Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project
Foreshore Licence Application
Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
May 2017
EirGrid plc
Mott MacDonald South Block Rockfield Dundrum Dublin 16 D16 R6V0 Ireland
T +353 (0)1 2916 700 mottmac.com
EirGrid plc EirGrid plc The Oval Cross Shannon 400kV Cable 160 Shelbourne Road 379408 06 C Ballsbridge Project PiMS Deliverables Dublin 4 Mott MacDonald D04 FW28 Ireland Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
May 2017
Directors: C O’Donovan BE MBA CEng MIET (Managing), J T Murphy BE HDipMM CEng FIEI CMCILT (Deputy Managing), D Herlihy BE MSc CEng, F McGivern BSc DipEnvEng CEng MIEI Innealtoirí Comhairleach (Consulting Engineers) Company Secretary: Ian Kilty BA (Hons) ACA Registered in Ireland no. 53280. Mott MacDonald Ireland Limited is a member of EirGrid plc the Mott MacDonald Group
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
Issue and Revision Record
Revision Date Originator Checker Approver Description A 21/04/17 M Wearmouth P Kelly P Kelly Draft for Client Review L Mason-Jarvis P Brennan B 21/04/17 M Wearmouth P Kelly P Kelly Second Draft for Client L Mason-Jarvis Review P Brennan C 26/05/17 M Wearmouth P Kelly P Kelly Final for Issue L Mason-Jarvis P Brennan
Document reference: 379408 | 06 | C
Information class: Standard
This document is issued for the party which commissioned it and for specific purposes connected with the above- captioned project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose.
We accept no responsibility for the consequences of this document being relied upon by any other party, or being used for any other purpose, or containing any error or omission which is due to an error or omission in data supplied to us by other parties.
This document contains confidential information and proprietary intellectual property. It should not be shown to other parties without consent from us and from the party which commissioned it.
This report has been pr epared sol el y for use by the party which commissi oned it (the ‘Client’) i n connecti on with the capti oned proj ect. It should not be used for any other purpose. N o person other than the Client or any party who has expressl y agreed ter ms of r eliance with us (the ‘Reci pient(s)’) may rel y on the content, i nformati on or any views expressed i n the repor t. We accept no duty of care, responsi bility or liability to any other r eci pient of thi s document. T his r eport is confi d enti al and contains pr opri etar y intell ectual property.
Contents
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 1 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
Contents
Contents 1
1 Introduction 3 1.1 Structure of this Report 3 1.2 Contact for Further Information or Correspondence 3
2 Overview of Cross Shannon Cable Project 4 2.1 Introduction 4 2.2 About the Applicant – EirGrid 4 2.3 Background 4 2.4 Current Activities 4
3 Proposed Surveys 5 3.1 Introduction 5 3.2 Survey Overview 5 3.3 Offshore: Non-intrusive Surveys 6 3.4 Offshore: Intrusive Surveys 8 3.5 Inter-tidal: Intrusive Surveys 9 3.6 Environmental/Archaeological Surveys 9 3.7 Programme 9
4 Drawings/Maps 10 4.1 Inclusions with the Foreshore Application 10
5 Pre-Application Consultation 12 5.1 Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government 12 5.2 Development Applications Unit, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 12
6 Adjacent Landowners 13 6.1 Overview 13 6.2 Folio References and Adjacent Landowners 13
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 2 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
7 Environmental and Land-Use Considerations 14 7.1 Designated Ecological Sites 14 7.2 Fishing/Aquaculture Considerations 14 7.3 Commercial Shipping Activity 15 7.4 Tourism and Recreation 15 7.5 Impacts 15
8 Company Information 16 8.1 Certificate of Incorporation 16 8.2 Constitution/Memorandum of Association 16
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 3 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
1 Introduction
EirGrid plc are seeking permission (foreshore licence) from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government for the completion of surveys works to assist in the selection of a new route for a 400kV high voltage electricity cable installation between Moneypoint Power Station, County Clare and Kilpaddoge Substation, County Kerry (located approximately 1.5 kilometres north-west of Tarbert village).
1.1 Structure of this Report The structure of this report is presented hereunder;
Section 2 Overview of Cross-Shannon Cable Project Section 3 Proposed Surveys Section 4 Drawings/Maps Section 5 Pre-Application Consultation Section 6 Adjacent Landowners Section 7 Other Foreshore Activities Section 8 Designated Ecological Sites and Appropriate Assessment Section 9 Company Documentation
1.2 Contact for Further Information or Correspondence Should any further information be required please direct all correspondence to;
Paul Kelly
Technical Director Environment Mott MacDonald Ireland Limited South Block, Rockfield, Dundrum, Dublin 16 D16 R6VO
Telephone (01) 291 6700 Email [email protected]
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 4 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Infor mation
2 Overview of Cross Shannon Cable Project
2.1 Introduction The Cross-Shannon Cable Project involves the laying of a new 400kV cable across the Shannon Estuary (in the river bed) between the existing electricity substations at Moneypoint, County Clare and Kilpaddoge, County Kerry. There are high levels of renewable electricity generation, mainly wind power, being connected to the electricity grid in the south and west of Ireland. At times of high wind, power is expected to flow from the south-west to the east of Ireland. The Cross-Shannon Cable Project will enable this power to transfer to the existing cross- Ireland 400 kV overhead lines which connect at Moneypoint.
2.2 About the Applicant – EirGrid EirGrid is responsible for a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity: now and in the future. EirGrid develop, manage and operate the electricity transmission grid. This brings power from where it is generated to where it is needed – throughout Ireland. EirGrid use the transmission grid to supply power to industry and businesses that use large amounts of electricity. The transmission grid also powers the distribution network. This supplies the electricity you use everyday in homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and farms. Mott MacDonald are an international firm of management, engineering and development engineers specialising in electricity transmission projects. Mott MacDonald is providing EirGrid with specialist technical advice and guidance on the Cross-Shannon Cable Project.
2.3 Background In 2014, the Government announced the establishment of an Independent Expert Panel to conduct an independent review of overhead and underground options for the Grid Link Project in the south of the country. In 2015 EirGrid developed a number of alternative options to meet the need of the Grid Link Project, in line with the terms of reference, as set by the expert panel.
In EirGrid’s analysis it identified a solution, referred to as the “regional solution”. This option meets the need of the project, and minimises the development of new, large-scale infrastructure. The “regional solution” uses a technology known as series compensation. This allows more power to flow through existing lines, and does not require any significant new transmission lines. To complete this solution, a new underwater cable across the Shannon estuary is needed, in addition to a set of reinforcements elsewhere on the system.
2.4 Current Activities EirGrid are currently completing a range of technical, environmental and social studies to assist in the identification of feasible options for the routing of the cable. These surveys will occur both on land but also in the Shannon Estuary itself. In accordance with the requirements of Foreshore Act 1933 as amended, the surveys which are the subject matter of this application are required to be completed in accordance with the requirements of a Foreshore Licence issued by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 5 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
3 Proposed Surveys
3.1 Introduction The data obtained from the proposed survey will be used to select the preferred route for the new 400kV cable installation and to inform its design. The spatial definition of the proposed survey area is included in Appendix C Drawings/Mapping;
● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-001 (Proposed Survey Area – Discovery Mapping); ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-002 (Proposed Survey Area – Orthophotography); and ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-008 (Proposed Survey Area – Admiralty Chart).
Geographic reference points (1 to 28) have been defined around the red-line boundary to inform the specific boundaries of the survey. As can be seen from the drawings the proposed survey location includes discrete inter-tidal areas (from the high water mark) and corridors across the full width of the Shannon Estuary.
The indicative sample locations within the proposed survey area are also included in Appendix C Drawings/Mapping;
● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-009 (Designated Ecological Sites); ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-010 (Aquaculture/Fishery Interests); ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-011 (Indicative Sample Locations – Admiralty Chart); ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-012 (Indicative Sample Locations – Discovery Mapping); ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-013 (Indicative Sample Locations – Orthophotography); ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-016 (Indicative Sample Locations – Index); ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-017 (Indicative Sample Locations – Sheet 1 of 3); ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-017 (Indicative Sample Locations – Sheet 2 of 3); and ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-017 (Indicative Sample Locations – Sheet 3 of 3).
The proposed Foreshore Licence Map [drawing reference number 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-018 (Foreshore Licence Map) is included in Appendix C Drawings/Mapping;
3.2 Survey Overview The surveys proposed consistent of;
● Offshore: Non-intrusive Surveys Bathymetry Side-Scan Sonar
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 6 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
Sub-Bottom Profiling Magnetometry Current Profiling
● Offshore: Intrusive Surveys Vibrocoring Cone Penetration Testing
● Inter-Tidal: Intrusive Surveys Trial pits
The scope and techniques proposed to be employed are detailed in the following sections.
3.3 Offshore: Non-intrusive Surveys
3.3.1 Bathymetry Method: The primary method of determining water depth will be by a Multi-Beam Echo Sounder (MBES), such as a Kongsberg EM 2040, R2Sonic 2024, Reson Seabat 7125 or similar system. A minimum overlap of 25% between adjacent swathes shall be achieved for satisfactory integration of successive swath data. To complement the swath MBES bathymetry system a precision single-beam dual-frequency echo sounder (SBES), such as a Kongsberg EA Series or similar shall be used.
Survey Parameters:
Survey width: 500 – 800m
Inline interval: not specified but expected to be ~10-20 m plus additional infills to obtain full seabed coverage.
Cross line interval: 500m (maximum)
Source Parameters:
Operating frequency range (MBES): 200 – 400 kHz
Operating frequencies (SBES): 33 kHz and 210 kHz (or similar)
Sound pressure level (MBES): ~200 dB re 1 µPa at 1 m
3.3.2 Side-Scan Sonar Method: A dual-channel, dual-frequency ‘digital’ side-scan sonar system, such as Edge Tech 4200, Kongsberg SSS or similar will be used.
Survey Parameters:
Survey width: 500 – 800m
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 7 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
Inline interval: not specified but expected to be ~10-20 m plus additional infills to obtain 100% seabed coverage and nadir overlap.
Cross line interval: 500m (maximum)
Source Parameters:
Operating frequency range: 100 – 400 kHz
Sound pressure level: ~200 dB re 1 µPa at 1 m
3.3.3 Sub Bottom Profiling Method: A high-resolution penetration Sub-Bottom Profiler (SBP) will be used to achieve penetration to at least 12m depth below seabed. The system will be preferably a parametric (non-linear) source (e.g. Innomar SES-2000, Kongsberg Topas PS 120) or alternatively a Chirp or a Pinger system.
Survey Parameters:
Survey width: 500 – 800m
Line spacing: 50m (maximum)
Cross line interval: 500m (maximum)
Source Parameters:
Operating frequency range: 2-7 kHz for Chirp and Pinger; Parametric source: ~100 kHz primary frequency and 2-15/30 kHz secondary frequency.
Sound pressure level: ~200 dB re 1 µPa at 1 m.
3.3.4 Magnetometry Method: A magnetometer system such as a Geometrics G882 will be used which is capable of detecting the position of pipelines, cables, ordnance, wrecks or any other ferrous metallic objects buried to a depth of up to 6m below the seabed.
Survey Parameters:
Survey width: 500 – 800m
Line spacing: 50m (maximum)
Cross line interval: 500m (maximum)
3.3.5 Current Profiling Method: Current profiling data will be collected using the vessel transecting method. This involves mounting an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) to a vessel approximately 50 cm from the surface of the water; allowing for the collection of data from the surface portion of the water, and through the water column.
An RD Instruments ADCP such as a Teledyne RDI Workshorse Sentinel ADCP will be used with signals of 300 or 600 kHz.
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 8 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
Survey Parameters:
Current profiling will be undertaken along one of the proposed survey routes. Transect lines will be undertaken over a 12-hour period, at typically 2 m/s, and on a spring and neap tide.
Source Parameters:
Ping rate: up to 10Hz.
Beam angle: 20 o to the vertical.
Dynamic Range: 80dB +/- 1.5dB.
3.4 Offshore: Intrusive Surveys
3.4.1 Vibrocoring Method: Vibrocoring will be used in order to better understand the soil profile from seabed to approximately 6 to 9m depth. Core samples will be obtained using a variable frequency control marine vibrocorer unit from the seabed. The vibrocorer unit is deployed with the aid of a crane and/or ‘A’ frame either through the ship’s moonpool or with a special deployment structure over the side of the vessel. Once the unit is on the sea floor the vibrator motors are engaged and the core barrel is driven into the seabed.
The final depths, locations and number of holes will be determined based on the results of the non-intrusive surveys. The below survey parameters are therefore indicative only.
Survey Parameters:
Core diameter: 100mm (maximum)
Core depth: 6 – 9m
Hole spacing: 100 – 200m
Proposed No. holes: 57 (approximately within a range of 55 to 60)
3.4.2 Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) Method: Measurements of in-situ soil properties will be obtained using a seabed CPT unit. The CPT unit is deployed either through a ships moonpool or with a special deployment structure over the side of the vessel. The CPT unit operates from the seabed with rods connected to the survey vessel.
The final depths, locations and number of CPT holes will be determined based on the results of the non- intrusive surveys. The below survey parameters are therefore indicative only.
Survey Parameters:
Hole depth: 6 – 9m
Hole spacing: 200 – 800m
Proposed No. holes: 25
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 9 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Info rmation
3.5 Inter-tidal: Intrusive Surveys
3.5.1 Trial Pits Method: Trial pits will be machine dug up to 5 metres depth to determine the soil profile and, where applicable, depth to bedrock, within the inter-tidal and shoreline areas at each landfall point. Trial pits will typically be 3m x 1m in size but may be enlarged if necessary to increase stability and provide visibility to the logging engineer. Samples will be taken from each of the trial pits for laboratory testing. Trial Pits will be excavated using a JCB 360 excavator or equivalent capable of reaching 5m depth.
Survey Parameters:
Hole depth: 5m
Proposed No. holes: 14 (approximately)
3.6 Environmental/Archaeological Surveys
3.6.1 Field Surveys It is intended that walkover surveys of the foreshore (inter-tidal area) will be completed by an ecological and archaeological team. Photographs /video of individual features may be taken. Where inter-tidal/sub-tidal metal detection is considered warranted a Detection Device Consent will be sought from the National Monuments Service. Where a dive survey is considered warranted a Dive Survey Licence will be sought from the National Monuments Service.
3.6.2 Sampling Benthic grab samples may be sourced from representative locations within the survey area (typically 0.1 m 3) – one sample for faunal analysis and one sample for physico-chemical analysis to identify the presence of potential pollutants.
3.7 Programme It is anticipated (subject to a Foreshore Licence being granted) that the non-intrusive surveys (items detailed in Section 3.3 above) will occur over a 10 day duration. It is anticipated that that the intrusive surveys will occur over a 15 day duration (items detailed in Section 3.4 above).
There will be a separation period of approximately 4 weeks between the non-intrusive and intrusive surveys to allow for time to interpret the findings of the non-intrusive surveys prior to commencing with the intrusive surveys.
A contingency period will be required for to allow for operational delays. As the findings of the non-intrusive survey are currently unknown there may be a requirement to delay the timing of the intrusive surveys.
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 10 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
4 Drawings/Maps
4.1 Inclusions with the Foreshore Application The following table sets out the drawings which have been included with this Foreshore Application.
Table 1: Drawings/Maps Drawing Reference Title Purpose Location 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-001 Proposed Survey Area Extent on Appendix C Foreshore Application (Discovery Mapping) Discovery Series Mapping
379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 002 Proposed Survey Area Extent on Appendix C Foreshore Application (Orthophotography) Discovery Series Mapping
379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 003 Proposed Survey Area Extent with Appendix C Foreshore Application (Landowner Folio Map Set Index) adjacent landowner folios
379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 004 Proposed Survey Area Extent with Appendix C Foreshore Application (Landowner Folio Map North Option 1) adjacent landowner folios at the proposed landfall Option 1
379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 005 Proposed Survey Area Extent with Appendix C Foreshore Application (Landowner Folio Map North Option 2) adjacent landowner folios at the proposed landfall Option 2
379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 006 Proposed Survey Area Extent with Appendix C Foreshore Application (Landowner Folio Map North Option 3) adjacent landowner folios at the proposed landfall Option 3
379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 006 Proposed Survey Area Extent with Appendix C Foreshore Application (Landowner Folio Map South Option) adjacent landowner folios at the proposed landfall South Option
379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 008 Proposed Survey Area Extent on Appendix C Foreshore Application (Admiralty Chart) Admiralty Chart Mapping
379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 009 Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating Appendix C Foreshore Application (Designated Ecological Sites) proximity to Protected Ecological Sites
379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 010 Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating Appendix C Foreshore Application (Aquaculture/Fishery Interests) proximity to Aquaculture/Shellfish Areas
379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 011 Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating Appendix C Foreshore Application (Indicative Sampling Locations – Indicative Sampling Locations Admiralty Chart) 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 012 Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating Appendix C Foreshore Application (Indicative Sampling Locations – Indicative Sampling Locations Discovery Mapping) 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 013 Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating Appendix C Foreshore Application (Indicative Sampling Locations – Indicative Sampling Locations Orthophotography) 379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 11 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
Drawing Reference Title Purpose Location
379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 016 Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating Appendix C Foreshore Application (Proposed Sampling Locations – Key Indicative Sampling Locations Sheet) 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 017 Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating Appendix C Foreshore Application (Proposed Sampling Locations – Sheets Indicative Sampling Locations 1 to 3 of 3) 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 018 Foreshore Licence Map Appendix C Foreshore Application (Foreshore Licence Map) Source: Mott MacDonald
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 12 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed S urvey Information
5 Pre-Application Consultation
5.1 Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government A Pre-Application Consultation Request Form was issued to the Department on 21 st March 2017.
5.2 Development Applications Unit, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs A Pre-Application Consultation Request was issued to the Development Applications Unit on 10 th April 2017. A meeting was held with Dr. David Lyons, National Parks and Wildife Service on Tuesday 25 th April 2017.
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 13 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
6 Adjacent Landowners
6.1 Overview With the exception of the foreshore which is in state ownership no access is required to or across any privately owned lands for the purpose of completing any of the proposed surveys with the exception of lands either owned by Electricity Supply Board or lands on which the ESB have agreed access. EirGrid have the consent of the Electricity Supply Board to access its lands for the purpose of the surveys.
EirGrid has consulted with all adjacent landowners to inform them that the survey will be taking place.
6.2 Folio References and Adjacent Landowners The information presented below was sourced from the Property Registration Authority web-site in March 2017. All of the land holdings are in private ownership. Those owned by the Electricity Supply Board are identified with an asterisk (*). The locations of the individual folios are depicted on the following drawings which are included in Appendix C Drawings/Mapping.
● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-003 (Adjacent Landowner Folio- Map Set Index); ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-004 (Adjacent Landowner Folio- Map Set North Option 1); ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-005 (Adjacent Landowner Folio- Map Set North Option 2); ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-006 (Adjacent Landowner Folio- Map Set North Option 3); and ● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-007 (Adjacent Landowner Folio- Map Set South Option).
Table 2: Adjacent Landowner Folios
CE12681 CE6741 CE12706
CE13217F CE13562 CE26761F
CE26434 CE2763F CE41599F
CE27848 CE12861 CE6741
CE2029L* CE28033* CE12706
CE27848 CE2029L CE28033
CE6447* CE49961F CE6628
KY69424F* KY20182 KY4133
KY4427 KY67175F
Source: Property Registration Authority of Ireland 379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 14 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
7 Environmental and Land-Use Considerations
7.1 Designated Ecological Sites Designated ecological sites are included in the table below and depicted in drawing reference 379408-MMD- XX-00-GIS-Y-009 (Designated Ecological Sites) in Appendix C Drawings/Mapping.
Table 3: Designated Ecological Sites Designation Site Name Site Code Distance from Survey Area SPA River Shannon and River Fergus 004077 Within Estuaries SPA SAC Lower River Shannon SAC 002165 Within pNHA Ballylongford Bay 001332 approx. 1 km pNHA Tarbert Bay 001386 approx. 1 km
A Stage 1 and Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment/Natura Impact Statement has been completed for the proposed surveys. The reports considered whether it can be objectively concluded that these effects will not be significant.
This assessment has shown that there will be no significant impact on the Lower River Shannon cSAC or River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA as a result of the proposed short-term and temporary marine surveys. As recommended in the report a qualified and experienced marine mammal observer will be onboard the survey vessel who will instruct and supervise the ‘soft-start’ procedure. It is concluded that the conservation objectives and integrity of the cSAC and SPA will not be compromised by the proposed survey work.
The Stage 1 and Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment/Natura Impact Statement is included in Appendix F Appropriate Assessment/Natura Impact Statement.
7.2 Fishing/Aquaculture Considerations Information sourced from the Department of Agriculture concerning aquaculture interested in the study area are depicted on drawing reference 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-0010 (Aquaculture/Fishery Interests) in Appendix C Drawings/Mapping.
The nearest designated shellfish waters are the West Shannon Ballylongford Designated Shellfish Waters which are located approximately 1 kilometre south-west of the proposed study area. The West Shannon Poulnasherry Designated Shellfish Waters are located approximately 4 kilometres north-west of the proposed study area.
Aquaculture interests identified in close proximity to the study area are depicted on drawing reference 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-0010 (Aquaculture/Fishery Interests) in Appendix C Drawings/Mapping. The closest site is T08/0004BOFO which is partially located within the proposed survey area and relates to an Oyster Fishery Order issued in 1961 to SO Limited. No further information concerning this order was available from the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment when sought.
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 15 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
7.3 Commercial Shipping Activity The Shannon Estuary is the largest estuary in Ireland, with a water body of some 31,500 ha, covering a distance of approximately 100km from Limerick City to Loop Head. It has a long established history of facilitating major industries, including Shannon Foynes Port at Foynes and Limerick Docks. The Port is Ireland’s second largest port operation, handling the largest vessels entering Irish waters, up to 200,000dwt. Shannon International Airport, ESB Moneypoint, Tarbert Power Station, NORA Fuel Storage, Aughinish Alumina are major industrial and employment hubs within the Estuary. ( www.shannonestuarysifp.ie ). Significant commercial jetties in the general and wider area include;
● Aughinish Alumina; ● Foynes Deepwater Quay; ● Moneypoint Power Station; ● Shannon Airport Jetty; ● Tarbert Jetty; ● Limerick Docks Shannon Ferry Group operates a ‘roll-on roll-off’ ferry service between Tarbert, County Kerry and Killimer, County Clare.
7.4 Tourism and Recreation Tourism is a sector of significant economic value in the Shannon Estuary which is intrinsically linked to the quality and beauty of the natural environment of the area. Tourism activities in the study area include for example;
● Wild Atlantic Way; ● Dolphin Watching; ● RIB tours (rigid inflatable boats); ● Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland (Kilrush); ● Kilrush Creek Adventure Centre; ● Scattery Island Ferries; and ● Shore Angling.
7.5 Impacts The completion of the marine surveys proposed will add a negligible amount of marine traffic to the Shannon Estuary and therefore not present additional navigational safety hazards. The relevant marine survey activity procedures will be fully adhered to including the issuance of a Notice to Mariners and appointment of a Fisheries Liaison Officer. EirGrid and/or its appointed representatives will consult with all relevant stakeholders as appropriate ahead of the planned survey works.
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 16 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
8 Company Information
8.1 Certificate of Incorporation The Certificate of Incorporation for EirGrid is included in Appendix E Company Documentation .
8.2 Constitution/Memorandum of Association The Constitution/Memorandum of Association for EirGrid is included in Appendix E Company Documentation .
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 17 Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information
379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables
mottmac.com