Oceanleaves Cullenstown Screening Report Final Amended Feb 3 2015

DixonBrosnan

environmental consultants

Project Ecological Screening Report (Habitats Directive) for proposed seaweed harvesting at Bannow, Haggard, Blackhall and Ballymadder beaches, Cullenstown, Kilmore quay, Co. Wexford.

Client K+M Aquatic Plant Enterprises Ltd

Project ref Report no Client ref 1423 1423 -

DixonBrosnan The Cedars, Bridewood, Ovens, Co Cork Tel 086 851 1437| [email protected] | www.dixonbrosnan.com

Date Rev Status Prepared by 23/10/14 0 Issue to client Carl Dixon M.Sc. Vincent Murphy M.Sc. 03/02/15 0-1 Amended and issued Carl Dixon M.Sc. Vincent Murphy M.Sc.

This report and its contents are copyright of DixonBrosnan. It may not be reproduced without permission. The report is to be used only for its intended purpose. The report is confidential to the client, and is personal and non-assignable. No liability is admitted to third parties. ©DixonBrosnan 2015. v180907

1. Background According to the EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) and Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), member states are required to designate areas in order to protect priority habitats and species. These designated sites are known as Natura 2000 sites. In Ireland, the Natura 2000 network of European sites comprises Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), including candidate Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), and Special Protection Areas (SPA), including proposed Special Protection Areas (pSPA).

Under Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and Article 30 of Statutory Instrument No 94/1997 – European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 as amended, any plan or project, which is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a Natura 2000 site and has the potential to significantly impact thereon, must be subject to an Appropriate Assessment.

Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive states: Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. In the 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) states: 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 overriding public interest, including those of social or economic nature, the Member State shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of 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 beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment or, further to an opinion from the Commission, to other imperative reasons of overriding public interest.

It is the responsibility of the proponent of the plan or project to provide the relevant information (ecological surveys, research, analysis etc) for submission to the “competent national authority” (in this case, the Planning Authority). Having satisfied itself that the information is complete and objective, the competent authority will use this information to screen the project, to determine if an AA is required and to carry out the AA, if one is deemed necessary. The competent authority shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned.

The appropriate assessment process consists of a four-stage process. Each stage determines whether a further stage in the process is required. If, for example, the conclusions at the end of Stage One are that there will be no significant impacts on the Natura 2000 site, there is no requirement to proceed further. The four stages are:

• Screening to determine if an appropriate assessment is required • Appropriate assessment • Consideration of alternative solutions • Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest/Derogation

Stage 1. Screening Screening is the technique applied to determine whether a particular plan would be likely to have significant effects on a Natura 2000 site and would thus warrant an Appropriate Assessment. The key indicator that will determine if an Appropriate Assessment is required is the determination of whether the development is likely to have significant environmental effects on a Natura 2000 site or not. Stage 2. Appropriate Assessment This step is required if the screening report indicates that the development is likely to have a significant impacts on a Natura 2000 site. Stage 2 assesses the impact of the plan or project on the integrity on the Natura 2000 site, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, with respect to the site’s structure, function and conservation objectives. Where there are adverse impacts, an assessment of the potential mitigation of these impacts in also required.

Stage 3 – Assessment of Alternative Solutions. If it is concluded that, subsequent to the implementation of measures, a plan or project will have an adverse impact upon the integrity of a Natura 2000 site, it must be objectively concluded that no alternative solutions exist before the plan or project can proceed.

Stage 4 – Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest/Derogation Where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain but imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) exist for the implementation of a plan or project, an assessment of compensatory measures that will effectively offset the damage to the Natura site 2000 will be necessary.

2. Methodology for appropriate assessment This assessment follows the methodology guidelines outlined in “Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites, methodological guidance on the provisions of Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC” (2001), Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2009, revised February 2010) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland and National Parks and Wildlife Services (2010) Circular NPW 1/10 & PSSP 2/10 Appropriate Assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive: Guidance for Planning Authorities. These assessment guidelines provide for a step by step process as outlined above.

Part 5 42. (1) of the EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (BIRDS AND NATURAL HABITATS) REGULATIONS 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011) notes the following in relation to Screening for Appropriate Assessment and Appropriate Assessment of implications for European Sites:

42. (1) A screening for Appropriate Assessment of a plan or project for which an application for consent is received, or which a public authority wishes to undertake or adopt, and which is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site as a European Site, shall be carried out by the public authority to assess, in view of best scientific knowledge and in view of the conservation objectives of the site, if that plan or project, individually or in combination with other plans or projects is likely to have a significant effect on the European site.

This ecological screening report, which was prepared by Carl Dixon MSc. Ecological Assessment and Vincent Murphy MSc. Applied Ecology provides additional information on the proposed development and its ecological impact to assist the planning authority to make a determination in relation to the likely impact on designated sites.

3. Screening 3.1 Proposed activities K+M Aquatic Plant Enterprises Ltd is a locally-based, Irish owned company which was founded in 2012. The company manufactures organic seaweed-based fertilisers/plant food for the agricultural/horticultural market. The business is expected to generate 10 full-time positions within three years. There are presently no foreshore licence holders within at least 200km radius.

The proposed collection area is approximately 4.2km in length from the Ballymadder stream west to Clammers point in the Townland of Bannow. The total area from which seaweed will be harvesting was calculated during preparation of the Seaweed Harvesting Management Plan which is attached as Appendix 2 of this report. This area was calculated at 37.51 hectares and will be harvested over a three year rotation.

The methodology to be employed in the harvesting of seaweed is outlined in the document "Seaweed Harvesting Method Statement for K+M Aquatic Plant Enterprises Ltd, (January 28, 2015). It notes the following: • Prior to arrival on site, the Resource Manager determines which Site Access is to be used, depending on the site & zone to be harvested. • On arrival at site, the Resource Manager will identify and mark the zone to be harvested. This will be based on pre-selected GPS coordinates, and in accordance with the current harvest management plans. Harvesters will be equipped with hand-cutting tools (knives and sickles) and personal collection containers. • Nets are to be positioned along the shoreline in close proximity to the harvesting area. The freshly harvested seaweed is initially collected in the personal collection containers and then transferred to the nets. Once the nets are full, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is used to carry the nets along the shoreline to an awaiting pick-up truck/vehicle. The nets are loaded onto the truck and brought back to the production plant. • Harvesting must only be carried out by trained harvesters. • The seaweed will be harvested in accordance with the Harvest Management Plan, i.e. harvested by hand, in a non-linear pattern, leaving 150-200mm above the holdfast. • Ongoing monthly & yearly assessments are carried out by the Resource Manager to ensure that harvesting is carried out in accordance with the Harvest Management Plan and in accordance with agreed quotas. • Any deviations to the company’s SOP or to agreed quotas and/or Harvest Management Plan will be required to be recorded in the Deviation Management Database. • The Resource Manager’s role includes the conducting of regular site checks and staff training to ensure that harvesting sites are managed in accordance with good practise guidelines. These guidelines include: All equipment required for harvesting must be maintained in good working order. Equipment to be kept in a state of good and proper repair to ensure that it does not become an eyesore. All harvesting equipment must be positioned within licensed areas only. All redundant equipment and waste must be promptly removed from site and disposed of accordingly. All staff / harvesters must use existing tracks/roadways, to prevent damage to existing flora and fauna. All of the seaweed will be harvested by hand, with the holdfast remaining intact, to minimise disturbance of the intertidal zone. As the plants will not be removed entirely, the algae can regenerate from the remaining stem. Four types of sea weed will be collected, namely, bladder wrack ( Fucus vesiculosus ), knotted wrack ( Ascophyllum nodosum ), serrated wrack ( Fucus serratus ) and Mastocarpus stellatus/ Chondros crispus. Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus will be harvested for commercial purposes with Fucus serratus , Mastocarpus stellatus & Chondrus crispus harvested for research and development purposes. The volume of seaweed to be removed is shown below in Table 1. All of the seaweed will be harvested by hand with minimal disturbance of the intertidal zone.

Table 1. Species and weight to be harvested. All volumes are in metric tonnes. Species Ascophyllum Fucus Fucus Mastocarpus stellatus Total nodosum vesiculosus serratus or Chondrus crispus Weight available 896 605 254 12 1767 within the total harvesting area Weight to be 250 200 80 3 533 harvested per annum Percentage of total 27.9% 33.05% 31.5% 25% 30.16% initial biomass harvested per annum

The remainder of the seaweed required by the business will be collected from beaches 10km to the east in proximity to Kilmore Quay. Potential ecological impacts on this second collection area are addressed by a separate Natura Impact Statement (Natura Impact Statement (Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment) for proposed seaweed collection from a beach within the townlands of Crossfarnoge and Nemestown, Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, October 2014).

3.2 Designated sites A list of the Natura 2000 sites in the vicinity of the proposed harvesting area is shown below in Table 2. Although there are a number of designated sites in the surrounding area, the harvesting at Cullenstown will not take place within designated Natura 2000 sites. The closest designated sites are Ballyteige Burrow SAC (000696), Ballyteige Burrow SPA (004020), Hook head (000764) and Kerragh Islands SPA (004118). The approximate location of the proposed harvesting area in relation to the closest designated sites is shown in Fig. 1. Table 2. Protected sites within 10km. Site Code Distance SAC Ballyteige Burrow 000696 660m E Saltee islands 000707 6.0km SSE Hook head 000764 10 meters W Bannow Bay 000697 1.0 km N SPA Ballyteige Burrow SPA 004020 1.2km E Kerragh Islands SPA 004118 820m S Saltee islands SPA 004002 12.1km SE Bannow Bay SPA 004033 1.0 km N

Figure 1 showing location the proposed harvesting area in red in relation to surrounding Natura 2000 sites.

3.3 Natura 2000 sites - Features of interests/qualifying interests and conservation objectives The overall aim of the Habitats Directive is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest. These habitats and species are listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives and Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas are designated to afford protection to the most vulnerable of them. These two designations are collectively known as the Natura 2000 network. European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to maintain at favourable conservation status sites designated as Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites.

The maintenance of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites at favourable conservation condition will contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable conservation status of those habitats and species at a national level. Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when its natural range, and area it covers within that range, is stable or increasing, and the ecological factors that are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and the conservation status of its typical species is favourable.

The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when population data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself, and the natural range of the species is neither being reduced or likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. The species and habitats listed as qualifying interests for Saltee Island SAC and SPA and Ballyteige and Burrows SAC and SPA are detailed below.

3.4 Ballyteige Burrow SAC qualifying interests and conservation objectives This coastal site is of major ecological value for its range of good quality coastal habitats, including three habitats given priority status on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive - fixed dune, dune heath and lagoon. The dune system is of excellent quality, physically well-developed and with a rich flora which includes five protected species. The importance of the site for wintering waterfowl further enhances its value. A site synopsis for this designated site in included as Appendix 1 of this report. The qualifying interests and conservation objectives for the Ballyteige Burrow SAC 00696 are listed below in Table 3.

Table 3. Qualifying interests for Ballyteige Burrow SAC 00696 Habitat *Priority Habitat Conservation Code objectives 2130 * Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey Restore dunes) 1330 Atlantic salt meadows ( Glauco -Puccinellietalia Restore maritimae ) 1410 Mediterranean salt meadows ( Juncetalia maritimi ) Maintain 1150 * Coastal lagoons Restore 2150 * Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno -Ulicetea) Maintain 1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines Maintain 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand Maintain 1420 Mediterranean and thermo -Atlantic halophilous scrubs Restore (Sarcocornetea fruticosi ) 1130 Estuaries Maintain 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low Maintain tide 2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila Maintain arenaria (white dunes) 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks Maintain 1320 Spartina swards ( Spartinion maritimae ) Considered invasive. No conservation objective. 2110 Embryonic shifting dunes Maintain

3.5 Ballyteige Burrow SPA 004020 qualifying interests and conservation objectives The principal ornithological importance of Ballyteigue Burrow SPA is wintering waterfowl, with an internationally important population of Brent Goose (290, average maximum in the five winters 1995/96-1999/00). It also supports nationally important numbers of Shelduck (167), Ringed Plover (133), Golden Plover (4,630), Lapwing (7,808), Black-tailed Godwit (474) and Bar-tailed Godwit (582). A range of other species occur in numbers of regional importance, including Wigeon (306), Grey Plover (69), Dunlin (1,020) and Redshank (206). Both the Golden Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit populations represent just over 3% of the respective national totals, while the Lapwing population is almost 4% of the total. The estuarine habitats provide feeding and roosting areas for the waterfowl species, though a lot of the birds also feed on the intensively managed lands of the adjacent polders. Cullenstown Strand has a small colony of breeding Little Tern , though nesting may not occur in every year. A site synopsis for this designated site in included as Appendix 1 of this report. The qualifying interests for the Ballyteige Burrow SPA 004020 are listed below in Table 4. The generic conservation objectives for this Natura 2000 site is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as qualifying interests and special conservation interests for this SPA.

Table 4. List of qualifying interests under the EU Birds Directive for SPA 4020 Annex of EU Birds Common Name Scientific name Directive N/A Light -bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota N/A Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Annex 1 Golden Plover Pliuvialis apricaria N/A Lapwing Vanellus vanellus N/A Black tailed godwit Limosa limosa N/A Bar tailed godwit Limosa lapponica Wetland & Waterbirds

3.6 Hook head SAC 000764 qualifying interests and conservation objectives The site of conservation interest at Hook Head comprises an area of marine sub-tidal reefs to the south and east of the Hook Head Peninsula and includes the sea cliffs from Hook Head to Baginbun and Ingard Point. The peninsula forms the eastern side of Waterford Harbour, while to the east it adjoins the estuary mouth of Bannow Bay. Hook Head itself is composed of Carboniferous limestone overlain by Devonian Old Red Sandstone and is palaeontologically of international importance. The site contains three habitats listed under the EU Habitats Directive, i.e. large shallow inlets and bays, reefs and sea cliffs. A site synopsis for this designated site in included as Appendix 1 of this report. The qualifying interests and conservation objectives for the Hook head SAC are listed below in Table 5.

Table 5. Qualifying interest for Hook head SAC (000764)

Site Code Site Name Habitat Code Habitat Conservation objectives IE0000764 Hook Head 1170 Reefs Maintain

IE0000764 Hook Head 1230 Vegetated sea cliffs of Maintain the Atlantic and Baltic coasts IE0000764 Hook Head 1160 Large shallow inlets and Maintain bays

3.7 Kerragh Islands SPA 004118 qualifying interests The islands have a Nationally Important breeding colony of Cormorant (206 pairs recorded in 1989), which is considered to be one of the largest in the country. The colony has been well-monitored since it was first recorded in 1968 and there has been a long-term ringing programme. Terns, mainly Arctic Tern, have bred in the past but not since the 1970s. Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull have also bred but no population estimates for recent years are available. A small number of Shag ( c.10 pairs) were present in 1970.In winter the islands are a refuge and night roost for flocks of Brent Goose and for ducks, notably Mallard and Wigeon with smaller numbers of Teal and Shoveler.The Keeragh Islands SPA is of ornithological importance as it has a Nationally Important population of breeding Cormorant. It retains potential for attracting breeding terns, species that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, though none have been recorded since the 1970s. A site synopsis for this designated site in included as Appendix 1 of this report. The qualifying interests and Kerragh Islands SPA are listed below in Table 6. The generic conservation objectives for this Natura 2000 site is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as qualifying interests and special conservation interests for this SPA.

Table 6 List of qualifying interests under the EU Birds Directive for SPA 4118 Annex of EU Birds Common Name Scientific name Directive N/A Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

4. Site inspections Site inspections were carried out on the intertidal/terrestrial habitats within and in proximity to the proposed harvesting area on the 18 th January and 12 th April, 2014. The terrestrial and aquatic habitats within the proposed harvesting site were classified using the classification scheme outlined in the Heritage council publication A Guide to Habitats in Ireland (Fossit, 2000). The following habitats were recorded; • CS3 Sedimentary sea cliff • LR2 Moderately exposed rocky shore

4.1 Habitat descriptions CS3 Sedimentary sea cliff

This habitat is continuous from at the upper limit of the beach habitat. It is vertical and relatively fast eroding glacial till from 3 to 8m in height. Vegetation is largely absent on the steep and continuously eroding cliff face. The only vegetation noted was a remnant of the grassland habitat (GA1 Improved agricultural grassland) above the cliff. This habitat is linked with the Annex I habitat ‘vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts (1230)’ however, as these cliffs are sparsely vegetated this is not considered a valuable example of this habitat type. This habitat will not be affected.

LR2 Moderately exposed rocky shore

The majority of this beach can be categorised as moderately exposed rocky shore. The rock in this area is Cambian Metasediments, with a small outcrop of Ordovician Metasediments to the western end of the site. Most of this section of coastline is exposed bedrock with seaweeds including channel wrack, bladder wrack, spiral wrack and knotted wrack. Red sea weeds (Mastocarpus stellatus and Chondrus crispus ) were also noted. There were significant quantities of limpets and periwinkles (Littorina littorea ) in the mid-shore and lower shore areas. A small number of mussel beds were also observed in the mid and low tide zones. The upper shore area lacks a distinct lichen zone. The upper shore area, above the bedrock, is mainly cobbles and boulders with small amounts of sand washed from the loose sedimentary cliff. Further detail on the distribution of algal species is given in the sea weed harvest management plan which is included as Appendix 1 of this report.

5. Fauna During the first site survey no signs of mammal (including otter or seal) were recorded. On the second site survey, on the April 12, 2014, signs of otter were recorded. Two otter spraints were recorded on rocks in the aproximitatley 2km east of Clamers Point. Due to the disturbed nature of the site (walkers and dogs) it is unlikely that either harbour or grey seals use this beach as a haul out site. A number of coastal bird species were recorded during the site survey, including sanderling (11), lesser black backed gull (3), oystercatcher (8), redshank (6), curlew (2) and greater black backed gull (1). Four Brent geese overflew the site during site surveys. However the site lacks mudflats which would attract large numbers of overwintering waders and waterfowl.

6. Potential impacts There will be a loss of algal biomass and thus there could be a net loss of cover/food resources for invertebrate species. Loss of invertebrate biomass could, if of sufficient severity, impact on predators higher up the food chain including birds, mammals and fish. Temporarily, the cutting of weed may uncover faunal species which will then be more accessible to predators. The movement of people along the shore will result in some trampling of algae. There will be an increase in noise and activity during the harvesting process which could cause temporary displacement of birds and mammals. Vehicular movements on the beach could lead to compaction of sediments, direct damage to invertebrate species or algae and inadvertent spillages of hydrocarbons.

7. Conclusions The proposed project is not directly connected with, or necessary for, the management of Natura 2000 sites.

The harvesting of relatively common algal species at this site will not have a direct impact on Natura 2000 sites. A Harvest Management Plan has been prepared ( Appendix 2) which provides for a three year rotation to ensure that algal cover is not removed simultaneously from the entire harvesting area.

Potentially, impacts could arise from the loss of algal cover, however areas will be harvested over a three year rotation ensuring adequate regrowth of algal cover. As the algae will be harvested by hand, any short-term exposure of invertebrate communities will be localised and temporary and is unlikely to be significant.

The impact from trampling, vehicular compaction of sediments and/or direct vehicular impacts on invertebrates and algae will be minor and temporary. Vehicles accessing the foreshore will be maintained in good condition and therefore the risk of minor spillages of hydrocarbons will be low. Given the volume of dilution available, any such minor spillages were they to occur, would have a minimal ecological impact.

No significant loss of invertebrate biomass is predicted to occur and thus no impact on fauna higher up the food chain is predicted. There may be a short-term minor benefit to bird species as some invertebrates become more readily available as prey items as they are exposed.

As this area is dominated by a rocky substrate, and mudflats are absent, it is not of high value for the species listed as qualifying interests for the Ballyteige Burrow SPA i.e. Light-bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Black tailed godwit and Bar tailed godwit. Cormorant is listed as a qualifying interest for the Kerragh Islands SPA and is likely to feed in this area; however in the absence of any significant impacts on prey availability no impact on this species is predicted.

Although algae will be harvested by hand there will be limited vehicular access to the beach. Disturbance will increase during harvesting periods which could cause some localised displacement and/or disturbance of birds and mammals. However this area gets a high degree of recreational usage and fauna will have habitualised to onshore activities. Thus any impact is likely to be minor and localised and not of significance in the context of Natura 2000 sites.

Overall there is no evidence to indicate that harvesting of algae will cause significant deterioration of the habitats and species of special conservation interest or significant disturbance to these species thus ensuring the integrity of the site is maintained. No significant indirect, direct or cumulative impacts are envisaged. As this Stage 1 screening report did not identify significant impacts on designated sites, a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is not considered necessary.

Appendix 1

SITE SYNOPSES

Site Name; Ballyteige Burrow SAC (Site Code 000696)

This coastal site extends eastwards and northwards from the village of Kilmore Quay in Co. Wexford. A long, narrow spit of coarse sand and gravel with an impressive sand dune system (Ballyteige Burrow) forms most of the seaward boundary of this site. Behind the spit lies a shallow, tidal sea inlet and estuary of the Duncormick River (The Cull). The eastern portion of this intertidal system was reclaimed in the 19 th century by construction of the Cull Bank and is now polderland, most of which is intensively farmed grassland and arable land. The western portion of The Cull retains semi- natural habitat, including mudflats which are exposed at low tide and saltmarsh. Most of the site is designated a Nature Reserve.

The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes):

• [1130] Estuaries • [1140] Tidal Mudflats and Sandflats • [1150] Coastal Lagoons* • [1210] Annual Vegetation of Drift Lines • [1220] Perennial Vegetation of Stony Banks • [1310] Salicornia Mud • [1320] Spartina Swards • [1330] Atlantic Salt Meadows • [1410] Mediterranean Salt Meadows • [1420] Halophilous Scrub • [2110] Embryonic Shifting Dunes • [2120] Marram Dunes (White Dunes) • [2130] Fixed Dunes (Grey Dunes)* • [2150] Decalcified Dune Heath* A significant proportion of this site comprises intertidal mud- and sandflats which form part of the estuary of the Duncormick River, and the site includes most of the tidal section of this river. The estuary also receives the flow from a network of canals which drain the polders to the east of the site, plus from some minor streams. The estuary is interesting because it is almost entirely enclosed by the extensive sand-shingle spit which makes up Ballyteige Burrow, with only a narrow inlet/outlet at the western end. The estuary empties almost entirely on most tides, apart from the main central channel.

A dominating feature of this site is its large dune system, many of the dunes reaching over 20 m in height. Embryonic shifting dunes and Marram ( Ammophila arenaria ) dunes occur along the seaward side, with more stable fixed dunes and dune heath inland, though blow-outs occur throughout. Typically, plants such as Marram, Portland Spurge (Euphorbia portlandica ), Sea-holly ( Eryngium maritimum ), Sea Stork's-bill ( Erodium cicutarium ) and Carline Thistle ( Carlina vulgaris ) are common on the seaward dunes.

The fixed dunes occupy the central ridge of the Burrow. These are well developed and species-rich. The vegetation is predominantly low-growing and contains species such as Common Restharrow (Ononis repens ), Wild Pansy ( Viola tricolor subsp . curtisii ), Sea Stork's-bill, Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea ), Wild Thyme ( Thymus praecox ) and Red Fescue ( Festuca rubra ).. Cattle have not grazed the eastern end of the site since 1987 and, as a result, there is an increase in dune scrub encroachment and a decrease in species diversity. The dominant species here are Red Fescue and Burnet Rose ( Rosa pimpinellifolia ), while Bracken ( Pteridium aquilinum ) is common.

One of the most notable features at Ballyteige is the presence of developing acid heath within the (calcareous) fixed grey dune area. This is very unusual in Irish dune systems. The vegetation here is dominated by Bracken, with some Gorse ( Ulex europaeus ) and low-growing herbs. In addition, along with the classic foredune/fixed grey dune sequence, there are some unusual incipient slack/blowout complexes. These are eroded down in places to the shingle base on which the dunes rest.

Saltmarsh vegetation fringes The Cull, featuring Sea Aster ( Aster tripolium ), Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima ), Lax-flowered Sea-lavender ( Limonium humile ) and Hard-grass ( Parapholis strigosa ), with well developed mats of glasswort ( Salicornia sp.) and patches of cord-grass ( Spartina sp.). Salt meadows with Sea Rush ( Juncus maritimus ) have formed behind the dyke at the eastern end of the site. Part of the saltmarsh complex contains halophilous scrub vegetation. This is a very rare habitat in Ireland, with only two known extant locations - Ballyteige and Bannow Bay. This habitat is characterised by the rare Perennial Glasswort ( Arthrocnemum perenne ).

A series of drainage channels and a small pond, which are largely artificial in origin, now have a flora and fauna characteristic of lagoons. The channels have a maximum depth of 3 m. Seawater enters mainly by percolation through the dunes along the southern shore and apparently by leakage of the sluice on The Cull at high tide. While the aquatic vegetation in much of the site is poor, two lagoonal specialists, Tassel-weed ( Ruppia maritima ) and the green alga Chaetomorpha linum occur. An additional lagoonal specialist, the Red Data Book stonewort Chara canescens , was recorded here in 1991. The fauna of the lagoonal habitat is rich, diverse and typically lagoonal. A total of 60 taxa were recorded in a survey in 1998, in addition to several further taxa recorded previously. Eleven of these are considered as lagoonal specialists in Britain or Ireland ( Lekanesphaera hookeri (Order Isopoda) , Palaemonetes varians (Order Decapoda) , Sigara stagnalis (Order Hemiptera) , S. concinna (Order Hemiptera) , Agabus conspersus (Order Coleoptera) , Enochrus bicolor (Order Coleoptera) , Hydrobia ventrosa (Class Gastropoda, Order Neotaenioglossa) , Conopeum seurati (a bryozoan) , Neomysis integer (Order Mysida) , Notonecta viridis (Order Hemiptera) and Plea leachi (Order Heteroptera)). While the habitat is particularly degraded, restoration is considered feasible and long-term prospects are good.

Ballyteige is recognised as one of the most impressive shingle-based dune systems in the country. There are ‘cobble valley’s’ in between the some of the dunes, an unusual feature. Species associated with shingle recorded from the site include Sea Sandwort ( Honkenya peploides ), Sea-holly ( Eryngium maritimum ), Sea Bindweed ( Calystegia soldanella ) and Yellow Horned-poppy ( Glaucium flavum ). Species typical of the habitat ‘annual vegetation of drift lines’ which occur at the site include Spear- leaved Orache ( Atriplex prostrata ), Sea-holly, Sea Rocket ( Cakile maritima ) and Yellow Horned- poppy.

This site is host to a range of rare plant species. Wild Asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis subsp. prostratus ) is frequent among dune vegetation, while Lesser Centaury ( Centaurium pulchellum ) is associated with damp dune slacks. Borrer's Saltmarsh-grass ( Puccinellia fasciculata ) and Perennial Glasswort occur on the saltmarsh. There is also a recent record for Sea Pea ( Lathyrus japonicus subsp. maritimus ), a species typically associated with shingle. All five species are protected under the Flora (Protection) Order, 1999. Henbane ( Hyoscyamus niger ), a species which is considered as threatened in Ireland, also occurs at Ballyteige. The dunes also have an interesting lichen flora: the scarce species Usnea articulata occurs here, and this is the only known site in Ireland for the species Fulgensia fulgens .

The Cull and adjacent reclaimed land provide important habitat for wintering waterfowl, and Brent Goose occur here in internationally important numbers (average maximum count of 219 individuals over the winters 1994/95 - 1997-98). Nationally important numbers of Lapwing (2,737) and Black- tailed Godwit (161) occur. Two species listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive occur regularly in winter, Golden Plover (2,441) and Bar-tailed Godwit (79), while another species, Little Tern, breeds at Callenstown strand. The invertebrate fauna of the site includes a number of scarce species, examples being the bumble bees Bombus distinguendus and B. sylvarum , the jewel wasp Hedychridium ardens and the ant Tetramorium caespitum , as well as those listed above.

The dune system is used for cattle grazing. An appropriate grazing level is a critical factor in maintaining the diversity of dune systems. Coastal systems in general are threatened by disturbance of the substrate, such as removal of sand/shingle.

This coastal site is of major ecological value for its range of good quality coastal habitats, including three habitats given priority status on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive - fixed dune, dune heath and lagoon. The dune system is of excellent quality, physically well developed and with a rich flora which includes five protected species. The importance of the site for wintering waterfowl further enhances its value.

Site Name; Hook Head SAC (Site Code 000764)

The areas of conservation interest at Hook Head comprise marine subtidal reefs to the south and east of the Hook Head Peninsula, and also sea cliffs from Hook Head to Baginbun and Ingard Point. The peninsula forms the eastern side of Waterford Harbour, while to the east it adjoins the estuary mouth of Bannow Bay. Hook Head itself is composed of Carboniferous limestone overlain by Devonian Old Red Sandstone and is palaeontologically of international importance.

• [1160] Large Shallow Inlets and Bays • [1170] Reefs • [1230] Vegetated Sea Cliffs An exposed to moderately exposed intertidal reef community complex occurs around Hook Head. Subtidally the reefs are aligned in a north-east/south-west orientation and are typically strewn with boulders, cobbles and patches of sand and gravel. They are exposed to prevailing winds and swells from the west and tidal streams tend to be moderate but are strong in some areas. There are also a number of isolated reefs that project from a sand plain. The reefs around Hook Head have excellent examples of tide-swept communities and species richness is high in both the shallow and deep- water communities. A Laminaria -dominated community is recorded from the shallow waters around Hook Head. Deeper waters consist of Echinoderm and sponge-dominated community complex types, characterised by cushion sponges, with branching sponges and the rose ‘coral’ Pentapora foliacea . In addition, the sponge Stryphnus ponderosa, the sea squirts Sidnyum elegans , Distomus variolosus and Stolonica socialis, and the brittlestar Amphiura securigera are present. These species have a limited distribution in Ireland. The rare red algae Schizymenia dubyi also occurs.

The sublittoral sediments within this area consist of exposed, tide-swept patches of duned gravel and moderately exposed silty sand with only weak tidal streams. The duned gravel is characterised by the burrowing sea cucumber Neopendactyla mixta and the burrowing brittlestar Amphiura securigera, whilst the silty sand is relatively barren. A. securigera has only been recorded from the south-east of Ireland (the Kenmare River) and in Northern Ireland, where it is considered rare. The coarse sediments consist of a community complex distinguished by Pisidia longicornis and mobile and epibenthic species.

The sea cliffs, which extend for a distance of approximately 15 km, are mostly low, usually not more than 10 m, though they extend up to 30 m high near Baginbun Head. Both clay and rock cliffs are represented. The vegetation of the cliffs, as well as the underlying rocky shoreline, is characterised by species such as Thrift ( Armeria maritima ), Rock Samphire ( Crithmum maritimum ), Rock Sea- lavender ( Limonium binervosum ), Sea Plantain ( Plantago maritima ), Buck's-horn Plantain ( Plantago coronopus ), Rock Sea-spurrey ( Spergularia rupicola ) and Sea Mayweed ( Matricaria maritima ).

The cliffs at this site are of ornithological interest for breeding Chough, Raven) and Peregrine, and there is a small seabird colony, mainly of Guillemots, near Baginbun. The headland is a noted landfall point for migrants.

The waters off Hook Head are rich in marine life and are a popular diver site for SCUBA enthusiasts. Rock pools on the shore support a diverse flora and fauna.

In summary, this site is of conservation importance for its subtidal reef and shallow bay communities, and their diversity of species, as well as for the vegetated sea cliffs. These habitats are listed under the E.U. Habitats Directive. The rocky coastline is also important for a number of breeding birds, two of which are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive.

Site Name; Keeragh Islands SPA (Site Code 004118)

The Keeragh Islands are two low-lying islets located just over 1 km offshore from the south Wexford coastline. The site includes the islets and associated rocky shorelines and reefs, as well as the surrounding marine area to a distance of 200 metres.

The islets, which rise to a maximum height of about 10 m above sea level, have a small area of land permanently above the tide line. The vegetation is predominantly maritime in character, with species such as Red Fescue ( Festuca rubra ), Thrift ( Armeria maritima ), Common Scurvygrass (Cochlearia officinalis ) and Sea Campion ( Silene vulgaris subsp. maritima ). The surrounding reefs support a range of seaweeds.

The islands have a Nationally Important breeding colony of Cormorant (206 pairs recorded in 1989), which is considered to be one of the largest in the country. The colony has been well-monitored since it was first recorded in 1968 and there has been a long-term ringing programme. Terns, mainly Arctic Tern, have bred in the past but not since the 1970s. Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull have also bred but no population estimates for recent years are available. A small number of Shag ( c.10 pairs) were present in 1970.

In winter the islands are a refuge and night roost for flocks of Brent Goose and for ducks, notably Mallard and Wigeon with smaller numbers of Teal and Shoveler.

The Keeragh Islands SPA is of ornithological importance as it has a Nationally Important population of breeding Cormorant. It retains potential for attracting breeding terns, species that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, though none have been recorded since the 1970s.