Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Issue 1 | 18 February 2021

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Contents

Page

1 Introduction 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Guidance 2 1.3 Data Sources 2 1.4 Legislative Background 4

2 Description of Proposed Project 7 2.1 Project Description 7

3 Description of Receiving Environment 14 3.1 Receiving Environment 14 3.2 Potential Impacts of the SeaMonitor Project on the Receiving Environment 14

4 Effects of Proposed Project on Natura 2000 sites 15 4.1 Zone of Influence 15 4.2 Natura 2000 Sites 16 4.3 Other Plans or Developments 25 4.4 Potential for Significant Direct and Indirect Effects on Natura 2000 sites in view of the conservation objectives of the sites 25

5 Screening Statement and Conclusions 29

6 Article 12 Assessment and Conclusion 30

Appendices

Appendix A Finding of No Significant Effect

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction Arup has been appointed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to assess the foreshore licence application, reference number FS0007077, for the deployment of acoustic listening stations (ALS) off the north and northwest coasts of Ireland. The Department’s brief requires Arup to conduct an “Appropriate Assessment Screening” of the application for the likelihood of significant impact on a Natura 2000 site (stage 1 screening) by analysing technical information on ecology where presented in the application. Arup should prepare an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report and, based on the outcome of the stage 1 screening exercise where required, conduct an “Appropriate Assessment” (stage 2) and prepare an Appropriate Assessment Report, including the Appropriate Assessment Conclusions concerning the activities or development proposals and the associated issues, where required as part of the Appropriate Assessment process. This report responds to the Department’s requirements. The report provides information on and assesses the potential for the proposed development to significantly impact on Natura 2000 sites. These sites are also known as European sites. This report has been prepared by Arup. The aims of this report are to: • Determine whether the proposed development is directly connected with, or necessary to, the conservation management of any Natura 2000 Sites, • Provide information on the proposed development and assess the potential for it to significantly impact on Natura 2000 Sites, and • Determine whether the proposed development, alone or in combination with other projects and plans, is likely to have significant effects on Natura 2000 sites in view of their conservation objectives. This report has been prepared by Fiona Patterson of Arup. Fiona has over 18 years’ experience as an Environmental Consultant. She holds a BSc in Earth Science, MSc in Environmental Engineering, a Diploma in Field Ecology and Diploma in Planning and Environmental Law. Fiona has carried out many ecological surveys, has prepared AA Screenings, Ecological Impact Assessments and Natura Impact Statements/Natura Impact Reports for projects and plans and has presented expert witness evidence at the An Bord Pleanála oral hearings. The assessment presented in this report has not taken into account any measures intended to avoid or reduce any harmful effects of the proposed development on any European site(s).

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

1.2 Guidance This report has been prepared with regard to the following guidance documents, where relevant: • "Managing Natura 2000 sites- The provisions of Article 6 of the 'Habitats' Directive 92/43/EEC" (EC Environment Directorate-General, 2018), • Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 sites: Methodical Guidance on the Provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (European Commission Environment Directorate- General, 2001), • Guidance Document on Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. (European Commission, 2007), • Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities (Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 2010 revision), • Appropriate Assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive: Guidance for Planning Authorities. Circular NPW 1/10 and PSSP 2/10; (Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government), • Guidelines for Good Practice Appropriate Assessment of Plans under Article 6(3) Habitats Directive (International Workshop on Assessment of Plans under the Habitats Directive, 2011), and • Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland, Terrestrial, Freshwater, Coastal and Marine (Institute of Ecology and Environmental Assessment, September 2018). • Macleod, K., Lacey, C., Quick, N., Hastie, G. and Wilson J. (2011). Guidance on survey and monitoring in relation to marine renewables deployments in Scotland. Volume 2. Cetaceans and Basking Sharks. Unpublished draft report to Scottish Natural Heritage and Marine Scotland. • Embling, C. B.1,2, Wilson, B.3 , Benjamins, S.3 , Pikesley, S.1 , Thompson, P.4 , Graham, I.4 , Cheney, B.4 , Brookes, K.L.5 , Godley, B. J.1 & Witt, M. J.6 (2014) Use of Static Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) for monitoring cetaceans at Marine Renewable Energy Installations (MREIs) for Marine Scotland Guidance which has assisted in determining whether impacts are likely to be significant included: • Revised Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (Draft EPA August 2017).

1.3 Data Sources Sources of information on the project are listed below: • Application form [Applicant: Loughs Agency, date 18/12/2019] • Annex I: All parts of the mooring and flotation system

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

• Annex II: Notice of Intention to Carry out an Exempted Activity (for UK element of project) • Annex III: Subsea mooring Stability calculations (for Mooring/Anchors in Marine Environment) • Project Maps • Foreshore Licence Map1 – detailing all ALS Locations • Foreshore Licence Map 2 – detailing ALS Locations in North Channel • Foreshore Licence Map 3- detailing ALS locations in North Channel including spacing information • Foreshore Licence Map 4 - detailing ALS locations off coast of Ireland • Admiralty Chart 1 - showing ALS Locations for Malin Head and North Channel, • Admiralty Chart 2 Tory Island array, and • Admiralty Chart 3 Achill array. • Prescribed Body Consultation • Prescribed Body Observations - consolidated • Applicant’s response to Prescribed Body Observations. Sources of information that were used to collect data on the Natura 2000 network of sites and on the existing ecological environment are listed below: • NPWS (2021) National Parks and Wildlife Service data on European Sites (https://dahg.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8f7060450d e3485fa1c1085536d477ba) (accessed in February 2021). • NPWS Natura 2000 – Standard Data Form Inistrahull SPA Site Code 004100 (dated 2018-09) https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/natura2000/NF004100.pdf (accessed in February 2021). • NPWS Conservation Objectives for Inistrahull SPA Site Code 004100 (dated 07-04-2020) https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/conservation_objectives/CO004100.pdf (accessed in February 2021). • NPWS Inistrahull SPA Site Synopsis Site Code 004100 (dated 30-05-2015) ( https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/synopsis/SY004100.pdf • NPWS Tory Island Coast SAC Site Synopsis Site Code 002259 (dated 09-02- 2016) https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/synopsis/SY002259.pdf (accessed in February 2021). • NPWS Tory Island Coast SAC (site code: 2259) Conservation objectives supporting document - Marine Habitats (Version 1 March 2015) https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/conservation_objectives/CO002259.pdf (accessed in February 2021). • NPWS Natura 2000 – Standard Data Form Tory Island Coast SAC site code: 2259 (dated 01-2019) https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/natura2000/NF002259.pdf (accessed in February 2021).

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

• NPWS Conservation Objectives for Tory Island SPA (004073) (dated 07-04- 2020) https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/conservation_objectives/CO004073.pdf (accessed in February 2021). • NPWS Tory Island SPA Site Synopsis Site Code 004073 (dated 03-05-2015) https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY004073.pdf (accessed in February 2021). • NPWS Natura 2000 – Standard Data Form Tory Island SPA Site Code 004073 (dated 2018-09) https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/natura2000/NF004073.pdf • NPWS Conservation Objectives for Inishbofin, Inishdooey and Inishbeg SPA (004083) (dated 07-04-2020) https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/conservation_objectives/CO004083.pdf (accessed in February 2021). • NPWS Inishbofin, Inishdooey and Inishbeg SPA Site Synopsis Site Code 004083 (dated 18-2-2011) https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/synopsis/SY004083.pdf (accessed in February 2021). • NPWS Natura 2000 – Standard Data Form Inishbofin, Inishdooey and Inishbeg SPA Site Code 004083 (dated 2018-09) ttps://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/natura2000/NF004083.pdf (accessed in February 2021). • NPWS Conservation Objectives for Achill Head SAC 002268 (dated 17-10- 2013) https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/conservation_objectives/CO002268.pdf (accessed in February 2021). • NPWS Site Synopsis for Achill Head SAC 002268 (dated 04-01-2014) https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY002268.pdf (accessed in February 2021). • NPWS Natura 2000 – Standard Data Form Achill Head SAC (dated 01 – 2019) https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/natura2000/NF002268.pdf (accessed in February 2021).

1.4 Legislative Background EU Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC, the Habitats and Birds Directives, respectively, require member states to establish a Natura 2000 network of sites of highest biodiversity importance for rare and threatened habitats and species across the EU. In Ireland, the Natura 2000 network of European sites includes Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). SACs are selected for the conservation of the habitats (including priority types which are in danger of disappearance) listed in of Annex I and the species (other than birds) listed in Annex II of Directive 92/43/EEC. SPAs are selected for the conservation of the birds listed in Annex I of Directive 2009/147/EC and all migratory birds and their habitats.

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

The Annex habitats and species, for which each site is selected, are the qualifying interests or special conservation interests of the site. Conservation objectives for the site are defined for the qualifying or special conservation interests. For a plan or project which is not directly connected with, or necessary to, the management of a Natura 2000 site, a key requirement of the Directive is that the effects of the plan or project alone, or in combination with, other plans or projects, on the Natura 2000 site network should be assessed before a decision is made to allow that plan or project to proceed. This process is known as Appropriate Assessment. The obligation to undertake an Appropriate Assessment derives from Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). An Appropriate Assessment involves a number of steps and tests that need to be applied in sequential order. Article 6(3) is concerned with the strict protection of sites, while Article 6(4) is the procedure for allowing derogation from this strict protection in certain restricted circumstances. 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.”

The competent authority is required to carry out an appropriate assessment, as required by Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, as follows:

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

• Stage 1 – Screening for Appropriate Assessment – This process assesses, in view of best scientific knowledge, if the plan or project individually or in combination with another plan or project is likely to have a significant effect on the Natura 2000 site. • Stage 2 – Appropriate Assessment – This is required if it cannot be excluded, on the basis of objective information, that the plan or project, individually or in combination with other plans or projects, will have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site. The appropriate assessment must include a final determination by the competent authority as to whether or not a proposed development would adversely affect the integrity of a Natura 2000 site. In order to reach a final determination, the competent authority must undertake examination, analysis and evaluation, followed by findings, conclusions and a final determination. The appropriate assessment must contain complete, precise and definitive findings and conclusions, and may not have lacunae or gaps. • Stage 3 – Assessment of alternative solutions – This process examines alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the project or plan that avoid significant effects on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site. • Stage 4 – Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where significant effects remain – This is an assessment of compensatory measures where, in the light of an assessment of imperative reasons of overriding public interest, it is deemed that the project or plan should proceed.

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

2 Description of Proposed Project

2.1 Project Description

2.1.1 Background The SeaMonitor project is an EU-funded research project which has identified species and areas which are critically important to state agencies and stakeholders in the INTERREG Area Va. The project aims to protect marine areas and vulnerable marine species (i.e. basking shark, cetaceans, salmon and skate). In the application form, the applicant states: “SeaMonitor is a novel and comprehensive project focussing on a wide range of issues across the programme Area (Western Scotland, Ireland and Northern Island). It will address 2 Programme Output Indicators and will deliver directly the INTERREG V objective of developing cross-border capacity for the monitoring and management of marine protected areas and species.” The applicant also states: “This is a research project aiming to protect marine areas and vulnerable marine species.” To achieve this aim, the project will use acoustic telemetry technology to detect acoustically tagged animals in the proximity of bespoke acoustic listening stations. In the SeaMonitor project, the Loughs Agency’s research partners are the Marine Institute, the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, University College Cork, Queens University Belfast, the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute and the University of Glasgow. The Loughs Agency plans to deploy a linear array of Acoustic Listening Stations (ALS) on the seabed at different locations between Malin Head and Islay in Scotland and further arrays off the north and northwest coasts of Ireland.

2.1.2 Location The North Channel Array of ALSs extends from Malin Head to the island of Islay in Scotland. Fifty-four of the ALSs in the North Channel Array are on the Irish foreshore and are subject of this licence application. The application includes a further three locations. In the Malin Head Array, four number ALSs will be deployed on a north-westerly alignment off Malin Head. In the Tory Island Array, twelve number ALSs will be deployed between Tory Island and the mainland near Falcarragh, Co Donegal. In the Achill Array, three ALSs will be deployed off Achill Head. Refer to Map 1 below (copied from licence application).

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

2.1.3 ALS Arrays To ensure the ideal performance the acoustic receivers must fixed and perpendicular to the seabed at all times. The receivers will be moored on the seabed using one of two mooring arrangements. The arrangement will depend on local hydrological conditions. For shallow water the receivers will be deployed in a line, spaced at 400m apart. Each receiver will be anchored to the seabed using iron-rich chain links. The anchors will be placed on the seabed and no excavation will be required. Each anchor will be connected to the one on either side by 12mm polysteel line. Each receiver will be maintained in a vertical position by a small buoy, tethered to it. The buoys will extend two metres above the seabed. Each end of the array will be marked by a buoy at the surface, enabling removal of the entire array for maintenance and download of data. In deeper water, locations 7 to 54 in the North Channel array, the receivers will be deployed in a line, spaced at 600m apart. Refer to the admiralty chart for ALS off Malin Head and across the North Channel below, (copied from licence application). The receivers will be deployed using an acoustic release system. Surface buoys will not be used and the anchor blocks and steel shackles will remain on the seabed, once the acoustic releases have been activated. Each anchor will comprise iron-rich chain links with a total weight greater or equal to than 70kg. Each anchor will have a footprint of less than 1m2. The anchors will be placed on the seabed and no excavation will be required. Each receiver will be maintained in a vertical position by a small buoy or buoys, tethered to it and extending two metres above the seabed. When an acoustic release is activated, the receiver and buoy or buoys will float to the surface for recovery. The iron-rich chain is known to be rapidly biodegradable on the seabed. Every year in January and August the receivers will be retrieved from the water for maintenance and data download. For the receivers moored in shallow water, the entire array will be recovered by hook or gaff and subsequently deployed 5m from its previous location. In the case of the receivers in deeper water, the acoustic release will be activated, the receiver recovered and the anchor block will remain in place. A new anchor block will be used when the receiver is replaced. The total area of the foreshore occupied by all of the arrays is estimated to be less than 50m2. There will be five deployments and recoveries. The duration of the project will be temporary, for circa 36 months. The shallow water arrays will be removed on completion of the programme. For the deep-water arrays, the anchors and steel shackles will remain on the seabed. The programme set out in the application form was that the acoustic arrays would be recording animal movement data for 30 from March 2020 to October 2022.

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

The Marine Institute Research Vessel (Celtic Voyager) will be used for the purposes of the deployment, recovery and redeployment of each ALS and the noise levels associated with this practice would be in keeping with standard background levels associated with typical marine craft in all of the areas where it is proposed to deploy the ALSs.

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

3 Description of Receiving Environment

3.1 Receiving Environment The arrays will be deployed in coastal waters between 5 m and 10m in depth, and in the deeper waters of the North Channel, Tory Sound and off Achill Head. The arrays are located off rocky coastlines with cliffs, as indicated on the charts. The Malin Head array chart indicates a seabed of rock (R) and mixed rock and sand (fS), and sandstones and shells (S.St.Sh) off Malin Head and into the North Channel. The Tory Island array chart does not indicate the seabed material in Tory Sound. Off Achill Head the seabed is indicated on the chart as rock (R).

3.2 Potential Impacts of the SeaMonitor Project on the Receiving Environment The deployment and recovery of the arrays will require a single vessel. For each deployment and recovery one vessel will be in the array area for a very brief period of time. The vessel’s presence and engine noise have the potential to disturb marine species and sea birds in its immediate vicinity. In deep water, the individual ALSs will be lowered to the seabed for each of the five deployments. This operation has the potential to disturb the seabed habitats and species at each anchor location. On recovery of the ALSs in deep water, the anchors will remain in place. For the array in shallow water, the anchors will be connected in a string. The line connecting the anchors, as well as the anchors themselves, will be on the seabed and will have the potential to disturb the seabed habitats and species at each of the five deployments. The entire array will be removed. This also has the potential to cause disturbance of the seabed habitats and species at each of the five removals. Once in place, the ALS will have no emissions and has no potential for impact.

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

4 Effects of Proposed Project on Natura 2000 sites

4.1 Zone of Influence The zone of influence is the area, within which a proposed development may potentially affect the conservation objectives or qualifying interests of a Natura 2000 site. There is no recommended zone of influence, and guidance from the National Parks and Wildlife Service recommends that the distance should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with reference to the nature, size and location of the proposed development, the sensitivities of the ecological receptors, and the potential for in-combination or cumulative effects. Natura 2000 sites are only at risk of significant effects where a source-pathway- receptor link exists between a proposed development and a Natura 2000 site(s). This can take the form of a direct impact (e.g. where the proposed development and/or associated construction works are located within the boundary of the Natura 2000 site(s)) or an indirect impact where impacts outside of the Natura 2000 site(s) affect ecological receptors in it/them. For example, impacts to water quality can affect riparian habitats at a distance from the impact source. Consideration is therefore given to the source-pathway-receptor linkages and associated risks between the proposed development and Natura 2000 sites. The identification of a pathway and risk does not automatically mean that an effect will occur, nor that an effect will be significant. The identification of these risks means that there is the possibility of environmental or ecological damage occurring. The level and significance of the effect depends upon the nature of the consequence, the likelihood of the risk and the characteristics of the receptor. The precautionary principle is applied for the purposes of screening to ensure that consideration and pre-emptive action is undertaken where there is a lack of scientific evidence. Table 1 lists the potential significant direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of the SeaMonitor project alone, or in combination with other plans or projects, on the Natura 2000 sites, which were considered as part of the screening process. Table 1: Potential Impacts on Natura 2000 Sites

Potential Impacts Reduction in the area of key habitats Reduction in the population of key species Change in the balance between key species Reduction in diversity of the site Result in disturbance that could affect population size or density or the balance between key species Result in fragmentation Result in loss or reduction of key features (e.g. tree cover, tidal exposure, annual flooding, etc.)

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Potential Impacts Cause delays in progress towards achieving the conservation objectives of the site Interruption of progress towards achieving the conservation objectives of the site Disruption of those factors that help to maintain the favourable conditions of the site Interference with the balance, distribution and density of key species that are the indicators of the favourable condition of the site Change the vital defining aspects (e.g. nutrient balance) that determine how the site functions as a habitat or ecosystem Change the dynamics of the relationships (between, for example, soil and water or plants and animals) that define the structure and/or function of the site Interference with predicted or expected natural changes to the site (such as water dynamics or chemical composition)

4.2 Natura 2000 Sites Because of the very small scale, short duration and temporary nature of the SeaMonitor project, the zone of influence was considered to extend only to the Natura 2000 sites in immediate proximity to the arrays. The Natura 2000 Sites which potentially could be affected by the SeaMonitor Project alone, or in combination with other plans or projects, and the connectivity/pathways linking the SeaMonitor Project to these sites are indicated in Table 2. Figures 1 to 3 show the location of the Natura 2000 sites.

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Table 2: Natura 2000 Sites

Natura 2000 Site Distance from Project Connectivity/Pathway Qualifying Interest (* Indicates a priority Conservation Management Objectives Site habitat under the Habitats Directive) Special Conservation Interests

Inistrahull SAC Site code Closest ALS of North No, QIs are terrestrial habitats, 1230 Vegetated Sea Cliffs of the Atlantic and Maintain the favourable conservation 000154 Channel array at site ALSs will not be deployed on Baltic coasts condition boundary land Inistrahull SPA Site code Closest ALS of North Yes, potential disturbance that A018 Shag, A045 Barnacle Goose and A182 Maintain the favourable conservation 004100 Channel array at site could affect population size or Common Gull. condition boundary density or the balance between key species Hempton’s Turbet Bank Malin Head to North No, array will not directly 1110 Sandbanks which are slightly covered by To maintain the favourable conservation SAC Site code 00299 Channel array passes impact, no other pathway sea water all the time condition circa 3km, to the north The North Inishown Southernmost 5 ALSs of No, QIs are terrestrial habitats, 1220 Perennial Vegetation of Stony Banks To maintain the favourable conservation Coast SAC Site code the North Channel Array ALSs will not be deployed on 1230 Vegetated Sea Cliffs condition 002012 within site and the Malin land Head array outside site 2130 Fixed Dunes (Grey Dunes)* To restore the favourable conservation boundary 21A0 Machairs* condition Tory Island Coast SAC SAC extends circa 1.3km No, array will not directly 1150 Coastal lagoons To restore the favourable conservation Site code 002259 to south of Island; impact the lagoon which is condition northernmost 2 ALSs onshore in northwest part of within site boundary Island, no other pathway Yes, potential direct impact by 1170 Reefs To maintain the favourable conservation 2ALS anchors, no other condition pathway No, QIs are terrestrial habitats, 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks ALSs will not be deployed on land 1230 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts Tory Island SPA Site Northernmost ALSs c. Yes, potential disturbance that A009 Fulmar, A122 Corncrake, To maintain or restore the favourable code 004073 400m from site boundary could affect population size or A200 Razorbill, A204 Puffin conservation condition of the bird species density or the balance between listed as Special Conservation Interests key species

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Inishboffin, Inishdooey 3 southernmost ALS at Yes, potential disturbance that A045 Barnacle Goose, A122 Corncrake To maintain or restore the favourable and Inishbeg SPA Site SPA boundary could affect population size or A182 Common Gull, A183 Lesser Black-backed conservation condition of the bird species code 004083 density or the balance between Gull, A194 Arctic Tern listed as Special Conservation Interests key species Ballyness Bay SAC Site The seaward boundary of No, no direct impact, no other 1013 Geyer’s Whorl Snail To maintain the favourable conservation code 001090 SAC is low tide mark. pathway 1130 Estuaries condition Southernmost ALS close 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by to site boundary. seawater at low tide 2110 Embryonic shifting dunes 2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) 2130 Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous To restore the favourable conservation vegetation (grey dunes)* condition 2190 Humid dune slacks To maintain the favourable conservation condition Achill Head SAC Site 3 ALS within site No, no direct impact, no other 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by To maintain the favourable conservation code 002268 boundary pathway seawater at low tide condition No, no direct impact, no other 1160 Large shallow inlets and bays pathway Yes, potential direct impact by 1170 Reefs 3 ALS anchors, no other pathway Croaghaun/ Slievemore Closest ALS circa 2km No, QIs are terrestrial habitats, 4010 Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica To maintain or restore the favourable SAC site code 001955 from site ALSs will not be deployed on tetralix conservation condition land 4030 European dry heaths 4060 Alpine and Boreal heaths 7130 Blanket bogs (* if active bog) 8110 Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani) 8220 Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Inishtrahull SAC & SPA

Hempton’s Turbet Bank SAC

North Inishowen Coast SAC

Figure 1: Natura 2000 sites at Malin Head (Source: https://dahg.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer) (Accessed February 2021)

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Tory Island Coast SAC & Tory Island SPA

Inishboffin, Inishdooey & Inishbeg SPA

Ballyness Bay SAC

Figure 2: Natura 2000 Sites Off Tory Island (Source: https://dahg.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer) (Accessed February 2021)

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Croaghaun/Slievemore SAC

Achill Head SAC

Figure 3: Natura 2000 Sites off Achill (Source: https://dahg.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer)) (Accessed February 2021)

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

The SeaMonitor project is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the above Natura 2000 sites. Five of the Natura 2000 sites were identified for which a connectivity/pathway exists in relation to the proposed development. Table 3 below lists the qualifying interest features of the relevant Natura 2000 sites and identifies the key environmental conditions that are required to maintain the ‘health’ of the qualifying interest features. No plans or projects were identified which have the potential for in-combination effects.

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Table 3: Natura 2000 Sites for which a connectivity/pathway exists

Natura 2000 Site Qualifying Interest (* Key environmental conditions supporting site integrity Current Threats to Qualifying Interests Indicates a priority habitat under the

Habitats Directive) Special Conservation Interests Inistrahull SPA Site code A018 Shag, A045 • Population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it The quality of the habitat is considered good with 004100 Barnacle Goose and is maintaining itself on a long-term basis as a viable component of probably no significant damaging activities occurring. A182 Common Gull. its natural habitats, and A04 Grazing • The natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and • There is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. Tory Island Coast SAC 1170 Reefs • The permanent habitat area is stable or increasing, subject to C01.03 Peat extraction Site code 002259 natural processes. D01.02 Roads, motorways • The distribution of reefs is stable or increasing, subject to natural A04 Grazing processes. K01.01 Erosion • Conserve the following community types in a natural condition: J02 Human induced changes in hydraulic conditions Intertidal reef community complex; Laminaria-dominated community complex; Subtidal reef with echinoderms and faunal Tory Island SPA Site A009 Fulmar, A122 • Population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it E01 Urbanised areas, human habitation code 004073 Corncrake, is maintaining itself on a long-term basis as a viable component of A04 Grazing A200 Razorbill, A204 its natural habitats, and G01.02 Walking, horse-riding and non-motorised Puffin • The natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is vehicles likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and D01.02 Roads, motorways • There is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large E01.03 Dispersed habitation habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. C01.03 Peat extraction Inishboffin, Inishdooey A045 Barnacle Goose, • Population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it Habitat quality throughout the site is generally good. and Inishbeg SPA Site A122 Corncrake is maintaining itself on a long-term basis as a viable component of G01.02 Walking, horse-riding and non-motorised code 004083 A182 Common Gull, its natural habitats, and vehicles A183 Lesser Black- • The natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is A04 Grazing backed Gull, A194 likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and E01.03 Dispersed habitation Arctic Tern • There is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Natura 2000 Site Qualifying Interest (* Key environmental conditions supporting site integrity Current Threats to Qualifying Interests Indicates a priority habitat under the

Habitats Directive) Special Conservation Interests Achill Head SAC Site 1170 Reefs • Its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or F02 Fishing and harvesting aquatic resources code 002268 increasing, and F02.03 Leisure fishing • The specific structure and functions which are necessary for its F06 Hunting, fishing or collecting activities not long-term maintenance exist and referred to above • Are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and G05 Other human intrusions and disturbances • the conservation status of its typical species is favourable. F02.02.02 Pelagic trawling I01 Invasive non-native species G05.01 Trampling, overuse L07 Storm, cyclone

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

4.3 Other Plans or Developments There are no known other plans or developments in the area of the ALS arrays or elsewhere, that would result in significant in-combination effects with the proposed project on Natura 2000 sites.

4.4 Potential for Significant Direct and Indirect Effects on Natura 2000 sites in view of the conservation objectives of the sites The proposed development is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the above Natura 2000 sites. The estimated weight of seabed anchor is ≥ 70kg. This will not cause any damage to benthic environment. The Marine Institute Research Vessel (Celtic Voyager) will be used for the purposes of the deployment/redeployment and servicing of each ALS and the noise levels associated with this practice will be in keeping with standard background levels associated with typical marine craft in all of the areas where it is proposed to deploy the ALSs. Therefore, there will be no impact (such as disturbance) to bird populations within the general areas of the placement and servicing of the ALSs. the North Channel array and the arrays off Malin Head, Tory Island and Achill Head. Due to the fact that the devices (and associated moorings) are well separated and take up an infinitesimal area (< 1m2 each ) of seabed footprint and will be only deployed/redeployed twice yearly for three years and are non –intrusive ( i.e. placed on sea bed with no excavations required), it can be concluded with certainty that the deployment, re-deployment, operation and final removal of these devices will not impact on the qualifying interests or the conservation objectives of any European Site in the North Channel, Malin Head Tory Island and Achill Head. The operation of the ALSs should have a positive impact on European Sites as the project’s core objective is to monitor and manage marine protected areas and species. Taking into account the nature and scale of the proposed development, as described in Section 2 above, the receiving environment and potential impacts of the project, as described in Section 3 above, the zone of influence of the proposed development (Section 4.1), the potential impacts on biodiversity (Section 3.2), the conservation objectives of the European sites (Section 4.2) and the key environmental conditions supporting site integrity (Table 3), the potential for significant effects on Natura 2000 sites has been considered. Table 4 below sets out the results of the impact assessment. It is highly unlikely that the proposed development alone, or in combination with other plans or projects, could affect the targets and attributes set for the conservation objectives of these European sites.

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

This conclusion has not taken into account any measures intended to avoid or reduce any harmful effects of the proposed development on any European site.

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Table 4: Assessment of Impact on European Sites in view of Conservation Objectives

Natura 2000 Site Conservation Objective Qualifying Interest (QI) (* Is there a possibility of significant effects in view of the Screened in/out Indicates a priority habitat conservation objectives of the site? under the Habitats Directive)/

Special Conservation Interests (SCI) Inistrahull SPA Site code Maintain the favourable A018 Shag, A045 Barnacle The deployment/ recovery of the ALSs close to the site Screened out 004100 conservation condition Goose and A182 Common Gull. boundary has the potential to disturb the SCIs. There will be five deployment/recovery operations by a single vessel, one every six months. The activity will have a duration of a few hours. It is very unlikely that the activity would have a significant effect on the SCIs of the site. The presence of an array will have no effect on the SCIs. Tory Island Coast SAC Maintain the favourable 1170 Reefs Sub-tidal reef has an area of 756ha. The anchors for 2 ALSs Screened out Site code 002259 conservation condition will occupy less than 2m2. With 5 deployments, a total of 10 anchors will remain in place on top of the reef, with a total area of less than 10m2. The deployment of the 2 ALS will not have a perceptible effect on the QI of the site. Tory Island SPA Site code To maintain or restore the A009 Fulmar, A122 Corncrake, The deployment/ recovery of the ALSs 400m from the site Screened out 004073 favourable conservation A200 Razorbill, A204 Puffin boundary has the potential to disturb the SCIs. There will be condition five deployment/recovery operations by a single vessel, one every six months. The activity will have a duration of a few hours. The activity is not likely to have a significant effect on the SCIs of the site. The presence of an array will have no effect on the SCIs. Inishboffin, Inishdooey To maintain or restore the A045 Barnacle Goose, A122 The deployment/ recovery of 4ALSs close to the site Screened out and Inishbeg SPA Site favourable conservation Corncrake boundary has the potential to disturb the SCIs. There will be code 004083 condition of the bird species A182 Common Gull, A183 five deployment/recovery operations by a single vessel, one listed as Special Conservation Lesser Black-backed Gull, A194 every six months. The activity will have a duration of a few Interests Arctic Tern hours. It is very unlikely that the activity would have a significant effect on the SCIs of the site. The presence of an array will have no effect on the SCIs. Achill Head SAC Site To maintain the favourable 1170 Reefs The area of the reef habitat is 3560ha. The anchors of the 3 Screened out code 002268 conservation condition ALSs will have a total area of less than 3m2. With 5 deployments, a total of 15 anchors will remain in place on top of the reef, with a total area of less than 15m2. The

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Special Conservation Interests (SCI) deployment of the 3 ALS will not have a perceptible effect on the QI of the site.

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

5 Screening Statement and Conclusions

The aims of this report were as follows: • Determine whether the proposed SeaMonitor project is directly connected with, or necessary to the conservation management of any Natura 2000 sites. • Provide information on and assess the potential for the proposed development to significantly impact on Natura 2000 Sites (also known as European sites). • Determine whether the proposed development, alone or in combination with other projects and plans, is likely to have significant effects on Natura 2000 sites in view of their conservation objectives. It has been objectively concluded by Arup that: • The proposed SeaMonitor project is not directly connected with, or necessary to the conservation management of any Natura 2000 sites in its zone of influence. • There is no potential for the proposed development to significantly impact on Natura 2000 Sites. • The proposed development, alone or in combination with other plans or projects, is not likely to have significant effects on Natura 2000 sites in view of their conservation objectives. It has been determined by Arup that it is possible to rule out likely significant impacts on any Natura 2000 sites. It is the view of Arup that it is not necessary to undertake any further stage of the Appropriate Assessment process.

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

6 Article 12 Assessment and Conclusion

Under Article 12 of the Habitats Directive, Annex IV species are afforded strict protection throughout their range, both inside and outside of designated protected areas. SeaMonitor is a research project the purpose of which is as follows: “SeaMonitor is a novel and comprehensive project focussing on a wide range of issues across the programme Area (Western Scotland, Ireland and Northern Island). It will address 2 Programme Output Indicators and will deliver directly the INTERREG V objective of developing cross-border capacity for the monitoring and management of marine protected areas and species.” The project is directly linked to the monitoring and management of marine protected areas and vulnerable marine species, i.e. basking shark, cetaceans, salmon and skate. Cetaceans and salmon are listed in Annex IV of the Directive. The SeaMonitor project, as described in Section 2 above, is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on Annex VI species.

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Appendix A Finding of No Significant Effect

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Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Loughs Agency Foreshore Licence Application for Sea Monitoring Equipment off the Northwest Coast Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

A1 Finding of no Significant effect

Name of project or plan SeaMonitor project

Name and location of Natura 2000 site(s) Refer to Section 4.2

Description of the project or plan Refer to Section 2

Is the project or plan directly connected with No or necessary to the management of the site (provide details)?

Are there other projects or plans that together No with the project or plan being assessed could affect the site (provide details)?

The assessment of significance of effects

Describe how the project or plan (alone or in Refer to Section 4.2 combination) is likely to affect the Natura 2000 site.

Explain why these effects are not considered Refer to Section 4.4 significant.

List of agencies consulted: provide contact None name and telephone or e-mail address.

Response to consultation. N/a

Data collected to carry out the assessment

Who carried out the assessment Refer to Section 1 Sources of data Refer to Section 1.3 above Level of assessment completed Screening assessment Where can the full results of the assessment be Refer to the report, of which this is an accessed and viewed appendix.

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1.DOCX