River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT

OIFIG na nOIBREACHA POIBLÍ OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS

River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme

NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT

May 2018

CONSULTING ENGINEERS Sherwood House, Sherwood Avenue, Taylor’s Hill, Galway Suite 11, Ground floor, The Mall, Beacon Court, Sandyford, Dublin 18

Client Office of Public Works

Project No. 120211 - a

Project Title River Deel (Crossmolina) Flood Relief Scheme – Environmental Services

Report Title Natura Impact Statement

Rev. Status Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By Issue Date

D Final J. Owens P. Roberts 04/05/2018

River Deel (Crossmolina) Flood Relief Scheme in association with

RIVER DEEL (CROSSMOLINA) FLOOD RELIEF SCHEME

NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT

1 ..... INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 ..... General Introduction ...... 1 1.2 ..... Methodology and Report Structure ...... 2

2 ..... Description of the Proposed Development and Baseline Environment ...... 3 2.1 ..... Site Location ...... 3 2.2 ..... Characteristics of the Proposed Development ...... 3

3 ..... Description of the Baseline Ecology of the Site ...... 10

4 ..... Assessment of the effects of the Proposed Flood Relief Scheme on European Sites ...... 22 4.1 ..... River Moy SAC (2298) ...... 22 4.2 ..... Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA (004228) ...... 30

5 ..... Concluding Statement ...... 34 5.1 ..... Characteristics of Site and Development ...... 34 5.2 ..... Assessment of Significance of Effects ...... 35 5.3 ..... Integrity of the European Sites ...... 35 5.4 ..... Conclusion ...... 37

Natura Impact Statement . (i) River Deel (Crossmolina) Flood Relief Scheme in association with

LIST OF TABLES Table 4.1 Summary of relevant plans and projects Table 5.1 Integrity of site checklist and assessment for European Sites

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2.1 Site Location Figure 2.2a-c Site Layout Figure 3.1 Invasive Species Locations Figure 4.1 Alluvial Woodland Location Figure 4.2 Washlands in Relation to Designated Sites

LIST OF Appendices Appendix I AA Screening Report Appendix II Construction Environmental Method Statement Appendix III Woodland Assessment Report Appendix IV Bird Survey Data Appendix V Conservation Objectives Appendix VI Benefitting Lands and Washlands Drawings Appendix VII Hydrology Chapter EIAR

Natura Impact Statement . (ii) River Deel (Crossmolina) Flood Relief Scheme in association with

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION Ryan Hanley in association with McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan Ltd. (MKO) have been appointed to provide the information necessary to allow the competent authority to conduct an Article 6(3) Appropriate Assessment for a proposed flood relief scheme on the River Deel, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo. An Article 6 (3) Screening Report has been prepared and is provided in Appendix 1. The screening assessment concluded as follows:

It cannot be excluded beyond reasonable scientific doubt, in view of best scientific knowledge on the basis of objective information and in light of the conservation objectives of the relevant European sites, that the proposed development, individually or in combination with other plans and projects, would have a significant effect on the following European Sites:

River Moy SAC (2298)

Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA (004228)

In light of the finding of the Screening report, a Natura Impact Statement was prepared in accordance with the European Commission guidance document Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological Guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (EC, 2001) and the Department of the Environment’s Guidance on the Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland (December 2009, amended February 2010).

In addition to the guidelines referenced above, the following relevant guidance was considered in preparation of this report:

• DoEHLG (2010) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland Guidance for Planning Authorities. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government,

• European Communities (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,

• Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. European Commission,

• 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,

1 As defined in Section 177T of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended, an NIS means a statement, for the purposes of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive, of the implications of a proposed development, on its own and in combination with other plans and projects, for a European site in view of its conservation objectives. It is required to include a report of a scientific examination of evidence and data, carried out by competent persons to identify and classify any implications for the European site in view of its conservation objectives

Natura Impact Statement . 1 River Deel (Crossmolina) Flood Relief Scheme in association with

• EC (2013) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 28. European Commission

1.2 METHODOLOGY AND REPORT STRUCTURE The information contained in this NIS is designed to allow the Competent Authority to assess 1) whether there will be any adverse effects on the integrity of a European Site and 2) the implications of the project, alone or in combination with other plans and projects, for a European Site in view of its Conservation Objectives.

Firstly, in Section 2 of the report, the proposed development is fully described.

Following on from this in Section 3, a description of the baseline environment is provided.

In Section 4, the potential for the proposed development to result in adverse effects on each of the Qualifying Interests or the relevant European Sites is fully assessed in light of the conservation objectives and when considered in combination with other plans and projects.

The assessment of potential adverse effects follows the precautionary principle as detailed in Article 191 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (EU). It aims at ensuring a higher level of environmental protection through preventative decision-taking in the case of risk and underpins the Habitats Directive (DoEHLG 2010). The precautionary principle is the underlying concept of sustainable development which implies that prudent action be taken to protect the environment even in the absence of scientific certainty (DoEHLG 2010).

Finally in Section 5, a concluding statement is made. This includes a summary of the results of the assessment along with a checklist that demonstrates the lack of adverse effects on the integrity of any European Site (limited to the Conservation Objectives of the site) (as per Box 10 of EC, 2002). As per EC, 2002, the meaning of integrity is defined as follows;

The integrity of a site involves its ecological functions. The decision as to whether it is adversely affected should focus on and be limited to the site’s conservation objectives’ (MN2000, paragraph 4.6(3))’.

The information contained in this report will allow the Competent Authority to determine that the proposed development will not adversely affect the integrity of any European Site.

Natura Impact Statement . 2 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND BASELINE ENVIRONMENT

2.1 SITE LOCATION The proposed works are located approximately 750 metres to the south of the Jack Garrett Bridge in Crossmolina Town. The proposed channel runs from the bank of the River Deel (Grid Ref: E113141 N316508), it crosses a local road (leading south from Chapel Street) and proceeds in an easterly direction through farmland before crossing the R315 and veering south and crossing the local road to Gortnor Abbey and a local access to private properties. The proposed channel terminates to the east of the R315 in the townland of Mullenmore (Grid Ref: E114220 N316630). Additional areas surrounding the channel are required for the site compound. These are located on the lands surrounding the channel.

The text above describes the location of the physical works that are associated with the proposed flood relief scheme. Whilst there are no physical works associated with the lands over which the waters will discharge (washlands), they are included within the study area and the impacts thereon are assessed. The washlands extend from the end of the channel and proceed over two large springs at Mullenmore before following the route of the Mullenmore stream and entering Lough Conn to the after approximately 550metres. The location of the proposed works is provided in Figure 2.1.

2.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The River Deel and Crossmolina Town have a long history of flooding. The four most recent flood events in 1989, 2006, and 2015 (twice) resulted in flooding of three main streets in Crossmolina Town. Approximately 120 properties were inundated by flood water during the most extreme of these floods in December 2015. The preferred Flood Option for the River Deel is a diversion channel upstream of the town, which will redirect flood waters away from the town, directly to the flood plains of Lough Conn. The Preferred Option will be designed to cater for the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood event (also known as the 100 year flood event). In order to prevent flooding in Crossmolina Town, a diversion channel and intake structure is required with a capacity of 110 cumec.

The proposed works are detailed on the scheme drawings included in Appendix 3A of the EIAR and are described generally in the following section. To undertake the proposed works on site, some access will be required to adjacent lands and the river channel, the extent of which can also be seen in Appendix 3A of the EIAR. The locations of each of the proposed works features are marked on the relevant drawing with a code, with the adjacent table providing a description for each code. A site layout drawing is provided in Figure 2.2a-c.

The proposed works for the River Deel Drainage Scheme comprise the following;

Natura Impact Statement . 3 Legend Proposed Development Boundary

Proposed Washlands

MAP TITLE:Site Location MAP NO.: Figure 2.1 SCALE: 1:20,000 PROJECT TITLE: 120211-a - Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme DATE: 03-04-2018 DRAWING BY: James Owens CHECKED BY: Pat Roberts ISSUE NO.:120211a-2018.04.03-F

McCarthy Keville O'Sullivan Ltd., Block 1, G.F.S.C, Moneenageisha Road, Galway, Ireland. Email: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)91 735611 Fax: +353 (0)91 771279 Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. AR 0021817 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

An adjustable steel plate at the top of 80m the reinforced concrete structure. A 15m long section of the weir will consist of automated tilting weirs. This section will be overlooked by an access platform. • New hydrometric gauges at the Jack Garrett (N59) Bridge and the intake structure. • Construction of two new bridges, one each on the R315 (Mullenmore Bridge) and L1105 (Pollnacross Bridge). • Raising the L1105 at the approach to the new bridge. • Realignment of the Lake Road and creation of a new junction with the R315. This will necessitate the closure of a section of the existing road. • Realignment and raising of existing avenues connecting the Lake Road to properties to the South. • Creation of washlands between the termination point of the new channel and Lough Conn. • Extinguishing existing access points/ access routes and creation of new access points as shown on the drawings. • Construction of an access track along the top of the channel between the L1105 and the R315. An access track will also be constructed alongside the intake structure linking the L1105 to the river bank. This will be used for maintenance purposes. • Localised regrading of ground levels, erection of fencing and access gates, to facilitate pedestrian/ vehicular access to and around flood defences, or to redirect overland surface water flow paths. • Electricity supply and telemetry for the new tilting weirs, and utility diversions elsewhere. • Maintenance activities and other non-structural measures

Site Investigation and Site Clearance Site Investigation has been undertaken to date to inform the detailed design of the flood relief scheme. Further investigations, mainly excavation of trial pits to confirm ground conditions, will take place in advance of the construction works. This will also incorporate the excavation of archaeological test trenches along the channel route. In order to construct the proposed work, it will be necessary to remove walls, fences, and vegetation in advance of excavation and construction works. 2.2.1 Grass Lined Channel It will be necessary to excavate a new channel to convey flood water from the intake weir on the banks of the River Deel to Lough Conn via the abovementioned washlands. The channel will be grass lined. The grass will generally be unreinforced, with reinforcement proposed to prevent potential scouring at locations where high velocities are predicted by the hydraulic model. The proposed channel base width is 18m, with side slopes at 1:2, unless otherwise determined at detailed design stage once the results from detailed geotechnical investigation become available. Invert levels will vary from 16.0m O.D. at Pollnacross (L1105) Bridge to 13.2 m O.D. at the downstream end. The proposed channel will have a longitudinal gradient of 1:670 upstream of Mullenmore (R315) Bridge, and 1:125 downstream of the bridge. The volume of excavated material is 160,000m3, the majority of which

Natura Impact Statement . 4 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with will be transported off site. The surface area of the channel is 6ha (15 Acres), including the area between channel and boundary fences. The channel base will incorporate a narrow longitudinal depression, the purpose of which is to provide a flow path for low flows in the channel. Low flows will occur when a lower section of the intake weir starts to overtop. This will provide a natural warning for anyone in breach of OPW protocols or those who do not take heed warning signage and as a result find themselves in the channel in advance of a flood event. Flashing beacons and sirens will also be provided at locations within the channel as part of the flood early warning system. An access track will run along the top of the channel between the L1105 and the R315. Access points will be provided from this track to the channel base to facilitate maintenance activities. Fences will be erected to separate the channel and access track from surrounding agricultural land. Hedging will be planted along the new boundary. Gates will be provided along the fence line to facilitate access to the track by OPW. In one instance it is proposed that this track will be used to access an existing field in lieu of an access that is to be extinguished. The location of this access will be decided subject to further discussions with the landowner concerned. Additional gates may be included in the fence lines subject to agreements with other individual landowners. Temporary working areas will be required during the channel construction period in order to accommodate vehicle movements, stockpiling of material, and construction and removal of temporary site compounds. The footprint required is shown on the drawings. The excess excavated material, which will consist predominantly of glacial till, will be transported to Coolturk Quarry, located to the West of Crossmolina Town via the L1105, R315 and the N59. Intake Structure It will be necessary to construct a new intake weir to convey flood flows from the River Deel to the diversion channel and onwards to the washlands and Lough Conn. The location of the weir has been chosen so that any impact on the hydraulics of the river at the weir location is minimised up to bank full flow. This intake structure will be of reinforced concrete construction and will consist of various elements, including:

• A reinforced concrete spillway enclosed on three sides by a reinforced concrete retaining wall. The fourth open side will connect the spillway with the invert of the channel under the L1105 Pollnacross Bridge, which in turn opens up to the grass lined diversion channel downstream. The invert Level of the spillway will be16mOD at bridge, rising locally adjacent to the weir. • The reinforced concrete wall running along the river bank will incorporate the following mechanical elements: o An adjustable steel plate will be fixed to an 80m long section of the intake weir. This will allow for adjustments in the weir level following construction of the scheme and recalibration of the hydraulic model. The weir crest level will initially be set at 18.5 mOD. o A 15m long section of the weir will consist of automated mechanical tilting weirs, which will allow for further control of the water levels in the river during a flood event. The weir crest levels will initially be set at 18.5 mOD in general with one section set at a lower level to provide an early warning of an overflow event.

Natura Impact Statement . 5 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

o A steel platform/ walkway will be constructed above the tilting weir section. This platform will be supported on concrete columns located along between the tilting weirs. o Safety fencing atop the reinforced concrete walls to prevent people or objects falling. o A pedestrian access track along the river bank side of the weir for maintenance purposes. o Rock armour/ stone gabions will be placed in order to provide scour protection to the river banks upstream and downstream of the intake location. Hydrometric Gauges There is an existing hydrometric gauge at Ballycarroon on the River Deel, which has a long (c70 year) gauge record. Temporary gauges are in place in the vicinity of the intake structure and at Jack Garrett Bridge in Crossmolina Town. The scheme will provide for creation of three permanent gauges at the intake location (one at the intake weir, one upstream and one downstream), and upgrade of the gauge at Jack Garrett Bridge. Telemetry from the gauges at Ballycarroon, the intake weir and Jack Garrett Bridge will be linked to the mechanical tilting weirs at the intake structure. The mechanical tilting weirs will be automated and controlled based on information on river levels received from the two new gauges and the existing gauge at Ballycarroon. Bridges The proposed grass lined channel will cross two main roads, namely the L1105 and the R315. It will therefore be necessary to construct two new permanent bridges to keep these two roads open. The Pollnacross (L1105) Bridge will consist of a reinforced concrete deck spanning 20m between reinforced concrete abutments. There will be two carriageways, and one footpath. As the bridge soffit has been selected based on hydraulic considerations, the approach road (L1105) will need to be raised at either end of the bridge to facilitate bridge construction. Safety barriers will extend along the road edges on the approaches to the bridge. The Mullenmore (R315) bridge will consist of a reinforced concrete deck, also spanning 20m between reinforced earth abutments/ wing walls. The abutments will be constructed on piled foundations. There will be two carriageways, and two footpaths. The existing ground is elevated relative to the proposed channel invert and hydraulic considerations have not been a determining factor in selecting a bridge soffit level. It will therefore not be necessary to carry out any significant regrading of existing road levels at this location. Safety barriers will extend along the road edges on the approaches to the bridges.

Natura Impact Statement . 6 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Road Realignment (Lake Road) The proposed grass lined channel will also cross the Lake Road and two avenues, which provide access to properties located to the South of the Lake Road. The Lake Road is used to access Gortnoraby Pier, the rear entrance of Gortnoraby School, a wastewater pumping station, local residences and farmland. It will be necessary to realign the existing Lake Road and create a new junction with the R315. This will necessitate the permanent closure of a section of the existing road and realignment of the existing avenues connecting the Lake Road to properties to the South to suit the new layout. It will also be necessary to elevate the realigned property access avenues to prevent flooding of these access routes in the event of a flood. The new section of Lake Road will incorporate two new footpaths Fences will be erected along the revised property boundaries. Gates will be provided along the fence line to facilitate new access points for landowners. Access points may be revised subject to agreement with individual landowners. Surface water from the new road will be collected via a new surface water drainage system. Surface water runoff will be routed through new petrol interceptor(s), before discharging to the low flow channel at the base of the new diversion channel. Non Structural Measures Non-structural measures required will include river gauging, operation of a basic flood early warning system incorporating early hydraulic warning, flashing beacons and sirens, planning and control measures and building regulations regarding flood-proofing of buildings.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Operational Changes As noted above, the proposed infrastructure has been designed in order to prevent flooding in Crossmolina Town during high flow events up to the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood event, while minimising resulting changes in the hydrology of the river by avoiding any impact on river flows downstream of the intake structure for flows up to bank full flow. Flow in the river will be regulated by a weir to be constructed on the river bank. Under normal hydrological conditions, water will continue to flow along the channel of the River Deel through Crossmolina Town and onwards to Lough Conn. The intake structure will be designed to ensure that the low flow regime in the river in particular is not altered. The weir level will be set so that when flows in the river exceed bank full flow, excess flow will be diverted over the weir, along the diversion channel, to Lough Conn, via the washlands. The weir crest level will be set so as to minimise any hydrological changes in the River Deel, while mitigating flood risk in Crossmolina Town. The incorporation of a tilting section of intake weir will allow OPW to increase the capacity of the overflow structure during a flood event, thereby increasing the crest level of the fixed weir and therefore the threshold at which it will start to overflow. This will reduce minimise the frequency of overflow events.

Natura Impact Statement . 7 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

The weir will initially be set at 18.6 mOD. This is the level that based on the hydraulic model for the scheme would have on average been overtopped no more than once a year based on the available digitised hydrometric record for the Ballycarroon hydrometric gauge on the River Deel dating back to 1973. The fixed weir will incorporate an adjustable element so that the weir level can be raised or lowered to refine the balance of flows between the River Deel and the new channel during the operation of the scheme. Adjustments may be made following recalibration of the hydraulic model. The model will be periodically recalibrated following high flow events, and based on updated hydrometric data, which will include data from the new hydrometric gauges installed in connection with this scheme. 2.2.2 Washlands Due to the local topography, environmental concerns, and costs associated with channel excavation, it will not be possible to connect the new channel with Lough Conn without creation of washlands along the way. The areas designated as “Washlands” are those areas between the proposed channel and Lough Conn which under the Scheme, will be deliberately flooded to reduce flood waters in the River Deel and the consequent flood risk to Crossmolina Town. The washlands will extend from the termination point of the channel to Lough Conn. The washlands extents shown on the Exhibition Drawings represent the extent to which flood waters will propagate in the event that the 110 cumec design flow overtops the intake weir, flows down the new channel and across the washlands en route to Lough Conn. The flood extents will vary depending on the lake level at the time of the overflow event and flow in the diversion channel. The washlands mainly consist of marginal agricultural lands, with the notable exception of existing farm buildings and an old mill at Mullenmore. 2.2.3 Benefitting Lands The scheme when constructed will redirect flood waters away from Crossmolina Town, directly to the flood plains of Lough Conn. The proposed infrastructure has been designed in order to prevent flooding in Crossmolina Town during high flow events up to the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood event, while minimising resulting changes in the hydrology of the river by avoiding any impact on river flows downstream of the intake structure up to bank full flow. Lands that will benefit from the scheme include Crossmolina Town and lands along the banks of the River Deel between the intake structure and Lough Conn. Maintenance Regime Operational measures required will include regular scheduled maintenance of the diversion channel, and the intake structure including maintenance of mechanical elements, maintenance of the river gauges, and maintenance of vegetation on the river bank. Maintenance activities within the diversion channel will include grass cutting, and maintenance of vegetation at manageable levels, repairs to reinforced grass where required, inspection and repairs of other scheme elements, such as fencing, bridges, gates and access tracks. Maintenance activities at the intake structure will include inspections, and maintenance of the reinforced concrete and mechanical elements. This will be done from within the spillway, from the elevated platform and the riverbank access track. The operation of the new channel may result in some deposition of gravels

Natura Impact Statement . 8 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with immediately adjacent to the intake structure. The structure has situated between the river bank and adjacent properties in order to minimise any impact on the cross sectional area of flow in the river and, should deposition occur, encourage deposition outside the wetted perimeter of the river at low flows. Should deposition occur, and in the event that it is determined by OPW that this would negatively impact on the operation of the scheme, the deposited material will be removed using a small excavator working from the top of the intake structure without the requirement for in-stream works or bank destabilisation. It is not anticipated that this maintenance will be required on a regular basis. All gravels removed will be disposed of at an appropriately licenced waste or recovery facility. Bankside vegetation at the intake structure will require maintenance on an ongoing basis to prevent it from reducing the capacity of the intake. This will not require in-stream works and will most likely be undertaken with the use of strimmers operated by hand on an annual basis. As part of the proposed flood relief scheme, the section of the River Deel between in intake structure and Jack Garrett Bridge in Crossmolina Town will formally be included within the OPW Drainage Maintenance Programme for the Moy District, which already extents upstream on the River Deel as far as Jack Garrett Bridge. Maintenance will involve the regular assessment of trees and branches in the area and the removal of any that are likely to fall and become trapped in the eye of the Jack Garrett Bridge. There will be no loss or deterioration of habitat as a result of this maintenance (which already appears to be carried out on an Ad Hoc basis at present). No requirement for in-stream works or silt removal has been identified either in the absence of the proposed flood relief scheme or with it in place. All maintenance works will be the subject of Screening for AA as part of the OPW drainage maintenance and works in the region will be subject to the OPW environmental protocols and SOPs.

ANTICIPATED CONSTRUCTION METHODS Intake Structure

The construction of the intake structure is likely to be carried out by traditional methods comprising the following activities:

• Isolation of works area, including erection of fencing and traffic management where required,

• Temporary works including silt barrages.

• Excavation for foundations, blinding of formation, fixing of reinforcement, placing of formwork, placing of concrete, and stripping of formwork.

• Installation, testing and commissioning of Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation elements.

• Reinstatement of area. If in the unlikely event during construction works, it is considered that there is a possibility of flood water passing underneath the flood defence wall foundations, either sheet piles or grouting techniques will be required to provide a cut-off. The sheet piles may be metal or plastic and would be driven to the required depth using a piling hammer or similar. Construction Environmental Method Statements are provided as Appendix II.

Natura Impact Statement . 9 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE BASELINE ECOLOGY OF THE SITE

3.1. FLORA The habitats recorded on or in the vicinity of the site of, the proposed development are listed below. The habitat names are followed by their corresponding habitat reference code (in brackets). A detailed description of the region and its flora is also provided below.

o Eroding River (FW1) o Depositing River (FW2) o Drainage Ditches (FW4) o Hedgerows (WL1) o Treelines (WL2) o Scrub (WS1) o Riparian Woodland (WN5) o Wet Willow Alder Ash Woodland (WN6) o Mixed Broadleafed Woodland (WD1) o Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1) o Dry Meadow & Grassy Verges (GS2) o Poor Fen and Flush (PF2) o Wet grassland (GS4) o Buildings & Artificial Surfaces (BL3) o Spoil and Bare Ground (ED2)

A detailed survey of woodlands within and close to the study area was also completed. Detailed results are provided in Appendix III. The results have informed the habitat descriptions as outlined below.

Intake Structure and Bypass Channel The western extent of the study area begins at the River Deel in the townland of Cartrongillbert. The river is classified as an Eroding river (FW1). The river itself was fringed over much of its course with a line of mature broad-leaved trees with sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), ash (Fraxinus excelsior), beech (Fagus sylvatica), grey willow (Salix cinerea), alder (Alnus glutinosa) and hazel (Corylus avellana) found along the riparian corridor and classified as Riparian woodland (WN5).

The proposed development borders the river for approximately 150 metres with the intake structure located outside the SAC and in the adjacent field. The section of bank within the study area supports a wide bank of deposited silty material with growth of plant species including marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvatica), and Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria). This wide bank is separated from the adjoining lands by an old earthen bank, on top of which is a Tree Line (WL2), which is dominated by Sycamore and Ash and used to form the boundary with the adjacent agricultural field. This marks the boundary of the River Moy SAC. This field was in agricultural production until at least 2000 (aerial photography) but now forms part of the grounds of a dwelling house. There were no trees within the field in 2005 when the house was under construction (or recently constructed) but in the intervening

Natura Impact Statement . 10 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with years, scrubby woodland has grown up adjacent to the old field boundary. This is classified as Wet willow-alder-ash woodland (WN6) but is very scrubby and includes only immature trees with scrub encroaching into the field/garden. The intake structure will be located in this area of recently established scrub and woodland (Plates 3.1 & 3.2). A small section of Mixed Broadleaved Woodland (WD1) is located between the local road and the River Deel at the northern end of the intake structure.

Moving south-east, the proposed development footprint will consist of the channel and access road for the rest of its length. The study area encompasses both Cartrongillbert and Mullenmore North townlands in this location and is dominated by species-poor Wet grassland (GS4) and Improved agricultural grassland (GA1) (Plates 3.3 & 3.4). Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Hedgerows (WL1) demarcate the field boundaries and a small area of hawthorn dominated Scrub (WS1) with gorse (Ulex europeaus), elder (Sambucus nigra) and bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) was found along one of the field boundaries. Other small patches of bramble Scrub (WS1) were recorded in scattered locations adjacent to field boundaries. Moving to the east, drainage ditches were recorded running parallel to hedgerows. Stands of the non- native invasive species Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) were recorded on the approach to and adjacent to the R315 (Figure 3.1).

Continuing eastward the proposed channel crosses the R315 in the townland of Mullenmore North and turns south-east traversing a local access road (BL3), and fields of Improved agricultural grassland (GA1) and semi-improved Wet grassland (GS4). The proposed channel ends at this location, but a small dry drain, connects this location into a large spring that is described below

Washlands The washlands comprise a complex of habitats incorporating wet woodland, springs and the associated Mullenmore Stream, Wet Grassland and Poor Fen habitats. No physical works are proposed in this area but water will be diverted from the bypass channel over these lands to Lough Conn during flood events. Much of the washland area is already flooded regularly by Lough Conn for long periods.

Spring fed ponds, as evident from upwelling water, provide the sources of the river and are surrounded by wet woodlands. Aquatic vegetation recorded within the springs included duckweed (Lemna sp.), broadleaved pondweed (Potamogeton natans). yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus) and branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum), horsetails (Equisetum spp.), bog bean (Menyanthes trifoliata) marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), water mint (Mentha aquatica) and sedges (Carex spp.) were recorded from the emergent vegetation (Plate 3.6).

The upper branches of the river are partially eroding for short sections (Plate 3.7) but they quickly merge to form a watercourse that has been classified as a Lowland depositing river (FW2) with flat gradient, sluggish flow and silty substrate. This channel spends much of its time submerged under flood waters from Lough Conn.

The short eroding sections of the river were devoid of aquatic plants and emergent vegetation with only the aquatic moss Fontanilis sp. recorded. The following species were recorded from the lower depositing section of the river: yellow iris, branched bur-reed, horsetails, bog bean, marsh marigold, water mint. Floating bur-reed (Sparganium emersum) was recorded instream(Plate 3.8).

Natura Impact Statement . 11 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

The woodland within the wash-lands was categorised as Wet willow-alder-ash (WN6). The woodland was dominated by grey willow, alder, ash with occasional sycamore. Ground vegetation included meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), nettle (Urtica dioica) and yellow iris. These areas of wet woodland were found to correspond to the Annex I Priority Habitat Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)* [91E0] (Plate 3.9).

The Wet grassland (GS4) located to the east of the R315 is heavily grazed by sheep. Wet grassland recorded to the east of this point and located to the south of the river are dominated by dense swards of soft rush (Juncus effusus). To the north of the river, fields are improved and subject agricultural activity.

To the north of the river on the approach to the shores of Lough Conn, a Poor fen and flush (PF2) was recorded (Plate 3.10). A drain forms western boundary of the fen habitat and common reed (Phragmites australis) is dominant in this area. Species recorded from the fen included bog cotton (Eriophorum angustifolium), bog bean, bottle sedge (Carex rostrata), marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris), lesser spearwort (Ranunculus flammula), common sedge (Carex nigra) and marsh marigold. Moving to the north, the poor fen grades into a relatively species rich Wet grassland (GS4).

Plate 3.1. Wet-willow-alder-ash (WN6) woodland which has recently encroached on to Dry-meadows and grassy verges grassland (GS2) field .

Natura Impact Statement . 12 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 3.2 .Immature woodland where the intake structure is proposed

Plate 3.3 Wet grassland (GS4) demarcated with hedgerows (WL1) and scrub (WS1) where proposed diversion channel will be constructed.

Natura Impact Statement . 13 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 3.4. Improved agricultural grassland (GA1) within the final section of the diversion channel footprint

Plate 3.5. Japanese Knotweed adjacent to the R315

Natura Impact Statement . 14 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 3.6. Lower Mullenmore Spring surrounded by emergent vegetation and woodlands

Natura Impact Statement . 15 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 3.7. Short Section of Eroding River close to Mullenmore Springs

Plate 3.8 Lower Reaches of the Mullenmore Stream

Natura Impact Statement . 16 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 3.9. Annex I Alluvial Woodland adjacent to the Mullenmore Stream and Lough Conn

Natura Impact Statement . 17 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 3.10. Poor fen and flush (PL1) grading into wet grassland (GS4) adjacent to Lough Conn

Natura Impact Statement . 18 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

3.2. SIGNIFICANCE OF FLORA Habitats were assessed in accordance with the receptor importance classification criteria outlined in NRA (2009), Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Roads Schemes. The Wet willow-alder- ash woodland (WN6) recorded within the proposed wash-lands adjacent to Lough Conn correspond with Annex I Priority Habitat Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)* [91E0] and was classified as being of International Importance where it occurs within the River Moy SAC as it is a Qualifying Interest for the SAC.

The River Deel, as part of the River Moy SAC, was also classified as being of International Importance. The proposed development footprint is located entirely outside the above listed habitats.

The immature woodland, scrub, hedgerows, treelines, poor fen and flush and the Mullenmore Stream are classified as Local Importance (Higher Value) as they provide semi natural habitats with high biodiversity in a local context.

The other habitats recorded included highly managed agricultural lands and built areas that were of low ecological significance.

3.3. FAUNA Birds The bird species recorded during the walkover surveys were typical of the habitats along the route of the proposed works. Species including Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) were recorded in the corridor of the River Deel along with songbirds such as Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) and Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus). The lands where the bypass channel is proposed supported lower levels of bird activity and common passerines and corvids were recorded frequently in this area.

The washlands included habitats including wet woodlands, flooded fields, wet grasslands and lakeshore habitats. These lands provide high quality habitat for a wide range of bird species and are partially included within the Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA. Whilst no physical works are being undertaken in the washlands, a dedicated bird survey was undertaken on a monthly basis throughout 2016 and in early (jan – mar) 2017.The results of these surveys including details of the species recorded, maximum flock size and flightline mapping is presented in Appendix IV.

The results as they pertain to the Special Conservation Interests (SCI) of the SPA are summarised below. As the SCIs include wetlands and waterbirds in general, this covers usage of the area by wildfowl that are not specifically mentioned in the Conservation Objectives. All bird species were recorded and included for assessment.

Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) was only recorded on the January 2016 VP. Birds were observed on Lough Conn and within the lakes flooded extent and within the river flowing into the lake at the survey area. The maximum number of birds recorded was 40.

Natura Impact Statement . 19 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) was not recorded during any of the surveys that were undertaken. This species is known to be in decline on the lake (Hunt et.al., 2012) and breeds on wooded islands. The habitats in the washlands and in the surrounding area are unlikely to be used significantly by this species.

Common gull (Larus canus) was observed during January, March, April, May, June, July, August and December in 2016 and in March 2017. All of the birds were recorded flying over Lough Conn or within and adjacent to the lake shore. The largest number recorded was a flock of 130 in March 2017.

Greenland white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons flavirostris) were recorded on three separate months, February, November and December 2016. The highest number observed was in November and December 2016 of 24 birds with activity restricted to Lough Conn and wet grassland habitat south of the washlands and adjacent to the lake. Mammals The study area between the proposed weir at Cartrongilbert to the washlands adjacent to Lough Conn at Gortnaraby and Mullenmore North was searched for signs of mammal activity with dedicated surveys undertaken for badger and otter. The otter survey was undertaken 150m upstream and downstream of the proposed weir at the River Deel and along the entire length of the Mullenmore Stream. Other species that are likely to occur in the area but were not recorded include Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Pine Marten (Martes martes), Rat (Rattus norvegicus) and Stoat (Mustela erminea). The suitability of the site for bats was considered but whilst the site of the proposed development is likely to be used by foraging and commuting bats (especially the River Deel, Mullenmore Stream and Lough Conn) the proposed development will not result in the loss or damage to any significant roosting habitat and the loss of low hedges along the route of the drainage channel is unlikely to result in any significant effects on these taxa and further dedicated assessment was considered un-necessary.

Otter Dedicated surveys for otter were undertaken in 2016, 2017 & 2018. Evidence of otter (Lutra lutra) was observed along the banks of the River Deel during the site visits with records including spraints and prints recorded. Evidence of otter in the form of prints and numerous spraints were found from the banks of The Mullenmore Stream in the east of the study area. These watercourses are utilized extensively by otter, which is a Qualifying Interest of the River Moy SAC. The spraints observed contained fish remains and remains of the Annex II species freshwater white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) which is also a Qualifying Interest of the SAC. There is also suitable habitat for otter along the shoreline of Lough Conn although no otter signs were observed along the lake shore during the site visits.

No breeding or resting sites of otter were observed during the dedicated otter surveys that were undertaken in relation to the currently proposed scheme. A suspected otter holt was recorded in previous surveys undertaken in 2014. This was located on the left bank of the River Deel, approximately 170 metres downstream of the proposed works associated with the intake structure. This was resurveyed in 2018 and whilst prints were recorded in the sediments on the river bank close to the suspected holt, no signs of activity within it were recorded.

Fisheries Habitat

Natura Impact Statement . 20 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

The fisheries habitat of the River Deel was assessed by means of a desk study (as described in Section 5.3 of this report) and was visually assessed during the walkover and freshwater pearl mussel surveys. It is well known as a high quality fisheries habitat with significant populations of Salmon (Salmo salar), Trout (Salmo trutta) and Lamprey species (Lampetra Spp.). The substrate of the river, whilst silty at the edges and heavily shaded in places, supported good spawning gravels, cobbles and boulders. Whilst it has been drained through blasting downstream and dries out entirely during the summer months, it still retains very high quality fishery features with a natural ‘riffle, glide, pool’ sequence throughout along much of its length.

The Mullenmore Stream is a much less significant channel in terms of fisheries habitat. Much of its length is at a very flat grade with sluggish flow and silty substrate with only a small section close to the springs that has a steeper gradient and some cobbles and gravels present in the substrate.

There is little suitable Salmonid habitat but potentially suitable habitat for Lamprey species (particularly juvenile Lamprey). Brook Lamprey were recorded spawning within the stream during the freshwater pearl mussel survey in May 2017. The species was utilizing a small patch of gravels in the midst of the silty substrate.

3.4. SIGNIFICANCE OF FAUNA Of the faunal species recorded or known to be present, those that are among the QIs/SCIs of the River Moy SAC and the Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA are of International importance. These include the aquatic species associated with the River Moy, otter, white clawed crayfish, salmon, and Lamprey species. They also include the three bird species that are among the SCIs and were recorded during the bird surveys Greenland white fronted goose, common gull and tufted duck. Common Scoter were not recorded and are unlikely to regularly occur within the study area.

Natura Impact Statement . 21 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

4 ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED FLOOD RELIEF SCHEME ON EUROPEAN SITES

The Article 6(3) report cannot exclude the potential for the proposed flood relief scheme to have a significant effect on two European Sites:

River Moy SAC (2298)

Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA (004228)

This section of the NIS examines the potential for adverse effects on the above listed European Sites taking into account all relevant data, mitigation, best practice, construction methodologies that are in place to minimise or prevent such effects. Potential adverse effects are assessed in view of best scientific knowledge, on the basis of objective information in relation to the proposed development including the proposed avoidance, reduction and preventive measures. Each European Site is considered separately. The relevant sections of the Site Specific c Conservation Objective documents and Site Synopses are provided in Appendix V.

4.1 RIVER MOY SAC (2298) The potential for the proposed flood relief scheme to result in adverse effects on each of the qualifying interests of this site is discussed below. Where several of the qualifying interests are potentially affected only via the same pathway (e.g. the aquatic environment), they are discussed collectively to avoid repetition.

4.1.1. Peatlands

Four peatland habitats are included as qualifying interests of the River Moy SAC. These are:

Active raised bog (7110)*

Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration (7120)

Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion (7150)

Alkaline fens (7230)

None of these habitats were recorded during the extensive assessment of the study area that was undertaken in respect of this project. The study area included the footprint of the proposed development itself along with the washlands and benefitting lands. It included areas that were outside the SAC and areas within it.

The site-specific conservation objectives (SSCO) document for the River Moy SAC was consulted. This revealed that the raised bogs and associated habitats for which the SAC is designated occur in a separate catchment of the River Moy with no potential pathway for effect. The extent of alkaline fen habitats within

Natura Impact Statement . 22 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with the SAC is not defined in the SSCO document. However, no such habitat was recorded within the study area and no pathway for effect on this groundwater dependant terrestrial ecosystem was identified.

Where no pathway for any adverse effect exists, no pathway for the proposed development to result in cumulative effects, when considered in combination with other plans and projects exists. It can therefore it can be concluded on the basis of objective scientific information, that the project, individually or in combination with other plans or projects, will not adversely affect the integrity of any of the above peatland habitats associated with the River Moy SAC.

4.1.2. Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles (91A0)

This woodland habitat was not recorded during the extensive assessment of the study area that was undertaken in respect of this project. The study area included the footprint of the proposed development itself along with the washlands and benefitting lands. It included areas that were outside the SAC and areas within it.

The site-specific conservation objectives (SSCO) document for the River Moy SAC was consulted. This revealed that the extent of alkaline fen habitats within the SAC is not defined in the SSCO document. However, no such habitat was recorded within the study area and no pathway for effect on this terrestrial habitat was identified.

Where no pathway for any adverse effect exists, no pathway for the proposed development to result in cumulative effects, when considered in combination with other plans and projects exists. It can therefore it can be concluded on the basis of objective scientific information, that the project, individually or in combination with other plans or projects, will not adversely affect the integrity of this woodland habitat that is associated with the River Moy SAC.

4.1.3. Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (91EO)

This woodland habitat was recorded within the washlands during the walkover survey of the study area. The woodlands within the study area were first assessed during the walkover survey, then any that had the potential to correspond with this Annex I habitat were subject to a detailed woodland assessment. The survey followed the methodology and assessment criteria outlined in Perrin (2008). The details of this survey are provided in Appendix III. A map showing the locations of the woodlands that correspond to this Annex I habitat are provided in Figure 4.1. The SAC boundary and the extent of the washlands are also shown in Figure 4.1. In addition to the above, surveys of the River Deel downstream of Crossmolina Town that were commissioned by the OPW recorded Alluvial Woodland along the River Channel.

The site-specific conservation objectives (SSCO) document for the River Moy SAC was consulted. Whilst only a single location for alluvial woodland is mapped within the SAC it is acknowledged that the full extent of the habitat is not defined in the SSCO document. The mapped example of the habitat is located on the western shores of Lough Conn close to Enniscoe House (approximately 2km to the south of the washlands). The habitat is also mentioned in the Site Synopsis as being well developed on the banks of the River Moy at Coryosla Bridge.

4.1.3.1. Direct Effects

Natura Impact Statement . 23 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

There will be no works within or adjacent to this habitat. The only physical works within the SAC will be located on the banks of the River Deel at the intake point. No alluvial woodland exists at this location. There will be no loss in the area covered or changes to the distribution of this habitat within the SAC

4.1.3.2. Indirect Effects

The potential for indirect effects on this habitat via a number of pathways was considered. Effects were considered in respect of the site-specific conservation objectives for the habitat. The potential for effects was considered both in relation to construction and operation of the proposed flood relief scheme.

Construction The potential for the proposed construction works to result in effects on Alluvial Woodland as a result of the run off of pollutants was considered. There were two identified pathways assessed.

Firstly, there is potential for overland run off of pollutants to the washlands during construction either from extreme rainfall or if the channel became active prior to its completion. Both of these scenarios are extremely unlikely given the topography of the area, the nature of the works being undertaken and the lack of sensitivity of the receptor to a siltation event (most likely form of pollution is siltation). Nonetheless, the proposed works have been specifically designed to avoid any such event. Measures as described in the Construction Environmental Method Statements that are provided as Appendix II include the following:

• Sediment control measures such as silt fencing and settlement ponds to prevent downstream run off • Working from the downstream end towards the intake point to avoid the potential for the channel becoming active prior to its completion. • Applying the final grass surfacing for each small section of channel as soon as it is completed to allow it to consolidate and prevent the potential for erosion

Secondly, there is the potential for run off of pollutants to Alluvial Woodlands downstream on the River Deel during construction of the intake structure. Again, the woodlands would not be highly sensitive to pollution but robust design and construction measures are in place to avoid such an event and described in Section Two of this report. Measures include:

• Avoidance of any instream works • Position of intake structure set back from the river bank and largely behind an earthen bank • Silt control measures such as silt fencing and settlement ponds • No discharges to the River • Operation of a SOWOR • Avoidance of any works at high water levels

Operation The operation of the flood relief channel has the potential to alter the normal functioning of the River Deel at high, low and flood flows. The potential for such effects was a primary consideration in the progression and design of the proposed development. The scheme has been specifically designed so there is negligible effect on the functioning of the River Deel in all but high flood events (return period of greater than one

Natura Impact Statement . 24 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with year). The channel will continue to convey the ‘bank full’ flow. All the Alluvial Woodlands that were recorded on the River Deel are located within the river corridor and ‘bank full’ channel. There will be no change to the existing flooding regime within this channel. The benefitting lands as shown in Appendix VI, do not include any Alluvial Woodland that are outside the channel.

The operation of the channel will result in additional flooding of the Alluvial Woodlands within the SAC in the washlands. This again was a primary consideration in the design of the development and has been extensively modelled. There were a number of outcomes that are critical to the assessment of the potential effects on the Alluvial Woodland. These are described below:

• The washlands within the SAC are likely to be already flooded by the lake during operation of the flood channel given the average wintertime levels of the lake. This is shown on Figure 4.1. The additional flooding during high water levels is negligible in terms of area covered or depth of flooding. • Should a flood occur during a period of low water within the lake (e.g. during the summer or in a dry period), the flooded area would be proportionally more significant. However, it would be short lived (less than 36 hours in a 1:100 year event and considerably shorter in more frequent events) and would not be significant in terms of the hydrological functioning of any Alluvial Woodlands.

The velocities of the waters within the washlands were also modelled. As stated above, it is likely that the lands within the SAC will already be flooded during most occasions where the channel is in operation and thus there will be no significant flow or changes to the water level. In the event of the channel operating when the lake is at low level, it can be seen from Appendix VI, the washlands cover a wide area where they occur within the SAC and this spread means that the velocities and depths are low with no potential for scour or erosion within the SAC.

The hydraulic assessment undertaken identifies areas of potentially high velocity within the flood channel itself. These areas will be fitted with scour protection during the construction of the channel to prevent erosion and sediment run off. Similarly, areas with potentially high velocities are predicted around the old mill at Mullenmore (Grid Ref:E114368 N316484). Whilst no measures are proposed at present, this area will be monitored and if the banks of an existing stream become eroded during flood events, standard bank protection measures will be implemented.

Significant deposition of alluvial sediments are not predicted as a result of the diversion channel and it is noted that the washlands are already flooded for long periods with deposition naturally occurring throughout as a result of the lake.

Conclusions There will be no direct or indirect adverse effects on Alluvial Woodlands within the River Moy SAC as a result of the proposed flood relief scheme. There will be no changes to the number, area or distribution of the woodlands. There will be no changes to the areas of woodland flooded within the SAC or significant changes to the flooding regime. The potential for pollution or damage to the structure or composition of the woodlands is negligible and is avoided through best construction practice and design.

Natura Impact Statement . 25 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

It can be concluded following consideration of the attributes and targets set out in the SSCO document that the proposed flood relief scheme will not prevent the maintenance of the favourable conservation condition of Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) in River Moy SAC.

Given that the proposed flood relief scheme will not, following the implementation of the relevant best practice and mitigation, result in any adverse effects on Alluvial Woodlands when considered by itself, it cannot contribute to any cumulative or in-combination effects when considered in combination with any other plans or projects.

4.1.4. Aquatic Species

The River Moy SAC is designated for the protection of four species that are entirely aquatic. These are:

• Austropotamobius pallipes (White-clawed Crayfish) [1092]

• Petromyzon marinus (Sea Lamprey) [1095]

• Lampetra planeri (Brook Lamprey) [1096]

• Salmo salar (Salmon) [1106]

Whilst it is fully recognised that these four qualifying interests are different species and have different requirements, the pathways by which they have the potential to be affected are the same and thus they are discussed together to avoid repetition. The SSCO document was consulted and the individual conservation objectives for each species were considered in light of the specific targets and attributes. The SSCO document provided mapping of White Clawed Crayfish records. These showed records for the River Deel. There was no mapping for the other species within the SSCO document. Dedicated surveys for Crayfish in both the River Deel and the washlands were carried out during the current surveys and the species was found to be present in both. The full details of the surveys are provided in Section 5 of the EIAR. A detailed desk study of fisheries habitat was undertaken as part of the EIAR study with the River Deel found to be a sensitive and important habitat but the Mullenmore Stream supporting low value fisheries habitat with the exception of a small section at the upper end (approx. 50m near the Mullenmore Springs and outside the SAC) that supported an eroding section of river.

4.1.4.1. Direct Effects

There will be no instream works associated with the proposed works. The only physical works within the SAC will be located on the banks of the River Deel at the intake point. The works will be set back from the River Channel. There will be no direct effects on habitat for any of these species within the SAC during either construction or operation of the proposed flood relief scheme.

4.1.4.2. Indirect Effects

Construction

Natura Impact Statement . 26 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

The potential for the proposed development to result in indirect effects on the aquatic environment during construction exists in the form of run off of pollutants both to the River Deel and also to the Mullenmore Stream in the washlands. The measures that are in place to prevent and mitigate any such effects are described in full in Section Two and summarised above in relation to Alluvial Woodlands.

An additional potential indirect effect on the aquatic habitat adjacent to the intake structure was considered in the form of vegetation removal leading to an increase in light levels within the river. Following site surveys however, this potential effect was discounted as the river bank in the area was not heavily shaded and the existing bank does not support trees and the nearest trees and bushes are separated from the River Deel by approximately five metres. The removal of these trees and bushes to construct the intake structure will not significantly alter light levels in the River.

Operation The proposed flood relief scheme has the potential to result in changes to the natural functioning of the river, which could in turn result in significant effects on the aquatic habitat for the QI species. As discussed in the preceding section, the scheme has been designed specifically to avoid any effects on the river at any flow levels with the exception of those flows that exceed the bank full flow and result in flooding. These flows occur infrequently (less than once per year) for very short periods of time (max 36 hours in case of 1:100 year flood and decreasing with more frequent floods). As described above the effect of the removal of the very high volumes of flood water from the overall flow will have a short term negligible effect on the habitat within the river or in the Mullenmore Stream (in which spawning Brook Lamprey were recorded).

The scheme has been designed specifically to minimise the frequency with which it becomes operational whilst still providing flood protection to Crossmolina Town. To achieve this, the weir has been designed to be adjustable. This allows the weir to be set at a height that allows unchanged operation of the river to bank full height during non flood conditions. However, in times of flood, the weir level will be automatically lowered to increase conveyance in the bypass channel and protect Crossmolina Town.

The extensive modelling that has been undertaken in relation to the project concludes that there will be a slight drop in velocity within the River Deel when the bypass channel is operated. It is predicted that there will be no significant changes to levels of deposition within the River Deel downstream of the intake structure and that the bank full flows that will continue to travel down the river will maintain the existing regime of recruitment of gravels and transport of sediment etc. The only place where additional deposition is predicted is immediately adjacent to the intake structure (the point where the velocity will drop). The intake structure is set back from the river bank. This will allow the deposition of gravels to occur on an existing bank of soft deposited material that is exposed during normal flow conditions in the river. It is anticipated that any gravels deposited in this area will be removed from the bank, following the procedure that is described in the Construction Environmental Method Statement that is included in Appendix II and without the requirement for any instream works or bank destabilisation. The basis for these conclusions is provided in the hydrology chapter that is provided as Appendix VII

In addition to changes to the function of the River Deel during flood conditions, the potential for the construction of a channel to influence the low flow conditions in the river was also considered and

Natura Impact Statement . 27 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with extensively modelled. The River Deel loses water along its course through a number of swallow holes in its bed and it regularly runs entirely dry between Ballycarroon (Grid Ref:E112134 N316088) and Crossmolina Town. At the outset of the design of the scheme, concerns were raised regarding the excavation of a channel in such close proximity to a river in a region of karst bedrock and the potential for either blocking or exposing a flowpath, which could in turn affect the flows within the river. The potential for any such effects was fully assessed through a programme of long term monitoring of the losses within the river and testing of where they were discharging (Mullenmore Springs), along with detailed assessment of the route taken by any conduits. The results of this testing are summarised in the hydrology chapter, which is provided as Appendix VII. It concludes that the excavation and operation of the bypass channel as proposed is highly unlikely to result in any significant effect on the existing function of the River Deel from low flow until flood conditions when the channel becomes operational.

The potential for fish to become trapped in the bypass channel following its operation was also considered. The potential for fish to either be washed into the channel over the intake structure or swim up the channel from the Mullenmore Stream was assessed.

In relation to the potential for fish to swim up the channel, the washlands spread the water over a large area (see Appendix VI) and the channel will run for a very short period of time (max. 36 hours). Significant numbers of fish are unlikely to swim up the channel during this short period and without an obvious flowpath. It is not anticipated that significant numbers of fish will be washed over the weir either (based on lack of records of stranded fish outside the river banks following previous floods).

Despite the low probability of fish becoming stranded in the channel, a small thalweg has been provided within the design. This provides a defined flowpath along the channel rather than having a flat base and connects with an existing drain that leads to one of the Mullenmore Springs and from there to the stream. This thalweg has a dual function. It will be used to facilitate fish passage as described above and also to let a small flow through the channel in advance of the main overspill of the weir to provide early warning. In addition, the local IFI will be informed following any operation of the channel (as they would following any flood event) to allow the rescue of any fish that may become stranded.

Conclusions Following the extensive modelling and assessment that has been undertaken and taking into account all the design, best practice and mitigation measures that will be implemented, it can be concluded that there will be no direct or indirect adverse effects on aquatic habitats and species within the River Moy SAC as a result of the proposed flood relief scheme.

It can be concluded following consideration of the attributes and targets set out in the SSCO document that the proposed flood relief scheme will not prevent the maintenance of the favourable conservation condition of any of the aquatic species listed as Qualifying Interests of the River Moy SAC.

Given that the proposed flood relief scheme will not, following the implementation of the relevant best practice and mitigation, result in any adverse effects on the aquatic species of Qualifying Interest when considered by itself, it cannot contribute to any cumulative or in-combination effects when considered in combination with any other plans or projects.

Natura Impact Statement . 28 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

4.1.5. Otter (1355)

Signs of this species were recorded throughout the study area, including the washlands and the River Deel during the walkover surveys undertaken between 2012 and 2018. An active Holt was recorded approximately170 m downstream of the intake structure (Grid Ref: E113498, N316981) in 2015. It was revisited in March 2018 and prints were recorded in the area but it was not in use. Signs including spraints and prints were recorded abundantly throughout the entire study area. The SSCO document was consulted and the map shows a 250 metre commuting area around the shore of Loughs Conn & Cullin. The SSCO also recognises a 10m strip of terrestrial habitat along all lake and river shores as being critical for otter.

4.1.5.1. Direct Effects

There will be no instream works associated with the proposed works. The only physical works within the SAC will be located on the banks of the River Deel at the intake point. The works will be set back from the River Channel but will be within the identified 10m terrestrial habitat strip that is adjacent to the River Deel. This habitat will not however be lost following construction as otter will still have access along the riverbank and across the intake structure during the lifetime of the project. During construction, the works area will be set back from the riverbank and separated from it by an earthen bank and solid silt fences. In relation to disturbance, the working day will be restricted to between the hours of 8am and 6pm with no activity during the early morning and late evening or at night. A pre-construction otter survey will be undertaken to ensure that no holts, couches or other resting places are set up by otter in the intervening period. If they are, restrictions on work practices will be put in place to ensure that disturbance to otter will be avoided at all times. There will little disturbance to the intake structure during operation and no net loss of otter habitat and there will be no barrier to connectivity for the species.

4.1.5.2. Indirect Effects

Measures are described above in relation to the protection of water quality and ensuring that the hydrological regime of the River Deel, the Mullenmore Stream and the washlands associated with Lough Conn is not subject to any effect during all except for flood flow conditions. Modelling, as summarised in the hydrology chapter Appendix VII also demonstrates that the operation of the bypass channel will not result in any significant effects on the River Deel or the Washlands. This applies equally to indirect effects on otter as it does to the other identified receptors.

Conclusions Following the extensive modelling and assessment that has been undertaken and taking into account all the design, best practice and mitigation measures that will be implemented, it can be concluded that there will be no direct or indirect adverse effects on otter within the River Moy SAC as a result of the proposed flood relief scheme.

Natura Impact Statement . 29 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

It can therefore be concluded that the proposed flood relief scheme will not, following the implementation of the relevant best practice and mitigation, result in any adverse effects on otter, either when considered by itself, it cannot contribute to any cumulative or in-combination effects when considered in combination with any other plans or projects.

4.2 LOUGH CONN & LOUGH CULLIN SPA (004228)

The potential for the proposed flood relief scheme to result in significant effects on the Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA is assessed below. Whilst no physical works are located within 300m of the SPA, the proposed washlands extend into and the SPA is located downstream of the proposed works via the River Deel.

Dedicated bird surveys were undertaken on a monthly basis during 2016 with an additional three months during 2017 (January, February, March). The results of these vantage point surveys are provided in Appendix IV. The bird surveys were focussed primarily on the washlands and SPA.

The results of the bird surveys as they pertain specifically to the Special Conservation Interests (SCIs) of the SPA are provided below. An assessment is then made of the potential for the proposed flood relief scheme to result in adverse effects on the integrity of the SPA.

Natura Impact Statement . 30 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

4.1.6. Bird Survey Results

4.1.6.1. Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) (A061)

Tufted duck were only recorded on one occasion during the surveys that were undertaken. A maximum flock size of 40 was recorded on flooded farmland associated with Lough Conn within the washlands on the 30th January 2016. None were recorded during any other of the surveys undertaken.

4.1.6.2. Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra)(A065)

This species was not recorded during any of the surveys that were undertaken. This species is known to be in decline on the lake (Hunt et.al., 2012) and breeds on wooded islands. The habitats in the washlands and in the surrounding area are unlikely to be used significantly by this species.

4.1.6.3. Common Gull (Larus canus)(A182)

This species was recorded during nine out of the 15 survey days with a total flock size of 130 recorded on the 20th March 2017. This was the only large flock recorded with low numbers of birds (max.15) recorded on all other occasions. The birds were strongly associated with the lake and the shoreline. This species also breed on islands in the lake.

4.1.6.4. Greenland White Fronted Goose(Anser albifrons flavirostris)(A395)

This species was recorded on three occasions during the bird surveys The maximum flock size recorded was 24. The birds were recorded in flight and on the grasslands adjacent to the lake.

4.1.6.5. Wetlands & Waterbirds (Anser albifrons flavirostris)(A999)

The survey recorded a wide range of wetland and waterbird species associated with the lake and the surrounding grasslands at the lakeshore with a total of 52 bird species recorded, 24 of which are wildfowl and wetland species. The washlands within the SPA are used extensively by wildfowl species

4.1.7. Assessment of potential for adverse effects

4.1.7.1. Direct effects

No physical works will be undertaken within 300m of the SPA but the identified washlands do include areas within the SPA as shown on Figure 4.2. Potential direct effects include erosion due to increased flow of water and extended area, depth and duration of flooding. These potential effects have been fully discussed in relation to Alluvial Woodlands in Section 4.1.3.2 above. The potential effects on the washlands have been extensively modelled and it is concluded that there will be no significant effects on the washlands for the following primary reasons:

• In the majority of flood events, the washlands will already be flooded by the lake and additional flooding will not be significant in terms of area or depth. • If the bypass channel becomes operational during low lake levels, the effect of the flooding will cover more of the washlands but will be shortlived (max. 36hours in 1:100 year flood)

Natura Impact Statement . 31 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

• The velocities of the waters in the washlands have been modelled. As the waters within the SPA are distributed over a very wide area and at very shallow depth (see Appendix VI), they have low velocities and will not cause erosion within the SPA.

The above effects are highly unlikely to result in adverse effects on the habitats within the SPA or the utilization of those habitats by birds that are among the named SCI species or the wetlands and waterbirds for which the SPA is also designated.

4.1.7.2. Indirect effects

The potential for the proposed development to result in indirect effects on the aquatic environment during construction and operation exists in the form of run off of pollutants both to the River Deel and also to the Mullenmore Stream in the washlands. The measures that are in place to prevent and mitigate any such effects are described in full in the Construction Environmental Method Statements in Appendix II and summarised above in relation to Alluvial Woodlands.

Conclusions Following the extensive surveys, modelling and assessment that has been undertaken and taking into account all the design, best practice and mitigation measures that will be implemented, it can be concluded that there will be no direct or indirect adverse effects on the Special Conservation Interests (SCIs) of the Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA as a result of the proposed flood relief scheme.

It can be concluded following consideration of the Conservation Objectives of the SPA, that the proposed flood relief scheme will not prevent the maintenance of the favourable conservation condition of any of the SCIs of the Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA

Given that the proposed flood relief scheme will not, following the implementation of the relevant best practice and mitigation, result in any adverse effects on the SCIs when considered by itself, it cannot contribute to any cumulative or in-combination effects when considered in combination with any other plans or projects.

4.3 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

The potential for the proposed development to result in cumulative effects on biodiversity when considered in combination with a number of other relevant plans and projects was assessed. This assessment is provided below.

Plans and Projects Key Policies/Issues/Objectives Directly Related To European Sites In The Zone of Influence Mayo County Development Plan The County Council have a number of objectives relating to the 2014-2020 protection, conservation and restoration of natural heritage sites including specific objectives relating to the Natura 2000 network in Objectives NH-01 – NH-09.

It is an objective of the Council in all of its development objectives that the proposed developments will not have significant adverse effects on the integrity of the Natura 200 network. All plans and projects with the potential to have significant effects on the Natura

Natura Impact Statement . 32 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plans and Projects Key Policies/Issues/Objectives Directly Related To European Sites In The Zone of Influence 2000 network will be subject to the Appropriate Assessment process. OPW Moy Drainage All works will follow the OPWs standard operating procedures and Maintenance Programme proposed works will be subject to the appropriate assessment process. IFI Knotweed Eradication A catchment-wide Knotweed eradication programme for the River Programme Deel is proposed for 2018 and led by Inland Fisheries Ireland. The eradication programme will be subject to the Appropriate Assessment process and is likely to result in an overall positive effect on European Sites within the catchment Other Plans and projects A search was carried out on the Mayo County Council planning system on the 05/04/2018. Four other projects were found for the townlands of Cartrongilbert, Mullenmore North, Mullenmore South and Gortnaraby within the last five years; one regarding a conversion of a commercial premises, one regarding an extension to a school and two regarding the construction and modification of dwelling houses. Table 4.1 Summary of relevant plans and projects The proposed development was considered in combination with the above plans and projects and no additional effects or potential for cumulative adverse effects on the conservation objectives of any European Site were identified. The proposed development will not result in adverse effects on any European Site when considered on its own. It therefore cannot contribute to any cumulative effects on European Sites when considered in combination with other plans and projects.

Natura Impact Statement . 33 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

5 CONCLUDING STATEMENT

5.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF SITE AND DEVELOPMENT

Name and Location of Relevant European Sites • River Moy SAC (002298) – works Partially within the SAC • Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA 300m east of the works area with the washlands partially within the SPA

Brief Description of the Project The proposed works for the River Deel Drainage Scheme comprise the following;

• Site investigation • Site clearance • Construction of a new grass lined channel commencing at the River Deel/ L1105 and terminating in the townland of Mullenmore to the East of the R315 Crossmolina to Castlebar Regional Road. • Construction of a new reinforced concrete flow control structure and spillway on the banks of the River Deel at the upstream end of the abovementioned grass lined channel complete with the following adjustable elements: o An adjustable steel plate at the top of 80m the reinforced concrete structure. o A 15m long section of the weir will consist of automated tilting weirs. This section will be overlooked by an access platform. • New hydrometric gauges at the Jack Garrett (N59) Bridge and the intake structure. • Construction of two new bridges, one each on the R315 (Mullenmore Bridge) and L1105 (Pollnacross Bridge). • Raising the L1105 at the approach to the new bridge. • Realignment of the Lake Road and creation of a new junction with the R315. This will necessitate the closure of a section of the existing road. • Realignment and raising of existing avenues connecting the Lake Road to properties to the South. • Creation of washlands between the termination point of the new channel and Lough Conn. • Extinguishing existing access points/ access routes and creation of new access points as shown on the drawings.

Is the project directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site? The project is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of any European Site.

Are there any other projects or plans that together with the project being assessed could affect the site? A search in relation to plans and projects that may have the potential to result in cumulative impacts on European sites was carried out as part of the Appropriate Assessment Process. The proposed development will have no individual or in combination adverse effects on any European site in any regard.

Natura Impact Statement . 34 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

5.2 ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE OF EFFECTS

Describe how the project is likely to affect the Natura 2000 sites The project as planned will not adversely affect the integrity of any European site. During the screening assessment, pathways for potential significant effects on the Qualifying Interests of the River Moy SAC and Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA were identified. This report has provided an assessment of all potential pathways for direct impacts or indirect impacts on European Sites. Any identified potential pathways for impact were then robustly blocked to avoid the potential for any adverse effects via any of the pathways identified.

Explain why these effects are not considered significant

. There will be no negative direct effects or reduction in Annex I habitat area within any European Site. . There will be no reduction in key habitats supporting populations of Annex I & II species and no reduction in the populations of any Annex II species. . Any potential pathways for impact have been blocked through good design, best practice and a thorough investigation of the suitability of the lands for development of this type. . The works themselves will involve little disturbance or disruption to the ecological processes in the area during either construction or operation.

5.3 INTEGRITY OF THE EUROPEAN SITES

Based on the objective information gathered and the predictions made about the changes that are likely to result from the construction and operation stages of the project, the integrity of site checklist, as per Box 10 of EC, 2002, is completed with regard to the River Moy SAC and the Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA in Table 5.1 below.

DOES THE PROPOSED ASSESSMENT RESIDUAL DEVELOPMENT HAVE EFFECT: THE POTENTIAL TO: Y/N Conservation Objectives Cause delays in The conservation objectives of both sites have been fully No progress towards considered and the proposed development will not cause achieving the any delays in progress towards achieving the conservation conservation objectives of the sites. objectives of the site?

Interrupt progress The proposed development has been designed No towards achieving specifically to minimise interface with any European Site the conservation and to ensure that their structure and function is not objectives of the site? adversely affected.

Disrupt those factors The scheme has been designed to avoid disruption in any No that help to maintain form within any European Site and will not prevent or

Natura Impact Statement . 35 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

the favourable hinder the maintenance of favourable conditions within conditions of the site? any European Site

Interfere with the The scheme has been designed to minimise interface with No balance, distribution any European Sites and to avoid any interference with and density of key any aspect of any European Site. No effects on the species that are the balance, distribution and density of key species are indicators of the predicted favourable condition of the site?

Cause changes to the Extensive scientific research and modelling has been No vital defining aspects undertaken to ensure that the vital defining aspects of (e.g. nutrient the European Sites remain fundamentally unaffected by balance) that the proposed development. The major defining aspect determine how the considered was the hydrological functioning of the River site functions as a Deel and surrounding area habitat or ecosystem?

Rduce the Area of There will only be minor works required within any No key habitats? European Site and there will be no loss of any key habitat

Reduce the There will only be minor works required within any No population of key European Site and there will be no reduction in any species – or change population of key species or changes to the balance the balance between between them the key species?

Result in disturbance The scheme has been designed to minimise interface with No that could affect any European Site and this is limited to a short section on population size or the bank of the River Deel. Extensive surveys have been density or the undertaken to assess the potential for disturbance to key balance between key species in these areas and it is concluded that, with the species? implementation of best practice and mitigation, any disturbance can be avoided

Result in The development has been designed to maintain and No fragmentation? retain habitat connectivity within and to areas outside the development site boundary.

Result in loss or No Key features will be lost as a result of the proposed No reduction of key development. features (e.g. tree cover, tidal exposure,

Natura Impact Statement . 36 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

annual flooding, etc.)?

Table 5.1 – Integrity of site checklist and assessment for European Sites

5.4 CONCLUSION

It can be excluded, on the basis of objective scientific information, that the project, individually or in combination with other plans or projects, will not adversely affect the integrity of any European Site.

Natura Impact Statement . 37 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

6 REFERENCES

Bern Convention (1982) Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats

Birds Directive (2009/47/EC) – http://ec.europa.eu/environment/naturelegislation/birdsdirective /index _en.htm

CIEEM (2016) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland, Terrestrial, Freshwater and Coastal. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

DoEHLG (2010) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland Guidance for Planning Authorities. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

DoEHLG (2013) Guidelines for Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála on Carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment. Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

European Commission (2002). Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites.

Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (2011/92/EU)

EPA - http://www.epa.ie/rivermap/data - Environmental Protection Agency.

EPA - http://www.epa.ie/envision.mapviewer - Environmental Protection Agency.

European Union (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 to 2015 - http://irishstatutebook.ie

European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477 of 2011). http://www.irishstatutebook.ie

Fossitt. (2000) A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council

Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) - http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm

Hunt, J., Heffernan, M.L., McLoughlin, D., Benson, C. & Huxley, C. (2013) The breeding status of Common Scoter, Melanitta nigra in Ireland, 2012. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 66. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin.

IFI - https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Projects/interactive-gis-map.html - Inland Fisheries Ireland.

IFI (2016) Guidelines on the Protection of Fisheries During Construction Works in and Adjacent to Waters.

NBDC - http://maps.biodiversityireland.ie - National Biodiversity Data Centre.

NPWS - http://webgis.npws.ie/npwsviewer/ - National parks and Wildlife Service. [Accessed 12 Sept 2017].

NPWS Protected Site Synopses and maps available on http://www.npws.ie/en/ProtectedSites/.

Natura Impact Statement . 38 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

NPWS Habitat Directive - Article 17 Datasets - https://www.npws.ie/maps-and-data/habitat- and-species-data -

NPWS (2009) Threat Response Plan Otter Lutra lutra 2009-2011. Environment Heritage and Local Government.

NRA (2006) Environmental Assessment and Construction Guidelines. National Roads Authority.

NRA (2008) Guidelines for the Treatment of Otters Prior to the Construction of National Roads Schemes. National Roads Authority.

NRA (2008a) Guidelines for the Crossing of Watercourses during the Construction of National Road Schemes. National Roads Authority.

NRA (2009) Ecological Surveying Techniques for Protected Flora and Fauna during the Planning of National Road Schemes. National Roads Authority.

NRA (2009a). Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes (Revision 2). National Roads Authority.

Perrin, P.M, Martin, J.R., Barron, S.J., O’Neill, F.H., McNutt, K.E. & Delaney, A.M. (2008) National Survey of Native Woodlands 2003-2008: Volume I: Main report. Report submitted to National Parks & Wildlife Service, Dublin.

Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2015

S.I. No. 356/2015 - Flora (Protection) Order, 2015

SI 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011

Teagasc - http://gis.teagasc.ie/soils/map.php [Accessed 12 Sept 2017].

The EU Water Framework Directive (200/60/EC)

Mayo County Council (2014) Mayo County Development Plan 2014 – 2020. Mayo County Council.

WFD http://watermaps.wfdireland.ie/NsShare_Web/Viewer.aspx?Site=NsShare&ReloadKey=True

Wildlife Acts 1976-2017

Natura Impact Statement . 39 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Appendix I

Appropriate Assessment Screening

Natura Impact Statement . 40

OIFIG na nOIBREACHA POIBLÍ OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS

River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme

APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING REPORT

April 2018

CONSULTING ENGINEERS Sherwood House, Sherwood Avenue, Taylor’s Hill, Galway Suite 11, Ground floor, The Mall, Beacon Court, Sandyford, Dublin 18

Client Office of Public Works

Project No. 120211 – a

Project Title River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme – Environmental Services

Report Title Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Rev. Status Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By Issue Date

F Final J. Owens P. Roberts 06/04/2018

River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

RIVER DEEL (CROSSMOLINA) FLOOD RELIEF SCHEME

APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING REPORT

1 ..... INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 ..... General Introduction ...... 1 1.2 ..... Background to Appropriate Assessment ...... 1 1.2.1 ... Screening for Appropriate Assessment ...... 1 1.2.2 ... Appropriate Assessment (Natura Impact Statement) ...... 1

2 ..... Description of the Proposed Development and Baseline Environment ...... 2 2.1 ..... Site Location ...... 2 2.2 ..... Characteristics of the Proposed Development ...... 2

3 ..... Identification of European Sites withn the Zone of Likely Effect ...... 4 3.1 ..... Background to European Sites ...... 4 3.2 ..... Identification of European Sites within the Zone of Likely Effect ...... 5

4 ..... Appropriate Assessment Screening Report Conclusions ...... 12 4.1 ..... Cumulative & in Combination Effects ...... 12 4.2 ..... Data Collected to Carry Out Assessment ...... 12 4.3 ..... Overall Conclusions ...... 13

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . (i) River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

LIST OF TABLES Table 3.1 Determination of European Sites that are located within the Zone of Likely Effect

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2.1 Site Location Figure 3.1 Site of Proposed Works in relation to European Sites

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . (ii) Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

1 INTRODUCTION

The current project is not directly connected with, or necessary for, the management of any European Site, consequently the project has been subject to the Appropriate Assessment Screening process.

The assessment in this report is based on extensive desk study and field surveys undertaken between 2012 and 2018. It specifically assesses the potential for the proposed development to impact on European sites.

This Report has been prepared in accordance with the European Commission guidance document ‘Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological Guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC’ (EC, 2001) and the Department of the Environment’s Guidance on the Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland (December 2009, amended February 2010).

In addition to the guidelines referenced above, the following relevant guidance was considered in preparation of this report.

• DoEHLG (2010) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland Guidance for Planning Authorities. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government,

• Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. European Commission,

• EC (2013) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 28. European Commission,

• CIEEM (2016) Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment.

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 1 Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

• NRA (2009) Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Roads Schemes, National Roads Authority, Dublin.

1.2 BACKGROUND TO APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT 1.2.1 Screening for Appropriate Assessment Screening is the process of determining whether an Appropriate Assessment is required for a plan or project. Under Part XAB of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, screening must be carried out by the Competent Authority to assess, in view of best scientific knowledge, if a land-use plan or proposed development, individually or in combination with another plan or project, is likely to have a significant effect on a European site. The Competent Authority’s determination as to whether an Appropriate Assessment is required must be made on the basis of objective information and should be recorded. The competent authority may request information to be supplied to enable it to carry out screening.

Consultants or project proponents may undertake a form of screening to establish if an Appropriate Assessment is required and provide advice, or may submit the information necessary to allow the Competent Authority to conduct a screening with an application for consent. Where it cannot be excluded beyond reasonable scientific doubt, that a proposed plan or project, individually or in combination with other plans and projects, would have a significant effect on the conservation objectives of a European site, an Appropriate Assessment (Natura Impact Statement (NIS)) of the plan or project is required.

1.2.2 Appropriate Assessment (Natura Impact Statement)

The term Natura Impact Statement (NIS) is defined in legislation. An NIS, where required, should present the data, information and analysis necessary to reach a definitive determination as to 1) the implications of the plan or project, alone or in combination with other plans and projects, for a European site in view of its conservation objectives, and 2) whether there will be adverse effects on the integrity of a European site. The NIS should be underpinned by best scientific knowledge, objective information and by the precautionary principle.

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 1 Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND BASELINE ENVIRONMENT

2.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The proposed works for the River Deel Drainage Scheme comprise the following;

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 2 Legend Proposed Development Boundary

Proposed Washlands

1. Levels are to Malin Ordinance Datum and Sect. C02_03 Sect. C01.11700m dimensions are in meters unless otherwise stated.

Sect. C02_02 C01.11750m 2. Do not scale from drawing. Dimensions are subject C01.11850m G01 to change following detailed design.

C01.11800m G18 3. Drawings to be read in conjunction with other E02 Exhibition Drawings and Schedules. C02.1003m M01 C02.1000m R05 4. Location of proposed field entrances to be agreed 0m W02 with landowners. C01 River Deel G19 LEGEND

R01 123 32 112

Sect. C02_05 Pollnacross C02.0350m

W01 S01 42 132

S03 C02_10 Sect. Existing watercourse Sect. C02_04 S02 E01 C02.0400m W03 Channel Reference (C00) &

C00.0050m G02 C02.0450m Chainage (50m) 0 B01 G03 S02 Gate Interference Reference IR

G20 C02.0500m C02.0950m C02.0900m G04 C02.Proposed Diversion Channel Existing drain G02 Location & Reference of

R12 224 M02 will discharge Sect. C02_09 Sect.

R02 C02.0550m Cross Section into proposed Sect. CC_No.

Sect. C02_01 channel

R03 Scheme Element Chainage 50 C02.0600m R04 Sect. C02_06 G16 Proposed Intake Structure

Sect. C02_07 C02.0850m (Spillway Plan Area) C02.0650m Proposed Channel Embankment

C02.0800m Sect. C02_10 Sect.

G17 C02.0700 C01 Proposed channel bed Existing entrance C02.0750m to be relocated to allow for safety barrier. Proposed Access Track

Proposed road G05 21.9 Road to be raised

Sect. C02_09 Sect. 20.8 Rivel Deel Flow Direction Proposed Diversion Channel Flow Direction (during operation) Scale 1:1,000 Permanent Fenceline Road Safety Barrier

Safety Fencing

St Marys 22.9 Church (C of I) Proposed Screening 23.7 22.4

CF UND Mh 2 Mh Mh 1 CF Mh Mhs 19.4

19 Mh LS River18 Mh Deel Mhs LS H Mh LS 17 UND H Castle Mh Rectory (in Ruins) Mh Mh N59 Mhs LS UND D CW UN CS v Proposed Hedgerow LS 10k Mh Mh 19.8 LS Mh 10kv

UND Mhs BM 20.94 CS H Mh CS LS LS LS LS Mh UND UND 20.9

UND Mhs Mh H CW LS

LS Mhs 16 Mhs H l 15 Mh LS River Dee LS 6 UND LS T ST Crossmolina Town LS Mhs LS MHS PATRICK'S 2 LS Mh Medical 18.5 5 CF Centre 1 LS 6 STREET LS 10kv H Mhs AVENUE Mh 12 LS 1 11 LS Mhs Mh Area under construction LS CHURCH LS LS 20 Mhs Mhs LS H 9 19 CR Mh Mhs Mh LS 4 10 5 18.0 Mh LS Mhs Mhs H H Mhs Mh Mhs H 18 10 17 kv STREET T LS LS Mhs LS LS Mh LS Mh Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. EN 0002718 Mhs TK NA LS LS 18.4 Mh H H 19.3 BALLI LS Mhs Mhs Mh H Mh MAIN Mhs Mh H Bank STREET Mh Mhs LS H H 18.5 Mhs LS LS Mhs LS H Mhs Glencreevy Erris Gardens Mh 21.1 MhSTREET LS LS E.S. LS S LS Mhs 18.6 Mh kv H LS ERRI Mhs LS Mhs 10 G S Sta Mh Mh H H Mh Mhs H LS Mhs T LS H Mhs H CW Mhs LS Mhs FF © Ordnance Survey Ireland / Government of Ireland. H Mhs H 21.6 Mhs Fire Station Mhs Mh Library Mh Mhs 10 LS Mhs kv Mhs Mh LS Mhs LS Mhs LS Hotel Mh MhLS LS STREET LS Mh Mhs 23.3 10kv H H EET LS LS LS STR

LS Mhs CF ERRIS LS LS Mhs LS Car Park CHAPEL Mh Mhs LS LS 41 Mh 42 Mh Mhs LS LS Mh 43 24.8 BM 24.54 44 LS H Mhs LS 19.1 Mh LS LS H P.O H Mhs LS 26.0 LS H Mhs Hall 19.9 CF MULLENMORE LS H Mh Mh Mhs 17.3 Mhs LS 25.2 Health Mhs 17 Mh Centre

16 Mh T LS LECARROW Mh 23.4 Mh Area under construction Mhs LS ES LS Mh 10kv Mh 17.9

ROA 19 H Mh Mhs Mhs D 23.4 HN59 LS 14 LS 19.4 20 LS Mh STREET Area under construction 24.3 13 LS 24.3 10kv Mh CROSSMOLINA LS LS 5 TK Mh H H's H LS Mhs Mh Mh 89 FF Mh CR 24.5 10kv LS 71 88 7 70 LS BM 22.76 Mh 72 H CROSSMOLINA Deel Mhs H Mh 67 Mh 66 Mh 73 27.7 LS 1 2 Mh LS 17.5 CHURCH 8 24.7 Mhs VIEW Church (Cath) 9 River Mhs H Mh CF Mh LS 74 Mhs H 75 LS Pump LS Houses Mh 14 Mh 18.6 LS Mh CF

Mh Mh Mhs 83 12 10kv 10kv DATE DRN DESCRIPTION CHK APD CW Mhs 82 10kv Reservoir LS School CF Mh

90 Mh LS MhLS 10kv 17.6 91 Mh LS 18.1 Mh H 10kv St Mary's Park 92 80 RH 93 Mh 81 Mh LS LS

LS UND 19.0 101 100 REVISIONS LS 95

Rectory H CF Mh Sports Field School Mh Tank 96 20.1 CF Mh Sports Ground Mh LS

School 10kv CF

CF Ponds 10kv CR Copyright Ryan Hanley LK 18.8 This drawing must not be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of

Playground GORTNARABY 24.1 Ryan Hanley consulting engineers

CROSSMOLINA UND

Convent

18.6

10kv CF DRAWING STATUS

CF CR

20.2 CARTRONGILBERT PRELIMINARY CONTRACT TENDER CONSTRUCTION 14.5 11.9

LP_03 UND Pumping Station FOR EXHIBITION FOR CONFIRMATION AS CONSTRUCTED DRAFT

23.0

16.6

14.9

17.1 Pollnacross 16.7

18.2 MULLENMORE NORTHCF

UND UND

Pond EL 19.6

21.9

20.8

UND

Pond CONSULTING ENGINEERS

River Deel CR CS 21.6 LP_02 Keesaun Sherwood House, Sherwood Avenue River LP_01 Pond View CS 25.9

21.9 23.1 Taylor's Hill, Galway CR Ford 20.7 MULLENMORE NORTH CS 21.6 River Deel UND CR 23.7 Tel:(091)587116 Fax:(091)587110 FF Pond

Spring 22.9 Email: [email protected]

25.4

27.6 Web: www.ryanhanley.ie R315 CF DUBLIN OFFICE: 170 Ivy Exchange, Granby Place, Parnell Square West, Dublin 1 28.4

28.7

Ponds

30.9 CLIENT

K MULLENMORE SOUTH

28.3

10kv THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS

CF MULLENMORE SOUTH

CF Pond

30.9 CF PROJECT

R315 CF CR UND

CF MULLENMORE SOUTH DEEL RIVER (CROSSMOLINA)

CF UND CF DRAINAGE SCHEME

CF CS FB UND TITLE PLAN LAYOUT SHEET (Sheet 1 of 3) Scale 1:10,000 SCALE @ A1 DATE DRAWN CHECKED APPROVED

See Plate March 2018 RB JR MJ

JOB No. CAD FILE PATH DRAWING No. REV.

2267 06/Scheme L_01 G07 Relocate existing NOTES animal holding yard and gate. 1. Levels are to Malin Ordinance Datum and Proposed fence to tie in dimensions are in meters unless otherwise stated. with replacement wall 2. Do not scale from drawing. Dimensions are subject set back from road. to change following detailed design. G13 3. Drawings to be read in conjunction with other Exhibition Drawings and Schedules. Gate 16.7 4. Location of proposed field entrances to be agreed G06 R06 CF Existing G10 with landowners. streetlighting tob be LEGEND reinstated.

Existing watercourse UND Gate G08 R08 Channel Reference (C00) & G09 C00.0050m R07 Chainage (50m)

R13 G08 Interference Reference IR

Local access for Location & Reference of

G09 Cross Section Sect. C02_08 Sect. dwelling Sect. CC_No. C02 Scheme Element Chainage 50 UND G21 C02.1200m 18.2 R08 Proposed Intake Structure C02.0250m (Spillway Plan Area) B02 C02.Diversion Channel MULLENMORE NORTH

G11 C02.0300m Proposed Channel Embankment

Diversion Proposed channel bed

channel Sect. C02_11 C02.0350m Existing drain maintenance will discharge CS access into proposed Proposed Access Track C02.0150m channel G09 G14

Sect. C02_08 Sect. New entrance to Proposed road and verge C02.0100m match existing

G12 Road Embankment Existing drain G15 will discharge Fence to tie into R11 into proposed Proposed Diversion Channel existing wall Access to channel Flow Direction (during 19.6 R10 dwelling R09 operation) Permanent Fenceline

Road Safety Barrier Access to farm C02.0050m and farm buildings Proposed hedgerow Sect. C02_11

Pond

C02.0000m Pond CS Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. EN 0002718 © Ordnance Survey Ireland / Government of Ireland. Ford

DATE DRN DESCRIPTION CHK APD Scale 1:1,000 8 REVISIONS Copyright Ryan Hanley This drawing must not be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Ryan Hanley consulting engineers

St Marys 22.9 Church (C of I) 23.7 22.4

CF UND Mh 2 Mh Mh 1 CF Mh Mhs 19.4 DRAWING STATUS 19 Mh LS River18 Mh Deel Mhs LS H Mh LS 17 UND H Castle Mh Rectory (in Ruins) Mh Mh N59 Mhs UND LS UND CS v CW LS 10k Mh Mh 19.8 kv LS Mh 10 PRELIMINARY CONTRACT TENDER CONSTRUCTION UND Mhs BM 20.94 CS H Mh CS LS LS LS LS Mh UND UN 20.9 D

UN Mhs Mh H CW LS LS Mhs 16 FOR CONFIRMATION Mhs H FOR EXHIBITION AS CONSTRUCTED DRAFT l 15 Mh LS River Dee LS 6 UND LS T ST Crossmolina Town LS Mhs LS MHS PATRIC 2 LS Mh Medical 18.5 5 CF Centre 1 LS 6 K'S STREET LS 10kv H Mhs AV Mh E 12 NU LS 1 E 11 LS Mhs Mh Area under construction LS CHURCH LS LS 20 Mhs Mhs LS H 9 19 CR Mh Mhs Mh 10 LS 4 5 18.0 Mh LS Mhs Mhs H H Mhs Mh Mhs H 18 10 17 kv STREET T LS LS Mhs LS LS Mh LS Mh Mhs TK NA LS LS LLI 18.4 Mh H H 19.3 BA LS Mhs Mhs Mh H Mh MAIN Mhs Mh H Bank STREET Mh Mhs LS H H 18.5 Mhs LS LS Mhs LS H Mhs Glencreevy Erris Gardens Mh 21.1 MhSTREET LS LS E.S. LS LS Mhs 18.6 Mh kv H LS ERRIS Mhs LS Mhs 10 G S Sta Mh Mh H H Mh Mhs H LS Mhs T LS H Mhs H CW Mhs LS Mhs FF H Mhs H 21.6 Mhs Fire Mhs Mh Library Mh Mhs Stat LS Mhs 10kv Mh LS io Mhs LS Mhs n Mhs LS Hotel Mh MhLS LS STREET LS Mh Mhs 23.3 10kv H H EET LS LS LS STR

LS Mhs CF ERRIS LS LS Mhs LS Car Park CHAPEL Mh Mhs LS LS 41 Mh 42 Mh Mhs LS LS Mh 43 24.8 BM 24.54 44 LS H Mhs LS 19.1 Mh LS LS H P.O H Mhs LS 26.0 LS H Mhs Hall 19.9 CF MUL LS H Mh Mh LE Mhs 17.3 Mhs NMORE LS 25.2 Health Mhs 17 Mh Centre

16 Mh T LS LECARROW Mh Mh 23.4 Area under construction Mhs LS ES LS Mh 10k Mh 17.9 v

ROAD 19 H Mh Mhs 23.4 Mhs HN59 LS 14 LS 19.4 20 LS Mh STREET Area under construction 24.3 13 LS 24.3 1 Mh 0kv CROSSMOLINA LS LS 5 TK Mh H H's H LS Mhs Mh Mh 89 FF Mh CR 24.5 10kv LS 71 88 7 70 LS BM 22.76 Mh 72 H CROSSMOLINA Deel Mhs H Mh 67 Mh 66 Mh 73 27.7 LS 1 2 Mh LS 17.5 CHURCH 8 24.7 Mhs VIEW Church (Cath) 9 River H Mh CONSULTING ENGINEERS Mhs CF Mh LS 74 Mhs H 75 LS Pump LS Houses Mh 14 Mh LS Mh 18.6 CF

Mh Mh Mhs 83 12 10kv 10kv CW Mhs 82 10kv Reservoir LS School CF Mh 90 Mh Sherwood House, Sherwood Avenue LS MhLS 10kv 17.6 91 Mh LS 18.1 Mh kv H 10 St Mary's Park 92 80 RH 93 Mh 81 Mh LS LS

LS UND Taylor's Hill, Galway 19.0 101 100 LS 95

Rectory H CF Mh Sports Field School Mh Tank 96 20.1 CF Mh Sports Ground Mh LS Tel:(091)587116 Fax:(091)587110 School 1 CF 0kv v CF Ponds 10k CR Email: [email protected] LK 18.8 Web: www.ryanhanley.ie

Playground GORTNARABY 24.1 CROSSMOLINA UND DUBLIN OFFICE: 170 Ivy Exchange, Granby Place, Parnell Square West, Dublin 1 Convent

18.6

10kv CF

CF CR CLIENT

20.2 CARTRONGILBERT 14.5 11.9

LP_03 UND Pumping Station THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS 23.0

16.6

14.9

17.1 Pollnacross 16.7

18.2 PROJECT MULLENMORE NORTHCF

UND UND

Pond EL 19.6

21.9 DEEL RIVER (CROSSMOLINA)

20.8

UND

Pond DRAINAGE SCHEME

River Deel CR CS 21.6 LP_02 Keesaun River LP_01 Pond View CS 25.9

21.9 23.1

CR Ford TITLE 20.7 MULLENMORE NORTH CS 21.6 River Deel UND CR 23.7

FF Pond

Spring 22.9 PLAN LAYOUT SHEET 25.4

27.6 R315 (Sheet 2 of 3)

28.4

28.7

Ponds

30.9

K MULLENMORE SOUTH SCALE @ A1 DATE DRAWN CHECKED APPROVED

28.3 10kv See Plate March 2018 RB JR MJ

CF MULLENMORE SOUTH

CF Pond

30.9 JOB No. CAD FILE PATH DRAWING No. REV. Scale 1:10,000 2267 06/Scheme L_02 25.2

St Marys 22.9 Church (C of I) CW 23.7 NOTES 22.4

ND CF U Mh 2 Mh Mh 1 CF Mh Mhs Mhs 19.4

19 Mh LS River18 Mh Deel Mhs LS H Mh LS 17 UND H Castle Mh Rectory (in Ruins) Mh Mh N59 Mhs UND LS CS CW UND kv LS 10 Mh Mh 19.8 LS Mh 10kv

UND Mhs 1. Levels are to Malin Ordinance Datum and BM 20.94 CS H Mh CS LS LS LS LS Mh UND UND 20.9

UND Mhs Mh H CW LS

LS Mhs 16 Mhs H el 15 Mh LS River De dimensions are in meters unless otherwise stated. LS 6 UND LS T ST Crossmolina Town LS Mhs LS MHS PA Mh 2 T LS REET Medical 18.5 5 RI CF Centre 1 CK'S LS 6 ST LS 10kv H Mhs AV Mh E 12 NUE LS 1 11 LS Mhs Mh Area under construction LS CHURCH LS LS 20 Mhs Mhs LS 2. Do not scale from drawing. Dimensions are subject H 9 19 CR Mh Mhs LS Mh 10 LS 4 5 18.0 Mh LS Mhs Mhs H H Mhs Mh Mhs H 18 10 kv 17 STREET T LS LS Mhs LS LS Mh LS Mh Mhs TK LS LS 18.4 Mh H H 19.3 BALLINA LS Mhs Mhs Mh H Mh MAIN Mhs STREET Mh H to change following detailed design. Bank Mh Mhs LS H H 18.5 Mhs LS LS Mhs LS H Mhs Glencreevy Erris Gardens Mh 21.1 MhSTREET LS LS E.S. LS LS Mhs 18.6 Mh H LS ERRIS Mhs LS Mhs 10kv G S Sta Mh Mh H H Mh Mhs H LS Mhs T LS H Mhs H CW Mhs LS Mhs FF H Mhs H 21.6 Mhs F Mhs Mh Library ire Mh Mhs S 10kv LS Mhs tati Mhs Mh LS Mhs LS on Mhs LS Hotel Mh MhLS LS STREET LS Mh v Mhs 10k 23.3 H LS LS H STREET 3. Drawings to be read in conjunction with other LS

LS Mhs PEL CF ERRIS LS LS Mhs LS Car Park CHA Mh Mhs LS LS 41 Mh 42 Mh Mhs LS LS Mh 43 24.8 BM 24.54 44 LS H Mhs LS 19.1 Mh LS LS H P.O H Mhs LS 26.0 LS H Mhs Hall 19.9 CF M Exhibition Drawings and Schedules. LS H Mh ULLENM Mh Mhs 17.3 Mhs LS 25.2 Health Mhs 17 Mh ORE Centre

16 Mh T LS LECAR Mh Mh 23.4 Area under construction Mhs LS ES LS Mh 10 ROW Mh 17.9 kv

RO 19 H Mh

AD Mhs 23.4 Mhs HN59 LS 14 LS 19.4 20 LS Mh STREE Area under construction 24.3 13 LS 24.3 10kv Mh CROSSMOLINA LS LS 5 TK T Mh H H LS H's Mhs Mh v Mh 89 FF Mh CR 24.5 0k 1 LS 71 88 7 70 LS

el BM 22.76 Mh 72 H CROSSMOLINA De Mhs H Mh 67 Mh 66 Mh 73 27.7 LS 1 2 Mh LS 17.5 CHURCH 8 24.7 Mhs VIEW er

v Church (Cath) 9 Ri Mhs H Mh CF Mh LS 74 Mhs H 75 LS Pump LS Houses Mh 14 Mh 18.6 LS Mh CF

Mh Mh Mhs 83 12 10kv 10kv CW Mhs 82 10kv Reservoir LS School CF Mh

90 Mh

kv LS MhLS 10 17.6 91 Mh LS 18.1 Mh H 10kv St Mary's Park 92 80 RH LEGEND 93 Mhs Mh 81 LS Mh LS LS

LS UN 19.0 D 101 100 LS 95

Rectory H CF Mh Sports Field School Mh Tank 96 20.1 CF Mh Sports Ground Mh LS

School 10kv CF

CF Ponds 10kv Glencreevy CR

LK CROSSMOLINA 18.8 Existing watercourse

26.0 Playground GORTNARABY 24.1

CROSSMOLINA UND

Convent

18.6

10 kv CF

CF CR Channel Reference (C00) & C00.0050m 20.2 CARTRONGILBERT 14.5 Chainage (50m) 11.9

LP_03 H UND Pumping Station

23.0

16.6

14.9

LS 17.1 Mhs

H Pollnacross Mhs 16.7 Interference Reference IR CR

18.2 MULLENMORE NORTHCF

Mhs

UND UND

Pond EL 19.6 Location & Reference of

Mhs

21.9

20.8

UN Cross Section D Sect. CC_No.

Pond

River Deel CR CS 21.6 LP_02LS Keesaun River LP_01 Pond View CS 25.9

24.8 21.9 23.1

CR Ford 20.7 Rivel Deel Flow Direction MULLENMORE NORTH CS 21.6 River Deel UND CR 23.7

FF Pond

Spring 22.9 R315 25.4

CROSSMOLINA 27.6

Health Centre

28.4

28.7 BM 24.54 E.S.

LS LS Ponds

30.9

Mhs

Mh K MULLENMORELS SOUTH Mhs

LS 28.3

Mhs LS CF MULLENMORE SOUTH

Erris Gardens CF Pond

30.9

Mh LS Keyplan: Scale 1:10,000 Mh

44 10kv Mhs

LS ERRIS

Mhs

STREET

23.3

G S Sta M01

LS C01.11650

Mhs

C01.11600m C01.11550m

Mhs Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. EN 0002718 23.0 © Ordnance Survey Ireland / Government of Ireland.

21.6

20.2

Area under construction

Mhs C01.11500m

Mh DATE DRN DESCRIPTION CHK APD

18.6 Rectory REVISIONS

H Copyright Ryan Hanley This drawing must not be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of

Ryan Hanley consulting engineers

LS C01.11450m

Mhs

DRAWING STATUS

10kv 10kv ERRIS M01 PRELIMINARY CONTRACT TENDER CONSTRUCTION FOR EXHIBITION FOR CONFIRMATION AS CONSTRUCTED DRAFT LS

CARTRONGILB STREET

Mh C01.11400m

Mh Mh

Mhs LS CONSULTING ENGINEERS

18.8

18.5

C01.11350m LS Sherwood House, Sherwood Avenue

LS Mh Mh

LS Taylor's Hill, Galway H

18.4

Mh Tel:(091)587116 Fax:(091)587110 C01.11300m

Car Park Email: [email protected]

H Web: www.ryanhanley.ie

C01.11250m DUBLIN OFFICE: 170 Ivy Exchange, Granby Place, Parnell Square West, Dublin 1

Mhs

Bank

LS CLIENT

19.0 H THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS

LS C01.11200m

Mh PROJECT

River Deel Mh MAIN

MAIN DEEL RIVER (CROSSMOLINA) C01.11150m

18.6

10kv 10kv C01.11100m

C01.11050m DRAINAGE SCHEME C01.11000m

19.4

STREET

LS STREET C01.10950m TITLE

19.1

LS PLAN LAYOUT SHEET

CHAPEL Mhs (Sheet 3 of 3) Mh

Mhs

Church

(Cath) STREET

Mhs H

Hall

BM 22 18.6 SCALE @ A1 DATE DRAWN CHECKED APPROVED

Mh See Plate March 2018 RB JR MJ

JOB No. CAD FILE PATH DRAWING No. REV.

Scale 1:1,000 2267 06/Scheme L_03 Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

• Extinguishing existing access points/ access routes and creation of new access points as shown on the drawings. • Construction of an access track along the top of the channel between the L1105 and the R315. An access track will also be constructed alongside the intake structure linking the L1105 to the river bank. This will be used for maintenance purposes. • Localised regrading of ground levels, erection of fencing and access gates, to facilitate pedestrian/ vehicular access to and around flood defences, or to redirect overland surface water flow paths. • Electricity supply and telemetry for the new tilting weirs, and utility diversions elsewhere. • Maintenance activities and other non-structural measures

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 3 Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

3 IDENTIFICATION OF EUROPEAN SITES WITHN THE ZONE OF LIKELY EFFECT

3.1 BACKGROUND TO EUROPEAN SITES The Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) (together with the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC)) forms the cornerstone of Europe's nature conservation policy. It is built around two pillars: the Natura 2000 network of protected sites and the strict system of species protection. All in all, the Directive protects over 1,000 animal and plant species and over 200 "habitat types" (e.g. special types of forests, meadows, wetlands, etc.), which are of European importance.

With the introduction of the EU Habitats Directive and Birds Directive which were transposed into Irish law as S.I. No. 94/1997 European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, the European Union formally recognised the significance of protecting rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, and also, more importantly, their habitats. The 1997 Regulations and their amendments were subsequently revised and consolidated in S.I. No. 477/2011- European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. This legislation requires the establishment and conservation of a network of sites of particular conservation value that are to be termed ‘European Sites’.

Habitats Directive/Special Areas of Conservation

Articles 3 – 9 of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) provide the EU legislative framework of protecting rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, and habitats. Annex I of the Directive lists habitat types whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). Priority habitats, such as Turloughs, which are in danger of disappearing within the EU territory are also listed in Annex I. Annex II of the Directive lists animal and plant species (e.g. Marsh Fritillary, Atlantic Salmon, and Killarney Fern) whose conservation also requires the designation of SACs.

Birds Directive/Special Protection Areas

Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (Birds Directive) has been substantially amended several times. In the interests of clarity and rationality the said Directive was codified in 2009 and is now cited as Directive 2009/147/EC. The Directive instructs Member States to take measures to maintain populations of all bird species naturally occurring in the wild state in the EU (Article 2). Such measures may include the maintenance and/or re-establishment of habitats in order to sustain these bird populations (Article 3).

A subset of bird species have been identified in the Directive and are listed in Annex I as requiring special conservation measures in relation to their habitats. These species have been listed on account of inter alia: their risk of extinction; vulnerability to specific changes in their habitat; and/or due to their relatively small population size or restricted distribution. Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are to be identified and classified for these Annex I listed species and for regularly occurring migratory species, paying particular attention to the protection of wetlands (Article 4).

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 4 Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

3.2 IDENTIFICATION OF EUROPEAN SITES WITHIN THE ZONE OF LIKELY EFFECT This section of the Appropriate Assessment Screening Report assesses which European Sites have the potential to be affected by the proposed flood relief scheme and identifies any that are within the zone of likely effect.

The most up to date GIS spatial datasets for European designated sites were downloaded from the NPWS website (www.npws.ie) on the 21/03/2018. Using the GIS software, MapInfo (Version 10.0). The following rationale was used to identify sites that have the potential to be subject to significant effects as a result of the proposed flood relief scheme. Following the precautionary principle, sites within a 15km radius of the proposed development were identified (as per the DoEHLG Guidance (2010)). In addition, European Sites located outside the 15km buffer zone were also considered if any potential pathway for effects was identified. No such pathways were identified in the case of European Sites at a distance of over 15km from the proposed Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme. The site of the proposed works in relation to the proximal European Sites is provided in Figure 3.1.

Table 3.1 below, lists all the European Sites within 15 km of the proposed and considers which, if any could be considered to be within the zone of likely effect. It also considers whether the proposed development has the potential to result in significant effects on any European Site when considered by itself or in combination with other plans or projects and in view of the sites’ conservation objectives.

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 5 Legend Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

Special Protection Area (SPA)

Site Location

15km Buffer Zone

MAP TITLE:Designated Sites Within 15km Buffer Zone MAP NO.: Figure 3.1 SCALE: 1:180,000 PROJECT TITLE: 120211-a - Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme DATE: 03-04-2018 DRAWING BY: James Owens CHECKED BY: Pat Roberts ISSUE NO.:120211a-2018.04.03-F

McCarthy Keville O'Sullivan Ltd., Block 1, G.F.S.C, Moneenageisha Road, Galway, Ireland. Email: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)91 735611 Fax: +353 (0)91 771279 Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. AR 0021817 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

EUROPEAN SITES QUALIFYING INTERESTS CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES POTENTIAL FOR THE PROPOSED FLOOD RELIEF

(SOURCED FROM NPWS ONLINE CONSERVATION SCHEME TO RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS OBJECTIVES, WWW.NPWS.IE ON THE (10/01/2018) SAC River Moy SAC (002298) Active raised bog (7110)* Detailed conservation objectives for this The proposed flood relief scheme will result in site (Version 1, August 2016) were direct effects on the River Moy SAC with works Works partially within the Degraded raised bogs still capable reviewed as part of the assessment and proposed within the SAC at the interface with the SAC of natural regeneration (7120) are available at www.npws.ie River Deel.

Depressions on peat substrates of Much of the proposed development is located the Rhynchosporion (7150) outside the SAC but there is potential for indirect effects in various forms such as changes to the Alkaline fens (7230) functioning of the river, water pollution or disturbance to result in significant effects on the Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and River Moy SAC Blechnum in the British Isles (91A0) This European Site is within the Zone of Likely Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa Effect. At this stage in the assessment, the and Fraxinus excelsior (91E0)* potential for the proposed scheme to result in significant effects on the River Moy SAC in view Austropotamobius pallipes (White- of its Conservation Objectives cannot be excluded clawed Crayfish) [1092]

Petromyzon marinus (Sea Lamprey) [1095]

Lampetra marinus (Brook Lamprey) [1096]

Salmo salar (Atlantic Salmon)

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 6 Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with [1106]

Lutra lutra (otter) [1355]

Bellacorick Bog Complex Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds Detailed conservation objectives for this This European Site is located upstream and up SAC (001922) (3160) site (Version 1, October 2017) were gradient of the proposed flood relief scheme. reviewed as part of the assessment and There was no identifiable pathway by which the 5.3km to the west Northern Atlantic wet heaths with are available at www.npws.ie proposed flood relief scheme has the potential to Erica tetralix (4010) result in effects on the SAC. The qualifying interests are associated with peatlands and Blanket bogs (*if active) (7130) wetlands that have no potential to be affected by the proposed works. Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion (7150) This European Site is outside the Zone of Likely Effect. The potential for the proposed scheme to Alkaline fens (7230) result in significant direct or indirect effects on this SAC in view of its Conservation Objectives can be Vertigo geyeri (Geyer’s Whorl excluded at this stage in the assessment Snail) [1013]

Saxifraga hirculus (Marsh Saxifrage) [1528]

Killala Bay/Moy Estuary Estuaries (1130) Detailed conservation objectives for this Whilst this European Site is located SAC (000458) site (Version 1, October 2012) were approximately 10km from the proposed works, it Mudflats and sandflats not covered reviewed as part of the assessment and is approximately 40km upstream via surface 10.7km north east by seawater at low tide (1140) are available at www.npws.ie water. Any water discharging from the proposed works area has to pass through Lough Conn & Annual vegetation of drift lines Lough Cullin for a distance of (1210) approximately19km before entering the River Moy for a distance of over 20km before reaching Salicornia and other annuals the SAC. The lake and river would provide settlement and buffering from any potential

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 7 Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with colonising mud and sand (1310) pollution event and significant effects would be highly unlikely. Atlantic salt meadows (1330) In addition, the Qualifying Interests of the SAC Embryonic shifting dunes (2110) are all coastal or marine in nature and less sensitive to siltation or freshwater pollution than Shifting dunes along the shoreline receptors within the River Moy or Loughs Conn & with Ammophila arenaria (2120) Cullin.

Fixed coastal dunes with This European Site is outside the Zone of Likely herbaceous vegetation* (2130) Effect. Given the distance from the proposed works, the buffering effect of the lacustrine and Humid dune slacks (2190) depositing rivers and the nature of the qualifying interests, the potential for the proposed works to Vertigo angustior (Narrow-mouthed result in significant direct or indirect effects on this Whorl sanil) [1014] European Site in view of its Conservation Objectives can be excluded at this stage in the Petromyzon marinus (Sea Lamprey) assessment [1095]

Phoca vitulina (Harbour Seal) [1365]

Newport River SAC Margaritifera margaritifera This site has the generic conservation This European Site is in an entirely separate (002144) (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) [1029] objective: surface water catchment from the proposed flood relief scheme and is outside the Zone of Likely 11.7km to the south west Salmo salar (Salmon) [1106] ‘To maintain or restore the favourable Effect. The potential for the proposed works to conservation condition of the Annex I result in significant direct or indirect effects on this habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for European Site in view of its Conservation which the SAC has been selected’.’ Objectives can be excluded at this stage in the (NPWS Generic version 5.0, 2016) assessment

Lough Dahybaun SAC Najas flexilis (Slender Naiad) This site has the generic conservation This European Site is in an entirely separate

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 8 Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with (002177) [1833] objective: surface water catchment from the proposed flood relief scheme and is outside the Zone of Likely 12.9km north west ‘To maintain or restore the favourable Effect. The potential for the proposed works to conservation condition of the Annex I result in significant direct or indirect effects on this habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for European Site in view of its Conservation which the SAC has been selected’.’ Objectives can be excluded at this stage in the (NPWS Generic version 5.0, 2016) assessment

Owenduff/Nephin Oligotrophic waters containing very Detailed conservation objectives for this This European Site is primarily located in a Complex SAC (000534) few minerals of sandy plains (3110) site (Version 1, July 2017) were separate surface water catchment. The small reviewed as part of the assessment and section that is within the Moy catchment is 14.5km south west Oligotrophic to mesotrophic are available at www.npws.ie upstream and up gradient of the proposed flood standing waters with vegetation of relief scheme. There was no identifiable pathway the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or by which the proposed flood relief scheme has Isoeto-Nanojuncetea (3130) the potential to result in effects on the SAC. The qualifying interests are associated with peatlands Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds and wetlands that have no potential to be (3160) affected by the proposed works.

Watercourses of plain to montane This European Site is outside the Zone of Likely levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis Effect. The potential for the proposed scheme to and Callitricho – Batrachion result in significant direct or indirect effects on this vegetation (3260) SAC in view of its Conservation Objectives can be excluded at this stage in the assessment Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix (4010)

Alpine and Boreal heaths (4060)

Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands (5130)

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 9 Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with Blanket bogs (* if active) (7130)

Salmo salar (Salmon) [1106]

Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355]

Drepanocladus vernicosus (Slender Green Feather-moss) [1393]

Saxifraga hirculus (Marsh Saxifrage) [1528]

Bellacorick Iron Flush SAC Saxifraga hirculus (Marsh This site has the generic conservation This European Site is in an entirely separate (000466) Saxifrage) [1528] objective: surface water catchment from the proposed flood relief schemeand is outside the Zoneof Likely 14.5km north west ‘To maintain or restore the favourable Effect. The potential for the proposed works to conservation condition of the Annex I result in significant direct or indirect effects on this habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for European Site in view of its Conservation which the SAC has been selected’.’ Objectives can be excluded at this stage in the (NPWS Generic version 5.0, 2016) assessment

SPA Special Conservation Interests Lough Conn and Lough Aythya fuligula (Tufted Duck) The generic conservation objectives of The proposed flood relief scheme has potential to Cullin SPA (004228) [A061] this designated site as per the result in direct effects on the SPA. Whilst no Conservation Objectives Document physical works are being carried out within the 0.3km east of works area, Melanitta nigra (Common Scoter) (NPWS Generic version 5.0, 2016) are: SPA, the washlands are located partially within it washlands partially [A065] 1) To maintain or restore the and could potentially be affected. within SPA Larus canus (Common Gull) [A182] favourable conservation condition of the Anser albifrons flavirostris bird species listed as Special (Greenland White-fronted Goose) There is also potential for indirect effects such as Conservation Interests for this SPA [A395] water pollution to result in significant effects on

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 10 Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with Wetland and Waterbirds (A999) 2) To maintain or restore the the Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA favourable conservation condition of the This European Site is within the Zone of Likely wetland habitat at Lough Conn and Effect. At this stage in the assessment, the Lough Cullin SPA as a resource for the potential for the proposed scheme to result in regularly-occurring migratory waterbirds significant effects on the Lough Conn & Lough that utilise it. Cullin SPA in view of its Conservation Objectives cannot be excluded Killala Bay/Moy Estuary Charadrius hiaticula (Ringed Plover) Detailed conservation objectives for this Whilst this European Site is located SPA (004036) [A137] site (Version 1, May 2013) were approximately 12km from the proposed works, it reviewed as part of the assessment and is over 40km upstream via surface water. Any 12.0km northeast Pluvialis apricaria (Golden Plover) [A140] are available at www.npws.ie water discharging from the proposed works area has to pass through Lough Conn & Lough Cullin for Pluvialis squatarola (Grey Plover) a distance of approximately19km before [A141] entering the River Moy for a distance of over Calidris alba (Sanderling) [A144] 20km before reaching the SPA. The lake and Calidris alpina alpina (Dunlin) river would provide settlement and buffering [A149] from any potential pollution event and significant Limosa lapponica (Bar-tailed effects would be highly unlikely. Godwit) [A157] This European Site is outside the Zone of Likely Numenius arquata (Curlew) [A160] Effect. Given the distance from the proposed Tringa totanus (Redshank) [A162] works, the buffering effect of the lacustrine and Wetland and Waterbirds (A999) depositing rivers, the potential for the proposed works to result in significant direct or indirect effects on this European Site in view of its Conservation Objectives can be excluded at this stage in the assessment

Table 3.1 Determination of European Sites that are located within the Zone of Likely Effect

*Priority Habitat

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 11 Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

4 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING REPORT CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this Screening Assessment are presented following the European Commission guidance document ‘Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological Guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC’ (EC, 2001) and the Department of the Environment’s Guidance on the Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland (December 2009, amended February 2010).

4.1 CUMULATIVE & IN COMBINATION EFFECTS Where pathways for potential significant effects on a European Site are identified, those sites are within the Zone of Likely Effect. The potential for in-combination effects on these sites when assessed alongside other plans and projects cannot be excluded.

European Sites that are within the Zone of Likely Effect and for which pathways for significant effect were identified included the following:

• River Moy SAC (2298)

• Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA (004228)

No pathways for significant effect were identified with respect to any other European Site. No other European Sites are within the Zone of Likely Effect. The potential for cumulative or in-combination effects when assessed alongside other plans and projects can be excluded.

4.2 DATA COLLECTED TO CARRY OUT ASSESSMENT

In preparation of the assessment, the following sources were used to gather information:

• Review of NPWS Site Synopses, mapping and Conservation Objectives for the various European Sites within the Likely Zone of Impact.

• Review of 2013 EU Habitats Directive (Article 17) Report.

• Review of OS maps and aerial photographs of the site of the proposed development.

• Review of relevant databases including National Biodiversity Ireland Database,

• Review of other plans and projects within the area.

• Liaison with the project team in relation to the design of the development.

• Extensive site visits conducted between 2012 & 2018

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 12 Deel River (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

4.3 OVERALL CONCLUSIONS

• River Moy SAC (2298)

• Lough Conn & Lough Cullin SPA (004228)

As a result, an Appropriate Assessment of the proposed development is required and a Natura Impact Statement shall be prepared in respect of the proposed development.

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report . 13 River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Appendix II

Construction Environmental Method Statement

Natura Impact Statement . 41

River Deel (Crossmolina) FRS

Construction Environmental Method Statements Construction Environmental Method Statements 120211 – MS – 2018.04.04 – D1

DOCUMENT DETAILS

Client: Office of Public Works

Project title: River Deel (Crossmolina) FRS

Project Number: 120211

Document Title: Construction Environmental Method Statements

Doc. File Name: 120211 – MS – 2018.04.04 – D1

Prepared By: McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan Ltd. Planning & Environmental Consultants Block 1, G.F.S.C. Moneenageisha Road, Galway

Document Issue: Rev Status Issue Date Document File Name Author(s) Approved By:

01 Draft 04.04.2018 120211 – MS – 2018.04.04 – D1 PR PR

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ...... 1 2 Method Statements ...... 2 2.1 Site Preparation & Clearance of Vegetation ...... 2 2.2 Construction of the Channel ...... 2 2.3 Construction of the Road Bridges and Roads ...... 3 2.4 Construction of the intake structure ...... 3 2.4.1 Site Preparation ...... 3 2.4.2 Construction of Intake Structure ...... 4 2.5 Construction Compound ...... 5 2.6 Monitoring ...... 5 3 General Construction Site Management ...... 7 3.1 General Site Maintenance ...... 7 3.2 Hydrocarbon usage ...... 7 3.3 Waste Disposal ...... 8 3.4 Personnel Briefing ...... 8 4 Operation & Maintenance ...... 9 4.1 Intake Structure ...... 9 4.2 Bypass Channel ...... 9 4.3 Maintenance of the River Deel ...... 9 5 Invasive Species Management Plan ...... 11

Construction Environmental Method Statements 120211 – MS – 2018.04.04 – D1

1 INTRODUCTION

The methods by which the works will be undertaken are described in general below. They are described in the chronology in which they will occur and with details of the measures that will be used to minimise impacts on the River Deel, River Moy SAC, Lough Conn and Lough Cullin SPA and hedgerows and tree lines included in the area included. These measures have been discussed with the project engineers and the client and the provisions of the method statements have been agreed as possible and achievable. The works have been described in terms of the following operations:

• Site Preparation and vegetation Clearance •

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2 METHOD STATEMENTS

2.1 Site Preparation & Clearance of Vegetation The proposed development will require the removal of approximately 1500 m of tree line and hedgerow along with a small area (0.13 ha) of recently established woodland where the intake structure is to be located. This will be undertaken at the outset of the construction of the project and will involve the removal of all tall vegetation within the works area. The removal of this vegetation will be undertaken outside the bird nesting season which runs from March 1st to August 31st.

Two small stands of Japanese Knotweed were identified within the works area. These are the subject of a management plan that is included as section five of this document. These identified stands will be fenced off and avoided during the site preparation and vegetation clearance operations.

Prior to removal of vegetation in close proximity to the River Deel and on the boundary of the SAC, a silt fence will be erected on the river bank to form a solid barrier between the works area and the river. There will be no requirement to remove instream trees or bankside vegetation. The requirement for these works in close proximity to the River Deel has been minimised to a length of approximately 150m at the location of the intake structure with this being the only interface with the SAC.

Prior to the undertaking of the site clearance works, an otter survey will be undertaken of the area surrounding the River Deel to ensure that no otter have migrated into the area. If an active otter holt is located within 150 metres of the proposed works, works will be undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set out in the ‘Guidelines for the Treatment of Otters Prior to the Construction of National Road Schemes’ (NRA 2008).

Prior to the undertaking of the site clearance works a pre-construction Badger survey will be undertaken of the route of the channel. Particular attention will be paid to the identified annex sett located within the construction footprint. If found to be active, a licence will be sought to exclude the Badgers in advance of the undertaking of any clearance works. All works will be carried out in accordance with the ‘Guidelines for the Treatment of Badgers Prior to the Construction of National Road Schemes’ (NRA 2008).

Vegetation will be cut and chipped or removed from the site. Where roots require removal and excavation is undertaken, any unconsolidated ground will be sown with grass seed following completion to prevent erosion.

2.2 Construction of the Channel Following the site clearance described above and the exclusion (if necessary) of the Badgers from the site, the works area will be fenced off to prevent additional land take and the potential for additional effects. The fenced area will include all the areas required to facilitate the works such as site compounds and areas necessary for temporary works. The intake structure will not be included within the worksite associated with the channel and is described separately in this document.

Construction of the channel will begin at the downstream end and will involve the removal of the overburden to create the channel. This will be undertaken in small successive sections with

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each being reinstated prior to commencement on the next. Reinstatement will involve replacing topsoil, levelling and sowing with grass seed on the sides and base.

All materials to be removed from the site will be taken to a licenced waste or recovery facility via the public road network and in sealed vehicles

Whilst no significant watercourses were identified along the route of the channel, there are a number of drainage channels within the fields (many of which are dry and none that regularly carry a flow). The ecological clerk of works will identify any areas where there is any potential for run off of pollutants to the washlands and any potential pathways will be blocked with silt fencing and/or check dams.

No significant accumulation of water within the excavations is anticipated following detailed site investigations. However, if there is the requirement to dewater any excavations, waters will be pumped to lands that are over 30 metres from any watercourse and discharged via a silt bag and into a discharge point. The discharge point will consist of a circle of triple silt fences (diameter approx. 20m). In the centre of this will be a circle of straw bales wrapped in teram. All waters will be discharged to this location through a silt sock (Silt bag). Waters will filter through the silt sock, straw bales and silt fences before diffusely discharging to ground.

This discharge point will be constructed prior to the commencement of construction works. The discharge point will be monitored and checked when necessary.

It will be necessary to store topsoil on the site in order to reinstate the channel. All storage will be undertaken within the identified works area including the site compounds. The amount stored at any one time will be minimised by completing the channel on a sectional basis with each section being completed before proceeding to the next. Topsoil storage areas will be defined and fenced off with silt fencing to prevent run off. It is likely that storage areas will move as the channel progresses towards the River Deel.

2.3 Construction of the Road Bridges and Roads The proposed flood relief scheme will involve the construction of two road bridges and a section of realigned local access road at the eastern end of the scheme. All these works are located within the identified works area and will be fenced off from the wider area and subject to the same silt and pollution control measures as discussed in relation to the construction of the channel. The Ecological Clerk of Works will be responsible for monitoring the site set up and pollution control measures. No works are proposed in close proximity to significant watercourses and no pathway for effects on the River Deel is identified. The Invasive species management plan will be implemented in advance of commencement of works associated with this element of the works.

2.4 Construction of the intake structure These will be the only works that are located within and adjacent to the River Moy SAC. Whilst the structure itself will be located outside but adjacent to the SAC, there will be access requirements within it for construction and maintenance purposes. The following measures will be in place to ensure that the proposed works do not result in effects on the River Deel

2.4.1 Site Preparation • A solid barrier in the form of a triple silt fence, solid wall of sand bags or other equivalent solution will be placed along the river bank on the entire water side boundary of the works area. This barrier will effectively prevent the run off of pollutants such as silt and hydrocarbons to areas outside the site.

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• Where possible, the existing earth bank that marks the edge of the SAC will be retained as an additional measure to protect the River from any potential for run off.

• Storage of materials will be located in the works area at an area that is not prone to flooding and is located of 30 m from the river.

• In no circumstances will terrestrial works be undertaken outside the silt fences or within the wetted channel of the river.

• The necessary works area will be surfaced with clean stone to minimise potential for silt laden run off.

2.4.2 Construction of Intake Structure This will involve the construction of a new reinforced concrete flow control structure and spillway on the banks of the River Deel at the upstream end of the abovementioned grass lined channel complete with an adjustable steel plate at the top of 80m the reinforced concrete structure and a 15m long section of the weir that will consist of automated tilting weirs. This section will be overlooked by an access platform.

• Excavators will be used to prepare the site for the pouring of foundations. Excavators will work entirely within the confines of the works area as described above.

• Topsoil will be stripped as necessary to prepare the foundations. It will be either stockpiled for re-use within the confines of the works area or removed from the site and stored for re-use within the dedicated site compound at a location that is over 30metres from any watercourse and is adequately protected with silt fences. Where soil is to be stored over a long period, it will be sown with grass seed to prevent any windblow or water erosion and subsequent run-off. Where it is not required for re-use, it will be removed by a licenced waste contractor.

• Following detailed site investigations, the requirement for rock breaking to be undertaken is not anticipated.

• No invasive species have been recorded in the works area.

• Following soil removal, formworks and steel for the structure will be constructed ensuring that all works are located within the defined works area that is protected from run off by the solid barrier described above.

• Formwork will be of solid construction and will be sealed to prevent any leakage of concrete during pouring operations.

• Whilst no significant excavations are proposed, should any ingress of water (ground or rain) require pumping out prior to the pouring of concrete, this will be pumped to a sealed clean tanker and removed from the site and discharged to the discharge point as described in the preceding sections.

• The weather forecast will be checked prior to the pouring of the concrete and no such works will be undertaken when bad weather is forecast. Any works at any time when water levels that may cause inundation of the works area will be avoided. Concrete will not be poured at times when rain is predicted as this may lead to run off and over spillage of the form work.

• Form work will be constructed with an adequate capacity and additional freeboard to prevent any spillage.

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• Concrete trucks and other construction vehicles will work entirely from hard standing areas to avoid the generation of mud within the works area. Temporary hard standing will be made of clean stone behind the proposed wall location (landward side) and all machinery will work from this area.

• Concrete trucks will not be washed out at the site of the proposed works. If chutes require wash out, this will be undertaken at a designated wash out tank located in the site compound. This will recycle waters within the tank.

• Stone gabions will be placed at the upstream and downstream ends of the intake structure and the soil will be placed on the top of these. Taller native vegetation such as Hazel and Hawthorn will be planted in these drier areas.

• All bankside works will be undertaken at times of low water and good weather, when there is no flow through storm water system and no potential for the works area to become inundated with flood water.

• There will be no storage of materials, machinery or soil in areas that are susceptible to flooding.

2.5 Construction Compound The construction site compound will be located within the works area but may move to accommodate different elements of the works. It will meet the following requirements:

• The compound will be surfaced with a hard standing to prevent the un-necessary generation of mud • A silt fence will be erected on all sides to prevent any run off from the perimeter. • The compound will be adequately buffered from the River Deel (and River Moy SAC) to prevent any run off of surface waters or will be serviced with a surface water collection and treatment system. • All materials stored within the compound will be appropriately covered and stored to avoid run-off or pollution. There will be no storage of materials or construction activity outside the confines of the defined storage compound. • The site compound will be located in an area that is not susceptible to flooding.

2.6 Monitoring The construction works will be monitored at several levels to ensure that the environmental best practice prescribed in this document is fully adhered to and is effective. The following system will be put in place to ensure compliance. • The contractor will assign a member of the site staff as the environmental officer with the responsibility for ensuring the environmental measures prescribed in this document are adhered to. • All operatives working on the site will be made fully aware of the environmental responsibilities, conditions and requirements along with a full description of the methods to be employed. This information will be imparted at a dedicated site induction prior to commencing work on the site. • A checklist will be filled in on a weekly basis to show how the measures above have been complied with. Any environmental incidents or non-compliance issues will immediately be reported to the project team. • The construction management team will be regularly monitoring the works and will be fully briefed and aware of the environmental constraints and protection measures to be employed.

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• Whilst the works to construct the channel will be ongoing over a long period and will involve only works a relatively small area at any one time, the site will be visited by a suitably qualified ecologist (ECoW) on a weekly basis. An audit of the works will be undertaken during these weekly visits and it will be ensured that the prescribed methods are employed. Any potential impacts additional to those predicted will be highlighted and if necessary, additional measures put in place to prevent them. Any deviance from the agreed methodology will be highlighted and if necessary rectified. • Sondes will be put in place upstream and downstream of the works area. These will continuously measure turbidity throughout the construction period. If there is a 10% or greater difference between upstream and downstream turbidity, an alarm will sound and a message will be sent to the site foreman and the ECoW. Works will be ceased until the cause of the difference is identified and (if it is associated with the works) rectified

• The works associated with the construction of the intake structure will require full time, on-site supervision from the ECoW. The ECoW will be responsible for:

o Ensuring that the works are carried out in accordance with the approved method statements.

o Highlighting and discussing any deviance from the agreed plan. Deviances will be agreed with the relevant authorities and the project team in advance of adoption.

o Taking water samples and turbidity readings as appropriate. Discussing works and preparations with the site staff to ensure that works can be completed as per agreed method statements.

o Stop works if there are any effects on the River Deel or danger of inundation of the works area.

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3 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION SITE MANAGEMENT

The following measures will be employed during the construction process to prevent the occurrence of negative impacts on the environment occurring as a result of the proposed works

3.1 General Site Maintenance • All construction activity and storage associated with the main phases of development will take place within the defined site areas and construction compound as described above. • There will be no storage of materials or construction activity outside the confines of the defined storage compound. • All substances and materials used in construction will be stored in a suitable storage compound within the construction site. Where necessary materials will be covered and bunded. • The construction site will be kept free from litter and debris. It will be cleared daily with any detritus removed to skips that separate all recyclable and waste materials. • All trucks leaving the site will be checked to ensure that they have clean wheels and if the site becomes dirty with trucks fouling the access road, a wheel wash will be installed to prevent this. • Dust prevention measures will be put in place as necessary throughout the site. These will include the use of dampening sprays, covering of dusty areas with stone and covering of stored loose material. • No works will be undertaken between 9am and 6pm to minimise the potential for disturbance to fauna. • No artificial lighting will be required in the works area. It may be required within the construction compound but will not be focused onto any areas of ecological sensitivity.

3.2 Hydrocarbon usage The use of plant and machinery on the construction site creates the potential for hydrocarbon pollutants to issue from the site and contaminate the wider environment. The following measures will be put in place to avoid the occurrence of any adverse impacts resulting from the use of hydrocarbons on the site.

Mitigation . All plant and machinery will be kept in good condition and checked regularly for oil/fuel leaks. . It is unlikely that large volumes of fuel will be stored on the site but any storage bowsers will be adequately bunded or double skinned and kept in secure areas within the site. . Refuelling will take place in a defined refuelling location and a drip tray will be used on all occasions. . Vehicles will never be left unattended during refuelling operations. . All hoses, nozzles, valves will be locked into the off position when not in use . A hydrocarbon spill kit will be on site at all times for use in the case of emergency. This will include absorbent pads, oil containment booms and other items for the clean-up and containment of spills. . A plan will be in place for dealing with spillage events.

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3.3 Waste Disposal The works on the site will result in the production of construction waste material. This could lead to pollution of the environment if removed to a location that could impact on ecologically sensitive habitats.

• Any waste material arising will be removed to a permitted waste facility.

3.4 Personnel Briefing • The contractor will assign a member of the site staff as the environmental officer with the responsibility for ensuring the environmental measures prescribed in this document are adhered to. • All operatives working on the site will be made fully aware of the environmental responsibilities, conditions and requirements along with a full description of the methods to be employed. This information will be imparted at a dedicated site induction prior to commencing work on the site. • A checklist will be filled in on a weekly basis to show how the measures above have been complied with. Any environmental incidents or non-compliance issues will immediately be reported to the project team. • An Ecological Clerk of Works will be employed for the duration of the project. This ECoW will provide weekly supervision of the vegetation clearance, construction of the channel, road realignment and bridge construction elements of the scheme and full time on-site supervision of the construction of the intake structure.

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4 OPERATION & MAINTENANCE

4.1 Intake Structure Operational requirements of the intake structure include an inspection regime to ensure than there is no deterioration in the structural integrity of the intake which may occur over time and that the adjustable element is functioning correctly. It is expected that the intake will be relatively maintenance free otherwise. In the unlikely event that repair works are required, any such works will be the subject of individual ecological impact assessment and Screening for Appropriate Assessment (possibly full AA depending on the nature of required works). There may also be the requirement to remove deposited material from the bank side at the base of the weir on occasion. This will be undertaken using an excavator working from the top of the weir and removing any accumulated gravels, which will be removed to a suitably licenced waste or recovery facility. No instream works will be necessary. It will also be necessary to maintain the bankside vegetation at a low level. This will be undertaken using a strimmer on a periodic basis. No in-stream works will be required.

4.2 Bypass Channel In general, the management of the bypass channel will involve the mowing of the grass within it using a tractor and mower to prevent scrub encroachment. This will be undertaken on a relatively regular basis (approx. every two years) so that scrub does not start to develop. The native hedges that surround the channel will also be trimmed when this work is being undertaken. The hedge trimming will be undertaken outside the bird nesting season and will involve the use of a tractor and flail.

4.3 Maintenance of the River Deel The River Deel will be formally included within the OPW drainage maintenance programme following the construction of the scheme. Maintenance will include trimming of woody vegetation within the channel upstream of the bridge, this will require periodic maintenance to prevent, riparian trees causing a narrowing of the channel, further deposition of silt and the danger of trees becoming dislodged and swept downstream and causing obstructions (particularly of the bridge) which could cause flooding. Management of riparian trees is a standard procedure, undertaken by the OPW at numerous ecologically sensitive locations throughout the country. This section of the channel is currently maintained on an Ad Hoc basis (not by the OPW) but under this regime will be carried out in line with OPW environmental protocols and will be the subject of AA Screening in advance of any such works.

The methods by which this work will be completed is described below.

• During the vegetation clearance works associated with the scheme (as described above). The riparian trees within the channel will be assessed and any trees that are likely to fail under flood conditions will be removed to ground level (coppiced).

• In addition, any low branches that are shown to be gathering trash or compromising river flow during high water will be removed to reduce obstruction to conveyance of water and to prevent the further deposition of silt within the river channel.

• Following preliminary inspections undertaken, it is anticipated that the majority of the trees will be retained and the overall vegetation structure will remain similar to the existing situation. There will be no significant changes to the level of shading along the channel with continued dappled shading of the channel.

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• Works will be carried out on foot using chainsaws. There will be no requirement for instream works as part of this maintenance works (all works will be carried out at low water).

• Ongoing maintenance of the riparian vegetation will include rotational coppicing of (mainly) Grey Willow to prevent any trees becoming sufficiently large to become unstable in a flood situation and to prevent low branches from trapping silt or slowing the conveyance of water to a large extent. This will be undertaken on foot without the requirement for in-stream works and all cut material will be removed from the site.

• Continuous cover of riparian vegetation will be retained through rotational management and root systems will be retained to prevent soil from becoming destabilised and allow for vigorous and fast re-growth.

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5 INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN

The invasive alien species, Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) was identified on the site of the proposed flood defence scheme. Two small stands were recorded within the footprint of the proposed works, close to the proposed bridge over the R315 (Grid Ref:E 114073, N 316814 and E 113984, N 316796 ). These measured approximately (13m and 7m) and are shown on Figure 5.1. No other invasive species were recorded within either the works area. A stand was recorded in the washlands at Grid Ref E 114338, N 316530.

There follows a comprehensive plan for the treatment of this species within and surrounding the site of the proposed works in accordance with guidelines set out the ‘Knotweed Code of Practice’, Environment Agency (version 3, amended in 2013) . This is hereafter referred to as ‘the guidelines’

• A Pre-construction invasive species survey will be undertaken at the site of the proposed flood relief scheme.

• In advance of any works being carried out on the site of the proposed flood relief scheme, any invasive species that occurs within the identified works area will be subject to treatment with a non-persistent glyphosate herbicide. This will be undertaken at the end of the growing season (late August – September) and the method of application and chemical formulation will be agreed with all relevant stakeholders prior to application and treatment.

• Treatment will be undertaken from hand held sprayers and will avoid the potential for spray drift into other areas.

• It is intended that these advance works will weaken the plant in advance of the construction works that are proposed as part of the flood defences.

• The stand that is within the washlands is not within the footprint of the proposed development and will not be affected by the construction of the project. It will be subject to continued treatment on an annual basis until it is eradicated.

• In both areas where Japanese Knotweed has been identified within the footprint of the proposed works (including areas within 7 metres of recorded stems) will be fenced off and included within the Knotweed Management Plan.

• Knotweed and infested soil will be removed from the site under licence to a waste facility that can receive the material.

• The following procedure will be followed to safely and legally remove the Knotweed from the site:

• A licence will be obtained from the NPWS in advance of the transportation of this material off-site

• The ECoW will supervise any operations within the fenced exclusion zones

• Excavators will be used to load waiting trucks with Knotweed and infested soil will be removed under licence to an appropriately licenced facility.

• The loading of each truck will be undertaken on a surface that can be easily cleaned (such as a radon barrier) and will be inspected by the ECoW and if

11 McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan – Planning & Environmental Consultants Legend Japanese Knotweed

7m Buffer Zone

MAP TITLE:Location of Japanese Knotweed MAP NO.: Figure 5.1 SCALE: 1:3000 PROJECT TITLE: 120211a - River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme DATE: 04-04-2018 DRAWING BY: P Boyle CHECKED BY: P Roberts ISSUE NO.:120211a-2018.04.04-F

McCarthy Keville O'Sullivan Ltd., Block 1, G.F.S.C, Moneenageisha Road, Galway, Ireland. Email: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)91 735611 Fax: +353 (0)91 771279 Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. AR 0021816 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland Construction Environmental Method Statements 120211 – MS – 2018.04.04 – D1

necessary brushed down before departure to ensure that there is no knotweed present on the outside of it.

• The excavation will be overseen by a suitably qualified ecologist and will involve the excavation of the Knotweed and associated rhizomes. The ecologist will inspect the excavated area following removal and will determine whether all rhizomes have been removed. Once satisfied, the sites will be declared free from Knotweed.

• All excavation machinery will be steam cleaned prior to leaving the section of the proposed works that is subject to the Knotweed Management Plan.

• Following completion of the construction and reinstatement, the site will be sown with grass seed mix and allowed to quickly re-vegetate.

• Follow up surveys will be undertaken for at least three years following the construction to ensure that these small stands are completely eradicated.

12 McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan – Planning & Environmental Consultants River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Appendix III

Woodland Assessment Report

Natura Impact Statement . 42

Woodland Assessment Report OPW Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme

Woodland Assessment 120211-a – WA – 2018.04.05 – F

DOCUMENT DETAILS

Client: Office of Public Works

Project title: Woodland Assessment Report

Project Number: 120211-a

Document Title: Habitat Assessment and Constraints Report

Doc. File Name: 120211-a – WA – 2018.04.05 – F

Prepared By: McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan Ltd. Planning & Environmental Consultants Block 1, G.F.S.C. Moneenageisha Road, Galway

Document Issue: Rev Status Issue Date Document File Name Author(s) Approved By:

01 Final 05.04.2018 120211-a – WA – 2018.04.05 – F JH PR

Woodland Assessment 120211-a – WA – 2018.04.05 – F

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 General Introduction ...... 1 2 Methodology ...... 2 2.1 Desk Study ...... 2 2.2 Field Surveys ...... 2 3 Desk Study Results ...... 4 3.1 NPWS GIS Dataset Records ...... 4 3.2 Teagasc Soils ...... 4 4 Field Study Results ...... 5 5 Bibliography ...... 31

McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan Ltd. – Planning & Environmental Consultants

Woodland Assessment 120211-a – WA – 2018.04.05 – F

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General Introduction This report has been completed to provide information regarding the classification and status of wet woodlands within the zone of influence of the proposed River Deel flood mitigation works. This assessment highlights any features of particular importance and identify whether any woodland habitats listed on Annex I of Directive 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive) are located within the study area.

The habitat assessment is based on a desk study and field visits by suitably qualified ecologists including Pat Roberts B.Sc. MCIEEM, John Hynes B.Sc. (Env.) M.Sc. (Eco) and Pamela Boyle Ph.D. All surveyors have extensive experience in Annex I habitat classification and survey techniques and have conducted detailed habitat assessment for a number of developments including national road projects.

The woodland assessment surveys described in this report have been undertaken with reference to the following guidelines:

• National Roads Authority (2009) Guidelines for assessment of ecological impacts of national road schemes (Revision 2, June 2009), Dublin, Ireland. . Perrin, P.M, Martin, J.R., Barron, S.J., O’Neill, F.H., McNutt, K.E. & Delaney, A.M. (2008) National Survey of Native Woodlands 2003-2008: Volume I: Main report. Report submitted to National Parks & Wildlife Service, Dublin. . Perrin, P.M, Martin, J.R., Barron, S.J., O’Neill, F.H., McNutt, K.E. & Delaney, A.M. (2008) National Survey of Native Woodlands 2003-2008: Volume II: Woodland classification. Report submitted to National Parks & Wildlife Service, Dublin.

The conclusions and any recommendations based on the results of the surveys are provided in Section Five.

McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan Ltd. – Planning & Environmental Consultants 1

Woodland Assessment 120211-a – WA – 2018.04.05 – F

2 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Desk Study Initially, a desk study of pertinent information relating to the study area was conducted. This included a review of aerial photography to identify potential wet woodland habitats in advance of field surveys.

The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Article 17 habitats GIS datasets are available for download at http://www.npws.ie/maps-and-data/habitat-and-species-data. The datasets were downloaded and reviewed on 3rd of October 2016 in order to determine if any identified Annex I habitats were located in the study area.

The NPWS Ancient and Long-established Woodland database was also downloaded and reviewed. This dataset shows areas of long established woodland including stands of non- native species and conifer woodland.

The GIS database associated with the National Survey of Native Woodlands 2003-2008 was also downloaded and reviewed.

The Teagasc soils map (http://gis.teagasc.ie/soils/) was downloaded and consulted to determine the underlying soil type associated with the various identified woodlands in the study area. This was of particular importance with regard to identification of potential Annex I Alluvial Woodland. The results of the desk study are presented in Section Three.

2.2 Field Surveys The woodlands that are assessed in this document were first identified during preliminary desk studies of aerial photographs and OSI Discovery Range 1:50,000 maps of the area. The identified woodlands were then briefly assessed during multidisciplinary walkover surveys. During this survey, woodland stands were selected for further assessment where they had the potential to correspond to Annex I woodland habitats. Detailed assessments of the woodlands were conducted on 6th of May 2015 and 18th of May 2016. Specific field sheets were used for recording the survey data. Homogeneous representative 10 m × 10 m relevés and 20 m × 20 m relevés were assessed at each woodland site and the woodland areas were thoroughly walked and assessed.

For each site surveyed the following data were recorded as per Perrin (2008): Site species list: A comprehensive list of vascular plants was recorded for each site. For tree and shrub species, presence/absence in each of the canopy, shrub and field layers was recorded. Site situation: The altitudinal range (in metres) for each site was recorded from the appropriate Discovery Map. The general slope (in degrees) for the woodland as a whole was estimated by eye. Area: Site (in hectares) was measured from GIS mapping. Internal features: The predominant soil moisture regime (i.e. firm, soft etc.) observed at the site was recorded. In addition, any hydrological features (e.g. streams, ditches and flushes) observed were noted. All evidence of management, both previous and current, in the wood was noted. This included planting, felling, amenity use and coppicing. The presence of historical features such as banks and ruined buildings was also recorded. Evidence of grazing and use by livestock was also noted.

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Surface cover: The surface cover of various strata was assessed to give a general indication of the structure of the woodland. The DAFOR scale (dominant, abundant, frequent, occasional, rare or absent) was used to assess cover of: rock and boulders; stones and gravel; bare soil; litter; bryophytes; herbs; and, low woody species. Only the actual wooded area was assessed; gravel-covered forest tracks/roads, car parks etc. were not included when assigning scores to the categories. Vegetation communities: Vegetation communities were identified and classified using the system of Fossitt (2000) and Perrin (2008). Major variations in the woodland vegetation were regarded as different communities even if they were encompassed by a single category using Fossitt (2000). The distribution of vegetation communities at each site was described in the site notes and marked on 1:5,000 vector maps, as were any changes to the site boundary. The proportion of the woodland area allotted to each Fossitt category was noted. The woodland composition was assessed based on the canopy layer, shrub/low woody layer and herb layer and the Domin scale was used to quantify the frequency of species within each vegetation layer. Additional Attributes: Additional attributes such as bare ground, leaf litter, invasive species, exposed rocks, dead wood etc. were recorded. The surrounding land cover observed during the field survey was recorded for each site using categories defined by Fossitt (2000) and Perrin (2008).

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3 DESK STUDY RESULTS

3.1 NPWS GIS Dataset Records A review of the NPWS GIS Article 17 datasets and the National Survey of Native Woodlands 2003-2008 and Long-established Woodland datasets was conducted on the 3rd of October 2016. The datasets were downloaded and overlaid on the Study Area. There were no records for Annex I habitats or long established woodland habitats within the Study Area.

A large block of Annex I Alluvial Woodland 91E0 is located approximately 1km to the south of the study area. This area was surveyed as part of the National Survey of Native Woodlands and is referenced as site 1800 (Perrin 2008). The site was surveyed in 2007. This site is also recorded in the long established woodland database.

The most up to date GIS spatial datasets for European designated sites were downloaded from the NPWS website (www.npws.ie) on the 3/10/2016. The eastern extent of the proposed study area overlaps with the River Moy SAC (Site Code 002298) and Lough Conn and Lough Cullin SPA (Site Code 004228) (See Figure 3.2). Detailed conservation objective are available from the River Moy SAC and can be downloaded at www.npws.ie. Generic conservation objectives are available for Lough and Lough Cullin SPA.

3.2 Teagasc Soils The Teagasc soils map (http://gis.teagasc.ie/soils/) was downloaded and consulted on the 3rd of October 2016 to determine the underlying soil type associated with the study area. The dominant soil association within the study area, to the west of the R315, is Shallow well drained mineral soils dominated by renzinas and lithosols derived from mainly calcareous parent materials. To the east of the R315 is a mixture of Shallow well drained mineral, raised peat, and mineral poorly drained with Lacustrine type soils approaching the shores of Lough Conn.

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4 FIELD STUDY RESULTS

The study area was visited on the 6th of May 2015 and 18th of May 2016. Habitat extents were mapped with a Garmin GPS. The woodland in the study are occur in the townlands of Cartrongilbert, Mullenmore North, Mullenmore South and Gortnaraby. The woodland, dominated by Willow, Alder and occasional Ash, were classified as Wet-willow-alder-ash Woodland (WN6) and the woodland dominated by Sycamore was classified as Mixed Broadleaved Woodland (WD1) with a Riparian Woodland (WN5) fringe for part of its length. Sycamore was occasionally recorded from the woodland plots near Lough Conn but the prevalence of the species receded on the approach to the boundary of the River Moy SAC and the species was largely absent within the SAC boundary.

The woodland areas within the study area were assessed to determine if they had any correspondence with the Annex I Priority Habitat Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)* [91E0]. The survey followed the methodology and assessment criteria outlined in Perrin (2008).

The woodland were assessed at nine relevé locations to determine if the habitat corresponded to Annex I habitat status and to identify if the habitat was in favorable conservation condition. The results of the assessment are provided in the sections below. A map showing the relevé locations is provided as Figure 4.1. Relevés 01-02 are located north of the western site boundary, Relevés 03-05 are located to the east and outside the boundary of the River Moy SAC and relevés 06-08 are located within the boundary of the SAC.

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Legend Annex I Alluvial Woodland (91E0*)

(Mixed) Broadleaved Woodland (WD1)/Riparian Fringe (WN5)

Relevés 2016

Relevés 2015

River Moy SAC

MAP TITLE:Annex I Woodland Assessment MAP NO.: Figure 4.1 SCALE: 1:8,000 PROJECT TITLE: 120211-a - River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme DATE: 04-04-2018 DRAWING BY: James Owens CHECKED BY: Pat Roberts ISSUE NO.:120211a-2018.04.04-F

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Table 4.1 Relevé 01 Details Attributes Details Photograph Grid reference: E113535 N317003

Date: 06/05/2015

Relevé area: 10 m × 10 m

Table 4.2 Relevé 01 Results Site Description Species Common name Cover abundance (Domin Scale) Altitude 15-20 m Trees and woody species

Aspect West Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore 7 Topography Steep slope Sambucus nigra Elder 3 Soil moisture regime Moderately free draining Salix spp. Willow 7 Hydrological features The woodland floods during high water events

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Management Extensive cutting of trees by Herbs ferns & Bryophytes roadside and significant build-up of brash Grazing regime None Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold 2 Internal features None of note Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Opposite-leaved 3 Golden-saxifrage Dead wood Fine woody debris and Equisetum sp. Horsetail 2 brash by roadside Rocks and boulders N/A Geum rivale Water Avens 1 Stones and gravel N/A Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble 3 Bare soil (DAFOR) O Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed 3 Litter (DAFOR O Hedera helix Ivy 4 Bryophyte (DAFOR O Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone 5 Herb (DAFOR D Veronica sp. Speedwell sp. 2 Low woody species (DAFOR O Mentha aquatica Water Mint 2 Invasive species Sycamore. Japanese Geranium robertianum Herb Robert 3 Knotweed recorded outside releve Taraxacum officinale Dandelion 1 Urtica dioica Nettle 2 Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley 4 Angelica sylvestris Angelica 5 Rumex hydrolapathum Water Dock 1 Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort 3 Galium aparine Clevers 2 Cardamine sp. Bittercress sp. 2 Arum maculatum Lords and Ladies 2 Agrostis sp. Bent grass sp. 3 Ranunculus ficaria Lesser celandine 2

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Table 4.3. Relevé 01. Alluvial woodland [91E0] structure and functions assessment criteria (as per Perrin 2008) Positive indicator species Negative indicator species Trees & woody species Non-native tree species Alnus glutinosa  Acer pseudoplatanus  Betula pubescens Fagus sylvatica

Crataegus monogyna Non-native conifer spp.  Fraxinus excelsior Other:  Salix cinerea

Non-native shrub species Herbs & ferns Cotoneaster spp. Prunus Agrostis stolonifera laurocerasus Angelica sylvestris  Rhododendron ponticum Filipendula ulmaria Symphoricarpos albus Galium palustre Cornus sericea Iris pseudacorus Other: Japanese Knotweed outside Releve Mentha aquatica  Phalaris arundinacea

Rumex sanguineus  Urtica dioica

Mosses & liverworts Calliergonella cuspidata Hypnum cupressiforme Pass = No negative indicator species FAIL Kindbergia praelonga recorded Ulota bruchii Ulota crispa Structural data Median canopy height >7m  Total canopy cover >30% of plot  Target species >50% of canopy  Pass = F. excelsior/Alnus glutinosa/ FAIL Total shrub layer cover 10-50% X S. cinerea plus ≥6 of the Field layer ≥20% cover and ≥ 20 cm high  listed species present

Other stop data Evidence of bark stripping (present = fail) PASS Pass = all five criteria met FAIL % bryophyte cover (pass = >4%)

The assessment area does not correspond to the Annex I Habitat 91E0 *Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior as it fails on 75% of the assessment criteria including diversity of Positive indicator species, invasive species and structure.

The size of the woodland plot is significantly lower than the minimum woodland survey area, of 0.98ha, as per Perrin (2008) and the strip of woodland does not extend 20 from the river bank. The woodland is on a steep sloping embankment and subject to damaging activities including tree cutting and dumping. There are also a number of Invasive species present in the wider area.

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Table 4.4 Relevé 02 Details Attributes Details Photograph Grid reference: E113591 N317081

Date: 06/05/2015

Relevé area: 10 m × 10 m

Table 4.5 Relevé 02 Results Site Description Species Common name Cover abundance (Domin Scale) Altitude 15-20 m Trees and woody species

Aspect West Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore 6 Topography Steep slope Sambucus nigra Elder 4 Soil moisture regime Moderately free draining Salix spp. Willow 7 Hydrological features The woodland floods during Fraxinus excelsior Ash 6 high water events Alnus glutinosa Alder 3

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Management Extensive cutting of trees by Herbs ferns & Bryophytes roadside and significant build-up of brash Grazing regime None Viola sp. Violet 1 Internal features None Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Opposite-leaved 4 Golden-saxifrage Dead wood Fine woody debris and Equisetum sp. Horsetail 2 brash by roadside Rocks and boulders N/A Geum rivale Water Avens 4 Stones and gravel N/A Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble 1 Bare soil (DAFOR) O Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed 5 Litter (DAFOR O Hedera helix Ivy 1 Bryophyte (DAFOR O Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone 5 Herb (DAFOR D Veronica sp. Speedwell sp. 2 Low woody species (DAFOR O Mentha aquatica Water Mint 2 Invasive species Sycamore. Japanese Geranium robertianum Herb Robert 3 Knotweed recorded outside releve Taraxacum officinale Dandelion 1 Urtica dioica Nettle 2 Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley 4 Angelica sylvestris Angelica 8 Ranunculus ficaria Lesser celandine 1 Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort 1 Agrostis sp. Bent grass sp. 2 Cardamine sp. Bittercress sp. 1 Arum maculatum Lords and Ladies 1

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Table 4.6. Relevé 02. Alluvial woodland [91E0] structure and functions assessment criteria (as per Perrin 2008) Positive indicator species Negative indicator species Trees & woody species Non-native tree species Alnus glutinosa  Acer pseudoplatanus  Betula pubescens Fagus sylvatica

Crataegus monogyna Non-native conifer spp.  Fraxinus excelsior Other:  Salix cinerea

Non-native shrub species

Herbs & ferns Cotoneaster spp. Prunus

Agrostis stolonifera laurocerasus  Angelica sylvestris Rhododendron ponticum Filipendula ulmaria Symphoricarpos albus Galium palustre  Cornus sericea Iris pseudacorus Other: Mentha aquatica  Phalaris arundinacea Rumex sanguineus Urtica dioica

Mosses & liverworts Calliergonella cuspidata

Hypnum cupressiforme Pass = No negative indicator species FAIL Kindbergia praelonga recorded Ulota bruchii Ulota crispa Structural data Median canopy height >7m  Total canopy cover >30% of plot  Target species >50% of canopy  Pass = F. excelsior/Alnus glutinosa/ FAIL Total shrub layer cover 10-50% X S. cinerea plus ≥6 of the Field layer ≥20% cover and ≥ 20 cm high 

listed species present

Other stop data Evidence of bark stripping (present = fail) PASS Pass = all five criteria met FAIL % bryophyte cover (pass = >4%)

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Table 4.7 Relevé 03 Details Attributes Details Photograph Grid reference: E114256 N316504

Date: 18/05/2016

Relevé area: 20 m × 20 m

Table 4.8 Relevé 03 Results Site Description Species Common name Cover abundance (Domin Scale) Altitude 14 m Trees and woody species

Aspect - Alnus glutinosa Alder 1 Topography Relatively flat Fraxinus excelsior Ash 1 Soil moisture regime Waterlogged Salix cinerea Grey Willow 10 Hydrological features Woodland is waterlogged and appears to flood, stream runs through woodland area Management None of note Herbs ferns & Bryophytes

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Grazing regime None Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold 2 Internal features None of note Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Opposite-leaved 1 Golden-saxifrage Dead wood Fine woody debris Equisetum sp. Horsetail 4 Rocks and boulders N/A Carex paniculata Tussock Sedge 5 Stones and gravel N/A Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble 5 Bare soil 50% Dryopteris sp. Fern 1 Litter 10% Hedera helix Ivy 6 Bryophyte 7% Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle 2 Herb 85% Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw 1 Low woody species 10% Mentha aquatica Water Mint 1 Invasive species None Geranium robertianum Herb Robert 1 Comarum palustre Marsh cinquefoil 1 Juncus effuses Soft Rush 1

Cardamine pratensis Cuckoo Flower 1 Calliergonella cuspidate - 4 Hypnum cupressiforme - Ulota spp. -

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Table 4.9. Relevé 03. Alluvial woodland [91E0] structure and functions assessment criteria (as per Perrin 2008) Positive indicator species Negative indicator species (N.I.S) Trees and woody species Non-native tree species Alnus glutinosa  Acer pseudoplatanus Betula pubescens Fagus sylvatica Crataegus monogyna Non-native conifer Fraxinus excelsior  spp. Other: Salix cinerea  Non-native shrub species Herbs and ferns Cotoneaster pp. Agrostis stolonifera Prunus laurocerasus Angelica sylvestris Rhododendron ponticum Filipendula ulmaria Symphoricarpos albus Galium palustre  Cornus sericea Iris pseudacorus Other: Mentha aquatica  Phalaris arundinacea Rumex sanguineus Urtica dioica Mosses and liverworts Calliergonella cuspidata  Hypnum cupressiforme  No N.I.S. recorded = pass PASS

Kindbergia praelonga Structural data Ulota bruchii  Median canopy height > 7 m  Ulota crispa  Total canopy cover>30% of plot  Fraxinus excelsior, Alnus PASS Target species > 50% of canopy  glutinosa, Salix cinerea plus ≥ 6 Other stop data Total shrub layer cover 10–  50% Evidence of bark stripping (present PASS Field layer ≥ 20% cover  = fail) and ≥ 20 cm high % bryophyte cover (> 4% = pass) PASS All five criteria met = pass PASS

The assessment area corresponds to the Annex I habitat Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)* [91E0]. The woodland is in favorable conservation condition. The woodland appears to be subject to flooding from the adjacent ponds and the River.

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Table 4.10 Relevé 04 Details Attributes Details Photograph Grid reference: E114307 N316470

Date: 18/05/2016

Relevé area: 20 m × 20 m

Table 4.11 Relevé 04 Results Site Description Species Common name Cover abundance (Domin Scale) Altitude 13 m Trees and woody species

Aspect - Salix cinerea Grey Willow 7 Topography -Relatively flat Fraxinus excelsior Ash 4 Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn 1

Soil moisture regime Partially wet underfoot

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Hydrological features Woodland appears to flood, Herbs, ferns and Bryophytes streams runs through woodland area Management None of note Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet 7 Grazing regime None Iris pseudacorus Yellow Iris 4 Internal features Streams and river present Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Opposite-leaved 4 Golden-saxifrage Dead wood Fine woody debris Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble 3 Rocks and boulders N/A Geranium robertianum Herb Robert 1 Stones and gravel N/A Hedera helix Ivy 2 Bare soil 30% Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle 1 Litter 5% Arum maculatum Lords & Ladies 1 Bryophyte 4% Asplenium scolopendrium Hart’s-tongue Fern 1 Herb 90% Urtica dioica Nettle 4 Low woody species 5% Rumex sanguineus Wood Dock 4 Invasive species None Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent 3 Angelica sylvestris Angelica 4 Dryopteris sp. - 1 Calliergonella cuspidata - Hypnum cupressiforme - Ulota spp. -

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Table 4.12. Relevé 04. Alluvial woodland [91E0] structure and functions assessment criteria (as per Perrin 2008) Positive indicator species Negative indicator species (N.I.S) Trees and woody species Non-native tree species Alnus glutinosa Acer pseudoplatanus Betula pubescens Fagus sylvatica Crataegus monogyna  Non-native conifer Fraxinus excelsior  spp. Other: Salix cinerea  Non-native shrub species Herbs and ferns Cotoneaster pp. Agrostis stolonifera  Prunus laurocerasus Angelica sylvestris  Rhododendron ponticum Filipendula ulmaria  Symphoricarpos albus Galium palustre Cornus sericea Iris pseudacorus  Other: Mentha aquatica Phalaris arundinacea Rumex sanguineus  Urtica dioica  Mosses and liverworts Calliergonella cuspidata  Hypnum cupressiforme  No N.I.S. recorded = pass PASS

Kindbergia praelonga Structural data

Ulota bruchii  Median canopy height > 7 m  Ulota crispa  Total canopy cover>30% of plot  Fraxinus excelsior, Alnus PASS Target species > 50% of canopy  glutinosa, Salix cinerea plus ≥ 6 Other stop data Total shrub layer cover 10–  50% Evidence of bark stripping (present PASS Field layer ≥ 20% cover  = fail) and ≥ 20 cm high % bryophyte cover (> 4% = pass) PASS All five criteria met = pass PASS

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Table 4.13 Relevé 05 Details Attributes Details Photograph Grid reference: E114895 N316495

Date: 18/05/2016

Relevé area: 20 m × 20 m

Table 4.14 Relevé 05 Results Site Description Species Common name Cover abundance (Domin Scale) Altitude 13 m Trees and woody species

Aspect - Salix cinerea Grey Willow 6 Topography -Relatively flat Alnus glutinosa Alder 8 Soil moisture regime Partially wet underfoot Fraxinus excelsior Ash 2

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Hydrological features The woodland shows signs Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore 1 of flood and is located approximately 50m from Lough Conn Management None of note Herbs, ferns and Bryophytes Grazing regime None Taraxacum officinale agg. Dandelion 4 Internal features - Iris pseudacorus Yellow Iris 4 Dead wood Fine woody debris Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet 4 Rocks and boulders N/A Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup 2 Stones and gravel N/A Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal 1 Bare soil 10% Molinia caerulea Purple Moor-grass 2 Litter 10% Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel 1 Bryophyte 5% Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent 7 Herb 85% Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble 4 Low woody species - Potentilla erecta Tormentil 1 Invasive species None Glyceria fluitans Floating Sweet-grass 4 Equisetum sp. Horsetail 2 Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Opposite-leaved 2 Golden-saxifrage Cardamine flexuosa Wavy Bittercress 1 Solanum dulcamara Woody nightshade 1 Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup 2 Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup 2 Lathyris pratensis Meadow vetchling 1 Veronica chamaedrys Germander 1 Speedwell Galium aparine Cleavers 1 Mentha aquatica Water mint 1 Lysimachia vulgaris Yellow Loosestrife 1 Geranium robertianum Herb Robert 1 Calliergonella cuspidata - Hypnum cupressiforme -

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Ulota spp. -

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Table 4.15. Relevé 05 Alluvial woodland [91E0] structure and functions assessment criteria (as per Perrin 2008) Positive indicator species Negative indicator species (N.I.S) Trees and woody species Non-native tree species Alnus glutinosa  Acer pseudoplatanus  Betula pubescens Fagus sylvatica Crataegus monogyna Non-native conifer Fraxinus excelsior  spp. Other: Salix cinerea  Non-native shrub species Herbs and ferns Cotoneaster pp. Agrostis stolonifera  Prunus laurocerasus Angelica sylvestris Rhododendron ponticum Filipendula ulmaria  Symphoricarpos albus Galium palustre Cornus sericea Iris pseudacorus  Other: Mentha aquatica  Phalaris arundinacea Rumex sanguineus Urtica dioica Mosses and liverworts Calliergonella cuspidata  Hypnum cupressiforme  No N.I.S. recorded = pass Fail

Based on the above assessment, the Wet willow-alder-ash Woodland was found to correspond to the Annex I habitat Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)* [91E0]. A sapling Acer pseudoplatanus was recorded from the relevé and therefore the plot failed the assessment in relation to the presence of a non-native indicator species. The presence of one Acer pseudoplatanus sapling was not considered to detract from the overall favourable conservation condition of the woodland relevé. The woodland appears to be subject to flooding from the adjacent ponds and the River.

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Table 4.16 Relevé 06 Details Attributes Details Photograph Grid reference: E114680 N316367

Date: 18/05/2016

Relevé area: 20 m × 20 m

Table 4.17 Relevé 06 Results Site Description Species Common name Cover abundance (Domin Scale) Altitude 13 m Trees and woody species

Aspect - Salix cinerea Grey Willow 6 Alnus glutinosa Alder 8 Topography -Relatively flat Fraxinus excelsior Ash 1 Soil moisture regime Partially wet underfoot Herbs, ferns and Bryophytes

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Hydrological features The woodland shows signs Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet 7 of flood and is located approximately 250m from Lough Conn Management None of note Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold 4 Grazing regime None Equisetum sp. Horsetail 2 Internal features - Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw 1 Dead wood Fine woody debris Iris pseudacorus Yellow Iris 4 Rocks and boulders N/A Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble 6 Stones and gravel N/A Carex paniculata Tussock sedge 2 Bare soil 2% Carex remota Remote Sedge 1 Litter 10% Mentha aquatica Water Mint 2 Bryophyte 30% Juncus effuses Soft Rush 1 Herb 90% Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup 1 Low woody species - Angelica sylvestris Angelica 1 Invasive species None Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent 3 Alisma plantago-aquatica Water Plantain 1 Valeriana officinalis Valerian 1 Lysimachia vulgaris Yellow Loosestrife 1 Cardamine pratensis Cuckoo Flower 1 Calliergonella cuspidata - Hypnum cupressiforme - Ulota spp. -

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Table 4.18. Relevé 06. Alluvial woodland [91E0] structure and functions assessment criteria (as per Perrin 2008) Positive indicator species Negative indicator species (N.I.S) Trees and woody species Non-native tree species Alnus glutinosa  Acer pseudoplatanus Betula pubescens Fagus sylvatica Crataegus monogyna Non-native conifer Fraxinus excelsior  spp. Other: Salix cinerea  Non-native shrub species Herbs and ferns Cotoneaster pp. Agrostis stolonifera  Prunus laurocerasus Angelica sylvestris  Rhododendron ponticum Filipendula ulmaria  Symphoricarpos albus Galium palustre  Cornus sericea Iris pseudacorus  Other: Mentha aquatica  Phalaris arundinacea Rumex sanguineus Urtica dioica Mosses and liverworts Calliergonella cuspidata  Hypnum cupressiforme  No N.I.S. recorded = pass PASS

Kindbergia praelonga Structural data

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Table 4.19 Relevé 07 Details Attributes Details Photograph Grid reference: E114895 N316495

Date: 18/05/2016

Relevé area: 20 m × 20 m

Table 4.20 Relevé 07 Results Site Description Species Common name Cover abundance (Domin Scale) Altitude 13 m Trees and woody species

Aspect - Salix cinerea Grey Willow 8 Topography -Relatively flat Alnus glutinosa Alder 5 Herbs, ferns and Bryophytes Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet 6

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Soil moisture regime Partially wet underfoot Iris pseudacorus Yellow Iris 3 Hydrological features The woodland shows signs Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold 5 of flood and is located approximately 50m from Lough Conn Management None of note Phalaris arundinacea Reed-canary Grass 4 Grazing regime None Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup 4 Internal features - Mentha aquatica Water Mint 4 Dead wood Fine woody debris Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw 4 Rocks and boulders N/A Equisetum sp. Horsetail 2 Stones and gravel N/A Veronica beccabunga Brooklime 1 Bare soil 10% Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent 3 Litter 10% Carex nigra Common Sedge 4 Bryophyte 5% Hypnum cupressiforme - Herb 85% Ulota spp. - Low woody species - Invasive species None

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Table 4.21. Relevé 07. Alluvial woodland [91E0] structure and functions assessment criteria (as per Perrin 2008) Positive indicator species Negative indicator species (N.I.S) Trees and woody species Non-native tree species Alnus glutinosa  Acer pseudoplatanus Betula pubescens Fagus sylvatica Crataegus monogyna Non-native conifer Fraxinus excelsior spp. Other: Salix cinerea  Non-native shrub species Herbs and ferns Cotoneaster pp. Agrostis stolonifera  Prunus laurocerasus Angelica sylvestris Rhododendron ponticum Filipendula ulmaria  Symphoricarpos albus Galium palustre Cornus sericea Iris pseudacorus  Other: Mentha aquatica Phalaris arundinacea  Rumex sanguineus Urtica dioica Mosses and liverworts Calliergonella cuspidata Hypnum cupressiforme  No N.I.S. recorded = pass PASS

Kindbergia praelonga Structural data Ulota bruchii  Median canopy height > 7 m Ulota crispa  Total canopy cover>30% of plot Fraxinus excelsior, Alnus PASS Target species > 50% of canopy glutinosa, Salix cinerea plus ≥ 6 Other stop data Total shrub layer cover 10– 50% Evidence of bark stripping (present PASS Field layer ≥ 20% cover = fail) and ≥ 20 cm high % bryophyte cover (> 4% = pass) PASS All five criteria met = pass PASS

Based on the above assessment, the Wet willow-alder-ash Woodland was found to correspond to the Annex I habitat Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)* [91E0] as it passes all the required assessment criteria. The woodland is in favorable conservation condition. This section of the woodland is located within the boundary of the River Moy SAC. .

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Table 4.22 Relevé 08 Details Attributes Details Photograph Grid reference: E114885 N316543

Date: 18/05/2016

Relevé area: 20 m × 20 m

Table 4.23 Relevé 08 Results Site Description Species Common name Cover abundance (Domin Scale) Altitude 13 m Trees and woody species

Aspect - Salix cinerea Grey Willow 7 Topography -Relatively flat Alnus glutinosa Alder 7 Soil moisture regime Partially wet underfoot Herbs, ferns and Bryophytes

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Hydrological features The woodland shows signs Carex nigra Common Sedge 5 of flooding and is located approximately 35m from Lough Conn Management None of note Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold 4 Grazing regime None Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 4 Internal features - Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet 5 Dead wood Fine woody debris Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw 4 Rocks and boulders N/A Juncus effuses Soft Rush 4 Stones and gravel N/A Iris pseudacorus Yellow Iris 4 Bare soil 5% Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent 5 Litter 5% Mentha aquatica Water Mint 4 Bryophyte 40% Phalaris arundinacea Reed-canary Grass 5 Herb 90% Hypnum cupressiforme - Low woody species - Ulota spp. - Invasive species None

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Habitat Assessment 120211-a – HA – 2016.10.10 – D1

Table 4.24. Relevé 08. Alluvial woodland [91E0] structure and functions assessment criteria (as per Perrin 2008) Positive indicator species Negative indicator species (N.I.S) Trees and woody species Non-native tree species Alnus glutinosa  Acer pseudoplatanus Betula pubescens Fagus sylvatica Crataegus monogyna Non-native conifer Fraxinus excelsior spp. Other: Salix cinerea  Non-native shrub species Herbs and ferns Cotoneaster pp. Agrostis stolonifera  Prunus laurocerasus Angelica sylvestris Rhododendron ponticum Filipendula ulmaria  Symphoricarpos albus Galium palustre  Cornus sericea Iris pseudacorus  Other: Mentha aquatica  Phalaris arundinacea  Rumex sanguineus Urtica dioica Mosses and liverworts Calliergonella cuspidata Hypnum cupressiforme  No N.I.S. recorded = pass PASS

Kindbergia praelonga Structural data

Based on the above assessment, the Wet willow-alder-ash Woodland was found to correspond to the Annex I habitat Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)* [91E0] as it passes all the required assessment criteria. The woodland is in favorable conservation condition. This section of the woodland is located within the boundary of the River Moy SAC.

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5 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive) and Directive 2009/147/EC (codified version of Directive 79/409/EEC as amended) (Birds Directive) – transposed into Irish law as European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (SI 477/2011

Fossitt, J. A. (2000). A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. Dublin: The Heritage Council. Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).

NPWS (2013) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Conservation Status in Ireland of Habitats and Species listed in the European Council Directive on the Conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna 92/43/EEC.

NPWS of the DEHLG (2013) The Report on Status of Habitats and Species in Ireland: Technical Reports and Forms.

NRA (2009) Guidelines for the Assessment if Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes.

O’Neill, F.H. & Barron, S.J. (2013) Results of a monitoring survey of old sessile oak woods and alluvial forests. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 71. National Parks & Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin.

Perrin, P.M, Martin, J.R., Barron, S.J., O’Neill, F.H., McNutt, K.E. & Delaney, A.M. (2008) National Survey of Native Woodlands 2003-2008: Volume II: Woodland classification. Report submitted to National Parks & Wildlife Service, Dublin.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service Article 17 datasets http://www.npws.ie/maps- and-data/habitat-and-species-data

The National Parks and Wildlife Service Ancient and Long-established Woodland database. http://www.npws.ie/maps-and-data/habitat-and-species-data

Teagasc soils map (http://gis.teagasc.ie/soils/)

Wildlife Act 1976 and Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000.

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River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Appendix IV

Bird Survey Data

Natura Impact Statement . 43 Observation BTO No. of Date Species Sex/Age Time Notes (provide comments on activity and behaviour) No. code Birds 30.01.2016 1 GN Common Goldeneye 5 M 14:00 Flew from flooded extension of lake when observer arrived at VP. 30.01.2016 2 MA Mallard 4 14:00 Flew from flooded extension of lake when observer arrived at VP. 30.01.2016 3 TU Tufted Duck 32 14:00 Flew from flooded extension of lake when observer arrived at VP. 30.01.2016 4 SN Common Snipe 1 14:01 Flew off from cover. 30.01.2016 5 MA Mallard 7 14:02 In flight. 30.01.2016 6 WN Eurasian Wigeon 60 14:05 On Lough Conn. 30.01.2016 7 SC Stonechat 1 14:08 At VP. 30.01.2016 8 WN Eurasian Wigeon 3 14:13 In flight. 30.01.2016 9 MA Mallard 3 14:18 In flight. 30.01.2016 10 TU Tufted Duck 30 14:25 On Lough Conn. 30.01.2016 11 TU Tufted Duck 40 14:25 On Lough Conn. 30.01.2016 12 TU Tufted Duck 40 14:45 40 TU from 11 took flight. 30.01.2016 13 CA Cormorant 1 14:59 In flight. 30.01.2016 14 MA Mallard 2 15:02 On water, then took to the air. 30.01.2016 15 HC Hooded Crow 1 15:04 Flew along the river treeline. 30.01.2016 16 MA Mallard 2 15:10 Flying down river, then doubled back and flew behine the treeline. 30.01.2016 17 MA Mallard 4 15:15 In flight. 30.01.2016 18 WN Eurasian Wigeon 11 15:20 In flight. 30.01.2016 19 WN Eurasian Wigeon 60 15:23 Birds from 6 (above) still in the same area on Lough Conn. 30.01.2016 20 MA Mallard 3 15:25 In flight. 30.01.2016 21 CA Cormorant 1 15:33 In flight. 30.01.2016 22 TU Tufted Duck 13 15:40 Circling flight. 30.01.2016 23 MA Mallard 2 15:42 In flight along river. 30.01.2016 24 WR Winter Wren 1 15:45 At VP. 30.01.2016 25 HC Hooded Crow 3 15:48 In flight. 30.01.2016 26 TU Tufted Duck 7 15:51 Flew down river and landed with Wigeon flock (6, 19, above) on lake. 30.01.2016 27 HC Hooded Crow 1 15:54 In flight. 30.01.2016 28 HC Hooded Crow 1 16:04 In flight. 30.01.2016 29 CM Common Gull 1 16:18 At pier. 30.01.2016 30 RE Redwing 2 16:22 In flight. 30.01.2016 31 BT Blue Tit 2 16:33 In Alders near VP. 30.01.2016 32 CT Coal Tit 1 16:33 In Alders near VP. 30.01.2016 33 MA Mallard 7 12:37 On water near to pier. 30.01.2016 34 CA Cormorant 1 16:42 In flight. 30.01.2016 35 HC Hooded Crow 1 16:43 In flight. 30.01.2016 36 BH Black-headed Gull 4 16:45 At pier. 30.01.2016 37 CM Common Gull 3 16:45 At pier. 30.01.2016 38 WN Eurasian Wigeon 2 16:47 Flying high out from river mouth. 30.01.2016 39 WR Winter Wren 1 16:50 At drain near VP. 30.01.2016 40 SC Stonechat 1 16:50 At drain near VP. 30.01.2016 41 HC Hooded Crow 1 16:55 In flight. 30.01.2016 42 WN Eurasian Wigeon 22 17:00 Flew in low and landed. 26.02.2016 At VP Otter spraint on rock at VP. 26.02.2016 1 BH Black-headed Gull 9 15:17 Near pier. 26.02.2016 2 WN Eurasian Wigeon 2 15:52 Flew in and landed on water. 26.02.2016 3 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 2 15:57 In flight. 26.02.2016 4 CA Cormorant 1 16:01 In flight low over lake. 26.02.2016 5 R European Robin 2 16:05 At VP. 26.02.2016 6 SC Stonechat 1 16:05 At VP. 26.02.2016 7 CH Chaffinch 1 16:05 At VP. 26.02.2016 8 MP Meadow Pipit 1 16:05 At VP. 26.02.2016 9 BT Blue Tit 1 16:05 At VP. 26.02.2016 10 PW Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii) 1 16:05 At VP. 26.02.2016 11 MA Mallard 2 16:08 In flight low over lake. 26.02.2016 12 WN Eurasian Wigeon 2 16:17 Took off from water and flew off. 26.02.2016 13 WN Eurasian Wigeon 2 16:22 In flight. 26.02.2016 14 NW Greenland White-fronted Goose 2 16:25 In flight. 26.02.2016 15 CA Cormorant 1 16:28 In flight low over lake. 26.02.2016 16 RO Rook 1 16:50 In flight. 26.02.2016 17 SN Common Snipe 1 17:17 Up from ground into flight. 26.02.2016 18 MA Mallard 1 17:23 Flew in and landed. 26.02.2016 19 WP Common Wood Pigeon 4 17:30 In flight. 26.02.2016 20 RO Rook 4 17:33 In flight. 26.02.2016 21 RO Rook 100 17:48 In flight, going to roost. 26.02.2016 22 BH Black-headed Gull 52 17:50 Flew in to roost on water. 26.02.2016 23 RO Rook 5 17:56 In flight, going to roost. 26.02.2016 24 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 110 18:02 In flight to roost. 20.03.2016 At VP GT, R., D., MP, CH, S., WR, BT, GC, SC, B., BF, M. 20.03.2016 1 H 1 06:35 In flight. 20.03.2016 2 GN Common Goldeneye 6 06:35 In bay (still there @ 07:20 & 08:50). 20.03.2016 3 CM Common Gull 7 06:40 In flight, calling and circling for 10 minutes. 20.03.2016 4 BH Black-headed Gull 50 06:50 In flight. 20.03.2016 5 MH Common Moorhen 1 06:58 At lake edge. 20.03.2016 6 HG Herring Gull 2 07:01 In flight. 20.03.2016 7 MA Mallard 1 M 07:02 Flew out low from stream mouth. 20.03.2016 8 HC Hooded Crow 2 07:12 On shore. 20.03.2016 9 SN Common Snipe 1 07:14 In drain, alarm calls and short flush. 20.03.2016 10 SN Common Snipe 2 07:17 Flushed/flew away. 20.03.2016 11 MA Mallard 1 M 07:20 In flight. 20.03.2016 12 MP Meadow Pipit 1 07:25 Sing flight. 20.03.2016 13 CA Cormorant 1 07:31 In flight. 20.03.2016 14 HG Herring Gull 1 07:44 In flight. 20.03.2016 15 SH Eurasian Sparrowhawk 1 M 07:50 Flew through low while hunting. 20.03.2016 16 H 1 08:02 In flight. 20.03.2016 17 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 2 08:19 in flight. 20.03.2016 18 RO Rook 2 08:19 In flight. 20.03.2016 19 T. Teal 2 08:25 Thrashing around in the water at the stream mouth. 20.03.2016 20 HC Hooded Crow 1 08:28 In flight, landed on a telegraph wire. 20.03.2016 21 RO Rook 2 08:46 In flight. 20.03.2016 22 WS Whooper Swan 23 08:48 Flock right on the other side of the lake. 20.03.2016 23 HC Hooded Crow 4 08:50 In flight. 20.03.2016 24 MA Mallard 4 08:52 In flight. 20.03.2016 25 GG Great Crested Grebe 1 08:53 In flight at 1 metre, then landed in the lake. 20.03.2016 26 MA Mallard 1 M 09:05 In flight. 20.03.2016 27 HC Hooded Crow 2 09:11 In flight. 20.03.2016 28 CA Cormorant 1 09:19 In flight. 20.03.2016 29 CA Cormorant 1 09:28 In flight, landed in the lake. 13.04.2016 At VP. R., WW, WR, D., PH, ST, BT, CT, CH, GC. Irish Hare. 13.04.2016 1 CM Common Gull 15 06:40 At pier. 13.04.2016 2 CM Common Gull 6 06:48 In flight. 13.04.2016 3 CM Common Gull 6 06:59 In flight. 13.04.2016 4 CM Common Gull 15 07:10 In flight. 13.04.2016 5 CM Common Gull 12 07:15 In flight. 13.04.2016 6 HC Hooded Crow 1 07:20 In flight. 13.04.2016 7 SN Common Snipe 1 07:30 Calling unseen from river mouth. 13.04.2016 8 MH Common Moorhen 1 07:30 Calling unseen from river mouth. 13.04.2016 9 MA Mallard 1 07:33 In flight. 13.04.2016 10 CM Common Gull 1 07:42 In flight. 13.04.2016 11 HC Hooded Crow 1 07:56 In flight. 13.04.2016 12 SN Common Snipe 1 08:01 Calling from river mouth marsh again. 13.04.2016 13 MA Mallard 2 08:24 In flight. 13.04.2016 14 SN Common Snipe 1 08:37 Calling from cover again. 13.04.2016 15 S Sky Lark 1 08:45 Began to sing. 13.04.2016 16 H 1 09:36 Took flight from lakeshore. 13.04.2016 17 SN Common Snipe 1 09:38 Calling from west of the VP. 13.04.2016 18 CM Common Gull 2 09:39 In flight. 10.05.2016 At VP. Irish Hare near VP. WW, RB, S., SW, MP & R. singing. 10.05.2016 1 MA Mallard 4 10:00 In flight, then landed. 10.05.2016 2 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 2 10:20 In flight. 10.05.2016 3 HM House Martin 4 10:31 In flight. 10.05.2016 4 MA Mallard 2 10:34 In flight. 10.05.2016 5 HC Hooded Crow 1 10:37 In flight. 10.05.2016 6 SL Barn Swallow 2 10:42 In flight. 10.05.2016 7 CM Common Gull 3 10:43 In flight over woodland. 10.05.2016 8 GB Great Black-backed Gull 2 10:43 In flight over woodland. 10.05.2016 9 D Dunnock 1 11:00 Singing in drain. 10.05.2016 10 SC Stonechat 1 11:10 At drain. 10.05.2016 11 SL Barn Swallow 1 11:25 In flight. 10.05.2016 12 SC Stonechat 1 F 11:37 Flew along ditch and then landed. 10.05.2016 13 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 10 11:39 In flight. 10.05.2016 14 RO Rook 1 11:45 In flight. 10.05.2016 15 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 1 11:48 In flight. 10.05.2016 16 MA Mallard 3 11:55 Up from the water in flight, then landed again. 10.05.2016 17 GB Great Black-backed Gull 1 12:01 In flight. 10.05.2016 18 CM Common Gull 1 12:12 In flight. 10.05.2016 19 MS Mute Swan 2 12:40 In flight. 10.05.2016 20 RO Rook 1 12:45 On ditch edge. 10.05.2016 21 GB Great Black-backed Gull 2 12:55 In flight. 10.05.2016 22 SL Barn Swallow 4 12:57 In flight. 18.06.2016 At VP. SW, RB, WW, GT, D. 18.06.2016 1 MS Mute Swan 2 10:00 On water in bay. 18.06.2016 2 SN Common Snipe 1 10:05 Calling from the marsh behind the near bay. 18.06.2016 3 CA Cormorant 1 10:12 Hunting in water. 18.06.2016 4 SL Barn Swallow 1 10:41 In flight. 18.06.2016 5 HC Hooded Crow 1 10:57 In flight. 18.06.2016 6 GB Great Black-backed Gull 1 11:09 In flight. 18.06.2016 7 CM Common Gull 4 11:21 In flight. 18.06.2016 8 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 3 11:43 In flight. 18.06.2016 9 RO Rook 2 20:00 In flight. 18.06.2016 10 SL Barn Swallow 2 12:07 In flight. 18.06.2016 11 MA Mallard 2 12:18 Took flight from the edge of the bay. 18.06.2016 12 CA Cormorant 1 12:31 Bird from 3 (above) flew off. 18.06.2016 13 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 4 12:47 In flight. 08.07.2016 At VP. WW, RB, WR, R., SC 08.07.2016 1 CM Common Gull 3 10:00 In flight 08.07.2016 2 MA Mallard 2 10:00 In the marsh at the back of the near bay. 08.07.2016 3 CA Cormorant 1 10:00 On the lake. 08.07.2016 4 MS Mute Swan 4 10:00 In the second bay; still there at end of watch. 08.07.2016 5 HC Hooded Crow 2 10:16 In flight. 08.07.2016 6 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 2 10:20 In flight. 08.07.2016 7 RO Rook 3 10:20 In flight. 08.07.2016 8 SL Barn Swallow 5 10:43 In flight over point. 08.07.2016 9 MA Mallard 2 11:10 Birds from 2 (above) took to flight. 08.07.2016 10 CA Cormorant 1 11:21 Bird from 03 (above) flew off. 08.07.2016 11 GB Great Black-backed Gull 1 11:28 In flight. 08.07.2016 12 CM Common Gull 2 11:37 In flight near to pier. 08.07.2016 13 SL Barn Swallow 1 11:52 In flight near to VP. 08.07.2016 14 MA Mallard 3 12:18 In flight. 08.07.2016 15 SM Sand Martin 3 12:36 In flight around marsh. 08.07.2016 16 RO Rook 12 12:45 In flight. 08.07.2016 17 MH Common Moorhen 1 12:56 In first bay. 08.07.2016 18 BH Black-headed Gull 2 12:59 In flight. 15.08.2016 At VP. SC, WW, BT, D., MP, RB 15.08.2016 1 WM Whimbrel 3 10:00 Flew up from marsh. 15.08.2016 2 MA Mallard 1 10:00 Flew out of marsh. 15.08.2016 3 SL Barn Swallow 2 10:41 Circling in flight near to VP. 15.08.2016 4 SM Sand Martin 1 10:59 In flight over marsh. 15.08.2016 5 SI Common Swift 2 11:12 In flight high above area. 15.08.2016 6 MA Mallard 10 12:05 Flew into pier area. 15.08.2016 7 BH Black-headed Gull 2 12:08 In flight near to pier. 15.08.2016 8 LG Little Grebe 1 12:13 In lake in marsh/stream mouth area. 15.08.2016 9 RO Rook 15 12:19 In flight. 15.08.2016 10 CM Common Gull 2 12:24 In flight. 15.08.2016 11 MA Mallard 10 12:25 Birds from 6 (above) moved around to the east. 15.08.2016 12 HM House Martin 1 12:29 In flight. 15.08.2016 13 MA Mallard 2 12:35 Flew out from stream mouth. 15.08.2016 14 CA Cormorant 1 12:36 In flight, landed in lake. 15.08.2016 15 BH Black-headed Gull 4 12:39 In flight around pier. 15.08.2016 16 MG Black-billed Magpie 1 12:44 In flight. 15.08.2016 17 HC Hooded Crow 2 12:44 In flight. 15.08.2016 18 BH Black-headed Gull 5 12:49 In flight circling over and beyond point. 15.08.2016 19 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 3 12:53 In flight. 15.08.2016 20 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 5 12:57 In flight. 15.08.2016 21 BH Black-headed Gull 6 13:00 In flight around pier. 23.09.2016 At VP. PW; 2GL 23.09.2016 1 BH Black-headed Gull 18 17:00 At pier end. 23.09.2016 2 MA Mallard 13 17:00 At pier end. 23.09.2016 3 CA Cormorant 1 17:00 Perched on buoy in lake. 23.09.2016 4 H 1 17:03 In second bay. 23.09.2016 5 MA Mallard 4 17:03 In second bay. 23.09.2016 6 GB Great Black-backed Gull 1 17:19 Flew out and laned on the lake. 23.09.2016 7 CA Cormorant 20 17:20 On rocks on the opposite side of the lake. 23.09.2016 8 CU Eurasian Curlew 1 17:45 Flew out from marsh across lake. 23.09.2016 9 GO Goldfinch 10 17:48 In flight, landed in a tree. 23.09.2016 10 RP Ringed Plover 1 18:07 In flight. 23.09.2016 11 SL Barn Swallow 2 18:08 In flight. 23.09.2016 12 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 4 18:18 In flight. 23.09.2016 13 BH Black-headed Gull 1 18:22 In flight. 23.09.2016 14 BH Black-headed Gull 1 18:40 In flight. 23.09.2016 15 GG Great Crested Grebe 1 18:42 Swimming in bay. 23.09.2016 16 BH Black-headed Gull 2 18:52 In flight. 23.09.2016 17 BH Black-headed Gull 4 18:55 Circling in flight in first bay. 23.09.2016 18 BH Black-headed Gull 7 19:04 Circling in flight in first bay. 23.09.2016 19 WA Water Rail 1 19:05 Calling from the marsh. 23.09.2016 20 BH Black-headed Gull 10 19:22 At pier. 23.09.2016 21 MA Mallard 10 19:22 At pier. 23.09.2016 22 R European Robin 1 19:22 Singing from scrub at stream mouth. 23.09.2016 23 SL Barn Swallow 2 19:25 In flight. 23.09.2016 24 SL Barn Swallow 20 19:28 In flight feeing low over water half way across the lake. 23.09.2016 25 BH Black-headed Gull 3 19:39 Circling in flight in first bay. 23.09.2016 26 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 29 19:45 In flight. 23.09.2016 27 BH Black-headed Gull 2 19:58 Circling in flight in first bay. 23.10.2016 At VP. 2 PW; GL 23.10.2016 1 BH Black-headed Gull 6 16:00 At pier. 23.10.2016 2 MS Mute Swan 3 16:00 In second bay. 23.10.2016 3 MA Mallard 15 16:00 Roosting in second bay. 23.10.2016 4 T. Teal 2 16:00 Roosting in second bay. 23.10.2016 5 L. Lapwing 13 16:12 In flight. 23.10.2016 6 CU Eurasian Curlew 20 16:18 On lake edge on other side of lake opposite pier. 23.10.2016 7 L. Lapwing 15 16:18 On lake edge on other side of lake opposite pier. 23.10.2016 8 WN Eurasian Wigeon 20 16:18 On lake edge on other side of lake opposite pier. 23.10.2016 9 HC Hooded Crow 1 16:21 In flight. 23.10.2016 10 MA Mallard 1 16:24 Flew from second bay to first bay. 23.10.2016 11 BH Black-headed Gull 9 16:33 At pier. 23.10.2016 12 BH Black-headed Gull 9 17:06 In first bay. 23.10.2016 13 MA Mallard 9 17:06 In first bay. 23.10.2016 14 HG Herring Gull 1 17:11 In flight. 23.10.2016 15 L. Lapwing 5 17:25 In flight. 23.10.2016 16 WN Eurasian Wigeon 3 17:28 Flew in to land in first bay. 23.10.2016 17 BH Black-headed Gull 31 17:38 In first bay. 23.10.2016 18 MA Mallard 15 17:38 In first bay. 23.10.2016 19 T. Teal 2 17:38 In first bay. 23.10.2016 20 WN Eurasian Wigeon 6 17:38 In first bay. 23.10.2016 21 WN Eurasian Wigeon 13 17:45 Flew in to first bay to join the 6 WN from 20 (above). 23.10.2016 22 T. Teal 3 17:53 Flew out of marsh. 23.10.2016 23 BH Black-headed Gull 30 17:56 Birds from 17 (above) flew up to pier. 23.10.2016 24 BH Black-headed Gull 30 18:04 Flew up to pier for bread. 23.10.2016 25 MA Mallard 15 18:04 Flew up to pier for bread. 23.10.2016 26 CU Eurasian Curlew 1 18:08 In flight. 23.10.2016 27 SG Common Starling 20 18:15 In circling flight. 23.10.2016 28 K. Kestrel 1 18:48 In flight. 23.10.2016 29 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 200 18:54 In flight, going to roost. 23.10.2016 30 JD Eurasian Jackdaw 500 18:57 In flight, going to roost. 23.11.2016 At VP. PW. 23.11.2016 1 BH Black-headed Gull 23 13:30 At pier. 23.11.2016 2 MA Mallard 10 13:30 At pier. 23.11.2016 3 GG Great Crested Grebe 3 13:30 Out in the middle of the lake. 23.11.2016 4 ND Great Northern Diver 1 13:30 In middle of lake, several hundred metres to south of pier. 23.11.2016 5 WS Whooper Swan 8 13:30 In near bay. 23.11.2016 6 MS Mute Swan 2 13:30 In near bay. 23.11.2016 7 WN Eurasian Wigeon 1 13:30 In near bay. 23.11.2016 8 MA Mallard 1 13:30 In near bay. 23.11.2016 9 T. Teal 1 13:30 In near bay. 23.11.2016 10 LG Little Grebe 3 13:30 In second bay. 23.11.2016 11 GN Common Goldeneye 4 13:30 In second bay. 23.11.2016 12 WS Whooper Swan 2 13:30 In second bay. Still present at sunset. 23.11.2016 13 CU Eurasian Curlew 23 13:30 In grass at the edge of first bay. 23.11.2016 14 WN Eurasian Wigeon 9 13:40 On point/spit on opposite side of lake from pier. 23.11.2016 15 T. Teal 2 13:40 On point/spit on opposite side of lake from pier. 23.11.2016 16 MA Mallard 2 13:40 On point/spit on opposite side of lake from pier. 23.11.2016 17 CA Cormorant 1 13:40 On point/spit on opposite side of lake from pier. 23.11.2016 18 WN Eurasian Wigeon 2 13:45 Swam in from second bay to join 8 WN in first bay. 23.11.2016 19 CA Cormorant 1 13:48 In flight. 23.11.2016 20 CU Eurasian Curlew 3 13:50 Flew off from lake shore over tree belt. 23.11.2016 21 CU Eurasian Curlew 1 13:52 Flew in to land on shore in first bay with the other Curlew. 23.11.2016 22 CU Eurasian Curlew 1 13:53 Overflew trees and flew onwards to the south. 23.11.2016 23 MS Mute Swan 2 13:54 Swan over into second bay 23.11.2016 24 CU Eurasian Curlew 15 13:55 Took off from shore in first bay, flew off over trees. 23.11.2016 25 MA Mallard 2 13:56 Flew into the bay north of the pier. 23.11.2016 26 T. Teal 5 14:00 In reeds off point between the first and second bays. 23.11.2016 27 CU Eurasian Curlew 3 14:01 Took off from lakeshore, flew away over trees. 23.11.2016 28 CU Eurasian Curlew 2 14:07 Took off from lakeshore, flew away over trees. 23.11.2016 29 CU Eurasian Curlew 20 14:08 In flight away from lake over trees. 23.11.2016 30 MA Mallard 20 14:13 Now at pier. 23.11.2016 31 CA Cormorant 1 14:28 In flight, landed in second bay. 23.11.2016 32 CU Eurasian Curlew 6 14:34 Flew in. 23.11.2016 33 CU Eurasian Curlew 16 14:53 Flew in. 23.11.2016 34 CU Eurasian Curlew 1 15:15 Flew in. 23.11.2016 35 MA Mallard 15 15:17 In flight. 23.11.2016 36 CU Eurasian Curlew 25 15:18 Flew in to land behind spit on opposite side of lake from pier. 23.11.2016 37 CU Eurasian Curlew 3 15:20 In flight. 23.11.2016 38 L. Lapwing 10 15:23 In flight across lake. 23.11.2016 39 CU Eurasian Curlew 9 15:24 Flew in to land on lakeshore. 23.11.2016 40 L. Lapwing 30 15:26 In flight low across lake to land behind spit. 23.11.2016 41 T. Teal 15 15:35 In the area of the spit. 23.11.2016 42 WN Eurasian Wigeon 10 15:35 In the area of the spit. 23.11.2016 43 MA Mallard 2 15:35 In the area of the spit. 23.11.2016 44 CA Cormorant 1 15:35 In the area of the spit. 23.11.2016 45 GG Great Crested Grebe 1 15:35 In the area of the spit. 23.11.2016 46 BH Black-headed Gull 21 15:41 Still at pier. 23.11.2016 47 NW Greenland White-fronted Goose 24 15:45 Flew in behind point on far side of second bay and landed (came from the south). 23.11.2016 48 CU Eurasian Curlew 22 15:45 On shoreline in second bay. 23.11.2016 49 BH Black-headed Gull 51 15:58 Now at the pier. 23.11.2016 50 NW Greenland White-fronted Goose 14 16:00 Flew in from behind far point to land in pasture (at G/14825/16335) behind the second bay. 23.11.2016 51 CU Eurasian Curlew 50 16:20 Circling flight, up from and down back to shore of second bay. 23.11.2016 52 NW Greenland White-fronted Goose 3 16:20 Flew in to join the other birds on the grassland. Seventeen birds still present at sunset. 23.11.2016 53 BH Black-headed Gull 119 16:22 Now at roost on the water near to the pier. 23.11.2016 54 RO Rook 10 16:25 In flight. 18.12.2016 At VP. 2 PW. 18.12.2016 1 MA Mallard 10 13:45 In pier harbour space. 18.12.2016 2 BH Black-headed Gull 37 13:45 On pier and in nearby water. 18.12.2016 3 CM Common Gull 1 13:45 On pier and in nearby water. 18.12.2016 4 WS Whooper Swan 9 13:45 On water in near bay. 18.12.2016 5 WS Whooper Swan 11 13:45 Roosting on water in second bay. 18.12.2016 6 MA Mallard 2 13:45 In second bay. 18.12.2016 7 GN Common Goldeneye 1 M 13:45 In second bay. 18.12.2016 8 LG Little Grebe 1 13:45 In second bay. 18.12.2016 9 WN Eurasian Wigeon 10 13:45 Roosting at lake edge in near bay. 18.12.2016 10 L. Lapwing 120 13:50 Took flight, circling flight and back down to the same place on the point opposite the pier. 18.12.2016 11 L. Lapwing 120 14:22 Birds from 10 (above) took flight again circlined out from and back to the point. 18.12.2016 12 BH Black-headed Gull 32 15:00 On pier and in nearby water. 18.12.2016 13 CM Common Gull 2 15:00 On pier and in nearby water. 18.12.2016 14 L. Lapwing 120 15:05 Still on the ground at the end of the point. 18.12.2016 15 RK Common Redshank 4 15:15 In flight across the pier bayto the point. 18.12.2016 16 GG Great Crested Grebe 1 15:15 On water in pier bay. 18.12.2016 17 RN Common Raven 1 15:21 In flight. 18.12.2016 18 CA Cormorant 1 15:26 In flight. 18.12.2016 19 LG Little Grebe 1 15:40 On water in near bay. 18.12.2016 20 NW Greenland White-fronted Goose 24 15:52 Flew in from the south to land. Not seen again (i.e. either in place or leaving) after this time. 18.12.2016 21 BH Black-headed Gull 37 16:00 At pier. 18.12.2016 22 CM Common Gull 1 16:00 At pier. 18.12.2016 23 MA Mallard 10 16:00 At pier. 18.12.2016 24 GG Great Crested Grebe 1 16:01 On water in near bay. 18.12.2016 25 WS Whooper Swan 11 16:01 11 birds from 5 (above) swam to the edge of the second bay and were joined by 2 birds from the 9 birds from 4 (above) in the near bay. 18.12.2016 26 WS Whooper Swan 13 16:12 The 13 birds from 25 (above) swam into the corner of the second bay, behind the reeds. 18.12.2016 27 RO Rook 4 16:14 In flight. 18.12.2016 28 BH Black-headed Gull 46 16:17 At pier. 18.12.2016 29 CM Common Gull 1 16:17 At pier. 18.12.2016 30 WS Whooper Swan 10 16:18 Took to flight from second bay and passed at low (1-2 m) height around Cloonaghmore Point to the south. 18.12.2016 31 SG Common Starling 50 16:28 In flight. 18.12.2016 32 SG Common Starling 200 16:31 Circling in flight over the trees at the mouth of the stream. 18.12.2016 33 SG Common Starling 200 16:35 Birds from 32 (above) still circling in the same area. Apparently went to roost in the reeds in the second bay afterward. 18.12.2016 34 BH Black-headed Gull 44 16:41 Flipped off the pier to roost on the lake close to the pier. 18.12.2016 35 CM Common Gull 1 16:41 Flipped off the pier to roost on the lake close to the pier. 18.12.2016 36 WN Eurasian Wigeon 10 16:45 On water in first bay. 18.12.2016 37 WS Whooper Swan 7 16:45 On water in first bay. 18.12.2016 38 WS Whooper Swan 3 16:45 On water in second bay. 08.01.2017 1 WN Eurasian Wigeon 18 14:08 On water in first bay. 08.01.2017 2 WS Whooper Swan 2 14:08 On water in first bay. 08.01.2017 3 GN Common Goldeneye 3 2F & M 14:08 On water in second bay. 08.01.2017 4 MA Mallard 9 14:08 At pier 08.01.2017 5 BH Black-headed Gull 32 14:08 At pier. 08.01.2017 6 WS Whooper Swan 2 14:12 Flew in at low level to join the 2 birds from 2 (above) in the first bay. 08.01.2017 7 CU Eurasian Curlew 60 14:26 Flew out from the pint and back in a loop to land again. 08.01.2017 8 CU Eurasian Curlew 4 14:26 Flew from the point to the first bay. 08.01.2017 9 MA Mallard 30 14:27 On water in second bay. 08.01.2017 10 WN Eurasian Wigeon 6 14:27 On water in second bay. 08.01.2017 11 WS Whooper Swan 1 14:27 A bird appeared out of the reeds between the first and second bays and swam to join the four birds from 6 and 2 (above). 08.01.2017 12 LG Little Grebe 1 14:44 On water in first bay. 08.01.2017 13 GN Common Goldeneye 3 14:44 Birds from 3 (above) moved (swimming and diving) into the first bay. 08.01.2017 14 CU Eurasian Curlew 3 14:44 Flew from the first bay to the point. 08.01.2017 15 LG Little Grebe 1 14:44 On the water at the reedy point between the first and second bays. 08.01.2017 16 L. Lapwing 70 15:00 Took to flight from behind the point; circled for three minutes before landing in the place from which they took flight. 08.01.2017 17 H. Grey Heron 1 15:00 On the point. 08.01.2017 18 CA Cormorant 1 15:00 On the point. 08.01.2017 19 CA Cormorant 1 15:05 In flight. 08.01.2017 20 WS Whooper Swan 2 15:06 Two of the birds from 11 (above) swam and then flew to the South. Remaining three birds stayed in the same place until the end of the watch. 08.01.2017 21 RN Common Raven 5 15:20 Circling high over the pier car park. Flightline not drawn. 08.01.2017 22 HG Herring Gull 1 15:21 In flight. 08.01.2017 23 BH Black-headed Gull 20 15:35 Flew from pier area over trees to the W/SW. Flightline not drawn. 08.01.2017 24 CU Eurasian Curlew 50 15:52 In flight circling from the point and quickly landed back in the same place. Flightline not drawn. 08.01.2017 25 L. Lapwing 50 15:52 In flight circling from the point and quickly landed back in the same place. Flightline not drawn. 08.01.2017 26 PE Peregrine Falcon 1 M 15:27 In flight from trees to the west of the pier in front of the pier and across to lakeshore on the other side of the point. 08.01.2017 27 CU Eurasian Curlew 50 16:00 In flight from area behind point into the first bay. 08.01.2017 28 CU Eurasian Curlew 50 16:10 In flight from first bay back to the point area. Disturbed by the PE. Flightline not drawn. 08.01.2017 29 PE Peregrine Falcon 1 16:10 Flew from the eastern side of the lake to land in a tree by the side of the stream. This bird still perched on the tree until 16:53 at least. 08.01.2017 30 Mixed Rook/Jackdaw 100 16:18 In flight in to roost in tall conifers East of the pier. Flightline not drawn. 08.01.2017 31 Mixed Rook/Jackdaw 50 16:22 Flew into the same roost area as those from 30 (above). Flightline not drawn. 08.01.2017 32 Mixed Rook/Jackdaw 300 16:28 In flight circling around roost trees. Flightline not drawn. 08.01.2017 33 Mixed Rook/Jackdaw 75 16:38 In flight from the south over the pier to the roosting area. Flightline not drawn. 08.01.2017 34 HC Hooded Crow 20 16:38 In flight. 08.01.2017 35 HC Hooded Crow 20 16:43 In flight. Flightline not drawn. 08.01.2017 36 BH Black-headed Gull 40 17:10 Roosting on water by pier. 17.02.2017 1 CU Eurasian Curlew 39 15:20 In first bay, flushed by farmer. 17.02.2017 2 WS Whooper Swan 5 15:20 In first bay. 17.02.2017 3 MA Mallard 8 15:20 In first bay. 17.02.2017 4 WN Eurasian Wigeon 8 15:20 In first bay. 17.02.2017 5 GG Great Crested Grebe 1 15:20 In first bay. 17.02.2017 6 BH Black-headed Gull 20 15:20 At pier. 17.02.2017 7 MS Mute Swan 2 15:20 In second bay. 17.02.2017 8 WN Eurasian Wigeon 40 15:20 In second bay. 17.02.2017 9 MA Mallard 2 15:20 In second bay. 17.02.2017 10 CA Cormorant 1 15:20 In second bay. 17.02.2017 11 GN Common Goldeneye 3 15:20 In second bay. 17.02.2017 12 L. Lapwing 8 16:25 In flight. 17.02.2017 13 MS Mute Swan 4 16:30 2 Swam past pier into first bay. A second pair swam from second bay into first bay and then swam back. 17.02.2017 14 CU Eurasian Curlew 30 16:35 Landed in first bay. 17.02.2017 15 MS Mute Swan 3 16:47 Flew off at low level; male from pair in first bay (13, above) chasing off intruders. This single male bird flew back in to rejoin its mate. 17.02.2017 16 BH Black-headed Gull 40 17:06 Landed on the lake near the pier. 17.02.2017 17 CU Eurasian Curlew 30 17:14 Roosting in the corner of the first bay. 17.02.2017 18 Mixed Rook/Jackdaw 150 17:20 Flew into trees to roost. 17.02.2017 19 WN Eurasian Wigeon 38 17:35 In second bay. 17.02.2017 20 GN Common Goldeneye 14 17:35 In second bay. 17.02.2017 21 GG Great Crested Grebe 1 17:35 In second bay. 17.02.2017 22 WS Whooper Swan 5 18:20 At roost in first bay. 20.03.2017 1 CM Common Gull 6 12:40 On water at pier. 20.03.2017 2 BH Black-headed Gull 12 12:40 On water at pier. 20.03.2017 3 CM Common Gull 130 13:15 On grass behind second bay. These birds still present at 14:30. 20.03.2017 4 GB Great Black-backed Gull 2 13:25 In flight. 20.03.2017 5 GB Great Black-backed Gull 2 13:30 On water near pier. 20.03.2017 6 HG Herring Gull 1 13:30 On water near pier. 20.03.2017 7 T. Teal 10 13:33 In first bay. 20.03.2017 8 MA Mallard 2 13:33 In first bay. 20.03.2017 9 BH Black-headed Gull 2 13:33 In first bay. 20.03.2017 10 HC Hooded Crow 2 13:52 In flight. 20.03.2017 11 MA Mallard 3 13:55 Flew into first bay. 20.03.2017 12 MA Mallard 2 14:02 Flew into first bay. 20.03.2017 13 MA Mallard 5 14:40 In first bay. 20.03.2017 14 CA Cormorant 1 14:58 In flight. 20.03.2017 15 CM Common Gull 130 15:15 Birds from 3 (above) circling in flight over trees at mouth of stream. 20.03.2017 16 CM Common Gull 80 15:20 On water at pier. 20.03.2017 17 BH Black-headed Gull 30 15:20 On water at pier. 20.03.2017 18 GB Great Black-backed Gull 2 15:20 On water at pier. 20.03.2017 19 HG Herring Gull 2 15:20 On water at pier.

River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Appendix V

Conservation Objectives

Natura Impact Statement . 44 Conservation Objectives for : River Moy SAC [002298] 91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) in River Moy SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute Measure Target Notes Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, Total extent of this habitat within the SAC is subject to natural unknown and it may occur in mosaics with other processes woodland types. Two sites (1763, 1800) within the SAC were surveyed as part of the the National Survey of Native Woodlands (NSNW) (Perrin et al., 2008). Map 6 shows surveyed woodlands including areas classified as 91E0 (2.76ha). NB areas mapped as other wet woodland types may also correspond with this Annex I woodland type. There are also likely to be additional areas of this Annex I woodland type within the SAC Habitat Occurrence No decline. Woodlands The area of this habitat identified by the NSNW distribution surveyed as part of the occurs at Prospect (site 1800) on the western shore NSNW are shown on map of Lough Conn. See note on area above 6 Woodland size Hectares Area stable or increasing. The sizes of at least some of the existing woodlands Where topographically need to be increased in order to reduce habitat possible, "large" woods at fragmentation and benefit those species requiring least 25ha in size and ‘deep’ woodland conditions (Peterken, 2002). “small” woods at least 3ha Topographical and land-ownership constraints may in size restrict expansion Woodland Percentage and metres Diverse structure with a Described in Perrin et al. (2008) structure: cover relatively closed canopy and height containing mature trees; subcanopy layer with semi- mature trees and shrubs; and well-developed herb layer Woodland Hectares Maintain diversity and Described in Perrin et al. (2008) structure: extent of community types community diversity and extent Woodland Seedling: sapling: pole Seedlings, saplings and Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and oak (Quercus spp.) structure: natural ratio pole age-classes occur in regenerate poorly. Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) often regeneration adequate proportions to regenerates in large numbers although few ensure survival of seedlings reach pole size woodland canopy Hydrological Metres Appropriate hydrological Periodic flooding is essential to maintain alluvial regime: Flooding regime necessary for woodlands along river floodplains and lakeshores depth/height of maintenance of alluvial water table vegetation Woodland m³ per hectare; number At least 30m³/ha of fallen Dead wood is a valuable resource and an integral structure: dead per hectare timber greater than 10cm part of a healthy, functioning woodland ecosystem wood diameter; 30 snags/ha; both categories should include stems greater than 40cm diameter (greater than 20cm diameter in the case of alder) Woodland Number per hectare No decline Mature and veteran trees are important habitats for structure: veteran bryophytes, lichens, saproxylic organisms and some trees bird species. Their retention is important to ensure continuity of habitats/niches and propagule sources Woodland Occurrence No decline Includes ancient or long-established woodlands, structure: archaeological and geological features as well as indicators of local red-data and other rare or localised species disctinctiveness

03 Aug 2016 Version 1 Page 16 of 22 Vegetation Percentage No decline. Native tree Species reported in Perrin et al. (2008) composition: cover not less than 95% native tree cover Vegetation Occurrence A variety of typical native Species reported in Perrin et al. (2008) composition: species present, depending typical species on woodland type, including including alder (Alnus glutinosa), willows (Salix spp.), oak (Quercus robur) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) Vegetation Occurrence Negative indicator species, The following are the most common invasive species composition: particularly non-native in this woodland type: sycamore (Acer negative indicator invasive species, absent or pseudoplatanus) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens species under control glandulifera). The NSNW notes rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) clearance in site 1800

03 Aug 2016 Version 1 Page 17 of 22 Conservation Objectives for : River Moy SAC [002298] 1092 White-clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes To maintain the favourable conservation condition of White-clawed Crayfish in River Moy SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute Measure Target Notes Distribution Occurrence No reduction from The general distribution of white-clawed crayfish in baseline. See map 7 the SAC is that it is widespread in the upper tributaries of the River Moy and the rivers which feed Loughs Conn and Cullin. It is absent from the main River Moy. The named tributaries that it is recorded from are the following: Upstream of Lough Conn: River Deel and its tributaries of the Toreen River, Rathnamagh River and Rappa Stream; Fiddaunglass; Addergoole River. Upstream of Lough Cullin: Tobergal River; Clydagh; tributaries of the Toormore and Manulla Rivers. Moy tributaries: Gweestion River; tributaries of the Pollagh, Glore, Yellow and Geestaun Rivers; Killeen River; Spaddagh River; Sonnagh River; Owenaher River; Owengarve River Population Occurrence of juveniles Juveniles and/or females See Reynolds et al. (2010) for further details structure: and females with eggs with eggs in all occupied recruitment tributaries Negative indicator Occurrence No alien crayfish species Alien crayfish species are identified as a major direct species threat to this species and as a disease vector. See Reynolds (1998) for further details. Ireland is currently free of non-native invasive crayfish species Disease Occurrence No instances of disease Crayfish plague is identified as major threat and has occurred in Ireland even in the absence of alien vectors. See Reynolds (1998) for further details. Disease can in some circumstances be introduced through contaminated equipment and water in the absence of vector species Water quality EPA Q value At least Q3-4 at all sites Target taken from Demers and Reynolds (2002). Q sampled by EPA values based on triennial water quality surveys carried out by the EPA Habitat quality: Occurrence of positive No decline in heterogeneity Crayfish need high habitat heterogeneity. Larger heterogeneity habitat features or habitat quality crayfish must have stones to hide under, or an earthen bank in which to burrow. Hatchlings shelter in vegetation, gravel and among fine tree-roots. Smaller crayfish are typically found among weed and debris in shallow water. Larger juveniles in particular may also be found among cobbles and detritus such as leaf litter. These conditions must be available on the whole length of occupied habitat

03 Aug 2016 Version 1 Page 18 of 22 Conservation Objectives for : River Moy SAC [002298] 1095 Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Sea Lamprey in River Moy SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute Measure Target Notes Distribution: Percentage of river Greater than 75% of main This SAC only covers the freshwater portion of the extent of accessible stem length of rivers River Moy. The adjacent Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SAC anadromy accessible from estuary (site code: 000485) encompasses the estuarine elements of sea lamprey habitat. Artificial barriers can block or cause difficulties to lampreys’ upstream migration, thereby limiting species to lower stretches and restricting access to spawning areas (Rooney et al. 2015), however, there are no artificial barriers in the Moy catchment limiting lamprey access Population Number of age/size At least three age/size Attribute and target based on Harvey and Cowx structure of groups groups present (2003) and O'Connor (2007) juveniles Juvenile density in Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile Juveniles burrow in areas of fine sediment in still fine sediment density at least 1/m² water. Attribute and target based on Harvey and Cowx (2003) Extent and m² and occurrence No decline in extent and Attribute and target based on spawning bed distribution of distribution of spawning mapping by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Lampreys spawning habitat beds spawn in clean gravels Availability of Number of positive sites More than 50% of sample Silting habitat is essential for larval lamprey and they juvenile habitat in 3rd order channels sites positive can be severely impacted by sediment removal. (and greater), Recovery can be rapid and newly-created habitat downstream of can be rapidly colonised (King et al., 2015). spawning areas However, it is vital that such sedimenting habitats are retained. Occupancy in excess of 50% of sites would be 'reasonable' for the Irish catchments examined to date. (King and Linnane, 2004; King et al., unpublished data)

03 Aug 2016 Version 1 Page 19 of 22 Conservation Objectives for : River Moy SAC [002298] 1096 Brook Lamprey Lampetra planeri To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Brook Lamprey in River Moy SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute Measure Target Notes Distribution Percentage of river Access to all watercourses Artificial barriers can block lampreys’ migration both accessible down to first order streams up- and downstream, thereby possibly limiting species to specific stretches, restricting access to spawning areas and creating genetically isolated populations (Espanhol et al., 2007). However, there are no artificial barriers in the Moy catchment limiting lamprey access Population Number of age/size At least three age/size Attribute and target based on data from Harvey and structure of groups groups of brook/river Cowx (2003). It is impossible to distinguish between juveniles lamprey present brook and river lamprey juveniles in the field (Gardiner, 2003), hence they are considered together in this target Juvenile density in Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile Juveniles burrow in areas of fine sediment in still fine sediment density of brook/river water. Attribute and target based on data from lamprey at least 2/m² Harvey and Cowx (2003) who state 10/m² in optimal conditions and more than 2/m² on a catchment basis Extent and m² and occurrence No decline in extent and Attribute and target based on spawning bed distribution of distribution of spawning mapping by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Lampreys spawning habitat beds spawn in clean gravels Availability of Number of positive sites More than 50% of sample Silting habitat is essential for larval lamprey and they juvenile habitat in 2nd order channels sites positive can be severely impacted by sediment removal. (and greater), Recovery can be rapid and newly-created habitat downstream of can be rapidly colonised (King et al., 2015). spawning areas However, it is vital that such sedimenting habitats are retained. Occupancy in excess of 50% of sites would be 'reasonable' for the Irish catchments examined to date. (King and Linnane, 2004; King et al., unpublished data)

03 Aug 2016 Version 1 Page 20 of 22 Conservation Objectives for : River Moy SAC [002298] 1106 Salmon Salmo salar To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Salmon in River Moy SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute Measure Target Notes Distribution: Percentage of river 100% of river channels Artificial barriers block salmons’ upstream migration, extent of accessible down to second order thereby limiting species to lower stretches and anadromy accessible from estuary restricting access to spawning areas. There are no artificial barriers on the Moy catchment limiting salmon access Adult spawning Number Conservation Limit (CL) for A conservation limit is defined by the North Atlantic fish each system consistently Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) as “the exceeded spawning stock level that produces long-term average maximum sustainable yield as derived from the adult to adult stock and recruitment relationship”. The target is based on the Standing Scientific Committee of the National Salmon Commission's annual model output of CL attainment levels. See SSC (2016). Stock estimates are either derived from direct counts of adults (rod catch, fish counter) or indirectly by fry abundance counts. For the 2016 SSC advice, the Moy is currently exceeding its CL by 19,012 salmon Salmon fry Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry Target is threshold value for rivers currently abundance minutes electrofishing mean catchment-wide exceeding their conservation limit (CL) abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon fry/5 minutes sampling Out-migrating Number No significant decline Smolt abundance can be negatively affected by a smolt abundance number of impacts such as estuarine pollution, predation and sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) Number and Number and occurrence No decline in number and Salmon spawn in clean gravels. There are no distribution of distribution of spawning artificial barriers preventing salmon from accessing redds redds due to suitable spawning habitat in this SAC anthropogenic causes Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites Q values based on triennial water quality surveys sampled by EPA carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

03 Aug 2016 Version 1 Page 21 of 22 Conservation Objectives for : River Moy SAC [002298] 1355 Otter Lutra lutra To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Otter in River Moy SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute Measure Target Notes Distribution Percentage positive No significant decline Measure based on standard otter survey technique. survey sites FCS target, based on 1980/81 survey findings, is 88% in SACs. Current range is estimated at 93.6% (Reid et al., 2013) Extent of Hectares No significant decline. Area No field survey. Areas mapped to include 10m terrestrial habitat mapped and calculated as terrestrial buffer along lake shorelines and along 1068.8ha river banks identified as critical for otters (NPWS, 2007) Extent of Kilometres No significant decline. No field survey. River length calculated on the basis freshwater (river) Length mapped and that otters will utilise freshwater habitats from habitat calculated as 479.4km estuary to headwaters (Chapman and Chapman, 1982) Extent of Hectares No significant decline. Area No field survey. Area mapped based on evidence freshwater (lake) mapped and calculated as that otters tend to forage within 80m of the habitat 1248.2ha shoreline (NPWS, 2007) Couching sites Number No significant decline Otters need lying up areas throughout their territory and holts where they are secure from disturbance (Kruuk, 2006; Kruuk and Moorhouse, 1991) Fish biomass Kilograms No significant decline Broad diet that varies locally and seasonally, but available dominated by fish, in particular salmonids, eels and sticklebacks in freshwater (Bailey and Rochford, 2006; Reid et al., 2013) Barriers to Number No significant increase. For Otters will regularly commute across stretches of connectivity guidance, see map 8 open water up to 500m e.g. between the mainland and an island; between two islands; across an estuary (De Jongh and O'Neill, 2010). It is important that such commuting routes are not obstructed

03 Aug 2016 Version 1 Page 22 of 22 21/02/2018 Generic Conservation Objectives Conservation objectives for Lough Conn and Lough Cullin SPA [004228]

The overall aim of the Habitats Directive is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest. These habitats and species are listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives and Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas are designated to afford protection to the most vulnerable of them. These two designations are collectively known as the Natura 2000 network.

European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to maintain habitats and species in the Natura 2000 network at favourable conservation condition. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites.

The maintenance of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites at favourable conservation condition will contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable conservation status of those habitats and species at a national level.

Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when:

• its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing, and • the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and • the conservation status of its typical species is favourable.

The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when:

• population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and • the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and • there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis.

Objective: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA:

Bird Code Common Name Scientific Name A061 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula A065 Common Scoter Melanitta nigra A182 Common Gull Larus canus A395 Greenland White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons flavirostris

To acknowledge the importance of Ireland's wetlands to wintering waterbirds, “Wetland and Waterbirds” may be included as a Special Conservation Interest for some SPAs that have been

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21/02/2018 Generic Conservation Objectives designated for wintering waterbirds and that contain a wetland site of significant importance to one or more of the species of Special Conservation Interest. Thus, a second objective is included as follows:

Objective: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the wetland habitat at Lough Conn and Lough Cullin SPA as a resource for the regularly-occurring migratory waterbirds that utilise it.

Citation: NPWS (2018) Conservation objectives for Lough Conn and Lough Cullin SPA [004228]. Generic Version 6.0. Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

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SITE SYNOPSIS

Site Name: River Moy SAC

Site Code: 002298

This site comprises almost the entire freshwater element of the River Moy and its tributaries including both Loughs Conn and Cullin. The system drains a catchment area of 805 sq. km. Most of the site is in Co. Mayo, though parts are in west Sligo and north Roscommon. Apart from the Moy itself, other rivers included within the site are the Deel, Bar Deela, Castlehill, Addergoole, Clydagh and Manulla on the west side, and the Glenree, Yellow, Strade, Gweestion, Trimogue, Sonnagh, Mullaghanoe, Owengarve, Eighnagh and Owenaher on the east side. The underlying geology is Carboniferous Limestone for the most part, though Carboniferous Sandstone is present at the extreme west of the site, with Dalradian Quartzites and schists at the south-west. Some of the tributaries at the east, the south of Lough Conn and all of Lough Cullin are underlain by granite. There are many towns adjacent to but not within the site. These include Ballina, Crossmolina, Foxford, Swinford, Kiltimagh and Charlestown.

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):

[7110] Raised Bog (Active)* [7120] Degraded Raised Bog [7150] Rhynchosporion Vegetation [7230] Alkaline Fens [91A0] Old Oak Woodlands [91E0] Alluvial Forests*

[1092] White-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) [1095] Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) [1096] Brook Lamprey (Lampetra planeri) [1106] Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) [1355] Otter (Lutra lutra)

On the slopes and rising ground around the southern shores of Loughs Conn and Cullin, oak woodlands are found. Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) is the dominant tree species, with an understorey of Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Downy Birch (Betula pubescens), with some Ash (Fraxinus excelsior). Additional species are associated with the lakeshore such as Rock Whitebeam (Sorbus rupicola), Aspen (Populus tremula), Silver Birch (B. pendula) and the shrubs Guelder-rose

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(Viburnum opulus), Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus) and Spindle (Euonymus europaeus). The ground flora is usually composed of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Great Wood-rush (Luzula sylvatica), Wood-sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), buckler-ferns (Dryopteris aemula and D. dilatata), Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant), Common Cow- wheat (Melampyrum pratense) and Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum). The rare Narrow- leaved Helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia), protected under the Flora (Protection) Order, 1999, occurs in association with the woodlands. Also found in these woodlands is the snail Spermodea lamellata, a species associated with old natural woodlands.

Alluvial woodland occurs at several locations along the shores of the lakes but is particularly well developed along the river at Coryosla Bridge. Principal tree species are willows (including Salix cinerea subsp. oleifolia) and Alder (Alnus glutinosa). Herbaceous species include Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and Reed Canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea). The woods are flooded by seasonal fluctuations in lake level.

On higher ground adjacent to the woodlands is blanket bog with scattered shrubs and trees on the drier areas. The rocky knolls often bear Juniper (Juniperus communis) or Gorse (Ulex europaeus), with some unusual rare herb species such as Intermediate Wintergreen (Pyrola media) and Lesser Twayblade (Listera cordata).

Within the site are a number of raised bogs including those at Kilgarriff, Gowlaun, Derrynabrock, Tawnaghbeg and Cloongoonagh. These are examples of raised bogs at the north-western edge of the spectrum and possess many of the species typical of such in Ireland, including an abundance of Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum), Carnation Sedge (Carex panicea) and the moss Campylopus atrovirens. Some of the bogs include significant areas of active raised bog habitat. Well developed pool and hummock systems with quaking mats of bog mosses (Sphagnum spp.), Bog Asphodel and White Beaked-sedge (Rhynchospora alba) are present. Many of the pools contain a diversity of plant species, including Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), the bog moss Sphagnum cuspidatum, Campylopus atrovirens, Common Cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium), Great Sundew (Drosera anglica) and occasional Lesser Bladderwort (Utricularia minor). Several of the hummock-forming mosses (Sphagnum fuscum and S. imbricatum) which occur here are quite rare in this region and add to the scientific interest of the bogs within the overall site.

Depressions on the bogs, pool edges and erosion channels, where the vegetation is dominated by White Beaked-sedge comprise the habitat ‘Rhynchosporion vegetation’. Associated species in this habitat at the site include Bog Asphodel, sundews, Deergrass (Scirpus cespitosus) and Carnation Sedge.

Degraded raised bog is present where the hydrology of the uncut bogs has been affected by peat cutting and other land use activities in the surrounding area, such as afforestation and associated drainage, and also the Moy arterial drainage. Species typical of the active raised bog habitat may still be present but the relative abundances differ. A typical example of the degraded habitat, where drying has

Version date: 6.01.2014 2 of 5 002298_Rev13.Doc occurred at the edge of the high bog, contains an abundance and more uniform cover of Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Carnation Sedge, Deergrass and sometimes Bog-myrtle (Myrica gale). Occurring in association with the uncut high bog are areas of wet regenerating cutover bog with species such as Common Cottongrass, bog mosses and sundew, while on the drier areas, the vegetation is mostly dominated by Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea). Natural regeneration with peat-forming capability will be possible over time with some restorative measures.

Alkaline fen is considered to be well developed within the site. An extensive stand occurs as part of a wetland complex at Mannin and Island Lakes on the Glore River. Key diagnostic species of the Schoenus association characteristic of rich fens include the bryophytes Campylium stellatum, Aneura pinguis and Scorpidium scorpioides, and the herbaceous species Long-stalked Yellow-sedge (Carex lepidocarpa), Grass-of- parnassus (Parnassia palustris) and Common Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris). Other fen species include Black Bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans), Purple Moor-grass, Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis palustris), Meadow Thistle (Cirsium dissectum) and Blunt- flowered Rush (Juncus subnodulosus). The rare moss Bryum uliginosum occurs on exposed marl at a ditch to the east of Island Lake.

The open water of Loughs Conn and Cullin is moderately hard with relatively low colour and good transparency. The phytpoplankton of the lake is dominated by diatoms and blue-green algae and there is evidence that the latter group is more common now than in former years. This indicates that nutrient inflow is occurring. The changes in Lough Conn appear to represent an early phase in the eutrophication process. Stoneworts still present include Chara aspera, C. delicatula and Nitella cf. opaca. Other plants found in the shallower portions include pondweed species (Potamogeton spp.). Where there is a peat influence Intermediate Bladderwort (Utricularia intermedia) is characteristic, while Water Lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna) often grows in sand. Narrow reedbeds and patches of Yellow Water-lily (Nuphar lutea) occur in some of the bays.

Drainage of the Moy in the 1960s lowered the level of the lakes, exposing wide areas of stony shoreline and wet grassland, which are liable to flooding in winter. This increased the habitat diversity of the shoreline and created a number of marginal wetlands, including fens and marshes. Plant species of note in the lake-margin include Heath Cudweed (Omalotheca sylvatica), Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) and Irish Lady’s-tresses (Spiranthes romanzoffiana). These three species are listed on the Irish Red Data list and are protected under the Flora (Protection) Order, 1999.

Other habitats present within the site include wet grassland dominated by rushes (Juncus spp.) grading into species-rich marsh in which sedges are common. Among the other species found in this habitat are Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus), Water Mint (Mentha aquatica), Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and Soft Rush (Juncus effusus).

Rusty Willow (Salix cinerea subsp. oleifolia) scrub and pockets of wet woodland dominated by Alder (Alnus glutinosa) have become established in places throughout the site. Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) are common in

Version date: 6.01.2014 3 of 5 002298_Rev13.Doc the latter and the ground flora is typical of wet woodland with Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Yellow Iris, horsetails (Equisetum spp.) and occasional tussocks of Greater Tussock-sedge (Carex paniculata).

Small pockets of conifer plantation, close to the lakes and along the strip both sides of the rivers, are included in the site.

The Moy system is one of Ireland’s premier salmon waters and it also encompasses two of Ireland’s best lake trout fisheries in Loughs Conn and Cullin. Although the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) is still fished commercially in Ireland, it is considered to be endangered or locally threatened elsewhere in Europe and is listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The Moy is a most productive catchment in salmon terms and this can be attributed to its being a fingered system with a multiplicity of 1st to 5th order tributaries which are large enough to support salmonids < 2 years of age while at the same time being too small to support significant adult trout numbers and are therefore highly productive in salmonid nursery terms.

Salmon run the Moy every month of the year. Both multi-sea-winter fish and grilse are present. The salmon fishing season is 1st February to 30th September. The peak of the spring fishing is in April and the grilse begin running in early May. The average weight of the spring fish is 9 lb and the grilse range from about 3-7 lb. In general spring fish are found more frequently in the rivers at the western extent of the Moy system.

The Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus), an interesting relict species from the last ice age, which is listed as threatened in the Irish Red Data Book has been recorded from Lough Conn and in only a few other lakes in Ireland. The latest reports suggest that it may now have disappeared from the site.

The site is also important for the presence of four other species listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive, namely Sea Lamprey, Brook Lamprey, Otter and White- clawed Crayfish. The Sea Lamprey is regularly encountered in the lower stretches of the river around Ballina, while the Otter and White-clawed Crayfish are widespread throughout the system. In addition, the site also supports many of the mammal species occurring in Ireland. Those which are listed in the Irish Red Data Book include Pine Marten, Badger, Irish Hare and Daubenton’s Bat. Common Frog, another Red Data Book species, also occurs within the site.

Loughs Conn and Cullin support important concentrations of wintering waterfowl and both are designated Special Protection Areas (SPAs). A nationally important population of the Annex I species Greenland White-fronted Goose (average 113 over 6 winters 1994/95 to 1999/00) is centred on Lough Conn. Whooper Swans also occur (numbers range between 25 to 50), along with nationally important populations of Tufted Duck 635, Goldeneye 189 and Coot 464. A range of other species occur on the lakes in regionally important concentrations, notably Wigeon 303, Teal 154, Mallard 225, Pochard 182, Lapwing >1,000 and Curlew 464. Golden Plover also frequent the lakes, with numbers ranging between 700 and 1,000.

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Loughs Conn and Cullin are one of the few breeding sites for Common Scoter in Ireland. Breeding has occurred on Lough Conn since about the 1940s when about 20- 30 pairs were known. A census in 1983 recorded 29 pairs. Breeding was first proved on Lough Cullin in 1983 when 24 pairs were recorded. In 1995, 24-26 pairs were recorded at Lough Conn and 5 pairs at Lough Cullin. The latest survey in 1999 gives a total of 30 birds for both lakes, comprising only 5 pairs, 18 unpaired males and 2 unpaired females. The reason for the decline is not known but may be due to predation by mink, possible changes in food supply and/or redistribution to other sites. The Common Scoter is a Red Listed species.

Agriculture, with particular emphasis on grazing, is the main land use along the Moy. Much of the grassland is unimproved but improved grassland and silage fields are also present. The spreading of slurry and fertiliser poses a threat to the water quality of this salmonid river and to the large lakes. Fishing is the main tourist attraction on the Moy and there are a large number of Angler Associations, some with a number of beats. Fishing stands and styles have been erected in places. The North Western Regional Fishery Board have erected fencing along selected stretches of the river as part of their salmonid enhancement programme. Other aspects of tourism are concentrated around Loughs Conn and Cullin.

Afforestation has occurred in the past around the shores of Loughs Conn and Cullin. The coniferous trees are due for harvesting shortly. It is proposed to replant with native tree species in this area. Forestry is also present along many of the tributaries and in particular along the headwaters of the Deel. Forestry poses a threat in that sedimentation and acidification can occur. Sedimentation can cover the gravel beds resulting in a loss of suitable spawning grounds. The Moy was arterially dredged in the 1960s. Water levels have been reduced since that time. This is particularly evident along the shores of Loughs Conn and Cullin and in the canal-like appearance of some river stretches. Ongoing maintenance dredging is carried out along stretches of the river system where the gradient is low. This is extremely destructive to salmonid habitat in the area.

The site supports populations of several species listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive, and habitats listed on Annex I of this Directive, as well as examples of other important habitats. The presence of a fine example of broadleaved woodland in this part of the country increases the overall habitat diversity and adds to the ecological value of the site, as does the presence of the range of nationally rare and Red Data Book plant and animal species.

Version date: 6.01.2014 5 of 5 002298_Rev13.Doc SITE SYNOPSIS

SITE NAME: LOUGH CONN AND LOUGH CULLIN SPA

SITE CODE: 004228

Lough Conn and Lough Cullin are situated in north Co. Mayo and are connected by a narrow inlet near Pontoon. The main inflowing rivers to Lough Conn are the Deel, the Addergoole and the Castlehill while the main outflowing river from Lough Cullin is the River Moy. The lakes have a number of small islands. Fringing swamp vegetation occurs in some sheltered areas. Both Lough Conn and Lough Cullin are part of an important salmonid fishery.

The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Greenland White-fronted Goose, Tufted Duck, Common Scoter and Common Gull. The E.U. Birds Directive pays particular attention to wetlands and, as these form part of this SPA, the site and its associated waterbirds are of special conservation interest for Wetland & Waterbirds.

Lough Conn and Lough Cullin is one of only four breeding sites in the country for Common Scoter, which in Ireland is at the south-west end of its European range. A survey in 1995 recorded 31 pairs, however, a survey in 1999 gave a total of 30 birds for both lakes, comprising 5 pairs, 18 unpaired males and 2 unpaired females.

Lough Conn and Lough Cullin is of importance for wintering waterfowl, with a nationally important population of Tufted Duck (428) - all figures are mean peaks for four of the five winters in the period 1995/96 to 1999/2000. The lakes attract other species in lesser numbers, including Mute Swan (110), Whooper Swan (23), Wigeon (207), Teal (108), Mallard (95), Pochard (182), Coot (464), Golden Plover (177), Goldeneye (87), Lapwing (290), Cormorant (17), Curlew (92) and Great Crested Grebe (6). Lough Conn is also one of the sites utilised by a population of Greenland White-fronted Goose (123 - five year mean peak for the flock during the period 1994/95 to 1998/99). The geese feed mainly on Annagh Island and at a shoreline site near Cloonaghmore Point (95 - five year mean peak for the geese recorded within the SPA during the period 1994/95 to 1998/99).

Lough Conn is a traditional breeding site for gulls and terns. In 1977, Black-headed Gull (c. 1,000 individuals) and Common Gull (70 individuals) were recorded. A recent survey in 2000 recorded 40 pairs of Common Gull and 10 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gull. The Common Gull colony is of national importance. Both Common Tern and Arctic Tern bred in 1984 (42 and 10 pairs respectively on Lough Conn and 4 pairs of either Arctic/Common Tern on Lough Cullin). There were no records of either species breeding at this site in the 1995 national tern survey but a survey in 2000 recorded 1 pair of Common Tern breeding on Lough Conn.

Lough Conn and Lough Cullin is one of only four areas in the country where Common Scoter breed. The site also supports a good diversity of wintering waterfowl species, including Greenland White-fronted Goose and a nationally important population of Tufted Duck. The occurrence of Greenland White-fronted Goose, Whooper Swan and Golden Plover is of note as these species are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. Part of the Lough Conn and Lough Cullin SPA is a Wildfowl Sanctuary.

River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Appendix VI

Benefitting Lands and Washlands Drawings

Natura Impact Statement . 45

River Deel (Crossmolina) Drainage Scheme in association with

Appendix VII

Hydrology Chapter EIAR

Natura Impact Statement . 46