Office of Public Works Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works - Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme

2019-2023

Stage 2: Natura Impact Statement

December 2018

Office of Public Works Templemungret House Mungret Co. Limerick

JBA Project Manager Tom Sampson 24 Grove Island Corbally Limerick Ireland Revision History Revision Ref / Date Issued Amendments Issued to V0.8 Internal review N Burke (JBA) V1.0 / 04 Dec 2018 First issue to client Tony Brew (OPW) V2.0 / 18 Dec 2018 Updates following client Tony Brew (OPW) review Contract This report describes work commissioned by Helena Fagan, on behalf of the Office of Public Works, by a letter dated 6 June, 2018. The Office of Public Works representative for the contract was Tony Brew. Tanya Slattery, Hannah Mulcahy and Malin Lundberg of JBA Consulting carried out this work. Field survey work was carried out by Independent Ecologist Rory Dalton.

Prepared by ...... Tanya Slattery BSc (Hons) MSc MSc (Res) Ecologist

Malin Lundberg BSc MSc Assistant Ecologist

Hannah Mulcahy BSc (Hons) MSc Assistant Ecologist

Reviewed by ...... Niamh Burke BSc (Hons) PhD CEnv MCIEEM Senior Ecologist Purpose This document has been prepared as a Final Report for the OPW. JBA Consulting accepts no responsibility or liability for any use that is made of this document other than by the Client for the purposes for which it was originally commissioned and prepared. JBA Consulting has no liability regarding the use of this report except to the OPW. Copyright © Jeremy Benn Associates Limited 2018 Carbon Footprint A printed copy of the main text in this document will result in a carbon footprint of 437g if 100% post- consumer recycled paper is used and 556g if primary-source paper is used. These figures assume the report is printed in black and white on A4 paper and in duplex. JBA is aiming to reduce its per capita carbon emissions.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx i

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx ii

Contents 1 Introduction ...... 4 1.1 Background ...... 4 1.2 Legislative context ...... 4 1.3 Appropriate Assessment Process ...... 4 1.4 Methodology...... 5 2 Project Description ...... 9 2.1 Arterial Drainage Maintenance ...... 9 2.2 Drainage Maintenance Activities ...... 9 2.3 The Feale Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme...... 16 2.4 Drainage Maintenance Works Proposed for the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme ...... 16 3 Screening Assessment Results ...... 17 3.1 Surface Water Pathways ...... 17 3.2 Land and air pathways ...... 22 3.3 Groundwater pathways ...... 27 4 Existing Environment ...... 32 4.1 General ...... 32 4.2 Ecology - Overview ...... 32 4.3 Ecological walkover survey results ...... 33 4.4 Flora ...... 44 4.5 Fauna ...... 44 4.6 Non-native Invasive species ...... 45 5 Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence of the works/scheme ...... 46 5.1 Moanveanlagh Bog SAC ...... 46 5.2 Lower River Shannon SAC ...... 47 6 Appropriate Assessment...... 50 6.1 Introduction ...... 50 6.2 Identification of potential sources of Impact ...... 50 6.3 Impact Assessment ...... 53 6.4 Impact Evaluation ...... 56 7 Avoidance and Mitigation Measures ...... 72 7.1 Site specific mitigation measures ...... 72 7.2 Mitigation for Bridge/Sluice/Structural Works ...... 73 8 Conclusions ...... 75 References...... 77 Appendices ...... I A Conservation Objectives ...... I B Protected Fauna ...... XIII C Non-native Invasive Species ...... XX D Environmental Drainage Maintenance Manual ...... XXI E Foreman’s Bridge Inspection Report ...... XXI I F Environmental Risk Assessment Form ...... XXI II G Ecological Survey Extent ...... XXI V

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx

Contents H Channels, Embankments, Bridges and Sluices screened into assessment and pathways of impact ...... XX V

List of Figures Figure 1-1: The Appropriate Assessment Process (from: Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities, DoEHLG, 2009).. 5 Figure 1-2: Screening assessment process ...... 7 Figure 2-1 Extent of Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme ...... 16 Figure 3-1 Channels of the Feale Scheme with potential impacts via surface water pathways ...... 18 Figure 3-2 Channels and embankments with potential impacts via land and air pathways ...... 22 Table 3-6 Natura 2000 site with potential to be impacted by groundwater pathways ...... 27 Figure 3-3 Channels and embankments with potential impacts via groundwater pathways ...... 28 Figure 4-1 Kingfisher nest and Badger sett in sandy bank found along the survey area of the Feale River ...... 33 Figure 4-2 Arable crops of Wheat with a small border of scrub adjacent to the River Feale ...... 34 Figure 4-3 River Feale Estuary with Fixed Dunes on opposite bank ...... 35 Figure 4-4 Reed and large sedge swamp with grassy verges on the embankment ...... 37 Figure 4-5 Improved agricultural grassland ...... 38 Figure 4-6 Improved Agricultural Grassland and Dry-humid acid grassland ...... 39 Figure 4-7 Wet grassland on the opposite bank ...... 40 Figure 4-8 Embankment of grassy verge, sandy shore and muddy sand shores ...... 41 Figure 4-9 Treeline along the River Feale ...... 42 Figure 4-10 Scrub composed of gorse transitioning from grassy verge on the embankment ...... 43 Figure 4-11 NNIS Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam growing side by side near Listowel ...... 45 Figure 5-1 Natura 2000 sites within the ZOI ...... 46 Table 5-2 Threats and pressures to the Lower River Shannon SAC (NPWS 2015c) ...... 49

List of Tables Table 2-1: OPW Drainage Maintenance Subcategories ...... 9 Table 2-2: OPW Drainage Maintenance Types ...... 9 Table 3-1 Natura 2000 sites potentially impacted by the maintenance works ...... 17 Table 3-2 Surface Water Pathways ...... 17 Table 3-3 Summary results of SWD QIs / FOIs of SACs with potential surface water pathways, potential Annex I habitats present and potential for significant impact

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx

...... 19 Table 3-4 Land and air pathways ...... 22 Table 3-7 Summary results of QIs / FOIs in Natura 2000 sites with potential groundwater connectivity, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through groundwater pathways ...... 28 Table 3-8 Conclusions of screening assessment for likelihood of significant effect...... 31 Table 4-1 Habitats found along the River Feale ...... 33 Table 5-1 Threats and pressures to Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) ...... 47 Table 6-1 Impact evaluation table ...... 58 Table 7-1 Specific mitigation measures ...... 72 Table 7-2 Mitigation measures for bridge, sluice and/or structural works ...... 73

Abbreviations AA ...... Appropriate Assessment CA ...... Competent Authority DoEHLG ...... Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government EC ...... European Community EP ...... Environmental Procedures EPA ...... Environmental Protection Agency GIS ...... Geographical Information System GWD ...... Ground Water Dependant HDPE ...... High-density polyethylene IFI ...... Inland Fisheries Ireland IROPI ...... Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest I-WeBS ...... Irish Wetland Bird Survey MAC ...... Maintenance Access Corridors NIS ...... Natura Impact Statement NBDC ...... National Biodiversity Data Centre NNIS ...... Non-Native Invasive Species NPWS ...... National Parks and Wildlife Services NRA ...... National Roads Authority OPW ...... Office of Public Works RBMP ...... River Basin Management Plan SAC ...... Special Area of Conservation SPA ...... Special Protection Area SWD ...... Surface Water Dependant QI ...... Qualifying Interests WFD ...... Water Framework Directive ZOI ...... Zone of Influence

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 3

1 Introduction

1.1 Background JBA has been appointed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to provide environmental consultancy services in relation to statutory arterial drainage maintenance activities for 2019 - 2023 on the Feale Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme. This includes preparing a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) report to present required information to the relevant Competent Authority (CA) to undertake Appropriate Assessment. Appropriate Assessment is required at this location due to the presence of the Lower River Shannon SAC within the Feale Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme. An initial screening assessment was undertaken at this location for the purposes of Appropriate Assessment by JBA in 2014 (JBA 2014). This screening report defined the zone of influence of the works, screened Natura 2000 sites within this zone of influence for potential to be significantly impacted by the proposed works and identified the potential for the proposed works to have significant impact upon Moanveanlagh Bog SAC and the Lower River Shannon SAC in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora). Due to the identification of potentially significant effects in relation to the proposed works at this location, this NIS has been prepared to further assess the impacts on the integrity of the relevant Natura 2000 site and devise appropriate avoidance and mitigation measures where necessary. As part of this NIS, the 2014 AA Screening is reviewed and updated within this NIS report as necessary. The proposed works as part of the Feale Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme, furthermore referred to as the "Scheme", are required as part of maintenance activities under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act, and include the River Feale, the Galey River and various tributaries along the Scheme channels. These channels are located within and adjacent to Moanveanlagh Bog SAC and the Lower River Shannon SAC Natura 2000 sites and therefore, requires Appropriate Assessment.

1.2 Legislative context The Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) aims to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest across Europe. The requirements of these directives are transposed into Irish law through the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations) 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011). Under the Directive a network of sites of nature conservation importance have been identified by each Member State as containing specified habitats or species requiring to be maintained or returned to favourable conservation status. In Ireland the network consists of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and SPAs, and also candidate sites, which form the Natura 2000 network. Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive requires that, in relation to European designated sites (i.e. SACs and SPAs that form the Natura 2000 network), "any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives". A competent authority (e.g. the OPW or Local Authority) can only agree to a plan or project after having determined that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned. Under article 6(4) of the Directive, if adverse impacts are likely, and in the absence of alternative options, a plan or project must nevertheless proceed for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI), including social or economic reasons, a Member State is required to take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure the overall integrity of the Natura 2000 site. The European Commission have to be informed of any compensatory measures adopted, unless a priority habitat type or species is present and in which case an opinion from the European Commission is required beforehand (unless for human health or public safety reasons, or of benefit to the environment).

1.3 Appropriate Assessment Process Guidance on the Appropriate Assessment (AA) process was produced by the European Commission in 2002, which was subsequently developed into guidance specifically for Ireland by

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 4

the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) (2009). These guidance documents identify a staged approach to conducting an AA, as shown Figure 1-1.

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4

Screening for AA AA Alternative Solutions IROPI

Figure 1-1: The Appropriate Assessment Process (from: Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities, DoEHLG, 2009)

1.3.1 Stage 1 - Screening for AA The initial, screening stage of the Appropriate Assessment is to determine: a. whether the proposed plan or project is directly connected with or necessary for the management of the European designated site for nature conservation b. if it is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the European designated site, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects For those sites where potential adverse impacts are identified, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, further assessment is necessary to determine if the proposals will have an adverse impact on the integrity of a European designated site, in view of the sites conservation objectives (i.e. the process proceeds to Stage 2).

1.3.2 Stage 2 - AA This stage requires a more in-depth evaluation of the plan or project, and the potential direct and indirect impacts of them on the integrity and interest features of the European designated site(s), alone and in-combination with other plans and projects, taking into account the site's structure, function and conservation objectives. Where required, mitigation or avoidance measures will be suggested. The competent authority can only agree to the plan or project after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site(s) concerned. If this cannot be determined, and where mitigation cannot be achieved, then alternative solutions will need to be considered (i.e. the process proceeds to Stage 3).

1.3.3 Stage 3 - Alternative Solutions Where adverse impacts on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites are identified, and mitigation cannot be satisfactorily implemented, alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the plan or project that avoid adverse impacts need to be considered. If none can be found, the process proceeds to Stage 4.

1.3.4 Stage 4 - IROPI Where adverse impacts of a plan or project on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites are identified and no alternative solutions exist, the plan will only be allowed to progress if imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) can be demonstrated. In this case compensatory measures will be required. The process only proceeds through each of the four stages for certain plans or projects. For example, for a plan or project, not connected with management of a site, but where no likely significant impacts are identified, the process stops at stage 1. Throughout the process, the precautionary principle must be applied, so that any uncertainties do not result in adverse impacts on a site.

1.4 Methodology Data to be used in this assessment has been collected in a range of formats, from a range of sources, including: • A comprehensive desktop survey (Section 1.4.1)

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 5

• The 2014 Feale Arterial Drainage Maintenance Screening Assessment (JBA 2014) (Section 1.4.2) • A number of ecological surveys conducted by Rory Dalton over 13 days from 9/7/18 to 9/8/18 (Section 1.4.3) • National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) website (http://www.npws.ie/) where site synopses, Natura 2000 data forms, GIS data and conservation objectives were obtained. • The Irish Wetland Bird Survey (BirdWatch Ireland 2017) • National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC 2018)

1.4.1 Desktop This NIS has been prepared with regard to the following documents: • DoEHLG (2009 rev 2010) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland Guidance for Planning Authorities. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG 2009). • European Communities (EC) (2000) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. European Commission (European Commission and Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 2000). • EC (2002) Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. European Commission (EC 2002). • EC (2007) Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the 'Habitats Directive' 92/43/EEC – Clarification of the concepts of: alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding public interest, compensatory measures, overall coherence, opinion of the commission. European Commission (EC 2007). • EC (2013) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 28. European Commission (EC 2013). • Fossitt, J., (2000). A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny (Fossitt 2000). • NPWS (2008). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland (NPWS 2008). • NPWS (2014). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Habitats Assessment Volume 2. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland (NPWS 2013a). • NPWS (2014). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Species Assessment Volume 3. Habitats Assessment Volume 2. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland (NPWS 2013b).

This report has been produced on currently available information, with the most up-to-date versions used.

1.4.2 Screening The screening assessment conducted for these works has been undertaken in line with recommended guidance including that specifically produced for the OPW in 2014 (Ryan Hanley 2014b, 2014a). This methodology is based on source > pathway > receptor chain principles and involves assessing likely significant effects on Natura 2000 sites within the zone of influence of the proposed drainage maintenance in relation to three pathways (Figure 1-2):

1. Surface water 2. Land & air 3. Groundwater

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 6

The screening assessment involves assessing the impacts of drainage maintenance operations within the arterial drainage scheme, and its zone of influence, in relation to each of the three pathways individually. The results of each pathway are then combined in a concluding section to identify if/where likely significant effects may arise.

Figure 1-2: Screening assessment process

Surface water Land & Air Groundwater Pathway present Pathway present Pathway present connecting connecting connecting potential potential impacts potential impacts impacts to relevant to relevant Natura to relevant Natura Natura 2000 sites 2000 sites 2000 sites

Source > Pathway > Receptor Chain Receptor > Pathway > Source

Further assessment required

The screening process uses a combination of GIS analysis and qualitative assessment to identify which drainage maintenance activities, on which specific watercourses, are likely to have significant effects on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites. The screening report, conducted by JBA ecologists in 2014, has been reviewed and updated as necessary for the production of this NIS.

1.4.3 Ecological surveys To inform the Appropriate Assessment process, a number of assessments and ecological surveys have been conducted, including: • A comprehensive desk-based study to collate information on designated sites and protected and notable species (Section 4); • Feale Arterial Drainage Maintenance Screening Assessment (JBA 2014); • Ecological surveys conducted on from 9/7/18 to 9/8/18 (Section 4); • The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) website (https://www.npws.ie/), where site synopses, Natura 2000 data forms and conservation objectives were obtained. • National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) (http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/) • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maps website (https://gis.epa.ie/EPAMaps/) • River Basin Management Plans (RBMP) (www.wfdireland.ie) • Catchments (www.catchments.ie) • Planning website (http://www.galway.ie/en/services/planning/onlineplanningsystems/)

The ecological walkover survey was carried out in general accordance with the methods outlined in the following documents; • Heritage Council (2011). Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping (Smith et al. 2011);

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 7

• Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology (Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), 1990, revised 2003). • Ecological Surveying Techniques for Protected Flora and Fauna during the Planning of National Road Schemes (NRA 2009); • Fossitt, J. (2000). A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny (Fossitt 2000). Aerial photographs and site maps assisted the habitat survey. Protected species, including mammals (e.g. Otter, Badger) and birds, were surveyed based upon sightings and signs of activity during the habitat survey and also by the identification of potentially suitable habitats. This included a preliminary assessment of features with suitability for roosting bats and recording of any Non- Native Invasive Species (NNIS) found. All evidence of protected habitats and species was recorded in a digital database where relevant, and all information gathered was provided to the OPW on a separate GIS database. The full ecological survey extent is shown in Appendix G. The results of these surveys have informed this NIS where relevant.

1.4.4 Consultation The findings of this assessment will be subject to consultation with the NPWS. This report has been produced on currently available information, with the most up-to-date versions used. Where new, or updated, information becomes available the OPW will consider and review the findings of this assessment, if necessary.

1.4.5 Limitations and constraints The conclusion of this report necessarily relies on some assumptions and it is inevitably subject to some limitations. Most of the assumptions and limitations would not affect the conclusion but the following points are recorded to ensure the basis of the assessment is clear: • This NIS investigates the potential direct and indirect impacts of the proposed works upon relevant Natura 2000 sites and assesses the potential impacts for significance alone and in-combination with other plans and projects. This process takes into consideration the nature of the proposed works and the structure, function and conservation objectives of the relevant Natura 2000 sites. It gathers the required information from a variety of sources. Information used in this process may be subject to limitations and constraints that are not made clear in the various sources and these may then, impact upon the results of this report. Attempts are made to interpret potential constraints and limitations from relevant sources where possible. Where constraints and limitations within source data are evident, these are taken into consideration in the following assessment however, this does allow for a margin of error; • Where significant adverse impacts are determined to potentially occur as a result of the works, a number of appropriate mitigation measures to be implemented during the scheme are provided in order to prevent any significant adverse impacts as a result of the scheme and proposed associated works. The conclusion of this report is based on the assumption that during the works, staff will be made aware of sensitive ecological features that may be present on site, will be competent to identify the presence of these features and will be aware of the mmitigation measures and Environmental Procedures (EPs) to be followed as required in such circumstances; • Ecological surveys attempt to characterise the habitats and their usage in the most accurate manner but are in effect only a snapshot in time. Surveyor bias, seasonality, tides and health and safety restrictions may allow for variations in survey results. Therefore, ecological surveys may not always identify the presence of all sensitive ecological features that may be present. • In all instances where constraints or limitations may impact the result of the NIS, the precautionary principle is used to prevent any bias. • The description of activities, assessment and mitigation measures described in this report relate to the content of the draft OPW Environmental Procedures version 08/18 Rev A.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 8

2 Project Description

2.1 Arterial Drainage Maintenance Between 1945 and 1995, under the Arterial Drainage Act (1945), the OPW completed 34 Arterial Drainage Schemes on river catchments, along with five estuarine embankment schemes (over 11,500km of channel and 730km of embankments). The OPW is statutorily obligated to maintain arterial drainage channels under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act, and since their completion, maintenance of these Arterial Drainage Schemes has been ongoing, with the majority of channels maintained every five years. However, larger channels tend to be only maintained every ten years, on average.

2.2 Drainage Maintenance Activities Arterial Drainage Maintenance includes a range of operations such as silt and vegetation management, mowing and structure maintenance, as detailed in Table 2-1, and listed as channel, embankment or structure maintenance in Table 2-2 below. It is required to retain the arterial drainage scheme design capacity. Table 2-1: OPW Drainage Maintenance Subcategories

Drainage Maintenance Subcategories A Silt and vegetation management B Aquatic vegetation cutting C Bank protection D Bush cutting/Branch trimming E Tree cutting F Mulching G Mowing H Gate installation I Sluice maintenance J Bridge maintenance K Other

Table 2-2: OPW Drainage Maintenance Types Category Maintenance Type Code

Silt and vegetation management A Aquatic vegetation cutting B Bank protection C Channel Maintenance Bush cutting/Branch trimming D Tree cutting E Other K Bush cutting/Branch trimming D Tree cutting E Embankment Mulching F Maintenance Mowing G Gate installation H Sluice maintenance I Structural Maintenance Bridge maintenance J Bank protection C

Bush cutting/Branch trimming D Tree cutting E

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 9

The following sections, taken from Ryan Hanley (2014a) and OPW (2011a), provide further details on the types and nature of arterial drainage maintenance operations undertaken by the OPW.

2.2.1 Channel Maintenance Activities The majority of drainage maintenance activities are focused on channel maintenance. While the frequency of maintenance on an individual channel may vary, with some channels requiring maintenance annually and others only requiring maintenance every twenty years, the average channel requires maintenance every four to six years. In this regard, approximately 2,000km of channels are maintained annually and nearly all of the 11,500km of channels across Irelands Arterial Drainage Schemes will have been maintained at least once over a period of five years. Channel maintenance is organised on a regional basis, with OPW Arterial Drainage Maintenance Regional Offices in Limerick, Headford, Co. Galway and Trim, Co. Meath. Scheme Design Standards Arterial Drainage Schemes constructed under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 were designed to provide an outfall for drainage of agricultural lands, and generally provided protection for a 3-year flood event. Where the creation of an outfall dictated the design bed levels, greater protection than the 3-year flood event was achieved as a consequence. In the case of modern flood relief schemes, flood protection for a 100-year flood event would be the design objective. The original Scheme designs, including the outfall datum for each of the Arterial Drainage Schemes, are available in the relevant OPW Arterial Drainage Maintenance Regional Office. This includes the mapped Scheme design, and the associated long sections and cross sections. These designs are used to inform channel maintenance. Types of Channel Requiring Maintenance In the years following the construction of a drainage scheme there is a tendency for the channel capacity to be progressively reduced due mainly to the transportation and deposition of bed materials, the accumulation of silt and the growth of in-channel vegetation. The resultant channel maintenance consists of repetitive works of a cyclical nature, to restore the Schemes design levels i.e. outfall datum in order to maintain the channel's designed capacity to convey water. Channels are prioritised for maintenance based on the rate of deterioration and the risk arising. The selection takes account of requests from the general public and potential flooding risk to roads, properties, urban areas and sewage works (OPW 2011a). Plane Bed to Low Gradient Channels Some 60 – 70% of maintained channels are of gentle longitudinal gradient and subject to relatively rapid deposition of silt, especially those that are subject to prolific growth of in-channel vegetation. The majority of maintenance works are therefore located on smaller lower-lying channels, with 90% of works in channels with a base width of <3m (OPW 2011a). In such channels silt and in-channel vegetation may cause the low flow level to rise by 50-300mm above the Scheme design level. In such circumstances maintenance is focused on restoring both low-flow and flood-flow water levels to original Scheme design. Medium to High Gradient Channels A smaller proportion of channels are steep and fast flowing and are subject to flash floods, bank erosion and rapid movement of bed gravel. The steeper sections of channel normally require relatively little and infrequent maintenance works (OPW 2011a) as opposed to channels of low gradient which are subject to rapid accumulation of silt and proliferation of vegetation. These channels will have a greater requirement for bank protection works. Periods and Cycles of Maintenance The average channel requires silt and vegetation management every four to six years. However, channels with prolific weed growth may require maintenance annually, particularly where downstream bridges are at risk of being blocked due to a flow of decaying vegetation in autumn. Conversely, some channels may only require in-stream maintenance every twenty years due to the self-cleaning characteristics e.g. high gradient channels. Where the period between previous channel maintenance works has been exceptionally long, dense scrub and woody vegetation can establish along the channel and within the maintenance access corridor. In such circumstances, drainage maintenance works will include the removal of scrub/transitional woodland (code WS1 in the Fossitt Classification, 2000) that has developed along

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 10

the banksides via bush cutting/branch trimming, tree cutting or mulching. This is undertaken between the 1st September and 28th February to avoid the residential bird nesting season (from the 1st March to 31st August as per the Wildlife Act (1976). In contrast, in-stream works for silt and vegetation management are carried out outside of the salmonid spawning season (May to September) and the times that early life stages of salmonid fish will be present as per Section 173 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act (1959) on channels with salmonid spawning habitat. Any works required during this period are carried out in consultation with IFI. As a result, there may be a two stage approach to the works, with silt and in-stream vegetation management carried out during the open season (i.e. summer months), while woody vegetation removal is carried out in the winter months. Other restrictions on works may also apply in relation to the presence/absence of other protected species such as White-clawed Crayfish and Sea, River and Brook Lamprey which will influence the timing of works.

2.2.2 Embankment Maintenance Activities A total of 5 No. Estuarine Embankment Schemes were constructed under the 1945 Act. In addition, a number of the Arterial Drainage Schemes have embanked sections. Embankments are present within the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme. Scheme Design Standards As above for the Arterial Drainage Schemes, Estuarine Embankment Schemes constructed under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 were designed to provide an outfall for drainage of agricultural lands, and generally provided protection for a 3-year flood event. Where the creation of an outfall dictated the design bed levels, greater protection than the 3-year flood event was achieved as a consequence. In the case of modern flood relief schemes, flood protection for a 100-year flood event would be the design objective. The original Scheme designs are available in the relevant OPW Arterial Drainage Maintenance Regional Office. This includes the mapped Scheme design, and the associated long sections and cross sections. Types of Embankments Requiring Maintenance All embankments and associated sluice structures (see section 2.2.3) are inspected annually for signs of disrepair. Regular inspections are carried out on sections of embankments, which are known from experience to be at risk, together with additional inspections after a storm surge at sea or a high tidal/flood event. Maintenance of embankments includes removal of vegetation to allow for inspection of the embankment, and in some cases the replacement of existing fencing with gates to allow for future access during maintenance.

2.2.3 Structural Maintenance Activities Structural Design Standards During the construction of the Arterial Drainage Schemes under the 1945 Act, some 18,500 No. accommodation bridges were identified and modified, or replaced as required. These bridges provide farmers owning land on both sides of a channels with farm vehicular and/or foot access from one side to the other. The type of bridge provided depended on the width, depth and required flow capacity of the channel, and ranged from concrete piped culverts to relatively large structures formed on concrete or masonry abutments spanned by structural steel beams, or lattice girders together with concrete or timber decking. During the Estuarine Embankment Schemes under the 1945 Act, existing sluice structures were identified and modified, or replaced as required. Additional sluice structures were constructed as required bringing the total number to approximately 750. The function of these sluice structures is to allow water from the floodplain behind the embankments to discharge to the main river or estuary. Types of Structures Requiring Maintenance In general, as channel maintenance proceeds, the bridges are examined by the supervisory industrial staff and if required, repairs/replacements are scheduled. The type of bridge structures, which are most likely to have fallen into a critical state of disrepair, are those with timber decking supported on steel beams, and those in which abutment foundations are being undercut. There is

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 11

a standard type of design for the replacement of these structures, which consists essentially of mass concrete abutments with reinforced cast in-situ decking. This type of structure is simple to construct and under normal circumstances, it will last for many years with little or no maintenance. On many occasions, it is not necessary to totally replace a bridge, and repairs such as underpinning the foundation or replacement of wing-walls, parapets or sections of the deck may be all that is required to extend the useful life of the structure. Where bridge maintenance may be required, a Bridge Inspection Form will be filled out by the Foreman, prior to the works. This will determine the need for further assessment and potentially, any mitigation measures that may be required. See Appendix E - Foreman’s Bridge Inspection Report. All embankments and associated structures are inspected annually for disrepair. Due to the time elapsed since scheme completion, some of these sluice structures have reached their design life and have started to fail. In this instance, full replacement is required. Typically, this involves the installation of pre-cast headwalls and back walls, and the replacement of existing corrugated galvanised steel pipes with PVC plastic pipes. Sluice doors are the most frequent part of the sluice structure that are required to be repaired or replaced. Repairs to a sluice door consist of replacing the arms/hinges on the existing cast iron door. On occasion, the existing cast iron door would be replaced with a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) door. Blockages often occur at the doors of the sluices due to silt build up. These blockages are removed using along reach excavator working from the bank of the channel. It is not known where bridges, sluice doors or structures may require maintenance on the Feale Scheme. Maintenance of bridges, structures and/or sluices will only occur within the scheme after following the relevant environmental procedures as detailed in the OPW Environmental Procedures document (OPW 2018) and using specific mitigation measures as defined in this document and Section 7.2. Structures that are assessed in this NIS for potential impacts as a result of maintenance works are included in Appendix H. This NIS does not include assessment for the removal, demolition, replacement or erection of bridges, sluices or structures.

2.2.4 Maintenance works considered outside of the Scheme Design Standards and outside of normal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works Occasionally, works are required that can be considered outside of the scope of the normal Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works to maintain a scheme. Works considered outside of the normal scope of statutory arterial drainage maintenance works have are not assessed for impacts in this report. Works that could be considered outside of the normal scope of works include those involving extensive bank protection measures, removal of mature woodland, unplanned bridge maintenance works that has not had any assessments completed or any other unplanned works within the zone of influence of a Natura 2000 site.

2.2.5 Plant and Machinery The types of machinery typically utilised during maintenance works would include 3600 hydraulic excavators (from 15-20 tonne excavators), mini-diggers, tractors and trailers, tipper lorries, hydraulic shears, hydraulic secateurs, chainsaws, mulchers and mowers; the machinery used is dependent on the maintenance activity being conducted. The removal of dense in-stream silt and vegetation requires the use of a hydraulic excavator with a 1.5m wide (approximate) bucket (capacity approximate 500ltrs). For standard excavators, works progress at a rate of 700m to 900m per week. In relation to long-reach excavators, works progress at a slower rate of between 200m and 350m per week. Rates may change due to channel width or ground conditions.

2.2.6 Maintenance Access Corridors (MAC) and Working Zone Maintenance sites are generally accessed via the public road and through farmland. A maintenance access corridor is utilised along one side of a channel for maintenance purposes. These established routes are used to track the hydraulic excavators for maintenance and for the disposal of spoil (see section 2.2.8). The same route is generally followed every maintenance cycle. This approach avoids disturbance of habitats on the opposite bank during works.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 12

Where grasslands are present within the maintenance access corridor, the impact is predominantly temporary as the grasslands are trampled by machinery and can recolonise following completion of the maintenance activities. Within woodland and scrub habitats a linear path more typical of disturbed vegetation i.e. scrub/transitional woodland (WS1) will be evident along the maintenance access corridor due to regular machine access. In this regard, the disturbance regime associated with the tracking of plant machinery along the maintenance access corridors on the channel bank arrests succession to mature woodland such that scrub/transitional woodland (WS1) dominates. Where mature trees are present these are generally avoided by plant machinery. Structures are generally accessed through farmland from the public road above. Plant machinery will utilise the same maintenance access corridor used for channel maintenance to gain access to the structure. Where individual trees, woodland and scrub habitats are present at the location of the structure, these may be removed to facilitate bridge inspection and works. Where mature trees are present these are generally avoided by plant machinery. The location of drainage maintenance works is generally accessed via public roads and through farmland, with the siting of mobile short-term staff welfare facilities, plant storage and car parking agreed with local landowners. There is no requirement for temporary site lighting. There is a requirement for water supply and disposal of wastewater from the welfare facilities (see section 2.2.8 in relation to waste disposal).

2.2.7 Site Compounds (Welfare Facilities), Access Routes and Haul Roads Haul roads are generally not required to facilitate drainage maintenance activities. Where access is required in soft ground conditions, plant equipment will be brought in on tracks or temporary matting will be laid to provide a corridor for machinery access. Where matting is utilised, it will be completely removed post completion of works to allow vegetation to recolonise. All plant and machinery is confined to one defined access route to minimise disturbance. All plant and machinery are regularly maintained and serviced to minimise release of hydrocarbons. All hydraulic excavators and other plant machinery use long life engine oil and biodegradable hydraulic oil. Fuelling and lubrication are conducted a minimum of 50m away from all channels. Spill kits are present in all plant used in maintenance activities. Integrated submersible pumps are also deployed in the event of structural maintenance and the requirement for dewatering of excavations.

2.2.8 Waste Output/Disposal The material removed from a channel during silt and vegetation management is normally spread thinly along the bank or on top of existing spoil heaps where present within the access corridor. All dead wood material is left on site to decompose or is removed off site and utilised as firewood under local landowner agreements. Where mulchers or mowers are deployed, the arisings are left on site to decompose or the mulched material is buried. Construction and demolition waste from structures includes broken concrete and stone. Steel railings are returned to the depot for recycling. Used engine oil and hydraulic oil is disposed of by a licensed waste handler. Toilet facilities are maintained by a licensed waste handler. Any waste generated on site is returned to the depot for segregation and disposal by a licensed waste handler.

2.2.9 Working Hours All maintenance activities are undertaken during daylight hours. Standard working hours are 8.00am to 4.30pm, with lunch and tea breaks, Monday to Friday. There is no requirement for temporary site lighting to facilitate works. Machines are powered down when not in use.

2.2.10 Environmental Training Environmental training of all staff involved in drainage maintenance is an ongoing process. Technical and Operational Staff have completed formal training in Environmental Drainage Maintenance (EDM) in 2004. This training course was revised and expanded under the OPW’s Environmental River Enhancement Programme (EREP) and was delivered to all staff in 2010. The training programme delivered included presentations in river corridor ecology, the Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance Notes (Ten Steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance), maintenance strategies involving both ‘enhanced maintenance’ and ‘capital enhancement’, and OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols and Environmental Procedures (EPs) (see section 2.2.12 for more details). Both sets of training were developed and delivered by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 13

The formal approach to EDM Training is complimented with on-site training. Regular site visits from IFI and OPW’s Environment Section provide further guidance and advice to operational staff. Auditing of operational staff on the implementation of the Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance Notes (Ten Steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance (OPW 2011b) is also carried out by both IFI and OPW’s Environment Section. In addition, other environmental training takes place as deemed beneficial, e.g. in 2008, the majority of the technical and operational staff were trained in Otter Awareness. This course, provided by the Department of Zoology, Trinity College Dublin, included presentations on Otter ecology, and on-site identification of Otter signs and suitable habitat. More recently, an environmental training course was designed and provided by JBA to all OPW staff in 2017 and 2018. It was given in three different stages. Management staff were given a more detailed 2-day course in Environmental and Ecological training. Ground staff were given 1.5 days of training in the environment and ecology. Modules were designed to assist staff in understanding the relevant legislation, recognising ecologically sensitive habitats and species, invasive non-native species identification and general environmental and ecological training relevant to their work. This included a half day practical session where ecologists demonstrated the identification of the elements taught in the classroom, in the field. Training in the completion of an Environmental Risk Assessment and Bridge Inspections from an ecological perspective, was designed and provided by JBA Consulting to OPW Foremen and selected engineering staff in 2018.

2.2.11 Environmental Audits A portion of operational crews have been audited annually by the OPW Environment Section, IFI and in 2018 by JBA Consulting for the implementation of the Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance Notes (Ten Steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance) and the OPW’s Environmental Management Protocol and EPs. Auditing is carried out by JBA Consulting and the OPW on a rotational basis to ensure all operational crews are audited at least once every three years. All audit results are discussed on-site and forwarded in full to the relevant engineer for that Scheme within two working weeks. In the event of an audit showing elements of unreasonable non- compliance with procedures, the relevant Engineer will be notified within one working day. Audit results are also forwarded to OPW Systems Manager for inclusion in monthly regional benchmarking reports.

2.2.12 Environmental Management Protocol and Environmental Procedures The draft OPW’s Environmental Management Protocols (OPW 2018) set out how regional management staff manage a range of environmental aspects, including programming of works to accommodate certain environmental windows or restrictions on timing of works, and recording of data. A total of 31 No. EPs are applied during operational works. The 31 EPs replace the previous SOPs (OPW 2011b). The EPs will be rolled out across the OPW in 2018. These EPs set out actions designed to eliminate, or substantially reduce, likely impacts to identified species and their associated habitats. A brief summary of these follow. Planning EPs relevant to Management Staff: • Including Environmental Risk Assessment Procedure; and • Appropriate Assessment Procedure

Implementation EPs - relevant to all staff: • Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance Notes (10 Steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance) • Tree Management Procedure • Silt Management Procedure • Machinery related procedure

Invasive Species EPs - relevant to all staff • Spread of Invasive Plant (Low Biosecurity) Procedure • Spread of Water Based Invasives (High Biosecurity) Procedure

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 14

Species EPs - relevant to all staff • Salmonid Procedure • Otter Procedure • Bats Procedure • Freshwater Pearl Mussel Procedure

Habitat EPs - relevant to all staff • Alluvial (Wet Woodland) Procedure • Wetland Procedure

The OPWs Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (OPW 2011) may still be in use as the updated EP document (2018) is being rolled out throughout the country. The original OPWs Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (OPW 2011) document can be downloaded from http://www.opw.ie/en/media/OPW%20Environmental%20Management%20Protocols%20&%20S OPs%20April%202011.pdf. The new Environmental Drainage Maintenance Manual is in Appendix D, and not yet publicly available at the time of drafting this NIS. The description of activities, assessment and mitigation measures described in this report relate to the content of the draft OPW Environmental Procedures version 08/18 Rev A. An Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) process has been developed by the OPW which will be filled in by the program producer for >3m base width main channels where maintenance has not occurred for 15 years and embankment works where maintenance has not occurred for 15 years. The ERA form for this process is in Appendix F.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 15

2.3 The Feale Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme The Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme is located in County Kerry. It includes 336.6 km of watercourse (Figure 2-1).

Figure 2-1 Extent of Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme

2.4 Drainage Maintenance Works Proposed for the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme Within the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme the exact location and type of required maintenance activity varies over time. For the purposes of this NIS not all activities will occur on all scheme channels, structures and embankments. However, due to the high level nature of this report, all normal drainage maintenance activities are assessed.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 16

3 Screening Assessment Results An Appropriate Assessment screening assessment, addressing Stage 1 of the AA process, was originally completed for the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme in 2014 (JBA 2014). This has been reviewed based on up to date information in this report and the Conservation Objectives for each site. Any amendments have been included in this report. The resulting AA Screening identified that likely significant effects on Natura 2000 sites may occur as a result of the proposed maintenance activities and therefore a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is necessary. The Stage 1 Screening Assessment was conducted in line with guidance produced for the OPW in 2014 (Ryan Hanley 2014b, 2014a). This methodology is based on source > pathway > receptor chain principles and involves assessing likely significant effects on Natura 2000 sites within the zone of influence of the proposed drainage maintenance in relation to three pathways: 1. Surface water 2. Land & air 3. Groundwater

The screening assessment involved assessing the impacts of drainage maintenance operations within the arterial drainage scheme, and its zone of influence, in relation to each of the three pathways individually. Conclusions were then drawn to identify if maintenance works upon the channels within the scheme, could impact upon Natura 2000 sites. Sites that had the potential to be impacted by the maintenance works were determined to be within the ZOI and these sites require further assessment. The review of the previous screening included a review of the ZOI and an assessment of any new Natura 2000 sites, and/or any changes to current Natura 2000 sites within the ZOI. The screening assessment review also took into consideration the up to date information on the upcoming programme of works where relevant. The resulting assessment included the Natura 2000 sites in Table 3-1. Table 3-1 Natura 2000 sites potentially impacted by the maintenance works

Akeragh, Banna And Barrow Harbour SAC (000332) Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) Kerry Head SPA (004189) River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA (004077) Stack’s to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA (004161) Tralee Bay Complex SPA (004188)

3.1 Surface Water Pathways As a result of the screening assessment maintenance activities on those watercourses shown in Figure 3-1 including the River Feale, were identified as potentially resulting in significant adverse impacts on the Natura 2000 sites shown in Table 3-2 via surface water pathways. Table 3-2 Surface Water Pathways Natura 2000 Site (Site Code) Is site within the same Is there surface water surface water connectivity with the catchment as the scheme? scheme? Lower River Shannon SAC Yes Yes (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) Yes Yes Kerry Head SPA (004189) Yes Yes River Shannon and River Fergus Yes Yes Estuaries SPA (004077) Stack’s to Mullaghareirk Yes Yes Mountains, West Limerick Hills

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 17

Natura 2000 Site (Site Code) Is site within the same Is there surface water surface water connectivity with the catchment as the scheme? scheme? and Mount Eagle SPA (004161)

Figure 3-1 Channels of the Feale Scheme with potential impacts via surface water pathways This assessment was determined based on presence of surface water connectivity between the Natura 2000 sites and the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme and considering a variety of factors. Relevant factors considered in the assessment included the "At Risk" status (Under the Water Framework Directive (WFD)) of all surface waterbodies within the area of works, the potential for impact, the significance of potential impacts and the relevance of any threats and pressures within the Natura 2000 site. Significance was determined based on the nature of the surface water dependant (SWD) qualifying interests that may be present and the nature of the scheme based on the hydrological setting within the catchment. Pre-determined distances and typologies (Ryan Hanley 2014b) were used to define the zone of influence of the works and determine potential and significance of impacts. Using the precautionary principle, during the screening assessment, SWD habitats and species that may be present were assessed as if present, based on information available in the Conservation Objectives, Natura 2000 Data Form and the Site Synopsis. These potentially present Qualifying Interests / Features of Interest were then assessed for the potential to be significantly impacted by the proposed works if present. The results of this assessment are in Table 3-3.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 18

Table 3-3 Summary results of SWD QIs / FOIs of SACs with potential surface water pathways, potential Annex I habitats present and potential for significant impact EU SWD Qualifying Interest/Special Drainage Activity location Desktop Study Comment Conclusi Code Conservation Interest relative to SWD Qualifying on interest Down- Up- Overl stream stream ap Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) 1029 Freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera N/A None No The CO (NPWS 2012a) identifies that No margaritifera Freshwater Pearl Mussel in this SAC are Potential within the Cloon River catchment; this river is Effect located on the northern side of the Shannon Estuary, and upstream of the Feale system 1095 Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus N/A <5km Yes Greater than 75% of the main channel Potential accessible from the estuary is to remain for Likely accessible for this species but migratory Significant barriers are present in the River Feale, Effect particularly upstream of the Clydagh confluence (O’Connor 2006a). Other barriers may be present. Up to date information not available. Assumed to be present throughout the Feale and all tributaries. 1096 Brook lamprey Lampetra planeri N/A <5km Yes No detailed information is available on the Potential distribution of this species; juvenile lamprey for Likely found throughout (O’Connor 2006a). Up to Significant date information not available. Assumed to be Effect present throughout the Feale and all tributaries. 1099 River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis N/A <5km Yes No detailed information is available on the Potential distribution of this species; juvenile lamprey for Likely found throughout (O’Connor 2006a). Up to Significant date information not available. Assumed to be Effect present throughout the Feale and all tributaries. 1106 Salmon Salmo salar N/A <5km Yes No obstacles causing significant passage Potential

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 19

EU SWD Qualifying Interest/Special Drainage Activity location Desktop Study Comment Conclusi Code Conservation Interest relative to SWD Qualifying on interest Down- Up- Overl stream stream ap issues for salmon are present on the Feale for Likely River; assumed to be present throughout. Significant Effect 1130 Estuaries N/A <3km Yes The CO (NPWS 2012a) identifies that the Potential mouth of the Cashen River classifies as for Likely estuary habitat. Significant Effect 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by N/A <3km Yes The CO (NPWS 2012a) identifies that the Potential seawater at low tide mouth of the Cashen River estuary contains for Likely mudflat and sandflat habitats Significant Effect 1150 Coastal lagoons N/A >3km No The CO (NPWS 2012a) identifies that there No are no coastal lagoons around the Cashen Potential River estuary, around which the Feale Effect scheme is located. 1160 Large shallow inlets and bays N/A <3km No The CO (NPWS 2012a) identifies that the Potential mouth of the Shannon is a large shallow for Likely inlet/bay; watercourses in the Feale scheme Significant discharge directly into this bay. Effect 1355 Otter Lutra lutra N/A <5km Yes The CO (NPWS 2012a) identifies that the Potential whole of the coastline of the Shannon for Likely Estuary, including the Cashen River Estuary Significant provides Otter commuting habitat Effect 3260 Water courses of plain to montane levels None None No The COSD (NPWS 2012b) identifies that the No with the Ranunculion fluitantis and known distribution of this habitat type is in the Potential Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation watercourses that discharge into the upper Effect Shannon estuary (e.g. the Shannon, Maigue), and not the Cashen/ Feale River. 91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and <3km N/A Yes The COSD (NPWS 2012c) states that this Potential

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 20

EU SWD Qualifying Interest/Special Drainage Activity location Desktop Study Comment Conclusi Code Conservation Interest relative to SWD Qualifying on interest Down- Up- Overl stream stream ap Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion SAC contains only a small amount of for Likely incanae, Salicion albae) woodland, including in some small areas Significant along the River Feale. Effect Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) 7110 Active raised bogs <3km <3km Yes This habitat is not surface water dependant Potential but is water dependant and connected for Likely through surface water pathways so is Significant included. It is located within approximately Effect 240m and is vulnerable to drainage (NPWS 2015a, 2015b). 7120 Degraded raised bogs still capable of <3km <3km Yes This habitat is not surface water dependant Potential natural regeneration but is water dependant and connected for Likely through surface water pathways so is Significant included. It is located within approximately Effect 240m and is vulnerable to drainage (NPWS 2015a, 2015b) 7150 Depressions on peat substrates of the <3km <3km Yes This habitat is not surface water dependant Potential Rhynchosporion but is water dependant and connected for Likely through surface water pathways so is Significant included. It is located within approximately Effect 240m and is vulnerable to drainage (NPWS 2015a, 2015b)

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 21

3.2 Land and air pathways As a result of the screening assessment maintenance activities on those watercourses shown in Figure 3-2, including the River Feale, were identified as potentially resulting in significant adverse impacts on the Natura 2000 sites shown in Table 3-4 via Land and Air Pathways.

Table 3-4 Land and air pathways Natura 2000 Site Name 0.6km Buffer Zone 0.01km (Overlap) (Site Code) Type of Impact Indirect impacts for noise Direct impacts from physical and visual disturbance disturbance of habitats through air pathways through land pathways Lower River Shannon SAC Yes Yes (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC Yes Yes (002351)

Figure 3-2 Channels and embankments with potential impacts via land and air pathways Summary results of qualifying interests (QIs) with potential for significant impact by land and air pathways are shown for each of the Natura sites in Table 3-4.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 22

Table 3-5 Summary results of QIs / FOIs with potential land and air connectivity, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through land and air pathways EU Species/Ha Maintena Qualifying Location Result Code bitats nce Interest/Special of Impact activity Conservation location Interests location relative to relative to drainage Natura maintenance activity 2000 site boundary Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) 1029 Freshwater 0km / The CO (NPWS 2012a) INST/MAC No Impact - pearl Overlap identifies that + 50m Screen out mussel Freshwater Pearl Qualifying Interest Margaritifer Mussel in this SAC are a within the Cloon River margaritifer catchment; this river is a located on the northern side of the Shannon Estuary, and upstream of the Feale system 1095 Sea 0km / Greater than 75% of the INST + Potential lamprey Overlap main channel 50m Significant Effect - Petromyzon accessible from the Further marinus estuary is to remain information accessible for this required species but migratory barriers are present in the River Feale, particularly upstream of the Clydagh confluence (O’Connor 2006a). Other barriers may be present. Up to date information not available. Assumed to be present throughout the Feale and all tributaries. 1096 Brook 0km / No detailed information INST + Potential lamprey Overlap is available on the 50m Significant Effect - Lampetra distribution of this Further planeri species; juvenile information lamprey found required throughout (O’Connor 2006a). Up to date information not available. Assumed to be present throughout the Feale and all tributaries. 1099 River 0km / No detailed information INST + Potential lamprey Overlap is available on the 50m Significant Effect - Lampetra distribution of this Further fluviatilis species; juvenile information lamprey found required throughout (O’Connor 2006a). Up to date

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 23

EU Species/Ha Maintena Qualifying Location Result Code bitats nce Interest/Special of Impact activity Conservation location Interests location relative to relative to drainage Natura maintenance activity 2000 site boundary information not available. Assumed to be present throughout the Feale and all tributaries. 1106 Salmon 0km / No obstacles causing INST Potential Salmo salar Overlap significant passage Significant Effect - issues for salmon are Further present on the Feale information River; assumed to be required present throughout. 1130 Estuaries 0km / The CO (NPWS 2012a) 10m Potential Overlap identifies that the mouth Significant Effect of the Cashen River classifies as estuary habitat. 1140 Mudflats 0km / The CO (NPWS 2012a) 10m Potential and Overlap identifies that the mouth Significant Effect sandflats of the Cashen River not covered estuary contains by seawater mudflat and sandflat at low tide habitats 1220 Perennial 0km / Exact location of this 10m Potential vegetation Overlap habitat within the SAC Significant Effect of stony is not complete banks however, Article 17 Report data identifies that the current range and distribution for this habitat is within the watercourses of the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme (NPWS 2013b). 1310 Salicornia 0km / Exact location of this 10m Potential and other Overlap habitat within the SAC Significant Effect annuals is not complete colonizing however, Article 17 mud and Report data identifies sand that the current range and distribution for this habitat is within the watercourses of the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme (NPWS 2013b). 1330 Atlantic salt 0km / Exact location of this 10m Potential meadows Overlap habitat within the SAC Significant Effect (Glauco- is not complete Puccinelliet however, Article 17

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 24

EU Species/Ha Maintena Qualifying Location Result Code bitats nce Interest/Special of Impact activity Conservation location Interests location relative to relative to drainage Natura maintenance activity 2000 site boundary alia Report data identifies maritimae) that the current range and distribution for this habitat is within the watercourses of the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme (NPWS 2013b). 1355 Otter Lutra 0km / The CO (NPWS 2012a) INST/MAC Potential lutra Overlap identifies that the whole + 150m Significant Effect of the coastline of the Shannon Estuary, including the Cashen River Estuary provides Otter commuting habitat 1410 Mediterrane 0km / Exact location of this 10m Potential an salt Overlap habitat within the SAC Significant Effect meadows is not complete (Juncetalia however, Article 17 maritimi) Report data identifies that the current range and distribution for this habitat is within the watercourses of the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme (NPWS 2013b) 3260 Water 0km / The COSD (NPWS INST No Impact - courses of Overlap 2012b) identifies that Screen out plain to the known distribution Qualifying Interest montane of this habitat type is in levels with the watercourses that the discharge into the upper Ranunculio Shannon estuary (e.g. n fluitantis the Shannon, Maigue), and and not the Cashen/ Callitricho- Feale River. Batrachion vegetation 6410 Molinia 0km / The full extent of this 10m Potential meadows Overlap habitat in this site is Significant Effect - on currently unknown. Further calcareous, Assumed to be present information peaty or on the precautionary required clavey-silt- principle. laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) 91E0 Alluvial 0km / The COSD (NPWS 10m Potential forests with Overlap 2012c) states that this Significant Effect Alnus SAC contains only a

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 25

EU Species/Ha Maintena Qualifying Location Result Code bitats nce Interest/Special of Impact activity Conservation location Interests location relative to relative to drainage Natura maintenance activity 2000 site boundary glutinosa small amount of and woodland, including in Fraxinus some small areas along excelsior the River Feale. (Alno- Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) 7110 Active 0km / Active raised bog is 10m No Impact - raised bogs Overlap located approx. 240m Screen out from the drainage Qualifying Interest channel (NPWS 2015b). 7120 Degraded 0km / No information is 10m Potential raised bogs Overlap available on the Significant Effect - still capable distribution of this Further of natural habitat within the SAC; information regeneratio assumed to be present required n on the precautionary principle. 7150 Depression 0km / No information is 10m Potential s on peat Overlap available on the Significant Effect - substrates distribution of this Further of the habitat within the SAC; information Rhynchosp assumed to be present required orion on the precautionary principle. Notes: MAC = Maintenance Access Corridor BR = Bridge INST = Instream

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 26

3.3 Groundwater pathways As a result of the screening assessment, maintenance activities on those watercourses, including the River Feale, shown in Figure 3-3 were identified as potentially resulting in significant adverse impacts on Natura 2000 sites (Table 3-7) via groundwater pathways. Table 3-6 Natura 2000 site with potential to be impacted by groundwater pathways

GWB name (EU_Code) Natura 2000 Site (Site Code) Natura 2000 and flow regime Site within GWB Kerry Head Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Yes (IE_SH_G_118) Kerry Head SPA (004189) Yes Poorly productive bedrock Tralee Bay Complex SPA (004188) Yes Akeragh, Banna And Barrow Harbour SAC Yes (000332) Ballybunion_1 Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Yes (IE_SH_G_025) Karstic Ballybunnion Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Yes (IE_SH_G_026) Karstic Ballybunnion Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Yes (IE_SH_G_027) Karstic Abbeyfeale Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Yes (IE_SH_G_001) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) Yes Poorly productive bedrock Stack’s to Mullaghareirks, West Limerick Hills Yes and Mount Eagle SPA (004161)

This assessment was determined based on the location of the relevant Natura 2000 sites within the same groundwater bodies as the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme (Kerry Head (IE_SH_G_118), Ballybunion_1 (IE_SH_G_025), Ballybunnion (IE_SH_G_026), Ballybunnion (IE_SH_G_027) and Abbeyfeale (IE_SH_G_001), and considering a variety of factors. Relevant factors considered in assessing the potential for the Natura 2000 site to be impacted through groundwater pathways also included the presence of Groundwater Dependant (GWD) QIs / FOIs, the risk status under the WFD of each site and the potential and significance of impact, should one occur. Each qualifying interest of the screened in Natura 2000 site, was then assessed individually for potential to be impacted and the overall assessment included a review of the potential for cumulative and/or in-combination impacts as a result of the identified pressures and threats identified in the Natura 2000 forms (NPWS 2015c, 2017a, 2017b, 2017c, 2017d, 2017e). The location of the drainage maintenance activity works relative to the Natura 2000 sites and features of interest were considered to determine relevance at this stage, along with GWD habitat typology. Pre-determined distances and typologies (Ryan Hanley 2014b) were used to define the zone of influence of the works and determine potential and significance of impacts. Location of GWD QIs within the GWB, where available in the Conservation Objectives, Natura 2000 Data Form and the Site Synopsis, were used to determine if they were within the ZOI of the works and therefore, potentially at risk to be impacted by groundwater pathways. Where the location of GWD QIs were not available, the precautionary principle was used during the screening assessment. Species that may be present were assessed as if present throughout based on information available in the Conservation Objectives, Natura 2000 Data Form and the Site Synopsis. These potentially present QIs / FOIs were then assessed for potential to be significantly impacted by the proposed works if present. The results of this assessment are seen in Table 3-7.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 27

Figure 3-3 Channels and embankments with potential impacts via groundwater pathways Table 3-7 Summary results of QIs / FOIs in Natura 2000 sites with potential groundwater connectivity, resulting in a potential for impact from the proposed works through groundwater pathways GWB Qualifying Interest GWD Habitat Drainage maintenance Result Habitats Typology activity location relative to Natura 2000 site Kerry Head (IE_SH_G_118) Poorly productive bedrock

Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Coastal lagoons [1150] A Upgradient Potential for significant effect Atlantic salt meadows A Upgradient Potential for (Glauco-Puccinellietalia significant effect maritimae) [1330] Mediterranean salt A Upgradient No Potential for meadows (Juncetalia significant effect maritimi) [1410] Water courses of plain to A Upgradient Potential for montane levels with the significant effect Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation [3260] Molinia meadows on A Upgradient Potential for calcareous, peaty or significant effect clavey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] Alluvial forests with Alnus A Upgradient Potential for

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 28

GWB Qualifying Interest GWD Habitat Drainage maintenance Result Habitats Typology activity location relative to Natura 2000 site glutinosa and Fraxinus significant effect excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Ballybunion_1 (IE_SH_G_025) Karstic, Ballybunnion (IE_SH_G_026) Karstic and Ballybunnion (IE_SH_G_027) Karstic

Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Coastal lagoons [1150] A Upgradient Potential for significant effect Atlantic salt meadows A Upgradient Potential for (Glauco-Puccinellietalia significant effect maritimae) [1330] Mediterranean salt A Upgradient No Potential for meadows (Juncetalia significant effect maritimi) [1410] Water courses of plain to A Upgradient Potential for montane levels with the significant effect Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation [3260] Molinia meadows on A Upgradient Potential for calcareous, peaty or significant effect clavey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] Alluvial forests with Alnus A Upgradient Potential for glutinosa and Fraxinus significant effect excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Abbeyfeale (IE_SH_G_001) Poorly productive bedrock

Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Coastal lagoons [1150] A Upgradient Potential for significant effect Atlantic salt meadows A Upgradient Potential for (Glauco-Puccinellietalia significant effect maritimae) [1330] Mediterranean salt A Upgradient No Potential for meadows (Juncetalia significant effect maritimi) [1410] Water courses of plain to A Upgradient Potential for montane levels with the significant effect Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation [3260] Molinia meadows on A Upgradient Potential for calcareous, peaty or significant effect clavey-silt-laden soils

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 29

GWB Qualifying Interest GWD Habitat Drainage maintenance Result Habitats Typology activity location relative to Natura 2000 site (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] Alluvial forests with Alnus A Upgradient Potential for glutinosa and Fraxinus significant effect excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) Active raised bogs [7110] A Downgradient Potential for significant effect Degraded raised bogs still A Downgradient Potential for capable of natural significant effect regeneration [7120] Depressions on peat A Downgradient Potential for substrates of the significant effect Rhynchosporion [7150] Note: GWD Habitat Typology after Table 5.1 Kilroy et al (2008) in Ryan Hanley (2014a) A = Type A, Groundwater Discharge Zone Wetlands B = Type B, Groundwater Flow-through Depression Wetlands A or B = No available information, based on expert opinion B1 = Where identified by Kilroy et al (2008) as both A and B type. B has been selected as worst case scenario A# = Type A, Groundwater Discharge Zone Wetlands additionally identified in consultation with NPWS as potentially being impacted by downgradient activities

3.3.1 Summary of screening results The screening assessment identified a number of Natura 2000 sites potentially within the ZOI of the Scheme. The screening assessed each of these sites for potential for significant impacts from the proposed works of the Scheme, using the source-pathway-receptor model (Ryan Hanley 2014b). The Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) and Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) were identified as being likely to be significantly affected by drainage maintenance operations undertaken within the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme due to the presence of surface water, land and air and groundwater pathways. These conclusions are based on the assumption that all drainage maintenance activities are to be undertaken on all watercourses, embankments and structures during the life of the plan (2019-2023). Channels, Embankments, Bridges and Sluices of this Scheme that are included in this screening and their pathways of impact relevant to each Natura 2000 site are in Appendix H. From this screening exercise it has been determined that significant likely effects may occur within both Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) and Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351), via all three pathways (Table 3-8).

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 30

Table 3-8 Conclusions of screening assessment for likelihood of significant effect Site Pathway of Impact Comment Surface Land Ground- Water and Air water Akeragh, Banna And No No No No significant impacts, via Barrow Harbour SAC any of the three pathways, (000332) have been identified as part of this assessment. Lower River Shannon Yes Yes Yes The screening process has SAC (002165) identified that significant adverse effects may arise on this site via all three pathways. This site is designated for a large number of qualifying features/special conservation interests and different ones are impacted via different pathways. Moanveanlagh Bog SAC Yes Yes Yes The bog habitats for which (002351) this site is designated could be adversely impacted upon via surface water, land and air, and groundwater pathways. Kerry Head SPA No No No No significant impacts, via (004189) any of the three pathways, River Shannon and River No No No have been identified as part Fergus Estuaries SPA of this assessment. (004077) Stack’s to Mullaghareirk No No No Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA (004161) Tralee Bay Complex No No No SPA (004188)

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 31

4 Existing Environment This section summarises the findings of the ecological walkover surveys of the river channel and the results of the desktop survey relative to the proposed works for the Feale Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme (2019-2023).

4.1 General The Tralee Bay-Feale catchment is characterised by an inland area underlain by shales and sandstones with low lying coastal area underlain by pure karstified limestones and mountainous peninsular areas which are underlain by old red sandstone (EPA 2018a). This catchment includes the River Feale, the area drained by the River Feale and all streams entering tidal water from Clogher Head to Kilconly Point in County Kerry. This catchment is made up of a variety of sub- catchments within works are planned as part of the Scheme, including the Glouria SC 010, Galey SC 010, Galey SC 020, Brick SC 010, Brick SC 020 the Feale SC 040. Subcatchment assessments are not available for any of these sub-catchments. Waterbodies within the area of works include Cashen and Upper Feale Estuary, both transitional waterbodies classified as At Risk under the Water Framework Directive. The most recent Ecological Status or Potential from 2010 - 2015 is Poor (EPA 2018b). The Glouria 010 waterbody is under review, it's not currently assigned a risk status and it's ecological status or potential is unassigned. The three main channels in the Scheme include the Galey to the north, the River Feale (mid and main channel), and the Brick to the South. The Galey River varies in its classification status from Moderate to Poor, a decrease in its status over time and it is considered At Risk throughout much of the channel where works will occur. A tributary of the Galey, the Ballaghadigue 010 channel, is within the area of works and Moanveanlagh Bog SAC. Ballaghadigue 010 is currently under review but the section of the Galey downstream is considered At Risk. The River Feale channel 040 is not considered to be At Risk (NPWS 2018). The total population of the Tralee Bay-Feale catchment is approximately 77,832 with a population density of 44 people per km². The catchment assessment for the Tralee Bay-Feale catchment is not available yet (EPA 2018a). Listowel on the River Feale and the coastal town Ballybunnion are the largest settled areas within this catchment. Smaller towns in the area include Moyvane, Ballyduff, Lixnaw and Abbeydorney. The Scheme extends to the towns of Moyvane to the north, Listowel to the east, and Abbeydorney to the south. Lixnaw and Ballyduff are within the Scheme and Ballybunnion is to the West.

4.2 Ecology - Overview Thirty three Fossit habitats (Table 4-1) were identified during the ecological walkover survey, with 9 mixed or mosaic habitats of these described. The most common habitat present is improved agricultural grassland. Of the 33 habitats, there are 10 possible Annex I habitats described (note: "*" denotes priority habitat): • Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (“white dunes”) (2120). • *Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (“grey dunes”) (2130). • *Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum (2140) • *Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea) (2150) • Dunes with Salix repens ssp. argentea (Salicion arenariae) (2170). • Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide (1140). • Rhynchosporion depression (7150). • Active raised bogs (7110). • Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration (7120). • *Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) (91E0).

Evidence of protected species recorded within the survey area include Otter Lutra lutra, Badger Meles meles and Kingfisher Alcedo atthis. Otter are protected under the Habitats Directive and

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 32

are Annex II Listed. Evidence of couches and spraints only were observed. Badger, protected under the 1976 Wildlife Act (and amendments), were identified as being present by observations of snuffle holes, latrines and setts. Evidence of Kingfisher Alcedo atthis an Amber Listed bird under the Birds Directive, were observed by sight and their nesting holes were found on the Galey channel. Red-listed Curlew Numenius arquata were also identified as being present in the survey area.

Figure 4-1 Kingfisher nest and Badger sett in sandy bank found along the survey area of the Feale River Non-native invasive species most commonly recorded were Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera and Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica.

4.3 Ecological walkover survey results Ecological walkover surveys were conducted over 13 days from 9/7/18 to 9/8/18 starting from the estuary just south of Ballybunion Golf Course and along the three main channels in the Scheme including the Galey to the north, the River Feale (mid and main channel ending in the town of Listowel), and the Brick to the South. The full ecological survey extent is shown in Appendix G. Habitats recorded adjacent to the River Feale are found in Table 4-1 and are described below. A complete GIS database containing all species and habitats identified during the walkover surveys, including those relevant to the NIS and those not relevant but ecologically significant or protected under other legislation, has been provided separately to the OPW.

Table 4-1 Habitats found along the River Feale

Habitat name Fossitt code Arable crops BC1 Marram dunes CD2 Fixed dunes CD3 Lower Salt Marsh CM1 Upper salt marsh CM2 Lagoons and saline lakes CW1 Spoil and bare ground ED2 Reed and large sedge swamps FS1 Tall-herb swamps FS2 Drainage ditches FW4 Improved agricultural grassland GA1 Amenity grassland (improved) GA2 Dry Calcareous Grassland GS1 Dry meadows and grassy verges GS2

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 33

Dry-humid acid grassland GS3 Wet grassland GS4 Dense bracken HD1 Sand shores LS2 Muddy sand shores LS3 Mud shores LS4 Mixed sediment shores LS5 Raised bog PB4 (Mixed) broadleaved woodland WD1 Mixed broadleaved/conifer woodland WD2 (Mixed) conifer woodland WD3 Conifer plantation WD4 Hedgerow WL1 Treelines WL2 Wet pedunculate oak-ash woodland WN4 Riparian woodland WN5 Bog woodland WN7 Scrub WS1 Immature woodland WS2 Recently-felled woodland WS5

Figure 4-2 Arable crops of Wheat with a small border of scrub adjacent to the River Feale

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 34

4.3.1 Arable crops Two fields within the survey area where recorded to have crops growing, one field with wheat Triticum durum. These habitats had been described as Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1) in previous surveys and are likely used for general agricultural use (Figure 4-2).

4.3.2 Buildings and Artificial Surfaces Consisting of farm roads, gravel tracks, farmyards as well as structures including houses, farm buildings and bridges. The south-west part of Listowel Town was mapped as part of the survey. This included Kerry Co-operative Creameries Ltd Factory.

4.3.3 Marram dunes These dunes are dominated by Marram grass Ammophila arenaria and have been recorded as potential Annex I habitat ‘shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (“white dunes”) (2120)’ This habitat is recorded at the mouth of the river and is found on both banks. Ballybunion Golf Course contains a significant proportion of this habitat type.

4.3.4 Fixed dunes Fixed dunes are described as stabilised ridges or hills of sand with a more or less complete cover of vegetation. Fixed dunes are mostly composed of fine-leaved grasses, typically dominated by Red Fescue Festuca rubra, bents Agrostis spp., and Marram but to a lesser extent than on Marram dunes. This habitat has been recorded as potential priority habitats ‘*fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (“grey dunes”) (2130)’ or ‘*decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum (2140)’ or ‘*Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea) (2150)’ or ‘dunes with Salix repens ssp. argentea (Salicion arenariae) (2170)’. This habitat is recorded at the mouth of the river, is found on both banks, and with Ballybunion Golf Course (Figure 4-3).

Figure 4-3 River Feale Estuary with Fixed Dunes on opposite bank

4.3.5 Lower Salt Marsh Lower salt marsh habitat type is found on both banks of the estuary and has the potential to be the Annex I habitats 'Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand [1310]' and 'Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330]'. Lower salt marsh is subject to more prolonged submersion by sea water and is more strongly saline than upper salt marsh. Common

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 35

Saltmarsh-grass Puccinellia maritima usually dominates the seaward edge of the salt marsh and often forms a short turf with glassworts Salicornia spp. Upper salt marsh

4.3.6 Upper salt marsh Upper salt march habitat is recorded in small strips along the mouth of the river. It is subject to less frequent and less prolonged inundation by the sea than lower salt marsh. It is typically dominated by rushes (particularly Juncus maritimus and J. gerardii) and grasses Red Fescue and Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera.

4.3.7 Lagoons and saline lakes A small area of this habitat was recorded at the mouth of a tributary on the north bank. It is about 50m2 and 0.5m deep. This habitat is an enclosed body of standing brackish water that are wholly or partially separated from the sea where tidal influence is much reduced.

4.3.8 Spoil and bare ground This habitat occurs due to ongoing disturbance or maintenance due to excavation for roads, building or drainage and dredging. This habitat is present generally in small amounts in a few locations along the survey area, mostly in form and agricultural work, except in the town of Listowel where a large area of bare ground is used as a car park for the racecourse. This habitat is frequently found as a mosaic with Recolonising bare ground and Earth banks within the survey area.

4.3.9 Reed and large sedge swamps This habitat is dominated by one or a small number of species where stands of vegetation can range from very dense to open. Most of this habitat is found throughout the Feale river in small patches or sections on the banks of the river, or as an island/ bar in the river, but a few small fields are recorded as this habitat including a townland area known as the Dysart Marshes. Species recorded included Common Reed Phragmites australis, Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea, Lyme grass Leymus arenarius and Iris Iris pseudacorus. (Figure 4-4).

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 36

Figure 4-4 Reed and large sedge swamp with grassy verges on the embankment

4.3.10 Tall-herb swamps Tall-herb swamp habitat is found in a long section of the northern tributary of the Feale. It is identified by stands of herbaceous vegetation that occur in wet areas where the water table is above the ground surface for most of the year and is dominated by robust herbs including Lesser Waterparsnip Berula erect, Fool’s Water-cress Apium nodiflorum, Gipsywort Lycopus europaeus, Brooklime Veronica beccabunga, Hemlock Water-dropwort Oenanthe crocata, Hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum and Water Forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides.

4.3.11 Drainage ditches This habitat is described as linear channels that are entirely artificial in origin, or watercourses that have been excavated or modified to enhance drainage and control the flow of water. This habitat type is mostly commonly found running horizontal to the Feale river along edges of agricultural fields and are often associated with coppiced hedgerows of hawthorn.

4.3.12 Improved agricultural grassland Improved Agricultural Grassland is the most common habitat found adjacent to the River Feale, stretching from end to end of the river This habitat is intensively managed or highly modified agricultural grassland that has been reseeded and/or regularly fertilised and is often heavily grazed and/or used for silage making. It is typically species-poor and due to the domination of Rye-grasses Lolium spp., and often in association with White Clover Trifolium repens (Figure 4-5).

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 37

Figure 4-5 Improved agricultural grassland

4.3.13 Amenity grassland (improved) This type of grassland is improved, or species-poor, and is managed for purposes other than for farmland. They are regularly re-seeded, mown and fertilisers and herbicides are often applied. The vegetation is made up of various grasses, and broadleaved herbs such as Daisy Bellis perennis, Dandelion Taraxacum spp., clovers and plantains Plantago spp. are common. This habitat type is most common in the town of Listowel and includes the racecourse, an area of parkland, and sports pitches. Outside Listowel this habitat consists of gardens and maintained areas around house.

4.3.14 Marsh Marsh habitat occurs within the survey area in a small number of locations and is noted for containing stands of Yellow Iris. Marsh occurs on level ground near river banks and lakeshores where the water table is close to ground level for most of the year. It supports a high proportion of wetland species in addition to the typical dominants of rushes Juncus spp. and sedges Carex spp. but the proportion should not exceed 50% over herbs. Broadleaved herbs may include Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, Water Mint Mentha aquatica, Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre, Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris, Marsh Pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Common Valerian Valeriana officinalis, Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, Marsh Woundwort Stachys palustris and Marsh Cinquefoil Potentilla palustris.

4.3.15 Dry meadows and grassy verges Grassy verge habitat is described throughout the extent of study site beside the bank of the river, as a habitat found on the arterial drainage spoil. It has been recorded occasionally as a mosaic habitat with improved agricultural grassland. Grassey verges are occasionally mown and rarely treated with herbicides, and there is little or no grazing or fertiliser application. This habitat may have high proportion of tall grasses such as False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius and Cock’s- foot Dactylis glomerata. The broadleaved herb component may vary.

4.3.16 Dry-humid acid grassland There are many instances of this habitat having transitioned from dry meadow/grassy verge and is found on the embankments adjacent to the river. Dry-humid acid grassland is described as

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 38

unimproved or semi-improved grassland that occurs on free-draining acid soils that may be dry or humid, but not waterlogged. It is characterised by dense low swards of narrow-leaved grasses such as bents (Agrostis capillaris, A. tenuis), fescues (Festuca spp.) and may include Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, Wavy Hair-grass Deschampsia flexuosa, Mat-grass Nardus stricta and Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea. Wood-rushes Luzula spp., Heath Rush Juncus squarrosus and small sedges may also be prominent. Common broadleaved herbs include Heath Bedstraw Galium saxatile, Tormentil Potentilla erecta, White Clover, Devil’s-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis, Sheep’s Sorrel Rumex acetosella, and Yarrow Achillea millefolium (Figure 4-6).

Figure 4-6 Improved Agricultural Grassland and Dry-humid acid grassland

4.3.17 Wet grassland Wet grassland is found in many fields adjacent to the river Feale, with occurrences increasing closer to the mouth of the river. Many of these wet grasslands were reported to have transitioned originally from improved agricultural grassland. During the survey, one of the fields was noted to have a high number of wading birds including Curlew. This type of grassland occurs on wet or waterlogged, poorly-drained soils and may be subjected to seasonal or periodic flooding. Wet grassland are dominated by rushes Juncus spp. and sedges Carex spp., and some grass species such as Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus, Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera, Marsh Foxtail Alopecurus geniculatus, Rough Meadow-grass Poa trivialis and Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia caespitosa are present, with a high proportion of broadleaved herbs including Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens, Marsh Thistle, Silverweed Potentilla anserina, Meadowsweet (Figure 4-7).

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 39

Figure 4-7 Wet grassland on the opposite bank

4.3.18 Dense bracken The habitat is classified as dominated by Bracken Pteridium aquilinum, where cover exceeds 50% overall. This is present along a thin strip of habitat that borders the Moanveanlagh Bog SAC.

4.3.19 Sand shores There is a small fragment of Sand Shores habitat at the mouth of the River Feale. This habitat includes exposed to sheltered shores of coarse, medium or fine-grained sand, usually with a very small proportion of gravel and mud (<10%) with includes vascular plants such as oraches Atriplex spp., Sea Rocket Cakile maritima, Saltwort Salsola kali and Annual Sea-blite Suaeda maritima. There may also be some sparse cover of Sand Couch Elymus juncea, Lyme-grass Leymus arenarius, Sea Sandwort Honkenya peploides and Sea-holly Eryngium maritimum (Figure 4-8).

4.3.20 Muddy sand shores This category includes shores where most of the sand is medium or fine (<1mm in diameter) and where muds (the silt/clay fraction) make up 10-30% of the sediment. It is recorded in a large area of the estuary that is exposed at low tide and has potential to be the Annex I habitat '*Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140]*' (Figure 4-8).

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 40

Figure 4-8 Embankment of grassy verge, sandy shore and muddy sand shores

4.3.21 Mud shores Mud shores are formed primarily of very fine sediment and usually occur along the most sheltered sections of coastline. The silt/clay fraction of the sediment (particle sizes of <0.063 mm in diameter) should be at least 30%. A small area of this habitat occurs at the mouth of the River Feale.

4.3.22 Mixed sediment shores This habitat is composed of poorly sorted mixtures of sediments of different grades, including pebbles, gravel, sand and mud and often support some cover of fucoids (particularly Fucus spp.) or ephemeral green seaweeds Cladophora spp. This habitat is recorded as sand/shingle shore that is exposed at low tide and is found at the mouth of the river.

4.3.23 Raised bog Raised bog is present in Moanveanlagh Bog SAC and has a potential to be the Annex I habitats '*Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion (7150)', 'Active raised bogs [7110]' and 'Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120]' '*Rhynchosporion depression (7150)' has been identified as being present directly adjacent to channel C1/18/17 of the Scheme, Ballaghadigue tributary (EPA 2018c). Raised bogs are accumulations of deep acid peat (3-12 m) that originated in shallow lake basins or topographic depressions. Sphagnum mosses dominate the ground layer that supports specialised plant communities that are low in overall diversity. There are several recorded sites of raised bog along the catchment of the River Feale, two of which has been recorded as cutover.

4.3.24 (Mixed) broadleaved woodland This This habitat is not commonly present throughout the survey area. This category generally includes planted woodland areas with 75-100% cover of broadleaved trees, and 0-25% cover of conifers along the River Feale there are a few sites with this habitat, mostly composed of Ash Fraxinus excelsior, Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and Alder Alnus glutinosa plantation, and some are established from immature woodland.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 41

4.3.25 Mixed broadleaved/conifer woodland This general category includes woodland areas with mixed stands of broadleaved trees and conifers, where both types have a minimum cover of 25%, and a maximum of 75%. Trees may be either native or non-native species. There is a small amount of this habitat type and mostly contain a mixture of Ash and Sitka Spruce Picea sitchensis.

4.3.26 (Mixed) conifer woodland This general category includes woodland areas with 75-100% cover of conifers, other than conifer plantation. In the few locations this habitat occurs, it is mostly composed of Sitka Spruce mix with Alder and Birch Betula spp.

4.3.27 Conifer plantation This category is used for areas that support dense stands of planted conifers where the broadleaved component is less than 25% and the overriding interest is commercial timber production. The majority of planted conifers are non-native species such as Sitka Spruce, Lodgepole Pine Pinus contorta, Norway Spruce Picea abies and larches Larix spp.

4.3.28 Hedgerow Hedgerows are found throughout the survey area, bordering predominately Improved Agricultural grassland areas, and mostly composed of Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. Hedgerows may also include, Blackthorn Prunus spinosa, Gorse Ulex europaeus, Holly Ilex aquifolium, Dog-rose Rosa canina or Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. in addition to many other native and non-native trees and shrubs including Ash, Hazel Corylus avellana, Beech Fagus sylvatica, Elder Sambucus nigra, elms Ulmus spp. and willows Salix spp.

Figure 4-9 Treeline along the River Feale

4.3.29 Treelines Treelines are found parallel to the river in many locations, and composed of many species including Ash, Sycamore, Alder, and willow species, and occasionally a treeline composed of Sitka Spruce (Figure 4-9).

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 42

4.3.30 Wet pedunculate oak-ash woodland This woodland is found in fragments on the banks of the Feale downriver from Listowel, and has potential to be priority habitat, ‘*alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno- padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) (91E0). Many of these fragments were reported to contain the NNIS Japanese Knotweed. This woodland habitat is associated with areas that are flooded or waterlogged in winter, but which dry out in summer and are dominated by Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur and/or Ash with Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly and willows.

4.3.31 Riparian woodland This habitat is found in a few locations upriver and has been recorded occasionally as a mosaic habitat with scrub. Some locations have potential to be priority habitat, ‘*alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) (91E0). Riparian woodlands are subject to frequent flooding, or the water levels may fluctuate as a result of tidal movement (in the lower reaches of the river). Riparian woodland is dominated by stands of willows with a field layer characterised by broadleaved herbs such as Nettle Urtica dioica, Creeping Buttercup, Wood Dock Rumex sanguineus, Meadowsweet, Wild Angelica, Hemlock Water- dropwort, and Hedge Bindweed Calystegia sepium.

4.3.32 Bog woodland Bog woodland is present along the Brick (southern) tributary. It is described as Willow-dominated woodland, previously scrub habitat. This habitat includes woodlands of intact ombrotrophic bogs, bog margins and cutover bog and is commonly associated with former turf cutting activity or drainage. It may also occur in areas of cutover bog where most of the peat has been removed. Downy Birch Betula pubescens is the usual dominant and may form pure stands.

4.3.33 Scrub This is a common habitat adjacent to the River Feale, mostly on the embankments and it's composition is variable including tall herbaceous plants such as Purple Loosestrife, Reed Canary Grass, Nettle, Bramble, Iris, Gorse, Ivy Hedera helix, Bracken and Invasive Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed. There are many occurrences of mosaic habitats of scrub with (Mixed) broadleaved woodland, Improved agricultural grassland, Dry meadows and grassy verges. (Figure 4-10).

Figure 4-10 Scrub composed of gorse transitioning from grassy verge on the embankment

4.3.34 Immature woodland Young Alder plantations have been recorded where the Brick tributary divides southwards.

4.3.35 Recently-felled woodland There is one small section of recently felled woodland found next to an area of young Sitka Spruce plantation halfway along the Brick channel.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 43

4.4 Flora There were no plant species listed under the Flora (Protection) Order 2015 found during the ecological walkover surveys. Protected flora identified on the NBDC (2018) website present within approximately 10 km of the survey area includes Wood Bitter-vetch Vicia orobus listed as threatened under the Flora Protection Order and Large White-moss Leucobryum glaucum protected under Annex IV under the Habitats Directive. Wood Bitter-vetch was found along the Smearlagh Channel, a Tributary of the Feale River, that is outside of the Survey area. Large White-moss is recorded at six locations near the River Feale Catchment but on all occasions outside of the survey area.

4.5 Fauna Evidence of ecologically sensitive fauna found along the River Feale during ecological surveys is described in the following sections. Past records of protected fauna collated from NBDC (2018) website, recorded as being present within approximately 10 km (over five 10km squares Q82, Q83, Q92, Q93, and R03) within the last 10 years are in Appendix B. This table includes their level of protection, if they are red or amber listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List and the date of the last record of this species at this location.

4.5.1 Mammals Otter Lutra lutra and Common Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus, both Qualifying Interests for the Lower Shannon SAC, and have been recorded in the River Feale catchment in the past 10 years. During the ecological walkover evidence of Otter was recorded at many locations along the River Feale and is likely present throughout the catchment. Other protected mammals recorded during the ecological survey include Badger Meles meles. Evidence of this species, including setts, latrines and snuffle holes, were noted at several locations throughout the River Feale. The location of these have been provided in the GIS dataset to the OPW for further assessment, derogation licenses and mitigation measures where necessary. Several potential bat roosts and bat suitable habitats were identified along the River Feale during the ecological walkover. Four species of bats have been recorded near the River Feale within the past 10 years (Appendix B).

4.5.2 Aquatic species Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera has been recorded within the River Feale Catchment in the past 10 years. The following Qualifying Species have not been found in National Biodiversity Data Centre records or on the ecological walkover but are known to occur in the River Feale Catchment: Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus, Brook Lamprey Lampetra planeri, River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis, and Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar (NPWS 2013c). A study conducted in the River Feale catchment to survey for juvenile lamprey populations found all three protected lamprey species (Sea Lamprey, Brook Lamprey, River Lamprey) in the catchment area (O’Connor 2006). Salmon, a Qualifying Interest for the Lower Shannon SAC has been identified as being present in good numbers, as fry and parr, in the River Feale Catchment (IFI 2014). During the ecological walkover survey, many areas in the river were noted as potential pooling sites for salmon.

4.5.3 Insects Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia, an Annex II listed butterfly species under the EU Habitats Directive, has been recorded within 10km of the River Feale catchment in the past 10 years. Evidence of the Marsh Fritillary was not recorded during the ecological walkover.

4.5.4 Birds During the ecological walkover multiple sightings of Kingfisher Alcedo atthis were recorded, and evidence of nesting. Curlew Numenius arquata was also recorded in wet grassland. All protected birds recorded in the survey area in the past 10 years can be found in Appendix B.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 44

4.6 Non-native Invasive species Non-native Invasive species recorded during the ecological walkover survey include Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera and Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica. Both species are recorded at regular intervals downstream from the town of Listowel, and to a lesser degree on the northern and southern tributaries of the Feale (Figure 4-11). Monbretia Crocosmia x crocosmiflora has been recorded occasionally. Both Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam are listed on EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 S.I. No. 477/2011. Species listed under S.I. No. 477/2011 are subject to restrictions under Regulations 49 and 50 of the 2011 Regulations (S.I. No. 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. 2011). This includes a prohibition on the introduction and dispersal of these species. See Appendix C for records of non-native invasive species from the National Biodiversity Data Centre database search from the surrounding 10 km surrounding area within the last 10 years. The NNIS Lodgepole Pine Pinus contorta, Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum and Pitcherplant Sarracenia purpurea have been identified as being present on Moanveanlagh Bog SAC and are impacting upon the conservation status of the SAC. Although Crayfish Plague Aphanomyces astaci has not been recorded as present in the River Feale, it is spread easily by contaminated equipment and therefore biosecurity measures must be implemented.

Figure 4-11 NNIS Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam growing side by side near Listowel

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 45

5 Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence of the works/scheme This chapter provides baseline information on the Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence of the drainage maintenance activities (i.e. that screened into the assessment as detailed in Section 3). Sites include: • Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) • Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351)

A short description for each site is provided, along with details of the qualifying interest/special conservation interests within the zone of influence. Conservation objectives, the attributes used to define favourable conservation status are detailed in Appendix A. The location of the Natura 2000 sites are shown in Figure 5-1, where it can be seen where the proposed works are relevant to these Natura 2000 sites. The main potential impacts posed by the proposed project relate to impacts during the arterial drainage maintenance works via surface water, land and air and groundwater pathways to the SACs.

Figure 5-1 Natura 2000 sites within the ZOI

5.1 Moanveanlagh Bog SAC Moanveanlagh Bog SAC is located I County Kerry, north east of Listowel, on arterial drainage maintenance channel C1/18/17 of the Feale Scheme. The site comprises a raised bog that includes both areas of high bog and cutover bog. Active raised bog comprises areas of high bog that are wet and actively peat forming, where the percentage cover of bog mosses (Sphagnum spp.) is high, and where some or all of the following features occur: hummocks, pools, wet flats, Sphagnum lawns, flushes and soaks. Degraded raised bog corresponds to those areas of high bog whose hydrology has been adversely affected by peat cutting, drainage and other land use activities, but which are capable of regeneration. The Rhynchosporion habitat occurs in wet depressions, pool edges and erosion channels where the

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 46

vegetation includes White Beak-sedge Rhynchospora alba and/or Brown Beak-sedge R. fusca, and at least some of the following associated species, Bog Asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, sundews Drosera spp., Deergrass Scirpus cespitosus and Carnation Sedge Carex panicea.

5.1.1 Qualifying Interests The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes): • Active raised bogs* (7110) • Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration (7120) • Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion (7150) All qualifying features could be potentially be present in the zone of influence of the proposed works and therefore are all considered further for significance of impact.

5.1.2 Conservation Objectives A full list of the conservation objectives of the relevant Feature of Interest of the SAC is required in order to determine potentially adverse impacts to them. This information is provided in Appendix A.2.

5.1.3 Site Vulnerabilities Negative pressures or threats identified in the Standard Natura 2000 form for this site are listed in Table 5-1.

Table 5-1 Threats and pressures to Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) Threat or pressure Ranking A04 - grazing (inside and outside the site) Medium - Low I01 - invasive non-native species Low D01.01 - oaths, tracks, cycling tracks Low A01 - Cultivation (inside and outside the site) Medium E03.01 - disposal of household / recreational facility waste Medium C01.03 - Peat extraction (Outside the site) Low J02.01 - Landfill, land reclamation and drying out general (inside Medium and outside the site) E03.01 - disposal of household / recreational facility waste Low J01 - fire and fire suppression High C01.03 - Peat extraction (inside the site) High J02.01 Low

5.2 Lower River Shannon SAC This site covers a large area from Killaloe in County Clare, to Loop Head/Kerry Head, over 20km downstream of the Scheme. The site encompasses a large stretch of the Shannon Estuary and includes the Feale and Mulkear catchments. There are many tributaries and small estuaries of the Shannon included in the designation. The section of this SAC located within the zone of influence of the proposed development, is freshwater and estuarine. The Shannon and the Fergus form the largest estuarine complex in Ireland. The River Feale is located along the southern coast of the estuary and is an important fishery river. The site contains a good population of Atlantic Salmon and all three species of lamprey. A variety of habitats including grassland and woodlands are present within the site. Flood relief works and gravel extraction pose major threats to the SAC.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 47

5.2.1 Qualifying Interests The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes): • Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time [1110] • Estuaries [1130] • Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140] • Coastal lagoons [1150] • Large shallow inlets and bays [1160] • Reefs [1170] • Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220] • Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts [1230] • Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand [1310] • Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] • Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] • Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- Batrachion vegetation [3260] • Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] • Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] • Margaritifera margaritifera (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) [1029] • Petromyzon marinus (Sea Lamprey) [1095] • Lampetra planeri (Brook Lamprey) [1096] • Lampetra fluviatilis (River Lamprey) [1099] • Salmo salar (Salmon) [1106] • Tursiops truncatus (Common Bottlenose Dolphin) [1349] • Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355]

Not all of the qualifying features of the SAC occur in the Zone of Influence of the proposed development site and therefore only the relevant features are considered in this assessment. The qualifying features that could be potentially be present in the vicinity and therefore have the potential to be significantly impacted through water quality and/or disturbance include: • Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time [1110] • Estuaries [1130] • Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140] • Large shallow inlets and bays [1160] • Reefs [1170] • Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220] • Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand [1310] • Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] • Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] • Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- Batrachion vegetation [3260] • Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] • Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] • Petromyzon marinus (Sea Lamprey) [1095] • Lampetra planeri (Brook Lamprey) [1096] • Lampetra fluviatilis (River Lamprey) [1099]

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 48

• Salmo salar (Salmon) [1106] • Tursiops truncatus (Common Bottlenose Dolphin) [1349] • Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355]

5.2.2 Conservation Objectives A full list of the conservation objectives of the relevant Feature of Interest of the SAC is required in order to determine potentially adverse impacts to them. This information is provided in Appendix A.1.

5.2.3 Site Vulnerabilities Negative pressures or threats identified in the Standard Natura 2000 form for this site are listed in Table 5-2.

Table 5-2 Threats and pressures to the Lower River Shannon SAC (NPWS 2015c)

Threat or pressure Ranking Management of aquatic and bank vegetation for drainage Low purposes Nautical sports Low Transportation and service corridors - paths, tracks and cycling Low tracks Discharges Medium Sylviculture, forestry Low Industrial or commercial areas of urbanisation, residential and Medium commercial development Fertilisation as a result of agriculture Medium Urbanisation and human habitation Medium Grazing as a result of agriculture Medium Natural system modifications to include reclamation of land from Medium sea, estuary or marsh Natural system modifications to include polderisation Medium Natural eutrophication Medium

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 49

6 Appropriate Assessment

6.1 Introduction The following chapter assesses the screened in Natura 2000 sites in more detail and examines where adverse impacts may arise from the sources of impact identified above. The full impact assessment on these features is below. The screened in Natura 2000 sites are as follows: • Lower River Shannon SAC • Moanveanlagh Bog SAC Where potentially significant adverse impacts are identified, avoidance and mitigation measures are proposed to offset these impacts. These are discussed in the following sections.

6.2 Identification of potential sources of Impact This section further examines the source > pathway > receptor chains that could potentially result in adverse impacts arising on the screened in Natura 2000 sites in the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme; this is informed primarily by Ryan Hanley (Ryan Hanley 2014a). Where relevant, this methodology has been updated. Table 3-6 details which of the possible pathways of impact (i.e. surface water, groundwater, land and air) have been identified as potentially affecting each of the screened in Natura 2000 sites. Figure 3-1, Figure 3-2 and Figure 3-3 illustrates which of the channels and structures within the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme are those which could potentially impact upon the identified Natura 2000 sites, relative to Natura 2000 sites within the Zone of Influence of the works and are consequently screened into the assessment. All other channels and structures within the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme have been screened out of the assessment.

6.2.1 Identification of Potential Sources of Impact via Surface Water Pathways Both Natura 2000 sites were identified as potentially being impacted upon by drainage maintenance activities via surface water pathways. Not all qualifying interests in the SACs were identified as potentially being at risk from sources of impact via surface water pathways as shown in Table 3-3. Water dependant qualifying interests, that are not surface water dependant, but which may have connectivity to surface water pathways were also included in this table, although originally screened out in the 2014 screening assessment. The following sources of impact are identified as potentially impacting upon the above Natura 2000 site through surface water pathways: • Release of suspended solids - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection works and bush cutting, branch trimming and tree cutting. It can impact on surface water dependent habitats and species potentially within the area of works, such as Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- Batrachion vegetation [3260], indirectly through increased turbidity, which can reduce photosynthesis levels. This can then impact upon species within the river (i.e. Otter and Salmon) by reducing food availability through changed water quality. • Release or changes in nutrient levels/pollutants - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection works and bush cutting, branch trimming and tree cutting. It can impact on surface water dependent habitats indirectly through causing eutrophication. This can then impact upon species within the River Feale and Lower River Shannon SAC (i.e. Otter and Salmon) by reducing food availability through changed water quality. There is also the potential for pollutants (e.g. fuel) to be released from activities with machinery working in or near water as a result of pollution incidents, fuel spillages or poorly maintained machinery. Water quality in transitional areas around Moanveanlagh Bog, such as soak systems (enriched areas of Fen-like vegetation) within the SAC, vary due to influences of different water types and may be influenced by changes to water chemistry transported by surface water pathways. • Changes in water levels/channel morphology - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection works and bush cutting, branch trimming and tree cutting. Removal of vegetation could cause a lowering of the water table within the local area, improving drainage to the channels that are connected to the bog habitats, reducing the quality of bog habitats in Moanveanlagh Bog SAC. It can occur from maintenance activities that deepen and wide the channel back to the original design level and those

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 50

activities that result in an increase in sediment deposition further downstream. This can impact on surface water dependent habitats, such as Reefs, through increased sediment deposition reducing light penetration preventing normal photosynthesis of algae. It can also impact on the species for which the SAC is designated for by causing a loss of suitable habitat and impacting upon food chains.

6.2.2 Potential Sources of Impact via Land and Air Pathways Both Natura 2000 sites were identified as potentially being impacted upon via land and air pathways. Not all qualifying interests in the SACs were identified as potentially being at risk from sources of impact via land and air pathways as shown in

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 51

Table 3-5. The following sources of impact are identified as potentially impacting upon the above Natura 2000 sites through land and air pathways: • Physical disturbance of habitats (including loss of wood vegetation cover and disturbance to habitats) - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection works and bush cutting, branch trimming and tree cutting. Obtaining access to works areas can also cause physical disturbance to habitats through removal of woody vegetation and tracking of machinery. It can impact on habitats such as Alluvial Woodlands directly, although temporarily, as a result of machines tracking along the bankside, accessing the works area and as a result of the deposition of spoil on the bankside. This can result in a direct loss of habitat from in-stream/bankside areas and maintenance access corridors, direct mortalities or the displacement of sensitive species, such as Otter. Physical disturbance of habitats may indirectly impact upon designated habitats, such as Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140] or Reefs [1170], by releasing sediment, debris, and/or nutrients causing changes to water quality as described above. It can also indirectly impact on species through machines tracking along the bankside, reducing vegetation as a food source. • Noise and visual disturbance - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection works and bush cutting, branch trimming, tree cutting and other activities such as gravel removal. It can occur as a result of noise emissions and visual disturbance from machinery and the presence of machine drivers and other OPW staff at the site of works. It can result in the displacement of sensitive species from suitable habitat locations. It is not considered relevant in relation to designated habitat types, although it is relevant for the species which these habitats support, such as Otter or Lamprey spp. for which the Lower River Shannon SAC is designated.

6.2.3 Potential sources of Impact via Groundwater Pathways Both Natura 2000 sites were identified as potentially being impacted upon via groundwater pathways. Not all qualifying interests in the SACs were identified as potentially being at risk from sources of impact via groundwater pathways as shown in Table 3-7. The following sources of impact are identified as potentially impacting upon the above Natura 2000 sites through groundwater pathways: • Release of suspended solids - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection works and bush cutting, branch trimming and tree cutting. Impact from these works may transfer through groundwater pathways to surface water dependent habitats and species. Impacts may arise to the raised bog habitat, indirectly through increased conveyance, which can lower the water levels and/or alter flow patterns. This can then impact upon species within the bog (Sphagnum species) and microtopographical features (pools). • Release or changes in nutrient levels/pollutants - this can arise from a variety of drainage maintenance activities, including removal of in-stream silt and vegetation, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection works and bush cutting, branch trimming and tree cutting. Impacts from these works may transfer through groundwater pathways to surface water dependant species and habitats. Release of nutrients can impact on surface water dependent habitats indirectly, such as Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho‐Batrachion vegetation, causing eutrophication. This can then impact upon species within the river (i.e. Otter and Salmon) by reducing food availability through changed water quality. There is also the potential for pollutants (e.g. fuel) to be released from scheme activities with machinery working in or near water as a result of pollution incidents, fuel spillages or poorly maintained machinery. These pollutants could travel through groundwater pathways, impacting upon groundwater or surface water dependant habitats and species. Water quality in transitional areas around the high bog, such as soak systems, vary due to influences of different water types and may be influenced by changes to water chemistry transported by groundwater pathways.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 52

6.3 Impact Assessment The main impacts that have the potential to occur as a result of the proposed works at the River Feale and associated embankments, include temporary impacts that occur during the works and permanent impacts that may occur as a result of the works. Temporary impacts include disturbance to fauna including Otter, their prey and to wetland habitats, temporary impacts to water quality and physical alterations to habitats that will recover after the arterial drainage works finish. Permanent impacts include permanent loss of species and habitats, potentially permanent impacts to water quality and physical disturbance resulting in permanent loss of habitat. All potentially significant impacts are assessed to determine if they have the potential to adversely affect the integrity of the site. Mitigation measures required for potential adverse impacts that may arise as a result of arterial drainage maintenance works are described in detail in Table 6-1 and Section 7.

6.3.1 Do nothing impact Should the Feale Arterial Drainage Maintenance works not be carried out at this site, it is likely that natural succession would occur throughout the location. This is likely to include increased sedimentation in the channels over time, and increased vegetation growth along channel edges and on the islands that may be present instream. Reduction in channel width due to increase size of vegetated islands, may slow the flow of water and cause flooding in susceptible areas during periods of high rainfall. Erosion occurring along the edge of the banks may contribute further to the sediment loading within the Lower River Shannon SAC. Reduced conveyance within channels may be of benefit to Moanveanlagh Bog SAC, particularly where surface and groundwater pathways are connected.

6.3.2 Cumulative and in-combination impacts Projects and Plans that have the potential to contribute in-combination impacts and cumulative impacts upon Natura 2000 designated sites are considered in this section, as described in the Guidelines for the Assessment of Indirect and Cumulative Impacts, as well as Impact Interactions (Walker and Johnston 1999). Key points to consider when assessing cumulative and in-combination impacts include the nature and scale of the potential impacts including their potential magnitude and significance, the availability and quality of data and the impacts that may have occurred with similar projects in the area, where available or observed. Development planning: Various planning permissions have been granted to projects in the nearby area of Moanveanlagh Bog SAC, none of which have the potential to have similar impacts on water levels or disturbance as the proposed maintenance works have to the Natura 2000 site. The works that will occur on and around the River Feale, within the Lower River Shannon SAC cover an extensive area including the towns of Moyvane to the north, Listowel to the east, and Abbeydorney to the south. Lixnaw and Ballyduff are within the Scheme and Ballybunnion is to the West. Abbeydorney The Scheme includes works within County Limerick, County Kerry and County Cork. Various planning permissions have been granted within these towns within the last 5 years none of which have the potential to have similar impacts on water levels or disturbance as the proposed maintenance works have to the Natura 2000 site. Other potential sources of in-combination effects identified as part of this assessment include:

6.3.2.1 Agricultural activities in the Tralee Bay-Feale catchment Farmers and landowners may also undertake general agricultural operations in areas adjacent to the River Feale and its tributaries, which could potentially give rise to impacts of a similar nature to those arising from the planned OPW works. This could potentially result in additional periods of disturbance and a risk to water quality. Many agricultural operations are periodic, not continuous in nature, and qualify as a Notifiable Action that requires consultation with NPWS in advance of the works e.g. reclamation, infilling or land drainage within 30m of the river, removal of trees or any aquatic vegetation within 30m of the river, and harvesting or burning of reed or willow (NPWS 2018). Agricultural operations must also comply with the EC (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Agriculture) Regulations 2011 and amendment 2017 S.I. No. 456/2011 and 407/2017 in relation to activities covered by the regulations; • restructuring of rural land holdings,

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 53

• commencing use of uncultivated land or semi-natural areas for intensive, • land drainage works on lands used for agriculture. A NIS is required under Regulation 9 if it is likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site. The drainage or reclamation of wetlands is controlled under the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 and the European Communities (Amendment to Planning and Development) Regulations 2011. Therefore, the in-combination effects of the proposed works and general agricultural operations are not likely to be significant.

6.3.2.2 Arterial Drainage Maintenance Scheme Arterial Drainage Maintenance operations have been ongoing since the construction of the schemes following the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act, potentially resulting in adverse cumulative effects. However, as the maintenance operations are undertaken to restore the design level only, the hydrological and hydrogeological impact should be no greater than originally occurred upon the scheme's construction; no further deepening or widening will occur. On a regional scale, neighbouring Arterial Drainage Schemes could be considered to have an adverse impact on Natura 2000 sites, particularly where large sites fall across two, or more scheme areas. The Lower River Shannon SAC is at risk of impact from both the Lower Shannon Scheme and the Feale Scheme. The Lower Shannon Scheme is within a separate surface water catchment and separate groundwater body, however both schemes have their output to the Shannon Estuary and Lower River Shannon SAC. The Feale Scheme NIS has similar mitigation measures proposed as those within this report, to prevent significant adverse impacts to the SACs and therefore, provided the proposed mitigation measures in the Lower Shannon Scheme NIS and those proposed in Table 6-1 and Section 7 of this report are implemented, it is unlikely that there will be cumulative and/or in-combination adverse impacts as a result of other Arterial Drainage Maintenance Schemes and the proposed Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works on the Feale Scheme. Mitigation measures are included in Table 6-1 and Section 7.

6.3.2.3 River Basin Management Plan 2018 - 2021 Ireland is required to produce a River Basin Management Plan under the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). Published in April, 2018, the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021 sets out the actions that Ireland will take to improve water quality and achieve ‘good’ ecological status in water bodies (rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters) by 2021 (DoHPLG 2018). Learning from the previous River Basin management plans, for the 2nd Cycle plan of the WFD (2015-2021), the Eastern, South Eastern, South Western, Western and Shannon River Basin Districts will be merged to form one national River Basin District. Water quality in Ireland has deteriorated over the past two decades. The Plan provides a more coordinated framework for improving the quality of our waters — to protect public health, the environment, water amenities and to sustain water-intensive industries, including agri-food and tourism, particularly in rural Ireland. The core objectives of the River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) 2018 - 2021 are to prevent deterioration, restore good status, reduce chemical pollution and achieve the water related objectives of protected areas. In Cycle 1 of the RBD management plans (2009 - 2015), channels including the Mouth of the River Shannon have been classified as Moderate and At Risk. The Upper Feale Estuary and the Cashen have been classified as Poor and At Risk. On the Feale, the CLYDAGH (FEALE)_020, FEALE_080 and FEALE_090 are classified as Moderate and At Risk (EPA 2018d). A tributary the Galey River leads to the Douglas River to the west of Moanveanlagh Bog SAC but this is not classified as part of either cycle. Previous assessments of the River Galey found results to be mostly satisfactory, with good quality, but only moderate quality at the penultimate location (0500) and with continuing poor quality at the final one (0700) (WFD 2010). The Plan aims to improve the management and water quality of the Shannon International River Basin, and hence in the River Feale. Appropriate Assessment has concluded that the RBMP will not adversely affect the integrity of any European site with the implementation of measures presented within the NIS (DHPLG 2018). Any projects that may arise because of the Plan may be subject to individual Appropriate Assessment, that may include assessment of potential cumulative impacts as a result of the works. Therefore, provided that any works that may occur as a result of the plan are included in the NIS, the plan would not significantly adversely impact on the Lower River Shannon SAC or

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 54

Moanveanlagh Bog SAC in combination with the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works.

6.3.2.4 Recreational activities on the River Feale and River Shannon The location surrounding the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works in County Kerry is a mixture of urban and rural environments and covers a large area of freshwater, leading to the coast. A Tourism strategy has been developed by Kerry County Council detailing the following plans. In the medium term, the River Feale is being investigated for potential to develop a Blueway along its banks, with regard to environmental sensitivities including protected habitats and species. A task force is being established to progress an angling project along the River Feale in the short term, in association with IFI. Plans are also included to promote universal access platforms/fishing stands at appropriate locations on the River Feale (KCC 2016). Details of these projects are not included in the tourism strategy report and these projects may require Appropriate Assessment. Until the Appropriate Assessments are concluded and details become available on the proposed design, conclusive assessment is not possible. Using the precautionary principle, given the potential location of any of these works along the River Feale and likely impacts to water quality and through disturbance, it can be concluded that there is potential for these plans to contribute a cumulative impact to the Casheen River and the Lower River Shannon SAC. Water quality is monitored at the designated bathing water area of Ballybunnion North and Ballybunnion South, located 3 km the north of the Mouth of the River Feale, by the EPA. This bathing water area is also within the within the Lower River Shannon SAC (Kerry County Council 2013) Any projects that may arise because of the Plan to increase tourism in the area may be subject to individual Appropriate Assessment, that should include assessment of potential cumulative impacts as a result of the works. Therefore, considering the nature, scale and extent of tourism in this area, and given the types of potential impacts there is potential for cumulative disturbance and water quality impacts with this site. Therefore, tourism may significantly adversely impact on the Lower River Shannon SAC or Moanveanlagh Bog SAC in combination with the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works and further mitigation measures will be required to prevent disturbance and water quality related impacts. Mitigation measures are included in Table 6-1 and Section 7.

6.3.2.5 Spread of non-native invasive species Non-native invasive species, in particular Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera and Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica have been recorded within the River Feale catchment. The NNIS Lodgepole Pine Pinus contorta, Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum and Pitcherplant Sarracenia purpurea are impacting upon the conservation status of Monaveanlagh Bog SAC. Given the availability of potential transport vectors or pathways, and the large area covered by the Scheme, there is potential for NNIS to be transported between sites within the area of works and from outside of the area of works to within through various external sources including hill walkers/hikers, anglers, dumping and/or illegal turf cutting. Surface water connections, re-use of unclean equipment, machinery or clothing, from nearby projects or developments, or stored nearby in potentially contaminated areas, can all be considered vectors for NNIS. Equipment, machinery or boots that are being used in the water by anglers within potentially contaminated areas could carry microscopic spores, larvae, plant fragments or seeds that if used at this location, can cause the spread of NNIS. The spread of Crayfish Plague Aphanomyces astaci around Ireland is having detrimental impacts to native crayfish populations and must be prevented (Waterways Ireland 2017). Although the River Feale is not noted as being a significant crayfish habitat, as non-native invasive species spread in other areas around Ireland, uncontaminated refuges will become extremely important to the survival of the infected species. The spread of all NNIS including crayfish plague in particular, must be prevented. The normal operation of the proposed works includes the adherence to biosecurity protocols and in normal circumstances, more specific mitigation will not be required. However, considering the nature, scale and types of non-native invasive species in this area, and given the types of potential impacts there is potential for cumulative effects involving a decrease in the area of suitable habitats in this site as a result of the spread of non-native invasive species. Therefore, there may be significant impacts from the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works in- combination with the use of the operational equipment and machinery stored outside the area or used on other schemes and works outside the scheme area and further mitigation measures will be required. Mitigation measures are included in Table 6-1 and Section 7.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 55

6.3.2.6 Nutrient enrichment Potential has been screened in for cumulative and in-combination effects through surface water pathways as a result of eutrophication due to agriculture and sewage discharges. Release of nutrients during the works may occur as a result of sediment disturbance in-stream. Given the nature and scale of the works it is not likely to be of an amount to cause significant adverse impacts, however, using the precautionary principle and given that the surrounding landscape is made up of predominantly agricultural land, there is potential for cumulative impacts from agriculture related to eutrophication. Eutrophication caused by increases in nutrient levels in the water, as a result of sediment disturbance and agricultural practices, could cause changes to the vegetative structure and composition in the wetland habitats within the SACs and adverse impacts upon the water quality of the River Feale and River Shannon. The release of sewage on-site may occur through untreated storm water overflow pipes in the waste water treatment plants in Moyvane, Listowel, Ballyduff, Ballybunion, Lixnaw and Abbeydorney as these are considered to be at risk (WFD 2010). The Lixnaw agglomeration had a population equivalent (p.e.) of 811 in 2011 and the design capacity of the current plant is 300 p.e. Storm water overflow from SW001 discharges directly into the SAC. Measures are identified to increase the capacity of the WWTP and provide tertiary treatment of relocate the outfall. The primary discharge did not comply with the good status water quality standards in the Environmental Objectives Regulations 2009, as amended in 2009 (EPA 2009). The recent Annual Environmental Report (2017) confirms that the annual hydraulic loadings are greater than the peak treatment plant capacity and it has not yet been upgraded, and additional capacity is required (Irish Water 2018a). Abbeydorney Annual Environmental Report (2017) confirms that the annual hydraulic loadings are greater than the peak treatment plant capacity. This plant required upgrading as the discharge from the WWTP may be having an impact on water quality and it is not contributing to achieving the WFD Objectives of the receiving water (Irish Water 2018b). Abbeydorney WWTP is also highlighted as a priority plant that requires upgrading as it is putting significant pressure on the Brick 020 channel (EPA 2018e). Moyvane WWTP is considered overloaded but there is no evidence of pollution at, or downstream of the discharge point (Irish Water 2018c). Loading from Listowel WWTP is below peak capacity. A deterioration in water quality downstream has been identified, however, it is not confirmed if this is as a result of the WWTP operations and the WWTP discharges are not predicted to be having an observable impact on the WFD status (Irish Water 2018d). Ballyduff WWTP is operating above capacity and is causing an observable negative impact on water quality (Irish Water 2018e). Therefore, there may be significant impacts from the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works in-combination with agricultural practices and through the release of untreated sewage in the area and further mitigation is required. Mitigation measures are included in Table 6-1 and Section 7.

6.3.3 Significance of cumulative and in-combination impacts In summation, given the nature of the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works, their scale, the local conditions, and considering the same for other relevant plans and projects in this area, it is likely that significant adverse impacts may occur in-combination or cumulatively relative to Moanveanlagh Bog SAC and Lower River Shannon SAC. Therefore, further mitigation measures in order to prevent the cumulative and in-combination impacts from these impacts are included in Table 6-1 and Section 7.

6.4 Impact Evaluation Table 6-1 evaluates the screened in Natura 2000 sites and potential impacts as discussed in Section 6.2 and Section 6.3.2, in more specific detail. The impact evaluation table examines where potentially adverse impacts may arise from the sources identified above. Where potentially significant adverse impacts are identified, avoidance and mitigation measures are proposed to offset these impacts. In summary, the main potential impacts to the COs of the QIs of Lower River Shannon SAC and Monaveanlagh Bog SAC, as identified in Section 6.2, are as follows. Those impacts that may be transported through surface water pathways including impacts to water quality that may arise as a

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 56

result of the release of suspended solids, release or changes in nutrient levels / pollutants, changes in water levels / channel morphology. Potential impacts that may be transported via land and air pathways include physical disturbance of habitats and noise and visual disturbance to species. Potential sources of impact through groundwater pathways include those that may occur through the release of suspended solids and those that occur through the release or changes in nutrient levels/pollutants. Mitigation measures required to prevent adverse impacts include those described in the OPW EPs. More detailed measures are defined where necessary and are described in detail in Table 6-1 and Section 7.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 57

Table 6-1 Impact evaluation table

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact Moanveanlagh Active raised bogs* (7110) Release of Surface water Groundwater-dependant habitats Surface water pathways No Bog SAC suspended with surface water connectivity are leading to groundwater adverse (002351) Degraded raised bogs still solids susceptible to changes in water pathways may not be visible so effect capable of natural regeneration quality as a result of the release of follow protocols and EPs in (7120) suspended solids, the introduction and OPW Environmental of pollutants or changes to nutrient Procedures (EP) (OPW 2018) -

levels. They are also vulnerable to specifically, the procedures Depressions on peat substrates changes in water levels or channel under the Environmental of the Rhynchosporion (7150) morphology impacting upon the Drainage Procedure EP, Release or hydrological regime. Drainage including compliance with the No changes in lowers the water table and peat 10-point plan and auditing adverse nutrient levels/ drops, the bog surface dries out processes. Works should effect pollutants and pools become absent or rare. follow those as describes in Cover of typical species is reduced guidance under the Silt and peat compresses under its Management EP, including but own weight, causing further not limited to working degradation of the protected upstream, skipping sections habitats. Lowering of the water and leaving buffer zones both table also causes a slope in bog instream and along the banks. surface, increasing rainfall runoff, Machinery Related Procedures Changes in further speeding degradation of the should be followed to include No water levels/ habitat. no refuelling within 50m of a adverse channel watercourse, use of effect morphology biodegradable oils, ensure availability of spill kits and leave natural vegetation buffer strip along the bank.

Areas upstream of the River Galey, near Moanveanlagh Bog SAC should be considered for potential to be wetlands and in these situations, works should follow the Wetland

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 58

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact Procedure EP, protect the wetlands hydraulics and minimise or avoid maintenance. No works should occur within wetland or bog habitats of Moanveanlagh Bog SAC.

See Table 7-1 for further mitigation measures.

The above measures will control sediment mobilisation and reduce the risk of pollution incidents thereby reducing the potential significance of this source of impact, including cumulative and/or in- combination impacts, on the groundwater dependent habitats within this SAC, that may be occur through surface water pathways. Disturbance Land and Air Disturbance to the bog habitats can Limit works and physical No cause the spread of non-native disturbance to habitats around adverse invasive species including Moanveanlagh Bog SAC to effect Lodgepole Pine, Rhododendron prevent deterioration of Physical and Pitcherplant. Cumulative supporting bog habitat. alterations to the and/or in-combination impacts may habitat arise as a result of the disturbance Follow biosecurity procedures to stands of NNIS, reduction in as defined in the EP on Spread habitat quality causing increase in Reduction in of Invasive Plant (Low availability of susceptible bare Biosecurity) Procedure, prior to area or quality of ground prone to infestation with habitats working within or adjacent to NNIS. Moanveanlagh Bog SAC at all Physical alterations to bog habitat times, as identification of key may result indirectly through invasive species at this site

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 59

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact increased drainage causing drying may not be within the out of habitats, or directly to competency range of all staff. supporting habitats as the area of works is located directly adjacent to See Table 7-1 the SAC. Physical alterations to the bog habitats may cause a reduction in the area or quality of Prevent any alterations to bog bog habitats present, increasing habitats in and around negative indicator species present, Moanveanlagh Bog SAC. No reducing the presence of elements works to occur within bog of local distinctiveness such as habitats. notable flora and fauna, or features of hydrological interest. The above measures should reduce disturbance to Moanveanlagh Bog SAC and prevent adverse effects that may arise through cumulative and/or in-combination impacts.

Release or Groundwater Changes to water levels in general, As identified in mitigation No changes in may impact upon groundwater measures for surface water adverse nutrient levels/ dependant habitats such as bogs pathways, groundwater effects pollutants and associated supporting habitats. pathways may not be visible so These protected habitats are also follow the procedures under susceptible to changes in water the Environmental Drainage quality as a result of the release of Procedure EP, including suspended solids, introduction of compliance with the 10-point pollutants or changes to nutrient plan and auditing processes. levels transferred through Works should follow those as groundwater pathways. As with described in guidance under surface water impacts, they area the Silt Management EP, also vulnerable to changes in water including but not limited to Changes in levels or channel morphology working upstream, skipping No water levels/ impacting upon the hydrological sections and leaving buffer adverse channel regime. Drainage lowers the water zones both instream and along effects morphology table and peat drops, the bog the banks. Machinery Related surface dries out and pools Procedures should be followed become absent or rare. Cover of to include no refuelling within

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 60

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact typical species is reduced and peat 50m of a watercourse, use of compresses under its own weight, biodegradable oils, ensure causing further degradation of the availability of spill kits and protected habitats. Lowering of the leave natural vegetation buffer water table also causes a slope in strip along the bank. bog surface, increasing rainfall runoff, further speeding degradation of the habitat. Areas upstream of the River Galey, near Moanveanlagh Bog SAC should be considered for potential to be wetlands may be connected via groundwater pathways. Works within or adjacent to wetlands should follow the Wetland Procedure EP, including, but not limited to protecting the wetlands hydraulics and minimising or avoiding maintenance. No works should occur within wetland or bog habitats of Moanveanlagh Bog SAC.

See Table 7-1 for further measures.

The above measures will control sediment mobilisation and reduce the risk of pollution incidents thereby reducing the potential significance of this source of direct, indirect, cumulative and/or in- combination adverse impacts on Moanveanlagh Bog and its groundwater dependent

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 61

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact habitats within this SAC.

Lower River Sandbanks which are slightly Release of Surface Water Surface water dependant habitats, Surface water pathways may No Shannon SAC covered by sea water all the suspended surface water connected habitats transfer suspended solids, adverse (002165) time [1110] solids and surface water dependant nutrients and pollution to the effects species are susceptible to changes SAC and its QIs so follow Estuaries [1130] in water quality as a result of the protocols and EPs in and OPW release of suspended solids, Environmental Procedures Release or introduction of pollutants or (EP) (OPW 2018) - specifically, No Mudflats and sandflats not changes in changes to nutrient levels. They the procedures under the adverse covered by seawater at low tide nutrient levels/ area also vulnerable to changes in Environmental Drainage effects [1140] pollutants water levels or channel Procedure EP, including morphology. The release of large compliance with the 10-point Large shallow inlets and bays amounts of silt or other debris that plan and auditing processes. [1160] has built up over time, e.g. during Works should follow those as sluice maintenance or when describes in guidance under clearing channels adjacent to the Silt Management EP, Reefs [1170] coniferous woodlands, can cause including but not limited to significant individual and in- working upstream, skipping Perennial vegetation of stony combination changes to nutrient sections and leaving buffer banks [1220] levels, turbidity and suspended zones both instream and along solids in water. the banks. Machinery Related Salicornia and other annuals Procedures should be followed colonising mud and sand [1310] Protected habitats that are water to include no refuelling within 50m of a watercourse, use of dependant and/or connected such Changes in biodegradable oils, ensure No Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco- as Alluvial (Wet) Woodlands), water levels/ availability of spill kits and adverse Puccinellietalia maritimae) Molinia Meadows and Saltmarsh channel leave natural vegetation buffer effects [1330] habitats, may rely on water levels morphology and/or channel morphology to strip along the bank.

maintain or restore the structure In situations where there may Mediterranean salt meadows and/or function of the conservation be a more significant build up (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] objectives of the SAC. Changes to of silt, debris or nutrients e.g. these qualities may cause an during sluice maintenance or Water courses of plain to increase in sediment supply to when clearing channels montane levels with the Salicornia [1310] habitat, Atlantic adjacent to coniferous Salt-meadows [1330] and/or woodlands, there will be a 20m

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 62

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact Ranunculion fluitantis and Mediterranean Salt-meadows section of channel Callitricho-Batrachion [1410], alterations to flooding unmaintained at the channel vegetation [3260] regime and/or vegetation zonation. outfall and if this is not naturally present, additional silt Molinia meadows on Population distribution of Otter, mitigation measures will be calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt- dolphin within the River Shannon implemented including the use laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) Estuary, salmonids and lamprey of geotextiles, clean washed [6410] species can be impacted by stone and coarse sand (where suitable), removal of material negative impacts to surface waterbodies. Otter, salmonids and and/or other silt filtration Alluvial forests with Alnus techniques. The method used glutinosa and Fraxinus lamprey species are mobile species and may be able, provide will be on a case-by-case basis excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion and methods used will be incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] there are no barriers, to move to another location should the habitat documented and discussed become unsuitable due to lack of with environment team. Petromyzon marinus (Sea prey species / food, pollution Lamprey) [1095] events or changes in water levels As per the EP on Alluvial (Wet reducing suitability of habitat. In Woodlands), any works that Lampetra planeri (Brook some instances, i.e. extreme occur within potential Alluvial Lamprey) [1096] pollution events, the scheme works Woodland, within the Lower could result in direct mortalities of River Shannon SAC should protected animals or fish, effecting trigger a site specific ERA. Lampetra fluviatilis (River the overall population trend. Further assessment may be Lamprey) [1099] Scheme watercourses and required.

embankments are directly within Salmo salar (Salmon) [1106] the Lower River Shannon SAC, so Wetland habitats (including any release of suspended solids, saltmarsh and molinia Tursiops truncatus (Common nutrients or pollutants, changes in meadows) should be identified Bottlenose Dolphin) [1349] current levels of nutrients or on-site prior to works changes to channel morphology / commencing and works within water level, within the SAC, could Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355] or adjacent to wetlands should have direct and/or indirect negative follow the Wetland Procedure

impacts upon the conservation EP, including, but not limited to objectives of the qualifying protecting the wetlands interests of the SAC. hydraulics and minimising or avoiding maintenance. Bog Cumulative and/or in-combination mats may be required when impacts may arise as a result of the

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 63

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact spread of NNIS through surface traversing through wetlands. water pathways. Spread of aquatic NNIS can cause a reduction in The above measures will habitat quality and/or a reduction in control sediment mobilisation, availability of prey species. While prevent changes in water Crayfish Plague has not been levels and channel identified within the Feale, it is morphology, and reduce the spreading throughout Ireland and risk of pollution incidents may spread to the Feale causing thereby reducing the potential mass mortality of this important significance of this source of prey species. Reduction in habitat direct, indirect, cumulative quality through loss of prey species and/or in-combination adverse or spread of invasive aquatic impacts on the Lower River vegetation, may cause QIs such as Shannon SAC and its QIs. Otter or Salmon, to expend increased energy travelling to new foraging and breeding sites, and an Biosecurity measures will be overall reduction in availability of required where aquatic NNIS suitable habitats. Spread of are present. Follow biosecurity terrestrial NNIS may occur if procedures as defined in the fragments of NNIS plant material EP on Spread of Water based reached the River Feale through Invasives (High Biosecurity) contaminated equipment, resulting Procedure, when working in a decrease in availability of within the Lower River suitable habitats and an increase in Shannon SAC when the presence of negative indicator necessary. This includes species within the Lower River maintaining a demarking a Feale SAC. contaminated zone line with bunting and ensuring anyone or any equipment that crosses this line undergoes specific decontamination as described in the procedures. All staff working within these areas must be briefed on the methodology and sign the method statement outlining this procedure. This will ensure that there are no adverse impacts

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 64

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact due to the spread of aquatic invasive species. Where NNIS are present, particularly Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, follow biosecurity procedures as defined in the EP on Spread of Invasive Plant (Low Biosecurity) Procedure when working within the Lower River Shannon SAC. This will ensure that there are no adverse impacts from the spread of terrestrial NNIS.

Release or Groundwater Water dependant habitats at this Surface water pathways No changes in site that have direct or indirect leading to groundwater adverse nutrient levels/ groundwater linkages (i.e. through pathways may not be visible so effects pollutants surface water pathways) will be protocols and EPs in and OPW influenced by the release or Environmental Procedures changes in nutrient levels / (EP) (OPW 2018) should be pollutants, if any pollutants or followed. - nutrients released cause changes Specifically, the procedures in the quality of the habitats under the Environmental present at the site. Habitat Drainage Procedure EP, structure, vegetation composition including compliance with the and area can be impacted by 10-point plan and auditing changes to groundwater. Changes processes. Works should to water levels could dry out follow those as described in Changes in wetlands, resulting in the habitat no guidance under the Silt No water levels/ longer providing suitable Management EP, including but adverse channel ecosystem services for Otter. This not limited to working effects morphology could impact upon the range and upstream, skipping sections distribution of Otter using the and leaving buffer zones both habitat. instream and along the banks.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 65

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact Nutrient level increases could cause an increase in vegetation Works within potential growth, blocking light for wetlands should follow the understory or underwater species. Wetland Procedure EP, protect Eutrophication, caused by the wetlands hydraulics and discharges of detergents, minimise or avoid phosphates or sewage, can cause maintenance. No works should an increase in algal growth in occur within Molinia Meadows water, which de-oxygenates the [6410], Alluvial Forests [91E0] water as it dies off, causing fish or Salt Meadows [1310], [1330] kills and smothers the typical and/or [1410], to minimise the vegetation present. A reduction in release of sediment from these habitat quality and the availability habitats. Works within potential of suitable prey species can also alluvial woodlands, i,e, within occur from poisoning as a result of riverside woodlands that flood the release of pollutants. Protected regularly, should follow the Otter or dolphin that rely on fish, Alluvial (Wet Woodland) will travel to other locations to find Procedures. In accordance suitable fish, or they may eat with this EP, an ERA may be poisoned fish, resulting in required and should be mortalities. Changes in water levels considered for works within this and channel morphology would priority habitat. also make a habitat unsuitable for lamprey and salmonids. See Table 7-1 for further measures.

The above measures will control sediment mobilisation, prevent changes to water levels and reduce the risk of pollution incidents. This will reduce the potential significance of impacts on water dependent habitats, species and supporting habitats and species within this SAC, all which may be

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 66

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact impacted through surface water pathways.

Disturbance Land and Air Otter, salmonids and lamprey that Species related EPs will be No use the River Feale and associated followed where relevant QIs adverse tributaries within the SAC, are may be present including the effects vulnerable to disturbance related Samonid Procedures, Otter impacts from drainage Procedures and Lamprey maintenance activities. Disturbance Procedures. can include noise from staff and machinery operating in the area, Where protected habitats are visual disturbances from general present the Wetland EP, daytime movement of people and Alluvial Woodland EP and Tree machinery at work, and physical management EP should be disturbances that cause alterations followed. Works within to the supporting and protected potential wetlands, including habitats present. Noise and visual saltmarsh and Molinia disturbances will be temporary. Meadows should protect the wetlands hydraulics and Disturbance can cause minimise or avoid maintenance displacement of protected species, as per Wetland Procedure EP. requiring increased energy Machine/bog mats may be expenditure. Breeding otter may be required to prevent sensitive to disturbance year- unnecessary disturbance. round. Lamprey will be sensitive to disturbance from April to August Specific procedures relevant to and Salmonids will be sensitive to salmonids as in the Salmonid disturbance from October to May. EP include but are not limited Any unnecessary stresses upon to ensuring on-going protected species can impact upon consultation with IFI, timing of the population trends of a species instream works from July to and species distribution. September and protect or Cumulative and/or in-combination enhance river enhancement impacts may arise as a result of the works. See Salmonid EP for disturbance to stands of NNIS, further measures that will be reduction in habitat quality causing applied as necessary. increase in availability of

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 67

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact susceptible bare ground prone to Specific procedures relevant to infestation with NNIS. Otter as described in the Otter Procedures EP include checking mapping and reporting of Otter holts on gangers card and maintaining a buffer zone of 20m for general maintenance works. This buffer zone may need to be increased depending on the nature of the works required and it may be necessary to obtain a derogation license prior to works commencing where disturbance of the holt is required. See Otter EP for further measures that will be applied as necessary.

Where Lamprey may be present, Lamprey Procedure EP is to be followed. Procedures include observing spoil at a minimum 3 times daily, making note of new observations, inform Foreman of new observations of species and replacing stranded lamprey to a bucket prior to release in a suitable location. If Lamprey are confirmed as present, the detailed procedures in the Lamprey EP will be followed.

Where Floating River Vegetation habitat [3260] may be present, the EP on Floating

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 68

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact River Vegetation Habitat and Rare Plants Procedures will be followed. This includes the implementation of a 10m buffer zone where feasible, retention of untouched sections where not including 1/3 to 1/2 of vegetation.

Works within potential alluvial woodlands, i,e, within riverside woodlands that flood regularly, should follow the Alluvial (Wet Woodland) Procedures. In accordance with this EP, an ERA may be required and should be considered for works within this priority habitat.

Embankment maintenance should follow the Embankment Maintenance Procedure including avoiding the spread of invasives, promotion of natural colonisation and increasing biodiversity of species. No tree or vegetation removal works should occur within the breeding bird season unless under license.

Follow Protocol in the EP for Tree Management Procedures, particularly when removing fallen trees and clearing Machine Access Corridor to minimise physical disturbance

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 69

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact during the works.

See Section 7 for additional mitigation measures. Physical Physical alterations causing a Where protected habitats and No alterations to the reduction in area or quality of species are present, limit adverse habitat habitats, can be caused by works and physical disturbance effects trampling, extensive removal of to prevent deterioration of vegetation in particular within the supporting habitat, prevent SAC and destruction of the deterioration of protected composition and structure of the habitats and prevent habitats present. Alterations to the unnecessary impact to structure of protected habitats, protected species that depend including Molinia Meadows, Alluvial on both protected and Woodlands and Floating River unprotected habitats. Vegetation habitats where present, can cause a reduction in habitat Where NNIS are present, Reduction in quality. Wetlands including Alluvial particularly Japanese No area or quality of Woodlands and Molinia Meadows Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam adverse habitats may be more prone to erosion. A and Giant Hogweed, follow effects reduction in habitat quality and biosecurity procedures as physical alterations can also be defined in the EP on Spread of caused by the introduction of non- Invasive Plant (Low native invasive species. Biosecurity) Procedure, prior to working within and when Several NNIS have been found working within the Lower River within the working area during the Shannon SAC at all times. This walkover survey, they may have includes maintaining a 7m been removed, may have spread buffer zone around and further invasives may be infestations, washing of all revealed during vegetation machinery, equipment and this clearance or they may be includes personnel's introduced by machinery or equipment such as boots. Use equipment that is used at another of the Invasive Plants location. Construction Management Physical alterations resulting from Plan flow chart should be disturbance or introduction of non- considered where NNIS are

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 70

Site Name (site Qualifying Interests/ Special Potential Pathway Impact on Attribute and Target Avoidance / Mitigation Residual code) Conservation Interests Source of Prior to Mitigation / Avoidance Measures Impact Impact native invasive species, can be present. temporary or permanent dependant on the nature and extent of the Specific Invasive Plant habitat alteration. As previous, Treatment Procedures are alterations to habitats can reduce defined in the OPW 2018 their area, structure and procedures manual. These composition. Habitats that are no may be required and should be longer suitable for qualifying considered where works are protected species as a result of a required to proceed within reduction in habitat quality, may areas containing NNIS. require species to use extra energy to relocate and therefore, a required increase in foraging. Prey As per the EP on Alluvial (Wet species that may have suffered as Woodlands), any works that a result of the degradation in the occur within potential Alluvial habitats, may no longer be present Woodland, within the Lower or in sufficient quantities for the River Shannon SAC should protected species for which the site trigger a site specific ERA. is designated a SAC. As a result, Further assessment may be Otter, Salmonids and Lamprey may required. suffer a reduction in their population trend, population See Table 7-1 for further distribution, habitat range and measures. extent (area).

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 71

7 Avoidance and Mitigation Measures In order to ensure that arterial drainage maintenance works and proposed associated works do not adversely impact on Lower River Shannon SAC and Moanveanlagh Bog SAC, specific mitigation and avoidance measures have been highlighted that should be followed in Table 6-1. This NIS considers the potential impact of normal arterial drainage maintenance works on those watercourses screened into the assessment. To determine if works are considered outside of what is considered normal works see Section 2.2.4. To ensure that adverse impacts do not arise on Natura 2000 sites and other protected species as a result of normal arterial drainage maintenance works undertaken during the period 2019-2023, all procedures as recommended in the OPW Environmental Procedures Document (OPW 2018) are to be followed, specifically the Annual Program Environmental Procedure EP, the Environmental Risk Assessment Procedure EP, Appropriate Assessment Procedure EP, Structures Construction Procedure EP, Environmental Management Procedure EP and those EPs as further recommended within the management EPs. To view required site-specific mitigation measures, outside of those described in the OPW Environmental Procedures document, see Section 7.1, Table 7-1. To view required specific mitigation measures relevant to works that may occur on bridges, sluices and/or structures, see Section 7.2, Table 7-2.

7.1 Site specific mitigation measures This includes measures in addition to those listed in the OPW's Environmental Management Protocols and EPs (OPW 2018), necessary in order to offset the identified potential impacts on the Natura 2000 sites; these are detailed in Table 7-1.

Table 7-1 Specific mitigation measures Potential Impact Specific Avoidance and Mitigation Measures

Release of suspended All aquatic vegetation or brash cuttings shall be removed from solids the channel and its bank and placed in an area where they cannot re-enter the water. Release or changes in nutrient levels/ pollutants The release of large amounts of silt or other debris that has built up over time, e.g. during sluice maintenance or when clearing channels adjacent to coniferous woodlands, must be prevented. In these situations, there will be a 20m section of channel unmaintained at the channel outfall and if this is not naturally present, additional silt mitigation measures will be implemented including the use of geotextiles, clean washed stone and coarse sand (where suitable), removal of material and/or other silt filtration techniques. The method used will be on a case-by-case basis and methods used will be documented and discussed with environment team. Changes in water levels/ Works on all channels, except for channel C1/18/17 (see channel morphology below), shall be undertaken in accordance with the Scheme's design standard, in order to prevent any new widening or deepening of a channel.

No machinery will be operating within the river channel.

Where works occur adjacent to bog habitat or within Moanveanlagh Bog SAC, on Channel C1/18/17, the Scheme's design standard may prevent the conservation objectives of the site from being achieved. Works within or adjacent to Moanveanlagh Bog SAC should not improve drainage capacity,

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 72

Potential Impact Specific Avoidance and Mitigation Measures

and should not be to design standard unless it is discussed and documented with NPWS to clarify if this is suitable on this channel. This may be suitable should drainage blocks remain in place further upstream within the bog. Physical disturbance of Drainage maintenance works will not encroach into the bog of habitats (and loss of wood Moanveanlagh Bog SAC itself to limit physical disturbance to vegetation cover) this habitat type.

Clearance of MAC will necessitate the usage of bog/machine mats in wet areas and tree clearance will be at a minimum, only where necessary and in accordance with the relevant OPW EP on Tree Management. Vegetated buffer zone of 1.5m to remain along bankside. Noise and visual Works and access will be restricted to maintenance access disturbance corridors.

Other Biosecurity measures will be implemented throughout the works following the OPW's Spread of Invasive Plants (Low Biosecurity) Procedure and Spread of Water Based invasives (High Biosecurity) Procedure, as necessary. Although Crayfish Plague has not been identified as being present within this catchment, given the recent outbreaks of Crayfish Plague reported around Ireland, the best practice principles of Check- Clean-Dry guidance of the NNSS (NNSS 2017) and IFI biosecurity protocols (IFI 2010) shall be followed during these works, to ensure that Crayfish Plague and invasive non-native species are not introduced into the working area.

7.2 Mitigation for Bridge/Sluice/Structural Works As discussed in section 2.2.3, it is currently unknown where and when structural drainage maintenance operations will be required in relation to bridges. This NIS considers the potential impact of maintenance operations on bridges and other structures on those channels and embankments screened into the assessment. To ensure that adverse impacts do not arise on Natura 2000 sites and their QIs as a result of structural maintenance operations undertaken during the period 2019-2023, all procedures as recommended in the OPW Environmental Procedures Document (OPW 2018) are to be followed; specifically the Annual Program Environmental Procedure EP, the Environmental Risk Assessment Procedure EP, Appropriate Assessment Procedure EP, Structures Construction Procedure EP, Environmental Management Procedure EP and where relevant the Bridge Inspection Form EP. The following pre-works mitigation checklist as detailed will also be implemented where structural maintenance works will occur: Table 7-2 Mitigation measures for bridge, sluice and/or structural works Checklist Mitigation Response Required Is the Structure a Bridge? If Yes - Ensure the Foreman's Bridge Inspection Report (Appendix E) has been completed prior to works commencing. All work on bridges requires completion of this form. All instructions on this form will be followed. Continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Is the structure a culvert? If Yes - Follow the Ecological Culvert Procedure. All works on culverts require adherence to these procedures. Continue through checklist as further procedures may be required.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 73

Checklist Mitigation Response Required Is the structure a fisheries If Yes - Follow the Fisheries Enhancement Procedure EP enhancement structure? and Barrier Removal Procedure EP and continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Is the structure an If Yes - Follow the Embankment Maintenance Procedure, embankment, a sluice or part Barrier Removal Procedure EP , see site specific mitigation of an embankment? measures in Table 7-1 and continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Will structure maintenance If yes - Follow procedures in Environmental Drainage works require in-channel Procedure EP, the Silt Management EP, and Machinery working? Related Procedures to control silt mobilisation and relevant species specific EPs to minimise physical damage. Continue through checklist as further procedures may be required. Is the structure constructed of If yes - Follow procedures in Bat Procedure EP. Ensure a brick or stone or does it contain bat roost potential assessment is conducted by an cracks, crevices and/or voids ecologist. Further nocturnal activity surveys will also be that could be used by roosting undertaken if the roost potential assessment concludes bats? they are required. Derogation license may be required for Does the structure have dense works on this bridge. Continue through checklist as further Ivy cover which could be used procedures may be required. by roosting bats? Does the structure contain If yes - Follow Birds Procedure EP. Ensure the work is voids, cracks or ledges that are conducted outside of the nesting bird season or prior to or could be used by nesting works a survey for the presence of nesting birds is birds? conducted. Continue through checklist as further Is the structure located within procedures may be required. an area of dense bankside scrub/vegetation which could be used by nesting birds? Is the structure located within If yes - Follow Otter Procedure. Ensure a survey is an area of dense bankside conducted prior to works to check for the presence of any scrub/vegetation which could protected species. Continue through checklist as further be used as a resting place by procedures may be required. Otter? Are water based non-native If yes - Follow the Spread of Water-based Invasives (High invasive species present in the Biosecurity) Procedure EP and continue through checklist area immediately around the as further procedures may be required. structure, or is signage indicating the presence of water based non-native invasive species present along this channel or the access route? Are terrestrial based non- If yes - Follow the Spread of Invasive Plant (Low native invasive species present Biosecurity) Procedure EP and continue through checklist in the area immediately around as further procedures may be required. the structure, is signage indicating the presence of non- native invasive species present along this channel, or are non- native invasive species present along the access route?

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 74

8 Conclusions Taking into consideration the limitations and constraints as identified in Section 1.4.5, this Natura Impact Statement details the findings of the Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment conducted to further examine the potential direct and indirect impacts of the proposed arterial drainage maintenance works in the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme on the following Natura 2000 sites: • Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) • Moanveanlagh SAC (002351)

The above sites were identified by a screening exercise that identified likely significant effects in relation to Natura 2000 sites within the one of Influence of the proposed works. This screening exercise was conducted following the methodology outlined in Ryan Hanley (2014a), which examines three source > pathway > receptor chains; surface water, land and air, and groundwater pathways. The Appropriate Assessment investigated the potential direct and indirect impacts of the proposed works on the integrity and interest features of the above Natura 2000 sites, alone and in- combination with other plans and projects, taking into account the site's structure, function and conservation objectives. The three pathways of potential impact were again used as a framework of assessment. Where potentially significant adverse impacts were identified, a range of mitigation and avoidance measures have been stipulated to help offset them. As a result of this Appropriate Assessment it has been concluded, that the avoidance and mitigation measures suggested, the proposed drainage maintenance operations in the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme will not have a significant adverse impact on the integrity of the above Natura 2000 sites.

To confirm this conclusion, the following checklist, taken from DEHLG (2009) has been completed:

Conservation objectives: does the project Y/N or plan have the potential to: Cause delays in progress towards N - Following mitigation, no significant adverse achieving the conservation objectives of residual impacts have been identified that will prevent the sites? achievement of the conservation objectives of the assessed sites. Interrupt progress towards achieving the N - Following mitigation, no significant adverse conservation objectives of the sites? residual impacts have been identified that will prevent achievement of the conservation objectives of the assessed site. Disrupt those factors that help to maintain N - Potential adverse impacts via surface water; land the favourable conditions of the site? and air; and groundwater pathways identified during the screening process can be mitigated against. Interfere with the balance, distribution and N - Potential adverse impacts on the habitats and density of key species that are the species of the SACs are not expected as impacts can indicators of the favourable condition of be avoided by implementing the mitigation and the site? avoidance measures detailed. Other objectives: does the project or plan Y/N have the potential to: Cause changes to the vital defining N - Potential adverse impacts from suspended solid aspects (e.g. nutrient balance) that and nutrient release are not expected as measures determine how the site functions as a can be included within working protocols to ensure habitat or ecosystem? potential impacts are effectively mitigated. Change the dynamics of the relationships N - Potential adverse impacts relating to hydrological (between, for example, soil and water or status and water quality have been identified which plants and animals) that define the could impact on the functioning and dynamics of the structure and/or function of the site? site, however, these are not expected to be significant given the mitigation measures detailed to ensure potential impacts are effectively mitigated. Interfere with predicted or expected N - Potential adverse impacts from changes to the natural changes to the site (such as water hydrological regime and suspended dynamics or chemical composition)? solid/nutrient/pollutant release are not expected as measures are included within working protocols to ensure potential impacts are effectively mitigated.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 75

Conservation objectives: does the project Y/N or plan have the potential to: Reduce the area of key habitats? N - Potential adverse impacts on the habitats of the SACs are not expected given the mitigation measures that have been detailed. Reduce the population of key species? N - Potential impacts to key species of both sites, including (but not limited to) Sphagnum, Otter and Salmon, are not expected as impacts can be avoided by implementing the mitigation measures detailed. Change the balance between key N - Potential impacts to key species for which the species? SACs are designated or which support key features of the designated habitats of the SACs, are not expected as impacts can be avoided by implementing the mitigation measures detailed. Reduce diversity of the site? N - The identified mitigation measures to protect designated habitats and species will ensure that the current diversity of the sites is maintained. Result in disturbance that could affect N - Potential impacts to the population size, density or population size or density or the balance balance of key species are not expected as impacts between key species? can be avoided by implementing the mitigation measures detailed. Result in fragmentation N - The proposed works will be undertaken along existing maintenance access corridors and therefore no fragmentation of habitats will occur. Result in loss or reduction of key features N - Potential adverse impacts on SAC habitats are not (e.g. tree cover, tidal exposure, annual expected as impacts can be avoided by implementing flooding etc.)? the mitigation measures detailed so there will be no loss of, or reduction of, key features.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 76

References BirdWatch Ireland (2017) I-WeBS [online], The Irish Wetland Bird Survey, available: http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/?tabid=111 [accessed 17 Nov 2017]. DEHLG (2009) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning Authorities, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/NPWS_2009_AA_Guidance.pdf [accessed 31 Aug 2016]. DHPLG (2018) River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018 - 2021 Natura Impact Statement, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, available: https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/rbmp_natura_impact_statement_0. pdf [accessed 13 Nov 2018]. DoHPLG (2018) River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018 - 2021, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, available: https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/rbmp_report_english_web_version_ final_0.pdf [accessed 13 Nov 2018]. EC (2002) Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological Guidance on the Provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, EUR-OP: Luxembourg. EC (2007) Guidance Document on Article 6(4) of the ‘Habitats Directive’ 92/43/EEC. Clarification of the Concepts of: Alternative Solutions, Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest, Compensatory Measures, Overall Coherence, Opinion of the Commission, available: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/art6/guidance_art6_4_en.p df [accessed 31 Aug 2016]. EC (2013) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats, Version EUR 28, available: http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/references/2435. EPA (2009) ‘Inspectors report on a waste water discharge license application - Lixnaw Agglomeration’, available: http://www.epa.ie/licences/lic_eDMS/090151b28051e432.pdf [accessed 15 Nov 2018]. EPA (2018a) Tralee Bay-Feale Catchment [online], Catchments.ie, available: https://www.catchments.ie/data/ [accessed 13 Nov 2018]. EPA (2018b) Data Sheet for Cashen Waterbody [online], Catchments.ie, available: https://www.catchments.ie/data/ [accessed 15 Nov 2018]. EPA (2018c) EPA Envision Map Viewer [online], available: http://gis.epa.ie/Envision [accessed 9 Mar 2018]. EPA (2018d) EPA Catchments.Ie [online], Catchments.ie, available: https://www.catchments.ie/maps/ [accessed 3 Jan 2018]. EPA (2018e) Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2017, Environmental Protection Agency. European Commission, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities (Eds.) (2000) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The Provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities: Luxembourg. Flora (Protection) Order [online] (2015) S.I. No. 356/2015, available: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2015/si/356/made/en/print [accessed 24 Mar 2017]. Fossitt, J.A. (2000) A Guide to Habitats in Ireland, Heritage Council of Ireland series, Heritage Council/Chomhairle Oidhreachta: Kilkenny. IFI (2010) ‘IFI Biosecurity Protocol for Field Survey Work’. IFI (2014) An Assessment of Juvenile Salmonid Abundance and Distribution in the River Feale Catchment 2013, available: https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/documents/637-feale-juvenile-salmonid- survey-2014/file.html [accessed 19 Nov 2018]. Irish Water (2018a) Lixnaw Agglomeration Annual Environmental Report 2017, Annual Environmental Report, Irish Water, available: http://www.epa.ie/licences/lic_eDMS/090151b2806712fe.pdf [accessed 16 Nov 2018].

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 77

Irish Water (2018b) Abbeydorney Annual Environmental Report 2017, Annual Environmental Report, Irish Water, available: http://www.epa.ie/licences/lic_eDMS/090151b2806712f6.pdf [accessed 16 Nov 2018]. Irish Water (2018c) ‘Moyvane Site Visit Report’, available: http://www.epa.ie/licences/lic_eDMS/090151b2806a3057.pdf [accessed 16 Nov 2018]. Irish Water (2018d) Listowel Annual Environmental Report 2017, Annual Environmental Report, Irish Water, available: http://www.epa.ie/licences/lic_eDMS/090151b2806712d5.pdf. Irish Water (2018e) Ballyduff Annual Environmental Report 2017, Annual Environmental Report, Irish Water, available: http://www.epa.ie/licences/lic_eDMS/090151b2806712f7.pdf [accessed 16 Nov 2018]. JBA (2014) 2014s1164 AA Screening Feale v2.0, AA Screening Report, JBA Consulting. KCC (2016) County Kerry Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2016 - 2022, Kerry County Council anjd Destination Kerry Tourism Forum, available: http://docstore.kerrycoco.ie/KCCWebsite/Tourism/TourismStrategy.pdf. Kerry County Council (2013) ‘Bathing Water Profile - Ballybunnion South’, available: http://www.bathingwater.ie/files/profile/BWPR00229_2013_01_profile.pdf [accessed 13 Nov 2018]. NBDC (2018) Biodiversity Maps - Map Viewer [online], National Biodiversity Data Centre Biodiversity Maps, available: http://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/#/Map [accessed 10 Feb 2018]. NNSS (2017) Check, Clean, Dry - GB Non-Native Species Secretariat [online], GB Non-native species secretariat, available: http://www.nonnativespecies.org/checkcleandry/ [accessed 16 Nov 2017]. NPWS (2008) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland, • National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) (2008). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland., available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/NPWS_2007_Conservation_Status_Report .pdf [accessed 31 Aug 2016]. NPWS (2012a) Conservation Objectives: Lower River Shannon SAC 002165, Conservation Objective Series, National Parks and Wildlife Service / Department of Arts, heritage and the Gaeltacht, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/conservation_objectives/CO002165.pdf [accessed 7 Dec 2016]. NPWS (2012b) Lower River Shannon SAC 002165 Conservation Objectives Supporting Document - Marine Habitats and Species, Supporting Document, National Parks and Wildlife Service / Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/002165_Lower%20River%20Shannon%20 SAC%20Marine%20Supporting%20Doc_V1.pdf [accessed 7 Dec 2016]. NPWS (2012c) Lower River Shannon SAC Conservation Objectives Supporting Document- Woodland Habitats, National Parks and Wildlife Service, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/002165_Lower%20River%20Shannon%20 SAC%20Woodland%20Supporting%20Doc_V1.pdf [accessed 9 Mar 2018]. NPWS (2013a) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland 2013 Habitat Assessments Volume 2, National Parks & Wildlife Services. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland., available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Article_17_Print_Vol_2_report_habitats_v1 _1_0.pdf [accessed 31 Aug 2016]. NPWS (2013b) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland Species Assessments Volume 3, National Parks & Wildlife Services. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland., available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Article_17_Print_Vol_3_report_species_v1 _1_0.pdf [accessed 31 Aug 2016]. NPWS (2013c) ‘Site Synopsis: Lower River Shannon SAC 002165’, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY002165.pdf [accessed 7 Dec 2016].

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 78

NPWS (2015a) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) Conservation Objectives Supporting Document - Raised Bog Habitats, Conservation Objectives Supporting Document, National Parks and Wildlife Service, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Moanveanlagh%20Bog%20SAC%20(0023 51)%20Conservation%20objectives%20supporting%20document%20- %20Raised%20Bog%20habitats%20[Version%201].pdf [accessed 9 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2015b) Conservation Objectives for Moanveanlagh Bog SAC 002351, Conservation Objective Series, National Parks and Wildlife Service / Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/conservation_objectives/CO002351.pdf [accessed 9 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2015c) Natura 2000 Standard Data Form: Lower River Shannon SAC, Natora 2000 Standard Data Form, National Parks and Wildlife Service / Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/natura2000/NF002165.pdf [accessed 7 Dec 2016]. NPWS (2017a) Natura 2000 Standard Data Form for Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC 000332, Natura 2000 Standard Data Form, National Parks and Wildlife Service / Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/natura2000/NF000332.pdf [accessed 8 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2017b) Natura 2000 Standard Data Form Moanveanlagh Bog SAC 002351, Natura 2000 Standard Data Form, National Parks and Wildlife Service / Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/natura2000/NF002351.pdf [accessed 8 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2017c) Natura 2000 Standard Data Form: Stack’s to Mullaghareik Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA, Natura 2000 Standard Data Form, National Parks and Wildlife Service / Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/natura2000/NF004161.pdf [accessed 8 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2017d) Natura 2000 Standard Data Form Tralee Bay Complex SPA 004188, Standard Data Form, National Parks and Wildlife Service / Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/natura2000/NF004188.pdf [accessed 8 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2017e) Natura 2000 Standard Data Form for Kerry Head SPA 004189, Standard Data Form, National Parks and Wildlife Service / Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/natura2000/NF004189.pdf [accessed 8 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2018) Data Sheet for Feale 040 [online], Catchments.ie, available: https://www.catchments.ie/data/ [accessed 15 Nov 2018]. NPWS (2018) Notifiable Actions for Listed Habitats and Species | National Parks & Wildlife Service [online], 2018, available: https://www.npws.ie/farmers-and-landowners/notifiable-actions/listed- habitats-and-species [accessed 12 Sep 2018]. NRA (2009) Ecological Surveying Techniques for Protected Flora and Fauna during the Planning of National Road Schemes, National Roads Authority, available: http://www.tii.ie/technical- services/environment/planning/Ecological-Surveying-Techniques-for-Protected-Flora-and-Fauna- during-the-Planning-of-National-Road-Schemes.pdf [accessed 29 Nov 2017]. O’Connor, W. (2006) A Baseline Survey of Juvenile Lamprey Populations in the River Feal Catchment, Irish Wildlife Manual 22, National Parks and Wildlife Service / Department of Arts, Heritage and Local Government, available: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM22.pdf [accessed 8 Nov 2018]. OPW (2011a) Arterial Drainage Maintenance & High Risk Channel Designation Programme 2011- 2015 Habitats Directive Assessment, Office of Public Works, available: https://www.opw.ie/media/Arterial%20Drainage%20Maintenance%20&%20High%20Risk%20Cha nnel%20Designation%20HDA%202011-2015.pdf [accessed 17 Nov 2017]. OPW (2011b) ‘The Office of Public WorksArterial Drainage Maintenance Service Environmental Management Protocols & Standard Operating Procedures’.

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 79

OPW (2018) ‘Draft - Office of Public Works Environmental Drainage Maintenace Manual Rev A’. Ryan Hanley (2014b) ‘Stage 1: Appropriate Assessment Screening Methodology for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes’. Ryan Hanley (2014a) ‘Source > Pathway > Receptor Chains for Appropriate Assessment’. S.I. No. 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. [online] (2011) available: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2011/si/477/made/en/pdf [accessed 19 Jul 2018]. Smith, G.F., O’Donoghue, P., O’Hora, K., Delaney, E. (2011) ‘Best practice guidance for habitat survey and mapping’, The Heritage Council: Ireland. Walker, L.J., Johnston, J. (1999) Guidelines for the Assessment of Indirect and Cumulative Impacts as Well as Impact Interactions, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Brussels, available: http://edz.bib.uni-mannheim.de/www-edz/pdf/1999/guideassess.pdf [accessed 18 Apr 2017]. Waterways Ireland (2017) Marine Notices: CRAYFISH PLAGUE Notice Number 94 of 2017 [online], Waterways Ireland | News Centre | Marine Notices, available: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/news-centre/marine-notices/689/crayfish-plague [accessed 16 Nov 2017]. WFD (2010) ‘Feale Water Management Unit Action Plan’, available: http://www.wfdireland.ie/docs/1_River%20Basin%20Management%20Plans%202009%20- %202015/ShIRBD%20RBMP%202010/Water%20Management%20Unit%20Action%20Plans/Feal e%20WMU.pdf [accessed 13 Nov 2018].

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx 80

Appendices A Conservation Objectives National Overall Conservation Status from Article 17 reports (NPWS 2013b, 2013a) Conservation Objectives from site specific conservation objectives (NPWS 2012a, 2015b).

A.1 Lower River Shannon SAC Qualifying Interest Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time [1110] National Overall Favourable Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Objectives Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat distribution Occurrence The distribution of sandbanks is stable, subject to natural processes. See map 3 of CO (NPWS 2012c) The distribution of Hectares The permanent habitat area is stable sandbanks is stable, or increasing, subject to natural subject to natural processes. See map 3 of CO. processes. Community distribution Hectares Conserve the following community type in a natural condition: Subtidal sand to mixed sediment with Nephtys spp. community complex. See map 9 of CO. Qualifying Interest Estuaries [1130] National Overall Inadequate Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Objectives Estuaries in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares The permanent habitat area is stable or increasing, subject to natural processes. Community distribution Hectares Conserve the following community types in a natural condition: Intertidal sand to mixed sediment with polychaetes, molluscs and crustaceans community complex; Estuarine subtidal muddy sand to mixed sediment with gammarids community complex; Subtidal sand to mixed sediment with Nucula nucleus community complex; Subtidal sand to mixed sediment with Nephtys spp. community complex; Fucoid‐dominated intertidal reef community complex; Faunal turf‐dominated subtidal reef

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx I

community; and Anemone‐ dominated subtidal reef community. Qualifying Interest Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140] National Overall Inadequate Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Objectives Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares The permanent habitat area is stable or increasing, subject to natural processes. Community distribution Hectares Conserve the following community types in a natural condition: Intertidal sand with Scolelepis squamata and Pontocrates spp. community; and Intertidal sand to mixed sediment with polychaetes, molluscs and crustaceans community complex. Qualifying Interest Large shallow inlets and bays [1130] National Overall Inadequate Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Large Objectives shallow inlets and bays in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares The permanent habitat area is stable or increasing, subject to natural processes. Community distribution Hectares Conserve the following community types in a natural condition: Intertidal sand with Scolelepis squamata and Pontocrates spp. community; Intertidal sand to mixed sediment with polychaetes, molluscs and crustaceans community complex; Subtidal sand to mixed sediment with Nucula nucleus community complex; Subtidal sand to mixed sediment with Nephtys spp. community complex; Fucoid‐ dominated intertidal reef community complex; Mixed subtidal reef community complex; Faunal turf‐ dominated subtidal reef community; Anemone‐ dominated subtidal reef community; and Laminaria‐ dominated community complex. Qualifying Interest Reefs [1170] National Overall Bad Conservation Status

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx II

Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Reefs Objectives in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat distribution Occurrence The distribution of Reefs is stable, subject to natural processes. Habitat area Hectares The permanent habitat area is stable, subject to natural processes. Community distribution Hectares Conserve the following reef community types in a natural condition: Fucoid‐dominated intertidal reef community complex; Mixed subtidal reef community complex; Faunal turf‐dominated subtidal reef community; Anemone‐ dominated subtidal reef community; and Laminaria‐ dominated community complex. Qualifying Interest Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1120] National Overall Inadequate Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Objectives Perennial vegetation of stony banks in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes. Physical structure: Presence/ absence Maintain the natural circulation of functionality and sediment of physical barriers sediment and organic matter, without supply any physical obstructions Vegetation structure: Occurrence Maintain the range of coastal zonation habitats including transitional zones, subject to natural processes including erosion and succession Vegetation composition: Percentage cover Maintain the typical vegetated typical species and sub‐ at a representative shingle flora including the range of communities sample of sub‐ communities within the different monitoring stops zones Vegetation composition: Percentage cover Negative indicator species (including negative indicator species non‐natives) to represent less than 5% cover Qualifying Interest Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [1310] National Overall Inadequate Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Objectives Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx III

Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession. For sub‐sites mapped: Carrigafoyle ‐ 0.005ha; Inishdea, Owenshere ‐ 0.003ha; Knock ‐ 0.029ha; Querin ‐ 0.185ha; Rinevilla Bay ‐ 0.001ha. Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes. Physical structure: Presence/ absence Maintain natural circulation of sediment supply of physical barriers sediments and organic matter, without any physical obstructions Physical structure: creeks Occurrence Maintain/restore creek and pan and pans structure, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession Physical structure: Hectares flooded; Maintain natural tidal regime flooding regime frequency Vegetation structure: Occurrence Maintain the range of coastal zonation habitats including transitional zones, subject to natural processes including erosion and succession Vegetation structure: Centimetres Maintain structural variation within vegetation height sward Vegetation structure: Percentage cover Maintain more than 90% of area vegetation cover at a representative outside creeks vegetated sample of monitoring stops Vegetation composition: Percentage cover Maintain the presence of species‐ typical species and sub‐ poor communities with typical communities species listed in Saltmarsh Monitoring Project (McCorry and Ryle, 2009) Vegetation structure: Hectares No significant expansion of common negative indicator cordgrass (Spartina anglica), with an species‐ Spartina anglica annual spread of less than 1% Qualifying Interest Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] National Overall Inadequate Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic Objectives salt meadows (Glauco‐Puccinellietalia maritimae) in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession. For sub‐sites mapped: Carrigafoyle‐ 6.774ha; Barrigone, Aughinish‐ 10.288ha; Beagh‐ 0.517ha; Bunratty‐ 26.939ha; Shepperton, Fergus Estuary‐ 37.925ha; Inishdea,

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx IV

Owenshere‐ 18.127ha; Killadysert, Inishcorker‐ 2.604ha; Knock‐ 0.576ha; Querin‐ 3.726ha; Rinevilla Bay‐ 11.883ha. Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes. Physical structure: Presence/ absence Maintain natural circulation of sediment supply of physical barriers sediments and organic matter, without any physical obstructions Physical structure: creeks Occurrence Maintain creek and pan structure, and pans subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession Physical structure: Hectares flooded; Maintain natural tidal regime flooding regime frequency Vegetation structure: Occurrence Maintain the range of coastal zonation habitats including transitional zones, subject to natural processes including erosion and succession Vegetation structure: Centimeters Maintain structural variation within vegetation height sward Vegetation composition: Percentage cover Maintain range of sub‐ communities typical species and sub‐ at a representative with typical species listed in communities sample of Saltmarsh Monitoring Project monitoring stops (McCorry and Ryle, 2009) Vegetation structure: Hectares No significant expansion of common negative indicator cordgrass (Spartina anglica), with an species‐ Spartina anglica annual spread of less than 1% Qualifying Interest Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] National Overall Inadequate Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Objectives Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area increasing, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession. For sub‐sites mapped: Carrigafoyle‐ 4.193ha; Barrigone, Aughinish‐ 2.407ha; Bunratty‐ 0.865ha; Inishdea, Owenshere‐ 11.609ha; Killadysert, Inishcorker‐ 0.705ha; Knock‐ 0.143ha, Querin‐ 0.008ha; Rinevilla Bay‐ 2.449ha. Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes. for known distribution Physical structure: Presence/absence Maintain natural circulation of sediment supply of physical barriers sediments and organic matter, without any physical obstructions Physical structure: creeks Occurrence Maintain/restore creek and pan and pans structure, subject to natural processes, including erosion and

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx V

succession Physical structure: Hectares flooded; Maintain natural tidal regime flooding regime frequency Vegetation structure: Occurrence Maintain the range of coastal zonation habitats including transitional zones, subject to natural processes including erosion and succession Vegetation structure: Centimetres Maintain structural variation within vegetation height sward Vegetation structure: Percentage cover Maintain more than 90% of area vegetation cover at a representative outside creeks vegetated sample of monitoring stops Vegetation composition: Percentage cover Maintain range of sub‐ communities typical species with typical species listed in Saltmarsh Monitoring Project (McCorry and Ryle, 2009) Vegetation structure: Hectares No significant expansion of common negative indicator cordgrass (Spartina anglica), with an species ‐ Spartina anglica annual spread of less than 1% Qualifying Interest Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation [3260] National Overall Inadequate Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Water Objectives courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho‐Batrachion vegetation in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Kilometres Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes. Hydrological regime: river Metres per second Maintain appropriate hydrological flow regimes Hydrological regime: tidal Daily water level Maintain natural tidal regime influence fluctuations ‐ metres Hydrological regime: Metres per second Maintain appropriate freshwater freshwater seepages seepage regimes Substratum composition: Millimetres The substratum should be particle size range dominated by the particle size ranges, appropriate to the habitat sub‐type (frequently sands, gravels and cobbles) Water quality: nutrients Milligrammes per The concentration of nutrients in the litre water column should be sufficiently low to prevent changes in species composition or habitat condition Vegetation composition: Occurrence Typical species of the relevant typical species habitat sub‐type should be present and in good condition

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx VI

Floodplain connectivity Area The area of active floodplain at and upstream of the habitat should be maintained Riparian habitat Area The area of riparian woodland at and upstream of the bryophyte‐rich sub‐ type should be maintained Qualifying Interest Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] National Overall Bad Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Objectives Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey‐silt laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes Vegetation structure: Percentage Broadleaf herb component of broadleaf herb: grass vegetation between 40 and 90% ratio Vegetation structure: Percentage 30‐70% of sward between 10 and sward height 80cm high Vegetation composition: Number At least 7 positive indicator species typical species present, including 1 "high quality" species Vegetation composition: Number No decline, subject to natural notable species processes Vegetation composition: Percentage Negative indicator species negative indicator species collectively not more than 20% cover, with cover by an individual species less than 10%. Non‐native invasive species, absent or under control Vegetation composition: Percentage Bog mosses (Sphagnum spp.) not negative indicator moss more than 10% cover; hair mosses species (Polytrichum spp.) not more than 25% cover Vegetation structure: Percentage Cover of woody species and bracken woody species and not more than 5% cover bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) Physical structure: bare Percentage Not more than 10% bare ground ground Qualifying Interest Petromyzon marinus (Sea Lamprey) [1095] National Overall Bad Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Sea Objectives Lamprey in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx VII

Attribute Measure Target Distribution: extent of % of river Greater than 75% of main stem anadromy accessible length of rivers accessible from estuary Population structure of Number of age/size At least three age/size groups juveniles groups present Juvenile density in fine Juveniles/m² Juvenile density at least 1/m² sediment Extent and distribution of m² and occurrence No decline in extent and distribution spawning habitat of spawning beds Availability of juvenile Number of positive More than 50% of sample sites habitat sites in 3rd order positive channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Qualifying Interest Tursiops truncatus (Common Bottlenose Dolphin) [1349] National Overall Favourable Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Objectives Bottlenose Dolphin in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Access to suitable habitat Number of artificial Species range within the site should barriers not be restricted by artificial barriers to site use. Habitat use: critical areas Location and Critical areas, representing habitat hectares used preferentially by bottlenose dolphin, should be maintained in a natural condition. Disturbance Level of impact Human activities should occur at levels that do not adversely affect the bottlenose dolphin population at the site

Qualifying Interest Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] National Overall Bad Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Alluvial Objectives forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno‐ Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes, at least c.8.5ha for sites surveyed. Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline as mapped in

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx VIII

Conservation objectives document (NPWS 2012a) Woodland size Hectares Area stable or increasing. Where topographically possible, "large" woods at least 25ha in size and “small” woods at least 3ha in size Woodland structure: Percentage and Diverse structure with a relatively cover and height metres closed canopy containing mature trees; subcanopy layer with semi‐ mature trees and shrubs; and well‐developed herb layer Woodland structure: Hectares Maintain diversity and extent of community diversity and community types extent Woodland structure: Seedling: sapling: Seedlings, saplings and pole age‐ natural regeneration pole ratio classes occur in adequate proportions to ensure survival of woodland canopy Hydrological regime: Metres Appropriate hydrological regime flooding depth/height of necessary for maintenance of water table alluvial vegetation Woodland structure: dead m³ per hectare; At least 30m³/ha of fallen timber wood number per greater than 10cm diameter; 30 hectare snags/ha; both categories should include stems greater than 40cm diameter (greater than 20cm diameter in the case of alder) Woodland structure: Number per No decline veteran trees hectare Woodland structure: Occurrence No decline indicators of local disctinctiveness Vegetation composition: Percentage No decline. Native tree cover not native tree cover less than 95% Vegetation composition: Occurrence A variety of typical native species typical species present, depending on woodland type, including alder (Alnus glutinosa), willows (Salix spp) and, locally, oak (Quercus robur) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior Vegetation composition: Occurrence Negative indicator species, negative indicator species particularly non‐native invasive species, absent or under control Qualifying Interest Lampetra planeri (Brook Lamprey) [1096]

National Overall Favourable Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Brook Objectives Lamprey in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Distribution % of river Access to all water courses down to accessible first order streams Population structure of Number of age/size At least three age/size groups of

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx IX

juveniles groups brook/river lamprey present Juvenile density in fine Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile density of sediment brook/river lamprey at least 2/m² Extent and distribution of m² and occurrence No decline in extent and distribution spawning habitat of spawning beds Availability of juvenile Number of positive More than 50% of sample sites habitat sites in 2nd order positive channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Qualifying Interest Lampetra fluviatilis (River Lamprey) [1099] National Overall Favourable Conservation Status Conservation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of River Objectives Lamprey in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Distribution % of river Access to all water courses down to accessible first order streams Population structure of Number of age/size At least three age/size groups of juveniles groups brook/river lamprey present Juvenile density in fine Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile density of sediment brook/river lamprey at least 2/m² Extent and distribution of m² and occurrence No decline in extent and distribution spawning habitat of spawning beds Availability of juvenile Number of positive More than 50% of sample sites habitat sites in 2nd order positive channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas Qualifying Interest Salmo salar (Salmon) [1106] National Overall Inadequate Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Salmon Objectives in the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Distribution: extent of % of river 100% of river channels down to anadromy accessible second order accessible from estuary Adult spawning fish Number Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently exceeded Salmon fry abundance Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry mean minutes catchment‐wide abundance electrofishing threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon fry/5 min sampling Out‐migrating smolt Number No significant decline abundance Number and distribution Number and No decline in number and of redds occurrence distribution of spawning redds due to anthropogenic causes

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx X

Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA Qualifying Interest Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355] National Overall Favourable Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Otter in Objectives the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Distribution Percentage No significant decline positive survey sites Extent of terrestrial Hectares No significant decline. Area mapped habitat and calculated as 596.8ha above high water mark (HWM); 958.9ha along river banks/ around ponds Extent of marine habitat Hectares No significant decline. Area mapped and calculated as 4,461.6ha Extent of freshwater Kilometers No significant decline. Length (river) habitat mapped and calculated as 500.1km Extent of freshwater Hectares No significant decline. Area mapped (lake/lagoon) habitat and calculated as 125.6ha Couching sites and holts Number No significant decline Fish biomass available Kilograms No significant decline Barriers to connectivity Number No significant increase. For guidance, see map 17 of Conservation Objectives (NPWS 2012a)

A.2 Moanveanlagh Bog SAC Qualifying Interest Active Raised Bogs [7110] National Overall Bad Conservation Status Conservation To restore the favourable conservation condition of Active Objectives raised bogs in Moanveanlagh Bog SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares Restore area of active raised bog to 12.8ha, subject to natural processes Habitat distribution Occurrence Restore the distribution and variability of active raised bog across the SAC High bog area Hectares No decline in extent of high bog necessary to support the development and maintenance of active raised bog Hydrological regime: Centimetres Restore appropriate water levels water levels throughout the site Hydrological regime: flow Flow direction; Restore, where possible, appropriate patterns slope high bog topography, flow directions

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XI

and slopes Transitional areas Hectares; Restore adequate transitional areas between high bog and distribution to support/protect active raised bog adjacent mineral soils and the services it provides (including cutover areas) Vegetation quality: central Hectares Restore 6.4ha of central ecotope, active flush, ecotope/active flush/soaks/bog soaks, bog woodland woodland as appropriate Vegetation quality: Hectares Restore adequate cover of high microtopographical quality microtopographical features features Vegetation quality: bog Percentage cover Restore adequate cover of bog moss moss (Sphagnum) (Sphagnum) species to ensure species peatforming capacity Typical ARB species: Occurrence Restore, where appropriate, typical flora active raised bog flora Typical ARB species: Occurrence Restore, where appropriate, typical fauna active raised bog fauna Elements of local Occurrence Maintain features of local distinctiveness distinctiveness, subject to natural processes Negative physical Percentage cover Negative physical features absent or indicators insignificant Vegetation composition: Percentage cover Native negative indicator species at native negative indicator insignificant levels species Vegetation composition: Percentage cover Non-native invasive species at nonnative invasive insignificant levels and not more species than 1% cover Air quality: nitrogen kg N/ha/year Air quality surrounding bog close to deposition natural reference conditions. The total N deposition should not exceed 5kg N/ha/yr Water quality Hydrochemical Water quality on the high bog and in measures transitional areas close to natural reference conditions Qualifying Interest Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] National Overall Bad Conservation Status Conservation The long-term aim for Degraded raised bogs still capable of Objectives natural regeneration is that its peat-forming capability is re- established; therefore, the conservation objective for this habitat is inherently linked to that of Active raised bogs (7110) and a separate conservation objective has not been set in Moanveanlagh Bog SAC Qualifying Interest Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] National Overall Declining Conservation Status Conservation Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion is an Objectives integral part of good quality Active raised bogs (7110) and thus a separate conservation objective has not been set for the habitat in Moanveanlagh Bog SAC

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XII

B Protected Fauna Protected Fauna present or adjacent to the study site within the last 10 years from National Biodiversity Data Centre map database (NBDC 2018).

Species Title of dataset Designation Aquatic non-mammals

Freshwater Pearl River Biologists' Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || Mussel (Margaritifera Database (EPA) Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> margaritifera) Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Insects

Marsh Fritillary Butterflies of Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Euphydryas aurinia) Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex II || Threatened Species: Vulnerable Mammals

Common Dolphin IWDG Cetacean Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Delphinus delphis) Strandings Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Cuvier's Beaked Whale IWDG Cetacean Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Ziphius cavirostris) Strandings Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Daubenton's Bat (Myotis National Bat Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || daubentonii) of Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Eurasian Badger (Meles Mammals of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts meles) 2016-2025 Eurasian Pygmy Shrew Mammals of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts (Sorex minutus) 2016-2025 European Otter (Lutra Mammals of Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || lutra) 2016-2025 Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Grey Seal (Halichoerus Grey Seal (Halichoerus Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || grypus) grypus) Distribution Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> 2009-2014 Annex II || Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex V || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Lesser Noctule National Bat Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Nyctalus leisleri) of Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Natterer's Bat (Myotis National Bat Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || nattereri) of Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus National Bat Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || pipistrellus s.l) of Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Soprano Pipistrelle National Bat Database Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive || (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) of Ireland Protected Species: EU Habitats Directive >> Annex IV || Protected Species: Wildlife Acts West European Mammals of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts Hedgehog (Erinaceus 2016-2025 europaeus)

Birds

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XIII

Species Title of dataset Designation Barn Owl (Tyto alba) Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Barnacle Goose (Branta Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened leucopsis) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Bar-tailed Godwit Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Limosa lapponica) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Black-legged Kittiwake Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Rissa tridactyla) Species: OSPAR Convention || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Grasshopper Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Warbler (Locustella Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || naevia) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Sandpiper Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Actitis hypoleucos) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Wood Pigeon Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Columba palumbus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species Eurasian Teal (Anas Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected crecca) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Eurasian Tree Sparrow Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Passer montanus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Grey Plover (Pluvialis Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened squatarola) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Jack Snipe Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Lymnocryptes minimus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XIV

Species Title of dataset Designation Species

Little Gull (Larus Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected minutus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species Merlin (Falco Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected columbarius) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Mute Swan (Cygnus Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened olor) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Northern Wheatear Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Oenanthe oenanthe) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Red Grouse (Lagopus Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected lagopus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Spotted Flycatcher Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Muscicapa striata) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Stock Pigeon (Columba Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011 Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened oenas) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Barn Swallow (Hirundo Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened rustica) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Black Guillemot Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Cepphus grylle) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Black-headed Gull Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Larus ridibundus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Brent Goose (Branta Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened bernicla) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XV

Species Title of dataset Designation Common Greenshank Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Tringa nebularia) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Kestrel (Falco Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened tinnunculus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Kingfisher Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Alcedo atthis) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Linnet Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Carduelis cannabina) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Pheasant Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Phasianus colchicus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species Common Redshank Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Tringa totanus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Common Snipe Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Gallinago gallinago) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Starling Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Sturnus vulgaris) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Common Swift (Apus Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened apus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Dunlin (Calidris alpina) Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Eurasian Curlew Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Numenius arquata) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species:

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XVI

Species Title of dataset Designation Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Eurasian Oystercatcher Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Haematopus Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || ostralegus) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Eurasian Wigeon (Anas Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected penelope) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Eurasian Woodcock Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Scolopax rusticola) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List European Golden Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected Plover (Pluvialis Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected apricaria) Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section III Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List European Shag Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Phalacrocorax Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || aristotelis) Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Great Black-backed Gull Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Larus marinus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Great Cormorant Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Phalacrocorax carbo) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Great Northern Diver Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Gavia immer) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species Hen Harrier (Circus Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected cyaneus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XVII

Species Title of dataset Designation Herring Gull (Larus Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened argentatus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List House Martin (Delichon Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened urbicum) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List House Sparrow (Passer Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened domesticus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Lesser Black-backed Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Gull (Larus fuscus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Little Egret (Egretta Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected garzetta) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species Little Grebe Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Tachybaptus ruficollis) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Mallard (Anas Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected platyrhynchos) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex III, Section I Bird Species Mediterranean Gull Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Larus melanocephalus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Mew Gull (Larus canus) Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Northern Lapwing Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Vanellus vanellus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section II Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List Peregrine Falcon (Falco Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected peregrinus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species Red-billed Chough Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected (Pyrrhocorax Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected pyrrhocorax) Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species:

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XVIII

Species Title of dataset Designation Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Ringed Plover Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Charadrius hiaticula) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Rock Pigeon (Columba Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected livia) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex II, Section I Bird Species Ruff (Philomachus Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected pugnax) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Sand Martin (Riparia Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened riparia) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Sky Lark (Alauda Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened arvensis) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Water Rail (Rallus Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened aquaticus) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Whooper Swan (Cygnus Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Protected cygnus) Species: EU Birds Directive || Protected Species: EU Birds Directive >> Annex I Bird Species || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber List Yellowhammer Birds of Ireland Protected Species: Wildlife Acts || Threatened (Emberiza citrinella) Species: Birds of Conservation Concern || Threatened Species: Birds of Conservation Concern >> Birds of Conservation Concern - Red List

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XIX

C Non-native Invasive Species Invasive Species found in or adjacent to the River Feale within 10km over the past 10 years, showing the date last recorded.

Species Name Record Count Date last recorded Title of Dataset Black Currant (Ribes nigrum) 1 14/09/2012 Irish Vascular Plant Data - Paul Green Butterfly-bush (Buddleja 1 23/02/2017 Online Atlas of davidii) Vascular Plants 2012-2020 Canadian Waterweed (Elodea 22 30/08/2007 National Invasive canadensis) Species Database Cherry Laurel (Prunus 1 22/05/2016 National Invasive laurocerasus) Species Database Giant-rhubarb (Gunnera 1 20/08/2008 National Invasive tinctoria) Species Database Himalayan Honeysuckle 2 30/01/2017 Online Atlas of (Leycesteria formosa) Vascular Plants 2012-2020 Indian Balsam (Impatiens 59 05/09/2017 Online Atlas of glandulifera) Vascular Plants 2012-2020 Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia 44 16/11/2017 Online Atlas of japonica) Vascular Plants 2012-2020 Pitcherplant (Sarracenia 2 14/07/2017 Online Atlas of purpurea) Vascular Plants 2012-2020 Rhododendron ponticum 4 31/12/2017 Species Data from the National Vegetation Database Sycamore (Acer 28 27/08/2017 Discrete vascular pseudoplatanus) plant surveys Three-cornered Garlic (Allium 2 24/05/2015 Online Atlas of triquetrum) Vascular Plants 2012-2020 Traveller's-joy (Clematis 2 06/08/2017 Online Atlas of vitalba) Vascular Plants 2012-2020 Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia 2 08/10/2014 Ladybirds of Ireland axyridis) American Mink (Mustela 4 26/12/2013 Atlas of Mammals in vison) Ireland 2010-2015 Brown Rat (Rattus 4 24/05/2015 Atlas of Mammals in norvegicus) Ireland 2010-2015 European Rabbit (Oryctolagus 6 26/12/2013 Atlas of Mammals in cuniculus) Ireland 2010-2015

Fallow Deer (Dama dama) 2 31/12/2008 Deer of Ireland Database Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) 2 31/12/2008 Deer of Ireland Database

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XX

D Environmental Drainage Maintenance Manual

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XXI

E Foreman’s Bridge Inspection Report

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XXII

Rev 0415 Foreman Bridge Inspection Report

Date of inspection: ______

Inspected by: ______

Yes If yes – programme maintenance for next year Maintenance required No and complete below

Yes Emergency works required If yes – complete below No

Yes In-channel works required If yes - apply water quality mitigation measures No

Cracks present that could be used by Yes If yes - refer to Environment Section with roosting bats photograph as additional surveys may be *For brick or stone structures only No required

Yes If yes - refer to Environment Section with Dense ivy cover that could be used by bats photograph as additional surveys may be No required

Ledges present that are / could be used by Yes If yes – avoid nesting season or survey for nesting nesting birds No birds prior to maintenance

Dense bank-side vegetation surrounding the Yes If yes – avoid nesting season or survey for nesting structure suitable for birds No birds prior to maintenance

Yes If yes - check for presence of otter/badger – Dense bank-side vegetation surrounding the Refer to Environment Section with photo if structure suitable for otter No found as licence may be required

Non-native invasive species detailed in Yes If yes, refer to Environment Section with 'Invasives SOP' present No photograph

Yes If yes – inform Environment Section once Suitable for installation of bat box No installed

Yes If yes – inform Environment Section once Suitable for installation of bird (dipper) box No installed

Remarks

F Environmental Risk Assessment Form

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XXIII

OPW Arterial Drainage

Environmental Risk Assessment

To be completed by the works manager where the following conditions are met

Works within an SAC or SPA Yes☐

Works on a major channel (i.e. base width greater than 3m) Yes☐

More than 10 years since maintenance on the Channel (>3m) or Embankment Yes☐

General Site Details

Start Date: Click or tap to enter a date. Est Completion Date: Click or tap to enter a date.

Site Location: Click or tap here to enter text. Scheme: Click or tap here to enter text.

Channel No./Ref.: Click or tap here to enter text. Bridge No.: Click or tap here to enter text.

GPS coordinates: Click or tap here to enter text. Road Number: Click or tap here to enter text. Nature of Works: Programmed ☐ Non-Programmed ☐ Emergency ☐

If Yes is answered to any of the following questions, forward to Environment Section

Does the work entail heavy tree or vegetation removal on a channel, embankment or Yes ☐ No ☐ machine access corridor? Does the works entail embankment refurbishment works not classified as general Yes ☐ No ☐ maintenance? Does the works entail more than 40m of bank protection or other structural work on Yes ☐ No ☐ a channel? Are the nature of the works or location of the works outside the scope of the Yes ☐ No ☐ associated arterial drainage maintenance five year Appropriate Assessments?

Additional Information From the GIS records, is this a Freshwater Pearl Mussel location? Yes ☐ No ☐

Have particular sensitivities been flagged by other stakeholders such as IFI or NPWS? Yes ☐ No ☐

Is there a requirement to carry out the works outside the appropriate environmental Yes ☐ No ☐ window?

Signed: Date:Click or tap to enter a date.

Rev 11/17

G Ecological Survey Extent

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XXIV

Survey: Feale 2018

002165

004189

002351

004161

0 2 4 Legend km ¯ OPW Arterial Drainage Scheme Channels OPW Arterial Drainage Scheme Embankments © Ordnance Survey Ireland, 2018. All rights Survey Coverage Full survey coverage reserved. Licence number AR 0107218. Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) Special Protection Areas (SPA)

H Channels, Embankments, Bridges and Sluices screened into assessment and pathways of impact

2018s0768 - Office of Public Works - NIS Feale V2.0.docx XXV

Channels

Channel Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) OVERALL_ID REF Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater 0 C1 x x x 0 C1 x x x 0 C1 x x x 0 C1 x x x 5807 C1/1 x x x 6043 C1/10 x x x 5912 C1/10/1 x x x 5872 C1/11 x x x 6058 C1/12 x x x 5967 C1/12/1 x x x 5902 C1/12/2 x x 5966 C1/13 x x 0 C1/14 x x x 0 C1/14 x x x 0 C1/14 x x x 5910 C1/14/1 x x x 5892 C1/14/1/1 x x 5834 C1/14/10 x x x 5977 C1/14/11 x x x 5939 C1/14/11/1 x x x 6020 C1/14/12 x x x 5799 C1/14/12/1 x x 6060 C1/14/13 x x x 5960 C1/14/13/1 x x 5826 C1/14/13/2 x x 5984 C1/14/13/3 x x 5887 C1/14/13/4 x x 5913 C1/14/14 x x x 5850 C1/14/15 x x x 6042 C1/14/16 x x x 5779 C1/14/16/1 x x x 5857 C1/14/16/2 x x x 5856 C1/14/16/3 x x x 6001 C1/14/17 x x 5852 C1/14/18 x x 6024 C1/14/19 x x 5911 C1/14/2 x x x 5832 C1/14/20 x x 5938 C1/14/21 x x 6044 C1/14/22 x x 5765 C1/14/22/1 x x 6051 C1/14/22/2 x x 5906 C1/14/22/2/1 x x 5935 C1/14/22/3 x x 6050 C1/14/22/4 x x 5796 C1/14/22/4/1 x x 5933 C1/14/22/4/2 x x 6029 C1/14/22/4/3 x x 5789 C1/14/22/4/3/1 x x 5880 C1/14/22/5 x x 5778 C1/14/22/6 x x 5825 C1/14/3 x x x 5773 C1/14/4 x x x 5830 C1/14/5 x x x 5903 C1/14/5/1 x x 5837 C1/14/6 x x x 6057 C1/14/7 x x x 5816 C1/14/7/1 x x 5876 C1/14/7/2 x x 5863 C1/14/7/3 x x 6063 C1/14/8 x x x 5792 C1/14/8/1 x x 6047 C1/14/8/10 x x 5874 C1/14/8/10/1 x x 6005 C1/14/8/10/2 x x 5822 C1/14/8/11 x 5858 C1/14/8/2 x x 5923 C1/14/8/3 x x 5788 C1/14/8/4 x 5936 C1/14/8/5 x 5998 C1/14/8/6 x 5866 C1/14/8/7 x x 5862 C1/14/8/8 x x 5844 C1/14/8/9 x x 5813 C1/14/8/9/1 x x 5962 C1/14/9 x x x 6011 C1/15 x x x 5944 C1/16 x x x 5928 C1/17 x x x 0 C1/18 x x x 0 C1/18 x x x 0 C1/18 x x x 0 C1/18 x x x 0 C1/18 x x x 0 C1/18 x x x Channels

Channel Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) OVERALL_ID REF Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater 5918 C1/18/1 x x x 5986 C1/18/1/1 x x x 5961 C1/18/10 x x x 5752 C1/18/10/1 x x 6007 C1/18/11 x x x 5801 C1/18/11/1 x x x 5775 C1/18/11/2 x x 5940 C1/18/12 x x x 5974 C1/18/13 x x x 6059 C1/18/14 x x x 5937 C1/18/14/1 x x 5930 C1/18/14/2 x 6046 C1/18/15 x x x 5989 C1/18/15/1 x x x 5980 C1/18/15/1/1 x x x 5749 C1/18/15/1/1/1 x x x 6049 C1/18/15/2 x x x 6019 C1/18/15/2/1 x x 5954 C1/18/15/2/1/1 x 5999 C1/18/15/2/2 x x 5802 C1/18/15/2/2/1 x 5827 C1/18/15/2/3 x 5803 C1/18/15/3 x 5968 C1/18/16 x x x 5781 C1/18/16/1 x x 6053 C1/18/17 x x x x x x 5840 C1/18/17/1 x x 5934 C1/18/18 x x x 5793 C1/18/19 x x x 6022 C1/18/2 x x x 5751 C1/18/2/1 x x x 5808 C1/18/20 x x x 5925 C1/18/20/1 x x 5767 C1/18/3 x x x 5983 C1/18/4 x x x 5869 C1/18/4/1 x x x 5991 C1/18/5 x x x 6056 C1/18/6 x x x 5786 C1/18/6/1 x x x 5927 C1/18/6/2 x x 5893 C1/18/6/2/1 x x 5776 C1/18/7 x x x 5970 C1/18/8 x x x 5870 C1/18/8/1 x x 5831 C1/18/9 x x x 5885 C1/19 x x x 6018 C1/2 x x x 6048 C1/20 x x x 5821 C1/20/1 x x x 5896 C1/20/2 x x 6028 C1/21 x x x 5842 C1/21/1 x x x 5901 C1/22 x x x 5812 C1/22/1 x x x 6055 C1/23 x x x 5908 C1/23/1 x x 6000 C1/23/2 x x 5995 C1/23/2/1 x x 5949 C1/23/2/2 x x 5897 C1/23/3 x x 5847 C1/23/4 x x 5943 C1/23/5 x x 5782 C1/24 x x x 5994 C1/25 x x x 5839 C1/26 x x x 0 C1/3 x x x 0 C1/3/1 x x x 5956 C1/4 x x x 5957 C1/5 x x x 5849 C1/5/1 x x x 5864 C1/5/2 x x 5784 C1/5/2/1 x x 6025 C1/5/3 x x 5950 C1/5/4 x x 5809 C1/5/5 x x 5978 C1/6 x x x 5860 C1/7 x x x 5971 C1/8 x x x 5829 C1/9 x x x 5976 D1 x x x 5823 D10 x x x 5981 D11 x x x 5754 D12 x x x 5760 D13 x x x 5819 D14 x x x Channels

Channel Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) OVERALL_ID REF Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater 5817 D15 x x x 5855 D16 x x 5814 D17 x x 5904 D18 x x 5979 D19 x x x 5975 D2 x x x 5879 D20 x x x 6033 D21 x x x 6030 D22 x x x 6035 D23 x x x 6038 D24 x x 5973 D25 x x x 0 D26 x x x 5898 D27 x x x 5853 D28 x x x 5833 D29 x x x 0 D3 x x x 6003 D30 x x x 5818 D31 x x x 5919 D32 x x x 6006 D4 x x x 6015 D5 x x x 5992 D6 x x x 6054 D7 x x x 5797 D8 x x 6021 D9 x x x 5777 Ext. x x Embankments

Embankment Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) TYPE_ID UNIQUE_ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater 5758 x x x 5761 x x 5762 x x 5763 x x 5764 x x x 5769 x 5771 x x x 5780 x 5794 x x x 5810 x x x 5828 x x x 5890 x x x 5914 x x 5942 x x x 5987 x x x 6010 x x x 6036 x x x 6040 x x x 6066 x x E125 5755 x x x E10 6052 x x x E101 5878 x x E102 5875 x x E103 5791 x x E104 5963 x x E106 5951 x x E106 5867 x x x E107 5946 x x E11 5969 x x x E110 5759 x x x E112 5883 x x x E113 5884 x x x E114 5955 x x x E115 5947 x x x E116 5988 x x x E12 6002 x x x E122 5811 x x x E123 5851 x x x E124 5854 x x E13 5907 x x x E13 5882 x x x E14 6045 x x x E15 5990 x x x E16 5766 x x x E17 5958 x x x E18 x x x E18 5841 x x x E19 5931 x x x E2 5972 x x x E20 5997 x x x E21 5886 x x x E21 6004 x x x E21 x x x E21 5824 x x x E23 5921 x x x E24 5835 x x x E25 5861 x x x E26 5965 x x E27 6039 x x E28 5941 x x x E29 5774 x x x E3 6009 x x x E30 x x x E30 6008 x x x E31 5873 x x x E32 5916 x x x E32 5848 x x x E33 6031 x x x E34 5845 x x E34 5768 x x x E35 6026 x x E36 6017 x x x E37 6032 x x x E40 6014 x x x E42 5948 x x x E43 5871 x x x E44 5959 x x x E46 5905 x x x E47 5945 x x x E48 5798 x x x E49 6037 x x x E49 5891 x x x E5 5920 x x x E50 5929 x x x E51 5894 x x x Embankments

Embankment Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) TYPE_ID UNIQUE_ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater E54 5900 x x x E56 5915 x x x E56 5772 x x E57 5922 x x E58 5899 x x x E59 5985 x x x E6 5868 x x x E60 5843 x x x E61 5846 x x x E64 5804 x x x E65 5820 x x x E66 5895 x x x E67 5877 x x x E68 5953 x x x E69 5996 x x x E7 5924 x x x E70 5865 x x E71 5881 x x E72 5838 x x E78 5926 x x x E8 5859 x x x E8 5787 x x x E81 5917 x x x E82 5800 x x x E84 5795 x x x E85 5750 x x E86 5753 x x E89 5790 x x E9 6016 x x x E90 6012 x x E91 6013 x x E91 5805 x x E92 5888 x E93 5836 x x E94 5785 x x E95 5783 x x E96 5982 x x x E97 5952 x x E98 6034 x x x x x x Bridges

Bridge Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) Type ID Channel_ID Unique ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater B1 1/20/2 12248 x x B2 1/20/2 12253 x x B1 C/20/1 12212 x x B2 C/20/1 12218 x x B3 C/20/1 12223 x x B1 C1/1 11972 x x B2 C1/10 12160 x x B3 C1/10 12185 x x B1 C1/10/1 12144 x x B1 C1/11 12108 x x B1 C1/12 12210 x x B2 C1/12 12239 x x B3 C1/12 12243 x x B4 C1/12 12258 x x B1 C1/12/1 12149 x x B2 C1/12/1 12154 x x B3 C1/12/1 12152 x x B1 C1/12/2 12189 x x B2 C1/12/2 12213 x x B3 C1/12/2 12219 x x B1 C1/13 12053 x x B2 C1/13 12037 x x B3 C1/13 12030 x B4 C1/13 12019 x B5 C1/13 12013 x B6 C1/13 12003 x B1 C1/14 12079 x x x B2 C1/14 12119 x x x B3 C1/14 12114 x x x B4 C1/14 12021 x x B5 C1/14 11971 x x B1 C1/14/10 12098 x x B1 C1/14/11 12078 x x x B2 C1/14/11 12140 x x B1 C1/14/12 12046 x x B3 C1/14/12 12016 x x B4 C1/14/12 11992 x x B1 C1/14/12/1 12022 x x B2 C1/14/12/1 12028 x x B1 C1/14/13 12080 x x x B2 C1/14/13 12006 x x B3 C1/14/13 11993 x x B4 C1/14/13 11986 x x B5 C1/14/13 11979 x x B6 C1/14/13 11965 x x B7 C1/14/13 11951 x x B8 C1/14/13 11936 x x B9 C1/14/13 11927 x x BX1 C1/14/13 11930 x x B1 C1/14/13/1 11999 x x B2 C1/14/13/1 11987 x x B1 C1/14/13/2 12012 x x B2 C1/14/13/2 12009 x x B3 C1/14/13/2 12007 x x B1 C1/14/13/3 11944 x x B2 C1/14/13/3 11939 x x B3 C1/14/13/3 11934 x x B4 C1/14/13/3 11932 x x B1 C1/14/13/4 11935 x x B1 C1/14/15 12141 x x B1 C1/14/16 12139 x x x B2 C1/14/16 12153 x x x B3 C1/14/16 12182 x x x B4 C1/14/16 12206 x x x B5 C1/14/16 12209 x x x B1 C1/14/17 12106 x x B2 C1/14/17 12117 x x B3 C1/14/17 12133 x x B1 C1/14/19 12026 x x B2 C1/14/19 12017 x x B3 C1/14/19 12001 x x B4 C1/14/19 11994 x x B5 C1/14/19 11981 x x B6 C1/14/19 11977 x x B7 C1/14/19 11976 x x B1 C1/14/2 12118 x x B1 C1/14/21 12015 x x B2 C1/14/21 12008 x x B3 C1/14/21 12002 x x B4 C1/14/21 11997 x x B1 C1/14/22 11983 x x B2 C1/14/22 11975 x x B3 C1/14/22 11973 x x B4 C1/14/22 11938 x x B5 C1/14/22 11937 x x Bridges

Bridge Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) Type ID Channel_ID Unique ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater B1 C1/14/22/2 11947 x x B2 C1/14/22/2 11940 x x B3 C1/14/22/2 11931 x x B4 C1/14/22/2 11928 x x B5 C1/14/22/2 11922 x x B1 C1/14/22/2/1 11948 x x B1 C1/14/22/3 11945 x x B2 C1/14/22/3 11943 x x B1 C1/14/22/4 11929 x x B2 C1/14/22/4 11914 x x B1 C1/14/22/4/2 11920 x x B1 C1/14/22/4/3 11918 x x B2 C1/14/22/4/3 11900 x x B1 C1/14/22/4/3/1 12433 x x B1 C1/14/22/5 11933 x x B1 C1/14/4 12071 x x x B1 C1/14/5 12043 x x x B2 C1/14/5 12032 x x B1 C1/14/5/1 12036 x x B1 C1/14/6 12035 x x B2 C1/14/6 12031 x x B1 C1/14/7 12107 x x B10 C1/14/7 12180 x x B2 C1/14/7 12129 x x B3 C1/14/7 12146 x x B4 C1/14/7 12147 x x B5 C1/14/7 12157 x x B6 C1/14/7 12173 x x B7 C1/14/7 12174 x x B8 C1/14/7 12177 x x B9 C1/14/7 12187 x x B1 C1/14/7/2 12170 x x B2 C1/14/7/2 12184 x x B1 C1/14/7/3 12190 x x B2 C1/14/7/3 12214 x x B1 C1/14/8 11941 x B2 C1/14/8 11919 x B3 C1/14/8 11917 x B4 C1/14/8 11912 x B5 C1/14/8 11906 x B6 C1/14/8 11899 x B7 C1/14/8 12434 x B1 C1/14/8/10 11916 x B1 C1/14/8/10/1 11910 x B2 C1/14/8/10/1 11911 x x B1 C1/14/8/10/2 11902 x x B10 C1/14/8/10/2 11913 x x B2 C1/14/8/10/2 11909 x x B3 C1/14/8/10/2 11907 x x B4 C1/14/8/10/2 11905 x x B5 C1/14/8/10/2 11903 x x B6 C1/14/8/10/2 11901 x x B7 C1/14/8/10/2 11904 x x B8 C1/14/8/10/2 11908 x x B9 C1/14/8/10/2 11915 x x SL177 C1/14/8/3 11996 x x B1 C1/14/8/6 11926 x B2 C1/14/8/6 11925 x B1 C1/14/8/8 11923 x x B2 C1/14/8/8 11924 x x B1 C1/14/8/9 11921 x x B1 C1/15 12159 x x B2 C1/15 12163 x x B1 C1/17 12164 x x B2 C1/17 12166 x x B3 C1/17 12168 x x B4 C1/17 12171 x x B5 C1/17 12175 x x B2 C1/18 12314 x x x B3 C1/18 12323 x x x B4 C1/18 12343 x x x B5 C1/18 12396 x x x B1 C1/18/1 12303 x x B2 C1/18/1 12304 x x B1 C1/18/1/1 12179 x x B2 C1/18/1/1 12200 x x B3 C1/18/1/1 12216 x x B4 C1/18/1/1 12224 x x B5 C1/18/1/1 12242 x x x B6 C1/18/1/1 12244 x x x B1 C1/18/10 12334 x x B2 C1/18/10 12338 x x B3 C1/18/10 12347 x x B4 C1/18/10 12346 x x B1 C1/18/11 12345 x x x Bridges

Bridge Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) Type ID Channel_ID Unique ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater B2 C1/18/11 12363 x x B3 C1/18/11 12365 x x B4 C1/18/11 12369 x x B1 C1/18/11/2 12350 x x B1 C1/18/12 12349 x x B2 C1/18/12 12352 x x B3 C1/18/12 12356 x x B4 C1/18/12 12359 x x B5 C1/18/12 12361 x x B6 C1/18/12 12364 x x B7 C1/18/12 12367 x x B1 C1/18/13 12342 x x x B2 C1/18/13 12341 x x x B3 C1/18/13 12340 x x B4 C1/18/13 12339 x x B5 C1/18/13 12336 x x B6 C1/18/13 12332 x x B7 C1/18/13 12328 x x B1 C1/18/14 12355 x x x B2 C1/18/14 12373 x B3 C1/18/14 12424 x B1 C1/18/15 12374 x x x B1 C1/18/15 12385 x x B2 C1/18/15 12378 x x B3 C1/18/15 12406 x B4 C1/18/15 12417 x BX1 C1/18/15 12422 x B1 C1/18/15/1 12388 x x B2 C1/18/15/1 12393 x x B3 C1/18/15/1 12398 x B1 C1/18/15/1/1 12392 x x B2 C1/18/15/1/1 12400 x x B3 C1/18/15/1/1 12399 x x x B4 C1/18/15/1/1 12404 x x B1 C1/18/15/2 12383 x x B2 C1/18/15/2 12395 x x B3 C1/18/15/2 12416 x x B4 C1/18/15/2 12419 x B5 C1/18/15/2 12423 x B6 C1/18/15/2 12430 x B1 C1/18/15/2/1/1 12418 x B2 C1/18/15/2/1/1 12420 x B3 C1/18/15/2/1/1 12421 x B1 C1/18/15/2/3 12425 x B1 C1/18/15/3 12386 x B1 C1/18/16 12381 x x x B2 C1/18/16 12377 x x B3 C1/18/16 12376 x x B1 C1/18/16/1 12379 x x B1 C1/18/17 12405 x x B2 C1/18/17 12407 x x B3 C1/18/17 12409 x x B4 C1/18/17 12401 x x x B5 C1/18/17 12387 x x x B6 C1/18/17 12391 x x x x B1 C1/18/18 12426 x x B1 C1/18/19 12428 x x BX1 C1/18/19 12429 x x x B1 C1/18/2 12201 x x B2 C1/18/2 12203 x x x B3 C1/18/2 12211 x x x B4 C1/18/2 12225 x x B2 C1/18/20/1 12432 x x B1 C1/18/4 12234 x x B2 C1/18/4 12233 x x B3 C1/18/4 12229 x x x B4 C1/18/4 12207 x x x B5 C1/18/4 12197 x x B6 C1/18/4 12186 x x x B1 C1/18/4/1 12235 x x x B2 C1/18/4/1 12238 x x B1 C1/18/5 12261 x x B2 C1/18/5 12260 x x B3 C1/18/5 12256 x x B1 C1/18/6 12288 x x B2 C1/18/6 12309 x x B3 C1/18/6 12316 x x B1 C1/18/6/1 12269 x x B1 C1/18/6/2 12300 x x B3 C1/18/6/2 12301 x x B1 C1/18/8 12306 x x x B2 C1/18/8 12299 x x B3 C1/18/8 12293 x x B4 C1/18/8 12286 x x B36 C1/18/9 12312 x x x Bridges

Bridge Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) Type ID Channel_ID Unique ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater B1 C1/19 12181 x x B1 C1/2 12014 x x B2 C1/2 12004 x x B1 C1/20 12215 x x B2 C1/20 12221 x x B3 C1/20 12226 x x B4 C1/20 12228 x x B5 C1/20 12227 x x B6 C1/20 12240 x x B7 C1/20 12222 x x B1 C1/21 12247 x x B2 C1/21 12250 x x B3 C1/21 12254 x x B4 C1/21 12263 x x B5 C1/21 12266 x x B6 C1/21 12273 x x B1 C1/22 12252 x x x B2 C1/22 12255 x x x B3 C1/22 12267 x x B1 C1/22/1 12259 x x B2 C1/22/1 12257 x x B1 C1/23 12270 x x B2 C1/23 12315 x x B3 C1/23 12322 x x B1 C1/23/1 12307 x x B1 C1/23/2 12289 x x B2 C1/23/2 12290 x x B1 C1/23/2/1 12310 x x B1 C1/23/2/2 12282 x x B2 C1/23/2/2 12278 x x B3 C1/23/2/2 12275 x x B1 C1/25 12317 x x B2 C1/25 12321 x x B1 C1/4 12069 x x B3 C1/5 12130 x x B4 C1/5 12155 x x B1 C1/5/1 12104 x x B1 C1/5/2 12135 x x B2 C1/5/2 12148 x x B1 C1/5/2/1 12132 x x B1 C1/5/3 12138 x x B3 C1/5/3 12161 x x B4 C1/5/3 12165 x x B5 C1/5/3 12188 x x B6 C1/5/3 12198 x x B1 C1/5/4 12142 x x B2 C1/5/4 12136 x x B1 C1/7 12124 x x B1 C13 12077 x x B1 C15 12087 x x x B2 C15 12090 x x x B3 C15 12096 x x x B1 C17A 12058 x x B2 C17A 12033 x x B3 C17A 12044 x x x B1 C18 12134 x x B1 C25A 12097 x x B1 11942 x B1 11946 x x B1 11982 x x B1 11985 x x B1 12000 x x x B1 12061 x x B1 12064 x x B1 12065 x x B1 12081 x x x B1 12085 x x B1 12095 x x x B1 12137 x x B1 12431 x x x B2 11991 x x B2 12011 x x B2 12048 x x B2 12066 x x B2 12073 x x B3 11995 x x B3 12005 x x B3 12047 x x B3 12067 x x B3 12311 x x x B4 11988 x x B4 12072 x x B4 12324 x x x B5 11980 x x Sluices

Sluices Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) Type ID Channel_ID Unique ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater SL148 E104 11949 x x SL176 11954 x SL173 11956 x SL149 E107 11958 x x SL144 E27 11964 x x SL153 C1/14/22/1 11967 x x SL147 E104 11968 x x SL145 E35 11969 x x SL1 C1/1 11970 x x x SL2 11978 x x x SL154 C1/14/19 11984 x x SL143 E27 11989 x x SL146 E102 11990 x x SL172 11998 x x SL178 C1/14/8/1 12010 x x SL162 C1/14/13/1 12018 x x SL142 E27 12020 x x SL 179 12023 x x SL171 12024 x x SL161 12025 x x SL3 C13 12027 x x x SL163 12029 x x SL168 12034 x x x SLX1 C1/14 12038 x x x SL169 12039 x x x SL170 12040 x x x SL141 C1/14/20 12041 x x SL168 C1/13 12042 x x 128 12045 x x x SL195 E5 12049 x x x SL181 C1/14/6 12050 x x x SL127 C1/14/7 12051 x x x SL182 12054 x x x SL187 E61 12055 x x SL155 C1/14/18 12056 x x SL189 E60 12057 x x SL126 E20 12059 x x x SL184 E13 12060 x x x SL129 12062 x x x SL167 12063 x x x SL125 E20 12068 x x x SL130 C1/14/11 12070 x x x SL194 E6 12074 x x x SL166 E30 12075 x x x SL164 12076 x x x SL165 C1/14/13 12082 x x x SL132 E21 12083 x x x SL193 E12 12084 x x x SL140 E86 12086 x x SL4 C13 12088 x x x SL8 E3 12089 x x x SL160 12091 x x x SL131 E21 12092 x x x SL7 C15 12093 x x x SL156 12094 x x SL9 C18 12099 x x x SL167 12100 x x x SL192 C23 12101 x x x SL124 E20 12102 x x x SL133 E32 12103 x x x SL158 12105 x x x SL159 12109 x x x SL190 E12 12110 x x x SL185 E13 12111 x x x SL186 E13 12112 x x x SL135 E23 12113 x x x SL137 E24 12115 x x x SL139 E25 12116 x x x SL6 C15 12120 x x SL134 E23 12121 x x x SL191 E12 12122 x x x SL136 12123 x x x SL15A E9 12125 x x x SL10 C18 12126 x x x SL15 12127 x x x SLX1 E9 12128 x x x SL 11 12131 x x x SL138 C1/14/16/1 12143 x x x SL16 C1/12/1 12145 x x x SL123 C1/15 12150 x x x SL14 C1/12/1 12151 x x SL122 E14 12156 x x x SL17 E9 12158 x x x SL121 C1/17 12162 x x x SL120 E14 12167 x x x Sluices

Sluices Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) Type ID Channel_ID Unique ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater SL13 E59 12169 x x SL18 E36 12172 x x x SL119 E14 12176 x x x SL118 E14 12178 x x x SL79 C1/18/2/1 12191 x x x SL115 E14 12192 x x x SL78 12193 x x x SL114 E14 12194 x x x SL117 C1/19 12195 x x x SL116 E14 12196 x x x SL19 E36 12199 x x x SL113 E64 12204 x x SL112 E65 12205 x x x SL107 E15 12208 x x x SL100 C1/21/1 12217 x x x SL111 E66 12220 x x SL109 E67 12230 x x B1 C1/21/1 12231 x x x SL77 C1/18/4 12232 x x x SL110 E67 12236 x x B2 C1/21/1 12237 x x x SL20 E36 12241 x x x SL21 C1/18/5 12245 x x x SL22 E37 12246 x x x SL81 C1/22 12249 x x x SL76 12262 x x x SL75 C1/18/6/1 12264 x x x SL23 E37 12265 x x x SL92 E17 12268 x x x SL93 E69 12271 x x SL105 E68 12272 x x SL74 C1/18/6 12274 x x SL94 E69 12276 x x SL72 E40 12277 x x x SL104 E68 12279 x x SL24 E37 12280 x x x SL82 E11 12281 x x x SL25 E37 12283 x x x SL95 E69 12284 x x SL26 E37 12285 x x x SL71 E40 12287 x x x SL102 E71 12291 x x SL96 C1/23/1 12292 x x SL97 E69 12295 x x SL73 C1/18/6 12296 x x SL101 E72 12297 x x SL84 C1/21 12298 x x x SL100 E70 12302 x x SL98 C1/23/4 12305 x x SL99 E70 12308 x x SL90 12313 x x x SL86 12318 x x x SL89 C1/26 12319 x x x SL88 12320 x x x SL87 E18 12325 x x x SL70 C1/18 12326 x x x SL27 E42 12327 x x x SL69 E47 12329 x x x SL28 E42 12330 x x x SL68 E47 12331 x x x SL67 E47 12333 x x x SL66 E47 12335 x x x SL65 E47 12337 x x x SL63 E48 12344 x x x SL30 E43 12348 x x x SL31 E43 12351 x x x SL37 12353 x x x SL32 E110 12354 x x x SL36 E113 12357 x x SL38 E44 12358 x x x SL33 E112 12360 x x SL35 E113 12362 x x SL34 C1/18/14/1 12366 x x SL39 E44 12368 x x x SL40 E44 12370 x x x SL41 E44 12371 x x x SL42 E114 12372 x x x SL43 E114 12375 x x x SL62 C1/18/16 12380 x x x SL46 E115 12382 x x x SL48 12384 x x x SL53 C1/18/17 12389 x x x SL54 C1/18/17 12390 x x x SL60 E50 12394 x x x SL49 C1/18/15/1/1/112397 x x x Sluices

Sluices Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) Moanveanlagh Bog SAC (002351) Type ID Channel_ID Unique ID Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater Surface Water Land & Air Groundwater SL50 C1/18/17 12402 x x SL44 C1/18/15/2/2/112403 x SL58 C1/18/17 12408 x x SL59 C1/18/17 12410 x x SL57 C1/18/17 12411 x x SL55 C1/18/17 12412 x SL52 C1/18/17 12413 x x SL51 C1/18/17 12414 x x SL56 C1/18/17 12415 x x

Offices at Dublin Limerick

Registered Office 24 Grove Island Corbally Limerick Ireland

t: +353 (0) 61 345463 e:[email protected]

JBA Consulting Engineers and Scientists Limited Registration number 444752

JBA Group Ltd is certified to: ISO 9001:2015 ISO 14001:2015 OHSAS 18001:2007

Visit our website www.jbaconsulting.ie