February 2019

Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report

REGAN Proposed N24 Tower Road Junction ʹ Improvement Scheme Atkins Ireland Ltd , Co. Kilkenny

MALONE O MALONE

Form ES - 04

Ground Floor- Unit 3 Bracken Business Park Bracken Road, Sandyford , D18 V32Y Tel: + 353 1 5677655 Email: [email protected]

Title: Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report, Proposed N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny

Job Number: E1479

Prepared By: Kathryn Broderick Signed:______

Checked By: Dyfrig Hubble Signed:______

Approved By: Kevin O’Regan Signed:______

Revision Record

Issue Date Description Remark Prepared Checked Approved No.

00 14/01/19 Report Draft KB DH KOR

01 04/02/19 Report Review KB DH KOR

02 06/02/19 Report Final KB DH KOR

Copyright and Third-Party Disclaimer MORES has prepared this report for the sole use of our client (as named on the front the report) in accordance with the Client’s instructions using all reasonable skill and competence and generally accepted consultancy principles. The report was prepared in accordance with the budget and terms of reference agreed with the Client and does not in any way constitute advice to any third party who is able to access it by any means. MORES exclude to the fullest extent lawfully permitted all liability whatsoever for any costs, liabilities or losses arising as a result of or reliance upon the contents of this report by any person or legal entity (other than the Client in accordance with the terms of reference). MORES has not verified any documents or information supplied by third parties and referred to herein in compiling this document and no warranty is provided as part of this document. No part of this report may be copied or reproduced without express written confirmation from MORES. Any methodology contained in this report is provided to the Client in confidence and must not be disclosed or copied to third parties without the prior written agreement of MORES. Disclosure of such information may constitute an actionable breach of confidence or may otherwise prejudice our commercial interests. Third parties who obtains access to this report by any means, including disclosure by the Client, will be subject to the Copyright and Third Party Disclaimer contained herein Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report Proposed N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme February 2019 Atkins Ireland Ltd

Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report Proposed N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme Atkins Ireland Ltd Piltown, Co. Kilkenny

Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 Project Objectives ...... 1 2 METHODOLOGY ...... 2 Desk Based Studies ...... 2 Site Survey...... 2 Statement of Authority ...... 2 Regulatory Context ...... 2 Overview of Site and Context ...... 3 Need for the Proposed Development ...... 4 Description of the Proposed Development ...... 5 3 SCREENING ...... 9 Sub-threshold requirements for EIA ...... 9 4 CONCLUSIONS ...... 13 5 REFERENCES ...... 14

FIGURESFigure 1-1: Site Location ...... 1 Figure 2-1: Watercourses in the vicinity of the Site ...... 4 Figure 2-2: Aerial View of Proposed Site Boundary ...... 6

TABLES Table 2-1: Screening Matrix for Mandatory EIA ...... 7 Table 2-2: Screening Matrix for Sub-Threshold Road Developments ...... 8 Table 3-1 EIA Screening Assessment ...... 10

APPENDICES Appendix A: Site Layout Appendix B: Habitat Map

E1479 - Malone O’ Regan Environmental i Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report February 2019 Proposed N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme Atkins Ireland Ltd

1 INTRODUCTION Malone O’Regan Environmental (MOR Environmental) were commissioned by Aktins to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Report for the proposed N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme on lands at Piltown, Co. Kilkenny (OS Reference S 449 225). The location of the proposed site (‘the Site’) is shown in Figure 1-1. A proposed site layout drawing is presented in Appendix A. Figure 1-1: Site Location

This EIA Screening report has been prepared to consider the requirement or otherwise of carrying out an EIA in respect of the proposed Road improvement scheme. This screening exercise was undertaken in two stages. The first stage considered the requirement for a mandatory EIA, while the second stage considered the requirement or need for a sub- threshold EIA. As part of the sub-threshold screening exercise the potential impacts on environmental sensitivities were considered in addition to the interrelationship between those environmental sensitivities This EIA Screening Report will be submitted as part of the overall planning submission along with a preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report, Appropriate Assessment Screening Report and a preliminary Construction Environmental Management Plan. Project Objectives The key project objectives in undertaking this EIA Screening Assessment was to determine whether the proposed project would require the preparation of an EIAR.

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2 METHODOLOGY Desk Based Studies In undertaking this EIA Screening Assessment, a detailed desk-based study was undertaken that included a review of the following information: • Relevant legislation and guidance (see section 2.4). • Relevant published information pertaining to the Site and surrounding area in regards to all of the stipulated EIAR topics; and, • Relevant design drawings. Site Survey A site walkover survey was undertaken by MOR Environmental Consultants on the 21st May 2018 to gain a better understanding of the receiving environment and to identify any sensitive environmental receptors.

Statement of Authority The Screening for Environmental Impact Assessment was prepared under the direction of Kevin O’Regan, who provided peer review and support to the project. Kevin has over 25 year’s environmental consultancy experience. During this time he has successfully completed a wide range of EIS’s and EIARs for major infrastructural projects. Specifically, Kevin has also worked with Kilkenny County Council as Environmental Team lead on a range of other road projects from 2000 to the present including: • Kilkenny Inner Relief Road • Road Infrastructure - Development of Kilkenny Western Environs. • Road Infrastructure - Loughmacask. Local Area Plan. • M8/N8 Culahill – Cashel Motorway. • Graiguenamanagh Inner Relief Road. • N24 By-pass. • Kilkenny Central Access scheme. Regulatory Context 2.4.1 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening EIA Legislation sets down the types of projects that may require an EIAR. Annex I of Directive 2014/52/EU defines mandatory projects that require an EIAR / EIS and Annex Lists projects which can be subject to a case by case subthreshold screening analysis or thresholds to be transposed by member states. In order to determine whether it is required to undertake an EIA for the proposed development, it is necessary to consult the relevant legislation, namely; • The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended); • EU Directive 2014/52/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (‘2014 EIA Directive’); and, • The Roads Act 1993 (as amended). This Screening Report has been prepared taking full cognisance of Directive 2014/52/EU, as it is transposed into Irish legislation by amendment of the 2018 EIA Regulations, utilising the following legislation and guidance documents: • The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended); • The Roads Act 1993 (as amended); • Director General Environment – European Commission (June 2001), Guidance on EIA Screening (EU, 2001);

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• Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (August 2003), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guidelines for Consent Authorities regarding Sub‐threshold Development (DEHLG, 2003); • NRA Guidelines on Environmental Impact Assessment of National Road Schemes – A Practical Guide (NRA, 2008); • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports Draft (EPA, 2017); • Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Implementation of Directive 2014/52/EU on the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (EIA Directive) - Circular 1/2017’, 15th May 2017. • Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) Transposing Regulations (S.I. No. 296 of 2018) Guidelines for Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanala on Carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment (DHPLG, 2018). Overview of Site and Context The Site, which is ca. 12ha in size, is located within Kilkenny County Council ca. 3.2km north east of Carrick-on-Suir, Co. and 6.4km northwest of Portlaw, Co. . The Site is situated along the National N24 Road directly west of Piltown, Co. Kilkenny within a predominantly rural landscape (refer to Figure 1-1). The proposed Site is comprised of a section of the N24 , with associated hard shoulders, dry grassy verges, and connecting local road infrastructure including the L3432 Tower Road, L1038 and L1039. The proposed Site includes the lands immediately surrounding the N24, which are comprised predominantly of agricultural fields. The majority of the fields comprise of grasslands, which at the time of the survey were being used for grazing livestock and are comprised of a short grass sward (See Figure 2-2 and Appendix B for attached Habitat Map). Areas of scrub were also noted within the Site Boundary. The Garrynarea River is located ca. 280m north east of the proposed Site and is the nearest hydrological feature of note to the Site. The river flows in a south easterly direction and is a tributary of the River Pil_16, which it joins ca. 700m east of the Site. The River Pil 16, forms part of the Lower River Suir SAC and flows in a southerly direction for ca.2.1km before discharging into the River Suir. The River Suir, which is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) flows in a south easterly direction, and eventually discharges to Waterford Harbour ca.28km downstream of the Site. The location of key local surface water features is presented in Figure 2-1.

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Figure 2-1: Watercourses in the vicinity of the Site

Need for the Proposed Development The objective of the proposed junction improvement works is to address existing safety concerns in the local road infrastructure and to facilitate safe junction movements. The N24 National Primary Road connects the cities of Waterford and . In 2002, Kilkenny County Council completed a 9.3-kilometre improvement of the N24 between The Three Bridges (Tipperary/Kilkenny County Boundary) and Clonmore Cross, west of Mooncoin village. This wide single carriageway improvement bypassed the villages of Piltown and Fiddown. After the completion of this section on the N24, from the period of 2002-2006, there were six fatal collisions, one serious injury collision and nine minor injury collisions. The problem of head-on collisions was evident on this section of road, and so in 2006, a two plus one (2+1) carriageway retrofit was carried out as a pilot project trialling this type of cross-section. Following the installation of the 2+1 scheme, road safety improved along the route with the severity of the collisions reducing. Despite these road safety improvements, seven minor collisions were recorded from 2007- 2009, specifically between the Ink Bottle and Tower Road Junctions, mainly involving conflicts from vehicles emerging from the junction and mainline traffic. Addressing these safety concerns, a low-cost scheme was introduced in 2010 in an effort to reduce collision rates at the junctions. The scheme channelled the N24 eastbound traffic down to one lane in advance of, and past, the Tower Road junction. Visibility improvements and measures to restrict overtaking were introduced. In 2014, delineator posts were installed to prevent vehicles from turning right out of Ink Bottle Junction. Most recently in 2017, further interim improvements to the existing layout were funded by TII. The eastbound lane drop on the approach to the Tower Road junction was

E1479 - Malone O’ Regan Environmental 4 Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report February 2019 Proposed N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme Atkins Ireland Ltd moved further west, signage and delineation were improved and two areas to facilitate speed enforcement were constructed. Following these minor safety improvements for this section of the N24, Tramore House Regional Design Office carried out a Road Safety Impact Assessment (RSIA) to determine the most appropriate long-term solution for improving road safety at this section. The assessment found that from 2011 to 2016, there were two fatal collisions, three serious injury collisions and eight minor collisions along the 1.3km section of road under review. The assessment concluded that the interim measures, while worthwhile, would not be satisfactory as a long-term solution and identified this project concept as the preferred option. It is anticipated that the proposed development will result in a significant decrease in collisions while also providing improved facilities for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, using these junctions. Improvements to these junctions are necessary to ensure the safety of all road users. Description of the Proposed Development The proposal scheme entails the improvement of the N24 National Primary Route between the N24 Junction with the LS5010 Garrynarea Road and the eastern leg of the R698 compact grade-separated junction at Fiddown. As part of the works, it is proposed to: • Close off the Ink Bottle Junction; • Provide a new compact grade-separated junction and associated overbridge at the Tower Road Junction; • Create a new link road and roundabout at Tower Road Junction in order to facilitate the closure of the Ink Bottle; • Provide provision of footpaths and cycle facilities at Tower Road Junction; • Upgrade the current 2+1 N24 Road to two lanes in both directions on the N24 through the Tower Road Junction; • Hard and soft landscaping; • Installation of road markings and signage; • Public lighting improvements; • Development of a surface water drainage system; and, • Carry out accommodation works for land owners. The project will aim to commence construction in mid-2020 with the opening of the new junction in 2021/2022 pending planning approvals. The construction phase is expected to last for a period of approximately 12 months. The construction phase is to involve the following stages: • Pre-earthworks: fencing of study-area boundary, study-area clearance, topsoil strip; • Earthworks: cut and fill, borrow to fill, cut to tip, capping; • Drainage and Services: pre-earthworks, temporary earthworks, carriageway drainage, services and footpaths; • Structures: foundations, sub-structures, superstructures, finishing; • Carriageway: sub base construction, road base, wearing course, footpath construction; and, • Finishings: traffic signs, road markings, safety fencing. Full details of the proposed development are provided within the Planning Report which has been submitted as part of the planning application to Kilkenny County Council.

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Figure 2-2: Aerial View of Proposed Site Boundary

From an EIA perspective, all road projects can be placed in one of the following two groups: • Those that exceed the regulatory thresholds and require a mandatory EIA; and, • Those that are sub-threshold and must be assessed on a case-by case basis to determine if they are likely to have significant effects on the environment Road developments are listed in Annex I of the EU EIA Directive (85/337/ECC as amended) and in Section 50 of the Road Act 1993 (as amended). The relevant threshold summaries of legislative requirements for EIA Screening for road type developments are set out in Table 2-1. An overview of the legislative requirements for screening for sub-threshold EIA for road developments and their applicability to this project are presented in Table 2-2.

E1479 - Malone O’ Regan Environmental 6 Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report February 2019 Proposed N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme Atkins Ireland Ltd Table 2-1: Screening Matrix for Mandatory EIA Mandatory Threshold Regulatory Reference Applicability to N24 Improvement Scheme

Construction of a Motorway S. 50(1) (a)(i) of the Roads Act, 1993 (as The N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme is amended) not a Motorway. Mandatory threshold not reached.

Construction of a Busway S. 50(1) (a)(ii) of the Roads Act, 1993 (as The N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme is amended) not a Busway. Mandatory threshold not reached.

Construction of a Service Area S. 50(1) (a)(iii) of the Roads Act, 1993 (as The N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme is amended) not a Service Area. Mandatory threshold not reached.

Prescribed type of proposed road development Article 8 of the Roads Regulations, 1994 The N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme (Road development prescribed for the does not involve the provision of four or more lanes eight • The construction of a new road of four or more lanes, or purposes of S. 50(1)(a) of the Roads Act, kilometres or more in length as part of its development the realignment or widening of an existing road so as to 1993) works. provide four or more lanes, where such new, realigned or widened road would be eight kilometres or more in length Mandatory Threshold not reached. in a rural area, or 500 metres or more in length in an urban The N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme area does not involve the construction of a bridge or tunnel • The construction of a new bridge or tunnel which would be greater than 100 metres or more in length. 100 metres or more in length Mandatory Threshold not reached.

E1479 - Malone O’ Regan Environmental 7 Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report February 2019 Proposed N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme Atkins Ireland Ltd Table 2-2: Screening Matrix for Sub-Threshold Road Developments Sub-Threshold Criteria Regulatory Reference Applicability to N24 Improvement Scheme

(5) Where An Bord Pleanála (ABP) considers that a proposed road S. 50(1) (b) of the Roads Act, 1993 (as N/A development would be likely to have significant effects on the amended) environment, it shall direct the road authority to prepare an EIAR

(6) Where a road authority considers that a proposed road S. 50(1) (c) of the Roads Act, 1993 (as N/A development would be likely to have significant effects on the amended) environment, it shall inform ABP in writing and where ABP concurs, it shall direct the road authority to prepare an EIAR. (7) Where a proposed road development would be located on S. 50(1)(d) of the Roads Act, 1993, as certain environmental sites the road authority shall decide whether inserted by Art. 14(a) of the EIA (Amendment) N/A the proposed development would be likely to have significant Regulations, 1999. effects on the environment. “The sites concerned are”: (i) Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (ii) A site notified in accordance with Regulation 4 of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997) (iii) Special Protection Area (iv) A site where consultation has been initiated in accordance with Article 5 of Council Directive 92/43/EC of 21 May, 1992, on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. (v) A Nature Reserve within the meaning of sections 15 or 16 of the Wildlife Act, 1976. (vi) Refuge for Fauna under section 17 of the Wildlife Act, 1976. If the road authority considers that significant environmental effects S. 50(1)(d) of the Roads Act, 1993, as are likely, it shall inform ABP in accordance with section 50(1)(c). inserted by Art. 14(a) of the EIA (Amendment) N/A Regulations, 1999.

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3 SCREENING Sub-threshold requirements for EIA In considering whether a sub-threshold proposed road development is likely to have significant environmental effects, the road authority and the Board, under section 50 (1) (e) of the Roads Act, must have regard to the criteria set out in Article 27 of the European Communities (EIA) Regulations, 1989. This article refers to the criteria for determining whether a development would or would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment as set out in Annex III to the EIA Directive, as amended. Section 50 of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended) sets out the criteria for assessing if a road development falls under the legislative requirements for a sub-threshold EIA. An overview of the legislative requirements for screening for sub-threshold EIA for road developments and their applicability to this road project are set out in Table 2.2. Where a road development is likely to have significant environmental effects, the road authority must inform An Bord Pleanála. A road authority cannot decide to prepare an EIA for a sub-threshold development. Only An Bord Pleanála can issue a direction for an EIA to be prepared. Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) sets out the criteria for assessing whether or not a project will have “likely” and “significant” effects on the environment, in which case an EIA is also required. These criteria include the following: • “Characteristics of proposed development”; • “Location of proposed development”; and, • “Characteristics of potential impacts”. These criteria were considered for the proposed development under the topics recommended in EIA guidance documents. 3.1.1 Criteria to Determine Significance Having regard to the guidance documents as set out in Section 2.3 and in order to inform this screening evaluation, consideration was given to environmental sensitivities in the area and to the potential for impacts on particular aspects of the environment based upon the relevant findings from a desk-based study and a site walkover survey. This section describes the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly impacted by the project and has regard to the Environmental Topics as set out in the EIA Directive: • Population and Human Health; • Biodiversity; • Lands and Soils; • Water; • Air; • Climate; • Material Assets; • Cultural Heritage; • Landscape; and, • Interactions between these factors. A summary of this assessment and likely impacts, if any on the environment by the implementation of the proposed development is set out in Table 3-1.

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Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report February 2019 Proposed N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme Atkins Ireland Ltd

Table 3-1 EIA Screening Assessment Topic Likely & Comment Significant Effects

Human Health None Identified It is considered that the proposed development will have an and Population overall positive impact on human beings, population and human health. The proposed road scheme has been commissioned / designed in response to dangerous road conditions. The project will improve the road conditions at the N24 Tower Road Junction providing a safer road network. The project will relieve traffic congestion, improve road safety and accessibility of the area. The construction of the proposed scheme will result in short term temporary employment that will have a positive impact in the local socioeconomic sector. Key potential impacts to human health will arise from dust and noise emissions and will be assessed under the topics; Air Quality and Noise. No further assessment of Human Health will be undertaken. Biodiversity/Flora None Identified The survey undertaken identified the presence of the following & Fauna habitats, classified utilising Fossits Guide (Fossitt, 2000), on Site: • Hardstanding (BL3); and, • Improved Grassland (GA1). No habitats of ecological significance are located at this location and the works will not encroach on any protected areas. Based upon the Site visit this is considered to be of low biodiversity value and is unlikely to result in any significant impacts. The surrounding lands are dominated by improved grassland, which are used for grazing cattle and these areas are considered to be of low ecological value. The extent of the habitats, and specific species identified during the survey are shown in Appendix B. The Site survey also aimed at identifying the presence / potential presence of notable and or protected species of fauna. The initial Site survey identified the following: • Evidence and potential for bird nesting within trees and vegetated areas; • Evidence and potential of Badger activity was noted in close proximity to the existing road; • Evidence and potential of Bat Roosting Potential in close proximity to the existing road; and, • No evidence of non-native invasive species were found within the Site. No evidence to suggest that any likely and significant effects will arise as a result of the proposed scheme. A preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report has been completed and includes current best practice guidelines for environmental management of the Site. An Appropriate Assessment Screening Report (AA) has also been completed for the proposed development. The AA concluded that there will be no impacts on Natura 2000 sites. The AA report will be submitted as a standalone report.

Land and Soils None Identified There will be no significant effects on soils at, or in the general area of the Site as a result of the proposed development. A desk-

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Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report February 2019 Proposed N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme Atkins Ireland Ltd

Topic Likely & Comment Significant Effects

based assessment found there are no geologically protected areas in the vicinity. The land uses on the Site are agricultural and existing roads. Given the availability of this type of agricultural land in the area and in the context of the existing road infrastructure there will be no significant impact on land in the area. Furthermore, the development works will be undertaken in accordance with current recognised best practice guidelines.

Water None Identified Key impacts during construction works relate to the potential for siltation and pollution of watercourses / groundwater from works and / or spillages. No loss of river corridors, river or riparian habitats or potential spawning beds are likely to arise in this instance. Furthermore, there is no flood risk at the proposed development site. Operational stage will be similar in nature to the existing road infrastructure and runoff from the proposed development will tie into existing infrastructure at the Site and no significant increase in run-off volumes is expected. A pCEMP has been prepared for the proposed development which will be included in the planning submission. The pCEMP states standard measures to control run-off which will be incorporated into the drainage design referenced from the following best practice guidelines: Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) 2001 C532 – Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites, Guidance for Consultants and Contractors; CIRIA 2006 C648 ‘Control of Water Pollution from Linear Construction Projects’; and CIRIA 2015 C741 Environmental Good Practice on Site (4th edition). Therefore it is considered the proposed development is not expected to result in any adverse impacts to the hydrological or hydrogeological regime of the receiving environment.

Noise None Identified No significant changes in emissions to noise will occur due to the proposed development. Operational noise impacts are likely to be similar to existing noise levels. An increase in noise levels is expected during the construction stage but this is likely to be a temporary impact. Existing noise levels in the area are relatively high due to traffic along the N24 National Primary road which links Waterford and Limerick. The Kilkenny Noise Action Plan 2014-2018 states that major roads, a category to which the N24 belongs, are the primary noise source for Kilkenny County. The 2017 Strategic Noise mapping for roads by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Kilkenny County Council shows that average noise levels for the day-evening-night noise indicator (Lden) of the N24 Tower Road Junction section can reach up to 70dB to 74dB emanating from the carriageway. As the development comprises of road improvement works to the existing N24 there is not anticipated to be to any significant increases to existing noise levels in the area once the project is operational.

Air Quality None Identified No significant changes in emissions to air will occur due to the proposed development. Operational air quality impacts are likely to be similar to existing.

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Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report February 2019 Proposed N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme Atkins Ireland Ltd

Topic Likely & Comment Significant Effects

Climate None Identified Given the scale of the development, it will not generate sufficient emissions to impact on local or regional climate. No significant changes in emissions of greenhouse gases will occur due to the proposed development.

Landscape & None Identified Due to the nature of the proposed development, set against the Visual context of the existing N24 and the careful design considerations, it can be concluded that the proposed development will not present significant Landscape & Visual impacts.

Cultural Heritage None Identified A desk based assessment found that there are two protected monuments within and in the proximate vicinity to the Site boundary. The Ponsonby Memorial Tower, or Piltown Tower, (Record of Protected Structure Memorial Tower Reference C211) is within the Site boundary at the existing Tower Road Junction which will be upgraded to a compact grade separated junction during constructions works. The Turret (Record of Protected Structure at Gate Lodge Reference C1060) is in proximate vicinity to the works for the new link road which will connect Ink Bottle Junction to Tower Road Junction. Both the Piltown Tower monument and the Turret monument will be protected during the construction works. Given that the structures will be kept intact, the proposed development will not result in any significant impacts on any protected monuments or features in the area.

Material Assets

Traffic None Identified Temporary construction stage related nuisance associated with traffic disruption is anticipated as part of the proposed development. However, this will be short term in nature and it is considered that the proposed development will have an overall positive impact on traffic, given that the project will improve the road network at the Tower Road Junction by providing a safer road network to cater for the existing volumes of traffic utilising the N24.

Water None Identified No water supply will be required for the operation of the proposed development. Welfare will be provided through the supply of a portable office and Welfare None Identified portable toilet system. Therefore, no likely and significant effects will arise from a welfare perspective. Wastewater None Identified No wastewater will arise as a result of the proposed development. Portable toilet facilities will be provided for workers during the construction phase and all associated waste will be disposed off- site and will be managed in accordance with current relevant waste legislation. There will be no wastewater pumped into the River Pil.

Waste None Identified There will be no waste produced during the operational phase and waste arising during the construction phase will be managed in accordance with current relevant waste legislation.

Cumulative No The development is considered unlikely to have any cumulative Effects effects on the environment. This assumption is based on the localised nature of the proposed development and the current recognised best practice measures that will be implemented during both the construction and operation phase of the road improvement scheme.

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Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report February 2019 Proposed N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme Atkins Ireland Ltd

4 CONCLUSIONS This EIA screening assessment report has reviewed the potential for the N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme to be considered EIA development. The proposed road scheme does not meet the mandatory EIA criteria prescribed in Annex I in the EIA Directive (Schedule 5, Part 1 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended) or Section 50 of the Roads Act (1993). Therefore, a mandatory EIA is ruled out. Having regard to the scale and nature of the project and based on a considered assessment taking account of all available information, including proposed environmental management measures outlined in the various detailed technical documents which are routine and tested, the overall probability of impacts on the receiving environment arising from the proposed development (during the construction or operational phases) is considered low. No likely significant, long-term, and permanent negative environmental impacts have been identified in the course of the screening process. All possible risks of impact on the receiving environment have been identified in the screening report and no significant environmental impacts are anticipated, once standard industry environmental management systems in accordance with the proposed standard environmental management measures are in place. Thus, it is recommended that it is not necessary for the proposed project to proceed to an Environmental Impact Assessment.

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Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report February 2019 Proposed N24 Tower Road Junction Improvement Scheme Atkins Ireland Ltd

5 REFERENCES Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) 2018. Guidelines for Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanala on Carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment. S.I. No. 296 of 2018. EPA, 2002. Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements, Dublin: Environmental Protection Agency. EPA, 2003. Advice notes on current practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements. Dublin: Environmental Protection Agency. EPA, 2015 A. Advice Notes for Preparing Environmental Impact Statements (Draft), Dublin: Environmental Protection Agency. EPA, 2015 B. Revised Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements (Draft), Dublin: Environmental Protection Agency. EPA, 2017. Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (Draft), s.l.: EPA. Kilkenny County Council, 2013. Noise Action Plan 2014-2018, Kilkenny: Kilkenny County Council NRA, 2008. Environmental Impact Assessment of National Road Schemes - A Practical Guide, Dublin:

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APPENDICES APPENDIX A GENERAL NOTES 100 1. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETRES UNLESS LP1038 NOTED OTHERWISE Local Road 2. ONLY WRITTEN DIMENSIONS SHALL BE USED. NO DIMENSIONS SHALL BE SCALED FROM THE Site Notice Nr.6 DRAWINGS 3. ALL LEVELS ARE IN METRES AND ARE TO MALIN HEAD DATUM Site Notice Nr.1 4. ALL COORDINATES ARE IN METRES AND ARE TO IRISH TRANSVERSE MERCATOR

5. DRAWINGS ARE TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SPECIFICATION 10 N24 National 0 Site Notice Nr.2 Primary Road A1

LP1039 Local Road

Site Notice Nr.3

DO NOT SCALE Site Notice Nr.7

Site Notice Nr.4 PILTOWN

LS5125 Local Road

N24 National Primary Road

Site Notice Nr.5

LEGEND:

PART 8 BOUNDARY

PART 8 PLANNING

© ORDNANCE SURVEY IRELAND LICENSE NR. AR 0082519. ORDNANCE SURVEY IRELAND & SITE LAYOUT PLAN GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND PART 8 PLANNING KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL ATKINS NOT TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE USE D ISSUED FOR PART 8 PLANNING RO'S 01/19 JR RAN OF THIS DATA ON ANY PROJECT OTHER THAN THE N24 TOWER ROAD JUNCTION Kilkenny County Council, C ISSUED FOR PART 8 PLANNING RO'S 01/19 JR RAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME RO'S JR RAN County Hall, John Street, B ISSUED FOR PART 8 PLANNING RO'S 01/19 JR RAN 1:2500 Atkins House, 150-155 Airside Unit 2B, 2200 Airport 2nd Floor Technology House N24 TOWER ROAD JUNCTION 18/12/18 21/12/18 21/12/18 A ISSUED FOR PART 8 PLANNING RO'S 01/19 JR RAN Business Park, Swords, Co. Dublin Business Park, Cork Parkmore Technology Park, Galway Kilkenny R95 A39T Tel (+353) 01 810 8000 Tel (+353) 021 429 0300 Tel (+353) 091 786 050 IMPROVEMENT SCHEME - ISSUED FOR PART 8 PLANNING RO'S 01/19 JR RAN Fax (+353) 01 810 8001 Fax (+353) 021 429 0360 Fax (+353) 091 779 830 Date: Jan 31, 2019 - 6:09pm Plotted by: aosullivan File: 5165044-HTR-DR-8003.dwg P 5165044 / HTR / DR / 8003 D

V:\5165044\6 Dwgs-Graphics\61 AutoCad\5165044-HTR-DR-8003.dwg APPENDIX B