Office of Public Works Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works - Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme
2019-2023
Stage 2: Natura Impact Statement
July 2019
Office of Public Works Templemungret House Mungret Co. Limerick
JBA Project Manager Tom Sampson 24 Grove Island Corbally Limerick Ireland Revision History Revision Ref / Date Issued Amendments Issued to V0.8 Internal review Niamh Burke (JBA) V1.0 / 11th December 2018 First issue to client Tony Brew (OPW) V2.0 / 19 Dec 2018 Updates following client Tony Brew (OPW) review V3.0 / 28 March 2019 Updates following response Tony Brew (OPW) from NPWS V3.1 / 28 June 2019 Internal review of Section Niamh Burke (JBA) 7.1 V4.0 / 2nd July 2019 Changes to Section 7.1 Sean Langan (OPW) V5.0 / 8th July 2019 Update of Figure 7-2 Sean Langan (OPW) Appendices included Contract This report describes work commissioned by Helena Fagan, on behalf of the Office of Public Works, by a letter dated 6 June, 2018. The Office of Public Works’ representative for the contract was Tony Brew. Patricia Byrne and Malin Lundberg of JBA Consulting carried out this work.
Prepared by ...... Malin Lundberg BSc MSc Assistant Ecologist
Reviewed by ...... Tanya Slattery BSc (Hons) MSc MSc (Res) Ecologist
Niamh Burke BSc (Hons) PhD CEnv MCIEEM Senior Ecologist
Jean Hamilton BSc (Hons) MSc MCIEEM Senior Ecologist Purpose This document has been prepared as a Final Report for Office of Public Works. JBA Consulting accepts no responsibility or liability for any use that is made of this document other than by the Client for the purposes for which it was originally commissioned and prepared. JBA Consulting has no liability regarding the use of this report except to Office of Public Works. Copyright © JBA Consulting Ltd 2019
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Contents
1 Introduction ...... 4 1.1 Background ...... 4 1.2 Legislative context ...... 4 1.3 Appropriate Assessment Process ...... 5 1.4 Methodology...... 6 2 Project Description ...... 10 2.1 Arterial Drainage Maintenance ...... 10 2.2 Drainage Maintenance Activities ...... 10 2.3 Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme ...... 17 2.4 Drainage Maintenance Works Proposed for the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme 17 3 Screening Assessment Results ...... 18 3.1 Surface Water Pathways ...... 18 3.2 Land & Air Pathways ...... 22 3.3 Groundwater Pathways ...... 25 4 Existing Environment ...... 30 4.1 General ...... 30 4.2 Ecological walkover survey results ...... 30 4.3 Flora ...... 37 4.4 Fauna ...... 38 4.5 Non-native Invasive Species ...... 40 5 Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence of the works/scheme ...... 42 5.1 Introduction ...... 42 5.2 Ballinturly Turlough SAC (000588) ...... 43 5.3 Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC (002339) ...... 44 5.4 Castlesampson Esker SAC (001625) ...... 45 5.5 Corbo Bog SAC (002349) ...... 46 5.6 Lough Forbes Complex SAC (001818) ...... 47 5.7 Lough Funshinagh SAC (000611) ...... 48 5.8 Lough Ree SAC (000440) ...... 50 5.9 Ballykenny Fisherstown Bog SPA (004101) ...... 51 5.10 Lough Ree SPA (004064) ...... 52 6 Appropriate Assessment...... 54 6.1 Introduction ...... 54 6.2 Identification of Potential Sources of Impact ...... 54 6.3 Impact Assessment ...... 58 6.4 Impact Evaluation ...... 62 7 Avoidance and Mitigation Measures ...... 85 7.1 Site specific mitigation measures ...... 85 7.2 Mitigation for Bridge/Sluice/Structural Works ...... 89 8 Conclusions ...... 91 References...... 93 Appendices ...... 97 A Conservation Objectives ...... 97 B Protected Fauna and Flora ...... 116 C Non-native Invasive Species ...... 131 D Environmental Drainage Maintenance Manual ...... 132 E Foreman’s Bridge Inspection Report ...... 133 F Environmental Risk Assessment Form ...... 134
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Contents
G Ecological Survey Extent ...... 135 H Channels, Embankments, Bridges and Sluices screened into assessment and pathways of impact ...... 136
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List of Figures Figure 1-1: The Appropriate Assessment Process (from: Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities, DoEHLG, 2009).. 5 Figure 1-2: Screening assessment process ...... 7 Figure 2-1: Extent of the Knockcroghery Scheme ...... 17 Figure 3-1: Channels with potential impacts via surface water pathways...... 19 Figure 3-2: Channels with potential impacts via Land and air pathways...... 22 Figure 3-3: Channels with potential impacts via groundwater pathways...... 25 Figure 4-1: FW1 - Eroding/upland river with instream vegetation and treelines...... 32 Figure 4-2: Branched Bur-reed and Fool's Water-cress instream...... 32 Figure 4-3: FW2 - Depositing/lowland rivers...... 33 Figure 4-4: WL2 - Treelines...... 34 Figure 4-5: FL5 - Eutrophic lakes, Lough Ree...... 35 Figure 4-6: FS1 - Reed and large sedge swamps...... 35 Figure 4-7: GA1/GS1 - Improved agricultural grassland/ Dry calcareous grassland with the non-native invasive species Giant Butterbur in the foreground...... 36 Figure 4-8: Stone bridge covered with Ivy...... 37 Figure 4-9: Wall-rue and Maidenhair Spleenwort ...... 37 Figure 4-10: Ash with bat roost potential...... 38 Figure 4-11: Location of potential Annex 1 habitat Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia) (*important orchid sites) [6210], non-native invasive species and suitable habitats for Otter...... 39 Figure 4-12: Overhanging bank, potentially suitable for otters...... 40 Figure 4-13: Canadian Waterweed...... 41 Figure 5-1: Natura 2000 sites within the zone of influence ...... 43 Figure 7-1: Habitats within Lough Ree SAC (000440) and Lough Ree SPA (004064) and the proposed drainage maintenance works and mitigations within the SAC/SPA...... 87 Figure 7-2: Section of treeline which should be retained as far as possible...... 88
List of Tables Table 2-1: OPW Drainage Maintenance Subcategories ...... 10 Table 2-2: OPW Drainage Maintenance Types ...... 10 Table 3-1: Summary results of SWD GIs/FOIs with potential surface water pathways, potential Annex I habitats present and potential for significant impact for SACs...... 20 Table 3-2: Summary results of SWD QIs / FOIs with potential surface water pathways, potential Annex I habitats present and potential for significant impact for SPAs...... 21 Table 3-3: Land and air pathways ...... 22 Table 3-4: Summary results of QIs / FOIs with potential land and air connectivity, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through land and air pathways
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...... 23 Table 3-5: Groundwater pathway ...... 25 Table 3-6: Summary results of QIs / FOIs in SACs with potential groundwater connectivity, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through groundwater pathways within the GWB Funshinagh (IE_SH_G_091) Karstic...... 26 Table 3-7: Summary results of QIs / FOIs in SPAs with potential groundwater connectivity, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through groundwater pathways within the GWB Funshinagh (IE_SH_G_091) Karstic...... 28 Table 3-8: Screening Assessment Conclusion (JBA 2014)...... 29 Table 4-1: Habitats recorded during the ecological walkover survey ...... 31 Table 5-1: Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence...... 42 Table 5-2: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) Ballinturly Turlough SAC...... 44 Table 5-3: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC...... 45 Table 5-4: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Castlesampson Esker SAC...... 46 Table 5-5: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Corbo Bog SAC...... 47 Table 5-6: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Lough Forbes Complex SAC...... 48 Table 5-7: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Lough Funshinagh SAC...... 49 Table 5-8: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Lough Ree SAC...... 51 Table 5-9: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Ballykenny Fisherstown Bog SPA...... 52 Table 5-10: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Lough Ree SPA...... 53 Table 6-1: Summary of surface water dependent qualifying interests with potential for significant impact...... 54 Table 6-2: Summary of Natura 2000 sites and their qualifying interests at risk from impact via land and air pathways...... 55 Table 6-3: Summary of Natura 2000 sites and their qualifying interests that are at risk form impacts via ground water pathways...... 57 Table 6-4: Impact Assessment of the qualifying interests...... 64 Table 7-1: Specific mitigation measures...... 85 Table 7-2 Mitigation measures for bridge, sluice and/or structural works ...... 89 Table 8-1: Integrity of Site Checklist (from DoEHLG, 2009)...... 91
Abbreviations AA ...... Appropriate Assessment CA ...... Competent Authority DoEHLG ...... Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government
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EC ...... European Community EDM ...... Environmental Drainage Maintenance EP ...... Environmental Procedure EPA ...... Environmental Protection Agency EREP ...... Environmental River Enhancement Programme GIS ...... Geographical Information Systems GWD ...... Groundwater Dependant IFI ...... Inland Fisheries Ireland INNS ...... Invasive Non-native Species IROPI ...... Imperative Reason of Overriding Public Interest MAC ...... Maintenance Access Corridor NBDC ...... National Biodiversity Data Centre NIS ...... Natura Impact Statement NPWS ...... National Parks and Wildlife Service NRA ...... National Roads Authority OPW ...... Office of Public Works QI ...... Qualifying Interest RBD ...... River Basin District RBMP ...... River Basin Management Plan SAC ...... Special Area of Conservation SPA ...... Special Protection Area SWD ...... Surface water dependent WRBDMP...... Western River Basin District Management Plan ZOI ...... Zone of Influence
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1 Introduction
1.1 Background JBA Consulting has been commissioned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to provide environmental consultancy services in relation to statutory arterial drainage maintenance activities that will take place over the five-year period 2019-2023. This includes preparing a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) report to present required information to the relevant Competent Authority (CA) to undertake Appropriate Assessment. This Natura Impact Statement (NIS) provides the results of the assessment conducted for the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora). An initial screening assessment was undertaken at this location for the purposes of Appropriate Assessment by JBA in 2014 (JBA 2014). This screening report defined the zone of influence of the works, screened Natura 2000 sites within this zone of influence for potential to be significantly impacted by the proposed works. Due to the identification of potentially significant effects in relation to the proposed works at this location, this NIS has been prepared to further assess the impacts on the integrity of the relevant Natura 2000 sites and devise appropriate avoidance and mitigation measures where necessary. As part of this NIS, the 2014 AA Screening is reviewed and updated within this NIS report as necessary. The proposed works as part of the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme, furthermore referred to as the "Scheme", are required as part of maintenance activities under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act. This Scheme is within or within close proximity to nine Natura 2000 sites and therefore, requires Appropriate Assessment. The Natura 2000 sites are: • Ballinturly Turlough SAC (000588) • Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC (002339) • Castlesampson Esker SAC (001625) • Corbo Bog SAC (002349) • Lough Forbes Complex SAC (001818) • Lough Funshinagh SAC (000611) • Lough Ree SAC (000440) • Ballykenny Fishertown Bog SPA (004101) • Lough Ree SPA (004064)
1.2 Legislative context The Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) aims to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest across Europe. The requirements of these directives are transposed into Irish law through the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations) 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011). Under the Directive a network of sites of nature conservation importance have been identified by each Member State as containing specified habitats or species requiring to be maintained or returned to favourable conservation status. In Ireland the network consists of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and SPAs, and also candidate sites, which form the Natura 2000 network. Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive requires that, in relation to European designated sites (i.e. SACs and SPAs that form the Natura 2000 network), "any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives". A competent authority (e.g. the OPW or Local Authority) can only agree to a plan or project after having determined that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned. Under article 6(4) of the Directive, if adverse impacts are likely, and in the absence of alternative options, a plan or project must nevertheless proceed for imperative reasons of overriding public
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interest (IROPI), including social or economic reasons, a Member State is required to take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure the overall integrity of the Natura 2000 site. The European Commission have to be informed of any compensatory measures adopted, unless a priority habitat type or species is present and in which case an opinion from the European Commission is required beforehand (unless for human health or public safety reasons, or of benefit to the environment).
1.3 Appropriate Assessment Process Guidance on the Appropriate Assessment (AA) process was produced by the European Commission in 2002, which was subsequently developed into guidance specifically for Ireland by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) (2009). These guidance documents identify a staged approach to conducting an AA, as shown Figure 1-1.
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
Screening for AA AA Alternative Solutions IROPI
Figure 1-1: The Appropriate Assessment Process (from: Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities, DoEHLG, 2009)
1.3.1 Stage 1 - Screening for AA The initial, screening stage of the Appropriate Assessment is to determine: a. whether the proposed plan or project is directly connected with or necessary for the management of the European designated site for nature conservation b. if it is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the European designated site, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects For those sites where potential adverse impacts are identified, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, further assessment is necessary to determine if the proposals will have an adverse impact on the integrity of a European designated site, in view of the sites conservation objectives (i.e. the process proceeds to Stage 2).
1.3.2 Stage 2 - AA This stage requires a more in-depth evaluation of the plan or project, and the potential direct and indirect impacts of them on the integrity and interest features of the European designated site(s), alone and in-combination with other plans and projects, taking into account the site's structure, function and conservation objectives. Where required, mitigation or avoidance measures will be suggested. The competent authority can only agree to the plan or project after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site(s) concerned. If this cannot be determined, and where mitigation cannot be achieved, then alternative solutions will need to be considered (i.e. the process proceeds to Stage 3).
1.3.3 Stage 3 - Alternative Solutions Where adverse impacts on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites are identified, and mitigation cannot be satisfactorily implemented, alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the plan or project that avoid adverse impacts need to be considered. If none can be found, the process proceeds to Stage 4.
1.3.4 Stage 4 - IROPI Where adverse impacts of a plan or project on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites are identified and no alternative solutions exist, the plan will only be allowed to progress if imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) can be demonstrated. In this case compensatory measures will be required.
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The process only proceeds through each of the four stages for certain plans or projects. For example, for a plan or project, not connected with management of a site, but where no likely significant impacts are identified, the process stops at stage 1. Throughout the process, the precautionary principle must be applied, so that any uncertainties do not result in adverse impacts on a site.
1.4 Methodology Data to be used in this assessment has been collected in a range of formats, from a range of sources, including: • A comprehensive desktop survey (Section 1.4.1) • The 2014 Kockcroghery Arterial Drainage Maintenance Screening Assessment (JBA 2014) (Section 1.4.2) • A number of ecological surveys (Section 1.4.3) conducted by JBA staff in September 2018 • National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) website (http://www.npws.ie/) where site synopses, Natura 2000 data forms, GIS data and conservation objectives were obtained. • National Biodiversity Data Centre (http://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/#/Map) • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maps website (https://gis.epa.ie/EPAMaps/) • River Basin Management Plans (RBMP) (www.wfdireland.ie) • Catchments (www.catchments.ie) • Planning website (http://www.eplanning.ie/RoscommonCC/searchresults/Default/5)
1.4.1 Desktop This NIS has been prepared with regard to the following documents: • DoEHLG (2009 rev 2010) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland Guidance for Planning Authorities. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG 2009). • European Communities (EC) (2000) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. European Commission (European Commission and Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 2000). • EC (2002) Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. European Commission (EC 2002). • EC (2007) Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the 'Habitats Directive' 92/43/EEC – Clarification of the concepts of: alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding public interest, compensatory measures, overall coherence, opinion of the commission. European Commission (EC 2007). • EC (2013) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 28. European Commission (EC 2013). • Fossitt, J., (2000). A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny (Fossitt 2000). • NPWS (2008). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland (NPWS 2008). • NPWS (2014). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Habitats Assessment Volume 2. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland (NPWS 2013a). • NPWS (2014). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Species Assessment Volume 3. Habitats Assessment Volume 2. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland (NPWS 2013b).
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This report has been produced on currently available information, with the most up-to-date versions used.
1.4.2 Screening The screening assessment conducted for these works has been undertaken in line with recommended guidance including that specifically produced for the OPW in 2014 (Ryan Hanley 2014b, 2014a). This methodology is based on source > pathway > receptor chain principles and involves assessing likely significant effects on Natura 2000 sites within the zone of influence of the proposed drainage maintenance in relation to three pathways: 1. Surface water 2. Land & air 3. Groundwater The screening assessment involves assessing the impacts of drainage maintenance operations within the arterial drainage scheme, and its zone of influence, in relation to each of the three pathways individually. The results of each pathway are then combined in a concluding section to identify if/where likely significant effects may arise.
hain
Surface water Land & Air Groundwater Pathway present Pathway present Pathway present
y > Receptor C Receptor y > connecting connecting connecting potential potential impacts potential impacts impacts to relevant to relevant Natura to relevant Natura athwa Natura 2000 sites 2000 sites 2000 sites
Source > P > Source
Further assessment required
Figure 1-2: Screening assessment process
The screening process uses a combination of GIS analysis and qualitative assessment to identify which drainage maintenance activities, on which specific watercourses, are likely to have significant effects on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites. The screening report, conducted by JBA ecologists in 2014, has been reviewed and updated as necessary for the production of this NIS.
1.4.3 Ecological surveys To inform the Appropriate Assessment process, a number of assessments and ecological surveys have been conducted, including:
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• A comprehensive desk-based study to collate information on designated sites and protected and notable species (Section 4); • An ecological walkover survey of channel C1, from Lough Ree up to approximately 1.5 km upstream, including habitat survey, was conducted on 13th of September 2018 by Patricia Byrne and Malin Lundberg with JBA Consulting (Section 4.2). The full survey extent is shown in Appendix G.
The ecological walkover survey was carried out in general accordance with the methods outlined in the following documents; • Heritage Council (2011). Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping (Smith et al. 2011). • Ecological Surveying Techniques for Protected Flora and Fauna during the Planning of National Road Schemes (NRA 2009). • Fossitt, J. (2000). A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny (Fossitt 2000).
Aerial photographs and site maps assisted the habitat survey. Protected species, including mammals (e.g. Otter, Badger) and birds, were surveyed based upon sightings and signs of activity during the habitat survey and also by the identification of potentially suitable habitats. This included a preliminary assessment of features with suitability for roosting bats and recording of any non- native invasive species found. All evidence of protected habitats and species was recorded on a tablet using the bespoke JBA GISmapp application where relevant, and all information gathered was provided to the OPW on a separate GIS database. The results of these surveys have informed this NIS where relevant.
1.4.4 Consultation The findings of this assessment will be subject to consultation with the NPWS. This report has been produced on currently available information, with the most up-to-date versions used. Where new, or updated, information becomes available the OPW will consider and review the findings of this assessment, if necessary.
1.4.5 Limitations and Constraints The conclusion of this report necessarily relies on some assumptions and it is inevitably subject to some limitations. Most of the assumptions and limitations would not affect the conclusion but the following points are recorded to ensure the basis of the assessment is clear: • This NIS investigates the potential direct and indirect impacts of the proposed works upon relevant Natura 2000 sites and assesses the potential impacts for significance alone and in-combination with other plans and projects. This process takes into consideration the nature of the proposed works and the structure, function and conservation objectives of the relevant Natura 2000 sites. It gathers the required information from a variety of sources. Information used in this process may be subject to limitations and constraints that are not made clear in the various sources and these may then, impact upon the results of this report. Attempts are made to interpret potential constraints and limitations from relevant sources where possible. Where constraints and limitations within source data are evident, these are taken into consideration in the following assessment however, this does allow for a margin of error; • Where significant adverse impacts are determined to potentially occur as a result of the works, a number of appropriate mitigation measures to be implemented during the scheme are provided in order to prevent any significant adverse impacts as a result of the scheme and proposed associated works. The conclusion of this report is based on the assumption that during the works, staff will be made aware of sensitive ecological features that may be present on site, will be competent to identify the presence of these features and will be aware of the mitigation measures and Environmental Procedures (EPs) to be followed as required in such circumstances;
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• Ecological surveys attempt to characterise the habitats and their usage in the most accurate manner but are in effect only a snapshot in time. Surveyor bias, seasonality, tides and health and safety restrictions may allow for variations in survey results. Therefore, ecological surveys may not always identify the presence of all sensitive ecological features that may be present. The summer of 2018 was drier than the average summer in Ireland. River levels were below normal, and this may have altered normal species and habitats distribution; • The ecological walkover survey was carried out in September 2018. This may have limited the number of species recorded as the survey timing was outside peak flowering season. • In all instances where constraints or limitations may impact the result of the NIS, the precautionary principle is used to prevent any bias. • The description of activities, assessment and mitigation measures described in this report relate to the content of the draft OPW Environmental Procedures version 06/18 Rev A.
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2 Project Description
2.1 Arterial Drainage Maintenance Between 1945 and 1995, under the Arterial Drainage Act (1945), the OPW completed 34 Arterial Drainage Schemes on river catchments, along with five estuarine embankment schemes (over 11,500km of channel and 730km of embankments). The OPW is statutorily obligated to maintain arterial drainage channels under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act, and since their completion, maintenance of these Arterial Drainage Schemes has been ongoing, with the majority of channels maintained every five years. However, larger channels tend to be only maintained every ten years, on average.
2.2 Drainage Maintenance Activities Arterial Drainage Maintenance includes a range of operations such as silt and vegetation management, mowing and structure maintenance, as detailed in Table 2-1, and listed as channel, embankment or structure maintenance in Table 2-2 below. It is required to retain the arterial drainage scheme design capacity.
Table 2-1: OPW Drainage Maintenance Subcategories Drainage Maintenance Subcategories A Silt and vegetation management B Aquatic vegetation cutting C Bank protection D Bush cutting/Branch trimming E Tree cutting F Mulching G Mowing H Gate installation I Sluice maintenance J Bridge maintenance K Other
Table 2-2: OPW Drainage Maintenance Types Category Maintenance Type Code Channel Silt and vegetation A Maintenance management Aquatic vegetation cutting B Bank protection C Bush cutting/Branch trimming D Tree cutting E Other K Embankment Bush cutting/Branch trimming D Maintenance Tree cutting E Mulching F Mowing G Gate installation H
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Category Maintenance Type Code Structural Sluice maintenance I Maintenance Bridge maintenance J Bank protection C Bush cutting/Branch trimming D Tree cutting E
The following sections, taken from Ryan Hanley (2014a) and OPW (2011a), provide further details on the types and nature of arterial drainage maintenance operations undertaken by the OPW.
2.2.1 Channel Maintenance Activities The majority of drainage maintenance activities are focused on channel maintenance. While the frequency of maintenance on an individual channel may vary, with some channels requiring maintenance annually and others only requiring maintenance every twenty years, the average channel requires maintenance every four to six years. In this regard, approximately 2,000km of channels are maintained annually and nearly all of the 11,500km of channels across Irelands Arterial Drainage Schemes will have been maintained at least once over a period of five years. Channel maintenance is organised on a regional basis, with OPW Arterial Drainage Maintenance Regional Offices in Limerick, Headford, Co. Galway and Trim, Co. Meath. Scheme Design Standards Arterial Drainage Schemes constructed under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 were designed to provide an outfall for drainage of agricultural lands, and generally provided protection for a 3-year flood event. Where the creation of an outfall dictated the design bed levels, greater protection than the 3-year flood event was achieved as a consequence. In the case of modern flood relief schemes, flood protection for a 100-year flood event would be the design objective. The original Scheme designs, including the outfall datum for each of the Arterial Drainage Schemes, are available in the relevant OPW Arterial Drainage Maintenance Regional Office. This includes the mapped Scheme design, and the associated long sections and cross sections. These designs are used to inform channel maintenance. Types of Channel Requiring Maintenance In the years following the construction of a drainage scheme there is a tendency for the channel capacity to be progressively reduced due mainly to the transportation and deposition of bed materials, the accumulation of silt and the growth of in-channel vegetation. The resultant channel maintenance consists of repetitive works of a cyclical nature, to restore the Schemes design levels i.e. outfall datum in order to maintain the channel's designed capacity to convey water. Channels are prioritised for maintenance based on the rate of deterioration and the risk arising. The selection takes account of requests from the general public and potential flooding risk to roads, properties, urban areas and sewage works (OPW 2011a). Plane Bed to Low Gradient Channels Some 60 – 70% of maintained channels are of gentle longitudinal gradient and subject to relatively rapid deposition of silt, especially those that are subject to prolific growth of in-channel vegetation. The majority of maintenance works are therefore located on smaller lower-lying channels, with 90% of works in channels with a base width of <3m (OPW 2011a). In such channels silt and in-channel vegetation may cause the low flow level to rise by 50-300mm above the Scheme design level. In such circumstances maintenance is focused on restoring both low-flow and flood-flow water levels to original Scheme design. Medium to High Gradient Channels A smaller proportion of channels are steep and fast flowing and are subject to flash floods, bank erosion and rapid movement of bed gravel. The steeper sections of channel normally require relatively little and infrequent maintenance works (OPW 2011a) as opposed to channels of low gradient which are subject to rapid accumulation of silt and proliferation of vegetation. These channels will have a greater requirement for bank protection works.
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Periods and Cycles of Maintenance The average channel requires silt and vegetation management every four to six years. However, channels with prolific weed growth may require maintenance annually, particularly where downstream bridges are at risk of being blocked due to a flow of decaying vegetation in autumn. Conversely, some channels may only require in-stream maintenance every twenty years due to the self-cleaning characteristics e.g. high gradient channels. Where the period between previous channel maintenance works has been exceptionally long, dense scrub and woody vegetation can establish along the channel and within the maintenance access corridor. In such circumstances, drainage maintenance works will include the removal of scrub/transitional woodland (code WS1 in the Fossitt Classification, 2000) that has developed along the banksides via bush cutting/branch trimming, tree cutting or mulching. This is undertaken between the 1st September and 28th February to avoid the residential bird nesting season (from the 1st March to 31st August as per the Wildlife Act (1976). In contrast, in-stream works for silt and vegetation management are carried out outside of the salmonid spawning season (May to September) and the times that early life stages of salmonid fish will be present as per Section 173 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act (1959) on channels with salmonid spawning habitat. Any works required during this period are carried out in consultation with IFI. As a result, there may be a two stage approach to the works, with silt and in-stream vegetation management carried out during the open season (i.e. summer months), while woody vegetation removal is carried out in the winter months. Other restrictions on works may also apply in relation to the presence/absence of other protected species such as White-clawed Crayfish and Sea, River and Brook Lamprey which will influence the timing of works.
2.2.2 Embankment Maintenance Activities A total of 5 No. Estuarine Embankment Schemes were constructed under the 1945 Act. In addition, a number of the Arterial Drainage Schemes have embanked sections. No embankments are present within the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme. Scheme Design Standards As above for the Arterial Drainage Schemes, Estuarine Embankment Schemes constructed under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 were designed to provide an outfall for drainage of agricultural lands, and generally provided protection for a 3-year flood event. Where the creation of an outfall dictated the design bed levels, greater protection than the 3-year flood event was achieved as a consequence. In the case of modern flood relief schemes, flood protection for a 100-year flood event would be the design objective. The original Scheme designs are available in the relevant OPW Arterial Drainage Maintenance Regional Office. This includes the mapped Scheme design, and the associated long sections and cross sections. Types of Embankments Requiring Maintenance All embankments and associated sluice structures (see section 2.2.3) are inspected annually for signs of disrepair. Regular inspections are carried out on sections of embankments, which are known from experience to be at risk, together with additional inspections after a storm surge at sea or a high tidal/flood event. Maintenance of embankments includes removal of vegetation to allow for inspection of the embankment, and in some cases the replacement of existing fencing with gates to allow for future access during maintenance.
2.2.3 Structural Maintenance Activities Structural Design Standards During the construction of the Arterial Drainage Schemes under the 1945 Act, some 18,500 No. accommodation bridges were identified and modified, or replaced as required. These bridges provide farmers owning land on both sides of a channels with farm vehicular and/or foot access
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from one side to the other. The type of bridge provided depended on the width, depth and required flow capacity of the channel, and ranged from concrete piped culverts to relatively large structures formed on concrete or masonry abutments spanned by structural steel beams, or lattice girders together with concrete or timber decking. During the Estuarine Embankment Schemes under the 1945 Act, existing sluice structures were identified and modified, or replaced as required. Additional sluice structures were constructed as required bringing the total number to approximately 750. The function of these sluice structures is to allow water from the floodplain behind the embankments to discharge to the main river or estuary. Types of Structures Requiring Maintenance In general, as channel maintenance proceeds, the bridges are examined by the supervisory industrial staff and if required, repairs/replacements are scheduled. The type of bridge structures, which are most likely to have fallen into a critical state of disrepair, are those with timber decking supported on steel beams, and those in which abutment foundations are being undercut. There is a standard type of design for the replacement of these structures, which consists essentially of mass concrete abutments with reinforced cast in-situ decking. This type of structure is simple to construct and under normal circumstances, it will last for many years with little or no maintenance. On many occasions, it is not necessary to totally replace a bridge, and repairs such as underpinning the foundation or replacement of wing-walls, parapets or sections of the deck may be all that is required to extend the useful life of the structure. Where bridge maintenance may be required, a Bridge Inspection Form will be filled out by the Foreman, prior to the works. This will determine the need for further assessment and potentially, any mitigation measures that may be required. See Appendix E - Foreman’s Bridge Inspection Report. All embankments and associated structures are inspected annually for disrepair. Due to the time elapsed since scheme completion, some of these sluice structures have reached their design life and have started to fail. In this instance, full replacement is required. Typically, this involves the installation of pre-cast headwalls and back walls, and the replacement of existing corrugated galvanised steel pipes with PVC plastic pipes. Sluice doors are the most frequent part of the sluice structure that are required to be repaired or replaced. Repairs to a sluice door consist of replacing the arms/hinges on the existing cast iron door. On occasion, the existing cast iron door would be replaced with a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) door. Blockages often occur at the doors of the sluices due to silt build up. These blockages are removed using along reach excavator working from the bank of the channel. It is not known where bridges, sluice doors or structures may require maintenance on the Knockcroghery Scheme. Maintenance of bridges, structures and/or sluices will only occur within the scheme after following the relevant environmental procedures as detailed in the OPW Environmental Procedures document (OPW 2018) and using specific mitigation measures as defined in this document and Section 7.2. Structures that are assessed in this NIS for potential impacts as a result of maintenance works are included in Appendix H. This NIS does not include assessment for the removal, demolition, replacement or erection of bridges, sluices or structures.
2.2.4 Maintenance works considered outside of the Scheme Design Standards and outside of normal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works Occasionally, works are required that can be considered outside of the scope of the normal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works to maintain a scheme. Works considered outside of the normal scope of statutory arterial drainage maintenance works are not assessed for impacts in this report. Works that could be considered outside of the normal scope of works include those involving extensive bank protection measures, removal of mature woodland, unplanned bridge maintenance works that has not had any assessments completed or any other unplanned works within the zone of influence of a Natura 2000 site.
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2.2.5 Plant and Machinery The types of machinery typically utilised during maintenance works would include 3600 hydraulic excavators (from 15-20 tonne excavators), mini-diggers, tractors and trailers, tipper lorries, hydraulic shears, hydraulic secateurs, chainsaws, mulchers and mowers; the machinery used is dependent on the maintenance activity being conducted. The removal of dense in-stream silt and vegetation requires the use of a hydraulic excavator with a 1.5m wide (approximate) bucket (capacity approximate 500ltrs). For standard excavators, works progress at a rate of 700m to 900m per week. In relation to long-reach excavators, works progress at a slower rate of between 200m and 350m per week. Rates may change due to channel width or ground conditions.
2.2.6 Maintenance Access Corridors (MAC) and Working Zone Maintenance sites are generally accessed via the public road and through farmland. A maintenance access corridor is utilised along one side of a channel for maintenance purposes. These established routes are used to track the hydraulic excavators for maintenance and for the disposal of spoil (see section 2.2.8). The same route is generally followed every maintenance cycle. This approach avoids disturbance of habitats on the opposite bank during works. Where grasslands are present within the maintenance access corridor, the impact is predominantly temporary as the grasslands are trampled by machinery and can recolonise following completion of the maintenance activities. Within woodland and scrub habitats a linear path more typical of disturbed vegetation i.e. scrub/transitional woodland (WS1) will be evident along the maintenance access corridor due to regular machine access. In this regard, the disturbance regime associated with the tracking of plant machinery along the maintenance access corridors on the channel bank arrests succession to mature woodland such that scrub/transitional woodland (WS1) dominates. Where mature trees are present these are generally avoided by plant machinery. Structures are generally accessed through farmland from the public road above. Plant machinery will utilise the same maintenance access corridor used for channel maintenance to gain access to the structure. Where individual trees, woodland and scrub habitats are present at the location of the structure, these may be removed to facilitate bridge inspection and works. Where mature trees are present these are generally avoided by plant machinery. The location of drainage maintenance works is generally accessed via public roads and through farmland, with the siting of mobile short-term staff welfare facilities, plant storage and car parking agreed with local landowners. There is no requirement for temporary site lighting. There is a requirement for water supply and disposal of wastewater from the welfare facilities (see section 2.2.8 in relation to waste disposal).
2.2.7 Site Compounds (Welfare Facilities), Access Routes and Haul Roads Haul roads are generally not required to facilitate drainage maintenance activities. Where access is required in soft ground conditions, plant equipment will be brought in on tracks or temporary matting will be laid to provide a corridor for machinery access. Where matting is utilised, it will be completely removed post completion of works to allow vegetation to recolonise. All plant and machinery is confined to one defined access route to minimise disturbance. All plant and machinery are regularly maintained and serviced to minimise release of hydrocarbons. All hydraulic excavators and other plant machinery use long life engine oil and biodegradable hydraulic oil. Fuelling and lubrication are conducted a minimum of 50m away from all channels. Spill kits are present in all plant used in maintenance activities. Integrated submersible pumps are also deployed in the event of structural maintenance and the requirement for dewatering of excavations.
2.2.8 Waste Output/Disposal The material removed from a channel during silt and vegetation management is normally spread thinly along the bank or on top of existing spoil heaps where present within the access corridor. All dead wood material is left on site to decompose or is removed off site and utilised as firewood under local landowner agreements. Where mulchers or mowers are deployed, the arisings are left on site to decompose or the mulched material is buried.
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Construction and demolition waste from structures includes broken concrete and stone. Steel railings are returned to the depot for recycling. Used engine oil and hydraulic oil is disposed of by a licensed waste handler. Toilet facilities are maintained by a licensed waste handler. Any waste generated on site is returned to the depot for segregation and disposal by a licensed waste handler.
2.2.9 Working Hours All maintenance activities are undertaken during daylight hours. Standard working hours are 8.00am to 4.30pm, with lunch and tea breaks, Monday to Friday. There is no requirement for temporary site lighting to facilitate works. Machines are powered down when not in use.
2.2.10 Environmental Training Environmental training of all staff involved in drainage maintenance is an ongoing process. Technical and Operational Staff have completed formal training in Environmental Drainage Maintenance (EDM) in 2004. This training course was revised and expanded under the OPW’s Environmental River Enhancement Programme (EREP) and was delivered to all staff in 2010. The training programme delivered included presentations in river corridor ecology, the Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance Notes (Ten Steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance), maintenance strategies involving both ‘enhanced maintenance’ and ‘capital enhancement’, and OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) (see section 2.2.12 for more details). Both sets of training were developed and delivered by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). The formal approach to EDM Training is complimented with on-site training. Regular site visits from IFI and OPW’s Environment Section provide further guidance and advice to operational staff. Auditing of operational staff on the implementation of the Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance Notes (Ten Steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance (OPW 2011b) is also carried out by both IFI and OPW’s Environment Section. In addition, other environmental training takes place as deemed beneficial, e.g. in 2008, the majority of the technical and operational staff were trained in Otter Awareness. This course, provided by the Department of Zoology, Trinity College Dublin, included presentations on Otter ecology, and on-site identification of Otter signs and suitable habitat. More recently, an environmental training course was designed and provided by JBA to all OPW staff in 2017 and 2018. It was given in three different stages. Management staff were given a more detailed 2-day course in Environmental and Ecological training. Ground staff were given 1.5 days of training in the environment and ecology. Modules were designed to assist staff in understanding the relevant legislation, recognising ecologically sensitive habitats and species, invasive non-native species identification and general environmental and ecological training relevant to their work. This included a half day practical session where ecologists demonstrated the identification of the elements taught in the classroom, in the field. Training in the completion of an Environmental Risk Assessment and Bridge Inspections from an ecological perspective, was designed and provided by JBA Consulting to OPW Foremen and selected engineering staff in 2018.
2.2.11 Environmental Audits A portion of operational crews have been audited annually by the OPW Environment Section, IFI and in 2018 by JBA Consulting for the implementation of the Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance Notes (Ten Steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance) and the OPW’s Environmental Management Protocol and EPs. Auditing is carried out by JBA Consulting on a rotational basis to ensure all operational crews are audited at least once every three years. All audit results are forwarded to the relevant Engineer for that Scheme within two working weeks. In the event of an audit showing elements of unreasonable non-compliance with procedures, the relevant Engineer will be notified within one working day. Audit results are also forwarded to OPW Systems Manager for inclusion in monthly regional benchmarking reports.
2.2.12 Environmental Management Protocol and Environmental Procedures The draft OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols (OPW 2018) set out how regional management staff manage a range of environmental aspects, including programming of works to
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accommodate certain environmental windows or restrictions on timing of works, and recording of data. A total of 31 No. EPs are applied during operational works. The 31 EPs replace the previous SOPs (OPW 2011b). The EPs will be rolled out across the OPW in 2018. These EPs set out actions designed to eliminate, or substantially reduce, likely impacts to identified species and their associated habitats. A brief summary of these follow. Planning EPs relevant to Management Staff: • Including Environmental Risk Assessment Procedure; and • Appropriate Assessment Procedure
Implementation EPs - relevant to all staff: • Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance Notes (10 Steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance) • Tree Management Procedure • Silt Management Procedure • Machinery related procedure
Invasive Species EPs - relevant to all staff • Spread of Invasive Plant (Low Biosecurity) Procedure • Spread of Water Based Invasives (High Biosecurity) Procedure
Species EPs - relevant to all staff • Salmonid Procedure • Otter Procedure • Bats Procedure • Freshwater Pearl Mussel Procedure
Habitat EPs - relevant to all staff • Alluvial (Wet Woodland) Procedure • Wetland Procedure
The OPWs Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (OPW 2011b) may still be in use as the updated EP document (2018) is being rolled out throughout the country. The original OPWs Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (OPW 2011) document can be downloaded from http://www.opw.ie/en/media/OPW%20Environmental%20Management%20Protocols%20&%20SO Ps%20April%202011.pdf. The new Environmental Drainage Maintenance Manual (see Appendix D) is not yet publicly available at the time of drafting this NIS. The description of activities, assessment and mitigation measures described in this report relate to the content of the draft OPW Environmental Procedures version 06/18 Rev A. An Environmental Risk Assessment process has been developed by the OPW which will be filled in by the program producer for >3m base width main channels where maintenance has not occurred for 15 years and embankment works where maintenance has not occurred for 15 years. The Environmental Risk Assessment form for this process is in Appendix F.
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2.3 Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme The Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme is located in Co. Roscommon. It includes 12.3km of watercourse and 0km of embankment. The extent of the scheme is shown in Figure 2-1.
Figure 2-1: Extent of the Knockcroghery Scheme
2.4 Drainage Maintenance Works Proposed for the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme Within the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme the exact location and type of required maintenance activity varies over time. For the purposes of this NIS not all activities will occur on all scheme channels, structures and embankments. However, due to the high level nature of these reports, all normal drainage maintenance activities are assessed. Drainage maintenance works of channels within Lough Ree SAC (00440) and Lough Ree SPA (004064) will be limited to silt and vegetation management.
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3 Screening Assessment Results An Appropriate Assessment screening assessment, addressing Stage 1 of the AA process, has already been completed for the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme (JBA 2014). This has been reviewed based on up to date information in this report and the Conservation Objectives for each site. Any amendments have been included in this report. This identified that likely significant effects on a Natura 2000 site may occur as a result of the proposed maintenance activities and therefore a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is necessary. The Stage 1 Screening Assessment was conducted in line with guidance produced for the OPW in 2014 (Ryan Hanley 2014b, 2014a). This methodology is based on source > pathway > receptor chain principles and involves assessing likely significant effects on Natura 2000 sites within the zone of influence of the proposed drainage maintenance in relation to three pathways: • Surface water • Land & air • Groundwater The screening assessment involved assessing the impacts of drainage maintenance operations within the arterial drainage scheme, and its zone of influence, in relation to each of the three pathways individually. Conclusions were then drawn to identify if maintenance works upon the channels within the scheme, could impact upon Natura 2000 sites. Sites that had the potential to be impacted by the maintenance works were determined to be within the ZOI and these sites require further assessment. The review of the previous screening included a review of the ZOI and an assessment of any new Natura 2000 sites, and/or any changes to current Natura 2000 sites within the ZOI. The screening assessment review also took into consideration the up to date information on the upcoming programme of works where relevant. The resulting assessment determined that the following Natura 2000 sites may potentially be impacted by the maintenance works and required further assessment: • Ballinturly Turlough SAC (000588) • Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC (002339) • Castlesampson Esker SAC (001625) • Corbo Bog SAC (002349) • Lough Forbes Complex SAC (001818) • Lough Funshinagh SAC (000611) • Lough Ree SAC (000440) • Ballykenny Fishertown Bog SPA (004101) • Lough Ree SPA (004064)
3.1 Surface Water Pathways As a result of the screening assessment (JBA 2014) maintenance activities on those watercourses shown in Figure 3-1 were identified as potentially resulting in significant adverse impacts on the Lough Ree SAC (000440) and Lough Ree SPA (004064) via surface water pathways as they are both within the same surface water catchment and have surface water connectivity with the scheme.
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Figure 3-1: Channels with potential impacts via surface water pathways. This assessment was determined based on presence of surface water connectivity between the Natura 2000 sites and the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme, and considering a variety of factors. Relevant factors considered in the assessment included the "At Risk" status (Under the Water Framework Directive (WFD)) of all surface waterbodies within the area of works, the potential for impact, the significance of potential impacts and the relevance of any threats and pressures within the Natura 2000 site. Significance was determined based on the nature of the surface water dependant (SWD) qualifying interests that may be present and the nature of the scheme based on the hydrological setting within the catchment. Pre-determined distances and typologies (Ryan Hanley 2014b) were used to define the zone of influence of the works and determine potential and significance of impacts. Using the precautionary principle, during the screening assessment, SWD habitats and species that may be present were assessed as if present, based on information available in the Conservation Objectives, Natura 2000 Data Form and the Site Synopsis. These potentially present Qualifying Interests/Features of Interest were then assessed for the potential to be significantly impacted by the proposed works if present. Summary results of surface water dependent (SWD) qualifying interests (QIs) with potential for significant impact are shown in Table 3-1 and Table 3-2.
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Table 3-1: Summary results of SWD GIs/FOIs with potential surface water pathways, potential Annex I habitats present and potential for significant impact for SACs. EU Code SWD Qualifying Drainage Activity location relative to SWD Qualifying Desktop Study Comment Conclusion Interest/Special interest Conservation Interest Downstream Upstream Overlap Lough Ree SAC (000440) 3150 Natural eutrophic lakes with No <5km Yes This habitat is located throughout Potential for Likely Magnopotamion or the lough. Drainage maintenance Significant Effect Hydrocharition-type activities are proposed on a vegetation watercourse which flows into the lough. 7230 Alkaline fens No <5km Yes No detailed information on Potential for Likely location of habitat within the SAC Significant Effect is available. 91D0 Bog woodland No <3km No The bog woodland is located at No Potential Effect Clooncraff/ Clonlarge. No drainage maintenance activity is proposed downstream of this location and Ryan Hanley (2014a) identifies that adverse impacts are not likely from activities upstream of this habitat type. 1355 Otter Lutra lutra No <5km Yes Likely to be located throughout the Potential for Likely SAC. Significant Effect
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Table 3-2: Summary results of SWD QIs / FOIs with potential surface water pathways, potential Annex I habitats present and potential for significant impact for SPAs. SWD habitats Annex I Habitat Special Conservation Interest Drainage maintenance activity location Desktop Study Conclusion present likely to occur relative to SWD Special Conservation Comment Interests Down-stream Upstream Overlap Lough Ree SPA (004064) Eutrophic lakes (FL5) Natural Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus No <5km Yes All species likely to Potential for Likely eutrophic lakes Wigeon Anas penelope be present on the Significant Effect with Magno- Teal Anas crecca lake; no specific potamion or information is Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Hydrocharition- provided on species type vegetation Shoveler Anas clypeata distribution within Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula the SPA. Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Coot Fulica atra Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Common Tern Sterna hirundo Rich fen and flush Alkaline fens None identified n/a n/a n/a n/a No Potential Effect (PF1) Bog woodland (WN7) Bog woodland None identified n/a n/a n/a n/a No Potential Effect
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3.2 Land & Air Pathways As a result of the screening assessment (JBA 2014) maintenance activities on those watercourses shown in Figure 3-2 were identified as potentially resulting in significant adverse impacts on the Lough Ree SAC (000440) and Lough Ree SPA (004064) via Land and Air Pathways (Table 3-3). Table 3-3: Land and air pathways Natura 2000 Site Name 0.6km Buffer Zone 0.01km (Overlap) (Site Code) Type of Impact Indirect impacts for noise Direct impacts from physical and visual disturbance disturbance of habitats through air pathways through land pathways Lough Ree SAC (000440) Yes Yes Lough Ree SPA (004064) Yes Yes
Figure 3-2: Channels with potential impacts via Land and air pathways.
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Table 3-4: Summary results of QIs / FOIs with potential land and air connectivity, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through land and air pathways EU Species/Habitats Maintenance Qualifying Location of Result Code activity Interest/Special Impact location Conservation relative to Interests location Natura 2000 relative to drainage site boundary maintenance activity Lough Ree SAC (000440) 7230 Alkaline fens 0km / overlap Location unknown 10m Potential Significant Effect 91D0 Bog woodland >2km The bog woodland is 10m No Impact located at Clooncraff/ - Screen Clonlarge which is out more than 2km Qualifying upstream from any Interest proposed drainage maintenance activity. 1355 Otter Lutra lutra 0km / overlap Species assumed to INST / MAC Potential be present throughout + 150m Significant the SAC Effect 6210 Semi-natural dry 0km / overlap This habitat occurs 10m Potential grasslands and around the lake shore, Significant scrubland facies but no specific Effect on calcareous information on location substrates is provided in the COs. (Festuco Brometalia) (*important orchid sites) 7120 Degraded raised 0km / overlap The raised bog 10m No Impact bogs still capable habitats occur at - Screen of natural Clooncraff/ Clonlarge out regeneration which is more than Qualifying 2km upstream from Interest any proposed drainage maintenance activity. 8240 Limestone 0km / overlap This habitat occurs 10m Potential pavements occasionally around Significant the lake shore, but no Effect specific information on location is provided 91AO Old sessile oak 0km / overlap This woodland type 10m Potential woods with Ilex occurs in several Significant and Blechnum in places around the lake. Effect British Isles The ecological walkover survey confirmed that these are not located in close proximity to the works area. Lough Ree SPA (004064) A999 Wetlands 0km / overlap Wetlands are present 0.01km / Potential throughout the site overlap Significant
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EU Species/Habitats Maintenance Qualifying Location of Result Code activity Interest/Special Impact location Conservation relative to Interests location Natura 2000 relative to drainage site boundary maintenance activity Effect A038 Whooper Swan 0km / overlap Species assumed to 150m Potential Cygnus cygnus be present throughout (winter) Significant the lough Effect A050 Wigeon Anas 0km / overlap Species assumed to 100m Potential penelope be present throughout (winter) Significant the lough Effect A052 Teal Anas crecca 0km / overlap Species assumed to 100m Potential be present throughout (winter) Significant the lough Effect A053 Mallard Anas 0km / overlap Species assumed to 100m Potential platyrhynchos be present throughout (winter) Significant the lough Effect A056 Shoveler Anas 0km / overlap Species assumed to 100m Potential clypeata be present throughout (winter) Significant the lough Effect A061 Tufted Duck 0km / overlap Species assumed to 100m Potential Aythya fuligula be present throughout (winter) Significant the lough Effect A065 Common Scoter 0km / overlap Species assumed to 300m (nest) Potential Melanitta nigra be present throughout Significant the lough Effect A067 Goldeneye 0km / overlap Species assumed to 100m Potential Bucephala be present throughout (winter) Significant clangula the lough Effect A004 Little Grebe 0km / overlap Species assumed to 100m Potential Tachybaptus be present throughout (winter) Significant ruficollis the lough Effect A125 Coot Fulica atra 0km / overlap Species assumed to 100m Potential be present throughout (winter) Significant the lough Effect A140 Golden Plover 0km / overlap Species assumed to 200m (nest) Potential Pluvialis apricaria be present throughout 100m Significant the lough (winter) Effect A142 Lapwing Vanellus 0km / overlap Species assumed to 100m Potential vanellus be present throughout (winter) Significant the lough Effect A193 Common Tern 0km / overlap Species assumed to 100m (nest) Potential Sterna hirundo be present throughout Significant the lough Effect Notes: MAC = Maintenance Access Corridor BR = Bridge INST = Instream
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3.3 Groundwater Pathways Groundwater connections between Natura 2000 sites within the zone of influence and the area of works may potentially result in significant adverse impacts on the Natura 2000 sites shown in Table 3-5. Watercourses where maintenance work is to be carried out and that can potentially result in a significant effect are shown in Figure 3-3. Table 3-5: Groundwater pathway GWB name (EU_Code) Natura 2000 Site (Site Code) Natura 2000 and flow regime Site within GWB Funshinagh Lough Funshinagh SAC (000611) Yes (IE_SH_G_091) Lough Ree SPA (004064) Yes Karstic Lough Ree SAC (000440) Yes Ballynamona Bog And Corkip Lough Yes SAC (002339) Castlesampson Esker SAC (001625) Yes Corbo Bog SAC (002349) Yes Ballinturly Turlough SAC (000588) Yes Ballykenny Fisherstown Bog SPA Yes (004101) Lough Forbes Complex SAC (001818) Yes
Figure 3-3: Channels with potential impacts via groundwater pathways. This assessment was determined based on the location of the relevant Natura 2000 sites within the same groundwater body as the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme (Funshinagh (IE_SH_G_091) Karstic) and considering a variety of factors. Relevant factors considered in
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assessing the potential for the Natura 2000 site to be impacted through groundwater pathways also included the presence of Groundwater Dependant (GWD) QIs / FOIs, the risk status under the WFD of each site and the potential and significance of impact, should one occur. Each qualifying interest of the screened in Natura 2000 site, was then assessed individually for potential to be impacted and the overall assessment included a review of the potential for cumulative and/or in-combination impacts as a result of the identified pressures and threats identified in the Natura 2000 form (NPWS 2017a, 2017b, 2017c, 2017d, 2017e, 2017f, 2018a) . The location of the drainage maintenance activity works relative to the Natura 2000 sites and features of interest were considered to determine relevance at this stage, along with GWD habitat typology. Pre-determined distances and typologies (Ryan Hanley 2014b) were used to define the zone of influence of the works and determine potential and significance of impacts. The potentially present QIs / FOIs were then assessed for the potential to be significantly impacted by the proposed works if present. The results of this assessment are seen in Table 3-6 for SACs and Table 3-7 for SPAs.
Table 3-6: Summary results of QIs / FOIs in SACs with potential groundwater connectivity, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through groundwater pathways within the GWB Funshinagh (IE_SH_G_091) Karstic. GWD Qualifying Interest GWD Drainage maintenance Result Habitats Habitat activity location relative Typology to Natura 2000 site Lough Funshinagh SAC (000611) Turloughs [3180] B1 Uncertain Potential for significant effect Lough Ree SAC (000440) Natural eutrophic lakes with A Upgradient Potential for Magnopotamion or significant Hydrocharition-type effect vegetation [3150] Otter Lutra lutra [1355] Degraded raised bogs still B1 Upgradient Potential for capable of natural significant regeneration [7120] effect Alkaline fens [7230] A# Upgradient Potential for significant effect Bog woodland [91D0] A# Upgradient Potential for significant effect Ballynamona Bog And Corkip Lough SAC (002339) Turloughs [3180] B1 Downgradient Potential for significant effect Active raised bogs [7110] B1 Downgradient Potential for significant effect Degraded raised bogs still B1 Downgradient Potential for capable of natural significant regeneration [7120] effect Depressions on peat A Downgradient No Potential substrates of the for significant Rhynchosporion [7150] effect Bog woodland [91D0] Downgradient Potential for
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GWD Qualifying Interest GWD Drainage maintenance Result Habitats Habitat activity location relative Typology to Natura 2000 site significant effect Castlesampson Esker SAC (001625) Turloughs [3180] B1 Downgradient Potential for significant effect Corbo Bog SAC (002349) Active raised bogs [7110] B1 Downgradient Potential for significant effect Degraded raised bogs still B1 Downgradient Potential for capable of natural significant regeneration [7120] effect Depressions on peat A Downgradient No Potential substrates of the for significant Rhynchosporion [7150] effect Ballinturly Turlough SAC (000588) Turloughs [3180] B1 Uncertain Potential for significant effect Lough Forbes Complex SAC (001818) Natural eutrophic lakes with A Uncertain Potential for Magnopotamion or significant Hydrocharition-type effect vegetation [3150] Active raised bogs [7110] B1 Uncertain Potential for significant effect Degraded raised bogs still B1 Uncertain Potential for capable of natural significant regeneration [7120] effect Depressions on peat A Uncertain Potential for substrates of the significant Rhynchosporion [7150] effect Note: GWD Habitat Typology after Table 5.1 Kilroy et al (2008) in Ryan Hanley (2014a) A = Type A, Groundwater Discharge Zone Wetlands B = Type B, Groundwater Flow-through Depression Wetlands A or B = No available information, based on expert opinion B1 = Where identified by Kilroy et al (2008) as both A and B type. B has been selected as worst case scenario A# = Type A, Groundwater Discharge Zone Wetlands additionally identified in consultation with NPWS as potentially being impacted by downgradient activities
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Table 3-7: Summary results of QIs / FOIs in SPAs with potential groundwater connectivity, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through groundwater pathways within the GWB Funshinagh (IE_SH_G_091) Karstic. Habitats as Potential GWD GWD Drainage Result per Natura Habitats supporting Habitat maintenance 2000 SCIs Fossitt 2000 Typolog activity location Standard (Annex I) y relative to Natura Data Form, 2000 site Site Synopsis or COSD Lough Ree SPA (004064) Eutrophic Natural eutrophic lakes A Upgradient Potential lakes (FL5) with Magnopotamion or for Hydrocharition-type significant vegetation [3150] effect Ballykenny Fisherstown Bog SPA (004101) Eutrophic Natural eutrophic lakes A Uncertain Potential lakes (FL5) with Magnopotamion or for Hydrocharition-type significant vegetation [3150] effect Note: GWD Habitat Typology after Table 5.1 Kilroy et al (2008) in Ryan Hanley (2014a) A = Type A, Groundwater Discharge Zone Wetlands B = Type B, Groundwater Flow-through Depression Wetlands A or B = No available information, based on expert opinion B1 = Where identified by Kilroy et al (2008) as both A and B type. B has been selected as worst case scenario A# = Type A, Groundwater Discharge Zone Wetlands additionally identified in consultation with NPWS as potentially being impacted by downgradient activities
3.3.1 Summary of screening results The screening assessment identified a number of Natura 2000 sites potentially within the ZOI of the Scheme. The screening assessed each of these sites for potential for significant impacts from the proposed works of the Scheme, using the source-pathway-receptor model (Ryan Hanley 2014b). Lough Ree SAC and Lough Ree SPA were identified as being likely to be significantly affected by drainage maintenance operations undertaken for the Scheme, due to the presence of Surface Water, Land and Air and Groundwater pathways. Ballinturley Turlough SAC. Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC, Castlesampson Esker SAC, Corbo Bog SAC, Lough Forbes Complex SAC, Lough Funshinagh SAC, Lough Ree SAC, Ballykenny Fishertown Bog SPA and Lough Ree SPA.were identified as being likely to be significantly affected by drainage maintenance operations undertaken within the Scheme due to the presence of Groundwater pathways only. These conclusions are based on the assumption that all drainage maintenance activities are to be undertaken on all watercourses, embankments and structures during the life of the plan (2019- 2023). Channels, Embankments, Bridges and Sluices of this Scheme that are included in this screening and their pathways of impact relevant to each Natura 2000 site are in Appendix H.From this screening exercise it has been determined that significant likely effects may arise on both Lough Ree SAC, Lough Ree SPA, Ballinturley Turlough SAC. Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC, Castlesampson Esker SAC, Corbo Bog SAC, Lough Forbes Complex SAC, Lough Funshinagh SAC, Lough Ree SAC, Ballykenny Fishertown Bog SPA and Lough Ree SPA as a result of OPW drainage maintenance activities (Table 3-8).
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Table 3-8: Screening Assessment Conclusion (JBA 2014). Site Pathway of Impact Comment Surfac Land Ground- e and Air water Water Ballinturly Turlough NO NO YES The assessment has determined SAC (000588) that drainage maintenance Ballynamona Bog And NO NO YES activities may impact on a range Corkip Lough SAC of qualifying interests via (002339) groundwater pathways only. This is due to these sites being located Castlesampson Esker NO NO YES within the same groundwater body SAC (001625) as drainage maintenance activities Corbo Bog SAC NO NO YES and as this is a karstic (002349) groundwater body flow paths of impact can operate over large Lough Forbes Complex NO NO YES distances. SAC (001818) Lough Funshinagh NO NO YES SAC (000611) Lough Ree SAC YES YES YES The assessment has determined (000440) that drainage maintenance activities may impact on a range of qualifying interests via different pathways. Ballykenny NO NO YES The assessment has determined Fisherstown Bog SPA that Greenland White-fronted (004101) Goose Anser albifrons flavirostris for which the SPA is designated may be impacted upon by drainage maintenance activities affecting the supporting habitat of Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation via groundwater pathways only. Lough Ree SPA YES YES YES The assessment has determined (004064) that a number of bird species for which the SPA is designated may be impacted upon by drainage maintenance activities affecting the supporting habitat of Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation via surface water and groundwater pathways. The bird species may also be impacted via land and air pathways. Note: YES = likely significant effect NO = no likely significant effect
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4 Existing Environment This section summarises the findings of the ecological walkover survey of the channel relative to the proposed works for the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme (2019-2023). The channel was surveyed from the railway upstream of Lough Ree and all the way through the small lake Lough Oura to the inlet at Lough Ree (Appendix G).
4.1 General The Knockcroghery scheme is located in the Upper Shannon 26E catchment which covers an area of 582km2 and is underlain by impure limestone to the east and karstified limestone under and to the west of Lough Ree. The western part of the catchment is drained by the Hind River and the outflow from the southern end of Lough Ree runs towards Athlone. This catchment consists of six sub catchments which are: Clooneigh SC 010, Hind SC 010, Knockcroghery SC 010, Shannon[Upper] SC 090, Bilberry SC 010 and Breensford SC 010. The Knockcroghery Scheme lies within the Knockcroghery SC 010 sub catchment, which covers an area of 53km2 (EPA 2018a). Lough Ree is classified under the WFD as having Moderate water quality status and is at risk of continuing to be at less than Good status in the future (EPA 2018b). The catchment is situated in a rural part of Ireland, with Roscommon town being the largest town with a population of 5,876 people in year 2016. Knockcroghery, which is the closest settelment to the Knockcroghery Scheme, had a population of 351 people in year 2016 (CSO 2018). The following section on the existing environment includes the results of the desktop study and the ecological walkover survey. A complete GIS database containing the locations of all species and habitats identified during the walkover surveys, including those relevant to the NIS and those not relevant but ecologically significant or protected under other legislation, has been provided separately to the OPW. Ecology overview Fourteen Fossitt habitats (Table 4-1) were identified during the ecological walkover survey, with three mixed or mosaic habitats of these described. The most common habitat present is improved agricultural grassland. Two of these habitats are potential Annex 1 habitats: 3150 Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation and Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia) (*important orchid sites). Several species protected under the Wildlife Act or the Habitats Directive such as Badger Meles meles, Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris, Otter Lutra lutra, Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus and Lesser Noctule Nyctalus leisleri are found within the area of the Knockcroghery Scheme, (NBDC 2018a). No evidence of protected species was recorded during the ecological walkover survey, however, an older Ash Fraxinus excelsior and a stone bridge, both covered with Ivy Hedera hibernica, has bat roost potential. Around Lough Ree the species Water Germander Teucrium scordium is found, which is a rare plant species almost only found at this location and at Lough Derg. Other species listed in the Irish Red Data Book is the stonewort Chara tomentosa, which is present in shallow waters around the lake (NPWS 2016a). The non-native invasive species Canadian Waterweed Elodea canadensis is found in the most downstream section of the main channel C1 in the Knockcroghery Scheme, and has also been recorded at several locations in Lough Ree (NBDC 2018a). Giant Butterbur Petasites japonicus is another non-native invasive species recorded during the ecological walkover survey approximately 1km upstream of Lough Ree.
4.2 Ecological walkover survey results An ecological walkover survey was conducted on the 13th of September 2018 upstream of Lough Ree. The timing of the survey might have limited the number of species recorded as many flowering plants are more difficult to identify when they have died back. During the survey, 14 habitats were recorded within and adjacent to the river and are found in Table 4-1.
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Table 4-1: Habitats recorded during the ecological walkover survey Habitat name Fossitt code Eroding/upland rivers FW1 Depositing/lowland rivers FW2 Improved agricultural grassland GA1 Treelines/Riparian woodland WL2/WN5 Wet grassland/ Improved agricultural grassland GS4/GA1 Earth banks BL2 Drainage ditches FW4 Eutrophic lakes FL5 Reed and large sedge swamps FS1 Hedgerows WL1 Dry calcareous and neutral grassland GS1 Improved agricultural grassland/ Dry calcareous grassland GA1/GS1 (Mixed) broadleaved woodland WD1 Stone walls and other stonework BL1
FW1 - Eroding/upland rivers The major part of the main channel C1 is an eroding river with sections of fast flowing water and sections of slow flowing water. The width of the river varies between 1-3m and in some areas the bank is up to 2m high. Density of instream vegetation varies throughout the channel. Macrophytes identified as being present include Water Mint Mentha aquatica, Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus, Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinaceae, Duck Weed Lemna sp., Brooklime Veronica beccabunga, Branched Bur-reed Sparganium erectum and Fool's-water-cress Apium nodiflorum, (Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2). Vegetation on the banks consists of Willowherbs Epilobiom sp., False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius, Nettles Urtica dioica, Bramble Rubus fruticosus, Cock's Foot Dactylis glomerata, Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris and Hedge Bindweed Calystegia sepium. Some sections of the channel are lined with treelines.
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Figure 4-1: FW1 - Eroding/upland river with instream vegetation and treelines.
Figure 4-2: Branched Bur-reed and Fool's Water-cress instream.
FW2 - Depositing/lowland rivers Towards the lakes, the channel C1 transitions in to a depositing river that is slow flowing, deep and heavily vegetated (Figure 4-3). Macrophytes include Water Lilly Nymphaea sp., Fool's Water-cress, Arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia, Pondweed Potamogeton sp., Water Mint, Common Club-rush
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Schoenoplectus lacustris, Common Reed Phragmites australis, Bog Bean Menyanthes trifoliata, Branched Bur-reed and Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinaceae. The section between Lough Oura and Lough Ree is heavily overgrown by macrophytes and the non-native invasive species Canadian Waterweed was recorded here. At the inlet to Lough Ree some Willows Salix sp. are growing.
Figure 4-3: FW2 - Depositing/lowland rivers.
GA1 - Improved agricultural grassland The surrounding area dominates by improved grassland grazed by sheep and cattle. Plant species include Bramble, Thistles Cirsium sp., Red Clover Trifolium pratense, Nettles, Rushes Juncus sp., Yellow Iris, Silverweed Potentilla anserina, Buttercup Ranuculus sp., Timothy Phleum pratense and Meadowsweet.
WL2 - Treelines/WN5 - Riparian woodland Along the main channel C1 upstream of the roads that are located upstream of the lake there are treelines on both sides of the channel (Figure 4-4). These includes the species Alder Alnus glutinosa, Ash, Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and Blackthorn Prunus Spinosa.
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Figure 4-4: WL2 - Treelines.
GS4/GA1 - Wet grassland/ Improved agricultural grassland Upstream of Lough Ree and along the C1 channel to Lough Oura the improved grassland succeeds into wet grassland close to the channel bank. The grassland supports some wet grassland species, such as Yellow Iris, Hard Rush Juncus inflexus, Meadowsweet and Common Reed but dominates by grasses.
BL2 - Earth banks North of the C1 channel, in the first field just downstream of the road, there is an old earth bank overgrown with grasses, some bushes and trees (Bramble, Gorse Ulex europaeus, Ash). The earth bank is approximately 5m from the channel and extends the entire length of the channel in this field, a distance of approximately 170m.
FW4 - Drainage ditches Multiple drainage ditches are present draining agricultural land adjacent to the main channel. Many of the ditches are dry, but some have running water. Vegetation present includes Willowherbs, Nettles and Yellow Iris.
FL5 - Eutrophic lakes Lough Ree and Lough Oura are eutrophic lakes surrounded by agricultural fields and some woodlands (Figure 4-5). No woodlands were within the survey are. Lough Ree is classified as potential Annex 1 habitat natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation in the conservation objectives of the Lough Ree SAC (NPWS 2016b).
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Figure 4-5: FL5 - Eutrophic lakes, Lough Ree.
FS1 - Reed and large sedge swamps The edges of Lough Ree and Lough Oura and along the left side of the channel between the two lakes are covered by reeds, including Common Reed, Common Club-rush Schoenoplectus lacustris and Arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia (Figure 4-6).
Figure 4-6: FS1 - Reed and large sedge swamps.
WL1 - Hedgerows Hedgerows are present bordering the fields furthest downstream south of the channel. Species present include Blackthorn, Bramble and Hawthorn.
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GS1 - Dry calcareous and neutral grassland A small section of the main channel C1 that runs between the two roads, the field south of the channel is a dry grassland with some scattered trees and bushes (Figure 4-11). This grassland has also been recorded as potential Annex 1 habitat Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia) (*important orchid sites). Characteristic species are Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare, Wild Angelica, Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra, False Oat-grass, Cock's Foot and Willowherbs. Some Bramble, Gorse, Ash, Alder and Hawthorn are also present.
GA1/GS1 - Improved agricultural grassland/ Dry calcareous grassland North of the C1 channel, same section as of the dry grassland described previously, the field is an improved grassland but is has been naturalised and dry grassland species are spreading, such as Quaking Grass Brizza media, Devil's Bit-scabious Succisa pratensis, False Oat-grass. Other species occurring are Willowherbs, Rushes and Nettles. At the edge of the field, to the east, the non-native invasive species Giant Butterbur was recorded (Figure 4-7).
Figure 4-7: GA1/GS1 - Improved agricultural grassland/ Dry calcareous grassland with the non- native invasive species Giant Butterbur in the foreground.
WD1 - (Mixed) broadleaved woodland This habitat is located upstream of the roads, on the north side of the C1 channel. It was previously a grassland has now been planted with Alder and the edges are surrounded by Oak Quercus sp.
BL1 - Stone walls and other stonework A stonewall runs along the treeline upstream of the road, on the right side of the main channel C1. The stonewall is partly overgrown by the trees and is covered by mosses.
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The stone bridge by the road, approximately one kilometre upstream of Lough Ree, is covered with Ivy, Maidenhair Spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes and Wall-rue Asplenium ruta-muraria. This habitat is potentially suitable for bats.
Figure 4-8: Stone bridge covered with Ivy.
Figure 4-9: Wall-rue and Maidenhair Spleenwort
4.3 Flora There were no plant species listed under the Flora (Protection) Order 2015 found during the ecological walkover surveys. Protected flora identified on the NBDC (2018a) website present within approximately 10 km of the survey area includes Large White-moss Leucobryum glaucum protected under the EU Habitats Directive Annex IV. Large White-moss is recorded in an area north of the Scheme, outside the survey area.
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4.4 Fauna Evidence of ecologically sensitive fauna found along the survey channel during ecological surveys is described in the following sections. Past records of protected fauna collated from NBDC (2018a) website, recorded as being present within approximately 10 km (within two 10km squares M95 and M96) within the last 10 years are in Appendix B. This table includes their level of protection, if they are red or amber listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List and the date of the last record of this species at this location.
4.4.1 Mammals The surrounding area of the main channel C1 has a habitat suitability index of 29.22 for all bat species, which is higher than the adjacent surrounding area, and considered to be in the second to highest level of habitat suitability for bats (NBDC 2018a). The stone bridge crossing the channel is covered with Ivy and has the potential to offer potential roosting habitat for bats. Many of the trees along the channel are covered with Ivy, but generally they lack features to support bats, however, there is one older Ash covered with Ivy located approximately 100m upstream of the road which has bat roost potential. No evidence of bats were recorded during the ecological walkover survey, but several species have been recorded in the past 10 years (Brown Long-eared Bat, Lesser Noctule, Natterer's Bat Myotis nattereri, Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu lato and Soprano Pipistrelle p. pygmaeus).
Figure 4-10: Ash with bat roost potential.
While no evidence of Otter, which is one of the Qualifying interests for Lough Ree SAC, was observed during the ecological walkover survey, it has been recorded within and close to the Lough Ree SAC in the past 10 years. Several locations along the main channel C1 that could potentially be suitable otter habitats were found during the survey (Figure 4-11). The bridges have stepping- stones under them which can support movement for otters along the channel. Further upstream
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from the road, there is a section with overhanging bank covered with Ivy, which is also suitable for Otter (Figure 4-12).
Figure 4-11: Location of potential Annex 1 habitat Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia) (*important orchid sites) [6210], non-native invasive species and suitable habitats for Otter.
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Figure 4-12: Overhanging bank, potentially suitable for otters. Other protected mammals previously recorded within and in surround area are Badger, Red Squirrel, Pine Marten Martes martes and European Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus. All of these species are protected under the Wildlife Act, the Pine Marten is also protected under the EU Habitats Directive Annex V. All protected mammals recorded in the survey area in the past 10 years can be found in Appendix B.
4.4.2 Birds Lough Ree SPA is a nationally important site for the Greenland White-fronted Goose, protected under the EU Habitat Directive Annex 1. Other Annex 1 species found within the site are Golden Plover, Whooper Swan and Common Tern (NPWS 2016a). All protected birds recorded in the survey area in the past 10 years can be found in Appendix B.
4.4.3 Fish A variety of fish species have been recorded as being present in Lough Ree including Roach Rutilus rutilus, Roach/Bream hybrids, Perch Perca fluviatilis, Bream Abramis brahma, Pike Esox lucius, Brown Trout Salmo trutta, Rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus, Pollan Coregonus autumnalis and Tench Tinca tinca (Delanty et al. 2016). Lough Ree contains one of only two populations in Ireland of Pollan (NPWS 2016a), which is classified as endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Natura and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List and is listed on Annex V of the EU Habitats directive.
4.5 Non-native Invasive Species Non-Native Invasive Species identified as being present within the survey area include Canadian Waterweed (Figure 4-13). It was recorded during the ecological walkover survey in the main channel C1, the section between Lough Oura and Lough Ree, which is located furthest downstream of the Scheme. Canadian Waterweed have previously been recorded at several location in Lough Ree (NBDC 2018a). All Waterweeds Elodea spp. are listed on EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 S.I. No. 477/2011. Species listed under S.I. No. 477/2011 are subject to restrictions under Regulations 49 and 50 of the 2011 Regulations (S.I. No. 477/2011 - European
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Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. 2011). This includes a prohibition on the introduction and dispersal of these species. Canadian Waterweed was recorded during the survey in the main channel C1, the section between Lough Oura and Lough Ree, which is located furthest downstream of the Scheme. Giant Butterbur is another non-native invasive species that was recorded during the ecological walkover survey. The species was recorded approximately 1km upstream of Lough Ree, west of the road and on the north side of the main channel C1. This species has not been recorded previously in the area. The exact locations of the recorded invasive species from the survey are shown in Figure 4-11. See Appendix C for records of non-native invasive species from the National Biodiversity Data Centre database search from the surrounding 10 km surrounding area within the last 10 years.
Figure 4-13: Canadian Waterweed.
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5 Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence of the works/scheme
5.1 Introduction This chapter provides baseline information on the Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence of the drainage maintenance activities (i.e. those screened into the assessment as detailed in Table 5-1). A short description for each site is provided, along with details of the qualifying interest/special conservation interests, conservation objectives, the attributes used to define favourable conservation status and site vulnerabilities. Conservation objectives, the attributes used to define favourable conservation status are detailed in Appendix A Table 5-1: Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence. Natura 2000 site Ballinturly Turlough SAC (000588) Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC (002339) Castlesampson Esker SAC (001625) Corbo Bog SAC (002349) Lough Forbes Complex SAC (001818) Lough Funshinagh SAC (000611) Lough Ree SAC (000440) Ballykenny Fishertown Bog SPA (004101) Lough Ree SPA (004064)
The locations of the Natura 2000 sites are shown in Figure 5-1 where it can be seen where the proposed works are relevant to these Natura 2000 sites. The main potential impacts posed by the proposed project relate to impacts during construction via surface water, land and air, and groundwater pathways to the SACs and SPAs.
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Figure 5-1: Natura 2000 sites within the zone of influence
5.2 Ballinturly Turlough SAC (000588) Ballinturly Turlough is situated in a v-shaped basin just north of Athleague in Co. Roscommon. It is a very large site stretching westwards for 2.5 km from the road and opening out at the western end over large fields. Bedrock is exposed at the north-eastern end, and elsewhere the edges of the basin are frequently strewn with loose rocks. The basin floor is mainly flat, but west of centre is a depression in which there is a shallow lake (NPWS 2013c). The SAC is located is located within the same groundwater body as the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme (Funshinagh (IE_SH_G_091) Karstic) and has the groundwater dependent Annex 1 habitat Turloughs. There are a large number of vegetation types in this turlough, and these vary from wet to dry, and from peaty to rocky. At its upper edge of the northern limb of the turlough a purer stand of Common Sedge occurs, with damp grassland above it. Old areas of peat cutting are found in this area around the lake and to the west and support a varied assemblage of plant species and communities. The south-eastern corner of the turlough has a build-up of peat over land that was formerly flooded. Here there is a large area of poached peat and a smaller area of cutover peat. Woodland is present only in the south-western part of the site, where Hawthorn, along with a little Buckthorn Rhamnus catharticus, is scattered on dry ground. Lapwing and Snipe nest in the area, and the site is also used by post-breeding flocks and migrating populations of birds. Ballinturly Turlough is the fourth largest active turlough still extant in Ireland. It is an exceptional site which contains a wide range of habitat types, vegetation communities and plant species. A special feature of the site is that despite a seasonal connection with the River Suck, the groundwater is oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) enough to support normally calcifuge plants. The site is little damaged by grazing, which occurs over most of it, and there is little internal drainage. Areas formerly cut for peat are largely re-generating and support a diversity of vegetation types. Overall, human impact on the site is generally low. Turloughs are listed, with priority status, on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats
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Directive and, as such, are of considerable conservation significance. The large wintering bird population adds substantially to the importance of the site (source: NPWS 2013c).
5.2.1 Qualifying Interests The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes): • Turloughs* [3180]
5.2.2 Conservation Objectives The Conservation Objective for the Ballinturly Turlough SAC (000588) is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected (NPWS 2018b). A full list of the conservation objectives of the relevant Feature of Interest of the SAC is required in order to determine potentially adverse impacts to them. This information is provided in Appendix A.1.
5.2.3 Site Vulnerabilities Negative threats or pressures identified in the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (NPWS 2017a) for Ballinturly Turlough SAC are listed in Table 5-2. Table 5-2: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) Ballinturly Turlough SAC. Threat or pressure Code Rank Fertilisation A08 L Hunting F03.01 L
5.3 Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC (002339) Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough is situated approximately 9 km west of Athlone, mainly in the townlands of Skeanamuck, Carrowkeeran and Pollalaher, in Co. Roscommon. The site comprises a relatively small portion of what was once a large bog complex, and includes areas of high bog and cutover bog, and also the turlough, Corkip Lough. The SAC is located within the same groundwater body as the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme (Funshinagh (IE_SH_G_091) Karstic) and has the groundwater dependent Annex 1 habitat turloughs, active raised bogs, degraded raised bogs still capable of regeneration, depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion and bog woodland. Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough is a site of considerable conservation significance as it consists of a raised bog, a rare habitat in the E.U. and one that is becoming increasingly scarce and under threat in Ireland. Ireland has a high proportion of the total E.U. resource of raised bog (over 60%) and so has a special responsibility for its conservation at an international level. Active raised bog, bog woodland and turlough are listed as priority habitats on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. Priority status is given to habitats and species that are threatened throughout the E.U. Areas of species-rich calcareous grassland add to the diversity of the site. (source: NPWS 2014a)
5.3.1 Qualifying Interests The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes): • Turloughs* [3180] • Active raised bogs* [7110]
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• Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] • Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] • Bog woodland* [91D0]
5.3.2 Conservation Objectives The Conservation Objective for the Ballynamona Bog And Corkip Lough SAC (002339) is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected (NPWS 2018b). A full list of the conservation objectives of the relevant Feature of Interest of the SAC is required in order to determine potentially adverse impacts to them. This information is provided in Appendix A.2.
5.3.3 Site Vulnerabilities Negative threats or pressures identified in the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (NPWS 2017b) for Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC are listed in Table 5-3. Table 5-3: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC. Threat or pressure Code Rank Disposal of household / recreational facility waste E03.01 M Landfill, land reclamation and drying out, general J02.01 L Modification of hydrographic functioning, general J02.05 M Invasive non-native species I01 L
5.4 Castlesampson Esker SAC (001625) Castlesampson Esker is a complex site with esker, turlough and raised bog all found. The esker is the most westerly of an important group of eskers centred on Adrnacloon Hill in south-east Co. Roscommon, 9 km west of Athlone. Lying to the east of the esker is a raised bog, whilst to its west is a turlough. The SAC is located within the same groundwater body as the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme (Funshinagh (IE_SH_G_091) Karstic) and has the groundwater dependent Annex 1 habitat turloughs, and other habitats that are groundwater dependent (such as raised bog). The vegetation of most of the esker consists of dry grassland, with small amounts of scrub scattered throughout. Some improved grassland is found at the base of the esker The raised bog adjacent and to the east of the esker is fairly intact and has a good cover of bog mosses Sphagnum spp. The eastern edge of the bog is notable for supporting a population of the grass Wood Small-reed Calamagrostis epigejos, its only known Co. Roscommon site. This is a rare species in Ireland and is protected under the Flora (Protection) Order, 1999. The western section of the site comprises an undulating area of glacially-derived mounds and seasonally flooded basins, Corraree turlough. The main turlough basin extends southwards into two arms that are separated by higher ground of glacial sediments. Certain sections of the turlough flood more frequently than others. Flooding appears to emanate largely from a few swallow holes in the south, which fill when the underlying karst limestone aquifer is full from river flooding The Castlesampson Esker site is of high conservation for the proximity and juxtaposition of esker, raised bog and turlough. The esker itself is of high importance for its almost intact structure (something which is very rare in Irish eskers), its relatively undisturbed state and for the presence of good quality, species-rich dry calcareous grassland, a habitat that is listed with priority status on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The raised bog itself is fairly intact and includes areas of active raised bog, degraded raised bog and Rhynchosporion vegetation, all habitats that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The turlough section of the site contains a wide range of grassland and turlough habitats and includes some areas of excellent quality. Turlough is a habitat listed with priority status on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. (Source: NPWS 2013d)
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5.4.1 Qualifying Interests The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes): • Turloughs* [3180] • Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco- Brometalia) (* important orchid sites) [6210]
5.4.2 Conservation Objectives The Conservation Objective for the Castlesampson Esker SAC (001625) is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected (NPWS 2018c). A full list of the conservation objectives of the relevant Feature of Interest of the SAC is required in order to determine potentially adverse impacts to them. This information is provided in Appendix A.3.
5.4.3 Site Vulnerabilities Negative threats or pressures identified in the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (NPWS 2017c) for Castlesampson Esker SAC are listed in Table 5-4. Table 5-4: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Castlesampson Esker SAC. Threat or pressure Code Rank Hand cutting of peat C01.03.01 L Sand and gravel extraction C01.01 L
5.5 Corbo Bog SAC (002349) Corbo Bog is located 7 km west of Lanesborough, mainly in the townlands Corbo, Cloonageeragh, Clooncashel Beg and Coolshagtena, in Co. Roscommon. The site comprises a raised bog that includes both areas of high bog and cutover bog. The site is bounded on the south by the Lanesborough to Roscommon road, and a road from this one to Kilroosky forms part of the western boundary. The SAC is located within the same groundwater body as the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme (Funshinagh (IE_SH_G_091) Karstic) and has the groundwater dependent Annex 1 habitat active raised bogs, degraded raised bogs still capable of regeneration, depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion and bog woodland. This bog is a remnant of a much larger bog that has now been mostly cutover. A long, relatively thin section of the high bog remains. There is an extensive poolhummock system and overall moss cover is high. Much of the high bog surface, especially in the vicinity of the flushes, is very wet and quaking. There are five areas of flush found in the eastern side of the site. There are indications of habitat disturbance in the northern section of the site where Bog Asphodel is dominant and in the southern end where Deergrass is common. Corbo Bog is a site of considerable conservation significance as it consists of a raised bog, a rare habitat in the E.U. and one that is becoming increasingly scarce and under threat in Ireland. This site supports a good diversity of raised bog microhabitats, including hummock/hollow complexes, pools and flushes. Active raised bog is listed as a priority habitat on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. Priority status is given to habitats and species that are threatened throughout the E.U. Ireland has a high proportion of the total E.U. resource of this habitat type (over 60%) and so has a special responsibility for its conservation at an international level. (Source: NPWS 2014b)
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5.5.1 Qualifying Interests The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes): • Active raised bogs* [7110] • Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] • Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150]
5.5.2 Conservation Objectives The Conservation Objective for the Corbo Bog SAC (002349) is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected (NPWS 2015a). A full list of the conservation objectives of the relevant Feature of Interest of the SAC is required in order to determine potentially adverse impacts to them. This information is provided in Appendix A.4.
5.5.3 Site Vulnerabilities Negative threats or pressures identified in the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (NPWS 2017d) for Corbo Bog SAC are listed in Table 5-5. Table 5-5: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Corbo Bog SAC. Threat or pressure Code Rank Other human induced changes in hydraulic conditions J02.15 M Mechanical removal of peat C01.03.02 H
5.6 Lough Forbes Complex SAC (001818) This site consists of a number of different habitats, and is centred around Lough Forbes, a lake formed by a broadening of the River Shannon. As well as the lake itself, there is also a series of raised bogs, callow grasslands and a variety of other aquatic and terrestrial habitats to the west of Newtown Forbes on the Longford/Roscommon boundary. The SAC is located within the same groundwater body as the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme (Funshinagh (IE_SH_G_091) Karstic) and has the groundwater dependent Annex 1 habitat natural eutrophic lakes, raised bog (active), degraded raised bog, rhynchosporion vegetation and alluvial forests. The raised bogs, located on the south-eastern shore of Lough Forbes, are known as the Ballykenny- Fishertown complex. These bogs are of international importance as unique examples of Shannon River edge bogs and they are also the most northerly intact bogs adjacent to the River Shannon. The central core areas of the bogs are quite wet and spongy, with a good complement of bog mosses and well developed hummocks. Ballykenny Bog is unusual in that some of its margins are intact, a rare feature in the Irish midlands. Between the Camlin River and this bog, a complete transition from raised bog to callow grasslands can be seen, while the interface between the bog and lake is colonised by a narrow band of deciduous woodland. In the wetter areas of the bog surface, Rhynchosporion vegetation is sometimes found. Degraded raised bog is largely confined to the marginal areas of uncut high bog where drainage effects from adjoining turbary are most pronounced. Lough Forbes is a medium sized lake underlain by limestone. It has extensive swamps of Common Reed which provide good cover for wildfowl, although numbers have declined recently, possibly due to the increase in cruisers and other pleasure boats. Freshwater marshes are also a common feature along the lakeshore. The site contains extensive areas of woodland. The total area of woodland within the SAC is estimated at over 170 ha, of which at least 40 ha are alluvial woodland. Several individual woodlands exceed 40 ha and there is good continuity.
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Areas of callows (winter-flooded grassland) along the Camlin River are also included within this site. These wet grasslands are included for their botanical interest as well as for the waterbirds that they support. Both Lough Forbes and the callow grasslands provide good habitat for a range of wintering waterfowl species. The importance of the Lough Forbes site lies in its excellent diversity of habitats, some of which, for example the raised bogs, are rare and threatened. The site is also of ornithological importance for its wintering waterfowl, breeding Merlin and Red Grouse. The presence of Whooper Swan and Merlin is of particular note as these species are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. (Source: NPWS 2013e)
5.6.1 Qualifying Interests The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes):
• Natural Eutrophic Lakes [3150] • Raised Bog (Active)* [7110] • Degraded Raised Bog [7120] • Rhynchosporion Vegetation [7150] • Alluvial Forests* [91E0]
5.6.2 Conservation Objectives The Conservation Objective for the Lough Forbes Complex SAC (001818) is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected (NPWS 2016c). A full list of the conservation objectives of the relevant Feature of Interest of the SAC is required in order to determine potentially adverse impacts to them. This information is provided in Appendix A.5.
5.6.3 Site Vulnerabilities Negative threats or pressures identified in the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (NPWS 2018a) for Lough Forbes Complex SAC are listed in Table 5-6. Table 5-6: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Lough Forbes Complex SAC. Threat or pressure Code Rank Abandonment / lack of mowing A03.03 M Invasive non-native species I01 L Hunting F03.01 L Diffuse groundwater pollution due to agricultural and forestry activities H02.06 L Demersal longlining F02.03 L Intensive horse grazing A04.03 H Groundwater abstractions for public water supply J02.07.02 L
5.7 Lough Funshinagh SAC (000611) Lough Funshinagh is located approximately 12 km north-west of Athlone, in Co. Roscommon. The lake, which is underlain by Carboniferous limestone, is classified as a turlough because it fluctuates to a significant extent every year and occasionally dries out entirely (approximately two to three times every ten years). In most years, however, an extensive area of water persists. This is filled with vegetation, providing excellent breeding habitat for wildfowl, and the site is designated a
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Wildfowl Sanctuary. The lake is fed by springs and a small catchment to the west. The SAC is located within the same groundwater body as the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme (Funshinagh (IE_SH_G_091) Karstic) and has the groundwater dependent Annex 1 turloughs and rivers with muddy banks with Chenopodion rubri p.p. and Bidention p.p. vegetation. The lake is fringed by wet grassland, with species such as Creeping Bent (Agrostis stolonifera), Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) and Silverweed, which in turn grades into pasture. A number of islands occur on the eastern side which are never totally flooded. They support Gorse (Ulex europaeus) scrub, whose lower limit is controlled by the winter flooding. The Common Frog, a species listed in the Red Data Book as internationally important, breeds within the site. Although widespread and common in Ireland, this species is considered to be vulnerable in Europe. Its habitat is threatened by drainage of wetlands and water pollution. Some of the major threats to lakes in Ireland arise from drainage and agricultural intensification. In the case of the latter, the application of fertiliser can lead to eutrophication and a general loss of species diversity. Lough Funshinagh is currently mesotrophic, but it has been described in the past as being full of vegetation. Thus it may be that it has not been enriched significantly by agricultural run-off in recent times. Lough Funshinagh is of major ecological importance, both from a vegetation and ornithological viewpoint. Turloughs are listed as priority habitat on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. Lough Funshinagh is a unique and atypical example of this habitat, and has a particular value in being relatively unmodified by grazing and modern agriculture. (Source: NPWS 2015b)
5.7.1 Qualifying Interests The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes): • Turloughs [3180] • Rivers with muddy banks with Chenopodion rubri p.p. and Bidention p.p. vegetation [3270]
5.7.2 Conservation Objectives The Conservation Objective for the Lough Funshinagh SAC (000611) is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected (NPWS 2018d). A full list of the conservation objectives of the relevant Feature of Interest of the SAC is required in order to determine potentially adverse impacts to them. This information is provided in Appendix A.6.
5.7.3 Site Vulnerabilities Negative threats or pressures identified in the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (NPWS 2017e) for Lough Funshinagh SAC are listed in Table 5-7.
Table 5-7: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Lough Funshinagh SAC. Threat or pressure Code Rank Paths, tracks, cycling tracks D01.01 L Stock feeding A05.02 L Fertilisation A08 M
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5.8 Lough Ree SAC (000440) Lough Ree is the third largest lake in Ireland and is situated in an ice-deepened depression in Carboniferous limestone on the River Shannon system between Lanesborough and Athlone. The site spans Counties Longford, Roscommon and Westmeath. It has a very long, indented shoreline and hence has many sheltered bays. Although the main habitat, by area, is the lake itself, interesting shoreline, terrestrial and semiaquatic habitats also occur. The main threat to the aquatic life in the lake comes from artificial enrichment of the waters by agricultural and domestic waste, and also by peat silt in suspension which is increasingly limiting the light penetration, and thus restricting aquatic flora to shallower waters. Reedbeds of Common Reed are an extensive habitat in a number of more sheltered places around the lake, some of these grades up into species-rich alkaline fens or fresh water marsh. Lowland wet grassland is found in abundance around the shore. Dry calcareous grassland occurs scattered around the lake shore. Limestone pavement occurs occasionally around the lake shore. The most substantial area is at Rathcline in the extreme north-east. Small examples of raised bog occur, which are of interest in that they show a natural transition through wet woodland and/or swamp to lakeshore habitats. The raised bog occur north of the area of works, at Clooncraff/Clonlarge. Also present are examples of Degraded Raised Bog (DRB) capable of regeneration. Associated with the raised bogs are areas of bog woodland. Bog Woodland is of particular conservation importance and is listed with priority status on the E.U. Habitats Directive. Bog Woodland is considered a variant of ARB. Dry broadleaved semi-natural woodland occurs in several places around the lake, most notably at St John's Wood and on Hare Island. However, this habitat has been screened out as it is confirmed from the ecological walkover survey that the habitat is not in close proximity to the drainage works. Lough Ree and its adjacent habitats are of major ecological significance. The lake itself is an excellent example of a mesotrophic to moderate-eutrophic system, supporting a rare fish species and a good diversity of breeding and wintering birds. The works pose a threat to all Qualifying Interests but one, with surface water being the major pathway affecting the lake. (Source: NPWS 2016c)
5.8.1 Qualifying Interests The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes): • Natural Eutrophic Lakes [3150] • Orchid-rich Calcareous Grassland* [6210] • Active Raised Bog* [7110] • Degraded Raised Bog [7120] • Alkaline Fens [7230] • Limestone Pavement* [8240] • Old Oak Woodlands [91A0] • Bog Woodland* [91D0] • Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355]
Not all of the qualifying features of the SAC occur in the Zone of Influence of the proposed development site and therefore only the relevant features are considered in this assessment. The qualifying features that could be potentially be present in the vicinity and therefore have the potential to be significantly impacted through water quality and/or disturbance include: • Natural Eutrophic Lakes [3150] • Orchid-rich Calcareous Grassland* [6210] • Active Raised Bog* [7110] • Degraded Raised Bog [7120]
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• Alkaline Fens [7230] • Limestone Pavement* [8240] • Bog Woodland* [91D0] • Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355]
5.8.2 Conservation Objectives The Conservation Objective for the Lough Ree SAC (000440) is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected (NPWS 2016b). A full list of the conservation objectives of the relevant Feature of Interest of the SAC is required in order to determine potentially adverse impacts to them. This information is provided in Appendix A.7.
5.8.3 Site Vulnerabilities Negative threats or pressures identified in the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (NPWS 2017d) for Lough Ree SAC are listed in Table 5-8. Table 5-8: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Lough Ree SAC. Threat or pressure Code Rank Inundation (natural processes) L08 L Walking, horseriding and non-motorised vehicles G01.02 L Flooding modifications J02.04 L Invasive non-native species I01 H Antagonism arising from introduction of species K03.05 H Abandonment / lack of mowing A03.03 M Hunting F03.01 M Dispersed habitation E01.03 M Nautical sports G01.01 M Grazing A04 M Thermal heating of water bodies H06.03 L Fertilisation A08 M Other siltation rate changes J02.11.02 H Forest and Plantation management & use B02 M Diffuse groundwater pollution due to agricultural and forestry activities H02.06 M Diffuse pollution to surface waters due to household sewage and waste waters H01.08 M Piers / tourist harbours or recreational piers D03.01.02 L Leisure fishing F02.03 M
5.9 Ballykenny Fisherstown Bog SPA (004101) Ballykenny-Fisherstown Bog SPA is located on the border between Counties Longford and Roscommon in the north-central midlands and is underlain by Carboniferous limestone. It is centered around Lough Forbes, a naturally eutrophic lake on the River Shannon system which is fed also from the north by the River Rinn. The raised bogs, known as the Ballykenny-Fishertown complex, are separated by the Camlin River, which has further areas of callow grassland. At the time this site was designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) it was being used by part of the Loughs Kilglass and Forbes Greenland White-fronted Goose population. The geese appear to have since abandoned the peatland sites in favour of grassland sites elsewhere. The site was
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regularly utilised during the 1980s and Greenland White-fronted Goose is regarded as a special conservation interest for this SPA. The last record of Greenland White-fronted Goose at this site was in 1990/91 (111 individuals). The lake and callow grasslands provide good habitat for a range of wintering waterfowl species. (Source: (NPWS 2012)
5.9.1 Qualifying Interests The site is a SPA 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): • Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris) [A395]
5.9.2 Conservation Objectives The Conservation Objective for the Ballykenny Fisherstown Bog SPA (004101) is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SPA has been selected (NPWS 2018e). A full list of the conservation objectives of the relevant Feature of Interest of the SPA is required in order to determine potentially adverse impacts to them. This information is provided in Appendix A.8.
5.9.3 Site Vulnerabilities Negative threats or pressures identified in the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (NPWS 2017f) for Ballykenny Fisherstown Bog SPA are listed in Table 5-9. Table 5-9: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Ballykenny Fisherstown Bog SPA. Threat or pressure Code Rank Leisure fishing F02.03 L Sylviculture, forestry B M Grazing A04 M Hunting F03.01 L Nautical sports G01.01 M
5.10 Lough Ree SPA (004064) Situated on the River Shannon between Lanesborough and Athlone, Lough Ree is the third largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. It lies in an ice-deepened depression in Carboniferous Limestone. The lake has a very long, indented shoreline and hence has many sheltered bays. It also has a good scattering of islands, most of which are included in the site. The SPA is located within the same groundwater body (Funshinagh (IE_SH_G_091) Karstic) and same surface water catchment (Upper Shannon) as the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme, and the qualifying interests of this SPA are affected by all three pathways (surface water, land & air, groundwater). The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species. 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 Ree is one of the most important Midland sites for wintering waterfowl. Lough Ree SPA is of high ornithological importance for both wintering and breeding birds. It supports nationally important populations of eleven wintering waterfowl species. The site has a range of breeding waterfowl species, notably nationally important populations of Common Scoter and Common Tern. Of particular note is the regular presence of three species, Whooper Swan, Golden Plover and Common Tern, which are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. Parts of Lough Ree SPA are Wildfowl Sanctuaries. (Source: (NPWS 2015c)
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5.10.1 Qualifying Interests The site is a SPA 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): • Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) [A004] • Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) [A038] • Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050] • Teal (Anas crecca) [A052] • Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) [A053] • Shoveler (Anas clypeata) [A056] • Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) [A061] • Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) [A065] • Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) [A067] • Coot (Fulica atra) [A125] • Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140] • Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142] • Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) [A193]
5.10.2 Conservation Objectives The Conservation Objective for the Lough Ree SPA (004064) is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SPA has been selected (NPWS 2018f). A full list of the conservation objectives of the relevant Feature of Interest of the SPA is required in order to determine potentially adverse impacts to them. This information is provided in Appendix A.9.
5.10.3 Site Vulnerabilities Negative threats or pressures identified in the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (NPWS 2017d) for Lough Ree SPA are listed in Table 5-10. Table 5-10: Threats or pressures with ranking of impacts (high, medium, low) on Lough Ree SPA. Threat or pressure Code Rank Leisure fishing F02.03 M Sylviculture, forestry B L Grazing A04 M Hunting F03.01 M Walking, horseriding and non-motorised vehicles G01.02 M Invasive non-native species I01 M
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6 Appropriate Assessment
6.1 Introduction The following chapter assesses the screened in Natura 2000 sites in more detail using the additional information provided and examines where adverse impacts may arise from the sources of impact identified above. The full impact assessment on these features is found in Section 6.3. The screened in Natura 2000 sites are: • Ballinturly Turlough SAC (000588) • Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC (002339) • Castlesampson Esker SAC (001625) • Corbo Bog SAC (002349) • Lough Forbes Complex SAC (001818) • Lough Funshinagh SAC (000611) • Lough Ree SAC (000440) • Ballykenny Fishertown Bog SPA (004101) • Lough Ree SPA (004064) Where potentially significant adverse impacts are identified, avoidance and mitigation measures are proposed to offset these impacts. These are discussed in the following sections.
6.2 Identification of Potential Sources of Impact This section further examines the source > pathway > receptor chains that could potentially result in adverse impacts arising on the screened in Natura 2000 sites in the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme; this is informed primarily by Ryan Hanley (Ryan Hanley 2014a). Where relevant, this methodology has been updated. Table 3-8 details which of the possible pathways of impact (i.e. surface water, land and air, groundwater) have been identified as potentially affecting each of the screened in Natura 2000 sites. Figure 3-1, Figure 3-2 and Figure 3-3 illustrates which of the channels and structures within the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme are those which could potentially impact upon the identified Natura 2000 sites, relative to Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence of the works and are consequently screened into the assessment. All other channels and structures within the Knockroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme have been screened out of the assessment.
6.2.1 Potential Sources of Impact via Surface Water Pathways As a result of the screening assessment maintenance activities on those watercourses shown in Figure 3-1 were identified as potentially resulting in significant adverse impacts on Lough Ree SAC and Lough Ree SPA via surface water pathways. Summary results of surface water dependent QIs, or water dependant QIs with connections to surface water pathways that may be potentially significantly impacted by the Scheme, are shown in Table 6-1. Table 6-1: Summary of surface water dependent qualifying interests with potential for significant impact. Natura 2000 site Code Qualifying Interest Lough Ree SAC 3150 Natural Eutrophic Lakes 7230 Alkaline Fens 1355 Otter (Lutra lutra) Lough Ree SPA A038 Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) A050 Wigeon (Anas penelope) A052 Teal (Anas crecca) A053 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
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Natura 2000 site Code Qualifying Interest A056 Shoveler (Anas clypeata) A061 Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) A065 Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) A067 Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) A125 Coot (Fulica atra) A140 Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) A142 Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) A193 Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
The following sources of impact from proposed works are identified as potentially affecting the above Natura 2000 sites through surface water pathways: • Release of suspended solids - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, and bush cutting/ branch trimming. It can impact on surface water dependent habitats, such as Lough Ree itself which is a Natural Eutrophic Lake [3150], indirectly through increased turbidity, which can reduce photosynthesis levels in the lake. This is a potential impact as works will occur within the Lough Ree SAC and directly upstream of the lake. It can also impact indirectly on waterbirds of special conservation interest by affecting food chains from reduced water clarity and reduced photosynthesis which can affect aquatic invertebrate diversity (i.e. the food source of the waterbirds). • Release or changes in nutrient levels/pollutants - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, and bush cutting/ branch trimming, and also through spillages or leaks of contaminative material. It can impact on surface water dependent habitats and groundwater dependent habitats with surface water connectivity, such as the Natural eutrophic lake [3150] and Alkaline fens [7230], indirectly through causing eutrophication and reducing water quality and ability to support Annex II species. There is also the potential for pollutants (e.g. fuel) to be released from construction activities with machinery working in or near water as a result of pollution incidents, fuel spillages or poorly maintained machinery. It can also impact indirectly on waterbirds of special conservation interest in Lough Ree SPA by affecting food chains through increased algal growth and decreased invertebrate and algal diversity (i.e. the food source of the waterbirds). • Changes in water levels/channel morphology - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation and bush cutting/ branch trimming. It can occur from maintenance activities that deepen and widen the channel back to the original design level. This can impact on surface water dependent habitats, such as the eutrophic lake, through increased capacity and flow in the channel leading to hydrological impacts. It can also indirectly impact on the species for which the SPA is designated for by causing a loss of suitable habitat and impacting upon food chains.
6.2.2 Potential Sources of Impact via Land and Air Pathways Lough Ree SAC and SPA were both identified as potentially being impacted upon via land and air pathways. Summary results of surface water dependent qualifying interests (QIs) with potential for significant impact are shown in Table 6-2. Table 6-2: Summary of Natura 2000 sites and their qualifying interests at risk from impact via land and air pathways. Natura 2000 site Code Qualifying Interest Lough Ree SAC 7230 Alkaline fens 1355 Otter Lutra lutra 6210 Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco
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Natura 2000 site Code Qualifying Interest Brometalia) (*important orchid sites) 8240 Limestone pavements Lough Ree SPA A999 Wetlands A038 Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus A050 Wigeon Anas penelope A052 Teal Anas crecca A053 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos A056 Shoveler Anas clypeata A061 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula A065 Common Scoter Melanitta nigra A067 Goldeneye Bucephala clangula A004 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis A125 Coot Fulica atra A140 Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria A142 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus A193 Common Tern Sterna hirundo
The following sources of impact from proposed works are identified as potentially affecting the above Natura 2000 sites through land and air pathways: • Physical disturbance of habitats - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation and bush cutting/ branch trimming. It can impact on habitats directly, although temporarily, as a result of machines tracking along the bankside and as a result of the deposition of spoil on the bankside. This can result in a loss of habitat from in-stream/bankside areas and maintenance access corridors, causing direct mortalities or the displacement of sensitive species. Alkaline fens [7230], Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia) [6210] and Limestone pavements [8240] all have the potential to be located within the area of works. It can also impact on faunal species of conservation interest, through machines tracking along the bankside, disturbing holts and couching sites for Otter or reducing vegetation as a food source or roosting site for waterbirds. Whilst this impact is usually short-term and temporary, with habitats recovering upon completion of the works and species returning, it can impact upon site integrity. • Noise and visual disturbance - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation and bush cutting/ branch trimming. It can occur as a result of noise emissions and visual disturbance from machinery and the presence of machine drivers and other OPW staff. It can result in the flight and displacement of waterbirds for which the SPA is designated from suitable habitat locations. It is not considered relevant in relation to designated habitat types, although it is relevant for the species which these habitats support. • Spread of non-native invasive species - Maintenance activities in areas infested with non-native invasive species can result in their spread if inappropriate working methods are followed and no biosecurity or management measures are put in place. This could then adversely impact upon Natura 2000 sites by reducing the diversity and extent of native species. For certain aquatic species, their spread can result in changes to water chemistry parameters, light penetration and nutrient levels which could then impact upon the waterbird species and Otter for which the SAC and SPA are designated.
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6.2.3 Potential Sources of Impact via Groundwater Pathways Nine Natura 2000 sites were identified as potentially being impacted upon via groundwater pathways. The sites and their qualifying interests that were identified as potentially being at risk from sources of impact via groundwater pathways are listed in Table 6-3. Table 6-3: Summary of Natura 2000 sites and their qualifying interests that are at risk form impacts via ground water pathways. Natura 2000 site Code Qualifying Interest Lough Funshinagh SAC 3180 Turloughs Lough Ree SAC 3150 Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation 1355 Otter Lutra lutra 7120 Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration 7230 Alkaline fens 91D0 Bog woodland Ballynamona Bog And 3180 Turloughs Corkip Lough SAC 7110 Active raised bogs 7120 Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration 91D0 Bog woodland Castlesampson Esker SAC 3180 Turloughs Corbo Bog SAC 7110 Active raised bogs 7120 Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration Ballinturly Turlough SAC 3180 Turloughs Lough Forbes Complex 3150 Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or SAC Hydrocharition-type vegetation 7110 Active raised bogs 7120 Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration 7150 Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion Lough Ree SPA 3150 Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation Ballykenny Fisherstown 3150 Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Bog SPA Hydrocharition-type vegetation
The following sources of impact from proposed works are identified as potentially affecting the above Natura 2000 site through groundwater pathways: • Release or changes in nutrient levels/pollutants - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation. It can impact on groundwater dependent habitats, such as Active raised bogs [7110] and Turlough [3180] which are found in almost all SAC within ZOI, indirectly through causing eutrophication (from mobile inorganics N03 and low mobility inorganics P04), or through pollution incidents from spillages or leaks (e.g. of fuel) during maintenance activities, which could then impact on groundwater quality through aquifer recharge. This could affect the structure and function of the natural eutrophic lake, bogs, turloughs and fens, which in turn will affect their ability to support the species that are dependent on these habitats.
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• Changes in water level/channel morphology - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting and bush cutting/ branch trimming. It can also occur from maintenance activities that deepen and widen the channels back to their original level. This can impact on groundwater dependent bogs and turloughs indirectly through: o Increased capacity and flow in the channel leading to a reduction in water levels and hydrogeological impacts. o Changing the groundwater catchment and groundwater flow paths. o Direct aquifer recharge from a stream bed in karst/fissured aquifer. o Lowering of channel water levels due to increased channel conveyance, which can increase the hydraulic gradient between the bankside groundwater table. This can potentially increase discharge from the channel and change the absolute value and pattern of variation in groundwater levels and potentially the location of groundwater divides. The distance from the channel at which an impact occurs is dependent on the subsoil and bedrock aquifer characteristics. It can also impact on species, such waterbirds and Otter of special conservation interest by causing a loss of suitable habitat and impacting upon food chains through this loss/decline in quality of habitat.
6.3 Impact Assessment The main impacts that have the potential to occur as a result of the proposed works at the Knockcroghery Scheme main channel C1, include temporary impacts that occur during the works and permanent impacts that may occur as a result of the works. Temporary impacts include disturbance to fauna including waterbirds, Otter, their prey and to wetland habitats, temporary impacts to water quality and physical alterations to habitats that will recover after the arterial drainage works finish. Permanent impacts include permanent loss of species and habitats, potentially permanent impacts to water quality and physical disturbance resulting in permanent loss of habitat. All potentially significant impacts are assessed to determine if they have the potential to adversely affect the integrity of the site. Mitigation measures required for potential adverse impacts that may arise as a result of arterial drainage maintenance works are described in detail in Table 6-4 and Table 7-1.
6.3.1 Do nothing impact Should the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Maintenance works not be carried out at this site, it is likely that natural succession would occur throughout the location. This is likely to include increased sedimentation in the channels over time, and increased vegetation growth along channel edges. Erosion occurring along the edge of the banks may contribute further to the sediment loading within the Knockcroghery Scheme. The increased sedimentation and vegetation growth may slow the flow of water, which may be of benefit for the wetland habitats within Lough Ree SAC, such as alkaline fens and raised bogs. The increased sedimentation and vegetation growth can also cause flooding in susceptible areas during periods of high rainfall, which could have a negative impact on the habitats through increase nutrient load from surrounding agricultural fields.
6.3.2 Cumulative and in-combination impacts Projects and Plans that have the potential to contribute in-combination impacts and cumulative impacts upon Natura 2000 designated sites are considered in this section, as described in the Guidelines for the Assessment of Indirect and Cumulative Impacts, as well as Impact Interactions (Walker and Johnston 1999). Key points to consider when assessing cumulative and in-combination impacts include the nature and scale of the potential impacts including their potential magnitude and significance, the availability and quality of data and the impacts that may have occurred with similar projects in the area, where available or observed. Potential sources of in-combination effects identified as part of this assessment include:
6.3.2.1 Agricultural activities Farmers and landowners may also undertake general agricultural operations in areas adjacent to the proposed works, which could potentially give rise to impacts of a similar nature to those arising
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from the planned OPW works. This could potentially result in additional periods of disturbance and a risk to water quality. Many agricultural operations are periodic, not continuous in nature, and qualify as a Notifiable Action that requires consultation with NPWS in advance of the works e.g. reclamation, infilling or land drainage within 30m of the river, removal of trees or any aquatic vegetation within 30m of the river, and harvesting or burning of reed or willow (NPWS 2018). Agricultural operations must also comply with the EC (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Agriculture) Regulations 2011 and amendment 2017 S.I. No. 456/2011 and 407/2017 in relation to activities covered by the regulations; • restructuring of rural land holdings, • commencing use of uncultivated land or semi-natural areas for intensive, • land drainage works on lands used for agriculture. A NIS is required under Regulation 9 if it is likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site. The drainage or reclamation of wetlands is controlled under the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 and the European Communities (Amendment to Planning and Development) Regulations 2011. Therefore, the in-combination effects of the proposed works and agricultural operations is not likely to be significant.
6.3.2.2 OPW arterial drainage maintenance operations Maintenance operations have been ongoing since the construction of the schemes following the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act, potentially resulting in adverse cumulative effects. However, as the maintenance operations are undertaken to restore the design level only, the hydrological and hydrogeological impact should be no greater than originally occurred upon the scheme's construction; no further deepening or widening will occur. On a regional scale, neighbouring Arterial Drainage Schemes could be considered to have an adverse impact on Natura 2000 sites, particularly where large sites fall across two, or more scheme areas. The closest schemes to the Knockcroghery Scheme are Inny, Brosna, Boyle and Corrib. All of which except Inny are within separate surface water catchments and separate groundwater bodies, so the potential for adverse in-combination impacts are unlikely. The Inny Scheme is within a separate groundwater body, but a small section of the Inny scheme is within the same surface water catchment as the Knockcroghery Scheme and Inny too has its outfall to Lough Ree. Any maintenance works in the Inny Scheme are subject to screening for Appropriate Assessment and potentially an Appropriate Assessment to prevent significant adverse impacts to the SACs and SPAs and therefore, provided Appropriate Assessment has been carried out, mitigation measures are followed before any works are conducted within the Inny Scheme and those proposed in Section 7 of this report are implemented, it is unlikely that there will be cumulative and/or in-combination adverse impacts as a result of other Arterial Drainage Maintenance Schemes and the proposed Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works on the Knockcroghery Scheme. Mitigation measures are included in Table 6-4 and Section 7.
6.3.2.3 Roscommon County Development Plan 2014-2020 The planning vision for Roscommon is to facilitate development in a measured, calculated and plan led sustainable manner across the county (Roscommon County Council 2014). The County has a target for the population to increase with 6,200 persons between the years 2014 and 2020. In order to meet this growth in population, 2480 new housing unit are required. The Plan identifies that a population increase, the impact on the natural environment will increase as well. As one of the core policies is to protect the natural heritage of County Roscommon, the County Council will encourage development where appropriate and only in a sustainable way. The Council is responsible for protection of all waters, including lakes, rivers and groundwaters (Roscommon County Council 2014). The responsibilities include implementation of pollution control measures, licensing of effluent discharges, implementing and monitoring compliance with environmental regulations, the drawing up of pollution contingency measures. Surface water bodies of high importance as resources are to be protected and restricted development within those catchments that would endanger the quality of the water.
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An appropriate Assessment was carried out of the County Development Plan which found that the Plan, with the inclusion of mitigation measures, will have no significant adverse effect on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites (Roscommon County Council 2014). Therefore, provided the proposed mitigation measures in the Plan are implemented, the in- combination effects of the Roscommon County Development Plan (2014-2020) and proposed OPW arterial drainage maintenance operations are not likely to be significant.
6.3.2.4 Development planning Various planning permissions have been granted to projects in the general area of the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme including local residential and commercial developments and retention applications (Roscommon County Council 2018). As of November 2015, the projects listed below, which are not retention applications, home extensions and/or internal alterations, and are adjacent to the drainage channels, have been granted planning permission in Co Roscommon in the last 3 years.
Planning Application Reference 1743 Location Key Scregg, Knockcroghery Development address Scregg, Knockcroghery, Roscommon. Description: for erection of four bay animal shed, incorporating slatted pens and slurry storage tanks, with ancillary development on farm at Scregg, Knockcroghery, Roscommon Final Decision on Application Conditional Decision Date 07/06/2017
Planning Application Reference 17313 Location Key Ballyglass Development address Ballyglass, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Description: to erect dormer type dwelling, domestic garage, proprietary effluent treatment system and percolation area, associated site development works and services at Ballyglass, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Final Decision on Application Conditional Decision Date 20/09/2017
Planning Application Reference 17227 Location Key Galey, Knockcroghery Development address Galey Townland, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Description: To construct playing pitches for training, extend existing training pitch and associated site works adjacent to existing grounds at Galey Townland, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Final Decision on Application Conditional Decision Date 22/08/2017
The location of the proposed animal shed (ref. 1743) construction is approximately 4 km from the Lough Ree SAC and SPA. The application has been approved with conditions on mitigation measures to protect the surrounding environment, including: collection of soiled water, effluents of dung steads and farmyard manure pits; maintenance of storage tanks to prevent runoff into surface and groundwater; all wastes and by-products shall be stored in designated and controlled areas.
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The location of the dormer type dwelling (ref. 17313) construction is approximately 4.5 km from the Lough Ree SAC and SPA. The application has been approved with conditions including installation of a wastewater treatment system and polishing filter in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Code of Practice; Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses, 2009. The playing pitch (ref. 17227) construction is approximately 800 m from Lough Ree SAC and SPA. The application has been approved with conditions that surface water run-off/storm water is collected and disposed in designated soak pits or drains. Given the distance of the animal shed construction and dormer type dwelling to the SAC and SPA, and provided the conditions are implemented, no cumulative effects with the present maintenance works are expected on the Natura 2000 sites. The playing pitch is located relatively close to the SAC and SPA but is a small construction that is not expected to have any cumulative effects with the present maintenance works on the Natura 2000 sites. Therefore, the in-combination effects of the planned developments and OPW arterial drainage maintenance operations are not likely to be significant.
6.3.2.5 Nutrient enrichment Eutrophication from agriculture, forestry and sewage discharges have the potential for cumulative and in-combination effects through surface water pathways. Release of nutrients during the works may occur as a result of sediment disturbance in-stream. Given the nature and scale of the works it is not likely to be of an amount to cause significant adverse impacts, however, using the precautionary principle and given that the surrounding landscape is made up of predominantly agricultural land, there is potential for cumulative impacts from agriculture related to eutrophication. Eutrophication caused by increases in nutrient levels in the water, as a result of sediment disturbance and agricultural practises, could cause changes to the vegetative structure and composition in the aquatic habitats within the SACs and have adverse impacts upon the water quality and species of the Natura 2000 sites. Of the waste water treatment plants in the county, Monksland D0042-01 and Roscommon D0116- 01 are listed as priority urban areas where improvements are needed for the waste water treatment, based on data from 2017. Monksland failed the secondary treatment requirement and to reach EU's legally binding standards for treatment of urban waste water. The European Commission raised concerns about excessive leaks or spills of waste water from Roscommon Treatment Plant (EPA 2018c). A recent project carried out by Irish Water focused on improving the waste water network in Roscommon Town in order to reduce the amount of groundwater being infiltrated into the collection system (Irish Water 2018). This improvement was made to ensure that wastewater is treated and discharged in compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, reduce the risk of flooding, improve sewer capacity and to allow for population growth. Therefore, there may be significant impacts from the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works in-combination with agricultural and forestry practices and WWTPs, and further mitigation is required. Mitigation measures are included in Table 6-4and Section 7.
6.3.2.6 Shannon River Basin Management Plan 2009-2015 and River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for Ireland 2018-2021 The Shannon International River Basin District is the largest in Ireland and stretches from the counties Cavan and Fermanagh in the north down to north Kerry in the southwest, including 18 local authority areas (EPA Catchments Unit 2009). The core objectives of the Water Framework Directive are to prevent deterioration, restore good status, reduce chemical pollution and achieve water related protected areas objectives. The Shannon River Basement Management Plan (2009-2015) found that the ecological status of rivers and canals are as follows (in % of total length): 4% have high status, 38% have good status, 33% have moderate status, 27% have poor status, 2% have bad status and 1% is yet to be determined. Lough Ree is classified under the WFD as having Moderate water quality status and the two river waterbodies closest to the Knockcroghery Scheme, Shannon and Hind, have the status Good and Poor respectively.
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Published in April 2018, the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021 sets out the actions that Ireland will take to improve water quality and achieve ‘good’ ecological status in water bodies (rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters) by 2021 (DoHPLG 2018). Learning from the previous River Basin management plans, for the 2nd Cycle, the Eastern, South Eastern, South Western, Western and Shannon River Basin Districts will be merged to form one national River Basin District. Ireland is required to produce a river basin management plan under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Water quality in Ireland has deteriorated over the past two decades. The Plan provides a more coordinated framework for improving the quality of our waters — to protect public health, the environment, water amenities and to sustain water-intensive industries, including agri-food and tourism, particularly in rural Ireland. The Shannon River Basin Management Plan (2009-2015) and the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland (2018-2021) aim to improve the management and water quality of the Shannon RBD, and hence the rivers and lakes surrounding the Knockcroghery Scheme. Any projects that occur as a result of this plan will require project specific AA and will take into consideration cumulative or in- combination impacts that may arise. Therefore, provided any works that may occur as a result of the Plan are already included in the Plan, or a project specific assessment is conducted on any projects have yet to be developed (where required), the Plan would not be likely to significantly adversely impact on any of the screened in Natura sites, cumulatively or in combination with the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works.
6.3.2.7 Spread of non-native invasive species Non-native invasive species (NNIS) Canadian Waterweed has been recorded in the main channel C1 connecting Lough Ree and Lough Oura. Canadian Waterweed has also previously been recorded at several locations in Lough Ree (NBDC 2018a). The species is listed as risk of High Impact and can have negative impact in localised parts of disturbed or newly introduced habitats (NBDC 2018b) and therefore have the potential for cumulative decrease in habitats within the Lough Ree SAC. The non-native invasive species Giant Butterbur was also recorded during the survey, however, its invasiveness has not been assessed (NBDC 2018c). Given the availability of potential transport vectors or pathways, there is potential for NNIS to be transported between sites within the area of works and from outside of the area of works to within through various external sources including hikers, anglers and dumping, as non-native invasive species have been recorded in the surrounding area (see Appendix C). Surface water connections, re-use of unclean equipment, machinery or clothing, from nearby projects or developments, or stored nearby in potentially contaminated areas, can all be considered vectors for aquatic NNIS such as Canadian Waterweed in particular. Equipment, machinery or boots that are being used in the water by anglers within potentially contaminated areas could carry microscopic spores, larvae, plant fragments or seeds that if used at this location, can cause the spread of NNIS. Although the Knockcroghery Scheme and Lough Ree is not noted as being a significant crayfish habitat, as non-native invasive species spread in other areas around Ireland, uncontaminated refuges will become extremely important to the survival of the infected species. The spread of all NNIS including crayfish plague in particular, must be prevented (Waterways Ireland 2017). The normal operation of the proposed works includes the adherence to biosecurity protocols and in normal circumstances, more specific mitigation will not be required. However, considering the nature, location and types of non-native invasive species in this area, and given the types of potential impacts there is potential for cumulative decrease in the area of suitable habitats in this site as a result of the spread of non-native invasive species and more specific mitigation will be required. Therefore, there may be significant impacts from the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works in-combination with the use of the operational equipment and machinery stored outside the area or used on other schemes and works outside the scheme area and further mitigation measures will be required. Mitigation measures are included in Table 6-4 and Section 7.
6.4 Impact Evaluation Table 6-4 evaluates the screened in Natura 2000 sites and potential impacts as discussed in Section 6.2, in more specific detail. The impact evaluation table examines where potentially adverse impacts may arise from the sources identified above. Where potentially significant adverse impacts are identified, avoidance and mitigation measures are proposed to offset these impacts.
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The proposed works will be carried out within two of the Natura sites, Lough Ree SAC and SPA, which are subject to impact via surface water pathways, land/air pathways and groundwater pathways. The main pathway affecting the Natura 2000 sites that are not connected by surface water or land and air pathways, is through groundwater as many of the qualifying interests within these sites are groundwater dependent Annex 1 habitats, mainly wetlands and lakes. Sites which are subject to impact via groundwater pathways are Ballinturly Turlough SAC, Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC, Castlesampson Esker SAC, Corbo Bog SAC, Lough Forbes Complex SAC, Lough Funshinagh SAC and Ballykenny Fishertown Bog SPA. As mitigation measures, the general Environmental Procedures (EP) are to be followed and specific EPs for this site are Wetland Procedure, Spread of Water based Invasives (High Biosecurity) Procedure and Birds Procedure (including wintering birds). Table 6-4 assesses the habitats screened in Natura 2000 sites in more detail and examines where potentially adverse impacts may arise from the sources of impact identified above. Where potentially significant adverse impacts are identified, avoidance and mitigation measures are proposed to offset these impacts. More detailed measures are defined where necessary and are described in detail in Table 6-4 and Section 7.
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Table 6-4: Impact Assessment of the qualifying interests. Site Qualifying Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Measures Residual Name Interests/ Special Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance impact (site Conservation Impact code) Interests Lough Natural Eutrophic Release of Surface Water Lough Ree is a eutrophic lake, Follow protocols and EPs in and No adverse Ree SAC Lakes [3150] suspended which is a surface water OPW Environmental Procedures impact Alkaline Fens solids dependent habitat with direct (EP) (OPW 2018) - specifically, the [7230] contact to the channel where procedures under the Otter (Lutra lutra) Release or works are to take place. Environmental Drainage Procedure [1355] changes in Drainage maintenance activities EP, including compliance with the nutrient levels/ could impact on water quality in 10-point plan and auditing pollutants these habitats through the processes. Works should follow release of suspended those as describes in guidance sediments, nutrients and under the Silt Management EP, pollutants which could potentially including but not limited to working result in reduced water quality, upstream, skipping sections and increased turbidity and leaving buffer zones both instream eutrophication, which could then and along the banks. Machinery result in algal blooms. This could Related Procedures should be reach the eutrophic lake through followed to include no refuelling surface water pathways as within 50m of a watercourse, use of scheme watercourses are biodegradable oils, ensure directly upstream of Lough Ree availability of spill kits and leave SAC. natural vegetation buffer strip along the bank. Groundwater-dependant habitats with surface water connectivity, Wetland habitats (including wet such as Alkaline Fens, are grassland, swamp and fens) should susceptible to changes in water be identified on-site prior to works quality as a result of the release commencing and works within or of suspended solids, the adjacent to wetlands should follow
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introduction of pollutants or the Wetland Procedure EP, changes to nutrient levels. including, but not limited to Alkaline Fens are dependent on protecting the wetlands hydraulics specific water quality and minimising or avoiding parameters, such as nutrient maintenance. Bog mats may be levels. required when traversing through Changes in water quality and wetlands. eutrophication could affect the food supplies of Otter and alter The above measures will control population distribution. Otter are sediment mobilisation and reduce mobile species and may be able, the risk of pollution incidents provided there are no barriers, to thereby reducing the potential move to another location should significance of this source of impact the habitat become unsuitable on the surface water dependent due to lack of prey species / lake and groundwater dependent food, pollution events or fen within this SAC and the Otter changes in water levels reducing which is dependent on these suitability of habitat. In some habitats, that may be impacted instances, i.e. extreme pollution through surface water pathways. events, the scheme works could The above measures will also result in direct mortalities of prevent any changes to Otter or fish, effecting the overall groundwater levels, preventing population trend. Scheme impacts that may occur as a result watercourses are directly of this potential source of impact. upstream of Lough Ree SAC, so any release of suspended solids,
nutrients or pollutants, changes in current levels of nutrients or changes to channel morphology / water level, within the SAC, could have direct and/or indirect negative impacts upon the conservation objectives of the qualifying interests of this SAC.
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Changes in The lake and fens are No adverse water levels/ dependent on specific impact channel hydrological regime attributes. morphology The eutrophic lake is dependent on natural water level fluctuation and water turbidity, while the alkaline fens are dependent on natural hydrological regimes to support the functioning of the habitat. Drainage maintenance activities, such as silt and vegetation management can result in the deepening and widening of channels which could impact on surface water flows. This could have adverse impacts on these habitats and a number of attributes, including habitat area, habitat distribution and vegetation composition. However, significant changes to the hydrological regime are unlikely as the works will restore the system to the design standard only. The drainage maintenance activities are therefore unlikely to impact significantly on attributes used to define conservation status. Spread of non- A reduction in habitat quality and Follow protocols and No adverse native invasive physical alterations of the can OPW Environmental Procedures impact species also be caused by the (EP) (OPW 2018) particularly
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introduction of non-native Section 3 Invasive Species and EPs invasive species. The invasive Spread of Invasive Plant (low species Canadian Waterweed biosecurity) which include check for was found in the channel during invasive species, wash down all the ecological walkover and is machinery and equipment making registered at several locations in sure all organic plants and soil are Lough Ree. Further spread of removed before leaving the site, this the species will impact on the also includes personal clothing and eutrophic lake by outcompeting footwear. the existing vegetation leading to change in vegetation composition and a reduction of typical species. The change of vegetation can also affect the water quality by changed composition of nutrients, phytoplankton and algal biomass. This can have adverse effects on the food chain and affect the food supplies for Otter. Physical alterations resulting from disturbance or introduction of non-native invasive species, can be temporary or permanent dependant on the nature and extent of the habitat alteration. Lough Alkaline fens [7230] Physical Land and Air Drainage maintenance activities Follow protocols and EPs in and No adverse Ree SAC disturbance of and the proposed associated OPW Environmental Procedures impact Otter Lutra lutra habitat (and works could cause a reduction in (EP) (OPW 2018) - [1355] loss of wood the area or quality of alkaline When maintenance works are vegetation fens, increasing negative carried out within the SAC and cover) indicator species present and potential wetland habitats (such as Semi-natural dry reducing the presence of alkaline fens) are present, minimise
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grasslands and Noise and elements of local distinctiveness or avoid maintenance as per the scrubland facies on visual such as notable flora and fauna, Wetland EP should be followed. calcareous disturbance if the fen is drained as a result of Machine/bog mats may be required substrates (Festuco clearance in the channel or if in areas directly upstream of Lough Brometalia) access to the channel is through Ree to prevent unnecessary (*important orchid the fen. Although, no alkaline disturbance. sites) [6210] fens were recorded during the walkover survey, the Where protected habitats are Limestone precautionary principle is used present the Wetland EP and Tree pavements [8240] as it is stated in the site synopsis management EP should be of the SAC that some reedbeds followed. Works within potential along Lough Ree grade into wetlands, including fens, should alkaline fens. protect the wetlands hydraulics and minimise or avoid maintenance as The maintenance works may per Wetland Procedure EP. also result in physical Machine/bog mats may be required disturbance to habitats used by to prevent unnecessary Otter and noice disturbance disturbance. impacting on Otter. Removal of woody vegetation Specific procedures relevant to along the river corridor, along Otter in the Otter Procedures EP with riparian and in-channel include to check mapping and vegetation, and noise from reporting of Otter holts on ganger's machinery, can make a card. A walkover of the works area watercourse less optimal for will be carried out by Operational Otter, potentially displacing them Staff one week in advance of works from a particular location. This to note areas of dense cover with can result in a reduction in the direct access to the water that availability of and extent of should be avoided. Where holts are habitat (terrestrial, river, or lake) observed, a buffer zone of 30m for and availability of couch or holt general maintenance works should sites (Otters need lying up areas be applied, the buffer may be throughout their territory where increased depending on the nature they are secure from of the works. A derogation license is
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disturbance). A reduction in needed prior to works commencing availability and extent of these where interference with a holt is habitats will prevent the COs for required. this QI from being attained. Maintenance operations and the Where vegetation growth is associated works are extensive, and maintenance hasn't undertaken on a periodic basis been done periodically, a pre-works at this location and only survey following the Environmental generate noise and visual Risk Assessment Procedure EP in disturbance on a short-term, these areas where works are temporary basis. Consequently, beyond the normal may be required whilst these species may be to ensure no holts/couches will be displaced from a working area destroyed. during the actual period of works, they are unlikely to be permanently displaced by noise and visual disturbance and so no long-term significant impacts are likely on these species
Potential Annex 1 Semi-natural dry grasslands were recorded during the survey and may be impacted by physical disturbance reduction of vegetation cover if machinery access the channel from the dry grassland, which can lead to a reduction of the habitat area. Although, no limestone pavements were recorded during the walkover survey, the precautionary principle is used as it is stated in the site synopsis of the SAC that limestone
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pavements are scattered throughout the SAC and any machinery accessing the channel could disturb the habitat and result in a reduction of the area and distribution.
However, given that maintenance activities are conducted along watercourses that have been periodically subject to such activities, and that the bank of operation remains consistent, there will be a working corridor along the channels which has been subject to periodic physical disturbance. The habitats supporting Otter populations are also subject to regular periods of maintenance and there will be a period of habitat recovery upon completion of an activity within which species will re-colonise areas they have potentially been displaced from. Spread of non- A reduction in habitat quality and Follow protocols and No adverse native invasive physical alterations can also be OPW Environmental Procedures impact species caused by the introduction of (EP) (OPW 2018) particularly non-native invasive species. The Section 3 Invasive Species and EPs invasive species Giant Butterbur Spread of Invasive Plant (low was found close to the channel biosecurity) which include check for during the ecological walkover. invasive species, wash down all Further spread of the species machinery and equipment making
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will impact on the semi-natural sure all organic plants and soil are dry grassland and limestone removed before leaving the site, this pavements by outcompeting the also includes personal clothing and existing vegetation leading to footwear. change in vegetation composition and a reduction of sensitive and positive indicator species. Physical alterations resulting from disturbance or introduction of non-native invasive species, can be temporary or permanent dependant on the nature and extent of the habitat alteration. Lough Natural eutrophic Release or Groundwater Eutrophic lakes, fens, bogs and Groundwater pathways may not be No adverse Ree SAC lakes with changes in bog woodlands are habitats visible so follow the procedures impact Magnopotamion or nutrient levels/ dependent on specific water under the Environmental Drainage Hydrocharition-type pollutants quality parameters. Drainage Procedure EP, including compliance vegetation [3150] maintenance activities could with the 10-point plan and auditing impact on water quality in the processes. Works should follow Otter Lutra lutra lake and alkaline fens through those as describes in guidance [1355] the release of nutrients which under the Silt Management EP, will affect the habitats pH, including but not limited to working
phytoplankton and algal biomass upstream, skipping sections and Degraded raised in the lake and vegetation leaving buffer zones both instream bogs still capable of composition in the fens. This can and along the banks. Machinery natural regeneration lead to an increase in Related Procedures should be [7120] phytoplankton and algal biomass followed to include no refuelling in the lake, and a reduction of within 50m of a watercourse, use of Alkaline fens [7230] typical species in the fen biodegradable oils, ensure Bog woodland habitats. availability of spill kits and leave [91D0] natural vegetation buffer strip along Pollution incidents which could the bank. potentially result in reduced
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water quality of the bogs and Works within or adjacent to bog woodlands by changing the wetlands should follow the Wetland chemical composition so that it Procedure EP, including, but not does not meet the natural limited to protecting the wetlands reference conditions, which is hydraulics and minimising or the target for the CO. This can avoiding maintenance. occur through aquifer recharge. This could then impact on a The above measures will control range of vegetation structure sediment mobilisation and reduce attributes such as typical species the risk of pollution incidents. This and vegetation structures will reduce the potential significance present, and potentially result in of this source of impact on the the increase in growth of groundwater dependent habitats negative indicator species. and species within this SAC. Changes in Changes to groundwater water water levels/ quality and water levels may channel impact upon the groundwater morphology dependant habitats natural eutrophic lakes, alkaline fens, bogs and bog woodlands. Drainage maintenance activities, such as silt and vegetation management can result in the deepening and widening of channels which could impact on groundwater levels. This could lead to changes in water level fluctuations in the lake and not meet the target of natural hydrological regime. This could lead to that the target of all vegetation composition characteristic zonation to be present is not met. This can also have adverse impact on bogs
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and bog woodlands by not meeting the target of appropriate water level throughout the habitat which can lead to decrease in the distribution of ecotope, active flush, soaks and bog woodlands. Changes in water level can affect the hydrological regime of alkaline fens and lead to that the target of natural hydrological regimes to support natural structures and functioning of the habitat is not met.
However, significant changes to the hydrogeological regime are unlikely as the works will restore the system to the design standard only. The drainage maintenance activities are therefore unlikely to impact significantly on attributes used to define conservation status. Lough Whooper Swan Release of Surface Water Waterbird populations and most Surface water pathways may No adverse Ree SPA (Cygnus cygnus) suspended of the designated species of this transfer suspended solids, nutrients impact [A038] solids SPA are dependent on a number and pollution so follow protocols of habitats with connectivity to and EPs in and OPW Wigeon (Anas Release or surface waters within the site, Environmental Procedures (EP) penelope) [A050] changes in including eutrophic lakes and (OPW 2018) - alkaline fens. Drainage nutrient levels/ specifically, the procedures under maintenance activities could the Environmental Drainage Teal (Anas crecca) pollutants impact on these habitats through Procedure EP, including compliance [A052] the release of nutrients,
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suspended solids and pollution with the 10-point plan and auditing Mallard (Anas incidents which could potentially processes. Works should follow platyrhynchos) result in reduced water quality, those as described in guidance [A053] eutrophication and increased under the Silt Management EP, turbidity, which could impact including but not limited to working upon the wetland habitats and upstream, skipping sections and Shoveler (Anas potentially the food supply (i.e. leaving buffer zones both instream clypeata) [A056] macroinvertebrates and fish) of and along the banks. Machinery the waterbirds, possibly leading Related Procedures should be Tufted Duck to a decrease in the distribution followed to include no refuelling (Aythya fuligula) of species and the long term within 50m of a watercourse, use of [A061] population trend within Lough biodegradable oils, ensure Ree. availability of spill kits and leave Common Scoter Changes in The birds for which this SPA is natural vegetation buffer strip along No adverse (Melanitta nigra) water levels/ designated are dependent on a the bank. impact [A065] channel number of habitats with morphology connectivity to surface waters The above measures will control Goldeneye within the site, including sediment mobilisation, prevent (Bucephala eutrophic lakes and alkaline changes in water levels and clangula) [A067] fens. channel morphology, and reduce Drainage maintenance activities, the risk of pollution incidents thereby reducing the potential Coot (Fulica atra) such as silt and vegetation significance of this source of impact [A125] management can result in the deepening and widening of on the Lough Ree SPA and its QIs.
channels which could impact on Golden Plover surface water flows and water (Pluvialis apricaria) table levels. This could then [A140] have adverse impacts on those habitats and distribution of the Lapwing (Vanellus waterbirds they support. vanellus) [A142] However, significant changes to the hydrological regime are Common Tern unlikely as the works will restore (Sterna hirundo) the system to the design
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[A193] standard only. The drainage maintenance activities are therefore unlikely to impact significantly on attributes used to define conservation status.
Lough Wetlands [A999] Physical Land and Air Drainage maintenance works Follow protocols and EPs in and No adverse Ree SPA disturbance of may result in physical OPW Environmental Procedures impact Whooper Swan habitat disturbance impacts on (EP) (OPW 2018) - Cygnus cygnus waterbirds through reducing the Works should follow the Birds [A038[ extent of habitat (terrestrial, Procedure EP which includes to river, or lake) and availability of plan the time of works to minimise food resources which can lead to potential disturbance on over Wigeon Anas a decrease in distribution of the wintering bird populations within the penelope [A050] waterbirds. The disturbance can SPA and the sightline to wintering also lead to displacement of birds should be minimized. Teal Anas crecca waterbirds during the time the [A052] maintenance works take place. Wetland habitats should be identified on-site prior to works Mallard Anas commencing in the SPA/SAC. platyrhynchos Works within or adjacent to [A053] wetlands should follow the Wetland Procedure EP, including, but not Shoveler Anas limited to protecting the wetlands clypeata [A056] hydraulics and minimising or avoiding maintenance. Machine/bog mats may be required in areas Tufted Duck Aythya directly upstream of Lough Ree to fuligula [A061] prevent unnecessary disturbance.
Noise and The bird species for which the Follow protocols and EPs in and No adverse Common Scoter visual SPA is designated will be OPW Environmental Procedures impact
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Melanitta nigra disturbance sensitive to disturbance from (EP) (OPW 2018) - [A065] machinery and workforces Works should follow the Birds conducting drainage Procedure EP which includes to Goldeneye maintenance operations during plan the time of works to minimise Bucephala the over-wintering period potential disturbance on over clangula[A067] (November - March). This wintering bird populations within the disturbance could cause SPA and the sightline to wintering displacement of populations birds should be minimized. If works Little Grebe which can require significant has to be carried out during the Tachybaptus energy expenditure for the birds, winter period screening shall be ruficollis [A004] which, if undertaken during the used where the works are carried cold winter months when birds out within the SPA and can have Coot Fulica atra are already stressed by recent significant impact on the wintering [A125] migrations and difficulties in birds. finding food, could have an Golden Plover adverse impact on population Pluvialis apricaria trend and distribution. [A140] Spread of non- A reduction in habitat quality and Follow protocols and No adverse native invasive physical alterations can also be OPW Environmental Procedures impact Lapwing Vanellus species caused by the introduction of (EP) (OPW 2018) particularly vanellus [A142] non-native invasive species. The Section 3 Invasive Species and EPs invasive species Canadian Spread of Invasive Plant (low waterweed was found in the biosecurity) which include check for Common Tern channel during the ecological invasive species, wash down all Sterna hirundo walkover and is registered at machinery and equipment making [A193] several location along Lough sure all organic plants and soil are Ree. removed before leaving the site, this Physical alterations resulting also includes personal clothing and from disturbance or introduction footwear. of non-native invasive species, can be temporary or permanent dependant on the nature and extent of the habitat alteration. As previous, alterations to
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habitats can reduce their area, structure and composition. This can have negative impact on feeding sites for the waterbirds and result in a reduced distribution and population of the species.
Lough Turloughs [3180] Release or Groundwater Changes to groundwater water Surface water pathways leading to No adverse Funshinag changes in quality and water levels may groundwater pathways may not be impact h SAC nutrient levels/ impact upon groundwater visible so protocols and EPs in and pollutants dependant habitats such as OPW Environmental Procedures turloughs, which is a priority (EP) (OPW 2018) should be Annex 1 habitat. followed. - Specifically, the procedures under
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Changes in These protected habitats are the Environmental Drainage water levels/ susceptible to changes in water Procedure EP, including compliance channel quality as a result of the release with the 10-point plan and auditing morphology of suspended solids, introduction processes. Works should follow of pollutants or changes to those as described in guidance nutrient levels transferred under the Silt Management EP, through groundwater pathways. including but not limited to working This could impact on vegetation upstream, skipping sections and composition and the habitat not leaving buffer zones both instream being able to support sensitive and along the banks. Machinery and high conservation value Related Procedures should be vegetation communities. followed to include no refuelling Changes to water levels could within 50m of a watercourse, use of dry out turloughs can also have biodegradable oils, ensure a negative impact on vegetation availability of spill kits and leave zonation/mosaic characteristic of natural vegetation buffer strip along the site. the bank.
The above measures will control sediment mobilisation and reduce the risk of pollution incidents. This will reduce the potential significance of this source of impact on the groundwater dependent turlough within this SAC. Ballynamo Turloughs [3180] Release or Groundwater Changes to groundwater water Surface water pathways leading to No adverse na Bog Active raised bogs changes in levels may impact upon groundwater pathways may not be impact And [7110] nutrient levels/ groundwater dependant habitats visible so protocols and EPs in and Corkip Degraded raised pollutants such as turloughs, active raised OPW Environmental Procedures Lough bogs still capable of bogs and bog woodlands. These (EP) (OPW 2018) should be SAC natural regeneration protected habitats are also followed. -
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[7120] Changes in susceptible to changes in water Specifically, the procedures under Bog woodland water quality as a result of the release the Environmental Drainage [91D0] levels/channel of suspended solids, introduction Procedure EP, including compliance morphology of pollutants or changes to with the 10-point plan and auditing nutrient levels transferred processes. Works should follow through groundwater pathways. those as described in guidance under the Silt Management EP, Changes in water quality and including but not limited to working water level can impact on upstream, skipping sections and turloughs by changing the leaving buffer zones both instream nutrient composition of the soil and along the banks. Machinery and changes in vegetation Related Procedures should be composition, leading to targets followed to include no refuelling of maintaining/restore the within 50m of a watercourse, use of nutrient status appropriate to the biodegradable oils, ensure soil type and changes in availability of spill kits and leave vegetation zonation natural vegetation buffer strip along characteristic of the site is not the bank. being met. This can also have adverse impact on bogs and bog The above measures will control woodlands by not meeting the sediment mobilisation and reduce target of appropriate water level the risk of pollution incidents. This throughout the habitat which can will reduce the potential significance lead to decrease in the of this source of impact on the distribution of ecotope, active groundwater dependent habitats flush, soaks and bog woodlands. within this SAC. Castlesam Turloughs [3180] Release or Groundwater Changes to groundwater water Surface water pathways leading to No adverse pson changes in quality and water levels may groundwater pathways may not be impact Esker nutrient levels/ impact upon groundwater visible so protocols and EPs in and SAC pollutants dependant habitats such as OPW Environmental Procedures turloughs. These protected (EP) (OPW 2018) should be habitats are also susceptible to followed. - changes in water quality as a Specifically, the procedures under result of the release of
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Changes in suspended solids, introduction of the Environmental Drainage water levels / pollutants or changes to nutrient Procedure EP, including compliance channel levels transferred through with the 10-point plan and auditing morphology groundwater pathways which processes. Works should follow can impact on the nutrient those as described in guidance composition of the soil so that it under the Silt Management EP, is not appropriate to the soil including but not limited to working type. They are also vulnerable to upstream, skipping sections and changes in water levels or leaving buffer zones both instream channel morphology impacting and along the banks. Machinery upon the hydrological regime. Related Procedures should be Drainage lowers the water table followed to include no refuelling and affect the vegetation within 50m of a watercourse, use of zonation/mosaic characteristic of biodegradable oils, ensure the site. availability of spill kits and leave natural vegetation buffer strip along the bank.
The above measures will control sediment mobilisation and reduce the risk of pollution incidents. This will reduce the potential significance of this source of impact on the groundwater dependent habitats within this SAC. Corbo Active raised bogs Release or Groundwater Changes to groundwater water Surface water pathways leading to No adverse Bog SAC [7110] changes in quality and water levels may groundwater pathways may not be impact Degraded raised nutrient levels/ impact upon groundwater visible so protocols and EPs in and bogs still capable of pollutants dependant habitats such as OPW Environmental Procedures natural regeneration raised bogs and associated (EP) (OPW 2018) should be [7120] supporting habitats. These followed. - protected habitats are also Specifically, the procedures under susceptible to changes in water
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Changes in quality as a result of the release the Environmental Drainage water of suspended solids, introduction Procedure EP, including compliance levels/channel of pollutants or changes to with the 10-point plan and auditing morphology nutrient levels transferred processes. Works should follow through groundwater pathways. those as described in guidance This can impact on the target to under the Silt Management EP, have water quality close to including but not limited to working natural reference conditions in upstream, skipping sections and these habitats. leaving buffer zones both instream They are also vulnerable to and along the banks. Machinery changes in water levels or Related Procedures should be channel morphology impacting followed to include no refuelling upon the hydrological regime. within 50m of a watercourse, use of Drainage lowers the water table, biodegradable oils, ensure the bog surface dries out and availability of spill kits and leave this can have a negative impact natural vegetation buffer strip along on the distribution of ecotope, the bank. active flush, soaks and bog woodlands, leading to the target The above measures will control of restoring these not being met. sediment mobilisation and reduce the risk of pollution incidents. This will reduce the potential significance of this source of impact on the groundwater dependent habitats within this SAC. Ballinturly Turloughs [3180] Release or Groundwater Changes to groundwater water Surface water pathways leading to No adverse Turlough changes in quality and water levels may groundwater pathways may not be impact SAC nutrient levels/ impact upon groundwater visible so protocols and EPs in and pollutants dependant habitats such as OPW Environmental Procedures turloughs. These protected (EP) (OPW 2018) should be habitats are also susceptible to followed. - changes in water quality as a Specifically, the procedures under result of the release of
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Changes in suspended solids, introduction of the Environmental Drainage water pollutants or changes to nutrient Procedure EP, including compliance levels/channel levels transferred through with the 10-point plan and auditing morphology groundwater pathways which processes. Works should follow can impact on the nutrient those as described in guidance composition of the soil so that it under the Silt Management EP, cannot maintain nutrient status including but not limited to working appropriate to the soil type. They upstream, skipping sections and are also vulnerable to changes leaving buffer zones both instream in water levels or channel and along the banks. Machinery morphology impacting upon the Related Procedures should be hydrological regime. Drainage followed to include no refuelling lowers the water table and affect within 50m of a watercourse, use of the vegetation composition biodegradable oils, ensure leading to that the vegetation availability of spill kits and leave zonation/mosaic characteristic of natural vegetation buffer strip along the site is not maintained. the bank.
The above measures will control sediment mobilisation and reduce the risk of pollution incidents. This will reduce the potential significance of this source of impact on the groundwater dependent habitats within this SAC. Lough Natural eutrophic Release or Groundwater Drainage maintenance activities Surface water pathways leading to No adverse Forbes lakes with changes in could impact on water quality in groundwater pathways may not be impact Complex Magnopotamion or nutrient levels/ the eutrophic lake through the visible so protocols and EPs in and SAC Hydrocharition-type pollutants release of nutrients which will OPW Environmental Procedures
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vegetation [3150] Changes in affect the habitats pH, (EP) (OPW 2018) should be water phytoplankton and algal followed. - Active raised bogs levels/channel biomass. This can lead to an Specifically, the procedures under [7110] morphology increase in phytoplankton and the Environmental Drainage algal biomass in the lake. Procedure EP, including compliance Changes in nutrient levels or with the 10-point plan and auditing Degraded raised release of pollutants can impact processes. Works should follow bogs still capable of on bogs leading to the target to those as described in guidance natural regeneration have water quality close to under the Silt Management EP, [7120] natural reference conditions in including but not limited to working these habitats not being met. upstream, skipping sections and Depressions on These habitats are also leaving buffer zones both instream peat substrates of vulnerable to changes in water and along the banks. Machinery the Rhynchosporion levels or channel morphology Related Procedures should be [7150] impacting upon the hydrological followed to include no refuelling regime. This could lead to within 50m of a watercourse, use of changes in water level biodegradable oils, ensure fluctuations in the lake and not availability of spill kits and leave meet the target of natural natural vegetation buffer strip along hydrological regime. This could the bank. lead to that the target of all vegetation composition The above measures will control characteristic zonation to be sediment mobilisation and reduce present is not met. the risk of pollution incidents. This will reduce the potential significance Drainage lowers the water table of this source of impact on the of the bog habitat, the bog groundwater dependent habitats surface dries out and this can within this SAC. have a negative impact on the distribution of ecotope, active flush, soaks and bog woodlands, leading to the target of restoring these not being met.
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Ballykenn Natural eutrophic Release or Groundwater Eutrophic lakes are susceptible Surface water pathways leading to No adverse y lakes with changes in to changes in groundwater groundwater pathways may not be impact Fishersto Magnopotamion or nutrient levels/ quality and water levels. The visible so protocols and EPs in and wn Bog Hydrocharition-type pollutants release of suspended solids, OPW Environmental Procedures SPA vegetation [3150] introduction of pollutants or (EP) (OPW 2018) should be changes to nutrient levels followed. - Specifically, the transferred through groundwater procedures under the pathways can impact on the Environmental Drainage Procedure nutrient levels and pH which can EP, including compliance with the lead to a change in vegetation 10-point plan and auditing Changes in and algal composition. processes. Works should follow the water Silt Management EP, including but levels/channel not limited to working upstream, morphology Changes in water levels could impact on the water level skipping sections and leaving buffer fluctuations of the lake, leading zones both instream and along the to the target of natural banks. Machinery Related hydrological regime not being Procedures should be followed to met. include no refuelling within 50m of a watercourse, use of biodegradable oils, ensure availability of spill kits and leave natural vegetation buffer strip along the bank.
The above measures will control sediment mobilisation and reduce the risk of pollution incidents. This will reduce the potential significance of this source of impact on the groundwater dependent habitats within this SAC.
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7 Avoidance and Mitigation Measures In order to ensure that arterial drainage maintenance works and proposed associated works do not adversely impact on Ballinturly Turlough SAC, Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC, Castlesampson Esker SAC, Corbo Bog SAC, Lough Forbes Complex SAC, Lough Funshinagh SAC, Lough Ree SAC, Ballykenny Fishertown Bog SPA and Lough Ree SPA, specific mitigation and avoidance measures have been highlighted that should be followed in Table 6-4. This NIS considers the potential impact of normal arterial drainage maintenance works on those watercourses screened into the assessment. To determine if works are considered outside of what is considered normal works see Section 2.2.4. To ensure that adverse impacts do not arise on Natura 2000 sites and other protected species as a result of normal arterial drainage maintenance works undertaken during the period 2019-2023, all procedures as recommended in the OPW Environmental Procedures Document (OPW 2018) are to be followed, specifically the Annual Program Environmental Procedure EP, the Environmental Risk Assessment Procedure EP, Appropriate Assessment Procedure EP, Structures Construction Procedure EP, Environmental Management Procedure EP and those EPs as further recommended within the management EPs. To view site-specific mitigation measures, outside of those described in the OPW Environmental Procedures document, see Section 7.1, Table 7-1. To view specific mitigation measures relevant to works that may occur on bridges, sluices and/or structures, see Section7.2, Table 7-2.
7.1 Site specific mitigation measures This includes measures in addition to those listed in the OPW's Environmental Management Protocols and EPs (OPW 2018), necessary in order to offset the identified potential impacts on the Natura 2000 sites; these are detailed in Table 7-1. The specific mitigation measures are put in place in order to prevent adverse impact on sensitive ecological areas within the Lough Ree SAC/SPA and prevent adverse effects on Otter. Location of works and proposed mitigation measures carried out within the Lough Ree SAC/SPA are shown in Figure 7-1 and Figure 7-2 below, given in the context of habitats present around the drainage channel. Table 7-1: Specific mitigation measures. Potential Impact Specific Avoidance and Mitigation Measures1 Release of suspended All aquatic vegetation or brash cuttings shall be removed from the solids channel and its bank and placed in an area where they cannot re-enter the water. Release or changes in nutrient levels/ pollutants Drainage maintenance works carried out within Lough Ree SAC/SPA, will be limited to silt and vegetation management.
A 50 m section of instream and bank vegetation will be left at the outfall of Lough Ree. Changes in water levels/ Works on all channels shall be undertaken in accordance with the channel morphology Scheme's design standard, in order to prevent any new widening or deepening of a channel.
No machinery will be operating within the river channel. Physical disturbance of Drainage maintenance works will not encroach on the potential Annex habitats (and loss of wood 1 habitat Semi-natural dry grassland approximately 1 km upstream of vegetation cover) Lough Ree, upstream of the road on the south side of the main channel C1 in order to limit physical disturbance to this habitat (Figure 4-11).
Drainage maintenance works will not be carried out on a 20m section along the channel where the area identified as suitable for Otter is located (Figure 4-11). Additionally, there is a treeline of approximately
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Potential Impact Specific Avoidance and Mitigation Measures1 270m in length upstream of the SAC (see Figure 7-2 below). This provides important cover for otters in an area which otherwise has quite low tree cover and may provide important resting sites for otter. This section of treeline should be retained as far as possible, with mature trees retained in particular. Removal of more than half of the length this treeline would trigger a re-assessment; if this is required, consultation should be carried out with an ecologist.
In order to enhance the area for otters, arisings from tree management works should be used to create habitat piles to provide resting sites for otters (an artificial holt could be constructed if enough material is available).
In order to provide safe passage for otters, no obstructions (e.g. machinery) are to be left on the river bank overnight. Noise and visual Works and access will be restricted to maintenance access corridors. disturbance Spread of invasive non- Works in the channel will not be accessed at the location of the non- native species native invasive species Giant Butterbur, which is located approximately 1 km upstream of Lough Ree on the north side of the main channel C1 (Figure 4-11). The field will be access from the western side to prevent further spread of the species.
Where necessary, biosecurity measures will be implemented throughout the works following the OPW's Invasive Species Procedures. Although Crayfish plague has not been identified as being present within this catchment, given the recent outbreaks of crayfish plague reported around Ireland, the best practice principles of Check- Clean-Dry guidance of the NNSS (NNSS 2017).
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Figure 7-1: Habitats within Lough Ree SAC (000440) and Lough Ree SPA (004064) and the proposed drainage maintenance works and mitigations within the SAC/SPA.
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Figure 7-2: Section of treeline which should be retained as far as possible.
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7.2 Mitigation for Bridge/Sluice/Structural Works As discussed in section 2.2.3, it is currently unknown where and when structural drainage maintenance operations will be required in relation to bridges. This NIS considers the potential impact of maintenance operations on bridges and other structures on those channels screened into the assessment. To ensure that adverse impacts do not arise on Natura 2000 sites and their QIs as a result of structural maintenance operations undertaken during the period 2019-2023, all procedures as recommended in the OPW Environmental Procedures Document (OPW 2018) are to be followed; specifically the Annual Program Environmental Procedure EP, the Environmental Risk Assessment Procedure EP, Appropriate Assessment Procedure EP, Structures Construction Procedure EP, Environmental Management Procedure EP and where relevant the Bridge Inspection Form EP. The following pre-works mitigation checklist as detailed will also be implemented where structural maintenance works will occur: Table 7-2 Mitigation measures for bridge, sluice and/or structural works Checklist Mitigation Response Required Is the Structure a Bridge? If Yes - Ensure the Foreman's Bridge Inspection Report has been completed prior to works commencing. All work on bridges requires completion of this form. All instructions on this form will be followed. Continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Is the structure a culvert? If Yes - Follow the Ecological Culvert Procedure. All works on culverts require adherence to these procedures. Continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Is the structure a fisheries enhancement If Yes - Follow the Fisheries Enhancement structure? Procedure EP and Barrier Removal Procedure EP and continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Is the structure an embankment, a sluice If Yes - Follow the Embankment Maintenance or part of an embankment? Procedure, Barrier Removal Procedure EP, see site specific mitigation measures in Table 7-1 and continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Will structure maintenance works require If yes - Follow procedures in Environmental in-channel working? Drainage Procedure EP, the Silt Management EP, and Machinery Related Procedures to control silt mobilisation and relevant species-specific EPs to minimise physical damage. Continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Is the structure constructed of brick or If yes - Follow procedures in Bat Procedure EP. stone or does it contain cracks, crevices Ensure a bat roost potential assessment is and/or voids that could be used by conducted by an ecologist. Further nocturnal roosting bats? activity surveys will also be undertaken if the Does the structure have dense Ivy cover roost potential assessment concludes they are which could be used by roosting bats? required. Derogation license may be required for works on this bridge. Continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Does the structure contain voids, cracks or If yes - Follow Birds Procedure EP. Ensure the ledges that are or could be used by work is conducted outside of the nesting bird nesting birds? season or prior to works a survey for the Is the structure located within an area of presence of nesting birds is conducted. Continue dense bankside scrub/vegetation which through checklist as further procedures may be could be used by nesting birds? required. Is the structure located within an area of If yes - Follow Otter Procedure. Ensure a survey
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Checklist Mitigation Response Required dense bankside scrub/vegetation which is conducted prior to works to check for the could be used as a resting place by Otter? presence of any protected species. Continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Are water based non-native invasive If yes - Follow the Spread of Water-based species present in the area immediately Invasives (High Biosecurity) Procedure EP and around the structure, or is signage continue through checklist as further procedures indicating the presence of water based may be required. non-native invasive species present along this channel or the access route? Are terrestrial based non-native invasive If yes - Follow the Spread of Invasive Plant (Low species present in the area immediately Biosecurity) Procedure EP and continue through around the structure, is signage indicating checklist as further procedures may be required. the presence of non-native invasive species present along this channel, or are non-native invasive species present along the access route?
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8 Conclusions This Natura Impact Statement details the findings of the Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment conducted to further examine the potential direct and indirect impacts of the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works in the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme on the following Natura 2000 sites: • Ballinturly Turlough SAC (000588) • Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC (002339) • Castlesampson Esker SAC (001625) • Corbo Bog SAC (002349) • Lough Forbes Complex SAC (001818) • Lough Funshinagh SAC (000611) • Lough Ree SAC (000440) • Ballykenny Fishertown Bog SPA (004101) • Lough Ree SPA (004064)
The above sites were identified by a screening exercise that identified likely significant effects in relation to Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence of the proposed works. This screening exercise was conducted following the methodology outlined in Ryan Hanley (2014a), which examines three source > pathway > receptor chains; surface water, land and air, and groundwater pathways. The Appropriate Assessment investigated the potential direct and indirect impacts of the proposed works on the integrity and interest features of the above Natura 2000 sites, alone and in- combination with other plans and projects, taking into account the site's structure, function and conservation objectives. The three pathways of potential impact were again used as a framework of assessment. Where potentially significant adverse impacts were identified, a range of mitigation and avoidance measures have been stipulated to help offset them. As a result of this Appropriate Assessment it has been concluded, that the avoidance and mitigation measures suggested, the proposed drainage maintenance operations in the Knockcroghery Arterial Drainage Scheme will not have a significant adverse impact on the integrity of the above Natura 2000 sites. To confirm this conclusion, the following checklist (Table 8-1), taken from DoEHLG (2009) has been completed.
Table 8-1: Integrity of Site Checklist (from DoEHLG, 2009). Conservation objectives: does the Y/N project or plan have the potential to: Cause delays in progress towards N - Following mitigation, no significant adverse achieving the conservation objectives residual impacts have been identified that will of the sites? prevent achievement of the conservation objectives of the assessed sites. Interrupt progress towards achieving N - Following mitigation, no significant adverse the conservation objectives of the residual impacts have been identified that will sites? prevent achievement of the conservation objectives of the assessed site. Disrupt those factors that help to N - Potential adverse impacts via surface water; maintain the favourable conditions of land and air; and groundwater pathways the site? identified during the screening process can be mitigated against. Interfere with the balance, distribution N - Potential adverse impacts on the habitats and density of key species that are and species of the SACs/SPAs are not expected the indicators of the favourable as impacts can be avoided by implementing the condition of the site? mitigation and avoidance measures detailed.
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Other objectives: does the project or Y/N plan have the potential to: Cause changes to the vital defining N - Potential adverse impacts from suspended aspects (e.g. nutrient balance) that solid and nutrient release are not expected as determine how the site functions as a measures can be included within working habitat or ecosystem? protocols to ensure potential impacts are effectively mitigated. Change the dynamics of the N - Potential adverse impacts relating to relationships (between, for example, soil hydrological status and water quality have been and water or plants and animals) that identified which could impact on the functioning define the structure and/or function of and dynamics of the site, however, these are not the site? expected to be significant given the mitigation measures detailed to ensure potential impacts are effectively mitigated. Interfere with predicted or expected N - Potential adverse impacts from changes to natural changes to the site (such as the hydrological regime and suspended water dynamics or chemical solid/nutrient/pollutant release are not expected composition)? as measures are included within working protocols to ensure potential impacts are effectively mitigated. Reduce the area of key habitats? N - Potential adverse impacts on the habitats of the SACs are not expected given the mitigation measures that have been detailed. Reduce the population of key species? N - Potential impacts to key species of the SACs and SPAs, are not expected as impacts can be avoided by implementing the mitigation measures detailed. Change the balance between key N - Potential impacts to key species for which species? the SACs and SPAs are designated, are not expected as impacts can be avoided by implementing the mitigation measures detailed. Reduce diversity of the site? N - The identified mitigation measures to protect designated habitats and species will ensure that the current diversity of the sites is maintained. Result in disturbance that could affect N - Potential impacts to the population size, population size or density or the balance density or balance of key species are not between key species? expected as impacts can be avoided by implementing the mitigation measures detailed. Result in fragmentation N - The proposed works will be undertaken along existing maintenance access corridors and therefore no fragmentation of habitats will occur. Result in loss or reduction of key N - Potential adverse impacts on SAC habitats features (e.g. tree cover, tidal exposure, are not expected as impacts can be avoided by annual flooding etc.)? implementing the mitigation measures detailed so there will be no loss of, or reduction of, key features.
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References CSO (2018) ‘Population and Actual Percentage Change 2011 to 2016’, available: https://www.cso.ie/px/pxeirestat/Statire/SelectVarVal/Define.asp?maintable=E2016&PLanguage= 0 [accessed 18 Oct 2018]. DEHLG (2009) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning Authorities, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/NPWS_2009_AA_Guidance.pdf [accessed 31 Aug 2016]. Delanty, K., O’Grady, M., O’Briain, R., Feeney, R., Cooney, R., Coghlan, B. (2016) National Research Survey Programme, Inland Fisheries Ireland, 3044 Lake Drive, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24. DoEHLG (2009) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland Guidance for Planning Authorities., Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, available: http://www.wicklow.ie/sites/default/files/Manager’s%20report%20on%20submissions%20to%20th e%20Proposed%20Amendments.pdf [accessed 12 Jan 2017]. DoHPLG (2018) River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018 - 2021, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, available: https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/rbmp_report_english_web_version_ final_0.pdf [accessed 13 Nov 2018]. EC (2002) Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological Guidance on the Provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, EUR-OP: Luxembourg. EC (2007) Guidance Document on Article 6(4) of the ‘Habitats Directive’ 92/43/EEC. Clarification of the Concepts of: Alternative Solutions, Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest, Compensatory Measures, Overall Coherence, Opinion of the Commission, available: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/art6/guidance_art6_4_en.p df [accessed 31 Aug 2016]. EC (2013) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats, Version EUR 28, available: http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/references/2435. EPA (2018a) Upper Shannon Catchment Data [online], Catchments.ie, available: https://www.catchments.ie/data/ [accessed 22 Nov 2018]. EPA (2018b) EPA Maps [online], Next Generation EPA Maps, available: https://gis.epa.ie/EPAMaps/ [accessed 9 Jan 2018]. EPA (2018c) Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2017, available: http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/water/wastewater/Final%20report%20for%20website.pdf [accessed 10 Dec 2018]. EPA Catchments Unit (2009) ‘Shannon River Basin Management Plan 2009-2015’, available: http://www.wfdireland.ie/docs/1_River%20Basin%20Management%20Plans%202009%20- %202015/ShIRBD%20RBMP%202010/ShIRBD%20RBMP%202010.pdf [accessed 30 Nov 2018]. European Commission, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities (Eds.) (2000) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The Provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities: Luxembourg. Flora (Protection) Order [online] (2015) S.I. No. 356/2015, available: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2015/si/356/made/en/print [accessed 24 Mar 2017]. Fossitt, J.A. (2000) A Guide to Habitats in Ireland, Heritage Council of Ireland series, Heritage Council/Chomhairle Oidhreachta: Kilkenny. IFI (2010) ‘IFI Biosecurity Protocol for Field Survey Work’. Irish Water (2018) Wastewater Project - Roscommon Main Drainage Advance Works [online], available: https://www.water.ie/projects-plans/our-projects/roscommon-main-drainage-a/ [accessed 4 Dec 2018].
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JBA (2014b) Office of Public Works Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works - Knockrockery Arterial Drainage Scheme. Stage 1: Appropriate Assessment Screening. NBDC (2018a) Biodiversity Maps - Map Viewer [online], National Biodiversity Data Centre Biodiversity Maps, available: http://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/#/Map [accessed 10 Feb 2018]. NBDC (2018b) Catalouge of Ireland’s Non-Native Species - Canadian Waterweed [online], available: https://species.biodiversityireland.ie/profile.php?taxonId=41362&taxonName=elodea%20canaden sis&keyword=Catalogue%20of%20Irelands%20Non-native%20Species#Further_information [accessed 10 Dec 2018]. NBDC (2018c) Catalouge of Ireland’s Non-Native Species - Giant Butterbur [online], available: https://species.biodiversityireland.ie/profile.php?taxonId=29620&taxonName=giant%20butter&key word=Catalogue%20of%20Irelands%20Non-native%20Species [accessed 10 Dec 2018]. NNSS (2017) Check, Clean, Dry - GB Non-Native Species Secretariat [online], GB Non-native species secretariat, available: http://www.nonnativespecies.org/checkcleandry/ [accessed 16 Nov 2017]. NPWS (2008) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland, • National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) (2008). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland., available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/NPWS_2007_Conservation_Status_Report .pdf [accessed 31 Aug 2016]. NPWS (2012) ‘Site synopsis Ballykenny Fisherstown Bog SPA 004101’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY004101.pdf [accessed 13 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2013a) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland 2013 Habitat Assessments Volume 2, National Parks & Wildlife Services. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland., available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Article_17_Print_Vol_2_report_habitats_v1 _1_0.pdf [accessed 31 Aug 2016]. NPWS (2013b) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland Species Assessments Volume 3, National Parks & Wildlife Services. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland., available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Article_17_Print_Vol_3_report_species_v1 _1_0.pdf [accessed 31 Aug 2016]. NPWS (2013c) ‘Site Synopsis Ballinturly Turlough SAC 000588’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY000588.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2013d) ‘Site Synopsis Castlesampson Esker SAC 001625’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY001625.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2013e) ‘Site Synopsis Lough Forbes Complex SAC 001818’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY001818.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2014a) ‘Site Synopsis Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY002339.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2014b) ‘Site Synopsis Corbo Bog SAC 002349’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY002349.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2015a) ‘Conservation objectives for Corbo Bog SAC 002349. Version 1’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/conservation_objectives/CO002349.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018].
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NPWS (2015b) ‘Site Synopsis Lough Funshinagh SAC 000611’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY000611.pdf [accessed 13 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2015c) ‘Site Synopsis Lough Ree SPA 004064’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY004064.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2016a) ‘Site Synopsis Lough Ree SAC 000440’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY000440.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2016b) ‘Conservation Objectives: Lough Ree SAC 000440. Version 1.’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/conservation_objectives/CO000440.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2016c) ‘Conservation Objectives for Lough Forbes Complex SAC 001818’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/conservation_objectives/CO001818.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2016d) ‘Conservation Objectives: Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC 002339. Version 1’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/conservation_objectives/CO002339.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2017a) ‘Natura 2000 Standard Data From Ballinturly Turlough SAC’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/natura2000/NF000588.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2017b) ‘Natura 2000 Standard Data Form Ballykenny Fisherstown Bog SPA 004101’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/natura2000/NF004101.pdf [accessed 13 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2017c) ‘Natura 2000 Standard Data Form Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC 002339’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/natura2000/NF002339.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2017d) ‘Natura 2000 Standard Data Form Castlesampson Esker SAC 001625’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/natura2000/NF001625.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2017e) ‘Natura 2000 Standard Data Form Corbo Bog SAC 002349’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/natura2000/NF002349.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2017f) ‘Natura 2000 Standard Data Form Lough Funshinagh SAC 000611’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/natura2000/NF000611.pdf [accessed 13 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2018a) ‘Natura 2000 Standard Data From Lough Forbes Complex SAC 001818’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/natura2000/NF001818.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2018b) ‘Conservation Objectives: Ballintuly Turlough SAC 000588. Version 1’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/conservation_objectives/CO000588.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2018c) ‘Conservation objectives for Castlesampson Esker SAC 001625. Generic Version 6.0’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/conservation_objectives/CO001625.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2018d) ‘Conervation objectives for Lough Funshinagh SAC 000611’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/conservation_objectives/CO000611.pdf [accessed 13 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2018e) ‘Conservation objectives for Ballykenny Fisherstown Bog SPA 004101’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/conservation_objectives/CO004101.pdf [accessed 13 Nov 2018].
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NPWS (2018f) ‘Conservation Objectives for Lough Ree SPA 004064. Generic Version 6.0’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/conservation_objectives/CO004064.pdf [accessed 12 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2018) Notifiable Actions for Listed Habitats and Species | National Parks & Wildlife Service [online], 2018, available: https://www.npws.ie/farmers-and-landowners/notifiable-actions/listed- habitats-and-species [accessed 12 Sep 2018]. NRA (2009) Ecological Surveying Techniques for Protected Flora and Fauna during the Planning of National Road Schemes, National Roads Authority, available: http://www.tii.ie/technical- services/environment/planning/Ecological-Surveying-Techniques-for-Protected-Flora-and-Fauna- during-the-Planning-of-National-Road-Schemes.pdf [accessed 29 Nov 2017]. OPW (2011a) Arterial Drainage Maintenance & High Risk Channel Designation Programme 2011- 2015 Habitats Directive Assessment, Office of Public Works, available: https://www.opw.ie/media/Arterial%20Drainage%20Maintenance%20&%20High%20Risk%20Cha nnel%20Designation%20HDA%202011-2015.pdf [accessed 17 Nov 2017]. OPW (2011b) ‘The Office of Public WorksArterial Drainage Maintenance Service Environmental Management Protocols & Standard Operating Procedures’. OPW (2018) ‘Draft - Office of Public Works Environmental Drainage Maintenace Manual Rev A’. Roscommon County Council (2014) County Development Plan 2014 - 2020 [online], available: http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/services/planning/roscommon-county-council-planning- publications/roscommon-county-council-planning-publications/county_development_plan_2014_- _2020/?pageNumber=1 [accessed 28 Nov 2018]. Roscommon County Council (2018) EPlan [online], www.eplanning.ie, available: http://www.eplanning.ie/RoscommonCC/searchresults/Default/5 [accessed 29 Nov 2018]. Ryan Hanley (2014b) ‘Stage 1: Appropriate Assessment Screening Methodology for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes’. Ryan Hanley (2014a) ‘Source > Pathway > Receptor Chains for Appropriate Assessment’. S.I. No. 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. [online] (2011) available: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2011/si/477/made/en/pdf [accessed 19 Jul 2018]. Smith, G.F., O’Donoghue, P., O’Hora, K., Delaney, E. (2011) ‘Best practice guidance for habitat survey and mapping’, The Heritage Council: Ireland. Walker, L.J., Johnston, J. (1999) Guidelines for the Assessment of Indirect and Cumulative Impacts as Well as Impact Interactions, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Brussels, available: http://edz.bib.uni-mannheim.de/www-edz/pdf/1999/guideassess.pdf [accessed 18 Apr 2017]. Waterways Ireland (2017) Marine Notices: CRAYFISH PLAGUE Notice Number 94 of 2017 [online], Waterways Ireland | News Centre | Marine Notices, available: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/news-centre/marine-notices/689/crayfish-plague [accessed 16 Nov 2017].
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Appendices A Conservation Objectives
A.1 Ballinturly Turlough SAC Qualifying Interest Turloughs [3180] Conservation Objectives To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Turloughs* in Ballinturly Turlough SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable at c.124ha or increasing, subject to natural processes. Habitat Distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes Hydrological Regime Various Maintain appropriate natural hydrological regime necessary to support the natural structure and functioning of the habitat Soil type Hectares Maintain variety, area and extent of soil types necessary to support turlough vegetation and other biota Soil nutrient status: nitrogen N and P concentration in Maintain nutrient status and phosphorus soil appropriate to soil types and vegetation communities Physical structure: bare Presence Maintain sufficient wet bare ground ground, as appropriate Chemical processes: Calcium carbonate Maintain appropriate calcium calcium carbonate deposition rate/soil carbonate deposition rate and concentration in soil deposition and concentration concentration Water quality Various Maintain appropriate water quality to support the natural structure and functioning of the habitat Active peat formation Flood duration Maintain active peat formation Vegetation composition: Hectares Maintain area of sensitive area of vegetation and high conservation value communities vegetation communities/units Vegetation composition: Distribution Maintain vegetation Vegetation zonation zonation/mosaic characteristic of the site Vegetation structure: sward Centimetres Maintain sward heights Height appropriate to the vegetation unit, and a variety of sward heights across the turlough Typical species Presence Maintain typical species within and across the turlough Fringing habitats: Area Hectares Maintain marginal fringing habitats that support turlough vegetation, invertebrate,
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mammal and/or bird populations Vegetation structure: Species diversity and Maintain appropriate turlough turlough woodland structure woodland diversity and structure woodland
A.2 Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC Qualifying Interest Turloughs [3180] Conservation Objectives To restore the favourable conservation condition of Turloughs in Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes Habitat Occurrence No decline, subject to natural Distribution processes Hydrological regime: flood Various Maintain/restore appropriate duration, frequency, area, natural hydrological regime depth; permanently flooded necessary to support the area natural structure and functioning of the habitat Soil type Hectares Maintain variety, area and extent of soil types necessary to support turlough vegetation and other biota Soil nutrient status: nitrogen N and P concentration Maintain/restore nutrient and phosphorus in soil status appropriate to soil types Physical structure: bare Presence Maintain sufficient wet bare ground ground, as appropriate Chemical processes: Calcium carbonate Maintain calcium carbonate calcium carbonate deposition rate/soil deposition rate and/or soil deposition and concentration concentration concentration Water quality Various Maintain appropriate water quality to support the natural structure and functioning of the habitat Active peat formation Flood duration Restore active peat formation, where appropriate Vegetation composition: Hectares Maintain area of sensitive area of vegetation and high conservation value communities vegetation communities/units Vegetation composition: Distribution Maintain vegetation Vegetation zonation zonation/mosaic characteristic of the site Vegetation structure: sward Centimetres Maintain sward heights Height appropriate to the vegetation unit, and a variety of sward heights across the turlough Typical species Presence Maintain typical species Fringing habitats: Area Hectares Maintain marginal fringing habitats that support turlough vegetation, invertebrate,
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mammal and/or bird populations Vegetation structure: Species diversity and Maintain appropriate turlough Turlough woodland woodland structure woodland diversity and structure Qualifying Interest Active raised bogs [7110] Conservation Objectives To restore the favourable conservation condition of Active raised bogs in Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Restore area of active raised bog to 18.9ha, subject to natural processes Habitat Occurrence Restore the distribution and Distribution variability of active raised bog across the SAC. High bog area Hectares No decline in extent of high bog necessary to support the maintenance and development of active raised bog.
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Hydrological regime: water Centimetres Restore appropriate water Levels levels throughout the site Hydrological regime: flow Flow direction; slope Restore, where possible, patterns appropriate high bog topography, flow directions and slopes. Transitional areas between Hectares; distribution Restore adequate transitional high bog and adjacent areas to support/protect mineral soils (including active raised bog and the cutover areas) services it provides Vegetation quality: central Hectares Maintain at least 12.0ha of ecotope, active flush, soaks, central ecotope/active bog woodland flush/soaks/bog woodland as appropriate Vegetation quality: Hectares Restore adequate cover of Microtopographical features high quality microtopographical features Vegetation quality: bog moss Percentage cover Restore adequate cover of (Sphagnum) species bog moss (Sphagnum) species to ensure peatforming capacity Typical ARB species: flora Occurrence Restore, where appropriate, typical active raised bog flora Typical ARB species: fauna Occurrence Restore, where appropriate, typical active raised bog fauna Elements of local Occurrence Maintain features of local distinctiveness distinctiveness, subject to natural processes Negative physical indicators Percentage cover Negative physical features absent or insignificant Vegetation composition: Percentage cover Native negative indicator native negative indicator species at insignificant levels species Vegetation composition: non- Percentage cover Non-native invasive species native invasive species at insignificant levels and not more than 1% cover Air quality: nitrogen kg N/ha/year Air quality surrounding bog deposition close to natural reference conditions. The total N deposition should not exceed 5kg N/ha/yr Water quality Hydrochemical measures Water quality on the high bog and in transitional areas lose to natural reference conditions Qualifying Interest Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Conservation Objectives The long-term aim for Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration is that its peat-forming capability is re- established; therefore, the conservation objective for this habitat is inherently linked to that of Active raised bogs (7110) and a separate conservation objective has not been set in Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC Qualifying Interest Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Conservation Objectives Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion is an integral part of good quality Active raised bogs (7110) and
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thus a separate conservation objective has not been set for the habitat in Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC
Qualifying Interest Bog Woodland [91D0] Conservation Objectives To restore the favourable conservation condition of Bog woodland in Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes Habitat Occurrence No decline, subject to natural Distribution processes Vegetation composition: Number in a representative Birch (Betula pubescens), positive indicator species number of monitoring stops bog moss (Sphagnum species) and at least five other species present Vegetation composition: Percentage cover at a Both native and non-native negative indicator species representative number of invasive species absent or monitoring stops under control. Total cover should be less than 10% Woodland structure: cover Percentage cover and metres A minimum 30% cover of and height of birch at a representative number of birch (Betula pubescens) with monitoring stops a median canopy height of 4m Woodland structure: dwarf Percentage cover at a Dwarf shrub cover not more shrub cover representative number of than 50% monitoring stops Woodland structure: ling Percentage cover at a Ling (Calluna vulgaris) cover cover representative number of not more than 40% monitoring stops Woodland structure: Percentage cover at a Bryophyte cover at least bryophyte cover representative number of 50%, with bog moss monitoring stops (Sphagnum spp.) cover at least 25% Woodland structure: tree size Occurrence Each size class present classes Woodland structure: Occurrence Senescent or dead wood senescent and dead wood Present
A.3 Castlesampson Esker SAC Qualifying Interest Turloughs [3180] From Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough SAC (001625) Site specific Conservation Objectives (NPWS 2016d) Attribute Habitat area Habitat Distribution Hydrological regime: flood duration, frequency, area, depth; permanently flooded area Soil type Soil nutrient status: nitrogen and phosphorus Physical structure: bare ground Chemical processes: calcium carbonate deposition and concentration Water quality
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Active peat formation Vegetation composition: area of vegetation communities Vegetation composition: Vegetation zonation Vegetation structure: sward height Typical species Fringing habitats: Area Vegetation structure: Turlough woodland Qualifying Interest Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) (*important orchid sites) From Lough Ree SAC (000440) Site specific Conservation Objectives (NPWS 2016b) Attribute Habitat area Habitat distribution Vegetation composition: typical species Vegetation composition: negative indicator species Vegetation composition: non-native species Vegetation composition: woody species and bracken Vegetation structure: broadleaf herb: grass ratio Vegetation structure: sward height Vegetation structure: litter Physical structure: bare soil Physical structure: disturbance
A.4 Corbo Bog SAC Qualifying Interest Active raised bogs [7110] Conservation Objectives To restore the favourable conservation condition of Active raised bogs in Corbo Bog SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Restore area of active raised bog to 30.9ha, subject to natural processes Habitat Occurrence Restore the distribution and Distribution variability of active raised bog across the SAC. High bog area Hectares No decline in extent of high bog necessary to support the maintenance and development of active raised bog.
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Hydrological regime: water Centimetres Restore appropriate water Levels levels throughout the site Hydrological regime: flow Flow direction; slope Restore, where possible, patterns appropriate high bog topography, flow directions and slopes. Transitional areas between Hectares; distribution Restore adequate transitional high bog and adjacent areas to support/protect mineral soils (including active raised bog and the cutover areas) services it provides Vegetation quality: central Hectares Restore 15.5ha of central ecotope, active flush, soaks, ecotope/active bog woodland flush/soaks/bog woodland as appropriate Vegetation quality: Hectares Restore adequate cover of Microtopographical features high quality microtopographical features Vegetation quality: bog moss Percentage cover Restore adequate cover of (Sphagnum) species bog moss (Sphagnum) species to ensure peatforming capacity Typical ARB species: flora Occurrence Restore, where appropriate, typical active raised bog flora Typical ARB species: fauna Occurrence Restore, where appropriate, typical active raised bog fauna Elements of local Occurrence Maintain features of local distinctiveness distinctiveness, subject to natural processes Negative physical indicators Percentage cover Negative physical features absent or insignificant Vegetation composition: Percentage cover Native negative indicator native negative indicator species at insignificant levels species Vegetation composition: non- Percentage cover Non-native invasive species native invasive species at insignificant levels and not more than 1% cover Air quality: nitrogen kg N/ha/year Air quality surrounding bog deposition close to natural reference conditions. The total N deposition should not exceed 5kg N/ha/yr Water quality Hydrochemical measures Water quality on the high bog and in transitional areas lose to natural reference conditions Qualifying Interest Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Conservation Objectives The long-term aim for Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration is that its peat-forming capability is re- established; therefore, the conservation objective for this habitat is inherently linked to that of Active raised bogs (7110) and a separate conservation objective has not been set in Corbo Bog SAC Qualifying Interest Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Conservation Objectives Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion is an integral part of good quality Active raised bogs (7110) and
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thus a separate conservation objective has not been set for the habitat in Corbo Bog SAC
A.5 Lough Forbes Complex SAC Qualifying Interest Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition - type vegetation [3150] Conservation Objectives To restore the favourable conservation condition of Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation in Lough Forbes Complex SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes Habitat Distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes Typical species Occurrence Typical species present, in good condition, and demonstrating typical abundances and distribution Vegetation composition: Occurrence All characteristic zones characteristic zonation should be present, correctly distributed and in good condition Vegetation distribution: Metres Restore maximum depth of maximum depth vegetation, subject to natural processes Hydrological regime: water Metres Maintain appropriate natural level fluctuations hydrological regime necessary to support the habitat Lake substratum quality Various Maintain appropriate substratum type, extent and chemistry to support the vegetation Water quality: transparency Metres Maintain/restore appropriate Secchi transparency. There should be no decline in Secchi depth/transparency
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Water quality: nutrients µg/l P; mg/l N Restore the concentration of nutrients in the water column to sufficiently low levels to support the habitat and its typical species Water quality: phytoplankton µg/l Chlorophyll a Maintain appropriate water biomass quality to support the habitat, including good chlorophyll a status Water quality: phytoplankton EPA phytoplankton Maintain appropriate water composition composition metric quality to support the habitat, including good phytoplankton composition status Water quality: attached algal Algal cover and EPA Maintain trace/ absent biomass phytobenthos metric attached algal biomass (<5% cover) and good phytobenthos status Water quality: macrophyte EPA macrophyte metric (The Restore good macrophyte status Free Index) status Acidification status pH units; mg/l Maintain appropriate water and sediment pH, alkalinity and cation concentrations to support the habitat, subject to natural processes Water colour mg/l PtCo Restore appropriate water colour to support the habitat Dissolved organic carbon mg/l PtCo Maintain appropriate organic (DOC) carbon levels to support the habitat Turbidity Nephelometric turbidity units/ Maintain appropriate turbidity mg/l SS/ other appropriate to support the habitat units Fringing habitat: area Hectares Maintain the area and condition of fringing habitats necessary to support the natural structure and functioning of the lake habitat Qualifying Interest Active raised bogs [7110] Conservation Objectives To restore the favourable conservation condition of Active raised bogs in Lough Forbes Complex SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Restore area of active raised bog to 43.5ha, subject to natural processes Habitat Occurrence Restore the distribution and Distribution variability of active raised bog across the SAC. High bog area Hectares No decline in extent of high bog necessary to support the maintenance and development of active raised bog.
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Hydrological regime: water Centimetres Restore appropriate water Levels levels throughout the site Hydrological regime: flow Flow direction; slope Restore, where possible, patterns appropriate high bog topography, flow directions and slopes. Transitional areas between Hectares; distribution Restore adequate transitional high bog and adjacent areas to support/protect mineral soils (including active raised bog and the cutover areas) services it provides Vegetation quality: central Hectares Restore 21.8ha of central ecotope, active flush, soaks, ecotope/active bog woodland flush/soaks/bog woodland as appropriate Vegetation quality: Hectares Restore adequate cover of Microtopographical features high quality microtopographical features Vegetation quality: bog moss Percentage cover Restore adequate cover of (Sphagnum) species bog moss (Sphagnum) species to ensure peatforming capacity Typical ARB species: flora Occurrence Restore, where appropriate, typical active raised bog flora Typical ARB species: fauna Occurrence Restore, where appropriate, typical active raised bog fauna Elements of local Occurrence Maintain features of local distinctiveness distinctiveness, subject to natural processes Negative physical indicators Percentage cover Negative physical features absent or insignificant Vegetation composition: Percentage cover Native negative indicator native negative indicator species at insignificant levels species Vegetation composition: non- Percentage cover Non-native invasive species native invasive species at insignificant levels and not more than 1% cover Air quality: nitrogen kg N/ha/year Air quality surrounding bog deposition close to natural reference conditions. The total N deposition should not exceed 5kg N/ha/yr Water quality Hydrochemical measures Water quality on the high bog and in transitional areas lose to natural reference conditions Qualifying Interest Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Conservation Objectives The long-term aim for Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration is that its peat-forming capability is re- established; therefore, the conservation objective for this habitat is inherently linked to that of Active raised bogs (7110) and a separate conservation objective has not been set in Corbo Bog SAC Qualifying Interest Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150]
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Conservation Objectives Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion is an integral part of good quality Active raised bogs (7110) and thus a separate conservation objective has not been set for the habitat in Corbo Bog SAC
A.6 Lough Funshinagh SAC Qualifying Interest Turloughs [3180] Conservation Objectives To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Turloughs* in Ballinturly Turlough SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable at c.378.3ha or increasing, subject to natural processes. Habitat Distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes Hydrological Regime Various Maintain appropriate natural hydrological regime necessary to support the natural structure and functioning of the habitat Soil type Hectares Maintain variety, area and extent of soil types necessary to support turlough vegetation and other biota Soil nutrient status: nitrogen N and P concentration in Maintain nutrient status and phosphorus soil appropriate to soil types and vegetation communities Physical structure: bare Presence Maintain sufficient wet bare ground ground, as appropriate Chemical processes: Calcium carbonate Maintain appropriate calcium calcium carbonate deposition rate/soil carbonate deposition rate and concentration in soil deposition and concentration concentration Water quality Various Maintain appropriate water quality to support the natural structure and functioning of the habitat Active peat formation Flood duration Maintain active peat formation Vegetation composition: Hectares Maintain area of sensitive area of vegetation and high conservation value communities vegetation communities/units Vegetation composition: Distribution Maintain vegetation Vegetation zonation zonation/mosaic characteristic of the site Vegetation structure: sward Centimetres Maintain sward heights Height appropriate to the vegetation unit, and a variety of sward heights across the turlough Typical species Presence Maintain typical species within and across the turlough
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Fringing habitats: Area Hectares Maintain marginal fringing habitats that support turlough vegetation, invertebrate, mammal and/or bird populations Vegetation structure: Species diversity and Maintain appropriate turlough Turlough woodland woodland structure woodland diversity and structure
A.7 Lough Ree SAC Qualifying Interest Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition - type vegetation [3150] Conservation Objectives To restore the favourable conservation condition of Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation in Lough Forbes Complex SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes Habitat Distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes Typical species Occurrence Typical species present, in good condition, and demonstrating typical abundances and distribution Vegetation composition: Occurrence All characteristic zones characteristic zonation should be present, correctly distributed and in good condition Vegetation distribution: Metres Restore maximum depth of maximum depth vegetation, subject to natural processes Hydrological regime: water Metres Maintain appropriate natural level fluctuations hydrological regime necessary to support the habitat Lake substratum quality Various Maintain appropriate substratum type, extent and chemistry to support the vegetation Water quality: transparency Metres Maintain/restore appropriate Secchi transparency. There should be no decline in Secchi depth/transparency
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Water quality: nutrients µg/l P; mg/l N Maintain the concentration of nutrients in the water column to sufficiently low levels to support the habitat and its typical species Water quality: phytoplankton µg/l Chlorophyll a Maintain appropriate water biomass quality to support the habitat, including good chlorophyll a status Water quality: phytoplankton EPA phytoplankton Maintain appropriate water composition composition metric quality to support the habitat, including good phytoplankton composition status Water quality: attached algal Algal cover and EPA Maintain trace/ absent biomass phytobenthos metric attached algal biomass (<5% cover) and good phytobenthos status Water quality: macrophyte EPA macrophyte metric (The Restore good macrophyte status Free Index) status Acidification status pH units; mg/l Maintain appropriate water and sediment pH, alkalinity and cation concentrations to support the habitat, subject to natural processes Water colour mg/l PtCo Maintain appropriate water colour to support the habitat Dissolved organic carbon mg/l PtCo Maintain appropriate organic (DOC) carbon levels to support the habitat Turbidity Nephelometric turbidity units/ Maintain appropriate turbidity mg/l SS/ other appropriate to support the habitat units Fringing habitat: area Hectares Maintain the area and condition of fringing habitats necessary to support the natural structure and functioning of the lake habitat Qualifying Interest Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) (*important orchid sites) [6210] Conservation Objectives To restore the favourable conservation condition of Semi- natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) in Lough Ree SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes Habitat Occurrence No decline, subject to Distribution natural processes Vegetation composition: Number at a representative At least seven positive typical species number of monitoring stops indicator species present, including two "high quality" species Vegetation composition: Percentage at a Negative indicator species negative indicator species representative number of collectively not more than monitoring stops 20% cover, with cover by an individual species not more
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than 10% Vegetation composition: Percentage at a Cover of non-native species non-native species representative number of not more than 1% monitoring stops Vegetation composition: Percentage at a Cover of woody species woody species and bracken representative number of (except certain listed monitoring stops species) and bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) not more than 5% cover Vegetation structure: Percentage at a Broadleaf herb component broadleaf herb: grass ratio representative number of of vegetation between 40 monitoring stops and 90% Vegetation structure: sward Percentage at a At least 30% of sward height representative number of between 5cm and 40cm tall monitoring stops Vegetation structure: litter Percentage at a Litter cover not more than representative number of 25% monitoring stops Physical structure: bare soil Percentage at a Not more than 10% bare representative number of soil monitoring stops Physical structure: Square metres Area showing signs of disturbance serious grazing or other disturbance less than 20m2 Qualifying Interest Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Conservation Objectives To restore the favourable conservation condition of Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration in Lough Ree SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Restore area of active raised bog to 70.1ha, subject to natural processes Habitat Occurrence Restore the distribution and Distribution variability of active raised bog across the SAC. High bog area Hectares No decline in extent of high bog necessary to support the maintenance and development of active raised bog.
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Hydrological regime: water Centimetres Restore appropriate water Levels levels throughout the site Hydrological regime: flow Flow direction; slope Restore, where possible, patterns appropriate high bog topography, flow directions and slopes. Transitional areas between Hectares; distribution Restore adequate transitional high bog and adjacent areas to support/protect mineral soils (including active raised bog and the cutover areas) services it provides Vegetation quality: central Hectares Restore 35.1ha of central ecotope, active flush, soaks, ecotope/active bog woodland flush/soaks/bog woodland as appropriate Vegetation quality: Hectares Restore adequate cover of Microtopographical features high quality microtopographical features Vegetation quality: bog moss Percentage cover Restore adequate cover of (Sphagnum) species bog moss (Sphagnum) species to ensure peatforming capacity Typical ARB species: flora Occurrence Restore, where appropriate, typical active raised bog flora Typical ARB species: fauna Occurrence Restore, where appropriate, typical active raised bog fauna Elements of local Occurrence Maintain features of local distinctiveness distinctiveness, subject to natural processes Negative physical indicators Percentage cover Negative physical features absent or insignificant Vegetation composition: Percentage cover Native negative indicator native negative indicator species at insignificant levels species Vegetation composition: Percentage cover Non-native invasive species non-native invasive species at insignificant levels and not more than 1% cover Air quality: nitrogen kg N/ha/year Air quality surrounding bog deposition close to natural reference conditions. The total N deposition should not exceed 5kg N/ha/yr Water quality Hydrochemical measures Water quality on the high bog and in transitional areas close to natural reference conditions Qualifying Interest Alkaline fens [7230] Conservation Objectives To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Alkaline fens in Lough Ree SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes. Habitat Distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes Hydrological Regime Meters Appropriate natural hydrological regimes
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necessary to support the natural structure and functioning of the habitat Peat formation Flood duration Active peat formation, where appropriate Water quality nutrients Water chemistry measures Appropriate water quality to support the natural structure and functioning of the habitat Vegetation structure: typical Percentage Maintain vegetation cover of species typical species including brown mosses and vascular plants Vegetation composition: Percentage Cover of scattered native trees and shrubs trees and shrubs less than 10% Physical structure: disturbed Percentage Cover of disturbed bare bare ground ground less than 10%. Where tufa is present, disturbed bare ground less than 1% Physical structure: drainage Percentage Areas showing signs of drainage as a result of drainage ditches or heavy trampling less than 10% Qualifying Interest Limestone pavements [8240] Conservation Objectives To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Limestone pavements in Lough Ree SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes. Habitat Distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes Vegetation composition: Number at a representative At least seven positive typical species number of monitoring stops indicator species present Vegetation composition: Percentage at a Bryophyte cover at least 50% bryophyte layer representative number of on wooded pavement monitoring stops Vegetation composition: Percentage at a Collective cover of negative negative indicator species representative number of indicator species on exposed monitoring stops pavement not more than 1% Vegetation composition: Percentage at a Cover of non-native species non-native species representative number of not more than 1% on monitoring stops exposed pavement; on wooded pavement not more than 10% with no regeneration Vegetation composition: Percentage at a Scrub cover no more than scrub representative number of 25% of exposed pavement monitoring stops Vegetation composition: Percentage at a Bracken (Pteridium bracken cover representative number of aquilinum) cover no more monitoring stops than 10% on exposed pavement Vegetation structure: Percentage at a Canopy cover on wooded woodland canopy representative number of pavement at least 30%
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monitoring stops Vegetation structure: dead Occurrence in a Sufficient quantity of dead wood representative number of wood on wooded pavement monitoring stops to provide habitat for saproxylic organisms Physical structure: Occurrence in a No evidence of grazing disturbance representative number of pressure on wooded monitoring stops pavement Indicators of local Occurrence Indicators of local distinctiveness distinctiveness are maintained Qualifying Interest Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles [91A0] The status of Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles as a qualifying Annex I habitat for the Lough Ree SAC is currently under review. The outcome of this review will determine whether a site-specific conservation objective is set for this habitat. Qualifying Interest Bog Woodland [91D0] Conservation Objectives To restore the favourable conservation condition of Bog woodland in Lough Ree SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes Habitat Occurrence No decline, subject to natural Distribution processes Vegetation composition: Number in a representative Birch (Betula pubescens), positive indicator species number of monitoring stops bog moss (Sphagnum species) and at least five other species present Vegetation composition: Percentage cover at a Both native and non-native negative indicator species representative number of invasive species absent or monitoring stops under control. Total cover should be less than 10% Woodland structure: cover Percentage cover and metres A minimum 30% cover of and height of birch at a representative number of birch (Betula pubescens) with monitoring stops a median canopy height of 4m Woodland structure: dwarf Percentage cover at a Dwarf shrub cover not more shrub cover representative number of than 50% monitoring stops Woodland structure: ling Percentage cover at a Ling (Calluna vulgaris) cover cover representative number of not more than 40% monitoring stops Woodland structure: Percentage cover at a Bryophyte cover at least bryophyte cover representative number of 50%, with bog moss monitoring stops (Sphagnum spp.) cover at least 25% Woodland structure: tree size Occurrence Each size class present classes Woodland structure: Occurrence Senescent or dead wood senescent and dead wood Present Qualifying Interest Otter Lutra lutra [1355] Conservation Objectives To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Otter in Lough Ree SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:
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Attribute Measure Target Distribution Percentage positive survey No significant decline sites Extent of terrestrial habitat Hectares No significant decline. Area mapped and calculated as 330.6ha along river banks/lake shoreline/around pools Extent of freshwater (river) Kilometres No significant decline. Length habitat mapped and calculated as 22.7km Extent of freshwater (lake) Hectares No significant decline. Area habitat mapped and calculated as 2097.4ha Couching sites and holts Number No significant decline Fish biomass available Kilograms No significant decline Barriers to connectivity Number No significant increase
A.8 Ballykenny Fishertown Bog SPA Qualifying Interest Greenland White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons flavirostris [A395] Conservation Objectives To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA 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.
A.9 Lough Ree SPA Qualifying Interest Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis [A004] Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus [A038] Wigeon Anas penelope [A050] Teal Anas crecca [A052] Mallard Anas platyrhynchos [A053] Shoveler Anas clypeata [A056] Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula [A061] Common Scoter Melanitta nigra [A065] Goldeneye Bucephala clangula [A067] Coot Fulica atra [A125] Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria [A140]
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus [A142] Common Tern Sterna hirundo [A193] Conservation Objectives To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests
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for this SPA 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. Qualifying Interest Wetlands and Waterbirds Conservation Objectives To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the wetland habitat at Lough Ree SPA as a resource for the regularly-occurring migratory waterbirds that utilise it.
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B Protected Fauna and Flora
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation mammals Eurasian Badger Badger Setts of Protected Species: Wildlife Acts (Meles meles) Ireland Database Brown Long-eared National Bat Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: Bat (Plecotus Database of EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: auritus) Ireland Wildlife Acts Daubenton's Bat National Bat Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: (Myotis Database of EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: daubentonii) Ireland Wildlife Acts Eurasian Red Atlas of Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Squirrel (Sciurus Mammals in vulgaris) Ireland 2010- 2015 European Otter Atlas of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: (Lutra lutra) Mammals in EU Habitats Directive >> Annex II || Protected Species: EU Ireland 2010- Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife 2015 Acts European Otter Badger and Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: (Lutra lutra) Habitats Survey EU Habitats Directive >> Annex II || Protected Species: EU of Ireland Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Lesser Noctule National Bat Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: (Nyctalus leisleri) Database of EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Ireland Wildlife Acts Natterer's Bat National Bat Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: (Myotis nattereri) Database of EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Ireland Wildlife Acts Natterer's Bat National Bat Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: (Myotis nattereri) Database of EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Ireland Wildlife Acts Pine Marten Mammals of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: (Martes martes) Ireland 2016- EU Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife 2025 Acts Pine Marten Mammals of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: (Martes martes) Ireland 2016- EU Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife 2025 Acts Pipistrelle National Bat Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: (Pipistrellus Database of EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: pipistrellus sensu Ireland Wildlife Acts lato) Soprano Pipistrelle National Bat Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: (Pipistrellus Database of EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: pygmaeus) Ireland Wildlife Acts West European Atlas of Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Hedgehog Mammals in (Erinaceus Ireland 2010- europaeus) 2015
Birds
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation Barn Owl (Tyto The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of alba) of Breeding Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Birds in Britain Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red and Ireland: List 1968-1972. Barn Swallow Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Hirundo rustica) - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Black-headed Gull Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Larus ridibundus) - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Common Coot Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Fulica atra) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Common Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Goldeneye - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, (Bucephala Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of clangula) Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Grasshopper - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Warbler Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - (Locustella naevia) Amber List
Common Kestrel Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Falco - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of tinnunculus) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Kingfisher (Alcedo of Breeding Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I atthis) Birds in Britain Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation and Ireland: Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern 1968-1972. >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Linnet Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Carduelis - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of cannabina) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Pheasant Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, (Phasianus Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive colchicus) >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation Common Pochard The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Aythya ferina) of Wintering Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Birds in Britain Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive and Ireland: >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: 1981/82- Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of 1983/84. Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Common Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Redshank (Tringa - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of totanus) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Common Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Sandpiper (Actitis - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of hypoleucos) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Scoter Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Melanitta nigra) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List
Common Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Shelduck - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of (Tadorna tadorna) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Snipe Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Gallinago - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, gallinago) Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Common Starling Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Sturnus vulgaris) - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Swift The Second Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Apus apus) Atlas of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Breeding Birds Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - in Britain and Amber List Ireland: 1988- 1991 Common Tern Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Sterna hirundo) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Wood Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Pigeon (Columba - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, palumbus) Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation Corn Crake (Crex The Second Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds crex) Atlas of Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Breeding Birds Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation in Britain and Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern Ireland: 1988- >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List 1991 Dunlin (Calidris Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds alpina) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Eurasian Curlew Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Numenius - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, arquata) Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Eurasian Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Oystercatcher - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of (Haematopus Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - ostralegus) Amber List Eurasian Teal Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Anas crecca) Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Eurasian Wigeon Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Anas penelope) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Eurasian The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Woodcock of Wintering Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, (Scolopax Birds in Britain Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive rusticola) and Ireland: >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: 1981/82- Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of 1983/84. Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
European Golden Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Plover (Pluvialis - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I apricaria) Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation Great Black- The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of backed Gull (Larus of Breeding Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of marinus) Birds in Britain Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - and Ireland: Amber List 1968-1972. Great Cormorant Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Phalacrocorax - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of carbo) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Great Crested Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Grebe (Podiceps - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of cristatus) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Greater White- Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds fronted Goose - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I (Anser albifrons) Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Hen Harrier Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Circus cyaneus) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Herring Gull The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Larus argentatus) of Breeding Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Birds in Britain Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red and Ireland: List 1968-1972. House Martin Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Delichon urbicum) - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List House Sparrow Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Passer - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of domesticus) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Lesser Black- Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of backed Gull (Larus - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of fuscus) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Little Egret Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Egretta garzetta) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species Little Grebe Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Tachybaptus Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of ruficollis) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation Mallard (Anas Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds platyrhynchos) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species
Merlin (Falco The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds columbarius) of Breeding Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Birds in Britain Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation and Ireland: Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern 1968-1972. >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Mew Gull (Larus Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of canus) - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Mute Swan Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Cygnus olor) - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Northern Lapwing Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Vanellus Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, vanellus) Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Northern Pintail The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Anas acuta) of Breeding Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Birds in Britain Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive and Ireland: >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: 1968-1972. Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List
Northern Shoveler Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Anas clypeata) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List
Peregrine Falcon Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Falco peregrinus) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species Red Grouse The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Lagopus lagopus) of Breeding Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Birds in Britain Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive and Ireland: >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species || Threatened Species: 1968-1972. Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation Red-breasted The Second Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Merganser Atlas of Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, (Mergus serrator) Breeding Birds Section II Bird Species in Britain and Ireland: 1988- 1991 Ringed Plover The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Charadrius of Breeding Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of hiaticula) Birds in Britain Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - and Ireland: Amber List 1968-1972. Sand Martin Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Riparia riparia) - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Sky Lark (Alauda Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of arvensis) - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Spotted Flycatcher Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Muscicapa - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of striata) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Stock Pigeon The Second Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Columba oenas) Atlas of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Breeding Birds Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - in Britain and Amber List Ireland: 1988- 1991 Tufted Duck Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Aythya fuligula) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Water Rail (Rallus Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of aquaticus) - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Whooper Swan Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Cygnus cygnus) Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Yellowhammer The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Emberiza of Breeding Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of citrinella) Birds in Britain Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red and Ireland: List 1968-1972.
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation Barn Owl (Tyto Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of alba) - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Barn Swallow Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Hirundo rustica) Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Black-headed Gull Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Larus ridibundus) Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Black-tailed The Second Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Godwit (Limosa Atlas of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of limosa) Breeding Birds Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - in Britain and Amber List Ireland: 1988- 1991 Common Coot Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Fulica atra) Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Common Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Goldeneye - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, (Bucephala Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of clangula) Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Grasshopper - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Warbler Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - (Locustella naevia) Amber List
Common Kestrel Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Falco - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of tinnunculus) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Kingfisher (Alcedo Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I atthis) Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Linnet Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Carduelis - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of cannabina) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation Common Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Pheasant - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, (Phasianus Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive colchicus) >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species Common Pochard Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Aythya ferina) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Common Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Redshank (Tringa - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of totanus) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Common The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Sandpiper (Actitis of Breeding Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of hypoleucos) Birds in Britain Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - and Ireland: Amber List 1968-1972. Common Scoter Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Melanitta nigra) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List
Common Snipe Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Gallinago - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, gallinago) Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Common Starling Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Sturnus vulgaris) Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Swift The Second Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Apus apus) Atlas of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Breeding Birds Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - in Britain and Amber List Ireland: 1988- 1991 Common Tern Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Sterna hirundo) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation Common Wood Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Pigeon (Columba - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, palumbus) Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species Corn Crake (Crex The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds crex) of Breeding Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Birds in Britain Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation and Ireland: Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern 1968-1972. >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Dunlin (Calidris The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds alpina) of Wintering Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Birds in Britain Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation and Ireland: Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern 1981/82- >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List 1983/84. Eurasian Curlew Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Numenius - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, arquata) Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Eurasian Teal Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Anas crecca) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Eurasian Wigeon Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Anas penelope) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Eurasian The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Woodcock of Breeding Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, (Scolopax Birds in Britain Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive rusticola) and Ireland: >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: 1968-1972. Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
European Golden Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Plover (Pluvialis - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I apricaria) Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation European Turtle The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Dove (Streptopelia of Breeding Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of turtur) Birds in Britain Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - and Ireland: Amber List 1968-1972. Gadwall (Anas Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds strepera) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Garganey (Anas The Second Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds querquedula) Atlas of Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Breeding Birds Section I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of in Britain and Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Ireland: 1988- Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - 1991 Amber List Great Black- The Second Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of backed Gull (Larus Atlas of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of marinus) Breeding Birds Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - in Britain and Amber List Ireland: 1988- 1991 Great Cormorant Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Phalacrocorax Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of carbo) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Great Crested Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Grebe (Podiceps Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of cristatus) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Grey Partridge The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Perdix perdix) of Breeding Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Birds in Britain Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive and Ireland: >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species || Threatened Species: 1968-1972. Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List
Hen Harrier Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Circus cyaneus) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Herring Gull Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Larus argentatus) - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List House Martin Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Delichon urbicum) Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation House Sparrow Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Passer Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of domesticus) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Lesser Black- Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of backed Gull (Larus Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of fuscus) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Little Egret Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Egretta garzetta) Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species Little Grebe Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Tachybaptus Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of ruficollis) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Mallard (Anas Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds platyrhynchos) Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species Merlin (Falco The Second Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds columbarius) Atlas of Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Breeding Birds Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation in Britain and Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern Ireland: 1988- >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List 1991 Mew Gull (Larus The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of canus) of Wintering Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Birds in Britain Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - and Ireland: Amber List 1981/82- 1983/84. Mute Swan Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Cygnus olor) Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Northern Lapwing Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Vanellus - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, vanellus) Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Northern Pintail Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Anas acuta) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation Northern Shoveler Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Anas clypeata) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List
Northern The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Wheatear of Breeding Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of (Oenanthe Birds in Britain Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - oenanthe) and Ireland: Amber List 1968-1972. Red-breasted Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Merganser - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, (Mergus serrator) Section II Bird Species
Ringed Plover The Second Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Charadrius Atlas of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of hiaticula) Breeding Birds Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - in Britain and Amber List Ireland: 1988- 1991 Rock Pigeon The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Columba livia) of Breeding Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Birds in Britain Section I Bird Species and Ireland: 1968-1972. Sand Martin Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Riparia riparia) Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Sky Lark (Alauda The Second Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of arvensis) Atlas of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Breeding Birds Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - in Britain and Amber List Ireland: 1988- 1991 Spotted Flycatcher Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Muscicapa - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of striata) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Stock Pigeon The First Atlas Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Columba oenas) of Breeding Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Birds in Britain Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - and Ireland: Amber List 1968-1972.
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Species name Title of Dataset Designation Tufted Duck Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Aythya fuligula) Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List
Water Rail (Rallus Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of aquaticus) - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Whooper Swan Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds (Cygnus cygnus) - 2011 Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Yellowhammer Bird Atlas 2007 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of (Emberiza - 2011 Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of citrinella) Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List
Reptiles Common Lizard Amphibians Protected Species: Wildlife Acts (Zootoca vivipara) and reptiles of Ireland
Amphibians Common Frog Amphibians Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: (Rana temporaria) and reptiles of EU Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife Ireland Acts Smooth Newt Amphibians Protected Species: Wildlife Acts (Lissotriton and reptiles of vulgaris) Ireland
Insects Marsh Fritillary Butterflies of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: (Euphydryas Ireland EU Habitats Directive >> Annex II || Threatened Species: aurinia) Vulnerable
Crustaseans Freshwater White- River Biologists' Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: clawed Crayfish Database EU Habitats Directive >> Annex II || Protected Species: EU (Austropotamobius (EPA) Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife pallipes) Acts
Flora Large White-moss Bryophytes of Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Protected Species: (Leucobryum Ireland EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV glaucum)
2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Knockcroghery V5.0 130
C Non-native Invasive Species Species name Record Date of last Title of dataset count record Canadian 10 31/12/2010 Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Waterweed Species: Invasive Species >> High Impact (Elodea Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive canadensis) Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) Sycamore (Acer 8 31/12/2010 Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive pseudoplatanus) Species: Invasive Species >> Medium Impact Invasive Species American Mink 5 21/06/2005 Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive (Mustela vison) Species: Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) Brown Rat 5 23/09/2012 Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive (Rattus Species: Invasive Species >> High Impact norvegicus) Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) Japanese 4 25/04/2016 Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Knotweed Species: Invasive Species >> High Impact (Fallopia Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive japonica) Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) Hemimysis 3 15/06/2009 Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive anomala Species: Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species American Mink 1 26/04/1991 Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive (Mustela vison) Species: Invasive Species >> High Impact Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) Bank Vole 1 30/05/2015 Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive (Myodes Species: Invasive Species >> Medium Impact glareolus) Invasive Species Eastern Grey 1 31/12/2007 Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive Squirrel (Sciurus Species: Invasive Species >> High Impact carolinensis) Invasive Species || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> EU Regulation No. 1143/2014 || Invasive Species: Invasive Species >> Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland) Gammarus 1 06/08/2004 Invasive Species: Invasive Species || Invasive tigrinus Species: Invasive Species >> Medium Impact Invasive Species
2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Knockcroghery V5.0 131
D Environmental Drainage Maintenance Manual
2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Knockcroghery V5.0 132
E Foreman’s Bridge Inspection Report
2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Knockcroghery V5.0 133
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