N11/N25 Oilgate to Road Improvement Scheme

Part A - Constraints Study Report

August 2009

Wexford County Council

N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme

247517 06 B

01 August 2009 Part A - Constraints Study Report

August 2009

Wexford County Council

Wexford County Council County Hall Spawell Road Wexford

Mott MacDonald , 5 Eastgate Avenue, Eastgate, Little Island, Co , Ireland T +353 (0)21 4809 800 F +353 (0)21 4809 801 W www.mottmac.ie

N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme

Issue and revision record

Revision Date Originator Checker Approver Description A May 2009 R Hallissey J Shinkwin J T Murphy First Issue P Kelly

B Aug 2009 R Hallissey J Shinkwin J T Murphy Second Issue J Hawe P Kelly

This document is issued for the party which commissioned it We accept no responsibility for the consequences of this and for specific purposes connected with the above-captioned document being relied upon by any other party, or being used project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or for any other purpose, or containing any error or omission used for any other purpose. which is due to an error or omission in data supplied to us by other parties

This document contains confidential information and proprietary intellectual property. It should not be shown to other parties without consent from us and from the party which commissioned it.

T +353 (0)21 4809 800 F +353 (0)21 4809 801 W www.mottmac.ie

N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report

Master Index

N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme

• Part A – Constraints Study Report

• Part B – Constraints Study Report Appendices

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page vii N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report

Table of Contents

1 Introduction 1

2 Methodology 2 2.1 General Methodology 2 2.2 Format of Report 2 2.3 Study Team 3

3 Overview of the Constraints Study Area 4

4 Background to the Project 8

5 Need for the Scheme 10 5.1 National and Regional Policy 10 5.1.1 National Development Plan 2007 - 2013 10 5.1.2 Transport 21 11 5.1.3 National Spatial Strategy 2002 - 2020 11 5.1.4 Regional Development Plan 12 5.1.5 Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013 12 5.2 Traffic 13 5.2.1 Introduction 13 5.2.2 Existing and Future Predicted Traffic Levels 13 5.3 18 5.4 Traffic Accidents 18

6 Consultation 19 6.1 Statutory and Non-Statutory Consultation 19 6.2 First Public Consultation 26

7 Environmental Constraints 30 7.1 Land Use and Human Settlement 30 7.1.1 Introduction 30 7.1.2 Methodology 30 7.1.3 Population 30 7.1.4 Land Use 32 7.1.5 Economic Activity 36 7.1.6 Community Services 38 7.1.7 Summary of Land Use and Human Settlement Constraints 39 7.2 Infrastructure and Utilities 41 7.2.1 Introduction 41 7.2.2 Methodology 41 7.2.3 ESB 42 7.2.4 Bord Gáis Éireann 42 7.2.5 Eircom 42 7.2.6 Water and Sanitary Services 43 7.2.7 NTL/Chorus (UPC Ireland) 43 7.2.8 BT Ireland 43

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page viii N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report 7.2.9 Iarnród Éireann 43 7.2.10 Summary of Infrastructure and Utilities Constraints 43 7.3 Topography 44 7.3.1 Introduction 44 7.3.2 Methodology 44 7.3.3 Description of Topography 44 7.3.4 Summary of Topography Constraints 44 7.4 Air Quality 46 7.4.1 Introduction 46 7.4.2 Methodology 46 7.4.3 Existing Air Quality Conditions 47 7.4.4 Sources of Pollution (non - road) 49 7.4.5 Future Potential Sources of Air Pollution 51 7.4.6 Sensitive Receptors 51 7.4.7 Opportunities for Mitigation 52 7.4.8 Summary of Air Quality Constraints 52 7.5 Cultural Heritage 53 7.5.1 Introduction 53 7.5.2 Methodology 53 7.5.3 Baseline Environment 53 7.5.4 Summary of Cultural Heritage Constraints 56 7.6 Ecology 57 7.6.1 Introduction 57 7.6.2 Methodology 57 7.6.3 Designated Conservation Areas within the Study Area 58 7.6.4 Designated Conservation Sites within a 10 km Buffer of the Study Area 64 7.6.5 Protected Flora within the Study Area 70 7.6.6 Protected Fauna within the Study Area 71 7.6.7 Watercourses in the Study Area 72 7.6.8 Summary of Ecology Constraints 72 7.7 Landscape and Visual 74 7.7.1 Introduction 74 7.7.2 Methodology 74 7.7.3 Description of Existing Environment 74 7.7.4 Landscape and Visual Considerations 74 7.7.5 Summary of Landscape and Visual Aspects 80 7.8 Noise and Vibration 81 7.8.1 Introduction 81 7.8.2 Methodology 81 7.8.3 Sensitive Receptors within the Study Area 81 7.8.4 Prevailing Noise Climate 82 7.8.5 Potential Impacts of the Development 82 7.8.6 Opportunities for Mitigation 82 7.8.7 Summary of Noise and Vibration Constraints 84 7.9 Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology 85 7.9.1 Introduction 85 7.9.2 Methodology 85 7.9.3 Existing Environment 85 7.9.4 Summary of Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology Constraints 96 7.10 Water Quality and Fisheries/ Flooding 98 7.10.1 Introduction 98

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page ix N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report 7.10.2 Methodology 98 7.10.3 Description of Water Resources 98 7.10.4 Designations 100 7.10.5 Water Quality 101 7.10.6 Water Supply 104 7.10.7 Fisheries 104 7.10.8 Flooding/ Tidal Influences 106 7.10.9 Summary of Water Quality and Fisheries/Flooding Constraints 106 7.11 Summary Of Major Constraints Identified 108

8 Bibliography 110

Appendices – Contained in Part B Appendix 1a Statutory and Non-Statutory Consultation Letter Appendix 1b List of Statutory and Non-Statutory Consultees Appendix 1c Statutory and Non-Statutory Consultation Responses Appendix 1d First Public Consultation Brochure Appendix 2a Cultural Heritage Report by Aegis Archaeology Appendix 3a Site Synopses Appendix 3b I-WeBS Data for Wexford Harbour Subsites Appendix 4a Noise and Vibration Report by AWN Consulting Appendix 5a Groundwater Wells within the Study Area – Yield and Use Appendix 5b Pits and Quarries; Locations and Type Appendix 6a Water Quality in the Upper and Lower Slaney Estuary Appendix 6b Water Quality in the Slaney Estuary

List of Figures – Contained in Part A Figure 3.1.1 Overview of Study Area Figure 5.1.1a/b Existing Road and Rail Network Figure 5.1.2a/b Accident Locations Figure 6.2.1 Responses to the importance of various impacts of the scheme Figure 6.2.2 Responses to importance of scheme Figure 6.2.3 Key concerns from comments received Figure 7.1.1 Villages/Settlements within the Study Area Figure 7.1.2 Population Densities within the Study Area Figure 7.1.3 Type of Farms in District Electoral Divisions Figure 7.1.4 Wexford Town Landuse Zoning Map Figure 7.1.5 Private/ Grant Aided Forestry Figure 7.1.6 Economic Activity Figure 7.2.1a/b ESB Services Figure 7.2.2a/b Eircom Services

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page x N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Figure 7.2.3a/b Water and Sanitary Services Figure 7.4.1a/b Air Quality Sensitive Receptors Figure 7.5.1a/b Cultural Heritage Constraints within the Study Area Figure 7.6.1a/b Designated Conservation Sites within 10 km of Constraints Study Area and Records of Protected Species Figure 7.6.2 Bat Locations Figure 7.7.1 Landscape Character Assessment and Designated Scenic Routes Figure 7.8.1a/b Noise Sensitive Receptors Figure 7.9.1 Not Used Figure 7.9.2 Bedrock Geology Figure 7.9.3 Groundwater Aquifers Figure 7.9.4a/b Groundwater Wells Figure 7.9.5a/b Locations of Minerals, Pits and Quarries Figure 7.10.1a/b Principal Watercourses and Monitoring Stations Figure 7.10.2 Shellfish Designated Sites and Aquaculture Sites in Wexford harbour Figure 7.10.3a/b Flood Events Recorded in Study Area

List of Tables – Contained in Part A Table 5.2.1 Average Annual Daily Traffic on Oilgate to Wexford Town Table 5.2.2 Average Annual Daily Traffic on Wexford Town Bypass section Table 5.2.3 Summary of 2007 AADT from traffic counts at Table 5.2.4 Projected 2018 AADT on the N25 at Kilrane Table 5.2.5 Projected 2033 AADT on the N25 at Kilrane Table 6.1.1 Statutory and Non-Statutory Consultation Responses Table 7.1.1 Population Statistics Table 7.1.2 Number of Farms by Electoral Division (ED) and Area Farmed Table 7.2.1 Utility Correspondence Table 7.4.1 IPPC Licenced Activities either within the study area or within 3 km of the study area Table 7.6.1 Conservation Designated Sites Located Within the Study Area Table 7.6.2 Species of Conservation Interest in Wexford Harbour and Slobs SPA Table 7.6.3 Conservation Designated Sites Located within 10 km of the Study Area Table 7.6.4 Protected Flora within 10 km Grids Table 7.7.1 Trees and Hedgerows Table 7.9.1 Geological Formations or Members within Study Area Table 7.9.2 Vulnerability Categories Table 7.9.3 Townlands/ Areas with Groundwater of Extreme Vulnerability Table 7.9.4 Geological Heritage Sites

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page xi N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Table 7.10.1 Lakes within Study Area Table 7.10.2 Classification of River Channels Table 7.10.3 Q – Rating System and Water Quality Table 7.10.4 Shellfish Production and Classification Table 7.10.5 Flood Events within study area

List of Plates – Contained in Part A Plate 3.1 Oilgate Village Plate 3.2 River Slaney Plate 3.3 Ferrycarrig Bridge Plate 3.4 Rosslare Europort Plate 3.5 Ferrycarrig Castle

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1 Introduction

Mott MacDonald Ireland, on behalf of Wexford County Council have been appointed to provide engineering consultancy services to develop proposals for the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme. The scope of the brief includes all services necessary to deliver the proposed road scheme in accordance with the National Road Authority’s Project Management Guidelines Phases 2 - 4. This entails undertaking a Constraints Study, Route Selection Assessment and Preliminary Design for the proposed road scheme.

This report details the results of the Constraints Study (Phase 2) and identifies the physical, engineering, procedural, legal and environmental constraints within the chosen study area. The information collected during this phase of the project will be used to inform the development of route corridor options for the Route Selection Stage (Phase 3).

This Constraints Study has been undertaken in accordance with the NRA National Roads Project Management Guidelines, (March 2000) and the NRA Environmental Assessment and Construction Guidelines.

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2 Methodology

2.1 General Methodology

The Constraints Study has been carried out in accordance with the NRA National Roads Project Management Guidelines, (March 2000) and the NRA Environmental Assessment and Construction Guidelines.

The information necessary to identify existing conditions in the study area has been gathered in a number of ways: • Desktop studies to review existing and historical information; and • Consultation with statutory and non-statutory consultees.

Preliminary studies were undertaken regarding Traffic, Land Ownership and Planning, Infrastructure and Utilities, Topography, and Environmental Aspects (Air Quality; Cultural Heritage; Ecology; Human Environment; Landscape; Noise and Vibration; Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology; and Water Quality, Fisheries and Flooding).

While the majority of the information gathered was completed by means of a desk based study a number of windshield surveys were also undertaken in order to verify existing ground conditions, particularly in relation to the location and type of sensitive receptors identified.

2.2 Format of Report

The Constraints Study Report consists of the following sections:

• Section 1: Introduction. This section provides a brief introduction to the Constraints Study.

• Section 2: Methodology. This section outlines the methodology adopted and the structure of the Constraints Study report.

• Section 3: Overview of the Study Area. This section introduces and describes the study area considered in the Constraints Study.

• Section 4: Background to the Project. This section puts the proposed road scheme in context; detailing the and adjacent road upgrade schemes.

• Section 5: Need for the Scheme. This section details the requirements for the proposed road scheme.

• Section 6: Consultation. This section details the consultation undertaken and the main responses received.

• Section 7: Environmental constraints. In order to effectively assess the constraints on the proposed road scheme, constraints were assessed and analysed under the following headings:

• Section 7.1 Land Use and Human Settlement

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 2 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report • Section 7.2 Infrastructure and Utilities

• Section 7.3 Topography

• Section 7.4 Air Quality

• Section 7.5 Cultural Heritage

• Section 7.6 Ecology

• Section 7.7 Landscape and Visual

• Section 7.8 Noise

• Section 7.9 Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology

• Section 7.10 Water

2.3 Study Team

All sections of the Constraints Study were carried out by Mott MacDonald Ireland apart from a Cultural Heritage assessment and a Noise and Vibration assesment. The Cultural Heritage assessment was completed by Aegis Archaeology. The Noise and Vibration assessment was undertaken by AWN.

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3 Overview of the Constraints Study Area

The proposed road scheme commences just north of Oilgate in Co. Wexford and terminates just to the west of Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford. In order to determine the most appropriate route for the proposed road scheme a very substantial study area has been selected. The general principle that was used to define the study area was that it should be wide enough to include all reasonable route options.

The study area indicated in Figure 3.1.1 Overview of the Study Area is entirely located within Co. Wexford and comprises an area of approximately 185 square kilometres. The study area extends from its most northerly point, just to the north of Oilgate village (See Plate 3.1 Oilgate Village) running south across the River Slaney and extending west almost as far as and to Cleristown in the southwest, as far as Rosslare Harbour at the south eastern extent of the study area.. The eastern extent of the study area is constrained to the east by Wexford Town, which is outside the study area, Wexford Harbour and the sea (St Georges Channel).

The northern extent of the study area is dissected by the River Slaney (See Plate 3.2 River Slaney), over which a crossing point on the River Slaney will be required as part of the proposed road scheme. The existing bridge crossing of the River Slaney by the N11 is at Ferrycarrig (See Plate 3.3 Ferrycarrig Bridge).

In the centre of the study area, south west of Wexford Town, the study area is constrained by Forth Mountain and its associated uplands.

Within the study area are areas of lowland, the south hills and coastline and the Slaney River Valley. The primary urban centre and primary growth area is Wexford Town. Strategic growth areas within the study area include Oilgate and Rosslare Harbour while Rosslare Town is listed as a local growth area in the Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013. There are thirteen villages/settlements scattered throughout the study area.

The landscape of the study area is primarily rural in nature. The landscape is primarily flat to undulating in nature, with the exception of Forth Mountain. The primary constraint in the study area in terms of landscape and visual amenity is the Slaney River Valley which is categorised as a “highly scenic area”. In terms of the built environment, Wexford Town is the most significant constraint within the study area. Whilst the majority of the town is located outside the study area, the outskirts of the town and associated “ribbon development” stretch into the eastern extent of the study area. Wexford Town and Environs Development Plan 2009 - 2015 has designated planning zones for Wexford Town area as far west as the current N25 surrounding the town and thus precluding the development of a route option to the east of the existing N25 at this location.

Current road infrastructure within the study area is dominated by the current N11 road which is a national primary route between and Wexford Town and the which is a national primary route linking Cork and with Wexford Town and Rosslare Harbour (See Plate 3.4 Rosslare Europort). Other significant roads within the study area include the following regional roads, R730, R733, R736, R738, R739, R740 and R769. There is also a significant local road network within the study area linking the main roads as detailed above with villages and towns within and beyond the study area.

Rail infrastructure consists of the Rosslare to Dublin rail line and the Rosslare to Waterford line both of which traverse the study area.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 4 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report There are significant ecological conservation areas within and just outside the study area which are considered to be important on a European as well as national level. The study area encompasses part of the Slaney River Valley Special Area of Conservation (SAC), the Wexford Slobs and Harbour proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) which is also a Special Protection Area (SPA), and Forth Mountain, a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA). Full details of the ecological constraints within the study area are provided in Section 7.6 Ecology.

There are numerous items of cultural heritage importance within the study area, including 348 known archaeological sites. According to the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, 1 building of architectural merit is listed within the study area while the Record of Protected Structures lists a further 51 protected structures within the study area. Ferrycarrig Castle is an example of a Protected Structure (See Plate 3.5 Ferrycarrig Castle). Full details of the Cultural Heritage Assessment (including archaeology and architecture) are provided in Section 7.5 Cultural Heritage.

Plate 3.1 Oilgate Village

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Plate 3.2 River Slaney

Plate 3.3 Ferrycarrig Bridge

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Plate 3.4 Rosslare Europort

Plate 3.5 Ferrycarrig Castle

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4 Background to the Project

Mott MacDonald Ireland Limited have been appointed to progress the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme through Constraints Study, Route Selection Stage and Preliminary Design stage as per the National Roads Project Management Guidelines (NRA, March 2000).

The proposed upgrade of the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme is part of a comprehensive development programme for the network of national roads over the period 2006 to 2015 as set out in Transport 21. In terms of the N11 and N25 routes Transport 21 outlines the following strategies:

• Complete the development of dual carriageways to on the N11;

• Develop the Atlantic Road Corridor from Letterkenny to Sligo, , Limerick and Waterford.

• Improve other key national primary routes including the N25 to Rosslare.

The N11 roadway consists of a national primary route linking Dublin to Wexford Town with a further section of roadway south of Wexford Town to Rosslare Harbour consisting of the N25. The route forms part of the European Route EO1 (developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) which runs from Larne in Northern Ireland to Rosslare Europort and beyond through Portugal and Spain. The N25 section between Wexford Town and Rosslare Harbour forms part of the N25 roadway which links Cork City to Rosslare Harbour via Waterford. The N25 route forms part of the European Route E30 which runs from Cork to Rosslare Europort and beyond through Europe to Moscow.

The N11 route has been upgraded significantly in recent years with further upgrades currently underway or at the design/planning stages. Details of such upgrades and future proposed upgrades are as follows:

• N11 to Ashford Bypass consists of 13.65 km of and associated roads and was opened in September 2004.

• N11 Rathnew to scheme is currently at preliminary design stage and will consist of 16.38 km of dual carriageway linking the existing Rathnew to Ashford Bypass to the Arklow to Rathnew bypass scheme.

• The N11 Arklow to Gorey Bypass opened in September 2007 providing 22.9 km of Dual Carriageway between Arklow and Clogh, south of Gorey in .

• The M11 Gorey to scheme will consist of approximately 27 km of motorway, including a bypass of Enniscorthy, extending from the Arklow to Gorey Bypass at Clogh to the proposed N11/ N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme (the subject of this Constraints Study), just north of Oilgate.

• Further less significant upgrades in recent years to the N11 roadway include the N11 Kilpeddar Junction (completed March 2008) and the N11 Junction Improvement (Completed November 2007).

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 8 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report As of the 1st of October 2008 a number of sections of the N11 have been redesignated as motorway standard. The redesignated sections include the Ashford to Rathnew scheme, the Arklow Bypass and the Arklow to Gorey Scheme. The Motorway Order for the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy scheme was signed in June 2009.

Subject to the relevant approvals for redesignation there will then be a total of approximately 80 km of the route designated as M11. Once the N11/M11 route is completed as far as Enniscorthy there will be a 30 km stretch from Enniscorthy to Rosslare Europort with a single carriageway cross section.

The existing Wexford Town Bypass underwent a Feasibility Study (N11/N25 Wexford Town Bypass Desktop Feasibility Study, November 2007) to examine the current traffic and capacity of the bypass. This report made short, medium and long term recommendations and the provision of a grade separated dual carriageway bypass of Wexford Town and connection to both the N11 and the N25 was a long term recommendation.

The N25 roadway, of which the road between Wexford Town and Rosslare Harbour is a small section, is also undergoing a significant upgrade with major upgrades including the N25 Waterford Bypass which consists of 23 km of Dual Carriageway and the Bypass Scheme consisting of 13.6 km of Dual Carriageway. The N25 New Ross Bypass has received planning approval from An Bord Pleanala and the N25 Waterford Bypass is due for completion in 2010. The N25 route will act as a strategic link between the road scheme (which connects all the major towns and cities from Letterkenny, Co. Donegal to Waterford via Galway, Limerick and Cork) to Rosslare Europort.

The section of the N25 from Stephenstown to Rosslare Harbour has already undergone a Route Selection Stage but it is now being incorporated into the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme to provide good continuity of carriageway.

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5 Need for the Scheme

This project entails a major improvement of the National Primary Route the N11, southwards from the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy scheme to Wexford Town and the N25 between Wexford Town and Rosslare Harbour. The existing road and rail network in the study area is shown on Figure 5.1.1 a/b Existing Road and Rail Network.

The N11 route currently terminates at its junction with the N25 to the west of Wexford Town. The N25 continues from this point to Rosslare Harbour.

The proposed road scheme is in accordance with the Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013, Wexford Town & Environs Development Plan 2009 - 2015 and helps fulfil the objectives of the National Development Plan 2007 - 2013, the Transport 21 policy document and the National Spatial Strategy 2002 - 2020 (NSS). The existing N11 alignment south of Oilgate and the associated N25 road south of Wexford Town towards Rosslare Harbour is in need of an upgrade to allow for the extra capacity required to safely accommodate the current and future traffic requirements of this route, particularly the significant level of heavy goods vehicles that travel towards Rosslare Europort. The need for the proposed road scheme is detailed under the following headings;

• National and Regional Policy

• Traffic and Accidents

• Rosslare Europort

5.1 National and Regional Policy

This section outlines the need for the proposed road scheme based on local, regional and national policy. All relevant policy documents were analysed and assessed to determine the policies relevant to the proposed road scheme and to ascertain the policy requirements for the proposed road scheme.

5.1.1 National Development Plan 2007 - 2013

The National Development Plan (NDP) 2007 - 2013 was developed to prioritise economic and social investment priorities in order to support the continued development of Ireland with a “high commitment international competitiveness, social justice and environmental sustainability”.

One of the “high level objectives” of the NDP was to provide “Balanced regional development with regions achieving their full potential”. In order to achieve the objectives of the NDP the following goals relevant to the development of infrastructure to allow regional development were outlined:

• Decisively tackle structural infrastructure deficit that continue to impact on competitiveness, regional development and general quality of life and to meet the demands of the increasing population

• Integrate regional development within the National Spatial Strategy Framework of Gateway cities and Hub towns (of which Wexford is one) to achieve goals of economic growth in the regions and provide for major investment in the rural economy.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 10 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Over the period of the NDP €13.3 billion was to be invested in upgrading and building national roads with a further €480 million targeted to upgrade strategic port facilities, such as Rosslare Europort. The NDP outlines significant investment for “key routes impacting on NSS Gateways, Hubs and County Towns”. Wexford Town is both a county town and a “Hub town” as designated under the national Spatial Strategy.

5.1.2 Transport 21

Transport 21 is the national capital investment framework through which the national transport system will be developed, over the period 2006 - 2015. Transport 21 outlines the major transport infrastructure to be put in place during the lifetime of the plan. One of its key strategic objectives is the creation of a road network that will promote regional, national and international competitiveness.

Listed under Transport 21 roads projects are the N11 Dublin to Rosslare route and the N25 Rossslare to Waterford route. The N11 forms part of the important element of the United Nations Intenational E- road EO1 from the port of Rosslare to Larne.

The Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour section is the last section of this route to begin the statutory process in Ireland. The N25 Rosslare to Waterford route is intended to provide links to the strategically vital Rosslare Europort. The N25 section also forms part of the E-road E30 that runs from Cork to Omsk, Russia through Rosslare Europort. It will provide a link to the Atlantic Road Corridor at its western end and the N11 Dublin to Rosslare Europort at its eastern end.

5.1.3 National Spatial Strategy 2002 - 2020

The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) was developed to bring more balanced regional development in order to act as a counter balance the growth of the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).

Wexford Town was designated as a “hub” under the NSS. Hub towns were designated as such to support “local sub regional development” and in the case of Wexford to support the function of the nearby designated “gateway” city of Waterford in terms of promoting regional development in the South East (along with Kilkenny). A report entitled National Spatial Strategy Hubs: Development Issues and Challenges (Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 2007) detailed the performance of designated hub towns across the country and specified constraints being experienced which were restricting the economic and population growth performance of the towns. In this document the NSS outlines the importance of improving regional connectivity through the provision of bypasses of towns on the national routes to nearby Gateways and other parts of Ireland would relieve congestion and result in improved environmental quality and specifically identifies the delivery of Transport 21 and other transport - related initiatives are essential in order to provide the necessary regional level support that can unlock development within Hubs.

As part of the above mentioned report the local authority was asked to identify the key development issues regarding the Hub in a regional or sub - regional context. The following issues were identified:

• Upgrade road and rail links with Waterford.

• Strategic road links between Waterford and Wexford.

• Inter - links between Hubs (the link to Kilkenny is unsatisfactory).

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 11 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report • Motorway connecting the western and eastern sides of Ireland.

• Completion of the Dublin - Rosslare motorway with bypasses at Gorey, Enniscorthy and Wexford.

The NSS identifies the “Atlantic Corridor” as a viable alternative centre of growth to the GDA. Key to this growth is access to international markets. Seaports, such as Rosslare Europort play an important role in his regard. The provision of a quality road network linking the Atlantic Corridor towns and cities to Rosslare Europort offers the opportunity for more balanced regional growth by allowing for more efficient road access to Rosslare from these towns and Cities.

The NSS also identifies capacity constraints at and specifies that “more port business to and from various parts of the country through other nationally strategic ports could be encouraged”. The NSS outlines that the development of shipping facilities additional to those at Dublin port could be encouraged but that they would “need to be supported by improved access so that transit times and costs are competitive with those available from Dublin.”

Section 3.3.5 of the NSS highlights the opportunities for cross-border co-operation in the south-east through a southern sea corridor with the UK and mainland Europe. This requires the ports in the south- east to be connected to the national transport grid in “the form of an enhanced strategic transport corridor”. The development of an enhanced connection from Rosslare Europort to the transport network would facilitate better connectivity to the Atlantic corridor through the N25 Rosslare to Waterford route, and to the Greater Dublin Area by way of the N11/N25 Dublin to Rosslare route.

5.1.4 Regional Development Plan

The South East Regional Development Authority is the authority responsible for implementing the NSS at a regional level. The South East Region covers , Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford City, Waterford County and Wexford.

The Regional Planning Guidelines have been adopted by the authority for the South East Region. Key issues affecting regional development such as population and settlement, economic and employment trends, industrial and commercial development, transportation, water supply and waste water facilities, energy and communications, education, healthcare, retail and environmental protection are all taken into account in the guidelines.

The South East Regional Planning Guidelines makes reference to a number of route corridors to Wexford /Rosslare including the Rosslare Harbour Access route, now part of the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme, and the N11 Dublin to Wexford route, with particular reference to upgrading the Rosslare to Larne E-road to Dual Carriageway standard. The section of road from Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour is one of the few sections of the E-road which has not yet been upgraded to dual carriageway/motorway standard.

5.1.5 Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013

Section 3 Transportation of the current Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013 outlines a number of objectives regarding roads. Objectives “T10” and “T11” are concerned with National roads.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 12 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Objective T10 is “to facilitate and enable the development of major National Road proposals within the lifetime of the plan”. This objective is to support the envisaged significant investment under the National Development Plan 2007 - 2013. This continues the emphasis, as per the previous plan, on the completion of the Trans European Network and major inter urban routes. The “N25 Rosslare/Wexford” scheme is listed in the County Development Plan as being one of the schemes under this objective.

Objective T11 is “to bring National Roads up to appropriate standards in association with the as resources become available”. This objective applies to all national routes within the county which includes both the N11 Dublin to Rosslare route and the N25 Waterford to Rosslare route.

In conclusion, policy at every level from the Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013 to the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013 and the National Spatial Strategy 2002 - 2020 support the upgrade of the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme.

5.2 Traffic

5.2.1 Introduction

This section of the report identifies the current and predicted future traffic levels on the existing N11/N25 roads and outlines the requirement for a future road upgrade based on traffic levels.

5.2.2 Existing and Future Predicted Traffic Levels

An assessment was undertaken of available traffic data to determine the carrying capacity of the existing road network and the requirement for a road upgrade. The following data sources were assessed;

• NRA traffic counter data at Kilrane and south of Gorey

• NRA manual traffic count data (2004) for all relevant sections of the N11 and N25 roads

• N11/N25 Wexford Town Bypass Desktop Feasibility Study (Wexford Co. Co., 2007)

It should be noted that the growth figures and traffic data included in this section will be further reviewed during the Route Selection Stage. Additional traffic counts and surveys will be undertaken during the Route Selection Process.

Traffic data was considered for three separate sections of the road. Section 1 covers the N11 road from Oilgate to the start of the Wexford Town bypass at the N11/R730 (to ) junction, Section 2 starts at the N11/R730 (to Kiltealy) junction and finishes at the end of the Wexford Town bypass at the Rosslare Road Roundabout (N25/R730 junction at Drinagh) and section 3 stretches from this point as far as Rosslare Harbour.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 13 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Section 1: Oilgate to Wexford

The most up to date traffic figures (AADT) available from the NRA for the section of the road between Oilgate and Wexford are from 2004. For 2004 the data available for this section of road were generated from a traffic count at a junction with a minor road to . The recorded Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) at this location was approximately 11,696 AADT in 2004.

The N11/N25 Wexford Town Bypass Desktop Feasibility Study (Wexford Co. Co., 2007) determined current traffic levels (2007) and predicted future traffic levels on three stretches along this section of road as detailed below. The traffic levels are presented in Table 5.2.1 Average Annual Daily Traffic on Oilgate to Wexford Town:

• Segment 1: Single carriageway begins at the N11/local roads to Ferrycarrig and Kitestown junction to two ghost island priority junctions at Kyle Cross Roads on opposite sides of the N11 (local roads to Killurin and Castlebridge).

• Segment 2: Single carriageway which begins at the entrance to the Ferrycarrig Hotel and extends north to two ghost island priority junctions at Kitestown on opposite sides of the N11 (Local roads to Ferrycarrig and Kitestown).

• Segment 3: Begins at N11/R730 (to Kiltealy) junction and extends to ghost island priority junction at the entrance to Ferrycarrig Hotel, including a simple priority junction immediately south of Ferrycarrig Bridge (N11/R730 to Wexford Town).

Table 5.2.1 Average Annual Daily Traffic on Oilgate to Wexford Town section

Year Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 3

Average Daily Traffic

2007 17,486 16,791 18,168

2010 19,340 18,571 20,094

2015 21,385 20,535 22,219

2020 23,379 22,450 24,291

Level Of Service (LOS)

2007 E E E

2010 F F F

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 14 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Based on the National Road Needs Study (NRA, 1998) and the NRA DMRB TD9/07 Road Link Design (NRA 2007) the maximum AADT for a standard 2 lane road operating at LOS D is 11,600. An analysis of the current and future predicted AADT figures on the section of the N11 between Oilgate and Wexford Town determine that this section of road is beyond the carrying capacity for a single carriageway roadway. This section of roadway is operating below the minimum desired Level of Service (LOS), which is LOS D currently (2007) and the predicted AADT for 2010 indicate that the Level of Service (LOS) will deteriorate further to a LOS F in the absence of any upgrade. In order to accommodate future traffic growth on this section of road an upgrade is required to at least Type 2 Dual Carriageway.

Section 2: Wexford Town Bypass

In 2007 Wexford County Council carried out a feasibility study to determine any short, medium and long term remedial measures required for Wexford Town Bypass including a section of the N25 up to 4.5 km north of Ferrycarrig Bridge as far as Kyle crossroads.

The study examined the main reasons for ongoing congestion on this stretch of the N25 and concluded that the existing at grade roundabouts were reaching their capacity and this was adversely affecting traffic flow on the rest of the bypass. This bypass is currently being utilised by both local commuter traffic and the strategic traffic long distant traffic using the N11/N25 to access Rosslare Europort.

The 2007 Feasibility Study of the Wexford Town Bypass divided the scheme into four separate segments and examines the traffic figures along each segment. The scheme segments are as follows;

• Segment 4: Begins at the 4 - Arm roundabout at the N25/N11/R769 junction at Newtown (New Ross Road Roundabout) and extends north to a ghost island priority junction at Newtown (N11/R730 to Kiltealy).

• Segment 5: Begins at the 4 - Arm roundabout at the N25/R773 junction at Clonard ( Road Roundabout) and extends north to a 4 - Arm roundabout at N25/N11/R769 junction at Newtown (New Ross Road Roundabout).

• Segment 6: Begins at Starvehall (local road to Bridgetown) and extends north to a 4 -Arm roundabout at the N25/R773 junction at Clonard (Duncannon Road Roundabout).

• Segment 7: Begins at Rosslare Road Roundabout (a 3 - Arm roundabout at the N25/R730 junction at Drinagh) and extends north to a ghost island priority junction at Starvehall (local road to Bridgetown).

The traffic levels are presented in Table 5.2.2 Average Annual Daily Traffic on Wexford Town Bypass section.

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Table 5.2.2 Average Annual Daily Traffic on Wexford Town Bypass section

Year Segment 4 Segment 5 Segment 6 Segment 7

Average Daily Traffic

2007 16,229 18,259 15,080 11,643

2010 17,949 20,194 16,678 12,877

2015 19,848 22,331 18,443 14,239

2020 21,698 24,412 20,162 15,567

Level Of Service (LOS)

2007 E E E E

2010 F F F E

2015 E

2020 F

Based on the National Road Needs Study (NRA, 1998) and the NRA DMRB TD9/07 Road Link Design (NRA 2007) the maximum AADT for a standard 2 lane road operating at LOS D is 11,600. An analysis of the current and future predicted AADT figures on each segment of the Wexford Bypass section of the road indicate that this section of road is beyond the carrying capacity for a single carriageway roadway. This section of roadway is operating below the minimum desired Level of Service (LOS), which is LOS D currently (2007) and the predicted AADT for 2010 indicate that the Level of Service (LOS) will deteriorate further to a LOS F in the absence of any upgrade for segments 4 - 6. Segment 7 will deteriorate to a LOS F in the absence of any upgrade by 2020. In order to accommodate future traffic growth on this section of road an upgrade is required to at least Type 2 Dual Carriageway.

Section 3: Wexford Town to Rosslare Europort

An NRA Automatic Traffic Counter is located immediately east of Kilrane village on the N25 road. The current AADT (2007) is 6,996 with the highest AADT in a particular month being recorded as 9,409 vehicles for the month of August. This section of road exhibits significant seasonal variation in traffic flow due to the presence of Rosslare Europort which is a nationally significant ferry terminal and is particularly heavily utilised during the height of the summer tourist season. Another significant feature of this section of road is the relatively high number of HGV’s utilising the road to access the port. A summary of the 2007 AADT from traffic counts at Kilrane is shown in Table 5.2.3.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 16 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Table 5.2.3 Summary of 2007 AADT from traffic counts at Kilrane

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Daily 5,535 5,955 6,311 7,158 7,199 7,758 8,718 9,409 7,428 6,695 5,938 5,750 Volume

Average 6,996 % 9.7 AADT HCV

Assuming an opening year of 2018 for the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme and based on NRA future growth rates (Future traffic Forecasts 2002 – 2040, NRA 2003) over an 11 years period, the predicted AADT for the N25 at Kilrane in 2018 is 8,987 vehicles. As with the current year elevated traffic levels are expected during the summer tourist season with the highest average daily traffic of 12, 087 vehicles predicted for the month of August. These figures, shown in Table 5.2.4, indicate that by 2018 there will be significant seasonal traffic congestion resulting during the summer period on this section of the road.

Table 5.2.4 Projected 2018 AADT on the N25 at Kilrane

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Daily 7127 7650 8107 9195 9248 9966 11199 12087 9542 8600 7628 7386 Volume

Average 8987 % 9.7 AADT HCV

For the design year of 2033, 15 years after the proposed opening date of the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme, and based on NRA growth rates (Future traffic Forecasts 2002 – 2040, NRA 2003) over 26 years, the predicted AADT for the N25 at Kilrane in 2033 is 10,693 with the highest average daily traffic predicted for August at 14, 382 vehicles. These figures are shown below in Table 5.2.5.

Table 5.2.5 Projected 2033 AADT on the N25 at Kilrane

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Daily 8552 9102 9646 10941 11004 11858 13325 14382 11354 10233 9076 8789 Volume

Average 10693 % 9.7 AADT HCV

It should be noted that the above traffic forecasting analysis summary does not take into account any expansion plans within Rosslare Europort although it does highlight the seasonal nature of the traffic volumes.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 17 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report However it is evident from this analysis that there will be significant problems with the road being over capacity during the summer peak tourist season for the proposed opening year and the design year.

5.3 Rosslare Europort

Rosslare Europort handles very significant volumes of passenger traffic, particularly during the peak summer tourist season. It is a hub for all of the major roll - on roll - off (Ro - Ro) Passenger and Freight services operating the southern Irish Sea and Continental routes. The harbour currently has four berths. Passenger ferries operate to and from Fishguard and Pembroke Dock in Wales as well as Cherbourg, Le Havre and Roscoff in France. Freight services operate to and from Le Havre in France, Zeebrugge in Belgium and Rotherdam in the Netherlands.

The N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme will enhance the links between the port and the Gateway cities of both Dublin and Waterford. By enhancing the links to these gateways, there is an indirect enhancement of access to the Atlantic Corridor, through Waterford, and the Border Regions, through Dublin. Rosslare Europort is an alternative access to Britain and continental Europe and improving the links will open up the port to the West and North West of the island, relieving the bottlenecks currently experienced through Dublin Port.

Currently the majority of export traffic from Ireland travels through Irish ports. An upgrade of the N11/N25 road to Rosslare Europort will allow for improved access to the port, allowing for significant safety improvements in terms of better quality roads and the separation of long distance HGV traffic from local and regional traffic.

The Atlantic Corridor runs from Sligo to Waterford through Galway, Limerick/Shannon and Cork. Improving the access to Rosslare Europort from Waterford will allow for improved access to the port from the Atlantic corridor area and this will stimulate the economic development of the port and the region as a whole.

5.4 Traffic Accidents

There have been a total of 177 reported injury accidents between the period of 1999 to 2006 on the N11 and the N25 between Oilgate and Rosslare Harbour. Of this total, 14 were fatal accidents, 35 were serious injury accidents and 128 were minor injury accidents (Refer to Figure 5.1.2 a/b Accident Locations).

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) published its Road Safety Strategy 2007 - 2012 which outlines a number of priority actions, including engineering, and states that there are proven improvements in road safety when upgrading from single carriageways to dual carriageway/motorway standard.

In the case of the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme an upgrade from a single carriageway to Type 1 or Type 2 Dual carriageway would significantly reduce the accident rate on this stretch of the .

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6 Consultation

6.1 Statutory and Non-Statutory Consultation

As part of the Constraints Study, Consultation letters outlining the proposed road scheme were issued in October 2008 to both statutory and non-statutory consultees. A copy of this letter is included in Appendix 1a Statutory and Non-Statutory Consultation Letter and a list of all consultees is appended as Appendix 1b List of Statutory and Non-Statutory Consultees.

Submissions regarding the proposed road scheme were received from a number of statutory bodies and other organisations. Table 6.1.1 Statutory and Non-Statutory Consultation Responses summarises all the issues that were raised by statutory bodies and other organistaions and highlights the section of the report where they are addressed. Copies of these correspondence received are included in Appendix 1c Statutory and Non-Statutory Consultation Responses. All correspondence received has been taken into consideration in the preparation of this Constraints Study Report.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 19 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report

Table 6.1.1: Statutory and Non-Statutory Consultation Responses

Respondent Issue Relevant Section An Taisce An Taisce outlined a number of concerns in relation to the proposed road scheme as follows;

- Data which supports/ justifies the need for the development; Section 4 & Section 5 - Need to cross the River Slaney between Edermine and Ferrycarrig; Section 7.5, Section 7.6 and Section 7.10 - Ecological sensitivity of the study area; and Section 7.6 Section 7.5 - The number of National Monuments/ Protected Structures within the study area.

Bat Conservation Bat Conservation Ireland made the following comments in relation to the proposed road scheme: Section 7.6 Ireland The Constraints Study should consider the need for a detailed survey of the - proposed route in accordance with the NRA document Best Practice Guidelines for

the Conservation of Bats in the Planning of National Road Schemes.

BirdWatch Ireland BirdWatch Ireland outlined a number of concerns in relation to the proposed road scheme;

Potential adverse impacts of the proposed road scheme should be fully considered, - Section 7.6 ensuring informed decision making regarding the protection of wild birds; and

- Survey work should be undertaken to fully inform an Appropriate Assessment of Section 7.6 potential impacts on priority species. Central Fisheries The Central Fisheries Board responded to consultation with the following comments:

Board Main concern is the presumed river crossing of the River Slaney, which is a - designated Special Conservation Area (SAC) for a number of fish species; and Section 7.6 and Section 7.10 - Any river crossing must have a construction and method statement that takes account of potential sensitivities of fish species and appropriate environmental windows for in - channel works. Development The following comments and recommendations were made by the Development Applications Unit:

Applications Unit The chosen route should have the least impact on Recorded Monuments in the (Department of - study area; Environment, Section 7.5 Heritage and Local - The Record of Monuments and Places maps should be consulted for known

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 20 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Respondent Issue Relevant Section Government ) archaeological sites;

- The topographic files in the National Museum of Ireland, aerial photography and records of archaeological excavations should also be consulted; - All previously unknown sites that cannot be avoided must be preserved by record. A number of comments and recommendations were made in relation to Architectural Heritage as follows;

- The Record of Protected Structures (Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013) should be consulted;

- It was recommended that the assessment of the architectural heritage merit of structures be carried out by a suitably qualified person; - The NRA’s “Guidelines for the Assessment of Architectural Heritage and National Road Schemes” should be considered; and - The Wexford County Conservation Officer should be consulted about any undue impact on structures of architectural heritage merit which might occur on foot of the proposed optional routes.

A number of comments and recommendations were made in relation to Natures Conservation as follows;

- River Slaney SAC (000781), Forth Mountain pNHA (000761) and Wexford Slobs and Harbour SPA (004076) occur within the study area; Section 7.6 - Bats, barn owls and Kingfisher should be considered at deisgn stages; - Consider the obligation of Regulation 30 of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 that an appropriate assessment of the implications for the cSAC site is undertaken. ; Eastern Regional The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB) responded to Consultation with the following

Fisheries Board comments:

The study area contains the main channel of the Slaney Estuary and a number of its - Section 7.10 tributaries which discharge to Wexford Harbour;

- The Slaney River Valley is a designated river under the European Communities Section 7.10 and Section 7.6

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 21 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Respondent Issue Relevant Section (Quality of Salmonid Waters) Regulations 1978 and is an important Spring Salmon and sea trout fishery;

The entire main channel of the Slaney River Valley is a candidate Special Area of - Section 7.10 and Section 7.6 Conservation (SAC);

- Mitigation measures should be put in place to prevent the discharge of deleterious Section 7.10 and Section 7.6 matter to watercourses;

- A route should be selected that minimises the number of watercourse crossings. Section 7.10 and Section 7.6 Clear spanned bridges should be considered to minimise the impact on the aquatic habitat; - The proposed road scheme should comply with the ERFB’s guidelines Section 7.10 and Section 7.6 “Requirements for the Protection of Fisheries Habitat during Construction and Development Works at River Sites”; Section 7.10 and Section 7.6 - No in - stream works should be carried out with approval of the ERFB; Section 7.10 and Section 7.6 - The pouring of concrete must be carried out in the dry; Section 7.10 and Section 7.6

- The free passage of fish must be maintained at all times; - The design of river crossings should be decided upon in consultation with the Section 7.10 and Section 7.6 ERBD;

- The closed season for instream works (October – April inclusive) must be Section 7.10 and Section 7.6 observed; - Bankside vegetation should be conserved where possible; Section 7.10 and Section 7.6

- Watercourse banks should be left intact to prevent soils from entering Section 7.10 and Section 7.6 watercourses; - Fuels, oils greases and hydraulic fluids must be stored in bunded compounds, well Section 7.10 and Section 7.6 away from watercourses. Refuelling of machinery must be carried out in bunded areas;

- All surface water from the site/road should be passed through a petrol/oil Section 7.10 and Section 7.6 interceptor and be subject to attenuation prior to discharge;and - All waste oil, empty oil containers and other hazardous wastes should be disposed of in conjunction with the requirements of the Waste Management Act 1996. Section 7.10 and Section 7.6

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 22 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Respondent Issue Relevant Section Environment and Advised that the proposed study area includes landfill sites at Killurin and Holmestown and further Section 7.9 Waste Department, consultation will be required should the proposed route impact on these sites. Wexford County Council Forest Service Advised there are a number of forestries located within the study area, many of which were Section 7.1 established with the assistance of grants paid by the Forest Service. If the final route requires removal of grant – aided forestry, the landowner may be required to reimburse the Forest Service. Geological Survey The GSI highlighted 7 areas of geological interest currently proposed for Natural Heritage Area Section 7.6 of Ireland (GSI) (NHA) or County Geological Site (CGS) status lying within or near the study area; - Forth Mountain (CGS); - Milltown (NHA); - Ely Lodge/ Tincone (NHA) - Tincone Laminated diamict with dropstones (NHA); - Greenore Point (NHA); - St. Helens (CGS); and - St. Helens Harbour (CGS).

Iarnród Éireann It was recommended that the “Draft Guidance on Iarnród Éireann Requirements for Potential Ongoing Consultation Developments adjacent, over or under the railway” should be considered. Irish Peatland The Irish Peatland Conservation Council recommended that the following three proposed Natural Section 7.6 Conservation Heritage Areas (pNHA), that occur within the study area, should be considered as part of the Council proposed road scheme; - Wexford Slobs and Harbour pNHA; - Slaney River Valley pNHA; and - Forth Mountain pNHA.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 23 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Respondent Issue Relevant Section National Roads The National Roads Authority (NRA) responded to consultation with the following comments:

Authority Full regard should be had to the NRA’s Environmental and Construction - Sections 7.1 to 7.10 Guidelines; and

- All designated conservation areas within the study area should be considered having regard to Article 6 (3) and 6 (4) of the Habitats Directive and Article 30 of Section 7.6 the Habitats Regulations 1997. Office of Public Approval from the OPW will be required for any works such as bridges that will be likely to affect

Works watercourses in accordance with the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act, in particular sections 47 & 50. Any works in or adjacent to scheme channels will need to take the maintenance requirements of this office into consideration. In general an access path of 5 to 7 metres along the ripparian zone is required for maintenance acess. Refer to the OPW website at www.floodmaps.ie . Consult with the south eastern fisheries board and the National Parks and Wildlife Service

Planning The Planning Department of Wexford County Council provided a list of protected structures within Section 7.5 Department, the Constraints Study Area. Wexford County It was advised to consult with the National Parks and Wildlife and the National Monuments Section Council of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding other heritage issues Section 7.5 and Section 7.6 such as monuments and natural environment designations. Radiological The RPII made the following comments in relation to the proposed road scheme;

Protection Institute Rock blasting could potentially affect the behaviour of radon in the area, it could of Ireland (RPII) - open up new routes for released radon, but equally it could close existing routes and therefore reduce radon exposure. - Since most of the radon which enters any building comes from directly beneath, unless there was disturbance of the foundations of any buildings in proximity to the route, it is unlikely that any blasting would have any significant effect on the radon levels currently present in buildings in the area.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 24 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Respondent Issue Relevant Section South East Regional The South East Regional Authority responded to consultation with the following comments:

Authority The Regional Planning Guidelines for the South East Region articulate the need to - create an accessible region with an effective and integrated transport system and in Section 5 this regard the N11 is identified as a strategic national development corridor; and - The proposed road scheme will assist in the development of the eastern part of the South East Region. Wexford Naturalists Wexford Naturalists Field Club responded to consultation with the following comments and

Field Club recommendations on the area south of the proposed Enniscorthy bypass where it rejoins the N11 at Garynisk close to Edermine and continuing towards Ferrycarrig:

The River Slaney SPA is an important migratory route for birds including Whooper - Swan, Greenland White Fronted Goose, Little Egret and Kingfisher;

- The River Slaney SAC is rich in wildlife with large areas of reed - bed, wooded in parts with a population of red squirrel, a species under threat. Other mammals Section 7.6 resident in the river valley area include badger, stoat and otter. Fish species include trout, salmon and lamprey. - There is a resident population of barn owls near the river at Macmine, Redmondstown, Jamestown and probably further south. Regular sightings have also been reported near Coolanick, Martingale and Coolamain. The Barn Owl Trust in the UK recommends a safe distance of up to 3 km from main roads. As well as barn owls there are also regular sightings of Yellowhammer and Reed Warbler and silve Washed Fritillary. - It was recommended that any route for the road should be well away from the river valley, east of the village of Oilgate. - It was stated that after Oilgate there doesn’t appear to be a need to upgrade the N11. If there is a need, a bridge north of the Heritage centre would avoid blasting through the rock at Ferrycarrig.

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6.2 First Public Consultation

As part of the public consultation procedure detailed in the Project Management Guidelines, Wexford County Council in association with Tramore House and Mott MacDonald Ireland held the First Public Consultation at the Ferrycarrig Hotel County Wexford between 2pm and 8pm on Wednesday 25th and 10am and 6pm on Thursday 26th of February 2009.

In advance of the Public Consultation members of the public were informed of the consultation by means of a notice on the Wexford County Council website, an advertisement on local newspaper, and an interview on local radio.

The Public Consultation opened with a presentation to elected members of Wexford County Council at 11am on Wednesday 25th of February 2009.

The objective of this public consultation was to: 1. Involve the public at an early stage in the scheme development process and to inform the public of the various steps in the process and the likely timescale of the project. 2. Seek the co-operation and understanding of the public in relation to the advancement of the project. 3. To invite feedback from the public during the day in returned questionnaires and in general consultation correspondences. As part of the First Public Consultation, an information brochure and associated questionnaire was produced in both English and Irish. A copy of these was also made available on the Wexford County Council website www.wexford.ie. These brochures are included in Appendix 1d First Public Consultation Brochure.

Approximately 150 people attended the Consultation over the two days. Members of the project design team were present throughout the duration of the two days to answer queries, record matters of local concern and sensitivity from the public and to provide further information on the scheme. At the Consultation there were a number of laminated drawings displayed which highlighted the Constraints Study Area, including known constraints within this area, and enlarged versions of the Consultation Brochure. All attendees were encouraged to return a completed questionnaire. This questionnaire asked respondents to highlight their opinions in relation to the scheme and in particular the impacts of the scheme to be classified by level of importance.

The general public were invited to give responses and/or comments on the Consultation by the 25th March 2009. As of the 24th April 2009, 38 Public Consultation Questionnaire responses were received and these were inputted into a database. Subsequently these were tabulated and analysed to determine the issues of most importance to the local residents. The Questionnaire consisted of three sections. • Section 1 - The need for the scheme and use of the proposed scheme. • Section 2 - The importance of various impacts of the scheme. • Section 3 - Further comments.

The Questionnaire responses have been depicted in pie charts included in figures.

Questionnaire responses received relating to section 1 are shown on Figure 6.2.1. These show that the majority of people who responded considered that the project was necessary, and that they will use this proposed scheme.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 26 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report

Figure 6.2.1: Responses to the importance of various impacts of the scheme

Responses Received

Number of Internet Responses

Number of Paper Responses

Do you think the project is Do you think you are likely to Do you own, rent occupy necessary? use the proposed road? property which is within the study area?

Yes No Not Answered Yes No Not Answered Yes No Not Answered

Questionaire responses to section 2 “the importance of various impacts of the scheme” is shown on Figure 6.2.2. From these it is evident that the majority of people considered that all the impacts listed below were “very important” • Improvement in traffic conditions • Improvement in road safety • Improvement in the environment • Minimise impact on people living near the selected route • Minimise effect on agriculture • Minimise effect on historic buildings & archaeological Sites • Minimise demolition of property • Minimise impact on the landscape • Minimise impact on amenity areas • Minimise impact on community severance • Value for money

Impacts of most concern include: • Improvement in road safety • Minimise impact on people living near the selected route • Value for money

Impacts of least concern include: • Minimise impact on commercial or industrial activities • Minimise impact on flora and fauna

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 27 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Figure 6.2.2: Responses to Importance of Scheme

Improvement in Traffic Improvement in Road Safety Improvement of the Conditions Environment

Minimise Impact on People Minimise Effect on Minimise Effect on Historic Living near the Selected Agriculture Buildings & Archaeological Route Sites

Minimise Demolition of Minimise Impact of Flora and Minimise Impact on Property Fauna Landscape

Minimise Impact on Minimise Impact on Amenity Minimise Impact on Commercial or Industrial Areas Community Severance Activities

Value for Money Legend

Very Important

Important

Least Important

Not Answered

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 28 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report A further 87 comments received during the First Public Consultation and the section 3 “further comments” of the Questionnaire have been used to produce a “keyword” pie chart, to identify the key matters of local concerns. This is illustrated in Figure 6.2.3 below. The following is the breakdown of “keywords” used in the graph: • Business • Cost • Environment • Heritage • Other Services • Project Needed • Proximity • Safety • Greater need for Enniscorthy or New Ross Bypass

From this analysis the key concerns which people had were: • Proximity This generally entailed a possible impact on property, schools or community severance. • Businesses This consisted of concerns on the impact the scheme would have on their businesses. • Safety This consisted of concerns on road safety on the current N11/N25. • Environment This consisted of concerns on the impact the scheme would have on the environment within the study area.

Figure 6.2.3: Key concerns from Comments Received

Key Concerns from Additional Comments Received

Business

Cost

Environment

Heritage

Other Services

Project Needed

Proximit y

Safety

Greater need for Enniscorthy or New Ross Bypass

The results and consultations from this First Public Consultation will be taken into consideration as the scheme progresses.

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7 Environmental Constraints

7.1 Land Use and Human Settlement

7.1.1 Introduction

This section of the Constraints Study describes the patterns of land use, human settlement and planning and zoning designations within the study area. This section describes the constraints within the study area relating to human settlement and activity.

7.1.2 Methodology

A desk based assessment was undertaken to determine the existing environment in relation to human settlement and activity within the study area and to evaluate information regarding population, landuse, zoning provisions, tourism and community services. A full list of the literature consulted in this section is provided in Section 8, Bibliograpahy.

Consultation was undertaken with the planning department in Wexford County Council regarding zoning provisions within the area.

7.1.3 Population

The study area is predominantly rural in character with almost 58% of the population living in rural areas. In terms of urban settlements, there is an extensive network of towns and villages throughout the region that have developed with the support of a traditionally prosperous agricultural base. Wexford Town is the most significant town in the area, but is located just outside the study area, although it has a significant impact on land use and settlement characteristics in the areas surrounding the town.

The population of County Wexford increased from 116,596 persons to 131,614 between 2002 and 2006 (Central Statistics Office {CSO}, 2006) and this represented a population increase of 12.9% for the county over the period. Wexford Town, located just outside the study area had a recorded population in 2006 of 18,163 persons. The town is designated as a Primary Growth Area under the National Spatial Strategy and a population target for the town of approximately 40,000 persons by the year 2020 has been established.

Thirteen villages/settlements have been identified within the study area (Refer to Figure 7.1.1 Villages/Settlements within the Study Area). A review of Census data indicates that the population of these villages/settlements varies from 324 persons recorded in Oilgate village to 528 in Piercetown (includes Killinick). Census data was not available for the individual villages/settlements of Ballyhoge, Cornwall, , Glynn, Cleristown and as they are not designated Census towns1.

1 A census town is defined as a cluster of fifty or more occupied dwellings, not having a legally defined boundary, in which within a distance of 800 metres there is a nucleus of either thirty occupied houses on both sides of the road or twenty occupied houses on one side of the road.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 30 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report The smallest geographical units distinguished in the Census are Electoral Divisions (EDs). There are 21 no. Electoral Divisions (ED) within or partially within the study area as shown on Figure 7.1.2 Population Densities within Study Area. As presented in Table 7.1.1 Population Statistics, the population of all Electoral Divisions (ED) within the study area has increased since 2002.

Table 7.1.1 Population Statistics

Electoral Persons Persons Males Females Actual Actual % Area Division 2002 2006 2006 2006 Change in Increase in (Hectares) (ED) Population Population 2002 – 2006 2002 – 2006

Ballyhoge 952 1063 536 527 111 + 11.7% 2992

Edermine 1097 1362 647 688 265 + 24.2% 2979

Artramon 543 624 324 300 81 + 14.9% 1450

Aughwilliam 397 439 214 225 42 + 10.6% 1567

Bridgetown 636 747 381 366 111 + 17.5% 1514

Carrick 1360 1514 773 741 154 + 11.3% 1415

Drinagh 1149 1191 576 615 42 + 3.7% 1787

Forth 725 816 398 418 91 + 12.6% 1528

Glynn 354 484 237 247 130 + 36.7% 1068

Kilbride 244 291 142 149 47 + 19.3% 1025

Killinick 788 815 422 393 27 + 3.4% 1085

Killurin 530 583 294 289 53 + 10% 1396

Kilpatrick 677 753 367 386 76 + 11.2% 1770

Kilscoran 693 861 428 433 168 + 24.2% 1419

Mayglass 436 484 252 232 48 + 11% 1291

Newcastle 411 448 246 202 37 + 9% 850

Rathaspick 1431 1678 845 833 247 + 17.3% 2067

Rosslare 1582 1791 835 956 209 + 13.2% 1899

St. Helen’s 1775 1907 920 987 132 + 7.4% 1177

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Electoral Persons Persons Males Females Actual Actual % Area Division 2002 2006 2006 2006 Change in Increase in (Hectares) (ED) Population Population 2002 – 2006 2002 – 2006

Taghmon 1038 1124 569 555 86 + 8.3% 1879

Wexford 9761 10,993 5329 5664 1232 + 12.6% 1328 Rural

Figure 7.1.2 Population Densities within the Study Area illustrates the population density of the study area. Population density was measured by calculating the number of persons per hectare in each electoral division. This provided an indication of the spread of population within the study area. The electoral divisions (ED’s) within the study with the highest population densities are those located around Wexford Town and Rosslare Harbour.

7.1.4 Land Use

Land use within the study area is dominated by agricultural land with some small settlements, ribbon developments, and one off housing.

(i) Agricultural Land

Agricultural holdings present an important consideration when considering the most appropriate route for a proposed road scheme. At Route Selection Stage an assessment will be undertaken to determine potential impact of route options on land holdings including the level of severence or impacts on the economic performance of farm holdings. The development of route options will seek to limit these impacts by assessing the quality of farm land, minimising land take and severance by following existing boundaries and developing suitable access arrangements and accomodation works.

According to the Census of Agriculture 2000, there were 4,613 active farms in Co. Wexford in June 2000. The average farm size in Co. Wexford was 40.1 hectares which is significantly larger than the national average farm size in Ireland which was 31.4 hectares.

Table 7.1.2 Number of Farms by Electoral Division (ED) and Area Farmed presents the number of farms in each Electoral Division (E.D) within or partially within the study area and the number of hectares farmed in each ED. The Census of Agriculture 2000 recorded a total of 591 farms in the Electoral Divisions within (or partially within) the study area which farm a total of 23,859 hectares of land.

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Table 7.1.2: Number of Farms by Electoral Division (ED) and Area Farmed

Area Farmed Electoral Division Total Farms (Hectares)

Ballyhoge 58 2508

Edermine 65 2189

Artramon 24 1324

Aughwilliam 22 1015

Bridgetown 33 1560

Carrick 31 743

Drinagh 21 2295

Forth 16 688

Glynn 12 536

Kilbride 26 974

Killinick 43 1239

Killurin 33 1123

Kilpatrick 32 1148

Kilscoran 31 1418

Mayglass 30 811

Newcastle 16 467

Rathaspick 35 1265

Rosslare 13 580

St. Helens 13 530

Taghmon 37 1446

Total 591 23,859

Figure 7.1.3 Type of Farm in District Electoral Divisions demonstrates that beef production and dairy farming are the most common types of farming within the study area. Dairy Farming is the most common type of farming in Co. Wexford with 891 dairy farms recorded within the county.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 33 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Figure 7.1.3: Type of Farms in District Electoral Divisions

Specialist Tillage

Specialist Dairying

Specialist Beef Production Specialist Sheep

Mixed Grazing Livestock

Mixed Crops and Livestock

Agricultural land holdings within the study area are significantly larger than the national average. This will mean that potentially there will be a lower number of land holders impacted by severance than might otherwise be the case in other parts of the country. The larger size land holdings also means that where severance does occur, it is potentially less severe as the severance of larger land holdings may result in a less significant impact on the viability of the land holding.

(ii) Residential Settlement

Residential land use is largely concentrated in the thirteen villages/settlements identified within the study area (Refer to Figure 7.1.1 Villages/Settlements within the Study Area). These are Oilgate, Ballyhoge, Cornwall, Crossabeg, Glynn, , Murntown, Piercetown, Cleristown, Killinick, Tagoat, Killurin and Kilrane. Other smaller settlements include Ballyshelin and Redmonstown.

Low density residential development in the form of ribbon development is characteristic of the study area with further clusters of dwellings and isolated properties and farm holdings dispersed throughout the study area.

Higher density residential development occurs in the area surrounding Wexford Town, Rosslare Harbour and Rosslare, all of which are outside the study area.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 34 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report (iii) Settlement Policy

Wexford County Council’s Settlement Strategy2 is divided into a number of hierarchical tiers that have been chosen to reinforce the policy objectives of the National Spatial Strategy and to reflect the overall objectives for the development of the county. The settlement hierarchy has six tiers; Primary Growth Areas, Secondary Growth Areas, Strategic Growth Areas, District Growth Areas, Local Growth Areas and Village Growth Areas.

A number of significant urban centres are located in proximity to the study area and include Wexford Town, Rosslare Town and Rosslare Harbour. Wexford Town is located to the east of the study area. The town is identified in the National Spatial Strategy as a “Hub” which together with Kilkenny and Waterford forms a nationally strategic ‘growth triangle’ in the south east region. Hubs support and are supported by gateways and reach out to the wider rural areas of the region. Wexford Town is designated as a Primary Growth Area in the Wexford County Development Plan 2007 – 2013. The Master Plan Zones from the Wexford Town and Environs Development Plan 2009 - 2015 is shown in Figure 7.1.4 Wexford Town Landuse Zoning Map.

Rosslare Harbour is located to the south east of the study area and is designated as a “Strategic Growth Area” in the Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013. Strategic Growth Areas are designated based on their strategic location and transportation links. These settlements provide good infrastructural facilities and services combined with a good population base to maintain them. Rosslare Harbour is of strategic importance to County Wexford as a whole and as a contributor to national development in terms of industry, commerce and tourism. It is the hub for all of the major Roll - on Roll - off Passenger and Freight services operating the southern Irish Sea and Continental sea routes.

Rosslare is located to the south east of the study area and is identified in the County Development Plan as a “Local Growth Area” providing services and facilities for the population of the immediate surrounding areas. The town is a seaside resort and is a popular tourist destination.

Oilgate is designated as a “Local Growth Area” in the Wexford County Development Plan 2007 -2013. The function of a “Local Growth Area” is to provide services and facilties for the population of the immediate surrounding area and act as the focus for social interaction and provide for linkages to the smaller settlements in the area.

The remaining villages/settlements in the study area fall under the “Village Growth Areas” tier of Wexford County Council’s settlement strategy (Planning Department, Wexford County Council; pers. comm.). These areas generally have a limited service base but provide an important focal point for the larger surrounding hinterland.

(iv) Wind Strategy

Wexford County Council recognises the potential for the county to provide energy from renewable sources. The Wind Strategy for County Wexford identifies a number of areas within the county which are suitable for wind farm development. One of these areas is located to the south west of the study area.

2 Section 2, Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 35 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report (v) Forestry

Consultation was undertaken with the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to identify any forestry within the study area. There are a number of forests within the study area, many of which were established with the assistance of grant aid and/or annual premium payments paid by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

There is a total of 18.84 sq. kilometres of forestry within the study area. The grant aided forestry within the study area is shown on Figure 7.1.5 Private/ Grant Aided Forestry.

(vi) Significant Historical/ Amenity Estates

Johnstown Castle Estate

Johnstown Castle Estate is located within the study area, approximately 6 km south west of Wexford Town and presents a significant consideration to route development. The 19th century castle occupies c. 20 Hectares of land. The grounds contain a wide variety of trees and shrubs representing the aspects of a formal and wild garden. The grounds are also enhanced by two lakes with folly towers and are populated with a range of waterfowl. The National Museum of Agriculture and Rural Life is located in the former estate farmyard within the grounds of Johnstown Castle.

The establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry at Johnstown Castle has had an important influence in the development of Wexford Town and environs, by providing employment and increasing the demand for housing and other services.

Ferrycarrig

Ferrycarrig is located just off the existing N11, approximately 2 km north of Wexford Town and is an attractive and historical location. Ferrycarrig marks the site of a ruined castle constructed by the Anglo - Normans in c. 1169. A fifteenth century tower house built by the Anglo – Normans is also located at Ferrycarrig.

The Irish National Heritage Park is located in Ferrycarrig. The c. 14 hectare amenity site houses replicas of monuments, fortifications and domestic sites of ancient man over a period of 9,000 years. The park also contains woodlands and nature trails.

7.1.5 Economic Activity

County Wexford traditionally has a strong agriculture base which plays an important role in the County’s economy. This is confirmed by 2006 Census figures which show that 7.5% of the working population in County Wexford are employed in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector. This is significantly higher than the provincial average of 2.8 % and the State average of 4.6%.

Information on economic activity was obtained from 2006 Census data for the 21 no. Electoral Divisions in, or partially within the study area. Figure 7.1.6 Economic Activity demonstrates the extent to which there has been a shift towards services employment in recent years with a consequent reduction in the proportion of the labour force employed in the agricultural sector. This implies that although the study area is predominantly rural in nature, the economic character of this area is no longer synonymous with agriculture.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 36 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Figure 7.1.6 Economic Activity indicates that the majority of the working population within the study area are involved in the Commerce and Trade sector indicating these people commute to urban centres for employment purposes.

Figure 7.1.6 Economic Activity

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Building and construction

Manufacturing industries

Commerce and trade

Transport and communications

Public administration

Professional services

Other

Source: Census 2006; Small Area Population Statistics, Theme 14 Industry

(i) Tourism

A review of statistics provided by Fáilte Ireland indicates that the South East Region, comprising counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary (south), Waterford and Wexford has experienced a growth in overseas tourism numbers in the period from 2004 to 2008, from 1,104,000 to 1,129,000. The South - East Region is also a popular holiday destination for Irish residents accounting for 17% of all holiday trips taken within the country in 2007.

The tourist sector is important to County Wexford and has emerged as one of the primary sectors within the economy of the county. The county has traditionally attracted high tourist numbers due to its unspoilt coast line, countryside, natural and built environment and its reputation as being part of the ‘Sunny South East’.

The study area and its environs have a number of historical and natural features which are an attraction for tourists. The Irish National Heritage Park, an outdoor museum as detailed above is located at Ferrycarrig, just outside Wexford Town. Another heritage park, Yola Farmstead Folk Park, is located in Tagoat and is an 18th century theme park with attractions including a forge, school house, a windmill and a mini farm.

The Wexford Slobs and Harbour, a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA), also occurs within the study area. It is also a designated Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds. The site is divided between the natural estuarine habitats of Wexford Harbour, the reclaimed polders known as the North and South ‘Slobs’, and the tidal section of the River Slaney. Wexford Harbour and Slobs is one of the top three sites in the country for populations and diversity of wintering birds.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 37 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Forth Mountain which is located in the study area, west of Wexford Town is a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA). Forth Mountain was the site of The Battle of Three Rocks, a United Irish victory in 1798. There is an eight mile nature walk called the Three Rocks Trail which offers spectacular viewing points while passing numerous historical sites including the ruins of Ferrycarrig Castle and Carrig Church and of the Norman castle at Barntown.

Rosslare and Rosslare Harbour are located just outside the study area to the south. Rosslare harbour serves as one of the primary access points to Ireland for overseas tourists. Rosslare (strand) benefits from a number of amenities which are attractive to tourists such as a blue flag beach and good facilties for water sports, golf and equestrian activities. A variety of tourist accommodation is available in and around Rosslare and Rosslare Harbour including Hotels, B&B’s and camping and caravan sites.

The River Slaney is the most important river for fisheries within the study area and contains stocks of wild brown trout, sea - trout and salmon. Commercial draft net fishing occurs from Enniscorthy to downstream of Ferrycarrig bridge, a length of approximately 20 km. Angling takes place over a 40 km (approximately) stretch of the River Slaney. There are also numerous tributaries of the Slaney and independent systems within the study area which are important rivers/streams for salmonids and these include the Assaly River, the Clonmore River, the Ballyvoleen River, the Bridgetown River, the Cleristown Stream and the Mulmontry River.

The areas around Wexford Town and Rosslare Harbour are also popular angling destinations. Wexford Harbour comprises a large body of estuarine water located between Raven Point to the North and Rosslare Point to the South where the Slaney and smaller Sow Rivers enter the sea.

The harbour is sheltered and shallow and contains several species of fish. There are a number of popular shore fishing grounds located at Ardcavan, Ferrybank, Katts Strand, Ferrycarrig and The New Marina. At Ballygerry there is a slipway which allows access for small boats to the Rosslare Harbour area.

Boat fishing occurs close to the shore over sand for ray, plaice, dogfish and tope. The adjoining inlet, which affords mooring facilities for local boats, is understood to provide good mullet fishing in summer. At Rosslare Harbour there is a small sandy beach which can provide good fishing for bass, flounder and dogfish. Angling clubs in the area include the Wexford Sea Angling Club, the Wexford and District Sea Angling Club and Rosslare Harbour Sea Angling Club.

There are no designated bathing waters in the study area. Figure 7.10.2 Shellfish Designated Sites and Aquaculture Sites in Wexford Harbour illustrates the location of the aquaculture sites in Wexford Harbour which are used for bottom culture of mussels.

7.1.6 Community Services

The majority of community services within the study area are concentrated in the main villages/settlements. There are post offices located in Oilgate, Ballyhoge, Glynn, Murntown, Killinick and Tagoat. National (Primary) schools are located in Oilgate, Ballyhoge, Crossabeg, Glynn, Barntown, Murntown, Cleristown (disused), Piercetown, Tagoat and Kilrane. Roman Catholic Churches are located in Oilgate, Ballyhoge, Crossabeg, Glynn, Barntown, Ballyshelin, Redmondstown (disused), Murntown, Piercetown, Cleristown, Tagoat and Kilrane. There are two Church of Ireland churches located in Killurin and Killinick.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 38 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Wexford General Hospital is located within Wexford Town approximately 1.6 km east of the study area.

The following GAA pitches are located within the study area; Glynn/Barntown, St. Martins Piercetown/Murntown and St. Mary’s Rosslare.

Wexford Youths soccer club is located on the existing N11 at Newcastle, Crossabeg. Wexford Youths Football Club is a League of Ireland club who play in the first division with a 600 seater ground located at Ferrycarrig Park on the N11, just north of Ferrycarrig.

Community centres/halls are located in Oilgate, Crossabeg, Glynn, Barntown, Murntown, Piercetown, Tagoat and Kilrane. A new community centre development has been granted planning permission in Crossabeg (Planning Ref; 20072620). This development includes a community centre building, gymnasium, changing rooms, running track, playing pitches, childrens playground and tennis courts. A new multi – functional sports and recreational community centre has been granted planning permission in Oilgate (Planning Ref; 20063105).

The Health Service Executive (HSE) operates Health Centres in Oilgate and in Wexford Town. A Public Library is located in Wexford Town.

Large shops and other retail facilities are confined to the main centres of population such as Wexford Town and Rosslare Harbour and therefore are unlikely to be a constraint to any potential route options.

7.1.7 Summary of Land Use and Human Settlement Constraints

• The study area is predominantly rural in character with a network of small villages, one - off housing and ribbon development dispersed throughout the study area. The dispersed nature of residential settlement throughout the study area will act as a significant constraint to any potential route corridor options due to the difficulty of avoiding impact on dispersed residential settlements. In addition the minimisation of severance of the relatively dispersed population from community, employment and commercial services will be a significant constraint. These constraints are particularly prevalent in the areas surrounding Wexford Town.

• Agricultural holdings within the study area are generally larger than the national average farm sizes. This will result in a reduced potential impact on agricultural land holdings due to the fact that potentially less land holdings will experience severance. In addition the relatively large size of the land holdings will offer a potential for less severe impact arising from any severance that does occur.

• The main area of land zoned in the study area is to the east of the existing N25 towards Wexford Town. Rosslare Harbour also has lands zoned within the study area.

• Johnstown Castle Estate and Ferrycarrig are significant historical/amenity areas within the study area, which offer significant constraints to any proposed route option.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 39 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report • Significant areas of forestry are dispersed throughout the study area. Land owners have developed this forestry with the assistance of grant aid and/or annual premium payments paid by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. In the event where forestry is removed due to the construction of a road and associated structures, grants received will have to be paid back to the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food.

• Tourism is a significant industry in Co. Wexford. The provision of improved access to the area by way of the provision of the improved road network will benefit tourism in the area. However in order to ensure the tourism industry is not negatively impacted by the proposed route it will be essential to ensure that the proposed route option does not impact on significant tourism attractions within the study area or degrade the quality of the study area as a tourist attraction.

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7.2 Infrastructure and Utilities

7.2.1 Introduction

This section of the Constraints Study describes the existing environment in relation to infrastructure and utilities within the study area. These utilities include electricity, gas, telecommunications, water and wastewater services. This section describes the constraints within the study area relating to infrastructure and utilities.

7.2.2 Methodology

All known service providers were consulted to request details of both existing and planned installations within the study area.

The location of existing and proposed services in the study area were determined through consultation with the ESB, Bord Gáis Éireann, Eircom, Wexford County Council, Chorus/ NTL (UPC Ireland) and BT Ireland. On receipt of data from the various service providers, all known utility services within the study area were mapped.

Table 7.2.1 Utility Correspondence lists the consultations carried out to date as part of the Constraints Study.

Table 7.2.1: Utility Correspondence

Date of Utility Consultees Response Received Consultation

Response received November 2008. ESB September ESB provided mapping of ESB services within 2008 the study area.

Response received November 2008. September Chorus/ NTL Chorus/NTL confirmed they have no 2008 infrastructure within the study area.

Received October 2008. Bord Gáis Networks Bord Gáis Éireann October 2008 has no infrastructure in the vicinity

Response received November 2008. Eircom September Eircom provided mapping of services within the 2008 study area.

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Date of Utility Consultees Response Received Consultation

Response received January 2009. BT Ireland confirmed that there is no off–rail BT Ireland infrastructure within study area.

However, there is a trunk network (96 fibre cable) along the railway from Rosslare to BT Ireland January 2009 Wexford and on to Enniscorthy and another 96 fibre from Rosslare to Waterford, all within the study boundary.

All BT Ireland railway cable maintenance/diversion is undertaken by Irish Rail as part of their own network.

Received response October 2008. Wexford Wexford County September County Council provided mapping of water Council 2008 and sanitary services within the study area.

7.2.3 ESB

The ESB have a distribution network of 110 kV, 38 kV, 10/20 kV and 230/400 V lines in the study area and these are shown on Figure 7.2.1a/b ESB Services.

There is an extensive network of 10/20 kV lines and 230/400 V lines distributed throughout the study area as shown in Figure 7.2.1a/b ESB Services. A 110 kV line traverses the study area in a north to south westerly direction. A number of 38 kV lines are also present within the study area.

7.2.4 Bord Gáis Éireann

Bord Gáis Networks confirmed that there are no gas pipelines/infrastructure located within the study area.

7.2.5 Eircom

Consultations have taken place with Eircom to confirm the location of underground services and overhead lines within the study area. These services are shown on Figure 7.2.2a/b Eircom Services.

Figure 7.2.2a/b Eircom Services shows that fibre optic cables extend from the north through the eastern part of the study area branching at a number of locations; to the east of Oilgate, to the west of Crossabeg and east of the existing N25 towards Wexford Town. A number of fibre optic cables radiate from Wexford Town extending over the southern section of the study area.

Eircom have a substantial network of overhead cables and underground services within the Constraints Study area as presented in Figure 7.2.2a/b Eircom Services.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 42 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report 7.2.6 Water and Sanitary Services

Wexford County Council provided information in relation to water and sanitary services within the study area and these services are shown on Figure 7.2.3 a/b Water and Sanitary Services. Water services are extensively distributed throughout the study area. Sanitary services are located in Wexford Town and Rosslare Harbour.

7.2.7 NTL/Chorus (UPC Ireland)

Chorus/NTL (UPC Ireland) advised that there are no cables within the study area and no equipment that needs to be moved. They also advised that there are no plans for any future development with the study area in the near future.

7.2.8 BT Ireland

Consultations with BT Ireland confirmed that there is no off–rail BT infrastructure (infrastructure outside rail corridor) within the study area. However, BT Ireland advised that they have a trunk network along the railway from Rosslare to Wexford and on to Enniscorthy and another from Rosslare to Waterford all within the boundary of the study area. All BT Ireland railway cable maintenance/diversion is undertaken by Irish Rail as part of their own network.

7.2.9 Iarnród Éireann

Rail infrastructure in County Wexford consists of the Rosslare to Dublin line and the Rosslare to Waterford line both of which traverse the study area. The Dublin / Rosslare line runs in a north south direction and serves County Wexford with stations at Gorey, Enniscorthy, Wexford, and Rosslare Europort. This railway line runs parallel to the River Slaney as it flows through the study area. The Rosslare to Waterford line runs in an east west direction in the southern extent of the study area passing by the village of Killinick. The existing rail network in the study area is shown on Figure 5.1.1 a/b Existing Road and Rail Network.

7.2.10 Summary of Infrastructure and Utilities Constraints

The constraints imposed by utilities within the study area include the electricity transmission network (ESB), telecom infrastrucutre (Eircom and BT Ireland), Water and Sanitiary services and railways lines within the study area (Iarnród Éireann). These constraints are shown on Figure 5.1.1 a/b Existing Road and Rail Network ,Figure 7.2.1a/b ESB Services, Figure 7.2.2a/b Eircom Services and Figure 7.2.3 a/b Water and Sanitary Services.

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7.3 Topography

7.3.1 Introduction

This section of the Constraints Study describes the general topography within the study area. The topography of County Wexford is generally linked to the underlying bedrock geology, with sedimentary rocks occupying the lowlands and more resistant igneous and metamorphic rocks occupying the upland regions at Forth Mountain. The geology of the study area is described in more detail in Section 7.9 Soils Geology and Hydrogeology. The landscape of the study area is closely related to the topography and is described in detail in Section 7.7 Landscape and Visual.

7.3.2 Methodology

A desk based assessment was undertaken to determine the topography within the study area.

7.3.3 Description of Topography

Within the study area, the existing N25 traverses a relatively low lying topography with frequent local undulations that contribute to the visually rolling terrain. The lowland areas that comprise the majority of the study area contain predominantly fertile lands and the slope and topography occur in a shallow/gradual transition. Agricultural lands are generally charaterised by extensive views across large fields.

The northern section of the study area from Oilgate south towards Ferrycarrig is characterised by low lying topography with locally undulating terrain, generally with the highest points located just to the west of the existing N11 road slopping down towards the Slaney river channel. The highest point recorded within this section area is 66m above Ordnance Datum (AOD). Relatively steep slopes are present in places along the edge of river channels within this area, particularly around the Ferrycarrig bridge crossing. Further west there are relatively steep slopes associated with an unnamed tributary of the Slaney in the vicinity of Ballyvalloge.

South of the current N11 bridge crossing at Ferrycarrig the topography is dominated by Forth Mountain which reaches a maximum height of 237m AOD in the centre of the study area. Further to the east the ground level slopes gently downwards towards Wexford town and Wexford Harbour.

The east coast of County Wexford encroaches into the study area. This coast is characterised by long, relatively straight coasts of sand or shingle backed up by low cliffs.

Further south towards Rosslare harbour the topography becomes flatter, dominated by low lying agricultural land and the Wexford slobs (at Drinagh Intake).

7.3.4 Summary of Topography Constraints

Any proposed alignment design should be sensitive to the topography and landform of the study area and seek to minimise embankments and cuttings where possible, thereby reducing impacts upon the landscape.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 44 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report The area is characterised by an undulating terrain in the northern section of the study area, becoming flatter with lower elevations to the south of the study area. The main topographical feature which will act as a significant constraint within the study area is Forth Mountain which is located in the centre of the study area. Other less significant constraints consist of some relatively steep slopes down towards the River Slaney and associated tributaries.

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7.4 Air Quality

7.4.1 Introduction

This section of the Constraints Study describes the existing air quality conditions within the study area. Sources of pollution that could affect air quality within the study area are also discussed. The air quality assessment identified sensitive receptors within the study area that have the potential to constrain the location of any proposed route corridors.

7.4.2 Methodology

The Air Quality assessment for the Constraints Study was undertaken in accordance with the National Roads Authority (NRA) Guidelines for the Treatment of Air Quality during the Planning and Construction of National Road Schemes, 2006. A list of literature reviewed as part of the air quality assessment is detailed in Section 8 Bibliography of this report.

A desk based assessment of available ambient air quality data was undertaken to determine the background air quality conditions within the study area. The local air quality assessment for the study area concentrates on Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Particulate Matter (PM10), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Benzene and Carbon Monoxide (CO) as these are considered the pollutants of most concern in relation to emissions from road traffic. Long term air monitoring (periods from several months to a year) is considered to be the most useful data as it provides long-term average concentrations which give a good indication of the ambient air quality.

The EPA has defined four air quality zones in Ireland for air quality management and assessment purposes. Dublin is defined as Zone A and Cork is defined as Zone B. Zone C comprises 16 towns with a population of greater than 15,000 and includes Wexford Town. The remainder of the country is defined as Zone D and includes rural Ireland and all towns with a population of less than 15,000. Ongoing long term monitoring is undertaken for each of these zones in order to record the baseline air quality in Ireland.

The most recent EPA annual report on air quality, Air Quality in Ireland 2007 details the monitoring undertaken for Ireland in 2007 and the results in this report have been used as the primary source of long term air quality data in order to determine the baseline/existing air quality within the study area. The Air Quality in Ireland 2007 report presents air quality data for Ireland on the basis of the four air quality zones as detailed above. For each of the four zones there are a number of representative monitoring sites considered.

The study area is located in Zone D but as Wexford Town is in close proximity to the study area, air monitoring for Zone C has also been considered. Monitoring for Zone C was undertaken at two locations nationally for 2007 which were Ennis, Co. Clare and Waterford City and for Zone D the data for 2007 originates from the following locations; Ferbane, Co. Offaly; Navan, Co. Meath; Cork Harbour, Glashaboy, Co. Cork and Kilkitt, Co. Monaghan. In addition the Air Quality in Ireland 2006 reports on monitoring data for Wexford town for the period March 2005 – March 2006. This data was representative of Zone C and is also considered in this report due to the proximity of the monitoring location to the study area.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 46 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report The levels recorded for each of the relevant parameters were compared to the limits set out in the Council Directive 1999/30/EC as transposed into Irish legislation by the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 (SI No. 271 of 2002).

Consultation was carried out with the Environment Section of Wexford County Council regarding air quality monitoring and to source air emission licenses. The EPA was consulted to source Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) licenses within and adjacent to the study area. The Health and Safety Authority were also consulted to determine if any Seveso sites are located in the study area. Windscreen surveys were carried out within the study area in January 2009 to determine the location of sensitive receptors and to confirm potential sources for air pollution within the study area.

Wexford County Council have confirmed they do not carry out air quality monitoring anywhere within the county.

7.4.3 Existing Air Quality Conditions

The desk based air quality assessment for the study area concentrates on the most relevant parameters concerned with emmisions from road traffic which are

• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

• Particulate Matter (PM10)

• Sulphur Dioxide (SO2),

• Benzene and

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)

(i) NO2

The recorded annual mean NO2 concentrationss recorded for Zones C and D for 2007 were well within 3 3 the limit values of 40 µg/m applicable for the protection of human health and 30 µg/m for the protection of vegetation (as defined under Council Directive 1999/30/EC). There were also no exceedances of the hourly limit value (which will permit no more than 18 exceedances greater than 3 200 µg/m in a calendar year) at any of the stations monitored. The results of NO2 monitoring carried out at the Zone C location at Waterford (data collected between 13 January 2007 and 31 December 3 2007) indicated an annual mean of 18 µg/m for NO2 and monitoring undertaken at the Zone D 3 location at Glashaboy, Co. Cork recorded an annual mean NO2 concentration of 9 µg/m . Similar air quality would be expected within the study area.

For 2006, the results of NO2 monitoring carried out at Wexford Town during the measurement period 3 were were well within the limit values of 40 µg/m applicable for the protection of human health and 30 µg/m3 for the protection of vegetation (as defined under Council Directive 1999/30/EC). There were also no exceedances of the hourly lower assessment threshold limit value during the monitoring period.

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(ii) PM10

Annual mean concentrations measured at all Zone C and Zone D monitoring locations in 2007 were below the 40 µg/m3 limit value defined under the Council Directive (1999/30/EC). In addition none of the monitoring stations recorded more than 35 daily exceedances greater than 50ug/m3. The annual mean concentrations for 2007 ranged from 16 - 36 µg/m3 in Zone C locations and 10 - 27 µg/m3 in

Zone D locations. It is expected that these results are representative of the PM10 levels within the study area.

An analysis of the 2006 PM10 monitoring data for Wexford Town indicated that the daily PM10 limit was not exceeded more than 35 times in the year. In addition the annual limit value of 40 µg/m3 for

PM10 was not exceeded.

(iii) SO2

SO2 concentrations recorded for 2007 were very low relative to the limit values. There were no exceedances of either the daily limit value of 125 µg/m3 (as defined under the Council Directive 1999/30/EC) or the hourly limit value of 350 µg/m3 at any station.

SO2 concentrations recorded for 2006 at Wexford town showed no exceedances of either the daily limit value of 125 µg/m3 (as defined under the Council Directive 1999/30/EC) or the hourly limit value of 350 µg/m3 at any station.

(iv) Benzene

Benzene concentrations were measured in Waterford, a Zone C location, in 2007. Benzene was not measured at any Zone D monitoring stations. The annual mean limit 5 µg/m3 (defined under the Council Directive (1999/30/EC)) was not exceeded at the Waterford monitoring station for 2007.

The annual mean limit 5 µg/m3 (defined under the Council Directive (1999/30/EC)) was not exceeded at the Wexford town monitoring station for 2006.

(v) CO

CO was measured in one Zone C Location; Waterford, and three Zone D locations; Ferbane, Navan 3 and Cork Harbour. The air - quality limit of 10 mg/m (defined under the Council Directive (1999/30/EC)) was not exceeded at any of the stations during the assessment period.

3 The CO limit of 10 mg/m (defined under the Council Directive (1999/30/EC)) was not exceeded at Wexford during the 2006 assessment period.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 48 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report 7.4.4 Sources of Pollution (non - road)

(i) Industrial

As the majority of the study area is rural in character, there are no significant sources of air pollution arising from the study area. However, the study area is located close to Wexford Town which is of local importance for industry and employment. The study area is also located close to Rosslare Europort which handles passenger and freight ferries to and from Wales and France. The port is operated by Iarnród Éireann, which provides direct rail services to Limerick and Dublin from Rosslare Europort railway station.

The NRA Guidelines for the Treatment of Air Quality during the Planning and Construction of National Road Schemes, 2006, requires that sources of pollution other than vehicle emissions which could lead to elevated background concentrations or higher incidences of exceedances of short term

standards of NOx and PM10 should be identified within 1 km of the study area or 3 km in the case of large industrial sources such as power plants.

Table 7.4.1 IPPC Licenced Activities either within the study area or within 3 km of the study area lists the industries with IPPC licences from the EPA, located within the study area or within 3 km of the study area and which are considered likely to be potential sources of air pollution.

Table 7.4.1: IPPC Licenced Activities either within the study area or within 3 km of the study area

Company Name Location (approx distance Activity Emission limits to Air from study area)

Rennard Pig Farm Crossabeg, Co. Wexford (within Intensive Ammonia 50 ppm Limited study area) Agriculture Amines 5 ppm

Mercaptanes 5 ppm

Kent Manufacturing Ardcavan Works, Wexford Metals none Wexford Ltd (approx 3 km east)

Carl Zeiss Vision Whitemill Industrial Estate, Chemicals TA Luft Organic Substances Ireland Limited Clonard, Wexford (within study Class I: 20 mg/m3 (For mass flow area) > 0.1kg/hr)3;

TA Luft Organic Substances Class II: 100 mg/m3 (For mass flow > 2kg/hr);

TA Luft Organic Substances Class III: 150 mg/m3 (For mass flow > 3kg/hr).

2 Where organic substances of several classes are emitted simultaneously, in addition to the above limits, the sum of the concentrations of TA Luft Classes I, II and III shall not exceed the Class III limits.

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Company Name Location (approx distance Activity Emission limits to Air from study area)

Wexford Creamery Rocklands, Wexford (approx 3 Food and Drink none km east)

Wexford Weaving of Drinagh, Wexford (within study Wood, Paper, Volatile Organic Compounds: 50 Ireland area) Textiles and mg/m3 (at mass flow greater than Leather 1kg/hr)

Rennard Pig Farm South Slobs, Wexford (approx Intensive none Limited 1.5 km east) Agriculture

Air Emission Licenses

Wexford County Council is responsible for the licensing of smaller industrial processes including the licensing of emissions to air. Licensees are generally required to inform the Local Authority immediately of any accident that causes pollutants to be released into the air.

Consultation with the Environment Department in Wexford County Council confirmed that there are no industries operating under an Air Emission License within the study area. However, Wexford Tarmac Ltd is located 1 km to the west of the study area, in Harristown, and operates under an Air Emission License.

Seveso Sites

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has responsibility for the regulatory control of facilities which come under the Seveso II Directive requirements. The Seveso II Directive is implemented through the European Communities (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances), Regulations 2006 (SI No 74 of 2006). The regulations apply to facilities where dangerous substances are held in quantities above specified threshold limits. Consultation with the HSA confirmed that there are no Seveso sites located in the study area.

(ii) Residential Development

The Guidelines for the Treatment of Air Quality during the Planning and Construction of National Road Schemes, 2006, state that areas with a high density of solid fuel combustion within 1 km of the study area should also be identified as a source of air emissions.

Residential land use within the study area is comprised primarily of clusters of dwellings in the vicinity of the villages/settlements of Oilgate, Ballyhoge, Crossabeg, Glynn, Barntown, Murntown, Piercetown, Cleristown, Killinick, Tagoat and Kilrane. Isolated properties and farm holdings are also dispersed throughout the study area. The closest high density residential area to the study area is Wexford Town and its environs. The Wexford Town and Environs Development Plan 2009 - 2015 recognises that the N25 is a significant edge - feature and acts as a development boundary to the south and east of Wexford Town. The population of Wexford Town was recorded in 2006 as 18,163 persons with a population target of 40,000 persons established for the town under the National Spatial Strategy

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 50 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report 7.4.5 Future Potential Sources of Air Pollution

Within the study area, road vehicles have the greatest potential of causing air pollution. The main pollutants present in vehicle exhaust emissions are carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOX), hydrocarbons (HC) such as benzene, and particulate matter (PM). The level of pollutant concentrations from the proposed road scheme will depend on a number of factors including traffic volume and composition, vehicle speeds and road layout as well as climatic conditions all of which influence resultant air quality.

Rural areas and villages within the study area do not have any land zoned for future development. Future zoning for Wexford Town is contained within the Wexford Town and Environs Development Plan 2009 – 2015 which reflects potential future development trends in Wexford Town and environs. Within the study area, lands in the environs of Wexford Town are zoned for residential, commercial/mixed use, industrial and retail.

A planning search was also carried out in February 2009 via Wexford County Councils online planning database to determine any future potential significant sources of air pollution within the study area. The planning search concluded that there are no proposed developments within the study area that are considered significant sources of air pollution.

7.4.6 Sensitive Receptors

As part of the Air Quality assessment, sensitive receptors such as residential housing, schools, hospitals, places of worship, sports centres and shopping areas (NRA, 2006) were identified. Designated habitats are also potentially sensitive receptors, and any designated sites within 10 km of the study area have been identified.

The majority of the sensitive receptors in the study area are one and two - storey private dwellings in the form of ribbon development and one - off housing. The majority of theses dwellings are concentrated in clusters along roads in the vicinity of the towns and villages/settlements of Oilgate, Ballyhoge, Cornwall, Glynn, Crossabeg, Barntown, Murntown, Piercetown, Cleristown, Killinick, Tagoat and Kilrane. There are also concentrations of houses along the local roads in the surrounding townlands. This is particularly the case in the area between Murntown and Barntown. This area would be considered the hinterland of Wexford Town and the dwellings are spread relatively densely over a large area, and not clustered around towns.

Numerous schools have been located within the study area and are are located in Oilgate, Ballyhoge, Crossabeg, Glynn, Barntown, Murntown, Piercetown, Cleristown (disused), Tagoat and Kilrane. There are Roman Catholic Churches located in Oilgate, Ballyhoge, Crossabeg, Glynn, Barntown, Ballyshelin, Redmondstown (disused), Murntown, Piercetown, Cleristown, Tagoat and Kilrane. There are two Church of Ireland churches located in Killurin and Killinick.

Wexford General Hospital is located in Wexford town approximately 1.6 km east of the study area.

Shops and other retail facilities are confined to the main centres of population such as Wexford Town although the villages within the study area also provide a limited service base to their surrounding hinterland.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 51 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report There are three designated sites of ecological importance within the study area; Forth Mountain pNHA (Site Code 000761), the Slaney River Valley SAC (Site Code 000781) and Wexford Slobs and Harbour pNHA and SAC (000712). These are discussed in detail in Section 7.6 Ecology.

There are a number of designated sites within a 10 km buffer of the study area as follows; • Ballyroe Fen and Lake pNHA (Site Code: 000747); • Tacumshin Lake pNHA and SAC (Site Code: 000709) and SPA (Site Code: 004092); • Lady’s Island Lake NHA and SAC (Site Code: 000704); • St. Helen’s Burrow pNHA (Site Code: 000782); • Ballyteigue Burrow pNHA and SAC (Site Code: 000696) and SPA (Site Code: 004020); • Bay pNHA and SAC (Site Code: 000697); • Screen Hills pNHA and SAC (Site Code: 000708); • Carnsore Point SAC (Site Code: 002269); • Saltee Islands SAC (Site Code: 000707); • Long Bank SAC (Site Code: 002161); and • The Raven SPA (Site Code: 004019).

There are no nature reserves within the study area however; two nature reserves are located within a 10 km radius of the study area; the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve and the Raven Nature Reserve.

Sensitive receptors within the study area are shown on Figure 7.4.1a/b Air Quality Sensitive Receptors.

7.4.7 Opportunities for Mitigation

If mitigation measures are deemed necessary, it should be considered where possible to design the layout of the route, such that air quality levels at affected receivers are reduced without compromising any other locations or any other aspect of the proposed road scheme.

It is recommended that the best mitigation measure to ameliorate any impacts on sensitive receptors is avoidance as outlined in the NRA National Roads Project Management Guidelines.

7.4.8 Summary of Air Quality Constraints

Sensitive receptors identified as part of the air quality assessment including schools, churches, residential housing and ecological designations all of which present a constraint to route development from an air quality perspective. According to the National Roads Authority (NRA) Guidelines for the Treatment of Air Quality during the Planning and Construction of National Road Schemes, 2006, sensitive receptors within 50m of the centreline of a road corridor are within an area where potential detectable impacts on air quality may be found, where there is an increase of 10% or more in traffic emissions.

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7.5 Cultural Heritage

7.5.1 Introduction

This section describes the existing environment in relation to Cultural Heritage within the study area. This Cultural Heritage section has been prepared with the assistance of Aegis Archaeology Limited who carried out a Cultural Heritage assessment (including both archaeological and architectural heritage) of the study area. This section summarises the main findings of the assessment. The full Aegis Archaeology Report is contained within Appendix 2a Cultural Heritage Report by Aegis Archaeology.

7.5.2 Methodology

The methodology for this assessment followed the NRA Guidelines for the Assessment of Archaeological Heritage Impacts of National Road Schemes and the NRA Guidelines for the Assessment of Architectural Heritage Impacts of National Road Schemes.

A desk based assessment was undertaken of all available data in order to determine possible constraints to the development of a route corridor option. Information was obtained from numerous sources such as the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP), the Sites and Monuments Record files (SMR), the Register of Historic Monuments (RHM), the List of Monuments in State Care and List of Preservation Orders, the Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford, the Shipwreck Inventory of Ireland and the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH). The excavations bulletins were consulted to compile a list of all licenced archaeological investigations that have taken place in the study area and the Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013 was consulted for the locations of Protected Structures (RPS).

Full details of the methodology undertaken as part of the Constraints Study are provided in Appendix 2a Cultural Heriage Report by Aegis Archaeology. A list of all information sources reviewed as part of the cultural assessment are detailed in Section 8 Bibliography of this report.

7.5.3 Baseline Environment

(i) Overview of Study Area

The study area, of roughly 185 square kilometres, is located predominantly in the Forth , County Wexford. The study area is predominantly a flat rural area with the only evident uplands being located in the centre of the study area, to the west of Wexford Town (Forth Mountain).

Co. Wexford has a rich cultural heritage with records and features identifying human activity in the county as far back as between c. 5000 B.C. and c. 3000 BC (Whelan 1987, 2). There are recorded features as evidence of human activity in Co. Wexford arising from the Neolithic Period, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, the Medieval Period and up to more modern times.

The archaeology within the study area is dominated by medieval and post medieval monuments. However it should be noted that many prehistoric sites do not survive above ground, due to farming techniques used over hundreds of years, and this can result in many monuments being undiscovered.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 53 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report From the desk - based assessment, the study identified 348 potential archaeological monuments (RMPs), 14 previous licensed archaeological investigations and 52 recorded architectural structures (RPS & NIAH). With some crossover in recorded archaeological monuments and architectural structures this gives a total of 394 constraints in the study area.

(ii) Archaeological Heritage

In total there are 348 known archaeological sites in the study area. Table 2 Archaeological constraints inventory of recorded monuments in Appendix 2a Cultural Heriage Report by Aegis Archaeology lists all known recorded archaeological monuments (RMP) within the study area. (Refer also to Figure 7.5.1a/b Cultural Heritage Constraints within the Study Area).

From a general inspection of the archaeological constraints listed in Table 2 Archaeological constraints inventory of recorded monuments in Appendix 2a Cultural Heriage Report by Aegis Archaeology, it is apparent that medieval and post medieval monuments dominate the south of County Wexford. Potential concentrations of Archaeological and Architectural Constraints are highlighted in Figure 7.5.1a/b Cultural Heritage Constraints within the Study Area. As can be seen from this drawing there are concentrations of cultural heritage constraints extending from the southeast of the study area through to the northwest, with four small areas in the southwest of the study area.

High concentrations of archaeological constraints can be seen at numerous locations within the study area including Rathmacknee, where the entire village is an area of archaeological importance and the castle is designated as a National Monument. Archaeological constraints also occur at the river crossing at Ferrycarrig; around Tagoat in the southeast of the study area and 2 km to the northwest along the existing R740 and in the townland of Talbotstown in the south of the study area.

There is a high concentration of medieval sites, including 2 castles, 2 tower houses, a moated site, font, graveyard, holy well, church and prehistoric barrow at Rathaspick and Johnstown. Ballykilliane townland in the east of the study area has a high concentration of prehistoric sites. A high concentration of prehistoric sites is also located 2 km south of Oilgate and there is another concentration in the west of the study area in the townland of Coolstuff.

The area around the centre of the study area, located around the upland areas of Forth Mountain, has a lesser concentration of cultural heritage constraints, although this may be the result of this area currently being under forestry, which may hide undiscovered upstanding monuments.

Concentrations of medieval sites can be seen to the southwest of the River Slaney and to the south and west of Rosslare Harbour. There are a large number of ecclesiastical structures (and associated monuments such as holy wells, ecclesiastical enclosures, graveyards, fonts etc) and castles, of various types (probably a result of the 15th century £10 subsidy) and these give the study area a rich medieval landscape, at least from the known sites. The castles and tower houses located across the study area should be avoided by a considerable distance where possible as these may be surrounded by subsidiary structures and features that currently remain underground and unknown. Possibly the most important castle in the study area is at Rathmacknee Great. This almost complete tower and associated bawn, most likely dating to the 15th century, lies in a zone of archaeological potential and is the only National Monument in the study area.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 54 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report The majority of the ecclesiastical structures listed in Table 2 Archaeological constraints inventory of recorded monuments in Appendix 2a Cultural Heriage Report by Aegis Archaeology are parish churches and there is one Priory (St. Marys in Horetown). Some of these may be on the site of early medieval places of worship and may also be at the centre of ecclesiastical enclosures currently unknown. It was also common in the early medieval period for small settlements to surround church sites, and these may since have been abandoned and remain undiscovered to date. These should all be considered of high importance and avoided by some distance if possible.

Of the 394 identified constraints, 77 can be tentatively dated to the pre - historic and early medieval periods. These include cairns, cist burials, urn burials, standing stones, ogham stones, promontory forts, enclosures, field systems, ringforts, ringditches, burnt spreads, earthworks, middens and fish weirs. The largest concentration of these features lies in the southeast of the study area, with a second smaller concentration 2 km to the south of Oilgate. It should be noted that many prehistoric sites do not survive above ground, due to farming techniques used over hundreds of years, and this can result in many monuments being undiscovered. It is likely that there are far more undiscovered prehistoric monuments located in the study area than there are known ones.

In general unknown archaeological sites can be found anywhere although some types of monuments do seem to be concentrated around certain features. Burnt mounds are often found around low areas with a good supply of water and there are a number of streams throughout the study area. Currently only one burnt mound designated as a Recorded Monument (CH135) is located in the study area. As these are the most common archaeological site in the country it is likely that a large number currently remain undiscovered. Ringforts and Bronze Age hillforts are often found at the apex of hills and ridges, although ringforts are also common in low areas of good farmland. Ringforts are the second most common archaeological site found in Ireland. Areas of peatland can also yield high concentrations of archaeological sites with, sometimes extensive, timber trackways being constructed from prehistoric times onwards. Burnt mounds are also common in peatland areas. It is likely that the River Slaney and its many connecting tributaries have a high potential for unknown archaeological sites.

(iii) Architectural Heritage

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) and RPS lists from the County Wexford Development Plan (2007 – 2013) 1 building of architectural heritage merit and 51 protected structures in the study area.

Table 4 Architectural Constraints Inventory of Study Area in Appendix 2a Cultural Heriage Report by Aegis Archaeology lists of all known recorded protected structures (RPS) within the study area. (Refer also to Figure 7.5.1a/b Cultural Heritage Constraints within Study Area).

The NIAH has only completed the list of architectural heritage sites for the towns of County Wexford; the county inventory is still being compiled. The NIAH website contains accurate coordinates for sites and lists one architectural constraint in the study area, whereas the RPS sites listed in the County Wexford Development Plan (2007 - 2013) only have townland information. The majority of these have been located on available mapping but out of the 52 architectural constraints listed, 46 have been located (one NIAH and 45 recorded monuments) with 6 having no location.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 55 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report The Architectural Constraints within the study area can be seen to be grouped in certain areas, and in general they are located in and around existing settlements and along roadways, although the occasional thatched cottage or farmhouse can be found in a remote location, such as at Ballysheen (CH380). The main concentrations of Architectural Constraints can be seen in Carrigmannon in the northwest; in Oilgate; at the River Slaney crossing at Ferrycarrig; in Johnstown and Rathaspick, where there is also a high concentration of medieval Archaeological Constraints; and at Tagoat in the southeast of the study area. Currently all of the Architectural Constraints, other than CH348, are listed as protected structures in the Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013. As the NIAH has not yet completed the study of County Wexford, additional structures of architectural heritage may be identified in the future. It is likely that the majority of these will be located in the existing settlements within the study area, with a small number of additional rural sites, following the trend of the current Record of Protected Structures.

(iv) Underwater Archaeology

The Underwater Archaeology Unit (UAU) is engaged in the preparation of an inventory of recorded shipwrecks in Irish waters. The Shipwreck Inventory includes all known wrecks for the years up to and including 1945 and approximately 10,000 records have been compiled and integrated into the shipwreck database thus far.

Thirty wrecks are recorded as being lost in Wexford Harbour with a further nine recorded as lost in Rosslare Harbour. There are no recorded wrecks within the study area. However one wreck has recently been recorded on aerial photography close to Wexford Town (Carl Brady, UAU, pers comm.), and this has been indicated on Figure 7.5.1a/b Cultural Heritage Constraints within Study Area. There are no details on this wreck other than its location. Although no wrecks are recorded within the study area it is likely that there are unrecorded archaeological wrecks located in the River Slaney (Carl Brady, UAU, pers comm.).

(v) Previous Excavations

There have been 14 licensed archaeological investigations in the study area. Table 3 Licensed archaeological Investigations in the study area in Appendix 2a Cultural Heriage Report by Aegis Archaeology contains information taken from the excavations bulletins (www.excavations.ie) which details all investigations up to 2004 (Refer also to Figure 7.5.1a/b Cultural Heritage Constraints within Study Area).

7.5.4 Summary of Cultural Heritage Constraints

A total of 394 cultural heritage constraints were identified as part of this Constraints Study as follows;

• 348 potential archaeological monuments (RMPs);

• 14 previous licensed archaeological investigations; and

• 52 recorded architectural structures (RPS & NIAH).

The Shipwreck Inventory of Ireland recorded 39 lost vessels in the harbours of Wexford and Rosslare outside of the study area. The nearest wreck is located 2 km to the east of the study area.

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7.6 Ecology

7.6.1 Introduction

This section of the Constraints Study describes the existing environment in relation to flora and fauna within the study area. An ecological assessment was undertaken and the objective of the assessment at this Constraints Study stage was to identify features of ecological interest that occur within the study area, in particular designated conservation areas and protected flora and fauna, so that they will be taken into account and properly evaluated in the Route Selection and EIA phases of the proposed road scheme that follow.

7.6.2 Methodology

An ecological assessment was completed in accordance with the NRA Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes, 2006. A desk - based study of the study area was conducted to identify the baseline ecological environment. The database of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) was accessed to identify all designated conservation sites within the study area, as well as a 10 km radius of the study area. In addition, records for protected flora and fauna in the study area were reviewed from the NPWS online mapping service and the Irish Red Data Book.

The Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS) was also consulted. I-WeBS is maintained by Birdwatch Ireland and is the principal tool for monitoring wintering waterfowl populations and their wetlands in Ireland and is also used to highlight long-term trends. I-WeBS has been in operation since 1994/1995 and uses the well-established and internationally recognised method of ‘look-see’ which involves counters recording the numbers of individuals of a number of waterfowl species on frequent visits to pre-defined discrete wetland sites. Counts are carried out once per month between September and March (BirdWatch Ireland, 2001). I-WeBS data from 2003 to 2008 for ten separate sites in Wexford Harbour and on the Slaney Estuary has been reviewed as a part of this desk based study.

A full list of literature reviewed is provided in Secton 8 Bibliography.

Consultation with the following bodies was conducted: • Development Applications Unit, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government; • Local Conservation Officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service; • Bat Conservation Ireland; • BirdWatch Ireland; • Badgerwatch Ireland; • Heritage Officer, Wexford County Council; • An Taisce; • Heritage Council; • The Irish Wildlife Trust; • Wexford Naturalists Field Club;

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 57 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report • Bord Iascaigh Mhara; • Irish Peatland Conservation Council; • Marine Institute Headquarters; • Vincent Wildlife Trust; • Central Regional Fisheries Board; and • Eastern Regional Fisheries Board. Consultation responses received are detailed in Section 6 Consultation.

7.6.3 Designated Conservation Areas within the Study Area

A full site synopsis of the conservation sites present within the study area are contained in Appendix 3a Site Synopses and are briefly described in this section of the report. Figure 7.6.1a/b Designated Conservation Sites within 10 km of Constraints Study Area and Records of Protected Species shows the location of each of the designated sites and Table 7.6.1 Conservation Designated Sites Located within the Study Area provides a summary of designated sites within the study area.

Due to the presence of Natura 2000 sites within the study area, an appropriate assessment will be required to assess the implications of the road development on the site(s) nature conservation objectives. It is intended that this process will be initiated at the Route Selection Stage.

(i) Natural Heritage Area (NHA)

The basic designation for wildlife is the Natural Heritage Area (NHA). This is an area considered important for the habitats present or which holds species of plants and animals whose habitat needs protection.

The pNHA Forth Mountain (Site Code: 000761) is within the study area and represents the most south - easterly heathland in the country (Refer to Figure 7.6.1a/b Designated Conservation Sites within 10 km of Constraints Study Area and Records of Protected Species and Table 7.6.1 Conservation Designated Sites Located within the Study Area). Wet heath occurs on the lower slopes and this grades into dry heath on rockier ground. Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Wheatear, Stonechat, Whitethroat and Linnet breed within the site. The Common Lizard occurs widely in the area. The snail (Lymnaea glabra, Order Gastropoda) has been recorded in a small stream on the south west slopes. This is one of the rarest snails in Ireland and is not currently known from any other sites.

Butterflies characteristic of heathland, have been recorded from the site, notably the Small Heath, Grayling and Wall Brown. The area also attracts the migratory species Red Admiral and Painted Lady.

The Wexford Slobs and Harbour (Site Code: 000712) a proposed NHA, is also present within the study area but is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) and is described under Section (iii) Special Protection Areas below.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 58 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report (ii) Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

These are prime wildlife conservation areas in the country, considered to be important on a European as well as at a national level. The legal basis on which SACs are selected and designated is Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, commonly known as the Habitats Directive. This Directive was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 - 2005. The Habitats Directive lists certain habitats and species that must be protected within SACs. SACs form part of a network of sites to be designated across Europe in order to protect biodiversity within the community, known as Natura 2000 sites.

The Slaney River Valley SAC (Site Code: 000781) is within the study area and is designated for the presence of alluvial wet woodlands, floating river vegetation, estuaries, tidal mudflats and old oak woodlands which are all habitats listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive (Refer to Figure 7.6.1a/b Designated Conservation Sites within 10 km of Constraints Study Area and Records of Protected Species and Table 7.6.1 Conservation Designated Sites Located within the Study Area).

Sea Lamprey, River Lamprey, Brook Lamprey, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Twaite Shad, Atlantic Salmon and Otter which are species listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive are found within the SAC. Two rare aquatic species are present within the site; Short - leaved Water -starwort (Callitriche truncata) and Opposite - leaved Pondweed (Groenlandia densa).

In addition, Red Data Book species Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon), Basil, Thyme (Acinos arvensis), Blue Fleabane (Erigeron acer) and Small Cudweed (Filago minima) occur within the site and a nationally rare species Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) is also found within the site.

Nationally important numbers of Black - tailed Godwit, Teal, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Little Grebe and Black - headed Gull are found along the estuarine part of the river. Wexford Harbour provides extensive feeding grounds for wading birds and Little Terns, which are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, have bred here in the past. The Reed Warbler, which is a scarce breeding species in Ireland, is present and the Dipper also occurs on the river.

Irish Red Data Book species that are found within the site include Common Frog, Pine Marten, Badger, Irish Hare and Daubenton’s Bat.

Draft conservation objectives were available at the time of writing this report for the Slaney River Valley SAC and Wexford Harbour and Slobs SPA.

The draft conservation objectives of the Slaney River Valley SAC are as follows:

• Objective 1: To maintain the Annex I habitats for which the cSAC has been selected at favourable conservation status: Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in British Isles; Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno - Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae); Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho -Batrachion vegetation; Estuaries; Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 59 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report • Objective 2: To maintain the Annex II species for which the cSAC has been selected at favourable conservation status: Alosa fallax, Lampetra fluviatilis, Lampetra planeri, Petromyzon marinus, Salmo salar, Margaritifera margaritifera, Lutra lutra

• Objective 3: To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site

• Objective 4: To establish effective liaison and co - operation with landowners, legal users and relevant authorities.

(iii) Special Protection Area (SPA)

Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds, commonly referred to as the Birds Directive, requires designation of SPAs for rare and vulnerable bird species, regularly occurring migratory species, such as ducks, geese and waders and for wetlands, especially those of international importance, which attract large numbers of migratory birds each year. The Birds Directive was transposed into Irish law by European Communities (Conservation of Wild Birds) Regulations, (S.I. No. 291 of 1985).

The Wexford Harbour and Slobs SPA (Site Code: 004076) occurs within the study area (Refer to Figure 7.6.1a/b Designated Conservation Sites within 10 km of Constraints Study Area and Records of Protected Species and Table 7.6.1 Conservation Designated Sites Located within the Study Area). The site is of special conservation interest for holding an assemblage of over 20,000 wintering waterbirds. Wexford Harbour and Slobs is one of the top three sites in the country for numbers and diversity of wintering birds. The conservation value of the site arises due to the presence of these large numbers of important bird species as detailed in Table 7.6.2 Species of Conservation Interest in Wexford Harbour and Slobs SPA.

The combination of estuarine habitats, including shallow waters for Grebes, Diving Duck and Seaduck, and the farmland of the polders, which include freshwater drainage channels, provides optimum feeding and roost areas for a wide range of species. Of particular importance is that it is one of the two most important sites in the world for Greenland White -fronted Goose. The geese feed almost entirely within the Slobs and roost at The Raven.

The site also has internationally important populations of Mute Swan, Light - bellied Brent Goose, Bar - tailed Godwit and Black - tailed Godwit. There are at least a further 25 species of wintering waterbirds which occur in numbers of national importance, i.e. Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Whooper Swan, Bewick’s Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Scaup, Goldeneye, Red - breasted Merganser, Coot, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Black - headed Gull and Lesser Black - backed Gull.

The Slobs is the most important and indeed one of the few sites in the country which supports a regular flock of Bewick’s Swan. The site is a regular location for scarce passage waders such as Ruff, Spotted Redshank and Green Sandpiper, as well as Curlew Sandpiper in varying numbers.

The rare Wood Sandpiper is seen each year, mainly in autumn. Short - eared Owl and Hen Harrier are regular visitors in small numbers to the Slobs during winter. Of particular note is the presence of the Hen Harrier communal roost site.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 60 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report A nesting colony of Little Egret has recently become established within the site (12+ pairs in 2003) and birds are present in the area throughout the year. The sheltered estuarine habitat to the west of Wexford Bridge is the favoured location. The site is important for Little Tern as it has a nationally important breeding colony (30 pairs were recorded in 2000). The Slobs support a nesting colony of Tree Sparrow, a very localised species in Ireland that is listed in the Irish Red Data Book.

Another very localised breeding species, Reed Warbler, is well established within the swamp vegetation along the River Slaney and on the South Slob (estimated as at least 10 pairs). A range of duck species breed, including Teal, Tufted Duck and, probably in most years, Shoveler.

The site supports populations of Borrer’s Saltmarsh - grass (Puccinellia fasciculata) and Short -leaved Water - starwort (Callitriche truncata), both protected, Red Data Book species. The Slobs are well known for their population of Irish Hare.

The draft conservation objective for the Wexford Harbour and Slobs SPA is as follows:

To maintain the special conservation interests for this SPA at favourable conservation status: Cormorant; Bewick’s Swan; Whooper Swan; Greenland White - fronted Goose; Light - bellied Brent Goose; Shelduck; Teal; Scaup; Red - breasted Merganser; Oystercatcher; Golden Plover; Grey Plover; Lapwing; Sanderling; Black - tailed Godwit; Bar - tailed Godwit; Curlew; Black - headed Gull; Little Tern ; 20,000 wintering waterbirds; Little Grebe; Great Crested Grebe; Grey Heron; Mallard; Wigeon; Pintail; Goldeneye; Hen Harrier; Coot; Knot; Dunlin; Redshank; Lesser Black - backed Gull; Wetland & Waterbirds.

(iv) Nature Reserves

A Nature Reserve is an area of importance to wildlife, which is protected under Ministerial Order. Most are owned by the State though some are owned by organisations or private landowners. There are no Nature Reserves within the study area.

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SITE NAME SITE STATUS FEATURES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST / DESIGNATION CODE Most south - easterly heathland in the country - wet heath and dry heath. Forth Mountain 000761 pNHA Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Wheatear, Stonechat, Whitethroat and Linnet breed within the site. Common Lizard occurs widely within the site. The rare snail (Lymnaea glabra, Order Gastropoda) is present and not known from any other site. Butterflies: Small Heath, Grayling and Wall Brown occur, as well as and the migratory species Red Admiral and Painted Lady. Wexford Slobs 000712 pNHA Also an SPA and is described below. and Harbour Slaney River 000781 SAC Annex I habitats listed in Habitats Directive: Alluvial wet woodlands, floating river vegetation, Valley estuaries, tidal mudflats and old oak woodlands Annex II species listed in Habitats Directive - Sea Lamprey, River Lamprey, Brook Lamprey, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Twaite Shad, Atlantic Salmon and Otter. Two rare aquatic species Short - leaved Water - starwort (Callitriche truncata) and Opposite - leaved Pondweed (Groenlandia densa). Red Data Book species: Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon), Basil Thyme (Acinos arvensis), Blue Fleabane (Erigeron acer) and Small Cudweed (Filago minima). Nationally rare species Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) is also found within the site. Nationally important numbers of Black - tailed Godwit, Teal, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Little Grebe and Black - headed Gull. Wexford Harbour provides extensive feeding grounds for wading birds and Little Terns, bred here in the past. The Reed Warbler, which is a scarce breeding species in Ireland is present and the Dipper also occurs on the river. Irish Red Data Book species: Common Frog, Pine Marten, Badger, Irish Hare and Daubenton’s Bat. Wexford Harbour 004076 SPA Wetlands form part of this site and the associated waterbirds are of special conservation interest. It is and Slobs one of the two most important sites in the world for Greenland White - fronted Goose.

Internationally important populations of Mute Swan, Light - bellied Brent Goose, Bar - tailed Godwit and Black - tailed Godwit. The Slobs is the most important and indeed one of the few sites in the country which supports a regular flock of Bewick’s Swan. Regular location for scarce passage waders such as Ruff, Spotted Redshank and Green Sandpiper, as well as Curlew Sandpiper. The rare Wood

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SITE NAME SITE STATUS FEATURES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST / DESIGNATION CODE Sandpiper is seen each year, mainly in autumn. Short - eared Owl and Hen Harrier occur in small numbers to the Slobs during winter. Of particular note is the presence of the Hen Harrier communal roost site.

A nesting colony of Little Egret has recently become established within the site and birds are present in the area throughout the year. The site is important for Little Tern as it has can hold a nationally important breeding colony.

The Slobs support a nesting colony of Tree Sparrow, a very localised species in Ireland that is listed in the Irish Red Data Book. Another very localised breeding species, Reed Warbler, is well established within the swamp vegetation along the River Slaney and on the South Slob.

The site supports populations of Borrer’s Saltmarsh - grass (Puccinellia fasciculata) and Short - leaved Water - starwort (Callitriche truncata), both protected under Flora (Protection) Order and are Red Data Book species. The Slobs are well known for their population of Irish Hare.

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Table 7.6.2: Species of Conservation Interest in Wexford Harbour and Slobs SPA

SITE SELECTION BASED ON FOLLOWING SPECIES

Cormorant Shelduck Golden Plover Bar - tailed Godwit

Bewick’s Swan Teal Grey Plover Curlew

Whooper Swan Scaup Lapwing Black - headed Gull

Greenland White - fronted Red - breasted Sanderling Little Tern (B) Goose Merganser

Light - bellied Brent Goose Oystercatcher Black - tailed Godwit

ADDITIONAL SPECIAL CONSERVATION INTERESTS (SCIs)

Little Grebe Wigeon Coot Lesser Black - backed Gull

Great Crested Grebe Pintail Knot Wetland & Waterbirds

Grey Heron Goldeneye Dunlin

Mallard Hen Harrier Redshank

7.6.4 Designated Conservation Sites within a 10 km Buffer of the Study Area

Within 10km of the study area there are a number of designated conservation sites which are summarised in Table 7.6.3 Conservation Designated Sites Located within 10 km of the Study Area.

In addition there a two nature reserves within 10km of the study area and these are

• The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve

• The Raven Nature Reserve

These nature reserves are areas of importance to wildlife and have been designated under the Wildlife Act 1976 to 2000. There are no nature reserves within the study area however; the following are descriptions of the two nature reserves located within a 10 km radius of the study area.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 64 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve

The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is located approximately 3 km to the north east of Wexford Town and comprises an area of 194 ha of sloblands. Only part of the sloblands is within the nature reserve and adjoining areas of the sloblands are in private ownership. The area is important for waders and wildfowl in particular, which are attracted to the area to feed, loaf, roost and breed. Habitats include wet grassland and tillage, a brackish - water drainage channel and reedbeds. Pools have been created to attract passage waders and wildfowl to the area. Hares are fully protected on the Reserve and on the surrounding townlands of the North Slob.

Over 260 bird species have been recorded to date of which 69 are considered common in winter, with a further 37 being categorised as scarce. This is a wintering ground of international importance for a number of migratory waterfowl including in particular Greenland White - fronted Geese and Brent Geese, as well as Bewick Swans and Wigeon. The reserve has recorded 29 species of duck and 42 species of wader. The site has an internationally important flock of Black - tailed Godwits and good numbers of Scoters winter. Slavonian Grebes are regular. Breeding birds include Pochard, Shoveler, Reed and Sedge Warbler, Cuckoo and Tree Sparrow.

The Raven Nature Reserve

The Raven Nature Reserve is located approximately 8 km to the north east of Wexford Town and comprises an area of 589 ha. The site is now part of a major sand dune system, which is largely stable except for the lagoons and sand bar at its southern tip. The site is internationally important for birds with 35% of the world’s population of Greenland and White - fronted Geese spend winter in this area. They feed by day on the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve (to the west of the Raven Nature Reserve) and return each evening to roost in the relative safety of the sand bar, on the southern tip of the Raven. Large numbers of waders roost here throughout the year. Little Terns nest on the shell sandy beaches and Crossbills are occasionally seen in the woods. The dunes are rich in wild flowers, including several rarities, such as the sub species of Round - leaved Wintergreen, which is found only in Ireland on this site.

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Table 7.6.3: Conservation Designated Sites Located within 10 km of the Study Area

SITE NAME SITE STATUS FEATURES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST / DESIGNATION CODE

Screen Hills 000708 pNHA Two habitats listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive: oligotrophic lakes and dry heath formations. SAC Plant species which are rare in south - east Ireland include Fen Sedge (Cladium mariscus), White Water - lily (Nymphaea alba), Shoreweed (Littorella uniflora) and Lesser Bladderwort (Utricularia minor).

Substantial populations of the following Red Data Book species: Slender Cudweed (Logfia minima), Heath Cudweed (Omalotheca sylvatica), Hairy Bird’s - foot - trefoil (Lotus subbiflorus), Bird’s - foot (Ornithopus perpusillus) and Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans).

Bannow Bay 000697 pNHA Eleven coastal habitats listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive including Atlantic salt meadows, Mediterranean salt meadows, Halophilous scrub, Embryonic shifting dunes, White dunes SAC and the priority habitat fixed grey dunes. Legally protected plant Perennial Glasswort (Arthrocnemun perenne) occurs and is known from only a few sites in the country.

Ballyteigue 000696 pNHA The site contains several coastal habitats listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive, including Burrow three priority habitats: fixed dune, dune heath and lagoon. Most of the site is designated a Nature SAC Reserve. Acid heath is developing within the (calcareous) fixed grey dune area, which is very unusual in Irish dune systems. Halophilous scrub vegetation occurs which is a very rare habitat in 004020 SPA Ireland and is characterised by the rare Perennial Glasswort (Arthrocnemum perenne). Lagoon specialists include Tassel - weed (Ruppia maritima), the green alga (Chaetomorpha linum) and the

Red Data Book charophyte Chara canescens. Species protected under the Flora (Protection) Order 1999 present within the site are: Wild Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis, Lesser Centaury (Centaurium pulchellum), Borrer’s Saltmarsh - grass (Puccinellia fasciculata) and Perennial Glasswort (Arthrocnemum perenne) and Sea Pea (Lathyrus japonicus). Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), a species which is considered as threatened in Ireland, also occurs at Ballyteige. The dunes

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SITE NAME SITE STATUS FEATURES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST / DESIGNATION CODE here also have an interesting lichen flora: the scarce species Usnea articulata occurs here, and this is the only known site in Ireland for another lichen, Fulgensia fulgens.

Saltee Islands 000707 SAC The site is of high conservation importance for marine habitats, with reefs, sea caves, large shallow bays, and intertidal sediments well represented. In deeper water (15 - 30 metres) animal dominated reef communities occur. The site is of international importance for breeding seabirds: Gannets on Great Saltee, Cormorants on Little Saltee, Shags on both islands, Fulmars, Kittiwakes, auks – Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins. There is also a small Manx Shearwater colony on Great Saltee. The breeding populations of large gulls have declined dramatically in recent years. The Lesser Black - backed Gull colony is still important, but numbers of Herring Gull and Great Black - backed Gull are now very low. Peregrine Falcon breeds and Chough occurs at the eastern edge of its Irish range. Both of these species are listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. In addition, the site has a breeding population of Grey Seal, an Annex II species on the EU Habitats Directive.

Tacumshin Lake 000709 pNHA The site is of particular conservation significance for its lagoon, which is an excellent example of a sedimentary lagoon with a gravel/sand barrier and is a priority habitat under the EU Habitats SAC Directive. The lagoon was formerly a shallow sea bay which over time has been separated from the sea by a gravel/sand spit that has extended across the mouth of the bay from east to west, due to 004092 SPA long - shore drift. Good examples of four other habitats that are listed on Annex I of this directive occur within the site, i.e. drift lines, perennial vegetation of stony banks, embryonic shifting dunes and Marram dunes.

The waterfowl population of the lagoon is exceptionally diverse and has internationally important populations of Whooper Swan and Bewick’s Swan. Nationally important populations of an additional 13 wintering waterfowl species occur. It is one of the top sites in the country for species such as Pintail and Gadwall. It is also of importance for its summer visitors, including such rare and localised species as Marsh Harrier, Garganey and Reed Warbler. The site is also notable for a range of passage waders. Also of note is that a number of the species that occur regularly are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, i.e. Whooper Swan, Bewick’s Swan, Golden Plover, Ruff,

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SITE NAME SITE STATUS FEATURES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST / DESIGNATION CODE Wood Sandpiper and Marsh Harrier. Greenland White - fronted Goose which uses the site on occasions is also listed on Annex I of this directive.

Ladys’ Island 000704 pNHA The lagoon habitat within the site is an excellent example of a sedimentary lagoon with a Lake sand/shingle barrier. It is by far the largest and best example of this type of lagoon in the country SAC and is in a relatively natural condition, despite regular breaching of the gravel barrier. The flora is typically brackish with two species of Tasselweed (Ruppia maritima and R. cirrhosa) and the Red 004009 SPA Data Book charophyte species Lamprothamnion papulosum and Chara canescens (both lagoonal specialists).

The barrier system which stretches along the entire seaward part of this site from Carnsore Point westwards towards Tacumshin comprises the best example in Ireland of a landward moving (transgressive) system of gravel - based barrier.

In addition to Cottonweed and the two charophyte species, three other Red Data Book species occur within the site: Lesser Centaury (Centaurium pulchellum), Penny Royal (Mentha pulegium) and Golden Dock (Rumex maritimus). The lagoon has an internationally important tern colony, with four species breeding regularly - Sandwich (c.1,100 pairs), Roseate (107 pairs), Common (c.500 pairs) and Arctic (c.215 pairs) (figures are for 1999).

St. Helen’s 000782 pNHA There is no site synopsis available for this site Burrow Carnsore Point has good examples of intertidal and subtidal reef communities typical of areas that Carnsore Point 002269 SAC are very exposed to moderately exposed to wave action. The site is of considerable conservation significance for the presence of intertidal mud/sand flats and of reefs, both habitats that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive.

Long Bank 02161 SAC The site is of conservation importance for its submerged sandbanks, a habitat that is listed on

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SITE NAME SITE STATUS FEATURES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST / DESIGNATION CODE Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive.

The Raven 004019 SPA Roosting habitat for the Wexford Harbour flock of Greenland White - fronted Geese. Nationally important populations of Slavonian Grebe. Wintering populations of Annex I species (E.U. Birds Directive) - Red -throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Golden Plover, Bar - tailed Godwit and Greenland White - fronted Goose. Little Tern, a species breeding in the site, is also listed on Annex I of this directive. Owing to the recognised importance of the area, Raven Point is a statutory Nature Reserve and a Ramsar site.

Ballyroe Fen and 000747 pNHA Ballyroe Fen and Lake pNHA consists of a small lake with wet grassland, fen, reed swamp and Lake arable fields with sandy banks. The legally protected Clustered Clover (Trifolium glomeratum) occurs within the site.

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7.6.5 Protected Flora within the Study Area

Flora protected in Ireland are listed in the Flora (Protection) Order 1999 and are given protection under the Wildlife Act (1976 - 2000). There are 68 species of flora protected in Ireland. The NPWS database lists protected flora within each 10 km grid in Ireland. Table 7.6.4 Protected Flora within 10 km Grids lists the species present within the 10 km grids which cover the study area. Figure 7.6.1a/b Designated Conservation Sites within 10 km of Constraints Study Area and Records of Protected Species illustrates the grid location of the protected species recorded in the NPWS database.

Table 7.6.4: Protected Flora within 10 km Grids

Species Location 10 km Grid Grid Reference Acinos arvensis* Basil Thyme Knockmore S93 S9030 Callitriche truncata Short - leaved Water - Starwort Edermine Bridge S93 S9734 Callitriche truncata Short - leaved Water - Starwort Macmine Junction S93 S9731 Callitriche truncata Short - leaved Water - Starwort Macmine Junction S93 S9731 Callitriche truncata Short - leaved Water - Starwort Macmine Junction S93 S9731 Groenlandia densa Opposite - leaved Pondweed Macmine Junction S93 S9831 Stachys officinalis Betony Rosdroit S93 S9136 Centaurium pulchellum* Lesser Centaury Rosslare T01 T095175 Centaurium pulchellum* Lesser Centaury Rosslare T01 T095175 Puccinellia fasciculata* Tufted Salt - marsh Grass Woodtown T01 T0916 Puccinellia fasciculata* Tufted Salt - marsh Grass South Slob T01 T073184 Puccinellia fasciculata* Tufted Salt - marsh Grass South Slob T01 T073184 Puccinellia fasciculata* Tufted Salt - marsh Grass South Slob T01 T062179 Puccinellia fasciculata* Tufted Salt - marsh Grass Rosslare Burrows T01 T0916 Trifolium glomeratum* Clustered Clover Rosslare T01 T099160 Papaver hybridum Round Prickly - headed Poppy Wexford T02 T0020 Puccinellia fasciculata* Tufted Salt - marsh Grass North Slob T02 T069239 Puccinellia fasciculata* Tufted Salt - marsh Grass North Slob T02 T0723 Puccinellia fasciculata* Tufted Salt - marsh Grass Castlebridge T02 T0426 Puccinellia fasciculata Tufted Salt - marsh Grass Wexford T02 T0020 Puccinellia fasciculata Tufted Salt - marsh Grass Wexford Harbour T02 T0020 Puccinellia fasciculata Tufted Salt - marsh Grass Wexford Station T02 T0020 Puccinellia fasciculata* Tufted Salt - marsh Grass North Slob T02 T0723 Puccinellia fasciculata* Tufted Salt - marsh Grass Castlebridge T02 T0426 Stachys officinalis Betony Wexford Harbour T02 T0020 Lotus subbiflorus* Hairy Birdsfoot Trefoil Blackwater T03 T097330 Lotus subbiflorus Hairy Birdsfoot Trefoil Rosslare Harbour T11 T136122 Lotus subbiflorus Hairy Birdsfoot Trefoil Rosslare Harbour T11 T136122

* These species are not located within the study area

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 70 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Of the species listed in Table 7.6.4 Protected Flora within 10 km Grids there are records for six species within the study area: Opposite Leaved Pondweed, Short - leaved Water Starwort, Betony, Tufted Salt Marsh Grass, Hairy Birdsfoot Trefoil and Round Prickly Headed Poppy. These six species are protected under the Flora (Protection) Order 1999. The Irish Red Data Book (Curtis and McGough, 1988) lists Opposite Leaved Pondweed, Short - leaved Water Starwort, Hairy Birds Foot Trefoil and Tufted Salt Marsh Grass as ‘Rare’, Betony as vulnerable and Round Prickly Headed Poppy as ‘Endangered’. The Irish Red Data Book was recently revised and the draft version is open for public consultation. In the revised version (Draft, 2005) Opposite Leaved Pondweed is classified as ‘Endangered’; Short - leaved water starwort is classified as ‘Vulnerable’; Hairy Birds Foot Trefoil is classified as being of ‘Least Concern’; Tufted Salt Marsh Grass is classified as ‘Vulnerable; Betony is classified as ‘Endangered’ and Round Prickly Headed Poppy is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’.

7.6.6 Protected Fauna within the Study Area

Rare and protected fauna present within designated conservation sites have been detailed previously in Section 7.6.3 of this report. However there are further faunal species which have been recorded within the study area which have conservation value. These species are discussed here.

(i) Mammals

The Wildlife Act, 1976 and Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 give legal protection to a number of mammalian species including otters and badgers. It is an offence to wilfully interfere with or destroy the breeding or resting place of these species. Otters and badgers are present within the study area.

Additional fauna, protected under the Wildlife Act (1976 - 2000) which are likely to be present in the study area include the Irish hare, common frog, common lizard and pine marten.

(ii) Bats

The Wildlife Act, 1976 and Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 also give legal protection to bats. A database search was undertaken of the Bat Conservation Ireland database to ascertain to locations of Bat activity or recorded Bat roosts within the study area. The results of the database search identified no recorded Bat roosts within the study area; however bat activity was recorded at three locations. These records refer to previously undertaken Bat Detector surveys. The Common Pipistrelle Bat was recorded at three locations within the study area as shown on Figure 7.6.2 Bat Locations. They were recorded at a location just south of Rathaspick, Co Wexford to the east of the study area, at Johnstown Castle in the south east of the study area and at a location at Kavanaghspark to the northeast of the study area. In addition, the Brown long eared bat was recored at Johnstown castle.

(iii) Birds

Consultation with the Wexford Naturalist Field Club identified a resident population of Barn Owl near the Slaney River at Macmine, Redmondstown, Jamestown and probably further south. Regular sightings of the Barn Owl have also been reported near Coolanick, Martingale and Coolamain. Under the Wildlife Act 1976 and Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 all Owl species are afforded legal protection. The Barn Owl is also listed on the Red-listed Bird of Conservation Concern in Ireland due to a decline of over 50% in their population over the past 25 years.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 71 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report The presence of the Yellowhammer has also been identified within the study area by the Wexford Naturalist Field Club. This species is listed on the Red-List of Conservation Concern in Ireland.

The Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS) database was consulted in order to identify overwintering populations of water bird populations within the vicinity of the study area. This consultation was undertaken due to the significance of Wexford Harbour and Slobs as a location for over 20,000 species of wintering water birds. The Wexford Harbour and Slobs area is a designated Special Conservation Area (SPA) due to the presence of these water bird populations as discussed in Section 7.6.3 Designated Conservation Areas within the Study Area. The Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS) database has data for ten bird count locations (subsites) in proximity to the study area. These locations and bird count data for each location is presented in Appendix 3b I-WeBS Data for Wexford Harbour Subsites.

Detailed surveys for all protected species identified within the study area will be conducted during the Route Selection and EIS stages of the proposed road scheme.

7.6.7 Watercourses in the Study Area

The Slaney River Valley is the main watercourse that occurs within the study area. It is located in hydrometric area 12; Slaney and Wexford Harbour. This hydrometric area includes the River Slaney catchment in addition to all watercourses which discharge into the estuary and harbour between Raven Point and Greenore Point.

The Slaney has a number of tributaries including the Derreen, the Derry, the Bann, the Urrin, the Boro and the Sow which are outside of the study area.

There are numerous streams and rivers within the study area including Clonmore River, Tinnokilla Stream, Ballyvoleen River, Mulmontry River, Cleristown Stream, Assaly River, Bridgetown River and Bishop’s Water. There are also numerous un - named streams and rivers within the study area.

Within the Slaney River Valley SAC are Sea Lamprey, River Lamprey, Brook Lamprey, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Twaite Shad and Atlantic Salmon which are all protected under the Habitats Directive.

Water quality and the fisheries value of surface waters are discussed further in detail in Section 7.10 Water Quality and, Fisheries/Flooding.

7.6.8 Summary of Ecology Constraints

Major constraints within the study area include areas of conservation interest such as Forth Mountain pNHA, Slaney River Valley SAC and Wexford Slobs and Harbour SPA and pNHA.

In general, the study area is rural in character and is intensively managed for agriculture, leaving the rivers/streams, hedgerows, treelines and wooded areas as the main sources of biodiversity of native flora and fauna.

River crossings will have to take into account the high value placed on rivers for their angling and wildlife importance in the area. The River Slaney is an important fishery and angling area. Therefore, detailed surveys will be required following identification of the preferred route.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 72 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report The ecological assessment highlights the presence of the Common Pipistrelle bat which was recorded at three locations within the study area; Rathaspick, Johnstown Castle and Kavanaghspark. The Brown long eared bat was recored at Johnstown castle. The presence of bats along routes will require a specialist assessment to be undertaken at Route Selection Stage.

Badgers occur within the study area and this may result in the need for either avoidance or movement of setts later on in the project. If movement of badger family groups is required, this will have to be carried out with the aid of a badger specialist and in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and a licence to do so will also have to be obtained from same.

A bird survey will also be undertaken at Route Selection Stage.

Due to the identification of these ecological sensitivities within the study area, it is considered that detailed survey work, in line with the recommendations of the NRA National Roads Project Management Guidelines, and the NRA Environmental Assessment and Construction Guidelines, will be required following the development of route options in order to establish the exact significance of any affected ecological features and allow for the development of appropriate mitigation measures.

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7.7 Landscape and Visual

7.7.1 Introduction

This section of the Constraints Study describes the existing landscape within the study area. Landscape and visual sensitivities considered as part of the landscape and visual assessment include statutory and non-statutory landscape designations, natural features, landscape character, areas of significant deciduous trees or woodland, amenities and historic landscapes.

7.7.2 Methodology

This landscape assessment was carried out by means of a desk - based review of available information including the Landscape Character Assessment for County Wexford and the Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013. A list of all references consulted for this assessment is provided in Section 8, Bibliography.

7.7.3 Description of Existing Environment

Located in the south - east region of Ireland, County Wexford is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, the Irish Sea to the east, County to the north and Counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford to the west.

Wexford Town is situated on the west bank of the River Slaney Estuary in the south east of the County. The study area comprises of areas of lowland, the south hills, coastline and the Slaney River Valley as defined in The Landscape Character Assessment for County Wexford.

The primary urban centre and primary growth area is Wexford Town. Rosslare Harbour is a Strategic growth area within Co. Wexford and Oilgate is a designated Local Growth area in the Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013. In County Wexford, most settlement and agriculture occurs in a broad coastal plain between the Blackstairs Mountains and the Irish Sea. Traditionally, urban centres were centred around ports and markets; however there are now strong patterns of dense new settlement along the coast also.

7.7.4 Landscape and Visual Considerations

The landscape and visual considerations within the study area are considered in terms of the following;

• Statutory/ non statutory landscape designations;

• Ecological Designations within the study area;

• Built heritage/Cultural landscapes;

• Views and Prospects;

• Non – Statutory Landscape Designations;

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 74 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report • Woodlands, Trees and Hedgerows; and

• Amenity Areas and Parklands.

(i) Statutory Landscape Designations – Landscape Character Areas

Protection and conservation of landscapes in County Wexford is based on the policies and guidance contained in the Landscape Character Assessment for County Wexford which forms part of Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013. These are outlined hereunder.

The Landscape Character Assessment for County Wexford identifies and describes the character of the landscapes of County Wexford and outlines polices for the protection and conservation of each character area. The study area has a varied landscape comprising coastal, upland and lowland areas.

Within the study area there are four landscape character areas;

• Policy Area 1 – Uplands – South hills

• Policy Area 2 – Lowlands

• Policy Area 2 – Lowlands – Slaney Valley

• Policy Area 3 – Coastal – East

Figure 7.7.1 Landscape Character Assessment and Designated Scenic Routes illustrates the location of landscape policy areas within the study area.

Policy Area 1 – Uplands – South Hills

According to the Landscape Character Assessment for County Wexford, the Upland Character Area is characterised by low intensity agriculture and stock rearing, coniferous forestry plantations and areas of transitional vegetation. Ridgelines and peaks are prominent features of this landscape. This landscape character area is also characterised by poor drainage and high rainfall with a limited range of vegetation and landuse.

Upland areas can generally be classified as sensitive4 to normal5. However, the ridgelines are classed as sensitive to vulnerable6. The south hills landscape character area contains concentrations of elevated areas that visually dominate the local countryside.

Transitional areas occur between lowland and upland areas and they generally contain relatively large fields with low hedges and scattered smaller trees. The land in transitional areas is utilised mostly for stock rearing or for mixed agricultural use. Also, coniferous forestry, some deciduous forestry and some transitional woodland on steep slopes can be found within these areas. Transitional areas are classified as normal to robust7 but at specific locations, there are areas classified as sensitive.

4 Distinctive character with some capacity to absorb a limited range of appropriate new developments while sustaining its existing character. 5 A common character type with a potential to absorb a wide range of new developments. 6 Very distinctive features with a very low capacity to absorb new developments. 7 Areas of existing development and infrastructure. New development reinforces existing desirable landuse patterns.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 75 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report This distinctive and extensive area of the County forms a policy unit due to the similar visual characteristics of steep slopes, prominent ridge lines and limited shelter vegetation, rendering the area within a similar suitability to absorb new development.

Indicative policies in relation to uplands are as follows: • Encourage development that will not have a disproportionate visual impact (due to excessive bulk, scale or inappropriate sitting) and will not significantly interfere or detract from scenic upland vistas, when viewed from areas of the public realm. • Facilitate developments that have a locational requirement to be situated on elevated sites (e.g. telecommunications and wind energy structures). It is necessary however to ensure that adverse visual impacts are avoided or mitigated wherever possible. • Encourage development that will not interrupt or penetrate distinct sections of primary ridgelines when viewed from areas of the public realm. • Preserve the character of any areas that have not already been subject to development, which have retained a dominantly undisturbed upland/moorland character. • Consider development on steep slopes, ensuring that it will not have a disproportionate or dominating visual impact on the surrounding environment as seen from areas of the public realm.

Policy Area 2 – Lowlands

The Lowland Character Area contains predominantly fertile lands with relatively high levels of population and intensive agriculture. The slope and topography in lowland areas has a shallow/gradual pattern. Agricultural lands are generally characterised by extensive views across large fields due to the dominance of low well trimmed hedges. This landscape character area is classified as robust to normal; however sensitive areas are found at specific locations. The lowland areas of the county also incorporate all of the major national primary and regional roads, and railways.

Policy Area 2 – Lowlands – Slaney Valley

The Slaney Valley is located within Policy Area 2 – Lowlands. The Slaney Valley transects the lowlands of County Wexford. The Slaney is a highly scenic area and is considered significant in terms of its extent, its centrality to the county and its unspoilt character.

Indicative policies relating to lowlands are as follows: • Recognise that these areas are made up of a variety of working landscapes and contain the vast proportion of the County’s population within principle towns and on rural holdings. These also incorporate all of the major national primary and regional roads, and railways. • Continue to permit development that can utilise existing infrastructure, whilst taking account of absorption opportunities provided by the landscape and prevailing vegetation. • Encourage development that will not unduly result in detrimental impacts on the landscape at a local or micro level as viewed from areas of the public realm. • Consider development on steep slopes, ensuring that it will not have a disproportionate or dominating visual impact on the surrounding environment as seen from areas of the public realm.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 76 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report • Recognise the substantial pockets of residential and rural landuses in some locations and the emerging pressures for differing landuses of industry, wind energy and residential development in this policy area. • Continue to facilitate appropriate development in a progressive manner that respects the scale character and sensitivities of the landscape. • Recognise that in this low lying open environment, tall and bulky development sometimes can have a disproportionate impact against the landscape particularly when viewed from the predominantly low lying areas of the public realm. • Encourage development that will not have a disproportionate effect on the existing character of the landscape in terms of location, design, and visual prominence.

Policy Area 3 – Coastal – East

Coastal Areas of County Wexford have a distinctive character that often overlaps abruptly with the Lowland Character of which is abundant. Coastal areas generally have a flat topography. The East Coast Character Area is characterised by long, relatively straight coasts of sand or shingle backed up by low cliffs. Indicative policies in relation to coastal areas are as follows:

• Facilitate appropriate tourism and amenity development in a progressive manner, where feasible, that reflects the scale, character and sensitivities of the landscape.

• Encourage development that will not have a disproportionate effect on the existing character of the coastal environment in terms of location, design, and visual prominence.

• Encourage development that will not interrupt or penetrate distinct linear sections of primary ridge lines and coastlines when viewed from areas of the public realm.

• Preserve any areas that have not been subject to recent or prior development and have retained a dominantly undisturbed coastal character.

(ii) Ecological Designations within the Study Area

There are a number of conservation areas within the study area which provide natural amenity areas for the public. A detailed assessment of ecological designations within the study area is discussed in Section 7.6 Ecology of this report.

Proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA)

The pNHA Wexford Slobs and Harbour (Site Code: 000712) is located within the study area. This is also an SPA and is described below. Forth Mountain is also a pNHA (site code 000761).

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Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

The Slaney River Valley SAC (Site Code: 000781) is located within the study area. This area is designated as an SAC due to the presence of alluvial wet woodlands, floating river vegetation, estuaries, tidal mudflats and old oak woodlands which are all habitats listed in Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. Species listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive which are present within the study area include Sea Lamprey, River Lamprey, Brook Lamprey, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Twaite Shad, Atlantic Salmon and Otter. Also, two rare aquatic species are present within the site - Short - leaved Water-starwort (Callitriche truncata) and Opposite - leaved Pondweed (Groenlandia densa).

Special Protection Areas (SPA)

The Wexford Harbour and Slobs (Site Code: 004076) occurs within the study area and is a designated SPA under the E.U. Birds Directive. Birds of special interest in this SPA include; Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Bewick’s Swan, Whooper Swan, Greenland White - fronted Goose, Light - bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Scaup, Goldeneye, Red - breasted Merganser, Hen Harrier, Coot, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Black - tailed Godwit, Bar - tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black - headed Gull, Lesser Black - backed Gull, Little Tern and over 20,000 wintering waterbirds.

(iii) Built Heritage/ Cultural Landscapes

Historic buildings and structures are representative of the social and cultural development of County Wexford. The County had a distinctive architectural and archaeological heritage and Wexford County Council is “committed to the protection, appreciation, and appropriate re - use of this heritage while seeking to reconcile the needs of, conservation, regeneration and enhancement with economic development.

The study area is rich in features of cultural heritage and a detailed assessment of the heritage of the study area is discussed in Section 7.5 Cultural Heritage of this report.

(iv) Views and Prospects

The current Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013 does not designate any scenic routes within the county. However, policies for landscape character areas indicate that development will only be permitted if it is considered that development will not have a disproportionate visual impact.

Designated scenic routes in the previous Development Plan (Wexford County Development Plan 2001 - 2007) that occur within the study area are as follows:

• Route 9 (a): Wexford - West to Barntown/Camaross/Carrickbyrne - North to Enniscorthy via Adamstown/ the Leap - South to Kyle Cross Roads via N11 - East to Castlebridge via Crossabeg and Artramon.

• Route 9 (b): Ferrycarrig - North to Killurin via the Deeps Bridge - South to Muchwood Cross Roads - South-east to N11 via the Irish National Heritage Park - North to Ferrycarrig.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 78 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report • Route 12 (a): Wexford - South west via R733 to Mullanour, Forth Commons -Waddingtown - North to Harperstown Cross Roads - North east to Turners Cross Roads -East to Mullanour via Forth Mountain.

Figure 7.7.1 Landscape Character Assessment and Designated Scenic Routes illustrates the scenic routes that were designated in the Wexford County Development Plan 2001 - 2007, which occur within the study area.

(v) Non-Statutory Landscape Designations

The “Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in Ireland”, prepared by an Foras Forbartha in 1977, is the only national assessment of landscape quality. The inventory identifies “Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the country. There are no Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty on this national inventory within the study area of the Constraints Study.

(vi) Woodlands, Trees and Hedgerows

Trees are recognised as a significant environmental, economic and landscape resource in the Wexford County Development Plan 2007 - 2013 and hedgerows are considered as important for their biological diversity in the countryside but also for their farming, landscape, archaeological and cultural value. One of the policies of the development plan is to “encourage the conservation and maintenance of features important to local landscapes including trees, hedgerows, stone walls, woodlands, ponds, streams and wetlands.

Within the study are there are no tree preservation orders. However, the 2002 Wexford Town and Environs Development Plan states that it is an objective to consider tree preservation orders for a number of trees / stands of trees and hedgerows within the study area following detailed surveys. Details of these trees and hedgerows are listed in Table 7.7.1 Trees and Hedgerows below.

Table 7.7.1: Trees and Hedgerows

TREES AND STANDS OF TREES Park House East of Spawell Lane Park Cottage West of Hill Street Carcur House and trees off Carcur Road Parkland Road (to rear of House) Opposite Park House Lodge Rowe Street Around Carrigruadh and the Grove Windmill Road Cromwell’s Fort Tree line between Coolcots Lane and Farnogue Court Along the Farnogue Stream Corridor Clonard Little In the vicinity of Stoneyhill House, Vicinity of Alexandra House including avenue to house Environs of Mount Henry House and Prospect House Brookville House Surrounding Alma House North of Clonard Road Park Lane and vicinity Summerhill Road, including those around Bishop’s House and on the grounds of St. Peters’ College. Farnogue Park South of Bishopswater Road

Along Park Road (near Parkview) Trees west of Rosslare Road

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 79 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report TREES AND STANDS OF TREES Spawell Road (opposite junction with Trees east of Rosslare Road in vicinity of Rocksborough Park Road) / Strandfield To rear of Adara House On the grounds of Aispeiri House (Rocksborough) Pierce Factory Site Surrounding Kerlogue Lake Drinagh House HEDGEROWS Along stream running between Kerlogue and Rochestown/Sinnottstown Along a section of the laneway running between the townlands of Ballynagee and Pembrokestown Along the Railway Line (Carcur area, Ferrycarrig)

(vii) Amenity Areas and Parklands

Johnstown Castle and Gardens are situated in Murntown, Co. Wexford. The exquisite 19th century Victorian castle, which gives the estate its name, is nestled within 50 acres of ornamental grounds.

There are over 200 different varieties of trees and shrubs, with walled ornamental gardens and hothouses. There are three lakes within the estate which support a wide range of waterfowl including swans and Little Grebes. Other attractions within the estate include the ruin of a medieval tower house called Rathlannon Castle and the old farm buildings which house the Irish Agricultural Museum.

Existing open space within Wexford Town and Environs is made up of active open space, i.e., sports grounds, racecourse, golf course, and passive open space, i.e. parkland; natural amenity areas and incidental open space in housing estates.

The town of Wexford is set in a coastal landscape of high natural amenity. Much of the urban area is bounded by water, including the River Slaney, its estuary and Wexford Harbour, all of which are visible from the Town’s environs. The Town is established on the bank of the River Slaney where the river meets the sea. A bridge links it to the north side of the river where the small suburb of Ferrybank has developed.

The landscape slopes uphill from the waterfront, providing a backdrop to the historic Town Centre with its dramatic Church steeples. Slopes rise and give way to a plateau of more level land to the south - west of the Town and it is in this direction that the Town has developed over the past fifty years. The Town’s southward expansion has been constrained somewhat by the presence of a large rock escarpment which runs south - westwards between Trespan Rock and Rocksborough. It is an area of high visual and natural amenity, clearly visible from the Rosslare Road.

7.7.5 Summary of Landscape and Visual Aspects

The Slaney River Valley is the primary constraint in relation to landscape and scenic value within the study area. The Slaney River Valley is also a designated conservation area (SAC) under the EU Habitats Directive.

Wexford Harbour and Slobs are also conservation designated areas (pNHA and SPA) and are internationally important for several bird species and has a wintering bird population of over 20,000, however this area is outside the study area

Johnstown Castle and gardens are of high amenity value in addition to the amenity spaces of Redmond Square and Trespan Rock in Wexford Town.

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7.8 Noise and Vibration

7.8.1 Introduction

This section of the Constraints Study has been prepared with the assistance of AWN Consulting Limited who carried out a noise and vibration assessment of the study area. This section describes the existing Noise and Vibration conditions within the study area summarising the main findings of the assessment, however the full AWN Consulting Report is contained within Appendix 4a Noise and Vibration Report by AWN Consulting. The noise and vibration assessment identified noise sensitive receptors within the study area that have the potential to constrain the location of any proposed route corridors.

7.8.2 Methodology

The Noise and Vibration assessment was carried out in accordance with the NRA Guidelines for the Treatment of Noise and Vibration in National Road Schemes, 2004.

The following items formed the key objectives of this assessment;

• Identification of existing noise sensitive receptors;

• Identification of any existing noise sources in the area;

• A qualitative description of the existing noise climate; and

• Discussion of mitigation opportunities.

The process of identifying noise sensitive receptors is based on a visual inspection of available maps and aerial photography for the study area. There is the possibility that individual receptors may not have been identified at this stage. In addition new developments not yet incorporated on to Ordnance Survey (OS) maps will not have been identified.

A site inspection (Windscreen survey) was completed to support the accuracy of the desk - based assessment. The prevailing noise environment characterisation is based on site inspections and detailed inspection of aerial photography and OS Mapping.

7.8.3 Sensitive Receptors within the Study Area

The majority of the noise - sensitive receptors in the study area are one and two - storey private dwellings. The majority of theses dwellings are concentrated in clusters along roads in the vicinity of the towns and villages/settlements of Oilgate, Ballyhoge, Cornwall, Glynn, Crossabeg, Barntown, Murntown, Piercetown, Cleristown, Killinick, Tagoat and Kilrane.

There are also concentrations of houses along the local roads in the surrounding townlands. This is particularly the case in the area between Murntown and Barntown. This area would be considered the hinterland of Wexford Town and the dwellings are spread relatively densely over a large area, and not clustered around towns.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 81 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report There are churches and associated graveyards located in or near Oilgate, Ballyhoge, Crossabeg, Killurin, Glynn, Barntown, Murntown, Ballyshelin, Piercetown, Redmondstown, Cleristown, Killinick, Tagoat and Kilrane. There are numerous other historical churches or graveyards within they study area that are not considered noise sensitive due to the fact that they are no longer is use.

There are schools located in or near Oilgate, Ballyhoge, Crossabeg, Glynn, Barntown, Murntown, Piercetown, Tagoat and Kilrane.

Figure 7.8.1a/b Noise Sensitive Receptors highlights the main towns within the study and identified churches and schools.

7.8.4 Prevailing Noise Climate

In general the dominant contributor to the prevailing noise environment in the study area is road traffic noise from the existing national and regional roads (N11, N25, R736, R740, R739, R733, R738, R730, R769). However, many of the noise - sensitive receptors are located some distance from these roads where the noise climate would be considered typical of a rural environment with birdsong, leaf rustle, occasional local vehicle movements and occasional use of agricultural machinery prevailing.

Within the vicinity of the various towns and villages/settlements the noise environment would be expected to be typical of an urban or semi - urban environment with road traffic noise and some contribution from commercial premises.

Also located within the study area are the Rosslare to Dublin and Rosslare to Waterford railway lines. These lines would contribute to the prevailing noise environment for noise - sensitive locations in their vicinity.

7.8.5 Potential Impacts of the Development

Levels of noise generated by the proposed road scheme will largely depend on the volume of traffic flow and the speed at which the traffic travels. The degree of impact on each receptor will be affected by the distance from the road and the ‘aspect’ onto the road from each location, i.e. how much of the road can be ‘seen’. Requirements for mitigation will be assessed using the criteria as set down in the Guidelines for the Treatment of Noise and Vibration in National Road Schemes, (NRA , 2004).

Mitigation in respect of noise will be required when the proposed road scheme passes close to noise - sensitive receptors. However, the elevation of the road with respect to the receptor must also be considered as noise from elevated sections of the scheme will propagate further than noise from those sections located in a cutting.

7.8.6 Opportunities for Mitigation

Mitigation measures will typically consist of one, or possible a combination of the following measures:

• consider locating the route away from sensitive receptors in order to avoid the need for further mitigation measures;

• contain the road in a cutting, where practicable, to provide acoustic and visual screening;

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 82 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report • where acoustic screening is required consideration should be given to the use of natural materials such as earth mounds/berms with appropriate levels of planting;

• where mounds/berms are not possible consideration should be given to the use of proprietary noise barriers. In certain circumstances it may be required to upgrade the barrier to an absorptive noise barrier; and

• the use of low - noise pavements should also be considered where appropriate as a viable mitigation option.

Some of these noise reducing measures are discussed further below.

(i) Earth mounds/bunds

Earth mounds and bunds are often used to screen infrastructural developments from noise sensitive locations. When used in appropriate locations earth mounds have a number of advantages over noise barriers. These include:

• natural appearance;

• lower cost if excess material is available from construction;

• may be less costly to maintain;

• usually have an unlimited lifespan.

Earth mounds do, however, require much greater space than a vertical barrier (e.g. timber).

(ii) Noise barriers

Several different barrier types are supplied to the market. These range from timber barriers, typically the most frequently used barriers along roadsides in Ireland, to sheet metal, concrete/brick, plastic (PVC) and bio - barriers (type of earth bund).

In terms of assessment it is envisaged that timber barriers will be specified. The extent and height of noise barriers will be defined as detailed alignments of the proposed road scheme are assessed.

It should be noted that timber barriers can be used in combination with mounds/berms in order to develop an overall barrier of a required height (e.g. a 1.5m berm with a 1m timber barrier to give a mitigation measure with a 2.5m height).

(iii) Low noise surfaces

There is a wide range of products available on the market that are viable alternatives to hot rolled asphalt surfaces. A commonly used alternative in recent years has been porous asphalt. Other alternatives are available such as Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) and Very Thin Surface Layers (VTSL). A reduction of traffic noise levels of the order of 3 - 4 dB is readily achieveable by the application of such surfaces to a development.

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There are numerous noise - sensitive receptors that could constrain the route selection in terms of noise. The majority of these receptors are located in the vicinity of the existing national and regional roads and in the vicinity of towns and villages.

By selecting a route for the proposed road scheme in a more rural area that is set back from the existing routes and towns in the area, the majority of the noise - sensitive receptors can be avoided.

Whilst the existing noise environment in these set back areas will be quieter, thus increasing the impact from any new road scheme, the number of sensitive receptors is greatly reduced and hence the extent of any mitigation required is likely to be lower.

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7.9 Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology

7.9.1 Introduction

This section of the Constraints Study describes the baseline soils, geology and hydrogeology within the study area. A desk - based soil, geology and hydrogeology assessment was carried out on the study area. This assessment also identifies the hydrology and topography of the study area, however a Section 7.10 Water Quality and Fisheries/ Flooding fully addresses the significant characteristics of the surface water environment within the study area.

7.9.2 Methodology

The Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology assessment was carried out in accordance with the NRA Guidelines on Procedures for Assessment and Treatment of Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology for National Road Schemes.

The soils, geology and hydrogeology assessment comprised a desk study of all available geological and hydrogeological information on the study area. A full list of the literature reviewed is provided in Section 8, Bibliography.

As part of the Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology assessment consultation was also carried out with the following stakeholders: • Heritage, Groundwater and Quaternary Geology Sections of the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI); • Karst Database, Geological Survey of Ireland; • Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC); • Office of Public Works (OPW); and • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

7.9.3 Existing Environment

(i) Topography

The study area is largely comprised of lowlands which are drained by the Slaney River Valley. Coastal marshes are present around Wexford Harbour, while uplands (e.g. Forth Mountain) are present in the centre of the study area. The topography of Wexford is generally linked to the underlying bedrock geology, with sedimentary rocks occupying the lowlands and more resistant igneous and metamorphic rocks occupying the upland regions.

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Unconsolidated quaternary sediments form a thick blanket in east Wexford, concealing almost all of the bedrock and resulting in poorly drained and relatively infertile land. These glacial sediments are commonly in excess of 50m thick, and in places may be between 70 - 100m thick. As a result, many bedrock boundaries are very uncertain.

During the Quaternary Period southeast Ireland was covered by ice which flowed from the midlands and the Irish Sea basin respectively. Most of the glacial deposits and erosional features left, however, are a legacy of the most recent of the Quaternary glacial events which came to a close some 10,000 years ago.

The Irish Sea ice was heavily laden with soft sediments dredged from the floor of the Irish Sea. These were deposited initially as tills or boulder clay containing large amounts of silt and clay in which shells and shell fragments abound. As the ice sheet melted and the ice front retreated northward, thick deposits of sand and gravel were left behind, often in ice dammed lakes along the ice margin.

The principal soil association within the study area is Association 40: Gleys 80%, Grey Brown Podzolics 20%. The topography is flat to gently undulating with elevations between 30 – 90m OD. The parent material consists of a calcareous glacial till and some soils are derived from predominantly shale till. In the south Wexford area Cambrian shale is an important constituent in the parent material. The predominant soil is an imperfectly to poorly drained Gley. It has a clay loam texture in the surface and a clay loam to silty clay loam texture in the lower horizons. Base status is medium to high. The profile is characterised by a relataively high clay and silt content (35 and 40% respectively) and weak structure. The soil is fine grained and compact and therefore poor drainage is associated with this association. In the south Wexford area, these soils have an indurated and stony subsoil. The surface texture varies from clay loam to silty clay loam, while the soil generally has a weak structure and slow permeability.

Because of their poor drainage, heavy texture and weak structure, these soils tend to have a limited use range. They are suitable mainly for grassland but they have been used rather intensively also for tillage, due mainly to the favourable climatic conditions in these areas. Their optimum land use is grass production which can be highly satisfactory where drainage and good management are applied, however, the wet impervious nature of the soil can cause serious poaching problems. The main associated soil is a Grey Brown Podzolic (20%). It occurs throughout this association in small pockets on the slightly more elevated parts of the landscape. Some small pockets of Brown Earths formed over gravel and sands occur in this association. This soil is usually well to excessively drained with a gravely loam surface texture and has a reasonably wide use range for a wide variety of agricultural crops.

According to the subsoil mapping produced by Teagasc, the northern section of the study area is characterised by shale till derived chiefly from Lower Palaeozoic rocks. Adjacent to the River Slaney are areas characterised by Glaciofluvial sandstone and shale sands and gravels. Small areas of alluvium are also present along the Slaney and on the northern and southern banks of the Slaney estuary near Wexford Town.

South west of Wexford Town, the soils are classified as quartzite till, chiefly derived from metamorphic rocks, with the exception of Forth Mountain, where there are outcrops and subcrops of exposed bedrock. The southern section of the study area (south of Murntown to Ballycogly) is characterised by sandstone and shale till chiefly derived from Cambrian sandstones and shales.

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The geology of County Wexford is a record of more than 400 million years of the earth’s 4,600 million year history. Some of the oldest rocks in Ireland are found in the Rosslare Complex in the south east of the county (the Greenore Point and Groups are older than 620 million years). The majority of the geology of the county comprises Ordovician slates and volcanics dating back to a vanished ocean bed, which was approximately 450 million years old. Overlying the Ordovician there is a succession of Devonian sandstones passing up into Carboniferous Limestones and up into the Permo - Trias rocks.

Most of the South Wexford area forms the southern end of the Massif, which is a complex region of Precambrian and Lower Palaeozoic rocks. Structurally, the Lower Palaeozoic and Precambrian rocks fall into three north - easterly trending belts, separated by major faults. The central belt and south - eastern Belt are contained within the study area and the most northern section of the study area is contained within the north - western belt (North of King’s Island to Edermine Bridge).

The south - eastern belt (contained within the study area from approximately Rosslare Town to Rosslare Harbour) is primarily comprised of Precambrian gneisses and amphibolites of the Rosslare Complex. The Rosslare Complex includes the oldest rocks in the region. These were repeatedly folded, foliated, metamorphosed and intruded by igneous rocks during the Precambrian. Along the north - west margin of the Southeastern Belt (Rosslare Town south east towards Killinick), highly deformed Cambrian sediments of the Ballycogly Group are faulted against the Rosslare Complex.

Between the villages of Rosslare and Tagoat, the Rosslare Complex and the Ballycogly Group are overlain by low grade Ordovician metasediments of the Tagoat Group which once extended northwards into the Central Belt as well.

The Central Belt (contained within the majority of the study area), is composed entirely of Cambrian and Ordovician rocks which extend to a major fault which runs from Tramore (Waterford) to just east of Enniscorthy. The oldest part of the Lower Palaeozoic succession, the Cambrian Cahore Group, outcrops across most of the Central Belt.

The north - western belt is contained within the very north of the study area (north of King’s Island to Endermine Bridge) and is characterised by the Formation of the Duncannon Group.

Rock formations and members within the study area and the dominant rock types and age are outlined in Table 7.9.1 Geological Formations or Members within Study Area. Figure 7.9.2 Bedrock Geology illustrates the location of these formations.

There are many faults within the study area. Faults in the north of the study area in the vicinity of the River Slaney generally have a NNE to SSW strike. Thrusts are present in the Glynn area to the west of the River Slaney and in Kyle (east of the River Slaney). Bedding dip is variable but can be as steep as 88 degrees.

On the eastern bank of the Slaney near King’s Island a dyke or sill is present and the outer limit of a metamorphic aureole is delineated.

South of the River Slaney from Barntown south west to Forth Mountain is a shear zone and there is an abundance of faults with NNE - SSE and NNW - SSW strikes. Bedding dip varies between 13 degrees and 68 degrees.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 87 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report South of the formation near there is an unconformity which represents a large erosional break or gap in the rock sequence.

In the south - east of the study area, fault strike varies from NNE - SSW to NNW - SSE. A thrust is present from Pollrankin to Leachestown. Bedding dip is highest in the Milltown and Grahormack formations around Tagoat, south of the synclinal axis. South of Tagoat and running in a north east to south west direction is the outer limit of a metamorphic aureole. Unconformities are present in Rosslare Harbour and to the south west of the Harbour.

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Table 7.9.1: Geological Formations or Members within Study Area

LOCATION GEOLOGICAL DOMINANT ROCK TYPES AGE DESCRIPTION FORMATION / MEMBER Edermine Bridge – North of King’s Island Camplile Formation (CA) Rhyolitic volcanics and grey and Palaeozoic, Middle - Upper Ordovician brown slates King’s Island - Oilgate Ballyhoge Formation (BH) Dark grey slates with siltstone Palaeozoic, Lower - Middle Ordovician laminae Oilgate - Killurin Polldarrig Formation (PD) Dark grey mudstones with thin Palaeozoic, Cambrian quartzites Killurin – to west bank of Slaney and along the east bank of Ballynacarrig Member Pale grey quartzites in dark grey Palaeozoic, Cambrian the Slaney (north of Ballylicken) (PDbc) slates Carrigmahon Bridge – Ferrycarrig Bridge and SW towards Newtown Formation (NN) Grey - green greywackes & Palaeozoic, Cambrian Taghmon slates Near Ferrycarrig Bridge North of Slaney Shelmaliere Formation (SH) White, purple quartzites with Palaeozoic, Cambrian slates South of Ferrycarrig Bridge to the West of Forth Mountain Cullentra Formation (CU) Grey - green metagreywackes & Palaeozoic, Cambrian slates Barntown and SW to Forth Mountain Shelmaliere Formation (SH) White, purple quartzites with Palaeozoic, Cambrian slates Clonard (south to Laurstown) and SW to Cleristown and Cullenstown Formation (CN) Grey - green metagreywacke & Palaeozoic, Cambrian Cherriestown slate Murrintown Shelmaliere Formation (SH) White, purple quartzites with Palaeozoic, Cambrian slates Kerloge Lake and SW to Pollsallagh Ballysteen Formation (BA) Dark muddy limestone, shale Palaeozoic, Carboniferous, Mississippian North of Kerloge Lake and SW towards Cherriestown Formation (DC) Red, grey conglomerates & Palaeozoic, Upper Devonian - (south) sandstones Carboniferous Porters Gate Formation (PG) Sandstone, shale & thin Palaeozoic, Carboniferous, Mississippian limestone

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LOCATION GEOLOGICAL DOMINANT ROCK TYPES AGE DESCRIPTION FORMATION / MEMBER Ballymartin Formation (BT) Limestone & dark - grey Palaeozoic, Carboniferous, Mississippian calcareous shale Drinagh and SW towards Bridgetown North in Ballysteen Formation Dolomitised dark - grey muddy Palaeozoic, Carboniferous, Mississippian (BAdo) limestone South of Drinagh to the Burrow/Warren and SW to Wexford Formation (WXdo) Pale grey limestones, often Palaeozoic, Carboniferous, Mississippian Bridgetown dolomitised Rosslare village and SW to Ballycogly Ballycogly Group (BCG) Mylonites with metasedimentary Palaeozoic, Cambrian enclaves Rathdowney and west to Pollrankin and south to Ballybro Formation (BO) Buff & green slate, siltstone, Palaeozoic, Lower - Middle Ordovician Streamstown and Milltown greywacke Tagoat Milltown Formation (MT) Grey to black mudstones, thin Palaeozoic, Lower - Middle Ordovician siltstones Grahormack Formation (GH) Grey & purple conglomerates, Palaeozoic, Lower - Middle Ordovician sandstones Rosslare Harbour and West to Leachestown Greenore Point Group (GPG) Foliated amphibolites with Neoproterozoic, Rosslare Complex minor schists

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(iv) Landslides

The Irish Landslides Working Group (ILWG), was established in 2004 with the aim of completing a national database of past landslide events in Ireland. The Landslides in Ireland Report was published by the GSI in association with the Irish Landslides Working Group in June 2006. According to this report, County Wexford has no recorded landslide events.

(v) Hydrology

The hydrology within the study area is generally mirrored by the topography of the area. To the north of the study area, surface water flows in an east to south easterly direction towards the River Slaney and the River Slaney flows in an east to south easterly direction into the Irish Sea. South of the River Slaney, surface water generally flows in a northerly direction towards the River Slaney. Hydrology is discussed in detail in Section 7.10 Water Quality and Fisheries/ Flooding.

(vi) Hydrogeology

Hydrogeology is the study of the interaction between geological systems and the distribution and movement of groundwater in the soil and rocks (commonly in aquifers). Groundwater is often thought of as the hidden resource, yet it supplies around 30% of the country’s water supply, both public and private.

South Wexford is one of the driest parts of Ireland and potential recharge to the aquifers ranges from 400 - 600 mm/yr. The Precambrian and Lower Palaeozoic rocks underlie most of the study area and are considered to be aquitards (an impermeable layer along an aquifer restricting the flow of groundwater from one aquifer to another). Groundwater flow in these areas is normally restricted to the top 30m of rock, fault zones, and the overlying Quaternary deposits. Well yields are generally only sufficient for domestic or farm supplies.

(vii) Bedrock Aquifer Classification/Vunerability

Rocks which store and transmit groundwater are known as bedrock aquifers. Different bedrock types have differing abilities to store and transmit water, depending on their permeability and fracture intensity. The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) has classified all aquifers in Ireland into three main categories based on potential yield and extent: • Regionally Important, • Locally Important, or • Poor.

The aquifer north of King’s Island is classified as fissured bedrock which is a regionally important aquifer (Rf). Also the area from Drinagh and south west to Pollmanagh is classified as regionally important (Rf). In the area of Killinick and to the south west towards Mayglass the aquifer is classified as regionally important and is karstified with diffuse flows (Rkd).

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 91 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report To the south of King’s Island and covering the majority of the study area consists of a poor aquifer with unproductive bedrock except for local zones (Pl). The bedrock aquifer from Rosslare Town to Rosslare Harbour and west to Ballycogly is also a poor aquifer with unproductive bedrock, except for local zones (Pl).

From Rockborough to the south west to Cherriestown a locally important aquifer is present (Ll), which is moderately productive in local zones. Locally important aquifers have a limited and relatively poorly connected network of fractures, fissures and joints, giving a low fissure permeability which tends to decrease further with depth.

Aquifers within the study area are shown on Figure 7.9.3 Groundwater Aquifers.

The GSI uses a matrix comprising four groundwater vulnerability categories, namely - extreme, high, moderate and low - for mapping purposes and in the assessment of risk to groundwater. The categories are based on the thickness of cover (overburden), which provides some attenuation for contaminants migrating toward the groundwater table from the surface or near sub - surface. Where the overburden is less than 3m thick, the Matrix Vulnerability Rating of the aquifer is considered extreme (i.e., the potential for contamination to reach the aquifer is extremely high). Where the overburden is greater than 10 m thick and has a low permeability the vulnerability is considered to be low. The vulnerability categories are outlined in Table 7.9.2 Vulnerability Categories below.

Table 7.9.2: Vulnerability Categories

Vulnerability Hydrogeological Conditions Rating* Subsoil Permeability (Type) & Thickness Unsaturated Karst Zone Features High Moderate Low (Sand/gravel (<30 m Permeability Permeability Permeability aquifers radius) (sand & (e.g. sandy (e.g. clayey only) gravel) subsoil) subsoil, clay, peat) Extreme (E) 0 - 3.0 m 0 - 3.0 m 0 - 3.0 m 0 - 3.0m - High (H) > 3.0 m 3.0 - 10.0 m 3.0 - 5.0 m > 3.0 m N/A Moderate (M) N/A > 10 m 5.0 - 10.0 m N/A N/A Low (L) N/A N/A >10.0m N/A N/A

* This system assumes unconfined hydraulic conditions which are not always present in nature. Source GSI. The majority of the study area is classified as having a High – Low vulnerability and this is based on an interim study. Areas of extreme vulnerability are present throughout the study area, most notably in the area around Forth Mountain, which would be expected due to rock lying close to the surface. Townlands with groundwater of extreme vulnerability are listed in Table 7.9.3 Townlands/ Areas with Groundwater of Extreme Vulnerability below.

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TOWNLANDS Tomlane (North of Oilgate) Bank of Slaney North – South East Jamestown and west to the River Slaney Mullinrea Oilgate and west to River Slaney Tikillin – along East bank of Slaney South of King’s Island on west bank of Slaney North of Ballyharran Lower East bank of Slaney from Redmonstown Ferrycarrig (North of Slaney) Tinakilla South of Ferrycarrig Bridge Polldarrig Ballyboggan Ballynacarrig Colestown – Forth Mountain South of Ballynacarrig Murntown – Piercetown East bank of Slaney south of Ballynacarrig East of Kellystown Ballydicken North West of Levittstown Reddina North of Pollsallagh South of Killurin along West bank of Slaney Drinagh / Whitestown to Killiane Glynn Ballycogley East of Glynn Churchtown East of Davidstown Kilrane Bregorteen North of Holmestown Holmestown Tagoat

(viii) Groundwater Quality

The aquifers present in County Wexford mainly contain hard water types with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of less than 500mg/l. The total hardness of the limestone waters generally ranges from 250-

350mg/l (CaCO3) whereas the sandstone and volcanic waters are generally less than 200mg/l (CaCO3). The groundwaters in these strata are normally of potable quality except for very small local areas where they have been contaminated by the effluent, mainly from organic waste.

A search of the GSI groundwater mapping was conducted and the groundwater wells present within the study area are tabulated with the yield and use presented in Appendix 5a Groundwater wells within the Study Area – Yield and Use and Figure 7.9.4a/b Groundwater Wells.

(ix) Groundwater Protection Schemes

Groundwater Protection Schemes are county - based projects that are undertaken jointly between the GSI and the respective Local Authority to preserve the quality of groundwater, particularly for drinking water purposes.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 93 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report A search conducted on the GSI website for Groundwater Protection Schemes within the study area revealed that there are currently no Groundwater Protection Schemes in Co. Wexford. However, consultations with the GSI revealed that work is due to commence on the Groundwater Protection Scheme for Co. Wexford in the next few months and it is anticipated that this will be completed in 2010.

(x) Wet Ground

Areas of wet ground are likely to be present adjacent to the River Slaney and the Slaney estuary and along the margins of smaller watercourses throughout the study area. Reclamation of the northern and southern slobs around Wexford Harbour has taken place in the past. Saltmarshes and mudflats are present along the Slaney estuary.

(xi) Geological Heritage

Geological Sites

Two sites of geological heritage were identified within the boundary of the study area. A further five sites were identified that lie outside the study area. These sites were identified in consultation with the GSI.

The GSI, in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government are identifying and selecting important geological and geomorphological sites throughout the country for designation as NHAs (Natural Heritage Areas). This is being addressed under 16 different geological themes. For each theme a larger number of sites from which to make the NHA selection are being examined, in order to identify the most scientifically significant.

The GSI criterion of designating the minimum number of sites to exemplify the theme means that many sites of national importance are not selected as the very best examples. However, a second tier of County Geological Sites (CGS) (as per the National Heritage Plan 2002) means that many of these can be included in County Development Plans and receive a measure of recognition and protection through inclusion in the planning system.

One pNHA is within the study area in Milltown and one CGS at Forth Mountain8 which are designated by the GSI because of their geological significance. Details of the designations are presented in Table 7.9.4 Geological Heritage Sites.

8 Forth Mountain is a designated as a pNHA by the National Parks and Wildlife Service for its ecological significance.

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Table 7.9.4: Geological Heritage Sites

Theme Site County Easting Northing Summary Proposed Definite Site No. Name description CGS NHA IGH7 Forth Wexford 298000 119000 Tors9.(rock CGS Quaternary Mountain outcrops) IGH10 Milltown Wexford 302000 115700 Duncormack pNHA Devonian Formation. Conglomerate outcrops around Wexford Town.

Old Mining Sites

The Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland was established as a mechanism to celebrate and promote awareness, appreciation and conservation of remains of Ireland’s mining industry.

A search undertaken on the Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland website (www.mhti.ie) for old mines within the study area revealed there are no sites located within the study area.

(xii) Swallow Holes and Karstification

A search conducted on the GSI online mapping viewer www.gsi.ie for karst features within the study area revealed that there are no karst features recorded by the GSI within the study area. However, a karstified aquifer is present within the study area and therefore it is possible that karst features are present within this area. However, this can only be determined by further site assessments, which will be carried out in line with the requirements of the NRA National Roads Project Management Guidelines.

(xiii) Economic Geology

Pits/ Quarries

An online search of the GSI records of pits and quarries was carried out within the study area. Appendix 5b Pits and Quarry Locations and Type and Figure 7.9.5a/b Locations of Minerals, Pits and Quarries details the location and type of pit or quarry that were identified.

While there are no active quarries within the study area (2001 data), a review of Wexford County Council’s planning database revealed that planning permission was granted for a quarry in Harristown Big, Forth Commons in 1995.

9 “Tors” are masses of exposed bedrock, standing abruptly above their surroundings, and typically, but not exclusively developed on granitic rocks. It may be formed by selective subsurface weathering followed by the removal of the weathered debris, by differential frost-shattering, or as an end-product of an escarpment retreat under semi-arid conditions.

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Twice yearly, the Exploration and Mining Division of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources produces a report outlining details of State Mining Leases, State Mining Licences and Prospecting Licences in Ireland. The most recent report was produced in December 2008.

There are no industries within the study area operating under a State Mining License or a State Mining Lease in accordance with the Minerals Developments Act 1940 – 1999. There are also no Mineral Prospecting Licences granted within the study area.

Concrete Products

The Concrete Products Directory (2005) is a report prepared by the Irish Concrete Federation. It is a nation-wide database of concrete products, road making materials and it lists the locations of concrete producers in Ireland.

There are two companies located within the study area; Cemex Ireland which is located in Walshestown, Killinick and Boggan Quarry Products which is located in Drinagh.

(xiv) Contaminated Land/Historical Landfill

Consultations with the Environment and Waste Department in Wexford County Council confirmed that there are two landfill sites within the study area; a landfill site at Killurin which is now closed and an existing landfill in Holmestown.

An online search of historic maps (www.irishhistoricmaps.ie) determined that there is no history of significant industries within the study area with potential to cause contamination.

(xv) Illegal Dumping

The Environment and Waste Department in Wexford County Council were consulted to determine if there were any incidents of illegal dumping within the study area. No information on illegal dumping has been made available at the time of completion of this report. However it is considered that such information will be considered in full at Route Selection Stage of this project.

7.9.4 Summary of Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology Constraints

• The principal soil association within the study area is Association 40: Gleys 80% and Grey Brown Podzolics 20%. Gleys have poor drainage, heavy texture and weak structure, and tend to have a limited use range. Grey Brown Podzolic occur throughout this association in small pockets on the slightly more elevated parts of the landscape and are usually well to excessively drained.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 96 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report • The Precambrian and Lower Palaeozoic rocks underlie most of the study area and are considered to be aquitards which are impermeable layers along an aquifer restricting the flow of groundwater from one aquifer to another. Groundwater flow in these areas is normally restricted to the top 30m of rock, fault zones, and the overlying Quaternary deposits. Well yields are generally only sufficient for domestic or farm supplies.

• The majority of the study area is classified as a poor aquifer with unproductive bedrock except for local zones. The majority of the study area is classified as having a High – Low vulnerability. Areas of extreme vulnerability are present throughout the study area, most notably in the area around Forth Mountain, which would be expected due to rock lying close to the surface.

• Two sites of geological heritage were identified within the boundary of the study area; Forth Mountain and Milltown.

• There are a number of pits within the study area however there are no recorded active quarries.

• Numerous groundwater wells are located throughout the study area.

• There are two landfill sites within the study area; a landfill site at Killurin which is now closed and an existing landfill in Holmestown.

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7.10 Water Quality and Fisheries/ Flooding

7.10.1 Introduction

This section of the Constraints Study describes surface water hydrology within the catchment, the existing water quality and fisheries value of surface waters and the potential for flooding within the study area.

The study area is contained within hydrometric areas 12 and 13 and the primary watercourse within the study area is the Slaney Estuary. The River Slaney becomes tidal approximately 7 km north of the study area, near Enniscorthy. Figure 7.10.1a/b Principal Watercourses and Monitoring Stations illustrates the primary waterbodies within the study area.

7.10.2 Methodology

A desk based assessment of the study area was undertaken to identify the existing freshwater and estuarine water quality, the fisheries value of surface waters and the potential for flooding within the study area. Relevant publications and websites regarding water quality and fisheries in the area were reviewed. The Office of Public Works’ (OPW) flood mapping tool (www.floodmaps.ie) was accessed to delineate areas within the study area that are susceptible to flooding.

Consultation was carried out with the following: • South Eastern River Basin District Project Office; • Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB); • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and • Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR).

7.10.3 Description of Water Resources

Ireland is divided into 40 hydrometric areas, each of which consists of a single river catchment or a number of smaller ones. The National Hydrometric Programme was established to collect information on the levels, flows and volumes of water in rivers, lakes and groundwater within each hydrometric area. Records of water levels and corresponding rates of flows in rivers, lakes and groundwater are termed hydrometric data. The EPA, the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and the Local Authorities have an extensive network of water level recorders on rivers and lakes throughout Ireland and hydrometric data is measured at various points, known as hydrometric stations, along these watercourses.

The study area expands over hydrometric area 12 and hydrometric area 13. The Slaney River Valley is located in hydrometric area 12; Slaney and Wexford Harbour. This hydrometric area includes the River Slaney catchment in addition to all watercourses which discharge into the estuary and harbour between Raven Point and Greenore Point.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 98 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report The River Slaney rises in the Glen of Imaal near Lugnaquilla in the Wicklow mountains and flows in a westerly direction towards Stratford, Co. Wicklow. From a point near Stratford, the river turns and flows in a southerly direction on the western side of the catchment passing through Baltinglass, Rathvilly and Tullow. Downstream of Tullow, the river flows south south - east through to Enniscorthy and then south to Ferrycarrig where it turns east through Wexford Harbour to the sea. The total length of the main river from its source to Wexford Harbour is 117 km. The River Slaney becomes tidal at Enniscorthy; approximately 7 km north of the study area (refer to Figure 7.10.1a/b Principal Watercourses and Monitoring Stations). The Upper Slaney Estuary extends from Enniscorthy to just south of King’s Island and the Lower Slaney Estuary extends from south of King’s Island to Wexford Harbour (between the townland of Bogganstown Lower, south of the harbour and the townland of Big Island, north of the harbour).

The Slaney has a number of tributaries including the Derreen, the Derry, the Bann, the Urrin, the Boro and the Sow which are outside of the study area.

There are numerous streams and rivers within the study area including Clonmore River, Tinnokilla Stream, Ballyvoleen River, Mulmontry River, Cleristown Stream, Assaly River, Bridgetown River and Bishop’s Water (refer to Figure 7.10.1a/b Principal Watercourses and Monitoring Stations). There are also numerous un - named streams and rivers within the study area.

The Clonmore River flows in an easterly direction and discharges into the River Slaney between Macmine and Ballyhoge, approximately 6 km from its source. The Tinnokilla Stream is approximately 11 km in length and flows in a north easterly direction to Tinnokilla and from Tinnokilla flows in a southeasterly direction before discharging into the River Slaney south of Ballyhoge. The Ballyvoleen Stream flows in a south easterly direction and is approximately 3.5 km in length. The Ballyvoleen Stream discharges into the River Slaney in the townland of Killurin.

The Assaly River flows in a northerly direction and discharges into the Southern Slobs of Wexford Harbour. The Mulmontry River is a tributary of the Corock River, which discharges to the sea at Bannow Bay. The Cleristown Stream is a tributary of the Bridgetown River which discharges to the sea at Ballyteigue Bay.

Lakes present within the study area are listed in Table 7.10.1 Lakes within Study Area and a reservoir is located at Coolree. Based on EPA records, there is approximately 2,400 m3/day of water abstracted from the Coolree reservoir for Wexford Town.

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Table 7.10.1: Lakes within Study Area

Lake Segment Code Area (m2) Townland

12_119 9125 Whitestown Lower or Hermitage

12_121 1112 Rathaspick

12_127 8392 Drinagh South

12_128 2435 Whitestown Upper

12_131 6495 Levitstown

12_132 8826 Johnstown

12_140 49227 Johnstown

12_141 20285 Johnstown

12_17 444 Whitefront

12_89 637 Ballyhoge

12_93 823 Ballyhoge

12_94 630 Ballyhoge

12_95 631 Coolnaboy

12_101 43370 Newbay

12_117 2406 Whitestown Upper

12_118 3844 Whitestown Lower and Hermitage

7.10.4 Designations

The River Slaney is designated under the European Communities (Quality of Salmonid Waters) Regulations, 1988 as a salmonid water. The River Slaney displays tidal characteristics up to an area approximately 7 km north of the study area near Enniscorthy.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 100 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report In accordance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations, 2001,and the Urban Wastewater Treatment (Amendment) Regulations, 2004 (S.I. 440 of 2004) the Lower Slaney Estuary is classified as a sensitive water from Macmine to Drinagh/Big Island and the Upper Slaney Estuary is designated as a sensitive water from Enniscorthy Railway Bridge to Macmine. These Regulations impose requirements in relation to discharges from urban wastewater treatment facilities. The entire section of the Slaney River Valley that flows through the study area is designated as a sensitive water body.

The study area does not have any designated Shellfish waters under the European Communities (Quality of Shellfish Waters) Regulations, 2006 or bathing waters under Council Directive 2006/7/EC concerning the management of bathing water quality. However, an area of Wexford Harbour has been recently designated (December 2008) as a shellfish water.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC came into force in December 2000 and updates and rationalises all previous water legislation and establishes water management practices on a River Basin District (RBD) basis. The Directive was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No 722 of 2003 as amended). It encompasses inland surface waters, estuaries, coastal waters and groundwater. The main objective of the WFD is to maintain “good status” of water quality where it already exists, preventing any deterioration in the existing status of water and achieving at least “good status” in all European waters by 2015. The River Slaney is located in the South Eastern River Basin District (SERBD).

The Draft South Eastern River Basin District Management Plan was produced in December 2008 and a public consultation process will occur for 6 months ending on June 22nd 2009. Subsequent to amendments, it is anticipated that the final plan will be published by December 22nd 2009.

The Slaney River Valley is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, commonly known as the Habitats Directive. Wexford Harbour and Slobs is a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) and is a designated Special Protection Area (SPA) under Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds, commonly referred to as the Birds Directive. Please refer to Section 7.6 for details on these conservation designations.

7.10.5 Water Quality

(i) Estuarine Water Quality

Water quality in the River Slaney is monitored at 21 no. stations. Within the study area, the River Slaney is tidal and there are 3 no. locations monitored by the EPA in the estuary, stations 2550 - Macmine, 2600 – Deep’s Bridge, Kilurrin and 2700 – Ferrycarrig Bridge. Upstream of the study area there is a monitoring station at Edermine Bridge – station 2500. Figure 7.10.1a/b Principal Watercourses and Monitoring Stations illustrates the locations of the monitoring stations.

Under the European Union Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) which updates and rationalises all previous water legislation and establishes water management practices on a River Basin District basis, all surface waters have been broken down into water bodies. In tidal waters there are two water body types, transitional and coastal. The River Slaney Estuary (upper and lower) is classified as transitional.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 101 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report The EPA’s report “Water Quality in Ireland 2006 Key Indicators of the Aquatic Environment” summarises the monitoring results for surface and groundwaters. Water Quality in Ireland 2004 – 2006 (Clabby et al., 2008) details water quality results for the upper and lower Slaney estuary. According to this report, the status of water quality in the Lower Slaney Estuary between 2001 and 2005 had declined and is classified as eutrophic. In 2005, the Lower Slaney was classified as potentially eutrophic (Water Quality in Ireland 2005 Key Indicators of the Aquatic Environment). The Upper Slaney Estuary was classified as Intermediate in both of the aforementioned reports. These assessments are based on the Trophic Status Assessment Scheme (TSAS) which was developed (Toner et al., 2005) to classify estuarine and coastal waters. Nutrient enrichment, accelerated growth of algae and other higher plants and undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms present are used to classify estuaries and coastal waters. Nutrient enrichment is quantified by Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) and Molybdate Reactive Phosphorus (MR). Chlorophyll concentration is used to quantify accelerated growth of algae and other higher plants and undesirable disturbance is quantified by the percentage saturation of dissolved oxygen (DO) in water.

During the period 2002 - 2006 upper and lower Slaney estuaries breached the winter Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) criterion by in excess of 50% (median range for the upper Slaney was 5.2 mg/l to 5.7 mg/l) and the upper Slaney estuary also breached the summer DIN criterion and according to the EPA it appears that the tendency towards eutrophication in the estuary is primarily being caused by the high nitrogen concentrations in the riverine inflows. The lower Slaney estuary had one of the highest supersaturation values for oxygen, between 140 – 160 %, which is indicative of excessive phytoplankton activity. Elevated chlorophyll levels have also been detected in the lower Slaney estuary.

Summary results for 2002 – 2006 are presented in Appendix 6a Water Quality in the Upper and Lower Slaney Estuary (Clabby et al., 2008) and water quality data for the monitoring stations within the study area are presented in Appendix 6b Water Quality in the Slaney Estuary (2006 - 2008).

The most recent classification of coastal and transitional waters is the Interim Classification of Irish Coastal and Transitional Waters for the purposes of the EU Water Framework Directive (2008), which was produced by the River Basin Districts and the EPA under the Water Framework Directive. Coastal and transitional waters are characterised based on their ecological status, general physico- chemical elements, biological quality elements, specific relevant pollutants elements and hydromorphological quality elements. The upper and lower Slaney estuaries are characterised as having a ‘moderate’ status.

(ii) River Water Quality

Water quality in the River Slaney, Tinnokilla Stream, Bridgetown River, Cleristown Stream and Mulmontry River is monitored by the EPA. The publication by the EPA on water quality in rivers Water Quality in Ireland 2004 – 2006 (Clabby et al., 2008) states that the Hydrometric areas 12 (Slaney and Wexford Harbour) and 10 (Avoca – Vartry) had the highest percentage (80%) of channel classified as unpolluted in the east of Ireland during the 2004 – 2006 surveys.

Presented in Table 7.10.2 Classification of River Channels below is data from the 2004 – 2006 surveys of the Slaney, Tinokilla stream, Bridgetown, Cleristown and Mulmontry surface waters. The total length of channel surveyed is presented and the length of channel classified as A – Unpolluted; B – Slightly polluted / eutrophic; C – Moderately Polluted and D – Seriously Polluted.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 102 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Table 7.10.2: Classification of River Channels

RIVER NAME CODE YEAR A B C D TOTAL

km km km km km

Slaney 12S02 2004 82.0 15.0 - - 97.0

Tinnokilla 12T02 2004 8.5 - - - 8.5 Stream

Bridgetown 13B01 2004 5.0 2.5 - - 7.5 (Wexford)

Cleristown 13C04 2004 3.5 - 1.0 - 4.5

Mulmontry 13M01 2004 14.0 1.5 - - 15.5

The biological assessment used by the EPA is known as the Q - Rating system. The Q - Rating system refers to a biological rating system for freshwaters where the presence and quantity of suitable resident organisms, primarily readily visible invertebrates, are surveyed. Different species show different levels of tolerance and sensitivity to pollution. As such, the presence or absence of specific organisms in the water indicates the level of pollution in the watercourse. The Q - Rating system measures the effects of pollution by condensing biological information into a readily understandable form by means of a 5 - point biotic index (Q - Values), an arbitrary system in which biodiversity and water qualities are related, as described in Table 7.10.3 Q - Rating System and Water Quality.

Table 7.10.3: Q - Rating System and Water Quality

Biotic Index (Q - Value) Water Quality 5 (diversity high) Good 4 (diversity slightly reduced) Fair 3 (diversity significantly reduced) Doubtful 2 (diversity low) Poor 1 (diversity very low) Bad

The Mulmontry River is monitored by the EPA at Tottenhamgreen Bridge (to the west of the survey area) and achieved a Q rating of 3 - 4 in 2004 and further downstream at Browncastle Bridge a Q rating of 4 was achieved in 2004. Under the Water Framework Directive there are two operational monitoring stations on the Mulmontry River, at Aughnagroagh Bridge and Mulmontry Bridge. In 2007 both of these stations had deteriorated to a Q rating of 3. There is an abstraction point on the Mulmontry River for Taghmon and based on EPA records, 270 m3/day of water is abstracted from the Mulmontry River.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 103 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Cleristown Stream is monitored at Brownstown and a Q value of 3 - 4 was achieved in 2004 and at Castle Bridge a Q rating of 2 - 3 was achieved. Under the Water Framework Directive there is one operational monitoring station on the Cleristown Stream at Castle Bridge and in 2007 a Q rating of 4 was achieved at this location, indicating an improvement in water quality at this location compared with the 2004 results.

The Bridgetown River is monitored in the townland of Lambertstown (Woodstown) and had a Q rating of 3 - 4 in 2004 and the Q rating upstream at Gainstown Bridge was Q 4 in 2004. There are two operational monitoring stations on the Bridgetown River under the Water Framework Directive, at Gainstown Bridge and at the Bridge East of the Common. In 2007, both these stations achieved a Q value of 4.

Under the Water Framework Directive there is one operational monitoring station on the River Assaly at Finoge Bridge and a Q value of 4 was achieved in 2007.

The Tinnokilla stream is monitored at one location within the study area, north of Tinnakilla and a Q rating of 4 was achieved in 2004. An operational monitoring station now operates at this location under the Water Framework Directive and water quality has deteriorated in the period 2004 – 2007 as a Q value of 3 was recorded in 2007.

Water quality monitoring is not conducted by the EPA or under the Water Framework Directive for the Ballyvoleen, Clonmore and Bishop’s Water.

7.10.6 Water Supply

(i) Public Water Supply

Wexford County Council provided mapping of their water services network within the study area. This is shown on Figure 7.2.3a/b Water and Sanitary Services.

(ii) Group Water Schemes

Wexford County Council also provided mapping of public group water schemes within the study area. This information is also shown on Figure 7.2.3a/b Water and Sanitary Services.

7.10.7 Fisheries

The most important river for fisheries within the study area is the River Slaney. The River Slaney was ranked 12th of the top salmon producing rivers in Ireland in 2006 and is one of the best known spring salmon (multi - sea - winter) fisheries in Ireland. Commercial draft net fishing occurs from Enniscorthy to downstream of Ferrycarrig bridge over a length of approximately 20 km and angling takes place over ca. 40 km stretch of the river. The River Slaney contains stocks of wild brown trout, sea - trout and salmon. The Slaney and its tributaries are covered by a number of bye - laws which regulate fishing by method, location and time of year.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 104 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Fisheries in estuaries are only permitted provided the stocks from individual rivers entering the estuaries are meeting conservation limits. In 2007, the River Slaney did not exceed the conservation limit and was closed for angling in 2007. In 2008, ‘catch and release’ was permitted for salmon and trout. A scheme of rehabilitation of rivers was introduced with priority given to rivers which were below the conservation limit in areas of SACs funded through the introduction of a salmon conservation component on all angling and commercial licence sales. The goal now is to encourage the recovery of stocks in those rivers not yet meeting their conservation limits and to manage all rivers in compliance with the Habitats Directive. In the face of decreasing marine survival, the challenge is to show an improvement in stocks in those rivers over the next few years through investment in habitat improvements and other initiatives.

The Central Fisheries Board conducts monitoring as part of the national fish stock assessment programme. The River Slaney, which flows into the sea at Wexford, is arguably the best known spring salmon fishery in Ireland. Over the past twenty years the fishery has been in decline with poor returns to both the rod and the commercial fisheries. This decline reflects a general decline in spring salmon stocks internationally. This project aims to recover the valuable Slaney salmon stock through a series of measures in the freshwater environment. Included under this are juvenile salmon stock monitoring work and an extensive programme of physical habitat works. In 2007, there was an increase in redd counts on the River Slaney, with a total redd count of 1,801 which is the highest count of redds in 14 years and was largely attributed to the Slaney being closed to angling and commercial fishing in 2007.

There are numerous tributaries of the Slaney and independent systems within the study area which are important rivers / streams for salmonids. Following consultation with the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, the primary streams / rivers within the study area which are important for salmonids include the Assaly River, which has a good run of sea trout; the Clonmore River which was recently electrofished and contained excellent populations of all classes of juvenile salmonids, the Ballyvoleen River; the Bridgetown which has runs of sea trout and good populations of brown trout; the Cleristown Stream and the Mulmontry River which is also a salmonid watercourse.

As stated above there are no designated shellfish waters within the study area, however shellfish production does occur in Wexford Harbour. Inner and Outer Wexford Harbour have been proposed for designation. Figure 7.10.2 Shellfish Designated Sites and Aquaculture Sites in Wexford harbour illustrates the location of the aquaculture sites in Wexford Harbour which are used for bottom culture of mussels.

Production figures for Wexford Harbour in 2007 were as follows: Gigas Oyster – 74 Tonnes; Rope Mussel – 60 Tonnes; Bottom Mussel – 2213 Tonnes. Table 7.10.4 Shellfish Production and Classification details the classification of the production area.

Table 7.10.4: Shellfish Production and Classification

PRODUCTION BED NAME SPECIES CLASSIFICATION AREA HARVESTED

Wexford Harbour ST 1,2,3,4 Mussels C

All other Beds Mussels B

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The Office of Public Works compiles Flood Hazard Maps for the entire country. Flood Hazard Maps are tools used to assist with the management of development in floodplains and other areas at risk from tidal, fluvial or surface water flooding. A flood is defined as “the occurrence of recorded flooding at a given location on a given date or on a recurring basis”.

Within the study area, the National Flood Hazard Mapping available at www.floodmaps.ie indicates that areas of south east Wexford have experienced flooding. Table 7.10.5 Flood Events within Study Area below outlines recent flood events that have occurred within the study area. (Refer also to Figure 7.10.3a/b Flood Events in the Study Area).

The National Flood Hazard Mapping indicates that there are benefiting lands in the south east of the study area between Piercetown and Killinick. Benefiting lands are areas of land subject to flooding or poor drainage that might benefit from the implementation of Arterial (Major) Drainage Schemes (under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945).

Table 7.10.5: Flood Events within study area

LOCATION DATE DESCRIPTION Polehore R730 Recurring Road Impassable, caused by high tides Polehore R730 Recurring 1 house flooded, caused by high tides Slaney Ferrycarrig Recurring Caused by high tides, strong winds and rainfall Heritage Park Slaney Ferrycarrig 27th October 2004 Road impassable, caused by high tides, strong winds Sinnott’s Hill and rainfall Ferrycarrig Bog Road Recurring Road blocked, caused by high tides, strong winds and rainfall. Barntown 3rd Dec 2001 3 houses, the parish church, and stability of graveyard boundary wall adjacent to N25 were put at risk. Structural damage caused to grounds of church and N25 was reduced to one lane for 200m Taghmon Growtown Recurring Caused by heavy rain. Bridge on R738 Drinagh Slob Road Recurring Caused by insufficient surface water drainage and affected by high tides Rosslare Harbour MVD Recurring Caused by backing of high tides in surface water drains. Road impassable. Kisha Bridge Lady’s Recurring Caused by high tides Island Mayglass Recurring Caused by heavy rain with some tidal effects and insufficient drainage Broadway Recurring Caused by rainfall, high tides

7.10.9 Summary of Water Quality and Fisheries/Flooding Constraints

All river channels within the study area are considered to be constraints due to the requirement to cross the river channel by means of a bridge or culvert crossing. Aside from the engineering constraints involved with a river crossing, full consideration needs to be given to the sensitivity of the receiving water in terms of the conservation importance and the current water quality of a river.

The most significant river within the study area is the river Slaney. The Slaney River Valley is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is also designated as a salmonid water.

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 106 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report Other rivers and stream within the study area include the Cleristown, Bridgetown, Assaly, Mulmontry, Tinnokilla, Clonmore and Ballyvoleen. Each of these rivers and streams has salmonid populations.

In addition, the Lower Slaney Estuary is classified under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive as a sensitive water from Macmine to Drinagh/Big Island and the Upper Slaney Estuary is designated as a sensitive water from Enniscorthy Railway Bridge to Macmine. Water quality in the Lower Slaney Estuary has deteriorated and was classified as eutrophic in 2006. Under the Water Framework Directive characterisation (2008) it is classified as moderate.

Wexford Harbour and Slobs is a proposed Natural Heritage Area and is a designated Special Protection Area for birds.

A number of locations within the study area have experienced flooding, as detailed in Table 7.10.5 Flood Events Within the Study Area. Further to this, there are benefiting lands located between between Piercetown and Killinick.

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7.11 Summary Of Major Constraints Identified

In the preparation of this report a detailed assessment was undertaken of all the potential constraints within the chosen study area. The information collected during this phase of the project will be utilised to inform the development of route corridor options for the Route Selection Stage.

The identified constraints were listed under the following headings in this report:

• Land Use and Human Settlement

• Infrastructure and Utilities

• Topography

• Air Quality

• Cultural Heritage

• Ecology

• Landscape and Visual

• Noise and Vibration

• Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology

• Water Quality Fisheries/ Flooding

The identified constraints were discussed in detail under each of the above headings and a summary of the constraints were listed at the end of each section. Arising from this analysis it can be concluded that there are significant constraints within the study area. The constraints within the study area will offer significant obstacles to the identification of a preferred route option. However at Route Selection Stage a detailed assessment will be undertaken to determine the preferred route through avoidance (where possible) of significant constraints. The main constraints identified within the study area are as follows:

• The study area is primarily rural in nature, however the prevalence of significant levels of “one – off rural housing” and “ribbon development” dispersed throughout the study area will offer significant constraints to the development of a preferred route option. The incidence of “ribbon development” along the main access routes to Wexford town in particular will require careful consideration at Route Selection Stage to ensure a minimal impact on the local population..

• Sites of Archaeological and Architectural significance are widespread throughout the study area (394 cultural heritage constraints identified). However a number of locations within the study area can be considered to contain a higher than average density of Archaeological and Architectural constraints and during the Route Selection Stage careful consideration will be given to these areas in order to minimise any potential impact on either identified or as yet unidentified sites of archaeological or architectural heritage. These locations are;

247517/06/B - August 2009 Part A – Page 108 N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Road Improvement Scheme Mott MacDonald Ireland Constraints Study Report • Ferrycarrig;

• Johnstown;

• Rathmacknee;

• Tagoat;

• Rathaspick;

• Ballykillane;

• Coolstuff (Townland);

• C. 2km south of Oilgate.

• The preferred route option should be sensitive to the topography and landform of the study area and seek to minimise embankments and cuttings where possible, thereby reducing impacts upon the landscape and visual amenity of the area. The main topographical feature which will act as a significant constraint within the study area is Forth Mountain which is located in the centre of the study area.

• Major constraints within the study area include areas of ecological conservation interest such as Forth Mountain pNHA, Slaney River Valley SAC and Wexford Slobs and Harbour SPA and pNHA. At the Route Selection Stage careful consideration will be given to these areas in order to minimise any potential impact on the ecology of the area arising from the preferred route option. As a crossing of the River Slaney is a prerequisite to any route option, careful consideration will be required to ensure a crossing location is chosen that minimises the impact on the river and the qualifying criteria of the SAC during both the construction and operational phase of the scheme.

• All river channels within the study area are considered to be constraints due to the requirement to cross the river channel by means of a bridge or culvert crossing. From both engineering and environmental considerations the preferred route option should minimise the number of river crossings where possible.

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8 Bibliography

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Other sources:

• www.archaeology.ie

• www.excavations.ie

• www.buildingsofireland.ie

• The Register of Historic Monuments (supplied by NMS)

• The Shipwreck Inventory of Ireland

• The List of Monuments in State Care (supplied by NMS)

• The List of Preservation Orders (supplied by NMS)

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