Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Archaeology, Architectural & Cultural Heritage

First Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1840, scale 1:10560 (Figure 14.4)

This mapping is the first accurate representation of the receiving environment. In general a large portion of the land appears to have been enclosed and drained for agricultural use although the banks of the river are largely annotated as ‘liable to flood’. Some straightening and realigning of the river has been undertaken within proximity to Kiltroge Castle (RMP GA070-071) which is shown in ruins. A cluster of six small structures are shown adjacent to the castle and an eel weir traverses the river. To the immediate south of the castle a small inlet of water is annotated as ‘Polldonnell’ and the probable original line of the river (now formed by a stream) is shown to the west creating a D-shaped island. The river continues west within a wide channel which diverges to create three islands and a probable farmyard is shown for the first time on the south bank in the townland of Lakeview (previously known as Thurloughbrega). The source of the tributary in Kiniska is annotated as Bunaniska and the stream is shown flowing south-west in an irregular meandering course.

At Claregalway four structures have been constructed to the rear of the castle and a garden is also shown. One of the structures is a long narrow building on the bank of the river, possibly representing a mill structure. The bridge crossing the northern channel is illustrated as having four triangular cutwaters on both elevations. The plans of the structures at both abbeys (RMP GA070-035 and GA070-012) are illustrated for the first time. Graveyards and gardens are shown surrounding both and a tower is also shown within the structure of the main abbey. The nine-arch bridge at Baile Chláir (Claregalway) (RPS 108, NIAH 30407011) is shown however no detail is illustrated as on the northern bridge. No structures or features are illustrated within the location of the deserted village and earthworks/ enclosures (RMP GA070-109, GA070-111 and GA070-114). Further west the small structure on the south bank remains present. The two sections of road to be raised during the current flood relief works are shown almost in their current layout. The settlement at Montiagh South has grown in size while that of Gortcloonmore has reduced. A section of the river which once diverged north at this point has been reclaimed however a dotted line runs along the limit of the old course marking the area as ‘liable to inundation’. The Clare River continues west in a wide channel towards Lough Corrib.

Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1896−7, scale 1:10560 (Figure 14.5) The Clare River has been straightened and narrowed to the immediate west of Claregalway. The southern channel at the town has been severed on the eastern side of the road and remains as a small stream, the western half forming into a pool to the south-west of the abbey (RMP GA070-012). A hand ball alley is annotated on the southern bank of the river to the north of abbey (GA070-012) however it is probably a predecessor of the alley recorded in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH 30407012). The line of the Kiniska River has been largely straightened and narrowed prior to joining the Clare River and the surrounding lands are marked as bog and liable to flood. Large areas have been reclaimed in the townland of Lakeview removing the western channel and rejoining the islands with the western bank. A kink in the river at Crusheeny has been bypassed with a new channel cut on the northern bank leaving a D-shaped watercourse on the southern bank. Land has also been reclaimed to the immediate east and west of Kiltroge castle (RMP GA070-071). No structures are now shown in the immediate vicinity of the castle and while it has reduced in size the pool named ‘Polldonnell’ remains present on the northern bank. A footbridge crosses the river east of this adjacent to a sheepfold on the southern bank. The banks of the river along this section have been planted and embanked. Further east a new channel has been cut on the southern bank, with the original course to the north being reclaimed. A section of road (to be raised as part of the current works) has been straightened to the north-west of Claregalway crossing a small tributary.

Third Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1919−1921, scale 1:10560 There are no major changes to the course of the river shown on this mapping. The surrounding landscape has been further enclosed and drained. A road has been constructed to the east of Kiltroge castle (RMP GA070-071) crossing the river at the location of the footbridge in the second edition.

Fourth Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1933, scale 1:10560 There are no major changes to the course of the river shown on this mapping. The embankments are shown for the first time to the west of Baile Chlair along the north and south bank and again to the west of Kiltroge castle (RMP GA070-071).

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14.3.1.4 County Development Plan

The County Galway Development Plan (2009−2015) and Claregalway Local Area Plan (2005−2011) identify and acknowledge the statutory protection afforded to the RMPs within the vicinity of the proposed development area under the National Monuments Act. These include the medieval settlement at Baile Chláir (Claregalway) (abbey GA070-035 Nat. Mon. 165, abbey GA070-012, castle GA070-036) and the castle at Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) (GA070-071).

14.3.1.5 Aerial Photographic Analysis

Inspection of the aerial photographic coverage of the proposed development area held by the Ordnance Survey (1995, 2000, 2005) and Google Earth (2008) revealed no definite previously unrecorded sites of archaeological potential within the area of proposed development. One possible site was identified in the townland of Gort an tSleibhe (Gortatleva) to the south of the river. This feature may also represent dredged material from the river however. The line of the original river course is clearly visible on the photographs and the banks of the river are disguised by dumped material.

14.3.1.6 Field Inspection

The field inspection sought to assess the study area, its previous and current land use, the topography and whether any areas or sites of archaeological potential were present. During the course of the field investigation the proposed development area and its surrounding environs were inspected for known or previously unknown archaeological sites (Figures 14.2 a and b). The field inspection was undertaken on Monday 21st November 2011 in overcast wet conditions.

Due to ongoing flood relief works at Claregalway excavations had been undertaken recently within the vicinity of the bridge. These areas have been restored to normal ground level and a new wall has been constructed to the north of graveyard and abbey (RMP GA070-012) (Image 14.1). Large embankments of dumped material have been constructed along the southern bank of the river to the west of the church and graveyard and some dumping of modern construction debris was also noted (Image 14.2). No upstanding remains of archaeological significance were noted in this area.

Image 14.1: Southern bank of river, north of abbey and graveyard (RMP GA070-012), facing east

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Image 14.2: Church and graveyard (RMP GA070-012), facing east

To the east of the bridge a large area has been stripped (Image 14.3). This site was tested in 2010 (O’ Neill 2011; Ministerial Consent E4248) and a burnt mound was identified and preserved in situ. It is possible that the site of earthwork (RMP GA070-111003) was disturbed by the recent activity or partially covered with materials deposited on site. Moated site (RMP GA070-111001) comprises a rectangular raised area located to the immediate west of a field boundary (Image 14.4). The earthwork (RMP GA070-111002) is visible as a very low rise in the field (Image 14.5). A large embankment has been constructed along the southern bank of the river during the 20th century c. 3−4m south of the water edge (Image 14.3). This embankment becomes less substantial continuing east along the river and is partially overgrown with mature trees and bushes. A small overgrown stone wall was noted on the bank as the river turns south (Image 14.6) which is represented on the third edition OS map. The banks are waterlogged and large patches of rushes are growing along its length. The fields to the south of the embankment in Lakeview are largely comprised of pasture and a number of them are waterlogged.

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Image 14.3: Area to the east of bridge at Baile Chláir (Claregalway), facing east

Image 14.4: Moated site GA070-11101, facing south

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Image 14.5: Site of earthwork GA070-11102, facing south-west

Image 14.6: Southern bank of the river in Droim na gaoithe (Lakeview) townland, facing east

The Kiniska Stream enters the Clare River at this point (Image 14.7). The banks of the stream are partially overgrown in the southern half of the stream. This section has also been subject to reclamation. The stream continues north bound by fields of pasture and is notably less overgrown in this section.

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Kiniska Stream

Image 14.7: Stone wall on the bank in Droim na gaoithe (Lakeview) townland and confluence of Kiniska Stream with Clare River in background, facing east

An embankment has also been constructed along the northern banks of the river in Cinn Uisce (Kiniska) and Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) townlands however this area is much more overgrown than the southern bank (Plate 14.8). It was impossible to identify archaeological remains as much of the ground surface was covered in heavy scrub. The heavy overgrowth continues east and along the northern bank in Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) townland for c. 800m before becoming clearer. The river is still embanked however they are less substantial with regular gaps for drainage ditches to discharge into the river. The fields to the north of the river comprise of pasture with a slight west-facing aspect. Nothing of archaeological significance was noted within these fields and there was no upstanding remains of the enclosure (RMP GA070-072) or burials and house site (RMP GA070-073).

Image 14.8: Northern banks of the river in Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) townland, facing east

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The embankments are substantial to the immediate south and west of Kiltroge castle (RMP GA070- 071) once again. These embankments are illustrated on the second edition OS map (1896−7) and predate the stone field walls which run over them (Image 14.9). The outline of the D-shaped watercourse (line of the old course of the river) is fossilized in the field boundary to the immediate west of the castle. The castle itself is in poor condition with a large number of its lower quoin stones missing. A modern lean-to shed has been constructed on the north-west façade. The O.P.W. has fenced off the castle for health and safety. The underground stream emerging at the inlet named as ‘Polldonnell’ in the first edition OS map is still present to the south of the castle (Image 14.10). This outlet is lined with boulders and the water discharges into the river. A small modern concrete structure was built on the bank of the river to the south of the castle and an electricity pylon has been recently constructed to the west. The field in which the castle stands is uneven and several raised areas noted within the immediate vicinity of the structure may represent an early enclosing element or foundations of associated buildings.

Image 14.9: Field wall and embankment to the south-west of Kiltroge Castle, facing west

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Image 14.10: Kiltroge Castle (RMP GA070-071) and ‘polldonnell’ (right foreground), facing north

The area to the south-east and south of the castle site has been largely disturbed with the ongoing Crusheeny Bridge replacement works (Image 14.11). Ground disturbance was monitored by Headland Archaeology Ltd in late 2011. Substantial embankments are located along the southern and northern banks of the river which have been in place since the late 19th century. The townland boundary (TB 2) between Cinn Uisce (Kiniska) and Cathair-na silinidhe (Cahernashilleeny), once formed the original course of the river, is now formed by an irregular field boundary. The surrounding fields are comprised of rough pasture with a gentle west-facing slope. A small memorial stone is located to the north of Crusheeny Bridge commemorating the resettlement of the farming community from Montiagh to Killtroge in 1908 (Image 14.12).

Image 14.11: North bank to the east of Crusheeny bridge, facing east

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Image14.12: Commemorative plaque at Cill Torróg (Kiltroge), facing west

As part of the proposed flood alleviation works it is proposed to raise the levels of three sections of road located west and south-west of Baile Chláir (Claregalway) (Measures 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b). The road to Móinteach Theas (Measure 2a and b) runs west from Baile Chláir (Claregalway) south of the river. The road, shown on Larkin’s Map of 1819, comprises a little boreen lined with mature trees and hedgerow. The road is at the same level as the surrounding fields and drainage ditches run parallel and perpendicular to the road in nearly every field. The western half of this section of road forms the townland boundary between Cathair Ghabhann nó Pairc an tSamhraidh and Móinteach Theas townlands. Nothing of archaeological significance was identified during field inspection.

Both sections (Measures 3a and 3b) of road to the north of the river were marked for the first time as track ways on the first edition OS map. The section in Baile Chláir (Claregalway) townland (Measure 3a) runs along a roadway that was set in its current layout in the mid-late 19th century, changing from that shown on the first edition map. Mature trees and hedges line the road on the south and parts of the northern boundary. This stretch of road crosses a small stream which was canalised prior to the first edition OS map. The bridge is a concrete modern construct.

A longer stretch of road (Measure 3b), forming the townland boundary between Gort an Dúigh (Gortadooey) and Baile Chláir (Claregalway), will also be raised to the north-west of Cloonbigeen settlement. This section of road is largely open, raised slightly above the surrounding fields. Some hedging is present along both sides and deep drainage ditches run parallel to the road to the north and south. A modern concrete bridge crosses a substantial drainage ditch. The fields to the south comprise waterlogged pasture while the lands to the north largely comprise boggy terrain. Nothing of archaeological significance was noted during field inspection.

The route of the proposed surface water drain (Measure 6a) in Droim na Gaoithe (Lakeview) townland is largely located within fields of pasture. The proposed route runs south-east along the boundary of a housing estate before turning south-west and south to reach the industrial estate. The northern tip of the proposed drain traverses the site of earthwork (RMP GA070-111003) and burnt mound discovered in recent testing. This area has been artificially built up with excavated material from the bridge extension.

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14.3.1.7 Conclusions

A Franciscan Abbey (RMP GA070-035) was founded at Baile Chláir (Claregalway) during the mid-13th century on the northern banks of the Clare River. The community flourished until the mid-16th century and the Reformation. A deserted medieval settlement (RMP GA070-109) is recorded to the south-east of the abbey site and a further abbey (GA070-012) is located to the south of the river on an area previously separated as an island. A tower house (RMP GA070-036) which dates to the late 15th century is also present on the northern bank of the river. The castle belonged to the De Burgo family of Clanrickarde and was one of a number of castles under their possession. Two enclosures and an earthwork (RMP GA070-111001−3) are located on the southern bank of the river to the east of the N17. A further tower house (RMP GA070-071) is present on the northern bank of the Clare River in Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) townland.

Recent excavation undertaken at Baile Chláir (Claregalway) in advance flood relief works revealed three sites of archaeological importance alongside the N17 and north and south of the river. A number of 11th −17th century burials were identified to the north of the abbey (RMP GA070-012). A burnt spread on the eastern side of the N17, adjacent to enclosures and earthwork (RMP GA070-111) was preserved in situ.

Cartographic analysis has shown that the Clare River was largely canalised between 1840−1890 and a large amount of land was reclaimed for agricultural use (Figure 14.5). The original line of the river is fossilised in the field boundaries and some raised areas to the south of the river are indicative of pre- existing islands. The second edition OS maps and later 25 inch maps illustrate the early construction of embankments undertaken along the river bed, especially to the west of the town and in the vicinity of Kiltroge castle (RMP GA070-071). As a result of continuous dredging and deposition material on the banks it is probable that very little archaeological remains remain on the river bed. As a result it is likely that artefacts that once lay on the river bed may be located within the dredged materials in the embankment.

Analysis of aerial photographs of the area failed to identify any further sites of archaeological potential within the area of proposed development.

Field inspection was also undertaken across the length of the scheme. A number of potential features were noted as shallow raised areas surrounding the castle at Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) (RMP GA070-071). These are likely to represent a possible enclosure or ancillary buildings associated with the castle and were all located to the north of the substantial earthen embankment.

14.3.2 Results and Analysis – Architecture

14.3.2.1 Built Heritage Background

Built heritage refers to all built features in the environment including buildings and other structures such as harbours, bridges, and wells. These sites have been identified through consultation with the County Development Plan (2009−2015), National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH), aerial photographs and through cartographic analysis and field inspection.

The built heritage within this area is typified by the vernacular cottage and associated outbuildings, as shown in the first edition OS map. Vernacular architecture is defined in James Steven Curl’s Encyclopedia of Architectural Terms as ‘a term used to describe the local regional traditional building forms and types using indigenous materials, and without grand architectural pretensions’, i.e. the homes and workplaces of the ordinary people built by local people using local materials. This is in

MGE0262Rp0012 324 Rev.F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Archaeology, Architectural & Cultural Heritage contrast to formal architecture, such as the grand estate houses of the gentry, churches and public buildings, which were often designed by architects or engineers. The majority of vernacular buildings are domestic dwellings. Examples of other structures that may fall into this category include shops, outbuildings, mills, lime kilns, farmsteads, forges, gates and gate piers.

Typically the single storied thatched cottage would be considered to represent the real vernacular style in Ireland. Following c. AD1700, settlement clusters were likely to have consisted primarily of single- storey thatched cottages with associated farm buildings. An example of an early thatched cottage (RPS 109, NIAH 30407013) is located c. 450m south of the Clare River in the townland of Chathair Ghabann nó Páirc an tSamhraidh (Cahergowan or Summerfield).

The 18th century, a relatively peaceful period, saw the large-scale development of demesnes and country houses in Ireland. The houses generally form part of the larger demesne landscape. Demesnes were dominant features of the rural landscape throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. There are no demesne landscapes shown on the first edition OS map within the immediate vicinity of the proposed flood relief works. The closest designed landscape accompanies Lydacan House, which is located c. 1km south of the river.

Two large stone bridges are shown crossing the Clare River at Baile Chlair in Larkin’s map (1819) and first edition OS map (1840). A series of eight cutwaters are illustrated on either façade of the northern bridge on the first edition map however this bridge is no longer present. The nine-arch limestone bridge (RPS 108, NIAH 30407011) crossing the southern channel of the river was constructed in c. 1710. It ceased to be used in the mid-19th century when the river it crossed was diverted. It is currently located to the east of the main Galway to Tuam road and remains a major landmark in the village. Restoration work was carried out to the stonework of the east elevation and carriageway in 2003.

14.3.2.2 Cartographic Analysis

See section 14.3.1.3 for details

14.3.2.3 County Development Plan

The County Galway Development Plan (2009−2015) and Claregalway Local Area Plan (2005−2011) identify Protected Structure designations within the local area and county. Protected Structures are recorded on a schedule attached to the development plan and marked on associated mapping. A review of both plans revealed that there are three Protected Structures located within proximity to the proposed flood relief works, including Claregalway castle, a bridge and a thatched cottage.

An early 18th century bridge which once crossed the southern channel of the Clare River at Baile Chlair is bypassed by the modern N17 (RPS 108, NIAH 30407011) c. 100m south of the river. This structure is also recorded in the NIAH survey for the county.

The mid-19th century thatched cottage (RPS 109, NIAH 30407013) located in the townland of Chathair Ghabann nó Páirc an tSamhraidh (Cahergowan or Summerfield) fronts onto the N17 and is adjoined by 20th century two-bay two-storey house. This structure is also recorded in the NIAH survey for the county.

The third structure recorded within the RPS is a Castle (RPS 110, RMP GA070-036) located on the northern bank of the river. This castle was constructed during the 15th century and is situated at a geostrategic location guarding the main routeway from the north to Galway city and the crossing of the river. This site is also recorded within the Record of Monuments and Places for County Galway (See Section 14.3.1.1 for more detail).

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14.3.2.4 National Inventory of Architectural Heritage

A review of both the architectural survey and garden survey was undertaken as part of this assessment. An area up to 500m that surrounds the proposed development area was examined in order to identify any buildings or areas of architectural significance. The results of this survey are summarised below.

Building Survey A total of three structures are recorded within the NIAH survey within proximity to the proposed flood relief works including a bridge, a handball alley and a thatched cottage.

The nine-arch bridge (RPS 108, NIAH 30407011) once crossed the southern channel of the Clare River at Baile Chlair c. 100m south of the river. The thatched cottage (RPS 109, NIAH 30407013) located in the townland of Chathair Ghabann nó Páirc an tSamhraidh (Cahergowan or Summerfield) fronts onto the N17 and is adjoined by a 20th century two-bay two-storey house. These structures are also recorded in the Record of Protected Structures for the county.

A disused handball alley (NIAH 30407012), constructed in 1953, was located immediately south of the river and west of the N17. The survey concluded that ‘although no longer in use, this hand ball alley is relatively intact and contributes to the streetscape of Claregalway as well as to the social heritage of the area’ (NIAH Survey 2009). This structure had been demolished by the time of field inspection in November 2011 (as part of advance works at Claregalway Bridge).

Garden Survey No designed landscapes were identified within the receiving environment of the proposed flood relief works.

14.3.2.5 Field Inspection

The area of proposed development was inspected for additional evidence of architectural and built heritage. The handball alley (NIAH 30407012), located to the south of the river and west of the N17, was demolished and the site excavated as part of recent flood alleviation works (Image 14.1).

An early 20th century single storey vernacular cottage with associated farmyard was identified in the townland of Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) c. 200m north-east of the river.

No further sites of built heritage significance were identified in or within the immediate vicinity of the proposed development.

14.3.2.6 Conclusions

A total of four structures are recorded within the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and NIAH Survey for County Galway within proximity to the proposed flood relief works. Two of these, a nine- arch bridge (RPS 108, NIAH 30407011) and thatched cottage (RPS 109, NIAH 30407013) are located to the south of the river and are recorded in both surveys. Neither of these will be affected by the ground disturbance associated with the proposed flood relief works.

A mid-20th century handball alley (NIAH 30407012) was located on the southern banks of the river to the north-east of abbey (GA070-012) and to the west of the N17 road. This structure was removed as part of recent flood alleviation measures.

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Claregalway Castle (RPS 110, RMP GA070-036) is located on the northern bank of the river adjacent to the proposed flood relief works. The castle has been reconstructed in part and works are ongoing with the adjacent buildings. The structure is a landmark for the surrounding area and dominates the streetscape of the town. No flood alleviation works are currently being proposed on the north bank of the river within proximity to the castle.

14.3.3 Results and Analysis – Cultural Heritage

The proposed flood relief works will be undertaken within or adjacent to the townlands of Gort an Dúigh (Gortadooey), Baile Chláir (Claregalway), An Móinteach Theas (Montiagh South), Chathair Ghabann nó Páirc an tSamhraidh (Cahergowan or Summerfield), Droim na Gaoithe (Lakeview), Cinn Uisce (Kiniska), Cill Torróg (Kiltroge), An Laighdeacán (Lydacan), Gort an tSléibhe, Na Croisiíní (Crusheeny), Cathair-na silinidhe (Cahernashilleeny) and Islandmore. These townlands are located within the parishes of Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and Leacach (Lackagh), within the Baronies of Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and Dún Coillín (Dunkellin), County Galway.

14.3.3.1 Place Name Analysis

Townland and topographic names are an invaluable source of information on topography, land ownership and land use within the landscape. They also provide information on history; archaeological monuments and folklore of an area. A place name may refer to a long forgotten site, and may indicate the possibility that the remains of certain sites may still survive below the ground surface. The Ordnance Survey surveyors wrote down townland names in the 1830’s and 1840’s, when the entire country was mapped for the first time. Some of the townland names in the study area are of Irish origin and through time have been anglicised. The main reference used for the place name analysis is Irish Local Names Explained by P.W Joyce (1870). A description and possible explanation of each townland name in the environs of the proposed route are provided in Table 14.1 below.

Table 14.1 Place Name Analysis

Name Derivation Possible Meaning Gort an Dúigh ‘Gortadubha’, Gort = a tilled field, Field of black soil/mud (Gortadooey) Dubh = black Baile Chláir Baile = town, Clar/Clare = a plain Town of the plain (Claregalway) An Móinteach Theas Mointeach = boggy place, Theas = A boggy place to the south of the (Montiagh South) south river Chathair Ghabann nó Cathair = a circular stone fort, Fort of the smith Páirc an tSamhraidh gabhann = tinsmith Summerfield lands associated with (Caheragowan or Summerfield associated with Summerville Demesne Summerfield) Summerville Estate (Taylor and Skinner, 1783) Droim na Gaoithe Droim = the back, a ridge or long Windy ridge; (Lakeview) hill, Na Gaoithe = wind; also known as Lakeview; Previously known as Thurlough = seasonal lake, Bréag = previous name probably - False Thurloughbrega falsehood lake Cinn Uisce Cinn = head/ highest part, Uisce = Head of the water (Kiniska) water Cill Torróg Cill = a church, Tróg Tróg’s Church (Kiltroge) An Laighdeacán An Laighdeacán = a small strip of A small strip of land (Lydacan) land Lydacan Demesne – also known as Lydicihin (Taylor and Skinner 1783), Lidican (Larkin 1819) Gort an tSléibhe Gort = a tilled field, Slieve = Mountain field, high field

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Name Derivation Possible Meaning (Gortatleva) mountain Gurtacleva (Larkin, 1819) Na Croisiíní Croisin = little cross Small crosses? Possibly (Crusheeny) associated with church at Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) Islandmore Island, more – large/ big; Big island Area shown as a Thurlough on Larkin’s Map 1819. Cathair-na silinidhe Caher = stone fort Stone fort of the cherries (Cahernashilleeny) Silin [shilleen] = a cherry

14.3.3.2 Townlands

The townland is an Irish land unit of considerable longevity as many of the units are likely to represent much earlier land divisions. However, the term townland was not used to denote a unit of land until the Civil Survey of 1654. It bears no relation to the modern word ‘town’ but like the Irish word baile refers to a place. It is possible that the word is derived from the Old English tun land and meant ‘the land forming an estate or manor’ (Culleton 1999). A total of four townland boundaries are slightly affected by the proposed scheme.

Gaelic land ownership required a clear definition of the territories held by each sept and a need for strong, permanent fences around their territories. It is possible that boundaries following ridge tops, streams or bog are more likely to be older in date than those composed of straight lines (ibid.).

The vast majority of townlands are referred to in the 17th century, when land documentation records begin. Many of the townlands are mapped within the Down Survey of the 1650s, so called as all measurements were carefully ‘laid downe’ on paper at a scale of forty perches to one inch. Therefore most are in the context of pre-17th century landscape organisation (McErlean 1983).

In the 19th century, some demesnes, deer parks or large farms were given townland status during the Ordnance Survey and some imprecise townland boundaries in areas such as bogs or lakes, were given more precise definition (ibid.). Larger tracks of land were divided into a number of townlands, and named Upper, Middle or Lower, as well as Beg and More (small and large) and north, east, south and west (Culleton 1999). By the time the first Ordnance Survey had been completed a total of 62,000 townlands were recorded in Ireland.

The proposed flood relief works will be undertaken along the course of the Clare River and along three short sections of road to the north and south of the watercourse. The Clare River (TB 1) comprises the boundary between the townlands to the north and south. To the east of Baile Chláir (Claregalway) one townland boundary joins with the Clare River within the area of proposed excavation TB 2 - Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) /Cathair-na silinidhe (Cahernashilleeny). Two further townland boundaries will be impacted by the proposed development by the raising of roadways, which themselves form the boundaries (TB 4 - Gort an Dúigh (Gortadooey)/ Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and TB 3 - An Móinteach Theas (Montiagh South)/ Chathair Ghabann nó Páirc an tSamhraidh (Cahergowan or Summerfield).

14.3.3.3 Cultural Heritage Sites

The term ‘cultural heritage’ can be used as an over-arching term that can be applied to both archaeology and architectural. However, it also refers to more ephemeral aspects of the environment, which are often recorded in folk law or tradition or possibly date to a more recent period. No individual sites have been identified that could be defined as purely Cultural Heritage.

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Baile Chláir has been a focus of activity for centuries as its location on the main crossing point of the Clare River and the road north from Galway City. There are no further sites at Baile Chláir (Claregalway) in addition to what has been discussed above. A small plaque was recently erected in Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) townland north of Crusheeny Bridge and east of Kiltroge castle (RMP GA070- 071) commemorating the centenary of the relocation of a farming community from Móinteach Theas to Cill Torróg in 1908 (Image 14.12).

14.3.3.4 Conclusions

A review of the townlands names within which the proposed development will be contained has revealed some common topographical terms, which were used to describe portions of the landscape. These gradually became anglicised and lost their original form, although it still is possible to investigate their original structure. The majority of the townland names within the vicinity are derived from topographical features such as watercourses (Cinn Uisce (Kiniska), Lakeview/Thurloughbrega), marshy conditions (An Móinteach Theas (Montiagh South), fields (Gort an Dúígh (Gortadooey), Gort an tSleibhe (Gortatleva)) and landscape type (Baile Chláir (Claregalway)). Two of the townland names make reference to a religious association (Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) and Na Croisíní); however there is no structural remains known for a church in this area.

A total of four townland boundaries (TB 1−4) are located within the area of proposed flood relief works. These are formed by one field boundary (TB 2), a watercourse (TB 1) and two roadways (TB 3 and TB 4). The largest of these is formed by the Clare River (TB 1) which forms a townland boundary along the length of the proposed scheme. The nature of the proposed development means that a limited portion of these townland boundaries will be removed and this will not impact greatly on the overall feature.

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14.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

14.4.1 Potential Impacts

14.4.1.1 Archaeology

Movement of Excavated Material/Embankments

• The medieval settlement of Baile Chláir (Claregalway) is located to the north and south of the Clare River. There is no predicted impact on the structural remains of the castle (RMP GA070- 036) or church and abbey (RMP GA070-012, 35). However it is possible that artefacts or remains associated with the medieval settlement may have been dredged from the river bed over the past two centuries and survive in the dredged material deposited in the embankments along the river banks. This material will be removed as part of the proposed development therefore there may be an adverse impact on any remains or artefacts that have the potential to survive.

• The medieval settlement at Kiltroge Castle (RMP GA070-071) is located on the northern bank of the river. It is possible that artefacts or remains associated with the castle which may have been dredged from the river bed over the past two centuries may have survived in the dredged material deposited in the embankments along the river banks. This material will be removed as part of the proposed development therefore there may be an adverse impact on any remains or artefacts that have the potential to survive.

Excavation of River Bank (Measure 8b)

• The tower house (RMP GA070-071) at Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) is located on the northern bank of the Clare River adjacent to proposed flood alleviation works. Current works at Crusheeny Bridge were monitored by Headland Archaeology but nothing of archaeological significance was revealed. The potential remains that there may be an adverse impact on archaeological remains which have the potential to survive beneath the 19th century embankments or along the river banks associated with the castle. This will be caused by excavation associated with the proposed development.

• The proposed flood relief works are mainly located along the banks of the Clare River (c. 1.3km) which largely comprise of marshy terrain. Riverine environments and boggy ground have the potential to reveal archaeological activity such as burnt mounds. There may be a significant or profound impact on previously unrecorded archaeological feature or deposits that have the potential to survive beneath the current ground level. This will be caused by excavation associated with the proposed development.

Deposition of Spread Material

• Deposition of excavated materials (c. 1m in depth) within the vicinity of Recorded Monuments and Places (GA070-109, GA070-035, GA070-036, GA070-111, GA070-012, GA070-072, GA070-073 and GA070-071) would cover and disguise archaeological features within these areas. This would result in a significant negative impact.

• It is proposed to spread excavated material west of the church and graveyard (RMP GA070- 012) and east of the bridge at Baile Chláir (Claregalway). This area was shown as an island on the first edition OS map and may have been the location of activity associated with the

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church or castle. As such deposition of materials would cover and disguise archaeological features within these areas. This would result in a significant negative impact.

• It is proposed to strip these areas of topsoil prior to spreading of materials. There may be a significant or profound impact on previously unrecorded archaeological features or deposits that have the potential to survive beneath the current ground level. This will be caused by ground disturbances associated with the proposed development and their subsequent covering over without proper recording.

Raising Level of Roadway (Measures 2a, 3a, 3b and 8d)

• It is proposed to raise four sections of road as part of the proposed flood relief scheme. Three of these, in the north-west of the scheme, are shown in boggy marginal terrain on the first edition OS map. Should any excavation of virgin ground be required this may impact negatively on any archaeological remains, such as burnt mounds, that have the potential to survive below ground in waterlogged conditions.

Cleaning of River Kiniska (Measures 5a and 5b)

• It is proposed to Clean OPW stream C3/5 in Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and Cinn Uisce (Kiniska) towlands. Although the southern section of this stream has been canalised the northern half retains its original setting. Riverine environments and boggy ground have the potential to reveal archaeological activity such as burnt mounds. Watercourses have the potential to retain artefacts or organic items such as wood or leather, which do not usually survive within the archaeological record. There may be a significant or profound impact on previously unrecorded archaeological features or deposits that have the potential to survive beneath the current ground level. This will be caused by ground disturbances associated with the proposed development.

Provision of Surface Water Drains (Measures 6a and 9)

• The northern portion of the proposed surface water drain passes through the locations of two recorded archaeological sites, an earthwork (GA070-111003) and enclosure (GA070-111002). The route also passes through the location of a burnt mound identified in recent testing on the bank of the river. Ground disturbance associated with the proposed drain may have a significant impact on these remains.

• The southern portion of the proposed surface water drain will pass through fields of pasture in Droim na gaoithe (Lakeview) and An Carn Mór Thoir townlands. There may be a significant or profound impact on previously unrecorded archaeological features or deposits that have the potential to survive beneath the current ground level. This will be caused by ground disturbances associated with the proposed Measures 6a and 9.

14.4.1.2 Architecture

Movement of Excavated Material/ Embankments

• There are no predicted impacts by this proposed action on the architectural resource.

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Excavation of River Bank (Measure 8b)

• There are no predicted impacts by this proposed action on the architectural resource.

Deposition of Spread Material (Measures 4d)

• The nine-arch bridge (RPS 108, NIAH 30407011) is located c. 90m south of the proposed development works. It is proposed to provide a local embankment to the immediate east of the bridge. This bridge is a landmark in the town and the embankment will have a moderate negative visual impact on the structure. Conversely the embankment will protect the bridge from future flood damage and as such will have a significant positive impact. Taking both impacts into account the proposed embankment will have a moderate positive impact on the nine-arch bridge.

Raising Level of Roadway (Measures 2a, 3a, 3b and 8d)

• There are no predicted impacts by this proposed action on the architectural resource.

Cleaning of River Kiniska (Measures 5a and 5b)

• There are no predicted impacts by this proposed action on the architectural resource.

Provision of Surface Water Drains (Measures 6a and 9)

• There are no predicted impacts by this proposed action on the architectural resource.

14.4.1.3 Cultural Heritage

Movement of Excavated Material/ Embankments

• There are no predicted impacts by this proposed action on the cultural heritage resource.

Excavation of River Bank (Measure 8b)

• A total of four townland boundaries (TB 1−4) are crossed by the proposed flood relief works. Due to the nature of the proposed development only a small portion of these boundaries will be affected and as such any impact will be minimal and is considered to be slightly negative.

Deposition of Spread Material

• There are no predicted impacts by this proposed action on the cultural heritage resource.

Raising level of roadway (Measures 2a, 3a, 3b and 8d)

• There are no predicted impacts by this proposed action on the cultural heritage resource.

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Cleaning of River Kiniska (Measures 5a and 5b)

• There are no predicted impacts by this proposed action on the cultural heritage resource.

Provision of Surface Water Drains (Measures 6a and 9)

• There are no predicted impacts by this proposed action on the cultural heritage resource.

14.4.2 Do Nothing Impact

If the proposed development were not to proceed future flooding may impact negatively on the Recorded Archaeological Monuments located on the banks of the river at Baile Chláir (Claregalway) (abbey GA070-035 Nat. Mon. 165, abbey GA070-012, castle GA070-036 and nine-arch bridge RPS 108 NIAH 30407011) and the castle at Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) (GA070-071).

14.4.3 Worst Case Impact

Under a worst case scenario, the proposed development would disturb previously unrecorded and unidentified deposits and artefacts without proper excavation and recording being undertaken.

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14.5 MITIGATION MEASURES

14.5.1 Impacts

14.5.1.1 Archaeology

Due to the archaeological nature of the surrounding landscape, and the topography of the proposed development area, the following recommendations have been made.

Movement of Excavated Material/ Embankments

• It is recommended that the dredged material (embankments) to be removed along the length of the scheme, particularly in the vicinity of Baile Chláir (Claregalway) (RMP GA070-012, 35, 36, 109 and 111) and Kiltroge castle (RMP GA070-071) are sampled and subject to metal detection in order to identify any disturbed archaeological material or artefacts. Metal detection should be carried out by an archaeologist under licence to the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht.

Excavation of River Bank (Measure 8b)

• There may be a significant or profound impact on previously unrecorded archaeological feature or deposits, such as burnt mounds, that have the potential to survive beneath the current ground level in riverine environments. This will be caused by ground disturbances associated with the proposed development. It is therefore recommended that all ground disturbances associated with the proposed development, such as topsoil stripping or site investigations, be monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Full provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be discovered, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed.

Deposition of Spread Material

• It is recommended that spreading of excavated material should be avoided within the vicinity of Recorded Monuments and places (RMP GA070-012, 35, 36, 71, 72, 73, 109 and 111) in order to avoid impacts on known archaeological features.

• It is recommended that all topsoil stripping associated with the proposed spreading of materials be subject to monitoring by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Should any previously unknown archaeological features be identified during topsoil stripping a description and position of the remains may be ascertained and the site preserved in situ beneath the spread material. Works carried out in consultation with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Raising Level of Roadway (Measures 2a, 3a, 3b and 8d)

• Should any disturbance of virgin ground be undertaken in Móinteach Theas, Gort an Dúigh (Gortadooey) or Baile Chláir (Claregalway) during the raising of these sections of road it is recommended that works are monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Full provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be discovered, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed.

Cleaning of River Kiniska (Measures 5a and 5b)

• There may be a significant or profound impact on previously unrecorded archaeological features or deposits, such as burnt mounds, that have the potential to survive beneath the

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current ground level in riverine environments in Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and Cinn Uisce (Kiniska) townlands. This will be caused by ground disturbances associated with the proposed development. It is therefore recommended that all ground disturbances associated with the proposed works, that require the excavation of virgin ground, be monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Full provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be discovered, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed.

• The northern section of the Kiniska Stream in Cinn Uisce (Kiniska) townland appears to be undisturbed in its natural course. It is recommended that an underwater archaeological survey be undertaken within this area to be impacted by the proposed development. The survey should be carried out by an archaeologist licenced to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Full provision should be made available for the resolution of any archaeological features or deposits that may be identified should that be deemed the most appropriate way to proceed.

Provision of Surface Water Drains (Measures 6a and 9)

• It is recommended that any impact on the RMP sites, earthwork (GA070-111003), and enclosure (GA070-111002), and burnt mound in Droim na Gaoithe (Lakeview) be avoided. If this is not possible then it is recommended that a program of pre-development archaeological testing be undertaken within the footprint of the proposed drain and ant associated wayleave. Full provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be discovered, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed.

• It is recommended that all ground disturbances, that require the excavation of virgin ground, associated with the proposed provision of surface water drains be subject to monitoring by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Should any previously unknown archaeological features be identified during topsoil stripping a description and position of the remains may be ascertained and the site preserved in situ beneath the spread material, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed following discussion with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

14.5.1.2 Architecture

Movement of Excavated Material/ Embankments

• There are no mitigation measures required.

Excavation of River Bank (Measure 8b)

• There are no mitigation measures required.

Deposition of Spread Material (Measure 4d)

• There is no further mitigation required with regard to the nine-arch bridge (RPS 108, NIAH 30407011).

Raising Level of Roadway (Measures 2a, 3a, 3b and 8d)

• There are no mitigation measures required.

Cleaning of River Kiniska (Measures 5a and 5b)

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• There are no mitigation measures required.

Provision of Surface Water drains (Measures 6a and 9)

• There are no mitigation measures required.

14.5.1.3 Cultural Heritage

With the exception of the above mitigation measures, recommendations in relation to specific cultural heritage sites are deemed necessary.

14.5.2 Monitoring

The mitigation measures recommended above would also function as a monitoring system to allow the further assessment of the scale of the predicted impacts and the effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures.

Please note that all recommendations are subject to approval by the National Monument Section of the Heritage and Planning Division, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

14.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS

Should all mitigation measures be carried out as specified above no negative residual impacts are predicted on the cultural heritage of the Clare River environs. There will however be a positive residual impact on all of the nearby RMP sites (GA070-012, GA070-111001-3 and GA070-071) and the nine- arch bridge (RPS 108, NIAH 30407011) which will be protected from future flood damage by the proposed scheme.

14.7 CONCLUSIONS

The proposed flood relief works are located to the west and east of Baile Chláir (Claregalway) village along the Clare River. The geostrategic location of Baile Chláir (Claregalway) has meant that this site was attractive for settlement throughout history. Riverine locations have always posed as attractive locations for settlement as the river provides an access route, a food source and water for domestic use.

The Franciscan Abbey (RMP GA070-035) was founded at Baile Chláir (Claregalway) during the mid- 13th century on the northern banks of the Clare River. The community flourished until the mid-16th century and the Reformation. From that time on, the monks of Baile Chláir (Claregalway) struggled to keep the abbey viable against political and economic forces. A deserted medieval settlement (RMP GA070-109) is recorded to the south-east of the abbey site and a tower house (RMP GA070-036) which dates to the late 15th century is also present. The castle belonged to the De Burgo family of Clanrickarde and was one of a number of castles under their possession. A further tower house (RMP GA070-071) is present on the northern bank of the Clare River in Cill Torróg (Kiltroge) townland.

Recent archaeological testing and excavation undertaken as part of flood alleviation works revealed evidence of intensive burial activity to the north of abbey (RMP GA070-012) and domestic activity to

MGE0262Rp0012 336 Rev.F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Archaeology, Architectural & Cultural Heritage the east of abbey (RMP GA070-035). A burnt spread was also identified to the immediate north-west of earthworks (RMP GA070-111003) which was preserved in situ.

Cartographic analysis has shown that the Clare River was largely canalised between 1840−1890 and a large amount of land was reclaimed for agricultural use. The second edition OS maps and later 25 inch maps illustrate the early construction of embankments undertaken along the river bed, especially to the west of the town and in the vicinity of Kiltroge castle (RMP GA070-071). As a result of continuous dredging and deposition material on the banks it is probable that very little in situ archaeological remains are on the river bed. It is likely that artefacts that once lay on the river bed may be located within the dredged materials in the embankment.

Removal of this dredged material as part of the proposed development may impact negatively on any archaeological artefactual evidence which may have survived the dredging process. It is recommended that a programme of metal detection be undertaken on samples of this dredged material from the embankment, with particular reference to the material located in the vicinity of the medieval settlement of Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and Kiltroge castle (RMP GA070-071).

It is proposed to excavate a section (c. 10-15m) either side of the river for c. 1.3km, upstream of Crusheeny Bridge. This area has been canalized and disturbed during the 19 th century however mapping has shown that most reclamation work was undertaken along the southern banks. It is possible that previously unknown archaeological remains, such as burnt mounds, may survive within the area of proposed development. A burnt mound was recently identified on the banks to the immediate east of the bridge at Baile Chláír.

It is recommended that archaeological monitoring of all ground disturbances be undertaken by a suitably qualified archaeologist along the river banks. Full provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be discovered, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed.

It is proposed to excavate two surface water drains within the townlands of Droim na gaoithe (Lakeview) and An Carn Mór Thoir townlands. A section of the proposed drain in Droim na Gaoithe townland passes through the location of two RMPs (earthwork GA070-111003 and enclosure GA070- 111002) and a burnt mound site. There may be a significant negative impact on these sites caused by ground disturbance associated with the proposed development. It is therefore recommended that these sites be avoided. If this is not possible then it is recommended that pre-development testing be undertaken within the footprint of the proposed drain and wayleave. Full provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be discovered, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed.

The proposed drains continue through a number of fields of pasture in the townlands of Droim na gaoithe (Lakeview) and An Carn Mór Thoir townlands. It is possible that previously unknown subsurface features associated with these sites may survive within the greenfield area of proposed development. It is recommended that archaeological monitoring of all ground disturbances be undertaken by a suitably qualified archaeologist along the river banks.

It is proposed to clear the bed of the Kiniska Stream and expand two culverts in the townlands of Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and Cinn Uisce (Kiniska). The southern half of the proposed stream has been subject to a degree of canalisation and disturbance in the 19th and 20th centuries however the northern half, in Cinn Uisce (Kiniska) townland, remains in its original setting. It is recommended that an underwater survey be undertaken within this northern half of the site within any areas to be impacted by the proposed development. The survey should be carried out by an archaeologist licenced to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Full provision should be made available for the resolution of any archaeological features or deposits that may be identified should that be deemed the most appropriate way to proceed.

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Furthermore there may be a significant or profound impact on previously unrecorded archaeological features or deposits, such as burnt mounds, that have the potential to survive beneath the current ground level in the riverine environment of the Kiniska Stream. It is therefore recommended that all ground disturbances associated with the proposed cleaning works, that require the excavation of virgin ground, be monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Full provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be discovered, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed.

It is currently proposed to landspread the excavated material over a large area or stockpile the material within the vicinity of the river. It is recommended that no landspreading be undertaken within the vicinity of known archaeological sites such as abbey (GA070-012), earthworks (GA070-111002−3), moated site (GA070-111001), enclosure (GA070-072), house and burial (GA070-073) and Kiltroge castle (GA070-071) as this will have an adverse impact on the remains. Also there is the potential for previously unknown remains associated with the church (GA070-012) to be present within the area shown on the first edition OS map as an island. It is recommended that spreading of material should not be undertaken in this area in order to avoid impacting on potential archaeological remains.

Finally, it is proposed to raise four sections of road as part of the proposed flood relief scheme. Three of these in the north-west of the scheme are shown in boggy marginal terrain on the first edition OS map. Should any excavation of virgin ground be required this may impact negatively on any archaeological remains, such as burnt mounds, that have the potential to survive below ground. It is recommended that any ground disturbance of virgin ground be monitored by suitably qualified archaeologist. Full provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be discovered, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed.

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15 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ENVIRONMENT

15.1 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this chapter is to make an assessment of the landscape and visual impacts associated with the proposed Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme. The assessment begins with a description of the existing landscape setting and visual resources to establish baseline conditions. The proposal is then applied to the baseline and the impacts of the proposed flood relief scheme upon the existing landscape setting and visual resources are then predicted.

This chapter outlines the methodologies used to assess the potential landscape and visual impacts and describes the potential impact including the residual impact and provides details on mitigation measures.

15.2 METHODOLOGY

The landscape and visual assessment methods are derived from the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (The Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment, 2002). In addition to this the Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements’, EPA, 2002, and ‘Advice Notes on Current Practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements’, EPA, 2002 were consulted in completing this assessment.

The landscape has been appraised to allow it to be described and classified into landscape character areas that in turn enable the categorisation of landscape quality. The capacity of a landscape to accept change of the type proposed is then assessed. The key landscape components are landform, vegetation and historical and cultural components. Landform relates to topography, drainage characteristics and geology. Historical and cultural components include historic landscapes, protected structures, conservation areas and historic designed landscapes. Vegetation plays an important role in how the landscape and visual resources of an area are viewed and is an integral component of a landscape character.

Assessment was undertaken through analysis of up to date digital copies of OSI Discovery Series raster and OSI vector maps and aerial photography, in conjunction with drawings of the scheme. Site visits were undertaken to assess the existing environment and the landscape and visual impacts associated with the proposed flood relief scheme.

Existing visual resources were established along with sensitive receptors, i.e. residential properties, scenic viewpoints and visitor amenity areas. The proposed flood relief scheme was then applied to this landscape and visual baseline and potential impacts predicted.

A review of the Galway County Development Plan 2009 – 2015 relevant statutory documents was undertaken to establish if there are any relevant landscape related designations that may influence the assessment within the study area.

15.2.1 Landscape Assessment Methodology

This section describes the key criteria and terminology used in the landscape assessment.

Landscape Resource The combination of elements that contribute to landscape context, character and value.

Landscape Value

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The relative value or importance attached to a landscape that expresses national, regional or local consensus because of intrinsic characteristics.

Landscape Character The distinct and homogenous pattern that occurs in the landscape reflecting geology, landform, soils, vegetation and mans impact.

Landscape Quality The assessment of the landscape quality assesses the value of the landscape in relation to its rarity, location and landscape character attributes. In general, the higher the quality of landscape the more sensitive it will be to change.

Based on information gathered as part of the classification of the landscape, it is possible to assess the landscape quality of the study area using a 5-point scale as follows: a) Highest quality - the landscapes of highest quality are, by definition, landscapes of an ‘awe inspiring’ or ‘sublime’ nature and are important on an international and national level. b) Very attractive - this definition relates to landscapes which are still of high value nationally and can be defined as highly scenic. c) Good landscape - this category contains areas that, although still attractive, have less significant and more common landscape features. d) Ordinary landscape - this category contains areas that have only common landscape features and some intrusive elements such as conspicuous infrastructure with scope for improvement in management. e) Poor landscape – this category includes areas that contain frequent detracting aspects and/or lack of management results in a degraded landscape with very few valued features.

Landscape sensitivity is used to establish the capacity of the landscape to accommodate the type of development proposed and is defined using the following categories and criteria:

High:- Highest/Very Attractive landscape quality with highly valued or unique characteristics susceptible to relatively small changes

Medium:- Good landscape quality with moderately valued characteristics reasonably tolerant of changes;

Low:- Ordinary/Poor landscape quality with common characteristics capable of absorbing substantial change.

Magnitude of Landscape Resource Change: Direct resource changes on the landscape character of the study area are brought about by the introduction of the proposal and its effects on the key landscape characteristics. The following categories and criteria have been used:

High:- Total loss or alteration to key elements of the landscape character, which result in fundamental change;

Medium:- Partial or noticeable loss of elements of the landscape character;

Low:- Minor alteration to elements of the landscape character.

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Significance of Landscape Impact: The level of significance of impact on landscape character is a product of landscape sensitivity and the magnitude of change in landscape resource as indicated in Table 15.1.

Table 15.1 Significance of Landscape Impact Magnitude of landscape Landscape Sensitivity resource change Low Medium High No change No change No change No change Low Slight Slight / moderate Moderate Medium Slight / moderate Moderate Moderate / Substantial High Moderate Moderate / Substantial Substantial

15.2.2 Visual Assessment Methodology

The following text describes the key criteria and terminology used in the visual assessment.

Visual Amenity Visual amenity is the value of a particular area or view in terms of what is seen by the viewer. This value may be influenced by the physical condition of the landscape viewed and the contribution the characteristics of the view make to the local environment.

Visual Resources Visual resources are the overall key elements/features/characteristics that combine to make a view.

Viewer Sensitivity Viewer sensitivity is a combination of the sensitivity of the human receptor (i.e. resident; commuter; tourist; walker; recreationist; or worker) and the quality of view experienced by the viewer and is defined using the following categories and criteria:

High sensitivity: - users of an outdoor recreation feature which focuses on the landscape; valued views enjoyed by the community; tourist visitors to scenic viewpoint; occupiers of residential properties with a high level of visual amenity;

Medium sensitivity: - users of outdoor sport or recreation which does not offer or focus attention on landscape; occupiers of residential properties with a medium level of visual amenity;

Low sensitivity: - regular commuters, people at place of work; occupiers of residential properties with a low level of visual amenity.

Magnitude of Visual Resource Change: the magnitude of change in visual resource or amenity results from the scale of change in the view with respect to the loss or addition of features in the view and changes in the view composition, including proportion of the view occupied by the proposed development. Distance and duration of view must be considered. Other infrastructure features in the landscape and the backdrop to the development will all influence resource change. The following categories and criteria have been used;

High: - Total loss or alteration to key elements/ features/ characteristics of the existing landscape or view and/or introduction of elements considered totally uncharacteristic when set within the attributes of the receiving landscape or view;

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Medium: - Partial loss or alteration to key elements/ features/ characteristics of the existing landscape or view and/or introduction of elements that may be prominent but not necessarily substantially uncharacteristic when set within the attributes of the receiving landscape/view;

Low: - Minor loss or alteration to key elements/ features/ characteristics of the existing landscape or view and/or introduction of elements that may not be uncharacteristic when set within the attributes of the receiving landscape/view;

No change: - Very minor loss or alteration to key elements/ features/ characteristics of the existing landscape or view and/or introduction of elements that are not uncharacteristic when set within the attributes of the receiving landscape/view.

Significance of Visual Impact: Significance of visual impact can only be defined on a project by project basis responding to the type of development proposed and its location. The principal criteria for determining significance are magnitude of visual resource change and viewer sensitivity.

Table 15.2 illustrates significance of visual impact as a correlation between viewer sensitivity and magnitude of visual resource change.

Table 15.2 Significance of Visual Impact Magnitude of visual Viewer Sensitivity resource change Low Medium High No change No change No change No change Low Slight Slight / moderate Moderate Medium Slight / moderate Moderate Moderate / Substantial High Moderate Moderate / Substantial Substantial

Zone of Visual Influence

The visual assessment is assisted by the production of a Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI). The ZVI is the area within which views of the proposed flood relief scheme during site preparation, flood relief measures construction, and operation post construction. The extent of the ZVI is determined primarily by the topography of the area. The ZVI is a tool used to determine the study area for the landscape and visual impact assessment and does not represent a prediction of impacts.

The ZVI is refined by field studies to indicate where relevant buildings, woodlands, hedges or other local features obscure visibility from the main roads, local viewpoints/landmarks and settlement etc and it is through such field studies that prediction of visual impact takes place.

The worst case scenario ZVI for the proposed works will relate to the operational stage of the project when the flood relief scheme is finalised. This ZVI for this project equates to the study area.

A series of representative viewpoints have been selected within the ZVI to illustrate typical views towards the components of the proposed flood relief scheme during site preparation, flood relief scheme measures construction, and operational phases.

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15.3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

The area of the proposed flood relief works runs along a section of the Clare River to the east and west of Baile Chláir (Claregalway), located on the eastern side of Galway City. The study area for the purpose of the landscape and visual appraisal covers the area of landscape and visual setting that has potential views of the proposed flood relief scheme (i.e. the ZVI). The study area is largely rural, apart from the urban settlement of Claregalway. The main villages and agglomerations are Carnmore East, Caherlea, Gortatleva, Islandmore, Lisheenavalla, Crusheeny, Kiltroge, Kiniska, Claregalway, Lakeview, Cahergowan/Summerfield, Montiagh North, Montiagh South, and Curraghmore. The townlands surrounding Claregalway and located within the study area are largely agricultural lands. Claregalway, the main residential centre in the study area, displays the characteristics of a dormitory settlement: a high residential content, no significant local employment base and a high level of commuting23. Claregalway has developed on the southern side of the Clare River on a relatively flat expanse of land. Being in such close proximity to other settlements means that the village remains a desirable residential location for those prepared to commute to work in the larger urban centers of Galway City and Tuam as well as the industrial area of Oranmore.

15.3.1 Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015

A review has taken place of the Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015 and other relevant statutory documents to establish if there are any relevant landscape related designations that may influence the assessment within the study area.

The Planning and Development Acts require the inclusion of a development plan objective for: “The preservation of the character of the landscape where, and to the extent that, in the opinion of the Planning Authority, the proper planning and sustainable development of the area requires it, including the preservation of views and prospects and the amenities of places and features of natural beauty or interest”.

The following policies, objectives and standards have been included within the Galway County Development Plan in relation to landscape.

Landscape Conservation and Management Policies

Policy HL93: The consideration of Landscape Sensitivity Ratings shall be an important factor in determining development uses in areas of the County. In areas of high Landscape sensitivity, the design and the choice of location of proposed development in the landscape will also be critical considerations.

Policy HL94: Preserve and enhance the character of the landscape where, and to the extent that, in the opinion of the Planning Authority, the proper planning and sustainable development of the area requires it, including the preservation and enhancement, where possible of views and prospects and the amenities of places and features of natural beauty or interest. This shall be balanced against the need to develop key strategic infrastructure to meet the strategic aims of the Plan.

Policy HL95: Preserve the status of traditionally open/unfenced landscape. The merits of each case will be considered in light of landscape Sensitivity Ratings and views of amenity importance.

23 Claregalway Local Area Plan 2005-2011

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Policy HL96: The Planning Authority shall prepare a detailed scheme of listed views for protection in addition to the views and prospects included in Map HL2 within 2 years of adoption of the Plan.

Policy HL97: Review the views and prospects set out on Map HL2 to provide greater clarity and guidance with respect to important views and prospects to be retained.

Landscape Conservation and Management Objectives

Objective HL44: The Planning Authority shall have regard to the Landscape Sensitivity Classification of sitesin the consideration of any significant development proposals and, where necessary, require a Landscape/Visual Impact Assessment to accompany such significant proposals.

Objective HL45: Development that would have a detrimental effect on listed views and prospects will generally not be permitted.

DM Standard 36: Compliance with Landscape Sensitivity Designations

Subject to the provisions of the Plan but in particular the settlement policies of Section 2 and 3 and the consequent restriction on development in rural areas, the control of permissible development shall be in accordance with the policies as they relate to the five sensitivity classes of landscape in Section 9.4. It will deem the following types of development generally to be acceptable in the various areas of sensitivity as follows:

1. Class 1 – Low Sensitivity All developments consistent with settlement policies. 2. Class 2 – Moderate Sensitivity Various developments, which are of appropriate scale and design and are in compliance with settlement policies. 3. Class 3 – High Sensitivity Few developments, including those with substantiated cases for such a specific location and which are in compliance with settlement policies. 4. Class 4 – Special Restricted to essential residential needs of local households and family farm business. 5. Class 5 – Unique Negligible alteration will be allowed only in exceptional circumstances.

The Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015 incorporates the findings of the Landscape Character Assessment Report carried out in 2003 which assessed each area of the County under the following classifications:

1. Character 2. Values 3. Sensitivity

15.3.2 Landscape Character

Landscape Character is a combination of landform, land cover and visual units, which are attractive in the landscape. The Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015 indicates the study area encompasses one Landscape Character Area:

• Area No. 5 “Northeast Galway (Tuam environs)”

An extract of the Landscape Character map from the Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015 is shown in Figure 15.1.

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Figure 15.1 Landscape Sensitivity and Character Areas of County Galway (Source: Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015)

15.3.3 Landscape Values

Landscape Values are the local communities’ perceptions of the landscape they inhabit. These perceptions arise from features such as archaeology, visual beauty, mythology, religious sites, ecology, social history, traditional settlement patterns and community values. The Landscape Value Rating of the Clare River and its environs is designated as low for the majority of the study area, graduating to high or outstanding close to the shores of Lough Corrib (Figure 15.2).

Figure 15.2 Landscape Value Rating of Galway County (Source: Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015)

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15.3.4 Landscape Sensitivity

Landscape Sensitivity is a measure of the ability of the landscape to accommodate change or intervention without suffering unacceptable effects to its character and values. Sensitivity ratings are derived from a combination of landscape values and landscape character. Five landscape sensitivity classes have been established:

• Class 1 – Low sensitivity • Class 2 – Moderate sensitivity • Class 3 – High sensitivity • Class 4 – Special • Class 5 – Unique

The study area is predominately designated as Class 1 – Low sensitivity, with the area along the shores of Lough Corrib designated as Class 5 - Unique. An extract of the Landscape Sensitivity map from the Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015 is shown in Figure 15.1 above.

The Landscape Character Assessment 2003 also identified areas of protected “Focal Points/Views” which identify areas of scenic amenity value and interest. There are two protected “Focal Points/Views” located within the study area:

• Church and cemetery ruins at Claregalway, and • Reservoir located north of the R339 northeast of Galway (Carn Mór).

An extract of the Focal Points/Views map from the Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015 is shown in Figure 15.3 below.

Architectural and local landscape sensitivities within the study area at a local level are further discussed in Chapter 14 (Archaeology).

Figure 15.3 Focal Points/Views in Galway County (Source: Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015)

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15.3.5 Summary

The landscape value of the study area is classified as low for the majority of the study area, graduating to high and outstanding as one approaches the shores of Lough Corrib. No flood relief measures are proposed in close proximity to Lough Corrib. The landscape sensitivity is also low for the majority of the study area, again with the exception of locations adjacent to Lough Corrib which are rated as Unique. No flood relief measures are proposed within this Unique landscape sensitivity area.

15.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

15.4.1 Impacts During Flood Relief Scheme Construction

The EPA Guidelines for Information to be included in an EIS identifies Flood Relief Works as Project Type 12A and lists the potential site preparation stage impacts as:

(i) temporary accommodation of materials and personnel.

(ii) Acquisition and management of lands prior to development.

(iii) Site preparation works.

(iv) Time of year, duration and phasing.

(v) Equipment maintenance and storage.

(vi) Water course diversion (temporary).

(vii) Dredging and excavation.

(viii) Spoil handling, storage and final deposition.

Landscape Character Impacts

An assessment of the significance of the impact of the proposed flood relief scheme during the site preparation stage on the landscape character area described above has been completed and summarised below.

Northeast Galway (Tuam environs) Landscape Character Area

The proposed site preparation stage of the proposed flood relief scheme is located directly within the northeast Galway (Tuam environs) character area. The proposed activities will be of low prominence during site preparation and construction stages due to the ground level nature of these activities. The topography of the study area is set within an extensive low lying part of the landscape that easily absorbs the low level of activity required at the site preparation and construction stages.

The site preparation and construction stage of the proposal will be temporary in nature and duration.

When landscape impacts are assessed during the site preparation and construction phase there will be slight negative impacts due to the limited influence of these staged activities and low landscape resource change that will result.

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Visual Impacts

The assessment of the existing visual environment and the impact of the proposed flood relief scheme and its various component parts during the site preparation and cosntruction stage has established that the likely sources of impact will be at ground level with occasional vehicles accessing the site for preparation works and therefore barely visible from the wider low lying and generally level landscape. Such surface changes and individual vehicles will be readily absorbed into the wider panoramic view.

The site preparation and construction of the scheme will be temporary in nature and duration.

When viewed from within the wider landscape the overall visual impacts during the site preparation and construction stage will be slight due to the limited viewer exposure and low visual resource change.

15.4.2 Impacts During Operation of the Flood Relief Scheme

The EPA Guidelines for Information to be included in EIS identifies Flood Relief Works as Project Type 12A and lists the potential operational stage impacts as:

(i) Operational range of water levels and associated controls.

(ii) Maintenance/Management cycles.

(iii) Safety and contingency plans.

(iv) Operational control.

Landscape Character Impacts

The careful design of the flood relief scheme will result in low levels of change in landscape resource. The landscape in which the proposed flood relief scheme is located is low lying and flat, and covers a linear length of approximately 4.5km, a fact that helps to reduce the scale of the proposal and its potential landscape impact. Although the measures include the excavation of river bank side material and vegetation over an approximate 1.3km length, works have been confined to one bank where possible to reduce the overall impact to the adjacent landscape, therefore the influence is significantly reduced by the lack of prominent features and it will be lost in the wider landscape. The excavated material is proposed to be land spread adjacent to excavated river banks and/or stockpiled to a height and width no higher than existing spoil heaps found throughout the length of the Clare River within the study area. This ensures assimilation of the material in to the landscape without significant visual impact. Thus the cumulative impact of same is considered. Spoil heaps are an existing landscape feature of the surroundings and consistent with the landscape character of the area. In summary:

• This landscape character area has a low sensitivity to change;

• The predicted magnitude of change in the landscape resource is low, and

• The predicted significance of landscape impact is moderate.

Visual Impacts-Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) The ZVI for the proposed flood relief scheme is limited due to the low lying nature of the surrounding landscape. Due to the localised length of river and drain channels involved in the scheme combined with the level and low lying nature of the study area and surrounding landscape, the proposed flood relief scheme will blend visually with the existing landscape elements and there will be no significant visual impacts from longer distance locations. Flood relief works resulting in stockpiling of spoil heaps is an existing feature along the Clare River. The actual predicted visual impacts from within the ZVI are described in the following sections.

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The location of all viewpoints is indicated with Images 15.1 – 15.15.

Lough Corrib to Curraghmore

Image 15.1 Lough Corrib to Curraghmore – view of cutover bog downstream of Claregalway

Viewer sensitivity: A large area of cutover bog occurs in the western section of the study area, coupled with one-off housing in the townlands of Montiagh North and South, Cahergowan/Summerfield and Gortcloonmore. The viewer sensitivity is low.

Existing visual resource: The existing view is available from the local roads at Montiagh North and South, and from the N84 Headford or Curraghline Road. The view is from a low elevation and open to the south and north with existing flooded bog and agricultural lands visible. A small number of rural dwellings are located along these roads.

Predicted view: The magnitude of change in visual resource is low as the only flood relief measures proposed for this segment of the study area is regular channel maintenance The magnitude of change in the visual resource is no change.

Magnitude of change: The magnitude of change in visual resource is no change.

Significance of Visual Impact: The predicted significance of visual impact will be no change.

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Montiagh South

Image 15.2 Montiagh South – view of road to be raised

Viewer sensitivity: This view is east from a local road at Montiagh South. The viewer sensitivity is low.

Existing visual resource: The existing view is available from the local road at Montiagh South. The view is from a low elevation and open to the south and north with existing agricultural lands visible (e.g. to the left in the picture). A small number of rural dwellings are located along this road.

Predicted view: One short section of road is due to be raised in this location, together with upsizing of a road culvert and cleaning of drains. The existing road will be raised by approximately 1.32m. The road, culvert and drains have been a feature in the landscape for some time, and flood relief measures here will not obstruct views or be visible except for locally.

Magnitude of change: The magnitude of change in visual resource is low.

Significance of Visual Impact: The predicted significance of visual impact will be low.

Montiagh North

Image 15.3 Montiagh North - view east from local road

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Viewer sensitivity: This view is east from a local road at Montiagh North. The viewer sensitivity is low.

Existing visual resource: The existing view is available from the local road at Montiagh North. The view is from a low elevation and open to the south and north with existing flooded agricultural lands visible (e.g. to the right of the picture). A small number of rural dwellings are located along this road.

Predicted view: Two short sections of road are due to be raised in this location. The existing road will be raised by approximately 1.32 and 1.23m respectively at two separate locations. The road has been a feature in the landscape for some time, and raising it will not obstruct views or be visible except for locally.

Magnitude of change: The magnitude of change in visual resource is low.

Significance of Visual Impact: The predicted significance of visual impact will be low.

Claregalway

Image 15.4 Claregalway - downstream view from Claregalway Bridge

Image 15.5 Claregalway - view upstream of the Clare River N17 road bridge at Claregalway near to the completion of the flood eye works in June 2011

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Image 15.6 Claregalway – view of Clare River bank upstream of Claregalway

Image 15.7 Claregalway - view of Clare River bank upstream of Claregalway

Viewer sensitivity: This view is available from Claregalway from the N17 road bridge, from housing estates in Claregalway village, from businesses in the area, and from one-off housing in the areas around Claregalway Village. The viewer sensitivity is high.

Existing visual resource: The existing view from the N17, estates, businesses and one-off housing is from a low lying position therefore existing buildings currently prevent views of the river banks, with the exception of those directly adjacent to the Clare River. The nine-arch bridge is located c. 90m south of the proposed development works. This bridge is a landmark in the town.

Predicted view: The flood relief scheme measures will be located along the banks of the Clare River in the vicinity of Claregalway, at Claregalway (Footbridge construction) and will therefore be visible from vantage points along its course. The nine-arch bridge is located c. 90m south of the proposed development works. This bridge is a landmark in the town and the proposed embankment will have a moderate negative visual impact on the structure. Conversely the embankment will protect the bridge from future flood damage and as such will have a significant positive impact.

In addition it is proposed to construct a footbridge on the western side of the bridge in Claregalway. This structure will not exeed the height of the existing bridge and will therefore have no siginicant visual impact in this respect.

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Magnitude of change: The magnitude of change in visual resource is moderate.

Significance of Visual Impact: The predicted significance of visual impact is moderate.

Kiniska

Image 15.8 Kiniska tributary

Viewer sensitivity: The view is available from a local road which traverses over the Kiniska tributary and from adjacent one-off housing and agricultural lands. The viewer sensitivity is low.

Existing visual resource: the existing view is available from the local road. The view is from a low elevation and is open from all angles with existing agricultural lands visible. A small number of rural dwellings are located along this road.

Predicted view: the proposal in this area is to increase the capacity of culverts and clean the stream out. During works the local views will be impacted, however post works, views will return to normal.

Magnitude of change: The magnitude of change in visual resource is no change.

Significance of Visual Impact: The predicted significance of visual impact will be no change.

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Lakeview

Image 15.9 View of Claregalway Corporate Park

Viewer sensitivity: the view from Lakeview area is available from Claregalway Corporate Park, the Claregalway GAA club pitches, housing estates and local access road users. This area is predominantly used by individuals accessing these areas for domestic, business and amenity reasons. The viewer sensitivity is high.

Existing visual resource: The view of the area is largely from a localised standpoint as the surrounding landscape is low lying.

Predicted view: the proposal for works in this area is to provide a surface water outlet through fields and through a housing estate to the Clare River. Although the land in the area is low lying, the proximity of housings, the Corporate Park and the GAA pitches to the location of the measure, means that it will be visually obvious.

Magnitude of change: The magnitude of change in visual resource is moderate.

Significance of Visual Impact: the predicted significance of visual impact will be moderate.

Gortatleva

Image 15.10 View of Gortatleva – typical grassland

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Viewer sensitivity: The view from this area is predominantly from one-off rural housing and agricultural grasslands, which are low lying and adjacent to the Clare River e.g. Image 15.10 illustrates wet grassland in the vicinity of the Clare River. The viewer sensitivity is low.

Existing visual resource: The view is from local roads in the area and agricultural access points to lands adjacent to the Clare River.

Predicted view: No measures are proposed for this area. The channel widening measure proposed at Claregalway Village may be visible from some one-off housing in the immediate vicinity of the Clare River at Gortatleva, but will be on the opposite bank of the river to Gortatleva.

Magnitude of change: The magnitude of change in visual resource is no change.

Significance of Visual Impact: The predicted significance of visual impact will be no change.

Caherlea/Lisheenavalla

Image 15.11 Views of existing spoil heaps along the banks of the Clare River

Image 15.12 View of replacement Crusheeny Bridge

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Image 15.13 View of the northern Clare River bank upstream of Crusheeny Bridge

Image 15.14 View of southern Clare River bank upstream of Crusheeny Bridge

Image 15.15 Islandmore drain

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Viewer sensitivity: The view from this locality is predominantly of a flat low lying landscape, used for agricultural purposes, with scattered one off housing. There are spoil heaps running parallel to the Islandmore drainage channel and the Clare River channel in this location, for part of its course. The viewer sensitivity is low.

Existing visual resource: The view is from local roads in the area and agricultural access points to lands adjacent to the Clare River. Historical drainage is evidenced along this stretch by an over- widened, deepened and uniform channel width, combined with vertical banks backed by high spoil heaps generally running parallel to the channel.

Predicted view: The existing view will be temporarily affected during the channel widening; drain cleaning and raising of the local road. However, given historical drainage works along this channel, it is not predicted that the proposed widening of the channel will have any significant visual impact. The construction of an embankment on the southern bank of the Clare River from 750 metres upstream of the confluence of the Islandmore Drain to the point where the drain entres the river will be approximately 1-2 metres in height and will not exceed the height of the existing spoil heaps in the immediate vicinity. It is not predicted that the proposed embankment will have any significant visual impact.

Magnitude of change: The magnitude of change in visual resource is low.

Significance of Visual Impact: The predicted significance of visual impact will be low.

Carnmore/Cashla

Image 15.16 Proposed Route of surface water drain at Carnmore/Cashla

Viewer sensitivity: The view from this locality is of a flat low lying landscape, predominately used for agricultural purposes, with scattered one off housing, and existing drainage channels. The viewer sensitivity is low.

Existing visual resource: The view is from local roads in the area and agricultural access points to lands adjacent to the Clare River.

Predicted view: The existing view will be temporarily impacted during the construction of the new pipeline/open drain.

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Magnitude of change: The magnitude of change in visual resource is low.

Significance of Visual Impact: The predicted significance of visual impact will be low.

Channel Maintenance General

There will be selective channel maintenance along the Clare River from Lough Corrib including localised rock removal downstream of Curraghmore Bridge.

The predicted view, magnitiude of change and significance of visual impact will be negligible for this element of the propsoed flood relief scheme.

15.5 MITIGATION MEASURES

15.5.1 Landscape Aims and Objectives

The landscape aims and objectives are as follows:

• The physical and visual integration of the proposed flood relief scheme and associated features into the surrounding landscape;

• Replacement of topsoil in areas where topsoil will be stripped to spread spoil and topsoil replaced, and returned fit for purpose to landowners, e.g. in areas of improved agricultural grassland (GA1); and

15.5.2 General Objectives

The general objectives in the protection of the landscape and visual environment are as follows:

• Retention of the existing vegetation and earth banks to field boundaries as far as possible, and

• Site preparation areas and access route areas will be kept tidy at all times.

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Table 15.3 Summary of Impact Assessment on Landscape and Visuals

Area Major/ Positive/ Affected Moderate/ Potential Impacts Negative/ Duration Mitigation Measures Residual Minor/No Negligible Impact Change

Construction Phase of the Flood Relief Scheme

There is limited influence of this stage’s activities and low landscape resource change that will Proposed activities result. will be of low prominence during Northeast Retain existing landscape features as far as is construction due to Galway Negative Minor Temporary possible. None the ground level (Tuam nature of these environs) activities. Keep site preparation areas tidy.

Operational Phase of the Flood Relief Scheme

The landscape in which the proposed flood relief scheme is located is low lying, a fact that helps to reduce the scale of the proposal and its potential landscape impact. Low levels of change in landscape Negligible No Change Northeast n/a None The replacement of the broadleaf tree belt in resource. Galway (Tuam an area outside of the second stage channel environs) (to the east of Claregalway) will reduce potential impacts on landscape character.

- Lough Corrib to Negligible No Change Various Flood relief schemes are an existing element Curraghmore visual of the visual environment, through the receptors existence of spoil heaps from previous scheme Temporary Minor - Montiagh South Negative Minor and straightening of the river in locations.

- Montiagh North Negative Minor

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Area Major/ Positive/ Affected Moderate/ Potential Impacts Negative/ Duration Mitigation Measures Residual Minor/No Negligible Impact Change

- Claregalway Moderate Moderate Village

- Kiniska Negligible No change

- Lakeview Moderate Moderate

- Gortatleva Negligible No change

- Caherlea/Lishee Negligible No change navalla - - Carnmore/ Negligible Minor Cashla

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15.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS

This section assesses the impact of the proposed flood relief scheme on the landscape and visual environment after the mitigation described above has been completed.

After reinstatement and establishment of the vegetation cover along the river/drain banks and along roads and near bridges, the proposed scheme will blend with the existing landscape. Satisfactory reinstatement of disturbed landscapes will result in no residual landscape impacts.

There will no significant loss of existing views. The flood relief scheme will not be a prominent feature in the landscape due its low-lying nature and design mitigation measures. No significant visual impacts are predicted. From time to time, visits by maintenance vehicles will occur but such activities will only cause low levels of magnitude of change in visual resource and will be temporary in nature.

This landscape and visual assessment has a direct interaction with the Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Sections (Chapters 10/11) of the EIS. The loss of habitats is described fully in Chapter 10 and Chapter 11. In completing the landscape and visual impact assessment due consideration has been afforded to appropriate mitigation measures outlined within the terrestrial ecology and aquatic ecology chapters of this EIS.

15.7 CONCLUSIONS

The proposed Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme is located within a landscape character area identified as Northeast Galway (Tuam environs) Landscape Character Area. This landscape character area has been identified as having a low sensitivity to change. The predicted magnitude of landscape resource change is low due to the limited influence the proposed flood relief scheme will have over this wide landscape character area.

The Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) has been established for the flood relief scheme to allow any potential areas of significant visual impact to be identified. Actual visual impacts from within the ZVI have been predicted by site walkover assessment.

A total of nine viewpoints have been assessed corresponding with the nine areas for flood relief works, and no viewpoints have been predicted with significant visual impact due to the limited change in visual resource.

The broader landscape character area and visual context around the Clare River has the capacity to absorb a proposal of this scale and the proposal is acceptable in landscape and visual terms.

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16 HUMAN BEINGS AND MATERIAL ASSETS

16.1 INTRODUCTION

Human beings and their associated material assets (physical resources in the environment, which may be either of human or natural origin) are an important element of the environment. Any potential impact on the status of human beings by the proposed flood relief scheme measures or footbridge must therefore be comprehensively assessed. The principal concern is that human beings within the study area experience no significant unacceptable diminution in aspects of quality of life as a consequence of the Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme. Relevant components of this chapter of the EIS include land use, demography, employment, amenity/community aspects and services/utilities.

This chapter also describes the potential impacts on material assets as a result of the proposed flood relief scheme works and footbridge. For the purposes of this assessment, material assets include:

• Economic Assets of Natural and Human Origin, and

• Cultural Assets of a Physical and Social Type.

16.2 METHODOLOGY

The EPA Advice Notes on Current Practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (2003) sets out a useful framework methodology, which has been consulted in the process of preparing this assessment. The Advice Notes suggest that the human environment should be assessed under the following headings:

• Economic Activity – will the proposed flood relief scheme or footbridge stimulate additional development and/or reduce economic activity, and if either, what type, how much and where?

• Social Consideration – will the proposed flood relief scheme or footbridge change patterns and types of activity and land use?

• Land Use – will there be severance, loss of rights of way or amenities, conflicts, or other changes likely to ultimately alter the character and use of the surroundings?

• Health and Safety – will there be risks of death, disease, discomfort or nuisance?

Likewise the Advice Notes suggest that Material Assets should be assessed under the following headings:

• Economic Assets of Natural and Human Origin, and

• Cultural Assets of a Physical and Social Type.

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These issues are addressed in this assessment and a baseline study of the existing human and material assets environment was undertaken in order to complete this. Desktop research comprised the method of obtaining this information. The following sources of information were consulted in the process of this assessment:

• 2011 Census of Ireland, Central Statistics Office, 2011, and

• Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015.

Some of the issues discussed in this chapter including traffic, noise, air quality, visual amenity and water quality are addressed in greater detail in the relevant chapters of this EIS. This chapter should be read in conjunction with the layout plans for the scheme and footbridge and the project description section of this EIS (Chapter 6).

Where relevant, impacts on material assets such as the road network and designated conservation sites are more appropriately described in other chapters of this EIS. Table 16.1 below highlights other chapters that are relevant to human beings and material assets.

Table 16.1 EIS Chapters Relevant to Human Beings and Material Assets Chapter No. Title Human Aspect or Assets 8 Hydrology & Drainage Flooding 9 Soils, Geology & Hydrogeology Natural Resources 10 & 11 Terrestrial & Aquatic Ecology Designated Conservation Sites 11 Aquatic Ecology Water 12 Air Quality & Climate Air Quality, Climate Change 13 Noise Noise Environment 14 Archaeology, Architectural and Cultural Assets Cultural Heritage 15 Landscape and Visual Views 17 Traffic Road Infrastructure

16.3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

16.3.1 Human Environment

1.) Economic Activity

Demography & Employment - In this section, the key demographic and employment characteristics of the resident population within the study area is examined. The most recent census of population was taken in April 2011 by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and the preliminary report contains results which are based on summaries returned by each of the 4,854 census enumerators. As these results are subject to revision they do not have any statutory force. However, the preliminary results are deemed acceptable for the purposes of this EIS and so this information has been sourced from the Census of Population 2011 Preliminary Results. Refer to Table 16.2, Table 16.3 and Table 16.4 for details.

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Table 16.2 National and Regional Population Change from 2006-2011 (CSO, November 2011) Area Population 2006 Population 2011 Population change % 2006-2011 Republic of Ireland 4,239,848 4,581,269 8.1

County Galway 231,670 250,571 8.1

Galway West 131,041 140,466 7.2 Constituency Baile Chláir District 1853 2008 8.4 (Claregalway)

The population of Ireland increased by 8.1% between the years of 2006 and 2011, while for the corresponding period the population of County Galway also increased by 8.1%. The Galway West Constituency experienced a population growth of 7.2% while the Claregalway district grew in population by 8.4% between the years of 2006 and 2011.

Table 16.3 Unemployment Rate 2011 (CSO, November 2011) Area No. Employed Nov. 2011 % Unemployed (Live Register Total) Republic of Ireland 429,567 14.5% Western Region* 39,022 9% Electoral Division of 922 12.18% Baile Chláir (Claregalway) Electoral Division of 1183 11.15% An Carn Mor (Carrnmore) Electoral Division of 341 20.2% Ceathrú an Bhrúnaigh (part) (Carrowbrowne) *Includes Galway City, Galway County, Mayo and Roscommon.

The unemployment rate recorded by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) at November 2011 was 14.5% nationally. This compares to 9% for the Western Region for the same period. Levels of unemployment recorded in the three Electoral Divisions (ED) which cover the study area were all higher than the western region average and the ED of Ceathrú an Bhrúnaigh had a higher unemployment rate than the national average at 20.2%. The Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015 sets out economic development aims for the entire County and stresses the need for a balance between economic growth and sustainable development. The strategic aims of the development plan reflect this through the following strategic aims:

• Implement an overall development strategy for the County aimed at achieving the balanced and sustainable development of County Galway in a strategic and plan led manner.

• Improve the quality of life for the people of Galway and maintain the County as a uniquely attractive place in which to live, work and visit.

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• Create a receptive development environment in response to national and regional policy, such as the National Spatial Strategy, the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and the West Regional Planning Guidelines 2004-2016 (i.e. Counties Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and Galway City) (RPGs) and secure the development of the identified major infrastructural projects which will underpin sustainable development throughout the County and Region during the Plan period.

• To drive forward the balanced economic and social development of Galway by facilitating new strategic developments at appropriate locations and enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Galway within an environment of outstanding quality.

• To move towards a more sustainable and integrated concept of development with regard to land use, transportation, water services, energy supply and waste management over the lifetime of the Plan.

2.) Social Consideration

Amenity & Communities - There are three principal elements to the community of the Claregalway area, namely:

• the residential community,

• the working community, and

• the visiting community.

For the purpose of this assessment the residential community consists of those living within the study area. The study area is largely rural, apart from the urban settlement of Claregalway. The main villages and agglomerations are Carnmore East, Caherlea, Gortatleva, Islandmore, Lisheenavalla, Crusheeny, Kiltroge, Kiniska, Claregalway, Lakeview, Cahergowan/Summerfield, Montiagh North, Montiagh South, and Curraghmore.

Claregalway hosts a growing number of local shops and a basic range of services are provided for those residing within the village and in its immediate hinterland e.g. hotels, shops, pubs, Corporate Park, GAA club, community centre, leisure centre and offices. Being in such close proximity to other settlements means that the village remains a desirable residential location for those prepared to commute to work in the larger urban centers of Galway City and Tuam as well as the industrial area of Oranmore. Claregalway displays the characteristics of a dormitory settlement: a high residential content, no significant local employment base and a high level of commuting24.

The townlands surrounding Claregalway and located within the study area are largely agricultural lands. Agriculture would once have been a key industry in the Claregalway region, however changes in the residential community over a number of decades have led to a shift in the main employment sectors within this region (Table 16.4). However, there is still a strong agricultural community within the wider Clare River catchment, and an annual Agricultural Show is hosted in Claregalway.

Table 16.4 sets out the population structure, employment trends and employment levels for the three main electoral divisions that cover the study area and the urban area of Claregalway.

24 Claregalway Local Area Plan 2005-2011.

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From this table it is clear that the working community consists for the most part of professional workers from the female population. This reflects the location of the study area close to Galway City for commuting. The male community is dominated by those working in the commerce and trade sector. When compared with the 2006 Census it is evident that the breakdown of these working sectors has changed, reflecting the downturn in the economy. Unemployment levels have increased and the level of those employed in the building and construction sector has decreased.

Table 16.4 Population Structure and Employment Trends and Employment Levels for the Three Main Electoral Divisions in the Study Area ED of Baile Chláir ED of An Carn Mor ED of Ceathrú an Bhrúnaigh (part) 2006 2011 2006 2011 2006 2011 Population* 1451 2042 1567 2609 673 918 Unemployment 2.3 12.18 2.3 11.15 5 20.2 Levels (%) Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Main F Servcies Services Servcies Services Servcies Services Employment Manufacturing Manufacturing Building and Sector** Workers Commerce Workers Commerce Construction Commerce M and Trade and Trade Workers and Trade *Aged 15 and over **F – Female M – Male (Source: CSO, 2006 & 2011)

In terms of visiting community the predominant attraction is angling and tourism. The Clare River offers some of the best quality trout found anywhere in Ireland (WRFB, 2003). Salmon fishing can also be excellent over many sections of the river, with spring salmon often been taken from the end of March. Claregalway has a wealth of tourism attractions and an ancient heritage which can be seen from its rich history and built heritage along the banks of the Clare River e.g. Claregalway Friary (see Chapter 14 for more details).

Services/Utilities/Amenities - Services and utilities are enterprises or facilities that serve the public by means of an integrated system of collection, transmission, distribution and/or processing through permanent physical connections between the utility and the public. Major utilities in the region of the study area include the transportation network, electricity supply, telecommunications and the water supply (public scheme).

A network of local roads serves the local population as well as the N17 and N18 National Primary Routes. As the town is situated at the junction of the N17 and N18 National Primary Routes it experiences high volumes of traffic on a daily basis. Several crossings of the Clare River occur within the study area including the N84 at Curraghmore, the N17 at Claregalway and local roads at Crusheeny and Grange West/Cregmore townlands. There are no railway lines in the vicinity of the study area. Chapter 17 addresses relevant traffic issues relating to the proposed flood relief scheme and footbridge, including the compound access areas, additional tracks required along the Clare River bank, and general traffic safety.

Three high voltage ESB lines run through the study area. There are two 110kv lines (to the west and east of Claregalway village) and a 38kv line. The 110kv line to the west of Claregalway crosses the Clare River approximately 0.3km west of the Friary. The 100kv line to the east of Claregalway village crosses the Clare River at Crusheeny Bridge. It also crosses the proposed flood relief drain in the townland of Carnmore East. The 38kv line roughly follows the route of the main N17 road from north to south and crosses the Clare River approximately 0.8km east of the castle located in Claregalway village. There is one 10kv ESB which transverses the study area. The medium voltage 10kV ESB line follows the N17 primary road and crosses the Clare River in Claregalway village. There is also a 20kv ESB line northeast of Claregalway village which follows the local road from Caraunkeelwy townland to

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Kiniska townland and ends at the tributary of the Clare River at Kiniska townland. The village of Claregalway, and Lakeview townland, are also supplied with natural gas by Bord Gais (Figure 16.1). The distribution network follows the N18 from Carnmore Cross Roads and turns right at the N18/N17 junction in Claregalway to supply Claregalway village.

Figure 16.1 Bord Gáis Distribution Network (Source: Bord Gáis)

There are no surface water bodies which are designated drinking water protected areas in the study area. Galway County Council’s trunk watermain runs through the centre of the study area, following the N17 road passing through Claregalway. There are also a number of watermains from private group water supply schemes within the study area - Carnmore No. 1 GWSS, Carnmore No. 2 GWSS, Carnmore No. 3 GWSS, Lisheenavalla GWSS, Kiniska GWSS, Cahernashilleeny GWSS, Cloon GWSS, Claregalway GWSS, and Claregalway No. 2 GWSS. There are also a number of groundwater wells in the study area which are used for water supply in group water schemes. These are detailed in Table 9.5 in Section 9.3.3.

There are no local authority wastewater treatment plants located within the study area at present. Galway County Council proposes to construct a wastewater treatment plant as part of the Claregalway Sewerage Scheme on lands located to the west of Claregalway Bridge in the townland of Cahergowan/Summerfield. Currently all wastewater is currently treated via private wastewater treatment systems. There are a number of local authority licensed discharges all concentrated around Claregalway Village.

3.) Land Use

Claregalway has developed on the southern side of the Clare River on a relatively flat expanse of land. There are no major topographical constraints in the area, however the river is liable to flooding on its northern and southern boundaries. The village is located in an area designated as a ‘Major Aquifer of High Vulnerability’. Under the landscape sensitivity rating in the County Development Plan, the Plan area is classified as Class 1 (low sensitivity). The study area surrounding Claregalway Town is comprised predominantly of agricultural pasture. The study area is located in a region comprising

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Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Human Beings & Material Assets predominantly of cutover bog (to the west of Claregalway Bridge) and limestone till (to the east of Claregalway Bridge).

There are two designated or protected sites within the study area and surrounding environs:

• Lough Corrib NHA/SPA/cSAC;

• Kiltullagh Turlough NHA.

Designated sites are discussed further in Chapters 10 and 11.

16.3.2 Material Assets

Material assets can be defined as physical resources in the environment, which may be either of human or natural origin. These are further broken down in the EPA publication Advice Notes on Current Practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (2003) into the following:

Economic Assets of Natural and Human Origin: There are naturally occurring non-renewable resources within the study area of the proposed flood relief scheme and footbridge. The Clare River is best known for salmon and trout, and some sections of the Clare River offer some of the best quality trout found anywhere in Ireland. Salmon fishing is excellent in many sections of the river, with spring salmon often being taken from the end of March.

A number of economic assets namely the agricultural lands and associated soils are considered to be a non-renewable natural resource of high economic importance for the region. There are known mineral or aggregate deposits existing within the study area.

Cultural Assets of a Physical and Social Type: There are twenty nine Records of Monuments and Places (RMP’s)25 located in the region.

A review of the Galway County Development Plan (2009−2015) and Claregalway Local Area Plan (2005-2011) has revealed that there are three protected structures located within the study area. All protected structures are subject to statutory protection and should be considered as cultural heritage constraints during the flood relief scheme works and footbridge construction. One of the structures, the castle at Baile Chláir, is designated as an RMP in addition to RPS (BH 3/AH 6). The bridge at Baile Chláir is also recorded in the NIAH (BH 2, NIAH Ref.: 30407011). A thatched vernacular building (BH 1) in Baile Chláir is not listed within the NIAH survey.

A review of the NIAH survey for North County Galway has revealed that there are only two structures recorded within the study area.

A nine-arch road bridge, built c. 1710, is recorded in the NIAH in Baile Chláir (NIAH Ref.: 30407011). The bridge comprises of a central arch flanked by arches of decreasing sizes; built with coursed hammer-dressed limestone walls. Currently set beside the Galway-Tuam road the bridge is accessed by a flight of seven steps. The bridge is also recorded as a protected structure in the Galway County Development Plan (RPS Ref.: 108). This bridge once carried the main road over another channel of

25 A statutory list of all known archaeological monuments provided for in the National Monuments Acts

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Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Human Beings & Material Assets the Clare River. Two channels through the village are clearly shown on the first edition OS map of 1840, although the bridge to the north was removed and replaced in 1957.

The Garda station in Leacht Seoirse built in c. 1870 as an RIC barracks is recorded in the NIAH (NIAH Ref.: 30407010). The structure is described as an important social focus to the local community which is exemplified by its positioning on the main Galway to Roscommon road and at the junction of three roads. Much of the original fabric has been retained, including timber sash windows, making the building an attractive and pleasing part of the architectural heritage of the area.

16.3.3 Baile Chláir Gaeltacht

Claregalway or Baile Cháir, is located within the Galway Gaeltacht which abuts and surrounds Galway City (Galway County Council, 2008). The area is under greatest pressure from City growth and as a result, changes to its language and culture, with constant demand for infrastructure and services which this peri-urban area requires. However, there is a strong local desire in Claregalway to learn the Irish language and to maintain the area’s cultural distinctiveness. The Gaeltacht Local Area Plan 2008- 2014 (Galway County Council, 2008), details the goals from the Galway Gaeltacht which include:

• That Muintir na Gaeltachta can continue to exist and thrive as a distinctive cultural community with access to quality infrastructure and sustainable jobs and services. • That the indigenous resources of the Gaeltacht be developed in a way that will benefit all of the community and have respect for the natural environment. • That districts which have suffered population decline be assisted in encouraging new permanent residential growth. • That statutory and voluntary bodies be supported in serving the community in an inclusive and holistic manner.

In order to guide the local policies and objectives it is necessary to set out strategic development principles relating to the principal development sectors. There are no references to flood prevention within this Plan, however economic development and the environment are two keys areas addressed.

Issues of cultural and architectural heritage beyond the site boundary are further discussed in detail in Chapter 14.

16.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

The human environment and their associated material assets in the region of the proposed flood relief scheme and footbridge have been set out in the previous section. This section further assesses the potential impacts on this element of the environment resulting from the proposed flood relief scheme and footbridge.

16.4.1 Flood Relief Scheme Works

The proposed flood relief works will for the most part not pose constraints on the main land uses, population or employment in the region. Channel widening will reduce the area of workable lands for agricultural purposes. Any in-stream or adjacent to river works required including channel widening, deepening and bridge works could have an effect on the fisheries potential of the river, fish passage and flows with resulting impacts on the angling resources of the region. There may be temporary impacts for local road users and noise sensitive receptors due to the raising of certain sections of road

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Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Human Beings & Material Assets in the area. However implementation of suitable mitigation measures should ensure that these impacts are minor in magnitude. The proposed flood relief scheme will provide the local community with a situation where existing flooding at peak flows is reduced and will have indefinite positive impacts for the economy of the region through mitigation of flooding of the N17 at Claregalway. The footbridge will greatly improve safety for pedestrians in the vicinity of Claregalway bridge through removal of the requirement to walk along the hard shoulder of the N17 at this location.

16.5 MITIGATION MEASURES

Any potential negative impact identified will be mitigated for through a range of measures which are assessed in detail in this EIS. Table 16.5 summarises the potential impacts identified for human beings and material assets as a result of the proposed flood relief scheme measures and footbridge. Mitigation measures are included where required.

16.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS

There may be minor temporary impacts for local road users and noise sensitive receptors during implementation of the flood relief scheme measures and contruction of the footbridge. However implementation of suitable mitigation measure should ensure that these are minor in magnitude. The proposed flood relief scheme will provide the local community with a situation where existing flooding at peak flows is reduced and will have indefinite positive impacts for the economy of the region through mitigation of flooding of the N17 at Claregalway. The footbridge will greatly improve safety for pedestrians in the vicinity of Claregalway bridge, through removal of the requirement to walk along the hard shoulder of the N17 at this location.

16.7 CONCLUSIONS

The proposed flood relief scheme and footbridge at Claregalway will have significant positive impacts for the local human environment in terms of alleviation of significant flooding in the area as occurred in November 2009.

It is anticipated that there may be some minor temporary disturbances to local road users and noise sensitive receptors during scheme implementation and footbridge construction. However if proposed mitigation measures are put in place as recommended these impacts should remain minor or insignificant in nature.

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Table 16.5 Summary of Impact Assessment on Human Beings & Material Assets Potential Impact on Human and Positive/ Major/Moderate Area Residual Impact Duration* Mitigation Measures Material Negative /Minor Affected Assets Environment Site Preparation, Flood Relief Scheme Implementation, Footbridge Construction

Transport • Notify local road users of time that machinery machinery to will be transport to site site causing Negative Minor Local Temporary None • Transport machinery during non- peak traffic traffic hours inconvenience Road closures, • Consult with Galway County Council Roads diversions or Department traffic Negative Minor Local Temporary None • Notify local road users through public notice in a management County paper changes Increased noise Adjacent Ensure that activities are restricted to working hours Negative Minor Temporary None levels to site where working near sensitive receptors Maintenance of Improved access to the Local- N17 Road for Positive Major Permanent N/A region in times of flood Regional use events. • Notify local landowners through interference

Alteration of notices. The land will be existing land Negative Moderate Local Permanent • Replace lands adjacent to the river widening economically beneficial use areas fit for purpose post flood relief scheme to the local community. works. The land which will be Loss of river used for flood channel bank structure creation will be and vegetation Negative Minor Local Permanent N/A permanently lost to the as a natural landowners. The resource landowners will be compensated. Pollution of A range of measures to be put in place as per Slight alterations to Negative Major Regional Temporary water as a Chapters 10 and 11. water quality and flows

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Potential Impact on Human and Positive/ Major/Moderate Area Residual Impact Duration* Mitigation Measures Material Negative /Minor Affected Assets Environment natural resource resulting in potential impact on local amenity uses. • Retention of the existing vegetation and earth Visual Impact Local - banks to field boundaries as far as possible. Potential minor impact for local Negative Moderate Permanent Adjacent • Site preparation areas and compound areas will for local residents. residents be kept tidy at all times. Health and Safety Risks at all stages of the Follow OPW Health and Safety Policies and proposed flood OPW Statements at all times during works. Negative Major Permanent None relief scheme Workers implementation and footbridge construction

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17 TRAFFIC

17.1 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this chapter is to assess the impact of the proposed flood relief scheme and Claregalway footbridge on the receiving environment with respect to traffic conditions, transport routes and general traffic safety. The assessment identifies the existing road network in the vicinity of the proposed construction areas, potential impacts of the various stages of the proposal on the transport infrastructure and its users and proposes where required suitable mitigation measures.

The scope of this assessment is to assess existing conditions from a traffic perspective relative to the proposed flood relief scheme and footbridge. It is not intended to undertake detailed junction geometry surveys, detailed traffic forecasting or traffic flow modelling.

In assessing traffic as part of the proposed flood relief scheme and footbridge the following objectives will be considered:

• Ensure safety of workers and the public,

• Avoid damage to transport infrastructure, including roads and bridges, and

• Minimise pollution and spillage.

17.2 METHODOLOGY

A review of the existing transport infrastructure for the region was undertaken in order to establish a baseline environment for the traffic assessment. This was completed on two levels which considered:

1. The public road network in the region.

2. The internal access routes within the existing study area where flood relief scheme measures will be constructed and where the Claregalway footbridge will be constructed.

A site visit was completed on the 1st December 2011 where the regional road network and internal access routes of the site were visually assessed. Records of the assessment were recorded through a photographic survey (refer to Images 17.1- 17.6).

In the process of completing this assessment the following publications were consulted:

- Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements, EPA, 2002,

- Advice Notes on Current Practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements, EPA, 2003, and

- The Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015.

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17.3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

The existing traffic related environment has been assessed at two levels for the purpose of this assessment. The regional and local transport network was assessed and the internal access roads in the proposed study area. Flood relief measures construction and footbridge construction were also assessed.

17.3.1 Regional and Local Road Network

The section of the Clare River located within the study area flows from Grange West upstream of Crusheeny Bridge to Coarsefield townland where the Clare River flows into Lough Corrib. The N17 National Road crosses the Clare River in Claregalway village in the centre of the study area and is the main primary route in the west of Ireland. The N17 is the main route between Galway City, Tuam, Claremorris and Sligo town. The N84 Secondary Road crosses the Clare River in the townland of Curraghmore in the western part of the study area. The N84 (known locally as the Curraghline Road) is the primary route between Galway City, Headford, Ballinrobe and Castlebar.

At Claregalway village there are two major junctions; the junction of the N17 with the N18 primary route to Limerick and the junction of the N17 with the N63 secondary route to Roscommon. The N18 and N63 do not cross the Clare River.

A network of local county roads connects the N17 and N18 primary routes and the N84 and N63 secondary routes. These local county roads cross the Clare River at Gortadooey and Kiniska townland north of Claregalway village, at Crusheeny Bridge in Crusheeny townland, east of Claregalway village and at Caherlea, southeast of Crusheeny Bridge.

The R339 regional road (known locally as the Monivea Road) runs to the southeast of the study area and links Galway City to Galway Airport, Carnmore, Cashla and further on to Monivea village. The R339 crosses the proposed drainage pipeline in Carnmore East.

The road network is shown in Figure 17.1.

17.3.2 Existing Rail Network

There are no railway lines in the vicinity of the study area.

17.3.3 Proposed Flood Relief Scheme and Footbridge Road Infrastructure

Existing roadways and tracks will act as site access points for the work proposed for the flood relief scheme and footbridge. There are however no roadways or tracks in existence which can be used to undertake the proposed channel widening measures (Measure 8b). Therefore, temporary access routes/tracks have been identified for this purpose – see Chapter 6, Figures 6.21a and 6.21b.

It is anticipated that there will be up to four work crews in operation concurrently during the two stage channel and embankment activities as well as performing other works. It is anticipated that one crew will initially operate out of a compound adjacent to Crusheeny Bridge and work upstream along the northern bank of the river. Two crews will operate out of compounds in the Islandmore Drain/Cregmore area peforming the two stage channel and embankment works on the south bank of the river. A fourth crew will operate out of Claregalway, using the site compound area employed for the Claregalway Bridge works, performing the channel deepening and widening works at Claregalway

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Bridge. These site compounds will also serve as access points for the two stage channel works. Additional access areas will be required as follows: vi) Temporary access roads as necessary within the work zones to allow for movement of machinery. vii) The surface water channel and pipeline at An Mhainistir Housing estate will be constructed using the compound at Claregalway with additional access to the works as necessary from the Corporate Park Site, the Claregalway GAA pitch and the Cúirt na hAbhainn housing estate. viii) A site compound will be required in the vicinity of the works in Carnmore/Cashla on the Monivea Road to facilitate the construction of the surface water channel. It is proposed that this compound be located adjacent to Newell’s roofing on the R339 (Monivea Road). This compound will also provide site access with additional access required from the Lisheenavalla road and from a farm road in Carnmore East. ix) The road raising works in Montiagh South and North as well as the culvert replacement and drain cleaning works in Kiniska will be undertaken using the site compound in Claregalway with local access to the site as required. x) Site access will be required at Caherlea and Gortatleva to allow the cleaning of the Islandmore drain.

As noted above it is envisaged that there will be four main site compounds which include short term staff welfare facilities and plant and materials storage for the proposed works. It is also envisaged that all temporary access roads will be covered with suitable excavated material and reseeded, unless requests are made by local landowners to leave such access roads in place.

In addition, regular maintenance of the newly constructed second stage channel will be required to ensure it retains its conveyance capacity e.g. vegetation control. This will be performed as part of the OPW’s regular maintenance activities. It is envisaged that the flood channel itself will be used as an access route during such maintenance activities.

Images 17.1 to 17.6 show a number of roads and proposed access points within the study area.

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84 N A A A A A A A A A A Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Traffic

Image 17.1 Montiagh South – view of road to be raised Image 17.2 Montiagh North - view east from local road to be raised Image 17.3 Compound access area at Claregalway – used for Claregalway Bridge works – located off the N17 beside the Nine Arches Bridge

Image 17.4 Proposed Route of surface water drain at Carnmore/Cashla Image 17.5 Compound access area located on the northern bank of the Clare Image 17.6 View of R339, Monivea road, which will be raised as part of River at Crusheeny Bridge. View taken from the southern bank during bridge flood relief measures replacement works in December 2011

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17.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

The potential impacts that the proposed flood relief scheme and footbridge might have on the local traffic and transport environment is further assessed under the following headings:

• Site preparation, measures implementation and footbridge construction,

• Site management, and

• Operational stage of the scheme.

17.4.1 Site Preparation

Work at the river or drain crossings i.e. bridges or culverts, and road raising works will impact the local transport network. Based on the preferred flood relief scheme and proposed footbridge, the following will be the main impacts:

- Local roads in Montiagh North and Montiagh South townlands: raising sections of access roads and increasing the size of a culvert in Montiagh South will cause traffic delays and possible diversions;

- Claregalway Footbridge: construction of this footbridge may lead to traffic disruption and delays at the site compound entrance and exit location on the N17;

- Site Compounds: as with the Claregalway compound, site compound entrance/exit locations at Crusheeny, on the Monivea Road, and Kiltroge may lead to local traffic disruption and delays; and

- An Mhainistir Housing estate: Access for the construction of the drain/stormwater pipe via the Claregalway Corporate Park Site, the Claregalway GAA pitch and the Cúirt na hAbhainn housing estate together with an Mhainistir Housing estate may lead to local traffic disruption and delays.

The delivery of machines onto the site will not create a negative impact to the local county roads – these roads are capable of accommodating such machinery as is evidenced by works that have taken place at Claregalway Bridge and at Crusheeny Bridge. In terms of disruption to local road users likewise it is not anticipated that the delivery of these machines will cause negative impacts. This will be ensured through the delivery of these pieces of machinery outside of peak traffic hours as set out in the mitigation section.

The issue of safe access onto the N17, N18, R339 and local county roads from access points/compounds will need to be discussed and agreed with Galway County Council’s Roads Department before site preparation works commence. If sufficient enough aggregate material is not retrieved as part of channel widening works to create the temporary access tracks along the banks of the Clare River, and there is a requirement to deliver aggregate to site, this will be restricted to non peak hour traffic as set out in the mitigation section.

17.4.2 Site Management

Throughout the lifetime of the proposed flood relief scheme, regular maintenance and management will be required in order to ensure the conveyencing capacity of the second stage channel is maintained and to ensure that all environmental issues are mitigated and eliminated. Typically this will

MGE0262Rp0012 378 Rev.F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Traffic require regular visits by the OPW to the site to monitor vegetation growth, maintenance of drains, and stability of second stage channels.

At the very most, maintenance of the second stage channel and drains may require the movement of a machine onto the site sporadically to cut or remove vegetation or to clean drains. It is not anticipated that this stage of the flood relief scheme will have any impact on the traffic and transport of the region.

17.4.3 Operational Stage

Once the flood alleviation measures are functional the likelihood of flooding of transport routes, including the N17, will be diminished. This would be a significantly positive impact on traffic and transport in and around the study area.

17.5 MITIGATION MEASURES

Mitigation measures will be implemented during all stages of the proposed flood relief scheme and footbridge construction in order to ensure that the existing transport network and road users are not negatively impacted upon by the proposal. In addition measures will be implemented to ensure that internal roads are fit for their purpose, environmentally sensitive, safe for OPW workers and legally compliant.

17.5.1 Site Preparation The site preparation phase of this flood relief scheme and proposed footbridge works will require the use of existing regional and local county roads for transport of machinery onto and off compound areas as well as potential delivery of aggregate materials if required for river bank access tracks (should sufficient material not be available from excavated material). The delivery of this machinery to site will take place outside of peak traffic hours and will not be delivered in convoy. This will ensure that local road users are not inconvenienced or delayed by the movement of these machines onto or off the site.

Measures that should be adhered to when developing access tracks along the Clare River bank include:

- all access tracks will be situated near aquatic zones, therefore care should be taken to control sediment run-off and visual impacts;

- under no circumstances are machines permitted to enter the river channel;

- locate refuelling, maintenance and storage areas at least 50 metres from the nearest aquatic zone;

- rehabilitate badly disturbed areas, landing bays, entrances, tracks etc.,

- construction of access tracks should only be carried out during the months when river bank works and in-river works are permitted during the period of May to September, subject to consultation with IFI, and

- repair roads if required.

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Road closures or road diversions will need to be discussed in advance with Galway County Council’s Roads Department and a public notice will need to be placed in the local newspapers to inform the public.

17.5.2 Management

It is not anticipated that this stage of the proposed flood relief scheme and footbridge will have any impact on the traffic and transport of the region. If machinery is required to be transported to or from the site for maintenance work it will be done so during non-peak traffic hours to ensure there is no disruption to local road users.

Table 17.1 summarises the potential impacts of the proposed flood relief scheme and footbridge on the transport and traffic network and mitigation measures are proposed where relevant.

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Table 17.1 Summary of Potential Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures Relative to Traffic and Transport Potential Impact on Major/ Positive/ Area Traffic & Moderate/ Duration Mitigation Measures Residual Impact Negative Affected Transport Minor Environment

Site Preparation

Notify local road users of time that machinery will Transport Local be transported to site. machinery to Road site causing Negative Minor Temporary None Users Transport machinery during non- peak traffic hours. traffic

inconvenience. Don’t transport machinery in convoy. Delivery of Local Notify local road users of time that aggregate will be material Road transport to site. (aggregate) for Users Negative Minor Temporary None river bank Transport materials during non- peak traffic hours. access track

creation. Temporary road Local closures, Road Discussion and agreement with Galway County diversions, or Users Council’s Roads and Planning Department traffic controls required. Negative Moderate Temporary None to facilitate road raising and Road Closures to be placed as Public Notices in a culvert prominent paper to inform the public. construction.

Likelihood of future flooding Road Likelihood of future of transport Positive Major Users Permanent N/A flooding of transport routes routes diminished diminished

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17.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS

If all proposed mitigation measures are implemented as recommended and if the relevant public road traffic management issues are fully discussed between the OPW and the Roads Department of Galway County Council it is not anticipated that there will be residual impacts resulting on the traffic and transport aspect of the environment from any stage of the proposed flood relief scheme measures implementation or construction of the Claregalway footbridge. Once the flood alleviation mesures are functional the likelihood of flooding of transport routes, including the N17, will be diminished. This would be a significantly positive impact on traffic and transport in and around the study area.

17.7 CONCLUSIONS

A review of the existing transport network, both public and internally in the proposed study area, was completed as part of this assessment. The potential for impact on traffic and transport was considered at all stages of the proposed measures implementation: site preparation, measures implementation, footbridge construction, and maintenance. Some potential impacts including temporary inconvenience to road users when machinery is delivered or where road traffic restrictions, closures and diversions were identified.

It is noted that details of public road traffic management, closures and diversions at the time of flood relief measures implementation will need to be discussed further at the appropriate time between the OPW and the Roads Department of Galway County Council.

It is concluded that if proposed mitigation measures are fully implemented and if the relevant public road traffic management issues are fully considered by the OPW and Galway County Council at the appropriate times over the lifespan of the proposed flood relief scheme measures implementation and footbridge construction, then traffic and transport will not be significantly impacted upon as a result of this scheme.

Once the flood alleviation mesures are functional the likelihood of flooding of transport routes, including the N17, will be diminished. This would be a significantly positive impact on traffic and transport in and around the study area.

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18 INTERACTION BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

18.1 INTRODUCTION

Schedule 2 (b) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, (S.I. 600) requires consideration of the interactions between the various environmental factors:

“a description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the proposed development, including in particular;

• human beings, fauna, flora, • soil, water, air, climatic factors and the landscape, • material assets, including the architectural; archaeological, and cultural heritage, and • the inter-relationship between the above factors”.

The environmental factors of the proposed flood relief scheme and proposed footbridge have been assessed individually and mitigation measures recommended where required. It is also important to analyse any interactions that could result in impacts having a knock on effect on other elements of the environment.

In addition to the assessment of impacts on individual environmental topics including Hydrology and Drainage, Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology, Terrestrial Ecology, Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality, Air Quality and Climate, Noise and Vibration, Archaeology, Architectural and Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Visuals Environment, Human Beings and Material Assets, and Traffic, the interaction between these factors was also taken into account as part of the EIS.

This was facilitated through the iterative design process that included the holding of meetings between the engineering design and the environmental teams on a regular basis. In addition monthly Project Steering Group Meetings were held with the OPW and Galway County Council. This allowed for dynamic interaction between all parties/ topics. Where a potential exists for interaction between two or more environmental topics, the relevant specialists have taken their potential interactions into account when making their assessment and where possible complimentary mitigation measures have been proposed.

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Table 18.1 Summary of Potential Interactions Resulting from the Proposed Flood Relief Scheme Environmental Topic Potential Impact Inter-Relationship Potential Interactive Impact Refer to Chapter Hydrology and Decrease in peak flooding Human Beings Reduction in flood risks Chapter 16 Drainage impacts Aquatic Ecology Reduction in scouring impacts Chapter 11

Terrestrial Ecology Reduction in flood inundation Chapter 10

Traffic Diminish the possibility of Chapter 17 flooding of traffic routes in the future

Soils, Hydrogeology & During the flood relief scheme Aquatic Ecology The release of fine particles Chapter 11 Geology works, there will be significant and suspended solids could soil disturbance. lead to clogging of drains and water courses.

Channel widening to create a Aquatic Ecology Potential to lead to siltation Chapter 11 second stage channel and build up in some areas of the drain cleaning will result in an river channel and to increase alteration of the hydrological scouring in other areas. regime of the Clare River, reducing peak flood events, and altering velocities in the river.

Terrestrial Ecology Loss of habitat Human Beings Reduced recreational and Chapter 10/16 amenity area.

Soils, Geology & Hydrogeology Removal of soils/stone during Chapter 9 the creation of the second stage channel and general maintenance

Aquatic Ecology and Potential for increased levels Human Beings Potential to impact recreational Chapter 11/16 Water Quality of siltation during channel activities. widening, and drain cleaning

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Environmental Topic Potential Impact Inter-Relationship Potential Interactive Impact Refer to Chapter works. Improvement in fisheries Chapter 11/16 Improvement in fisheries Human Beings habitat features of the Clare habitat through the introduction River of fisheries enhancement measures. Air Quality and Slight increase in carbon Human Beings Slight increase in greenhouse Chapter 16 Climate emissions during the gas emissions construction phase Noise and Vibration Potential noise emissions Human Beings Temporary increase in ambient Chapter 13 from site machinery during the noise levels for local noise construction stage. sensitive receptors Archaeology, Potential disturbance of Human Beings Impact on archaeological and Chapter 14 Architectural and archaeological and cultural cultural heritage of the study Cultural Heritage heritage materials. area. Landscape and Visual Alternation in visual Human Beings Impact on existing views. Chapter 15 Environment. Human Beings & n/a n/a n/a n/a Material Assets Traffic Delivery of site machinery, Human Beings Temporary inconvenience for Chapter 17 machinery operations on site road users. and road diversions or closures.

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18.2 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

A cumulative impact can be considered as an impact on the environment that results from incremental changes to environmental parameters when added to changes brought about by other past, present or reasonably foreseeable actions (European Commission, 1999). Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over the same period of time and/or within the same geographical area. Cumulative impacts therefore can cover all aspects of the environment.

While a single activity may itself result in a minor impact, it may, when combined with other impacts (minor or insignificant) in the same geographical area, and occurring at the same time, result in a cumulative impact that is collectively significant. This impact is known as a synergistic cumulative impact.

To address any potential cumulative impacts arising from the proposed flood relief scheme within the study area, an understanding and knowledge of historical, existing, and reasonably foreseeable future activities are essential. Details of these activities within the study area are summarised in Table 18.2 below, and the potential for cumulative impacts has been assessed. A parallel process through the Appropriate Assessment process for the flood relief scheme also examined relevant projects and plans in the region together with the proposed flood relief works to determine potential in-combination or cumulative effects. The aim is to identify potential for cumulative effects/impacts of the proposed flood relief scheme with other plans and projects on designated Natura 2000 sites which might potentially be impacted. Plans and projects specific to Lough Corrib cSAC were discussed. The cumulative impacts assessment for this EIS and the assessment of in-combination effects as part of the appropriate assessment process are complimentary processes, although the latter is specifically concerned with potential impacts on Natura 2000 sites only, while the EIS is concerned with all aspects of the environment.

It was assumed that current day-to-day activities within the study area would continue into the future. On examination of current activities and land-uses and the continuation of these activities it was deemed that they would not contribute significantly to compound an impact so were not considered further in this cumulative impact assessment. Taking all of this into account the main considerations in this particular instance are the proposed by-pass for Claregalway and the proposed waste water treatment plant for a site at Cahergowan/Summerfield. In addition, advance works undertaken at Claregalway and Crusheeny bridges are a main consideration.

Referring to Table 18.3 it is clear that there may be negative cumulative impacts of varying degrees of significance relating to the proposed flood relief scheme, proposed Claregalway by-pass and proposed Claregalway waste water treatment plant. These relate to terrestrial ecology, archaeology, architectural and cultural heritage, and aquatic ecology and water quality in particular. There will also be a positive cumulative impact on aquatic ecology as a result of the proposed fisheries enhancement measures and significantly for human beings and material assets as a result of reduction in peak flood events within the study area.

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Table 18.2 Summary of the Potential Cumulative Impacts in combination with other Plans and Projects for the Proposed Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme

Potential For Cumulative PLANS AND PROJECTS KEY POLICIES/PLANS/PROJECTS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE STUDY AREA Impacts LAND USE AND SPATIAL PLANS Galway County Policy HL31: It is the policy of the Council to implement Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive, and to subject any plan (including County Development Plan, Local Area Plans) or project likely to impact Natura 2000 or Development Plan 2009- European Sites (cSACs, SPAs), whether directly (in situ), indirectly (ex-situ) or in combination with other plans or projects, to an Appropriate Assessment in order to inform decision making. A plan or project may only be 2015 authorised after the competent authority has made certain, based on scientific knowledge, that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site; in the case of derogations, authorisation must be pursued under Article 6(4). Policy HL32: It shall be the policy of Galway County Council to ensure that development in Galway and the provision of services take into account the relevant Management Plans (if any) for cSACs and SPAs in the county. Policy HL33: Have regard to any impacts developments may have on or near existing and proposed, Natural Heritage Areas, Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation, Nature Reserves, Ramsar Sites, Wildfowl Sanctuaries, Connemara National Park and any other designated sites including any future designations. Positive Impact

Policy HL34: Consult the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to proposed developments adjoining designated conservation sites.

Policy HL35: Protect and conserve habitats and species designated under the Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, Wildlife Act, Flora Protection Order, National Nature Reserves, Connemara National Park, Ramsar Sites and

any other Directives, Acts or Policies which may be issued during the lifetime of this Plan.

Designated Sites, Habitats and Species Objectives

ObjectiveHL22: Promote the conservation of biodiversity outside of designated areas, while allowing for appropriate development, access and recreational activity. Positive Impact Objective HL23: It is an objective of the Council to conduct a study to see if any areas would be suitable for designation as Local Nature Reserves. Objective HL24: It is an objective to provide protection to all natural heritage sites designated or proposed for designation in accordance with National and European legislation. This includes Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, Natural Heritage Areas, Statutory Nature Reserves and Ramsar sites.

Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Policies Policy HL36: Promote education, knowledge and pride in the natural heritage of the County. Policy HL37: Facilitate the identification and protection of the main elements of the ecological network in the County and provide for its appropriate and sustainable use. Positive Impact Policy HL38: Seek to maintain and enhance, as far as it is practical and prudent, the natural heritage and amenity of the County by seeking to encourage the preservation and retention of woodlands, hedgerows, stonewalls and wetlands. Where their removal or interference with same cannot be avoided, appropriate measures to replace like with like should be considered, subject to considerations of safety and practicality.

Policy HL41: Support national agencies, local and community groups in protection, conservation and enhancement of the landscape and wildlife habitats

Policy HL43: The Local Authority shall seek comply with the Habitats Directive and Natura 2000 recommendations, including the protection of fisheries habitats.

Policy HL44: The local authority shall seek to protect fisheries habitats, in particular those listed in the Annexes of the Habitats Directive and specifically for the Freshwater Pearl Mussel and the White Clawed Crayfish. The avoidance of development in areas where flood risk has been identified shall be the primary response of the Planning Authority. Development proposals which include proposals for mitigation and management of flood risk will only be considered where avoidance is not possible and where development can be clearly justified with the Guidelines Justification Test. Policy HL45: No projects giving rise to significant adverse direct, indirect or secondary impacts on Natura 2000 sites arising from their size or scale, land take, proximity, resource requirements, emissions (disposal to land, water or air), transportation requirements, duration of construction, operation, decommissioning or from any other effects shall be permitted on the basis of this Plan (either individually or in combination with other plans or projects Policy HL46: All subsequent plan-making and adoption of plans under the control of Galway County Council arising from this plan will be screened for the need to undertake Appropriate Assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. Policy HL47: Galway County Council will set up procedures to ensure that any plan, project, etc would take cognisance of the existing impacts on Natura 2000 sites and assess the cumulative and “in combination” effects that said plans and projects may have on any Natura 2000 site and to ensure compliance with the requirements of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. Policy HL48: No ecological networks or parts thereof which provide significant connectivity between areas of local biodiversity are to be lost without remediation as a result of implementation of the County Development Plan. Policy HL49: Galway County Council shall protect wetlands, and associated surface and groundwater systems within the Plan area. Policy HL50: Galway County Council shall ensure that, in the supply of services and in zoning of lands and authorisation of development, the threatened habitats and species* which occur within and adjoining the Plan area

are not placed under further risk of deterioration (habitats) or reduction in population size (species). *As identified in the National Parks and Wildlife “The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland”, (NPWS,

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 2008). Galway County Council shall ensure that plan formulation and development control shall take into account the relevant “Major Pressures reported

in the assessment of Habitats and Species” and the “Main Objectives Over The Coming Five Years and Beyond” contained in the above publication.

Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Objectives Objective HL25: Prepare an inventory of the geological geo-morphological heritage sites in County Galway and protect them from inappropriate development. Positive Impact Objective HL26: No ecological networks or parts thereof which provide significant connectivity between areas of local biodiversity are to be lost as a result of implementation of the County Development Plan without appropriate and reasonable remediation and/or compensatory measures. Objective HL27: The Council will avail of opportunities that may arise to create or promote new features of biodiversity in the context of new developments.

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Potential For Cumulative PLANS AND PROJECTS KEY POLICIES/PLANS/PROJECTS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE STUDY AREA Effects LAND USE AND SPATIAL PLANS Coastal Zone and Inland Waterways Policies Policy HL54: Seek to have protected rivers, streams and other watercourses and, wherever possible, maintain them in an open state capable of providing suitable habitat for fauna and flora. Policy HL55: Seek to have protected and to enhance the natural heritage and landscape character of river and stream corridors (together with immediate floodplains and valleys of streams and smaller rivers) to maintain them free from inappropriate development, and to provide for public access where feasible and appropriate. Policy HL56: Seek to have protected and conserve their quality character and features by controlling developments close to navigable and non-navigable waterways. Positive Impact Policy HL57: Seek to have protected and seek to provide access to inland waterways. Policy HL64: Support the implementation of appropriate measures to manage surface water drainage and prevent/minimise flooding impacts on natural systems, human settlements and infrastructural elements.

Designated Sites, Habitats and Species Policies Positive Impact Natural Water Systems Policies Policy HL71: Implement water protection measures to prevent any deterioration of “good status” waters, and to restore substandard waters to “good status”. Policy HL72: Adopt and implement the provisions of the Western River Basin Management Plan and Shannon International River Basin Management Plan. Have regard to recommendations that may result from the applicable River Basin Management Plan. Policy HL73: Introduce a comprehensive and integrated approach to the management of our natural water resources. Policy HL74: Intensify public awareness of water quality issues and the measures required to protect natural water bodies. Policy HL75: Ensure that substandard public wastewater treatment plans are upgraded. In the interim prevent an increase in the nutrient load discharged from these plants and the urgent provision of modern sewerage treatment systems in those towns and villages that have insufficient capacity to meet current demands, do not meet modern standards or currently represent a pollution risk to local water courses. Policy HL76: Ensure that industrial facilities and commercial premises discharging wastewater are operating within the parameters of an IPPC licence or a wastewater discharge licence. Policy HL77: Ensure that all dwellings outside town sewerage systems have an appropriate wastewater treatment system, correctly installed and maintained. Policy HL78: Ensure that agricultural waste is returned to the land in accordance with the provisions of scientifically prepared nutrient management plans. Policy HL79: Ensure that all new treatment systems, including single house systems, comply with the relevant EPA wastewater manuals. Policy HL80: Protect and maintain the quality of bathing waters and bring back to good status any substandard bathing waters. Policy HL81: The Local Authority will investigate other “quality mark” schemes for beaches and work to achieve such awards such as the Green Coast award which will increase the number of recognised beaches with a high standard of environmental quality and tourism potential. Policy HL82: Support the relevant agencies and statutory bodies in the control and elimination of invasive species in water bodies. Policy HL83: Ensure that all new development which is reliant on private waste water treatment and disposal systems is assessed with regard to the impact on ground waters, having regard to the relevant EPA wastewater treatment manuals. Policy HL84: Adopt the Galway Groundwater Protection Scheme and have regard to the need to protect water sources through the identification of source protection zones in the scheme. Policy HL85: Have regard to the programme of measures set out in the Western River Basin Management Plan and Shannon International River Basin Management Plan to bring water up to a good standard, as defined in the EU Water Framework Directive, by 2015. Policy HL86: Ensure that the ongoing development of Towns and their Environs are undertaken in such a way so as not to compromise the quality of surface water (and associated habitats and species) and groundwater within the zone of influence of the Development Plan or Local Area Plan area. Policy HL87: The Planning Authority shall consider the use of temporary proprietary effluent treatment units to service new developments as an interim measure until such time as the planned infrastructural investment as set out in the Water Services Investment programme is delivered and commissioned. Policy HL88: Galway County Council shall address the significant water management issues identified in the Water Matters Consultation publications for the relevant RBDs. Policy HL89: When published, the relevant policies and objectives of the Western and Shannon River Basin Management Plans and associated Programmes of Measures shall be integrated into the Plan through amendment or otherwise. Policy HL90: Galway County Council shall ensure that the ongoing development of Towns and their Environs are undertaken in such a way so as not to compromise the quality of surface water (and associated habitats and species) and groundwater within the zone of influence of the Development Plan area. Policy HL91: Land uses shall not give rise to the pollution of ground or surface waters during the construction or operation of developments. This shall be achieved through the adherence to best practice in the design, installation and management of systems for the interception, collection and appropriate disposal or treatment of all surface waters and effluents. Invasive Species Policies Policy HL92: The local authority will have regard to best practice with respect to minimising the spread of invasive species in the carrying out of its own development in the county and shall encourage private developers to have regard to same. Policy HL93: It is a policy of the Council to support measures for the prevention and eradication of invasive species. This will include the dissemination of information to raise public awareness, consultation with relevant stakeholders, the promotion of the use of native species in amenity planting and landscaping and the recording of invasive/native species as the need arises and resources permit. Invasive Species Objectives Objective HL43: Support initiatives that reduce the risks of invasions, by non-native species, help control and manage new and established invasive species, monitor impacts, raise public awareness, improve legislations and address international obligations.

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CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLANS NPWS Conservation A Conservation Management Plan for Lough Corrib cSAC or SPA has not been prepared as of yet by the NPWS. No Impact Management Plans Western River Basin The Western River Basin Management Plan, issued in July 2010, sets out a number of objectives and measures for all water bodies in the Western River Basin. The following applies to the Clare River as Management Plan 2009- part of Lough Corrib cSAC: 2015 Objectives: Ensure that the status of waters supporting protected areas is protected and (where necessary) improved by 2015. Measures: Implement 11 EU Directives.

Positive Impact The Clare River Water Management Unit (WMU) Action Plan, which was prepared as part of the Western River Basin District Management Plan, contains information on water body status, objectives and measures for the WMU.

The Corrib Water Management Unit (WMU) Action Plan, which was prepared as part of the Western River Basin District Management Plan, contains information on water body status, objectives and measures for the WMU.

POLLUTION REDUCTION PLANS - IPPC Programme There is one IPPC Licence holder discharging to the Clare Water Management Unit, Dawn Country Meats trading as Western Proteins, in Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo. No Impact

- Other Point Sources Tuam WWTP currently discharges directly in to the Clare River. In response to the increasing population grown in north county Galway, it is proposed now to construct two new wastewater treatment Positive Impact facilities, one in Milltown village and one in Claregalway village, with discharges of treated effluent to the Clare River. An Appropriate Assessment Screening Report was prepared for Tuam WWTP discharge licence application. This document included an assessment of the cumulative impacts of Tuam WWTP discharge with the potential future discharges from the proposed Claregalway and Milltown Village WWTPs. This assessment concluded that the Tuam WWTP discharge will not have a significant negative impact on Lough Corrib cSAC, either alone or in combination with the estimated future discharges from the proposed WWTPs at Claregalway and Milltown Village.

A Ground Water Protection Plan for the County in conjunction with the Geological Survey of Ireland has not yet been prepared. Potentially Negative Impact

- Local Authority There are 20 Section 4 licenced facilities within the Clare Water Management Unit – all within the County Galway portion of the WMU. No Impact Discharge

- Shellfish Pollution N/A Reduction Programmes FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANS

Indicative Forestry Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Dec 2008 - Sets out Environmental Protection and Consultation Process when Proposing Afforestation Schemes. Positive Impact Statement

Coillte Draft Strategic The long-term vision for the District is of forestry management at an intensity that is appropriate to the environmental sensitivity and productivity of its land resource. By adopting policies that ensure our Plan 2011-2015 East efforts are concentrated on timber production in some areas and on habitat restoration in other areas we will maximise the benefits to the environment, local communities and the timber processing Positive Impact Galway/Roscommon industry. This vision includes: (W2) 1. Forestry will be a vibrant industry in the area, integrated into the local economy, providing employment opportunities in the forest, the timber industry and in many down stream activities 2. Broadleaves will account for 25% of the gross area of the District 3. Natural and semi-natural habitats are protected and enhanced through appropriate management; 4. There is continuity of forest habitat for rare and threatened species; 5. Forest recreational sites will be a part of the tourism infrastructure and will be an important contributor to the tourism economy; 6. There will be a shared vision between the District and local communities on expectations from the forests and how they are managed.

FISHERIES PLANS The Western Regional Water Quality Strategies Fisheries Board- - Work with all relevant agencies and interest groups to identify sources of nutrients impacting on the main lakes, Strategic Plan 2007-2011 - Use the catchment management process to maximum effect to redress eutrophication and other water quality problems, - Disseminate information to the public in regard to impacts on water quality, - Seek to influence public opinion on the issue of water quality, Positive Impact - Monitor all proposals for development which may impinge on water quality, - Use the powers that are available to the Board to prosecute offenders where necessary, - Endeavour to influence Government and EU policies in regard to protection of water quality and activities which impact on it, and - Monitor water quality trends on an on-going basis on selected rivers and streams. FUTURE ROAD SCHEMES M17/N18 Gort to Tuam The commencement of works on this project has been delayed. However a route has been chosen which crosses the Abbert River, a tributary of the Clare River. Potentially Negative Impact road (permitted) in the absence of

mitigation

Claregalway Bypass Plans are currently underway to construct a new bypass at Claregalway. Four possible routes for the new road are being considered, all of which would cross the Clare River. Potentially Negative Impact

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(proposed) in the absence of mitigation Galway City Outer The GCOB crosses the Lough Corrib cSAC further downstream. This project is currently awaiting a preliminary court ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union. Potentially Negative Impact Bypass (GCOB) in the absence of mitigation N59 Moycullen Bypass The N59 Moycullen Bypass Project is at planning stage. The road cross-section for the proposed N59 Moycullen Bypass is Type 1 Single Carriageway. The total length of the N59 Mainline is 4.3km Potentially Negative Impact comprising 3.8km off-line and 0.5 km on-line tie-in to the existing N59. The proposed road crosses the Lough Kip River and runs adjacent to Ballyquirke Lough, both of which are designated un Lough in the absence of Corrib cSAC. mitigation LOCAL DEVELOPMENT Clare River Flood Relief Scheme advance works were undertaken at Claregalway Bridge in order to improve flood conveyance at this point. An additional flood eye at Claregalway Bridge has been Potentially Negative Impact Advance works at constructed by the OPW as advance works completed in June 2011. An NIS was prepared for this project. in the absence of Claregalway N17 Bridge If best environmental practice was employed during the proposed flood relief works, it is expected that these works will not result in any in combination impacts with the advance works at Claregalway mitigation Bridge. Crusheeny Bridge replacement works are currently being carried out as advance works. The location of the ongoing works is illustrated in Figure 18.1 below. These works include three main measures: 1) Demolition of the Existing Crusheeny Bridge, 2) River Bank Widening and 3) Construction of a Replacement Bridge. An NIS was prepared for this project.

Advanced works at Potentially Negative Impact Crusheeny Bridge - Clare in the absence of River Flood Relief mitigation Scheme (OPW)

Figure 18.1 Location of the Ongoing Advanced Works at Crusheeny Bridge - Clare River Flood Relief Scheme (OPW)

If best environmental practice is employed during the bridge works, it is expected that these works will not result in any in combination impacts with the proposed flood relief scheme.

A pedestrian riverside walkway is proposed along the Clare River at Claregalway. This pedestrian walkway, measuring 1,025m linear distance will be located along the south bank of the Clare River. The walkway will commence at the site of the old Hand Ball Alley on the N17 and terminates as a cul-de-sac. The development will consist of the provision of a graded footway c.2.0m wide with concrete post Potentially Negative Impact Riverside Walk, and wire fencing c.1.3 m high on one side only. Permission was also sought for all other ancillary works necessary in the provision of the footway and seating area and disabled fishing platform associated in the absence of Claregalway with same. The location of this walkway is shown in Image 18.2 below. As works will be undertaken along the banks of the Clare River, there is potential for impacts to the Clare River and it’s downstream mitigation environment in the absence of mitigation measures. However, if best environmental practice is employed during the walkway works, it is expected that these works will not result in any in combination impacts with the proposed flood relief scheme.

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Figure 18.2 Location of Claregalway Walkway Project. (Source www.galwaycoco.ie)

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Potential For Cumulative LOCAL DEVELOPMENT (cont.) Effects Galway County Council’s Planning website was consulted to review recent planning applications in the vicinity of the proposed works. Since 2001, six planning applications have been successfully granted permission (all located on a plot of land directly south of the bridge). Two applications were refused in 2003.

Pl. Ref. 11449: Dr. Eamonn O’ Donoghue has applied for planning permission for works to the existing site boundary wall, the previously approved barn wall and the new dwelling house currently under construction, all on the site of Claregalway Castle. Claregalway Castle is a protected structure (RPS Ref no. 110) and a National Monument (Ref no. GA 070-036)(gross floor space dwelling 626sqm)

Pl. Ref. 11635: Dr. Eamonn O’ Donoghue has applied for retention of existing demountable flagpoles on roof, and planning permission for an oriel window and all associated works (window 2.6sqm)(protected structure RPS Ref. No. 110) in the townland of Claregalway. Pending decision.

Pl. Ref. 101565: Cora Hession has applied for planning permission to erect dwelling house, domestic garage, effluent treatment plant and all associated services (gross floor space house 232sqm garage 54.9sqm) in the townland of Carnmore East. (Refused, appeal in progress)

Pl. Ref. 10887: P.J. Forde has applied for permission to change previously granted house design (pl. ref. no. 07/4745) (gross floor space dwelling 294sqm garage 60sqm) in the townland of Lisheenavalla. (Application finalised).

Pl. Ref. 10855: Vincent Higgins has applied for permission for construction of a serviced dwelling house, domestic garage, mechanical aeration system and soil polishing filter (gross floor space house 281sqm garage 46sqm) in the townland of Caherlea (Conditional Permission granted).

Pl. Ref. 101866: Evan Higgins has applied for permission to construct dwelling house and associated services (gross floor space 276.8sqm) in the townland of Caherlea (Conditional Permission granted).

Pl. Ref. 101858: Maurice Greaney has applied for permission to erect a dwelling house, domestic garage, effluent treatment system, percolation area and all associated services (gross floor space house 307.76sqm garage 50sqm). (Refused)

Pl. Ref. 10787: Maurice Greaney has applied for permission to erect dwelling house, domestic garage, effluent treatment system, percolation area and all associated services (gross floor space house 254.2sqm garage 50sqm)

Pl. Ref. 11523: J&M McCann have applied for retention of changes to approved elevations (pl. ref. 65327) to existing house including bay window and balcony to front, door to side, dormer to rear plus omission of garage (gross floor space 285sqm) Potentially negative, particularly with regard to Local Planning Pl. Ref. 101720: Bernard Bradley has applied for permission for construction of a garage/fuel store (gross floor space 133.2sqm) in the townland of Kiniska. (Refused). the eminence of septic Applications tanks. Pl. Ref. 10980: Alan Casserly has applied for permission to construct a single dwelling house over two floors, domestic garage, effluent treatment plant and percolation area with all associated site services (gross floor space 175sqm) in the townland of Kiniska. (Conditional permission granted).

Pl. Ref. 101585: Marie Higgins has applied for permission to construct a dwelling house, garage, septic tank and percolation area (OPP 02/2262) (207.7sqm) (previous pl. ref. 05/3119) in the townland of Rooaunmore. (Unconditional permission granted).

Pl. Ref. 10968: Galway Football Board has applied for permission for Astroturf (Conditional permission granted).

Pl. Ref. 101458: John and Caroline Folan have applied for permission for the construction of renovations and extensions to existing dwelling in the townland of Laghtgeorge. Also to include renovation and changes to existing house to include all associated site works including upgrading of existing septic tank and percolation area, and for construction of domestic garage (gross floor space proposed 265sqm). (Conditional permission granted).

Pl. Ref. 101746: Michael & Maria O’ Connor have applied for permission for a new car park and entrance to public house, together with all ancillary site works and services in the townland of Laghtgeorge. (Further Information Requested).

Pl. Ref. 101461: Gerry & Bridie Corcoran have applied for permission for (1) the raising of existing roof and provision of first floor habitable rooms, (2) up-grade existing septic tank to effluent treatment system and (3) construct a raised sand polishing filter (gross floor space first floor 103sqm) in the townland of Gortadooey. (Conditional permission granted).

Pl. Ref. 11479: Ciara O’ Flynn has applied for permission to construct an extension to the existing dwelling house (gross floor space 24.48sqm) in the townland of Gortadooey (Pending Decision).

Pl. Ref. 101445: Thomas Walsh has applied for permission for the construction of an extension and alterations to existing dwelling (gross floor space 27sqm) in the townland of Curraghmore. (Conditional permission granted)

Pl. Ref. 11315: Sean Moran has applied for permission for the construction of a machinery store and entrance road (gross floor space 288sqm)

Pl. Ref 101472: Sean Curran (Barna Waste) has applied for permission for the following works for the benefit of the existing Barna Waste Recycling Facility (i) yard area for storage of empty clean refuse vehicles, skips and bins (ii) maintenance building to service refuse vehicles (floor area 1565sqm) (iii) permanent internal link road to existing Recycling Facility.(iv) Rising main connection to existing effluent treatment network within the existing Recycling Facility (v) associated site works and boundary treatment. Sylaun townland. (Further information requested).

MGE0262Rp0012 392 Rev.F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Interactions & Cumulative Impacts

Table 18.3 Summary of the Potential Cumulative Impacts Arising from the Proposed Claregalway Bypass, the Proposed Claregalway Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Proposed Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme

Potential Impact on Cumulative Impact of Proposed Flood Relief Scheme with proposed projects in the Study Area Terrestrial Ecology The proposed Claregalway WWTP and Claregalway Bypass have the potential to impact negatively in combination with the flood relief scheme through habitat destruction and floodplain alteration, in the absence of mitigation. Aquatic Ecology and The proposed Claregalway WWTP and Claregalway Bypass have the Water Quality potential to impact negatively in combination with the flood relief scheme through the addition of sediment and/or nutrients to the Clare River and floodplain alterations, in the absence of mitigation. Hydrology and Drainage The construction of the proposed bypass for Claregalway will cross the Clare River and therefore has the potential to impact the hydrological regime. In addition, the proposed waste water treatment plant discharge may also impact the Clare River negatively. Cumulatively with the flood relief scheme, hydrology and drainage characteristics could potentially be impacted in the absence of mitigation. Soils, Hydrogeology & The proposed bypass and wastewater treatment plant will also require Geology excavation at the respective route/site selected, and in-combination may require fill. While some synergies can be achieved in combination with the flood relief scheme e.g. use of excavated river bank material can potentially be used as fill for the wastewater treatment plant site, overall there is the potential for cumulative impacts in the absence of mitigation. Air Quality and Climate None, provided mitigation measures are adhered to.

Noise and Vibration None, provided mitigation measures are adhered to.

Archaeology, None, provided mitigation measures are adhered to. Architectural and Cultural Heritage Landscape and Visuals None, provided mitigation measures are adhered to.

Human Beings and None, provided mitigation measures are adhered to. Material Assets Traffic None, provided mitigation measures are adhered to.

MGE0262Rp0012 393 Rev.F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary of Mitigation Measures

19 SUMMARY MITIGATION MEASURES

Table 19.1 summarises those mitigation measures that have been identified as part of this EIA process for the proposed Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme.

Mitigation measures are proposed in this section to address any potential adverse effect on the environmental aspects of the study area. These measures will allow any potential impacts arising as a result of the scheme to be avoided or mitigated for.

An over-arching mitigation measure will be for the OPW to draw up a Method Statement that includes detailed mitigation measures as outlined below in relation to the implementation of all measures proposed. This method statement will be strictly adhered to by OPW staff and contractors involved in the works and will be overseen by the OPW’s site representative/foreman. The OPW Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (Appendix 1.1) will form the backbone of the method statement, supplemented by specific additional measures proposed in the preceding chapters. The method statement will detail how these mitigation measures will be monitored for effectiveness by the OPW. There will be ongoing consultation by the OPW with the relevant stakeholders as required throughout the construction phase of the Scheme.

MGE0262Rp0012 394 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Table 19.28 Schedule of Mitigation Measures

Hydrology and Drainage Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Pre- The following documents to be referenced for mitigation measures: construction xiv) Requirements for the Protection of Fisheries Habitat during Construction and Development Works at River Sites. North Western Regional Fisheries Board, xv) CIRIA (Construction Industry Research and Information Association) guidance on ‘Control of Water Pollution from Linear Construction Projects’ (CIRIA Report No. C648, 2006), and xvi) Developing Your Storm water Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide for Construction Sites. EPA 833-R-060-04 May 2007. Construction Drainage and Flooding xvii) To avoid any water logging in the lands adjacent to the river banks, it is proposed to maintain the existing surface water flow paths by providing regular breaks in any temporary or permanent stockpiles to ensure overland surface water flow is not restricted. xviii) Any stockpiles must be stabilised (e.g. through reseeding) to minimise the risk from stockpiles collapsing during high rainfall events. It is proposed to undertake the flood relief scheme works during dry weather periods where possible. xix) An examination of historical flood records for the Clare River at Claregalway and Corofin hydrometric stations shows that most of the worst fluvial flooding in this catchment occurs during the winter months as would be expected. It is therefore recommended that the works be ideally undertaken when flooding risks are low. xx) Any impact of the proposed works on river water quality should be kept minimal. Measures proposed in Chapters 10 and 11 should be adhered to, and xxi) IFI should be informed prior to channel widening works commencing. All works will be carried out in accordance with the Requirements for the Protection of Fisheries Habitat during Construction and Development Works at River Sites, North Western Regional Fisheries Board and the OPW Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (April 2011). Operation xxii) The completed scheme will reduce the extent of flooding in Claregalway, Crusheeny, Caherlea/Lisheenavalla and Carnmore/Cashla. There will be minimal impacts on the existing drainage regime during the operational phase of the works. The completed scheme will however result in changed velocities along the river stretch during all flow conditions. The potential impacts of these changed velocities are discussed in Chapter 11. A maintenance programme will need to be put in place by the OPW to ensure that the second stage channel is adequately maintained to ensure conveyance capacity is not impeded. Construction Low-flows: xxiii) Any impact on the low-flow rate (reduction) in the river likely to be caused during the construction stage of the works will be minimised by maintaining the normal lateral surface water flow paths to the river by providing regular breaks in any temporary or permanent spoil stockpiles to ensure overland surface water flow is not restricted. Operation xxiv) Any impacts of the proposed flood relief scheme on the low-flow regime of the river during the post construction stage are expected to be minimal, since the proposed works will not include any deepening or widening of the existing low-flow channel of the river (with the exception of works at Claregalway Bridge).

MGE0262Rp0012 395 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Construction xxv) The potential negative impacts on geology and hydrogeology at construction stage are considered to be moderate to imperceptible. The existing design contains a number of mitigating measures which will ensure minimisation of any impacts on geology and hydrogeology including soil and water management. xxvi) All construction works should be completed in line with the following best practice guidelines to ensure the potential for accidental soil and groundwater contamination is minimised: • CIRIA (Construction Industry Research and Information Association) guidance on ‘Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites’ (CIRIA Report No C532, 2001) • CIRIA (Construction Industry Research and Information Association) guidance on ‘Control of Water Pollution from Linear Construction Projects’ (CIRIA Report No. C648, 2006). xxvii) Where dewatering of the aquifer is required to produce a dry working environment for in channel works at Claregalway, a local water feature survey, including private and public wells, should be completed in conjunction with a hydrogeological risk assessment to determine the potential impact on local groundwater users. xxviii) Spoil spreading or stockpiling of excavated materials should not be undertaken in the immediate vicinity of Karst features. A large number of karst features have been documented in the region, however, the GSI karst database is incomplete and many field scale karst features are not included. Material deposition should be excluded from within 5m of any karst feature including springs, enclosed depressions (dolines), swallow holes, turloughs and caves. xxix) Spoil spreading methodology should be completed to ensure the soil is returned to the same quality of that present before the works were completed. xxx) The construction of the new river banks should be completed to ensure slope stability based on in-situ material. The final design of these features should be approved by a geotechnical engineer to ensure slope failure will not occur. xxxi) The construction of the bankside spoil heaps should be complete to ensure slope stability based on a mixture rock and soil type used in the construction. The final design of these features should be approved by a geotechnical engineer to ensure slope failure will not occur. Operation There are no operational mitigation measures with regards to soils, geology and hydrogeology.

MGE0262Rp0012 396 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Terrestrial Ecology

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Construction Mitigation Measures for the control of Air Bourne Pollutants during Construction Activities To protect sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the proposed flood relief works the following measures are proposed. Measures to mitigate the emission of dust due to construction activities include; • control of vehicle access, • vehicle speed restrictions, • bed of gravel at site exit points to remove caked on dirt from tyres and tracks, • washing of equipment at the end of each work day, if they are to be moved off site, • prevention of on-site burning, • hard surface roads should be wet swept to remove any deposited materials, • unsurfaced roads should be restricted to essential site traffic only, and • wheel-washing facilities should be located at all exits from the construction site. Construction Mitigation Measures for Protection of Water bodies Standard pollution prevention control measures, as outlined below, will be employed where relevant when working in and near the watercourse affected by the proposed works to prevent the transport of deleterious substances to Lough Corrib cSAC and its associated water-dependent habitats and species.

General • Prior to any works, all personnel involved with the flood relief works will receive an on-site induction relating to operations within and adjacent to watercourses and the environmentally sensitive nature of working within and in proximity to the Natura 2000 site and re-emphasise the precautions that are required as well as the mitigation to be implemented. • The OPW will ensure that their engineer setting out the works is fully aware of the ecological constraints and mitigation requirements. • All matters relating to the flood relief works within and in the vicinity of the Natura 2000 site or the vicinity of watercourses connected to the Natura 2000 site will be reported on a regular basis to the OPW for ongoing review. • Any incident or observation of anything that may be considered as causing or likely to cause disturbance or damage to the cSAC will be reported to the OPW immediately. • The OPW will take immediate action to prevent or limit the impact and contractors on site will notify the OPW contact of the incident and the actions taken. • The amount of bare ground created by excavation and vegetation removal will be minimised. • In-stream works will be carried out outside of the salmonid spawning season and the times that early life stages of salmonid fish will be present. In-stream work within the period 1st October to 1st May (inclusive) will only be undertaken with the advanced approval of Inland Fisheries Ireland and the NPWS.

MGE0262Rp0012 397 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures)

Ground Investigations Ground Investigation (GI) works are proposed at the locations of the construction of the two-stage channel to determine the subsurface conditions at these sites. The identification of ground conditions will dictate the mitigation measures to be applied. Mitigation measures for different scenarios are discussed in Section 10.5.2 and shown in Figure 10.4. The scenarios include for where a mixture of stone and soil, or just soil, is found during excavation, and where just rock is encountered during GI investigations. All other measures discussed in this table will apply to GI works. Traversing Annex I habitats will be avoided where possible, however, if GI works require access across Annex I habitats located within Lough Corrib cSAC, such as the Molinia meadows in Kiniska, matting will be used.

Pollution of watercourses

Drainage Channels & Minor Streams • All drainage maintenance operations will be carried out in accordance with OPW’s SOPs. It should be noted that maintenance of these channels and minor streams means the removal of silt entrenched vegetation and other organic material such that the channel is returned to its design grade and cross section. This material is spread thinly along the bankfull. Clare River • It is proposed that a section of the existing Clare river bank will be retained as a dam between the river and the works area (see Figure 10.4). The dimensions of this retained bank or ‘dam’ will be dependent on the depth of excavations at a given location, i.e. it will be as wide as it is deep. Typically this will be of the order of 2m. • The ‘dam’ will be maintained during widening of the channel to prevent any loose material from the newly excavated two-stage channel from running into the first stage (existing river) channel during works. The material will be stabilised through compaction. • Excavations will take place behind the dam in year one. In year 2, the dam will be removed, and buried (See Figure 10.4 below for illustration). • The spoil heaps and embankment will be seeded to stablise them. The landspreading areas will be returned fit for purpose to the land owner. • Furthermore, until the stockpiling/landspreading sites have stablised, surface water runoff will be collected via a shallow interceptor ditch with check dams (inside the dammed off area) to provide short term attenuation and serve as an additional silt- trap. The interceptor ditch will be excavated prior to works commencing for a distance of 100m even if the working area is confined to 20m. The number of check dams to be provided will have to be determined once the ditch is constructed and surveyed to determine the slope. Please refer to Figure 10.5 for illustrative details. • In addition at 100m intervals along the ‘dam’ retained, a filtered outfall will be provided to accommodate any surface water runoff retained by the works. Similar stone filters will be constructed intermittently along the works area to further filter any runoff (see Figure 10.4).

MGE0262Rp0012 398 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) • In year 2 the dam will be excavated and disposed of into the interceptor ditch and covered with washed stone or reseeded as appropriate. The exposed bank at the site of the excavated berm will also be covered in rock to stabilise the bank or reseeded as appropriate.

General • All access scaffolding used within watercourses and all footwear/ waders, etc used within watercourses must be steam cleaned prior to arrival on site to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic or terrestrial species such as Zebra Mussel or Japanese knotweed in accordance with OPW Environmental SOPs. A sign off sheet must be maintained to confirm cleaning. • The Contractor shall prevent any silting/erosion of water courses and pollution of the water that may adversely affect the quality or appearance of the water or cause obstruction or interference with the flow. • Establish site boundary markings to safeguard features of interest/value. • Tools and equipment are not to be cleaned in watercourses or near karst features. • Chemicals used shall be stored in sealed containers in the site lockup prior to use. • The chemicals shall be applied in such a way as to avoid any spillage or leakage. Any and all excavated material is NOT to be temporarily stored adjacent to watercourses or karst features. • Temporary gangways should be erected if required between river banks and working platforms to avoid the need for walking through watercourses or any karst features.

Fuel/Lubricant spillage from equipment • Fuelling and lubrication will not be conducted within 50m of the watercourse or karst feature. • Storage areas, machinery depots and site offices will be located at least 50m from the watercourse and the estevelle. • Foul drainage from the site offices and facilities will be properly treated and removed to a suitable treatment facility. • Spill kits will be made available close to streams and all staff will be properly trained on correct use. • All fuels, lubricants and hydraulic fluids will be kept in secure bunded areas at a minimum of 50m from the watercourse and the estevelle. The bunded area will accommodate 110% of the total capacity of the containers within it. Containers will be properly secured to prevent unauthorised access and misuse. An effective spillage procedure will be put in place with all staff properly briefed. Any waste oils or hydraulic fluids will be collected, stored in appropriate containers and disposed of offsite in an appropriate manner. • All plant shall be well maintained with any fuel or oil drips attended to on an ongoing basis. • Any minor spillage during this process will be cleaned up immediately. Should any incident occur, the situation will be dealt with and coordinated by the nearest supervisor who will be responsible for instructions by the OPW.

Concrete Measures relating to concrete management will mostly apply to the construction of the footbridge parallel to Claregalway N17 Bridge, although minimum concrete is expected to be required as the footbridge will be constructed off site. • Wet concrete and cement are very alkaline and corrosive and can cause serious pollution to watercourses.

MGE0262Rp0012 399 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) • Disposal of raw or uncured waste concrete will be controlled to ensure that the watercourse or karst features will not be impacted. • Best practice in bulk-liquid concrete management addressing pouring and handling, secure shuttering / form-work, adequate curing times. • Where shuttering is used, measures should be put in place to prevent against shutter failure and control storage, handling and disposal of shutter oils. • Wash water from cleaning ready mix concrete lorries and mixers may be contaminated with cement and is therefore highly alkaline. Due to the size of the site and the proximity of sensitive watercourses, it is recommended that lorries and mixers are washed out of offsite. • Cement dust must be controlled as it is alkaline and harmful to the surrounding ecology. Activities which result in the creation of cement dust will be controlled by dampening down areas. • The timing of the works must be specified and agreed with the IFI in relation to fish migration and spawning periods.

Culvert Installation • The pollution prevention controls to be adopted during the installation of culverts for the access road, are critical. If temporary or permanent diversion of any watercourses are required, this should be carried out prior to the removal of bankside vegetation. • Temporary stream diversions should be made on geotextile surfaces with a surface layer of coarse aggregate to hold it in place. Operation of machinery instream should be kept to an absolute minimum. All construction machinery operating instream should be mechanically sound to avoid leaks of oils, hydraulic fluid, etc. Machinery should be steam-cleaned and checked prior to commencement of instream works. Such works would preferentially be done during the dry period of the year when flows are low and the risk of suspended solids release is minimal. All dewatering flow should be passed through settlement ponds as detailed above, to remove sediments.

Noise and vibration from use of equipment • All works at the watercourse should make a ‘short-start’ to activities to allow salmon and other fish to move away before the full intensity of works begins. • Work will be undertaken during daylight hours, starting no earlier than two hours after dawn and finishing no later than two hours before dusk, between March and October; and to start no earlier than one hour after dawn and finish one hour before dusk from November to February; and shall not continue for periods of more than 12 hours, to prevent disturbance to nocturnal species. • Specific measures in relation to protected species or habitats where they occur within the proposed works are detailed below.

Exhaust emissions from equipment • Vehicles and plant shall be properly maintained and shall not be left idling when not in use.

Contaminated surface and/or groundwater • Excess surface water runoff will be treated prior to entering the main channel of the Clare River and any drains or watercourses adjacent to flood relief works.

MGE0262Rp0012 400 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures)

Invasive Species Zebra Mussel has been recorded in the Lough Corrib catchment, therefore all necessary measures and precautions should be undertaken to prevent further spread, the following measure must be implemented; • All access scaffolding used within watercourses and all footwear/ waders, etc used within watercourses must be steam cleaned prior to arrival on site to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species such as Zebra Mussel. A sign off sheet must be maintained to confirm cleaning. • The use of machinery and equipment that has been used in waters infested with Zebra Mussel, should be avoided in order to prevent the further spread of this alien species. Should vehicles that have previously been used in Zebra Mussel infested waters be used on-site, they will be steam-cleaned according to Inland Fisheries Ireland guidelines and steam cleaned after use.

MGE0262Rp0012 401 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Construction Mitigation Measures for Each Area of the Proposed Flood Relief Scheme

Area 1 Lough Corrib to Curraghmore Bridge Measures for all activities will mitigate the impacts to receptors downstream. General mitigation should involve implementation of the OPW’s Standard Operating Procedures (OPW, 2011).

Area 2 Montiagh South - Measures 2a, 2b & 2c General good practice in road building with particular respect to silt control, especially at small land drain crossing points. Apply measures detailed in Table 10.21 and Section 10.5.1.2. General mitigation should involve implementation of the OPW’s Standard Operating Procedures (OPW, 2011).

Area 3 Montiagh North - Measures 3a & 3b General good practise in road building with particular respect to silt control, especially at small land drain crossing points. Apply measures detailed in Table 10.21 and Section 10.5.1.2. Protection of watercrossing with the provision of silt fencing on either side of the road works. Site runoff to be intercepted and attenuated prior to discharge to watercourse. General mitigation should involve implementation of the OPW’s Standard Operating Procedures (OPW, 2011).

Area 4 Claregalway Village - Measures 4a, 4b, 4c, & 4d Any future maintenance requirements at Claregalway Bridge would require consultation with NPWS and IFI and should be carried out using OPW’s Standard Operating Procedures which include Environmental Drainage Maintenance (EDM) guidance.

The extent of regrading (river deepening) of the river bed is approximately 80m upstream of the existing weir located downstream of Claregalway Bridge, and will include the removal of the weir. The newly constructed flood eye will be used as a temporary diversion during the regrading. The river will be diverted through the flood eye for a period of up to approximately three weeks. The widened channel upstream and downstream of Claregalway Bridge will initially be excavated to a level of approximately 6.1m OD (minimum). A cofferdam will be installed to dewater this area. The cofferdam will be installed such as to dewater part of the southern section of the river (particularly downstream of the bridge) to allow regrading. The cofferdam will then be relocated to dewater the remaining section of the river with the flow to be diverted through the newly installed flood eye. The river will be deepened to a minimum level of 4.60m OD which will mean deepening of up to 1.2m OD approximately in some areas. The work will be undertaken during the summer months at periods of low flow.

The contractor should draw up a detailed method statement that addresses Best Practice in liquid and/or mortar management addressing batching on site (if that is proposed), pouring and handling, secure shuttering / form-work, adequate curing times and management of spills. No washings should be allowed to enter nearby drains. Works should occur in the dry.

The old channel of the Clare River will be in-filled with excavated spoil.

MGE0262Rp0012 402 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Area 5 Kiniska - Measures 5a & 5b Works in or near the area of the EU Annex I habitat ‘Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) (6410)’ should be minimised. This area should be fenced off and no machinery be allowed to enter. Works in or near this area should be supervised by a suitably qualified ecologist. General mitigation should involve implementation of the OPW’s Standard Operating Procedures (OPW, 2011).

Area 6 Lakeview - 6a

If Mitigation Measures for Protection of Water bodies as detailed above are adopted no additional mitigation is required.

Area 7 Gortatleva – No additional Measures

If Mitigation Measures for Protection of Water bodies as detailed above are adopted no additional mitigation is required.

Area 8 Caherlea/Lisheenavalla - Measures 8a, 8c & 8d Advance works at Crusheeny Bridge are complete. All works have been subject to measures detailed in the NIS for that Project.

Area 8b Channel widening from 1.3km upstream of Crusheeny Bridge to immediately downstream of Crusheeny Bridge to form a two-stage channel The working area is to be limited to 20m stretches to reduce the area of exposed river bank.

The excavation will commence at the furthest edge of the excavation and work towards the river channel, retaining a dam at the river edge. The second stage channel will be stabilised through the compaction of the bed material. The dam will assist in controlling runoff from the exposed excavation.

It is proposed to landspread or stockpile excavated material to the furthest edge of the excavation from the River – on the bank. Standard details of stockpiles and land spreading are provided in Figures 10.6 and 10.7.

An interceptor ditch with check dams will be provided at the toe of the land spreading areas and/or spoil heaps to collect and treat surface water runoff. Release of suspended solids to all surface waters will be controlled by interception and management of site run- off. Dewatering and surface water runoff discharges from the excavation and landspreading areas will be controlled, collected and routed via appropriate treatment measures. These measures will be in accordance with the CIRIA publication C648, ‘Control of Water from Linear Construction Projects’ (CIRIA, 2006).

MGE0262Rp0012 403 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Details of the interceptor drain are provided Figure 10.5.

These facilities will be maintained at least on a daily basis and the maintenance record will be maintained and available for inspection by statutory organisations. The landspreading sites will be reseeded and returned fit for purpose to the land owner. Any fines within the spoil heaps will also wash out and will be collected and treated, prior to discharge to the Clare River. In year 2 the dam will be excavated and disposed of into the interceptor ditch and compacted. The exposed bank at the site of the excavated berm will also be compacted to stabilise the bank.

Area 9 Carnmore/Cashla If Mitigation Measures for Protection of Water bodies as detailed above are adopted no additional mitigation is required.

Channel Maintenance Any future maintenance requirements would require consultation with NPWS and IFI and should be carried out using OPW’s Standard Operating Procedures which include Environmental Drainage Maintenance (EDM) guidance.

The OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (see Appendix 1.1) were produced to ensure that the environment is protected during maintenance activities. The Protocols and SOPs were last revised in April 2011 and have been issued to all operational staff. The SOPs include a guidance note detailing 10 steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance.

If measures in Table 10.21, Section 10.5.1.2, Section 10.5.3 and in the OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are adopted no additional mitigation measures will be required.

Claregalway Footbridge The footbridge will be craned into place, and will have no footings within the river channel; therefore no in-stream works are required. No further mitigation measures are required other than good practice when working adjacent to a watercourse. The main aspects are: best practice in bulk-liquid concrete management addressing batching on site (if that is proposed), pouring and handling, secure shuttering / form-work, adequate curing times. Works should occur during dry weather in a low flow period when there is no chance of flood waters rising onto the second stage channel and such timing of works must take into account adequate curing time for concrete. The timing of the works must be specified and agreed with the IFI in relation to fish migration and spawning periods.

MGE0262Rp0012 404 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Construction Bats Standard mitigation measures, as would apply to any development, should be adopted within the proposed work plan. These include limiting season of disturbance to reduce impacts on breeding species and implementing measures to prevent pollution and sedimentation into watercourses during construction works. No specific mitigation is recommended in regard to bats on site. For advice on general bat mitigation measures see Kelleher & Marnell 2007.

Potential Bat Roosts In Trees Where possible, treelines, woodland and mature trees that are located immediately adjacent to the line of the proposed channel widening works or are not directly impacted shall be avoided and retained intact. Overall impacts on these sites shall be reduced through modified design and sensitivity during construction. Any existing mature trees adjacent to the channel widening area to be retained shall be protected from root damage by machinery by an exclusion zone of at least 7 metres or equivalent to canopy height.

Such protected trees shall be fenced off by adequate temporary fencing prior to other works commencing. Mature trees, which are to be removed, shall ideally be felled in the period late August to late October, or early November, in order to avoid the disturbance of any roosting bats as per NRA guidelines. Tree felling shall be completed by Mid-November at the latest because bats roosting in trees are very vulnerable to disturbance during their hibernation period (November – April). Ivy- covered trees, once felled, shall be left intact on-site for 24 hours prior to disposal to allow any bats beneath the foliage to escape overnight. Landowners shall be advised that the timber from felled trees will remain for their use. This will prevent trees being felled prematurely. Construction Badgers The badger sett found upstream of Crusheeny Bridge should be monitored, excluded (if necessary) and excavated under licence from the NPWS, prior to the commencement of the flood alleviation works. Construction Otter The otter holts found within the study area should be monitored, excluded (if necessary) and excavated under licence from the NPWS, prior to the commencement of the flood relief works. Mitigation measures should be undertaken to avoid the potential impacts. • Direct Habitat Loss, • Severance, • Loss of Life, • Physical disturbance, and • Noise disturbance.

The OPW SOPs (see Appendix A) were produced to ensure that the environment was protected during maintenance activities. The SOPs were last revised in April 2011 and have been issued to all operational staff. The SOPs include a Guidance Note detailing 10 steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance. Four of these steps significantly lessen the potential impacts of proposed works on otters.

These include:

MGE0262Rp0012 405 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) 1. Leave section untouched (if channel capacity is not effected, then leave intact and only maintain if environmental works are required) - This will ensure that unnecessary impacts are avoided, and overall potential impacts on otter will be minimised; 2. Management of trees (leave intact if no reduction in channel capacity is caused, remove overhanging branches to flood level and use a saw or secateurs for removal, not an excavator). This will ensure that suitable riparian habitat, for otters, will not be removed unnecessarily, and potential destructive impacts on otter sites from machinery will be avoided; 3. Replace boulders (reinstate boulders and gravels as removed by maintenance operations, reinstate boulders into channel from spoil heaps, and place boulders below low flow level and staggered) - This will ensure that features are available for otters to use as territorial sign posts, and substrate is available for fish (spawning/hiding places). Sustaining populations of fish will provide a valuable food source for otters; and 4. Steps to enhance fisheries (loosen bed gravels and if channel bed is composed of suitable material, excavate pools and create riffles). This will ensure that fisheries habitat, fish populations and food availability for otters are improved. Construction Birds No scrub clearance, tree felling or other removal of vegetation should occur during the bird breeding season from 1st March to 31st August.

The Sand Martin colony found in the bank of the Clare River should be avoided if possible. If this is not possible, the river bank should be widened here pre/post the bird nesting season, and the bank itself should be reinstated in order to maintain its suitability for this species.

Any nests of Mute Swan should be avoided.

MGE0262Rp0012 406 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Construction General mitigation A Method Statement must be drawn up by the OPW listing in detail the methods which will be used for the proposed bank widening and embankment creation, and associated spoil spreading and/or stockpiling. This needs to be sufficiently detailed to allow interested parties, in particular the IFI and NPWS, to understand the extent and location of the works and the exact limits of what’s being proposed and where. This will mean that non-scheduled or non-approved works will not take place and will allow more focused mitigation in areas which are considered more sensitive or more prone to risk than others. Furthermore, there must be ongoing consultation by the OPW with IFI and NPWS throughout all phases of the works which should include attendance at progress meetings at stages agreed in advance by the OPW and designated IFI and NPWS representatives.

A mechanism for reporting of pollution incidents should be agreed in advance between the contractor(s) and the IFI.

The work flow on site must be designed to minimise damage to the edge of the banks by heavy construction vehicles or cause rutting which would increase the risk of gully erosion or solids wash-out during intense rainfall.

The fringing stands of reeds (i.e. of Schoenoplectus, Sparganium and Phalaris) should not be removed nor damaged during construction, unless specifically agreed in advance by the IFI. This is because these beds will act as partial protection against erosion of the edges of the new bank and help to trap escaped solids from the earth works.

The newly exposed subsoil on the widened banks should be compacted in order to stabilise the new second stage channel. This work should run in parallel to the widening works.

Stockpiling should be placed on flat ground on the Clare River bank or at least 5m from the nearest drainage ditch and preferably in a grassed area, so that any run-off can filter through the grass and prevent sediment run-off.

Spoil spread on adjacent lands should be kept at least 2m back from the edges of land drains and 5m from larger watercourses. All spoil should be re-seeded as soon as it has been spread in order to stabilise it and reduce the possibility of solids wash-out to surface waters.

All fuel and hydraulic fuels stored on the worksite should be in a locked and bunded container. Refuelling should only take place well back from the edge of watercourses and all stationary plant should be placed on drip trays to prevent leaking oils reaching the river or entering groundwater.

Mitigation of Main Channel Widening Works The greatest danger during the construction phase arises from large-scale earth moving works adjacent to the channel. Work on segments of the channel widening measure will need to be phased and designed to minimise cumulative adverse impacts and to prevent unnecessary damage to banks that could exacerbate silt loss.

MGE0262Rp0012 407 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Silt loss could be compounded by activities such as poor routing of vehicular traffic; unnecessary back-and forth movements on completed excavations; conducting of operations unnecessarily close to the river’s edge, etc. Construction vehicles must not enter the channel even in very low flow conditions.

Marginal emergent macrophyte beds must not be removed or damaged as part of the operation as these constitute a last line of defence against silt run-off. Spoil must not be spread within 2m of land drains and within 5m of the main channel.

The newly excavated second stage channel should be compacted as the operation is proceeding in order to stabilise the newly exposed soil. The spread areas should be capped and stabilised in a continuous fashion to achieve the same effect.

The proposed works in the Crusheeny Bridge to Cregmore Bridge stretch provides an opportunity to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to undertake fisheries enhancement works in the new channel, with the aim, during the operational phase, to increase the spawning, nursery/feeding and holding capacity of the study reach for salmon and trout. These have not been proposed at this stage, but have the potential to reduce negative impacts associated with channel widening in that reach. On the whole such measures, provided they are of sufficient extent and are optimally located within the channel, are expected to off-set any adverse impacts of the scheme on salmonids, without adversely impacting other species.

One fisheries enhancement measure has been designed to improve angling amenity value at Claregalway Bridge. Optimal design and implementation / construction of the measure will require a detailed assessment of the current channel morphology during low flow conditions. Instream works required for the fishery enhancement should occur in conjunction with channel regrading, taking advantage of the presence of cofferdams to control sediment release. The implementation and design must be agreed between OPW and IFI and, in the medium to long-term, will need to be monitored in order to assess its success and maintenance requirements.

The proposed Lakeview surface water drain/stormwater pipe will require the inline or upstream insertion of hydrocarbon separation and sediment removal systems before it is discharged to the main channel of the Clare. This will reduce the discharge of traffic-associated contaminants and general inert solids from the drained area.

With regard to drainage channels, electrofishing surveys will need to take place before any proposed measures are implemented at some of the drains earmarked for works. Areas that specifically require electrofishing are: (i) the lower stretch of the Gortadooey tributary (i.e., downstream of the road), (ii) the lower 400m of the Islandmore/Caherlea drain, (iii) parts of the Kiniska stream, and (iv) part of the Gortcloonmore channel around and upstream of the road bridge.

This will establish the presence or otherwise of lamprey and trout habitat. The cleaning and re-grading of the Kiniska and Islandmore/Caherlea drains, for example, should be phased so that no more than two channels in any one area are being worked on at the same time. Works must occur during low flows and in a low flood risk period in order to minimise the quantities of silt being

MGE0262Rp0012 408 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) generated. All of the channels must be drained according to OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures, using methods agreed with NPWS to minimise the loss of biodiversity and to facilitate timely regeneration. If hydraulically advisable, the new feeder drain to the Islandmore/Caherlea system will be inserted before the existing network is cleaned / regraded, which will ensure that any silt generated by the former will have an increased chance of being intercepted before reaching the main channel of the Clare River.

Any works in the general newt breeding area of the Montiagh South drainage network must be conducted under licence and with agreed conditions from NPWS so as to preserve this protected species. Construction Fisheries Enhancements EREP measures designed to improve the feeding and holding capacity of the Clare for salmon and trout at Claregalway Bridge and to improve the spawning potential for salmon within the study reach have been proposed. The approach is to work with the existing channel form in conjunction with regrading of the river bed there to create a large holding pool and hence improve its salmonid fish carrying capacity. Addition of gravels and random boulders is recommended at this location as part of pool creation. Some enhancement measures are also designed to improve angling in the study reach. A combination of the following measures apply to pool creation at Claregalway Bridge: • Development of angling pools (upgrading of existing pool areas and creation of new pools • Addition of spawning gravels • Addition of random boulders Construction Mitigation for each of the Proposed Flood Alleviation Scheme Measures

Montiagh South - Measure 2a General good practise in road building with particular respect to silt control, especially at small land drain crossing points.

Montiagh South – Measure 2b Gortadooey tributary downstream of the proposed culvert should be electrofished in advance of any works to assess whether there are any fish or lamprey ammocoetes (small larvae) in the affected channels.

In order to limit the escape of silt, it is recommended that short, temporary by-pass channels are excavated around culvert locations and the bypasses are lined with geotextile before flow is diverted into them. This will allow culvert installation in the dry within the existing channel. The assumption is that culverts are pre-fabricated and inserted or assembled on site without the use of bulk liquid concrete. If concrete is to be poured then all the necessary precautions associated with using cement in or by watercourses should be followed (see Chapter 11). The base of each culvert should be placed below the current bed level and any coarse material present under and around the existing channel should be removed, set aside and then replaced over the base of the new culvert after they have been inserted. This will help preserve the existing habitats as much as possible.

Montiagh South - Measure 2c Implement OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (Appendix 1.1). Obtain NPWS license

MGE0262Rp0012 409 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) for works in this area to protect newts and breeding habitat. Retain fish barrier between newt wetlands and main channel.

Montiagh North - Measure 3a As for 2a and 2b, above.

Montiagh North - Measure 3b As for 2a and 2b, above.

Gortadooey Trib. An electrofishing survey is recommended in the lower stretch prior to works commencing. Do not remove gravels and other hard substrates, and skip sections if possible. To be discussed and agreed with IFI.

Claregalway Village - Measure 4a An electrofishing survey is recommended in the lower stretch prior to works commencing. Do not remove gravels and other hard substrates, and skip sections if possible. To be discussed and agreed with IFI.

Claregalway Village - Measure 4b A detailed method statement should be drawn up by the contractor indicating what measures will be taken, including cofferdam installation, to avoid sediment or soil loss associated with all aspects of the construction and how these will be monitored for effectiveness. Best practice in the protection of bare soil or spoil heaps to prevent slumping or wash-off of solids must be stated. Other aspects to be addressed include: Best practice in hydrocarbon storage and handling and on-site re-fuelling; response strategy in the case of accidental hydrocarbon spillage or hydraulic fluid leakage; response strategy and details of chain of command in the event of flooding occurring during works. A mechanism for reporting of pollution incidents should be agreed in advance between the OPW and the IFI.

The fisheries enhancement measure (EREP) at Claregalway must include a suitably graded run out section from the pool with fine and coarse substrates which could compensate for fish nursery and macroinvertebrate habitat lost during deepening and pool creation. The same should occur further upstream of the bridge, around cross-sections 76.6-75, where a predicted improvement in Froude Number as a result of measure 4b shows that habitat will become more ideal for salmonid production. Consider, in agreement with IFI, inserting new angling pools when the river is constrained by cofferdams.

To limit cumulative impacts, Measure 4b’s construction phase should be sequenced to occur a sufficient time after any channel maintenance of the Clare River (say within 0.5-1km) upstream of the Claregalway Bridge.

Works to be carried out between May and September to avoid critical breeding periods and future channel maintenance will require application of OPW Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures for works within the cSAC with reference to Atlantic Salmon, White-clawed crayfish and Lampreys.

MGE0262Rp0012 410 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures)

The works should be monitored by an independent party at stages throughout the construction phase with the approval and cooperation of the OPW and the IFI. Post works surveys should be undertaken annually to determine if the new works are giving rise to excessive bank erosion or deposition anywhere along the channel.

Claregalway Village - Measure 4c The contractor should draw up a detailed method statement that addresses Best Practice in liquid and/or mortar management addressing batching on site (if that is proposed), pouring and handling, secure shuttering / form-work, adequate curing times and management of spills. No washings should be allowed to enter nearby drains. Works should occur in the dry.

Claregalway Village - Measure 4d A detailed method statement should be drawn up by the OPW indicating what measures will be taken to avoid sediment or soil loss associated with all aspects of the construction and how these will be monitored for effectiveness. Use low silt content embankment material. Works undertaken during periods of settled weather with no flood risk to allow sufficient time for construction materials to settle. Install continuous geo-textile silt curtain at the foot of the embankment heap for construction period including settling period following completion. Any currently existing drains that may be direct conduits to the Clare River will require additional silt traps.

Kiniska - Measure 5a Implement OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (Appendix 1.1). Retain sections of hard substrates and grade bed accordingly.

Kiniska - Measure 5b Implement OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (Appendix 1.1).Retain sections of hard substrates and grade bed accordingly.

Lakeview – Measure 6a A detailed method statement should be drawn up by the OPW indicating what measures will be taken to avoid sediment or soil loss associated with all aspects of the construction phase and how these will be monitored for effectiveness. Excavation of the drain network should be undertaken with the presence of an undisturbed buffer zone between works and the Clare River with the final section of the drain connected once all drain construction works are complete and fines and spills have settled or been removed. Use SuDS Guidance or other proven silt trap measures to reduce sediment loading to the Clare River. Incorporate hydrocarbon interceptors.

Caherlea/Lisheenavalla - Measure 8a See details in Crusheeny Bridge NIS report (Appendix 11.5). As this NIS was prepared prior to the decision to undertake channel widening upstream of the bridge, then take particular note of mitigations in relation to fisheries impacts as under Measure 8b (below).

MGE0262Rp0012 411 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Caherlea/Lisheenavalla - Measure 8b In order to offset potential negative impacts with respect to changes to average velocity and the loss of salmonid spawning / nursery habitat on the Clare River in the vicinity of Crusheeny Bridge, fisheries enhancement measures should be designed and implemented in for the riffle / run stretch of the Clare River upstream of the Islandmore confluence. These should be agreed between IFI and OPW. The works should be monitored by an independent party at stages throughout the construction phase with the approval and cooperation of the OPW and the IFI. Post works surveys should be undertaken annually to determine if the new works are giving rise to excessive bank erosion or deposition anywhere along the channel. A Method Statement must be drawn up by the OPW listing in detail the methods which will be used for the proposed bank widening and associated spoil spreading. This needs to be sufficiently detailed to allow interested parties, in particular the IFI and NPWS, to understand the extent and location of the works and the exact limits of what’s being proposed and where. This will mean that non- scheduled or non-approved works will not take place and will allow more focused mitigation in areas which are considered more sensitive or more prone to risk than others. Furthermore, there must be ongoing consultation by the OPW with IFI and NPWS throughout all phases of the works which should include attendance at progress meetings at stages agreed in advance by the contractors and designated IFI and NPWS representatives. A mechanism for reporting of pollution incidents should be agreed in advance between the OPW and the IFI. The work flow on site must be designed to minimise damage to the edge of the banks by heavy construction vehicles or cause rutting which would increase the risk of gully erosion or solids wash-out during intense rainfall. Fringing reeds should not be removed nor damaged during construction, unless specifically agreed in advance by the IFI. These reed beds will act as partial protection against erosion of the edges of the new bank and help to trap escaped solids from the earth works. The newly exposed subsoil on the widened banks should be compacted in order to stabilise of the new second stage channel. This work should run in parallel to the widening works. Place spoil stock piles on flat ground along the Clare River channel or at least 5m from the nearest drainage ditch and preferably in a grassed area to filter run-off. Spoil spread on adjacent lands should be kept at least 2m back from the edges of land drains. All spoil should be re-seeded as soon as it has been spread in order to stabilise it and reduce the possibility of solids wash-out to surface waters. All fuel and hydraulic fuels stored on the worksite should be in a locked and bunded container. Refuelling should only take place well back from the edge of watercourses and all stationary plant should be placed on drip trays to prevent leaking oils reaching the river or entering groundwater. Future channel maintenance will require application of OPW Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures for works within the cSAC with reference to Atlantic Salmon, White-clawed crayfish and Lampreys. Maintenance of aquatic vegetation that may establish on the second stage channel between Crusheeny Bridge and Section 94,

MGE0262Rp0012 412 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) upstream, should be precluded in the future in order to protect newly established aquatic habitat. Caherlea/Lisheenavalla - Measure 8c An electrofishing survey is recommended in the lower stretch prior to works commencing. Implement OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures. Do not remove gravels and other hard substrates – skip sections - in agreement with IFI.

Caherlea/Lisheenavalla – Measure 8d General good practise in road building with particular respect to silt control, especially at small land drain crossing points.

Carnmore/Cashla – Measure 9a Ideally, this upper section of drain should be excavated prior to cleaning and regrading on the main Islandmore/Caherlea drains as in their uncleaned state they would be more efficient at trapping silt generated during the excavation of the new drain.

Selective channel maintenance in the Clare River – Measure 10 Careful adherence to OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures, particularly: skipping sections, leaving marginal vegetation intact on one bank (i.e., avoid clearing both banks/margins), topping of vegetated berms as opposed to removal, checking spoil for lamprey and crayfish and employing mitigations as listed in the Procedures with respect to these species. Do not remove gravels and other hard substrates from riffle / run habitat. Minimise or preferably avoid carrying out channel maintenance in the stretch undergoing channel widening upstream of Crusheeny Bridge.

Claregalway Footbridge The main aspects to make sure to address are: best practice in bulk-liquid concrete management addressing batching on site (if that is proposed), pouring and handling, secure shuttering / form-work, adequate curing times. Works should occur during dry weather in a low flow period when there is no chance of flood waters rising onto the second stage channel and such timing of works must take into account adequate curing time for concrete. The timing of the works must be specified and agreed with the IFI in relation to fish migration and spawning periods. A mechanism for reporting of pollution incidents should be agreed in advance between the OPW and the IFI.

MGE0262Rp0012 413 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Air and Climate Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Construction 10. All site preparation and channel widening machinery will have speed restrictions on unsurfaced roads. 11. Regular maintenance of plant and equipment will take place including technical inspection of vehicles to ensure they will perform most efficiently. 12. Where possible temporary access roads within the temporary working area will be used to minimise traffic on the local road network, and 13. Engines will be turned off when not being used for prolonged periods of time.

Noise and Vibration Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Construction 14. There will be no work outside of normal working hours. 15. Where practicable the use of quiet working methods will be selected and the most suitable plant will be selected for each activity, having due regard to the need for noise control. 16. All contractors will employ the best practicable means to minimise noise emissions and will be obliged to comply with the general recommendations of BS 5228, 1997. To this end all contractors will use “noise reduced” plant and/or will modify their construction methods so that noisy plant is unnecessary. 17. Where possible, position potentially noisy plant or operations as far as possible from a noise sensitive receptor to minimise the transmission of sound. 18. All mechanical plant used on site will be fitted with effective exhaust silencers and will be maintained in good working order. Where practicable, machines will be operated at low speeds and will be shut down when not in use. 19. Where practicable the number of machines in simultaneous operation will be minimised. 20. Plant and machinery used on-site will comply with the EC (Construction Plant and Equipment) Permissible, Noise Levels Regulations, 1988 (S.I. No. 320 of 1988). 21. All noise producing equipment will comply with S.I. No 632 of 2001 European Communities (Noise Emission by Equipment for Use Outdoors) Regulations 2001. 22. Machines in intermittent use shall be shut down in the intervening period between works or throttled down to a minimum. 23. Employees working on the construction site will be informed about the requirement to minimise noise and will undergo training on the following aspects: 6. The proper use and maintenance of tools and equipment; 7. The position of machinery on-site to reduce the emission of noise at the nearest noise sensitive receptors; 8. Avoidance of unnecessary noise when carrying out manual operations and when operating plant and equipment; 9. The use and maintenance of sound reduction equipment fitted to power pressure tools and machines, and 10. Reporting defective noise control equipment. 24. Cognisance will also be taken from the “Environmental Good Practice Site Guide” 2005 compiled by CIRIA and the UK Environmental Agency. This guide provides useful and practical information regarding the control of noise emissions at construction sites which can be applied to the proposed flood relief scheme.

MGE0262Rp0012 414 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Archaeology, Architectural and Cultural Heritage Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Construction Archaeology

Movement of Excavated Material/ Embankments

It is recommended that the dredged material (embankments) to be removed along the length of the scheme, particularly in the vicinity of and Kiltroge castle (RMP GA070-071) are sampled and subject to metal detection in order to identify any disturbed archaeological material or artefacts. The Claregalway area was previously covered during the advance works at Claregalway Bridge. Metal detection should be carried out by an archaeologist under licence to the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht.

Excavation of River Bank (Measure 8b)

There may be a negative impact on previously unknown features associated with medieval settlement of Baile Chláir (Claregalway) (RMP GA070-012, 35, 36, 109 and 111) and Kiltroge castle (RMP GA070-071), which have the potential to survive along the riverbank. It is not possible to recommend predevelopment testing at these locations due to the existing earthen embankments. Testing of the narrow river bank located between the embankments and the river would also be impossible on the grounds of health and safety. It is therefore recommended that all ground disturbances associated with the proposed development in these areas, such as topsoil stripping or site investigations, be monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Full provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be discovered, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed.

There may be a significant or profound impact on previously unrecorded archaeological feature or deposits, such as burnt mounds, that have the potential to survive beneath the current ground level in riverine environments, outside of Baile Chláir (Claregalway). This will be caused by ground disturbances associated with the proposed development. It is therefore recommended that all ground disturbances associated with the proposed development, such as topsoil stripping or site investigations, be monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Full provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be discovered, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed.

Deposition of Spread Material

It is recommended that spreading of excavated material should be avoided within the vicinity of Recorded Monuments and places (RMP GA070-012, 35, 36, 71, 72, 73, 109 and 111) in order to avoid impacts on known archaeological features.

It is recommended that all topsoil stripping associated with the proposed spreading of materials be subject to monitoring by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Should any previously unknown archaeological features be identified during topsoil stripping a description and position of the remains may be ascertained and the site preserved in situ beneath the spread material. Works carried out in consultation with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. All virgin ground that is to be stripped of topsoil adjacent to a riverine

MGE0262Rp0012 415 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) environment should be subject to archaeological monitoring. If deposits and/or sites are identified then they will need to be recorded and covered before they are back-filled.

Raising Level of Roadway (Measure 2a, 3a, 3b and 8d)

Should any ground disturbance of virgin ground be undertaken in Móinteach Theas, Gort an Dúigh (Gortadooey) or Baile Chláir (Claregalway) during the raising of these sections of road it is recommended that works are monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Full provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be discovered, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed.

Cleaning of River Kiniska (Measure 5a and 5b)

There may be a significant or profound impact on previously unrecorded archaeological features or deposits, such as burnt mounds, that have the potential to survive beneath the current ground level in riverine environments in Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and Cinn Uisce (Kiniska) townlands. This will be caused by ground disturbances associated with the proposed development. It is therefore recommended that all ground disturbances associated with the proposed works, that require the excavation of virgin ground, be monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Full provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be discovered, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed.

The northern section of the Kiniska Stream in Cinn Uisce (Kiniska) townland appears to be undisturbed in its natural course. It is recommended that an underwater archaeological survey be undertaken within this area to be impacted by the proposed development. The survey should be carried out by an archaeologist licenced to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Full provision should be made available for the resolution of any archaeological features or deposits that may be identified should that be deemed the most appropriate way to proceed.

Provision of Surface Water Drains (Measure 6a and 9)

It is recommended that any impact on the RMP sites, earthwork (GA070-111003), and enclosure (GA070-111002), and burnt mound in Droim na Gaoithe (Lakeview) be avoided. If this is not possible then it is recommended that a program of pre-development archaeological testing be undertaken within the footprint of the proposed drain and ant associated wayleave. Full provision should be made for the resolution of any archaeological features/deposits that may be discovered, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed.

It is recommended that all ground disturbances, that require the excavation of virgin ground (previously undisturbed ground), associated with the proposed provision of surface water drains be subject to monitoring by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Should any previously unknown archaeological features be identified during topsoil stripping a description and position of the remains may be ascertained and

MGE0262Rp0012 416 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) the site preserved in situ beneath the spread material, should that be deemed the appropriate way to proceed following discussion with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Architecture

Movement of Excavated Material/ Embankments

There are no mitigation measures required.

Excavation of River Bank (Measure 8b)

There are no mitigation measures required.

Deposition of Spread Material (Measure 4d)

There is no further mitigation required with regard to the nine-arch bridge (RPS 108, NIAH 30407011).

Raising Level of Roadway (Measure 2a, 3a, 3b and 8d)

There are no mitigation measures required.

Cleaning of River Kiniska (Measure 5a and 5b)

There are no mitigation measures required.

Provision of Surface Water Drains (Measure 6a and 9)

There are no mitigation measures required.

Cultural Heritage

With the exception of the above mitigation measures, recommendations in relation to specific cultural heritage sites are not deemed necessary.

MGE0262Rp0012 417 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Landscape and Visual Environment Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Construction The physical and visual integration of the proposed flood relief scheme and associated features into the surrounding landscape, through:

- Replacement of topsoil in areas where topsoil will be stripped to spread spoil and topsoil replaced, and returned fit for purpose to landowners, e.g. in areas of improved agricultural grassland (GA1); - Retention of the existing vegetation and earth banks to field boundaries as far as possible. - Site preparation areas and access route areas will be kept tidy at all times.

Human Beings and Material Assets Description Stage (Mitigation Measures) Construction • Notify local road users of times that machinery will be transported to site. • Transport machinery during non- peak traffic hours. • Consult with Galway County Council Roads Department regarding road closures, diversions, traffic management measures required to implement flood relief scheme and footbridge works. • Notify local road users through public notice in a County paper. • Ensure that activities are restricted to working hours where working near sensitive receptors. • Notify local landowners through interference notices. • Replace lands adjacent to the river widening areas fit for purpose post flood relief scheme works. • A range of measures to be put in place as per Chapters 10 and 11 are also relevant to mitigate impacts to human beings and material assets. ƒ Retention of the existing vegetation and earth banks to field boundaries as far as possible. • Site preparation areas and compound areas will be kept tidy at all times. • Follow OPW Health and Safety Policies and Statements at all times during works.

MGE0262Rp0012 418 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme Summary Mitigation Measures

Traffic Description No. Stage (Mitigation Measures) Construction • Notify local road users of time that machinery will be transported to site. • Transport machinery during non- peak traffic hours. • Do not transport machinery in convoy. • Notify local road users of time that aggregate will be transported to site. • Transport materials during non- peak traffic hours. • Discussion and agreement with Galway County Council’s Roads and Planning Department required. • Road closures to be placed as Public Notices in a prominent paper to inform the public.

MGE0262Rp0012 419 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme References

20 REFERENCES

REFERENCES APPLICABLE TO ALL CHAPTERS

EPA. 2002. Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements.

EPA. 2003. Advice Notes on Current Practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements.

Office of Public Works. 2011. Arterial Drainage Maintenance Service Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.

RPS, 2010. N17 Baile Chláir Footbridge. Feasibility Study Report. Report to Galway County Council.

RPS. 2011a. Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme. Engineering Design - Stage 1 Report. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011b. Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme - Environmental Constraints Study. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011c. Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme - Summary of Public Information Evening 8th June 2011. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011d. Screening for Appropriate Assessment Advance Works Crusheeny Bridge. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011e. Natura Impact Statement Advance Works Crusheeny Bridge. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011f. Scope of NIS and EIS Surveys for the Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme. Report to the OPW and NPWS.

RPS. 2011g. Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme - Environmental Assessment of Viable Options. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011h. Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme - Screening for Appropriate Assessment. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011i. Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme - Summary of Public Information Evening 30th November 2011. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011j. Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme - Natura Impact Statement. Report to the OPW.

Ryan Hanley, 2010a. Study to identify practical measures to address flooding on the Clare River. Volume 1 Report & Volume 2 Appendices. Report to the Office of Public Works.

Ryan Hanley, 2010b. Study to identify practical measures to address flooding at Carnmore/Cashla. Report to the Office of Public Works.

CHAPTER SPECIFIC REFERENCES

Chapter 1

McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan. 2010. Natura Impact Statement Proposed Flood Conveyance Works Claregalway Bridge, Co. Galway. Report to the OPW.

MGE0262Rp0012 420 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme References

OPW. 1954. Arterial Drainage Act 1945 Corrib-Mask Catchment Drainage Scheme Report. Office of Public Works Dublin.

RPS. 2011a. Engineering Design - Stage 1 Report. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011b. Environmental Constraints Study. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011d. Screening for Appropriate Assessment Advance Works Crusheeny Bridge. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011e. Natura Impact Statement Advance Works Crusheeny Bridge. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011g. Environmental Assessment of Viable Options. Report to the OPW.

Chapter 2

See references applicable to all chapters above.

Chapter 3

Arterial Drainage Act, 1945.

Arterial Drainage (Amendment) Act 1995.

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. 2011. Actions for Biodiversity 2011 – 2016, Ireland’s 2nd National Biodiversity Plan.

Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2009 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.

Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risks or EU Flood Directive (2007/60/EC).

European Communities (Assessment and Management of Flood Risks) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 122 of 2010).

Galway County Council. 2009. Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015.

Government of Ireland. 2006. National Development Plan 2007-2013 – Transforming Ireland. A better quality of life for all.

Government of Ireland. 2009. Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Guidelines for Local Authorities.

Office of Public Works. 2004. Report of the Flood Policy Review Group.

West Regional Authority. 2010. Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2010 – 2022.

West Regional Authority. 2010. Draft Regional Flood Risk Appraisal for the Draft Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2010-2022.

MGE0262Rp0012 421 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme References

Chapter 4

No references.

Chapter 5

No references.

Chapter 6

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). 1975. UK Flood Studies Report.

Office of Public Works. 2009. Assessment of Potential Future Scenarios for Flood Risk Management.

Chapter 7

Met Eireann. Climatological Note No. 12, Report on Rainfall of November 2009.

Chapter 8

CIRIA Report No. C648. 2006. Control of water pollution from linear construction projects.

Eastern Regional Fisheries Board. (no publication date available). Requirements for the Protection of Fisheries Habitat during Construction and Development Works at River Sites.

Environmental Protection Agency. 2007. Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide for Construction Sites..

Environment Research Council (NERC). 1975. UK Flood Studies Report.

National Road Authority. 2004. Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines of National Road Schemes – A Practical Guide.

National Road Authority. 2007. Guidelines on Procedures for Assessment and Treatment of Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology for National Road Schemes.

National Road Authority. (no publication date available). Guidelines for the Crossing of Watercourses during the construction of National Road Schemes. Environmental Series on Cosntruction Impacts.

USEPA. 2007. Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide for Construction Sites.

Websites

Flood data was obtained from OPW and EPA (www.opw.ie , www.floodmaps.ie, www.epa.ie),

Western River Basin District (WRBD) – River Basin Management Plan, and WaterMaps (www.wfdireland.ie),

Chapter 9

CIRIA (Construction Industry Research and Information Association). 2001. Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites’ (CIRIA Report No C532).

MGE0262Rp0012 422 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme References

CIRIA (Construction Industry Research and Information Association). 2006. Control of Water Pollution from Linear Construction Projects (CIRIA Report No. C648).

Drew, D. and Daly, D. 1993. Groundwater and Karstification in mid-Galway, south Mayo and north Clare. A Trinity College Dublin/Geological Survey of Ireland joint report.

Geological Survey of Ireland. 1:100,000 Geology of Galway Bay (Sheet 14)

Geological Survey of Ireland. 2004. Clare-Corrib Groundwater Body Description.

Institute of Geologists of Ireland. 2002. Geology in Environmental Impact Statements – A guide.

National Roads Authority, 2009. Guidelines on Procedures for Assessment and Treatment of Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology for National Road Scheme, NRA.

Ordnance Survey of Ireland (O.S.I.) 1:50,000 Map Discovery Series and Historical Mapping.

Websites:

Water Framework Directive (WFD) Water Body Reports http://watermaps.wfdireland.ie.

Chapter 10 Terrestrial Ecology

Directive 92/43/EEC. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg.

European Commission. 2002. Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites: Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg.

European Commission. 2006. Nature and biodiversity cases: Ruling of the European Court of Justice. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg.

European Commission. 2007a. Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the ‘Habitats Directive’ 92/43/EEC. Clarification of the concepts of: alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding public interest, compensatory measures, overall coherence, opinion of the Commission.

European Commission. 2007b. Interpretation manual of European Union habitats. EUR27. European Commission, DG Environment.

Environmental Protection Agency. 2002. Guidelines on information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements. EPA, Wexford.

Environmental Protection Agency. 2003. Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements). EPA, Wexford.

King J.J., Hanna, G. & Wightman G.D. 2008a. Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) of The Effects of Statutory Arterial Drainage Maintenance Activities on on three lamprey species (Lampetra planeri Bloch, Lampetra fluviatilis L., and Petromyzon marinus L.). Series of Ecological Assessments on Arterial Drainage Maintenance No 9 Environment Section, Office of Public Works, Headford, Co. Galway.

King J.J., Lordan M. & Wightman G.D. 2008b. Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) of The Effects of Statutory Arterial Drainage Maintenance Activities on Whiteclawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes). Series of Ecological Assessments on Arterial Drainage Maintenance No 10 Environment Section, Office of Public Works, Headford, Co. Galway.

MGE0262Rp0012 423 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme References

McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan. 2010. Natura Impact Statement Proposed Flood Conveyance Works Claregalway Bridge, Co. Galway. Report to the OPW.

National Parks and Wildlife Service. 2008. The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Conservation status in Ireland of habitats and species listed in the European Council directive on the conservation of habitats, flora and fauna 92/43/EEC. Volumes 1, 2 and 3. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

National Parks and Wildlife Service. 2009. Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities Revised February 2010 Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

O’Connor, W. 2007. A Survey of Juvenile Lamprey Populations in the Corrib and Suir Catchments. Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 26. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland.

RPS. 2011a. Engineering Design - Stage 1 Report. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011b. Environmental Constraints Study. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011d. Screening for Appropriate Assessment Advance Works Crusheeny Bridge. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011e. Natura Impact Statement Advance Works Crusheeny Bridge. Report to the OPW.

RPS. 2011g. Environmental Assessment of Viable Options. Report to the OPW.

Ryan Hanley, 2010a. Study to identify practical measures to address flooding on the Clare River. Volume 1 Report & Volume 2 Appendices. Report to the Office of Public Works.

Ryan Hanley, 2010b. Study to identify practical measures to address flooding at Carnmore/Cashla. Report to the Office of Public Works.

Therivel, R. 2009. Appropriate assessment of plans in England. Environmental Impact Assessment Review 29, 261-272

Chapter 11 Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality

Amoser, S., Wysocki, L. E. and F. Ladich (2004) Noise emission during the first powerboat race in an Alpine lake and potential impact on fish communities J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 116, pp. 3789-3797.

Anon. 2009. River Hydromorphology Assessment Technique (RHAT). Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Anon. 2011. Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme - Advance Works Crusheeny Bridge Appropriate Assessment Screening Report. RPS, June 2011

Armstrong JD, Kemp, PS, Kennedy, GJA, Ladle, M., and Milner NJ (2003) Habitat requirements of Atlantic Salmon and brown trout in rivers and streams. Fisheries Research 62, 143-170.

Armstrong JD, Kemp, PS, Kennedy, GJA, Ladle, M., and Milner NJ (2003) Habitat requirements of Atlantic Salmon and brown trout in rivers and streams. Fisheries Research 62, 143-170.

CFB 2009. Sampling fish for the Water Framework Directive – Lakes 2008 (Lough Corrib). Central & Regional Fisheries Board (obtainable online from IFI at: http://www.wfdfish.ie/wpcontent/uploads/2010/08/corrib_report_2008.pdf)

MGE0262Rp0012 424 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme References

EPA 2001 Phosphorus regulations national implementation report , 2001. Environmental Protection Agency, Wexford.

EPA 2002. Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements.

EPA 2006. Water Framework Directive Monitoring Programme. Version 1 2006. Prepared to meet the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and National Regulations implementing the Water Framework Directive (S.I. No 722 of 2003) and National Regulations implementing the Nitrates Directive (S.I No. 788 of 2005). Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland.

Flood, K. 2010 Irish Wildlife Trust Smooth Newt Survey. Completion report of the 2010 Pilot Survey. Irish Wildlife Trust. Available at: http://iwt.ie/wpcontent/uploads/2011/02/Completion_Report_2010.pdf (Novemebr, 2011)

GSI 2004 1st Draft Clare-Corrib GWB Description. Geological Survey of Ireland. Available at: http://www.gsi.ie/NR/rdonlyres/3B8B6FDF-6235-4EEB-960B-93EF91F207E9/0/ClareCorrib.pdf (August, 2011)

Hatton-Ellis TW & Grieve N 2003). Ecology of Watercourses Characterised by Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion Vegetation. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 11. English Nature, Peterborough.

Holditch, D.M., Peay, S., Foster, J., Hiley, P.D. and Brickland, J.H. 2006 Studies on the white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) associated with muddy habitats. Bulletin Francais de la Pêche et de la Pisciculture. 380-381 : 1055-1078

IEEM 2006. Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom. Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, UK. Available at: http://www.ieem.net/ecia/EcIA%20Approved%207%20July%2006.pdf (August, 2011)

IFI 2010. Biosecurity Protocol for Field Survey Work. Inland Fisheries Ireland. Available at: http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Invasive-Species/biosecurity-protocol-for-field-survey-work.html

King, J.J. 2007 Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) of The Effects of Statutory Arterial Drainage Maintenance Activities on Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). Series of Ecological Assessments on Arterial Drainage Maintenance No 3 Environment Section, Office of Public Works, Headford, Co. Galway.

King J.J., Hanna, G. & Wightman G.D. 2008a. Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) of The Effects of Statutory Arterial Drainage Maintenance Activities on on three lamprey species (Lampetra planeri Bloch, Lampetra fluviatilis L., and Petromyzon marinus L.). Series of Ecological Assessments on Arterial Drainage Maintenance No 9 Environment Section, Office of Public Works, Headford, Co. Galway.

King J.J., Lordan M. & Wightman G.D. 2008b. Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) of The Effects of Statutory Arterial Drainage Maintenance Activities on Whiteclawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes). Series of Ecological Assessments on Arterial Drainage Maintenance No 10 Environment Section, Office of Public Works, Headford, Co. Galway.

Krause, W. and King, J. J. 1994. The Ecological Status of Lough Corrib, Ireland, as Indicated by Physiographic Factors, WaterChemistry and Macrophytic Flora. Vegetatio, Vol. 110 (2), pp. 149-161.

McGarrigle, M. L., and Lucey, J. 2009. Intercalibration of Ecological Status of Rivers in Ireland for the purpose of the Water Framework Directive. Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, Vol 109B, No. 3, 237 – 246.

NRA 2005. Guidelines for the Crossing of Watercourses during the Construction of National Road Schemes. Dublin: National Roads Authority. Available at:http://www.nra.ie/Publications/DownloadableDocumentation/Environment/file,3493,en.pdf (August, 2011)

MGE0262Rp0012 425 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme References

NRA 2006. Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes. Revision 1. Dublin. National Roads Authority. Available at: http://www.nra.ie/Publications/DownloadableDocumentation/Environment/file,3483,en.pdf (August, 2011)

NRA 2009. Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes. Revision 2. Dublin. National Roads Authority. Available at http://www.nra.ie/RepositoryforPublicationsInfo/file,16634,en.pdf (August, 2011)

O’Connor, W. 2007. A Survey of Juvenile Lamprey Populations in the Corrib and Suir Catchments. Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 26. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland.

O’Connor, W., Hayes G., O’Keeffe, C. & Lynn, D. 2009. Monitoring of white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes in Irish lakes in 2007. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No 37. National Parks And Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin.

OPW (2007) Series of Ecological Assessments on Arterial Drainage Maintenance No 1. Screening of Natura 2000 sites for Impacts of Arterial Drainage Maintenance Operations. Environment Section, Office of Public Works, Headford, Co. Galway. Available at: http://www.opw.ie/media/Issue%20No.%201%20Screening%20Report.pdf (October, 2012).

OPW 2011 Arterial Drainage Maintenance Environmental Management Protocols & Standard Operating Procedures. Available at: http://www.opw.ie/media/OPW%20Environmental%20Management%20Protocols%20&%20SOPs%2A pril%202011.pdf (November, 2011)

Peay, S. 2000. Guidance on works affecting White-Clawed Crayfish. Scott Wilson Resource Consultants. Leeds.

Peay S. 2003. Monitoring the White-clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Monitoring Series No. 1, English Nature, Peterborough

Reynolds, J. D. 2006. Manual for monitoring Irish lake stocks of white-clawed crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet). Unpublished report to NPWS.

Reynolds, J.D. 2007. Conservation Status Assessment Report (1092) of the White Clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet, 1858) in Ireland. Unpublished report to NPWS.

Reynolds, J.D., O’Connor, W., O’Keeffe, C. & Lynn, D. 2010. A technical manual for monitoring white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes in Irish lakes. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No 45, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin.

Van den Berg, M.S., Scheffer, M., Van Nes, E., and H. Coops (1999) Dynamics and stability of Chara sp. and Potamogeton pectinatus in a shallow lake changing in eutrophication level. Hydrobiologia, 408/409, 335–342

Williams. L. 2009. Mitigation of Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works on the Awbeg River, Co. Cork: conservation of white clawed crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes, within the River Blackwater cSAC. A report to National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Ireland.

Williams. L. 2010. Mitigation of Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works on the Awbeg River, Co. Cork.

A report to National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Ireland.

Chapter 12

MGE0262Rp0012 426 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme References

Air Quality Standards Regulations (S.I. No. 271 of 2002).

Directive 2001/81/EC on National Emission Ceilings for certain pollutants (NECs) (S.I. No. 10 of 2004)

Chapter 13

BS 5228. Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites.

CIRIA & the UK Environmental Agency. 2005. Environmental Good Practice Site Guide.

County Galway Local Authorities. 2008. Draft Action Noise Plan.

DEFRA. 2005. Update of Noise Database for Prediction of Noise on Construction and Open Sites.

Environmental Noise Regulations, S.I. No. 140 of 2006.

Environmental Protection Agency. 2006. Guidance note for noise in relation to scheduled activities, 2nd edition.

ISO. 1996. Description and measurement of environmental noise, Acoustics.

National Roads Authority. 2004. NRA Guidelines for the Treatment of Noise & Vibration on National Road Schemes.

World Health Organisation (WHO). 1999. Guidelines for Community Noise.

Chapter 14 Archaeology, Architectural and Cultural Heritage

Bence-Jones, M. 1990 A Guide to Irish Country Houses. London: Constable.

Bennett, I. (ed.) 1987−2008 Excavations: Summary Accounts of Archaeological Excavations in Ireland. Bray. Wordwell.

Bradley, J. and Dunne, N. 1990 Urban Archaeological Survey: Part XIX County Galway. Office Public Works.

Brindley, A.L. and Lanting, J. N. 1990 The Dating of Fulachta Fiadh In Buckley, V 1990 Burnt Offerings: International Contributions to Burnt Mound Archaeology. Dublin. Wordwell.

Byrne, F. J. 1973 Irish Kings and High Kings. London.

Claregalway Local Area Plan. 2005-2011.

Culleton, E. 1999 Celtic and Early Christian Wexford. Dublin. Four Courts Press.

Curl, J.S. 1997 Encyclopedia of Architectural Terms. Donhead Publishing.

Delaney, F. 2011 The early medieval landscape. In F. Delaney and J. Tierney, In the Lowlands of South Galway: Archaeological Excavations on the N18 Oranmore to Gort National Road Scheme. NRA Scheme Monographs 7.

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Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. 1999a Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage. Dublin. Government Publications Office.

Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. 1999b Policy and Guidelines on Archaeological Excavation. Dublin. Government Publications Office.

Edwards, N. 1996 The Archaeology of Early Medieval Ireland. Routledge. Stout.

Environmental Protection Agency. 2003 Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements). Dublin. Government Publications Office.

Environmental Protection Agency. 2003 Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements. Dublin. Dublin: Government Publications Office.

Galway County Development Plan. 2009−2015.

Harrison, S. and Mac Domhnaill, B. 2010 Geophysical Survey and Earthwork Survey at the proposed site of Flood Relief Provisions at Claregalway Bridge, Claregalway, County Galway on the route of the existing N17 Galway to Tuam Road. Draft unpublished report prepared by Headland Archaeology Ltd on behalf of the Office of Public Works and Galway County Council.

Harbison, P. 1992 Guide to the National and Historic Monuments of Ireland. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan.

Institute of Field Archaeologists. 2001a Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Desk-based Assessments. Manchester. IFA.

Institute of Field Archaeologists. 2001b Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Monitoring. Manchester. IFA.

Institute of Field Archaeologists. 2001c Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Test Trenching. Manchester. IFA.

Jones, M. 2005 N17 Claregalway Bypass, County Galway Assessment of the archaeology and architectural heritage of the proposed route. Report prepared by Galway NRDO.

Lewis, S. 1837 (reprint 1970) Topographical Dictionary of Ireland. Vol. I, II. New York: Kennikat Press.

McErlean, T. 1983 The Irish Townland System of Landscape Organisation. In T. Reeves-Smyth and F. Hammond (eds), Landscape Archaeology in Ireland, 319−339. Oxford.

National Monument Section, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Sites and Monuments Record, County Galway.

National Museum of Ireland. Topographical Files, County Galway.

Nolan, Col. J.P. 1900−01 The Castles of Clare Barony. Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society, 1, 11−48.

O’ Neill, N. 2011 Summary report and provisional post-excavation plan for the archaeological works in advance of flood relief works in the townland of Claregalway, Co. Galway (Ministerial Consent Ref.

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E4248). Draft unpublished report prepared by Headland Archaeology Ltd on behalf of the Office of Public Works and Galway County Council.

Patterson, N. T. 1994 Cattle Lords and Clansmen: The Social Structure of Early Ireland. Indiana. University of Notre Dame Press.

Stout, G. and Stout, M. 1997 Early Landscapes: from Prehistory to Plantation. In F.H.A. Aalen et. al. (eds), Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape. Cork. Cork University Press.

Stout, M. 1997 The Irish Ringfort. Dublin: Four Courts

Waddell, J. 1998 The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland. Galway: Galway University Press.

Cartographic Sources

William Larkin, Map of Galway, 1819

Ordnance Survey 6” maps of County Galway (1840, 1896−7, 1921 and 1934)

Electronic Sources www.excavations.ie – Summary of archaeological excavation from 1970−2008 www.archaeology.ie – DAHG website listing all SMR sites with aerial photographs www.buildingsofireland.ie – DAHG website listing the result of the County Galway architectural and garden survey www.googleearth.com – Aerial photographs of the proposed development area www.osiemaps.ie – Ordnance Survey aerial photographs dating to 1995, 2000 & 2005 www.booksulster.com/library/plnm/placenamesC.php - Contains the text from Irish Local Names Explained by P.W Joyce (1870)

Carey, A. 2002 ‘Claregalway Castle, 02E1574’, Excavations.ie database of Irish excavation reports, 2002:720, http://www.excavations.ie/Pages/Details.php?Year=&County=Galway&id=8065

Higgins, J. 1997 ‘Summerfield, Claregalway, 97E0206’, Excavations.ie database of Irish excavation reports, 1997:195, http://www.excavations.ie/Pages/Details.php?Year=&County=Galway&id=1821

Murphy, D. 2000 ‘Carnmore and Claregalway, 00E0478’, Excavations.ie database of Irish excavation reports, 2000:375, http://www.excavations.ie/Pages/Details.php?Year=&County=Galway&id=4649

Quinn, B. 2006 ‘Claregalway Castle, 06E0203’, Excavations.ie database of Irish excavation reports, 2006:773, http://www.excavations.ie/Pages/Details.php?Year=&County=Galway&id=15571

MGE0262Rp0012 429 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme References

Sherlock, R. 2006 ‘Claregalway, 06E0792’, Excavations.ie database of Irish excavation reports, 2006:774, http://www.excavations.ie/Pages/Details.php?Year=&County=Galway&id=15572

Sherlock, R. 2008 ‘Claregalway, 06E0792ext.’, Excavations.ie database of Irish excavation reports, 2008:533 http://www.excavations.ie/Pages/Details.php?Year=&County=Galway&id=19622

Chapter 15

Galway County Council. 2009. Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015.

Chapter 16

Central Statistics Office. Census of Ireland 2006 – Census Interactive Tables. http://www.cso.ie/en/index.html

Central Statistics Office. Census 2011 Preliminary Results. http://www.cso.ie/en/index.html

Galway County Council. 2005. Claregalway Local Area Plan (2005-2011)

Galway County Council. 2008. Gaeltacht Local Area Plan 2008-2014.

Galway County Council. 2009. Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015.

Western Regional Fisheries Board. 2003. The Angler’s Guide to Game Fishing in the Western Fisheries Region.

Chapter 17

Galway County Council. 2009. Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015.

Chapter 18

European Commission. 1999. Guidelines for the Assessment of Indirect and Cumulative Impacts as well as Impact Interactions.

Planning and Development Regulations 2001, (S.I. 600)

Chapter 19

North Western Regional Fisheries Board. Requirements for the Protection of Fisheries Habitat during Construction and Development Works at River Sites.

MGE0262Rp0012 430 Rev F01 Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme References

CIRIA (Construction Industry Research and Information Association). 2001. Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites’ (CIRIA Report No C532).

CIRIA & the UK Environmental Agency. 2005. Environmental Good Practice Site Guide.

CIRIA (Construction Industry Research and Information Association). 2006. Control of Water Pollution from Linear Construction Projects (CIRIA Report No. C648).

EPA. 2007. Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide for Construction Sites. Report 833-R-060-04.

Office of Public Works. 2011. Arterial Drainage Maintenance Service Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.

MGE0262Rp0012 431 Rev F01