Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW OF SCHEME

This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared by Ryan Hanley in association with McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan Ltd. on behalf of the Office of Public Works (OPW). The Office of Public Works (OPW) is the lead agency for flood risk management in Ireland. The coordination and implementation of the Government's policy on the management of flood risk in Ireland, in conjunction with its responsibilities under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945-1995, form one of the four core services of the OPW.

Ryan Hanley in association with McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan Ltd. has been appointed by the OPW as Environmental Consultants on the project and commissioned to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which fulfils the requirements set out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the ‘Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements’ and Schedule 6 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, relating to the information to be contained in an EIS. This EIS will be put on public display in accordance with the Arterial Drainage Act (1945) and Amendment Act (1995), in Bandon Library and Bandon Town Hall for a period of four weeks.

1.2 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

The design of the proposed Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme has evolved through an initial screening process of a range of potential engineering measures typically considered for flood alleviation schemes, the development of potential options and finally the development of a preferred scheme design.

The preferred scheme will consist of a combination of flood defences with dredging. The dredged depth will be to 9.5 metres OD downstream of the weir and will extend over a distance of 3.6 kilometres. New flood defences will also be constructed in and downstream of Bandon Town and along the Bridewell River.

In summary the preferred flood relief scheme will involve the following proposed works:

• Deepening of the existing riverbed by 1.8 metres just downstream of Bandon Weir to 9.5 metres OD

• Dredging for 3.6 kilometres (to O’Driscoll’s Bridge) at a gradient of 1/1000;

• Approximately 150,000m3 of material to be dredged

• Provision of a new fish pass and counter at Bandon weir;

• Underpinning of Bandon Bridge and replacement of Pedestrian Bridge

• The provision of flood defence walls at various locations on the right and left banks of the Bandon River through Bandon Town

• The provision of flood defence walls on the left and right banks of the Bridewell River on New Road

• The provision of flood defence embankments downstream of Bandon Town on the right bank and in localised areas along the left bank in Bandon Town

1-1 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

2 BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED SCHEME

2.1 SITE LOCATION

For the purposes of the initial constraints study and assessment of flood relief options as part of the proposed Flood Relief Scheme, a broad Study Area encompassing approximately 18 kilometers was chosen. This consisted of the channel, floodplain and immediate surrounding areas of the Bandon River, extending along the main channel of the river as shown in Figure 2.1. During the course of the assessment process, the Study Area was refined to account for the more specific area within which impacts were likely to arise, on the basis of the preferred option. For the purposes of this Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) document the wider Study Area is presented, but within the introduction to each chapter the specific and relevant parts of the Study Area to each chapter are further defined.

The main population centres within the Study Area are Bandon Town and the village of Inishannon, Co. Cork. Bandon is located approximately 25 kilometres southwest of Cork City. The Grid Reference co- ordinates for the approximate centre of the study area are E152,500 N57,500. The land within the Study Area falls generally towards the river and its tributaries, which include the Bridewell and Brinny Rivers. The River Bandon has a relatively flat gradient within the Study Area.

2.2 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SITE AND SURROUNDING LANDS

The Study Area is located primarily within the Landscape Character Area: Enniskeane/ Bandon/ Ballinhassig (LCA No. 58), as set out in the Draft Landscape Strategy for County Cork. The Enniskeane/ Bandon/ Ballinhassig LCA forms part of the general Landscape Type: Broad Fertile Lowland Valley (Type 6a). The Broad Fertile Lowland Valley Landscape Type extends east and west from Bandon and is found also in the eastern parts of the county.

The eastern-most section of the Study Area extends into the Landscape Type: Indented Estuarine Coast (Type 3). While there are no areas of coastline within the Study Area, certain aspects of this Landscape Type are indeed found within the Study Area, for example undulating topography and the shallow river valley.

The topography of the study area is undulating with the river valley being the dominant topographical feature. The valley walls are relatively steep in places with elevations in the range 60 to 90 metres O.D. in general and a valley floor at approximately 10 metres O.D.

Current land-use within the study area comprises mainly pastoral agriculture with some arable agriculture. Continuous urban fabric occurs at the settlements of Bandon, Inishannon and Shippool. The outskirts of Bandon are characterised in most directions by discontinuous urban fabric, which gives way to pastoral and arable farmland. To the west of Bandon, an area of mixed forest is present. Intertidal flats are found in the eastern-most section of the Study Area adjacent to the River Bandon.

Three proposed Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), sites designated for nature conservation of national importance, are located along the course of the Bandon River within the Study Area.

• Bandon Valley – West of Bandon pNHA (Site Code 001034). This site is important as it contains remnants of broadleaved oak woodland. The Bandon Valley is especially valuable for its woodlands and unmodified river bed. • Bandon Valley – Above Inishannon pNHA (Site Code 001740). This area is important for its oak woodland on steep valley sides.

Environmental Impact Statement 2-1 MAP TITLE: Constraints Study Area MAP NO.: Figure 2.1 SCALE: 1:50,000 PROJECT TITLE: 100735 - Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme ISSUE NO.: 100735-2012.06.07-D1 Map Legend DRAWING BY:Dervla O'Dowd CHECKED BY: Corina Colleran DATE: 07.06.2012 Constraints Study Area McCarthy Keville O'Sullivan Ltd., Block 1, G.F.S.C, Moneenageisha Road, Galway, Ireland. Email: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)91 735611 Fax: +353 (0)91 771279 Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. AR0021811 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland

Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

• Bandon River – Below Inishannon pNHA (Site Code 001515) This site is important for its wetlands including the extensive areas of Common Reed and the more diverse areas of wetland vegetation. The general flora surrounding Shippool Wood may also be of interest.

There are no sites designated for nature conservation of International or European importance within or in close proximity to the Study Area. Further details regarding the designated areas are provided in Chapter 5 of this EIS on Flora and Fauna.

The study area is entirely within the Bandon catchment and also includes a number of tributaries such as the Bridewell and the Brinny Rivers.

2.3 NEED FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

Bandon Town has a long history of serious flooding. Flooding is primarily due to heavy rainfall in the catchment of the Bandon River and of its tributary, the Bridewell River, which joins the Bandon River immediately downstream of the Bandon Bridge. Since the previous highest recorded flood in 1975, serious flooding has occurred in the town in 1978, 1982, 1986, 1988 and November 2009. Minor flooding in the past decade has occurred in 2004, 2005, 2006 and January 2011.

The risk of flooding may increase with time. Future changes, which have the potential to affect the risk of flooding include:

• Climate change resulting in higher rainfall and higher tide levels • Geomorphological processes, such as (i) Sedimentation transport, which affects the area of conveyance of the river channel and (ii) Erosion • Development within the catchment of the Bandon River, which does not conform with the principles of Sustainable Drainage, and which adversely affect the response of the catchment to rainfall • Changes in land use, including forestation and land drainage

The management of flood risk at present consists of a Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) which was installed in early 2011 and an associated Flood Emergency Response Plan (FERP). The FEWS operates by monitoring river levels at three gauging stations located at Longbridge, Bealaboy and Bandon and issuing text alerts to designated people depending on the level of the river and the associated colour of the alert – yellow (low), yellow (high), orange and red. The level of the alert determines the resulting actions by the people contacted ultimately resulting in the implementation of the FERP. In the consideration of alternatives and the selection of a preferred scheme option, it was considered that the existing scenario was not acceptable due to the excessively high level of risk and further options were examined.

2.4 STRATEGIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT

2.4.1 National Flood Policy

The Office of Public Works has the main responsibility for devising and implementing measures to deal with flooding. This responsibility is assigned by Government Decision S 28507 of 7 March 1995. In addition, the Arterial Drainage (Amendment) Act, 1995 enables the OPW to undertake local flood relief work schemes.

The National Flood Policy that was adopted by Government in 2004 identified OPW as the lead agency in coordinating the management of flood risk in the State. The Policy introduced a shift away from solely

Environmental Impact Statement 2-2 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with structural to non-structural measures to protect against flooding. The report prepared by the Flood Management Review Group decided that future Flood Management policy in Ireland would be:

"to minimise the national level of exposure to flood damages through the identification and management of existing, and particularly potential future, flood risks in an integrated, proactive and river basin based manner”.

It encompasses a series of measures regarding sustainable flood prevention, protection and mitigation. An implementation plan of work programmes and associated resources that would be required to put the new policy into effect was developed by OPW.

In November 2007 the EU Floods Directive (Directive on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risks - 2007/60/EC) came into effect. The existing national Flood Policy described above is in line with the Directive.

2.4.2 Regional Level

2.4.2.1 Regional Planning Guidelines for the South West 2010 – 2022

The Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) for the South West Region 2010 – 2022 provide a framework for long-term strategic development in the South West Region, which comprises the administrative areas of Cork County Council, Cork City Council and Kerry County Council. The RPGs aim to ensure the successful implementation of the National Spatial Strategy at regional, county and local level. A key aspect of the RPGs is to maintain a balance between protecting and enhancing the environment and sustainable economic development of the South West Region. Flood protection is identified in Chapter 1 of the guidelines as a priority for the 2010 to 2022 period. Flood Risk Management is highlighted as an important issue for the region.

2.4.2.2 Cork County Development Plan 2009 – 2015

The Cork County Development Plan 2009 – 2015 sets out the overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the administrative area of Cork County Council. Chapter 6 of the Plan deals with the issues of Transport and Infrastructure and also contains a subsection on Flooding. One of the key needs in terms of surface water drainage identified in the plan is the construction of major flood relief schemes in Fermoy, Mallow (Blackwater and Spa Rivers), Bantry, Clonakilty, Dunmanway, Skibbereen, Ballincollig, Bandon, Blarney, and Carrigtwohill. It is noted that the responsibility for these schemes now rests with the Office of Public Works (OPW). Cork County Council also seeks to address flood risk management in new developments through the following policies:

6.5.23. The Council is committed to avoid or minimise the threat of flooding in new developments, to minimise the impact of structures and earthworks on flood plains and river flow, and to reduce, insofar as possible, the rate and quantity of surface water run-off from all new developments.

6.5.24. The Council will strongly discourage development, which is sensitive to the effects of flooding, unless such development has been justified as essential in terms of sustainable and proper planning, and, if so justified, will need to incorporate measures to reduce and manage flooding risks to the development itself and elsewhere to the satisfaction of the planning authority, as developed through an appropriate flood risk assessment.

6.5.25. Developments consisting of the construction of embankments, wide bridge piers, or similar structures are discouraged in or across flood plains or river channels as these

Environmental Impact Statement 2-3 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

structures restrict or obstruct flow and increase the risk of flooding to property and land upstream. If it is considered necessary, in exceptional cases, to permit such structures, they should be designed to minimise and/or compensate for any potential negative effects.

6.5.26. Appropriately designed developments, which are less sensitive to the effects of flooding may be permissible in flood plains, provided they do not significantly reduce the flood plain area or otherwise restrict flow across the floodplain. Such developments, which would include park areas, sports pitches and car parks, should include adequate measures to cope with the flood risk, e.g. adequate drainage systems. Development within flood plain areas should have provision to reduce the rate and quantity of runoff, i.e. minimisation of concrete surfaces and use of semi permeable materials.

The specific Objectives of the Planning Authority with regards to flooding include:

INF 5-12 Prevention of Flooding:

It is a general objective to manage surface water catchments and the use and development of lands adjoining streams, watercourses and rivers in such a way as to minimise damage to property by instances of flooding and with regard to any conservation objectives of European sites within the relevant catchments and floodplains.

INF 5-13 Drainage and Flooding:

(a) It is a general objective to implement the policies and guidelines of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and of the Office of Public Works in relation to flood plains and areas sensitive to flooding.

(b) It is an objective of this Plan to strongly discourage development, which is sensitive to the effects of flooding, unless justified as essential in terms of sustainable and proper planning, and, if so justified, incorporates measures to reduce and manage flooding risks to the development itself and elsewhere to the satisfaction of the planning authority, as developed through an appropriate flood risk assessment. Developments that are less sensitive to the effects of flooding, such as playing pitches, parks and car parks, may be permissible in flood plains, provided they do not significantly reduce the flood plain area or otherwise restrict flow across floodplains. 2.4.3 Local Level

2.4.3.1 Bandon Electoral Area Local Area Plan

The Interim Bandon Electoral Area Local Area Plan (August 2011) makes specific reference to flood risk. The introduction to the plan states that one of the main changes from the previous plan is the inclusion of

‘the assessment and management of flood risks in relation to planned future development and the inclusion of ‘Indicative Flood Extent Maps’ for the settlements of this electoral area’.

In addition,

‘a significant increase in concerns over the incidence and effects of flooding’ was cited as having a significant influence on the preparation of the Interim Plan.

Section 1.8 of the Interim Plan deals with Flood Risks. The overall approach described in the Interim Plan confirms that the Council had regard to the Guidelines for Planning Authorities ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Assessment’ issued by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and

Environmental Impact Statement 2-4 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with the Minister for State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the OPW in November 2009 and also the EU Floods Directive (2007). Officials in the OPW were also conferred with in the preparation of the Interim Plan. The assessment and management of flood risk is planned future developments is regarded as ‘an important element of this local area plan’. The Council’s approach involves the avoidance of development in areas at risk of flooding and where development cannot be avoided in flood plains, the adoption of a sequential approach based on the avoidance, reduction and mitigation of risk. A ‘Draft Indicative Flood Extent Map’ has been prepared and is bused as the basis for the Flood Risk Assessment accompanying the Interim Plan.

In areas where there is a high probability of flooding - ‘Zone A’ - it is an objective of this plan to avoid development other than ‘water compatible development’ as described in section 3 of ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management’ – Guidelines for Planning Authorities’. In areas where there is a moderate probability of flooding - ‘Zone B’ - it is an objective of this plan to avoid ‘highly vulnerable development’ described in the same document. It is an objective of this plan to ensure that all proposals for development falling within flood zones ‘A’ or ‘B’ are consistent with the Ministerial Guidelines. Proposals for development identified as being at risk from flooding will need to be supported by a site- specific flood risk assessment. Where the planning authority is satisfied that it can be satisfactorily shown in the site-specific flood risk assessment that the proposed development will avoid significant risks of flooding, then, subject to other relevant proper planning considerations, permission may be granted for the development.

Where the site specific flood risk assessment shows that there are significant residual flood risks to the proposed development, it is an objective of this plan to, normally, avoid development vulnerable to flooding unless all of the following are satisfied:

• The development is within an urban settlement, targeted for growth under the National Spatial Strategy, regional planning guidelines, statutory plans • The development of the lands for the particular use or development type is required to achieve the proper planning and sustainable development of the urban settlement.

Section 3 of the Interim Plan describes the flood risk in Bandon as follows:

‘1.2.30. Parts of Bandon have been identified as being at risk of flooding. The areas at risk follow the path of the Bandon River through the town and are illustrated on the settlement map. Government Guidelines require, and it is an objective of this plan, that future development is avoided in areas indicated at being at risk of flooding. More detailed information on the approach to flooding and how development proposals in areas at risk of flooding will be assessed is given in Section One of this Plan and within the Guidelines for Planning Authorities ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management,’ issued by the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2009.

1.2.31. In addition, there is a fully funded Flood Relief Project to be carried out in the town. This project is OPW led and is estimated to cost in the region of €9.6 m. The prequalification of consultants has been completed and the necessary surveys are being advanced in parallel.’

2.5 SCHEME DESIGN PROCESS

The design process comprises a number of steps involving co-ordination of project engineering and environmental teams. The design and assessment process consists of the following steps:

Environmental Impact Statement 2-5 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

• Constraints Study • Hydrology Study • Hydraulic Modelling • Site Investigation • Flood Risk Assessments • Selection of Preferred Option • Appropriate Assessment Screening • Cost Benefit Analyses • Environmental Impact Assessment

The consultation and outcome of the above assessments are discussed below and within the various relevant EIS chapters in this document. Previous engineering and environmental reports have been completed and are available to access online at http://www.bandonfloodwarning.ie/bandonfloodrelief.htm

2.5.1 Constraints Study

An environmental constraints study was completed at the outset of the project to identify the key environmental issues relating to the Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme Study Area. These included features which had the potential to be impacted by the possible flood alleviation measures and/or impose constraints on the viability or the design of the measures proposed.

Environmental constraints were investigated under the following headings:

• Human Beings • Ecology • Water • Soils and Geology • Archaeology and Cultural Heritage • Landscape • Air and Climate • Material Assets

Desk studies on the status of the receiving environment under each heading were undertaken and a summary of the key constraints and implications of any proposed scheme was completed. In addition to the assessments undertaken, public consultation was undertaken and is outlined in more detail in the second on consultation below. A summary of the key constraints identified is summarised in Table 2.1 below. The full constraints document is available to access online at http://www.bandonfloodwarning.ie/bandonfloodrelief.htm.

HUMAN BEINGS In designing the proposed scheme, the value (both cultural and economic) of any buildings (Residential, Retail, etc) close to river edge or likely to be adversely affected by the scheme should be taken into account. In addition, adverse impacts on buildings or structures of conservation interest should be minimised or avoided where possible. Any design proposals should ensure that Bridge links between north and south sides of the town are maintained so that temporary or permanent disruption on local transport links in the town and on the main tourist route to West Cork are minimised. The design of the scheme should consider the public amenity value of the study area. Impacts on public amenity areas adjacent to river such as the riverside walks in town, parks and playground adjacent to the river, should be considered, with replacement mitigation proposed if necessary.

Environmental Impact Statement 2-6 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Similarly, specialist amenity areas include angling areas, areas used by rowing clubs and gun clubs should be given consideration Properties and businesses currently accessed by culverted sections or bridges over the Bridewell River will need to have access maintained/re-established, if works on these areas are proposed. Impacts on especially sensitive receptors e.g. schools, crèches, nursing homes, hospital should be considered in the flood risk assessment. The proposed scheme should take consideration of the proposed zoning objectives set out in the Draft Local Area Plan. ECOLOGY Given the sensitivity of the river habitat, factors that materially affect the function of the river under normal flow conditions such as water depth, velocity and changes to the shape of the bed should be given consideration, so that the existing function of the river can be maintained. Impacts to areas up and downstream of the Study Area should also be considered as part of the assessment. In design of the proposed scheme, consultation with both the IFI and NPWS will be necessary, together with an appropriate amount of survey work (including electro-fishing) to establish baseline conditions in the river. Constraints may be placed on the times of year that in-stream works may be carried out depending on the results of the various surveys and the requirements of the IFI and NPWS. Constraints may also be placed on the time of year/weather conditions that the surveys may be undertaken. In salmonid spawning areas (such as are located throughout the study area), in-stream works are generally not permitted during the period October – March (inclusive), as this is the sensitive time for spawning. Given that the river is also an important angling and nursery area, it is likely that further constraints will need to be considered. Pearl Mussel Surveys and Otter surveys can be undertaken at any time of year but are dependant on water levels. Pearl Mussel surveys require that there is good visibility in the water column and can only be undertaken in sunny, bright weather when water levels are not high and sediment loading on the river is low. Where such surveys are required, climatic conditions will constrain the timing of these. Kingfisher surveys should be carried out during the summer nesting period (April – September) It must be ensured that there are no significant impacts on Natura 2000 sites (SAC/SPA). There are no such designations within the Study Area but there is an SAC on the Upper Bandon River (Bandon River cSAC) that is located approximately 20km upstream of the Study Area. Negative impacts on migrating fish have the potential to negatively affect the status of this designated site. Consideration should be given to areas of higher biodiversity and ecological sensitivity, such as woodlands, wetlands and riparian vegetation along the river corridor, including the designated pNHA. If works are required in these areas, care should be taken to mitigate significant effects. Appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that the spread of Japanese Knotweed and other invasive species is not is not accelerated by any proposed works. Water The design of the proposed scheme should take into account the water requirements (both Quality and Quantity) of existing and future abstractions from the Bandon River at Inishannon and Baxter’s Bridge. The design should also take into consideration the impact that any proposed flood relief scheme will have on the yields of existing groundwater abstractions from the Bandon Ground Water Body, taking into account the extreme vulnerability rating of the local aquifer and presence of productive gravel aquifer’s in the area. The design of the proposed scheme should take into account the main objectives of the Water Framework Directive River Basin District Management Plan (RBDMP) by ensuring that any works proposed do not result in the deterioration of water quality. The design should also take into account the presence of protected and sensitive areas identified in the RBDMP. These include the Bandon Estuary Upper and Lower, nutrient sensitive areas and the Upper Bandon Pearl Mussel populations. The scheme should also take into account the Sub Basin Management Plan to protect the Pearl Mussel on the Bandon River. Soils & Geology It is recommended that a geotechnical investigation be carried out once the potential flood alleviation measures are developed in order to identify local geology and ground conditions. Archaeology & Cultural Heritage Given the provisions of the National Monuments Acts, no disturbance to, or interference with, any known archaeological sites can take place without first consulting the National Monuments Service of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG). It is recommended that consideration should be given to the avoidance of impacts on identified cultural heritage sites as part of the design of the proposed scheme. Should avoidance not be possible then the formulation of detailed mitigation strategies for cultural heritage sites in the vicinity of or directly impacted by the proposed scheme is recommended. It is advised that this takes place well in advance of main construction works in order to allocate adequate time and resources to implement the agreed mitigation measures..

Environmental Impact Statement 2-7 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Should this not be possible then archaeological investigations are recommended for cultural heritage sites in the vicinity of, or those that would be directly impacted by the proposed scheme. It is recommended that this programme take place well in advance of construction works in order to allocate adequate time to evaluate and record any archaeological features that may be revealed. It is recommended that any ground disturbance works associated with the proposed scheme be assessed for archaeological monitoring. Appropriate mitigation should be determined during the design phase in consultation with the National Monuments Service (DEHLG). It is recommended that the Underwater Archaeological Unit (DEHLG) be consulted during the design of the proposed flood relief scheme in order to agree appropriate underwater archaeological assessment and mitigation strategies. Depending on the flood relief scheme chosen, the riverine assessments required by the DEHLG may consist of river bank and underwater archaeological survey pre-works, possible testing around the bridges and other sites along the river course, and full monitoring of all works. All Record of Protected Structures sites have statutory protection and avoidance of these features is recommended. The National Monuments Service of the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government should be consulted at all stages of the scheme development. Landscape In the design of a proposed flood relief scheme, the following recommendations of the Cork County Development Plan should be taken into account in relation to Broad Fertile Lowland Valley Landscape Type, in which the majority of the Study Area is located: ƒ Protect and preserve the Bandon River and its surrounding floodplains as unique landscape features in this Landscape Character Type and as valuable resource for scenic and amenity values. ƒ Conserve and enhance the characteristics in this Landscape Character Type that are important to tourism. ƒ Have regard to the rich and diverse natural heritage in this Landscape Character Type and the concentration of pNHAs that are designated for protection. While protecting these areas it is also important to recognise their potential as key recreation and amenity sources. ƒ Protect the existing character and setting of villages and village nuclei which are under pressure from population growth particularly those villages which are located close to Cork City. ƒ Recognise that the lowlands are made up of a variety of working landscapes that are critical resources for sustaining the economic and social well being of the county. In the design of a proposed flood relief scheme, the following recommendations of the Cork County Development Plan should be taken into account in relation to Broad Indented Estuarine Coast Landscape Type, in the eastern-most section of the Study Area: ƒ Minimise disturbance of hedgerows in rural areas. ƒ Encourage appropriate landscaping and screen planting of proposed developments by using predominately indigenous/local species and groupings, ƒ Protect the existing character and setting of villages and village nuclei, which are under pressure from population growth. ƒ Continue to promote agriculture as a major land use in this LCT. This will help maintain the existing features of the landscape while also supporting the local economy and rural diversification. Appropriate design, siting and mitigation measures will be required to integrate the proposed scheme within the landscape. Particular regard should also be had to the potential visual impact on views available from the three stretches of designated Scenic Route and the areas of Scenic Landscape, which are located within the Study Area. Air Quality Prior to the selection of a preferred flood relief scheme as part of the Engineering Study, it is recommended that the short listed flood alleviation measures be assessed in relation to the impact of noise and vibration during the construction phase of the project. It is recommended that mitigation measures be put in place to reduce the impacts on air quality and the noise environment during the construction phase of any proposed flood relief scheme. It is recommended that the affects of vibration during the construction phase be considered in the selection process for potential flood alleviation measures. Material Assets It is recommended that the existing and proposed location of watermains and underground services in the vicinity of any proposed flood alleviation scheme be ascertained as part of the Engineering Study. It is recommended that Cork County Council and other utility providers with services in the area be consulted regarding the location and priority of existing and proposed services. It is further recommended that the services be protected as part of any proposed flood relief scheme. There are three Wastewater Treatment Plants in the Study Area. It is recommended that these are

Environmental Impact Statement 2-8 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

kept operational at all times. The Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bandon is at risk of flooding, posing a serious risk to the environment within the Study Area. It is recommended that reducing this risk is given a high priority in choosing a flood relief scheme from the Engineering Study. It is recommended that any proposed change in the hydrological regime of the River Bandon and its tributaries be assessed in relation to the assimilative capacity of the river at the locations of the fourteen discharges from Wastewater Infrastructure within the Study Area. It is recommended that Cork County Council and the National Roads Authority be consulted in relation to any affects on the existing and proposed roads infrastructure in the Study Area from a proposed flood alleviation scheme. It is recommended that the requirements of the County Cork Development Plan be observed in relation to Waste Management Assessments. Table 2.1 Summary of Constraints from Constraints Study 2.5.2 Consideration of Alternatives

This section of the EIS contains a description of the alternatives that were considered for the proposed works, in terms of flood alleviation works design and location of the works.

Article 5 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive (85/337/EEC) states that the information provided in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should include an outline of the main alternatives studied by the developer and an indication of the main reasons for the final choice, taking into account the environmental effects. The consideration of alternatives typically refers to alternative sites, designs and processes.

The consideration of alternatives is an effective means of avoiding environmental impacts. The Environmental Protection Agency document ‘Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements’ (EPA, 2002) states that it is important to acknowledge however the existence of difficulties and limitations when considering alternatives. These include hierarchy, non- environmental factors and site-specific issues, as described below.

2.5.2.1 Flood Risk Management Options Report

A copy of the Flood Risk Management Options is provided as Appendix 2A. There follows a summary of the information regarding alternatives considered as part of the options assessment.

The possible flood risk management (FRM) methods were initially screened to identify those that would be applicable and viable considering the risks to society, the environment, cultural heritage and the economy and the objectives of the flood risk management plan for the project. The potentially viable options were developed so that they could be evaluated in more detail. This involved hydraulic modeling of options where flood levels and extents had to be considered. The options were assessed against the flood risk management objectives with the use of local weightings. The preferred option was then identified following discussion with the OPW and steering group. The design standard to be adopted for the scheme, as instructed by the steering group is the 1% AEP flood level with provision for adaptability to the Medium Range Future Scenario. The 1% AEP flood event has been used in this assessment of options.

2.5.2.2 Possible Flood Risk Management Methods

The possible flood risk management methods which could be utilized in a flood relief scheme include:

a) Do Nothing (i.e., implement no new flood risk management measures and abandon any existing practices)

Environmental Impact Statement 2-9 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

b) Continue Existing Regime (i.e. Flood Early Warning System and Flood Emergency Response Plan)

c) Do Minimum (i.e. implement additional minimal measures to reduce the flood risk in specific problem areas without introducing a comprehensive strategy)

d) Non-Structural Measures i. Implement Planning and development control measures ii. Enact building regulations relating to floor levels, flood-proofing, flood resilience, sustainable drainage systems, prevention of reconstruction or redevelopment in flood-risk areas, etc. iii. Enact regulations for sustainable urban drainage systems iv. Carry out targeted public awareness and preparedness campaign v. Individual property flood resistance vi. Land us management, including creation of wetlands, riparian buffer zones, etc.

e) Structural Measures (potential future risk where necessary floodplain development may occur)

f) Structural Measures (existing risk)

i. Upstream flood water storage

ii. Upstream restriction on river flows

iii. Flow diversion

iv. Increase conveyance

v. Construct flood defences (e.g. walls, embankments, demountable defences, etc)

vi. Rehabilitate and improve existing defences including localised protection works (e.g. minor raising of existing defences/levels, infilling gaps in defences, etc.)

vii. Relocation of properties

g) Channel or flood defence maintenance works/programme

The criteria used for the screening of the various options included:

• Applicability to Area • Social • Environmental • Cultural • Economic

Based on the initial screening, the options considered to be viable and which were given further consideration, were:

• Increased conveyance • New flood defences

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• Rehabilitation/improvement of existing defences when used with other methods

It was also considered that other options, which would not manage the risk to an acceptable level on their own, should be incorporated into the flood risk management plan. These included the implementation of Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) and a Flood Emergency Response Plan, the use of non structural measures such as planning and control measures to ensure that potential risk for future developments is properly managed and the use of structural measures for future risk by ensuring that future development is appropriate for its location and set at an appropriate level to ensure no increase in flood risk for existing development.

2.5.2.3 Flood Risk Management Option Assessment

Increased river flow conveyance can be achieved by a number of means, including increasing the width of the channel over some or part of the channel depth, increasing the depth of the channel, removal of local constrictions and a combination of any of the aforementioned measures. The hydraulic computer model created for Bandon FRS was used to simulate various options. Results are presented in the Flood Risk Management Options Report in Appendix 2A.

The option of using flood defences was examined by modeling defences along both banks of the Bandon and Bridewell Rivers. This option (which is discussed in more detail in Appendix 2A) would require defences of up to 2.33m along McSweeney Quay and up to 4.83m height on the left bank of the river upstream of Bandon Bridge, resulting in a significant visual impact and significant residual risk to health and safety due to the potential of the defences overtopping or in the event of a failure of a defence.

The option of improving existing flood defences was examined in a similar way, but this option was only effective along the right hand bank from Lidl supermarket to Bandon Bridge and along the Bridewell River. This option would leave large areas of Bandon undefended if used on its own.

Four combined options using dredging and flood defences were examined. These varied from very minor dredging up to reducing the bed depth by 1.6m downstream of the weir.

2.5.2.4 Flood Risk Management Options Conclusions

It was considered that removal of local restrictions and local increase in channel width would provide very limited reduction in flood levels. Dredging to 8.0mOD downstream of the weir would provide effective protection but would require dredging extended over 5.2km of the river. Dredging to 9.0mOD would result in dredging extending over 4km of the Bandon River, with the bed level reduced by up to 2.2m at the weir. Dredging to a bed level of 9.5mOD would require the use of flood defences to provide full protection but would reduce the required extend of dredge to 3.6km of the Bandon River.

The various options were appraised using a multi-criteria analysis. The indicators, minimum requirements and aspirational targets, along with the global weightings and local weightings were agreed with the OPW for each objective to ensure consistency with the appraisal of options in other schemes nationally. The results from the multi-criteria analysis show that the combined dredging and defences option is slightly preferable to the dredging only option and that both of these are strongly preferable to the defences only option. It is considered that the option of dredging only would result in too great an environmental impact both in terms of the depth and extent of dredging required. The preferred option therefore is to use flood defences in combination with dredging. Details of the proposed scheme are provided in Chapter 3 of this EIS.

2.6 SCOPING & CONSULTATION

Environmental Impact Statement 2-11 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Consultation in relation to the project has been completed on a number of occasions at various stages in the design process. These have included broad general consultation at the Constraints Study stage and an associated Public Information Event and Questionnaire. Subsequently, the emerging preferred option was presented to the public in another Information event in Bandon and formal scoping as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process was undertaken. The following sections outline the consultation completed to date.

2.6.1 Constraints Study Scoping

Consultation with statutory and non-statutory consultees was undertaken as part of the initial scoping process for the constraints study. Comments and information was sought from the list of consultees as provided in Table 2.2. A copy of the scoping letter and consultation information is included as Appendix 2B. Copies of written correspondence received is provided in Appendix 2C.

2.6.2 First Public Information Day

The first public information day was initiated with a presentation to the Members of Bandon Town Council on Tuesday the 25th of January 2011. The purpose of this was to present the Study Area to the elected members, prior to the Public Information Event, and to outline the process involved in the preparation for the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme.

The presentation was held in Bandon Town Hall, between 2.00pm and 3.00pm. Following the presentation, members of staff from the Office of Public Works, Cork County Council, Environmental Team (Ryan Hanley and McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan) and Design Team (WYG Ireland and JBA Consulting) were available to answer questions from the members of the Council.

Following on from the Councillor Presentation on the 25th of January, the exhibition was opened to the public between 3.00pm and 9.00pm. The event was held in Bandon Town Hall in a room adjacent to the Council Chambers. The formal presentation was given by the OPW on two occasions during the evening for members of the public in attendance.

2.6.2.1 Advertising of Public Consultation

Advertising of the Public Consultation Event was undertaken by the Environmental Team, in the local press in the week preceding the event. This included an advert in the local publication; The Southern Star, in addition to adverts in two national daily newspapers; The Examiner and The Evening Echo. In addition, notices were placed on the local radio in the week and weekend preceding the event and notices were placed in local parish newsletters on the Sunday preceding the event. The event was also well published locally through distribution of posters, flyers and on local websites and text alerts.

2.6.2.2 Literature Available for the Consultation

Brochures and Questionnaires were available at the exhibition on the 25th of January. Stamped addressed envelopes were provided to those who wished to return questionnaire by post with a return date for the questionnaires of the 28th of January. Information in addition to the questionnaires was also accepted on the evening of the event or subsequently by post.

A Constraints Study Public Consultation brochure was produced for the scheme, which showed the Study Area under consideration and provided a brief explanation as to the process involved and the options being considered. Brochures were freely available to the members of the public and interested parties, both during and after the exhibition. A copy of the brochure is attached in Appendix 2D.

Environmental Impact Statement 2-12 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

A questionnaire with pre-printed questions was provided to each attendee, in association with the brochure. This provided an opportunity for members of the public to express their views on the Study Area shown and to provide information regarding flooding in their area, in addition to other comments they may have had relating to the design or the Environmental Constraints Study. A prepaid envelope was also provided for the return of the questionnaire. A copy of the blank questionnaire is attached in Appendix 2E.

2.6.2.3 Public Consultation Exhibition Posters

The format of the Constraints Study Consultation exhibition was based on a number of scheme posters. The posters included:

• Scheme Objectives and Overview • Constraints Study • Study Area Map – Archaeological & Ecological Sites • Statutory Process • Public Involvement

A copy of the exhibition posters are included in Appendix 2D.

2.6.2.4 Public Attendees and Response to Public Information Day

Members of the public visiting the exhibition were invited to sign a visitor’s book to enable a record of the number of attendees to be maintained. A total of 108 attendees signed the attendance book at the event in Bandon Town Hall.

Visitors to the exhibitions are considered to have in the main understood the proposals as presented at the exhibition. Comments received generally related to the level of flooding in the past, and most especially during the November 2009 event. Some members of the public brought photographs or maps of their property or demonstrated to project team staff the location of their property and their general concerns regarding the level of flooding and damage which arose from the events. In addition to provision of information about flooding, members of the public also provided information regarding previous maintenance of the river and their suggestions relating to potential flood alleviation measures.

Engineers from Cork County Council were available to discuss the Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) with members of the public who enquired in that regard. Contact details were taken from members of the public who had additional information or had recorded flood levels, for the purposes of calibrating the hydraulic model. Approximately 180 questionnaires were distributed at the event, or subsequently by email, with a total of 52 questionnaires returned within the suggested timeframe. Submissions were made by a number of members of the public both at the public consultation event and by post following the event. The information generally provided related to flood levels, photographs of flooding in November 2009 and articles regarding flooding history in Bandon town. This information was provided to the Design Team to assist in the production of the flood model when ascertaining the levels of flooding in previous events.

Overall feedback from members of the public was that they were happy to have been involved in the Public Consultation; they felt like their views were being heard, but wanted to see action arise out of the information as soon as possible.

Environmental Impact Statement 2-13 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

2.6.3 Second Public Information Day

The second Public Information Day for the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme was held in the Town Hall in Bandon on Friday 21 October 2011. The purpose of this second Public Information Day was to provide information to the local community on the emerging preferred flood relief scheme which comprises a combination of dredging and defences. The event started with a presentation to the Town and County Councillors which ran from 2.30pm to 3pm. After this presentation, the event was opened to the public from 3pm to 9pm. Approximately 90 people attended the event over the course of the day.

Posters were displayed describing the process to date, the various options assessed, a preliminary impact assessment, summaries of surveys undertaken and drawings showing the emerging preferred flood relief scheme. A photo montage of the emerging preferred scheme was also on display. A brochure was distributed to attendees and people were invited to provide their comments. This material is provided in Appendix 2F.

The majority of people that attended the Public Information Day reacted positively to the proposals presented on the day and felt that the proposals are appropriate for Bandon.

The following was noted in relation to people’s verbal and written comments on the day:

• People expressed concern that the scheme may not proceed in the short to medium term due to funding difficulties. • A number of people had queries in relation to the maintenance of the scheme, for example, how often maintenance would be required, who would be responsible for maintenance etc. • A number of people raised the issue of gravel getting into the river from upstream of the town and what measures would be put in place to deal with gravel deposition on an ongoing basis. • A small number of people expressed the opinion that the flood relief scheme would be a waste of money and that the focus should be on stopping gravel from getting into the river from upstream of Bandon. It was also suggested that Bandon Town should invest in 200-300 tonne sandbags as it would be cheaper than the proposed scheme. • Queries were raised in relation to the status of existing fishing rights on the river during the construction phase and thereafter. • Some concerns were raised in relation to dredging the area between the weir and the footbridge, as this area is perceived to be particularly environmentally sensitive. • A query was raised in relation to the short term impact on flood levels of the flood wall/embankment at Lidl proceeding in advance of the rest of the scheme. • The suggestion was made that the Bridewell River should be piped away from the town so that it does not join the Bandon River at the bridge. • A couple of people commented that shores in the town need to be maintained. • A query was raised in relation to whether the slipway at the Allen Institute would be walled off. • Concern was expressed that there may be structural damage to buildings in the town as a result of the machinery required for the dredging and that it would be preferable to commence the dredging downstream of the town. • It was suggested by one attendee that a flood storage system should be constructed to the west of the town. • It was noted by one attendee that flooding has not been experienced previously at O’Driscoll’s Bridge where the proposed dredging will end.

Environmental Impact Statement 2-14 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

• A query was raised as to whether the proposed flood defence walls will narrow the river. • Some people enquired whether the flood scheme and the main drainage scheme were to be integrated. • The provision of a glass wall rather than a stone wall at the riverwalk was suggested by one attendee. • It was suggested by another attendee that the river gravel removed during the dredging should not be re-used and not dumped. • A query was raised as to whether the proposed deepening of the existing channel will cause an increase in the speed of the water. • A query was raised in relation to the height of the weir and whether it could be reduced.

The comments and queries raised at the Public Information Day were considered in the scheme design and during the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement.

2.6.4 EIA Scoping

Scoping is the process of determining the content, depth and extent of topics to be covered in the environmental information to be submitted to a competent authority for projects that are subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This process is conducted by contacting the relevant authorities and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with interest in the specific aspects of the environment likely to be affected by the proposal. These organisations are invited to submit comments on the scope of the EIA and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the specific standards of information they require. Comprehensive and timely scoping helps ensure that the EIA refers to all relevant aspects of the proposed development and its potential effects on the environment and provides initial feedback in the early stages of the project, when alterations are still easily incorporated into the design. In this way scoping not only informs the content and scope of the EIA, it also provides a feedback mechanism for the proposal design itself.

An EIA scoping report, providing details of the works footprint and emerging preferred flood relief option, was prepared by Ryan Hanley in association with McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan Ltd. and circulated on 20th January 2012. Comments of the relevant personnel/bodies in their respective capacities as consultees with regards to the EIA process were requested.

A copy of the EIA scoping document, cover letter and list of consultees is presented in Appendix 2G. Copies of all scoping responses received by 6th June 2012 are included in Appendix 2H of this EIS and a summary of the responses is outlined in Table 2.2 below. The recommendations of the consultees have informed the EIA process and the contents of the EIS.

Consultee Summary of Response Cork County Council No additional comments other than those raised during initial consultation in Environment Directorate January 2011. National Federation of Group No threat to GWSs in the vicinity are anticipated and so no further comment at Water Schemes this time. Irish Farmers Association Suggest consideration be given to downstream impacts on river banks following dredging. State that it is crucial that farmland is not more vulnerable to flooding following alleviation works for the town. Teagasc No negative consequences from an agricultural perspective anticipated. South Western River Basin Scheme should comply with the Water Framework Directive. Sections 4.2.3, District 6.1.1 of SWRBD referred to in relation to sustainable development and land use planning. Updated WFD Status information on EPA website. Dunmanway Anglers Noted problems upstream in relation to gravel in pools. Willing to meet with project team and identify flash points. An Bord Pleanala No comments or observations at this stage.

Environmental Impact Statement 2-15 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Waterways Ireland No comments on the proposal. National Roads Authority Refer to NRA Guidelines and circulars. Consultation with relevant Local Authority regarding existing and future road schemes, N71. Concerned with any potential significant impacts on the N71. Assessment of visual impacts from existing national roads should be undertaken. Have regard to NRA EIA Guidelines. Traffic and Transport Assessment be carried out. Contact NRA DMRB to determine whether Road Safety Audit is required. Irish Aviation Authority No observations on the proposal. Department of Agriculture, Food Has been brought to Minister’s attention and to relevant officials in the and the Marine Department. Railway Procurement Agency No specific comments to make. Department of Arts, Heritage and Awaiting results of Freshwater Pearl Mussel survey and Archaeological Survey the Gaeltacht before making any further comment. Bandon Angling Association Accept that a flood relief scheme is essential but are disappointed that some work in the catchment is not proposed which may have lessened the depth of excavation proposed. Are concerned that the lowering of the river bed on a fixed gradient will affect migrant salmon and trout. Compromise suggested – to consider creating resting pools and placing boulders at intervals. Request that access to river via e.g. styles, would be provided and ask that these measures are given consideration by designers. National Transport Authority No comments to make. Table 2.2 Scoping Consultees 2.6.5 Consultation Meetings

Consultation meetings have been held with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Inland Fisheries Ireland in relation to the proposed scheme.

A meeting with the Local Ranger (Mr. Daniel O’Keefe) from the National Parks and Wildlife Service was held on site in Bandon Town on the 24th January 2011. At this meeting, it was discussed that the pNHA’s within the study area had been designated primarily for the protection of the broadleaved woodlands surrounding the river but that the area supported and had the potential to support species that are protected under Annex I of the EU Birds Directive and Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. Specific species mentioned included Otter, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Lamprey species, Salmon and Kingfisher. It was also concluded at this meeting that the river valley with the combination of fast flowing river, woodlands, agricultural grasslands and wetlands was of considerable biodiversity value.

The Environment Officer (Mr. Michael McPartland) from the Inland Fisheries Ireland (Macroom) was also present at this meeting on-site and provided subsequent information about the river and its value as a fishery (full details provided in Chapter 5 of the EIS) as outlined below:

‘The Bandon River is one of the premier salmonid fisheries in the South West Region, rising in the West Cork mountains and flowing for some 45 miles main channel length before discharging to the sea in Kinsale Harbour. It drains a catchment of approximately 235 sq. miles in area. The Bandon River offers a great variety of game fishing including salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing. Salmon fishing is available over the vast majority of the main channel of the Bandon and extends upstream to Togher Castle in the upper reaches of the river. Sea trout are caught up to Ballineen. The vast majority of fishing on the Bandon is under private ownership or controlled by syndicates or angling associations.’

Subsequently, additional meetings were held with Inland Fisheries Ireland in the Galway and Limerick offices on the 17th of October 2011, to present the emerging preferred scheme; and on the 27th of February 2012, to present a draft version of the findings of the Flora and Fauna chapter of the EIS.

Environmental Impact Statement 2-16 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

As described in Chapter 2, the Preferred Option for the Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme comprises a combination of flood defences and dredging. The proposed works are detailed in the scheme drawings included in Appendix 3A and are described generally in the following section. The Preferred Option will be designed to cater for the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood event (also known as the 100 year flood event). The design of the proposed works includes for potential climate change impacts in accordance with the Office of Public Works guidance in relation to climate change and also includes for a freeboard allowance.

The Flood Early Warning System described in Chapter 2 will continue to operate on completion of the scheme, as will the Flood Emergency Response Plan currently in place.

3.1 PROPOSED WORKS

The proposed works comprising the Preferred Option for the Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme are generally as follows;

• Detailed Site Investigation comprising trial pits, dynamic probes, boreholes, rotary cores and archaeological test trenches;

• Deepening of the existing riverbed by 1.8m just downstream of Bandon Weir to 9.5mOD and dredging for 3.6km (to O’Driscoll’s Bridge) at a gradient of 1/1000;

• Underpinning of Bandon Bridge;

• The replacement of the existing Pedestrian Bridge with a new Pedestrian Bridge;

• The provision of flood defence walls at various locations on the right and left banks of the Bandon River through Bandon Town;

• The provision of flood defence walls on the left and right banks of the Bridewell River on New Road;

• The provision of flood defence embankments downstream of Bandon Town on the right bank and in localised areas along the left bank in Bandon Town;

• Improvements to the existing flood defences on the Bridewell River in Bandon Town;

• Improvements to the existing flood defences at the Bandon wastewater treatment plant;

• The provision of removable flood barriers in particular areas;

• The upgrading of an existing culvert and the provision of localised flood defences at the Mill Stream;

• The provision of a rock ramp fish pass and fish counter at Bandon weir;

• The provision of fisheries mitigation measures within the dredged channel including the provision of a thalweg which will generally emulate the existing riverbed features, in so far as possible;

• Miscellaneous ancillary works including local drainage works behind flood defences.

The proposed flood defences will comprise a combination of earthen embankments and reinforced concrete walls.

Environmental Impact Statement 3-1 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

It is noted that an existing flood defence embankment located on the right bank of the Bandon River upstream of the existing weir, is currently being improved by the owner. On completion of these improvements, the embankment will become part of the Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme.

3.1.1 Site Investigation

A detailed Site Investigation will take place in advance of the construction works to inform the detailed design of the drainage scheme. Within the river channel itself, rotary cores will be taken at regular intervals along the 3.6km length of the section proposed for dredging, to determine the depth at which rock can be expected to be encountered in the channel. A number of boreholes will be carried out along the riverbanks and at the locations of the other proposed works around the town. A number of archaeological test trenches will also be constructed.

3.1.2 Dredging

The drainage scheme includes for the dredging of a 3.6km length of the Bandon River channel from 43m downstream of the weir in Bandon to O’Driscoll’s Bridge, upstream of Curranure. This dredging will cause the riverbed to be deepened by 1.9m in the vicinity of the weir, gradually grading back to the existing river bed level, 3.6km downstream, at a gradient of 1/1000. The bed will be approximately 1.7m deeper than the existing bed level at Bandon Bridge, approximately 1m deeper than the existing bed level in the vicinity of the wastewater treatment plant and approximately 0.4m deeper than the existing bed level, 600m upstream of O’Driscoll’s Bridge. Once the dredging is completed, fisheries mitigation measures will be constructed in the channel including provision of a thalweg complete with pools and riffles, to emulate the existing bed profile, in so far as possible.

3.1.3 Underpinning

As a result of the deepening of the existing riverbed, by approximately 1.7m at Bandon Bridge, underpinning works will be required to the foundations of the bridge, to deepen the foundations to meet the proposed bed level. The proposed methodology for this work will be guided by the detailed site investigation which will take place prior to the construction works.

3.1.4 Pedestrian Bridge

The current riverbed level at the existing Pedestrian Bridge in Bandon town, will be deepened by approximately 1.9m. As a result, the existing bridge would require underpinning (as per Bandon Bridge above) or replacement. The Office of Public Works (OPW), in conjunction with Cork County Council has decided that the drainage scheme poses an ideal opportunity to replace the existing Pedestrian Bridge with a new Pedestrian Bridge.

OPW Architects have developed a concept for the new bridge. Extracts from the design concept statement are provided below:

“The overall structure of the bridge has as its origins the idea of the salmon travelling upriver to spawn. The two supporting columns on which the deck rests are as two fish swimming upriver, supporting the people as they cross overhead. Then, in order to rest and enjoy the view from the river itself, there is a seat. There again is the salmon, this time appearing in the form of a bench, for one or two to rest, offering his back for the tired passer-by or maybe the children who want to stop and see if there are any ducks swimming below the bridge.

Overhead, the heron, assuming the form of a street light, awaits the chance to have his lunch, poising gracefully. The ballustrading itself is unassuming enough to allow the river to be seen through the railings and in places this will be widened slightly to allow views to be enjoyed at lower levels. The timber handrail will be tactile and inviting to the touch to those wishing to stroll along the deck, offering its support.

Environmental Impact Statement 3-2 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

The town of Bandon will be demarcated on the river line, on plan, by a casting which will represent the design of the Bandon Coin, minted in 1646, which happened to feature a bridge with a linear and a beaded circle.” 3.1.5 Flood Defence Walls

Flood defence walls will be required at the following locations on the left bank of Bandon River:

• Location 1 In the vicinity of the weir at the Mill Place apartment block

• Location 2 Upstream of Bandon Bridge between Tyre Store and Bridge House

Flood defence walls will be required at the following locations on the right bank of Bandon River:

• Location 3 Immediately downstream of Bandon Bridge, to a point upstream of the roundabout on Glasslinn Road

• Location 4 Upstream of the Bandon Wastewater Treatment Plant

Flood defence walls will also be required adjacent to the New Road in the vicinity of the GAA pitch and adjacent to Mill Stream in the vicinity of Old Quay Road.

Existing flood defence walls will be improved along the Bridewell River and in the vicinity of Fluke Hole Lane on the on the Bandon River.

Table 3.1 below summaries the approximate lengths and heights of the proposed flood defence walls on the banks of the Bandon River.

Location Approximate Length of Approximate Height of Proposed Defence Proposed Defence Wall Wall above Existing Ground Level 1 100m Ranges from 1.43m to 1.92m 2 87m Ranges from 2.25m to 3.17m 3 443m Ranges from 0.34m to 3.90m 4 122m Ranges from 0.53m to 1.60m Table 3.1 – Summary of Proposed Flood Defence Walls on the Bandon River 3.1.6 Flood Defence Embankments

Flood defence embankments will be required at the following locations on the left bank of the Bandon River:

• Location 1 In the vicinity of the weir at the Mill Place apartment block, perpendicular to the riverbank

• Location 2 Downstream of Fluke Hole Lane

Flood defence embankments will be required at the following locations on the right bank of the Bandon River:

• Location 3 Adjacent to Glasslinn Road

• Location 4 Downstream of the Bandon Wastewater Treatment Plant

Localised sections of flood defence embankment are also proposed near the junction of old Quay Road and the N71 along the banks of the Mill Stream. A small section of embankment is also required to finish the existing flood defence embankment at Riverview Shopping Centre.

Improvements will be made to the existing flood defence embankments at the Bandon Wastewater Treatment Plant. The existing flood defence embankment at the Riverview Shopping Centre is currently

Environmental Impact Statement 3-3 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with being improved by the owners and once completed will form part of the Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme.

Table 3.2 below summaries the approximate lengths and heights of the proposed flood defence embankments on the banks of the Bandon River.

Location Approximate Length of Approximate Height of Proposed Defence Proposed Defence Embankment above Existing Ground Level Embankment 1 52m Ranges from 1.58m to 2.33m 2 39m Ranges from 0.99m to 1.54m 3 220m Ranges from 1.24m to 1.71m 4 230m Approx 1m Table 3.2 – Summary of Proposed Flood Defence Embankments on the Bandon River 3.1.7 Other Proposed Works

In addition to the dredging and flood defences described in sections above, the existing Mill Stream culvert, through the provision of a new overflow culvert which will provide additional conveyance capacity during flood events.

A rock ramp fish pass and other fisheries mitigation measures are also proposed which are described in further detail in Chapter 5 Flora and Fauna.

The construction of localised drainage pipework is proposed on the Glasslinn Road.

3.2 LOCATION OF PROPOSED WORKS

The proposed works described above and detailed in the scheme drawings in Appendix 3A are located in and downstream of Bandon Town. The majority of the proposed works are located on the banks and within the channel of the Bandon River. The works on the river channel extend downstream of Bandon Town for 3.6km as far as a property access bridge across the river, generally referred to as “O’Driscoll’s Bridge”. Proposed works on the banks of the Bandon River extend from just upstream of the weir on the left bank to just downstream of the wastewater treatment plant on the outskirts of the town along the N71 towards Inishannon.

The improvements to the flood defences on the Bridewell River are located in the town centre along Market Quay. The new flood defences on the Bridewell River will be located along the Clonakilty Road to the south west of Bandon Town centre.

The proposed works on the Mill Stream culvert are located on the outskirts of Bandon town close to Old Quay Road, off the N71 towards Inishannon.

3.3 ANTICIPATED CONSTRUCTION METHODS

The most significant part of the construction activity required in relation to the proposed works will be the dredging of the river bed. The expected volume of dredged material is approximately 150,000m 3 and will be in a mixture of gravel, silts and rock.

It is anticipated that the majority of the excavation would be carried out with conventional excavating equipment using excavator buckets with rock teeth, rock ripping and localised use of rock breakers where required.

Environmental Impact Statement 3-4 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

The dredging of the softer materials eg silts, clays, is likely to take place from the river bank, where suitable access is available. The removal of heavier materials, such as gravels, cobbles, boulders and rock is likely to be carried out from within the channel itself, when flows are suitably low.

A portion of the dredged material is likely to be stored on the riverbank within the construction easement for re-use in the proposed works. Dump trucks will be used to remove the dredged material which cannot be re-used from site. Indicative access routes to and from the site and construction easements are detailed in Drawing 401 of Appendix 3A. Generally, construction easements are 20m wide.

The construction of the reinforced concrete flood defence walls is likely to be carried out by traditional methods comprising the following activities:

• temporary works including silt barrages;

• excavation for foundations;

• blinding of formation;

• fixing of reinforcement;

• placing of formwork;

• placing of concrete;

• stripping of formwork;

• reinstatement of area.

In certain locations, where there is a possibility of flood water passing underneath the flood defence wall foundations, either sheet piles or grouting techniques will be required to provide a cut-off. The sheet piles may be metal or plastic and would be driven to the required depth using a piling hammer or similar.

The construction of the earthen flood defence embankments is likely to comprise the following activities:

• temporary works;

• excavation for formation;

• placing and compaction of suitable clay material;

• stripping of formwork;

• reinstatement of area;

• grass seeding.

In certain locations, where there is a possibility of flood water passing underneath the flood defence embankments, sheet piles or grouting will be required to provide a cut-off. The sheet piles may be metal or plastic and would be driven to the required depth using a piling hammer or similar.

The construction of drains is likely to comprise the following activities:

• temporary works;

• excavation of trench;

• placing and compaction of granular bedding material;

• placing of pipes;

• backfilling and compaction of trench with suitable granular material;

Environmental Impact Statement 3-5 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

• reinstatement of area.

The design of the underpinning required at Bandon Bridge will be guided by the detailed site investigation which will take place prior to the construction stage. It is anticipated that the bridge piers are founded on rock and as such the proposed works are likely to comprise:

• excavation to remove unsuitable material including soft, fractured or weathered rock from around each of the existing bridge piers;

• grouting of the retained rock to seal any cracks etc;

• placing of reinforced concrete around each existing pier to extend the existing piers down to the proposed bed level;

• stone cladding, if required, to existing bridge piers to match existing.

The removal of the existing pedestrian bridge between the weir in Bandon and Bandon Bridge and the construction of the new pedestrian bridge is likely to comprise the following proposed works;

• dismantling and removal of the existing bridge deck, piers and abutments;

• excavation of foundations;

• blinding of formations for abutments and piers;

• fixing of reinforcement for abutments and piers ;

• placing of formwork for abutments and piers;

• placing of cast in-situ concrete for abutments and piers;

• stripping of formwork;

• the placing and fixing of a precast concrete bridge deck;

• construction of bridge parapets;

• reinstatement of area.

3.4 CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME AND SEQUENCING OF PROPOSED WORKS

The proposed dredging works are likely to be carried out in the first summer season following commencement of the construction works and it is anticipated that the proposed dredging works will take place over two summer seasons. The proposed fish pass at Bandon Weir will be constructed during the first summer season.

During the second summer season, dredging works will be completed and the proposed fisheries mitigation measures will be implemented within the portion of the channel where dredging works will have already taken place in the first summer season. It is likely that the proposed fisheries mitigation measures will be constructed on the remaining portion of the dredged channel during the summer following the final portion of the proposed dredge works.

The construction of the proposed flood defences, culverts, drainage works and other ancillary works will be ongoing over the duration of the contract.

The actual construction programme will be dependent on the appointed contractor’s works proposals, selected construction methods and the time of year when the contract will be awarded. For the purposes of the Environmental Impact Statement, a 24 month construction period is envisaged. This will include the two 5 month summer periods involving the proposed dredging work. The second part of the fisheries

Environmental Impact Statement 3-6 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with mitigation measure implementation will most likely not take place until the first summer after the final dredging works take place.

It is expected that normal working hours would be 8:00am to 6:00pm from Monday to Friday but these working hours are likely to be extended to 7:00am to 9:00pm from Monday to Saturday to facilitate the river dredging work during the summer period.

3.5 TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION WORKS FACILITIES

Prefabricated temporary buildings will be provided for the site workers during the construction works in the location shown on Drawing 401 in Appendix 3A. These facilities will include welfare facilities and office space as required. Any effluent generated from the welfare facilities will be discharged to the public sewer.

Plant and machinery may also be stored at this location.

A wheelwash will be provided at exit points from the works site to ensure that vehicles leaving the works area do not carry excess soil and material onto the adjacent public road infrastructure.

3.6 ESTIMATED COST OF PROPOSED WORKS

The current estimated construction cost of the proposed works is €9.075 million excluding VAT. Other non-contracted costs are estimated at €4.725 million, which brings the total cost of the Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme to approximately €13.8 million excluding VAT.

3.7 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SCHEME

The main maintenance requirement of the proposed scheme, once it comes into operation, will be in relation to the dredged section of the riverbed. It is anticipated that maintenance dredging will be required at an estimated interval of 5-7 years, depending on the frequency and magnitude of flood events that might occur within the intervening period. Maintenance dredging, when required, will take place during low flow conditions and only deposits visible above low water levels will be removed. No maintenance dredging of deposits below low water level will be required. Maintenance dredging will be carried out in accordance with the OPW Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures which have been drawn up in consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Regular strimming of the proposed embankments will be required to control vegetation growth. Periodic maintenance of the proposed flood defence embankments may also be required on localised sections of the proposed embankment as a result of minor settlement or flood damage.

Environmental Impact Statement 3-7 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

4 HUMAN BEINGS

4.1 INTRODUCTION

This section of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) describes the potential impacts of the proposed Bandon Flood Relief Scheme (FRS) on human beings and has been completed in accordance with the guidance set out by the Environmental Protection Agency in ‘Guidelines on Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements’ (EPA, 2000).

One of the principle concerns in the development process is that people, as individuals or communities, should experience no diminution in their quality of life from the direct or indirect impacts arising from the construction and operation of a development or project. Ultimately, all the impacts of a development impinge on human beings, directly and indirectly, positively and negatively. The key issues examined in this section of the EIS include population, employment and economic activity, land-use, residential amenity, facilities and services, tourism, and health and safety.

Reference is also made, in this chapter, to nuisance impacts on human beings that are dealt with in other sections of this EIS such as flooding from Chapter 7 - Hydrology and Hydrogeology; dust and noise from Chapter 8 - Air and Climate; and traffic from Chapter 11 - Material Assets.

4.2 METHODOLOGY

The following sources of information and literature pertinent to the area were utilised in the preparation of this section:

• Interim Bandon Electoral Area Local Area Plan, August 2011 • Cork County Development Plan, 2009; Cork Area Strategic Plan (Update) 2008 • Regional Planning Guidelines for the South West Region 2010 • Census of Ireland2002, 2006 (www.cso.ie) • Preliminary 2011 Census Data (www.cso.ie) • Cork County Council Website • Local Websites www.bandon.ie and www.mytown.ie • The economic impact of salmon angling in the SW of Ireland. Buck., P.J. South Western Regional Fisheries Board The study included an examination of the population and employment characteristics of the area. As only preliminary data is currently available from the most recent census (2011), the majority of information was sourced from the previous census, the Census of Ireland 2006, and from the CSO website. However relevant preliminary data available from the 2011 census was also consulted.

Census information is divided into State, Provincial, County, Major Town and District Electoral Division (DED or ED) level, but may not be available for all levels. For the purposes of this section of the EIS, data for the lowest district level was used wherever possible.

4.3 HUMAN BEINGS IN THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

4.3.1 Study Area

4.3.1.1 Definition of Study Area

The Study Area for the purpose of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed Flood Relief Scheme consists of the channel, floodplain and immediate surrounding areas of the River Bandon extending along the main channel of the river. However, in order to make inferences about the population

Environmental Impact Statement 4-1 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with and other statistics in the vicinity of the proposed development site, the Study Area for the Human Beings section of the EIA was defined in terms of the relevant Electoral Divisions. The Study Area for the EIS lies within several electoral divisions, as shown in Figure 4.1. It has been decided to define the Study Area for the Human Beings Section of this EIS as all those EDs, in which the EIS Study Area is located. This area forms the natural hinterland of Bandon Town and is relatively homogenous in terms of land-cover and land-use.

4.3.1.2 Settlements and Planning Policy

The major settlements within the Study Area include Bandon and Innishannon. Bandon is identified as a Main Settlement within the Interim Bandon Electoral Area Local Area Plan (LAP). It is also considered a ‘Ring Town’ in the Cork County Development Plan 2009 overall strategy. Bandon is located 30km west of Cork City and is an important gateway to West Cork in addition to providing services to a wider hinterland. Inishannon is designated as a key village within the Interim LAP. The village is located approximately 6km to the east of Bandon, on the National Secondary Road, the N71. The Bandon River flows to the immediate south of the village, forming a natural boundary.

According to the Interim Local Area Plan for Bandon Electoral Area the Vision for Bandon is as follows:

‘The strategic aims for Bandon are to encourage continued growth and expansion of its employment and service functions so that it can continue to act as a gateway to West Cork. It is also important that the town centre continues to develop as the primary location for retail and services development and that the infrastructure is delivered which is required for the town.’

The vision for Innishannon is to ‘encourage the consolidation of the village within its rural setting, and to promote sympathetic development in tandem with the provision of services. One of the key considerations for the future development of the village is the provision of wastewater treatment facilities.’

In the period 2002 – 2006 the Bandon Electoral Area grew from 23,956 to 27,208; an increase of 13.6%. Bandon, the largest town in the area, experienced positive population growth of 12.8% (from 5,161 to 5,822 persons), although the population within Innishannon (also within the Flood Relief Study Area) remained static within the same period.

Overall, the Cork Area Strategic Plan Update (2006 to 2020) proposes an increase in the population of the Electoral Area of 12%. Bandon will continue as the largest settlement, with a proposed increase of population by 26% (7,379 persons in 2020). The growth for surrounding areas, including Innishannon, is estimated at 7.5%.

Seventeen areas have been proposed as zoning for residential development in the Interim Local Area Plan for the Bandon Area, which has yet to be approved. These areas have been based on the following rationale (extract from Interim LAP):

‘During the period 2001-2010 An Post GeoDirectory estimates that the growth in houses in Bandon was about 893. This growth seems to have been relatively steady of the 10 year period. In June 2007 an amendment to the 2005 local area plan was adoted by Cork County Council and an additional 24 hectares was made available for residential development. The Outline Strategy document set the new house construction target to 2020 for Bandon at 1485 units. It is noteworthy that there are in the region of 784 units with planning permission on existing zoned lands, about 354 units which are already built 2006-2010 about 90 vacant units and 24 units under construction in the town.

Environmental Impact Statement 4-2 MAP TITLE: Constraints Study Area MAP NO.: Figure 2.1 SCALE: 1:50,000 PROJECT TITLE: 100735 - Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme ISSUE NO.: 100735-2012.06.07-D1 Map Legend DRAWING BY:Dervla O'Dowd CHECKED BY: Corina Colleran DATE: 07.06.2012 Constraints Study Area McCarthy Keville O'Sullivan Ltd., Block 1, G.F.S.C, Moneenageisha Road, Galway, Ireland. Email: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)91 735611 Fax: +353 (0)91 771279 Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. AR0021811 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland

Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Taking into account of all of these units which are either permitted or committed, the balance which this local area plan needs to accommodate in order to achieve the population targets for Bandon is 233 houses. Additional land is not required to accommodate the 233 units required to achieve the 2020 target, there is a requirement for additional lands to be identified to help address the need to regulate development in the villages and rural areas of the CASP Ring, in line with the CASP Update.’

The population of Innishannon remained relatively static during the last census period (2002 – 2006). The Interim LAP proposes that this may have been likely due to infrastructure deficiencies. The Interim LAP information about housing in Innishannon is as follows:

‘Estimates from An Post GeoDirectory Data measuring postal addresses and occupied houses indicate that Innishannon grew from 213 houses in 2001 to 300 houses in 2010, which is an increase of 87 units. Most of these houses were developed after 2005.

Innishannon’s attractive townscape and heritage, broad range of services and ease of access has made it a popular location for new development. Aside from a mature estate of 6 detached houses almost all the other estates including Ard Aoibhinn, Barr na Claise, and The Spires are under construction, brining th etotal number of units under construction to about 14. Currently, it is estimated that there are about 30 vacant dwellings in the settlement’.

4.3.2 Population

4.3.2.1 Population Trends

The total Study Area for this section of the EIA, as described in Section 4.3.1 above, has a combined population of 11,030 persons and comprises a total land area of 14,687 hectares or 146.87 square kilometres according to the CSO Census of the Population 2006. Data from the 2011 data indicates a population of 12,304 within the Study Area. Population statistics for the State, County Cork and the Study Area have been obtained from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and are presented in Table 4.1. Data for Cork County comprises figures from County Cork excluding Cork City.

Area Population % Population Change

2002 - 2006- 1996 2002 2006 2011* 1996 - 2002 2006 2011*

State 3,626,087 3,917,203 4,239,848 4,581,269 8.0% 8.2% 8.2%

County Cork 293,323 324,767 361,877 399,216 10.7% 11.4% 10.5%

Study Area 9,152 10,094 11,030 12,304 10.3% 9.3% 11.6%

Table 4.1 Population Statistics 1996 – 2011 (Source: CSO) *Preliminary data only The population of Ireland increased by 8.2% in the four years between the 2002 and the 2006 Censes, which equates to an approximate two per cent growth per annum on average. During this time, the population of Co. Cork increased at a slightly higher rate of 11.4%, while that of the Study Area increased by 9.3%. The majority of the population increase within the Study Area took place within the Leighmoney ED, which experienced a 25.3% growth in population between 2002 and 2006. The population of the Bandon ED grew by 9.1% during the same period.

Environmental Impact Statement 4-3 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Based on the census data from 2011, the population of the Study Area increased by 11.6% between 2006 and 2011, which is higher than both the State and County increases at 8.2% and 10.5% respectively. The percentage population increase within the Kilbrogan ED was the most marked at over 30%. By contrast Ballymodan ED experienced a percentage population increase of approximately 5% in the same period.

4.3.2.2 Population Density

The population densities recorded within the State, County Cork and the Study Area during 2006 and 2011 are shown in Table 4.2 below.

Area Population Density (persons per Population Density (persons per square kilometre) 2006 square kilometre) 2011

State 60.4 65.3

County Cork 48.5 53.5

Study Area 75.1 83.8

Table 4.2 Population Density in 2006 and 2011 (Source: CSO) The population density of the Study Area recorded during the 2006 Census was 75.1 persons per square kilometre, which is significantly higher than that recorded at County level. The population density figure for the Study Area is however skewed by the inclusion of the Bandon ED within the Study Area. The population density within this ED was 2151.25 persons per square kilometre whereas those recorded within the Brinny and Knockroe EDs for example were only 29.8 and 29.3 persons per square kilometre respectively. Population density figures from the findings of the 2011 Census show similar increases in population density at national, county and Study Area level. The relatively high population density of the Study Area compared to the national and county figure, is influenced by the elevated density of Bandon Town, which is the largest settlement included within the Study Area.

4.3.2.3 Household Statistics

The number of households and average household size recorded within the State and County Cork during the 2002 and 2006 Censuses are shown in Table 4.3. Data was not available from the 2011 Census in relation to household statistics.

Area 2002 2006

No. of Average Size No. of Average Size Households (persons) Households (persons)

State 1,287,958 2.94 1,469,521 2.81

County Cork 105,248 3.02 123,295 2.88

Study Area 3,289 3.00 3,782 3.25

Table 4.3 Number of Households and Average Household Size 2002 – 2006 (Source:CSO)

In general, the figures in Table 4.3 show that while the number of households at a national and county level continued to increase over the 2002 and 2006 period, the average number of people per household

Environmental Impact Statement 4-4 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with has decreased, i.e. there are more households but less people per house. By contrast, in the Study Area both the number of households and the average household size had increased. In addition, while the average household size recorded within the Study Area during the 2002 Census was comparable with that recorded at State and County level, the 2006 figures demonstrated an higher average household size in this area. This may be due to a surge in construction of residential estates populated by young families locally.

4.3.2.3.1 Age Structure

Table 4.4 and Figure 4.2 show the percentage of the population within different age groups as defined by the Central Statistics Office during the 2002 Census. Data for 2006 and 2011 was unavailable.

Area Age Category

0-14 15-24 25-44 45-64 65+

State 827,428 641,522 1,1802,59 831,993 436,001

County Cork

72,697 48,318 98,227 70,185 35,346

Study Area 2,254 1,583 2,964 2,180 1,113

Table 4.4 Population per Age Category in 2002 (Source: CSO)

35

30

25 n

20 State Co Cork 15 Study Area % of Populatio 10

5

0 0-14 15-24 25-44 45-64 65+ Age Category

Figure 4.2 Population per Age Category in 2002 (Source: CSO) The proportion of the Study Area population within most age categories is similar to those recorded for the County and national population, indicating that population trends within the Study Area are in broad agreement with those on a county and national level.

4.3.3 Current Economic Activity

Environmental Impact Statement 4-5 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

4.3.3.1 Sources of Employment

Bandon Town is designated as a district employment centre in the County Development Plan 2009. The primary type of employment provided in Innishannon is service based employment. Main employers in the Electoral Area include the Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical Plant in Dunderrow, the Laragh IDA Estate near Bandon, Henry Good Millers in Kinsale and the agri-food based employers in Bandon, Bandon Co-op, Anglo Irish Beef Processors and the local mart. In addition, within Bandon and Inishannon, a large proportion of employment is generated from the tourist and services industry.

As part of the County Development Plan strategy for delivery of new jobs, the number of jobs in the Bandon Electoral Area is envisaged to increase by up to 1,000. About 20% of the new jobs (including jobs in the leisure and tourism sector) are likely to be in rural locations rather than the main urban areas. The CASP Update estimates an additional job target of 500 jobs in Bandon Town (increase of 500 based on baseline 2006 figure of 3,897).

In relation to zoning for industry and employment, the Interim LAP states that:

‘In previous plans there were 29ha of land zoned for employment uses in the environs of Bandon. By 2008 when the area was surveyed again a total of 2 hectares had been taken up leaving a remainder of 27ha to achieve the 500 increase in jobs to 2020. The availability and suitability of the current land supply to accommodate the proposed employment growth is reviewed in this plan and this will also include the identification of additional (new) zoned lands for employment uses. In addition, the ability of the town centre to accommodate further expansion and regeneration will also be considered in line with the overall strategy for the settlement’

Provision has been made for industrial uses and business uses. On the northern side of the town, provision has been made for the expansion of an existing area of food related industry. Provision has also been made for the development of an extension to the Donpack Business Park to the east of the town and in addition the site designated for office based industry has been retained to the north of the relief road.’

In relation to retail, according to the Interim LAP:

‘Bandon town is identified as a ring town in the retail hierarchy supporting 2,315m2 of convenience goods floorspace. The town also supports 6,715m2 of comparison goods floorspace. Any further major comparison development should be located within or adjoining the town centre in order to ensure that the current retail services are supported providing a critical mass to the centre of the town. In the event that such a proposal came forward, the town centre would be the preferred location. In addition, the Retail Strategy states that significant regeneration measures are required in Bandon in order to help attract new investment in the town.’

While it is intended that the town centre will continue to be the principal focus for retail and commercial activity, provision has been made for modest extensions to the four main established primarily commercial areas outside the town centre. Provision has also been included in these zones for the development of a new hotel.

4.3.3.1.1 Proposed Employment

It is estimated that the proposed Bandon Flood Relief Scheme will provide employment for approximately 30 people during the construction phase, which is expected to be approximately 24 months in duration. It is likely that at least some prospective employees will be sourced from the local area, therefore benefitting the local economy and skill base to some extent. There will also be indirect employment during

Environmental Impact Statement 4-6 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with both the construction phase of the proposed development such as hauliers and waste contractors among others.

4.3.3.2 Economic Status of the Study Area

The labour force consists of those who are able to work, i.e. those who are aged 15+, out of full-time education and not performing duties that prevent them from working. In 2006, there were 2,109,498 persons in the labour force in Ireland. Table 4.5 shows the percentage of the total population aged 15+ who were in the labour force during the 2006 Census. This figure is further broken down into the percentages that were at work, seeking first time employment or unemployed. It also shows the percentage of the total population aged 15+ who were not in the labour force, i.e. those who were students, retired, unable to work or performing home duties.

Status State County Study Area

% of population aged 15+ who are in the labour force 62.5% 62.7% 61.3%

% of which At work 91.5% 94.1% 92.8% are: First time job

seeker 1.4% 1.0% 1.6%

Unemployed 7.1% 4.9% 5.5%

% of population aged 15+ who are not in the labour force 37.5% 37.3% 38.7%

% of which Student 27.6% 26.6% 26.7% are: Home duties 30.6% 34.0% 35.1%

Retired 29.9% 28.7% 26.5%

Unable to work 10.9% 9.8% 11.1%

Other 1.0% 0.9% 0.6%

Table 4.5 Economic Status of the Total Population Aged 15+ in 2006 (Source: CSO) During the 2006 Census, over 90% of those recorded as being in the labour force at State, County and Study Area level were in employment. In assessing the 2006 Census economic status data, the significant rise in unemployment that has taken place nationally since 2006 must be taken into consideration. In December 2006, the live register figure for County Cork was 15,208 persons. By December 2011, this figure had increased to 43,651 persons. A similar trend is evident from live register figures for Bandon Town, which had risen from 500 to 1,506 in the same period. While the live register cannot be used to determine the unemployment rate, it does give an idea of how the unemployment rate has increased in County Cork and Bandon town since the 2006 Census.

Of those who were not in the labour force during the 2006 Census, the highest percentage of the Study Area population were those undertaking home duties. The percentage of those within the Study Area categorised as Students reflected national and county figures.

Environmental Impact Statement 4-7 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

4.3.3.3 Employment by Socio-economic Group

Socio-economic grouping divides the population into categories depending on the level of skill or educational attainment required. The ‘Higher Professional’ category includes scientists, engineers, solicitors, town planners and psychologists. The ‘Lower Professional’ category includes teachers, lab technicians, nurses, journalists, actors and driving instructors. Skilled occupations are divided into manual skilled, such as bricklayers and building contractors; semi-skilled, e.g. roofers and gardeners; and unskilled, which includes construction labourers, refuse collectors and window cleaners. Figure 4.3 shows the percentages of those employed in each socio-economic group in the State, County Cork and the Study Area during 2006.

18.0

s 16.0 14.0 12.0 State 10.0 Co Cork 8.0 Study Area 6.0 4.0

% of Population over 15 Year 2.0 0.0

l l d s ger ed le a ill l ther iona k O s -s ccount armer F r/Man Unski e ofessional emi wn A al Workers r Non-manua S oy O ur l r P Manual Skilled ult e er Profes c w ri Emp High Lo Ag Socio-economic Group

Figure 4.3 Employment by Socio-Economic Group in 2006 (Source: CSO) The highest level of employment within the Study Area was recorded in the Employer/Manager category. Approximately 16.7% of those employed within the Study Area form part of this category, compared to 16.5% of the County population and 16% of the national population. The Study Area and County population also show a higher proportion as working within the Agricultural Worker category, compared to the levels recorded at national level. After Farming, the next highest levels of employment within the Study Area were in the Non-manual and the Manual Skilled sectors.

The CSO figures for socio-economic grouping have a limitation of including the entire population, rather than just those who are in the labour force. It is likely that this is what gives rise to the high proportion of the population shown to be in the Other category in Figure 4.3.

Bandon is the main centre of employment in the area. A large portion of the population of the Study Area may commute to here for work purposes. Cork City is approximately 24 kilometres from Bandon and it is likely that residents of the Study Area may travel to the greater Cork City area to work.

Environmental Impact Statement 4-8 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

4.3.3.4 IPPC Licensed Facilities

The EPA licenses large-scale industrial and agricultural activities under the Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Directive. The following facilities within the Study Area are listed on the EPA website as licensed. Some facilities downstream of the Study Area at Kinsale have also been included in list.

Facility Address Activity Category

Schering-Plough (Brinny) Brinny, Inishannon, Co. Cork Manufacture of pesticides, pharmaceutical or Company veterinary products and their intermediates. The use of a chemical or biological process for the production of basic pharmaceutical products.

Eli-Lilly S.A. Irish Branch Dunderrow, Kinsale, Co. Manufacture of pesticides, pharmaceutical or Cork veterinary products and their intermediates The use of a chemical or biological process for the production of basic pharmaceutical products.

AIBP Limited Kilbrogan, Bandon, Co. Cork The slaughter of animals in installations where daily capacity exceeds 1500 units

Acorn Environmental Ltd. Glasslyn Road, Ballylangley, The manufacture of inorganic chemicals Bandon, Co. Cork

Oldpark Pigs Ltd. Oldpark, Templemartin, The rearing of pigs in installations, whether Bandon, Co. Cork within the same complex, where the capacity exceeds 1,000 units on gley soils or 3,000 units on other soils.

ITW Ireland Farm Lane, Rathvallikeen, The manufacture or use of coating materials in Kinsale, Co. Cork processes with a capacity to make or use at least 10 tonnes per year of organic solvents and powder coating manufacture with a capacity to produce at least 50 tonnes per year.

Mr. Derek Good Ardnaclug, Innishannon, Co. The rearing of poultry in installations, whether Cork, Cork. within the same complex or within 100 metres of the same complex, where the capacity exceeds 40,000 places.

Mr Nigel Sweetnam Knockduff, Kinsale, County The rearing of poultry in installations, whether Cork, Cork. within the same complex or within 100 metres of the same complex, where the capacity exceeds 40,000 places.

Table 4.6 IPPC Licenced Facilities in vicinity of Study Area 4.3.4 Landuse

The total area of farmland within the Study Area measures approximately 12,224 hectares or 83.2% of the Study Area, according to the CSO Census of Agriculture 2006. There are 350 farms located within the Study Area, with an average farm size of 34.9 hectares. This is slightly smaller than the 37.4 hectare average farm size for County Cork. Within the Study Area, farming employs 714 people, and the majority of farms are family-owned and run. Table 4.6 shows the breakdown of farmed lands within the Study Area. Pasture forms the largest proportion of farmland, followed by silage. Preliminary results are available from the 2010 CSO Census of Agriculture. No data is available, however, at ED level. The

Environmental Impact Statement 4-9 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with average farm size in County Cork has increased in the period between the 2006 and 2010 censes from 37.4 hectares to 38.1. Nationally, the preliminary figures show a corresponding increase in farm size (4%) and decrease in number of farms of 1.2%.

Characteristic Value

Size of Study Area 14,687 ha

Total Area Farmed within Study Area 12,224 ha

Farmland as % of Study Area 83.2%

Breakdown of Farmed Land (ha)

Total Cereals 1,243

Other Non-Cereal Crops 229

Total Pasture 5,676

Total Silage 3,736

Rough Grazing 63

Total Hay 153

Total Crops, Fruit & Horticulture 614

Table 4.7 Farm Size and Classification within the Study Area in 2000 (Source: CSO) 4.3.5 Tourism

Tourism is one of the major contributors to the national economy and is a significant source of full time and seasonal employment. During 2009 (the latest period for which finalised Fáilte Ireland figures are available), total tourism revenue generated in Ireland was €5.3 billion, a decrease of almost 19% from €6.3 billion in 2008. Between 2008 and 2009, the number of overseas tourists to visit Ireland decreased by 12%, from 7.4 million to 6.6 million. Preliminary figures for 2010 indicate a further decrease in overall tourism revenue to €4.7 billion, a decrease of 11.5% from 2009. According to Fáilte Ireland, the fall in tourist numbers in recent years is due to the global downturn and unfavourable exchange rates with the euro.

During 2009, a total of 8.34 million trips were taken within the Republic of Ireland by Irish residents, with an associated expenditure of €1.4 billion. This represents a decrease in domestic tourism expenditure of 10.7%, although the number of domestic trips remained the same. Preliminary data from 2010 indicates a decrease in the number of domestic trips by Irish residents from 8.34 million to 8 million trips with an associated drop in revenue of 10.7% (€1.3 billion) (Source: Fáilte Ireland)

Ireland is divided into seven tourism regions. The South West Region, in which the Study Area is located, comprises Counties Cork and Kerry. During 2009, the South West Region benefited from 18.4% of the total number of tourists to the country and 21.2% of the total tourism income generated in Ireland for that year. The total revenue generated by tourism in the South West Region in 2009 was approximately €1 billion, which was the highest for any region outside Dublin. Preliminary findings for 2010, suggest that the southwest was visited by 25% of all overseas visitors to Ireland in 2010 and that revenue generated in the South-west by overseas visitors accounted for 18.4% of the total for Ireland in 2010 (Table 4.8). The South West region was surpassed only by the Dublin region, which was visited by 59% of all overseas

Environmental Impact Statement 4-10 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with visitors to Ireland in the same period and accounted for 37.8% of overall revenue generated by overseas visitors.

2009 Preliminary 2010

County No. of Revenue Generated No. of Overseas Revenue Overseas by Overseas Visitors [000s] Generated by Visitors Visitors (€m) Overseas Visitors [000s] (€m)

Cork 1,001 438 966 352

Kerry 784 190 751 154

Table 4.8 Overseas Tourism in South-west Region during 2009 and 2010 (Source: Fáilte Ireland)

The Irish tourism and hospitality industry employed an estimated 177,935 people in 2010. All sectors of this industry experienced a decline in employment levels in 2010. After Dublin, tourism enterprises in the South West region comprised the most significant employer in the tourism sector, employing 20% of those employed in the tourism and hospitality trade in Ireland.

Table 4.9 provides Fáilte Ireland figures showing the type of activities that overseas tourists engaged in and a break down of the percentages that undertook each activity for the period from 1999 to 2009. From these figures it can be seen that Historical/cultural visits form the majority of all activities enjoyed in Ireland but with other activities including visiting gardens, hiking/walking, golf, fishing, cycling and equestrian pursuits and also significant activities in terms of tourism.

Holiday - Activities Engaged in (%)

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Fishing 4 4 3 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3

Equestrian 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Pursuits

Golf 6 7 4 2 3 3 3 5 4 3 3

Cycling 3 3 2 3 3 2 1 2 3 2 2

Hiking/Walking 9 7 5 5 4 6 7 9 17 11 20

Historical/ 43 53 52 42 44 54 56 67 74 67 73 Cultural visits

Visits to 11 17 12 9 9 12 12 18 21 23 33 gardens

Table 4.9 Activities undertaken by overseas visitors whilst visiting Ireland (%)

Environmental Impact Statement 4-11 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Fáilte Ireland data relating to the times of year that overseas tourists visit Ireland indicates that the peak season is July and August with less activity in the months of May, June and September and relatively low visitor activity during the winter autumn, winter and early spring months (October – April).

4.3.5.1 Angling Tourism

In 2009, an estimated 132,000 overseas visitors engaged in angling in Ireland spending an estimate €105 million. The majority of anglers visiting Ireland in 2009 were from Britain and Mainland Europe, contributing 45% each to the total volume of visiting anglers to Ireland in that year. Most anglers surveyed by Bord Fáilte in 2009 did not specifiy the type of angling engaged in, but 14% stated that they had engaged in game angling, while visiting the country. The highest proportion of visitors engaging in angling visited Ireland in July and similar figures were recorded through the May to September period inclusive. The lowest numbers of angling overseas visitors in 2009 were recorded in the period from January to March.

The South West region appeared to be the most popular with those engaging in angling while visiting Ireland with 49% of all respondants in 2009 having visited this region. A total of 45% of all nights spent in Ireland by those overseas visitors engaging in angling in 2009 were spent in the South West region, compared with 16% of nights in the West region, the next most popular region. 42% of those overseas visitors to Ireland engaging in angling in Ireland went fishing in the South West region, making this region the most popular for angling nationally, with the West region following at 25%. A total of 78% of overseas anglers surveyed stated that they were either very satisfied or satisfied with the angling on their trip, with only 7% expressing dissatisfaction with the angling product in Ireland.

Preliminary data for 2010 shows that an estimated 123,000 overseas visitors engaged in angling while in Ireland in 2010, representing 2.1% of all overseas visitors during that year.

Data on tourism angling in the Southwest (source publication: The Economic Impact of Salmon Angling in the SW of Ireland by P.J. Buck, Southwestern Regional Fisheries Board) indicates that the SW region takes approximately 16% of the national salmon rod catch each year, second only to the NW region (39%). Estimates of the value generated from salmon angling tourism angling vary, but figures of €65.8 million and €11 million have been cited from various studies (GENISIS, 2005 and INDECON, 2003 respectively).

Angling is an important tourist attraction in the Bandon area. The Bandon River rises in the mountains north-west of Dunmanway, and enters the sea at the estuary near Kinsale. The river provides good fishing for Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout. Much of the Salmon angling on the Bandon River is privately owned or controlled by groups of angling interests such as the Bandon Angling Association. The Bandon River is also renowned as a Sea Trout fishery with good runs of Sea Trout are usually found in the July and August periods. Sea Trout angling is confined to the area from Innishannon upstream as far as Bandon. Brown Trout angling is available throughout the Bandon River system but average fish size is generally small. The best of the Brown Trout fishing is usually in the Bandon area. (Source: http://www.discoverireland.ie).

The Inland Fisheries Ireland (www.ifi.ie) describe the Bandon River as follows:

‘This large river drains a catchment of 235 square miles beginning in the Shehy Mountains of West Cork and ending up in Kinsale Harbour. The salmon fishing on this river extends from Innishannon up to Togher Castle….. All legal angling methods are allowed depending on the rules for the particular fisheries. Some stretches are fly only.’

It has an estimated catch of 1300 Salmon and a similar catch of Sea-Trout per year.

Environmental Impact Statement 4-12 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

4.3.5.2 Other Local Tourist Attractions

The Bandon Local Area Plan – Nov 2010 describes tourism in Bandon as follows:

‘Tourism is a significant industry in the Bandon Electoral Area as it includes a large amount of attractive coastline and estuary, which contain features of historical, cultural and natural significance, popular with visitors. Kinsale attracts significant visitor numbers and contains some specific coastal, maritime and historic tourist attractions. Similarly, on the coast Garrettstown/Garylucas, Oysterhaven and the Old Head area provide attractions for daytrippers, long stay tourists, water-based activities and leisure breaks. The attractive coastline and beaches in the area which have features of historical, cultural and natural significance also provide opportunities for shore angling, deep-sea fishing and walks’. Kilmacsimon Quay, on the shores of the Bandon River Estuary is also an important attraction for tourist and leisure breaks’.

The Local Area Plan covers a wider area than the Study Area itself and primarily focuses on the coast as a tourist destination. However the towns, villages and river within the Study Area provide a base for a number of activities that are significant tourist attractions.

Bandon is located on the National Secondary Road, the N71, which is the main tourist gateway to West Cork and therefore experiences significant passing tourist traffic. Bandon Town has an 18 hole golf course and Pitch and Putt is available in the local area.

4.3.6 Social Consideration

4.3.6.1 Education

The following extracts are taken from the Interim Bandon Local Area Plan (August 2011).

‘There are 4 Primary schools in Bandon, Scoil Padraig Naofa (boys), Presentation Primary School (girls), Gaelscoil Droichead na Bandan (mixed) and Bandon Bridge National School catering for a combined student population of over 650 pupils.

There are four secondary schools catering for Bandon and its local catchment, Hamilton High School (boys), St. Brogans College (mixed), Colaiste na Toirbhirte (girls), and Bandon Grammar School (mixed).

The primary school in Inishannon, Scoil Eoin, is a co educational mixed school with 270 children and a staff comprising of 14 teachers, special needs assistants and other ancillary staff.’

4.3.6.2 Sports and Recreation

There are a number of sports clubs in Bandon; the local GAA club have playing pitches and changing facilities to the southwest of the Town Centre. Bandon AFC has two large size soccer pitches and smaller soccer pitch which is flood lit on the former pitch and putt course to the north of the town. Bandon RFC facilities (including pavilion and 3 full sized pitches) are located at Old Chapel, approximately one mile outside Bandon. Bandon Golf Club is located on the Castlebernard Estate and is an 18-hole golf course. Bandon Lawn Tennis Club has 3 all weather courts and a club house and is located to the west of the town. There is also a very active Athletics Club in the town.

In addition to the facilities mentioned above there are a number of angling clubs in the area, Game Protection Association, pitch and putt facilities, a walking club and a rowing club at Kilmacsimon.

The County Council operates a library service in Bandon town.

4.3.6.3 Local Amenities

The Interim Bandon LAP outlines the proposals for public amenity space in the town:

Environmental Impact Statement 4-13 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

‘There are three main designated areas of open space for active and informal public recreation in Bandon. The largest and most important in terms of the town’s setting and amenity value are the areas north and south of the River Bandon to the west of the town centre. A number of pedestrian walkways have also been proposed; again the most notable of these is the pedestrian walkway along the Bandon River which is intended to connect to the town centre and the third designated area. Some of these walks have been developed and the local area plan will seek to enhance and extend these walks where possible.

An additional pedestrian bridging point has been identified in the Bandon Action Programme (2008) from the Glasslinnn Road to Watergate Street and this is also included in the zoning map for this settlement. Two public civic spaces have also been identified as having the potential to provide better amenities in the town. These are the Shambles areas to the north of the town centre and Ballymodan Place to the south of the town. The proposals for these spaces include the provision of tree planting, specialised paving treatment, signage, seating and protective bollards.

Castlebernard Estate – wooded estate predominantly used by Bandon Golf Club and there is potential to expand this use and create new opportunities for outdoor recreation. There is also some potential to restore the historic house with potential for commercial use such as a hotel. Estate is also recognised for its local walking routes, some of which are included in this plan.’

4.3.7 Health and Safety

Bandon has a long history of serious flood events, which pose a risk to the health and safety of residents and visitors present at any particular time. Major recent flood events have been recorded in 1975, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1988 and 2009 and less severe flood events have occurred in Bandon in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2011. As described below in Section 1.4.1, in the current situation, a substantial health and safety risk exists with regard to the flooding of residences and commercial premises in Bandon Town. Currently 151 residences and 201 commercial properties are at risk of flooding, as well as housing for the elderly, the Garda station, infrastructure such as the N71 National Primary Road and the R586 Regional Road, the telephone exchange and the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

4.4 LIKELY AND SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS ON HUMAN BEINGS AND ASSOCIATED MITIGATION MEASURES

This section deals with the impacts of the proposed development on the population of the Study Area with regard to population, employment and economic activity, land use, services and tourism. As well as these the health and safety, dust, noise and traffic impacts will be dealt with. Noise and traffic impacts will be dealt with in more detail in Chapters 8 and 11 respectively.

4.4.1 ‘Do-Nothing’ Scenario

The following ‘Do-Nothing’ impacts on human beings have been identified in the Flood Risk report conducted by WYG for the purposes of this project:

• 151 residences and 201 commercial properties, housing for the elderly, the Garda station and the park at Glaslinn Park would be at risk

• There would be a public health risk from potential flooding of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and nearby petrol station

• Protected structures such as Bandon Bridge, the old town walls and buildings on South Main Street would be at risk, with knock-on effects on tourism, local amenity and local identity.

• The density of the economic risk in Bandon Town would be in the region of €600/1,000m2

Environmental Impact Statement 4-14 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

• There would be a risk to important transport routes such as the N71 National Primary Road (Cork-Clonakilty-West Cork) and the R586 Regional Road (Cork-Dunmanway-West Cork).

• There would be a risk to the telecommunications network as the telephone exchange would be at risk.

4.4.2 Construction Phase

4.4.2.1 Traffic

Construction Traffic Movement - Temporary Slight Negative Impact

The construction phase of the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme will have a temporary impact on traffic volumes in Bandon town and its environs due to the increase in additional traffic movements associated with the removal of material from the river bed during the dredging process. However, taking into account the large numbers of vehicles using the road network in and in the vicinity of Bandon, it is unlikely that traffic generated during the construction phase will have a significant impact on traffic flow in the town. It is not anticipated that the construction traffic will significantly affect the flow of traffic through Bandon town.

Mitigation Measures:

A Traffic Management Plan based on industry standards will be put in operation during the construction phase to reduce any disruption to road users. All traffic management measures will be designed in accordance with the ‘Guidance for the Control and Management of Traffic at Roadworks – Second Edition’.

Residual Impact:

The Traffic Management Plan will ensure the impact of traffic disruption resulting from the works is minimised.

Bridge Closure - Temporary Significant Negative Impact

The underpinning works proposed to Bandon Bridge have the potential to cause the largest impact on traffic, as the bridge may be closed to heavy goods vehicles for a period of up to 3 months, with bridge closures for all vehicles for shorter periods of time. Any closure of Bandon Bridge will cause significant disruption to traffic flow in the town as the traffic will need to be diverted to either Innishannon Bridge (6.6km to the north east) or the bridge at Carhoon (5.7km south west). The total length of this diversion would be approximately 13km with an estimated travel time of 20 minutes.

Localised traffic disruptions are also likely to occur at locations of proposed works on, or in the immediate vicinity of the road network such as the localised raising of the N71, replacement of existing flood defence infrastructure and upgrading of existing culverts.

Mitigation Measures:

The Bandon Bridge closures should be timed to minimise the impact to the flow of traffic and if possible work should be carried out at night or on weekends to reduce the associated impact. Consultation should be undertaken with all relevant stakeholders concerning optimal closure times and residents should be notified in a timely manner of all closures.

Environmental Impact Statement 4-15 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

The localised traffic disruptions as a result of other proposed works throughout the scheme will be mitigated through the use of industry standard traffic management measures. These traffic management measures should be designed in accordance with the ‘Guidance for the Control and Management of Traffic at Roadworks – Second Edition’.

Residual Impacts: Temporary Moderate Negative Impact

Provided the mitigation measures above are implemented, the impacts of the bridge closure on traffic will be minimised.

Condition of Road Network - Temporary Slight Negative Impact:

Sustained use of heavy plant and vehicles on the local road network, particularly during the dredging phase, when material will be removed off-site, may also have a damaging effect on the condition of road surfaces along haul routes.

Mitigation Measures:

The contractor will be responsible for the maintenance of roads used as haul routes for the purposes of the flood relief works. All road surfaces will be reinstated on completion of the works.

Residual Impact: None

There will be no residual impact once the reinstatement works are complete.

4.4.2.2 Impact on Economic Activity

Short-term Slight Negative Impact

There is potential for some disruption to economic activity during the construction phase of the flood relief scheme as traffic and access issues and elevated noise and dust levels may impinge on local businesses.

Mitigation Measures:

A traffic management plan will be prepared and implemented for the duration of the works in order to ensure that any impacts on traffic mobility are minimised. In addition, works will be limited to normal working hours (08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday) with an extension in the summer months (07.00 – 21.00 Monday to Saturday). An Environmental Management Plan will be implemented during the construction phase to ensure that environmental nuisances relating to the works are minimised. This will include measures to avoid and reduce noise and dust.

Residual Impact :

The implementation of a Traffic Management Plan and Environmental Management Plan to reduce traffic and environmental nuisance impacts on the receiving environment during the construction phase will minimise the impact on local businesses.

4.4.2.3 Nuisance – Noise, Dust & Vibration

Short-term Slight Negative Impact

Environmental Impact Statement 4-16 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

During the construction phase of the flood relief scheme, there are likely to be elevated levels of noise, dust & vibration at times, which may constitute a nuisance to local inhabitants and visitors to the town at times during this period. Elements of the project likely to generate elevated noise levels include the in- stream works, which will include sheet piling, rock breaking and use of heavy plant and general increased traffic movements as materials and plant are moved to and from the working area.

According to the noise and vibration study conducted for the purposes of this EIS, the likely short term impacts of dredging activities, earthen embankment construction, construction traffic on the local noise and vibration environment will not be significant. The likely impact of reinforced concrete wall construction in terms of noise and vibration is expected to be mostly insignificant with a temporary slight impact at semi-detached dwellings on Casement Road.

The majority of construction activities are not expected to generate perceptible vibrations at the nearby noise sensitive locations. The exception to this will be sheet piling and rock–breaking. Provided the ‘press-in’ method of piling is employed at all piling locations, the likely impact of vibration from the flood relief construction works on the local environment would not be significant. Further Information on noise and vibration impacts is available in Chapter 8 of this EIS.

Mitigation Measures:

In order to sufficiently ameliorate the likely noise and vibration impacts from the proposed works, a schedule of noise control measures has been formulated for the construction phase.

Reference will be made to BS 5228-1: 2009: Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites: Noise, which offers detailed guidance on the control of noise & vibration from construction activities. Specific mitigation measures are set out in chapter 8.

A dust minimisation plan will be formulated for the construction phase of the project, the details of which are provided in Chapter 8.

Residual Impact: Negligible

Negligible residual impact is anticipated.

4.4.2.4 Amenity

Short-term Moderate Negative Impact

During the periods of in-stream works, there will be a significant impact on local amenities related to the use of the Bandon River. Anglers are the main users of the river amenity, though the visual amenity of the river as well as riverside walks for residents and visitors alike is also of importance to the town. Although in-stream works will be restricted to two five month periods from May to September inclusive, these months coincide with the period of peak amenity usage of the river. Loss of recreational amenity will be limited to the area to be dredged and the area immediately downstream of these works. However as water quality is likely to be adversely affected in the construction phase of the scheme, diminution of the amenity value of the river will occur downstream of the working area also during the construction phase. In addition, the proposed works have the potential to impact negatively on the resident fish stocks and potentially hinder the migration of fish. Indirect impacts may include the smothering of downstream spawning beds and fish gills with suspended solids. The hindrance of migrating fish has the potential to impact on salmonid populations throughout the entire Bandon catchment and therefore impact angling not only in the works areas but also on a wider scale.

Environmental Impact Statement 4-17 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Mitigation Measures:

Works will be designed to minimise impacts upon the amenity value of the study area during the construction period. Mitigation will include measures to minimise pollution of the river, minimise impacts on fish, limit working hours and prevent un-necessary damage to bankside habitats. Full details of this mitigation is provided in Chapter 5.

Residual Impacts:

Although upstream stretches of the River Bandon will remain unaffected by the works and impacts on the water quality of the river downstream of the works will be minimised through implementation of mitigation measures, the amenity value of the River Bandon will be inaccessible to the public within much of the study area for the duration of the works. Therefore the nature of the impact will remain moderate within and downstream of the works area for residents and visitors during the construction phase of the scheme.

4.4.2.5 Employment

Short-term Moderate Positive Impact

It is estimated that approximately 30 people will be employed directly during the construction phase of the proposed development, which is expected to be of two year’s duration.

4.4.2.6 Tourism

Potential Short Term Minor Negative Impact

Whilst the proposed works will have little impact on many sectors of the tourism industry in Bandon, Angling forms a large part of the industry in the town and is likely to be affected by the proposed works. Therefore it is possible that the tourism sector in Bandon will experience a temporary adverse impact during the construction phase as two periods of in-stream works during the summer months will coincide with the peak visitor season. The angling amenity within the works area will be reduced during the two periods of in-stream works proposed and impacts on water quality downstream may affect fisheries further downstream in the catchment. This is of particular significance to the Sea Trout angling, which only occurrs locally between Inishannon and Bandon Town. Angling in areas upstream of Bandon Town and elsewhere in the catchment is unlikely to be affected by the proposed works and thus the impact is considered to be relatively minor. Potential increases in noise and dust levels, traffic issues and temporary impacts on visual amenity related to the works are also likely to deter and/or disturb visitors during the construction phase.

Mitigation Measures:

The mitigation outlined in section 4.4.2.4. above is designed to minimise the impacts on the amenity value of the river and applies equally to the value of the river as a tourism amenity.

Traffic management and environmental management plans will be implemented and will reduce the impact of increased traffic, noise and dust levels. Alternative recreational amenity upstream of the works area will be promoted to tourists visiting the area.

Residual Impacts:

Although upstream stretches of the River Bandon will remain unaffected by the works and impacts on the water quality of the river downstream of the works will be minimised through implementation of mitigation

Environmental Impact Statement 4-18 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with measures, the amenity value of the River Bandon within sections of the work area will be diminished for tourists for the duration of the works. Therefore the nature of the impact on tourism overall will remain minor during the construction phase of the scheme.

4.4.3 Operational Phase

4.4.3.1 Health and Safety

Long-term Significant Positive Impact

Flooding poses a risk to human health and safety. The OPW document ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management: Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (OPW, 2009) states that flooding can cause physical injury, illness and loss of life. Deep, fast flowing or rapidly rising flood waters can be particularly dangerous, with increased risk if the floodwater is carrying debris. Some of these impacts may be immediate, the most significant being drowning or physical injury due to being swept away by floods. Floodwater contaminated by sewage or other pollutants (e.g. chemicals stored in garages or commercial properties) can potentially cause illness, either directly as a result of contact with the polluted floodwater or indirectly as a result of sediments left behind. Flood water may also hide other hazards for wading pedestrians, such as manhole openings where the covers have been lifted by flood flows.

The impact on people and communities as a result of the stress and trauma of being flooded, or even of being under the threat of flooding, can be immense. Long-term impacts can arise due to chronic illnesses and the stress associated with being flooded and the lengthy recovery process. The ability of people to respond and recover from a flood can vary. Vulnerable people, such as those who are old, disabled or have a long-term illness, are less able to cope with floods than others. Some people may have difficulty in replacing household items damaged in a flood and may lack the financial means to recover and maintain acceptable living conditions after a flood.

4.4.3.2 Angling

Long-term Moderate Negative Impact

The works involved in the proposed flood relief scheme have the potential to significantly reduce good fishery habitat diversity within the works area in the long-term, including exceptional salmonid spawning and nursery habitat within the river channel. This has the potential to result in a Long Term significant impact on angling on the Bandon River in the long-term. Ongoing maintenance associated with the proposed scheme will involve the removal of deposited material and could potentially result in disturbance of resident fish populations both directly and indirectly. The works will however be much smaller in scale than the original dredging works and will not significantly impact on the fisheries amenity.

Mitigation:

• A river rehabilitation programme has been included in the design of the scheme. This will include the provision of a defined flow path with varying gradients, pools and riffles. Gravels boulders and rocks will be replaced into the drained channel to provide cover for fish and habitat for invertebrates. The stretch of river will be monitored following completion of the works and where possible additional features will be included to improve the angling amenity. Full details of mitigation proposals are provided in Chapter 5.

Residual Impact

Environmental Impact Statement 4-19 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

With the proposed mitigation in place and with careful monitoring and overseeing of the construction of the mitigation features the proposed, this section of river has the potential to remain as a productive angling reach despite the reduction in the gradient of the river.

4.4.3.3 Local Economy and Tourism

Long-term Significant Positive Impact

The flood relief scheme will provide increased protection to commercial premises and businesses in Bandon Town from flooding. This will constitute a long-term positive effect on the local economy. Any negative impact on the fishery value will be confined to the relatively short reach of the works area and this will be ameliorated through mitigation within the dredge design.

Environmental Impact Statement 4-20 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

5 FLORA AND FAUNA

5.1 INTRODUCTION

This section of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) describes the potential impacts of the proposed Bandon Flood Relief Scheme (FRS) on flora and fauna and has been completed in accordance with the guidance set out by the Environmental Protection Agency in ‘Guidelines on Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements’ (EPA, 2000).

This section is based on published literature and field visits that were made to the site by ecologists working for McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan Ltd. and Ecofact Ltd. Visits were made during January, August and September 2011, January, March, April and May 2012. The site of the proposed works was surveyed extensively in order to assess the habitats and bird, mammal, fish and invertebrate populations in the area.

The survey work was carried out by the following ecologists: Pat Roberts (B.Sc. Env., MIEEM), Lorna Conway (B.Sc. Env.), Dr. Chris Peppiatt (Ph.D., MIEEM), Eoin McCarthy (B.Sc. Env.) and Jennifer Fisher (B.Sc. Ecology, AIEEM) from McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan and staff from Ecofact Environmental Consultants Ltd.

5.2 METHODOLOGY AND LIMITATIONS

An initial study area was determined as part of the Constraints Study which consisted of the channel, floodplain and immediate surrounding areas of the River Bandon extending along the main channel of the river as shown on Figure 5.1. This area encompassed approximately 15 kilometres of the River Bandon, tributaries and adjoining habitat up and downstream of the town of Bandon.

The habitats, flora and fauna of the Study area were initially assessed by means of a desk study of literature pertinent to the area and a windshield survey of the initial Study Area was completed on the 24th of January 2011 where general habitat types were observed and photographed. Detailed flora and fauna surveys were not completed at this time.

More detailed field surveys were then completed, limited to a more specific area which ranged from above the weir at Bandon to a point approximately seven kilometres downstream, on the basis of the initial design options provided. These surveys included habitat and flora mapping, bird, bat and mammal surveys and general observation work, in addition to detailed survey for fish species, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Otter, Kingfisher and instream features.

The flora was surveyed through direct observation on-site and the habitats were classified initially from aerial photographs and subsequently ground-truthed at the site. Fauna were surveyed through direct observation of bird and mammal species or of their signs and calls. Habitat suitability was also assessed for the likely occurrence of other species, which would not be present due to seasonal factors.

Seasonal factors that affect distribution patterns and habits of species were taken into account when conducting the surveys and the potential of the site to support certain populations (in particular those of conservation importance that may not have been recorded during the field survey due to their seasonal absence or cryptic nature) was assessed.

Surveys were carried out on site during all seasons. Summer is usually the most appropriate time of year for ecological surveys, though even in summer some wintering species may not be recorded and thus surveys were carried out during all seasons.

A table summarizing the field surveys completed to date is provided below.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-1 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Survey Type Dates of Survey Survey Locations

Windshield habitat survey 24th January 2011 Baxter’s Bridge (Grid Ref: E144090 N054580) to Rockhouse (Grid Ref: E156270 N053920) 3.5km south of Inishannon

Instream survey of river features 31st August, 1st & 2nd Weir in Bandon Town (Grid Ref: E148930 Suitability for Freshwater Pearl September 2011 N055010) to the Bridge at Inishannon (Grid Mussel Ref: E154130 N057100) Otter and Bird Surveys

Freshwater Pearl Mussel Stage 1 13th and 14th September Pre-selected locations between Weir in Survey 2011 Bandon Town (Grid Ref: E148930 N055010) to the Bridge at Inishannon (Grid Ref: E154130 N057100)

Fish Stock Assessment 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd Pre-Selected locations on the Bandon River September 2011 between a location 2 kilometres upstream of Bandon Town (Grid Ref: E147068 N054739) and immediately downstream of Inishannon Bridge (Grid Ref: E154094 N057047) and on the Bridewell River approximately 2km upstream of the confluence with the Bandon River (Grid Ref: E154094 N057047)

Salmon Redd Count 12th January 2012 Pre-selected locations between Weir in Bandon Town (Grid Ref: E148930 N055010) to the Bridge at Inishannon (Grid Ref: E147651 N053743)

Survey of all terrestrial elements 27th March 2012 Visited sites of all the terrestrial elements of of the scheme and Mill Stream the scheme as finalised at that stage. Culvert Preliminary visit to the Mill Stream Culvert

Walked the entire study area with 26th April 2012 Discussed construction methods and the engineers easement requirements along the entire route and on the Mill Stream

Bat Survey 10th May 2012 Completed Bat Survey of the study area focusing on Bandon Bridge, The Mill Stream Culvert and areas where extensive vegetation removal is planned Table 5.1 Summary of Ecological Surveys Completed to Date The following sources were also used in the compilation of this section of the EIS:

• 1:50,000 scale Discovery series mapping;

• 1: 5000 OS Maps of the study area

• Aerial photography of the Study Area

Environmental Impact Statement 5-2 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

• NPWS site synopses and database of information on designated sites and records of protected species.

• New Atlas of the British & Irish Flora (Preston et al., 2002)

• The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland’ (Sharrock, 1976), ‘The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991’ (Gibbons et al., 1993) and ‘The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland’ (Lack, 1986)

• The EPA website http://www.epa.ie/rivermap/data

• The Water Framework Directive website www.WFD.ie

5.3 DESK STUDY

5.3.1 Designated Areas

With the introduction of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) which was transposed into Irish law as the Natural Habitats Regulations, 1997, the European Union formally recognised the significance of protecting rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, and also, more importantly, their habitats. Member states were directed to provide lists of sites for designation.

Natural Heritage Areas Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) are heritage sites that were designated for the protection of flora, fauna, habitats and geological sites of national importance. Management of NHAs is guided by planning policy and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. It was from these NHAs that the most important sites were selected for international designation as SACs and SPAs.

Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas There are two types of EU site designation, the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Special Protection Area (SPA). SACs are designated for the conservation of flora, fauna and habitats of European importance and SPAs for the conservation of bird species and habitats of European importance. These sites form part of “Natura 2000” a network of protected areas throughout the European Union.

Annex I of the Habitats Directive lists certain habitats that must be given protection. Certain habitats are deemed ‘priority’ and have greater protection. Irish habitats include raised bogs, active blanket bogs, turloughs, heaths, lakes and rivers. Annex II of the Directive lists species whose habitats must be protected and includes Lesser Horseshoe Bat, Otter, Salmon and White-clawed Crayfish.

5.3.2 Designated Sites in the Vicinity of the Study Area

The National Parks and Wildlife Service publish synopses of the information regarding areas designated for conservation.

5.3.2.1 Natura 2000 sites Screening for Appropriate Assessment (AA) under Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive has been completed and is included as Appendix 5A. The following summarises the information from the AA Screening Document.

The nearest Natura 2000 sites (cSAC’s or SPA’s) are:

Environmental Impact Statement 5-3 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

ƒ Courtmacsherry Estuary cSAC (Site Code:001230) ƒ Courtmacsherry Bay SPA (Site Code:004219)

These designated areas are approximately 6.5 kilometres from the study area but are not part of the River Bandon catchment and are not connected via water to the study area. They are therefore unlikely to be affected by the proposed works. Other Natura 2000 sites in the area that are further away and similarly unlikely to be affected are listed below:

ƒ Clonakilty Bay cSAC/SPA (Site Codes: 004081 &000091) ƒ Old Head of Kinsale SPA (Site Code: 004021) ƒ Sovereign Islands SPA (Site Code: 004124) ƒ The Gearagh cSAC/SPA (Site Codes: 000108 & 004109)

The Bandon River cSAC (Site Code: 002171) is located approximately 20 kilometres upstream of the proposed flood relief works. This designated site is unlikely to be directly affected by the proposed works by virtue of its distance from them and the fact that it is upstream. The cSAC is, however, within the Bandon River catchment and the potential therefore exists for the site to be impacted upon by the proposed works. Negative impacts on fish stocks have the potential to impact on the the cSAC as Salmon (Salmo Salar) are a species protected under Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive and salmonid fish play a vital part in the lifecycle of Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera), which is one of the qualifying interests of the River Bandon cSAC.

On the basis of above, it was concluded in the Appropriate Assessment Screening exercise that impacts on the cSAC could be precluded on the basis of the design and mitigation included within the scheme. This screening document has been included as Appendix 5A.

5.3.2.2 Other Designated Sites Three pNHAs are located along the course of the Bandon River within the study area. These are listed below and their full site synopses are provided as Appendix 5B. The designated sites within and surrounding the study area are shown in Figure 5.1

ƒ Bandon Valley – West of Bandon pNHA (Site Code 001034). This site is important as it contains remnants of broadleaved oak woodland. The Bandon Valley is especially valuable for its woodlands and unmodified river bed.

ƒ Bandon Valley – Above Inishannon pNHA (Site Code 001740). This area is important as it contains an example of oak woodland on steep valley sides. The Bandon Valley is especially valuable for its woodlands and unmodified river bed.

ƒ Bandon River – Below Inishannon pNHA (Site Code 001515) This site is important for its wetlands including the extensive areas of Common Reed and the more diverse areas of wetland vegetation. The general flora surrounding Shippool Wood may also be of interest.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-4 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

5.3.3 Flora

5.3.3.1 New Flora Atlas A search was made in the New Atlas of the British & Irish Flora (Preston et al., 2002) to find which rare or unusual plant species had been recorded in the 10 km squares in which the study area is situated, (W4,5 & W5,5) during the 1987-1999 atlas survey. Six species protected under the Flora Protection Order, were recorded in these 10km squares. These species are listed below together with their habitat requirements.

ƒ Slender Cudweed (Filago minima). Sandy and gravelly places. ƒ Wood Cudweed (Gnaphalium sylvaticum). Upland pastures and damp sandy places. ƒ Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium). Damp, sandy places. ƒ Lesser Snapdragon (Misopates orontium). Arable fields. ƒ Meadow Saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata). Sandhills and pastures. ƒ Killarney Fern (Trichomanes speciosum). Beside waterfalls, in crevices between boulders, under overhanging rocks and in similar dark, damp sheltered locations.

5.3.3.2 NPWS Records of Protected Species The NPWS records of protected species in the area of the proposed development were obtained for the relevant 10 km squares, W4,5 and W5,5. The only records on this website were for the following plants Meadow Saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata) which was recorded in Bandon in 1900; Penny royal (Mentha pulegium), which was recorded in Ballinadee in 1883 and Lesser Snapdragon (Misopates orontium), which was recorded in Inishannon with no date provided.

5.3.4 Fish and Shellfish

5.3.4.1 Freshwater Pearl Mussel Records of Freshwater Pearl Mussel in the Bandon River were gained from the EPA river monitoring staff (John Lucey, 1989. Pers.Comm.). Two out of the three records were located on the Upper Bandon, upstream of the proposed works and likely zone of influence. The other record was from the River Bandon within the study area. A single specimen was recorded close to the right bank opposite the inflow from the Brinny River in 1989 (Grid Ref: .1523 0575).

In addition, personal communication with local anglers revealed accounts of Freshwater Pearl Mussel being recorded close to Baxter’s Bridge approximately five kilometres upstream of the weir in Bandon Town and empty shells being found downstream of the town following periods of high water.

5.3.5 Birds

5.3.5.1 Bird Atlases ‘The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland’ (Sharrock, 1976), ‘The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991’ (Gibbons et al., 1993) and ‘The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland’ (Lack, 1986) were consulted for information regarding the distribution of birds in Ireland. However, it should be remembered that, for some species at least, more recent work has been carried out.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-5 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

These atlases show data for breeding and wintering birds respectively in individual 10 km by 10 km squares. Table 5.2 shows those species found in the relevant 10 km squares, W4,5 & W5,5, that are recorded in the Breeding Birds Atlases and are also protected under the EU Birds Directive or mentioned on the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland (BoCCI) red list. Birds listed under Annex I are offered special protection by the EU Birds Directive. Those listed on the BoCCI Red List meet one or more of the following criteria:

ƒ Their breeding population or range has declined by more than 50% in the last 25 years ƒ Their breeding population has undergone significant decline since 1900 ƒ They are of global conservation concern

Common Name Scientific Name Breeding Breeding Annex I BoCCI red list Atlas 68- Atlas 88-91 72 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Yes Yes No Yes Peregrine Falco preegrinus Yes Yes Yes No Barn Owl Tyto alba No Yes No Yes Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Yes Yes Yes No Table 5.2 Breeding Bird Atlas Data (W4,5 W5,5)

Two species listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive have been recorded as breeding within the relevant 10km square, in the Atlas of Breeding Birds namely Peregrine and Kingfisher. Peregrine require cliffs and rocky crags as nesting sites. Kingfisher require access to slow flowing, fish rich water for feeding and tall banks for nesting. The Bandon River provides suitable habitat for this species.

Yellowhammer and Barn Owl have also been recorded in the relevant squares of the Atlases of Breeding Birds and are included on the BoCCI red list. Yellowhammer have a preference for agricultural land, with adjacent scrub, though may be found at the study area. Barn Owl utilise a variety of habitats such as woods, parkland and old ruined buildings and may be found within the study area.

In terms of wintering birds, Table 5.3 shows those species found in the 10 km squares W4,5 & W5,5 that are recorded in the Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland 1988-91 and are also protected under the EU Birds Directive or mentioned on the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland (BoCCI) red list.

Common Name Scientific Name Annex I BOCCI red list Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Yes No Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Yes No Lapwing Vanellus vanellus No Yes Curlew Numenius arquata No Yes Herring Gull Larus argentatus No Yes Blackheaded Gull Chroicocephalus No Yes ridibundus Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella No Yes Table 5.32 Wintering Bird Atlas Data (M9,1)

Two birds recorded as wintering in the relevant 10 km square are protected under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive: Whooper Swan and Kingfisher. Whooper Swan winter on large waterbodies and the surrounding grasslands and may be found within the study area. Kingfisher winter in similar habitats to their summer habitats and may be found in the area.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-6 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

A further five birds that are listed on the BoCCI Red list were recorded in the atlas as being wintering in the area. These were Lapwing, Curlew, Yellowhammer, Black Headed Gull and Herring Gull. Lapwing winter on farmland and flat coastal areas. Curlew winter on mudflats and adjacent fields. Yellowhammer winter on agricultural land, with adjacent scrub. Black Headed Gull winter on a variety of habitats and Herring Gull winters on lakes, estuaries and open fields. All the above species are potentially found at the site of the proposed works.

5.3.6 Consultation

Consultation was undertaken with the following bodies:

ƒ Inland Fisheries Ireland ƒ National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) local ranger (Mr. Danny O’Keefe) ƒ Development Applications Unit of Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government ƒ Environment Protection Agency ƒ Bat Conservation Ireland (Mrs Tina Aughney) ƒ An Taisce ƒ Irish Peatland Conservation Council ƒ Cork County Council ƒ Birdwatch Ireland; ƒ Irish Wildlife Trust ƒ Ballineen/Enniskeane Anglers ƒ Bandon Angling Association ƒ Bord na Móna ƒ Coillte Teoranta ƒ Dunmanway Salmon and Trout Anglers ƒ Earthwatch (Friends of the Earth Ireland) ƒ Waterways Ireland

Details of this correspondence are provided in Section 2 of the EIS.

A meeting with the Local Ranger from the National Parks and Wildlife Service was held on site in Bandon Town on the 24th January 2011. At this meeting, it was discussed that the pNHA’s within the study area had been designated primarily for the protection of the broadleaved woodlands surrounding the river but that the area supported and had the potential to support species that are protected under Annex I of the EU Birds Directive and Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. These species included the following that were specifically mentioned:

ƒ Otter (Lutra lutra). Known from the study area. ƒ Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) ƒ Lamprey spp. (Lampetra & Petromyzon spp.) ƒ Salmon (Salmo salar) ƒ Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

It was also concluded at this meeting that the river valley with the combination of fast flowing river, woodlands, agricultural grasslands and wetlands was of considerable biodiversity value.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-7 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

The environment officer from the Inland Fisheries Ireland (Macroom) was also present at this meeting and gave the following information about the river and its value as a fishery:

The Bandon River is one of the premier salmonid fisheries in the South West Region, rising in the West Cork mountains and flowing for some 45 miles main channel length before discharging to the sea in Kinsale Harbour. It drains a catchment of approximately 235 sq. miles in area. The Bandon River offers a great variety of game fishing including salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing. Salmon fishing is available over the vast majority of the main channel of the Bandon and extends upstream to Togher Castle in the upper reaches of the river. Sea trout are caught up to Ballineen. The vast majority of fishing on the Bandon is under private ownership or controlled by syndicates or angling associations.

A fish counter located on the weir (fish pass) in Bandon records the upward movement of salmon and sea trout. Table 5.4 shows the combined number of both species passing through the counter for 2010 on a monthly basis.

Month Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Salmon 4 7 16 32 87 215 539 172 275 1254 876 314 Table 5.4 Bandon Weir Fish Counter Data 2010

In total in 2010, 3791 fish were recorded passing through the counter. However fish movement over the weir is not exclusively through the fish pass. Fish can also navigate the weir independently of the pass. While no precise figure exists, local knowledge would suggest that fish passing through the counter represent only 60% of the total upward fish movement. On this basis it is estimated that in 2010 a total of approximately 6318 fish (adult salmon and sea trout) moved upstream over the weir in Bandon. This figure does not take into account returning fish, which spawned in the main channel downstream of the weir or in any of the tributaries which enter the main channel downstream of the weir e.g. Bridewell and Brinny Rivers.

With respect to catch statistics the average annual angling catch for the years 2003-2006 was 517 fish (salmon and sea trout > 40cm) per year for the Bandon system. For 2010 an angling quota of 350 fish and a draft net quota of 61 fish applied for the Bandon River.

The constraints study area established for the purpose of the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme Study encompasses an area from just east of Baxter’s Bridge to Dunderrow. Between Baxters Bridge and Innishannon Bridge (where the river becomes tidal) virtually all of the main channel of the Bandon River can be categorized as salmonid spawning, nursery or angling waters. The lower reaches of the Bridewell and Brinny Rivers are principally spawning and nursery waters.

Within the study zone, fishing on the main Bandon River channel is controlled over varying distances by among others, the Bandon Angling Association. There are approximately 46 regularly used and recognized angling stretches and pools in the study zone. These pools are not alone significant in terms of angling but play a key function in facilitating the upstream movement of salmonids.

Within the Bandon town area the following redd count data is available for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-8 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Bandon River, Mc Sweeney Quay Bridewell River, Town Section (Weir to Main Bridge) (Chapel to GAA entrance) 2008- 17 redds 2008- 6 redds 2009- 12 redds 2009 -0 redds 2010- 14 redds 2010- 12 redds

In addition to salmonids, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Lamprey and Eels have been recorded within the study area.

5.3.7 Water Quality

The EPA website http://www.epa.ie/rivermap/data, contains information regarding water quality in selected Irish rivers based on surveys carried out by the EPA. Information was gained from EPA monitoring stations on the Bandon River and the Brinny River within and upstream of the study area. Information is provided in the form of Q values. Q Values are used to express biological water quality and are based on changes in the macro invertebrate communities of riffle areas brought about by organic pollution. Q1 indicates a seriously polluted water body and Q5 indicates unpolluted water of high quality. A value of Q 3 indicates moderately polluted water.

Information was gained on the Bandon River as a whole, including five monitoring points that were within or very close to the study area and nine that were located upstream. Baxter’s Bridge is just upstream of the study area with four stations further downstream. The EPA report concluded that water quality in the Bandon River was ‘Mostly satisfactory, with Good ecological quality, but only Moderate downstream of Dunmanway, Ballineen and Enniskean’. It should be noted that the monitoring station located 1.5 km downstream of Bandon Bridge recorded moderately polluted status during the 1997, 2000 and 2003 surveys.

Information was also gained on the Brinny River including three monitoring points located within or very close to the study area and a further five that were located upstream. The EPA report concluded that water quality in the Brinny River was ‘Satisfactory with Good and High ecological quality ‘.

5.4 FIELD SURVEYS

The wider study area was first visited on the 24th January 2011. During this visit, the general habitat types within the study area were observed and photographed. The purpose of this was to observe the habitats in the area first hand and to a certain extent to ground truth the findings of the desk study that is detailed above. No detailed floral or faunal surveys were carried out during this visit. This survey commenced at Baxter’s Bridge (Grid Ref: E144090 N054580) approximately 4.7 kilometres upstream of Bandon Town and continued down the river as far as Rockhouse (Grid Ref: E156270 N053920) that is located approximately 3.5 kilometres to the south of Inishannon.

A further and more detailed survey of a section of the Bandon River survey was carried on the 31st August, 1st & 2nd September 2011. The river was surveyed from the Weir in Bandon Town (Grid Ref: E148930 N055010) to the Bridge at Inishannon (Grid Ref: E154130 N057100). This was considered to be the section of river that could potentially be directly affected by the proposed works. The river was at low water during this period with the EPA gauge at Curranure (Grid Ref: E152964 N057127) reading less than 0.1 metres during this survey. A total of six surveyors were present during this survey. The river was

Environmental Impact Statement 5-9 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with systematically walked and each feature (e.g. riffle, pool or glide) was defined visually and mapped using gps technology. These features were then described in terms of substrate conditions, flow path aquatic macrophytes, invertebrate communities and habitat variation and quality. Bathyscopes were used to view the substrate beneath the water. Substrates were classified by particle size and named in accordance with the EPA, Rivers and Streams Ecological Assessment Field Sheet. Dedicated surveys of the terrestrial bankside habitats and mammalian and avifaunal activity were also undertaken during this survey. Suitability of habitats for Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) was also assessed during this survey with a view to carrying out a dedicated Stage 1 Pearl Mussel survey of the best selected habitats for this species along the river.

A dedicated Freshwater Pearl Mussel survey was carried out on the 13th & 14th September 2011 and a Salmon (Salmo salar) Redd Count was completed on the 12th January 2012.

A dedicated fish stock assessment was undertaken in the Bandon River on the 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd September 2011.

A Salmon Redd Survey was carried out on the 12th January 2012.

A dedicated Bat Survey was carried out on the 10th May 2012.

5.4.1 Flora

The habitats within the study area from Baxter’s Bridge above Bandon Town to Rockhouse, downstream of Inishannon, are first described in general terms to provide an overview of the habitats in the area. This description is provided below. More detailed habitat surveys were carried out on the section of river between Bandon Town and Inishannon Bridge. The results of this survey are presented in Section 3.2.2.

5.4.1.1 Initial Description of Study Area

The Bandon River west of Bandon Town flows through fields of arable and pasture land with rolling hills and woodlands (Plate 5.1). The river is fringed over much of its course with a line of trees and wet woodland including Grey Sallow (Salix cinerea oleifolia), Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and is relatively fast flowing and shallow with a stony/gravelly bed (Plate 5.2). The woodlands in this area are designated for conservation under the Bandon Valley – West of Bandon pNHA and are primarily dominated by Oak (Quercus robur), Ash and Beech (Fagus sylvatica) with some Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) (Plate 5.3). Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) and Laurel (Prunus lauroceratus) are present in the woodlands but are not described in the site synopsis as being widespread.

Moving in an easterly direction, the river flows through the built up area of Bandon Town. A weir at the western side of the town has resulted in the deepening of a section of the river upstream of it and given this section of the river the appearance of a depositing section of river (Plate 5.4). Trees and pastoral fields border the river until it reaches the town, whereupon the channel becomes defined by a high stone wall on its southern bank and a lower wall and riverside walk on its northern bank. Below the weir, the river is once again, fast flowing with a substrate of gravels and bedrock.

Between Bandon Town and Inishannon, the Bandon River becomes wider but still remains relatively fast flowing and continues to have a stony and gravelly substrate. For much of its course in this area, the

Environmental Impact Statement 5-10 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with riverbanks are lined with trees and woodland. The valley sides appear steeper and higher on this section of the river when compared with upstream of the town. Much of the steep valley sides support woodland that is dominated by Oak, Beech, Sycamore and Ash and designated for conservation under the Bandon Valley – Above Inishannon pNHA.

Downstream of Inishannon, the Bandon River becomes tidal and takes on the properties of an estuary with a muddy substrate and exposed mudflats at low tide (Plate 5.5). The banks of the river support reedswamps and wetland vegetation in some areas, whilst in other places they support deciduous and mixed woodland. Some of the woodland is very low lying and wet whilst other areas rise steeply away from the river and are clearly drier.

The Brinny River within the study area flows through a steep wooded valley and discharges to the Bandon River between Bandon Town and Inishannon. It is relatively fast flowing with a stoney/gravelly substrate (Plate 5.6).

The Bridewell River flows from the south west of Bandon Town into the Bandon River immediately downstream of the bridge in the town. This river flows through more open country than the Bandon River itself with less hills and woodland. The substrate of the river is stony and gravelly. It is extensively culverted within Bandon Town and at Oldchapel (Plate 5.7).

It should be noted that in various locations within the study area, the invasive species Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Himalayan Knotweed (Persicaria wallichii), Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) and Water Fern (Azolla fuliculoides) were encountered along the riparian corridor.

Plate 5.1 Bandon River valley to the east of Bandon Town showing rolling hills and woodlands

Environmental Impact Statement 5-11 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 5.2 Bandon River to the west of the study area, showing the fast flowing river with fringing trees.

Plate 5.3 Bandon River between Bandon and Inishannon showing broadleaved woodland on the valley sides.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-12 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 5.4 Bandon Weir as viewed from downstream

Plate 5.5 Bandon Estuary below Inishannon

Environmental Impact Statement 5-13 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 5.6 Brinny River as viewed facing upstream from Downdaniel Bridge

Plate 5.7 Modified channel of the Bridewell River in Bandon Town.

5.4.1.2 Habitat Survey Between Bandon Town and Inishannon Bridge

Habitats present within and adjacent to the river channel in a more focussed study area were classified according to the guidelines set out in ‘A Guide To Habitats in Ireland’ (Fossitt, 2000), which classifies

Environmental Impact Statement 5-14 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with habitats based on the vegetation present and management history. This smaller study area was located between Bandon Town and Inishannon Bridge and focussed on the areas likely to be directly affected by the proposed works and those immediately downstream. The habitats present are shown on the Habitat Map, Figure 5.2. The habitats recorded on or in the vicinity of the site of, the proposed development are listed below. The habitat names are followed by their corresponding habitat reference code (in brackets). A detailed description of the region and its flora is also provided below.

ƒ Eroding River (FW1) ƒ Depositing River (FW2) ƒ Tree Line (WL2) ƒ Mixed Broadleaved Woodland (WD1) ƒ Mixed Broadleaved/Conifer Woodland (WD2) ƒ Wet Willow Alder Ash Woodland (WN6) ƒ Conifer Plantation (WD4) ƒ Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1) ƒ Dry Meadow & Grassy Verges (GS2) ƒ Buildings & Artificial Surfaces (BL3) ƒ Flower Beds & Borders (BC4) ƒ Amenity Grassland (GA2) ƒ Scrub (WS1) ƒ Arable Crops (BC1) ƒ Exposed Sand, Gravel or Till (ED1)

A detailed survey of the river features was also completed. Detailed results are provided in Appendix 5C. The results have informed the habitat descriptions as outlined below.

The river itself was variable in form with the majority of sections best classified as an Eroding River (FW1) even though the stretch surveyed was close to the tidal sections at the mouth of the river (Plate 5.8). Over the majority of its course through the study area, the substrate of the river was comprised of larger sediments from boulders to gravels with finer silts and sands only abundant at the edges of the channel and in the deeper pools. There was also exposed bedrock at various locations along the study area. Some of the glides and pools however, were characteristic of a lowland Depositing River (FW2) with finer sediments and slower flows (Plate 5.9).

In general, the cover of aquatic macrophytes within the study area was sparse and species poor with a low diversity of species recorded. These included Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus pencillatus), which was the most frequent plant recorded and in places grew in dense floating mats that corresponded to the EU Habitats Directive Annex I Habitat ‘Watercourses of plain to mountain levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation (3260)’. (Plate 5.10) The locations where this habitat was recorded are included on Figure 5.2. Other species that were recorded within the river channel included Canadian Pondweed (Elodea Canadensis), Water Starwort (Callitriche sp.) and Hemlock Water Dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) but these species grew sparsely and sporadically. The rocks in many areas supported growth of bryophytes including the aquatic moss (Fontonalis antipyretica) and filamentous algae. The filamentous algae was recorded in abundance during the surveys in August and September 2011 when the river was at low water at the end of a period of dry summer weather. The algae was far less abundant during the survey in January 2012, having been washed away by high winter flows.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-15 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

The channel was on average between 25 and 30 metres wide with a total of 46 separate topographical features (e.g. Riffle, glide or pool) identified during the survey of the 6.9km study area. The survey was carried out during low water conditions and it is likely that many of these features would be drowned out at higher water levels. Details of these features as recorded during the river survey are provided in Appendix 5C. Whilst the sections of the river within the town of Bandon had clearly been managed with river walls, weirs and a relatively uniform flow path (Plate 5.11), the majority of the river downstream of the town supported a varied topography that would be associated with a natural channel. Features indicative of a natural channel included pools, riffles, small, gravelly islands and defined flow paths (thalwegs) (Plate 5.12). In some areas, the banks had been subject to some bank protection, channel maintenance and fishery improvement works. In other areas, there were long relatively featureless glides that were possibly managed sections of channel but could also have been naturally slow flowing, low gradient sections of the river. Overall, the gradient in the river between Bandon Town below the weir and the Bridge at Inishannon was approximately 1:640.

A number of tributaries enter the Bandon River within the study area. These include the following:

ƒ The Bridewell, which flows into the Bandon River from the south just downstream of the main road bridge in the town. ƒ The Town Park Stream, which flows into the Bandon River from the north just downstream of the main road bridge in the town. ƒ The Brinny, which flows into the Bandon River approximately one kilometre upstream of Inishannon Bridge. ƒ The Millstream, which flows into the Bandon River approximately one kilometre downstream of Bandon bridge. ƒ An un-named Tributary that flows into the Bandon River from the north at a location close to the private access bridge near Kilpatrick (O’Driscoll’s Bridge). ƒ A number of small drainage ditches along the course of the river in the study area.

The banks of the river within the study area comprised of various habitats. In areas downstream of Bandon Town and at the southern end of the study area, the river is surrounded by the flat grasslands of the floodplain, the banks were generally quite low (approximately 2-3 metres above bed level) and supported either grassy vegetation that was typically dominated by Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacaea) and Nettle (Urtica dioica) (GS2) (Plate 5.13) or supported Tree Lines (WL2) with Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Willows (Salix spp.), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) (Plate 5.14). A tree line of Lombardy Poplar was located close to the left bank downstream of the town. In some areas the banks supported scrubby vegetation including bramble and bracken scrub. Areas of bramble scrub were recorded downstream of the town on the right bank along with native and non–native tree species such as Cypress (Cupressus sp.). In many sections of the study area, there is growth of invasive species including Traveler’s Joy (Clematis vitalba), Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and Himalayan Knotweed (Persicaria wallichii) (Plate 5.15).

Where the surrounding lands are steeper, the banks are often surrounded by woodlands and scrub. This is the case in much of the pNHA in the mid section of the study area and on the opposite bank from the Bandon town sewage treatment plant. The woodlands are mainly best classified as Mixed Broadleaved Woodland (WD1) with a dominance of Ash, Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Oak (Quercus Spp.). In some areas where woodlands and tree lines are located along the banks, the trees grow out over the water with some fallen trees obscuring the channel (Plate 5.16). There is a small

Environmental Impact Statement 5-16 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with area of Wet Willow Alder Ash Woodland (WN6) close to the right bank near Ballylangley. At one location within the study area, there is a small section of exposed sand (ED1) where the river has eroded a steep bank to form a cliff. This area is close to Kilbeg South and is surrounded by Tree lines and Scrub.

The grasslands within the floodplain comprise a range of habitats. There are fields that were being managed for Arable Crops (BC1) at the time of the field visits, located on the southern bank of the river upstream of the bridge at Inishannon. Fields of Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1) were recorded at various locations within the study area with large fields evident on the northern bank near Kilbeg South and thinner strips located alongside the river as it passes through the steeper lands that are located within the Bandon Valley above Inishannon NHA. There are areas of grassland that are cut as lawns along the rivers edge. These are located adjacent to the right bank close to Bandon Town and also at various locations further downstream where sections of the bank appear to be actively managed for fishing access or as part of an estate/garden. A long section of amenity grassland is located adjacent to the left bank downstream of an access bridge (O’Driscoll’s Bridge) to a private property to the north of the river (Plate 5.17). There was also a tree line comprising mainly of non-native species including Copper Beech, Cherry (Prunus sp.), Lime (Tilia sp.) and Maple (Acer sp.) in this area. A number of fields to the south of the river in the Ballyangley area were not under active management at the time of the field visits and supported rank growth of grasses along with some Bramble and Bracken Scrub and some wetter areas. Overall, these fields were best classified as Dry Meadows and Grassy Verges (GS2).

To the south of the river, the main road (BL3) runs at the base of the hill at the edge of the floodplain. In areas where the river runs close to the base of the hill, the road is located close to the right bank. In some sections there is a tree line between the road and the river, in others the road is located directly on top of the bank. In areas where the road is located close to the river, there is often bank protection works in the form of boulders placed at the edge of the channel (Plate 5.18). In the town of Bandon, both banks of the river are canalised with stone walls upstream of the road bridge. Downstream of the road bridge, only the right banks consists of a stone wall with the left bank comprising a steep bank with grassy and scrubby vegetation. Buildings and gardens were located at the top of this bank (Plate 5.19). The habitats within the town were best classified as Buildings and Artificial Surfaces (BL3) but also included gardens and ornamental planting that was best classified as Flower Beds and Borders (BC4) and Amenity Grassland (GA2) that was associated with the public areas.

The Bridewell River, which flows into the Bandon River immediately downstream of the main road bridge is surrounded by vertical walls and is extensively culverted within the town area. The substrate of this river is comprised of boulders, cobbles and gravels (Plate 5.20). The Mill Stream, which flows into the Bandon River approximately one kilometre downstream of the town and is culverted near the confluence with the Bandon River and again approximately 250 metres upstream. Between the two culverts the stream supports a gravelly substrate. The downstream sections of this stream are bordered by vegetation including Alder and Willow with grassy vegetation (Plate 5.2.1). Behind these bankside habitats are industrial gravelly yards on both banks. Continuing upstream, the stream passes a sewage treatment plant that is associated with a livestock mart and continues with the left bank adjacent to the mart car park before entering under a culvert beneath a minor road and emerging as a heavily shaded channel among trees alongside the Mart Building. The trees in this area are dominated by Elm (Ulmus sp.) with some Willow and Sycamore. From here, the stream enters a stone culvert of approximately 100 metres in length before emerging as a small stream with a gravelly substrate and in-stream vegetation including Water Crowfoot and Fools Watercress (Apium nodiflorum). This section of channel is surrounded by agricultural fields and supports bankside treelines that are dominated by Alder.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-17 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 5.8 Bandon River close to the outfall of the Brinny River and exhibiting the characteristics of an eroding river with fast flows and substrate of large sediments.

Plate 5.9 Bandon River in deep pool section approximately 500 metres upstream of Inishannon Bridge.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-18 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 5.10 Section of the river upstream of the outfall of the River Brinny near Ardnaglug supporting an example of the Annex I Habitat ‘Watercourses of plain to mountain levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation (3260)’.

Plate 5.11 Highly managed section of channel in Bandon Town with river wall shown.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-19 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 5.12 Series of pools and riffles upstream of the old railway crossing and showing natural variation in the channel morphology. Natural weirs enhanced to improve the fishery value of the river.

Plate 5.13 Low grassy bank bordering the river where there is an adjacent floodplain to the north near Ballyangley. Note also the presence of the Annex I Habitat ‘Watercourses of plain to mountain levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation (3260)’.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-20 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 5.14 Alder Tree Line on northern bank of the river just downstream of the previous plate near Ballyangley.

Plate 5.15 Invasive species Traveler’s Joy and Japanese Knotweed on the river bank within Bandon Town

Environmental Impact Statement 5-21 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 5.16 Woodlands on the river bank within the NHA in the middle section of the study area. Note the trees encroaching into the river channel.

Plate 5.17 Amenity grassland habitat and Ornamental tree line on the left bank of the river downstream of O’Driscoll’s Bridge.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-22 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 5.18 Section of the Bandon River at a location where the road is located close to the river and where rock armour has been employed to stabilise the bank.

Plate 5.19 Bandon River Immediately downstream of Bandon Bridge showing the overgrown and urban nature of the banks.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-23 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 5.20 Bridewell River within Bandon Town

Plate 5.21 Mill Stream Adjacent to Mart Car Park

Environmental Impact Statement 5-24 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

5.4.2 Significance of Flora

Of all the habitats recorded within the study area, the sections of the river that correspond to the Annex I Habitat ‘Watercourses of plain to mountain levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- Batrachion vegetation (3260)’ are of the greatest significance from a botanical perspective as correspond to those protected under the EU Habitats Directive. The sections of the riverbed that have been undisturbed and have maintained their original morphology and topography are also of relatively high significance as they are recognized in the site synopsis for the River Bandon above Inishannon pNHA as being ‘a rare habitat in a European context’.

The woodlands that surround the river support a dominance of non-native species, which are likely to have been planted in the past. They still, however, retain some native Oaks and small patches of semi- natural Oak woodland. Whilst not protected under the EU Habitats Directive, these woodlands provide an important local diversity to the ecology of the area. The majority of the woodland is also designated for conservation under the Bandon Valley above Inishannon pNHA, along with the river in the mid section of the study area. The tree lines, and small area of wet woodland that are also present in the study area are similarly un-protected at a European level but offer significant habitat diversity to the area.

The habitats with the least botanical significance are those which are either highly modified through agriculture, amenity or urbanization. These habitats include Arable Crops such as those located on the south bank upstream of Inishannon Bridge, Improved Agricultural Grassland such as that located throughout the study area and amenity grasslands that are located close to the urban area of Bandon Town and at various locations throughout the study area.

5.5 FAUNA

5.5.1 Birds

All bird species seen or heard during the field surveys were recorded and are shown in Table 5.5.

Species Scientific Name Legal Protection Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus - Little Egret Egretta garzetta Annex I birds Directive Heron Ardea cinerea - Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Annex I birds Directive Chiff Chaff Phylloscopus collybita - Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs - Rook Corvus frugilegus - Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea - Dipper Cinclus cinclus - Mallard Anas platyrynchos - Black Headed Gull Chroicocephalus BoCCI Red List ridibundus Heron Ardea cinerea - Robin Erithacus rubecula - Blackbird Turdus merula - Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo - Hooded Crow Corvus corone - Magpie Pica pica - Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba - Swift Apus apus Swallow Hirundo rustica - Jackdaw Corvus monedula - Wren Troglodytes troglodytes - Sand Martin Riparia riparia -

Environmental Impact Statement 5-25 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

House Sparrow Passer domesticus Table 5.5 Birds species recorded during the site visit and their conservation status

The bird species recorded were typical of the habitats found within the study area. Two of the bird species recorded on the field visits are protected under Annex I of the EU Birds Directive; Kingfisher and Little Egret. It is unlikely that Little Egret breed in this stretch of river as they prefer marshier or estuarine habitats. It is likely that Kingfisher breed within or close to the study area, though no nests were identified during the survey. The locations where these two Annex I species were recorded is shown on Figure 5.3. The only species listed on the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland (BoCCI) Red List that was recorded was Black Headed Gull. This species uses a wide range of habitats and was recorded throughout the study area. The criteria for red listed species are described above.

5.5.2 Mammals

The study area between the weir in Bandon Town and the bridge at Inishannon was searched for signs of Mammal activity with dedicated surveys undertaken for Otter and Bats. Other species recorded included Badger (Meles meles), the feeding signs of which were recorded on the north bank approximately 500m metres upstream of Inishannon Bridge and Mink (Mustela vison), a likely (indistinct) print of which was recorded on the southern bank close to the old railway line near Curranure. Other species that are likely to occur in the area but were not recorded include Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Rat (Rattus norvegicus) and Stoat (Mustela erminea).

5.5.2.1 Otter A dedicated survey for signs of Otter activity was undertaken during the river survey in August/September 2011. Numerous signs of Otter activity were recorded in the form of spraints and prints throughout the study area and an Otter was briefly sighted on the south bank of the river close to Kilbeg South. Signs of Otter activity were recorded on 25 of the 46 river features that are described in Appendix 5C. No holts were identified during the survey but the river banks and tributaries offer good habitat for holts with good vegetative cover in many areas.

5.5.2.2 Bats A bat survey was carried out on the 10th May 2012. This survey involved a daytime search of the two structures with the potential to be impacted upon by the proposed works and a night time bat detector survey of these two same two structures and also areas where significant tree removal is proposed. The locations where the bat surveys were carried out are shown on Figure 5.3. A brief survey of the bridge was also carried out in August 2011 and is detailed below.

Daytime Survey

The two structures that were searched were Bandon Bridge along with the river walls in that aea and also the Mill stream culvert. These structures were searched for signs of activity such as bats, droppings, urine staining, holes and cracks with little or no cobwebs. Particular attention was paid to features that had potential to support bat roosts. The daytime survey involved wading the rivers and streams and using a torch and binoculars to thoroughly examine the structures. The Mill Stream culvert was waded from the downstream end for a distance of approximately 60 metres until it ran into a concrete pipe, through which access was not possible. It was then accessed from the upstream end for approximately 5 metres until the same pipe was encountered.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-26 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Both the bridge and culvert were constructed in part of stone. Both structures supported features such as cracks and holes that offered potential as bat roosting habitat. The river walls were in general, well pointed but also supported cracks and holes that could have supported bat roosts.

Despite this potential, no evidence of bat activity was recorded during the daytime survey.

Night time Detector Survey

The night time detector survey was carried out on the evening of the 10th May and morning of the 11 May 2012. During this survey, two Petersen Ultrasound D200 heterodyne bat detectors were used to pick up the echolocation calls of any bats on the site. One detector was set to 45KHz in order to pick up the majority of bat calls. The other was set to 110 KHz to pick up the echolocation calls of Lesser Horseshoe Bats (Rhinolophus Hipposideros). As bats were encountered, where possible, a positive identification to species level was made. Information on the behaviour was also recorded where available. The dusk survey was initiated at 21:15 at sunset and continued until 23:30. The dawn survey was initiated at 04:15 and terminated at 05:35

During the dusk survey period, the weather was overcast with a light wind. Temperatures remained steady at 10 Celsius throughout the survey period. During the dawn survey the weather was similarly overcast but was calm with temperatures ranging between 6 Celsius at the start of the survey and 6.5 Celsius at the termination. These weather conditions were considered generally suitable for the carrying out of a bat survey but were a little below the recommended 7 Celsius (Bat Conservation Trust – Good Practice Guidelines) during the dawn survey.

Bandon Bridge

This area was surveyed from 21:15 until 22:08 during the evening survey and from 05:00 until 05:35 during the dawn survey. The first bat recorded was a Leisler’s (Nyctalus leisleri) at 21:15. This bat was recorded high over the river. Soprano Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) was the next species recorded at 21:35. Two bats fed continuously around the bridge from that time until the survey of the area was terminated at 22:08. In addition, a number of individuals were recorded feeding along the river in this area. During the dawn survey, a lone Soprano Pipistrelle was recorded feeding around the bridge. No bats were recorded entering or leaving roosts in this area.

A bat survey of the bridge was also undertaken on the evening of 30th August 2011. The survey was carried out at the Bridge in Bandon town for a period of 30 minutes around sunset to observe bat activity in the vicinity of the bridge and to search for potential roosts within the bridge itself. The survey began at 21:15 and was terminated at 21:45. The weather was clear and still with the air temperature recorded at 16 Celsius. These conditions are considered suitable for the carrying out of bat surveys according to the Bat Conservation Trust guidelines. Three species of Bat were recorded during the 30 minute survey period. These were Soprano Pipistrelle, Leisler’s, and a probable Daubentons.

Multiple Soprano Pipistrelles were recorded feeding close to the river walls just upstream of the bridge with at least four individuals recorded. This feeding activity persisted for the duration of the survey. There was one contact with a Myotis bat and although this bat was not seen, it was recorded close to the river and was likely to have been a Daubenton’s. A Leisler’s Bat was recorded high over the river during the survey period.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-27 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Trees, Riparian Vegetation and Buildings near Cluid Housing and Weir

A survey of this area was undertaken from 22:10 until 22:36 during the evening survey. During this period, there was continuous feeding activity from a small number of Soprano Pipistrelles associated with the river but little activity associated with the terrestrial elements of the survey area. Leisler’s were also recorded flying high over the study area during this period. Particular attention was also paid to the hydro- electric building but no bat activity was recorded. No bats were recorded in this area during the dawn survey.

Tree Line and River Bank between Roundabout and Mill Stream

This area was surveyed between 22:42 and 23:05 during the dusk survey and 4:15 and 4:36 during the dawn survey. Little bat activity was recorded on the tree line away from the river during the survey with only brief recordings of Soprano Pipistrelle in this area. However, the river itself in the vicinity of the Mill Stream and surrounding areas supported continuous feeding activity with Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmeaus), Soprano Pipistrelle and Daubentons Bat (Myotis daubentoni) all recorded in this area during both the dawn and dusk surveys.

Mill Stream Culvert

This area was surveyed from 23:10 until 23:30 during the dusk survey and from 04:38 until 05:55. Little bat activity was recorded in this area during either survey. Contacts were made with Soprano and Common Pipistrelles along the road during the dusk survey with no contacts made near the culvert itself. A brief contact was made with a bat, most likely to be a Brown Long Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus) was recorded in the trees immediately downstream of the culvert during the dawn survey along with a Soprano Pipistrelle feeding along the road in the area.

Conclusions

Whilst the bridge and the culvert both have potential to support roosting bats, no conclusive evidence was recorded during the survey. There was little activity surrounding the culvert but there was constant Soprano Pipistrelle feeding activity around the bridge and walls. It is possible that small numbers of this species roost within these areas but no evidence of a significant roost was recorded.

The terrestrial elements of the study area such as the vegetation around Cluid House and the tree line between the roundabout and Mill Stream did not appear to be of particular significance as bat habitat with relatively little activity at these locations. The river itself did however offer important feeding areas for bats with constant feeding activity recorded throughout the survey period. Retention of riparian vegetation is important where possible as a source of shelter and also insect habitat.

5.5.3 Fish

5.5.3.1 Fish Stock Survey

A fish stock assessment was undertaken by Ecofact Ltd. on the Lower River Bandon during September 2011. The results of this survey are provided in full in Appendix 5D and are summarised below.

5.5.3.2 Survey Sites and Methods A total of 12 sites were examined as part of the current fish stock assessment. Four locations on the River Bandon were examined downstream of the proposed flood relief scheme near Inishannon. The River

Environmental Impact Statement 5-28 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Bandon was surveyed at six locations within the stretch directly affected by the proposed flood relief scheme. Two locations were surveyed upstream of the proposed scheme; one on the Bandon River and another on the Bridewell River, a tributary of the Bandon River. The locations of the study sites are given in Table 5.4. The fish stock assessment involved electrical fishing, sweep sampling and snorkeling.

The survey was carried out under authorisation from the Department of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources under Section 14 of the Fisheries Act (1980). Electrical fishing specifically for salmonids was carried out at each site following the methodology outlined in the manual "Methods for the Water Framework Directive - Electric fishing in wadable reaches" by CFB (2008). Portable electrical fishing units (Smith Root-LR 24 Model) were used during the assessment. At sites for the assessment of juvenile salmonids, fishing was carried out continuously for 20 minutes at each site and captured fish were collected into a container of river water. Fish species other than salmon and trout were also recorded in this component of the survey. Following completion of the fishing, the dimensions and physical habitat characteristics of the site were recorded.

Electrical fishing for European eel was also carried out at each location by focusing on rocky substrate. During this survey, an area of 5m2 (ca. 2.2m X 2.2m) was examined semi-quantitatively.

Quantitative electrical fishing for juvenile lampreys was carried out at each location. An area of 3m2 was examined at each location. This was achieved by placing a netted frame enclosing an area of 1m2 at each of three sub-sites at each survey location. Electrical fishing within the enclosure followed methodology outlined in O’Connor (2004). Lampreys were measured to the nearest millimetre (Standard Length), weighted to the nearest 0.1g and identified using the keys given in Gardiner (2003). Larvae of the two Lampetra species which occur in Ireland (L. planeri and L. fluvialitis) are impossible to separate by external examination. However, as transformation proceeds, the different development trajectories of the two species become apparent and identification is possible based on size of transforming individual and physical characteristics.

During the electrical fishing surveys, an assistant held an insulated dip net for collecting fish that failed to be captured by the operator.

Sweep sampling was undertaken along the margins of the river at each site. A dip net (mesh size 1mm; 40 cm x 40 cm frame, handle length 182 cm) was submerged and quickly swept through the water and aquatic/emergent vegetation, each sweep lasting 2-3 seconds. A total of 20 sweeps at random locations along the river was carried out at each site. Table 5.5 shows the locations of the survey sites and the fish surveys carried out at each site.

Captured fish for each survey type were anaesthetised after individual surveys using a solution of 2- phenoxyethanol. All captured fish were identified and measured to the nearest mm using a measuring board. Subsequent to this the fish were allowed to recover in a container of river water. All fish were released alive and spread evenly over the sampling area. Results of the investigations are presented using Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) indices; fish number/m2 and fish number/minute.

At each site, a reach of river was also surveyed by snorkeling, a reach being defined as ‘a section of stream at least twenty times longer than its average channel width that maintains homogenous channel morphology, flow, and physical, chemical and biological characteristics’ (Flosi and Reynolds, 1994). During this assessment an attempt was made to record all fish species seen. This survey mainly targeted

Environmental Impact Statement 5-29 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with adult fish (i.e. adult salmon and sea trout). However, conditions were generally suboptimal for this type of assessment due to elevated water levels and ongoing dredging works on the river (see below).

5.5.3.2.1 Limitations of the Survey Advance survey work was carried out on the 4th to 5th September to select sites for the subsequent survey. River levels were low and ideal for survey work at this time. The license to undertaken the survey was unfortunately not in place at this time, and the River Bandon went into flood shortly after this. Actual survey work and sampling was undertaken on the 15th and 16th September and on the 22nd and 23rd September 2011. With water levels, seasonal constraints and ongoing river dredging works, these were the only windows available for this survey. It is noted that water levels on the 15th September and 22nd September were higher than normal. Water levels on the following days (17th and 23rd September) were slightly lower, but still considered elevated. Water clarity was good on all survey dates with the exception of the 22nd September when work had to be abandoned due to deterioration in water visibility. This was caused by dredging works in Bandon. Turbidity levels were still slightly elevated on the 23rd September.

The juvenile salmonid survey was by its nature, semi-quantitative. Attempts were made to close off the areas selected for salmonid electrical fishing using heavy duty fine mesh stop nets. These nets were set up to enclose the area but these could not be stabilised due to the slightly elevated water levels experienced at the time of the survey. The boundary of the surveyed area at each location therefore was chosen to comprise of a bank of the river, and where possible other features that limited fish from swimming from the survey area were utilised as boundaries (e.g. exposed rock, high gradient riffles in the channel). However, this approach is likely to have lowered catch efficiency for salmonids. However, this will not have affected the overall evaluation of the fish populations in the study area. Snorkeling work was also affected by the environmental constraints discussed above, but extensive qualitative snorkeling surveys were completed. Surveys for lampreys were completed successfully with all areas successfully enclosed at each site using a mesh box.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-30 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Site Location NOS Grid Fish surveys carried out Reference Salmonid Juvenile Eel semi- Sweep Snorkelling semi- lamprey quantitative netting quantitative quantitative electrical electrical electrical fishing fishing fishing 1 Bandon River immediately W54094 9 9 9 9 9 downstream of N71 57047 Inishannon Bridge, ca. 6km downstream of Bandon 2 Bandon River ca. 200m W53279 9 9 9 9 9 downstream of the River 57497 Brinny confluence, ca. 5.2km downstream of Bandon 3 Bandon River adjacent to W53013 9 9 9 9 9 car parking area at 57189 Ardnaclug. Ca. 4.8km downstream of Bandon 4 Bandon River ca. 4km W52340 9 9 9 9 9 downstream of Bandon 57676 5 Bandon River ca. 3.2km W51604 9 9 9 9 9 downstream of Bandon 57006 6 Bandon River ca. 2.5km W51455 9 9 9 9 9 downstream of Bandon 56702 7 Bandon River ca. 2km W50964 9 9 9 9 9 downstream of Bandon 56241 8 Bandon River ca.1km W50280 9 9 9 9 9 downstream of Bandon 55600 9 Bandon River immediately W48961 9 9 9 9 9 downstream of Bandon 55104 Bridge 10 Bandon River downstream W49015 9 9 9 9 of the weir in Bandon 55095 11 Bandon River ca. 2km W47068 9 9 9 9 9 upstream of Bandon 54739 12 Bridewell River W47651 9 9 9 9 9 approximately 2km 53743 upstream of the Bandon River confluence Table 5.5 Locations of the Survey Sites and the Fish Surveys carried out at each Site.

5.5.3.2.2 Discussion of Results Over the 12 sites surveyed a total of 1,605m2 of habitat was surveyed for juvenile salmonids; 60m2 was surveyed for European eel; while a total of 36m2 of suitable habitat was surveyed for lamprey. The current survey also included 240 sweep net samples within the study area. The survey resulted in the capture of 2,256 fish in total, comprising eight species. The most common species recorded was Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, followed by minnow Phoxinus phoxinus. Additional fish species recorded include three- spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus, stone loach Barbatula barbatula, European eel Anguilla anguilla and flounder Platicthys flesus. The relative abundance of all species recorded during the current survey is shown in Figure 5.4.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-31 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Fish species captured (all methods), n=2,256

9% 4% 1%

8% 22%

European eel 5% Flounder River/Brook lamprey Minnow Atlantic salmon Stone Loach Three Spined Stickleback Brown/sea trout 27% 24%

Figure 5.4 Fish species compositor (all methods combined) for the September 2011 fish stock assessment on the Bandon River.

A total of 495 juvenile lamprey were recorded, with both river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis and brook lamprey L. planeri populations present. Based on the examination of transformers, it is confirmed that the population of juvenile lampreys downstream of Bandon weir includes (and may be dominated by) River lampreys. Bandon weir has been identified as being an impassable barrier to lampreys, and the lampreys upstream of this weir are identified as brook lampreys. This is corroborated with evidence collected during the examination of transforming lampreys in this area. No sea lamprey were recorded during the current survey, and it is confirmed that this species is absent from the River Bandon. Brown trout Salmo trutta (n=205) were recorded throughout the study area, with sea trout also recorded during the snorkel surveys. Brown trout numbers were found to be very low in the lower reaches of the Bandon to Inishannon, with numbers increasing upstream to Bandon town and upstream of Bandon weir. This may be due to competition by the Atlantic salmon population which dominates this stretch of the river. Adult salmon and sea trout were observed throughout the study area during September 2011. This stretch of the river is identified as a significant and highly productive stretch for Atlantic salmon within the study area. The densities of juvenile lampreys recorded were considered to be exceptional, and amongst the highest ever recorded in Ireland. No lampreys were recorded in the stretch of river affected by dredging in 2010/2011.

Atlantic salmon, River lampreys and Brook lampreys are listed under Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. The lower river also provides significant habitats for the European eel which has been listed as ‘Critically endangered’ and is now ‘Red Listed’ according to the recently published ‘Red List No. 5: Amphibians, Reptiles & Freshwater Fish’ (King et al., 2011).

The lower River Bandon has exceptional juvenile salmon populations. The current survey has confirmed that salmon spawn throughout the lower river. . The lower River Bandon is less important in relation to trout populations. This may to some degree be related to habitats; however competition from the large

Environmental Impact Statement 5-32 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with salmon populations may also be a factor. Adult sea trout and salmon were observed throughout the lower river during the current survey, and the study area is a nationally important salmonid angling area.

The lower River Bandon also has exceptional juvenile lamprey populations. The current survey was undertaken during September, which is about a month too early for that recommended for rivers which contain both Lampetra species (Gardiner, 2003). However, it was concluded that many of the transformers recorded during the current survey were L. fluvialitis. All of these transformers lampreys were less than 11cm and in the size range reported for L. fluvialitis (Gardiner, 2003). One almost fully transformed individual identified as being River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis. It is considered, based on the geographically location, that most of the population here probably are L. fluvialitis (rather than L. planeri). However, both of these Annex II species are almost certainly present. There was a good size range of juvenile lampreys present at this site, with several age classes ranging from young of the year to transformers. This is considered to be an exceptional spawning and nursery area for river lampreys (and probably brook lampreys). Sea lamprey was confirmed absent.

The existing weir at Bandon presents an obstacle to River lamprey upstream migration. The available spawning and juvenile silt bed habitats downstream of this weir are therefore of increased importance in the context of the Bandon River catchment. Impacts affecting this stretch of the river below the weir would have the potential to result in direct and indirect adverse impacts on this Annex II species. It is also noteworthy that juvenile salmonid stocks below the weir are dominated by salmon. Therefore the weir may also act as a partial barrier to this species.

5.5.3.4 Salmon Redd Survey

A survey to count Salmon (Salmo salar) redds was undertaken on a section of the Bandon River from Bandon Town downstream as far as Inishannon bridge on the 12th of January 2012. The study area is shown in Figure 5.3.

The following methodology was used to carry out the redd survey:

ƒ Prior to commencing the survey of a stretch of river, the banks were walked and suitable or most likely spawning habitats were noted for particular attention along with any suspected redds. Where possible, bridges were used to provide additional vantage points. ƒ Surveyors entered the river at the downstream end of each section and systematically walked upstream along the river channel using bathyscopes where necessary to view features beneath the water. Care was taken not to step upon any redds encountered. ƒ Redds were identified by the following features: o Raised pile of gravel in the stream bed with shallow depression upstream. o Over one metre wide and 1.5-2 metres in length (depression and pile) o Gravels generally finer in the trailing pile than it the depression. o Gravels often clean and having shown signs of recent disturbance. ƒ Width and length of redd was recorded in addition to GPS location. ƒ Four surveyors were used to ensure good coverage of the river bed in the study areas. ƒ Survey was undertaken in mid January at the first opportunity following the main spawning season in Late November/December where the river was at a suitably low level.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-33 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

During the survey period, the water level was at between 0.5 & 0.6m at the EPA Curranure gauge. This was higher than would have been preferred but still allowed much of the river to be accurately surveyed. Some potential spawning areas were however inaccessible for wading and too deep to be surveyed from the bank. Water levels in the river had been high for the preceding months and had prohibited earlier surveying at the end of December or earlier in January.

Visibility within the water column was initially relatively good with only slight coloration, though visibility was impaired by the presence of deep water in places. During the course of the survey, turbidity in the water column increased to levels that hindered the survey effort.

Limitations of the survey were the conditions and timing of the survey which were sub-optimal. Earlier surveying would not have been possible, however, due to high water levels and surveying later in the season would have been further from the main spawning period and therefore likely to record fewer redds.

Six separate stretches of river were surveyed as shown in Figure 5.3. Five salmon redds were recorded. Four of these were close to the left bank just upstream of the footbridge in Bandon Town. The other was approximately 530 metres upstream of O’Driscoll’s Bridge.The redds that were identified were obvious and clearly identifiable with no similar structures recorded in the other areas surveyed.

5.5.3.4.1 Results of Salmon Redd Survey

Redd Count One This count was undertaken in a shallow glide with gravels that are suitable for spawning between the main road bridge in Bandon and the weir. (Grid Ref: E148933 N55018 to E149264 55071). All sections of riverbed were surveyed and four redds were identified close to the left bank upstream of the pedestrian footbridge. Grid refs: 1. E49026 N55050. 2. E49024 N55053. 3. E49018 N55054. 4.E49014 N55054.

It was considered that visibility and depth allowed a comprehensive survey of this area to be carried out. This was the only area where data from previous surveys undertaken by the IFI (Previously South Western Regional Fisheries Board) was available. Previous counts followed an unknown methodology and it is not known what time(s) of year they were undertaken. The results of the previous redd counts in this area are provided in Table 5.6 below:

Year Redds Identified 2008 17 2009 12 2010 14 Table 5.6 Previous Redd Counts in this stretch of River (IFI)

Even though conditions were good for surveying and significantly less redds were recorded during this survey than in previous searches of the same area, it is not necessarily the case that less Salmon spawned in this area. It may be that the river was visited earlier in the season or several times during the spawning season in previous years.

The remains of two dead Salmon were recorded in this area. They had presumably spawned and subsequently died.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-34 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Redd Count Two This count was undertaken in riffles and glides close to the parking area and fast food trailer at Ardnaglug both up and downstream. (Grid Ref: E1152819 N57313 to E153150 N57287). The downstream section was very fast flowing with a deeper area close to the left bank. The gravelly areas close to the right bank were surveyed in this section with the rest of the river providing sub optimal spawning habitat that was too deep to survey successfully. The whole width of the river was surveyed upstream of the parking area.

No Redds were found during this part of the survey.

Redd Count Three This count was undertaken in glides with some riffle and good potential salmonid spawning gravels (Grid Ref: E151984 N57240 to E152308 N57644). The majority of the channel in this area was surveyed. No Redds were recorded.

Redd Count Four This count was undertaken on a short stretch of glide close to a private vehicular bridge (O’Driscoll’s Bridge) (Grid Ref:E151618 N56848 to E151650 N56947). In this area, the water was deep and visibility was poor. Survey abandoned due to poor conditions. No redds found.

Red Count Five This count was undertaken in glide/riffle with spawning gravels present (E151458 N56622 to E151546 N56720). The water continued to be turbid with impaired visibility. Survey abandoned in deep water. No redds found.

Redd Count Six This count was undertaken in glides/riffles with spawning gravels present (E151083 N56315 to E151373 N56503). On the downstream sections, the left bank of the river was surveyed with the right bank being too deep. For the upstream sections, the right bank was surveyed with the left bank being too deep. One redd was recorded in this area (Grid Ref:E151339 N56496).

5.5.3.5 Conclusion Five redds were identified as part of the survey. The redds that were identified were obvious and clearly identifiable with no similar structures recorded in the other areas surveyed. It is likely that redds were under-recorded during the survey for the following reasons:

1. Survey undertaken too long after main spawning season and after a long period of high water. Many of the redds may have not been obvious following erosion due to high flows. 2. The water levels were still high and it was not possible to count many parts of the river and access all locations safely. 3. Turbidity impaired visibility during the latter stages of the survey.

The survey is unlikely to have resulted in an accurate count of the amount of the Salmon redds in the river during the late 2011/early 2012 spawning season for the above reasons. The results do however confirm previous evidence of Salmon spawning in this section of the Bandon River.

5.5.4 Invertebrates

5.5.4.1 Freshwater Pearl Mussel Survey

Environmental Impact Statement 5-35 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

A dedicated survey for Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) was carried out on the 31st August, 1st, 2nd, 13th and 14th September 2011 under licence from the National Parks & Wildlife Service (Licence No. C124/2011). The study area from the Bridge at Inishannon to the weir in Bandon Town was first waded by two surveyors using bathyscopes searching for Freshwater Pearl Mussel and signs thereof. During this survey, the most suitable habitat for Pearl Mussel within the study area was also identified. A more targeted Pearl Mussel survey was undertaken in the areas identified as being most suitable in the initial surveys and areas where Freshwater Pearl Mussel had been recorded in the past.

During the targeted survey, six surveyors waded up the river in a linear arrangement and thoroughly searched for Freshwater Pearl Mussel using bathyscopes and snorkels where necessary. The areas surveyed are shown on Figure 5.3. This survey was undertaken in accordance with the Irish Wildlife Manual No.12. ‘Margaritifera margaritifera Stage 1 and Stage 2 survey guidelines ‘. The river was classified as a high priority river because there are known records from upstream and historical records from within the study area. The conditions were considered suitable for carrying out the survey with good visibility within the water column and nebulosity at less than 50%. The water levels were slightly elevated at the start of the survey but reduced during the survey period.

No live Freshwater Pearl Mussel were recorded during the survey but a single valve was recorded just downstream of the bridge in Bandon during the initial survey. This valve was in poor condition and is highly likely to have been washed down from upstream (where they are known to be present). It was further concluded that the substrate in the town itself was unlikely to support pearl mussel as it consisted of shifting gravels, which were unlikely to be stable enough to provide good habitat.

During the phase one survey, only two small fragments of shell were recorded. These were very battered and thus also likely to have been washed in.

Subsequent anecdotal evidence from local anglers suggests that shells are regularly seen in the town after floods and live mussels have been seen at Baxters Bridge (above Bandon Town).

On the basis of the surveys undertaken, is unlikely that Freshwater Pearl Mussel are present within the study area though habitats within the river appear suitable for this species. The locations where the fragments of shell were recorded are shown on Figure 5.3.

5.5.4.2 Macroinvertebrates

Kick samples of aquatic macro-invertebrates were taken in representative amounts of differing habitats within the river. Some were taken in riffle areas, others in glides and pools.

The results of this survey are provided in Appendix 5E. In general, the invertebrate communities that were recorded indicated water of a high quality with samples taken in riffle areas ranging from unpolluted status (Q5) to slightly polluted (Q3) and the majority of the samples registering Q4 and Q3/4. This is slightly higher than the findings of the EPA who recorded moderately polluted status during the 1997, 2000 and 2003 surveys. From a monitoring station located 1.5 km downstream of Bandon Bridge. The results may not however be directly comparable given that the sample habitats may differ.

The samples taken in glides and pools recorded invertebrate communities that were more typical of the less well oxygenated habitats. Overall, species diversity was good with approximately 40 genera recorded

Environmental Impact Statement 5-36 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with during the surveys and an average of 8 genera recorded in each sample. In some samples the density of species was high and dominated by a small number of genera, whilst in others it was lower and often more diverse. In many of the deeper glides and pools, there was a heavy cover of algae at the time that the kick samples were taken. This is often an indicator of organic pollution in the watercourse. It should however be noted that the samples were taken at the end of the summer at low water levels. During river surveys in early January 2012, there was considerably less algae in the river, it having been washed away by the strong winter flows.

5.5.5 Significance of Fauna

The River Bandon within the study area is of considerable significance for a number of faunal species.

This section of river is described in the fish stock survey report as having exceptional juvenile salmon populations. This survey also confirms that salmon spawn throughout the lower river.

The same report describes the lower River Bandon also having exceptional juvenile lamprey populations. Both River lampreys and Brook lampreys are thought to be present.

Both of the above species are listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. In addition, the river and surrounding vegetation provide habitat for two further species that are protected under European legislation. These are Otter (Annex II, Habitats Directive) and Kingfisher (Annex I, Birds Directive). No proof of either of these species breeding within the study area was recorded during the surveys but both species were observed during surveys and on this basis and the presence of suitable habitat, there is a high likelihood that they breed in the area. No evidence of Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Annex II, Habitats Directive) being present in the study area was recorded

In addition to the above species that are protected under European Legislation, the study area includes a wide diversity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The river itself has a varied morphology and a relatively undisturbed bed. This provides suitable habitat for a wide range of aquatic species. The woodlands, tree lines and bank side vegetation provide cover and feeding areas for a wide range of mammal and birds.

5.6 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

5.6.1 Do Nothing/Current Scenario If the proposed works were not to go ahead, it is likely that the current regime of management and maintenance on the river will continue with the nature of the river being maintained essentially as it is at present. It is likely that maintenance works would include the removal of debris and built up of sediments in the town and around the bridges along with bank protection works where necessary. It is likely that these works will be undertaken in consultation with the IFI to minimise impacts on the Bandon River fishery. It is also likely that the river would still flood Bandon Town periodically (since 1975, serious flooding in the town has occurred on five occasions).

5.6.1 Loss of Habitat

5.6.1.1 Instream Habitat

The proposed works will involve the dredging of the Bandon River from the weir in Bandon Town to O’Driscoll’s Bridge near Kilbeg, a distance of approximately 3.6 kilometres. The riverbed will be dredged

Environmental Impact Statement 5-37 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with to a depth of approximately 1.8 metres immediately below the weir in Bandon Town and will grade towards a location at O’Driscoll’s Bridge where the dredge depth will meet the existing bed level. This will change the average gradient of the river from approximately 1: 740 to approximately 1:1,000. This will permanently and significantly alter the nature of the channel. Whilst the overall existing gradient is approximately 1:740, it should be noted that the river is at a considerably flatter gradient over much of the course with a limited number of short sections that are steeper (approximately six locations). None of the existing shallow gradients will be made shallower a result of the proposed works. Much of the river in this area will have an increased gradient following completion of the works. At present the section of river between the weir in Bandon and O’Driscoll’s Bridge includes a diversity of habitats that include spawning and nursery areas for Salmonids (in particular Atlantic Salmon) along with holding pools and lies for adult fish. The river topographical survey identified 23 no. separate features within this section of the river including 15 glide/pools and eight riffles. The fish stock survey indicated that the sections of the river within the town that were regularly maintained had a reduced morphological complexity when compared with other sections of the river that are less managed. This has reduced habitat diversity within the river channel and reduced its value as a fishery. It is likely that there will be a reduction in the diversity of morphology within the river channel following the proposed works.

5.6.1.2 Loss of Habitat for Salmonid spawning and Juvenile Fish Permanent Significant Negative Impact

The fish stock survey confirmed that the section of river to be directly affected by the proposed works provides exceptional habitat not only for Salmonid spawning but also the juvenile stages of these fish. It is highly unlikely that this diversity of habitats will be maintained following the completion of the proposed works as the gradient of the river will be decreased thus limiting the potential for fast flowing water (riffle and well oxygenated habitats) within the works footprint. These are the most important habitats for spawning and juvenile Salmonid species.

Mitigation Measures • A diagram of the mitigation described below is provided in Figures 5.5 – 5.8 • Whilst the works will result in a more or less even gradient of 1:1000 throughout the study area, a defined thalweg or flow path has been designed to provide variation of habitat and gradient throughout the study area. This thalweg will emulate the existing conditions in the river, insofar as is possible, with steep gradients in the areas where these gradients currently exist and shallower gradients with pools in the areas where the pre-works flow is slow. Given that the overall gradient of the river will change from approximately 1: 740 to 1: 1000, the steeper sections of channel within the thalweg will be shortened in length to accommodate the change. It is not anticipated that the gradient in the slower flowing sections will be significantly altered. The river has four significant steeper sections within the study area and these will be retained in a shortened form within the thalweg of the dredged channel. These steeper sections are located close to the bridge in Bandon Town, just upstream of the sewage treatment works, at a section of river known locally as rough hole and an area just upstream of the termination of works at O’Driscoll’s Bridge. • As is the case in the existing channel, the thalweg will be more defined in the steeper sections and less so in the slower flowing sections. It will be approximately 10 metres wide on the fast flowing, steep sections of channel and 5 metres wide on the slower flowing sections. • The creation of the thalweg will not only ensure that diversity of gradient in the channel is maintained to some extent, it will also provide habitat for fish at low flow conditions where a

Environmental Impact Statement 5-38 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

dredged channel without a thalweg may prove too shallow to support healthy fish populations in dry weather conditions. It is likely that the area outside the thalweg will also provide suitable conditions for juvenile Salmon in all but dry weather flows. Rivers with a similar gradient (1:1000) in Ireland such as the Boyne and Clare Rivers provide good conditions for juvenile Salmon. • The thalweg will be lined with rounded boulders of approximately 300mm diameter, particularly in the steeper sections. This will provide the ideal substrate for young Salmonid fish and will be similar to the existing substrate in these areas. This substrate provides a habitat for macro- invertebrates that provide food for fish whilst also providing an area where young fish can hold station to feed in a strong current. The use of rounded boulders in the slower flowing sections of the thalweg will be of a lesser importance as depositing conditions may occur here. Rubble mats that are constructed of broken stone will be constructed in the slower flowing sections. Each mat will cover approximately half of the width of the channel and will be constructed to be below the surface in dry weather flow. The mats will originate alternately from each bank of the thalweg. These mats will not only provide an ideal substrate for the production of macro-invertebrates as food for fish, they will also provide further diversity of flow and habitat within otherwise flat and straight sections of channel. In some places, where the gradient allows, the rubble mats will be placed across the entire width of the thalweg to create a riffle. • Where pools are provided at the outside of meander bends and at the bottom of the steeper riffle areas, large boulders will be placed to aid in the scouring of the pool and the prevention of silting. These large boulders will also provide additional habitat diversity within the channel. Gravels will be placed in the downstream tail of these pools to provide salmonid spawning habitat. Similar gravels will also be placed just upstream of the steeper areas of channel, again to provide suitable spawning habitat and to replicate the existing situation in the river. • It is anticipated that much of the material for use as substrate in the post works channel will be excavated from the existing channel. This material will, where possible, be graded and stored on the bankside during excavation for re-use during construction of the mitigation. • Whilst the excavation works are likely to initially result in a substrate of exposed bedrock, particularly at the upstream end of the study area, the gradient of 1:1000 will create conditions that are likely to promote the deposition of cobbles, gravels and some sand. It is likely that this will provide a suitable substrate for growth of Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus pencillatus). This is an important plant for providing cover for fish and also supporting the production of macro invertebrates, which are an important food source for fish. Growth of this plant can develop into stands of vegetation that corresponded to the EU Habitats Directive Annex I Habitat ‘Watercourses of plain to mountain levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- Batrachion vegetation (3260)’. These habitats are present in the existing channel within the river. There will inevitably be some variation of habitat and gradient within the channel outside the thalweg though this is likely to be limited by the design of the flood relief scheme. • Pools will be excavated in the thalweg. These will be excavated to a maximum depth in the centre of the pool of approximately 1.3 metres (dry weather flow) and 10 metres long. They will be roughly the shape of half an egg, rather than square or angular. They will be located to emulate natural conditions in the river. They will be positioned at the outside of meander bends and also at the base of the created riffle areas. These are the areas where they occur in the existing channel.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-39 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

• Large boulders will be placed within these pools to facilitate scouring to keep the pool clear and to provide cover as fish lies. These will be below the water surface at dry weather flow so as not to interfere with angling. • The weir in Bandon Town has been identified as a block to the upstream passage of River Lamprey and an impediment to the upstream passage of Salmon at present. The proposed works have the potential to exacerbate this by effectively increasing the height of the weir, thereby preventing all upstream migration. This will be mitigated through the construction of a rock ramp. This ramp will be approximately 112 metres in length and five metres in width. It will be sloped at a gradient of 1: 24.5 and will be constructed using large boulders with a constant flow of water of at least approximately 300 mm over them. This gradient and flow will allow the passage of fish over the weir during any flow conditions. There will be an excavated pool at the base of the ramp with a defined thalweg leading up to it so that migrating fish are guided toward the ramp as opposed to the weir. This mitigation has been successfully employed in various locations around Ireland and will ensure that the passage of Lamprey over the weir is not blocked and the passage of Salmon is not impeded. This will improve on the existing situation. • During the construction phase, minor changes to the design must be provided for to ensure that the mitigation is effective. The works will be overseen by an ecologist and ideally the mitigation will be constructed in conjunction with the IFI. The main excavation of the channel and thalweg will be undertaken in the initial phase of works with habitat creation works and other mitigation undertaken afterwards once the initial works have been completed. This will allow the careful placement of boulders, gravels and rubble mats in the locations that they will work most effectively. • An ongoing scheme of monitoring will be undertaken. This will follow on from the initial baseline fish stock survey and will be carried out annually until one year following the first maintenance of the channel.

Residual Impact It is likely that the nature of the channel will be altered in that the overall gradient will be lowered. However, the proposed mitigation will ensure that habitat diversity is maintained within the channel to some degree with riffle, pool and glide features included in the mitigation design. Even with the mitigation in place, there will be some loss of area of the steepest sections of channel that provide the best juvenile salmon habitat. Whilst this will be reduced, it will be retained within the thalweg at similar locations to where it is located at present. In addition, the overall gradient of 1:1000 outside the thalweg has been modeled to provide flows of over 0.5 m/s at all but dry weather flows. This is likely to provide suitable habitat for juvenile salmonids. Gravels placed above and at the tail of excavated pools are likely to provide spawning habitat. In addition, the habitats outside the thalweg are likely to support aquatic macrophytes that will act as a substrate for macroinvertebrate growth as will the rubble mats placed in the slower flowing sections of the thalweg. This is likely to provide the necessary food for the salmonid species. This impact has been reclassified as Permanent Moderate Negative Impact. However, monitoring of the channel on an annual basis at least until one year after the first maintenance will be necessary to ensure that the predictions are correct and to ensure that adjustments can be made if necessary.

5.6.1.3 Loss of Habitat for Lamprey Species within the study area Permanent Significant Negative Impact

Environmental Impact Statement 5-40 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

The Bandon River has been identified in the fish stock survey as being of considerable importance for River and Brook Lamprey. As with the Salmonid species, the loss of habitat diversity in general and the potential loss of both spawning habitat and sediments to suit the juvenile stages of the Lamprey lifecycle is likely to result in a significant negative impact although it is possible that depositing conditions, suited to the juvenile stages of Lamprey species, may be created by the proposed works in the long term.

Mitigation Measures • Mitigation as described in section 4.2.1.2 provides diversity of habitat that has been designed to provide depositing conditions suitable for juvenile Lamprey. The provision of spawning habitat is also included within the mitigation design. • The provision of the rock ramp will open up the wider Bandon Catchment to River Lamprey as the barrier to their migration will be removed. • During the construction phase, minor changes to the design must be provided for to ensure that the mitigation is effective. The works will be overseen by an ecologist and ideally the mitigation will be constructed in conjunction with the IFI. The main excavation of the channel and thalweg will be undertaken in the initial phase of works with habitat creation works and other mitigation undertaken afterwards once the initial works have been completed. This will allow the careful placement of boulders, gravels and rubble mats in the locations that they will work most effectively. • An ongoing scheme of monitoring will be undertaken. This will follow on from the initial baseline fish stock survey and will be carried out annually until one year following the first maintenance of the channel.

Residual Impact It is likely that with the above mitigation included, the proposed works will result in a Permanent Significant positive Impact. This is because the proposed works will greatly increase the habitat area available within the Bandon catchment and have also been designed to include the provision of a diversity of habitats suitable for the various life stages within the works area.

5.6.1.4 Impact on Aquatic Invertebrates Permanent Slight Negative Impact

The reduction in the amount of fast flowing well oxygenated water that will inevitably result from the reduction in gradient is likely to alter the nature of the aquatic invertebrate communities within the channel. At present, there is a diverse range of macroinvertebrates within the river channel, many of which are associated with clean riffle habitats, which are present in this section of the river. It is highly likely that there will be a reduction in species diversity as a result of the proposed works. The invertebrate communities within the river following the proposed works are likely to resemble those currently found in the deep glides and pools at present. This is included as a slight negative impact as, although the diversity may be reduced, the density of macroinvertebrates may not be reduced with new habitats created

Mitigation Measures ƒ Mitigation as described in Section 5.6.1.2.

Residual Impact

Environmental Impact Statement 5-41 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

It is likely that with the above mitigation included, the proposed works will result in a Permanent Negligible Negative Impact as there will be ample habitat for macroinvertebrate production within the thalweg and throughout the channel. It is likely that there will be a shift towards species that prefer slightly slower water.

5.6.1.5 Impacts on Floral Communities within the Channel Potential Permanent Moderate Negative Impact Sections of the river within the works area support a botanical habitat that corresponds to the EU Habitats Directive Annex I Habitat ‘Watercourses of Plain to Montane Level with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation (3260). This in-stream vegetation is not only a protected habitat but also provides cover and feeding areas for fish species. It is likely that the habitats created by the proposed works may result in the growth of a different range of aquatic macrophytes than are currently present within the channel. These may resemble the plant communities that are associated with depositing rivers.

Mitigation Measures • Whilst the excavation works are likely to initially result in a substrate of exposed bedrock outside the thalweg, particularly at the upstream end of the study area, the gradient of 1:1000 will create conditions that are likely to promote the deposition of cobbles, gravels and some sand. It is likely that this will provide a suitable substrate for growth of Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus pencillatus), but may also provide substrate for a different range of plant species. • During the construction phase, minor changes to the design must be provided for to ensure that the mitigation is effective. The works will be overseen by an ecologist and ideally the mitigation will be constructed in conjunction with the IFI. The main excavation of the channel and thalweg will be undertaken in the initial phase of works with habitat creation works and other mitigation undertaken afterwards once the initial works have been completed. This will allow the careful placement of boulders, gravels and rubble mats in the locations that they will work most effectively. • An ongoing scheme of monitoring will be undertaken. This will follow on from the initial baseline fish stock survey and will be carried out annually until one year following the first maintenance of the channel.

Residual Impact If the conditions can be created in the channel for the propagation of this habitat, it is likely that this impact can be negated.

5.6.2 Bankside Habitat

Temporary Significant Negative Impact The proposed works will involve the loss of much of the bankside habitat to provide easement for the construction period. In addition, there will be an embankment constructed over a section of the right bank downstream of the town. Bankside vegetation within the works area includes habitats such as tree lines, woodlands, scrub and individual trees that greatly increase the habitat and species diversity associated with the river. This vegetation also provides cover and shelter for many faunal species including invertebrates, birds and mammals.

Of particular note are Otter, which are present throughout the proposed works area and utilise the cover that is present on river banks. This species is protected under Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive and

Environmental Impact Statement 5-42 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with its use of the area is likely to be significantly affected by the proposed works through temporary loss of habitat.

Bankside tress and woodlands also have the potential to provide cover and shelter for bat species and the associated invertebrates provide a valuable food source for these species.

Though none were found, the banks within the works area provide, in a few places, steep earthen banks that provide suitable habitats for nesting Kingfisher. The overhanging trees and bankside branches also provide hunting perches for this species.

In addition to the above, bankside vegetation provides diversity, cover and shade for aquatic species and whilst a completely shaded river would be detrimental to aquatic life, a river benefits greatly from partial shading. Invertebrates associated with the bankside vegetation also provide a food source for aquatic species.

Some other areas of the bank within the works footprint are bordered by fields of grassland and support steep banks with little tall vegetation (mainly grassy vegetation).

Mitigation Measures

• The existing bankside habitat will be retained insofar as is possible. It will however be necessary for the contractor to access the river throughout the works area. To facilitate this much of the bankside habitat will be necessary for use as a construction easement. To mitigate this impact, sensitive areas of the bankside such as woodlands and wetlands have been avoided. In addition, where tree lines are present along the banks, at least 50% will be retained with a maximum of 25 metres removed to facilitate access at any one point. A minimum of 25 metres will be retained adjacent to sections that are removed and areas that are to be retained will be fenced off with protective fences. • In general, natural regeneration of the banks will be encouraged. However, If necessary replanting and rehabilitation of the banks to replace and enhance the bankside habitats that are lost as part of the proposed works will be undertaken. Any replanting and habitat creation will use native species that are currently present in the area and will be designed in collaboration with an ecologist. The planting will be designed to facilitate maintenance of the channel in the future. • The only exceptions to this are located just downstream of the town where a defence wall will be replaced and elongated along the right bank and Cypress trees that cast a deep shade over the channel at present will be removed. Provision will also be made for angler access but this will be small scale and unobtrusive. • Dedicated Otter holt surveys will be undertaken in advance of the proposed works. These surveys will be carried out in accordance with the NRA Guidelines for the Treatment of Otters prior to the construction of National Road Schemes. Though no holts were recorded during the river surveys, it is possible that their may be holts present by the time that the works are undertaken and if they are found to be present, active holts will be avoided or treated according to the above guidelines. • Dedicated Kingfisher surveys will be undertaken in advance of the proposed works. Although no nests were identified during the river surveys, it is possible that they are present and that they may move into the area prior to the outset of the proposed works. If a nesting pair are recorded in

Environmental Impact Statement 5-43 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

the pre-commencement surveys, no works will be carried out within 50 metres of the nest during the breeding season (March-August inclusive). • The works will include replanting and rehabilitation of the banks to replace and enhance the bankside habitats that are lost as part of the proposed works. This replanting and habitat creation will use native species that are currently present in the area and will be designed in collaboration with an ecologist. The planting will be designed to facilitate maintenance of the channel in the future. • During the construction phase, minor changes to the design must be provided for to ensure that the mitigation is effective. The works will be overseen by an ecologist and ideally the mitigation will be constructed in conjunction with the IFI. The main excavation of the channel and thalweg will be undertaken in the initial phase of works with habitat creation works and other mitigation undertaken afterwards once the initial works have been completed. This will allow the careful placement of boulders, gravels and rubble mats in the locations that they will work most effectively. • An ongoing scheme of monitoring will be undertaken. This will follow on from the initial baseline fish stock survey and will be carried out annually until one year following the first maintenance of the channel.

Residual Impact It is likely that, with the mitigation in place this impact will be reduced to a Short Term Slight Negative Impact.

5.6.3 Surrounding Habitats

Short Term Slight Negative Impact The habitats surrounding the site of the proposed works include various agricultural and wooded areas. These surrounding habitats will be impacted upon by through machine access, construction compounds, stock piling of materials and other activities associated with operations of this nature. Detailed locations of these features will be finalised by the appointed contractor but will be informed by the mitigation prescribed below.

Mitigation Measures • Where possible all features of this project that are not associated directly with the river will be centred on agriculturally managed lands and will avoid ecologically sensitive areas such as woodlands, wetlands and scrub. • All such features will be fenced off at the outset of works to avoid un-necessary disturbance of habitats outside the works footprint. • The utilized lands will be fully reinstated following completion of the works. • Any stockpiles of material will be located away from the river and will be consolidated to prevent run off or erosion. If necessary long term stockpiles of gravels or boulders will be fenced off or covered

Residual Impact It is likely that, with the mitigation in place this impact will continue to be a Short Term Slight Negative Impact.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-44 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

5.6.4 Disturbance

5.6.4.1 Disturbance to Salmon

Temporary Significant Negative Impact In addition to the habitat loss described above, the proposed works have the potential to impact negatively on the resident fish stocks in the river and those migrating through the works area. through disturbance The proposed works will inevitably reduce the habitat available and could also hinder the passage of fish up or downstream. Direct impacts involve physical disturbance of fish and indirect impacts involve smothering of downstream spawning beds and fish with suspended solids. The hindrance of migrating fish has the potential to impact on the populations throughout the entire Bandon catchment not just those within the works area.

Mitigation Measures • Instream works will only be undertaken during the period May – September inclusive, to minimise the impact on Salmon, as outlined in IFI Guidelines regarding permission for instream works. This avoids the main periods of migration and spawning for the species. • Works will be designed to avoid the blocking of the river and approximately 60% of the width of the river will be subject to works at any one time. • Measures described in Section 5.6.1.2 below will be put in place to minimise the impacts of suspended solids in the water column. • Works will be carried out between the hours of 8:00 and 6:00 leaving the river undisturbed for 14 hours each day

Residual Impact It is likely that, with the mitigation in place this impact will overall constitute a Temporary Moderate Negative Impact.

5.6.4.2 Disturbance to Lamprey Species

Short Term Significant Negative Impact The proposed works have the potential to significantly impact on River and Brook Lamprey populations within the works area. Resident populations of these species could be impacted in a number of ways. The juveniles are highly likely to be present in the soft sediments at the sides of the river and in the pools (as evidenced in the fish stock survey) and will be directly affected as the sediments are removed. In addition, the proposed works will be undertaken in the period when adult Lamprey spawn and could potentially directly and indirectly impact on the reproduction of these species. Direct impacts involve physical disturbance of spawning fish and indirect impacts involve smothering of spawning beds and fish with suspended solids. It was necessary to carry out works during the spawning period for this species (April – July) as there are water level and Salmonid constraints involved in carrying out the works during the winter period.

Mitigation Measures • The mitigation as described in Section 5.6.1.2 will apply equally to the impacts on Lamprey species. • Additional mitigation will include electro-fishing of work areas prior to outset of the works and relocation of adult and juvenile Lamprey to areas upstream of the works and upstream of Bandon weir.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-45 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Residual Impact It is likely that, with the mitigation in place this impact will continue to be a Short Term Significant Negative Impact.

5.6.4.3 Ongoing Maintenance

Periodic Permanent Moderate Negative Impact It is anticipated that the ongoing maintenance associated with the proposed works will involve the removal of deposits that are exposed and above low water levels at intervals of approximately every 5 years. These works will involve the in-stream working of excavators to remove deposited material and could potentially result in disturbance to the resident fish populations both directly and indirectly through the suspension of sediments. The works will however be isolated in their locations and also much smaller in scale than the original dredging works. The works will only involve the removal of gravels at levels above the dry water flow with no deeper excavations proposed.

Mitigation Measures

• The proposed maintenance works will be undertaken during the period August –September inclusive to avoid the sensitive periods for Salmon and Lamprey species and during periods of low flow to minimise the potential for sediment transfer.

Residual Impact

It is likely that, with the mitigation in place this impact will constitute to a Periodic Permanent Minor Negative Impact

5.6.4.4 Disturbance to Bats

Short Term Minor Negative Impact The proposed works will involve works on two structures that were considered likely to support bat roosts. The majority of the trees that will be lost were considered unlikely to support significant roosting habitat given that most were relatively immature and without the potential for significant cavities. Any features that were considered to have potential as bat roosting sites were surveyed and no evidence of significant roosts being present was recorded. However, there is still potential for the proposed works to impact on bat species in these areas if bats move into the area in advance of the works.

Mitigation Measures • A bat survey of the bridge, culvert and other areas identified with bat potential will be carried out in advance of the works being carried out to verify the absence of bats at these locations. Surveys will be undertaken not more than two weeks in advance of the works being undertaken. If bats are found to be present, mitigation will be put in place in accordance with the Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland (Irish Wildlife Manual 25) • Bat boxes will be installed on trees in the area and on the bridges and culverts to provide additional habitat for these species.

Residual Impact

It is likely that, with the mitigation in place this impact will be negated.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-46 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

5.6.5 Migration of Fish

Permanent Significant Positive Impact The weir in Bandon Town has been identified as a block to the upstream passage of River Lamprey and an impediment to the upstream passage of Salmon at present. The proposed works have the potential to exacerbate this by effectively increasing the height of the weir, thereby preventing all upstream migration. This will be mitigated through the construction of a rock ramp. This ramp will be approximately 112 metres in length and five metres in width. It will be sloped at a gradient of 1: 24.5 and will be constructed using large boulders with a constant flow of water of at least approximately 300 mm over them. This gradient and flow will allow the passage of fish over the weir during any flow conditions. There will be an excavated pool at the base of the ramp with a defined thalweg leading up to it so that migrating fish are guided toward the ramp as opposed to the weir. This mitigation has been successfully employed in various locations around Ireland and will ensure that the passage of Lamprey over the weir is not blocked and the passage of Salmon is not impeded. This will improve on the existing situation.

Provision for Fish passage up the Bridewell River and Mill Stream following the completion of works has also been made. Denil style fish ladders will be included on these rivers with a gradient of approximately 1: 4.5. In addition to this fish ladder type of pass, a Lamprey pass will be included in the design. This Lamprey passage will involve the use of specialised matting that provides a substrate onto which Lamprey can grip to allow passage over relatively steep gradients. This design has been used to good effect at various locations throughout Ireland and abroad and a similar design is shown in Plate 5.22 below.

In order to verify the impact of the mitigation, an ongoing scheme of monitoring will be undertaken. This will follow on from the initial baseline fish stock survey and will be carried out annually until one year following the first maintenance of the channel.

A new culvert will be constructed adjacent to an existing culvert on the Mill Stream. The existing culvert is approximately 105 metres in length and has a light port at approximately half way between each end. The culvert has a natural stone substrate at its lower end but upstream of the light port consists of two concrete pipes. The proposed culvert will take the water that currently flows in the existing culvert during dry weather conditions with the old culvert being retained to act as an overflow channel during flood conditions.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-47 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 5.22. Fish Ladder with Lamprey Access to the side. Similar to that which will be installed on the Bridewell River and Mill Stream.

The new culvert will be constructed using a 2.1m wide by 1.5m high (internally) box culvert that will be lined with imported natural bed material. The gradient will be approximately 1: 135 and the bed of the culvert will be set below the level of the intended bed so that when the 200mm of natural bed material is imported, the river bed is at a continuous level without any step or weir which, may act as an impediment to fish passage. A light port has been included in the design of the culvert and will be located at approximately half way between the ends of the culvert in a similar position to the existing light port.

Whilst the constraints of the site do not allow for perfect conditions for fish passage through the culvert, the existing situation has been improved with the removal of the concrete pipe section. The culvert has been designed taking into account the principles set out in the IFI Guidelines (Eastern Regional Fisheries Board – Requirements for the Protection of Fisheries Habitat During Construction and Development Works at Development Sites)

The new culvert route will be excavated in the dry and a connection made to the Mill Stream upon completion of the works.

A fish Counter will be constructed at the top of the rock ramp. This will be constructed with guidance from the IFI and will allow for the passage of Lamprey over the weir. This may require a small section of matting (as in the plate above) at the edge of the counter. It will be five metres in width to cover the entire top of the rock ramp. It will consist of a series of electroplates that register fish movement over the weir. It will also be fitted with a camera to verify records. It will be constructed at a low gradient of no more than 1:5 and if possible nearer 1:10 to facilitate easier passage for fish. There will be a depth of water of at least 0.15 metres on the counter at dry weather flow. A similar counter in use by the IFI on the Owenboliska River is shown in Plate 5.23.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-48 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Plate 5.23. Fish Counter in use on the Owenboliska River, Oughterard, Co. Galway.

5.6.6 Impacts on Water Quality

5.6.6.1 Siltation

Temporary Significant Negative Impact The proposed development has the potential to negatively impact on water quality downstream of the proposed works through the mobilization of suspended solids due to in-stream works and surface run-off of silt during the construction phase. Stockpiled excavated material could pose a threat to surface water quality should it not be stored a sufficient distance from the watercourse. Whilst there is naturally occurring transfer of sediments within the river, the proposed works are likely to significantly increase the sediment load during the period that they are carried out. This may affect species of conservation concern such as Atlantic Salmon, Lamprey and Otter and may lead to the pollution of habitats downstream of the proposed works. There will be damage to the river-bank during in-stream works. If left unconsolidated, the river-banks may cause persistent scouring and siltation of the watercourse over time.

Mitigation Measures • The proposed works will only take place over approximately 60% of the width of the river at any one time. • Works will only be undertaken in the period May – September inclusive to avoid the periods of greatest sensitivity for Salmonids. • Whilst the methodology for carrying out these works has not been finalised at this point, it will include measures to minimise the suspension and transfer of sediment downstream. These measures are likely to include the use of silt barriers downstream of the works areas and removal of any accumulated silt, construction of silt sumps downstream of the works areas,

Environmental Impact Statement 5-49 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

cofferdamming and dewatering of works areas where concrete and other building works are proposed. • Works will only be undertaken during normal working hours (8:00 – 6:00) thus allowing the river to run clean for 14 hours per day. • Rock will be broken out in such a manner as to ensure that fish passage up the river is possible at all times. Either the broken rock will be graded to ensure that there is never an in surmountable lip or portable rock ramps or fish ladders will be employed to allow continued fish passage. • All works undertaken on the banks will be fully consolidated to prevent scour and run off of silt. Consolidation may include use of protective and biodegradable matting (coirmesh) on the banks and also the sowing of grass seed on bare soil. • All concrete works will be carried out in dry conditions with no in-stream pouring of concrete. In areas where concrete is required within the river channel such as the bridge piers and flood defence walls, a dry working area will be created or pre-cast solutions will be used. • There will be no refueling of machinery within the river channel. Refueling will take place at designated locations at distances of greater than 30 metres from the watercourse. • No vehicles will be left unattended when refueling and a spill kit including an oil containment boom and absorbent pads will be on site at all times. • Any fuel that is stored on the site will be in a double skinned, bunded container that will be located within a designated works compound at a location that is removed from the river. All other construction materials and plant will be stored in this compound. The compound will also house the site offices and portaloo toilets. This compound will either be located on ground that is not prone to flooding or will be surrounded by a protective earth bund to prevent inundation. • All vehicles will be regularly maintained and checked for fuel and oil leaks. • During the construction phase, minor changes to the design must be provided for to ensure that the mitigation is effective. The works will be overseen by an ecologist and ideally the mitigation will be constructed in conjunction with the IFI. The main excavation of the channel and thalweg will be undertaken in the initial phase of works with habitat creation works and other mitigation undertaken afterwards once the initial works have been completed. This will allow the careful placement of boulders, gravels and rubble mats in the locations that they will work most effectively. • An ongoing scheme of monitoring will be undertaken. This will follow on from the initial baseline fish stock survey and will be carried out annually until one year following the first maintenance of the channel. • The obvious compaction of salmonid gravels and /or the creation of new silt berms in river reaches downstream of the proposed works zone, while unlikely, could occur. Should this happen any silted gravel shoals will subsequently be tossed and new silt berms generated by the scheme will be removed as part of the works programme.

Residual Impact It is likely that, with the mitigation in place this impact will constitute a Temporary Moderate Negative Impact. This residual impact will be fully identified as the works method statements become finalised and mitigation measures become finalised.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-50 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

5.6.6.2 Contamination

Short Term Moderate Negative Impact The use of potential contaminants (such as concrete products, oils, fuels and lubricants) on site during construction may impact on surface water quality if released to the river. Concrete used in the construction works associated with the river walls could be released into the river. Fuels and oils from machinery working within the river are also potential pollutants.

Mitigation Measures • All concrete works will be carried out in dry conditions with no in-stream pouring of concrete. In areas where concrete is required within the river channel such as the bridge piers, a dry working area will be created or pre-cast solutions will be used. • There will be no refueling of machinery within the river channel. Refueling will take place at designated locations at distances of greater than 30 metres from the watercourse. • No vehicles will be left unattended when refueling and a spill kit including an oil containment boom and absorbent pads will be on site at all times. • Any fuel that is stored on the site will be in a double skinned, bunded container that will be located within a designated works compound at a location that is removed from the river. All other construction materials and plant will be stored in this compound. The compound will also house the site offices and portaloo toilets. This compound will either be located on ground that is not prone to flooding or will be surrounded by a protective earth bund to prevent inundation. • All vehicles will be regularly maintained and checked for fuel and oil leaks.

Residual Impact It is likely that, with the mitigation in place this impact will constitute a Temporary Minor Negative Impact.

5.6.7 Spread of Invasive Species

Permanent Moderate Negative Impact The study area supports extensive growth of invasive plant species including Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and Himalayan Knotweed (Persicaria wallichii). The proposed works have the potential to result in the spread of these species through soil and bankside disturbance. This could have the effect of destroying the native floral communities and also bank destabilisation as bare earth will pervade during the winter.

Mitigation Measures • A programme of works to eradicate and control the spread the above invasive species will be started prior to the outset of works. This will follow the ‘Knotweed Code of Practice’ (English Nature) • All plant and equipment used by the appointed contractor will be cleaned and disinfected prior to the commencement of works in the Bandon River to ensure that invasive species are not introduced to the Bandon system.

Residual Impact It is likely that, with the mitigation in place this impact will constitute a Long Term Moderate Positive Impact as there is no control of these invasive species currently in pace.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-51 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

5.6.8 Impacts on Designated Sites

The two sites that are designated for conservation that have the potential to be affected by the proposed works and the impacts thereon are considered below. The Bandon Valley (above Inishannon) pNHA will be directly impacted by the proposed works. The Bandon River cSAC is the only Natura 2000 site within the catchment (albeit upstream) and impacts on this site have been discounted following a review of the scheme design and construction proposals. This has been fully assessed in the Appropriate Assessment process shown in Appendix 5A.

5.6.8.1 Bandon River cSAC

This cSAC is located upstream of the proposed works but could potentially be affected if the upstream migration of fish (Salmon) was impeded. Measures described in Section 5.6.1.2 above have been included to ensure that fish continue to pass through the works area in their migration to the wider catchment upstream. These include avoidance of works in the main periods of migration, mitigation to avoid excessive siltation and not blocking the river along with the provision of a rock ramp to facilitate easier upstream passage than currently exists. The impacts on this cSAC are unlikely to be significant.

5.6.8.2 Impacts on Bandon Valley (above Inishannon) pNHA

Habitat Loss Permanent Moderate Negative Impact

The proposed works will involve the dredging of the river for a distance of approximately 550 metres at the upstream end of the designated site. This will be the very end of the works area and will involve only dredging to a depth of between 0.5 and 0.3 metres. It will however constitute modification of the bed of the river in this location. The site synopsis for this designated site states the following:

The Bandon Valley is especially valuable for its woodlands and unmodified river bed.

The bed will be modified for a distance of approximately 550 metres within this designated site. This constitutes approximately 10% of the total of the river located within the pNHA. It is unlikely that there will be any impact on the woodlands associated with this site as they are primarily located downstream of the proposed works and it is not anticipated that adjacent water levels will be altered. The bankside vegetation within the pNHA is likely to be affected by the proposed works and is likely to include the loss of tree lines and other bankside vegetation.

Mitigation Measures • The mitigation for habitat loss associated with the proposed works is discussed in Section 4.2 and includes design measures including the creation of variation in channel morphology where possible including a varied flowpath (thalweg) and features such as random boulders and deflectors within the channel. Mitigation described in this section also includes retention of as much bankside habitat as possible and replacement of any that is lost as part of the construction process.

Residual Impact It is likely that, with the mitigation in place this impact will constitute a Permanent Minor Negative Impact

Environmental Impact Statement 5-52 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Siltation within the pNHA, Downstream of the Works Short Term Significant Negative Impact

The proposed works have the potential to negatively impact on water quality downstream within the pNHA through the mobilization of suspended solids due to in-stream works and surface run-off of silt during the construction phase. Whilst there is naturally occurring transfer of sediments within the river, the proposed works are likely to significantly increase the sediment load during the period that they are carried out. This may affect species of conservation concern such as Atlantic Salmon, Lamprey and Otter and may lead to the pollution of habitats within the pNHA. There will be damage to the river-bank during in-stream works. If left unconsolidated, the river-banks may cause persistent scouring and siltation of the watercourse over time.

Mitigation Measures • The mitigation associated with this impact is discussed in Section 4.4 and includes the following elements: • The proposed works will only take place over approximately 60% of the width of the river at any one time. • Works will only be undertaken in the period May – September inclusive to avoid the periods of greatest sensitivity for Salmonids. • Whilst the methodology for carrying out these works has not been finalised at this point, it will include measures to minimise the suspension and transfer of sediment downstream. These measures are likely to include the use of silt barriers downstream of the works areas and removal of any accumulated silt, construction of silt sumps downstream of the works areas, cofferdamming and dewatering of works areas where concrete and other building works are proposed. • Works will only be undertaken during normal working hours (8:00 – 6:00) thus allowing the river to run clean for 14 hours per day. • All works undertaken on the banks will be fully consolidated to prevent scour and run off of silt. Consolidation may include use of protective and biodegradable matting (coirmesh) on the banks and also the sowing of grass seed on bare soil.

Residual Impact It is likely that, with the mitigation in place this impact will constitute a Short Term Moderate Negative Impact. This residual impact will be fully identified as the works method statements become finalised and mitigation measures become finalised.

5.7 SUPERVISION AND MONITORING

Whilst the prescribed mitigation in this document has been described a accurately as possible it is important that during the construction phase, there is the potential to adjust and amend the proposals as the work proceeds. To this end, minor changes to the design must be provided for to ensure that the mitigation is effective. The works will be overseen by an ecologist and ideally the mitigation will be constructed in conjunction with the IFI. The main excavation of the channel and thalweg will be undertaken in the initial phase of works with habitat creation works and other mitigation undertaken afterwards once the initial works have been completed. This will allow the careful placement of boulders, gravels and rubble mats in the locations that they will work most effectively.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-53 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

An ongoing scheme of monitoring will be undertaken. This will follow on from the initial baseline fish stock survey and will be carried out annually until one year following the first maintenance of the channel.

Environmental Impact Statement 5-54 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

• Improvements to the existing flood defences on the Bridewell River in Bandon Town and at the Bandon Wastewater Treatment Plant.

• The provision of a new culvert to the Mill Stream

The description of the scheme is provided in more detail in Chapter 3 – Description of the Proposed Development.

In the initial stages of the project, the Study Area for the proposed scheme encompassed a larger area in order to allow for the consideration of all potential scheme options and their various impacts on the receiving environment. The Study Area at the constraints study stage was described as ‘the channel, floodplain and immediate surrounding areas of the River Bandon extending along the main channel of the river’ from just downstream of Baxter’s Bridge, east of Bandon Town to just upstream of the village of Ballinadee on the Bandon estuary, measuring approximately 18.08 square kilometres in area. However as the scheme design progressed based on feedback from the constraints study and other relevant assessments, the Study Area was refined to a more specific area, within which impacts may occur. For most studies conducted as part of this EIS, the Study Area was reduced to the channel, floodplain and immediate surrounding areas of the River Bandon extending from Baxter’s Bridge to Curranure Townland or Inishannon Village. The Study Area for each aspect of the receiving environment is defined in each chapter of the EIS in order to clarify the extent of the area assessed for impacts relating to the proposed works.

1.3 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE EIS

The purpose of this EIS is to document the current state of the environment in the vicinity of the proposed scheme in an effort to quantify the possible effects, if any, of the proposed scheme on the environment. The assessment process that led to the compilation of this document served to highlight any areas where mitigation measures may be necessary in order to protect the surrounding environment from any negative impacts of the proposed development.

The objective of this process is to facilitate the most efficient and positive design of the proposed scheme in order to enable the scheme to be incorporated into the receiving environment insofar as possible and to plan for the identified effects so that measures are in place to ensure that any adverse impacts are avoided, reduced or remedied as appropriate.

1.4 STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF THE EIS

1.4.1 General Structure

This EIS uses the grouped structure method to describe the existing environment, the potential impacts of the proposed scheme thereon and the proposed mitigation measures. Background information relating to the proposed scheme, scoping and consultation undertaken and a description of the proposed scheme are presented in separate sections. The grouped format sections describe the impacts of the proposed scheme in terms of human beings, flora and fauna, soils and geology, water, air, noise and climate, landscape, cultural heritage and material assets such as traffic and transportation, along with the interaction of the foregoing.

The EIS also includes a non-technical summary, which is a condensed and easily comprehensible version of the EIS document. The non-technical summary is laid out in a similar format to the main EIS document and comprises a description of the proposed scheme followed by the existing environment, impacts and mitigation measures presented in the grouped format.

1-2 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

1.4.2 Description of Impacts

As stated in the ‘Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements’ (EPA, 2002), an assessment of the likely impacts of a proposed development is a statutory requirement of the EIA process. The statutory criteria for the presentation of the characteristics of potential impacts requires that potential significant impacts are described with regard to the extent, magnitude, complexity, probability, duration, frequency, reversibility and transfrontier nature (if applicable) of the impact.

The classification of impacts in this EIS will follow the definitions provided in the Glossary of Impacts contained in the following guidance documents produced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

• Advice Notes on Current Practice in the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (EPA, 2003)

• Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements (EPA, 2002)

Table 1.1 presents the glossary of impacts as published in the EPA guidance documents. Standard definitions are provided in this glossary, which permit the evaluation and classification of the quality, significance, duration and type of impacts associated with a proposed development on the receiving environment. The use of pre-existing standardised terms for the classification of impacts ensures that the EIA employs a systematic approach, which can be replicated across all disciplines covered in the EIS, as advised in ‘Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements’ (EPA, 2002). The consistent application of terminology throughout the EIS facilitates the assessment of the proposed development on the receiving environment.

Impact Description Characteristic Positive A change which improves the quality of the environment Quality Neutral A change which does not affect the quality of the environment Negative A change which reduces the quality of the environment

An impact capable of measurement but without noticeable Imperceptible consequences An impact which causes noticeable changes in the character of Slight the environment without affecting its sensitivities Significance An impact that alters the character of the environment in a Moderate manner consistent with existing and emerging trends An impact, which by its character, magnitude, duration or Significant intensity alters a sensitive aspect of the environment Profound An impact which obliterates sensitive characteristics

Short-term Impact lasting one to seven years Medium-term Impact lasting seven to fifteen years Duration Long-term Impact lasting fifteen to sixty years Permanent Impact lasting over sixty years Temporary Impact lasting for one year or less

The addition of many small impacts to create one larger, more Cumulative significant impact The environment as it would be in the future should no Type ‘Do Nothing’ development of any kind be carried out When the full consequences of a change in the environment Indeterminable cannot be described

1-3 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Impact Description Characteristic When the character, distinctiveness, diversity, or reproductive Irreversible capacity of an environment is permanently lost Degree of environmental change that will occur after the Residual proposed mitigation measures have taken effect Where the resultant impact is of greater significance than the Synergistic sum of its constituents The impacts arising from a development in the case where ‘Worst Case’ mitigation measures substantially fail. Table 1.1 Impact Classification Terminology (EPA, 2002/3) Each impact is described in terms of its quality, significance, duration and type, where possible. A ‘Do Nothing’ impact is also predicted in respect of each environmental theme in the EIS. Residual impacts are also presented following any impact for which mitigation measures are prescribed. The remaining impact types are presented as required or applicable throughout the EIS.

1.5 PROJECT TEAM

1.5.1 Project Team Responsibilities

The companies and staff listed in Table 1.2 were responsible for completion of the EIA of the proposed development. Further details regarding project team members are provided below.

Consultants Principal Staff Involved in Project EIS Input

Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers Claire Lyons BE (Civil) Dip APM CEng EIS Chapters 3,6,7 & 11 MIEI CWEM CEnv MCIWEM MIAHS Sherwood House, Sherwood Avenue, Richard Kiely BE (Environmental) MIEI Taylor’s Hill, MIAHS Galway

McCarthy Keville O’ Sullivan Ltd. Corina Colleran B.Sc. (Env.) EIA Project Managers, Planning and Environmental Co-ordination and Consultants Pat Roberts B.Sc. (Env.) editing of EIS, Scoping and consultation, EIS Block 1 GFSC, Dervla O’Dowd B.Sc. (Env.) Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 & Moneenageisha Road, 12, AA Screening Galway

WYG Ireland Kieran Thornton Scheme Design Unit 2 University Technology Centre, Sean Harrington Curraheen Road, Bishopstown, Cork

JBA Consulting Jonathan Cooper BEng MSc DipCD Hydrology CEng MICE MCIWEM C.WEM MloD 24 Grove Island Corbally, Elizabeth Russell BSc MSc CEnv Limerick, MCIWEM C.WEM Co Limerick Wolfram Schluter BSc MSc PhD CEng MCIWEM C.WEM

Chris Smith BSc PhD CEnv MCIWEM

1-4 Bandon River (Bandon) Drainage Scheme in association with

Consultants Principal Staff Involved in Project EIS Input C.WEM MCMI George Heritage BSc PhD

Sam Willis BSc MSc

John Cronin & Associates John Cronin BA MRUP MUBC Dip Geol Cultural Heritage MIAI Section 3a Westpoint Trade Centre, Link Road, Tony Cummins BA MA Ballincollig, Cork, Co. Cork

The Archaeological Diving Dr. Niall Brady B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Underwater Company Ltd. (ADCO) Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Section Brehon House, Kilkenny Road, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny

AWN Consulting Limited Dr. Edward Porter B.Sc. (Hons), PhD Air Quality

Unit 5, ATS Building Claire Lynch B.A. (Hons), M.Sc. Carrigaline Industrial Estate Carrigaline Co. Cork

Peterson Focus Ltd. Jesper Pederson B.E. (Mech) Photomontages

4 Combermere Glounthaune Co. Cork

Table 1.2 EIA Project Team

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