Lower Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme Leixlip Wwtp Upgrade

Kildare County Council Comhairle Chondae Cill Dara

LOWER LIFFEY VALLEY SEWERAGE

SCHEME LEIXLIP WWTP UPGRADE

APPROPRIATE ASSESSME NT- STAGE 1

SCREENING

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

June 2012

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KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL

LOWER LIFFEY VALLEY SEWERAGE SCHEME LEIXLIP WWTP UPGRADE

APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT – STAGE 1 SCREENING REPORT

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Nicholas O’ Dwyer Ltd., Consulting Engineers, Nutgrove Office Park, Nutgrove Avenue, Dublin 14. June 2012

PROJECT NO. 20309 TW

Revision Reason for Revision Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by Issue Date

- 1st Issue Serena Keane Fiona Lane Neil Delaney 01/06/2012

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CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 2 1.1 Appropriate Assessment (AA) 3 1.2 This Stage 1 Screening Report 4

2. APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING MATRIX 5 2.1 Description of Project 5 2.2 Distance from Designated Sites 6 2.3 Description of Natura 2000 Sites Potentially Affected 7 2.3.1 Rye Water SAC (Site Code: 001398) 7 2.3.1 Wicklow Mountains SAC (Site Code: 002122) 8 2.3.2 Tolka Estuary/Sandymount Strand SPA (Site Code: 004024) 9 2.3.3 North Bull Island SPA (Site Code: 004006) 9 2.3.4 South Dublin Bay SAC (Site Code: 000210) 10 2.3.5 North Dublin Bay SAC (Site Code: 000206) 11 2.4 Conservation Objectives of Designated Sites 12 2.4.1 Rye Water/Carton SAC (Site Code: 001398) 12 2.4.2 Wicklow Mountain SAC (Site Code: 002122) 13 2.4.1 Tolka Estuary/Sandymount Strand SPA (Site Code: 004024) 13 2.4.1 South Dublin Bay SAC (Site Code: 000210) 13 2.4.1 North Dublin Bay SAC (Site Code: 000206) 14 2.4.1 North Bull Island SPA (Site Code: 004006) 14 For inspection purposes only. 2.5 Assessment CriteriaConsent of copyright owner required for any other use. 14

2.5.1 Individual Elements of the Project with Potential to give rise to Impacts on Natura 2000 Sites. 14 2.5.2 Likely Changes to the Site as a Result of the Project/Plan 21 2.5.3 Likely Impacts on the Natura 2000 Site as a Whole 21

3. CONCLUSION 22

4. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANCE EFFECT (FONSE) REPORT 23

Appendix A: Correspondence Appendix B: Drawings Appendix C: Provisional Screening Exercise Appendix D: Site Synopsis

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1. INTRODUCTION

The Lower Liffey Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant (Leixlip WwTP), in County Kildare, serves towns including Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth, Kilcock and Straffan. The existing WWTP has a population equivalent (PE) of 80,000. It is required to upgrade and expand the existing WWTP from 80,000 PE to 150,000 PE. The WwTP expansion is required to accommodate predicted future increases in waste water flows up to a population equivalent of 150,000 PE from an expanding domestic, industrial and commercial population. The proposed WwTP expansion will provide secondary and tertiary treatment with nutrient removal. The WwTP will discharge final effluent to the River Liffey at Leixlip.

By Order dated 2 June 2006, An Bord Pleanála granted approval to Kildare County Council for the proposed development comprising an upgrade to the WwTP at Leixlip, County Kildare (ref. PL09.EL2047). By decision dated 6 May 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted a waste water discharge licence (WwDL) under regulation 28(1) of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 authorising the discharge of wastewater from the existing WwTP and the proposed upgrade to 150,000 PE (ref. D0004-01).

In accordance with the Habitats Directive 92/33/EEC (2000) any plan or project that has the potential for a significant effect on Natura 2000 sites i.e. a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protected Area (SPA) must be screened in th order to determine whet her an For inspectionAppropriate purposes only. Assessment is required. On the 11 of Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. June 2010 an Appropriate Assessment was prepared to fulfil one of the conditions of the EPA discharge license D0004-01 which was to assess the impact of discharges from the Lower Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme including the Leixlip WwTP on Natura 2000 sites. This Assessment was limited to assessing the impacts of effluent discharges from the WwTP and storm overflows associated with the operation of the scheme. The Natura 2000 sites assessed included the Rye Water Valley/ Carton Special Area of Conservation and The South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Special Protection Area. This report concluded that compliance with the discharge licence will ensure the protection of the receiving water and ultimately the European sites. This is consistent with the conclusions drawn by An Bord Pleanála and the EPA when approving the upgrade project.

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plant to increase hydraulic capacity. This Stage 1 Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment has been prepared by Nicholas O’ Dwyer Ltd on behalf of Kildare County Council in response to the Development Application Unit (DAU) of the Department of the Arts Heritage and Local Government (DoAHLG) letter dated 20 March 2012 included in Appendix A which states that “if a project has been amended then it would also require a new AA screening”.

1.1 Appropriate Assessment (AA)

An Appropriate Assessment is an assessment of the potential adverse or negative effects of a plan or project, in combination with other plans or projects, on a European site. An Appropriate Assessment must be carried out before any decision is made to allow the plan or project to proceed. The obligation to undertake Appropriate Assessment derives from both Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive. The European Union has provided guidance as to how to produce a Habitats Directive Assessment and identifies four main stages in the process as follows:

Stage One: Screening The process identifies the likely impacts upon a Natura 2000 site of a project or plan, whether alone or in combination with other projects or plans, and considers whether these impacts are likely to be significant.

Stage Two: Appropriate Assessment For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The consideration of the impact on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site of the project or plan, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, with respect to the site’s structure and function and its conservation objectives. Additionally, where there are adverse impacts, an assessment of the potential mitigation of those impacts.

Stage Three: Assessment of Alternative Solutions The process which examines alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the project or plan that avoid adverse impacts on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site.

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Stage Four: Assessment where no Alternative Solutions Exist and where Adverse Impacts Remain. An assessment of compensatory measures, where in the light of an assessment of imperative reasons of overriding public interest, it is deemed that the project or plan should proceed.

The Habitats Directive promotes a hierarchy of avoidance, mitigation and compensatory measures. First, the project should aim to avoid any negative impacts on European sites by identifying possible impacts early in the planning stage, and designing the project in order to avoid such impacts. Second, mitigation measures should be applied, if necessary, during the AA process to the point where no adverse impacts on the site(s) remain. If the project is still likely to result in adverse effects, and no further practicable mitigation is possible, then it is rejected. If no alternative solutions are identified and the project is required for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI test) under Article 6 (4) of the Habitats Directive, then compensation measures are required for any remaining adverse effects.

1.2 Stage 1 Screening Report

This document brings together all of the information necessary to make determination as to whether there is likely to be a significant impact arising from the proposed works on the Rye Water SAC (Site Code: 00128), The Glenasmole Valley SAC (Site Code: 001209), the Wicklow Mountains SAC (Site Code: For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 002122), the Tolka estuary/Sandymount Strand SPA (Site Code: 004024), the South Dublin Bay SAC (Site Code: 000210), the North Dublin Bay SAC (Site Code: 000206) and the North Bull Island SPA (Site Code: 004006) and represents the first stage of the Appropriate Assessment process i.e. Stage 1 Screening.

This Stage 1 Screening Report has been prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the European Commission; Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the “Habitats” Directive 92/43/EEC (2000), Assessment of the plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites (2000), and the National Parks and Wildlife Service Guidance for Planning Authorities1.

1 Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidance for Planning Authorities.

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2. APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING MATRIX

2.1 Description of Project The capacity of Leixlip WwTP is currently 80,000 PE. The upgrade of the Leixlip WwTP is required to accommodate predicted future increases in wastewater flows up to 150,000 PE from an expanding domestic, industrial and commercial load. There is a proposal to accommodate an increase in hydraulic load of 7,500m3/day to facilitate immediate industrial expansion. There is also potential for a further industrial discharge of 12,000m3/day. This increase in hydraulic capacity is essential for the successful development of industry in the Leixlip area and to ensure that the predicted associated employment opportunities arise from this expansion. The projected total flow from the Lower Liffey Valley sewer catchment of 48,500m3/day, an increase of 13,940m3/day from the flow of 34,560m3/day considered in the original EIS. However there will be no change to the effluent load discharged to the River Liffey.

The proposed works will continue to discharge to the River Liffey via the existing outfall. The effluent will receive both secondary and tertiary treatment. The wastewater will undergo nutrient removal and effluent limits have been set in the Waste Water Discharge Licence for Total Phosphorus, Orthophosphate, Total Ammonia and Total Oxidised Nitrogen (comprising nitrate plus nitrite). The works required to facilitate the increase in hydraulic flow can generally be accommodated within the infrastructure layouts previously proposed in the EIS For inspection purposes only. as shown in the indicativeConsent drawing of copyright ownerlayout required included for any other use.in Appendix B. The works will

include modifications to the process units, upgrade of the tertiary filters and upgrading of existing mechanical plant to increase hydraulic capacity. All works will be in line with the indicative layouts provided in the Environmental Impact Statement. It is not proposed to increase the biological treatment capacity above 9,000kg/day BOD, as originally proposed.

In carrying out the proposed WwTP upgrade, Kildare County Council will comply fully with the current Condition No. 1 (which relates to effluent standards) of the EIS decision 09.EL.2047. The upgraded WwTP will be designed to produce a standard of effluent better than the standards stated in Condition No. 1. This will ensure that the effluent load to the River Liffey will not exceed that already permitted and contemplated by the previous decision by An Bord Pleanála. The Proposed Emission Standards for the higher hydraulic load and the Emission Standards in the 2005 EIS are presented below in Table 2.1.

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Table 2.1 Proposed Emission Standards

Proposed Emission 2005 EIS and Approved Parameter Standard Emission Standard BOD 5.7 mg/l 8 mg/l Suspended Solids 10.7 mg/l 15 mg/l Total Phosphorous 0.36 mg/l 0.5mg/l Total Ammonia 0.62 mg/l 2.75mg/l Oxidised Nitrogen 11.3mg/l 22 mg/l

The required effluent standards, as detailed in Table 2.1 above, have been updated to take account of the increased hydraulic load to the WWTP. There has been no change to the organic design load of the works of 150,000 PE. Outline drawings showing the site location, existing WWTP layout and an indicative layout for the upgraded WwTP are included in Appendix B of this document.

2.2 Distance from Designated Sites

A preliminary screening exercise was completed to assess all Natura 2000 sites within a 20km buffer or downstream of the proposed works and is included in Appendix C. The assessment indicated that there are 7 Natura 2000 sites, 5 SAC and 2 SPA within 20km or downstream of the proposed WwTP. These include the Rye Water SAC (Site Code: 00128), the Glenasmole Valley SAC (Site Code: 001209), the Wicklow Mountains SAC (Site Code: 002122), the Tolka estuary/Sandymount Strand SPA (Site Code: 004024), the South Dublin Bay SAC (Site Code: 000210), the North Dublin Bay SAC (Site Code: 000206) and the For inspection purposes only. North Bull Island SPAConsent (Site of copyright Code: owner required004006) for any. other This use. initial screening exercise

‘screened out’ all but 2 SPA the Tolka Estuary/ Sandymount Strand SPA and the North Bull Island SPA and 3 SAC’s the North Dublin Bay SAC, South Dublin Bay SAC and the Rye Water SAC. Further assessment of these five conservation sites is presented below.

The Rye Water SAC is located upstream of the proposed works as shown overleaf in Table 2.2 and Figure 2.1. The River Liffey into which the proposed works will discharge is not designated as part of a Natura 2000 site; however it is designated as a pNHA (Site Code: 000128). The River Liffey discharges to Dublin Bay where a number of Natura 2000 sites are located. The location of the proposed works in relation to Natura 2000 sites is indicated in Drawing 20458- AA-01 in Appendix B and presented overleaf in Table 2.2.

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Table 2.2 Location of Natura 2000 sites in relation to proposed works. Site Distance from Designation Site Name code works Wicklow Mountains SAC 002122 ~15.50km North Dublin Bay SAC 000206 ~25km d/s Special Area of Conservation South Dublin Bay SAC 000210 ~24km d/s (SAC) Rye Water SAC 001398 ~1km u/s Glenasmole Valley SAC 001209 ~14km Sandymount Strand/Tolka 004024 ~24km d/s Special protection Estuary SPA Areas (SPA) North Bull Island SPA 004006 ~25km d/s

2.3 Description of Natura 2000 Sites Potentially Affected

A description of Natura 2000 sites is presented below. A full description of the sites is included in Appendix D.

2.3.1 Rye Water SAC (Site Code: 001398)

This site is located between Leixlip and Maynooth and extends along the Rye Water, a tributary of the River Liffey. The site supports wetland habitats, including lakes, as well as woodland which has some rare plants. (See full description in Appendix D). The main importance of the site lies in the presence of several rare and threatened plant and animal species, and of a rare habitat, thermal, mineral, petrifying spring. The Rye Water is a spawning ground for Trout and Salmon, and the rare, White-Clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius

pallipes has been recorded at For Leixlip. inspection purposes The only.latter two species are listed in Annex II Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. of the EU Habitats Directive. The woods found on Carton Estate and their birdlife are of additional interest.

The site is a candidate SAC selected for petrifying springs, an Annex I habitat listed in the E.U. Habitats Directive with priority status. The site is also selected for the semi-aquatic snails Vertigo angustior and V. moulinsiana which occur in marsh vegetation near Louisa Bridge – these snails are listed in Annex II of the same Directive. Additional information on the Rye Water SAC is provided in the site synopsis in Appendix D. Table 2.3 Rye Water SAC Qualifying Species and Habitats

SAC Qualifying species Vertigo angustior, Vertigo moulinsiana SAC Qualifying habitats Petrifying springs with tufa formation

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2.3.1 Wicklow Mountains SAC (Site Code: 002122)

The site comprises the largest complex of upland habitats in eastern Ireland, with important examples of blanket bog, wet heath and dry heath, extensive in areas and mostly of good quality. A fine series of upland oligotrophic lakes occur and some have Salvelinus alpinus. The site supports many habitats that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The two dominant vegetation communities in the area are heath and blanket bog. Several oak woodlands of moderate quality, typical of the dry acidic woods of eastern Ireland, are found. Seven Red Data Book plant species occur, including the rare Alchemilla alpina and Nitella gracilis at its only Irish station. The site supports significant populations of breeding Falco columbarius and Falco peregrinus. The site is important for rare breeding passerines of oakwoods, notably Phoenicurus phoenicurus and Phylloscopus sibilatrix. The site also has breeding Turdus torquatus and Lagopus lagopus. Lutra lutra occurs on several of the riverine systems. The main threat to the quality of habitats on the site is overgrazing by sheep, affecting the bog, heath and rocky habitats and both deer and sheep affecting the woodlands. Localised peat extraction and heavy burning is a threat to the blanket bog. The spread of non-native species is a threat to the quality of the woodlands. Many recreational activities occur within the site and some, such as hill walking and climbing, have potential for disturbance to habitats and species. Peat erosion is frequent on the peaks, this may be a natural process but is likely to be accelerated by activities such as grazing. The SAC qualifying habitats and species are presented below in Table 2.4. For inspection purposes only. Table 2.4. Wicklow MountainsConsent of copyright SAC ownerQualifying required for anySpecies other use.

SAC Qualifying Habitats and Species Otter Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix European dry heaths Alpine and Boreal heaths Blanket bogs Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoeto Manojuncetea

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2.3.2 Tolka Estuary/Sandymount Strand SPA (Site Code: 004024)

This designated site comprises a substantial part of Dublin Bay. It includes virtually all of the intertidal area in the South Bay, as well as much of the estuary of the River Tolka to the north of the River Liffey. It also includes much of the South Dublin Bay SAC. A portion of the shallow marine waters of the bay is also included. The site is an important site for wintering waterfowl, being an integral part of the internationally important Dublin Bay complex. An internationally important population of Brent Goose occurs regularly and newly arrived birds in the autumn feed on the eelgrass bed at Merrion. The site supports nationally important numbers of a further six species: Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin and Bar-tailed Godwit. Other species which occur in smaller numbers include Great Crested Grebe, Grey Plover, Curlew, Redshank and Turnstone. As an autumn tern roost, it is also classified as of international importance. All of the tern species using the site are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive.

The main threat to this site is further reclamation for industrial and/or infra- structural purposes. The intertidal areas receive water that is somewhat polluted though there are no apparent impacts on the associated flora and fauna. Owing to its location in Dublin Bay, pollution such as oil spillages from Dublin Port and shipping is a threat. Commercial bait digging may be a problem - this causes disturbance to wintering birds. Disturbance to birds is also caused by walkers and dogs. The SPA qualifying habitats and species are presented below in Table 2.5. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Table 2.5 Tolka Estuary/Sandymount Strand SPA Qualifying Species

SPA Qualifying Species

Annex 1 birds Bar-tailed Godwit

Mediterranean gull T Common tern hRoseate tern i Arctic tern

2.3.3 North Bull Island SPA (Site Code: 004006)

This designated site covers all of the inner part of north Dublin Bay, with the seaward boundary extending from the Bull Wall lighthouse across to Drumleck Point at Howth Head. It is almost 5 km long and 1 km wide and runs parallel to the coast between Clontarf and Sutton. This site features a number of semi- natural habitats including saltmarsh, sand dunes and lagoons.

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Habitats located within the North Bull Island include saltmarshes, sand dunes and lagoons. The North Bull Island SPA is of international importance for waterfowl on the basis that it regularly supports in excess of 20,000 waterfowl. It also qualifies for international importance as the numbers of two species exceed the international threshold – Brent Goose and Bar-tailed Godwit (all waterfowl figures given are average maxima for the five winters 1995/96 to 1999/00). The site is the top site in the country for both of these species. Two separate Statutory Nature Reserves cover much of the island east of the Bull Wall and the surrounding intertidal flats. North Bull Island is also a Wildfowl Sanctuary, a Ramsar Convention site, a Biogenetic Reserve, a Biosphere Reserve and a Special Area Amenity Order site. Much of the SPA is also a candidate Special Area for Conservation (North Dublin Bay SAC). The North Bull Island SPA is an excellent example of an estuarine complex and is one the top sites in Ireland for wintering waterfowl. The SPA qualifying habitats and species are presented below in Table 2.6 overleaf.

Table 2.6 North Bull Island SPA Qualifying Species SPA Qualifying Species Annex 1 birds Little tern Golden plover Bar-tailed godwit Ruff Short-eared Owl. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 2.3.4 South Dublin Bay SAC (Site Code: 000210)

This designated site lies south of the River Liffey and extends from the South wall to the West pier at Dun Laoghaire. It is an intertidal site with extensive areas of sand and mudflats, a habitat listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The sediments are predominantly sands but grade to sandy muds near the shore at Merrion gates.

The main channel which drains the area is Cockle Lake. South Dublin Bay is an important site for waterfowl. Although birds regularly commute between the South Bay and the North Bay, recent studies have shown that certain populations which occur in the South Bay spend most of their time there. The principal species are Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Sanderling and Dunlin, Redshank (average winter peaks 1996/97 and 1997/98). Up to 100 Turnstones are usual in the South Bay during winter. Brent Geese regularly occur in numbers of international importance (average peak 299). Bar-tailed Godwit, a species listed

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on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, also occur. This site is a fine example of a coastal system with extensive sand and mudflats, a habitat listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The South Bay is also an internationally important bird site. The SAC qualifying habitats are presented below in Table 2.7.

Table 2.7 South Dublin Bay Qualifying Habitats SAC Qualifying Habitats Tidal mudflats

2.3.5 North Dublin Bay SAC (Site Code: 000206)

This designated site holds good examples of ten habitats that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive; one of these is listed with priority status. Several of the wintering bird species have populations of international importance, while some of the invertebrates are of national importance.

The site contains a numbers of rare and scarce plants including some, which are legally protected. North Dublin Bay is of international importance for waterfowl. During the 1994/95 to 1996/97 period the following species occurred in internationally important numbers: Brent Geese, Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit. A further 14 species occurred in nationally important concentrations – Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Turnstone and Redshank. Some of these species frequent South Dublin Bay and the River Tolka Estuary for feeding and/or roosting purposes (mostly Brent Goose, Oystercatcher, Ringed For inspection purposes only. Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin).Consent of88 copyright pairs owner nested required for in any 1987.other use. However, nesting attempts

have not been successful since the early 1990s. Ringed Plover, Shelduck, Mallard, Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Stonechat also nest. A well-known population of Irish Hare is resident on the island. The SAC qualifying habitats are presented below in Table 2.8.

Table 2.8 North Dublin Bay Qualifying Habitats SAC Qualifying Habitats Annex 1 habitats: Fixed dunes Marram dunes Embryonic dunes Dune slack Drift lines Salicornia mud Atlantic salt meadows Mediterranean salt meadows Tidal mudflats

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2.4 Conservation Objectives of Designated Sites

The conservation objectives for each of the Natura 2000 sites are set out below. A site's conservation objectives are a statement of the overall nature conservation requirements for a site, expressed in terms of the favourable condition required for the qualifying features.

According to the EU Habitats Directive, favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when:  its natural range, and area it covers within that range, is stable or increasing, and  the ecological factors that are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable futures, and  the conservation status of its typical species is favourable as defined below.

The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when:  population data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself, and  the natural range of the species is neither being reduced or likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and  there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis.

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 2.4.1 Rye Water/Carton SAC (Site Code: 001398)

When a Natura 2000 site is proposed, a statement of its conservation objectives is produced which identifies the qualifying interests or conservation features for which the site is designated. The draft conservation objectives of the Rye water/ Carton SAC are:  To maintain the favourable conservation status of the Qualifying Interests of the SAC,

Vertigo angustior [1014] Vertigo moulinsiana [1016] Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) [7220]

 Objective 2: To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site.

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 Objective 3: To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal users and relevant authorities.

2.4.2 Wicklow Mountains SAC (Site Code: 002122)

Objective: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected:  Lutra lutra  Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto‐Nanojuncetea  Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds  Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix  European dry heaths  Alpine and Boreal heaths  Species‐rich Nardus grasslands, on siliceous substrates in mountain areas (and submountain areas, in Continental Europe)  Blanket bogs  Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani)  Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation  Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation  Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 2.4.1 Tolka Estuary/Sandymount Strand SPA (Site Code: 004024)

Main Conservation Objective: To maintain the special conservation interests for this SPA at favourable conservation status: Light-bellied Brent Goose, Knot, Sanderling, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Blackheaded Gull, Wetland and Waterbirds.

2.4.1 South Dublin Bay SAC (Site Code: 000210)

Objective 1: To maintain the Annex I habitat for which the cSAC has been selected at favourable conservation status: Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide. Objective 2: To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site.

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Objective 3: To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal users and relevant authorities.

2.4.1 North Dublin Bay SAC (Site Code: 000206)

Objective 1: To maintain the Annex I habitats for which the cSAC has been selected at favourable conservation status: Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide; Annual vegetation of drift lines; Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand; Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco- Puccinellietalia maritimae); Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi); Embryonic shifting dunes; Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes); Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes); Humid dune slacks. Objective 2: To maintain the Annex II species for which the cSAC has been selected at favourable conservation status: Petalophyllum ralfsii. Objective 3: To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site. Objective 4: To establish effective liaison and cooperation with landowners, legal users and relevant authorities.

2.4.1 North Bull Island SPA (Site Code: 004006)

Main conservation objective: To maintain the special conservation interests for his SPA at favourable conservation status: Light-bellied Brent Goose, For inspection purposes only. Shelduck,Consent Pintail, of copyright Shoveler, owner required forOystercatcher, any other use. Grey Plover, Knot,

Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, 20,000 wintering waterbirds, Teal, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Sanderling, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Wetland and Waterbirds.

2.5 Assessment Criteria

2.5.1 Individual Elements of the Project with Potential to give rise to Impacts on Natura 2000 Sites.

Individual elements of the project with potential to give rise to impacts (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects) on Natura 2000 sites are presented below:

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Water Quality Impacts The following potential water quality impacts have been identified

 Impacts on Water Quality arising from Poor Managed Construction Processes and Increased Surface Water Runoff during Construction of Works. It is considered unlikely that there could be impacts from the proposed works on the water quality of the North and South Dublin Bay SAC’s, the Sandymount Strand/Tolka estuary SPA, and the North Bull Island SPA due to the distance of these sites from the proposed works. All 4 sites are located over 20km downstream from the proposed works therefore it is anticipated that any impact would be absorbed by the River Liffey before it reached the Natura 2000 sites within Dublin Bay. The additional dilution capacity of Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea will also ensure no significant impact on Natura 2000 sites. The Rye Water SAC is located upstream of the proposed works so impacts from the proposed scheme on the conservation interests of this site are thought unlikely. The following standard mitigation measures however are proposed to ensure the protection of the water quality of the River Liffey and ensure protection of the Rye Water SAC and the River Liffey Valley pNHA Site Code: 00128 (important because of the diversity of the habitats within the site which include the Annex II species White Clawed Crayfish and Atlantic Salmon). These standard mitigation measures will be put in place to ensure risk For inspection purposes only. from surface waterConsent of run copyright off owner is required minimised for any other in use. accordance with the Water

Pollution Act 1977 and other relevant legislation. The guidance document entitled “Requirements for the Protection of Fisheries Habitat during Construction and Development Works at River Sites”, produced by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, will be adhered to as best practise. The measures in this guidance; aimed at the protection of vulnerable fish species, will ensure protection is afforded to the less vulnerable species and habitats of the River Liffey and those habitats protected by Natura 2000 sites. A Construction Management Plan will be prepared for the construction phase of the development to ensure all construction related impacts are controlled and mitigated. Full method statements and appropriate best practice will be required for any instream works, and reviewed by a qualified environmental scientist/ecologist. This will ensure that the Water Pollution Act 1977 and other relevant legislation is adhered to and will ensure that there will be no significant impact on the qualifying interests of Natura 2000 sites.

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 Impacts on Water Quality arising from Insufficient Provision of Wastewater Treatment The proposed emission standards as shown is Table 2.1 above, and all other wastewater emissions, will comply fully with the current Emission Limit Values set down by the EPA in the Wastewater Discharge Authorisation Licence (WWDL) D0004-01 issued on 6 May 2009. The proposed emission standards, which are of a higher quality than those specified in both the current EIS approval, the WWDL issued by the EPA, and the Appropriate Assessment completed to fulfil a condition of the EPA WWDL are selected to facilitate the increased hydraulic capacity and to ensure that the effluent load to the River Liffey does not exceed the load proposed in the EIS and WWDL. The proposed effluent standards will comply with the requirements of the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations, 2009 (S.I. No. 272 of 2009). The Surface Water Regulations are more onerous than the Salmonid Regulations (S.I. No. 293/1988) therefore impacts on Atlantic Salmon and Crayfish present in the River Liffey will not be significant. Inland Fisheries Ireland were notified of the proposed changes to the development. IFI confirmed in a letter dated the 16th of March 2012 included in Appendix A that “On the understanding as stated in the application that the propsoed effluent standards will comply with the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Water (Regulations, 2009 (S.I. 272 of 2009), and ensures no further For inspection purposes only. deterioration in Consent the existingof copyright owner status required offor any the other Liffey use. while guaranteeing good

status in accordance with the Water Framework Directive, we have no further comments to make”. Therefore impacts on fisheries from the proposed development are not anticipated.

The proposed increased hydraulic capacity, together with the improved effluent standards, will ensure that the total quantity of emissions will not be greater than that currently approved by two statutory bodies, i.e. An Bord Pleanála and the EPA. A review by the EPA of the WWDL will also be required for the proposed WwTP which will provide a high level of protection for the River Liffey, as it will ensure that all discharges from the agglomeration will be provided with an appropriate level of treatment. By ensuring that all waste water is treated to a high standard, the license will act to ensure no deterioration of the receiving water quality and will contribute to the Water Framework Directive's objective of safeguarding Protected Areas and achieving good status by the proposed date of 2021

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in the Eastern River Basis Management Plan. This will ensure protection of the water quality within the River Liffey and assist in achieving compliance with the Water Framework Directive requirements, by the relevant date (2021). It is therefore anticipated that there will be no significant impact on Natura 2000 sites.

Cumulative Impacts Appropriate Assessment must consider “In Combination Impacts” with other plans or projects, including those being progressed by other competent authorities as defined by the Habitats Regulations and with the prevailing background conditions. Discharges from other plans and projects impacting on the River Liffey catchment in addition to the discharges from the Leixlip WwTP (in combination/cumulative impacts), are described below. It must be firstly be recognised that the Liffey, and associated catchments in Hydrometric Area Number 09, represent the most densely populated hydrometric area in Ireland and that therefore there are a number of pressures on the water environment from urbanisation and associated population growth, agricultural and industrial production and waste management.

The River Liffey is one of the most important rivers in Ireland and is a major water source for the Greater Dublin Area. The River Liffey has been a controlled river for more than 50 years. It is dammed at Pollaphuca and Leixlip and there are also three hydro-electric power stations along its course. Due to this For inspection purposes only. artificially controlled hydraulicConsent of copyright regime, owner required the for River any other Liffey use. is defined as a “Heavily

Modified Water Body” under the Water Framework Directive. The Eastern River Basin management plan categorises the River Liffey as of “moderate” quality throughout the majority of its course. The River is designated in parts under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations 2001, as a “sensitive” river (downstream of the Osberstown sewage treatment works to Leixlip Reservoir, County Kildare).

Discharges licensed under the Water Pollution Act a) Discharges licensed under the Water Pollution Act In the Liffey catchment area there are 33 discharges to water licensed by Local Authorities. According to correspondence received from Kildare County Council in May 2010, there are 21 licensed discharges to the catchment in County Kildare alone.

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b) Wastewater Treatment Works A number of the smaller WwTPs previously discharging separately into the Liffey have been amalgamated into larger treatment works over recent years. The plants listed here discharge into the Liffey or its tributaries upstream of the discharges from the Leixlip WwTW; Hollywood WwTP, Blessington WwTP, Ballymore Eustace WwTP, Osberstown WwTP, Kilmeague WwTP, Donore WwTP, Ardclough WwTP. A brief description of the treatment works, population equivalent served and discharge standards of each plant are described here. The information is taken from the Wastewater Discharge Licence Application for each agglomeration.

Hollywood WwTP Serving the town of Hollywood in Co. Wicklow, the treatment plant serves a p.e. of 222, with capacity to serve 250p.e. The final effluent complies with the requirements of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations. Final effluent outfalls to the Toor Brook which is a tributary of the River Liffey.

Blessington WwTP Serving the town of Blessington in County Wicklow, the secondary biological treatment plant has recently been upgraded (2007). Serving a population of 6,000, the treatment plant is operated on a DBO basis by Veolia Water Ireland. The plant discharges to the Golden Falls Lake, For inspection purposes only. through which theConsent River of copyright Liffe ownery required flows. for anyThis other use. work is due to take place in

2013.

Ballymore Eustace WwTP Serving the town of Ballymore Eustace in Co. Kildare, with a design capacity of 500p.e., the primary settlement plant is overloaded and beyond economic repair. Proposals are in place to replace the plant with a modern 2,000p.e. treatment works.

Osberstown WwTP The 80,000p.e. WwTP at Osberstown serves the towns of Naas, Newbridge, Sallins, Clane, Kill, Johnstown, Prosperous, Carragh, Brownstown, The Curragh, Suncroft and Kilcullen. An expansion of the works to cater for a p.e. of 130,000 is proposed.

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Kilmeague WwTP The small WwTP serving the village of Kilmeague has a design capacity of 700p.e. It discharges final effluent to a minor tributary of the River Liffey.

Donore WwTP The small treatment plant serving the village of Donore, discharges final effluent to the Awillyinish stream, which joins the Liffey upstream of Carragh Bridge. The sewer network serves approximately 37 houses and though the plant and network are in need of refurbishment there are no plans for this at present.

Ardclough WwTP The WwTP in Ardclough serves a p.e. of 147. The treated effluent is discharged to the catchment of the Liffey via a long outfall pipe.

c) Discharges licensed under the Environmental Protection Agency Acts, 1992 to 2007 There are 103 EPA licenced facilities in the Catchment area of the Liffey, some of which discharge to the Liffey. From a review of the EPA mapping service (EnvVISON) the figure of 103 includes IPPC and Waste Licensed facilities. The EPA have confirmed that out of the 103 facilities within the entire catchment there are 22 IPPC and Waste Licensed facilities discharging to the Liffey prior to the Leixlip WwTP. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

d) Discharges licensed under the Environmental Protection Agency Acts, 1992 to 2007 In order to determine future discharges of wastewater, the Kildare County Development Plan 2005-2011 and County Development Plan 2011-2017 have been consulted.

Kildare County Development Plan 2005-2011 The Kildare County Development Plan (2005-2011) lists the following wastewater schemes in the Liffey catchment as priority to commence between the years of 2007 – 2010. Some of these schemes have not yet progressed.  Upper Liffey Valley Regional Sewerage Scheme - Stage 3  Lower Liffey Valley Regional Sewerage Scheme - this scheme involves the construction of an extension to Leixlip Wastewater Treatment Plant and

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repair and augmentation of the network in Leixlip, Maynooth, Celbridge and Kilcock and the connection of Straffan in the Regional Scheme  Milltown Sewerage Scheme - It is proposed to connect the town of Milltown to the Upper Liffey Valley Regional Scheme at Newbridge

Kildare County Development Plan 2011-2017 The current Kildare County Development Plan (2011-2017) which came into effect on the 2nd May 2011 seeks to address the current capacity constraints at Osberstown Wastewater Treatment Plant as a priority. This scheme is due to go to tender in 2012.

Category of Need A list of priority projects under four broad categories of need has been drawn up and submitted to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government for consideration.

Category 1: Water conservation proposals. Category 2: Works required to meet European Court of Justice Judgments. Category 3: Environment / public health objectives. Category 4: Works to support sustainable development and employment creation.

The Stage 3 upgrade of Osberstown WwTP is top of the Council’s priority For inspection purposes only. list in two of theConsent above of copyright categories owner required (Category for any other use. 2 and 4) with the Regional

Mains Rehabilitation Project (ongoing) in Category 1 and the Lower Liffey Valley Regional Sewerage Scheme, Leixlip, Network Improvement in Category 3.

Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 Under the WSIP the following project is listed as being in progress;  Lower Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme - Contract 3

And the following contracts are listed as prioritised to start;  Lower Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme - Contract 3  Ballymore Eustace Sewerage Scheme - Wastewater Treatment Plant  Lower Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme – Leixlip Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade  Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme Phase 3 - Contract 2  Osberstown Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

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It is anticipated that the proposed works will not impact on designated sites cumulatively as these projects as any future projects or plans that may impact on Natura 2000 sites will require screening for Appropriate Assessment. The works proposed in the River Liffey catchment are expected to lead to improvements in water quality.

2.5.2 Likely Changes to the Site as a Result of the Project/Plan

Table 2.9 below presents the likely changes to Natura 2000 sites as a result of the proposed works. Table 2.9 Summary of Changes to the Sites as a Result of the Project.

Impact Type Significant Changes Anticipated There may be some temporary disturbance of species from noise associated with construction activities but this will be short term and temporary in nature and will therefore not Disturbance have a significant impact on species. Water Quality No adverse impacts anticipated

Fragmentation No fragmentation of habitats anticipated Species density/ No adverse impact anticipated, no changes in species abundance abundance/density anticipated

Water resources No adverse change anticipated.

2.5.3 Likely Impacts on the Natura 2000 Site as a Whole For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

The potential impacts of the proposed works (either alone or in combination with other plans and projects) on Natura 2000 sites is presented below in terms of:

 Interference with the key relationships that define the structure of the site: The structure of the Natura 2000 sites will not be impacted by the construction and operation of the proposed works.

 Interference with key relationships that define the function of the site: The function of the Natura 2000 sites will not be impacted by the construction and operation of the proposed works.

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3. CONCLUSION

No significant impacts on the Natura 2000 sites are predicted from the proposed works (alone or in combination with other projects or plans). In identifying the potential issues which could affect the integrity of the Natura 2000 sites a range of factors were taken into account, including the possibility of effects manifesting themselves in the short, medium and long-term and in combination effects. In addition the precautionary principle was adhered to in the carrying out of this assessment. This report objectively concludes that there are not likely to be significant effects on Natura 2000 sites resulting from the proposed Leixlip WwTP including those works associated with the additional hydraulic capacity now required by Kildare County Council. Accordingly a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is deemed unnecessary.

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4. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANCE EFFECT (FONSE) REPORT

A Finding of No Significance Effect (FONSE) Report is the output document from the Stage 1 Screening process where the project is not considered to be likely to have significant adverse effects on Natura 2000 sites. Table 4.1 below presents the FONSE Report for the Leixlip sewerage Scheme.

Table 4.1 Finding of No Significance Effect (FONSE) Project Description

Name of project or Lower Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme – Leixlip WwTP Upgrade plan

Special Area Of Conservation: North Dublin Bay SAC, South Dublin Bay SAC, Wicklow Mountains SAC Name and location of Special Protection Areas: North Bull Island SPA, Sandymount Natura 2000 site (s) strand/Tolka estuary SPA, Wicklow Mountains SPA, Poulaphuca Reservoir SPA

The proposed project allows for:

The upgrade and expansion of the existing WWTP from 80,000 PE capacity to 150,000 PE. The WWTP expansion is required to accommodate predicted future increases in waste water flows up to a population equivalent of 150,000, from an expanding domestic, industrial and commercial population. The proposed WWTP expansion will provide secondary and tertiary treatment Description of the with nutrient removal. The WWTP discharges final effluent to project or plan the River Liffey at Leixlip.

Kildare County Council anticipates that certain alterations to the approved development will now be required. Specifically, there will be modifications to the process units, upgrade of the tertiary For inspection filters purposes and upgrading only. of existing mechanical plant to Consentincrease of copyright hydraulic owner required capacity. for any other use.

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

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Table 4.1 Cont’d Finding of No Significance Effect (FONSE) The assessment of significance of effects

The proposed works are within the potential impact zone of 7 Natura 2000 sites listed above. The following are the key Describe how the potential effects identified in the AA Stage 1 Screening Report: project or plan (alone or in combination) is Impacts on water quality of the Rye water SAC, the North and likely to affect the South Dublin Bay SAC, the North Bull Island SPA and the Natura 2000 Site. Sandymount Strand/ Tolka estuary SPA from the construction and operation of the works. 

No significant impacts (alone or in combination) are likely to effect the Natura 2000 site due to the following:

Water quality  The construction mitigation measures outlined in section 2.5.1 will ensure no impacts from these activities on Natura 2000 sites.  The proposed works will result in an Explain why these improvement in the quality of effluent entering effects are not the River Liffey and thus have a positive effect considered significant. on the water quality of the River Liffey itself.  Effluent discharged to the River Liffey will comply with all relevant Environmental Quality Standards.

Therefore, no significant impacts are predicted on species for which the SAC & SPA is designated.

List of agencies See Appendix A of this document consulted

Response to See Appendix For inspection A purposes of this only. document consultation Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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Table 4.1 Cont’d Finding of No Significance Effect (FONSE)

Overall Recommendations & Conclusions

Having regard to the location, nature and scale of the proposed project, it is considered that there is no potential for significant Overall effects either from the proposed project on its own or in recommendation and combination with other plans and projects, and therefore that an conclusion Appropriate Assessment Statement is not required in this instance. The overall conclusion that no significant effects on Natura 2000 sites are likely was determined following a methodological assessment carried out having regard to the guidance documents outlined in the following section of this FONSE report (Data Explain how the collected to carry out the assessment). overall conclusion that there are no significant effects on In identifying the potential issues which could affect the integrity the Natura 2000 site of the Natura 2000 sites a range of factors were taken into was arrived at? account, including the possibility of effects manifesting themselves in the short, medium and long-term and in combination effects. In addition the precautionary principle was adhered to in the carrying out of this assessment.

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Table 4.1 Cont’d Finding of No Significance Effect (FONSE)

Data collected to carry out the assessment

Where can the full results of Level of Who carried out the the Sources of data assessment assessment assessment completed be accessed and viewed DEHLG (2009) Appropriate Serena Keane, BMSc, Assessment of Plans and Projects Mres, in Ireland – Guidance for Planning Authorities. Ecologist/Environmental

Scientist European Commissions: Managing Natura 2000 Sites. The provisions of Article 6, of the Nicholas O Dwyer’s Ltd. ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC

European Commission: Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive Stage 1 This report. Screening 92/43/EEC report

For inspection purposes only. GuidanceConsent of copyright document owner required on for any Article other use. 6(4) of 'Habitats Directive' 92/43/EEC

The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland 2008, NPWS

An EIS was completed for the proposed works in 2005 and observations have been taken into account in the proposal and in the contract documents. An appropriate Assessment was carried out in 2010 as part of the WwDL requirements

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Appendix A

Correspondence

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Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd. 27 June 2012

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The following details email correspondence between Nicholas O ’Dwyer Ltd and the District Conservation Officer, NPWS.

From: Serena Keane Sent: 29 May 2012 12:15 To: 'Ciara Flynn' Subject: FW: Leixlip Waste Water Treatment Works

Ciara,

The Stage 1 Screening Report is being prepared at the request of the DAU, please see attached letter. An Appropriate Assessment was prepared for the WwTW as part of the EPA WWDL requirements, however this design is now being amended i.e hydraulic load is being increased, therefore a new Stage 1 Screening Report is being prepared. The effluent standards have been set to allow compliance with both the Surface Water Regulations and the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations, however a new EPA WWDL will be required. I have attached a drawing of the WwTW location for your information. The final screening report will be sent to the DAU.

Kind regards Serena

From: Ciara Flynn - (DAHG) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 29 May 2012 11:10 To: Serena Keane Cc: Devapp Subject: RE: Leixlip Waste Water Treatment For inspection Works purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Dear Serena,

Can you confirm that it is intended to bring this development through the planning process or some other licencing process? Also can you provide a map showing the location of the proposed development and also copy this request to our Development Applications Unit ([email protected])?

Thank-you.

Ciara Flynn

Ciara Flynn, District Conservation Officer,

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National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, 2 Conway Estates, Station Road, Kildare Telephone: (045) 534071/ (086) 8037582 [email protected]

From: Serena Keane [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 28 May 2012 17:07 To: Ciara Flynn - (DAHG) Subject: Leixlip Waste Water Treatment Works

Dear Ciara,

We are currently undertaking a Stage 1 Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment as part of the Leixlip Sewerage Scheme. The proposed discharge location is to the River Liffey. An Appropriate Assessment has already been completed as part of the waste water discharge license which concluded that there would be no significant impact from the proposed works. The current Stage 1 Screening Report however is being progressed as there is currently a proposal to accommodate an increase in hydraulic load from Intel of 7,500 m3/day. The effluent standards have been set to allow compliance with both the Surface Water Regulations and the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations. We are proposing to assess the potential of the proposed works to impact on Natura 2000 sites including the Rye Water SAC located upstream of the proposed works and Natura 2000 sites located within Dublin Bay. Cognisance For inspection will also purposes be only. taken of protected species such as Atlantic Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. salmon which habit the River Liffey. Could you please let me know, if you have any information you deem appropriate.

Kind regards Serena Keane

Environmental Scientist Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd. Nutgrove Office Park Nutgrove Avenue Dublin 14

Tel. 01-296 9000 Fax. 01-296 9001 [email protected] www.nodwyer.com

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Appendix B

Drawings

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Nicholas O’ Dwyer Ltd. May 2012

EPA Export 22-11-2013:23:44:51 NOTES

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

REV DATE DESCRIPTION CD A PRELIMINARY

IN ANY MANNER WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT.

CLIENT

KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL

PROJECT APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT FOR THE LEIXLIP WwTW

TITLE SAC & SPA LOCATIONS

SCALES DRAWN CHECKED APPROVED D.Smithers S.Hanrahan N.Delaney NOT TO SCALE DATE DATE DATE 09.06.10 09.06.10 09.06.10

DRAWING No. REV 20458-AA-01 -

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For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

REV DATE DESCRIPTION CD A PRELIMINARY

IN ANY MANNER WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT.

CLIENT

KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL

PROJECT APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT FOR THE LEIXLIP WwTW

TITLE LEIXLIP WwTW & SWO LOCATIONS

SCALES DRAWN CHECKED APPROVED D.Smithers S.Hanrahan N.Delaney NOT TO SCALE DATE DATE DATE 09.06.10 09.06.10 09.06.10

DRAWING No. REV 20458-AA-02 -

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For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

REV DATE DESCRIPTION CD A PRELIMINARY

IN ANY MANNER WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT.

CLIENT

KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL

PROJECT APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT FOR THE LEIXLIP WwTW

TITLE

WwTW LAYOUT PLAN

SCALES DRAWN CHECKED APPROVED D.Smithers S.Hanrahan N.Delaney NOT TO SCALE DATE DATE DATE 09.06.10 09.06.10 09.06.10

DRAWING No. REV 20458-AA-03 -

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Appendix C

Preliminary Screening Exercise

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Preliminary Screening Assessment – Special Areas of Conservation

Distance from the Site proposed Potential Designation Site Name code works Impact Justification

Special Area There is no route for the proposed works to impact on

of Wicklow Mountains SAC 002122 ~15.50km No impact this SAC Conservation (SAC) There is no route for the proposed works to impact on Glenasmole Valley SAC 001209 ~14km No impact this SAC These works are located upstream of the proposed works therefore an impact is not anticipated however due to the proximity of the works to this SAC it is assessed further as part of the Stage 1 Screening Rye Water SAC 001398 ~1km No impact report. Not North Dublin Bay SAC 000206 ~25km d/s certain Precautionary principle requires further assessment

Not South Dublin Bay SAC 000210 ~24km d/s certain Precautionary principle requires further assessment

Preliminary Screening Assessment- Special Protection Areas

Distance from the proposed Potential For inspection purposes only. Designation Site Name Site code Consentworks of copyright Impactowner required for any other use. Justification

Special Area Not of North Bull Island SPA 004006 ~25km d/s certain Precautionary principle requires further assessment Conservation (SPA) Sandymount Strand/Tolka Not Estuary SPA 004024 ~24km d/s certain Precautionary principle requires further assessment

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Appendix D

Site Synopsis

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SITE SYNOPSIS SITE NAME: WICKLOW MOUNTAINS SAC SITE CODE: 002122 This site is a complex of upland areas in Counties Wicklow and Dublin, flanked by Blessington Reservoir to the west and Vartry Reservoir in the east, Cruagh Mt. in the north and Lybagh Mt. in the south. Most of the site is over 300m, with much ground over 600m and the highest peak of Lugnaquilla at 925m. The Wicklow Uplands comprise a core of granites flanked by Ordovician schists, mudstones and volcanics. The form of the Wicklow Glens is due to glacial erosion. The Wicklow Mountains are drained by several major rivers including the Dargle, Liffey, Dodder, Slaney and Avonmore. The river water in the mountain areas is often peaty, especially during floods.

The topography is typical of a mountain chain, showing the effects of more than one cycle of erosion. The massive granite has weathered characteristically into broad domes. Most of the western part of the site consists of an elevated moorland, covered by peat. The surrounding schists have assumed more diverse outlines, forming prominent peaks and rocky foothills with deep glens. The dominant topographical features are the products of glaciation. High corrie lakes, deep valleys and moraines are common features of this area. The substrate over much of the area is peat, usually less than 2m deep. Poor mineral soil covers the slopes and rock outcrops are frequent

The vegetation over most of the site is a mosaic of heath, blanket bog and upland grassland (mostly on peaty soil, though some on mineral soil), with stands of dense Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and small woodlands mainly along the rivers. Mountain loughs and corrie lakes are scattered throughout the site. The site supports many habitats that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The two dominant vegetation communities in the area are heath and blanket bog. Heath vegetation, with both wet and dry heath well represented, occurs in association with blanket bog, upland acid grassland and rocky habitats. The wet heath is characterised by species such as Ling (Calluna vulgaris), Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix), Cottongrasses (Eriophorum spp.), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta), Mat-grass (Nardus stricta), Bent grasses (Agrostis spp.) and bog mosses (Sphagnum spp.). In places the wet heath occurs in conjunction with flush communities and streamside vegetation, and here species such as Heath Rush (Juncus squarrosus) and Carex spp. are found. Dry heath at this site is confined to shallow peaty soils on steep sl opes Forwhere inspection drainage purposes only. is better and particularly in sheltered Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. conditions. It is characterised by species such as Ling, Gorse (Ulex spp.), Bell Heather (Erica cinerea), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) and lichens (Cladonia spp.). In places the heath grades into upland grassland on mineral soil, some examples of which correspond to the E.U. Habitats Directive Annex I priority habitat species-rich Nardus grassland.

Blanket bog is usually dominated by Cottongrasses, Ling and bog mosses (Sphagnum spp.). On steeper slopes there is some flushing and here Purple Moor-grass, Heath Rush, and certain Sphagnum species become more common. The Liffey Head blanket bog is among the best of its kind in eastern Ireland, with deep peat formations and an extensive system of dystrophic pools developed among the hummocks and hollows on the bog surface. The vegetation is largely dominated by Ling and Cross-leaved Heath, with Cottongrasses (Eriophorum vaginatum and E. angustifolium), Deergrass (Scirpus cespitosus) and Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum). In drier areas, Bilberry and Cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) are common, while the scarce Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) is also found. Blanket bog occurs over extensive areas of deeper peat on the plateau and also on gentle slopes at high altitudes. Peat erosion is frequent on the peaks - this may be a natural process, but is likely to be accelerated by activities such as grazing.

Due to the underlying rock strata, the water of the rivers and streams tends towards acidity. The water is generally oligotrophic and free from enrichment. The lakes within

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EPA Export 22-11-2013:23:44:51 Lower Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme Appropriate Assessment Leixlip WwTP Stage 1 Screening the area range from the high altitude lakes of Lough Firrib and Three Lakes, to the lower pater-noster lakes of Glendalough, Lough Tay and Lough Dan. Spectacular corrie lakes (such as Loughs Bray (Upper and Lower), Ouler, Cleevaun, Arts, Kellys and Nahanagan) exhibit fine sequences of moraine stages. The deep lakes are characteristically species poor, but hold some interesting plants including an unusual form of Quillwort (Isoetes lacustris var. morei), a Stonewort (Nitella sp.) and Floating Bur-reed (Sparganium angustifolium). The Red Data Book fish species Arctic Char has been recorded from Lough Dan, but this population may now have died out. Alpine vegetation occurs on some of the mountain tops, notably in the Lugnaquilla area, and also on exposed cliffs and scree slopes elsewhere in the site. Here alpine heath vegetation is represented with species such as Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), Cowberry, Dwarf Willow (Salix herbacea), the grey-green moss Racomitrium lanuginosum and scarce species such as Mountain Clubmoss (Diphasiastrum alpinum), Firmoss (Huperzia selago), and Starry Saxifrage (Saxifraga stellaris).

Some rare arctic-alpine species have been recorded, including Alpine Lady’s-mantle (Alchemilla alpina) and Alpine Saw-wort (Saussurea alpina). Small areas of old oakwood (Blechno-Quercetum petraeae type) occur on the slopes of Glendalough and Glenmalure, near L. Tay and L. Dan, with native Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) 100-120 years old. On wetter areas, wet broadleaved semi-natural woodlands occur, which are dominated by Downy Birch (Betula pubescens). Mixed woodland with non-native tree species also occurs. The site supports a range of rare plant species, which are listed in the Irish Red Data Book: Parsley Fern (Cryptogramma crispa), Marsh Clubmoss (Lycopodiella inundata), Greater Broom-rape (Orobanche rapum-genistae), Alpine Lady's-mantle, Alpine Saw-wort, Lanceolate Spleenwort (Asplenium billotii), Small White Orchid (Pseudorchis albida) and Bog Orchid (Hammarbya paludosa). The latter three species are legally protected under the Flora (Protection) Order, 1999. The rare Myxomycete fungus, Echinostelium colliculosum, has been recorded from the Military Road.

Mammals and birds which occur are typical of the uplands. Deer are abundant, mainly hybrids between Red and Sika Deer. Other mammals include Hare, Badger and Otter, the latter being a species listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive. Pine Marten has recently been confirmed as occurring within the site. Among the birds, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Raven and Red Grouse are resident throughout the site. Wheatear, Whinchat and the scarce Ring Ouzel ar e summer For inspection visitors. purposes only. Wood Warbler and Redstarts are rare Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. breeding species of the woodlands. Dipper and Grey Wagtail are typical riparian species. Merlin and Peregrine Falcon, both Annex I species of the EU Birds Directive, breed within the site. Recently, Goosander has become established as a breeding species.

Large areas of the site are owned by NPWS, and managed for nature conservation based on traditional landuses for the uplands. The most common landuse is traditional sheep grazing. Other land uses include turf-cutting, mostly hand-cutting but some machine- cutting occurs. These activities are largely confined to the Military Road, where there is easy access. Large areas which had been previously hand-cut and are now abandoned, are regenerating. In the last 40 years, forestry has become an important landuse in the uplands, and has affected both the wildlife and the hydrology of the area. Amenity use is very high, with Dublin city close to the site. Wicklow Mountains is important as a complex, extensive upland site. It shows great diversity from a geomorphological and a topographical point of view. The vegetation provides examples of the typical upland habitats with heath, blanket bog and upland grassland covering large, relatively undisturbed areas. In all ten habitats listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive are found within the site. Several rare, protected plant and animal species occur.

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SITE SYNOPSIS SITE NAME: River Tolka Estuary/Sandymount Strand SPA SITE CODE: 004024 The River Tolka Estuary and Sandymount Strand SPA comprises a substantial part of Dublin Bay. It includes the intertidal area between the River Liffey and Dun Laoghaire, and the estuary of the River Tolka to the north of the River Liffey, as well as Booterstown Marsh. A portion of the shallow marine waters of the bay is also included. In the south bay, the intertidal flats extend for almost 3 km at their widest. The sediments are predominantly well-aerated sands. Several permanent channels exist, the largest being Cockle Lake. A small sandy beach occurs at Merrion Gates, while some bedrock shore occurs near Dun Laoghaire. The landward boundary is now almost entirely artificially embanked. There is a bed of Dwarf Eelgrass (Zostera noltii) below Merrion Gates which is the largest stand on the east coast. Green algae (Enteromorpha spp. and Ulva lactuca) are distributed throughout the area at a low density. The macro- invertebrate fauna is well-developed, and is characterised by annelids such as Lugworm (Arenicola marina), Nephthys spp. and Sand Mason (Lanice conchilega), and bivalves, especially Cockle (Cerastoderma edule) and Baltic Tellin (Macoma balthica). The small gastropod Spire Shell (Hydrobia ulvae) occurs on the muddy sands off Merrion Gates, along with the crustacean Corophium volutator. Sediments in the Tolka Estuary vary from soft thixotrophic muds with a high organic content in the inner estuary to exposed, well-aerated sands off the Bull Wall. The site includes Booterstown Marsh, an enclosed area of saltmarsh and muds that is cut off from the sea by the Dublin/Wexford railway line, being linked only by a channel to the east, the Nutley stream. Sea water incursions into the marsh occur along this stream at high tide. An area of grassland at Poolbeg, north of Irishtown Nature Park, is also included in the site.

The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Light-bellied Brent Goose, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Roseate Tern, Common Tern and Arctic Tern. The E.U. Birds Directive pays particular attention to wetlands, and as these form part of the SPA, the site and its associated waterbirds are of special conservation interest for Wetland & Waterbirds. The site is an important site for wintering waterfowl, being an integral part of the internationally important Dublin Bay complex – all counts for wintering waterbirds are mean peaks for the five year For period inspection purposes 1995/96 only. -99/2000. Although birds regularly Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. commute between the south bay and the north bay, recent studies have shown that certain populations which occur in the south bay spend most of their time there. An internationally important population of Light-bellied Brent Goose (525) occurs regularly and newly arrived birds in the autumn feed on the Eelgrass bed at Merrion. Light-bellied Brent Goose is also known to feed on the grassland at Poolbeg. The site supports nationally important numbers of a further nine species: Oystercatcher (1,263), Ringed Plover (161), Golden Plover (1,452), Grey Plover (183), Knot (1,151), Sanderling (349), Dunlin (2,753), Bar-tailed Godwit (866) and Redshank (713). Other species occurring in smaller numbers include Great Crested Grebe (21), Curlew (397) and Turnstone (75). South Dublin Bay is a significant site for wintering gulls, especially Black-headed Gull (3,040), but also Common Gull (330) and Herring Gull (348). Mediterranean Gull is also recorded from here, occurring through much of the year, but especially in late winter/spring and again in late summer into winter.

Both Common Tern and Arctic Tern breed in Dublin Docks, on a man-made mooring structure known as the E.S.B. dolphin – this is included within the site. Small numbers of Common Tern and Arctic Tern were recorded nesting on this dolphin in the 1980s. A survey of the dolphin in 1999 recorded Common Tern nesting here in nationally important numbers (194 pairs). This increase was largely due to the ongoing management of the site for breeding terns. More recent data highlights this site as one of the most important Common Tern sites in the country with over 400 pairs recorded here in 2007.

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The south bay is an important tern roost in the autumn (mostly late July to September). Birds also use the Dalkey Islands to the south. The origin of many of the birds is likely to be the Dublin breeding sites (Rockabill and the Dublin Docks) though numbers suggest that the site is also used by birds from other sites, perhaps outside the state. More than 10,000 terns have been recorded, consisting of Common, Arctic and Roseate terns. The wintering birds within this site are now well-monitored. More survey, however, is required on the wintering gulls and the autumn terns. Booterstown Marsh supports an important population of Borrer’s Saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia fasciculata), a rare, Red Data Book species that is listed on the Flora (Protection) Order, 1999.

The South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary SPA is of international importance for Light-bellied Brent Goose and of national importance for nine other waterfowl species. As an autumn tern roost, it is also of international importance. Furthermore, the site supports a nationally important colony of Common Tern. All of the tern species using the site are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, as are Bartailed Godwit and Mediterranean Gull.

SITE SYNOPSIS SITE NAME : NORTH DUBLIN BAY SAC SITE CODE : 000206 This site covers the inner part of north Dublin Bay, the seaward boundary extending from the Bull Wall lighthouse across to the Martello Tower at Howth Head. The North Bull Island is the focal point of this site. The island is a sandy spit which formed after the building of the South Wall and Bull Wall in the 18th and 19th centuries. It now extends for about 5 km in length and is up to 1 km wide in places. A well-developed and dynamic dune system stretches along the seaward side of the island. Various types of dunes occur, from fixed dune grassland to pioneer communities on foredunes. Marram Grass (Ammophila arenaria) is dominant on the outer dune ridges, with Lyme Grass (Leymus arenarius) and Sea Couchgrass (Elymus farctus) on the foredunes. Behind the first dune ridge, plant diversity increases with the appearance of such species as Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor), Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Rest Harrow (Ononis repens), Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor) and Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis). In these For inspection grassy purposes areas only. and slacks, the scarce Bee Orchid Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. (Ophrys apifera) occurs.

About 1 km from the tip of the island, a large dune slack with a rich flora occurs, usually referred to as the 'Alder Marsh' because of the presence of Alder trees (Alnus spp). The water table is very near the surface and is only slightly brackish. Saltmarsh Rush (Juncus maritimus) is the dominant species, with Meadow Sweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and Devil's-bit (Succisa pratensis) being frequent. The orchid flora is notable and includes Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis palustris), Common Twayblade (Listera ovata), Autumn Lady's-tresses (Spiranthes spiralis) and Marsh orchids (Dactylorhiza spp.)

Saltmarsh extends along the length of the landward side of the island. The edge of the marsh is marked by an eroding edge which varies from 20 cm to 60 cm high. The marsh can be zoned into different levels according to the vegetation types present. On the lower marsh, Glasswort (Salicornia europaea), Saltmarsh Grass (Puccinellia maritima), Annual Sea-blite (Suaeda maritima) and Greater Sea-spurrey (Spergularia media) are the main species. Higher up in the middle marsh Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima), Sea Aster (Aster tripolium), Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima) and Sea Pink (Armeria maritima) appear. Above the mark of the normal high tide, species such as Scurvy Grass (Cochlearia officinalis) and Sea Milkwort (Glaux maritima) are found, while on the extreme upper marsh, Sea Rushes (Juncus maritimus and J. gerardii) are dominant. Towards the tip of the island, the saltmarsh grades naturally into fixed dune vegetation.

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The island shelters two intertidal lagoons which are divided by a solid causeway. The sediments of the lagoons are mainly sands with a small and varying mixture of silt and clay. The north lagoon has an area known as the "Salicornia flat", which is dominated by Salicornia dolichostachya, a pioneer Glasswort species, and covers about 25 ha. Tassel Weed (Ruppia maritima) occurs in this area, along with some Eelgrass (Zostera angustifolia). Eelgrass (Z. noltii) also occurs in Sutton Creek. Cordgrass (Spartina anglica) occurs in places but its growth is controlled by management. Green algal mats (Enteromorpha spp., Ulva lactuca) cover large areas of the flats during summer. These sediments have a rich macrofauna, with high densities of Lugworms (Arenicola marina) in parts of the north lagoon. Mussels (Mytilus edulis) occur in places, along with bivalves such as Cerastoderma edule, Macoma balthica and Scrobicularia plana. The small gastropod Hydrobia ulvae occurs in high densities in places, while the crustaceans Corophium volutator and Carcinus maenas are common. The sediments on the seaward side of North Bull Island are mostly sands. The site extends below the low spring tide mark to include an area of the sublittoral zone.

Three Rare plant species legally protected under the Flora Protection Order 1987 have been recorded on the North Bull Island. These are Lesser Centaury (Centaurium pulchellum), Hemp Nettle (Galeopsis angustifolia) and Meadow Saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata). Two further species listed as threatened in the Red Data Book, Wild Sage (Salvia verbenaca) and Spring Vetch (Vicia lathyroides), have also been recorded. A rare liverwort, Petalophyllum ralfsii, was first recorded from the North Bull Island in 1874 and has recently been confirmed as being still present there. This species is of high conservation value as it is listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The North Bull is the only known extant site for the species in Ireland away from the western seaboard. North Dublin Bay is of international importance for waterfowl. During the 1994/95 to 1996/97 period the following species occurred in internationally important numbers (figures are average maxima): Brent Geese 2,333; Knot 4,423; Bar-tailed Godwit 1,586. A further 14 species occurred in nationally important concentrations - Shelduck 1505; Wigeon 1,166; Teal 1,512; Pintail 334; Shoveler 239; Oystercatcher 2,190; Ringed Plover 346; Grey Plover 816; Sanderling 357; Dunlin 6,238; Blacktailed Godwit 156; Curlew 1,193; Turnstone 197 and Redshank 1,175. Some of these species frequent South Dublin Bay and the River Tolka Estuary for feeding and/or roosting purposes (mostly Brent Goose, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin). For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The tip of the North Bull Island is a traditional nesting site for Little Tern. A high total of 88 pairs nested in 1987. However, nesting attempts have not been successful since the early 1990s. Ringed Plover, Shelduck, Mallard, Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Stonechat also nest. A well-known population of Irish Hare is resident on the island The invertebrates of the North Bull Island have been studied and the island has been shown to contain at least seven species of regional or national importance in Ireland (Orders Diptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera).

The main landuses of this site are amenity activities and nature conservation. The North Bull Island is the main recreational beach in Co Dublin and is used throughout the year. Much of the land surface of the island is taken up by two golf courses. Two separate Statutory Nature Reserves cover much of the island east of the Bull Wall and the surrounding intertidal flats. The site is used regularly for educational purposes. North Bull Island has been designated a Special Protection Area under the E.U. Birds Directive and it is also a statutory Wildfowl Sanctuary, a Ramsar Convention site, a Biogenetic Reserve, a Biosphere Reserve and a Special Area Amenity Order site.

This site is an excellent example of a coastal site with all the main habitats represented. The holds good examples of ten habitats that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive; one of these is listed with priority status. Several of the wintering bird species have populations of international importance, while some of the invertebrates are of national importance. The site contains a numbers of rare and scarce plants including

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EPA Export 22-11-2013:23:44:51 Lower Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme Appropriate Assessment Leixlip WwTP Stage 1 Screening some which are legally protected. Its proximity to the capital city makes North Dublin Bay an excellent site for educational studies and research.

SITE SYNOPSIS SITE NAME: SOUTH DUBLIN BAY SITE CODE: 000210 This site lies south of the River Liffey and extends from the South Wall to the west pier at Dun Laoghaire. It is an intertidal site with extensive areas of sand and mudflats, a habitat listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The sediment are predominantly sands but grade to sandy muds near the shore at Merrion gates. The main channel which drains the area is Cockle Lake. There is a bed of Eelgrass (Zostera noltii) below Merrion Gates which is the largest stand on the east coast. Green algae (Enteromorpha spp. and Ulva lactuca) are distributed throughout the area at a low density. Fucoid algae occur on the rocky shore in the Maretimo to Dún Laoghaire area. Species include Fucus spiralis, F. vesiculosus, F. serratus, Ascophyllum nodosum and Pelvetia canaliculata.

Several small, sandy beaches with incipient dune formation occur in the northern and western sectors of the site, notably at Poolbeg, Irishtown and Merrion/Booterstown. The formation at Booterstown is very recent. Driftline vegetation occurs in association with the embryonic and incipient fore dunes. Typically drift lines occur in a band approximately 5 m wide, though at Booterstown this zone is wider in places.

The habitat occurs just above the High Water Mark and below the area of embryonic dune. Species pesent are Sea Rocket (Cakile maritima), Frosted Orache (Atriplex laciniata), Spear-leaved Orache (A. prostrata), Prickly Saltwort (Salsola kali) and Fat Hen (Chenopodium album). Also occurring is Sea Sandwort (Honkenya peploides), Sea Beet (Beta vulgaris) and Annual Sea-blithe (Suaeda maritima). A small area of pioneer salt marsh now occurs in the lee of an embryonic sand dune just north of Booterstown Station. This early stage of salt marsh development is here characterised by the presence of pioneer stands of Glasswort (Salicornia spp.) occurring below an area of drift line vegetation. As this is of very recent origin, it covers a small area but ample areas of substrate and shelter are available for the further development of this habitat.

Lugworm (Arenicola marina) and Cockles (Cerastoderma edule) and other annelids and bivalves are frequent throughout the For site. inspection The purposes small only. gastropod Hydrobia ulvae occurs on Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. the muddy sands off Merrion Gates. South Dublin Bay is an important site for waterfowl. Although birds regularly commute between the south bay and the north bay, recent studies have shown that certain populations which occur in the south bay spend most of their time there. The principal species are Oystercatcher (1215), Ringed Plover (120), Sanderling (344) and Dunlin (2628), Redshank (356) (average winter peaks 1996/97 and 1997/98). Up to 100 Turnstones are usual in the south bay during winter. Brent Geese regularly occur in numbers of international importance (average peak 299). Bar- tailed Godwit (565), a species listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, also occur. Large numbers of gulls roost in South Dublin Bay, e.g. 4,500 Black-headed Gulls in February 1990; 500 Common Gulls in February 1991. It is also an important tern roost in the autumn, regularly holding 2000-3000 terns including Roseate Terns, a species listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. South Dublin Bay is largely protected as a Special Protection Area.

At low tide the inner parts of the south bay are used for amenity purposes. Baitdigging is a regular activity on the sandy flats. At high tide some areas have windsurfing and jet- skiing.This site is a fine example of a coastal system with extensive sand and mudflats, a habitat listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. South Dublin Bay is also an internationally important bird site.

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SITE SYNOPSIS SITE NAME: NORTH BULL ISLAND SPA SITE CODE: 004006

This site covers all of the inner part of north Dublin Bay, with the seaward boundary extending from the Bull Wall lighthouse across to Drumleck Point at Howth Head. The North Bull Island sand spit is a relatively recent depositional feature, formed as a result of improvements to Dublin Port during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is almost 5 km long and 1 km wide and runs parallel to the coast between Clontarf and Sutton.

Part of the interior of the island has been converted to golf courses. A well-developed and dynamic dune system stretches along the seaward side of the island. Various types of dunes occur, from fixed dune grassland to pioneer communities on foredunes. Marram Grass (Ammophila arenaria) is dominant on the outer dune ridges. Species of the fixed dunes include Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor), Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) and, in places, the scarce Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera). A feature of the dune system is a large dune slack with a rich flora, usually referred to as the ‘Alder Marsh’ because of the presence of Alder (Alnus glutinosa) trees. The water table is very near the surface and is only slightly brackish. Sea Rush (Juncus maritimus) is the dominant species, with Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) being frequent.The orchid flora is notably diverse in this area.

Saltmarsh extends along the length of the landward side of the island and provides the main roost site for wintering birds in Dublin Bay. On the lower marsh, Glasswort (Salicornia europaea), Common Saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima), Annual Seablit (Suaeda maritima) and Greater Sea-spurrey (Spergularia media) are the main species. Higher up in the middle marsh Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima), Sea Aster (Aster tripolium), Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima) and Thrift (Armeria maritima) appear. Above the mark of the normal high tide, species such as Common Scurvygrass (Cochlearia officinalis) and Sea Milkwort (Glaux maritima) are found, while on the extreme upper marsh, Sea Rush and Saltmarsh Rush (Juncus gerardi) are dominant.

The island shelters two intertidal lagoons which are divided by a solid causeway. These lagoons provide the main feeding grounds For inspection for purposes the only. wintering waterfowl. The sediments of Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. the lagoons are mainly sands with a small and varying mixture of silt and clay. Tasselweed (Ruppia maritima) and small amounts of Eelgrass (Zostera spp.) are found in the lagoons. Common Cord-grass (Spartina anglica) occurs in places. Green algal mats (Enteromorpha spp., Ulva lactuca) are a feature of the flats during summer. These sediments have a rich macro-invertebrate fauna, with high densities of Lugworm (Arenicola marina) and Ragworm (Hediste diversicolor). Mussels (Mytilus edulis) occur in places, along with bivalves such as Cerastoderma edule, Macoma balthica and Scrobicularia plana. The small gastropod Hydrobia ulvae occurs in high densities in places, while the crustaceans Corophium volutator and Carcinus maenas are common. The sediments on the seaward side of North Bull Island are mostly sands and support species such as Lugworm and the Sand Mason (Lanice conchilega). The site includes a substantial area of the shallow marine bay waters.

The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Light-bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone and Black-headed Gull. The site is also of special conservation interest for holding an assemblage of over 20,000 wintering waterbirds. The E.U. Birds Directive pays particular attention to wetlands and, as these form part of this SPA, the site andnits associated waterbirds are of special conservation interest for Wetland & Waterbirds.

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EPA Export 22-11-2013:23:44:51 Lower Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme Appropriate Assessment Leixlip WwTP Stage 1 Screening

The North Bull Island SPA is of international importance for waterfowl on the basis that it regularly supports in excess of 20,000 waterfowl. It also qualifies for international importance as the numbers of three species exceed the international threshold – Light- bellied Brent Goose (1,548), Black-tailed Godwit (367) and Bartailed Godwit (1,529) (all waterfowl figures given are average maxima for the five winters 1995/96 to 1999/00). The site is the top site in the country for both of these species. A further 14 species have populations of national importance – Shelduck (1,259), Teal (953), Pintail (233), Shoveler (141), Oystercatcher (1,784), Ringed Plover (139), Golden Plover (1,741), Grey Plover (517), Knot (2,623), Sanderling (141), Dunlin (3,926), Curlew (937), Redshank (1,431) and Turnstone (157). The populations of Pintail and Knot are of particular note as they comprise more than 10% of the respective national totals. Species such as Grey Heron, Cormorant, Wigeon, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser and Greenshank are regular in winter in numbers of regional or local importance. Gulls are a feature of the site during winter, especially Black-headed Gull (2,196). Common Gull (332) and Herring Gull (331) also occur here. While some of the birds also frequent South Dublin Bay and the River Tolka Estuary for feeding and/or roosting purposes, the majority remain within the site for much of the winter. The wintering bird populations have been monitored more or less continuously since the late 1960s and the site is now surveyed each winter as part of the larger Dublin Bay complex.

The North Bull Island SPA is a regular site for passage Waders, especially Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper and Spotted Redshank. These are mostly observed in single figures in autumn but occasionally in spring or winter.

The site formerly had an important colony of Little Tern but breeding has not occurred in recent years. Several pairs of Ringed Plover breed, along with Shelduck in some years. Breeding passerines include Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Stonechat and Reed Bunting. The island is a regular wintering site for Short-eared Owl, with up to 5 present in some winters. The site has five Red Data Book vascular plant species, four rare bryophyte species, and is nationally important for three insect species. The rare liverwort, Petalophyllum ralfsii, was first recorded from the North Bull Island in 1874 and its presence here has recently been re-confirmed. This species is of high conservation value as it is listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive. A well-known population of Irish Hare is resident on the island. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The main landuses of this site are amenity activities and nature conservation. The North Bull Island is one of the main recreational beaches in Co. Dublin and is used throughout the year. Two separate Statutory Nature Reserves cover much of the island east of the Bull Wall and the surrounding intertidal flats. North Bull Island is also a Wildfowl Sanctuary, a Ramsar Convention site, a Biogenetic Reserve, a Biosphere Reserve and a Special Area Amenity Order site. Much of the SPA is also a candidate Special Area of Conservation. The site is used regularly for educational purposes and there is a manned interpretative centre on the island.

The North Bull Island SPA is an excellent example of an estuarine complex and is one of the top sites in Ireland for wintering waterfowl. It is of international importance on account of both the total number of waterfowl and the individual populations of Lightbellied Brent Goose, Black-tailed Godwit and Bar-tailed Godwit that use it. Also of significance is the regular presence of several species that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, notably Golden Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit, but also Ruff and Short-eared Owl.

Nicholas O’ Dwyer Ltd. June 2012

EPA Export 22-11-2013:23:44:51