Appropiate Assessment Stage 1 Screening Report

Screening Report on proposed works by Donegal County Council at the Pier in Mountcharles, Co. Donegal located within the Donegal Bay (Murvagh) SAC Site Number 000133 and Donegal Bay SPA Site Number 004141.

Greentrack Environmental Consultants

September 2014

Greentrack Consultants Page 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 3

2. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 2.1 Approach 7 2.2 Methodology 7

3. THE PROJECT AND NATURA 2000 BASE LINE 3.1 Definition of the project 7 3.2 Identification of Natura 2000 site 7 3.3 Conservation status 10 3.5 Conservation objectives 11

4. ASSESSMENT OF LIKELY EFFECTS 12 4.1 Matrix table 002012 13

5. RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT 5.1 General Location 20 5.2 Location in relation to SAC 20 5.3 Site description 20 5.4 Assessment Criteria 22

6. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON THE INTEGRITY OF THIS NATURA 2000 SITE 22

7. CONCLUSION 22

Greentrack Consultants Page 2 1. INTRODUCTION Greentrack Consultants have been instructed by Donegal County Council to prepare this Screening Report under Article 6 of the EU Habitats Directive, of the proposal to install a pontoon and access gangway at Mountcharles Pier. This proposed development is to provide pontoon facilities for pleasure craft and rowing boats in this area.

The aim of this Screening Report is to assess any likely significant effects or impacts on the qualifying interests of Donegal Bay (Murvagh) Special Area of Conservation Site Number 000133 and the Donegal Bay Special Protection Area Site Number 004141. This screening report will examine the effects of this development on the SAC and SPA, both independently and in conjunction with other plans and projects.

This report is to accompany an application by Donegal County Council to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government for a lease consent under the foreshore act 1933 (as amended).

1.1 Background and Requirement for Screening Report

1.1.1 Project Description Donegal County Council are working with the local community in Mountcharles to provide increased mooring facilities to meet the demand from the many pleasure craft and rowing boats that use the existing pier facilities. The increased mooring facilities provided by the pontoon and access gangway will also attract additional visitors to the area.

Photograph 1 Mountcharles Harbour from the roadway

Greentrack Consultants Page 3 Photograph 2: Mountcharles Harbour viewed from the West.

1.1.2 Project Location The proposed site is located within two Natura 2000 site as detailed in Map 1 below.

Map 1 : Site Location Relative to Natura 2000 sites

Ordinance Survey Ireland Licence Number EN0075912

Greentrack Consultants Page 4 The Mountcharles Pier is located within the Donegal Bay (Murvagh) SAC Site number 000133 and Donegal Bay SPA Site number 004141. On this basis it is considered that the qualifying interests may be within the zone of influence of the proposed development and hence the requirement for this Article 6 Screening Report.

1.1.3 Requirement for Screening Report Ordinance Survey IrelandThe Licence Habitats Number Directive EN0075912 (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna) formed a basis for the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s). Similarly, Special Protection Areas are legislated for under the Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds). Collectively, SACs and SPAs are referred to as Natura 2000 sites. In general terms, they are considered to be of exceptional importance in terms of rare, endangered or vulnerable habitats and species within the European Community. Under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive an Appropriate Assessment must be undertaken for any plan or project that is likely to have a significant effect on the conservation objectives of a Natura 2000 site. An Appropriate Assessment is an evaluation of the potential impacts of a plan on the conservation objectives of a Natura 2000 site, and the development, where necessary, of mitigation or avoidance measures to preclude negatives effects. The main aim of the EU Habitats Directive is to “contribute towards ensuring biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats of wild fauna and flora in the European territory of the Member States to which the treaty applies”. The Directive was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Natural Habitat) Regulations, S1 94/1997.

Article 6, paragraph of the Habitats Directive states that: “Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public”.

As such any project likely to have a significant effect, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, upon the conservation objectives of a Natura 2000 site must undergo an assessment of its implications on relevant Natura 2000 sites. In order to establish whether or not a likely significant effect will arise as a result of the implementation of a project a Screening Assessment should be undertaken.

Greentrack Consultants Page 5 This proposed development is deemed to have two Natura sites within it’s zone of influence namely Donegal Bay (Murvagh) SAC Site number 000133 and Donegal Bay SPA Site number 004141.

1.1.4 Stages of the Habitat Directive Assessment The Appropriate Assessment process consists of four stages as summarised below in sequential order. An important aspect of the process is that the outcome at each successive stage determines whether a further stage in the process is required. Stages 1 and 2 deal with the main requirements for assessment under Article 6(3). Stage 3 may be part of Article 6(3) or may be a necessary precursor to Stage 4, which is the main derogation step to Article 6(4).

 Stage 1- Screening: This stage will examine the possible effects of a proposed project, either as a stand alone project or in combination with other projects, on a Natura 2000 site and consider whether it can be objectively concluded that these effects will not be significant.

 Stage 2-Appropriate Assessment : In this stage the impact of the project (either alone or in combination with other projects or plans) on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site is considered with respect to the conservation objectives of the site and to it’s structure and function. The EU Commission services’ guidance on Natura 2000 sites states that: “The integrity of a site involves its ecological function. The decision as to whether it is adversely affected should focus on and be limited to the sites’ conservation objectives”

 Stage 3 - Assessment of Alternative Solutions: Should the Appropriate Assessment determine that adverse impacts are likely upon a Natura 2000 site then stage 3 will examine alternative ways to implement the project which will avoid the adverse effects, where possible.

 Stage 4 - Assessment where no alternative solution exists and where adverse impacts remain : Where imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) exist, an assessment to consider whether compensatory measures will or will not effectively offset the damage to the Natura 2000 site will be necessary.

Following on from Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive the objective of this report is to screen for Likely Significant Effects and to conclude whether or not the proposed development has the potential to cause significant adverse effects to the integrity of the Donegal Bay SAC and SPA.This report will deal with stage one, Screening, only. The outcome of the screening process will determine If stage 2, Appropriate Assessment, is required.

1.2 Guidance Documents This NIS was carried out in accordance with relevant guidance, in particular:  Assessment of Plans and Projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 Sites – Methodological guidance on the provisions of Articles

Greentrack Consultants Page 6 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, European Commission, 2002  Managing Natura 2000 sites – The Provisions of Articles 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, European Commission, 2000  Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidance for Planning Authorities (2009),DEHLG  Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government (DEHGL) Circular letter SEA 1/08 & NPWS 1/08 dated February, 2008  Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government (DEHGL) Circular letter NPW 1/10 & PSSP 2/10 dated March 2010

2 APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 2.1 Approach The function of this “Screening Report” is to identify whether or not the proposed development of floating pontoons and access gangway at the Mountcharles Pier will have a significant effect on the Natura 2000 sites independently or in conjunction with other planed or existing projects.

2.2 Methodology The methodology used for this report is undertaken in the following stages:

 Define the project and determine whether it is necessary for the conservation management of Natura 2000 sites  Identify Natura 2000 sites likely to be influenced by this proposed development  Review the proposed activities and determine if they are or have the potential to effect the Natura 2000 site and determine whether the Natura 2000 site is vulnerable to the effect.  Identify other plans or project that, in combination with this proposal, have the potential to affect Natura 2000 sites.

3 THE PROJECT AND NATURA 2000 BASE LINE 3.1 Definition of the project The project has been defined in Section 1.1.1 and it is clear that it is not necessary for the nature conservation of the Donegal Bay (Murvagh) SAC and the Donegal Bay SPA.

3.2 Identification of Natura 2000 site The Natura 2000 sites occurring within the area of influence of the proposed development is the Donegal Bay (Murvagh) SAC Site number 000133 and Donegal Bay SPA Site number 004141 as detailed below: Donegal Bay (Murvagh) SAC Site number 000133: This site occupies the inner part of Donegal Bay, immediately to the south-west of Donegal Town. It contains the estuary of the River Eske and a number of other significant rivers. The area is underlain by Carboniferous limestone and shale,

Greentrack Consultants Page 7 although blown sand and other recent deposits obscure much of the solid geology. The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes):  [1140] Tidal Mudflats and Sandflats  [2130] Fixed Dunes (Grey Dunes)*  [2190] Humid Dune Slacks  [1365] Common (Harbour) Seal (Phoca vitulina) Most of the site consists of intertidal habitats, notably mud- and sandflats, sea inlets and bays, tidal rivers, estuarine channels and sandy beaches. These areas are generally unvegetated but are obviously nutrient-rich, as extensive beds of shellfish occur in parts of the bay. The following macro-invertebrate species are common throughout much of the bay: Arenicola marina, Hediste diversicolor, Scrobicularia plana and Macoma balthica. Along some parts of the shore, saltmarsh has developed. Dominant plants there include Thrift (Armeria maritima), Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) and Common Scurvygrass (Cochlearia officinalis). Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima), Sharp Rush (Juncus acutus) and Saltmarsh Rush (J. gerardi) are also common, while brown seaweeds (Fucus spp.) are abundant lower down the shore profile. On the stable parts of some of the shingle and boulder beaches, Common Scurvygrass also occurs, along with Silverweed (Potentilla anserina) and Sea- milkwort (Glaux maritima). Sand dunes, including fixed dunes, occur in parts of the site, especially at Murvagh. Intact sections contain Sea Sandwort (Honkenya peploides) and Marram (Ammophila arenaria) in the young dunes, with abundant Marram in the fixed dunes. These stable areas are frequently species-rich, with abundant Field Wood-rush (Luzula campestris), a well-developed moss community including Thuidium tamariscinum and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, and herbs such as Common Bird's-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Wild Thyme (Thymus praecox), Heath Dog-violet (Viola canina) and Lady's Bedstraw (Galium verum). Dune slacks also occur and in one slack the Red Data Book species Round-leaved Wintergreen (Pyrola rotundifolia) occurs. Both Common Scoter and Brent Goose are found in the greater Donegal Bay area, from Bundoran north to Murvagh. The Bay provides one of the most important sites in the country for the Common Scoter, with peak numbers of approximately 1,500 individuals in 1984/85 - 1986/87. This species uses large wintering grounds making counts difficult, but in recent years peaks of 662 birds (1995/96) and 1,073 birds (1997/98) have been recorded in the area. Other wintering species of note from the site include Ringed Plover 175, Oystercatcher 119 and Dunlin 221 (data based on 18 counts from 1984/85 - 1986/87). Small numbers (up to 50) of Greenland White-fronted Goose from the Pettigo flock fed at Inishpat Island in the 1980s, but have rarely done so in recent years. The site supports a population of Common Seal (maximum count of 148 in the all-Ireland survey of 2003). This species is listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive. Land use in the area consists of boating and fishing in the bay, with a little shellfish aquaculture. Grazing occurs on terrestrial habitats, while recreational

Greentrack Consultants Page 8 pressures are severe on parts of the dunes. A large part of the dune system is excluded from the site due to its development as a golf course and to the presence of conifer plantations. Despite these pressures, the site is of international importance due to the presence of a wide range of habitats, including three listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive, an important seal colony and the occurrence of significant bird populations.

Donegal Bay SPA Site Number 004141: Donegal Bay SPA is a very large, marine-dominated, site. It extends from Doorin Point, to the west of Donegal Town, to Tullaghan Point in County Leitrim, a distance of approximately 15 km along its north-east/south-west axis. It varies in width from about 3 km to over 8 km. The site includes the estuary of the River Eske, which flows through Donegal Town, and the estuary of the River Erne, which flows through Ballyshannon. Much of the shoreline is rocky or stony, with well-developed littoral reefs in places. There are also extensive stretches of sandy beaches, especially from the Murvagh peninsula southwards to Rossnowlagh and at the outer part of the estuary of the River Erne. Shingle or cobble beaches are also represented. There are extensive areas of intertidal flats associated with the estuary of the River Eske, reflecting the very sheltered conditions in this part of the bay. These have been shown to be biotope rich, and supporting a range of macro-invertebrates, including polychaete worms (Hediste diversicolor, Arenicola marina and Nephtys hombergii) and bivalves (Scrobicularia plana, Cerastoderma edule and Macoma balthica). Elsewhere, a narrow fringe of intertidal flats is exposed at low tides. Salt marshes are found in the sheltered conditions of the innermost part of the bay. A number of small, grassy, islands occur in the innermost part of the bay. The waters of the shallow bay overlie mostly sandy substrates, though reefs occur in places. The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Great Northern Diver, Light-bellied Brent Goose, Common Scoter and Sanderling. The E.U. Birds Directive pays particular attention to wetlands, and as these form part of this SPA, the site and its associated waterbirds are of special conservation interest for Wetland & Waterbirds. Donegal Bay supports an excellent diversity of wintering waterbirds, especially species associated with shallow bays (all figures are mean peak counts for four of the five winters between 1995/96 and 1999/2000). It has an internationally important wintering population of Great Northern Diver (138) and is consistently one of the top sites in the country for this species. It also has one of the few regular populations of Black-throated Diver in the country (11), and Red-throated Diver (21). It supports an internationally important population of Light-bellied Brent Goose (207) and nationally important populations of Common Scoter (860) and Sanderling (68). A range of other species associated with estuarine and shoreline habitats occurs at the site, including Cormorant (29), Shelduck (24), Wigeon (224), Mallard (100), Long-tailed Duck (14), Red-breasted Merganser (38), Oystercatcher (581), Ringed Plover (99), Golden Plover (103), Lapwing (122), Dunlin (269), Bar-tailed Godwit (49), Curlew (359), Redshank (93), Greenshank (12) and Turnstone (53). Gulls are regular in autumn and winter, especially Black-headed Gull (239) and Common Gull (297).

Greentrack Consultants Page 9 This large coastal site is of high ornithological importance, with two species having populations of international importance (Great Northern Diver and Light- bellied Brent Goose) and a further two species having populations of national importance (Common Scoter and Sanderling). Also of note is that five of the regularly occurring species are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, i.e. Great Northern Diver, Black-throated Diver, Red-throated Diver, Golden Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit.

An area of 12.6km2 of Donegal Bay is designated as a Shellfish Water under the EU Shellfish Waters Directive15 (No. 19), this area coinciding with a large part of the inner section of the SPA site. The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority is responsible for classifying shellfish production areas and the current classification of the Donegal Bay Bivalve Mollusc Production Area (the area enclosed by a line drawn between Doorin Point and Rossmowlagh Point) is Class B (15th July 2011, www.sfpa.ie). This means that shellfish may be placed on the market for human consumption only after treatment in a purification centre or after relaying, so as to meet the health standards for live bivalve molluscs laid down in EC Regulations on food safety16.

3.3 Conservation status The overall aim of the Habitats Directive is to maintain or restore the favorable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest. These habitats and species are listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives and Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas are designated to afford protection to the most vulnerable of them. These two designations are collectively known as the Natura 2000 network.

European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to maintain habitats and species in the Natura 2000 network at favourable conservation condition. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites.

The maintenance of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites at favourable conservation condition will contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable conservation status of those habitats and species at a national level.

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 future, and • the conservation status of its typical species is favorable.

The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when: • population data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself, and

Greentrack Consultants Page 10 • 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.

3.5 Conservative Objectives Donegal Bay (Murvagh) SAC : 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:  [1140] Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide (to maintain the favourable conservation condition)  [1365] Harbour Seal Phoca vitulina (to maintain the favourable conservation condition)  [2130] Fixed coastal dunes ('grey dunes') with herbaceous vegetation (to restore the favourable conservation condition)  [2190] Humid dune slacks (to restore the favourable conservation condition)

Donegal Bay SPA :

Objective 1: To maintain the favourable conservation condition of the waterbird Special Conservation Interest species listed for Donegal Bay SPA and to improve the unfavourable conservation condition to favourable:. Unfavourable:  [A003] Great Northern Diver Gavia immer (wintering) [A046] Favourable:  Light‐ bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota (wintering)  [A065] Common Scoter Melanitta nigra (wintering)  [A144] Sanderling Calidris alba (wintering) This objective is defined by the following attributes and targets:- • To be favourable, the long term population trend for each waterbird Special Conservation Interest species should be stable or increasing. Waterbird populations are deemed to be unfavourable when they have declined by 25% or more, as assessed by the most recent population trend analysis. • To be favourable, there should be no significant decrease in the range, timing or intensity of use of areas by the waterbird species of Special Conservation Interest, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation. (above conservation conditions are based on information taken from Donegal Bay SAC Conservation Objections Supporting Document Version 1. Population trend for Great Northern Diver was based on estimate fall from 139 to 99)

Greentrack Consultants Page 11 Objective 2: To maintain the favourable conservation condition of the wetland habitat at Donegal Bay SPA as a resource for the regularly-occurring migratory waterbirds that utilise it.  [A999] Wetlands

This objective is defined by the following attributes and targets:- • To be favourable, the permanent area occupied by the wetland habitat should be stable and not significantly less than the area of 10,461 ha, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation.

4 Assessment of Likely Effects Table 4.1 provides information on the following elements associated with the subject Natura 2000 site: a) Qualifying Interests and other areas of interest b) Site Sensitivity and vulnerability c) Current Conservation Status d) General Threats e) Specific Threats from proposed development

4 (a): The qualifying interests are the features for which the site has been designated as a Natura 2000 Site under the Habitats Regulations and covers listed habitats, species and bird populations as detailed in then site synopsis and the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form. 4 (b): Site sensitivity and vulnerability is based on the sensitivity of the qualifying interests for which the site is designated as detailed in then Natura 2000 Standard Data Form. 4(c): The conservation status of the qualifying interest is listed as detailed in the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form. 4(d): The general Threats are based on information contained within the site synopsis, the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form, field visit and local information. 4(e): The screening of potential threats from the proposed project to the qualifying interests is based on field study and analysis of all the information available to Greentrack.

Greentrack Consultants Page 12 Table 4.1 Donegal Bay (Murvagh) SAC Site Number 000133 and Donegal Bay SPA Site Number 004141 Screening Matrix for proposed instillation of a floating pontoon and access gangway at Mountcharles Pier, Co. Donegal.

Qualifying Interest* Site Sensitivity Conservat General Threats Potential Threat from and other areas of ion Status Proposed Development interest

Annex 1 Habitat Types *Mudflats and Surface and marine Good The main threat to this 1069 ha The proposed development sandflats not covered water dependant. habitat is from coastal and associated activities do by seawater at low tide Moderately sensitive to development associated with not pose a significant threat to [1140] hydrological change. holiday activity in this area and this qualifying interest. The Moderate sensitivity to associated recreational activities. nature of the construction will pollution. Sensitive to Agriculture in this area is extensive have no significant negative changes in salinity and and does not pose a direct threat impact on the mud flats tidal regime as well as through land reclamation at the adjacent to Mountcharles Pier. coastal development moment. and recreational activities.

*Humid dune slacks Sensitive to farming Good The main threat to this small The proposed development [2190] practices and habitat is mechanical damage due and associated activities do mechanical damage to recreational activities and the not pose a significant threat to from recreational proximity of a conifer plantation at this qualifying interest as it is activities. Also sensitive Mullinasole. not found in the immediate to invasion by scrub and vicinity of Mountcharles Pier. commercial forestry which will alter the hydrology of the local area.

Greentrack Consultants Page 13 *Fixed coastal dunes Sensitive to farming Average to The main threat to this habitat is The proposed development with herbaceous practices and reduced mechanical damage due to and associated activities do vegetation (grey mechanical damage recreational activities and removal not pose a significant threat to dunes) from recreational of sand. Overgrazing is not an this qualifying interest. [2130] activities. Also sensitive issue in this habitat due to the to invasion by scrub. nature of local farming practices. * Wetlands [A999] Tidal and intertidal area Excellent There is no real threat to this The proposed development of 10,461 Ha sensitive to extensive wet land habitat evident and associated activities do a reduction in habitat in the Mountcharles area. not pose a significant threat to area through human this qualifying interest. The activity and also floating pontoon will measure sensitive to localised 54m2 which is insignificant pollution through compared with the total agricultural and human habitat area of 10,461 Ha. activity. Mammals listed on Annex II of Council directive 92/43/EEC

Qualifying Population Principal Supporting Conservatio General Threats Potential Threat from Interest * on site Habitat within SAC n Status of Proposed Development relative to site species national population *Harbour 2 to 15% Coastal habitats with Excellent Loss of coastal habitats and The proposed development Seal (Phoca suitable haul out sites haul out sites. could effect the local seal vitulina) to allow for moulting population but this is [1365] Illegal hunting unlikely as there is no recognised haul out sites or breeding sites In the vicinity of Mountcharles Pier. According to the Donegal Bay (Murvagh) SAC Marine Supporting Document

Greentrack Consultants Page 14 Volume 1 (Figures 3,4,5) the nearest recorded breeding site is 1km from the pier and the nearest resting site is approximately 2km from the pier. Localised pollution and rubbish gaining access to the waters could cause a risk to seals but this is mitigated with the implementation of the Greencastle Harbour Safety Statement which will govern all activities in and around the new pontoon area. Birds listed on Annex I of Council directive 79/409/EEC Greenland Below 2% Coastal habitats and Excellent The main threat to this Annex Proposed development will white fronted pastureland. 1 listed bird is from local have no significant adverse goose recreational activity, including effect on this Annex 1 listed (Anser hunting. Loss of habitat and bird. albifrons increased human activity may flavirostris) also pose a threat. [A395] Bar-tailed Below 2% Coastal habitat of Good The main threat to this Annex Proposed development will Godwit intertidal mud and sand 1 listed bird is from loss of have no significant effect (Limosa flats. habitat. **Recent surveys put on this Annex 1 listed bird. lapponica) the number at around 100 . [A157] Red throated Below 2% Coastal habitat of Excellent The main threat to this Annex Proposed development will diver intertidal mud and sand 1 listed bird is from loss of have no significant effect (Gavia flats. habitat. **Recent surveys put on this Annex 1 listed bird stellata) the number at 21.

Greentrack Consultants Page 15 [A001] Black Below 2% Coastal habitat of Excellent The main threat to this Annex Proposed development will throated diver intertidal mud and sand 1 listed bird is from loss of have no significant effect (Gavia flats. habitat. **Recent surveys put on this Annex 1 listed bird arctica) the number at 11 and this is [A002] one of the few regular populations in the country. * Great 2% to 15% Coastal habitats of Excellent **Estimated decline in Proposed development will Northern sheltered and shallow numbers resulting in an have no significant effect Diver sub-tidal areas. (This unfavourable conservation on this Annex 1 listed bird (Gavia bird is also of Special objective classification. Main as there is no loss of immer) Conservation Interest treat is loss of habitat. habitat associated with [A003] within the Donegal Bay Roosting was observed in the works. natura sites.) Mountcharles sub-site. Regularly occurring Migratory Birds not listed on Annex 1 of Council directive 79/409/EEC * Brent Below 2% Coastal habitats of Good The main threat to this bird is Proposed development will Goose Intertidal mud and from local recreational activity, have no significant effect (Branta sand flats. (This bird is including molluscs hand on this bird as there is no bernicla) also of Special gathering, resulting in loss of habitat associated [A046] Conservation Interest temporary displacement of with works. Increase in within the Donegal Bay foraging birds. Loss of habitat motorsports from the natura sites.) would also pose a threat. pontoon is a possibility but **Numbers recorded were will be insignificant in 207 with 48 recorded as relation to overall natura foraging in the Mountcharles site and will not pose a Sub site. significant threat. * Common 2% to 15% Coastal habitats of Excellent The main threat to this bird is Proposed development will scoter sheltered and shallow from local recreational activity, have no significant effect (Melanitta sub-tidal areas. (This including molluscs hand on this bird as there is no nigra) bird is also of Special gathering, resulting in loss of habitat associated [A065] Conservation Interest temporary displacement of with works. Increase in within the Donegal Bay foraging birds. Loss of habitat motorsports from the natura sites.) would also pose a threat. pontoon is a possibility but **Numbers recorded were will be insignificant in

Greentrack Consultants Page 16 2534 with no recordings of relation to overall natura roosting in the Mountcharles site and will not pose a Sub site. significant threat. * Sanderling Below 2% Coastal habitats of Good The main threat to bird is from Proposed development will (Calidris Intertidal mud and loss of habitat and increased have no significant effect alba) sand flats. (This bird is human activity. on this bird as there is no [A144] also of Special **Numbers recorded were 271 loss of habitat associated Conservation Interest with no recordings of any with works. within the natura sites.) activity in the Mountcharles Sub site. Black headed Below 2% Coastal habitats Good gull (Larus ridibundus) [A179] Common gull Below 2% Coastal habitats Good (Larus These regularly occurring Proposed development will canus) migratory bird not listed on have no significant adverse [A182] Annex 1 is threatened by effect on these regularly Grey heron Below 2% Coastal habitat Good damage or pollution to occurring migratory birds (Ardea including intertidal mud supporting habitat caused by not listed on Annex 1. cinerea) and sand flats. agricultural practices, coastal [A028] development and associated Great 2 to 15% Coastal habitats Excellent recreational activities Cormorant (Phalacrocor ax carbo) [A017] Common Below 2% Coastal habitats Good Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [A048]

Greentrack Consultants Page 17 Wigeon Below 2% Intertidal mud and Good (Anas sand flats, sheltered penelope) and shallow subtidal [A050] and logoon and associated habitats Mallard duck Below 2% Intertidal mud and Good (Anas sand flats, sheltered platyrhyncho and shallow subtidal s) [A053] and logoon and These regularly occurring Proposed development will associated habitats birds not listed on Annex 1 are have no significant adverse Long tailed 2% to 15% Intertidal mud and Excellent threatened by damage or effect on these regularly duck sand flats, sheltered pollution to supporting habitat occurring birds not listed on (Clangula and shallow subtidal caused by agricultural Annex 1. hyemalis) and logoon and practices, coastal [A064] associated habitats development and associated Red breasted Below 2% Coastal habitats Good recreational activities merganser including Intertidal mud (Mergus and sand flats serrator) [A069] Oystercatche Below 2% Coastal habitats Good r including Intertidal mud (Haematopus and sand flats ostralegus) [A130] Ringed Below 2% Coastal habitats Good plover including Intertidal mud (Charadrius and sand flats hiaticula) [A137]

Greentrack Consultants Page 18 Purple Below 2% Coastal habitats Good sandpiper including Intertidal mud (Calidris and sand flats maritime) [A148] Dunlin Below 2% Coastal habitats Good (Calidris including Intertidal mud alpina) and sand flats Proposed development will [A149] These regularly occurring have no significant adverse Curlew Below 2% Coastal habitats Good birds not listed on Annex 1 are effect on these regularly (Numenius including Intertidal mud threatened by damage or occurring birds not listed on arquata ) and sand flats pollution to supporting habitat Annex 1. [A160] caused by agricultural Common Below 2% Coastal habitats Good practices, coastal Redshank including Intertidal mud development and associated (Tringa and sand flats recreational activities tetanus) [A162] Greenshank Below 2% Coastal habitats Good (Tringa including Intertidal mud nebularia) and sand flats [A164] Ruddy Below 2% Coastal habitats Good turnstone including Intertidal mud (Arenaria and sand flats interpres) [A169] Other important species of flora and fauna

Qualifying Population Principal Supporting Conservatio General Threats Potential Threat from Interest on site Habitat within SAC n Status of Proposed Development relative to site species national population

Greentrack Consultants Page 19 Round Present on Coastal habitats n/a Loss of habitat. Proposed development will leaved the SPA site have no significant effect wintergreen on this plant. (Pyrola rotundifolia) ** data taken from the Donegal Bay SPA Conservation Objectives Supporting Document Volume 1

Greentrack Consultants Page 20 5 The Receiving Environment 5.1 General Location Mountcharles Pier is located on the North Western boundary of Donegal Bay (Murvagh) SAC and on the Northern boundary of Dongal Bay SPA as detailed in Map 1. The pier is predominantly a leisure facility as there is no commercial fishing. It is identified as an attraction on the Wild Atlantic Way programme and it now draws large number of tourists during the summer season.

The receiving environment is adjacent to the existing pier in Mountcharles. The foreshore lease area has been mapped at 0.165 Ha (1650 m2) and includes the existing pier, slipway and proposed site for the floating pontoon. The works area has been mapped at 0.0066313 ha (66.31 m2) . Both areas are detailed in Map number 2 below: Map 2: Receiving environment

5.2 Location in relation to SAC and SPA. As detailed in Map No. 1 the proposed development is located within both the Donegal Bay (Murvagh) SAC and the Donegal Bay SPA.

5.3 Site description The site to be submitted with the foreshore licence application measures 0.165 ha (1,615 m2). The area to be occupied by the floating pontoon is 66.3 m2 and will be located adjacent to the existing pier wall as detailed in Photograph 3 below. The sandstone pier wall was inspected at low tide and was found to anchor a population of limpets and kelp. The proposed floating pontoon and gangway will have no significant negative impact on either species.

Greentrack Consultants Page 21 The pontoon will be easily accessible by way of the gang way and the existing pier steeps.

Photograph 3: Proposed location for floating pontoon.

Photograph 4: Sandstone wall

Photograph 4 shows a close up of the sandstone wall which anchors limpets and kelp.

Greentrack Consultants Page 22 5.4 Assessment Criteria The criteria adopted for this assessment are based on a detailed field and desk assessment of the subject site in relation to the Natura 2000 sites and what if any impact this proposed development could have on the qualifying interests as detailed in table number 4.1.

6 Potential Impacts on the Integrity of this Natura 2000 Site. Tables 4.1 detailed all qualifying interests plus other areas of interest, general threats and potential threats from the proposed development. This screening matrix has established that the proposed development will have no significant effect on any of the qualifying interest.

There is no other obvious development in this area that would change the outcome of the screening process when taken in combination with the floating pontoon development.

7 Conclusion This Screening Report on the impacts of the proposed development of a floating pontoon and access gangway at Mountcharles Pier, Co. Donegal was carried out in accordance with the relevant guidelines.

This proposed development is designed to provide facilities for the existing rowing boats and pleasure boats in the local area together with visiting boats. This development will help the local economy and will also provide safer access to rowing boats entering and leaving the pier.

This screening stage of the appropriate assessment identified no likely significant impacts on either Natura 2000 sites from the proposed project, either independently or in conjunction with other developments. On this basis no further assessment is required.

This Screening Report is prepared under instruction from the applicant, Donegal County Council, to facilitate an application to the Department of the Environment for a foreshore lease at Mountcharles Pier. Greentrack accept no responsibility to any third party to whom this report is made known or available. Any such third parties rely on this Screening Report at their own risk.

Signed: Dated: 18th September 2014

______Denis Faulkner

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