Contingency, Interim & Live Animal Bcp, Rosslare, Co

Home , Kilrane, New Ross, Rosslare Harbour

CONTINGENCY, INTERIM

& LIVE ANIMAL BCP, ROSSLARE, CO.

WEXFORD

ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACT ASSESSMENT

SCREENING REPORT

______Report Prepared For

OPW Brexit Unit ______Report Prepared By

Emma Carroll Environmental Consultant

______Our Reference

PC/19/9000P10692 ______Date of Issue

01 July 2020 ______

PC/19/9000P10962 AWN Consulting Ltd. ______

Document History

Document Reference Original Issue Date PC/19/9000P10962 21 March 2019 Revision Level Revision Date Description Sections Affected Revision One 21 March 2019 Revision Two 2 July 2019 Revision Three 3 July 2019 Revision Four 8 July 2019 Revised layout to improve Revision Five 20 January 2020 readability Additional cattle shed Revision Six 25 June 2020 included Figure 4 & 6 Updated. Revision Seven 1 July 2020 Works duration updated

Record of Approval

Details Written by Approved by

Signature

Name Emma Carroll Teri Hayes Title Environmental Consultant Director Date 25 June 2020 25 June 2020

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CONTENTS Table of Tables ...... 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 4 2.0 LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE ...... 4 2.1 Schedule 7A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2011 (Annex IIA of the New Directive) ...... 5 2.2 Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2011 (Annex III of the New EIA Directive) ...... 5 3.0 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ...... 7 3.1 Introduction ...... 7 3.2 Size and Design of the Whole of the Proposed Project ...... 7 3.2.1 Overview ...... 7 3.2.3 Construction Phase ...... 14 3.2.4 Operational Phase ...... 14 3.3 Cumulation with other Existing, Permitted or Proposed Developments ...... 14 3.4 Use of Natural Resources ...... 15 3.5 Production of Waste ...... 16 3.6 Pollution and Nuisances ...... 16 4.0 LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ...... 16 4.1 Introduction ...... 16 4.2 Overview ...... 16 4.3 Existing and Approved Land Use ...... 16 4.4 Relative Abundance, Availability, Quality and Regenerative Capacity of Natural Resources (including soil, land, water and biodiversity) in the Area and its Underground ...... 18 4.5 Absorption Capacity of the Natural Environment ...... 18 5.0 TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS ...... 18 5.1 Introduction ...... 18 5.2 Air Quality and Climate ...... 19 5.3 Biodiversity including species and habitats ...... 20 5.4 Cultural Heritage, Architecture and Archaeology ...... 25 5.5 Material Assets (including waste) ...... 27 5.6 Landscape and Visual ...... 27 5.7 Major Accidents ...... 28 5.8 Noise and Vibration...... 28 5.9 Population and Human Health ...... 29 5.10 Land, Soils and Geology and Hydrogeology ...... 29 5.11 Hydrology ...... 30 5.12 Traffic and Transportation ...... 30 5.13 Cumulative Effects ...... 31 6.0 CONCLUSIONS ...... 31

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Table of Figures

Figure 1. Showing the proposed Project location at Rosslare, County Wexford...... 8 Figure 2. Showing the proposed location on recent aerial photography...... 9 Figure 3. Layout plan of the proposed Project...... 10 Figure 4. Detailed plan of the proposed Project...... 11 Figure 5. Detailed plan of the proposed interim BCP building...... 12 Figure 6. Detailed plan of the proposed Cattle Unit...... 13 Figure 7. Zoning map from the Rosslare Harbour & Kilrane Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018, showing the proposed site as being zoned for Mixed Use (proposed Project site indicated with red star)...... 17 Figure 8. Location of adjacent European sites...... 23 Figure 9 Detail of adjacent European sites...... 24 Figure 10. Location of heritage sites in the vicinity of the proposed site. Red dots indicate National Monuments while blue dots indicate National Inventory of Architectural Heritage sites...... 26

Table of Tables

Table 1. Summary of the developments currently being considered by the OPW in Rosslare...... 14 Table 2 European sites located within 15 km of the proposed Project...... 21 Table 3. Screening Checklist to determine if EIA is required based on the characteristics of a project and its environment...... 31

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

At the request of the OPW, AWN Consulting Ltd (AWN) has prepared the following Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report for the proposed Project of the former Rosslare Import Centre as an Interim Border Inspection Facility at Ballygillane Little, County Wexford (herein referred to as the proposed Project). An Appropriate Assessment screening accompanies this EIAR screening report.

The proposed Project involves the repurposing of a portion of the existing Rosslare Import Centre site at Ballygillane Little, County Wexford for use as an Interim Border Inspection Facility at Ballygillane Little, County Wexford.

As described in detail in Section 2.0 of this report, the proposed Project is considered to be outside the mandatory requirements for EIA. This report has been prepared with the primary aim to provide sufficient information to the planning and environment departments of the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland to allow them to determine that the proposed Project is not likely to have a significant effect on the environment.

AWN has assessed the likely impact of the proposed Project for each aspect of the environment; air, noise, water, land, soils & geology, landscape, material assets, traffic and human health. The environmental assessment concluded that the proposed Project will have a long-term imperceptible impact only on the environment. As such it is concluded that the proposed Project does not warrant preparation of an EIA report due to environmental considerations.

2.0 LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE

The requirements for EIA in relation to planning consents in Ireland are outlined in Part X of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended and in Part 10 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended.

Section 172 (1) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended states: “Where a planning application is made in respect of a development or class of development referred to in regulations under section 176 , that application shall, in addition to meeting the requirements of the permission regulations, be accompanied by an environmental impact statement.”

This EIA screening report has been compiled having paid due regard to the procedures outlined in Article 123A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2000 – 2019. Following guidance outlined in this Article, which relates to sub-threshold developments in terms of EIAR requirements, an assessment of the proposed development was made, taking into account the nature, size and location of the development. Following this assessment, the Commissioners of Public Works requested that AWN Consulting Ltd. undertake an environmental screening exercise of the proposed development, as per the requirements stipulated in the Regulations.

The prescribed classes of development and thresholds that trigger the need for an EIA are set out in Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended. A review of the classes of development was carried out to determine whether the proposed development falls into any of the development classes which require an EIA.

It has been determined that the proposed development does not meet any of the classes described in Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations,

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2001. The need for an EIA has therefore not been triggered under the requirements of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended.

There is a requirement to undertake EIA for a development where it is considered likely that the development would have ‘likely significant effects’ on the environment. The consideration of ‘likely significant effects’ should take into account the size, nature and location of a development. The proposed development does not fall within a category of development requiring a mandatory EIA as the development would not have ‘likely significant effects’ on the environment. This EIA Screening Report has been prepared to provide sufficient information to support this statement. The information provided herein, to allow an assessment of the ‘likely significant effects’ to be undertaken, is in accordance with Annex IIA of the EIA Directive as set out in Schedule 7A of S.I. No. 600/2001 Planning and Development Regulations 2011, as amended.

2.1 Schedule 7A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2011 (Annex IIA of the New Directive)

Schedule 7A sets out the information which a developer must provide to the competent authority for a screening determination.

This includes: 1. A description of the proposed development, including in particular: (a) a description of the physical characteristics of the whole proposed development and, where relevant, of demolition works; and (b) a description of the location of the proposed development, with particular regard to the environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected.

2. A description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the proposed development.

3. A description of any likely significant effects, to the extent of the information available on such effect, of the proposed development on the environment resulting from: (a) the expected residues and emissions and the production of waste, where relevant; and (b) the use of the natural resources, in particular soil, land, water and biodiversity.

It is also stated in Schedule 7A that the information compiled must take into account the criteria set out in Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2011 (Annex III of the New EIA Directive), where relevant.

2.2 Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2011 (Annex III of the New EIA Directive)

Schedule 7 sets out criteria that the planning authority will consider in determining whether a development would or would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment. Those criteria are as follows:

1. Characteristics of proposed development The characteristics of proposed development, in particular: (a) the size and design of the whole of the proposed development; (b) cumulation with other existing development and/or development the subject of a consent for proposed development for the purposes of section 172(1A)(b) of the

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Act and / or development the subject of any development consent for the purposes of the New EIA Directive by or under any other enactment; (c) the nature of any associated demolition works; (d) the use of natural resources, in particular land, soil, water and biodiversity; (e) the production of waste; (f) pollution and nuisances; (g) the risk of major accidents, and/or disasters which are relevant to the project concerned, including those caused by climate change, in accordance with scientific knowledge; and (h) the risks to human health (for example, due to water contamination or air pollution).

2. Location of proposed development The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by the proposed development, with particular regard to: (a) the existing and approved land use; (b) the relative abundance, availability, quality and regenerative capacity of natural resources (including soil, land, water and biodiversity) in the area and its underground; (c) the absorption capacity of the natural environment, paying particular attention to the following areas: (i) wetlands, riparian areas, river mouths; (ii) coastal zones and the marine environment; (iii) mountain and forest areas; (iv) nature reserves and parks; (v) areas classified or protected under legislation, including Natura 2000 areas designated pursuant to the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive; (vi) areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards laid down in legislation of the European Union and relevant to the project, or in which it is considered that there is such a failure; (vii) densely populated areas; and (viii) landscapes and sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.

3. Types and characteristics of potential impacts The likely significant effects on the environment of proposed development in relation to criteria set out under paragraphs 1 and 2, with regard to the impact of the project on the factors specified in paragraph (b)(i)(I) to (V) of the definition of ‘environmental impact assessment report’ in section 171A of the Act, taking into account: (a) the magnitude and spatial extent of the impact (for example, geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected); (b) the nature of the impact; (c) the transboundary nature of the impact; (d) the intensity and complexity of the impact; (e) the probability of the impact; (f) the expected onset, duration, frequency and reversibility of the impact; (g) the cumulation of the impact with the impact of other existing and/or development the subject of a consent for proposed development for the purposes of section 172(1A)(b) of the Act and/or development the subject of any development consent for the purposes of the New EIA Directive by or under any other enactment; and (h) the possibility of effectively reducing the impact.

The assessment of impact on any of the above receptors in the surrounding environment can be aided by using the source-pathway-receptor model. This model describes the potential sources of contamination at a site, the migration pathways it may follow and the receptors it could impact upon.

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Each of these points is addressed below and is supported by the environmental review provided in Section 5.

3.0 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

3.1 Introduction

This section describes the physical characteristics of the proposed Project with particular regard to the design, construction and operational elements of relevance to the proposed Project. The impacts of the characteristics of the proposed Project are discussed in Section 5.

3.2 Size and Design of the Whole of the Proposed Project

3.2.1 Overview

The works are to provide a temporary BCP facility at a site c. 6.6 hectares in extent, which was formerly used for car parking/vehicular storage in Rosslare. It will be used on a short-term basis, as an interim BCP facility from 1st April 2019 onwards.

The works will include the removal of existing concrete hardstanding and gravel on the site and its replacement with new tarmacadam surfacing. The works will also comprise of new foul and surface water drainage systems, kerbing, perimeter fencing and gates, site lighting, soft landscaping and the internal fit-out of 2 no. existing buildings on the site and the provision of an additional single storey cattle shed.

• 35 no. truck parking spaces for documentary checking, consisting of line marking on new tarmacadam surfacing; • 2 no. HGV seal checking bays; • 1 no. documentary check public office, located in existing former office building at site entrance; • 1 no. driver welfare building, located in existing former security guard building at site entrance; • 1 no. Live Animal BCP, to include single storey portacabins for staff accommodation as well as stables for ungulates, equidae and other live animals, all to be contained within a fenced off area; • 1 no. Cattle Shed which will be a steel portal frame structure forming a pitched roof, clad in profiled metal sheeting to exterior walls and roof, with an overall floor area of circa 335m2; The proposed new cattle shed will sit on a new concrete slab floor, laid to fall to foul drain, to connect to existing foul drainage system provided at the interim live animal BCP; and • New site services, to include lighting, foul drainage and surface water drainage systems, including new attenuation tank.

The proposed Project has an existing connection to the public sewer network for wastewater. The site has a number of concrete road surfaces which will be incorporated into the proposed Project. There are no proposed changes to the existing surface water drainage regime; the majority of the site surface will continue to be composed of a porous, gravel surfaces, with surface water drainage discharging to ground. Figure 1 shows the Project location and Figure 2 shows the proposed project site on recent aerial photography. Figure 3 shows a plan of the proposed project, with Figure 4 presenting a detailed plan of the site layout. Figure 5 presents a plan of the proposed interim BCP building. And Figure 6 presents a plan of the proposed cattle shed.

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Figure 1. Showing the proposed Project location at Rosslare, County Wexford.

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Figure 2. Showing the proposed location on recent aerial photography.

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Figure 3. Layout plan of the proposed Project.

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Figure 4. Detailed plan of the proposed Project.

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Figure 5. Detailed plan of the proposed interim BCP building.

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Figure 6. Detailed plan of the proposed Cattle Unit.

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3.2.3 Construction Phase

No demolition works and minimal construction works are required as part of the proposed Project. There will only be shallow construction activities for resurfacing.

The works are estimated to take less than a year to complete.

3.2.4 Operational Phase

The site will be used on a short-term basis, as an interim BCP facility from 1st April 2019 onwards. Facilities will include a staff canteen, staff toilet and public toilets and washroom facilities. Effluent will discharge as current to the public sewer. A hardstand area for truck parking will be provided. Drainage from the car park will be to a class 1 bypass separator, which will be fitted with a coalescent filter to reduce hydrocarbon outflow.

This proposed Project is temporary in nature. It is being proposed to accommodate the expected backlog of vehicles attempting to enter the UK through Rosslare Europort in a post-Brexit scenario, where the processing of documents for movements in and out of the UK may take significantly longer than at present.

3.3 Cumulation with other Existing, Permitted or Proposed Developments

A review of planning applications made in the vicinity of the proposed Project was conducted on Wexford County Council’s website. Following analysis of this data, it was concluded that most of the applications made refer to either internal or minor site developments, which would have no impact on the proposed Project or vice versa.

In addition to the proposed Project, 1 no. contingency site at Rosslare is being planned for by the OPW which is similar in nature to this proposed Project (that is, contingency- based developments which are intended to ameliorate so far as reasonably practicable the effects of any changes that will result from the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union). These sites are intended to provide the required infrastructure for customs, sanitary, phytosanitary, health checks and controls that may be required following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. Table 1 below presents a summary of the developments currently being considered by the OPW in Rosslare.

Table 1. Summary of the developments currently being considered by the OPW in Rosslare.

Location Development Description Rosslare Europort, The proposed development will take place on a greenfield site, which is c. Rosslare, Co.Wexford. 5.5 hectares in extent. The proposed development is intended to comprise the following:

• 1 no. single storey documentary check building (c. 80m2), to include a public office, driver facilities, equipment store and utility area; • 1 no. single storey warehouse-type EHS building (c. 450m2) to incorporate 2 no. unloading bays for non-container type transport vehicles. Building to also accommodate temperature-controlled and ambient storage, as well as sanitary and welfare facilities for staff; • 1 no. single storey shed-type Revenue building (c. 1,100m2) with 3 no. loading bays and dock levelers. Building to include interview rooms, offices, welfare and sanitary facilities; • 1 no. warehouse DAFM Building (c. 1,200m2) with 8 no. inspection bays with dock levelers, plus 2 no. vehicle inspection bays and 2 no. forestry inspection bays. The building will provide

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Location Development Description ambient and chilled storage facilities, inspection rooms, changing facilities and sanitary facilities. A mezzanine level will provide staff office facilities, sanitary and changing facilities, and a canteen; • 1 no. single storey Live Animal Border Control Point (BCP) Building (c. 1,200m2), which will include 3 no. units to accommodate animals, as well as staff offices. 5 no. loading bays are to be included; • 1 no. single storey Detained Goods Storage Building (c. 380m2) with adjoining yard to accommodate 8 no. containers; and • All associated infrastructure and facilities, such as new internal roads and access roads, exit toll booths, staff car parking, HGV truck car parking, foul drainage systems, surface water drainage systems, petrol interceptors, and an attenuation tank. Ballygillane Little, The proposed site would be developed on a site which currently comprises Rosslare, County a warehouse building, existing hardstanding areas, and truck and car Wexford. parking areas.

It is intended to comprise the following:

• 25 – 35 no. truck parking spaces • (consisting of line marking on existing hard standing or traffic cones on existing gravel surfacing); • 1 no. temporary tent structure (c. 96 m x 36 metres). It will sit on existing concrete hard standing on site); • 2 no. truck pull-in bays for seal check; • 1 no. temporary portacabin block, to act as a public office; • (c. 12m x 6m). The temporary cabin will connect to existing services in adjacent existing building; • Existing former showroom building will be fitted out for staff accommodation; and • Existing security guard’s cabin at entrance to the site will be fitted out for staff accommodation.

It should be noted that cumulatively, the developments listed in Table 1, and with the proposed Project, extend across an area of c. 12.8 hectares. As such, the cumulative proposed developments being undertaken by the OPW are sub-threshold for a full EIAR.

The proposed Project will result in an imperceptible change in relation to impact to the surrounding environment (see Section 5) therefore there will be no increase in cumulative effects with other existing developments in the area.

3.4 Use of Natural Resources

There will be minimal excavations and no significant construction required for the construction as an existing showroom building and security office will be repurposed for staff accommodation. The only raw materials to be used during construction are the materials used in the structure for a temporary single storey portacabin block and parking area.

The land has already been partially developed but is currently not occupied. No soil will be removed from the site and the footprint of the proposed Project will not require use of any previously undeveloped land.

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3.5 Production of Waste

There will be minimal production of waste other than standard office waste. Wastewater will discharge to the receiving sewer. There will therefore be no perceptible effects on the environment from the production of waste/wastewater.

3.6 Pollution and Nuisances

There will only be construction activities related to the installation of the single storey portacabin structure and levelling works for the 25 – 35 truck parking bays. Therefore, there will be no potential for off-site short-term nuisances and/or pollution (such as dust and noise etc.) normally associated with construction. This means that there will be no likely significant effects on the surrounding environment.

4.0 LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

4.1 Introduction

This section describes the location of the proposed Project with particular regard to environmental sensitivities on site and in the surrounding area.

4.2 Overview

The proposed Project site is c. 6.6 hectares in extent and is within the existing Rosslare Import Centre site at Rosslare. The site is surrounded by a mixture of industrial and residential developments. The N25 borders the west perimeter of the site.

The nearest European sites are Carnsore Point SAC (Site Code 002269), which is located along the coast approximately 800 m to the east of the proposed Project, and Long Bank SAC (site Code 002161), which is located offshore, in the Irish Sea, approximately 2.85 km to the east of the proposed Project.

4.3 Existing and Approved Land Use

The site for the proposed Project is situated within the administrative area of Wexford County Council. A review of the Rosslare Harbour & Kilrane Local Area Plan 2012 - 2018, Map 1 – Land Use Zoning shows the proposed Project lands as “mixed use (MU)”.

The Wexford County Development Plan 2013-2019 identifies Rosslare Port as a key area for development.

Objective ED26: To maximise the economic potential of Rosslare and New Ross port facilities and promote the development of associated port related employment, subject to ensuring that any plan or project associated with the economic development of lands which has the potential to significantly affect a Natura 2000 site is appropriately assessed in accordance with Article 6 of the Habitats Directive in order to avoid adverse impacts on the integrity of the site(s)

Objective ED27: To provide sufficient and suitable zoned land to promote economic activity in the area of the ports and assist in the realisation of the economic potential of Rosslare Europort and New Ross Port subject to compliance with normal planning and environmental criteria and the development of management standards.

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Figure 7. Zoning map from the Rosslare Harbour & Kilrane Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018, showing the proposed site as being zoned for Mixed Use (proposed Project site indicated with red star).

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4.4 Relative Abundance, Availability, Quality and Regenerative Capacity of Natural Resources (including soil, land, water and biodiversity) in the Area and its Underground

As outlined in Section 3.4 above, the proposed Project does not require any significant usage of natural resources other than the building materials required for the prefabricated structure itself and the surface for truck parking area.

4.5 Absorption Capacity of the Natural Environment

There will be no additional emissions to air as a result of the proposed Project. The trucks passing through the site are already en route to the port facility. There are no additional emissions to surface water or ground as part of the proposed Project.

Each of the sub sections in Section 5.0 below addresses the sensitivity of the existing environment and assesses the absorptive capacity of the natural environment to the potential emissions and nuisances generated by the proposed Project. Please refer to Section 5.0 for additional information related to the following receptors:

5.0 TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS

5.1 Introduction

The likely significant effects on the environment of the proposed Project in relation to the criteria set out in Section 2.2, with regard to the impact of the project on the factors specified in paragraph (b)(i)(I) to (V) of the definition of ‘environmental impact assessment report’ in section 171A of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, are set out in the sections (Sections 5.2 – 5.15) below, taking into account: (a) the magnitude and spatial extent of the impact (for example, geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected); (b) the nature of the impact; (c) the transboundary nature of the impact; (d) the intensity and complexity of the impact; (e) the probability of the impact; (f) the expected onset, duration, frequency and reversibility of the impact; (h) the possibility of effectively reducing the impact.

An overall summary is provided below with full justification provided in relation to each environmental aspect in Sections 5.2 -5.15.

5.1.1 Magnitude and Spatial Extent of the Impact (geographical area and population size likely to be affected)

There will be no increase in the geographical area taken up by the site of the proposed Project. The proposed Project covers the footprint of the existing former car show room and car park area. There is no significant increase in the population size likely to be affected.

5.1.2 Nature of the Impact

The proposed Project will have a long-term and imperceptible impact on the receiving environment. This is further justified below (section 5.2-5.15) under each environmental aspect assessment.

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5.1.3 Transboundary Nature of the Impact

There is no potential for transboundary impact as the zone of influence is immediate to the site and local environs.

5.1.4 Intensity and Complexity of the Impact

The proposed Project will have a long-term and imperceptible impact on the receiving environment. This is further justified below (Sections 5.2 - 5.15) under each environmental aspect assessment.

5.1.5 Probability of the Impact

The impact is long-term and imperceptible on all receptors. This is further justified below (Sections 5.2 – 5.15) under each environmental aspect assessment.

5.1.6 Expected onset, Duration, Frequency and Reversibility of the Impact

It is anticipated that the facility will be short term. There is no requirement to consider the reversibility of the impact as the assessed impact is imperceptible. There are no significant effects identified (see Sections 5.2 – 5.15).

5.1.7 Cumulation of the Impact with Other Projects

The proposed Project will not result in any changes to emissions. The traffic impact is negligible including delivery and maintenance from time to time, see Section 5.12. Therefore, the potential cumulative impact of the proposed Project on ambient air quality and climate or other environmental factors is deemed to be imperceptible and as such the cumulative impact is also long term imperceptible.

5.1.8 Possibility of Effectively Reducing the Impact

No reduction of the impact of the proposed Project is required as the development will have a long-term imperceptible impact on the receiving environment. This is further justified below (Sections 5.2 – 5.15) under each environmental aspect assessment.

5.2 Air Quality and Climate

5.2.1 Baseline Environment

AWN Consulting Limited were commissioned to conduct an assessment into the likely air quality and climate impacts associated with the proposed Project.

As part of the implementation of the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 271 of 2002), four air quality zones have been defined in Ireland for air quality management and assessment purposes (EPA 2019). In terms of air monitoring, the region of the proposed Project is categorized as Zone D. In terms of the existing air quality environment, baseline data and data available from similar environments indicates that levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter less than 10 microns and less than 2.5 microns and benzene are generally well below the National and European Union (EU) ambient air quality standards.

5.2.2 Construction Impacts

No significant construction is required for the proposed Project other than the construction of a prefab building and associated landscaping and car park works.

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Transport Infrastructure Ireland Guidelines for the Treatment of Air Quality During the Planning and Construction of National Road Schemes (2011) detail a methodology for determining air quality impact significance criteria for road schemes and can be applied to any development that experiences a change in traffic values. The construction and operational impact of the proposed Project was reviewed for the pollutants nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter less than 10 microns, particulate matter less than 2.5 microns, carbon monoxide and benzene.

Due to the low construction and operational phase impact on local traffic, the screening criteria indicates that no road links can be classed as ‘affected’ by the proposed Project and therefore, a local air quality assessment is not required as impacts are neutral in the long and short term. Based on the short-term duration and small-scale nature of the proposed works, construction will not generate significant emissions of air quality pollutants or greenhouse gases. Therefore, there will be no significant effects on the local or global climate in terms of national CO2 emissions and Ireland’s agreed limit under the Kyoto Protocol (Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1997, 1999) and the EU Effort Sharing Agreement (“20-20-20” Targets).

There is low potential for fugitive dust generation during construction due to the short- term duration and small-scale nature of the proposed works. The predicted impact of the construction works on air quality and climate will therefore be temporary and imperceptible.

5.2.3 Operational Impacts

In relation to the operational phase of the proposed Project, the proposed Project will not result in any significant emissions of air quality pollutants or greenhouse gases once operational. At maximum capacity 35 truck vehicles will be waiting at the facility. Therefore, the impact to air quality from the operational phase of the proposed Project is expected to be imperceptible. Therefore, the predicted impact of the proposed Project on ambient air quality is deemed to be negligible.

Current EPA guidance states that a development may have an influence on global climate where it represents “a significant proportion of the national contribution to greenhouse gases” (EPA, 2003). The draft “Guidelines On The Information To Be Contained In Environmental Impact Assessment Reports” (EPA, August 2017) states that impacts relevant to adaptation to climate change should be assessed and that projects should be assessed in terms of their vulnerability to climate change Therefore, the impact to climate from the operational phase of the proposed Project is expected to be imperceptible in terms of national CO2 emissions and Ireland’s agreed limit under the Kyoto Protocol (Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1997, 1999) and the EU Effort Sharing Agreement (“20-20-20” Targets). The proposed Project will not result in any impacts relevant to adaptation therefore the project will not be vulnerable to climate change.

It is concluded that the proposed Project will not have a significant effect on air quality and climate during the construction and operational phases and thus, the proposed Project would not warrant preparation of an EIA on air quality grounds.

5.3 Biodiversity including species and habitats

The proposed Project site was surveyed by Ger O’Donoghue, ecologist with Moore Group. A summary of the baseline environment is presented below.

Additionally, an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report has been carried out to assess the impact of the proposed Project on Natura 2000 sites. The Screening Report

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concludes that the proposed Project will not have any significant effects on the surrounding Natura 2000 sites and there is no requirement for any further stage of the Appropriate Assessment process.

5.3.1 Baseline Environment

The proposed Project would be constructed on the existing Rosslare Import Centre site which is composed of the existing hardstanding areas. There are no significant habitats or flora species on the site. Further, there is no evidence of any rare or protected fauna species being present within the site. No rare habitats, flora or fauna would be affected by the proposed Project. There were no invasive species recorded during the site survey for ecological screening.

DoEHLG (2009) Guidance on Appropriate Assessment suggests an assessment of European sites within a zone of impact of 15 km. This distance is a guidance only and the zone of impact has been identified taking consideration of the nature and location of the proposed Project to ensure all European sites with connectivity to it are considered in terms of a catchment-based assessment.

The zone of impact may be determined by connectivity to the proposed Project in terms of: • Nature, scale, timing and duration of works and possible impacts, nature and size of excavations, storage of materials, flat/sloping sites; • Distance and nature of pathways (dilution and dispersion; intervening ‘buffer’ lands, roads etc.); and • Sensitivity and location of ecological features.

The guidance provides that, at the screening stage, it is necessary to identify the sites and compile information on their qualifying interests and conservation objectives. In preparation for this, the potential for source pathway receptor connectivity is firstly identified and detailed information is then provided on sites with connectivity. European sites that are located within 15 km of the Project are listed in Table 2 and presented in Figures 6 and 7, below. Spatial boundary data on the Natura 2000 network was extracted from the NPWS website (www.npws.ie) on the 12th February 2019.

Table 2 European sites located within 15 km of the proposed Project. Site Code Site Name Distance (km) 000704 Lady's Island Lake SAC 3.8 000707 Saltee Islands SAC 12.7 000709 Tacumshin Lake SAC 8.0 000710 Raven Point Nature Reserve SAC 10.6 000781 Slaney River Valley SAC 6.5 002161 Long Bank SAC 2.8 002269 Carnsore Point SAC 0.8 002953 Blackwater Bank SAC 5.4 004009 Lady's Island Lake SPA 4.0 004019 The Raven SPA 7.6 004076 Wexford Harbour and Slobs SPA 4.9 004092 Tacumshin Lake SPA 8.0

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The proposed Project is to take place within the existing Rosslare Import Centre site at Rosslare. The nearest European sites are Carnsore Point SAC (Site Code 002269), which is located along the coast approximately 800 m to the east of the proposed Project, and Long Bank SAC (site Code 002161), which is located offshore, in the Irish Sea, approximately 2.85 km to the east of the proposed Project. The is no meaningful connectivity to Long Bank SAC, given its location off the coast, in the Irish Sea (Figures 5 and 6). There is no meaningful biological or relevant hydrological connectivity to any other European sites.

The proposed Project site is located on a catchment boundary and there are no rivers or streams that cross the proposed Project site, as indicated in Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) Geographical Information System (GIS) data made available by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It has been noted that there are no proposed changes to the existing surface water drainage regime; the majority of the site will continue to be composed of a porous, gravel surfaces, with surface water drainage going straight to ground.

The potential for any adverse effects on the Carnsore Point SAC as a result of the proposed Project is highly unlikely given:

• The nature and scale of the proposed Project; • The distance between the proposed project and the European sites considered; • The lack of hydrological connectivity between the proposed Project site and any water courses that flow to the European sites considered; • The proposed project site has an existing connection to the public sewer network for wastewater; and • The current regime for surface water is to remain unchanged.

Having considered the above, significant effects on any European sites as a result of the proposed Project can be ruled out and, therefore, potential significant effects on European sites can be excluded at a preliminary screening stage.

5.3.2 Construction Impacts

The proposed Project does not require any significant construction works or any additional land-use changes therefore the impact of the minimal construction works will be short-term, imperceptible and neutral.

5.3.3 Operation Impacts

There will be no significant changes to the existing habitat as a result of the proposed Project and therefore no impact on the surrounding habitats.

There are no water courses on the site and no hydrological connectivity or biological connectivity to the European sites considered in this assessment. It is concluded that the proposed Project will not have a significant effect on biodiversity and the proposed Project would not warrant preparation of an EIA on biodiversity grounds. A screening for Appropriate Assessment has been included with this submission.

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Figure 8. Location of adjacent European sites.

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Figure 9 Detail of adjacent European sites.

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5.4 Cultural Heritage, Architecture and Archaeology

5.4.1 Baseline Environment

There are no recorded archaeological monuments located within the site boundary (Figure 10).

5.4.2 Construction Impacts

5.4.3 Operational Impacts

The operation of the facility will remain consistent with the type of activity and buildings currently in place at the site, therefore there will be no impacts on the archaeological heritage in the receiving environment.

It is concluded that the proposed Project will not have a significant effect on archaeology or cultural heritage and the proposed Project would not warrant preparation of an EIA on cultural heritage grounds.

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Figure 10. Location of heritage sites in the vicinity of the proposed site. Red dots indicate National Monuments while blue dots indicate National Inventory of Architectural Heritage sites.

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5.5 Material Assets (including waste)

5.5.1 Baseline Environment

The proposed Project site is c. 6.6 hectares in extent and is located in Ballygillane Little, County Wexford, please see Figure 1 in Section 3.0. The surrounding area is predominantly residential/commercial/agricultural with some undeveloped land in the vicinity. The proposed Project will be serviced by the existing council sewer that runs adjacent to the site.

As discussed in Section 3.4, the proposed Project will not require/consume any substantial quantities of additional raw materials.

5.5.2 Construction Impacts

5.5.3 Operational Impacts

There will be minimal production of waste other than standard office waste. and foul effluent will discharge to the receiving sewer. There will therefore be no perceptible effects on the environment from the production of waste/wastewater.

In conclusion, the proposed Project will not give rise to any significant impacts on the surrounding land and material assets and would not warrant preparation of an EIA on these grounds.

5.6 Landscape and Visual

5.6.1 Baseline Environment

The site is located along the N52 in Ballygillane Little, Wexford. The site of the proposed Project is zoned as Mixed Use, with the predominant land use in the area being residential, commercial and agricultural.

The N52 defines the western extent of the site and separates it from undeveloped land on the western side of the N52. The eastern, western and southern context of the proposed Project site is residential, with residential dwellings sharing site boundaries with the proposed Project site in those locations. There are some commercial operations established to the immediate north of the proposed Project. Heading south on the N52, a logistics warehouse exists approximately 250m from the proposed Project. The entrance to Rosslare Europort is approximately 1km north of the entrance to the proposed Project. At the junction with the Ballyknockan road, some 800m from the proposed Project, exists a national school. Located approximately 600m from the proposed Project exists a vehicle distribution centre which occupies c. 13ha. The site is within the extent of the Wexford County Council administrative area and is zoned as Mixed Use in the in the Rosslare Harbour & Kilrane Local Area Plan 2012 - 2018. Objective ED29 of the Wexford County Development Plan 2013 – 2019 states the objective to;

‘co-operate with state and semi-state employment agencies and local organisations in promoting, marketing and encouraging enterprises to locate suitable activities in the distribution, logistics and other related sectors in Rosslare Harbour and New Ross.’

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Given the minimal changes to the overall infrastructure on site, the site is not considered to be significant or sensitive from a landscape and visual aspect.

5.6.2 Construction Impacts

5.6.3 Operational Impacts

The operation of the proposed Project will remain consistent with the type of activity and buildings currently in place at the site, and therefore, there will be no change to the visual landscape during the operation of the proposed Project.

In conclusion, the proposed Project will not give rise to any significant landscape and visual impacts either from within or outside of the site boundary and would not warrant preparation of an EIA on landscape and/or visual grounds.

5.7 Major Accidents

The Chemicals Act (Control of Major Accident Hazards involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2015 do not apply to this site. There are no potential impacts arising from major accidents due to the nature of the proposed Project and therefore there will be no significant effects on the surrounding environment.

5.8 Noise and Vibration

5.8.1 Baseline Environment

The nearest residential noise sensitive locations are located immediately adjacent to the site, along the northern, eastern and southern site boundaries. The proposed Project site is adjacent to the N52, the main artery road feeding the Rosslare Europort. 5.8.2 Construction Impacts

5.8.3 Operational Impacts

There will be no increase in traffic volume along the N52 as a result of the operation of the proposed Project. The operation of the proposed Project will remain consistent with the type of activity and buildings currently in place at the site, therefore, there will be no change to the operational phase of the Interim Border Inspection Facility i.e. no significant change in traffic, vibration levels and so no impacts on the noise levels in the receiving environment.

In conclusion, the proposed Project will not give rise to any significant noise and vibration impacts and would not warrant preparation of an EIA on noise impact grounds.

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5.9 Population and Human Health

5.9.1 Baseline Environment

The proposed Project is located in a purpose-built site which is currently in use as the Rosslare Import Site Centre. The potential receptors within the environs of the site include other commercial and industrial businesses in the area. There are residential developments to the south, east and north, with the closest developments sharing boundaries along the northern, western and southern perimeters of the site. The land to the west of the site is currently undeveloped.

5.9.2 Construction Phase

5.9.3 Operational Phase

There will be an imperceptible impact on human beings as the impacts to the ambient air quality, noise levels or traffic levels in the receiving environment as a result of the proposed Project will be imperceptible. Local landscape, tourism and cultural heritage will not be impacted by the proposed Project as the site activities will remain the same as current operations.

In conclusion, the proposed Project will not give rise to any significant population or human health impacts and would not warrant preparation of an EIA on population human health grounds.

5.10 Land, Soils and Geology and Hydrogeology

5.10.1 Baseline Environment

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) indicates that the underlying bedrock is foliated amphibolites with minor schists, with the local aquifer being classified as being “poor” due to the low productivity of the bedrock below. There are no discharges to ground on site currently and there will be no discharges to ground from the proposed Project.

The GSI online data base was consulted regarding areas of geological interest in the area of the proposed Project site and this confirmed that no geological heritage site has been identified in the vicinity of the proposed Project site. The closest County Geological Site is Greenore Point which is located some 1.2km to the east of the site.

The Groundwater Body (GWB) underlying the site is the Bridgetown GWB (EU Groundwater Body Code: IE_SE_G_022). Currently, the EPA classifies the Bridgewater GWB as having ‘Good Status’, The Bridgewater GWB is classified as ‘Not at Risk’ according to the Water Framework Directive. 5.10.2 Construction Phase

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5.10.3 Operational Phase

The operation of the proposed Project will remain consistent with the type of activity and buildings currently in place. There will be no discharges to ground or groundwater abstraction arising from the proposed Project. Therefore, the impact will be long-term imperceptible.

In conclusion, the proposed Project will not give rise to any significant impacts and would not warrant preparation of an EIA on land, soils, geology and hydrogeology grounds.

5.11 Hydrology

5.11.1 Baseline Environment

The proposed Project site is located on a catchment boundary and there are no rivers or streams that cross the site. The majority of the site will continue to comprise porous, gravel surfaces, with surface water drainage going straight to ground.

There is currently no data present on the OPW website to indicate a flooding probability for this area, nor are there any records of flooding events.

5.11.2 Construction Phase

The proposed Project does not require any significant construction works no changes to any natural drainage channels therefore the impact of the minimal construction works will be short-term, imperceptible and neutral.

5.11.3 Operational Phase

There will be no significant changes to the existing environment as part of the proposed Project, including minimal increase in hardstand and therefore there will be no potential impacts on the receiving hydrological environment or potential for flood impact as a result of site operation. There will be no significant effects on the surrounding environment as a result of the proposed Project.

5.12 Traffic and Transportation

5.12.1 Baseline Environment

The site is located adjacent to the N25, which is the main access route to Rosslare Europort. There are limited public transport services locally, with one Bus Eireann, and two local services operating in the area. Traffic in the area largely relates to incoming and outgoing Rosslare Europort customers, as well as local residential traffic.

5.12.2 Construction Phase

No demolition works and minimal construction works are required as part of the proposed Project. There will only be shallow construction activities for resurfacing, and the installation of a portacabin structure (12m x 6m). There will be minimal construction traffic required for the proposed Project and therefore there will be no potential impacts on the receiving traffic and transportation environment. The proposed Project does not require any significant construction works or any additional land-use changes therefore the impact of the minimal construction works will be short-term, imperceptible and neutral.

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5.12.3 Operational Phase

There will be no significant traffic associated with the proposed Project in addition. It is anticipated that the proposed Project will avoid traffic congestion in the area by providing a purpose-built area for vehicles to stop for the appropriate new customs checks before proceeding to Rosslare Europort. In conclusion, the proposed Project will not give rise to any adverse impacts and would not warrant preparation of an EIA on traffic impact grounds.

5.13 Cumulative Effects

Interactive and cumulative effects occur when a receptor is impacted by multiple effects. Since the installation and operation of the Interim Border Inspection Facility at Ballygillane Little, County Wexford will not have a significant cumulative effect on any receptors, there are only long-term imperceptible effects on receptors, Therefore, the potential cumulative impact of the proposed alteration is deemed to be negligible.

6.0 CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the information set out in Section 2.0 the proposed Project does not mandatorily require an EIA. The information set out in Sections 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 confirm that the proposed Project will not have any significant effects on the surrounding environment and that an EIA report is not required to be submitted with the planning application.

The European Guidance on EIA Screening provides a checklist to assist with the decision of whether an EIA is required based on the characteristics of a project and its environment. This screening checklist is presented in Table 2. below

Table 3. Screening Checklist to determine if EIA is required based on the characteristics of a project and its environment. Brief project description Yes/No Is this likely to result in a significant impact? Why 1. Will construction, operation or No No demolition works and minimal decommissioning of the Project involve construction works are required as part actions which will cause physical of the proposed Project. There will only changes in the locality (topography, be shallow construction activities for land use, changes in waterbodies, resurfacing. Refer to Section 3.2 for etc.)? details. 2. Will construction or operation of the No The project requires minimal resource Project use natural resources such as use, asides from those required for the land, water, materials or energy, minimal construction process. Refer to especially any resources which are Section 3.4 for details. non-renewable or in short supply? 3. Will the Project involve use, storage, No The purpose of the site will not change transport, handling or production of from its current use as an Import substances or materials which could Centre. No hazardous materials or be harmful to human health or the substances are required for this environment or raise concerns about operation to be carried out, nor will any actual or perceived risks to human hazardous materials or substances be health? required for the construction phase.

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Brief project description Yes/No Is this likely to result in a significant impact? Why 4. Will the Project produce solid No No construction waste is anticipated to wastes during construction or be generated, and only light office operation or decommissioning? waste will be generated through the operation. Please refer to Sections 3.5 and 5.5 for details. 5. Will the Project release pollutants or No No emissions will result from the any hazardous, toxic or noxious proposed Project. Please refer to substances to air? Section 5.2 for details. 6. Will the Project cause noise and No There will be no noise or vibrations vibration or release of light, heat emitted during the construction or energy or electromagnetic radiation? operation of the proposed Project. Please refer to Section 5.8 for details. No light or heat energy, nor electromagnetic radiation, will be emitted. 7. Will the Project lead to risks of No All potential polluting substances would contamination of land or water from be stored and managed appropriately releases of pollutants onto the ground by the contractor to reduce the risk of or into surface waters, groundwater, accidental spillages and/or discharges. coastal There will be no discharge to surface wasters or the sea? water, groundwater, coastal waters or the sea and appropriate measures to ensure effective incident control would be outlined in works method statements. 8. Will there be any risk of accidents during construction or operation of the Project which could affect human No No major accidents are predicted. health or the environment? Please refer to Section 5.7 for details. 9. Will the Project result in social No The purpose of this site will not change changes, for example, in demography, from its current function as an Import traditional lifestyles, employment? Centre, and so no social changes will occur. 10. Are there any other factors which No There are no other developments should be considered such as proposed for the site. The proposed consequential development which development is not expected to could lead to environmental effects or generate significant effects and so in- the potential for cumulative impacts combination effects and cumulative with other existing or planned activities impacts can be excluded. in the locality? 11. Are there any areas on or around Yes Potential impacts on Areas of Natural the location which are protected under Conservation concern were ruled out. international or national or local Refer to Section 5.3 for details. legislation for their ecological, landscape, cultural or other value, which could be affected by the project? 12. Are there any other areas on or Yes Refer to Section 5.3 for details. The around the location which are ecological value within and around the important or sensitive for reasons of site is considered to be insignificant in their ecology e.g. wetlands, the context of the relative abundance of watercourses or other waterbodies, the natural resources in the wider area. coastal zone, mountains, forests or

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Brief project description Yes/No Is this likely to result in a significant impact? Why woodlands, which could be affected by the project? 13. Are there any areas on or around Yes Refer to Section 5.3 for details. The the location which are used by ecological value within and around the protected, important or sensitive site is considered to be insignificant in species of fauna or flora e.g. for the context of the relative abundance of breeding, nesting, foraging, resting, natural resources in the wider area. overwintering, migration, which could be affected by the project? 14. Are there any inland, coastal, Yes Refer to Section 5.3 for details. The marine or underground waters on or ecological value within and around the around the location which could be site is considered to be insignificant in affected by the project? the context of the relative abundance of natural resources in the wider area. 15. Are there any areas or features of No There are no features of scenic value in high landscape or scenic value on or the area which could be affected by the around the location which could be proposed Project. Please refer to affected by the project? Section 5.6 for details. 16. Are there any routes or facilities on No Adjacent to the N25, the proposed or around the location which are used Project will not interfere in any way with by the public for access to recreation current transportation systems in the or other facilities, which could be area, as there will be no change in affected by the project? purpose for the site. No additional traffic will be loaded onto transport networks in the area through the operation of the proposed Project. Please refer to Section 5.12 for details. 17. Are there any transport routes on or around the location which are susceptible to congestion or which No additional traffic will be loaded onto cause environmental problems, which transport networks the operation of the could be affected by the project? No proposed Project. Please refer to Section 5.12 for details. 18. Is the project in a location where it Yes The site of the proposed Project is is likely to be highly visible to many adjacent to the N25, the main artery people? road in the area. There are also residential areas adjacent to site. However, the function of the current development on site will not change, and so minimal visual disturbance is anticipated by the proposed Project. Please refer to Section 5.6 for details. 19. Are there any areas or features of No There are no important heritage sites historic or cultural importance on or located within the site boundary. around the location which could be Please refer to Section 5.4 for details. affected by the project? 20. Is the project located in a No The proposed Project involves the previously undeveloped area where repurposing of a facility currently in use there will be loss of greenfield land? as an Import Centre. Minimal construction works will be required, and no undeveloped land will be used. Please refer to Section 3.4 for details.

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Brief project description Yes/No Is this likely to result in a significant impact? Why 21. Are there existing land uses on or No Current land uses around the site of the around the location e.g. homes, proposed development include gardens, other private property, residential, commercial/industrial and industry, commerce, recreation, public agricultural. However, the nature of the open space, community facilities, proposed construction is very minor in agriculture, forestry, tourism, mining or nature, and unlikely to affect quarrying which could be affected by surrounding developments. the project? Furthermore, the processes on site that will take place on site during the operational phase are unlikely to change significantly from the processes currently enforced on site. This will result in little to no effect on the surrounding land uses. 22. Are there any plans for future land No A search of Wexford Co Co planning uses on or around the location which applications has not revealed any could be affected by the project? significant applications which would be affected by the proposed Project. 23. Are there any areas on or around No The site of the proposed Project shares the location which are densely boundaries with residential zones. populated or built-up, which could be However, However, the nature of the affected by the project? proposed construction is very minor in nature, and unlikely to affect surrounding developments. Furthermore, the processes on site that will take place on site during the operational phase are unlikely to change significantly from the processes currently enforced on site. The expected effect, if any, on surrounding residential zones is very minor. 24. Are there any areas on or around No A school is located some 800m south the location which are occupied by of the site. However, the nature of the sensitive land uses e.g. hospitals, proposed construction is very minor in schools, places of worship, community nature, and unlikely to affect facilities, which could be affected by surrounding developments. the project? Furthermore, the processes on site that will take place on site during the operational phase are unlikely to change significantly from the processes currently enforced on site. The expected effect, if any, on surrounding areas is very minor. 25. Are there any areas on or around No There are some agricultural areas the location which contain important, located near the site. However, the high quality or scarce resources e.g. nature of the proposed construction is groundwater, surface waters, forestry, very minor in nature, and unlikely to agriculture, fisheries, tourism, affect surrounding developments. minerals, which could be affected by Furthermore, the processes on site that the project? will take place on site during the operational phase are unlikely to change significantly from the processes currently enforced on site. The expected effect, if any, on surrounding areas is very minor

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Brief project description Yes/No Is this likely to result in a significant impact? Why 26. Are there any areas on or around No No such sites were identified in the location which are already subject proximity to the site of the proposed to pollution or environmental damage Project. e.g. where existing legal environmental standards are exceeded, which could be affected by the project? 27. Is the project location susceptible No There is no evidence to suggest that to earthquakes, subsidence, any extreme climatic, geological, landslides, and erosion, flooding or hydrological or hydrogeological events extreme or adverse climatic conditions would likely occur in the proposed e.g. temperature inversions, fogs, Project location. Please refer to severe winds, which could cause the Sections 5.10 and 5.11 for details. project to present environmental problems?

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APPENDIX 1

Appropriate Assessment

Prepared by Moore Group Environmental Services

Rosslare Interim BCP Screening Report 36 Cont., Int. & Live Animal BCP Rosslare, Report for Appropriate Assessment Screening 19052

Report for the purposes of Appropriate Assessment Screening

as required under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC)

Contingency, Interim & Live Animal BCP Rosslare, County Wexford

Prepared by: Moore Group – Environmental Services

8th July 2019

On behalf of The Office of Public Works

Moore Group Environmental Services ([email protected]) Cont., Int. & Live Animal BCP Rosslare, Report for Appropriate Assessment Screening 19052

Client The Office of Public Works

Project Contingency, Interim & Live Animal BCP Rosslare, County Wexford Title Report for the purposes of Appropriate Assessment Screening Contingency, Interim & Live Animal BCP Rosslare, County Wexford

Project Number 19052 Document Ref 19052 Cont., Int. & Live Animal BCP Rosslare Rev2.docx

Revision Description Author Date

Rev0 Issued for client review G. O’Donohoe 18th February 2019

Rev1 Revised site plan G. O’Donohoe 3rd July 2019 Rev2 Minor edits (title changes) G. O’Donohoe 8th July 2019

Moore Archaeological and Environmental Services Limited

Moore Group Environmental Services ([email protected]) I Cont., Int. & Live Animal BCP Rosslare, Report for Appropriate Assessment Screening 19052

Table of Contents 1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1. General Introduction ...... 1 1.2. Legislative Background - The Habitats and Birds Directives ...... 2 2. Methodology ...... 3 2.1. Guidance ...... 4 2.2. Data Sources ...... 4 3. Description of the proposed Project ...... 5 4. Identification of Natura 2000 Sites ...... 10 4.1. Description of Natura Sites Potentially Affected ...... 10 4.2. Ecological Network Supporting Natura 2000 Sites ...... 14 5. Identification of Potential Impacts & Assessment of Significance ...... 14 5.1. Potential Impacts ...... 14 5.2. Assessment of Potential In-Combination Effects ...... 15 6. Conclusion ...... 16 7. References ...... 18

Appendix A – Finding of No Significant Effects Report

Moore Group Environmental Services ([email protected]) II Cont., Int. & Live Animal BCP Rosslare, Report for Appropriate Assessment Screening 19052

Abbreviations

AA Appropriate Assessment

EEC European Economic Community

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

EU European Union

GIS Geographical Information System

NHA Natural Heritage Area

NIS Natura Impact Statement

NPWS National Parks and Wildlife Service

OPW Office of Public Works

OSI Ordnance Survey Ireland pNHA proposed Natural Heritage Area

SAC Special Area of Conservation

SPA Special Protection Area

SuDS Sustainable Drainage System

Moore Group Environmental Services ([email protected]) III Cont., Int. & Live Animal BCP Rosslare, Report for Appropriate Assessment Screening 19052

1. Introduction

1.1. General Introduction

This report contains information required for the competent authority to undertake screening for Appropriate Assessment (AA) on the potential for the proposed development of the former Rosslare Import Centre as an Interim Border Control Point (BCP), at Ballygillane Little, County Wexford (hereafter referred to as the proposed Project), to significantly affect European sites.

The screening process has been prepared having regard to the provisions of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2018 and to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 – 2018 (Unofficial Consolidation) Updated to 16 November 2018. Specifically Chapter 5 Development by a State authority prescribed under section 181 of the Act.

Screening is the process that addresses and records the reasoning and conclusions in relation to the first two tests of Article 6(3):

I). whether a plan or project is directly connected to or necessary for the management of the site, and II). whether a plan or project, alone or in combination with other plans and projects, is likely to have significant effects on a Natura 2000 site in view of its conservation objectives.

If the effects are deemed to be significant, potentially significant, or uncertain, or the screening process becomes overly complicated, then the process must proceed to Stage 2 (AA). Screening should be undertaken without the inclusion of mitigation. If potential impacts clearly can be avoided through the modification or redesign of the plan or project, then the screening process is repeated on the altered plan or project.

When screening the project, there are two possible outcomes:

• the project poses no risk of a significant effect and as such requires no further assessment; and • the project has potential to have a significant effect (or this is uncertain) and AA of the project is necessary.

This desktop report has been prepared by Moore Group - Environmental Services for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and assesses the potential for the proposed Project to impact on sites of European-scale ecological importance in accordance with Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive. The report was compiled by Ger O’Donohoe (B.Sc. Applied Aquatic Sciences (GMIT, 1993) & M.Sc. Environmental Sciences (TCD, 1999)) who has 25 years’ experience in environmental impact assessment and has completed numerous Appropriate Assessment Screening Reports and Natura Impact Statements on terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

Moore Group Environmental Services ([email protected]) 1 Cont., Int. & Live Animal BCP Rosslare, Report for Appropriate Assessment Screening 19052

The report assesses the potential for the proposed Project to impact on sites of European-scale ecological importance. It is necessary that the proposed Project has regard to Article 6 of the Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (as amended) (referred to as the Habitats Directive). This is transposed into Irish Law by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, 2011 (S.I. 477) (referred to as the Habitats Regulations).

1.2. Legislative Background - The Habitats and Birds Directives

The Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) is the main legislative instrument for the protection and conservation of biodiversity in the European Union (EU). Under the Directive, Member States are obliged to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) which contain habitats or species considered important for protection and conservation in a EU context.

The Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC and Council Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds), is concerned with the long-term protection and management of all wild bird species and their habitats in the EU. Among other things, the Directive requires that Special Protection Areas (SPAs) be established to protect migratory species and species which are rare, vulnerable, in danger of extinction, or otherwise require special attention.

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designated under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas, designated under the Birds Directive, form a pan-European network of protected sites known as Natura 2000. The Habitats Directive sets out a unified system for the protection and management of SACs and SPAs. These sites are also referred to as European sites.

Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive set out the requirement for an assessment of proposed plans and projects likely to affect Natura 2000 sites.

Article 6(3) establishes the requirement to screen all plans and projects and to carry out a further assessment if required (Appropriate Assessment (AA)):

Article 6(3): “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 subjected to an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. In light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public.”

Article 6(4): “If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of

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overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature, Member States shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of the Natura 2000 is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted. Where the site concerned hosts a priority natural habitat type and/or a priority species the only considerations which may be raised are those relating to human health or public safety, to the beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment or, further to an opinion from the Commission, to other imperative reasons of overriding public interest.”

2. Methodology

The Commission’s methodological guidance (EC, 2002) promotes a four-stage process to complete the AA and outlines the issues and tests at each stage. An important aspect of the process is that the outcome at each successive stage determines whether a further stage in the process is required.

Stages 1 and 2 deal with the main requirements for assessment under Article 6(3). Stage 3 may be part of Article 6(3) or may be a necessary precursor to Stage 4. Stage 4 is the main derogation step of Article 6(4).

Stage 1 Screening: This stage examines the likely effects of a project either alone or in combination with other projects upon a Natura 2000 site and considers whether it can be objectively concluded that there are not likely to be significant effects on a Natura 2000 site. Mitigation measures (i.e., measures intended to avoid or reduce the harmful effects of the project on the site concerned) cannot be taken into account at this stage.

Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment: In this stage, there is a consideration of the impact of the project with a view to ascertain whether there will be any adverse effect on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, with respect to the site’s structure and function and its conservation objectives. Additionally, where there are predicted impacts, an assessment of the potential mitigation of those impacts is considered.

Stage 3 Assessment of Alternative Solutions: This stage examines alternative ways of implementing the project that, where possible, avoid any adverse impacts on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site.

Stage 4 Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain: Where imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) exist, an assessment to consider whether compensatory measures will or will not effectively offset the damage to the sites will be necessary.

To ensure that the proposed Project complies fully with the requirements of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive and all relevant Irish transposing legislation, Moore Group compiled this report to inform the screening for AA of the proposed Project to be undertaken by the competent authority to determine if the next stage (Stage 2) of the AA process is required.

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2.1. Guidance

This report has been compiled in accordance with guidance contained in the following documents:

• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities. (Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 2010 rev.). • Appropriate Assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive: Guidance for Planning Authorities. Circular NPWS 1/10 & PSSP 2/10. • 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 (European Commission Environment Directorate-General, 2001); hereafter referred to as the EC Article Guidance Document. • Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The Provisions of Article 6 of the Habitat’s Directive 92/43/EEC (EC Environment Directorate-General, 2000); hereafter referred to as MN2000. • Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The Provisions of Article 6 of the Habitat’s Directive 92/43/EEC (EC, 2018).

2.2. Data Sources

Sources of information that were used to collect data on the Natura 2000 network of sites, and the environment within which they are located, are listed below:

• The following mapping and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) data sources, as required: o National Parks & Wildlife (NPWS) protected site boundary data; o Ordnance Survey of Ireland (OSI) mapping and aerial photography; o OSI/Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rivers and streams, and catchments; o Open Street Maps; o Digital Elevation Model over Europe (EU-DEM); o Google Earth and Bing aerial photography 1995-2018; • Online data available on Natura 2000 sites as held by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) from www.npws.ie including: o Natura 2000 - Standard Data Form; o Conservation Objectives; o Site Synopses; • National Biodiversity Data Centre records; o Online database of rare, threatened and protected species; o Publicly accessible biodiversity datasets. • Status of EU Protected Habitats in Ireland. (National Parks & Wildlife Service, 2013); and • Relevant Development Plans and Local Area Plans in neighbouring areas; o Wexford County Development Plan 2013-2019 o Rosslare Harbour & Kilrane Local Area Plan 2012-2018

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3. Description of the proposed Project

This report presents a screening assessment for a Project consisting of the repurposing of a portion of the existing Rosslare Import Centre site at Ballygillane Little, County Wexford for use as an Interim BCP facility at. The works are to include:

Rosslare Contingency BCP:

It is proposed to provide a BCP facility on a contingency basis, in the event that the UK leaves the EU without any agreement in place.

• 35 no. truck parking spaces for documentary checking, consisting of line marking on new tarmacadam surfacing • 2 no. HGV seal checking bays • 1 no. documentary check public office, located in existing former office building at site entrance • 1 no. driver welfare building, located in existing former security guard building at site entrance • 1 no. Live Animal BCP, to include single storey portacabins for staff accommodation as well as stables for ungulates, equidae and other live animals, all to be contained within a fenced off area. • New site services, to include lighting, foul drainage and surface water drainage systems, including new attenuation tank.

Rosslare Interim BCP Building:

It is proposed to provide a new shared services BCP Building to act on an interim basis, in the event that the UK leaves the EU without any agreement in place and until the proposed new central case BCP facility in Rosslare Europort is constructed.

The new Rosslare Interim BCP building will be a single storey, 5 bay warehouse containing unloading areas, refrigeration facilities, storage areas, inspection rooms, staff offices and related ancillary facilities. Its construction will be steel portal frame primary structure, with a pitched and hipped roof, a cantilevered canopy and a single, open, HGV and smaller vehicle bay located to the north of the building. The building will be fitted with an insulated concrete floor slab; concrete block diving walls between bays; with a concrete block inner leaf to the perimeter of building, all to be externally clad in insulated wall and roof panels. A single storey external plant enclosure will be provided to the rear (east) of the Interim BCP Building. The plant enclosure will be fitted with acoustic panelling and screens.

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It is noted that the site has an existing connection to the public sewer network for the treatment of foul water and that the proposed management and disposal of surface water will be designed and constructed in accordance with Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) design principles and will include attenuation and an oil interception.

Figure 1 shows the Project location and Figure 2 shows the proposed Project site on recent aerial photography. Figure 3 shows a plan of the propose Project.

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Figure 1. Showing the proposed Project location at Rosslare, County Wexford.

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Figure 2. Showing the proposed Project location on recent aerial photography.

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Figure 3. Showing a Plan of the proposed development.

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4. Identification of Natura 2000 Sites

4.1. Description of Natura Sites Potentially Affected

The zone of impact may be determined by connectivity to the proposed Project in terms of:

• Nature, scale, timing and duration of works and possible impacts, nature and size of excavations, storage of materials, flat/sloping sites; • Distance and nature of pathways (dilution and dispersion; intervening ‘buffer’ lands, roads etc.); and • Sensitivity and location of ecological features.

The guidance provides that, at the screening stage, it is necessary to identify the sites and compile information on their qualifying interests and conservation objectives. In preparation for this, the potential for source pathway receptor connectivity is firstly identified and detailed information is then provided on sites with connectivity. European sites that are located within 15 km of the Project are listed in Table 1 and presented in Figures 4 and 5, below. Spatial boundary data on the Natura 2000 network was extracted from the NPWS website (www.npws.ie) on the 12th February 2019.

Table 1 European Sites located within 15km or the potential zone of impact of the Project.

Site Code Site name Distance (km) 000704 Lady's Island Lake SAC 3.79 000707 Saltee Islands SAC 12.67 000709 Tacumshin Lake SAC 7.97 000710 Raven Point Nature Reserve SAC 10.57 000781 Slaney River Valley SAC 6.58 002161 Long Bank SAC 2.85 002269 Carnsore Point SAC 0.83 002953 Blackwater Bank SAC 5.43 004009 Lady's Island Lake SPA 3.97 004019 The Raven SPA 7.63 004076 Wexford Harbour and Slobs SPA 4.90 004092 Tacumshin Lake SPA 7.96

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The proposed Project is to take place within the existing Rosslare Import Centre site at Rosslare. The nearest European sites are Carnsore Point SAC (Site Code 002269), which is located along the coast approximately 830 m to the east of the proposed Project, and Long Bank SAC (site Code 002161), which is located offshore, in the Irish Sea, approximately 2.85 km to the east of the proposed Project. The is no potential for meaningful connectivity to Long Bank SAC, given its location off the coast, in the Irish Sea (Figures 4 and 5).

There is no potential for meaningful biological or relevant hydrological connectivity to any other European sites.

The proposed Project site is located on a catchment boundary and there are no rivers or streams that cross the proposed development site, as indicated in Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) Geographical Information System (GIS) data made available by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

It is evident from the above that the potential for adverse effects on any European site as a result of the proposed Project is highly unlikely given:

• The nature and scale of the proposed development, which is to take place on a previously developed site; • The distance between the proposed Project and any European sites, over 800 m; • The lack of hydrological connectivity between the proposed Project site and any watercourses, there are no watercourses in the vicinity of the proposed Project; • The proposed Project site has an existing connection to the public sewer network for the treatment of waste water; and • Management and disposal of surface water will be designed and constructed in accordance with Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) design principles and will include attenuation and an oil interception.

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Figure 4. Showing European sites and NHAs/pNHAs in the vicinity of the proposed Project.

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Figure 5. Detailed view of European sites and NHAs/pNHAs in the vicinity of the proposed Project.

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4.2. Ecological Network Supporting Natura 2000 Sites

An analysis of the proposed Natural Heritage Areas and designated Natural Heritage Areas in terms of their role in supporting the species using Natura 2000 sites was undertaken. It was assumed that these supporting roles mainly related to mobile fauna such as mammals and birds which may use pNHAs and NHAs as “stepping stones” between Natura 2000 sites.

Article 10 of the Habitats Directive and the Habitats Regulations 2011 place a high degree of importance on such non-Natura 2000 areas as features that connect the Natura 2000 network. Features such as ponds, woodlands and important hedgerows were taken into account during the rest of the AA process.

A Natural Heritage Area has been proposed for St. Helen’s Burrow (Site Code 00782) which is located approximately 1.7 km to the south east of the proposed Project, however, for the purposes of this screening report this area is dealt with under their higher conservation status designation as a European site.

There are no sites of conservation concern that would be affected by the proposed development.

5. Identification of Potential Impacts & Assessment of Significance

The proposed Project is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the sites considered in the assessment and therefore potential impacts must be identified and considered.

5.1. Potential Impacts

The proposed Project is to take place within the existing Rosslare Import Centre site at Rosslare. The nearest European sites are Carnsore Point SAC (Site Code 002269), which is located along the coast approximately 830 m to the east of the proposed Project, and Long Bank SAC (site Code 002161), which is located offshore, in the Irish Sea, approximately 2.85 km to the east of the proposed Project. The is no potential for meaningful connectivity to Long Bank SAC, given its location off the coast, in the Irish Sea (Figures 4 and 5).

There is no potential for meaningful biological or relevant hydrological connectivity to any other European sites.

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It is evident from the above that the potential for adverse effects on any European site as a result of the proposed Project is highly unlikely given:

Having considered the above, significant effects on any European sites as a result of the proposed Project have been ruled out and, therefore, potential significant effects on European sites have been excluded at a preliminary screening stage.

5.2. Assessment of Potential In-Combination Effects

Cumulative impacts or effects are changes in the environment that result from numerous human-induced, small- scale alterations. Cumulative impacts can be thought of as occurring through two main pathways: first, through persistent additions or losses of the same materials or resource, and second, through the compounding effects as a result of the coming together of two or more effects.

As part of the Screening for an Appropriate Assessment, in addition to the proposed Project, other relevant plans and projects in the area must also be considered at this stage. This step aims to identify at this early stage any possible significant in-combination effects of the proposed development with other such plans and projects on European sites.

A review of data made available through the planning section of the Wexford County Council website indicates that, within the last three years, there have been 20 planning applications granted permission in the vicinity of the proposed Project, details below. This is based upon a review of planning applications which contain the following search terms in their address details: ‘Ballygillane’.

There are no predicted in-combination effects given the nature and scale of the above developments, which have been screen for potential significant effects on European sites where appropriate, and given:

• The nature and scale of the proposed development, which is to take place on a previously developed site;

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• The distance between the proposed Project and any European sites, over 800 m; • The lack of hydrological connectivity between the proposed Project site and any watercourses, there are no watercourses in the vicinity of the proposed Project; • The proposed Project site has an existing connection to the public sewer network for the treatment of waste water; and • Management and disposal of surface water will be designed and constructed in accordance with Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) design principles and will include attenuation and an oil interception.

The Wexford County Development Plan in complying with the requirements of the Habitats Directive requires that all Projects and Plans that could affect the Natura 2000 sites in the same zone of impact of the Project site would be initially screened for Appropriate Assessment and if requiring Stage 2 AA, that appropriate employable mitigation measures would be put in place to avoid, reduce or ameliorate negative impacts. In this way any, in- combination impacts with Plans or Projects for the development area and surrounding townlands in which the development site is located, would be avoided.

Any new applications for the Project area will be assessed on a case by case basis by Wexford County Council which will determine the requirement for AA Screening as per the requirements of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive.

6. Conclusion

The proposed Project is to take place within the existing Rosslare Import Centre site at Rosslare. The nearest European sites are Carnsore Point SAC (Site Code 002269), which is located along the coast approximately 830 m to the east of the proposed Project, and Long Bank SAC (site Code 002161), which is located offshore, in the Irish Sea, approximately 2.85 km to the east of the proposed Project. The is no potential for meaningful connectivity to Long Bank SAC, given its location off the coast, in the Irish Sea (Figures 4 and 5).

There is no potential for meaningful biological or relevant hydrological connectivity to any other European sites.

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It is evident from the above that the potential for adverse effects on any European site as a result of the proposed Project is highly unlikely given:

It has been objectively concluded by Moore Group Environmental Services that:

1. The proposed Project is not directly connected with, or necessary to the conservation management of the European sites considered in this assessment. 2. The proposed Project is unlikely to indirectly significantly affect the Qualifying interests or Conservation Objectives of the European sites considered in this assessment. 3. The proposed Project, alone or in combination with other projects, is not likely to have significant effects on the European sites considered in this assessment in view of their conservation objectives. 4. It is possible to conclude that there would be no significant effects, no potentially significant effects and no uncertain effects if the proposed Project were to proceed.

It is the view of Moore Group Environmental Services that it is not necessary to undertake any further stage of the Appropriate Assessment process.

A finding of no significant effects report is presented in Appendix A in accordance with the EU Commission’s methodological guidance (European Commission, 2002).

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7. References

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2010) Guidance on Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland (as amended February 2010).

European Commission (2018) Managing Natura 2000 sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC.

European Commission (2000) Managing Natura 2000 sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC.

European Commission Environment DG (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 92/43EEC. European Commission, Brussels.

European Commission (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 interests, compensatory measures, overall coherence and opinion of the Commission. European Commission, Brussels.

NPWS (2013) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin.

NPWS (2018) National Parks and Wildlife Service Metadata available online at https://www.npws.ie/maps-and- data

Moore Group Environmental Services ([email protected]) 18 Cont., Int. & Live Animal BCP Rosslare, Report for Appropriate Assessment Screening 19052 Appendix A FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS REPORT Finding no significant effects report matrix Name of project or plan Rosslare Europort Interim BCP, County Wexford Name and location of the Natura 2000 site(s) The proposed Project is to take place within the existing Rosslare Import Centre site at Rosslare. The nearest European sites are Carnsore Point SAC (Site Code 002269), which is located along the coast approximately 830 m to the east of the proposed Project, and Long Bank SAC (site Code 002161), which is located offshore, in the Irish Sea, approximately 2.85 km to the east of the proposed Project. The is no potential for meaningful connectivity to Long Bank SAC, given its location off the coast, in the Irish Sea (Figures 4 and 5). There is no potential for meaningful biological or relevant hydrological connectivity to any other European sites. The proposed Project site is located on a catchment boundary and there are no rivers or streams that cross the proposed development site, as indicated in Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) Geographical Information System (GIS) data made available by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Description of the project or plan This report presents a screening assessment for a Project consisting of the repurposing of a portion of the existing Rosslare Import Centre site at Ballygillane Little, County Wexford for use as an Interim BCP facility at. The works are to include: Rosslare Contingency BCP: It is proposed to provide a BCP facility on a contingency basis, in the event that the UK leaves the EU without any agreement in place. The works will include the removal of existing concrete hardstanding and gravel on the site and its replacement with new tarmacadam surfacing. The works will also comprise of new foul and surface water drainage systems, kerbing, perimeter fencing and gates, site lighting, soft landscaping and the internal fit-out of 2 no. existing buildings on the site. • 35 no. truck parking spaces for documentary checking, consisting of line marking on new tarmacadam surfacing • 2 no. HGV seal checking bays • 1 no. documentary check public office, located in existing former office building at site entrance • 1 no. driver welfare building, located in existing former security guard building at site entrance • 1 no. Live Animal BCP, to include single storey portacabins for staff accommodation as well as stables for ungulates, equidae and other live animals, all to be contained within a fenced off area. • New site services, to include lighting, foul drainage and surface water drainage systems, including new attenuation tank. Rosslare Interim BCP Building: It is proposed to provide a new shared services BCP Building to act on an interim basis, in the event that the UK leaves the EU without any agreement in place and until the proposed new central case BCP facility in Rosslare Europort is constructed. The new Rosslare Interim BCP building will be a single storey, 5 bay warehouse containing unloading areas, refrigeration facilities, storage areas, inspection rooms, staff offices and related ancillary facilities. Its construction will be steel portal frame primary structure, with a pitched and hipped roof, a cantilevered canopy and a single, open, HGV and smaller vehicle bay located to the north of the building. The building will be fitted with an insulated concrete floor slab; concrete block diving walls between bays; with a concrete block inner leaf to the perimeter of building, all to be externally clad in insulated wall and roof panels. A single storey external

Moore Group Environmental Services ([email protected]) 19 Cont., Int. & Live Animal BCP Rosslare, Report for Appropriate Assessment Screening 19052 plant enclosure will be provided to the rear (east) of the Interim BCP Building. The plant enclosure will be fitted with acoustic panelling and screens. It is noted that the site has an existing connection to the public sewer network for the treatment of foul water and that the proposed management and disposal of surface water will be designed and constructed in accordance with Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) design principles and will include attenuation and an oil interception. Is the project or plan directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site(s) No Are there other projects or plans that together with the projects or plan being assessed could affect the site A review of data made available through the planning section of the Wexford County Council website indicates that, within the last three years, there have been 20 planning applications granted permission in the vicinity of the proposed Project, details below. This is based upon a review of planning applications which contain the following search terms in their address details: ‘Ballygillane’. There are no predicted in-combination effects given the nature and scale of the above developments, which have been screen for potential significant effects on European sites where appropriate, and given: • The nature and scale of the proposed development, which is to take place on a previously developed site; • The distance between the proposed Project and any European sites, over 800 m; • The lack of hydrological connectivity between the proposed Project site and any watercourses, there are no watercourses in the vicinity of the proposed Project; • The proposed Project site has an existing connection to the public sewer network for the treatment of waste water; and • Management and disposal of surface water will be designed and constructed in accordance with Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) design principles and will include attenuation and an oil interception. The Wexford County Development Plan in complying with the requirements of the Habitats Directive requires that all Projects and Plans that could affect the Natura 2000 sites in the same zone of impact of the Project site would be initially screened for Appropriate Assessment and if requiring Stage 2 AA, that appropriate employable mitigation measures would be put in place to avoid, reduce or ameliorate negative impacts. In this way any, in- combination impacts with Plans or Projects for the development area and surrounding townlands in which the development site is located, would be avoided. Any new applications for the Project area will be assessed on a case by case basis by Wexford County Council which will determine the requirement for AA Screening as per the requirements of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. THE ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE OF EFFECTS Describe how the project or plan (alone or in combination) is likely to affect the Natura 2000 site. The proposed Project is to take place within the existing Rosslare Import Centre site at Rosslare. The nearest European sites are Carnsore Point SAC (Site Code 002269), which is located along the coast approximately 830 m to the east of the proposed Project, and Long Bank SAC (site Code 002161), which is located offshore, in the Irish Sea, approximately 2.85 km to the east of the proposed Project. The is no potential for meaningful connectivity to Long Bank SAC, given its location off the coast, in the Irish Sea (Figures 4 and 5). There is no potential for meaningful biological or relevant hydrological connectivity to any other European sites. The proposed Project site is located on a catchment boundary and there are no rivers or streams that cross the proposed development site, as indicated in Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) Geographical Information System (GIS) data made available by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It has been noted that the site has an existing connection to the public sewer network for the treatment of foul water and that the proposed management and disposal of surface water will be designed and constructed in

Moore Group Environmental Services ([email protected]) 20 Cont., Int. & Live Animal BCP Rosslare, Report for Appropriate Assessment Screening 19052 accordance with Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) design principles and will include attenuation and an oil interception. It is evident from the above that the potential for adverse effects on any European site as a result of the proposed Project is highly unlikely given: • The nature and scale of the proposed development, which is to take place on a previously developed site; • The distance between the proposed Project and any European sites, over 800 m; • The lack of hydrological connectivity between the proposed Project site and any watercourses, there are no watercourses in the vicinity of the proposed Project; • The proposed Project site has an existing connection to the public sewer network for the treatment of waste water; and • Management and disposal of surface water will be designed and constructed in accordance with Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) design principles and will include attenuation and an oil interception. Having considered the above, significant effects on any European sites as a result of the proposed Project have been ruled out and, therefore, potential significant effects on European sites have been excluded at a preliminary screening stage. Explain why these effects are not considered significant. See above List of agencies consulted: provide contact name and telephone or e-mail address The requirement for Appropriate Assessment Screening was determined by the OPW. Response to consultation N/A. DATA COLLECTED TO CARRY OUT THE ASSESSMENT Who carried out the assessment Moore Group Environmental Services. Sources of data NPWS database of designated sites at www.npws.ie National Biodiversity Data Centre database http://maps.biodiversityireland.ie Level of assessment completed Desktop Assessment. Where can the full results of the assessment be accessed and viewed Office of Public Works Web Portal https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a7ba02-brexit-info/ OVERALL CONCLUSIONS The proposed Project is to take place within the existing Rosslare Import Centre site at Rosslare. The nearest European sites are Carnsore Point SAC (Site Code 002269), which is located along the coast approximately 830 m to the east of the proposed Project, and Long Bank SAC (site Code 002161), which is located offshore, in the Irish Sea, approximately 2.85 km to the east of the proposed Project. The is no potential for meaningful connectivity to Long Bank SAC, given its location off the coast, in the Irish Sea (Figures 4 and 5). There is no potential for meaningful biological or relevant hydrological connectivity to any other European sites. The proposed Project site is located on a catchment boundary and there are no rivers or streams that cross the proposed development site, as indicated in Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) Geographical Information System (GIS) data made available by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

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It has been noted that the site has an existing connection to the public sewer network for the treatment of foul water and that the proposed management and disposal of surface water will be designed and constructed in accordance with Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) design principles and will include attenuation and an oil interception. It is evident from the above that the potential for adverse effects on any European site as a result of the proposed Project is highly unlikely given: • The nature and scale of the proposed development, which is to take place on a previously developed site; • The distance between the proposed Project and any European sites, over 800 m; • The lack of hydrological connectivity between the proposed Project site and any watercourses, there are no watercourses in the vicinity of the proposed Project; • The proposed Project site has an existing connection to the public sewer network for the treatment of waste water; and • Management and disposal of surface water will be designed and constructed in accordance with Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) design principles and will include attenuation and an oil interception. Having considered the above, significant effects on any European sites as a result of the proposed Project have been ruled out and, therefore, potential significant effects on European sites have been excluded at a preliminary screening stage. It has been objectively concluded by Moore Group Environmental Services that: 1. The proposed Project is not directly connected with, or necessary to the conservation management of the European sites considered in this assessment. 2. The proposed Project is unlikely to indirectly significantly affect the Qualifying interests or Conservation Objectives of the European sites considered in this assessment. 3. The proposed Project, alone or in combination with other projects, is not likely to have significant effects on the European sites considered in this assessment in view of their conservation objectives. 4. It is possible to conclude that there would be no significant effects, no potentially significant effects and no uncertain effects if the proposed Project were to proceed. It is the view of Moore Group Environmental Services that it is not necessary to undertake any further stage of the Appropriate Assessment process.

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