegetation growth along channel edges and on the islands that may be present instream. Reduction in channel width due to increase size of vegetated islands, may slow the flow of water and cause flooding in susceptible areas during periods of high rainfall. Erosion occurring along the edge of the banks may contribute further to the sediment loading within the Lough Swilly SAC and Lough Swilly SPA and River Finn SAC.

6.3.2 Cumulative and in-combination impacts Projects and Plans that have the potential to contribute in-combination impacts and cumulative impacts upon Natura 2000 designated sites are considered in this section, as described in the Guidelines for the Assessment of Indirect and Cumulative Impacts, as well as Impact Interactions (Walker and Johnston 1999). Key points to consider when assessing cumulative and in-combination impacts include the nature and scale of the potential impacts including their potential magnitude and significance, the availability and quality of data and the impacts that may have occurred with similar projects in the area, where available or observed.

6.3.2.1 Development planning: Various planning permissions have been granted to projects in the nearby area of the screened in Natura 2000 sites, which have the potential to have similar impacts on water quality, water levels or disturbance as the proposed maintenance works have to the Natura 2000 site. These include the following within the last 5 years:

Applicant: Daly Bros. (Lifford) Ltd. Hotel Construction Description: This development is located directly on the River Finn SAC in the town of Lifford. It encompasses the construction of a hotel, astro pitch and a retail unit with accommodation. It also includes restoration of that part of the River Finn SAC to include boardwalk and viewing point. The site is to be serviced by an on-site sewage treatment plant and pumped to the public sewer. Location: Coneyburrow, Lifford, Co. Donegal Status: Incompleted application 01-08-2013 Potential for cumulative and/or in-combination impact:

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 54

Construction of the site has the potential to contribute temporary noise and visual disturbance, and water quality impacts to QIs of the River Finn SAC. Since the application has the status 'incomplete' it is possible they need to do an AA screening which will likely go to AA stage 2 Natura Impact Statement since the developer proposes works in the River Finn SAC. If the works are carried out without a NIS, cumulative impact to River Finn SAC is likely however, because the application is incomplete it may not be realised at all. Therefore, it is unlikely that there may be cumulative and/or in-combination impacts upon the River Finn SAC as a result of this development and the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works.

Applicant: Irish water Rathmullan, Milford and Ramelton Sewerage Scheme Desription: Irish Water is working to end the unacceptable practice of discharging untreated wastewater into Leannan Estuary, Lough Swilly and Maggy’s Burn by developing a sewerage scheme for Rathmullan, Milford and Ramelton. The new wastewater treatment plant and associated infrastructure will bring benefits to Rathmullan, Milford and Ramelton and surrounding areas, on the West side of Lough Swilly SAC and Lough Swilly SPA. These include cleaner water which will enhance the areas amenity value, particularly in Rathmullan which will contribute towards restoring the Blue Flag status of Rathmullan Beach. This project will improve water quality and potentially salmon spawning in Maggy’s Burn which is a designated Salmonid Water. Location: Rathmullan, Milford and Ramelton, Co. Donegal Status: In progress Potential for cumulative and/or in-combination impact: Construction of the sites has the potential to contribute temporary noise and visual disturbance, and water quality impacts to QIs of Lough Swilly SAC. The works are in progress which enhances the chance of cumulative impacts. However the project has the ambition to enhance water quality of the Lough Swilly SAC and improve habitat quality for one of it's QIs, Salmon. Therefore, it is unlikely there may be cumulative and/or in-combination impacts upon Lough Swilly SAC a result of this development and the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works.

Applicant: Irish water Leakage reduction programme Desription: The works involve the replacement of approximately 1,500m of problematic PVC water mains with modern high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes. The programme to replace the problematic water mains in Ballybegley, Newtowncunningham are scheduled to commence on the week of the 22nd October 2018. These works are being carried out as part of Irish Water’s national Leakage Reduction Programme. The section of works will take place off the N13 to the west of Newtowncunningham in the townland of Ballybegley. The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries or, where required, connecting it to the customers’ water supply pipes within private property. Location: Ballybegley, Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal Status: In progress Potential for cumulative and/or in-combination impact: These works have the potential to contribute temporary noise and visual disturbance, and water quality impacts to QIs of Lough Swilly SAC and Lough Swilly SPA. The works are in progress which enhances the chance of cumulative impacts. The site Ballybegley is in between the Blanket Nook channels and Isle Burn Channels.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 55

Therefore, it cannot be ruled out there may be cumulative and/or in-combination impacts upon Lough Swilly SAC and Lough Swilly SPA as a result of this development and the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works. Mitigation measures will be required and are detailed in Section 7 and Table 6-1.

6.4 Impact Evaluation Table 6-1 evaluates the screened in Natura 2000 sites and potential impacts as discussed in Section 6.1, in more specific detail. The impact evaluation table examines where potentially adverse impacts may arise from the sources identified above. Where potentially significant adverse impacts are identified, avoidance and mitigation measures are proposed to offset these impacts. In summary, the main potential impacts to the COs of the QIs of Lough Swilly SAC and Lough Swilly SPA and River Finn SAC, as identified in Section 6.2, are as follows. Those impacts that may be transported through surface water pathways including impacts to water quality that may arise as a result of the release of suspended solids, release or changes in nutrient levels / pollutants, changes in water levels / channel morphology. Potential impacts that may be transported via land and air pathways include physical disturbance of habitats and noise and visual disturbance to species. Potential sources of impact through groundwater pathways include those that may occur through the release of suspended solids and those that occur through the release or changes in nutrient levels/pollutants. Mitigation measures required to prevent adverse impacts include those described in the OPW EPs. More detailed measures are defined where necessary and are described in detail in Section 7 and Table 6-1.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 56

Table 6-1 Impact evaluation table

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact Lough Estuaries [1130] Release of Surface Surface water dependant habitats, Surface water pathways may No Swilly SAC suspended solids Water water dependant habitats and species transfer suspended solids, adverse (002287) Coastal lagoons [1150] connected to surface water and surface nutrients and pollution to the SAC impact Release or water dependant species are and its QIs so follow protocols and susceptible to changes in water quality EPs in and OPW Environmental Otter Lutra lutra [1355] changes in nutrient levels/ as a result of the release of suspended Procedures (EP) (OPW 2018) - pollutants solids, introduction of pollutants or specifically, the procedures under changes to nutrient levels. They area is the Environmental Drainage also vulnerable to changes in water Procedure EP, including levels or channel morphology. The compliance with the 10-point plan release of large amounts of silt or other and auditing processes. Works debris that has built up over time, e.g. should follow those as describes in during sluice maintenance or when guidance under the Silt clearing channels adjacent to coniferous Management EP, including but not woodlands, can cause significant limited to working upstream, individual and in-combination changes skipping sections and leaving to nutrient levels, turbidity and buffer zones both instream and suspended solids in water. along the banks. Machinery Related Procedures should be Protected habitats that are water followed to include no refuelling dependant and/or connected such as within 50m of a watercourse, use Saltmarsh habitats, may rely on water of biodegradable oils, ensure levels and/or channel morphology to availability of spill kits and leave maintain or restore the structure and/or natural vegetation buffer strip function of the conservation objectives along the bank. of the SAC. Changes to these qualities In situations where there may be a may cause an increase in sediment more significant build-up of silt, supply to Estuaries [1130] and Coastal debris or nutrients e.g. during lagoons [1150] and cause alterations to sluice maintenance or when flooding regime and/or vegetation clearing channels adjacent to zonation. coniferous woodlands, there will be a 20m section of channel unmaintained at the channel outfall

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 57

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact Population distribution of Otter within and if this is not naturally present, Lough Swilly can be impacted by additional silt mitigation measures negative impacts to surface will be implemented including the waterbodies. Otter is a mobile species use of geotextiles, clean washed and may be able, provided there are no stone and coarse sand (where barriers, to move to another location suitable), removal of material should the habitat become unsuitable and/or other silt filtration due to lack of prey species / food, techniques. The method used will pollution events or changes in water be on a case-by-case basis and levels reducing suitability of habitat. In methods used will be discussed some instances, i.e. extreme pollution with the environment team and events, the scheme works could result documented. in direct mortalities of protected animals or fish, effecting the overall population Wetland habitats (including trend. Scheme watercourses and saltmarsh) should be identified on- embankments are directly within the site prior to works commencing Lough Swilly SAC, so any release of and works within or adjacent to suspended solids, nutrients or wetlands should follow the Wetland pollutants, changes in current levels of Procedure EP, including, but not nutrients or changes to channel limited to protecting the wetlands morphology / water level, within the hydraulics and minimising or SAC, could have direct and/or indirect avoiding maintenance. Bog mats negative impacts upon the conservation may be required when traversing objectives of the qualifying interests of through wetlands. the SAC.

The above measures will control Cumulative and/or in-combination sediment mobilisation, prevent impacts may arise as a result of the changes in water levels and spread of NNIS through surface water channel morphology, and reduce pathways. Spread of aquatic NNIS can the risk of pollution incidents cause a reduction in habitat quality thereby reducing the potential and/or a reduction in availability of prey significance of this source of direct, species. Reduction in habitat quality indirect, cumulative and/or in- through loss of prey species or spread combination adverse impacts on of invasive aquatic vegetation, may Lough Swilly SAC and its QIs. cause QIs such as Otter, to expend

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 58

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact increased energy travelling to new rocedure, prior foraging and breeding sites, and an Where NNIS are present, overall reduction in availability of particularly Japanese Knotweed, suitable habitats. Spread of terrestrial Himalayan Balsam and Giant NNIS may occur if fragments of NNIS Hogweed, follow biosecurity plant material reached the channels procedures as defined in the EP on around Lough Swilly through Spread of Invasive Plant (Low contaminated equipment, resulting in a Biosecurity) Procedure when decrease in availability of suitable working within Lough Swilly habitats and an increase in the SACThis will ensure that there are presence of negative indicator species no adverse impacts from the within Lough Swilly SAC. spread of terrestrial NNIS.

Estuaries [1130] Physical Land and Air Otter, which uses Lough Swilly and Species related EPs will be No disturbance of associated tributaries within the SAC, followed where relevant QIs may adverse habitats (and loss are vulnerable to disturbance related be present. This includes the Otter impact of wood vegetation impacts from drainage maintenance Procedures. Atlantic salt meadows cover) activities. Disturbance can include noise (Glauco-Puccinellietalia from staff and machinery operating in maritimae) [1330] Noise and visual Where protected habitats are disturbance the area, visual disturbances from present the Wetland EP and Tree general daytime movement of people management EP should be Otter Lutra lutra [1355] and machinery at work, and physical Spread of non- followed. Works within potential disturbances that cause alterations to wetlands, including Saltmarsh native invasive the supporting and protected habitats species should protect the wetlands present. Noise and visual disturbances hydraulics and minimise or avoid will be temporary. maintenance as per Wetland Procedure EP. Machine/bog mats Disturbance can cause displacement of may be required to prevent protected species, requiring increased unnecessary disturbance. energy expenditure. Breeding otter may be sensitive to disturbance year-round. Specific procedures relevant to Any unnecessary stresses upon Otter as described in the Otter protected species can impact upon the Procedures EP include checking population trends of a species and mapping and reporting of Otter species distribution. holts on gangers card and

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 59

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact Cumulative and/or in-combination maintaining a buffer zone of 20m impacts may arise as a result of the for general maintenance works. disturbance to stands of NNIS, This buffer zone may need to be reduction in habitat quality causing increased depending on the nature increase in availability of susceptible of the works required and it may be bare ground prone to infestation with necessary to obtain a derogation NNIS. license prior to works commencing where disturbance of the holt is required. See Otter EP for further measures that will be applied as necessary.

Embankment maintenance should follow the Embankment Maintenance Procedure including avoiding the spread of invasives, promotion of natural colonisation and increasing biodiversity of species. No tree or vegetation removal works should occur within the breeding bird season unless under license.

Follow Protocol in the EP for Tree Management Procedures, particularly when removing fallen trees and clearing Machine Access Corridor to minimise physical disturbance during the works.

See Section 7 for additional mitigation measures.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 60

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact Coastal lagoons [1150] Release of Groundwater Water dependant habitats at this site Surface water pathways leading to No suspended solids that have direct or indirect groundwater groundwater pathways may not be adverse Atlantic salt meadows linkages (i.e. through surface water visible so protocols and EPs in and impact (Glauco-Puccinellietalia Release or pathways) will be influenced by the OPW Environmental Procedures maritimae) [1330] changes in release or changes in nutrient levels / (EP) (OPW 2018) should be pollutants, if any pollutants or nutrients followed. Specifically, the nutrient levels/ pollutants released cause changes in the quality of procedures under the Molinia Meadows [6410] the habitats present at the site. Habitat Environmental Drainage Procedure structure, vegetation composition and EP, including compliance with the area can be impacted by changes to 10-point plan and auditing groundwater. Changes to water levels processes. Works should follow could dry out wetlands, resulting in the those as described in guidance habitat no longer providing suitable under the Silt Management EP, ecosystem services for Otter. This could including but not limited to working impact upon the range and distribution upstream, skipping sections and of Otter using the habitat. leaving buffer zones both instream Nutrient level increases could cause an and along the banks. increase in vegetation growth, blocking light for understory or underwater Works within potential wetlands species. Eutrophication, caused by should follow the Wetland discharges of detergents, phosphates or Procedure EP, protect the sewage, can cause an increase in algal wetlands hydraulics and minimise growth in water, which de-oxygenates or avoid maintenance. No works the water as it dies off, causing fish kills should occur within Molinia and smothers the typical vegetation Meadows [6410] or Salt Meadows present. A reduction in habitat quality [1330], to minimise the release of and the availability of suitable prey sediment from these habitats. species can also occur from poisoning as a result of the release of pollutants. Protected Otter, or dolphin, that rely on See Mitigation for fish, will travel to other locations to find Bridge/Sluice/Structural Works suitable fish, or they may eat poisoned As discussed in Section 2.2.3, it is fish, resulting in mortalities. currently unknown where and when structural drainage maintenance operations will be required in relation to bridges. This NIS considers the potential impact

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 61

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact of maintenance operations on bridges and other structures on those channels and embankments screened into the assessment. To ensure that adverse impacts do not arise on Natura 2000 sites and their QIs as a result of structural maintenance operations undertaken during the period 2019- 2023, all procedures as recommended in the OPW Environmental Procedures Document (OPW 2018) are to be followed; specifically the Annual Program Environmental Procedure EP, the Environmental Risk Assessment Procedure EP, Appropriate Assessment Procedure EP, Structures Construction Procedure EP, Environmental Management Procedure EP and where relevant the Bridge Inspection Form EP. The following pre-works mitigation checklist as detailed will also be implemented where structural maintenance works will occur: Table 7-2 for further measures.

The above measures will control sediment mobilisation, prevent changes to water levels and reduce the risk of pollution incidents. This will reduce the potential significance of impacts on water dependent habitats, species

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 62

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact and supporting habitats and species within this SAC, all which may be impacted through surface water pathways.

Lough Whooper Swan Cygnus Release of Surface Drainage maintenance activities could Surface water pathways may No Swilly SPA cygnus [A038] suspended solids Water impact on water quality in protected transfer suspended solids, adverse (004075) Greenland White-fronted Wetlands [A999] and in the supporting nutrients and/or pollutants that may impact Goose Anser albifrons Release or habitat types including Estuaries [1130], arise as a result of the works so flavirostris [A395] changes in Coastal lagoons [1150], and Atlantic salt follow protocols and EPs in and Greylag Goose Anser anser nutrient levels/ meadows [1330], and wetlands in the OPW Environmental Procedures [A043] pollutants area, through the release of suspended (EP) (OPW 2018) - specifically the sediments, nutrients and/ or pollution procedures under the Teal Anas crecca [A052] incidents which could potentially result Environmental Drainage Procedure Mallard Anas platyrhynchos in reduced water quality, increased EP, including compliance with the [A053] turbidity and eutrophication. This in turn 10-point plan and auditing Red-breasted Merganser could then result in algal blooms, processes. Works should follow Mergus serrator [A069] through aquifer recharge, as well as a those as described in guidance Oystercatcher Haematopus reduction in the habitats overall ability to under the Silt Management EP, ostralegus [A130] support Annex II species, such as the including but not limited to working Dunlin Calidris alpina [A149] Whooper Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, upstream, skipping sections and Teal, Shoveler, Scaup, Knot, Dunlin, leaving buffer zones both instream Curlew Numenius arquata Curlew, Redshank and Greenshank for and along the banks. Machinery [A160] which the SPA is designated. Related Procedures should be Redshank Tringa totanus followed to include no refuelling [A162] Movement of large machinery, the within 50m of a watercourse, use Black-headed Gull removal of trees or vegetation bankside of biodegradable oils, ensure Chroicocephalus ridibundus and the movement of soil bankside can availability of spill kits and leave (breeding) [A179] impact on surface water dependent natural vegetation buffer strip Sandwich Tern Sterna habitats and species indirectly through along the bank. sandvicensis [A191] increased turbidity, which can reduce Common Tern Sterna hirundo photosynthesis levels and impact upon In situations where there may be a [A193] macrophyte communities and more significant build-up of silt, Wigeon Anas penelope [A050] macroinvertebrate fauna within the debris or nutrients e.g. during Shoveler Anas clypeata adjacent wetlands. sluice maintenance or when clearing channels adjacent to

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 63

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact [A056] coniferous woodlands or Scaup Aythya marila [A062] Drainage maintenance activities, such agricultural lands, there will be a Goldeneye Bucephala as silt and vegetation management can 20m section of channel clangula [A067] result in the deepening and widening of unmaintained at the channel outfall and if this is not naturally present, Coot Fulica atra [A125] channels which could impact on surface water flows. This could have adverse additional silt mitigation measures Knot Calidris canutus [A143] impacts on the same habitats will be implemented including the Greenshank Tringa nebularia mentioned above, and the birds that use of geotextiles, clean washed [A164] may use them, potentially resulting in an stone and coarse sand (where Common Gull Larus canus overall reduction in the suitability of the suitable), removal of material [A182] habitats and protected wetlands to and/or other silt filtration Wetlands and Waterbirds support Annex II species. techniques. The method used will [A999] be on a case-by-case basis and methods used will be documented and discussed with the environment team.

Areas adjacent to the SPA and its tributaries, should be considered for potential to be wetlands as these are protected. No works should occur within wetland habitats. Movement of equipment around the SPA and associated wetlands may require the use of bog mats to prevent release of suspended solids, nutrients and/or pollutants. In these situations, moment of equipment should follow the Wetland Procedure EP, protect the wetlands hydraulics and minimise or avoid maintenance.

Birds Procedures should be followed when working in the

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 64

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact vicinity of the SPA including the timing of the removal of vegetation to protect breeding birds. During winter consideration and the relevant adjustments to these procedures must be made to protect wintering birds, including the consideration of short lengths of screening to protect habitats water quality.

This includes measures in addition to those listed in the OPW's Environmental Management Protocols and EPs (OPW 2018), necessary in order to offset the identified potential impacts on the Natura 2000 sites; these are detailed in Section 7.1.

The above measures will control sediment mobilisation and reduce the risk of pollution incidents thereby reducing the potential significance of this source of impact, including cumulative and/or in-combination impacts, on the wetland and supporting habitats within this SPA, that may occur through surface water pathways. Whooper Swan Cygnus Physical Land and Air Qualifying Interest birds that may be Any unnecessary noise or visual No cygnus [A038] disturbance of present in the SPA and use Lough disturbances to birds within the adverse Greenland White-fronted habitats (and loss Swilly and associated tributaries within SPA will be avoided, temporary impact Goose Anser albifrons of wood vegetation and adjacent to the SPA are at risk from and only where necessary. flavirostris [A395] cover) noise and visual disturbance as a result of the works of the Scheme. Wintering

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 65

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact Greylag Goose Anser anser birds within the SPA will already be Birds Procedures EP should be [A043] Noise and visual accustomed to a low level of occasional followed when working in the Teal Anas crecca [A052] disturbance disturbance due to agricultural activities, vicinity of the SPA including the Mallard Anas platyrhynchos shipping activities and tourism, and the timing of the removal of vegetation [A053] Scheme may provide cumulative to protect breeding birds. During impacts. winter consideration must be given Red-breasted Merganser to the QIs for this site and the Mergus serrator [A069] Disturbance can include noise from staff relevant adjustments will be made Oystercatcher Haematopus to these procedures to protect ostralegus [A130] and machinery operating in the area, visual disturbances from general wintering birds This includes using Dunlin Calidris alpina [A149] daytime movement of people and short lengths of screening to Curlew Numenius arquata machinery at work, and physical prevent disturbance to birds when [A160] disturbances that cause alterations to working in the same area for any Redshank Tringa totanus the supporting and protected habitats period of time, that may be [A162] present. Noise and visual disturbances considered any longer than temporary (e.g. conducting Black-headed Gull will be temporary. maintenance works in one location Chroicocephalus ridibundus for more than 5 working days (breeding) [A179] Disturbance can cause displacement of outside of the breeding season, or Sandwich Tern Sterna protected species, requiring increased working for more than 0.5 day in sandvicensis [A191] energy expenditure. Bird species for one location within the breeding Common Tern Sterna hirundo which the site is designated may be bird season). [A193] disturbed during winter. Any Wigeon Anas penelope [A050] unnecessary stresses upon protected species can impact upon the population Works within potential wetlands Shoveler Anas clypeata trends of a species and species should follow the Wetland [A056] distribution. Procedure EP to protect the Scaup Aythya marila [A062] wetlands hydraulics and to

Goldeneye Bucephala minimise the disturbance of these Due to the Scheme works, there may be clangula [A067] habitats. a temporary decrease in the range, Coot Fulica atra [A125] timing or intensity of use of areas by Knot Calidris canutus [A143] protected birds in this SPA, outside of The above measure will prevent any impacts through noise or Greenshank Tringa nebularia those occurring from natural patterns of visual disturbance, physical [A164] variation. alterations and disturbances to Common Gull Larus canus habitats and a reduction in area or [A182] quality of habitats that may occur

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 66

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact Wetlands and Waterbirds to the QIs of this SPA. [A999]

Release of Groundwater Impacts that may arise through Groundwater pathways may not No Coastal lagoons [1150] suspended solids groundwater pathways and impact upon always be visible and may transfer adverse the QIs of this SPA are as those nutrients may arise as a result of impact described for Surface water impacts. the works so follow protocols and Atlantic salt meadows Release or EPs in and OPW Environmental (Glauco-Puccinellietalia changes in Drainage maintenance activities could impact on water quality in protected Procedures (EP) (OPW 2018) - maritimae) [1330] nutrient levels/ pollutants habitats and supporting habitats in the specifically the procedures under area, through the release of nutrients the Environmental Drainage which could potentially result in reduced Procedure EP, including water quality, increased turbidity and compliance with the 10-point plan eutrophication. and auditing processes. Works should follow those as described in guidance under the Silt Movement of large machinery, the Management EP, including but not removal of trees or vegetation bankside limited to working upstream, and the movement of soil bankside can skipping sections and leaving impact on surface water dependent buffer zones both instream and habitats and species, and supporting along the banks. Machinery groundwater dependant habitats directly Related Procedures should be or indirectly should they be transported followed to include no refuelling through groundwater pathways. within 50m of a watercourse, use of biodegradable oils, ensure Drainage maintenance activities, such availability of spill kits and leave as silt and vegetation management can natural vegetation buffer strip result in the deepening and widening of along the bank. channels which could impact on water levels. This could have adverse impacts Movement of equipment around on the same habitats mentioned above, the SPA and associated wetlands and the birds that may use them, may require the use of bog mats to potentially resulting in an overall prevent release of suspended reduction in the suitability of the habitats solids, nutrients and/or pollutants. and protected wetlands to support In these situations, moment of

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 67

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact Annex II species. equipment should follow the Wetland Procedure EP, protect the wetlands hydraulics and minimise or avoid maintenance.

See Table 6-1 Section 7.1 for further measures.

The above measures will control sediment mobilisation and reduce the risk of pollution incidents thereby reducing the potential significance of this source of impact, including cumulative and/or in-combination impacts, on the wetland and supporting habitats within this SPA, that may occur through groundwater pathways. River Finn Otter Lutra lutra [1355] Release of Surface Surface water dependant habitats, Surface water pathways may No SAC suspended solids Water surface water connected habitats and transfer suspended solids, adverse (002301) Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar surface water dependant species are nutrients and pollution to the SAC impact [1106] Release or susceptible to changes in water quality and its QIs so follow protocols and changes in as a result of the release of suspended EPs in and OPW Environmental nutrient levels/ solids, introduction of pollutants or Procedures (EP) (OPW 2018) - pollutants changes to nutrient levels. They area specifically, the procedures under also vulnerable to changes in water the Environmental Drainage levels or channel morphology. The Procedure EP, including release of large amounts of silt or other compliance with the 10-point plan debris that has built up over time, e.g. and auditing processes. Works during sluice maintenance or when should follow those as describes in clearing channels adjacent to coniferous guidance under the Silt woodlands, can cause significant Management EP, including but not individual and in-combination changes limited to working upstream, to nutrient levels, turbidity and skipping sections and leaving suspended solids in water. buffer zones both instream and along the banks. Machinery

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 68

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact Related Procedures should be Population distribution of Otter and followed to include no refuelling salmonids can be impacted by negative within 50m of a watercourse, use impacts to surface waterbodies. Otter of biodegradable oils, ensure and salmonids are mobile species and availability of spill kits and leave may be able, provide there are no natural vegetation buffer strip barriers, to move to another location along the bank. should the habitat become unsuitable In situations where there may be a due to lack of prey species / food, more significant build-up of silt, pollution events or changes in water debris or nutrients e.g. during levels reducing suitability of habitat. In sluice maintenance or when some instances, i.e. extreme pollution clearing channels adjacent to events, the scheme works could result coniferous woodlands, there will be in direct mortalities of protected animals a 20m section of channel or fish, effecting the overall population unmaintained at the channel outfall trend. Some scheme watercourses and and if this is not naturally present, embankments are directly within the additional silt mitigation measures River Finn SAC, so any release of will be implemented including the suspended solids, nutrients or use of geotextiles, clean washed pollutants, changes in current levels of stone and coarse sand (where nutrients or changes to channel suitable), removal of material morphology / water level, within the and/or other silt filtration SAC, could have direct and/or indirect techniques. The method used will negative impacts upon the conservation be on a case-by-case basis and objectives of the qualifying interests of methods used will be documented the SAC. and discussed with environment team. Cumulative and/or in-combination impacts may arise as a result of the Wetland habitats should be spread of NNIS through surface water identified on-site prior to works pathways. Spread of aquatic NNIS can commencing and works within or cause a reduction in habitat quality adjacent to wetlands should follow and/or a reduction in availability of prey the Wetland Procedure EP, species. Reduction in habitat quality including, but not limited to through loss of prey species or spread protecting the wetlands hydraulics of invasive aquatic vegetation, may and minimising or avoiding

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 69

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact cause QIs such as Otter or Salmon, to maintenance. Bog mats may be expend increased energy travelling to required when traversing through new foraging and breeding sites, and an wetlands. overall reduction in availability of suitable habitats. Spread of terrestrial The above measures will control NNIS may occur if fragments of NNIS sediment mobilisation, prevent plant material reached the River Finn changes in water levels and through contaminated equipment, channel morphology, and reduce resulting in a decrease in availability of the risk of pollution incidents suitable habitats and an increase in the thereby reducing the potential presence of negative indicator species significance of this source of direct, within the River Finn SAC. indirect, cumulative and/or in- combination adverse impacts on the River Finn SAC and its QIs.

Where NNIS are present, particularly Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, follow biosecurity procedures as defined in the EP on Spread of Invasive Plant (Low Biosecurity) Procedure when working within the River Finn SAC. This will ensure that there are no adverse impacts from the spread of terrestrial NNIS.

Otter Lutra lutra [1355] Physical Land and Air Otter and salmonids that use the River Species related EPs will be No disturbance of Finn and associated tributaries within followed where relevant QIs may adverse Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar habitats (and loss the SAC, are vulnerable to disturbance be present including the Salmonid impact [1106] of wood vegetation related impacts from drainage Procedures and Otter Procedures. cover) maintenance activities. Disturbance can include noise from staff and machinery Where protected habitats are Noise and visual operating in the area, visual present the Wetland EP and Tree

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 70

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact disturbance disturbances from general daytime management EP should be movement of people and machinery at followed. Works within potential Spread of non- work, and physical disturbances that wetlands should protect the native invasive cause alterations to the supporting and wetlands hydraulics and minimise species protected habitats present. Noise and or avoid maintenance as per visual disturbances will be temporary. Wetland Procedure EP. Machine/bog mats may be Disturbance can cause displacement of required to prevent unnecessary protected species, requiring increased disturbance. energy expenditure. Breeding otter may be sensitive to disturbance year-round. Specific procedures relevant to Salmonids will be sensitive to salmonids as in the Salmonid EP disturbance from October to May. Any include but are not limited to unnecessary stresses upon protected ensuring on-going consultation species can impact upon the population with IFI, timing of instream works trends of a species and species from July to September and protect distribution. or enhance river enhancement Cumulative and/or in-combination works. See Salmonid EP for further impacts may arise as a result of the measures that will be applied as disturbance to stands of NNIS, necessary. reduction in habitat quality causing increase in availability of susceptible Specific procedures relevant to bare ground prone to infestation with Otter as described in the Otter NNIS. Procedures EP include checking mapping and reporting of Otter holts on gangers card and maintaining a buffer zone of 20m for general maintenance works. This buffer zone may need to be increased depending on the nature of the works required and it may be necessary to obtain a derogation license prior to works commencing where disturbance of the holt is required. See Otter EP for further measures that will be applied as

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 71

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact necessary.

Where Floating River Vegetation habitat [3260] may be present, the EP on Floating River Vegetation Habitat and Rare Plants Procedures will be followed. This includes the implementation of a 10m buffer zone where feasible, retention of untouched sections where not including 1/3 to 1/2 of vegetation.

Embankment maintenance should follow the Embankment Maintenance Procedure including avoiding the spread of invasives, promotion of natural colonisation and increasing biodiversity of species. No tree or vegetation removal works should occur within the breeding bird season unless under license.

Follow Protocol in the EP for Tree Management Procedures, particularly when removing fallen trees and clearing Machine Access Corridor to minimise physical disturbance during the works.

See Section 7.1 for additional mitigation measures. Release of Groundwater Water dependant habitats at this site Where protected habitats and No suspended solids that have direct or indirect groundwater species are present, limit works adverse

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 72

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact linkages (i.e. through surface water and physical disturbance to impact Release or pathways) will be influenced by the prevent deterioration of supporting changes in release or changes in nutrient levels / habitat, prevent deterioration of nutrient levels/ pollutants, if any pollutants or nutrients protected habitats and prevent pollutants released and cause changes in the unnecessary impact to protected quality of the habitats present at the species that depend on both site. Habitat structure, vegetation protected and unprotected composition and area can be impacted habitats. by changes to groundwater. Changes to water levels could dry out wetlands, Where NNIS are present, resulting in the habitat no longer particularly Japanese Knotweed, providing suitable ecosystem services Himalayan Balsam and Giant for Otter. This could impact upon the Hogweed, follow biosecurity range and distribution of Otter using the procedures as defined in the EP on habitat. Spread of Invasive Plant (Low Nutrient level increases could cause an Biosecurity) Procedure, prior to increase in vegetation growth, blocking working within and when working light for understory or underwater within River Finn SAC at all times. species. Eutrophication, caused by This includes maintaining a 7m discharges of detergents, phosphates or buffer zone around infestations, sewage, can cause an increase in algal washing of all machinery, growth in water, which de-oxygenates equipment and this includes the water as it dies off, causing fish kills personnel's equipment such as and smothers the typical vegetation boots. Use of the Invasive Plants present. A reduction in habitat quality Construction Management Plan and the availability of suitable prey flow chart should be considered species can also occur from poisoning where NNIS are present. as a result of the release of pollutants. Protected Otter that rely on fish, will travel to other locations to find suitable Specific Invasive Plant Treatment fish, or they may eat poisoned fish, Procedures are defined in the resulting in mortalities. Changes in OPW 2018 procedures manual. water levels and channel morphology These may be required and should would also make a habitat unsuitable for be considered where works are salmonids. required to proceed within areas containing NNIS.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 73

Site Name Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Source Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Prior Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual (site code) Conservation Interests of Impact to Mitigation / Avoidance Impact See Site specific mitigation measures This includes measures in addition to those listed in the OPW's Environmental Management Protocols and EPs (OPW 2018), necessary in order to offset the identified potential impacts on the Natura 2000 sites; these are detailed in Section 7.1. Table 7-1.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 74

7 Avoidance and Mitigation Measures In order to ensure that arterial drainage maintenance works and proposed associated works do not adversely impact on Lough Swilly SAC, Lough Swilly SPA and River Finn SAC, specific mitigation and avoidance measures have been highlighted that should be followed in Table 6-1. This NIS considers the potential impact of normal arterial drainage maintenance works on those watercourses screened into the assessment. To determine if works are considered outside of what is considered normal works see Section 2.2.4. To ensure that adverse impacts do not arise on Natura 2000 sites and other protected species as a result of normal arterial drainage maintenance works undertaken during the period 2019-2023, all procedures as recommended in the OPW Environmental Procedures Document (OPW 2018) are to be followed, specifically the Annual Program Environmental Procedure EP, the Environmental Risk Assessment Procedure EP, Appropriate Assessment Procedure EP, Structures Construction Procedure EP, Environmental Management Procedure EP and those EPs as further recommended within the management EPs. To view required site-specific mitigation measures, outside of those described in the OPW Environmental Procedures document, see Section 7.1, Table 7-1. To view required specific mitigation measures relevant to works that may occur on bridges, sluices and/or structures, see Section 7.2, Table 7-2.

7.1 Site specific mitigation measures This includes measures in addition to those listed in the OPW's Environmental Management Protocols and EPs (OPW 2018), necessary in order to offset the identified potential impacts on the Natura 2000 sites; these are detailed in Section 7.1. Table 7-1 Specific mitigation measures Potential Impact Specific Avoidance and Mitigation Measures

Release of suspended All aquatic vegetation or brash cuttings shall be removed from solids the channel and its bank and placed in an area where they cannot re-enter the water.

Release or changes in The release of large amounts of silt or other debris that has nutrient levels/ pollutants built up over time, e.g. during sluice maintenance or when clearing channels adjacent to coniferous woodlands, must be prevented. In these situations, there will be a 20m section of channel unmaintained at the channel outfall and if this is not naturally present, additional silt mitigation measures will be implemented including the use of geotextiles, clean washed stone and coarse sand (where suitable), removal of material and/or other silt filtration techniques. The method used will be on a case-by-case basis and methods used will be documented and discussed with the environment team. Changes in water levels/ Works on all channels shall be undertaken in accordance with channel morphology the Scheme's design standard, in order to prevent any new widening or deepening of a channel.

No machinery will be operating within the river channel.

Physical disturbance of Clearance of MAC will necessitate the usage of bog/machine habitats (and loss of wood mats in wet areas and tree clearance will be at a minimum, vegetation cover) only where necessary and in accordance with the relevant OPW EP on Tree Management. Vegetated buffer zone of 1.5m to remain along bankside in accordance with EP on Silt Management.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 75

Potential Impact Specific Avoidance and Mitigation Measures

Noise and visual Works and access will be restricted to maintenance access disturbance corridors.

Other Biosecurity measures will be implemented throughout the works following the OPW's Spread of Invasive Plants (Low Biosecurity) Procedure and Spread of Water Based invasives (High Biosecurity) Procedure as necessary.

7.2 Mitigation for Bridge/Sluice/Structural Works As discussed in Section 2.2.3, it is currently unknown where and when structural drainage maintenance operations will be required in relation to bridges. This NIS considers the potential impact of maintenance operations on bridges and other structures on those channels and embankments screened into the assessment. To ensure that adverse impacts do not arise on Natura 2000 sites and their QIs as a result of structural maintenance operations undertaken during the period 2019-2023, all procedures as recommended in the OPW Environmental Procedures Document (OPW 2018) are to be followed; specifically the Annual Program Environmental Procedure EP, the Environmental Risk Assessment Procedure EP, Appropriate Assessment Procedure EP, Structures Construction Procedure EP, Environmental Management Procedure EP and where relevant the Bridge Inspection Form EP. The following pre-works mitigation checklist as detailed will also be implemented where structural maintenance works will occur: Table 7-2 Mitigation measures for bridge, sluice and/or structural works Checklist Mitigation Response Required Is the Structure a Bridge? If Yes - Ensure the Foreman's Bridge Inspection Report (Appendix E) has been completed prior to works commencing. All work on bridges requires completion of this form. All instructions on this form will be followed. Continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Is the structure a culvert? If Yes - Follow the Ecological Culvert Procedure. All works on culverts require adherence to these procedures. Continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Is the structure a fisheries If Yes - Follow the Fisheries Enhancement Procedure EP enhancement structure? and Barrier Removal Procedure EP and continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Is the structure an If Yes - Follow the Embankment Maintenance Procedure, embankment, a sluice or part Barrier Removal Procedure EP , see site specific mitigation of an embankment? measures in Table 7-1 and continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Will structure maintenance If yes - Follow procedures in Environmental Drainage works require in-channel Procedure EP, the Silt Management EP, and Machinery working? Related Procedures to control silt mobilisation and relevant species-specific EPs to minimise physical damage. Continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Is the structure constructed of If yes - Follow procedures in Bat Procedure EP. Ensure a brick or stone or does it contain bat roost potential assessment is conducted by an cracks, crevices and/or voids ecologist. Further nocturnal activity surveys will also be that could be used by roosting undertaken if the roost potential assessment concludes bats? they are required. Derogation license may be required for

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 76

Checklist Mitigation Response Required Does the structure have dense works on this bridge. Continue through checklist as further Ivy cover which could be used procedures may be required. by roosting bats? Does the structure contain If yes - Follow Birds Procedure EP. Ensure the work is voids, cracks or ledges that are conducted outside of the nesting bird season or prior to or could be used by nesting works a survey for the presence of nesting birds is birds? conducted. Continue through checklist as further Is the structure located within procedures may be required. an area of dense bankside scrub/vegetation which could be used by nesting birds? Is the structure located within If yes - Follow Otter Procedure. Ensure a survey is an area of dense bankside conducted prior to works to check for the presence of any scrub/vegetation which could protected species. Continue through checklist as further be used as a resting place by procedures may be required. Otter? Are water based non-native If yes - Follow the Spread of Water-based Invasives (High invasive species present in the Biosecurity) Procedure EP and continue through checklist area immediately around the as further procedures may be required. structure, or is signage indicating the presence of water based non-native invasive species present along this channel or the access route? Are terrestrial based non- If yes - Follow the Spread of Invasive Plant (Low native invasive species present Biosecurity) Procedure EP and continue through checklist in the area immediately around as further procedures may be required. the structure, is signage indicating the presence of non- native invasive species present along this channel, or are non- native invasive species present along the access route?

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 77

8 Conclusions Taking into consideration the limitations and constraints as identified in Section 1.4.5, this Natura Impact Statement details the findings of the Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment conducted to further examine the potential direct and indirect impacts of the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works in the Donegal Arterial Drainage Scheme on the following Natura 2000 sites: • Lough Swilly SAC [2287] • Lough Swilly SPA [4075] • River Finn SAC [2301]

The above sites were identified by a screening exercise that identified likely significant effects in relation to Natura 2000 sites within the zone of influence of the proposed works. This screening exercise was conducted following the methodology outlined in Ryan Hanley (2014a), which examines three "source > pathway > receptor" chains; surface water, land and air, and groundwater pathways. The Appropriate Assessment investigated the potential direct and indirect impacts of the proposed works on the integrity and interest features of the above Natura 2000 sites, alone and in- combination with other plans and projects, taking into account the site's structure, function and conservation objectives. The three pathways of potential impact were again used as a framework of assessment. Where potentially significant adverse impacts were identified, a range of mitigation and avoidance measures have been stipulated to help offset them. As a result of this Appropriate Assessment it has been concluded that, when the suggested avoidance and mitigation measures are implemented, the proposed drainage maintenance operations in the Donegal Arterial Drainage Scheme will not have a significant adverse impact on the integrity of the above Natura 2000 sites.

To confirm this conclusion, the following checklist, taken from DEHLG (2009) has been completed.

Conservation objectives: does the project Y/N or plan have the potential to: Cause delays in progress towards N - Following mitigation, no significant adverse achieving the conservation objectives of residual impacts have been identified that will prevent the sites? achievement of the conservation objectives of the assessed sites. Interrupt progress towards achieving the N - Following mitigation, no significant adverse conservation objectives of the sites? residual impacts have been identified that will prevent achievement of the conservation objectives of the assessed site. Disrupt those factors that help to maintain N - Potential adverse impacts via surface water; land the favourable conditions of the site? and air; and groundwater pathways identified during the screening process can be mitigated against. Interfere with the balance, distribution and N - Potential adverse impacts on the habitats and density of key species that are the species of the SACs are not expected as impacts can indicators of the favourable condition of be avoided by implementing the mitigation and the site? avoidance measures detailed. Other objectives: does the project or plan Y/N have the potential to: Cause changes to the vital defining N - Potential adverse impacts from suspended solid aspects (e.g. nutrient balance) that and nutrient release are not expected as measures determine how the site functions as a can be included within working protocols to ensure habitat or ecosystem? potential impacts are effectively mitigated. Change the dynamics of the relationships N - Potential adverse impacts relating to hydrological (between, for example, soil and water or status and water quality have been identified which plants and animals) that define the could impact on the functioning and dynamics of the structure and/or function of the site? site, however, these are not expected to be significant given the mitigation measures detailed to ensure potential impacts are effectively mitigated. Interfere with predicted or expected N - Potential adverse impacts from changes to the natural changes to the site (such as water hydrological regime and suspended dynamics or chemical composition)? solid/nutrient/pollutant release are not expected as measures are included within working protocols to

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 78

Conservation objectives: does the project Y/N or plan have the potential to: ensure potential impacts are effectively mitigated. Reduce the area of key habitats? N - Potential adverse impacts on the habitats of the SACs are not expected given the mitigation measures that have been detailed. Reduce the population of key species? N - Potential impacts to key species of both sites, including (but not limited to) Sphagnum, Otter and Salmon, are not expected as impacts can be avoided by implementing the mitigation measures detailed. Change the balance between key N - Potential impacts to key species for which the species? SACs are designated or which support key features of the designated habitats of the SACs, are not expected as impacts can be avoided by implementing the mitigation measures detailed. Reduce diversity of the site? N - The identified mitigation measures to protect designated habitats and species will ensure that the current diversity of the sites is maintained. Result in disturbance that could affect N - Potential impacts to the population size, density or population size or density or the balance balance of key species are not expected as impacts between key species? can be avoided by implementing the mitigation measures detailed. Result in fragmentation N - The proposed works will be undertaken along existing maintenance access corridors and therefore no fragmentation of habitats will occur. Result in loss or reduction of key features N - Potential adverse impacts on SAC habitats are not (e.g. tree cover, tidal exposure, annual expected as impacts can be avoided by implementing flooding etc.)? the mitigation measures detailed so there will be no loss of, or reduction of, key features.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 79

References BirdWatch Ireland (2017) I-WeBS [online], The Irish Wetland Bird Survey, available: http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/?tabid=111 [accessed 10 Dec 2018]. DEHLG (2009) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning Authorities, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/NPWS_2009_AA_Guidance.pdf [accessed 05 Dec 2018]. EC (2002) Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological Guidance on the Provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, EUR-OP: Luxembourg. EC (2007) Guidance Document on Article 6(4) of the ‘Habitats Directive’ 92/43/EEC. Clarification of the Concepts of: Alternative Solutions, Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest, Compensatory Measures, Overall Coherence, Opinion of the Commission, available: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/art6/guidance_art6_4_en.p df [accessed 07 Dec 2018]. EC (2013) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats, Version EUR 28, available: http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/references/2435. EPA (2018a) EPA Catchments.Ie [online], Catchments.ie, available: https://www.catchments.ie/maps/ [accessed 07 Dec 2018]. EPA (2018b) EPA Maps [online], Next Generation EPA Maps, available: https://gis.epa.ie/EPAMaps/ [accessed 9 Dec 2018]. European Commission, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities (Eds.) (2000) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The Provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities: Luxembourg. Flora (Protection) Order [online] (2015) S.I. No. 356/2015, available: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2015/si/356/made/en/print [accessed 10 Dec 2018]. Fossitt, J.A. (2000) A Guide to Habitats in Ireland, Heritage Council of Ireland series, Heritage Council/Chomhairle Oidhreachta: Kilkenny. JBA (2014) ‘Appropriate Assessment Screening for Donegal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme’. NBDC (2018) Biodiversity Maps - Map Viewer [online], National Biodiversity Data Centre Biodiversity Maps, available: http://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/#/Map [accessed 10 Dec 2018]. NPWS (2008) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland, • National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) (2008). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland., available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/NPWS_2007_Conservation_Status_Report .pdf [accessed 10 Dec 2018]. NPWS (2011a) ‘Conservation Objectives for: Lough Swilly SAC and SPA’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/conservation_objectives/CO004075.pdf [accessed 5 Dec 2018]. NPWS (2011b) ‘Lough Swilly SAC (site code 2287) Conservation objectives supporting document -coastal habitats’, available: file:///C:/Users/joefreijser/Desktop/2287_Lough%20Swilly%20SAC%20Coastal%20Supporting%2 0Doc_V1.pdf [accessed 5 Dec 2018]. NPWS (2011c) ‘Conservation Objectives Supporting Document: 4075 Lough Swilly SPA’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/4075_Lough%20Swilly%20SPA%20Suppor ting%20Doc_V1.pdf [accessed 6 Dec 2018]. NPWS (2013a) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland 2013 Habitat Assessments Volume 2, National Parks & Wildlife Services. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland., available:

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 80

https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Article_17_Print_Vol_2_report_habitats_v1 _1_0.pdf [accessed 10 Dec 2018]. NPWS (2013b) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland Species Assessments Volume 3, National Parks & Wildlife Services. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland., available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Article_17_Print_Vol_3_report_species_v1 _1_0.pdf [accessed 10 Dec 2018]. NPWS (2014) ‘River Finn SAC Site Synopsis’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY002301.pdf [accessed 5 Dec 2018]. NPWS (2016) ‘Site Synopsis Lough Swilly SAC’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY002287.pdf [accessed 5 Dec 2018]. NPWS (2017a) ‘River Finn SAC Conservation Objectives’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/conservation_objectives/CO002301.pdf [accessed 5 Dec 2018]. NPWS (2017b) ‘Natura 2000 Standard data form Lough Swilly SPA’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/natura2000/NF002287.pdf [accessed 6 Dec 2018]. NPWS (2017c) ‘Natura 2000 Standard Data Form: Lough Swilly SAC’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/natura2000/NF002287.pdf [accessed 6 Dec 2018]. NPWS (2017d) ‘Natura 2000 Standard data from River Finn SAC’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/natura2000/NF002301.pdf [accessed 7 Dec 2018]. NRA (2009) Ecological Surveying Techniques for Protected Flora and Fauna during the Planning of National Road Schemes, National Roads Authority, available: http://www.tii.ie/technical- services/environment/planning/Ecological-Surveying-Techniques-for-Protected-Flora-and-Fauna- during-the-Planning-of-National-Road-Schemes.pdf [accessed 10 Dec 2018]. O’Neill, F.H., Martin, J.R., Devaney, F.M., McNutt, K.E., Perrin, P.M., Delaney, A. (2010) Irish Semi- Natural Grasslands Survey Annual Report No. 3: Counties Donegal, Dublin, Kildare and Sligo, Annual Report, National Parks and Wildlife Service / Department of Arts, Heritage and Local Government, BEC Consultants, available: http://www.botanicalenvironmental.com/wp- content/uploads/2011/10/2010_ISGS_Report_and_Appendices.pdf [accessed 10 Dec 2018]. OPW (2011a) Arterial Drainage Maintenance & High Risk Channel Designation Programme 2011- 2015 Habitats Directive Assessment, Office of Public Works, available: https://www.opw.ie/media/Arterial%20Drainage%20Maintenance%20&%20High%20Risk%20Cha nnel%20Designation%20HDA%202011-2015.pdf [accessed 10 Dec 2018]. OPW (2011b) ‘The Office of Public WorksArterial Drainage Maintenance Service Environmental Management Protocols & Standard Operating Procedures’. OPW (2018) ‘Draft - Office of Public Works Environmental Drainage Maintenace Manual Rev A’. Ryan Hanley (2014b) ‘Stage 1: Appropriate Assessment Screening Methodology for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes’. Ryan Hanley (2014a) ‘Source > Pathway > Receptor Chains for Appropriate Assessment’. S.I. No. 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. [online] (2011) available: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2011/si/477/made/en/pdf [accessed 10 Dec 2018]. Smith, G.F., O’Donoghue, P., O’Hora, K., Delaney, E. (2011) ‘Best practice guidance for habitat survey and mapping’, The Heritage Council: Ireland. Walker, L.J., Johnston, J. (1999) Guidelines for the Assessment of Indirect and Cumulative Impacts as Well as Impact Interactions, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Brussels, available: http://edz.bib.uni-mannheim.de/www-edz/pdf/1999/guideassess.pdf [accessed 10 Dec 2018].

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx 81

Appendices A Conservation Objectives National Overall Conservation Status from Article 17 reports (NPWS 2013b, 2013a) Conservation Objectives from site specific conservation objectives (NPWS 2011a, 2016).

A.1 Lough Swilly SAC Qualifying Interest Estuaries [1130]

National Overall Inadequate Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Estuaries in Objectives Lough Swilly SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares The permanent habitat area is stable or increasing, subject to natural processes. See map 2 (NPWS 2011a) Community Hectares The following communities should be distribution conserved in a natural condition: Fine sand community complex; Intertidal mixed sediment with polychaetes; Subtidal mixed sediment with polychaetes and bivalves; Muddy fine sand with Thyasira flexuosa; Mud community complex and Ostrea edulis dominated community. See map 3 (NPWS 2011a) Qualifying Interest * Coastal lagoons [1150] National Overall Bad Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Coastal Objectives lagoons in Lough Swilly SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable, subject to slight natural variation. Favourable reference area 206ha‐ Inch Lough 176ha; Blanket Nook 30ha. See map 4 (NPWS 2011a) Salinity regime Practical salinity units Maintain median annual salinity (psu) within natural ranges: Inch 0.1 ‐ 3.0psu; Blanket Nook 10 ‐ 20psu Hydrological regime Metres Maintain current annual water level fluctuations and minima Barrier Sluice function Maintain permeability, including appropriate management of sluices Water quality: μg/L Reduce annual median chlorophyll a to less than 2.5μg/L at Inch; less than

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx I

Chlorophyll a 5μg/L at Blanket Nook Water quality: mg/L Reduce annual median MRP to less Molybdate Reactive than 0.01mg/L at Inch; less than Phosphorus (MRP) 0.02mg/L at Blanket Nook Water quality: mg/L Reduce annual median DIN to less Dissolved Inorganic than 0.15mg/L at Inch; less than Nitrogen (DIN) 0.4mg/L at Blanket Nook Depth of macrophyte Metres Increase colonisation to maximum colonisation depth of both lagoons Typical plant species Number and m² Maintain number and extent of listed lagoonal specialists, subject to natural variation Qualifying Interest Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] National Overall Inadequate Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic salt Objectives meadows in Lough Swilly SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession. For sub‐sites mapped: Fahan ‐ 7.29ha, Green Hill ‐ 2.02ha, Lower Lough Swilly ‐ 8.44ha, Rathmelton ‐ 10.01ha, Ray ‐ 0.05ha. See map 5 (NPWS 2011a) Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes. See map 5 for known distribution (NPWS 2011a) Physical structure: Presence/ absence of Maintain/restore natural circulation of sediment supply physical barriers sediments and organic matter, without any physical obstructions Physical structure: Occurrence Maintain/restore creek and pan creeks and pans structure, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession Physical structure: Hectares flooded; Maintain natural tidal regime flooding regime frequency Vegetation structure: Occurrence Maintain range of saltmarsh habitat zonation zonations including transitional zones, subject to natural processes including erosion and succession. See map 5 (NPWS 2011a) Vegetation structure: Centimeters Maintain structural variation within vegetation height sward Vegetation structure: Percentage cover at a Maintain more than 90% of area vegetation cover representative sample outside creeks vegetated of monitoring stops Vegetation Percentage cover at a Maintain range of sub‐ communities composition: typical representative sample with characteristic species listed in species and sub‐ of monitoring stops Saltmarsh Monitoring Project communities (McCorry & Ryle, 2009) Qualifying Interest Otter Lutra lutra [1355]

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx II

National Overall Favourable Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Otter in the Objectives Lough Swilly SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Distribution Percentage positive No significant decline survey sites Extent of terrestrial Hectares No significant decline. Area mapped habitat and calculated as 95.7ha above high water mark (HWM); 44.0ha along river banks/ around pools Extent of marine Hectares No significant decline. Area mapped habitat and calculated as 839.5ha Extent of freshwater Kilometers No significant decline. Length (river) habitat mapped and calculated as 15.5km Extent of freshwater Hectares No significant decline. Area mapped (lake/lagoon) habitat and calculated as 83.7ha Couching sites and Number No significant decline holts Fish biomass Kilograms No significant decline available Barriers to Number No significant increase connectivity Qualifying Interest Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles [91A0] National Overall Bad Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Old oak Objectives woodland with Ilex and Blechnum in Lough Swilly SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes, at least 58.68ha for sub‐sites surveyed: Rathmullen wood ‐ 26.00ha; Salt Pans wood ‐ 13.47ha; Ballynarry wood ‐ 15.61ha; Carrow Cashel wood ‐ 3.60ha. See map 6 (NPWS 2011a) Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline. Surveyed locations shown on map 6 (NPWS 2011a) Woodland size Hectares Large woods at least 25ha in size and “small” woods at least 3ha in size Woodland structure: Percentage and metres Diverse structure with a relatively cover and height closed canopy containing mature trees; subcanopy layer with semi‐ mature trees and shrubs; and well‐developed herb layer Woodland structure: Hectares Maintain diversity and extent of community diversity community types, including oak‐ash; and extent alder‐ash in seepage areas and alongside streams; oak‐birch; willow‐

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx III

alder‐ash Woodland structure: Seedling:sapling:pole Seedlings, saplings and pole age‐ natural regeneration ratio classes occur in adequate proportions to ensure survival of woodland canopy Woodland structure: m³ per hectare; number At least 30m³/ha of fallen timber dead wood per hectare greater than 10cm diameter; 30 snags/ha; both categories should include stems greater than 40cm diameter Woodland structure: Number per hectare No decline veteran trees

A.2 Lough Swilly SPA National Overall Conservation Status from Article 17 reports (NPWS 2013b, 2013a) Conservation Objectives from site specific conservation objectives (NPWS 2011a, 2016).

Qualifying Interest Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus [A005] National Population Stable size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Great Objectives Crested Grebe in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Grey Heron Ardea cinerea [A028] National Population Stable size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Grey Heron Objectives in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus [A038] National Population Increase size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Whooper Objectives Swan in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx IV

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Greylag Goose Anser anser [A043] National Population Decrease size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Greylag Objectives Goose in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Shelduck Tadorna tadorna [A048] National Population Fluctuating size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Shelduck in Objectives Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Wigeon Anas penelope [A050] National Population Decrease size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Wigeon in Objectives Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Teal Anas crecca [A052] National Population Stable size in SPA network

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx V

Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Teal in Objectives Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Mallard Anas platyrhynchos [A053] National Population Stable size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Mallard in Objectives Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Shoveler Anas clypeata [A056] National Population Fluctuating size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Shoveler in Objectives Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Scaup Aythya marila [A062] National Population Decrease size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Scaup in Objectives Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx VI

Qualifying Interest Goldeneye Bucephala clangula [A067] National Population Decrease size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Goldeneye Objectives in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator [A069] National Population Fluctuating size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Red‐ Objectives breasted Merganser in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Coot Fulica atra [A125] National Population Increase size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Coot in Objectives Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus [A130] National Population Unknown size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Objectives Oystercatcher in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx VII

areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Knot Calidris canutus [A125] National Population Increase size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Knot in Objectives Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Dunlin Calidris alpina [A143] National Population Decrease size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Dunlin in Objectives Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Curlew Numenius arquata [A160] National Population Decrease size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Curlew in Objectives Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Redshank Tringa totanus [A162] National Population Stable size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Redshank Objectives in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx VIII

Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Greenshank Tringa nebularia [A162] National Population Stable size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Objectives Greenshank in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus [A179] National Population Unknown size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Black‐ Objectives headed Gull in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Breeding population Number No significant decline abundance: apparently occupied nests (AONs) Productivity rate: Mean number No significant decline fledged young per breeding pair Distribution: breeding Number; location; area No significant decline colonies (Hectares) Qualifying Interest Common Gull Larus canus [A182] National Population Unknown size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Common Objectives Gull in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx IX

Qualifying Interest Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis [A191] National Population Increase size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Sandwich Objectives Tern in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Breeding population Number No significant decline abundance: apparently occupied nests (AONs) Productivity rate: Mean number No significant decline fledged young per breeding pair Distribution: breeding Number; location; area No significant decline colonies (Hectares) Qualifying Interest Common Tern Sterna hirundo [A193] National Population Increase size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Common Objectives Tern in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Breeding population Number No significant decline abundance: apparently occupied nests (AONs) Productivity rate: Mean number No significant decline fledged young per breeding pair Distribution: breeding Number; location; area No significant decline colonies (Hectares) Qualifying Interest Greenland White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons flavirostris [A395] National Population Decrease size in SPA network Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Greenland Objectives White‐fronted Goose in Lough Swilly SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend stable or increasing Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the areas used by numbers or range of areas used by waterbirds waterbird species, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation Qualifying Interest Wetlands and waterbirds [A999] Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of the wetland Objectives habitat in Lough Swilly SPA as a resource for the regularly‐ occurring migratory waterbirds that utilise it. This is defined by the following attributes and targets:

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx X

Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares The permanent area occupied by the wetland habitat is stable and not significantly less than the areas of 4,162, 2,419, 201 and 317 hectares for subtidal, intertidal, supratidal and lagoon (and associated) habitats respectively, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation. See map 7 (NPWS 2011a)

A.3 River Finn SAC Qualifying Interest Salmon Salmo salar [1106] National Overall Inadequate Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic Objectives Salmon in River Finn SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Distribution: extent of Percentage of river 100% of river channels down to anadromy accessible second order accessible from estuary Adult spawning fish Number Conservation limit (CL) for each system consistently exceeded Salmon fry Number of fry/5 minutes Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean abundance electrofishing catchment-wide abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon fry/5 minutes sampling Out-migrating smolt Number No significant decline abundance Number and Number and occurrence No decline in number and distribution distribution of redds of spawning redds due to anthropogenic causes Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA Qualifying Interest Otter Lutra lutra [1355] National Overall Favourable Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Otter in Objectives River Finn SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Distribution Percentage positive No significant decline survey sites Extent of terrestrial Hectares No significant decline. Area mapped habitat and calculated as 390ha along river banks/lake shoreline/ around ponds Extent of freshwater Kilometers No significant decline. Length (river) habitat mapped and calculated as 182.2km Extent of freshwater Hectares No significant decline. Area mapped (lake) habitat and calculated as 354ha

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XI

Couching sites and Number No significant decline holts Fish biomass Kilograms No significant decline available Barriers to Number No significant increase. For connectivity guidance, see map 4 (NPWS 2017) Qualifying Interest Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) [3110] National Overall Bad Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Oligotrophic Objectives waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) in River Finn SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes Typical species Occurrence Typical species present, in good condition, and demonstrating typical abundances and distribution Vegetation Occurrence All characteristic zones should be composition: present, correctly distributed and in characteristic good condition zonation Vegetation Metres Maintain maximum depth of distribution: maximum vegetation, subject to natural depth processes Hydrological regime: Metres Maintain appropriate natural water level hydrological regime necessary to fluctuations support the habitat Lake substratum Various Maintain appropriate substratum quality type, extent and chemistry to support the vegetation Water quality: Metres Maintain appropriate Secchi transparency transparency. There should be no decline in Secchi depth/transparency Water quality: μ/l P; mg/l N Maintain the concentration of nutrients nutrients in the water column at sufficiently low levels to support the habitat and its typical species Water quality: μ/l Chlorophyll a Maintain appropriate water quality to phytoplankton support the habitat, including high biomass chlorophyll a status Water quality: EPA phytoplankton Maintain appropriate water quality to phytoplankton composition metric support the habitat, including high composition phytoplankton composition status Water quality: Algal cover and EPA Maintain trace/absent attached algal attached algal phytobenthos metric biomass (<5% cover) and high biomass phytobenthos status Water quality: EPA macrophyte metric Maintain high macrophyte status macrophyte status (The Free Index)

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XII

Qualifying Interest Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [4010] National Overall Bad Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Northern Objectives Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix in River Finn SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes Ecosystem function: Soil pH and appropriate Maintain soil nutrient status within soil nutrients nutrient levels at a natural range representative number of monitoring stops Community diversity Abundance of variety of Maintain variety of vegetation vegetation communities communities, subject to natural processes Vegetation Occurrence within 20m Cross-leaved heath (Erica tetralix) composition: cross- of a representative present within a 20m radius of each leaved heath number of monitoring monitoring stop stops Vegetation Percentage cover at a Cover of positive indicator species at composition: positive representative number least 50% indicator species of 2m x 2m monitoring stops Vegetation Percentage cover at a Total cover of Cladonia and composition: lichens representative number Sphagnum species, Racomitrium and bryophytes of 2m x 2m monitoring lanuginosum and pleurocarpous stops mosses at least 10% Vegetation Percentage cover at a Cover of ericoid species and composition: ericoid representative number crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) at species and of 2m x 2m monitoring least 15% crowberry stops Vegetation Percentage cover at a Cover of dwarf shrubs less than 75% composition: dwarf representative number shrub species of 2m x 2m monitoring stops Vegetation Percentage cover at a Total cover of negative indicator composition: negative representative number species less than 1% indicator species of 2m x 2m monitoring stops Vegetation Percentage cover at, Cover of non-native species less composition: and in local vicinity of, a than 1% nonnative species representative number of 2m x 2m monitoring stops Vegetation Percentage cover in Cover of scattered native trees and composition: native local vicinity of a shrubs less than 20% trees and shrubs representative number of monitoring stops Vegetation Percentage cover in Cover of bracken (Pteridium composition: bracken local vicinity of a aquilinum) less than 10% representative number of monitoring stops

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XIII

Vegetation Percentage cover in Cover of soft rush (Juncus effusus) composition: soft rush local vicinity of a less than 10% representative number of monitoring stops Vegetation structure: Condition at a Less than 10% of the Sphagnum Sphagnum condition representative number cover is crushed, broken and/or of 2m x 2m monitoring pulled up stops Vegetation structure: Percentage of shoots Less than 33% collectively of the last signs of browsing browsed at a complete growing season's shoots of representative number ericoids, crowberry (Empetrum of 2m x 2m monitoring nigrum) and bog-myrtle (Myrica gale) stops showing signs of browsing Vegetation structure: Occurrence in local No signs of burning in sensitive burning vicinity of a areas, into the moss, liverwort or representative number lichen layer or exposure of peat of monitoring stops surface due to burning Physical structure: Percentage cover at, Cover of disturbed bare ground less disturbed bare and in local vicinity of, a than 10% ground representative number of 2m x 2m monitoring stops Physical structure: Percentage area in local Area showing signs of drainage from drainage vicinity of a heavy trampling, tracking or ditches representative number less than 10% of monitoring stops Indicators of local Occurrence and No decline in distribution or distinctiveness population size population sizes of rare, threatened or scarce species associated with the habitat Qualifying Interest Blanket bogs (* if active bog) [7130] National Overall Bad Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Blanket bogs Objectives (*if active bog) in River Finn SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes Ecosystem function: Soil pH and appropriate Maintain soil nutrient status within soil nutrients nutrient levels at a natural range representative number of monitoring stops Ecosystem function: Active blanket bog as a At least 99% of the total Annex I peat formation proportion of the total blanket bog area is active area of Annex I blanket bog habitat Ecosystem function: Flow direction, water Natural hydrology unaffected by hydrology levels, occurrence of drains and erosion drains and erosion gullies Community diversity Abundance of variety of Maintain variety of vegetation vegetation communities communities, subject to natural

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XIV

processes Vegetation Number of species at a Number of positive indicator species composition: positive representative number present at each monitoring stop is at indicator species of 2m x 2m monitoring least seven stops Vegetation Percentage cover at a Cover of bryophytes or lichens, composition: lichens representative number excluding Sphagnum fallax, at least and bryophytes of 2m x 2m monitoring 10% stops Vegetation Percentage cover at a Cover of each of the potential composition: potential representative number dominant species less than 75% dominant species of 2m x 2m monitoring stops Vegetation Percentage cover at a Total cover of negative indicator composition: negative representative number species less than 1% indicator species of 2m x 2m monitoring stops Vegetation Percentage cover at, Cover of non-native species less composition: and in local vicinity of, a than 1% nonnative species representative number of 2m x 2m monitoring stops Vegetation Percentage cover in Cover of scattered native trees and composition: native local vicinity of a shrubs less than 10% trees and shrubs representative number of monitoring stops Vegetation structure: Condition at a Less than 10% of the Sphagnum Sphagnum condition representative number cover is crushed, broken and/or of 2m x 2m monitoring pulled up stops Vegetation structure: Percentage of shoots Last complete growing season's signs of browsing browsed at a shoots of ericoids, crowberry representative number (Empetrum nigrum) and bog-myrtle of 2m x 2m monitoring (Myrica gale) showing signs of stops browsing collectively less than 33% Vegetation structure: Occurrence in local No signs of burning in sensitive burning vicinity of a areas, into the moss, liverwort or representative number lichen layer or exposure of peat of monitoring stops surface due to burning Physical structure: Percentage cover at, Cover of disturbed bare ground less disturbed bare and in local vicinity of, a than 10% ground representative number of 2m x 2m monitoring stops Physical structure: Percentage area in local Area showing signs of drainage from drainage vicinity of a heavy trampling, tracking or ditches representative number less than 10% of monitoring stops Physical structure: Percentage area in local Less than 5% of the greater bog erosion vicinity of a mosaic comprises erosion gullies representative number and eroded areas of monitoring stops Indicators of local Occurrence and No decline in distribution or distinctiveness population size population sizes of rare, threatened or scarce species associated with the habitat

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XV

Qualifying Interest Transition mires and quaking bogs [7140] National Overall Bad Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Transition Objectives mires and quaking bogs in River Finn SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes Ecosystem function: Soil pH and appropriate Maintain soil nutrient status within soil nutrients nutrient levels at a natural range representative number of monitoring stops Community diversity Abundance of variety of Maintain variety of vegetation vegetation communities communities, subject to natural processes Vegetation Vegetation composition: Number of positive indicator species composition: number number of positive at each monitoring stop is at least of positive indicator indicator species three for infilling pools and flushes species and at least six for fens Vegetation Number of species at a At least one core positive indicator composition: number representative number species present of core positive of 2m x 2m monitoring indicator species stops Vegetation Percentage cover at a Total cover of positive indicator composition: cover of representative number species is at least 25% positive indicator of 2m x 2m monitoring species stops Vegetation Percentage cover at a Total cover of negative indicator composition: negative representative number species less than 1% indicator species of 2m x 2m monitoring stops Vegetation Percentage cover at, Cover of non-native species less composition: and in local vicinity of, a than 1% nonnative species representative number of 2m x 2m monitoring stops Vegetation structure: Percentage of Proportion of live leaves and/or height leaves/shoots at a flowering shoots of vascular plants representative number that are more than 15cm above the of 2m x 2m monitoring ground surface should be at least stops 50% Physical structure: Percentage cover at, Cover of disturbed bare ground less disturbed bare and in local vicinity of, a than 10% ground representative number of 2m x 2m monitoring stops Physical structure: Percentage area in local Area showing signs of drainage from drainage vicinity of a heavy trampling, tracking or ditches representative number less than 10% of monitoring stops Indicators of local Occurrence and No decline in distribution or distinctiveness population size population sizes of rare, threatened

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XVI

or scarce species associated with the habitat B Flora and Fauna

Species name Title of dataset Designation Natterer's Bat National Bat Database of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Myotis nattereri) Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Atlantic White- IWDG Cetacean Strandings Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || sided Dolphin Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> (Lagenorhynchus Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts acutus)

Eurasian Red Northern Ireland Mammal Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Squirrel (Sciurus Database vulgaris) Common IWDG Cetacean Strandings Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Porpoise Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> (Phocoena Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats phocoena) Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: OSPAR Convention

Red-neck Forklet- Bryophytes of Ireland Threatened Species: Near threatened moss (Dicranella cerviculata) Daubenton's Bat National Bat Database of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Myotis Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> daubentonii) Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Lesser Noctule National Bat Database of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Nyctalus leisleri) Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Daubenton's Bat National Bat Database of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Myotis Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> daubentonii) Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Lesser Noctule National Bat Database of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Nyctalus leisleri) Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Pipistrelle National Bat Database of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Pipistrellus Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> pipistrellus sensu Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts lato)

Soprano National Bat Database of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Pipistrelle Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> (Pipistrellus Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts pygmaeus) Pipistrelle National Bat Database of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Pipistrellus Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> pipistrellus sensu Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts lato)

Soprano National Bat Database of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Pipistrelle Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> (Pipistrellus Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts pygmaeus) Soprano National Bat Database of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Pipistrelle Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> (Pipistrellus Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts pygmaeus)

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XVII

Spruce's Bristle- Bryophytes of Ireland Protected Species: Flora Protection Order || moss Threatened Species: Vulnerable (Orthotrichum sprucei)

European Otter Atlas of Mammals in Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Lutra lutra) 2010-2015 Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts

Bottle-nosed IWDG Casual Cetacean Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Dolphin (Tursiops Sightings Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> truncatus) Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts

Lesser Noctule Bats of Northern Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Nyctalus leisleri) Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Pine Marten Northern Ireland Mammal Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Martes martes) Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Killarney Fern BSBI tetrad data for Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Trichomanes Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> speciosum) Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Flora Protection Order || Threatened Species: Vulnerable

Large Bitter-cress BSBI tetrad data for Ireland Threatened Species: Vulnerable (Cardamine amara) Small Cudweed BSBI tetrad data for Ireland Protected Species: Flora Protection Order || (Filago minima) Threatened Species: Vulnerable Marsh Fritillary All Ireland Marsh Fritillary Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Euphydryas Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> aurinia) Annex II || Threatened Species: Vulnerable Lesser Noctule National Bat Database of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Nyctalus leisleri) Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Eurasian Pygmy Atlas of Mammals in Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Shrew (Sorex 2010-2015 minutus) Grey Seal NPWS Seal Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Halichoerus Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> grypus) Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts

Common Seal NPWS Seal Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Phoca vitulina) Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts

Common Northern Ireland Mammal Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Pipistrelle Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> (Pipistrellus Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts pipistrellus sensu stricto)

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XVIII

Lesser Noctule Bats of Northern Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Nyctalus leisleri) Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Barn Owl (Tyto Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened alba) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Black-headed Gull Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Larus ridibundus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Grasshopper Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Warbler Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation (Locustella Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - naevia) Amber List

Common Kestrel Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Falco Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || tinnunculus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Kingfisher (Alcedo Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: atthis) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Linnet Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Carduelis Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || cannabina) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Pheasant Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Phasianus EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird colchicus) Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Redshank (Tringa Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || totanus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Sandpiper (Actitis Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || hypoleucos) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XIX

Common Snipe Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Gallinago Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: gallinago) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Starling Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Sturnus vulgaris) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Swift Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Apus apus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Eurasian Curlew Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Numenius Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: arquata) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Eurasian Tree Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Sparrow (Passer Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || montanus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Eurasian Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Woodcock Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Scolopax EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird rusticola) Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Great Black- Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened backed Gull Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Larus marinus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Great Cormorant Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Phalacrocorax Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || carbo) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XX

Herring Gull Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Larus argentatus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

House Martin Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Delichon Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || urbicum) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

House Sparrow Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Passer Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || domesticus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Jack Snipe Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Lymnocryptes Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: minimus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species

Lesser Black- Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened backed Gull Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Larus fuscus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Little Grebe Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Tachybaptus Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || ruficollis) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Mallard (Anas Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected platyrhynchos) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species

Mew Gull (Larus Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened canus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Mute Swan Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Cygnus olor) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Northern Lapwing Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Vanellus Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: vanellus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXI

Peregrine Falcon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Falco peregrinus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species

Rock Pigeon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Columba livia) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species

Sand Martin Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Riparia riparia) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Sky Lark (Alauda Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened arvensis) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Spotted Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Flycatcher Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Muscicapa Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation striata) Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Whooper Swan Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Cygnus cygnus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Yellowhammer Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Emberiza Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || citrinella) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Arctic Tern Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Sterna Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: paradisaea) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Barn Swallow Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Hirundo rustica) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Barnacle Goose Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Branta leucopsis) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXII

Bewick's Swan Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Cygnus Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: columbianus EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || subsp. bewickii) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Black Guillemot Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Cepphus grylle) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Black-tailed Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Godwit (Limosa Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || limosa) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Brent Goose Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Branta bernicla) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Eider Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Somateria Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: mollissima) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Goldeneye Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Bucephala EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird clangula) Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Guillemot (Uria Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || aalge) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Kestrel Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Falco Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || tinnunculus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXIII

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Kingfisher (Alcedo Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: atthis) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Linnet Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Carduelis Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || cannabina) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Pheasant Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Phasianus EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird colchicus) Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Shelduck Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Tadorna tadorna) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Starling Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Sturnus vulgaris) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Swift Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Apus apus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Tern Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Sterna hirundo) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Wood Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Pigeon (Columba Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: palumbus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species

Dunlin (Calidris Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected alpina) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXIV

Eurasian Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Oystercatcher Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Haematopus Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation ostralegus) Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Eurasian Teal Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Anas crecca) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Eurasian Tree Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Sparrow (Passer Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || montanus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Eurasian Wigeon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Anas penelope) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Eurasian Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Woodcock Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Scolopax EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird rusticola) Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

European Shag Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Phalacrocorax Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || aristotelis) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Gadwall (Anas Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected strepera) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXV

Goosander Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Mergus Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: merganser) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Great Northern Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Diver (Gavia Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: immer) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species

Greater Scaup Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Aythya marila) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Greater White- Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected fronted Goose Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Anser albifrons) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Hen Harrier Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Circus cyaneus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Herring Gull Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Larus argentatus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

House Martin Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Delichon Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || urbicum) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

House Sparrow Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Passer Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || domesticus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXVI

Lesser Black- Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened backed Gull Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Larus fuscus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Little Egret Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Egretta garzetta) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species

Little Grebe Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Tachybaptus Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || ruficollis) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Long-tailed Duck Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Clangula Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: hyemalis) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species

Merlin (Falco Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected columbarius) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Mew Gull (Larus Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened canus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Northern Pintail Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Anas acuta) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Northern Shoveler Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Anas clypeata) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Northern Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Wheatear Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Oenanthe Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation oenanthe) Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXVII

Peregrine Falcon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Falco peregrinus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species

Pink-footed Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Goose (Anser Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: brachyrhynchus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species

Razorbill (Alca Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened torda) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Red Kite (Milvus Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened milvus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Red Knot (Calidris Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened canutus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Red-throated Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Diver (Gavia Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: stellata) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Ringed Plover Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Charadrius Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || hiaticula) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Rock Pigeon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Columba livia) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species

Ruff (Philomachus Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected pugnax) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Sand Martin Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Riparia riparia) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXVIII

Sandwich Tern Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Sterna Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: sandvicensis) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Short-eared Owl Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Asio flammeus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Sky Lark (Alauda Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened arvensis) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Slavonian Grebe Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Podiceps auritus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Spotted Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Flycatcher Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Muscicapa Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation striata) Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Stock Pigeon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Columba oenas) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Twite (Carduelis Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened flavirostris) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Water Rail (Rallus Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened aquaticus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Yellowhammer Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Emberiza Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || citrinella) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Barn Swallow Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Hirundo rustica) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXIX

Black-headed Gull Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Larus ridibundus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Common Coot Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Fulica atra) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Goldeneye Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Bucephala EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird clangula) Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Grasshopper Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Warbler Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation (Locustella Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - naevia) Amber List

Common Kestrel Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Falco Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || tinnunculus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Linnet Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Carduelis Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || cannabina) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Pheasant Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Phasianus EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird colchicus) Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Shelduck Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Tadorna tadorna) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXX

Common Snipe Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Gallinago Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: gallinago) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Starling Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Sturnus vulgaris) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Wood Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Pigeon (Columba Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: palumbus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species

Eurasian Curlew Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Numenius Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: arquata) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Eurasian Teal Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Anas crecca) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Eurasian Tree Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Sparrow (Passer Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || montanus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Eurasian Wigeon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Anas penelope) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXXI

Eurasian Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Woodcock Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Scolopax EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird rusticola) Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

European Golden Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Plover (Pluvialis Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: apricaria) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Great Black- Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened backed Gull Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Larus marinus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Great Cormorant Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Phalacrocorax Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || carbo) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Great Crested Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Grebe (Podiceps Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || cristatus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Herring Gull Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Larus argentatus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

House Martin Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Delichon Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || urbicum) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

House Sparrow Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Passer Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || domesticus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXXII

Jack Snipe Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Lymnocryptes Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: minimus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species

Mallard (Anas Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected platyrhynchos) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species

Mew Gull (Larus Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened canus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Mute Swan Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Cygnus olor) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Northern Lapwing Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Vanellus Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: vanellus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Northern Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Wheatear Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Oenanthe Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation oenanthe) Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Peregrine Falcon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Falco peregrinus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species

Pink-footed Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Goose (Anser Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: brachyrhynchus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species

Red-breasted Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Merganser Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Mergus serrator) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species

Rock Pigeon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Columba livia) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXXIII

Sand Martin Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Riparia riparia) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Sky Lark (Alauda Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened arvensis) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Spotted Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Flycatcher Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Muscicapa Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation striata) Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Stock Pigeon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Columba oenas) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Tufted Duck Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Aythya fuligula) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Whooper Swan Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Cygnus cygnus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Yellowhammer Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Emberiza Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || citrinella) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Barn Owl (Tyto Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened alba) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Barn Swallow Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Hirundo rustica) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXXIV

Barnacle Goose Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Branta leucopsis) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Bar-tailed Godwit Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Limosa Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: lapponica) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Black-headed Gull Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Larus ridibundus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Black-tailed Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Godwit (Limosa Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || limosa) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Black-throated Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Diver (Gavia Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: arctica) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Brent Goose Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Branta bernicla) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Goldeneye Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Bucephala EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird clangula) Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Greenshank Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Tringa nebularia) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Guillemot (Uria Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || aalge) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXXV

Common Kestrel Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Falco Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || tinnunculus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Linnet Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Carduelis Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || cannabina) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Pheasant Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Phasianus EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird colchicus) Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Redshank (Tringa Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || totanus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Common Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Shelduck Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Tadorna tadorna) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Snipe Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Gallinago Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: gallinago) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Starling Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Sturnus vulgaris) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Wood Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Pigeon (Columba Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: palumbus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species

Dunlin (Calidris Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected alpina) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXXVI

Eurasian Curlew Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Numenius Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: arquata) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Eurasian Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Oystercatcher Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Haematopus Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation ostralegus) Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Eurasian Teal Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Anas crecca) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Eurasian Tree Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Sparrow (Passer Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || montanus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Eurasian Wigeon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Anas penelope) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Eurasian Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Woodcock Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Scolopax EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird rusticola) Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXXVII

European Golden Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Plover (Pluvialis Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: apricaria) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Great Black- Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened backed Gull Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Larus marinus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Great Cormorant Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Phalacrocorax Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || carbo) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Great Crested Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Grebe (Podiceps Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || cristatus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Great Northern Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Diver (Gavia Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: immer) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species

Greater Scaup Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Aythya marila) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Greater White- Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected fronted Goose Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Anser albifrons) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Grey Plover Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Pluvialis Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || squatarola) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXXVIII

Herring Gull Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Larus argentatus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

House Martin Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Delichon Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || urbicum) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

House Sparrow Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Passer Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || domesticus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Lesser Black- Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened backed Gull Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Larus fuscus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Little Egret Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Egretta garzetta) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species

Little Grebe Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Tachybaptus Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || ruficollis) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Long-tailed Duck Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Clangula Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: hyemalis) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species

Mallard (Anas Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected platyrhynchos) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species

Mew Gull (Larus Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened canus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Mute Swan Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Cygnus olor) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XXXIX

Northern Lapwing Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Vanellus Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: vanellus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Northern Pintail Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Anas acuta) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Northern Shoveler Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Anas clypeata) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Pink-footed Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Goose (Anser Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: brachyrhynchus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species

Razorbill (Alca Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened torda) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Red Knot (Calidris Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened canutus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Red-breasted Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Merganser Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Mergus serrator) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species

Red-throated Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Diver (Gavia Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: stellata) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XL

Ringed Plover Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Charadrius Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || hiaticula) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Rock Pigeon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Columba livia) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species

Sky Lark (Alauda Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened arvensis) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Slavonian Grebe Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Podiceps auritus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Stock Pigeon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Columba oenas) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Tufted Duck Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Aythya fuligula) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Whooper Swan Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Cygnus cygnus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Yellowhammer Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Emberiza Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || citrinella) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

European Otter Atlas of Mammals in Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Lutra lutra) 2010-2015 Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts

Smooth Newt Newt Survey 2010-2014 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts (Lissotriton vulgaris)

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XLI

Pine Marten Atlas of Mammals in Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Martes martes) 2010-2015 Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Eurasian Badger Road Kill Survey Protected Species: Wildlife Acts (Meles meles) Whiskered Bat Northern Ireland Mammal Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Myotis Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> mystacinus) Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Pipistrelle Bats of Northern Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Pipistrellus Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> pipistrellus sensu Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts lato)

Soprano Northern Ireland Mammal Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Pipistrelle Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> (Pipistrellus Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts pygmaeus) Eurasian Red Irish Squirrel Survey 2012 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) Great Bittern Rare birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts (Botaurus stellaris) Basking Shark Chondrichthyans Of Ireland Threatened Species: OSPAR Convention (Cetorhinus Restricted Records maximus) Common IWDG Casual Cetacean Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Porpoise Sightings Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> (Phocoena Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats phocoena) Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: OSPAR Convention

European Otter Atlas of Mammals in Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Lutra lutra) 2010-2015 Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts

Common Frog Amphibians and reptiles of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Rana temporaria) Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Daubenton's Bat Bats of Northern Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Myotis Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> daubentonii) Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Pipistrelle Bats of Northern Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Pipistrellus Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> pipistrellus sensu Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts lato)

Common IWDG Casual Cetacean Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Porpoise Sightings Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> (Phocoena Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats phocoena) Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: OSPAR Convention

Eurasian Badger Northern Ireland Mammal Protected Species: Wildlife Acts (Meles meles) Database

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XLII

Daubenton's Bat National Bat Database of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Myotis Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> daubentonii) Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Daubenton's Bat National Bat Database of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Myotis Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> daubentonii) Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Soprano Bats of Northern Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Pipistrelle Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> (Pipistrellus Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts pygmaeus) West European Atlas of Mammals in Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Hedgehog 2010-2015 (Erinaceus europaeus)

West European Atlas of Mammals in Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Hedgehog 2010-2015 (Erinaceus europaeus)

West European Atlas of Mammals in Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Hedgehog 2010-2015 (Erinaceus europaeus)

Eurasian Badger Atlas of Mammals in Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts (Meles meles) 2010-2015 Common Wood Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Pigeon (Columba Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: palumbus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species

Brown Long-eared Bats of Northern Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Bat (Plecotus Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> auritus) Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Eurasian Red Atlas of Mammals in Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Squirrel (Sciurus 2010-2015 vulgaris) Pine Marten Atlas of Mammals in Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Martes martes) 2010-2015 Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts European Otter Atlas of Mammals in Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Lutra lutra) 2010-2015 Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts

Eurasian Red Northern Ireland Mammal Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Squirrel (Sciurus Database vulgaris) Common Dolphin IWDG Cetacean Strandings Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Delphinus Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> delphis) Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Eurasian Badger Badger Setts of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts (Meles meles) Database

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XLIII

European Otter Mammals of Ireland 2016- Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Lutra lutra) 2025 Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts

Barn Swallow Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Hirundo rustica) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Wood Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Pigeon (Columba Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: palumbus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species

Common Snipe Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Gallinago Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: gallinago) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Freshwater Pearl General Biodiversity Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Mussel Records from Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> (Margaritifera Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats (Margaritifera) Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: margaritifera) Wildlife Acts

Eurasian Pygmy Mammals of Ireland 2016- Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Shrew (Sorex 2025 minutus) Shady Horsetail Online Atlas of Vascular Threatened Species: Vulnerable (Equisetum Plants 2012-2020 pratense) Black-headed Gull Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Larus ridibundus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Common Kestrel Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Falco Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || tinnunculus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Mute Swan Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Cygnus olor) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XLIV

Eurasian Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Oystercatcher Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Haematopus Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation ostralegus) Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Greenshank Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Tringa nebularia) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Redshank (Tringa Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || totanus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Red-breasted Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Merganser Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: (Mergus serrator) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species

Bar-tailed Godwit Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Limosa Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: lapponica) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Black-headed Gull Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Larus ridibundus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Common Coot Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Fulica atra) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Pochard Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Aythya ferina) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XLV

Eurasian Curlew Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Numenius Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: arquata) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

European Golden Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Plover (Pluvialis Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: apricaria) EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Great Black- Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened backed Gull Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || (Larus marinus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Great Cormorant Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Phalacrocorax Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || carbo) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Mallard (Anas Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected platyrhynchos) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species

Northern Lapwing Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Vanellus Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: vanellus) EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

Tufted Duck Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Aythya fuligula) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XLVI

Great Crested Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Grebe (Podiceps Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || cristatus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Mute Swan Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Cygnus olor) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Whooper Swan Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Cygnus cygnus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

Common Frog Amphibians and reptiles of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Rana temporaria) Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Common Frog Amphibians and reptiles of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Rana temporaria) Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XLVII

C Non-native invasive species

Species name Title of dataset Designation

American Mink Northern Ireland Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Mustela vison) Mammal Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

American Mink Northern Ireland Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Mustela vison) Mammal Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

American Mink Atlas of Mammals Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Mustela vison) in Ireland 2010- Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive 2015 Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Arthurdendyus New Zealand Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: triangulatus Flatworm Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species (Arthurdendyus triangulates) Database Arthurdendyus New Zealand Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: triangulatus Flatworm Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species (Arthurdendyus triangulates) Database Arthurdendyus New Zealand Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: triangulatus Flatworm Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species (Arthurdendyus triangulates) Database Black Currant (Ribes BSBI tetrad data Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: nigrum) for Ireland Invasive Species >> Medium Impact Invasive Species

Black Currant (Ribes BSBI tetrad data Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: nigrum) for Ireland Invasive Species >> Medium Impact Invasive Species

Brown Rat (Rattus Atlas of Mammals Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: norvegicus) in Ireland 2010- Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive 2015 Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Butterfly-bush BSBI tetrad data Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Buddleja davidii) for Ireland Invasive Species >> Medium Impact Invasive Species

Butterfly-bush BSBI tetrad data Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Buddleja davidii) for Ireland Invasive Species >> Medium Impact Invasive Species

Canada Goose Birds of Ireland Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Branta canadensis) Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II,

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XLVIII

Section I Bird Species

Canadian BSBI tetrad data Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Waterweed (Elodea for Ireland Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive canadensis) Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Canadian BSBI tetrad data Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Waterweed (Elodea for Ireland Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive canadensis) Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Canadian BSBI tetrad data Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Waterweed (Elodea for Ireland Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive canadensis) Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Corbicula fluminea National Invasive Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Species Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Eastern Grey Irish Squirrel Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Squirrel (Sciurus Survey 2012 Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive carolinensis) Species: Invasive Species >> EU Regulation No. 1143/2014 || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) Eastern Grey Atlas of Mammals Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Squirrel (Sciurus in Ireland 2010- Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive carolinensis) 2015 Species: Invasive Species >> EU Regulation No. 1143/2014 || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) Eastern Grey Northern Ireland Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Squirrel (Sciurus Mammal Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive carolinensis) Species: Invasive Species >> EU Regulation No. 1143/2014 || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) Eastern Grey Atlas of Mammals Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Squirrel (Sciurus in Ireland 2010- Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive carolinensis) 2015 Species: Invasive Species >> EU Regulation No. 1143/2014 || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) Eastern Grey Northern Ireland Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Squirrel (Sciurus Mammal Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive carolinensis) Species: Invasive Species >> EU Regulation No. 1143/2014 || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) European Rabbit Northern Ireland Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Oryctolagus Mammal Database Invasive Species >> Medium Impact Invasive Species cuniculus) European Rabbit Atlas of Mammals Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Oryctolagus in Ireland 2010- Invasive Species >> Medium Impact Invasive Species cuniculus) 2015 Fallow Deer (Dama Deer of Ireland Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: dama) Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx XLIX

Feral Ferret (Mustela National Feral Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: furo) Ferret (Mustela Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species putoris furo) Database

Giant Hogweed BSBI tetrad data Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Heracleum for Ireland Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive mantegazzianum) Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Giant Hogweed National Invasive Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Heracleum Species Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive mantegazzianum) Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Giant Hogweed Online Atlas of Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Heracleum Vascular Plants Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive mantegazzianum) 2012-2020 Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Greylag Goose Bird Atlas 2007 - Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Anser anser) 2011 Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Greylag Goose Bird Atlas 2007 - Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Anser anser) 2011 Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Greylag Goose Birds of Ireland Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Anser anser) Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Indian Balsam National Invasive Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Impatiens Species Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive glandulifera) Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Indian Balsam National Invasive Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Impatiens Species Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive glandulifera) Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Indian Balsam National Invasive Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Impatiens Species Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive glandulifera) Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx L

Indian Balsam National Invasive Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Impatiens Species Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive glandulifera) Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Indian Balsam Online Atlas of Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Impatiens Vascular Plants Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive glandulifera) 2012-2020 Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Japanese Knotweed National Invasive Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Fallopia japonica) Species Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Japanese Knotweed National Invasive Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Fallopia japonica) Species Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Japanese Knotweed National Invasive Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Fallopia japonica) Species Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Japanese Knotweed National Invasive Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Fallopia japonica) Species Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Japanese Knotweed Online Atlas of Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Fallopia japonica) Vascular Plants Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive 2012-2020 Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Portuguese Oyster National Invasive Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Crassostrea gigas) Species Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species Portuguese Oyster National Invasive Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Crassostrea gigas) Species Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species

Rhododendron BSBI tetrad data Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: ponticum for Ireland Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Salmonberry (Rubus Online Atlas of Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: spectabilis) Vascular Plants Invasive Species >> Medium Impact Invasive Species || 2012-2020 Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)

Sika Deer (Cervus Deer of Ireland Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: nippon) Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts

Sika Deer (Cervus Deer of Ireland Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: nippon) Database Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx LI

Sycamore (Acer BSBI tetrad data Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: pseudoplatanus) for Ireland Invasive Species >> Medium Impact Invasive Species

Sycamore (Acer Online Atlas of Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: pseudoplatanus) Vascular Plants Invasive Species >> Medium Impact Invasive Species 2012-2020 Traveller's-joy BSBI tetrad data Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Species: (Clematis vitalba) for Ireland Invasive Species >> Medium Impact Invasive Species

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx LII

D Environmental Drainage Maintenance Manual

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx LIII

E Foreman's Bridge Inspection Report

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx LIV

Rev 0415 Driver Bridge Inspection Report

Scheme: Date of inspection:

Channel: Bridge No.:

Chainage:

Approx. Age of Bridge General Condition Good Fair Bridge Type Box Culvert Poor Pipe Culvert Masonry Arch Repairs Required Stone Arch Inspection Required Other Bank Erosion U/S Number of Spans Bank Erosion D/S

Deck Present Parapets Present

Deck Type Reinforced Parapets Number Present Concrete Timber Steel Parapets Condition Good Stone/Masonry Fair Combination Poor Other Parapets Type Reinforced Concrete Deck Condition Good Timber Fair Steel Poor Stone/Masonry Combination Wing Walls Present Other

Wing Walls Number Access Good Fair Wing Walls Good Poor Condition Fair Poor Use Road Traffic Agricultural Floor Present Footbridge Railway Floor Number Frequency of Use Not Used Floor Condition Good Low Usage Fair High Usage Poor

Remarks

Inspected by: Foreman’s Initials:

Rev 0415 Foreman Bridge Inspection Report

Date of inspection: ______

Inspected by: ______

Yes If yes – programme maintenance for next year Maintenance required No and complete below

Yes Emergency works required If yes – complete below No

Yes In-channel works required If yes - apply water quality mitigation measures No

Cracks present that could be used by Yes If yes - refer to Environment Section with roosting bats photograph as additional surveys may be *For brick or stone structures only No required

Yes If yes - refer to Environment Section with Dense ivy cover that could be used by bats photograph as additional surveys may be No required

Ledges present that are / could be used by Yes If yes – avoid nesting season or survey for nesting nesting birds No birds prior to maintenance

Dense bank-side vegetation surrounding the Yes If yes – avoid nesting season or survey for nesting structure suitable for birds No birds prior to maintenance

Yes If yes - check for presence of otter/badger – Dense bank-side vegetation surrounding the Refer to Environment Section with photo if structure suitable for otter No found as licence may be required

Non-native invasive species detailed in Yes If yes, refer to Environment Section with 'Invasives SOP' present No photograph

Yes If yes – inform Environment Section once Suitable for installation of bat box No installed

Yes If yes – inform Environment Section once Suitable for installation of bird (dipper) box No installed

Remarks

F Environmental Risk Assessment Form

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx LV

OPW Arterial Drainage

Environmental Risk Assessment

To be completed by the works manager where the following conditions are met

Works within an SAC or SPA Yes☐

Works on a major channel (i.e. base width greater than 3m) Yes☐

More than 10 years since maintenance on the Channel (>3m) or Embankment Yes☐

General Site Details

Start Date: Click or tap to enter a date. Est Completion Date: Click or tap to enter a date.

Site Location: Click or tap here to enter text. Scheme: Click or tap here to enter text.

Channel No./Ref.: Click or tap here to enter text. Bridge No.: Click or tap here to enter text.

GPS coordinates: Click or tap here to enter text. Road Number: Click or tap here to enter text. Nature of Works: Programmed ☐ Non-Programmed ☐ Emergency ☐

If Yes is answered to any of the following questions, forward to Environment Section

Does the work entail heavy tree or vegetation removal on a channel, embankment or Yes ☐ No ☐ machine access corridor? Does the works entail embankment refurbishment works not classified as general Yes ☐ No ☐ maintenance? Does the works entail more than 40m of bank protection or other structural work on Yes ☐ No ☐ a channel? Are the nature of the works or location of the works outside the scope of the Yes ☐ No ☐ associated arterial drainage maintenance five year Appropriate Assessments?

Additional Information From the GIS records, is this a Freshwater Pearl Mussel location? Yes ☐ No ☐

Have particular sensitivities been flagged by other stakeholders such as IFI or NPWS? Yes ☐ No ☐

Is there a requirement to carry out the works outside the appropriate environmental Yes ☐ No ☐ window?

Signed: Date:Click or tap to enter a date.

Rev 11/17

G Ecological Survey Extent

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx LVI

Survey: Donegal 2018

001179 002159

004087

002047 004075 004060 002287 004039

000116

002176

000173

002301

0 4 8 Legend km ¯ OPW Arterial Drainage Scheme Channels OPW Arterial Drainage Scheme Embankments © Ordnance Survey Ireland, 2018. All rights Survey Coverage Full survey coverage reserved. Licence number AR 0107218. Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) Special Protection Areas (SPA)

H Channels, Embankments, Bridges and Sluices screened into assessment and pathways of impact

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Donegal V2.0.docx LVII

Channels

Channel Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343) Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029) OVERALL_ID REF Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater 8741 C1 x x x x x x C1 x x x x C1 x x x C1 x x C1 x x C1 x x 8565 C1/1 x x x x x x 8629 C1/10 x x x 8634 C1/11 x x 8636 C1/11/1 x x 8639 C1/12 x x 8644 C1/13 x x 8650 C1/14 x x 8652 C1/14/1 8653 C1/14/2 8657 C1/15 x x 8658 C1/15/1 x x 8664 C1/15/2 x x 8673 C1/15/3 x x 8672 C1/15/4 x x 8670 C1/15/5 x x 8678 C1/16 x x 8686 C1/17 x x 8688 C1/17/1 x x 8687 C1/17/2 x x 8693 C1/18 8694 C1/19 x x 8568 C1/2 x x x x x x 8695 C1/20 x x 8696 C1/21 8697 C1/22 x x 8698 C1/23 8699 C1/23/1 8700 C1/24 x x 8701 C1/24/1 x x 8702 C1/25 x x 8705 C1/25/1 x x 8706 C1/25/1/1 x x 8708 C1/26 x x 8709 C1/27 x x 8710 C1/27/1 8711 C1/27/2 x x 8713 C1/27/2/1 x x 8712 C1/27/2/2 x x 8714 C1/27/3 8715 C1/27/4 x x 8716 C1/27/4/1 8717 C1/27/6 x x 8719 C1/27/6/1 x x 8718 C1/27/6/2 x x 8720 C1/27/7 8721 C1/27/8 x x 8724 C1/28 x x 8725 C1/28/1 x x 8726 C1/28/2 x x 8722 C1/29 x x 8723 C1/29/1 x x 8575 C1/3 x x x x x x 8576 C1/3/1 x x x x x 8727 C1/30 x x 8728 C1/30/1 x x 8729 C1/31 x x 8730 C1/32 x x 8731 C1/32/1 x x 8732 C1/32/1/1 x x 8733 C1/33 x x 8734 C1/34 x x 8735 C1/35 x x 8739 C1/36 x x 8737 C1/36/1 x x 8738 C1/36/2 x x 8736 C1/37 x x 8577 C1/4 x x x x x x 8592 C1/4/1 x x x x x 8590 C1/4/2 x x x x 8591 C1/4/2/1 x x 8589 C1/4/3 x x x x 8579 C1/4/4 x x x x 8578 C1/4/4/1 x x 8580 C1/4/4/2 x 8594 C1/5 x x x x x 8600 C1/6 x x x x x 8605 C1/6/1 x x x x 8610 C1/7 x x x x 8611 C1/8 x x x 8623 C1/9 x x x 8626 C1/9/1 x x x 8625 C1/9/2 x 8624 C1/9/3 C10 x x x x C10A x x x x C11 x x x x Channels

Channel Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343) Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029) OVERALL_ID REF Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater 8559 C2 x x x x x x 8560 C2/1 x x x x 8558 C3 x x x x x x 8554 C4 x x x x x x 8555 C4/1 x x x x 8551 C5 x x x x 8548 C6 x x x x x x 8547 C7 x x x x x x 8743 C8 x x x x C9 x x x x 8567 D1 x x x x x x 8596 D10 x x x x 8597 D10 x x x x x 8618 D11 x x x 8627 D12 x x x 8628 D12 x x 8640 D12 x x 8645 D12 x x 8655 D13 x x 8656 D13 x x 8570 D14 x x x x x x 8574 D15 x x x x x x 8584 D16 x x x x x x 8586 D16 x x x x 8582 D17 x x x x x x 8593 D2 x x x x x 8604 D20 x x x x x 8619 D22 x x x 8620 D22A x x x 8622 D23 x x x 8621 D23A x x x 8649 D24 x x 8651 D25 x x 8648 D26 x x 8661 D27 x x 8662 D28 x x 8663 D28 x x 8671 D29 x x 8608 D3 x x x x x 8668 D30 x x 8682 D31 x x 8680 D32 x x 8692 D34 x x 8557 D35 x x x x x x 8552 D36 x x x x x x 8549 D37 x x x x x x 8545 D38 x x x x x x 8544 D39 x x x x x x 8609 D4 x x x x x D41 x x x x 8562 D42 x x x x x x D43 x x x x D43A x x x x D44 x x x x D45 x x x x D46 x x x x D47 x x x x 8601 D47A x x x x x 8641 D5 x x x 8630 D52 x x 8631 D53 x x 8677 D6 x x 8690 D6 x x 8564 D7 x x x x x x 8572 D8 x x x x x x 8598 D9 x x x x x 8599 D9 x x x x x x Outfall Creek x x x x Embankments

Embankment Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343) Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029) TYPE_ID UNIQUE_ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater 8588 x x x x 8602 x x x x x 8613 x x 8614 x x 8632 x x 8633 x x 8637 x x 8638 x x 8642 x x 8643 x x 8674 x x 8675 x x 8684 x x x x x x 8587 x x x x E1 8566 x x x x x x E10 8616 x x E11 8617 x x E12 8654 x x E13 8683 x x E14 8569 x x x x x x E15 8573 x x x x x x E16 8583 x x x x x x E18 8581 x x x x x x E19 8585 x x x x E2 8660 x x E2 8607 x x x x x E22 8603 x x x x x E23 8612 x x E24 8615 x x E25 8646 x x E26 8647 x x E27 8669 x x E27 8659 x x E28 8667 x x E29 8665 x x E3 8676 x x E30 8666 x x E31 8681 x x E32 8679 x x E33 8689 x x E34 8691 x x E35 8704 x x E36 8703 x x E37 8556 x x x x x x E38 8553 x x x x x x E39 8550 x x x x x x E4 8685 x x E40 8546 x x x x x x E41 8742 x x x x x x E43 x x x x E43 8561 x x x x x x E43A x x x x E44 x x x x E47 8606 x x x x E5 8707 E7 8563 x x x x x x E8 8571 x x x x x x E9 8595 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x E46 x x x x E44 x x x x Bridges

Bridge Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343) Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029) Type ID Channel_ID Unique ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater B16 C1/2 17735 x x x x BX1 C1/2 17730 x x x x x BX2 C1/2 17732 x x x x x B18 C1/3 17733 x x BX1 C1/3 17734 x x BX1 C1/3/1 17739 x x x x x BX1 C1/4 17773 x x x x B20 C1/4/1 17743 x x x x BX1 C1/4/1 17750 x x x x x BX1 C1/4/2 17767 x x x x BX2 C1/4/2 17766 x x x x BX3 C1/4/2 17758 x x x x BX4 C1/4/2 17755 x x B21 C1/4/3 17771 x x BX1 C1/5 17744 x x x x B125 C2 17726 x x x x BX1 C2 17724 x x x x x B127 C3 17717 x x x x x x BX1 C3 17723 x x x x x BX2 C3 17728 x x B128 C4/1 17714 x x x x BX1 C4/1 17716 x x x BX2 C4/1 17718 x x BX3 C4/1 17720 x x BX4 C4/1 17722 x x BX1 C6 17698 x x x x BX1 C7 17696 x x x x x x BX2 C7 17695 x x x x x x BX3 C7 17694 x x x x x x BX4 C7 17693 x x x x x x BX1 D20 17776 x x x x BX2 D3 17779 x x x x x BX3 D3 17778 x x x x x BX1 D36 17709 x x x x BX1 D37 17703 x x x x BX2 D37 17705 x x x x BX3 D37 17706 x x x x BX4 D37 17707 x x x x x x BX1 D7 17725 x x x x x x BX1 D9 17754 x x x x x x BX2 D9 17747 x x x x x x BX4 D9 17762 x x x x x BX5 D9 17765 x x x x x BX1 E9 17772 x x x x x B10 x x B100 x x B101 x x B102 x x B104 x x B105 x x B106 B107 x x B108 x x B109 x x B11 x x B110 x x B111 x x B112 x x B113 x x B114 x x B115 x x B116 x x B117 x x B118 x x B119 x x B12 x x B120 x x B121 x x B122 x x B123 x x B124 x x B13 x x B14 x x B24 x x x x B27 x x x B29 x B29 x x B3 B30 B31 B34 x x B37 x x B38 x x B4 x x B4 B44 x x B45 x x B5 B57 x x B58 x x B59 B6 B62 x x B63 x x B64 x x B65 x x B66 x x B67 x x Bridges

Bridge Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343) Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029) Type ID Channel_ID Unique ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater B68 x x B7 x x B72 B75 B76 B77 x x B78 B79 B8 x x B80 B81 B82 B83 x x B86 B87 B89 x x B89 B9 x x B90 x x B91 x x B92 B93 B94 B95 B96 B98 x x B99 x x Bx x x x x x x Bx x x x x x x Bx x x x x x x Bx x x x x x Bx x x x x x Bx x x x x Bx x x x x Bx x x x x Bx x x x x x x Bx x x x x x x Bx x x x x x x Bx x x x x x x Bx x x x x x x BX1 x x x x BX1 x x x x x BX1 x x BX1 x BX1 x x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 BX1 BX1 BX1 x x BX1 BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX1 x x BX2 x x BX2 x BX2 x x BX2 x x BX2 x x BX2 BX2 BX2 BX2 x x BX2 x x BX2 BX2 x x BX2 x x BX2 x x BX2 x x Bridges

Bridge Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343) Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029) Type ID Channel_ID Unique ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater BX2 x x BX2 x x BX2 x x BX2 x x BX2 x x BX3 x x BX3 x x BX3 x x BX3 BX3 x x BX3 BX3 x x BX3 x x BX3 x x BX4 x x BX4 x x BX4 x x BX4 BX4 x x BX4 x x BX5 x x BX5 x x BX6 x x BX6 x x BX7 x x BX7 x x SL.1 x x x x x x SL.10 x x x x x SL.100 x x x SL.101 x x x SL.102(2) x x x SL.103 x x SL.104 x x SL.105 x x SL.106 x x SL.107 x x SL.108 x x SL.109 x x SL.11 x x x x x SL.110 x x SL.111 x x SL.112(2) x x SL.113 x x SL.114 x x SL.115 x x SL.116 x x SL.117 x x SL.118 x x SL.119 x x SL.12 x x x x x SL.120 x x SL.121 x x SL.122 x x SL.123 x x SL.124 x x SL.125 x x SL.126 x x SL.127 x x SL.128 x x SL.129 x x SL.13 x x x x x SL.130 x x SL.131 x x SL.132 x x SL.133 x x SL.134 x x SL.135 x x SL.136 x x SL.137 x x SL.138 x x SL.139 x x SL.14 x x x x x SL.140 x x SL.141 x x SL.142 x x SL.143(2) x x x x x x SL.144(2) x x x x x x SL.145 x x x x x x SL.146 x x x x SL.147 x x x x SL.148 x x x x x x SL.149 x x x x x x SL.15 x x x x x SL.150 x x x x SL.151 x x x x x x SL.152(2) x x x x x x SL.153 x x x x SL.154 x x x x SL.155 x x x x SL.156 x x x x x x SL.157 x x x x x x SL.158(2) x x x x x x SL.159 x x x x x x SL.16 x x x x x SL.160 x x x x x x SL.161 x x x x x x SL.162(2) x x x x x x SL.163 x x x x x x Bridges

Bridge Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343) Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029) Type ID Channel_ID Unique ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater SL.164 x x x x x x SL.165 x x x x x x SL.166 x x x x x x SL.167 x x x x x x SL.168 x x x x x x SL.169 x x x x x x SL.17 x x x x x SL.170 x x x x x x SL.18 x x x x x SL.19 x x SL.2 x x x x x x SL.20 x x x x SL.21 x x x x SL.22 x x x SL.23 x x x SL.24 x x x SL.25 x x x SL.26 x x x SL.27 x x SL.28 x x SL.29 x x SL.3(2) x x x x x x SL.30 x x SL.31 x x SL.32 x x SL.33 x x SL.34 x x SL.35 x x SL.36(2) x x SL.37 x x SL.38 SL.39 SL.4 x x x x x x SL.40 SL.41 SL.42 SL.43(2) x x SL.44 SL.45 SL.46 x x x x x x SL.47 x x x x x x SL.48 x x x x x x SL.49 x x x x x x SL.5 x x x x x x SL.50 x x x x x x SL.51 x x x x x SL.52 x x x x x SL.53 x x x x x SL.54 x x x x x SL.55 x x x x x SL.56 x x x x x SL.57 x x x x SL.58 x x x x SL.59 x x x x SL.6 x x x x x x SL.60 x x x SL.61 x x x SL.62 x x x SL.63 x x x SL.64 x x SL.65 x x SL.66 x x SL.67 x x SL.68 x x SL.69 x x SL.7 x x x x x x SL.70(2) x x SL.71 x x SL.72(2) SL.73 SL.74 SL.75 x x SL.76 SL.77 SL.78 SL.79 x x x x x x SL.8 x x x x x SL.80 x x x x x x SL.81 x x x x x x SL.82 x x x x x x SL.83 x x x x x x SL.84 x x x x SL.85 x x x x x x SL.86 x x x x x SL.87 x x x x x SL.88 x x x x x SL.89 x x x x SL.9 x x x x x SL.90 x x x x x SL.91 x x x x x SL.92 x x x x SL.93 x x x x SL.94 x x x x SL.95 x x x x SL.96 x x x x SL.97 x x x x SL.98 x x x SL.99 x x x Sluices

Sluices Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343) Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029) Type ID Channel_ID Unique ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater D13 17845 SL x x D6 17831 SL x x D6 17838 SL x x D7 17727 SL x x x x x x E2 17808 SL E4 17870 SL E40 17699 SL x x x x x x 17769 SL x x x x D36 17710 SL 171 x x x x x x D37 17704 SL 173 x x x x x x D37 17702 Sl 174 x x x x x x D39 17995 SL 180 x x x x E23 17796 SL(2) 124 x x x D39 17996 SL(2) 179 x x x x x x D1 17738 SL(2) 5 x x x x x x D35 17713 SL(2)167 x x x x x x D1 17742 SL10 x x x x x E13 17896 SL101 E13 17910 SL102 D14 17736 SL103 x x x x x x D14 17737 SL104 x x x x x x D16 17749 SL108 x x x x x x D16 17756 Sl109 x x x x x D2 17751 SL11 x x x x x D16 17752 SL110 x x x x x D17 17753 SL114 x x x x x x D17 17761 SL115 x x x x x x D17 17759 SL116 x x x x x D17 17760 SL117 x x x x x D17 17764 SL117A x x x x x D2 17757 SL12 x x x x x D22 17795 SL123 x x x D23 17797 SL128 x x x D23 17800 SL129 x x x D2 17763 SL13 x x x x x E26 17826 SL130 x x E25 17823 SL131 x x E25 17824 SL133 x x D28 17829 SL138 x x D29 17840 SL139 x x D2 17770 SL14 x x x x x D29 17846 SL140 x x E28 17837 SL144 x x E36 17882 SL161 x x D35 17719 SL164 x x x x x x D35 17711 SL170 x x x x x x D36 17708 Sl172 x x x x E39 17701 SL174A x x x x x x E40 17700 SL175 x x x x x x E40 17697 SL177 x x x x x x D3 17775 SL18 x x x x x D42 17721 SL184 x x x x x x D42 17715 SL185 x x x x x x D4 17785 SL21 x x x x x D4 17790 SL22 x x x x D4 17793 SL25 x x x E2 17806 SL30 x x D5 17810 SL33 x x D5 17820 SL35 x x 17830 SL37 x x E4 17856 SL46 x x E4 17857 SL47 E4 17864 SL48 E4 17865 SL49 E4 17878 SL51 x x E5 17884 SL52 E5 17895 SL53 D7 17729 SL58 x x x x x x D7 17731 SL59 x x x x x x D8 17740 SL61 x x x x x x D8 17745 SL62 x x x x x x D9 17748 SL64 x x x x x D9 17768 SL66 x x x x x E9 17774 SL69 x x x x x D9 17777 SL70 x x x x x D10 17784 SL71 x x x x x D10 17789 SL72 x x x x D10 17791 Sl73 x x x x 17792 SL74 x x x x 17794 SL75 x x x E24 17798 SL76 x x x D12 17804 SL77 x x x 17807 SL82 x x E11 17813 SL84 x x D1 17741 SL9 x x x x x C1/21 17866 SL97 E13 17872 SL98 E13 17880 SL99 x x D6 17843 SLX1 x x E13 17909 SLX1 Sluices

Sluices Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343) Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029) Type ID Channel_ID Unique ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater E35 17888 SLX1 x x E36 17889 SLX1 x x E36 17890 SLX2 x x

Offices at Dublin Limerick

Registered Office 24 Grove Island Corbally Limerick Ireland

t: +353 (0) 61 345463 e:[email protected]

JBA Consulting Engineers and Scientists Limited Registration number 444752

JBA Group Ltd is certified to: ISO 9001:2015 ISO 14001:2015 OHSAS 18001:2007

Visit our website www.jbaconsulting.ie