Appropriate Assessment Report:

Name of project or plan: Proposed Marine Survey (Ecological), Site Investigation works (Geophysical, Geotechnical, and localised site

investigations) and Metocean surveys (Wind and Current resource assessment), for the proposed development of an offshore wind farm in the vicinity of an area between

Clogher Head( Co Louth ) and Braymore Point (N )along the Louth/Meath/N Dublin coastline in (FS 006983) Name and location of Natura 2000 site It would be helpful for a map or plan to be There are a number of Natura 2000 sites adjacent to or provided: within 20Km of the proposed survey site. These are as follows:

 River Nanny Estuary and Shore SPA (004158) (2.8km from survey site area)  SAC (000204) (14km from survey site area)  to SAC (003000) (2.0 km from survey site area)  Skerries Islands SPA (004122)(1.9km from survey area)  Rockabill SPA (004014) (0.1 km from survey site area)  River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC (002299) (7.6km from survey site area)  Dundalk Bay SPA (004026) (2.5km from survey site area).

On the basis of:

 the data and information provided by the applicant in the application documents, including information provided in the Applicants ‘’Stage 1 AA Screening Report ‘’dated 18/3/2019 of the Completed Licence Application Form  as well as the Qualifying Interests / Qualifying Features and the Conservation Objectives of the Natura 2000 sites (available on the NPWS Web site at https://www.npws.ie/)

and considering the nature, location, scale and duration of the proposed works on the foreshore it is considered that, the Nanny River Estuary and Shore SPA and the Dundalk Bay SPA, can be “screened out ”from further assessment. There will be no direct impact on these sites, there will be no loss of habitat and habitat or species fragmentation will not occur. There will be no disturbance to key species within these sites. There will be no disturbance to any bird species or wildlife due to distance, nature and scale of the proposed survey and site investigation operations.

Lambay Island SAC(000204)

Lambay Island is a large (250 ha) inhabited island lying 4 km off on the north Co. Dublin coast. It is privately owned and is accessible by boat from Rogerstown Quay. The island rises to 127 m and is surrounded by steep cliffs on the north, east and south slopes. These cliffs contain good diversity in height, slope and aspect. The west shore is low-lying and the land slopes gently eastwards to the summit in the centre of the island. The underlying geology is varied, but is dominated by igneous rocks (of andesitic type) and ash. Also present are shales and limestones of Silurian origin, limestone conglomerates, and shales from the Old Red Sandstone era. The bedrock is exposed on the fringing cliffs and in rocky outcrops; elsewhere it is overlain by varying depths of glacial drift.

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): [1170] Reefs [1230] Vegetated Sea Cliffs [1364] Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) [1365] Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca vitulina)

Much of the western third of the island is intensively farmed (mostly pasture), and there are small areas of parkland, deciduous and coniferous woodland, buildings, walled gardens and the harbour. The rest of the island is a mixture of less intensively grazed land, rocky outcrops, patches of Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.), and cliff slopes with typical maritime vegetation

Lambay Island is flanked by extensive areas of reef habitat. Invertebrate species commonly recorded include the typical shallow reef species Obelia geniculata, Alcyonium digitatum, Caryophyllia smithii, Pomatoceros triqueter, Helcion pellucidum, Balanus crenatus, Echinus esculentus and Asterias rubens.

Lambay supports the principal breeding colony of Grey Seal on the east coast of Ireland, numbering 196-252 seals, across all ages. It also contains regionally significant numbers of Common Seal, of which up to 47 individuals have been counted at the site. Grey Seals and Common Seals occur year-round and the island’s intertidal shorelines, coves and caves are used by resting and moulting seals.

Lambay Island is internationally important for its breeding seabirds. The most numerous species is the Guillemot, with almost 52,000 individuals on the cliffs. Razorbills (3,646 individuals), Kittiwakes (5,102 individuals), Herring Gulls (2,500 pairs), Cormorants (605 pairs), Shags (1,164 pairs), Puffins (235 pairs), and small numbers of Great and Lesser Black-backed Gulls also breed (all figures from 1995). Between 1991 and 1995 Fulmar numbers varied between 573-737 pairs. There is a small colony (<100 pairs) of the nocturnal Manx Shearwater on the island and up to 20 pairs of Common Terns have bred in recent years. A few Black Guillemots have been recorded on Lambay, but it is not clear if they breed. A pair of Peregrines are known to breed on the island. In winter the most notable bird species on Lambay Island is the Greylag Goose with numbers peaking at 1,000, though in recent winters there has been a decline to 400-700 individuals. There is also a small wintering flock of Barnacle Goose (up to 50), and recently Brent Goose (up to 100) have started to occur regularly. Small numbers of Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver are also present in winter. An intensive survey of the natural history of Lambay Island was carried out in 1906 and published in the Irish Naturalist. A similar, comparative survey has been carried out in the early 1990s. With this background, Lambay Island is an excellent site for studies of marine biology, terrestrial fauna and flora, geology, geomorphology and ecology. The island has been maintained as a wildlife sanctuary by its owners and no threats are envisaged should the present land use continue. Lambay Island has good examples of vegetated sea cliffs, a habitat listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive, and these cliffs hold internationally important populations of seabirds. The site is also of conservation importance for the populations of Grey Seal and Common Seal, species listed on Annex II of this Directive that it supports.

The Qualifying Interests for this SPA are:

[1170] Reefs [1230] Vegetated Sea Cliffs [1364] Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) [1365] Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca vitulina)

The Conservation Objectives for this SPA are

To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Reefs in Lambay Island SAC.

To maintain the favourable conservation condition Vegetated Sea Cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic Coasts in Lambay Island SAC.

To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Grey Seal in Lambay Island SAC.

To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Common Harbour Seal in Lambay Island SAC.

Rockabill to SAC ( 003000)

This site includes a range of dynamic inshore and coastal waters in the western Irish Sea. These include sandy and muddy seabed, reefs, sandbanks and islands. This site extends southwards, in a strip approximately 7 km wide and 40 km in length, from Rockabill, running adjacent to Head, and crosses to Frazer Bank in south Co. Dublin. The site encompasses Dalkey, Muglins and Rockabill islands. 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): [1170] Reefs [1351] Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) Reef habitat is uncommon along the eastern seaboard of Ireland due to prevailing geology and hydrographical conditions. The area selected for designation represents a key habitat for the Annex II species Harbour Porpoise within the Irish Sea. Population survey data show that porpoise occurrence within the site boundary meets suitable reference values for other designated sites in Ireland. The species occurs year-round within the site and comparatively high group sizes have been recorded. Porpoises with young (i.e. calves) are observed at favourable, typical reference values for the species. Casual and effort-related sighting rates from coastal observation stations are significant for the east coast of Ireland and the latter appear to be relatively stable across all seasons. The selected site contains a wide array of habitats believed to be important for Harbour Porpoise including inshore shallow sand and mudbanks and rocky reefs scoured by strong current flow. The site also supports Common Seal and Grey Seal, for which terrestrial haul-out sites occur in immediate proximity to the site. Bottle-nosed Dolphins has also occasionally been recorded in the area. A number of other marine mammals have been recorded in this area including Minke, Fin and Killer Whales and Risso’s and Common Dolphins. The coastal environment of Co. Dublin is a very significant resource to birds with some nationally and internationally important populations. Of particular note in this site are the large number of terns (Arctic, Common and Roseate) known to use Dalkey Island as a staging area (approx. 2,000) after breeding. Other seabirds commonly seen include Kittiwake, Razorbill, Guillemot, Puffin, Fulmar, Shag, Cormorant, Manx Shearwater, Gannet and gulls. This site is of conservation importance for reefs, listed on Annex I, and Harbour Porpoise, listed on Annex II, of the E.U. Habitats Directive.

Conservation Objectives

The Conservation Objectives1for Rockabill to Dalkey Island SAC are:

To maintain the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected:

[1170] Reefs

[1351] Harbour Porpoise

1 NPWS (2013) Conservation Objectives: Rockabill to Dalkey Island SAC 003000. Version 1.0. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Dated 07/05/2013

Skerries Islands SPA (004122)

The Skerries Islands are a group of three small uninhabited islands, Shenick’s Island, St Patrick’s Island and Colt Island, situated between 0.5 km and 1.5 km off the north Co. Dublin coast. Skerries Islands SPA comprises the three islands and the seas surrounding them, to a distance of 200 m from the shore. The three islands are all low-lying with maximum heights ranging from 8 m to 13 m above sea level. St Patrick’s Island and Colt Island have low cliffs, while Shenick’s Island has more extensive expanses of intertidal rocky shore and sand flats. Shenick’s Island also has a shingle bar and is connected to the mainland at low tides; it became a BirdWatch Ireland Reserve in 1987. The vegetation of the islands is dominated by rank grasses, with Brambles (Rubus spp.) and other species such as Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) occurring commonly. The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Cormorant, Shag, Light- bellied Brent Goose, Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone and Herring Gull. The E.U. Birds Directive pays particular attention to wetlands and, as these form part of this SPA, the site and its associated waterbirds are of special conservation interest for Wetland & Waterbirds.

The islands are of importance for both breeding seabirds and wintering waterfowl. In 1999 a survey recorded an internationally important population of breeding Cormorant (558 pairs) and a nationally important population of Shag (100 pairs) on St Patrick’s Island. The Cormorant population, which was only established in the early 1990s, when taken together with the nearby associated colonies on Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye, comprises about 30% of the total Irish population. A nationally important population of Herring Gull (300 pairs) occurs on St Patrick’s Island and Shenick’s Island. Other breeding seabirds recorded during the 1999 survey include: Fulmar (35 pairs), Lesser Black-backed Gull (1 pair) and Great Black- backed Gull (95 pairs). Large gulls also breed on Colt Island but there has been no census in recent years. Other breeding birds present include Shelduck, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher (several pairs of each). In winter the islands regularly support a range of waterfowl species, including an internationally important population of Light-bellied Brent Goose (242) and nationally important populations of Cormorant (391), Purple Sandpiper (46), Turnstone (242) and Herring Gull (560) – all counts are mean peaks for the five year period 1995/96- 1999/2000. Other species utilising the site during winter include Wigeon (205), Mallard (240), Oystercatcher (463), Ringed Plover (66), Golden Plover (240), Grey Plover (15), Lapwing (238), Dunlin (42), Snipe (27), Curlew (327), Black-headed Gull (110) and Great Black-backed Gull (250). The islands are also a regular wintering site for Short-eared Owl, with several birds recorded in most winters. The Skerries Islands SPA is of high ornithological importance for both breeding seabirds and wintering waterfowl. Internationally important populations of breeding Cormorant and nationally important populations of two other breeding seabirds occur on the islands. The wintering population of Light-bellied Brent Goose is of international importance and four other species occur in nationally important numbers during the winter. The presence of Golden Plover and Short-eared Owl, two species that are listed on Annex I of the E.U Birds Directive, is of note.

The Conservation Objectives for this SPA are as follows:

To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA

A017 Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo A018 Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis A046 Light-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota A148 Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima A169 Turnstone Arenaria interpres A184 Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Rockabill SPA (004014)

Rockabill consists of two small, low-lying, granitic islets situated c. 7 km off the Co. Dublin coast. The islands are separated by a narrow channel, though are connected at low spring tides. The main island, known as the Lighthouse Island, is vegetated by a scrubby sward of Tree Mallow (Lavatera arborea), with a range of other maritime species occurring, The smaller island, known as the Bill, is very exposed and is sparsely vegetated. A lighthouse, manned until 1989, is situated on the main island. The site includes the two islands and the surrounding seas to a distance of 3.5 km from the islands. The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Purple Sandpiper, Roseate Tern, Common Tern and Arctic Tern. Rockabill has a long history of nesting by terns and it is now the most important Roseate tern colony in Europe. The All-Ireland Tern Survey in 1995 recorded an internationally important population of Roseate Tern (554 pairs) and nationally important populations of Common Tern (351 pairs) and Arctic Tern (49 pairs) on Rockabill. Intensive wardening, management and monitoring since the 1980s has seen the colony grow significantly. In 2010 the Roseate population had increased to 1,093 pairs, which represents approximately 65% of the entire European biogeographic population. The Common Tern population is the largest in Ireland with 1,940 pairs recorded in 2010. The Arctic Tern population has also increased with 250 pairs recorded in 2010. Sandwich Tern nested up to the 1930s but apparently not since. Surveys of the foraging behaviour of the Roseate Tern population on Rockabill have recorded up to 73% of Roseate Terns foraging within 3.5 km of the islands. The seas surrounding the islands, to a distance of 3.5 km, are therefore included within the SPA to protect the foraging resource of this internationally important Roseate Tern population. The terns nest amongst the scrubby vegetation and increasingly so in the nest boxes which are provided as part of the BirdWatch Ireland/National Parks and Wildlife Service conservation programme. Large gull species are discouraged from nesting on the islands, for the benefit of the terns, and visitors to the islands are strictly controlled. Detailed research is carried out each year, including studies on breeding behaviour, productivity and feeding. A ringing programme has been in operation since the 1980s and this has produced important information on the movement of the birds in an international context.

The Conservation Objectives for this SPA are as follows:

To maintain favourable conservation conditions for the bird species for which this SPA is designated

A148 Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima A192 Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii A193 Common Tern Sterna hirundo A194 Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea

River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC (002299)

This site comprises the freshwater element of the River Boyne as far as the Boyne Aqueduct, the Blackwater as far as Lough Ramor and the Boyne tributaries including the Deel, Stoneyford and Tremblestown Rivers. These riverine stretches drain a considerable area of Meath and Westmeath, and smaller areas of Cavan and Louth. 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):

[7230] Alkaline Fens [91E0] Alluvial Forests* [1099] River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) [1106] Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) [1355] Otter (Lutra lutra)

The Boyne and its tributaries form one of Ireland’s premier game fisheries and the area offers a wide range of angling, from fishing for spring salmon and grilse to seatrout fishing and extensive brown trout fishing. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) use the tributaries and headwaters as spawning grounds. Although this species is still fished commercially in Ireland, it is considered to be endangered or locally threatened elsewhere in Europe and is listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive. Atlantic Salmon run the Boyne almost every month of the year. The Boyne is most important as it represents an eastern river which holds large three-sea-winter fish from 20-30 lb. These fish generally arrive in February, with smaller spring fish (10 lb) arriving in April/May. The grilse come in July, water permitting. The river gets a further run of fish in late August and this run would appear to last well after the fishing season. The salmon fishing season lasts from 1st March to 30th September. The Blackwater is a medium sized limestone river which is still recovering from the effects of the arterial drainage scheme of the 1970s. Salmon stocks have not recovered to the numbers that existed pre-drainage. The Deel, Riverstown, Stoneyford and Tremblestown Rivers are all spring-fed, with a continuous high volume of water. They are difficult to fish because some areas are overgrown, while others have been affected by drainage with resultant high banks.

This site is also important for the populations of two other species listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive which it supports, namely River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis), which is present in the lower reaches of the Boyne River, and Otter (Lutra lutra), which can be found throughout the site. In addition, the site also supports many more of the mammal species occurring in Ireland. Whooper Swans winter regularly at several locations along the Boyne and Blackwater Rivers. Known sites are at Newgrange (approx. 20 in recent winters), near Slane (20+ in recent winters), Wilkinstown (several records of 100+) and River Blackwater from Kells to Navan (104 at Kells in winter 1996/97, 182 at Headfort in winter 1997/98, 200-300 in winter 1999/00). The available information indicates that there is a regular wintering population of Whooper Swans based along the Boyne and Blackwater River valleys. The birds use a range of feeding sites but roosting sites are not well known. The population is substantial, certainly of national, and at times international, importance. Numbers are probably in the low hundreds. Intensive agriculture is the main land use along the site. Fishing is a main tourist attraction on the Boyne and Blackwater and there are a number of Angler Associations, some with a number of beats. Fishing stands and styles have been erected in places. The Eastern Regional Fishery Board have erected fencing along selected stretches of the river as part of their salmonid enhancement programme. Parts of the river system have been arterially dredged. In 1969 an arterial dredging scheme commenced and disrupted angling for 18 years. The dredging altered the character of the river completely and resulted in many areas in very high banks. The main channel from Drogheda upstream to Navan was left untouched, as were a few stretches on the Blackwater. Ongoing maintenance dredging is carried out along stretches of the river system where the gradient is low. This is extremely destructive to salmonid habitat in the area. Drainage of the adjacent river systems also impacts on the many small wetland areas throughout the site. The River Boyne is a designated Salmonid Water under the E.U. Freshwater Fish Directive. The site supports populations of several species listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive, and habitats listed on Annex I of this Directive, as well as examples of other important habitat types.

The Conservation Objectives for this SAC are as follows:

To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected:

[7230] Alkaline Fens [91E0] Alluvial Forests* [1099] River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) [1106] Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) [1355] Otter (Lutra lutra)

The only relevant Natura 2000 sites beyond 20km of the site are those that have mobile QI species (harbour seals, grey seals, harbour porpoise )which may travel to the site and may be potentially impacted by the surveys (primarily due to disturbance/injury from underwater noise during geophysical and geotechnical surveys in shallow waters and offshore waters). In particular Marine Mammals with large foraging distances were observed in the marine survey area.

Given the presence of marine mammals in the survey area ,and given their foraging range to extend beyond 20km from the survey area and given the number of European sites designated for marine mammals within the Irish Sea ,the potential impact on the QI marine mammal species due to acoustic underwater noise is considered in this AA Report and the following designated Natura 2000 sites within 260km of the survey area were considered further:

 UK0030396 Bristol Channel and Approaches SAC (257km from site)

 UK0030397 West wales Marine/ West Garlewin SAC (105km from site)

 UK0030398 North Anglesey Marine SAC (34 km from site)

 UK0030399 North Channel SAC (43km from site)

For all of these Natura 2000 sites the Qualifying Interest marine mammal species were either ‘Harbour Seal’ ,’Grey seal’ or ‘Harbour Porpoise’ or a combination thereof.

The Conservation Objectives were either to ‘’Maintain (or restore where appropriate) the QI species to a favourable condition’’ or ‘’ to ensure that the integrity is maintained and that it makes an appropriate contribution to maintain Favourable Conservation Status (FCS) for harbour porpoise in UK waters’’.

Description of the project or plan The proposed survey area is 371km2 as outlined in Drawing No 2278-A4-LOC-001 Rev D (survey area delineated in red outline) The types of surveys proposed include geophysical, geotechnical, benthic/ecological and met ocean. Contracts have not yet been awarded for these surveys ,however details of typical equipment is outlined with reference to Section 2 of the’ Foreshore Licence for Marine Survey Work -Supporting document’’ The indicative location for the proposed survey points (spot locations) is shown on Drawing No P2278-A4-LOC-001 (Rev D) .

A brief summary of surveys proposed is as follows:

Geophysical Survey The geophysical survey will include bathymetric, side scan sonar, magnetometry and seismic sounding of the proposed site. It is envisaged that the acquisition of geophysical data will involve the following acoustic based techniques:

 Multibeam Echosounder (MBES) –for detailed bathymetric mapping-

 Side Scan Sonar – for detailed seabed morphology and seafloor mapping-

 Magnetometer –for detecting geomorphological anomalies and ferrous obstructions-

 Sub Bottom Profiler (SBP) –To identify and characterise layers of sediment/rock under seafloor along cable route corridor-

More detailed information in relation to the proposed Geophysical Survey methodologies is provided in Sections 2.2 (ref’ Foreshore Licence for Marine Survey Work – Supporting Document’ (Pages 6-9) The geophysical survey is non-invasive (will not interact with the seabed) but is based on acoustic methods. The Geophysical survey will follow the Guidance as set down in the DAHG’s ‘’Guidance to manage the risk to Marine Mammals from Man Made sound sources in Irish Waters ‘’ (2014)

The interpretation of the geophysical survey for wind turbine positioning and cable routing forms the basis of the scope of work for geotechnical and benthic surveys. Desk based studies have identified potential areas of rocky reef within the application area. This is an Annex 1 species under the Habitats Directive. The geophysical data will be used to confirm the presence and positions of potential reef prior to locating geotechnical and environmental sampling stations to avoid the reef habitat.

Geotechnical Surveys The purpose of the geotechnical surveys is to evaluate the nature of mechanical properties of the superficial seabed sediments and the intertidal sediments in the application area .Following review of the Geophysical data only one export cable corridor and one landfall will be selected for geotechnical sampling. The exact location, quantity, type and penetration of the geotechnical samples will be determined following interpretation of the geophysical survey but indicatively may comprise the following (ref Drawing P2278-A4-LOC-001 Rev D for indicative spot survey locations)

 40 vibrocore samples  20 seabed CPT’s (Cone Penetration Tests)  12 boreholes (2 at landfall locations and 10 in the offshore area)

Boreholes It is proposed that 10 offshore boreholes will be drilled at pre-defined locations within the site to a nominal depth of 30m below the seabed by using a dynamically positioned vessel. A further 2 landfall boreholes will be drilled from a Jack Up Barge

Vibrocoring The appointed contractor will be required to carry out app 40 vibrocores/gravity cores within the survey area penetrating up to 6m into seabed .The vibrocore will be launched from a vessel crane or A –Frame .

Cone Penetration Test (CPT) App 20 CPT’s will be taken with penetration of up to 40m into seabed. The CPT will be launched from a vessel crane or A-Frame

More detailed information in relation to the proposed Geotechnical Survey methodologies is provided in Sections 2.3 (ref’ Foreshore Licence for Marine Survey Work – Supporting Document’ (Pages 9-13)

Ecological Surveys The purpose of the ecological surveys is to update the baseline environmental data collected from previous surveys. The data will primarily be used to inform the EIA by describing the environmental conditions within the site and developing appropriate mitigation measures for any potential environmental impacts. The ecological surveys will consist of the following elements:

-Benthic survey

This will comprise a benthic sampling programme (using grab sampling) and video and still photographs. It is estimated that app 40 grab stations will be selected across the survey area and that three grab samples will be taken at each station (two for faunal analyses and one for sediment and chemical analyses). The grab will be launched from a vessel crane or A Frame

Metocean Surveys

The purpose of these surveys is to evaluate the wind, wave and current conditions of the area of interest. The proposed acquisition methodologies include the deployment of a LiDAR buoy (for a duration between 12 to 36 months) and up to 3 Waverider buoys (for up to 12 months) .An acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) will be used to assess tidal currents in the area (this sits on seabed)

Exact details for the deployment locations for the LiDAR, Waverider buoys and ADCP device within the application area will not be known until a contract has been awarded. The installation vessel for LiDAR and Waverider buoys will be on station for 4 hours during deployment, servicing and recovery visits.

More detailed information in relation to the proposed Ecological /Environmental/Met ocean survey methodologies is provided in Sections 2.4 and 2.6 (ref’ Foreshore Licence for Marine Survey Work –Supporting Document’ (Pages 13 -16 )

Details of the vessels to be used for these Surveys and Site Investigations will not be known until the award of the contract. All vessels taking part in the survey/investigation works will comply with full certification requirements and shall be of an adequate size and navigation ability to ensure the works are carried out in a safe manner.

The survey vessel used for offshore works will be either a Jack Up Barge (JUB) or a Dynamic Positioning (DP) vessel.

All buoys to be deployed within the survey area will comply with CIL standard navigation requirements with regard to lighting, positioning and mooring.

TIMELINES FOR PROPOSED MARINE SURVEYS and SITE INVESTIGATIONS

The provisional programme for undertaking the surveys and site investigations, subject to weather conditions, is outlined at 1.8 of the completed Foreshore Application Form and is as follows:

 Geophysical Survey –(2 months max duration)-  Geotechnical Investigations-(3 months max duration)  Environmental Surveys-Benthic- (3 months at same time as Geotechnical Surveys)-  Wind resource and Met ocean Monitoring (- LiDAR 1-3 years ,Waveriders 1 year, ADCP 1 month- ) -

A proposed condition of the foreshore licence when/if granted will be a requirement that all of the proposed marine surveys will be carried out in compliance with the NPWS (2014) “Guidance to Manage the risk Marine Mammals from Man-made Sound sources in Irish Waters” including the employment of a Marine Mammal Observer .

Marine activities will be affected only to the extent of keeping clear of the survey vessel in compliance with standard procedures for safety at sea. Marine Notices and Marine Radio announcements will conform to the requirements of the Marine Safety Directorate (Dept. of Transport)

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

Are there other projects or plans that There are a number of SI projects near to the application together with the project or plan being area (Hibernian Wind Power Ltd 2 sites-Clogher Head and assessed could affect the site (provide Cooley Point- overlap, Oriel Wind Power 1 site at 2.7km details)? distant) that will also generate underwater sound. Based on current timing of the three surveys ,there is the potential for a temporary overlap with two or more surveys occurring concurrently or consecutively .However data acquisition can be impaired if two geophysical surveys occur at the same time in close proximity due to equipment interference. It is therefore more likely that the surveys would occur consecutively. This would result in an extension of the time period that marine mammals would be disturbed .The cumulative effect would be temporary and slight. The in combination effect of this survey and these three proposed SI and Surveys will be negligible.

Describe how the project or plan (alone  Sediment release from sediment sampling or in combination) is likely to affect the operations associated with the near shore Site Natura 2000 site. Investigation Works may impact on habitats through smothering  Potential for accidental spills from marine SI Works into the water column has potential to impact on habitats.  Noise and vibration associated with the Geotechnical S.I. and Benthic Ecology survey ( near shore ) has potential to impact on birds  Noise associated with vessel movements to service the various surveys and sediment sampling operations may impact on bird populations  Noise emissions/Sound propagation from the proposed survey equipment involved in side scan sonar, magnetometer , and sub bottom profiling offshore surveys may displace or disturb marine mammals or fish species which frequent the area  Access to near shore ,movement of machinery on the shore(for near shore Site Investigations ),may result in temporary localised compression of sediments which may damage intertidal habitats from trampling/compaction and use of vehicles and remove valuable feed source for birds which frequent the area.

While sediment release is likely to occur as a result of the Geotechnical SI and Benthic Ecology surveys (near shore operations), impacts will be minimal and localised and of Explain why these effects are not limited extent and duration. No impact is predicted from considered significant. sediment release to SAC and SPA Sites.

Reefs are one of the SCI’s in the case of both the Lambay Island and Rockabill to Dalkey Island SAC’s The footprint of intrusive survey works will be limited to the Application Area. Given the distance from the site and small volume of risings (sediment from boreholes), and tidal conditions in these areas the levels of suspended sediment generated by surveys would not be noticeable against normal level of background fluctuations.

Most noise from the proposed geophysical surveys will be generated at a frequency above auditory capacity of fish (which is generally between 0.2 Hz to 1 Hz) .Furthermore in the relatively noisy coastal environment fish are habituated to predominantly low frequency noises arising from sources such as wave action and anthropogenic inputs (vessels and marine traffic) .The likelihood of pelagic fish (including salmon) being within the zone of ensonification of the drill sites (due to increase in localised disturbance from support and survey vessels prior to drilling) is extremely low.

Marine mammals within the application area will experience transient disturbance .However the adoption of proposed Environmental Protocols and implementation of the ‘’Embedded Mitigation Measures’’ including adhering to the DAHG’ Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals from Man Made Sound Source in Irish Waters ‘including for the presence of Marine Mammal Observer, will reduce the likelihood of even minor effects to virtually a nil effect .It is considered that the significance of the effect of disturbance on any marine mammal is slight.

The near shore Geotechnical SI and the Benthic/Ecological surveys will consist of some grab sampling and CPT/Vibrocores while Geophysical surveys will include use of survey vessel and are of a non –intrusive nature.

In relation to prey biomass available and barriers to connectivity the presence of a survey vessel carrying out the geophysical surveys are non-intrusive and would not be seen as resulting in prey biomass decline or result in a significant increase in barriers to connectivity.

The adoption of best practice methods for all marine survey and SI works, adoption of strict Environmental Protocols, will minimise the risk of any harmful fluids such as fuels, chemicals and/or oils entering the water column through accidental spills or leakage .The potential impact to SAC and SPA sites from pollution/accidental spillages is therefore not considered to be significant.

It is considered highly unlikely that the marine Geophysical Survey works (echo sounder, magnetometer, side scan sonar, sub bottom profiling etc.) will cause harm or disturbance to any marine mammals subject to the implementation of the requirements set out in the NPWS (2014) “Guidance to Manage the risk Marine Mammals from Man-made Sound sources in Irish Waters” including the employment of a Marine Mammal Observer who will have to be on site during all such survey operations.

Based on the 2km disturbance zone, it is assumed that the survey will not affect the bird population dynamics of the Skerries Islands SPA as St Patricks Island is 3.3km from application area. It is not expected that the survey will disturb breeding and nesting cormorant and shag .The survey vessel will be present for a couple of days as it moves along the survey corridor. Therefore surveys are not expected to signifantly effect breeding and nesting tern populations of the Rockabill Island SPA .The River Nanny and Estuary and Shore is important for overwintering birds. Since the survey will take place between April to October it will be outside the overwintering period. In all other cases it is considered that birds will not be disturbed by the proposed works .In addition there will be no spatial overlap between important habitats and the intrusive survey works

The physical presence of the survey vessels may result in temporary disturbance to birds present in the vicinity of the survey area however the works will be very temporary. Any disturbed birds which may forage outside the SPA for which they are a designated feature, are likely to be able to easily find alternative feeding grounds thus any effects are considered not significant .For all of these Natura 2000 sites within 20 km of the survey area, no impact on the SCI’s of the Natura 2000 sites is foreseen and no significant effects are likely. Impacts on bird species from the noise associated with the survey vessels is not considered likely as it is consistent with normal marine traffic noise in the area.

The geophysical surveys are non-intrusive and do not involve the placement of any structures on the foreshore. The proposed Geotechnical Site Investigations and Benthic/Ecological survey operations will result in a very small area of interaction with the seabed The impact from altered hydrology will be minimal and insignificant.

The proposed surveys will be localised and of limited extent and duration. The mainstay of the proposed surveys is of non-intrusive nature and there will be no impact on coastal erosion or coastal morphology

The impacts of the works will be temporary and localised. The works will not result in habitat loss, there will not be significant disturbance to key species and there will be no habitat or species fragmentation within the Natura 2000 sites. The integrity of the sites will not be affected.

There will be no direct discharge of pollutants into the environment during the works and water quality will not be affected.’’ Environmental Protocols’’ as set out in Section 2.8 of the ‘’Foreshore Licence Application for Marine Survey Work-Supporting Document’’, will be implemented further minimising any potential impact to water quality and the marine environment

The offshore SI works will cause minimal disturbance to the offshore marine environment. The vessel used for offshore survey will be floating and will only occasionally use anchor, causing little direct interference to surrounding marine environment. Intrusive seabed sampling will not be taken within any protected site. The geotechnical and marine surveys will disturb a discrete very limited area of seabed. Seabed will recover to its natural condition rapidly following any intrusive sampling. Geophysical data will be used to inform the selection of sample locations so that sensitive habitats such as biogenic reef can be avoided

The proposed works will not result in the species range within the sites being restricted by artificial barriers to site use.

It is concluded that the proposed marine surveys will not pose a risk of adversely affecting (either directly or indirectly) the integrity of any European site ,either alone or in combination with other plans or projects

On the basis of the above it is considered that there will be no significant adverse effects as a result of the proposed Marine Survey (Ecological), Site Investigation works (Geophysical, Geotechnical, and localised site investigations) and Met ocean surveys (Wind and Current resource assessment), in the vicinity of an area between Clogher Head( Co Louth ) and Braymore Point (N Dublin ), on the ‘Qualifying Interests’ or the ‘Conservation Objectives’ of the pertinent Natura 2000 Sites as outlined in this AA Report and considered relevant up to 260km from the Application area

Who carried out the assessment? Department of Housing Planning and Local Government and the Marine Licensing Vetting Committee, 20th January 2020.