Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Article 6(3) Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Surface Water Drainage Upgrade Works, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary

DOCUMENT DETAILS

Client: Punch Consulting Engineers

Project Title: Surface Water Drainage Upgrade Works, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary

Project Number: 190557

Document Title: Article 6(3) Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

Document File Name: AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557

Prepared By: MKO Tuam Road Galway Ireland H91 VW84

Rev Status Date Author(s) Approved By 01 Final 23/0/2019 CS/JO JH

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Appropriate Assessment ...... 1 1.2.1 Screening for Appropriate Assessment ...... 1 1.2.2 Statement of Authority ...... 2 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ...... 3 2.1 Site Location ...... 3 2.2 Characteristics of the Proposed Development ...... 3 2.2.1 Description of the project ...... 3 2.2.2 Description of the Baseline Ecological Environment ...... 3 3. IDENTIFICATION OF RELEVANT EUROPEAN SITES ...... 7 3.1 Identification of the European Sites within the Likely Zone of Impact ...... 7 3.2 European Sites with the Potential to be Significantly Affected by the Proposed Development ...... 6 3.3 Likely Cumulative Impact of the Proposed Works on European Sites, in- combination with other plans and projects ...... 6 4. ARTICLE 6(3) APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING STATEMENT AND CONCLUSIONS...... 7 4.1 Data Collected to Carry Out Assessment ...... 7 4.2 Concluding Statement ...... 7 5. BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 8

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

MKO has been appointed to provide the information necessary to allow the competent authority to conduct an Article 6(3) Screening for Appropriate Assessment of the proposed surface water drainage upgrade works to be undertaken in the townland of Nenagh North, Nenagh town, Co. Tipperary (Grid Ref.: R 87586 79415). The proposed works are a continuation of storm water drainage previously installed (Phase 1) on the Dublin Road (R445) in Nenagh town.

Screening for Appropriate Assessment is required under Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the Habitats Directive). Where it cannot be excluded that a project or plan, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, would have a significant effect on a European Site then same shall be subject to an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. The current project is not directly connected with, or necessary for, the management of any European Site consequently the project has been subject to the Appropriate Assessment Screening process.

The assessment in this report is based on a desk study and field surveys undertaken on the 1st of July 2019. It specifically assesses the potential for the proposed development to result in significant effects on European sites in the absence of any best practice, mitigation or preventative measures.

This Appropriate Assessment Screening Report has been prepared in accordance with the European Commission’s Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological Guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (EC, 2001) and Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC (EC, 2018) as well as the Department of the Environment’s Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG, 2010).

In addition to the guidelines referenced above, the following relevant documents were also considered in the preparation of this report:

1. Council of the European Commission (1992) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. Official Journal of the European Communities. Series L 20, pp. 7-49. 2. EC (2000) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. 3. EC (2007) Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the 'Habitats Directive' 92/43/EEC – Clarification of the concepts of: alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding public interest, compensatory measures, overall coherence. Opinion of the commission, 4. EC (2013) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 28. European Commission.

1.2 Appropriate Assessment

1.2.1 Screening for Appropriate Assessment

Screening is the process of determining whether an Appropriate Assessment is required for a plan or project. Under Part XAB of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, screening must be carried out by the Competent Authority. As per Section 177U of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended ‘A screening for appropriate assessment shall be carried out by the competent authority to assess, in view of best scientific knowledge, if that Land use plan or proposed development,

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557

individually or in combination with another plan or project is likely to have a significant effect on the European site’. The Competent Authority’s determination as to whether an Appropriate Assessment is required must be made on the basis of objective information and should be recorded. The Competent Authority may request information to be supplied to enable it to carry out screening.

Consultants or project proponents may provide for the competent authority, the information necessary for them to determine whether an Appropriate Assessment is required and provide advice to assist them in the Article 6(3) Appropriate Assessment Screening decision.

Where it cannot be excluded beyond reasonable scientific doubt at the Screening stage, that a proposed plan or project, individually or in combination with other plans and projects, would have a significant effect on the conservation objectives of a European site, an Appropriate Assessment is required.

Where An Appropriate Assessment is required, the Competent Authority may require the applicant to prepare a Natura Impact Statement.

The term Natura Impact Statement (NIS) is defined in legislation1. An NIS, where required, should present the data, information and analysis necessary to reach a definitive determination as to 1) the implications of the plan or project, alone or in combination with other plans and projects, for a European site in view of its conservation objectives, and 2) whether there will be adverse effects on the integrity of a European site. The NIS should be underpinned by best scientific knowledge, objective information and by the precautionary principle.

This Article 6(3) Appropriate Assessment Screening Report has been prepared in compliance with the provision of section 177U of the Planning & Development Act 2010 as amended.

1.2.2 Statement of Authority

An ecological baseline survey undertaken on the 1st of July 2019 by Julie O’Sullivan (B.Sc., M.Sc.). Julie is an experienced ecologist with over four years professional experience and is a competent expert in undertaking habitat and ecological assessments to this level. This report has been prepared by Claire Stephens (B.Sc.) and James Owens (B.Sc., M.Sc.). Claire has over a years’ experience in ecological consultancy and James has over four years’ experience working as an ecologist. This report has been reviewed by John Hynes (B.Sc., M.Sc., MCIEEM) who has over 7 years’ experience in management and ecological assessment.

1 As defined in Section 177T of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended, an NIS means a statement, for the purposes of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive, of the implications of a proposed development, on its own and in combination with other plans and projects, for a European site in view of its conservation objectives. It is required to include a report of a scientific examination of evidence and data, carried out by competent persons to identify and classify any implications for the European site in view of its conservation objectives

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

2.1 Site Location

The proposed surface water drainage works will be undertaken in the townland of Nenagh North, east of Nenagh Town in Co. Tipperary (Grid Ref.: R 87586 79415). The proposed works will connect to and run from an existing storm water sewer in the Dublin road (R445) at its western end and discharge through an outfall pipe and constructed headwall into the Nenagh river at its eastern end. A site location map is presented in Figure 2.1. The site layout drawing is presented in Figure 2.2.

2.2 Characteristics of the Proposed Development

2.2.1 Description of the project

The proposed works involve the construction of approximately 340m of a new surface water drainage network associated with the Dublin Road, Nenagh, Tipperary. A drawing showing the proposed development is given in Figure 2.2. This will replace an ad-hoc surface water drainage system at this section of road which is currently a combination of road side drains and gullies and a discharge pipe to the River Nenagh. The new surface water drainage pipe will connect to and follow on from the existing surface water drainage network at the western end of the proposed works area. The proposed upgrade works will involve the laying of approximately 305m of new surface water drainage pipe, along with associated gullies, within the road. Approximately 35m of outfall pipe will be constructed through an agricultural field before discharging into the Nenagh River at the eastern extreme of the proposed works area and the existing outfall pipe will be decommissioned at that location. A petrol interceptor will be installed where the surface water drainage pipe leaves the road and enters the agricultural field and a new headwall will be constructed on the river bank at the proposed outfall point. Part of the proposed headwall will be below the level of the river and will therefore involve instream works.

The construction of the new drainage network will involve the excavation of trenches to accommodate the new pipeline and connecting road gullies. Approximate trench depth will vary between 1.6m to 3.5m and trench width will vary between 0.85m and 1.5m. The type of pipe will either be precast concrete, thermoplastic structured wall pipe, or Unplasticised PVC.

The surface water drainage system will be equipped with a Klargester petrol interceptor NSBE075 or similar EPA approved model.

2.2.2 Description of the Baseline Ecological Environment

Assessing the impacts of any project and associated activities requires an understanding of the ecological baseline conditions prior to and at the time of the project proceeding. Ecological baseline conditions are those existing in the absence of proposed activities (CIEEM 2018). A multidisciplinary walkover survey was conducted on the 1st of July 2019 in line with NRA (2009) guidelines (Ecological Surveying Techniques for Protected Flora and Fauna during the Planning of National Road Schemes) by Julie O’ Sullivan (BSc., MSc). The ecological survey was undertaken within the optimal time of year to undertake a habitat and flora survey (Smith et. al 2011).

The site compound is located to the west of the proposed development and within a carpark categorised Buildings and artificial surfaces (BL3). The majority of the proposed works area will be located in the existing road network (R445) and adjoining footpath categorised as Buildings and

Map Legend

Site Boundary

MAP TITLE: Site Location - Nenagh MAP NO.: Figure 2.1 SCALE: 1:30,000 PROJECT TITLE: 190557 Punch Nenagh Sewer AA DATE: 01-07-2019 DRAWING BY: CS CHECKED BY: JO ISSUE NO.:190557-2019.07.01

MKO Tuam Road, Galway, Ireland, H91 VW84. +353 (0) 91 735611 www.mkoireland.ie Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. AR 0021819 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland 50.13

50.55 47.18

50.32 47.14

NOTES THE CONTRACTOR IS ADVISED TO REFER TO THE RELEVANT GPR AND 47.18 EXISTING INFORMATION DRAWINGS PROVIDED AS PART OF THE

50.47 1. EXISTING ENTRANCES TO PROPERTIES TO BE KEPT LIVE AT ALL TIMES 50.21 TENDER DOCUMENTS. 51.40 FOR THE DURATION OF WORKS 50.34

50.46 52.54 2. ONE TRAFFIC LANE TO BE OPEN AT ALL TIMES. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT 52.54 EXISTING SERVICE INFORMATION (IF SHOWN) IS FROM RECORDS AND NOTE : 47.12 51.00

50.18 PLAN TO BE UNDERTAKEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 8 OF THE 50.19 50.22 GPR IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE. OTHER SERVICES MAY BE ENCOUNTERED ON 47.12

TRAFFIC SIGNS MANUAL AND PUNCH SITEWORKS SPECIFICATION. 50.15 SITE CONTRACTOR TO NOTE - HALF CARRIAGEWAY 52.60 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN TO BE AGREED WITH TIPPERARY COUNTY 47.31 COUNCIL PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT ON SITE. 50.19

52.54

50.07 EXISTING SERVICES AS INDICATED ARE BASED OFF SERVICE WIDTH SURFACING REINSTATEMENT A REQUIREMENT 50.16 3. TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY CARRIED OUT BY SCANTECH GEOSCIENCE. 50.39 51.09 PROVIDER DRAWINGS/ SCANTECH GEOSCIENCE TOPOGRAPHIC AND

50.08 FOR THIS CONTRACT 47.31 4. REFER TO SERVICE PROVIDER RECORD DRAWINGS FOR DETAILS OF GPR SURVEY/ AS-BUILT SURVEY INFORMATION FROM JB 47.47

47.28 52.58 EXISTING SERVICES TO BE REVIEWS IN CONJUNCTION WITH SCANTECH BARRY&WALSHE CIVIL ENGINEERING. PLEASE REFER TO THE 48.74

50.21 GEOSCIENCE SURVEYS GPR DRAWINGS 2640. 47.28 49.69 51.06 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PACK INCLUDED WITH THE TENDER PACK.

50.36 5. REFER TO SERVICE REFER TO JB BARRY DRAWING 47.15

50.04 51.38 52.68 Y15706_C_024/024-1/035/050/115 AND WALSHE CIVIL ENGINEERING THE CONTRACTOR IS TO REFER TO DRAWING 161-266-013 FOR PIPE 48.57 47.15

50.60 DRAWINGS NENAGH-SR-108/109 (AS-BUILT SEWER) FOR DETAILS OF FOUL 52.53 BACKFILL AND TRENCH REINSTATEMENT ABOVE THE PIPE BEDDING SEWER CONSTRUCTED UNDER A SEPARATE CONTRACT. CONTRACTOR

50.19

50.31 TO SURVEY LOCATION/ CENTERLINE/ INVERT LINE OF 900mm SEWER AND SURROUND 46.97

50.04

SUBMIT TO ENGINEER 5 WORKING DAYS PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT ON 46.97 52.62 SITE. 48.60

48.93

49.27 6. REFER TO SERVICE PROVIDER RECORD DRAWINGS FOR DETAILS OF 47.53

47.46 50.27 EXISTING SERVICES TO BE REVIEWS IN CONJUNCTION WITH SCANTECH 47.53

48.83

GEOSCIENCE SURVEYS GPR DRAWINGS 2640. 50.27

50.12 49.52

50.37 7. ALL LEVELS ARE IN METERS ABOVE MALIN HEAD DATUM AS DERIVED ON 50.19 47.37 TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY. 49.34

47.37

50.83

52.66 8. THIS DRAWING SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALL RELEVANT

50.89

EMPLOYERS REPRESENTATIVE AND MANUFACTURERS' DRAWINGS AND 49.04 SPECIFICATIONS. VIBRATION MONITORING TO BE UNDERTAKEN 47.45 51.23 52.69 PROPOSED HEADWALL 9. THE CONTRACTOR MUST CONTACT THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES PRIOR 50.12 DN750 OUTFALL PIPE FOR FULL DURATION OF THE PROJECT, LOCAL 47.63 TO CONSTRUCTION WORK, AND SATISFY HIMSELF IN RESPECT TO THE I.L. 47.991

S1-15 47.45 LOCATION OF ALL EXISTING SERVICES. TO EXISTING BOUNDARY WALL AND DWELLING S1.014 (DN750 S1-14 @1/1:1000)

49.82 47.36

51.89

52.78

10. CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE IL, PIPE DIAMETER AND DIRECTION OF FLOW 52.23

IN EXISTING MANHOLES ON COMMENCEMENT OF THE WORKS TO THE 49.78 48.94

47.48

EMPLOYERS REPRESENTATIVE 47.36 52.04 52.90 48.67 KLARGESTER PETROL INTERCEPTOR 49.44 NSBE075 OR SIMILAR APPROVED

49.27 47.69 11. CLASS S BEDDING TO BE PROVIDED WHERE MINIMUM COVER TO PIPES - 52.02 S1.013 (DN750 @1/1:1000) 47.28 53.08 = 1200mm OR GREATER DUCTING FOR LEVELS ALARM TO BE S1-13 PROVIDED FROM INTERCEPTOR TO MATCH LINE 2 NEW MINI-PILLAR LOCATION OF VENT STACK TO BE AGREED ON SITE 48.88

12. CLASS Z BEDDING TO BE PROVIDED WHERE MINIMUM COVER TO PIPES 47.79 52.99 =800mm AND LESS THAN 1200mm 48.01 50.77

VP 48.53 13. ALL TEMPORARY WORKS TO CONTRACTORS DESIGN 53.25

@1/1:1000) S1.012 (DN750 RG 14. DRAWING TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALL GPR/ TOPOGRAPHIC

SURVEYS AND SITE INVESTIGATION REPORT. S1.011 (DN750 @1/1:1000) S1-12

S1-11 15. IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION OF ALL SERVICE TO BE CONFIRMED BY RG THE CONTRACTOR PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT ON SITE. G RG

16. ALL KERBS DAMAGED DURING THE WORKS TO BE REPAIRED BY S1.010 (DN675 @1/1:1000)

CONTRACTOR AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE MATCH LINE 1

RG RG 17. ALL EXISTING GULLIES WITHIN THE SITE EXTENTS TO BE JETTED AND CLEANED OUT

S1-10

RG G S1.009 (DN675 @1/1:950) DRAINAGE LEGEND RG G PHASE 2 CONTRACT - PROPOSED STORM SEWER G

S1-9 RG G S1.018 (DN675 @1/1:900) RG RG PHASE 2 CONTRACT - PROPOSED HIPPO STYLE RG GULLY POT WITH 150mm CONNECTION RG S1-8

S1.007 (DN600 @1/1:800) RG EXISTING STORM SEWER - LAID UNDER PREVIOUS SW-EX S1-7 CONTRACT

@1/1:275 SW-EX RG 600 G SW-EX S1-6 EXISTING HIPPO STYLE GULLY POT WITH 150mm CONNECTION - LAID UNDER PREVIOUS CONTRACT SW-EX

SW-EX G

ROAD EXTENTS

EXISTING GULLY G

EXSITING 350mm ASBESTOS WATERMAIN CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE METHOD STATEMENT PRIOR TO WM CROSSING

SITE BOUNDARY

KEYPLAN ( NOT TO SCALE)

SHEET 3

SHEET 2 SHEET 1 Appropriate Assessment Screening Report AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557 artificial surfaces (BL3). The (Plate 2.1). The road is also bordered by a small strip of Amenity Grassland (GA2).

At the eastern extreme of the proposed development the outfall pipe is directed for 35m through a field of Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1) (Plate 2.2). Perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne) is abundant in the sward with frequent Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus) and meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis). Other species included creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) and clovers (Trifolium spp.).

At the eastern end of the proposed development, the headwall and outfall pipe will be constructed on the western river bank within a short section of Reed and Large Sedge Swamps (FS1), approximately 3.5m in length (Plate 2.3). This habitat was dominated by reed canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea), common reed (Phragmites australis), hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium) with other species including nettle (Urtica dioica), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), false oat- grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus), cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), water figwort (Scrophularia auriculata), water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile) and common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium).

The proposed development will involve instream works within a small section of the River Nenagh (approximately 8m2) which is categorized as Depositing/lowland River (FW2). The river was characterized by a gravel and pebble substrate with some large boulders present downstream of the proposed works area. The river at the works area consisted of glide habitat with pool and riffle areas further downstream (Plate 2.3). The river is approximately 10m wide, with water depth varying between 20 and 100 cm. The flow in the river was low and the water clear at the time of survey. Water crowfoot (Ranunculus sp.) was recorded within the river but outside the proposed works area. Vegetation at the river margin comprised of hemlock water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) and Fool's- water-cress (Apium nodiflorum). Where crowfoots occur, the floating river vegetation can correspond to the Annex I habitat ‘Watercourses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation (3260)’.

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557

Plate 2.1: The R445 road where the majority of the works will take place and footpaths are classified as Buildings and artificial surfaces (BL3).

Plate 2.2: Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1) adjacent to the river.

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557

Plate 2.3: The Nenagh River (FW2), looking downstream, with reed fringe (FS1) on the western bank of the river.

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557

3. IDENTIFICATION OF RELEVANT EUROPEAN SITES

3.1 Identification of the European Sites within the Likely Zone of Impact

The following methodology was used to establish which European Sites are within the Likely Zone of Impact of the proposed development:

Initially the most up to date GIS spatial datasets for European designated sites and water catchments were downloaded from the NPWS website (www.npws.ie) and the EPA website (www.epa.ie) on the 23/07/2019. The datasets were utilized to identify European Sites which could feasibly be affected by the proposed development. All European Sites within a distance of 15km surrounding the development site were identified and are shown on Figure 3.1. In addition, the potential for connectivity with European Sites at distances of greater than 15km from the proposed development was also considered in this initial assessment. In this case, no potential connectivity with sites located at a distance of over 15km from the proposed development was identified. The catchment mapping was used to establish or discount potential hydrological connectivity between the site of the proposed development and any European Sites. The hydrological catchments are also shown in Figure 3.1. Table 3.1, provides details of all relevant European Sites as identified in the preceding steps and assesses which are within the likely Zone of Impact. The assessment considers any likely direct or indirect impacts of the proposed development, both alone and in combination with other plans and projects, on European Sites by virtue of the following criteria: size and scale, land-take, distance from the European Site or key features of the site, resource requirements, emissions, excavation requirements, transportation requirements and duration of construction, operation and decommissioning were considered in this screening assessment The site synopses and conservation objectives of these sites, as per the NPWS website (www.npws.ie), were consulted and reviewed at the time of preparing this report 23/07/2019. Figure 3.1 shows the location of the proposed development in relation to all European sites within 15km of the proposed development. Where potential pathways for Significant Effect are identified, the site is included within the Likely Zone of Impact.

Map Legend

Special Area of Conservation

Special Protection Area

Site Location

15km Buffer

Surface Water Catchment

MAP TITLE: EU Designated Sites within 15km MAP NO.: Figure 3.1 SCALE: 1:180,000 PROJECT TITLE: 190557 Punch Nenagh Sewer AA DATE: 01-07-2019 DRAWING BY: CS CHECKED BY: JO ISSUE NO.:190557-2019.07.01

MKO Tuam Road, Galway, Ireland, H91 VW84. +353 (0) 91 735611 www.mkoireland.ie Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. AR 0021819 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557 - 190557 – 2019.07.23 F AASR

No pathway for effect was identified effect was for No pathway Likely the within is not site and the Zone of Impact. Likely Zone of Impact Determination Determination Likely Zone of Impact the project as There will be no direct effects footprint is located entirely outside the designated site. designated which the site is habitats for The pathway no are terrestrially based, therefore exist. for indirect effects and the connectivity Given the absence of for no pathways SAC, the distance from identified. were the SAC indirect effects on identified and the effect was for No pathway of Impact. the Likely Zone site is not within the project as There will be no direct effects footprint is located entirely outside the designated site. designated which the site is habitats for The pathway no are terrestrially based, therefore exist. for indirect effects the project as There will be no direct effects footprint is located entirely outside the designated site.

Detailed conservation objectives for this site, (Version 1, November 2017), were reviewed as part of the are available at assessment and www.npws.ie Conservation Objectives this site, objectives for Detailed conservation (Version 1, July 2018), were reviewed as part of and are available atthe assessment www.npws.ie this site, objectives for Detailed conservation (Version 1, July 2018), were reviewed as part of and are available atthe assessment www.npws.ie

Erica Erica Erica Erica

Violetalia nservation Interests for nservation Interests on the 23/07/2019 on

grasslands, on siliceous grasslands,

Nardis the of grasslands

www.npws.ie

Calaminarian

tetralix sub mountain (and areas substrates in mountain areas, in Continental Europe) tetralix calaminariae tetralix [4010] Northern Atlantic wet heaths with [4010] Northern Atlantic wet [6230] Species-rich Qualify Interests/Special Co which site has been designated the European (Sourced from Conservation NPWS online Objectives, [4010] Northern Atlantic wet heaths with [4030] European dry heaths [6130] [4010] Northern Atlantic wet heaths with [4030] European dry heaths 9.9km 9.9km 9.5km 10.2km

European Sites European and distancefrom proposed development Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) Silvermine Mountains SAC [000939] Distance: Silvermines Mountains West SAC [002258] Distance: Bolingbrook Hill SAC [002124] Distance:

Table 3.1 Designated sites within the Likely Zone of Impact Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557 - 190557 – 2019.07.23 F AASR The habitats for which the site is designated is designated which the site habitats for The are terrestrially based, therefore no pathway exist. for indirect effects identified and the effect was for No pathway of Impact. the Likely Zone site is not within the project as There will be no direct effects footprint is located entirely outside the designated site. is located up-catchment The European Site Nenagh works area. The of the proposed half of southern River discharges into the of the downstream is Derg which Lough indirect for No pathways European Site. were identified. SAC on the effects effect was identified and the No pathway for of Impact. the Likely Zone site is not within There will be no direct effects as the project footprint the is located entirely outside designated site. site is approximately 35km The European downstream of the proposed However, works. in nature the proposed works are small scale exists water connectivity and no direct surface as the river and lake provide intervening buffers. the SAC Given the hydrological distance from proposed and scale of the and the nature the on indirect effects for pathways works, no SAC were identified. Detailed conservation objectives for this site, this site, objectives for Detailed conservation (Version 1, April 2019), were reviewed as part are available at and assessment of the www.npws.ie this site, objectives for Detailed conservation 2012), were reviewed as part (Version 1, August are available at and assessment of the www.npws.ie and and

Alnus glutinosa Alno-Padion, Alnion Cladium mariscus by seawater at covered ) formations on heaths or heaths on formations era (Freshwater Pearl grasslands, siliceous on ( of stony banks [1220] of stony banks woods of the British Isles Nardus Caricion davallianae

Juniperus communis Taxus baccata calcareous grasslands calcareous grasslands species of the Fraxinus excelsior incanae, Salicion albae Mussel) [1029] [1106] all the time [1110] low tide [1140] substrates in mountain areas (and submountain submountain (and areas mountain substrates in areas, in Continental Europe) Margaritifera margaritif (Sea Lamprey) [1095] Petromyzon marinus Lampetra planeri (Brook Lamprey) [1096] (River Lamprey) [1099]Lampetra fluviatilis Salmo salar (Atlanticonly Salmon) in freshwater - Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water Estuaries [1130] and sandflats not Mudflats [1150] Coastal lagoons Large shallow inlets and bays [1160] Reefs [1170] Perennial vegetation [5130] with [7210] Calcareous fens [7230] Alkaline fens [8240] Limestone pavements [91E0] Alluvial forests with [91J0] [6230] Species-rich 10.4km 10.4km : 11.5km : 11.5km

Lough Derg, North-east North-east Derg, Lough Shore SAC (002241) Distance: Lower River Shannon SAC [002165] Distance

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557 - 190557 – 2019.07.23 F AASR No pathway for effect was identified and the No pathway for of Impact. the Likely Zone site is not within the project as There will be no direct effects footprint is located entirely outside the designated site. is designated which the site habitats for The are terrestrially based, therefore no pathway exist. for indirect effects effect was identified and the No pathway for of Impact. the Likely Zone site is not within the project as There will be no direct effects footprint is located entirely outside the designated site. is designated which the site habitats for The are terrestrially based, therefore no pathway exist. for indirect effects (Generic version

.’ ’

Detailed conservation objectives for this site, for objectives Detailed conservation (Version 1, October 2017), were reviewed as at available and are the assessment part of www.npws.ie This site has the objective: generic conservation favourable or restore the maintain ‘To Annex I the of condition conservation II species for which the Annex habitat(s) and/or selected been the SAC has 6.0 NPWS 2018)

Erica tetralix

(Glauco-Puccinellietalia

[1230] sand [1310] maritimae) [1330] [1410] Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- Batrachion vegetation [3260] silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] [1349] [4010] regeneration [7120] Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coastsVegetated sea cliffs of and mud colonising annuals Salicornia and other meadows Atlantic salt maritimi) meadows (Juncetalia Mediterranean salt levels with the montane plain to of Water courses peaty or clayey- Molinia meadows on calcareous, Fraxinus with Alnus glutinosa and Alluvial forests Dolphin) Bottlenose (Common Tursiops truncatus [1355] Lutra lutra (Otter) with Northern Atlantic wet heaths active bog) [7130] Blanket bogs (* if Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural 12.0km 12.0km km 14.9

Keeper Hill SAC [001197] Distance: Bog Scohaboy (Sopwell) SAC (002206) Distance:

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557 - 190557 – 2019.07.23 F AASR effect was identified and the No pathway for of Impact. the Likely Zone site is not within the project as There will be no direct effects footprint is located entirely outside the designated site. SPA has with the Hydrological connectivity River Nenagh been identified through the located approximately 11.5km hydrological works. the proposed of distance downstream approach a precautionary Therefore, taking deterioration of surface the potential for habitat the supporting water quality affecting been identified. The of SCI species has potential effect requires further assessment and will be considered under the Wetland and Waterbird [A999] conservation objective. scale of the and nature the distance, Due to proposed works, disturbance related effects anticipated. species are not on additional SCI This site is considered to be within the Likely Zoneand further assessment will be of Impact Statement. provided in a Natura Impact There will be no direct effects as the project footprint the is located entirely outside designated site. The proposed development is located outside SCI species of the rang foraging core the 2km associated with the SPA (SNH, 2016).

To maintain or restore the favourable restore the favourable maintain or To restore the favourable maintain or To (Generic version 6.0 NPWS 2018) restore the favourable maintain or To

This site has the generic conservation generic conservation site has the This objective: ‘ bird species of the condition conservation listed as Special this Interests forConservation SPA’ conservation objective: This site has a second ‘ wetland habitat of the condition conservation SPA as a resource Derg (Shannon) at Lough for the regularly-occurring migratory waterbirds that utilise it.’ generic conservation site has the This objective: ‘ bird species of the condition conservation listed as Special this Interests forConservation SPA’ (Generic version 6.0 NPWS 2018).

[A017] [A193]

) [A067] [A082] ) [A061] ) [A061]

Sterna hirundo)

Aythya fuligula Aythya (Circus cyaneus) Phalacrocorax carbo) Bucephala clangula

Wetland and Waterbirds [A999] Wetland and Waterbirds Cormorant ( Cormorant Tufted Duck ( Goldeneye ( Common Tern ( Hen Harrier

7.7 km (11.5km km 7.7 8.7 km

pecial Protection Area (SPA) S Derg (Shannon) Lough SPA (004058) Distance: surface water distance) Slievefelim to Silvermines [004165] Mountains SPA. Distance:

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report Appropriate Assessment Screening Report AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557

3.2 European Sites with the Potential to be Significantly Affected by the Proposed Development

Lough Derg (Shannon) SPA (004058)

An indirect potential pathway for effect in the form of surface water pollution was identified in relation to the following aquatic influenced SCI associated with the Lough Derg (Shannon) SPA (004058):

Wetland and Waterbirds [A999]

3.3 Likely Cumulative Impact of the Proposed Works on European Sites, in-combination with other plans and projects

Where potential pathways for effect have been identified in Table 3.1; the potential for cumulative effects resulting from the proposed surface water upgrade works when considered in combination with other plans and projects, cannot be discounted at this stage and further assessment is required.

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557

4. ARTICLE 6(3) APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING STATEMENT AND CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this Screening Assessment are presented following the European Commission’s Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological Guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (EC, 2001) and Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC (EC, 2018) as well as the Department of the Environment’s Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG, 2010).

4.1 Data Collected to Carry Out Assessment

In preparation of the report, the following sources were used to gather information:

Review of NPWS Site Synopses, Conservation Objectives for the European Sites Review of 2013 and 2007 EU Habitats Directive (Article 17) Reports. Review of OS maps and aerial photographs of the site of the proposed project. Review of other plans and projects within the area. Site visits conducted by Julie O’ Sullivan (B.Sc., MSc.) on the 1st of July 2019.

4.2 Concluding Statement

It cannot be excluded beyond reasonable scientific doubt, in view of best scientific knowledge, on the basis of objective information and in light of the conservation objectives of the relevant European sites, that the proposed development, individually or in combination with other plans and projects, would be likely to have a significant effect on the Lough Derg (Shannon) SPA [004058].

As a result, an Appropriate Assessment is required, and a Natura Impact Statement shall be prepared in respect of the proposed development.

Appropriate Assessment Screening Report AASR F – 2019.07.23 - 190557

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