Appropriate Assessment

Article 6(3) Appropriate Assessment

Appropriate Assessment Screening for

Proposed IPC Boundary Amendment to‘ * Cui1 na Mona Bog Group, Co. Laois

Nat-uially.Dl;!veri

Prepared for: Envi ronmenta I Protect ion Agency (EPA) Document Title: Appropriate Assessment Screening for Proposed IPC Boundary Amendment to Cui1 na Mona Bog Group, Co. Laois Doc. File Name: CuilnaMona~lPC~Boundary~Amendment~AASR~201612 06-D2 Prepared By: Bord na Mona Address: Bord na Mona, Leabeg, Blueball, I Tulla more, For inspection purposes only. Co. ConsentOffaly of copyright owner required for any other use.

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Appendices Appendix 1: NPWS Site Synopsis (River Barrow and River Nore SAC (Site Code: 002162) & River Nore SPA (Site Code: 004233)) Appendix 2: Bord na Mona Abbeyleix Bog Rehabilitation Plan

Rev Status Issue Date Document File Name’ Author(s) Approved

I I I I CuilnaMona~lPC~Boun~dary~Amendment~AASR~2016Barry ’ IO1 Draft 30/11/2016 1130-D1 I I I OLoughlin .McCorry I I I t I I CuilnaMona-l PC-Boundary-AmendmentAASR-2016 Barv O’Loughlin McCorry I02 I Draft I 06/12/2016.1 12 06-D2 Mark I I I I I

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-. .. ' Table of Contents

1 Introduction ...... 1 1 .I General Introduction ...... 1

1.2 'Statutory Guidelines...... : .... :...... :...... :...... 1 ...... 1 1.3 Legislative Context: ...... 1 1.4 Stages of Appropriate Assessment ...... 2 1.4.1 Stage 1 ...... :...... ;...... 2 1.4.2 Stage 2 ...... 2 1.4.3 Stage 3 ...... 3 1.4.4 Stage 4 ...... 3 2 Description of the Project (IPC Boundary Amendment) ...... 4 2.1 Site Description ...... 4 2.2 Background ...... 4 2.2.1 Abbeyleix Bog ...... 4 2.2.2 Cashel Bog ...... :...... 5 2.2.3 Coolnacarten Bog ...... 5 2.2.4 Coolnamona Bog...... 6

2.3 . IPC Boundary Amendment ...... -. 6 2.4 Project (IPC Boundary amendment) ...... 6 .* 2.4.1. . IPC'License Conditions 'Best Practice' ...... :...... 6

2.4.2 Invasive Species ...... -._ - 8 3 Methodology ...... '.:...... 9 3.1 Desktop Assessment and Consultation ...... ,. 9

I, 3.2 Field Surveys ...... 9 . 4 Identification of European Sites ...... 10 ; For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 4.1 Background ...... :...... ;..... 4.1.1 Special Areas of Conservation (SACS)...... 4.1.2 Special Protection Areas (SPAS)...... 10 4.2 European Sites Identified in the Zone of Impact; ...... 11 5 Assessment of Likely Effects on European Sites ...... 16 .. 5.1 Article 6(3) Assessment Criteria and Screening Approach ...... 16 5.1:1 Description of the Individual Elements of the Project with Potential to give Rise to :_...... Impacts on European Sites ...... 16 S.lr.2 Description of any- Likely Direct, Indireq or Secondary Impacts of the Project on , European Sites ...... 16 . 5.1.3 . In-Combination Effects with Other Plans and Projects...... 20 5.1.4 Description of Likely Changes to European Sites ...... 20 5.1.5 Description of any Likely Impacts on any European Site ...... 22 -5.1.6 Indicators of Significance as a Result of the Identification of Effects ...... 22

..6 Article 6(3) Screening Statement a'nd Conclusions ...... ; ...... 23

6.1 Description of the Project: ...... ; ...... ;: ...... 23 6.2 Potential for Effects on European Sites ...... 23 6.2.1 European Sites Screened Out from Further Assessment ...... 23 6.3 Data Collected to Carry Out the Assessment ...... 27

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. 6.4 Overall Conclusions / AA Screening Determination...... 27 7 Bibliography ...... 28

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1 INTRODUCTION '

1.1 General Introduction This report has been prepared by the Bord na Mona Ecology Team in support of an application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) boundary amendment of the Cui1 na Mona Bog Group (IPC License Ref. PO507-01). Bord na Mona operates under this IPC licence issued and administered by the EPA to extract peat within the Cui1 na Mona Bog Group. The boundary change will involve removing Abbeyleix Bog out of the Cui1 na Mona IPC licensed area for peat production. This document provides the necessary information to allow the competent authority to conduct an Article 6(3) Screening for Appropriate Assessment (AA) (as transposed into Irish law and in particular pursuant to the provisions of Article 250 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as inserted by SI 476 of 2011 being the Planning and Development (Amendment) (no. 3) Regulations, 2011). The AA Screening process aims to determine, in view of best scientific knowledge, whether the project (IPC boundary amendment) alone or in-combination with other plans and projects, is likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site(s) (hereafter referred to as European Site) in view of its conservation objectives. The IPC boundary amendment is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of any European Site designated for nature conservation.

1.2 Statutory Guidelines This report has been prepared in accordance with the European Commission guidance document Assessment of flans and Projects Significantly affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological Guidance on the provisions ofArticle 6(3) and6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC(EC, 2001) and the Department of the Environment's Guidance on the Appropriate Assessment of flans and Projects in Ireland (December 2009, amended February 2010).

In addition to the guidelines referenced above, the following guidance documents were consulted during the preparation of this report:

9 European Communities (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. European Commission; . EC (2007) Guidance document For on inspection Article purposes 6(4) only.of the 'Habitats Directive' 92/43/EEC - Clarification of the conceptsConsent of: ofalternative copyright owner solutions, required for imperative any other use. reasons of overriding public

interest, compensatory measures, overall coherence, opinion of the commission. European Commission; . 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. European Commission; and . EC (2013) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 28. European Commission

1.3 Legislative Context The Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, better known as the "Habitats Directive", provides legal protection for habitats and species of European importance. Articles 3 to 9 provide the legislative means to protect habitats and species of Community interest through the establishment and conservation of an EU-wide network of sites known as Natura 2000. These are Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) designated under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPAS)designated under the Conservation of Wild Birds Directive (79/409/ECC) as codified by Directive 2009/147/EC.

Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive set out the decision-making tests for plans and projects likely to affect Natura 2000 sites. Article 6(3) establishes the requirement for Appropriate Assessment (AA):

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6(3) ‘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 far 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’.

6(4) ‘If, in spite of a negative assessment af the implications for the site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of social or economic nature, the Member State shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. It shall inform the Commission af the compensatory measures adopted’.

, It is the responsibility of the proponent of the plan or project to provide the relevant information (ecological surveys, research, analysis etc.) for submission to the “competent national authority” (in this case, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)). Having satisfied itself that the information is complete and objective, the competent authority will use this information to screen the project, to determine if an AA is required and to carry out the AA, if one is deemed necessary. The competent authority shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect , the integrity of the site concerned.

, 1.4 Stages of Appropriate Assessment ’ The Commissions methodological guidance (EC, 2001) promotes a four stage process to complete ; Appropriate Assessment (AA) and outlines issues and tests at each stage (DoEHLG, 2010). The outcome ‘ of each successive stage will determine whether a further stage in the AA process is required. The four i stages are as follows: Stage 1Screening for AA, Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment, Stage 3 Alternative j Solutions and Stage 4 IROPI, as presented in Figure 1.1below.

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Figure 1.1: Stages in Appropriate Assessment (DoEHLG, 2010). I ! i’ 1.4.1 Stage 1 2 Screening - this stage identifies whether the plan/project is directly connected to or necessary for the ‘ management of a Natura 2000 site (European Site); and identifies whether the project is likely to have 1 significant impacts upon a Natura 2000 site either alone or in combination with other projects or plans. 1 The output from this stage is a determination for each European Site of not significant, significant, potentially significant, or uncertain effects. The latter three determinations will cause that site to be , brought forward to Stage 2.

1.4.2 Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment - this stage involves the consideration of the impact on the integrity of the European site of the plan/project, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, with respect to the site’s structure and function and its conservation objectives. Additionally, where there are adverse impacts, an assessment of the potential mitigation of those impacts. If adequate mitigation is proposed to ensure no significant adverse impacts on European Sites, then the process may end at this stage. If the assessment is negative, i.e. adverse effects on the integrity of a site cannot be excluded, then the process must consider alternatives (Stage 3) or proceed to Stage 4.

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1.4.3 Stage 3 Assessment of Alternative Solutions - this process examines alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the plan/project that avoid adverse impacts on the integrity of the European sites. This assessment may be carried out concurrently with Stage 2 in order to find the most appropriate solution. If no alternatives exist or all alternatives would result in negative impacts to the integrity of the European sites then the process either moves to Stage 4 or the plan/project is abandoned. Assessment Where Adverse Impacts Remain - an assessment of compensatory measures where, in the light of an assessment of Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI), it is deemed that the project or plan should proceed.

1.4.4 Stage4 IROPI - The Habitats Directive promotes a hierarchy of avoidance, mitigation and compensatory measures. First, the plan/project should aim to avoid any impacts on European sites by identifying possible impacts early in the process and writing the plan in order to avoid such impacts. Second, mitigation measures should be applied, if necessary, during the AA process to the point where no adverse impacts on the site(s) remain. If the plan/project is still likely to result in impacts on European sites, and no further practicable mitigation is possible, then it must be rejected. If no alternative solutions are identified and the plan is required for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) under Article 6(4)of the Habitats Directive, then compensation measures are required for any remaining adverse effect. .

In the case of this assessment, it was found that the IPC boundary amendment to remove Abbeyleix Bog out of the Cui1 na Mona IPC licensed area for peat production only required Stage 1-Screening.

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I 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT (IPC BOUNDARY

I. AMENDMENT)

2.1 Site Description The Cui1 na Mona Bog Group is made up of a cluster of four raised bog sub-sites, Cashel, Coolnacarten, Coolnamona and Abbeyleix Bogs. The group of bogs span an area stretching 17km from an area immediately south of Abbeyleix to an area south-west of Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Coolnamona Bog, Coolnacartan Bog and Cashel Bog are located approximately lkmto 4km south-west of Portlaoise while Abbeyleix Bog is somewhat isolated from the remaining three sub-sites located 7km south of Cashel Bog (at its nearest point) and approximately 13km south of Portlaoise. The location and distribution of

' sub-sites of the Cui1 na Mona Bog Group is presented in Figure 2.1. The bog sub-sites are fragmented . from each other by agricultural pasture land and existing road infrastructure including several national

I primary, secondary, regional and third class public roads. The nearest European Site, River Barrow and River Nore SAC (NPWS Site Code: 002162) occurs 0.6km west of Abbeyleix Bog (refer to Appendix 1for p Site Synopsis). The Cui1 na Mona bog group does not overlap any European Site designated for nature , conservation. The site lies within the Nore River Catchment. With the exception of Abbeyleix Bog, the group of bogs are currently managed for industrial peat harvesting operations by Bord na Mona.

2.2 Background Bord na Mona operates under IPC Licence, issued and administered by the €PA to extract peat within the Cui1 na Mona bog group (Licence Ref. PO507-01). Under Condition 10.2 of the IPC license, a rehabilitation plan must be prepared for the permanent rehabilitation of the boglands within the licensed area. A rehabilitation plan has been prepared by the Bord na Mona Ecology Team for the Cui1 na Mona Bog Group under Condition 10 of IPC Licence Ref. PO507-01. This plan outlines measures that ; provide for the stabilisation of a bog area upon cessation of peat production and decommissioning of ' the site. A rehabilitation plan was prepared for all four sub-sites of the Cui1 na Mona group of bogs. The Cui1 na Mona bog group is summarised under the following sub-sites:

. Abbeyleix Bog (190 ha) . Cashel Bog (249 ha) . Coolnacarten Bog (584 ha) Coolnamona Bog (656 ha) For inspection purposes only. . Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

2.2.1 , Abbeyleix Bog Abbeyleix Bog was originally 'ditched' or drained to facilitate industrial peat extraction operations in the early 1980's but the site was never fully developed or brought into industrial peat production. While ,the drainage did have an impact on the bog habitat, the surface vegetation remained largely intact and ,the bog still retained typical features of raised bog habitat. The local community then engaged with Bord na Mona about the conservation and amenity value of the bog. Bord na Mona then decided to manage the bog for its biodiversity and nature conservation value, rather than for future industrial peat ,production. Bog restoration works were completed in 2009 by Bord na Mona and co-funded by Bord na Mona and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). This involved blocking drains using peat dams in line with guidelines developed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) (McDonagh, 1996 (www.npws.ie unpublished document)). The bog restoration work was carried out by excavator and followed a levelling survey to determine the best location of dams relative to surface contours. This restoration method has been used extensively by the NPWS and Bord na Mona on a number of sites including Clara Bog, Co. Offaly. The main objective of bog restoration is to improve the condition of the raised bog habitats on site and to restore, where possible, active raised bog habitat. This is achieved by raising the water table of the high bog through drain blocking measures thereby creating favourable hydrological conditions to encourage the establishment and colonisation of Sphagnum mosses, the main peat forming agent of active raised bogs. There is some potential to restore active peat forming raised bog habitat on these bogs. There is currently no turf cutting on the bog margins with recovering vegetation noted on cutover areas.

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The first ecotope survey was carried out on Abbeyleix Bog in 2009 by Ecologic Environmental & Ecological Consultants Ltd. and consisted of a vegetation survey of the high bog, and the recording of impacting activities such as drainage and the presence of invasive species. High Bog vegetation was described and mapped based on raised bog ecotope vegetation community complexes. The following habitats described in Annex I of the European Habitats Directive (92/43EEC) were found on Killamuck High Bog: Active Raised Bog, (priority habitat), Degraded Raised Bog and Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion. Active Raised Bog, which accounted for 1% of the High Bog area, was found on the wettest sections of the High Bog and featured high cover of Sphagnum mosses necessary for the generation of new peat and bog growth. This habitat was characterised by a complex micro-topography consisting of low hummocks and hollows. This information served to provide baseline information for the various ecotope complexes that occur on the high bog during the early stages of restoration.

Following restoration works by Bord na Mona in 2009, the bog was leased to a local Abbeyleix community group (Abbeyleix Bog Project) to be managed for nature conservation and amenity/education in April 2012. Th'e management committee of the bog project is advised and supported by a Technical Advisory Group, which includes the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Laois County Council, Bord na-Mona, members of the Abbeyleix Bog Project and selected others. Bord na Mona have committed to continuing to support this local community-led project - the Abbeyleix Bog Project - and to support management of the site for its biodiversity, nature conservation, amenity and educational value.

'A second raised bog ecotope survey of the high bog was undertaken by the Bord na M6na Ecology Team 'in 2014. Comparison of the 2009 and 2014 ecotope maps indicate that the bog restoration works (drain- blocking to re-wet the high bog) carried out in 2009 has already had a positive impact on the condition of Abbeyleix Bog. The improvement in bog condition is indicated by an increase in the area of sub- central ecotope ('active' raised bog) with high Sphagnum cover. i /A Conservation Management Plan for Abbeyleix Bog was prepared in 2013 by the Abbeyleix Bog Project. 'TheI. Ian describes the main issues affecting the future management of the bog and lists objectives 'including, installation of a boardwalk, control of scrub development and Rhododendron clearance. An I :updated Conservation Management Plan, Abbeyleix Bog Conservation Management Plan 2015-2020 i 'was prepared by independent ecologist, Tim Ryle in 2015. The plan adopts a conservation approach to I fpromote and enhance biodiversity on a broader scale to encompass all habitats and wildlife where /possible. The objectives of the plan For were inspection also purposes subject only. to an Appropriate Assessment Screening Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Assessment. These reports were consulted to inform any potential in-combination impacts (refer to Section 5.1.3) of the proposed IPC boundary amendment with other plans and projects.

I/\2.2.2 Cashel Bog kashel Bog is located approximately 4km south of Portlaoise. This sub-site comprises a relatively young !industrial production bog. The majority of the industrial production bog currently comprises bare peat knd there is very little development of any cutaway habitats in any recently active areas. There is some bomestic sod-peat cutting along the northern margin of the. production bog where there is some remnant high bog. A rehabilitation plan has been prepared under Condition 10 of IPC Licence PO507-01 for this site when peat production ceases. It is anticipated that peat production will continue'at Cashel into the future, depending on resource requirements. I 2.2.3 Coolnacarten Bog Coolnacarten Bog is located in Co. Laois to the south of Portlaoise and between the N7 and N8 roads. The majority of the bog is currently in active peat production, although there are significant sections formerly in production that are now classed as cutaway. The majority of the areas out of production are developing pioneer cutaway habitats typical of more acidic peat, with Heather, Bog Cotton and Birch. The majority of the bog is relatively dry apart from small pools as the result of sod-peat cutting. A rehabilitation plan has been prepared under Condition 10 of IPC Licence PO507-01 for this site when production ceases. It is anticipated that peat production will continue at Coolnacarten into the future, depending on future peat resource requirements.

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2.2.4 Coolnamona Bog Coolnamona Bog is located approximately lkm west of Portlaoise. The M9 motorway is located along the eastern margin of the site. Coolnamona is managed for horticultural peat. The active production bog is found towards the centre of the bog is now surrounded by cutaway or active cutover bog on three sides. As it has been predominately a horticultural peat supplier, the areas that have come out of production contain pioneer dry heath, dominated by Heather. There is a large area of active cutover bog to the north and south of the site. There is widespread and large-scale sod turf cutting in both sections, carried out by contractors and licensed by Bord na Mona. A rehabilitation plan has been prepared under Condition 10 of IPC Licence PO507-01 for this site when production ceases. It is anticipated that peat production will continue at Coolnamona into the future, depending on future peat resource requirements.

2.3 IPC Boundary Amendment The main objective of the IPC boundary amendment is to remove Abbeyleix Bog from for the Cui1 na Mbna IPC license area. Rehabilitation (as required under condition 10.2 of the IPC licence) has been completed at this site. The scope of the plan for Abbeyleix Bog defined the main objective of ; rehabilitation to be re-wetting of the high bog, enhancement of high bog habitat quality and the restoration, where possible, of active raised bog. Furthermore, Bord na Mbna have committed that the site will not be managed for biodiversity as the primaty objective in the future (Bord na Mona Biodiversity Action Plan 2016-2021). Management measures have focused on rewetting the high bog ! to restore degraded parts of the high bog to areas of active raised bog habitat. The site is currently leased and managed by the Abbeyleix Bog Project for nature conservation and as an amenity and education resource. The site is not directly connected with the production of horticultural peat in any I capacity. The site is significantly removed (7km south) from the nearest bog sub-site (Cashel Bog) of the 1 Cui1 na Mona bog group. I

2.4 Project (IPC Boundary amendment)

A number of conditions under IPC Licence PO507-01 promoting best practice control measures (in the context of ecology) safeguarding the protection of ecological and environmental receptors in the surrounding environs are summarised in 2.4.1 below. The conditions relate to water protection (emissions to water), noise, dust, waste management, etc. In practice, the majority of the conditions have applied to Cashel Bog, Coolnamona ForBog inspection and Coolnacarten purposes only. Bog. In the case of Abbeyleix Bog, the Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. site is managed for nature conservation and is not connected withthe production of milled peat or any other peat extraction activity.

2.4.1 IPC License Conditions 'Best Practice' 1: 8 No specified emission to water shall exceed the emission limit values set out in Schedule l(i) Emissions to Water subject to' Condition 3 of IPC licence PO507-01. There shall be no other emissions to water of environmental significance. 8 Monitoring and analysis of emissions at monitoring locations are carried out as specified in Schedule I(ii) Monitoring of Emissions to Water of the IPC licence facility. 8 Develop and implement a programme to ensure that all drainage water from all boglands in the licensed area is discharged via an appropriately designed silt pond treatment arrangement. The programme shall ensure that all discharges associated with operational boglands should be prioritised within this programme. 8 Preparation an operational procedure for de-silting of the silt ponds. The procedure aims to provide for visual inspection of all ponds on a fortnightly basis. 8 Silt ponds serving operational bogs shall be cleaned as a minimum three times a year, at least once before ditching and once before harvesting, and more frequently as inspections may dictate. /I 8 Prepare a programme, for agreement with the Agency, to upgrade all the sedimentation pond treatment system. 4 8 In respect of silt control the licensee shall prepare and implement procedures to ensure that:

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drainage manholes are protected and maintained free of excessive peat, harrows, millers, ridgers do not drag loose peat onto manholes or into drains, headlands are kept clean and free of loose peat, drivers of bog plant do not turn short (over drains) at headlands, outside harrow spoons are directed away from drains, silt run-off while piping is prevented, outfalls are cleaned from the upstream direction with downstream end dammed, drains are ditched in dry weather, while ditching, outfalls are blocked and ditch towards outfall, outlets from field drains are blocked during stockpile loading, field drains adjacent to stockpiles are cleaned immediately after stockpile loading, adequate room is allowed for rail bed beside Peco stockpiles, all fields that have been milled are ridged at the end of the production season, all fields liable to winter flooding have been cleared of milled peat at the end of the production season, all new manholes and outfalls are set well back from turning grounds, pond outlets are sealed off during cleaning. 8 The licensee shall ensure that all operations on-site shall be carried out in a manner such that air emissions and/or dust do not result in significant impairment of, or significant interference with amenities or the environment beyond the site boundary. 8 Activities on-site shall not give rise to dust levels off site at any Dust Sensitive Location which exceed an emission limit of 350 mg/m2/day. 8 Disposal or recovery of waste shall take place only as specified in Schedule 2(i) Hazardous Wastes for Disposal/Recovery and Schedule 2(ii) Other Wastes for Disposal/Recovery of this licence and in accordance with the appropriate National and European legislation and protocols. No other waste shall be disposed of/recovered either on-site or off-site without prior notice to, and prior written agreement of, the Agency. 8 Waste sent off-site for recovery or disposal shall only be conveyed to a waste contractor, as agreed by the Agency, and only transported from the site of the activity to the site of recovery/disposal in a manner which will not adversely affect the environment. 8 Activities on-site shall not give rise to noise levels off site at any noise sensitive location which exceed the following sound pressure limits (Leq,30min): Day-time, 55dB(A) and Night-time, 45Db(A). This will minimise any potential disturbance on resident and local fauna that utilise the site and immediate environs. 8 No potentially polluting substance For inspection or matter purposes shall only. be permitted to discharge to off-site surface Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. waters, off site storm drains or groundwaters. 8 Monitoring and analyses of surface water discharges shall be carried out as specified in Schedule 3 Monitoring of Workshop/Depot Surfoce Water Run-off of IPC licence PO507-01.

8, All tank and drum storage areas shall be rendered impervious to the materials stored therein. In addition, tank and drum storage areas shall, as a minimum be bunded, either locally or remotely, to a volume not less than the greater of the following: I. 110% of the capacity of the largest tank or drum within the bunded area. II. 25% of the total volume of substance which could be stored within the bunded area. 8 Drainage from bunded areas shall be diverted for collection and safe disposal. 8 The loading and unloading of fuel oils shall be carried out in designated areas protected against spillage and leachate run-off. While awaiting disposal, all materials shall be collected and stored in designated areas protected against spillage and leachate run-off. 8 All surface water discharges from workshop areas shall be fitted with oil interceptors. 8 The washing down and servicing of all plant and machinery shall be carried out in designated areas, with suitable systems for the collection, containment and if necessary, treatment of the resulting wastes and washings. . The provision of a catchment system to collect any leaks from flanges and valves of all over ground pipes used to transport material other than water shall be examined. 8 The licensee shall have in storage an adequate supply of containment booms and/or suitable absorbent material to contain and absorb any spillage. 8 An inspection for leaks on all flanges and valves on over-ground pipes used to transport materials other than water shall be carried out on a weekly basis.

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Works carried out within the Cui1 na Mona bog group will have regard to the following additional best practice measures not specified under IPC License PO507-01: ,

I . No unnecessary additional works will take place outside the works area to prevent damage or potential impacts on sensitive sites and European sites in the surrounding environs. . Vehicles will never be left unattended during refuelling. . Site works will be carried out in accordance with 'best practice'. In order to ensure compliance and implementation of 'best practice', a member of Bord na Mona's Environment division will be present on site to supervise operations by undertaking routine monitoring inspection procedures.

A number of best practice measures are outlined in the document, Abbeyleix Bog Conservation Management Plan 2015-2020 in relation to the future management of the site by the Abbeyleix I Bog Project. These best practise measures will be fully supported by Bord na Mona. I I 1 2.4.2 Invasive Species I Developing codes of practice aims to reduce the risk from, and impacts of, invasive species and ' protecting biodiversity on lands under Bord na Mona ownership. Under Objective 2 of the Bord na Mona Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 2016-2021, it is an action of the BAP to 'continue to monitor and implement control measures for invosive species working with local authorities and nature conservation groups'.

One of the key objectives of The Conservation Management Plan prepared for Abbeyleix Bog is to establish an eradication programme to combat the spread of the problematic invasive species,

Rhododendron ponticum. This measure is currently managed and monitored by the Abbeyleix Bog ~ Project. The potential for importation or introduction of non-native plant species (such as Japanese i Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, etc.) or future management operations such as peat damming using mechanised machinery for example, could result in the establishment of invasive species within the site. Section 49 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 prohibits the introduction and dispersal of invasive alien species (particularly plant species) listed on Part 1(third column) of the 'Third Schedule'. The proposed boundary amendment will have due regard to the relevant biosecurity measures for the Cui1 na Mona bog group outlined below:

For inspection purposes only. . Good site hygiene will beConsent employed of copyright to prevent owner required the forintroduction any other use. and spread of problematic invasive alien plant species (i.e. Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), Himalayan Knotweed (Persicaria wallichii), etc.) by thoroughly washing vehicles prior to entering the works area. . Records of problematic invasive species will be marked out with signs to highlight areas of infestation to construction personnel. . All plant machinery will be restricted to the footprint of the proposed works area and will avoid unnecessary crossings to adjoining lands. . All plant and equipment employed for works (e.g. excavator, footwear, etc.) will be thoroughly cleaned down using a power washer unit prior to arrival onsite. I The biosecurity measures outlined above are in line with best practice guidelines issued by the National Roads Authority (NRA, 2010) - The Management of Noxious Weeds and Non-native lnvasive Plant Specieson NationalRoads and broadly based on the Environment Agency's (2013) -The Knotweed Code of Practice: Managing Japanese Knotweed on Development Sites (Version 3, amended in 2013, withdrawn from the Environment Agency's website on the 11th of July 2016).

The safeguards outlined in Section 2.4.1 and 2.4.2 above are further supported by the documents, Abbeyleix Bog Conservation Management Plan 2013 (MacGowan, 2013) and Abbeyleix Bog Conservation Management Plan 2015-2020 (Ryle, 2015).

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3 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Desktop Assessment and Consultation In addition to the guidance documents referenced in Section 1.1 of this report, the following key reference sources and datasets available on NPWS website (www.npws.ie ) were consulted during the preparation of this assessment:

1 . NPWS Map Viewer . NPWS Site Synopsis reports of European Sites . NPWS Conservation Objectives for European Sites Natura 2000 Standard Data forms . NPWS Species Action Plans . Conservation Management Plans (prepared for a limited number of European Sites) ' . Freshwater Pearl Mussel sub-basin Management Plans; and . Species Reports ,

Other online resources such as the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) etc. assisted in gathering baseline information on the existing environment and records of Qls and SCls of European Sites in the wider surroundings. Local conservation management plans were also reviewed as part of the AA Screening exercise, including Abbeyleix Bog Conservation Management Plan 2015-2020 and Abbeyleix Bog Conservotion Management Plan 2013.

Consultation in general has been ongoing with various stakeholder groups since June 2008 including a number of statutory and non-statutory organisations and local interest groups. In November 2008, a ,management plan was drawn up between Bord na Mona, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC), Laois County Council Heritage Officer and local community representatives. Bog Restoration work was completed in June 2009 and the site was officially handed over to Abbeyleix Bog to local community in April 2012. There has been ongoing consultation between 'stakeholders via Technical Advisory Group meetings (quarterly). I I ;3.2 'Field Surveys I For inspection purposes only. 'Baseline field surveys were Consent undertaken of copyright at ownerAbbeyleix required bogfor any on other several use. occasions during the period iFebruary 2008 to 2015 with ecotope high bog habitat condition surveys carried out in 2009 (Ecologic /Environmental & Ecological Consultants Ltd. (2009)) and 2015 (Bord na Mona, 2014). All habitats within [the subject site were mapped and classified in accordance with the Bord na Mdna habitat classification :system, Smith et al. (2011) and Fossitt (2000). The information collated from original field surveys was lused to inform the preparation of the rehabilitation plans for sub-sites of the Cui1 na Mona Bog Group. The dominant habitat identified within Abbeyleix Bog comprises raised bog (PB1). A series of drainage ditches were found to traverse the high bog, however, were later recorded infilling with colonising Sphagnum mosses. Both desktop and field surveys indicate that Abbeyleix bog supports three Annex I habitats listed on the EU Habitats Directive, Active raised bogs (7110), Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration (7120) and Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion (7150). Active raised bogs (7110) are listed as 'priority' habitat. Priority habitats (such as 'active raised bogs (7110)' are classed as natural habitat types in danger of disappearance and for the conservation of which member states have particular responsibility in view of the proportion of their natural range which falls within the territory referred to in Article 2 of the EU Habitats Directive. Abbeyleix Bog supports three Annex I habitat types and is deemed to be of national importance. Further details in relation to the key biodiversity features of the site and rehabilitation and restoration works are presented in the Abbeyleix Rehabilitation Plan in Appendix 2 of this report. The habitats of Cashel, Coolnacarten and Coolnamona Bogs are dominated by bare peat that are primarily managed for horticultural peat and deemed to be of low ecological value.

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4 IDENTIFICATION OF EUROPEAN SITES t-.

4.1 Background The Habitats Directive (together with the Birds Directive) forms the cornerstone of Europe's nature conservation policy. It is built around two pillars: the Natura 2000 network of protected sites and the strict system of species protection. The Directive affords protection to over 1,000 animal and plant species and 200 habitat types.

With the introduction of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) which were transposed into Irish law as S.I. No. 94/1997 European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, the European Union formally recognised the significance of protecting rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, and also, more importantly, their habitats. The 1997 Regulations and their amendments were subsequently revised and consolidated in S.I. No. 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. This legislation requires the establishment and conservation of a network of sites of particular conservation value that are to be termed 'European Sites'.

4.1.1 Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) The EU Habitats Directive provides legislative framework to protect rare and endangered species of habitats, flora and fauna. Habitats listed on Annex I of the Directive are habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation. Some include priority habitats for which there is a particular obligation for protection (i.e. active raised bog (7110)). Animal and plant species of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation are listed on Annex II of the Directive (i.e.'Marsh Fritillary).

SACS selected for a range of different habitats and species listed on Annex I and Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive are known as Qualifying Interests (Qls).

4.1.2 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) ,I I Special Protection Areas are designated for the protection of birds, particularly species listed as rare and threatened and regularly occurring migratory species (i.e. ducks, geese, swans, waders, etc.). Species whose status is a cause for concern are specifically identified for special conservation measures For inspection purposes only. in Annex I of the Directive, and SPASConsent have of copyright been ownerdesignated required forbased any other on use. either the presence of these species or the presence of significant numbers of wintering waterfowl. Also protected under the Directive are wetlands, especially those of international importance that attract large numbers of winter migratory bird species. The Directive requires Member States to take measures to maintain populations of all bird species naturally occurring in the wild state in the EU (Article 2). Such measures may include the maintenance and/or re-establishment of habitats in order to sustain these bird populations (Article 3). Bird species listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive have been listed on account of inter alia: their risk of extinction; vulnerability to specific changes in their habitat; and/or due to their relatively small population size or restricted distribution. Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are to be identified and classified for these Annex I listed species and for regularly occurring migratory species, paying particular attention to the protection of wetlands (Article 4).

The features for which SPAs have been selected are referred to as Special Conservation Interests (SCls).

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I 1 4.2 European Sites Identified in the Zone of Impact

1 European Sites identified within the zone' of impact were identified using GIS software application packages, ArcMap - Version 10.4.1 and online resources (i.e. National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC), EPA, NPWS, IFI, etc.)). Initially, sites were identified within a 15km radius of the subject site (in line with DoEHLG Guidance document (2010)). Adopting the precautionary principle, consideration was also given to European Sites outside this distance threshold and assessed where potential pathways for impact were identified and where hydrological connectivity could be established.

European sites located greater than 15km from the subject site with no identifiable connectivity and/or located in a separate hydrological catchment (http://nis.epa.ie/Envision) were deemed to be outside the zone of impact as no pathways for significant effects were identified. European Sites with hydrological connectivity, located downstream in the Nore River Catchment i.e. Hook Head SAC (NPWS Code: 000764) (located approximately 112km downstream (from Abbeyleix Bog) and outside the 15km Zone of Impact (Water Framework Directive Catchment Mapping (www.watermaps.wfdire1and.ie)) are deemed to be sufficiently removed and isolated from any potential impacts. The buffering and dilution effect will ensure imperceptible impact on hydraulically connected European Sites outside the 15km Zone of Impact and sites outside this buffer radius are therefore excluded from further assessment.

In relation to screening of Special Protection Areas, in the absence of any specific European or Irish guidance in relation to such sites the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Guidance, July 2013, Assessing Connectivity with Special Protection Areas (SPA) (SNH, 2013) was consulted. This document assesses connectivity between development proposals and SPAs. The guidance takes into consideration the core foraging distance ranges for a number of bird species from roost sites both within and outside SPAs. The guidance document also outlines information on dispersal and foraging ranges of bird species which are frequently encountered when considering plans and projects. Figure 4.1 shows the location of Cui1 na M6na bog group in relation to the zone of impact using the criteria described above.

Table 4.1 lists all European Sites that occur within the zone of impact and provides details of these sites including distances from the Cui1 na Mona bog group combined (four sub-sites) and Abbeyleix Bog, list of Qls and SCls and conservation objectives (last viewed: 22/11/2016; www.npws.ie).

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

I f

Zone of likely impact is further outlined in DoEHLG (2010). Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning Authorities. Revision, February, 2010. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

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- - -- -_ - -. __ Table 4.1: European Sites identified in the Zone of Imaact.

. ------..----_I_.._. -_.--- I ---~------__I______0.6km . Wesl . Desmoulin's whorl snail (Vert/go moulinsmno) [lo161 Site specific conservation objectives for the (002162) . (nearest. point is . Freshwater I pearl ritlfero morgor/tlfero j qualifying interests of this" designated 'site are from Abbeyleir [ 10291 ?. available -online from NPW Bog) .and 2.3km . White-clawed cray potom&uspa///pes) [&ji] www npws le. downstream ., Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)~[l095] (nearest sub-site . Brook lamprey,(Lom~etroplonen) [lo961 upstream is . River lamprey (Lampet~o~luwat~b)[lo991 AbbGyleix Bog) . Twaite shad (A/osafullox)(1103)

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

,- "- Mediterranean salt meadows (luncetalia montimi) [1410]

-----11_- Europeandryheattis[4030]: , . . I

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----

.capable of natural regeneration available online from NPWS website, 1 www.npws.ie. . i

10:lkm north-east * _. ..I (16.4km north-east orchid sites) [6210]

!EEkC&-. -11...-_'.,- --4--"-.. ---I--- __-_-_- _I__ The generic conservation objective for Jhis 1

M ick SAC (002141) + (24.9km north of ,, To mointain or restore the favo For inspection purposes only. conservotion condition of the 'Agnex I h Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. and/or the Annex II species f&=which the

.I .A .c -*-+-.- -- beenselected..-',-_L-__-I__ Site specific conservation objectives for' tfe 1. qualifying interests of this designated site are available online from NPWS website, Coolrain Bog Nww.nDws.ie.

b "

-----.---...----

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m@J?m &@y=g$Jwm eCbii~ww.nPws.iea -- The generic conservation objective for this designated site is as follows:

~ ' Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on 13.3km south-west calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia), (* To maintain or tore the favourable important orchid sites) [6210] conservation condition of the Annex I habitatfs) and/or the,Annex I/ species for which the SAC has

beenselected. . - .--L-.______-.-___ ..L-r--.-..:-- ,. ... , I r. I. ,.: , .. .. ,I_ .' ... ?...... -~ -, _?. .., ......

point IS Abbeyleix Bog) and 2.3km r Nore SPA (004233) (nearest sub-site

I Slieve Bloom Mountains SPP For inspection purposes only. To maintain or restore the favourable Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. conservation condition of the bird species listed a:

* denotes a priority Annex I listed habitat of the EU Habitats Directive.

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5 ASSESSMENT OF LIKELY EFFECTS ON EUROPEAN SITES ~

5.1 Article 6(3) Assessment Criteria and Screening Approach This section considers the potential impacts of the IPC boundary amendment on European Sites detailed in Table 4.1 and their qualifying habitats and species under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. The Screening Assessment criteria examined in the impact assessment section of this : screening document follows the suggested screening matrix structure detailed in Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive (EC 2001).

, In order to determine the potential for impacts associated with the IPC boundary amendment on ' European Sites, threats and pressures on the relevant Qls and SCls of European sites were considered. Information pertaining to threats and pressures on habitats and species of the relevant European sites were identified from the following desktop sources:

. Ireland's Article 17 Report to the European Commission "Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland" (NPWS, 2013); . NPWS Site Synopsis; and . NATURA 2000 Standard Data Forms.

Since the conservation objectives for the European Sites focus on maintaining the favourable conservation condition of the qualifying interests of each site, the screening process concentrates on 'assessing the potential implications of the IPC boundary amendment against the 41s and SCls of !European Sites. 6 5.1.1 Description of the Individual Elements of the Project with Potential to give Rise to 1 Impacts on European Sites :The proposed boundary amendment will involve taking Abbeyleix Bog out of the IPC license granted for :industrial peat production within the Cui1 na Mona bog group. No potential significant adverse impacts as a result of the proposed boundary change are foreseen on European Sites and sensitive ecological receptors in the wider surroundings. Abbeyleix Bog is managed for nature conservation by the For inspection purposes only. Abbeyleix Bog Project and is notConsent connected of copyright to owner or managed required for for any peatother use.extraction operations.

5.1.2 Description of any Likely Direct, Indirect or Secondary Impacts of the Project on European Sites Any direct, indirect or secondary impacts of the proposed project, both alone and in combination with bther plans and projects, on European Sites by virtue of the following criteria are presented in Table 5.1: size and scale, land-take, distance from the a European Site or key features of the site, resource !equirements (such as water abstraction), emissions (disposal to land, water, air), excavation requirements and decommissioning.

Table 5.1: Likely ImDacts of the Proposed Plan on EuroDean Sites.

t _c.. amendment IS of a natu

European Sites. As

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Land-take l',

,* .. - Distance from the European Sites or Key Features of the Site '

IPC boundary amendment (removing Abbeyleix Bog from the Cui1 n<

., European Sites.- .

I -L I_ --- Resource Requirements

paihways (i.e. drainage feat0;es) to the River Barrow and River Nor1 SAC and the River Nore SPA. However, giv he best practice contrc measures outlined t ad3erse.impacts arl foreseen on the River Ba ore SAC and the River Nor1 SPA due to the IPC boun The proposed IPC licensi amendment to remove, m the cui1 -ria Mona IPC license area will n receptors For asinspection the purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. horticultural peat or"a action activhy. The, bo restoration.works carried out at Abbeyleix Bog has resulted in knoc on positive effects hy blocking drains on the high bog

following- sites: . Lisbigney Bog SAC (00086 Slieve Bloom Mountains SA . . Knockacoller Bog SAC (002 -. Ballypyior,Gra&!and SAC (0

-_Iincluding hydroloPical . linkgg, land take,, hy~g~~g~~

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e. --mm - -

-----.-l__l______III-_I --- ~ ..-- -- characteristics, -location of European Sites in separate river catchments (i.e. outside the Shannon River Catchment) and location of European Sites upstream of the subject site The proposed IPC license amendment to remove Abbeyleix Bog from the Cui1 na Mona IPC license area will not involve any emissions to sensitive ecological receptors as the bog is .not managed for the p-oduction of horticultural peat or any other peat extraction activity. Cashel Bog, Coolnacarten Bog and- Coolnamona Bog are currently managed for peat production,under IPC license. A number of safeguards protecting sensitive environmental and ecological receptors in the wider surroundings aie outlined in Section 2.4 1 Neither does the proposed IPC boundary amendment have the potential to influence any other plans or projects in a manner that could potentially impact on European Sites as a result of emissions.

No direct impacts on any European Sites are foreseen'

Surface Water - In the case'of the River Barrow and River Nore SAC and the River Nore SPA, the potential to result in impacts on the Qls and SCls of European Sites in the form of deterioration of surface water quality resulting from pollution and sediment release/suspended solids' has been considered in the preparation of this screening report. Drain-blocking and bog restoration at Abbeyleix Bog was completed in 2009. Bog restoration and drain blocking are widely considered to have positive impacts on water quality of run- off by helping to trap mobilised silt. The subsequent ecotope mapping (2015 ecotope survey) has indicated that bog restoratioh has been effective, and indicators such as increased Sphognum cover show that the high bog condition is improving. Any future requirement for active managementat the site through the Abbeyleix Bog Conservation Management Plan 2015-2020 and the AA screening document will have due .regard through best practise to the

management For inspection ofpurposes potential only. silt laden runoff. Given these control Consentmeasures, of copyright significant owner required impacts for any other on use.European Sites within the Zone of

Impact can be exclude'd at this stage

Groundwater - Source-receptor pathways to ground water systems red during the assessment of impacts Taking into drock geological characteristics (visean limestone and calcareous shale), underlying soils and sub-;oils (cut peat) and aquifer dnerability rating (classed as 'low' to 'moderate', www gsi le), no he Zone of Impact are

or significant noise emanating tored and is currently nt effects on European

9ir -The high bog at Abbeyleix Bog comprises a vegetated acrotelm ayerwith a well-developed root structure witK no potential for dust emissions. In addition,.. the ?U ng substrate (catotelm peat) is Zharacterised by damp/wet c

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5.1.3 In-Combination Effects with Other Plans and Projects A number of plans and projects were considered in the assessment for in-combination impacts. The following strategic plans were considered as part of this process:

. Laois County Development Plan 2011-2017 . South-eastern River Basin Management Plan . Bord na Mona Biodiversity Action Plan 2016-2021 . Abbeyleix Bog Conservation Management Plan 2015-2020

No cumulative impacts are predicted as each plan has a range of environmental and natural heritage policies and objectives that safeguard the piotection of European Sites. A number of safeguards and ' best practice control measures are outlined in Abbeyleix Bog Conservation Management Plan 2015- 2020. Therefore, as there will be no significant impacts with the IPC boundary amendment in isolation and combined with other plans, the project is deemed unlikely to influence other plans in a manner that could result in effects on any European site.

A search of Laois County Council planning files (httD://www.laois.ie/) was carried out to establish the nature and scale of other developments in the local area. A number of planning applications have been granted in the previous twelve months. This includes a number of small scale projects such as retentions and/or extensions, demolitions and construction of dwelling houses and outhouses within the vicinity of the study area. The works outlined above are small scale in nature and in many instances proposed works comprise minor alterations to existing dwellings. Taking into account the proposed minor 'amendments for Cui1 na Mona IPC license boundary, the proposed changes will not result in significant adverse impacts on European Sites either alone or in-combination with other permitted or proposed ,projects in the area.

'An Appropriate Assessment Screening assessment was undertaken in 2015 to assess potential impacts 'associated with the Abbeyleix Bog Management Plan and the installation of a boardwalk on European ,Sites in the wider surroundings. The assessment found that the project had no significant or perceptible !risk to the integrity or.functioning of Annex I habitats and Annex II species of the River Barrow and River :Nore SAC. The report concluded that no direct, indirect or cumulative impacts were expected to occur.

,The IPC boundary amendment to remove Abbeyleix Bog from the IPC licensed area adopts best practice For inspection purposes only. Lontrol measures and will not interfereConsent of copyright with the owner integrity required offor theany otherRiver use. Barrow and River Nore SAC, River Nore SPA and any other European Sites designated for nature conservation. No significant impacts associated with the current project are anticipated, therefore, cumulative impacts as a result of this project and other projects in the area are not anticipated. In view of best scientific knowledge and on {he basis of objective information together with the safeguards that have been incorporated into the project design, the current project either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, is not likely to have significant effects on European Sites. i 5.1.4 Description of Likely Changes to European Sites Any potential changes to European Sites are assessed below in Table 5.2 with reference to the following criteria: reduction of habitat area, disturbance to key species, habitat or species fragmentation, reduction in species density, changes in key indicators of conservation value (e.g. water 'quality etc.) and climate change.

Table 5.2: Likely Changes to European Sites (!m-mmm i --vl_l---llll_ll_ll-_ uction of Habitat Area There will be no reduction in,, nex I habitat area or supporting ,habitat:for and Ql/S wjthin or outslde any

-~---lx---I,__Li--~____--~---,~ -I. --?--1 Sites as a result ofihe'prbposed---.--- development. to Key'Species-71 The IPC boupdary amendment to remove Abbeyleix Bog will not

. f~[e&t in distuibance to bird species-I_._c designated as SCls of t_he River _I A-- -- 1

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- watercoirses within the Cui1 na Mona gioup of bo$ was identified.,! I There are no recent records of Kingfisher utilising cutaway oi- raised 1 bog habitat for foraging and roosting purposes (Bord'na Mona Ecology Database).The habitats are deemed to be sub-optimal fof the foraging requirements of the species as their main diet comprises of 1 I small fish (Stickleback, Minnow, and Chub) and large aquatic insects. 1 ' The IPC boundary amendment will not result' in disturbance or 1 commufing flocks. 'I ...... I- ,. ,. . .- All other SPAS and SACS identified within the zo deemed to be sufficiently remo'ved from the Cui1 na The Slieve Bloom Mountains SPA is designated for Hen Harrier. SNH (2013) highlights Hen-Harrier as hav core foraging ranges of UP to i 2-3km from nest sites. Ruddock & Whitfield (2007) assign disturbance I distances of 500m around Hen Harriei nest sites while Fernandez- f Bellon et al. (2015) assigns disturbance distance thresholds'of around active ven Hairier nest site;. The Cui1 na Mona bog gro approximately 3km from the SPA and 16.3km horth_westof Abbeyleix Bog. The proposed boundary amendment to remove Abbeyleix Bog will not result turbance related impacts on the species as the Cui1 na Mona oup:,is located outside di thresholds.

dary amendment is res

Habitat or . Species Fragmentation For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. -. ----.. -. Reduction in Species Diversity II be no reduct

r. -..---.---_-- A-- Changes in Key Indicators 01 Conservation Value

restoration. --__..----_-y_-,

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5.1.5 Description of any Likely Impacts on any European Site The proposed IPC boundary amendment to remove Abbeyleix Bog from the Cui1 na Mona licensed area will not result in any adverse impacts on the SCls of the River Nore SPA and the Qls of the River Barrow and River Nore SAC. There will be no requirement for peat harvesting operations at Abbeyleix Bog as this area is managed for nature conservation, amenity and education purposes. The potential for impacts and effects on some European Sites as identified in the preceding sections can be screened out at this stage. No direct or indirect impacts on European Sites are foreseen as a result of the IPC boundary amendment. Table 5.3 describes the nature of any impacts in terms of the structure and function of the identified European Sites.

Table 5.3: Assessment of Potential Impacts on the Structure and Functions of European Sites pJ&&7-m- ---. Interference : with' the relationships that define rstructuye of a European Site -.-

that define the function of the I. ill be no significan g Abbeyleix Bog fro

5.1.6 Indicators of Significance as a Result of the Identification of Effects Indicators of Significance are provided in Table 5.4 for impacts identified in terms of loss, fragmentation, disruption, disturbance and changes to key elements of the European,Sites,such as water quality.

Table 5.4: Likely Changes to European Sites

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6 ARTICLE 6(3) SCREENING STATEMENT AND CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this Screening Report are presented following the European Commission guidance document 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 the Department of the Environment's Guidance on the Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland (December 2009, amended February 2010).

6.1 Description of the Project

The main objective of the IPC boundary amendment is to remove Abbeyleix Bog from for the Cui1 na Mona IPC license area, as rehabilitation and restoration works have been completed at this site. Bog restoration works have been completed at Abbeyleix Bog and the site is currently managed for nature conservation, amenity and education purposes by the Abbeyleix Bog Project.

6.2 Potential for Effects on European Sites

6.2.1 European Sites Screened Out from Further Assessment Where it is concluded that, in view of best scientific knowledge and on the basis of objective information, the IPC license boundary amendment either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, is not likely to have significant effects on the European Sites that were assessed as part of the screening exercise as described above, and are screened out from further assessment. A screening summary and rationale for European Sites that have been screened out from further assessment is further described in Table 6.1. This includes all European Sites identified within the Zone of Impact and as a result, an Appropriate Assessment (Stage 2 of the AA process) of the project is not required with regard to any European Sites.

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--.A- --_---I_-_i-_.I -”-- --.*-L----L*A--- .-..--A---I---_--*--_-.-.-:-,:--J -.-- - --_I_ -_.- -- /-Ever Barrow-lf 0.6km West ’(nearest There will be no direct impacts associated with the IPC license boundary amendment as proposed changes are entirely outsid7 the European Site Theie will be no indirect effects as a result of the IPC boundary amendment. dace hater pathways were Bog) and 2.3km identified during the screening process. The proposed changes are small in scale to result in any indirect effects on the Qls of downstream (nearest the SAC. Given the best practice control measures incorporated into the design phase of the project fogether with the future management of Abbeyleix Bog for nature conservation, significant’adverse impacts on the European-Site resulting from the

IPC boundary amendment can beexclu_ded at this stage and ‘Screened Out’. c--J A.------~-__ I . There will be no direct impacts associated with the IPC licenseboundary amendment as proposed changes are entirely outside the European Site. There will be nojndirect effects as a result of the IPC boundary amendment. Taking into consideration the 1.9km south (nearest distance of the SAC; the small s.cale nature of the proposed changes and absence of hydrological connectivity or otherwise to--I the European Site, no complete impact source-pathwa provided infhis report. Significant 1mpacts.on the Europea

mz!Lejgds--., - . ‘> There will be no direct impacts associated with the IPC lic the European Site. There will be no indirect effects as a result of the IPC boundary amendment. Taking into consideration the distance,of.the SAC removed from’the IPC licensed area, the small scale nature of the proposed changes and the location of Slieve B!oom Mountains SAC upstream, no mplete impact-source-pathway-receptor chain was identified. during the

Screening Assessment asFor providedinspection purposes in this only. rep . Significant Impacts on the European+Siteresulting from the IPC.boundary ~ amendment canConsent be excluded of copyright andAcreened owner required for Out’. any other use. . * ------. ----___--- - There will be no directimp-acts assbciated with the IPC license boundary ame the European Site. There will be no indirect effects as a result of the IPe-bou ockacoller ,Bog SAC distance of the5AC removed from the, IPC licensed area, the small scale na Knockacoller Bpg SAC upstream, no complete impact source-pathway-reieptor ch issessment as provided in this report. Significant Impacts on the European. Site resu can be excluded and ‘Screened Out’. , , * . . -*_MI ------There will be no direct impacts associated with the IPC license boundanjam the European Site.,Taking‘into consideration the djstance of the SAC, the small scale nature of the ptoposed changes and location of the Eiyopean Site in a separate River Catchment (Barrow RiveiCatchmentL no complete impact source-pathway-

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Bord na Mdna Abbeyleix IPC Boundav Amendment AASR 2016 12 06-D2

' 'd . .- _1 PmmFr-----.------^--- ": ----___- ______-___ receptor chain was identifi-ed during the Screening Assessment as provided in this report. Significant Impacts on the European

osed changes are entirely outside scale nature of the proposed changes and ent), no complete impact source-pathway- ed during the Screening Assessment as provided in this report. Significant Impacts on the European

the.European Site. There will be no indirect effects as a result of the IPC boundary amendment. Taking into consideration the mall scale nature of the proposed changes and the eptor chain was identified during the Screening Site result-ing from the IPC boundary amendment

---

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. ary amendment. Surface water pathways were le to result in any disturbance ;elated impact: into the design phase of the project togethei

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EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 Bord na M6na Abbeyleix IPC Boundary Amendment AASR 2016 12 06-D2

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

EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 Bord na M6na Abbeyleix IPC Boundary Amendment AASR 2016 12 06-D2

6.3 Data Collected to Carry Out the Assessment The following desktop sources and relevant published guidance and legislation were consulted during the preparation of this Appropriate Assessment Screening exercise:

8 Review of published NPWS documents including Site Synopses, Conservation Objectives, Natura 200 Standard Data Forms, GIS mapping databases, etc. www.npws.ie Abbeyleix Rehabilitation Plan (prepared by Bord na M6na in response to Condition 10 of IPC Licence Ref. PO507-01). rn Desk studies and field surveys including habitat mapping, flora and fauna surveys. National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC). www.biodiversitvireland.ie rn Environmental Protection Agency www.eoa.ie rn Geological Survey of Ireland https://www.mi.ie Laois County Council (Planning Database) http://www.laois.ie rn Inland Fisheries Ireland http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/ Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) (2010) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities. m Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive). 8 European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (SI No.47/2011). National Parks & Wildlife Service (2013) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Volume 2 & 3: Article 17 Assessments. Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht. Appropriate Assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive: Guidance for Planning Authorities. Circular NPWS 1/10 & PSSP 2/10. rn European Commission Environment Directorate-General (2001) Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites: Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. 8 European Commission Environment Directorate-General (2000) Managing European Sites: The Provisions of Article 6 of the Habitat's Directive 92/43/EEC.

6.4 Overall Conclusions / AA Screening Determination

In view of best scientific knowledge and on For the inspection basis purposesof objective only. information, it is concluded that the proposed IPC boundary amendment,Consent whether of copyright individually owner required orfor anyin othercombination use. with other plans or projects, beyond reasonable scientific doubt will not have significant effects on European Sites identified during the AA Screening process. There is therefore no requirement to proceed to Stage 2, Appropriate Assessment. The project design incorporates a number of best practice control measures safeguarding sensitive ecological receptors in the surrounding environs. In summary, there will be no adverse effect as a result of removing Abbeyleix Bog from the Cui1 na Mona IPC licensed area on the conservation objectives or overall integrity of any European Site.

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: 7 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Balmer, D.E., Gillings, S., Caffrey, B.J., Swann, R.L., Downie, IS. and Fuller, R.J. (2013). Bird Atlas 2007- 11: the breeding and wintering birds of Britain and Ireland. BTO'Books, Thetford, UK.

Bord na Mona (2014). Abbeyleix Bog Ecotope Survey 2014. Unpublished Draft Report.

Crowe, 0. (2005) Ireland's Wetlands and their Waterbirds: Status and Distribution. Birdwatch Ireland, Rockingham, Co. Wicklow.

Cummins, S.; Fisher, J.; Gaj McKeever, R.; McNaghten, L.; Crowe, 0. (2010). Assessment of the distribution and abundance of Kingfisher (Alcedo otthis) and other riparian birds on six SAC river systems in Ireland. Unpublished Report (Source: www.npws.ie; Last accessed: 22/11/2016).

DEHLG (2009) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland: Guidance for Planning Authorities. DEHLG, Dublin.

DoEHLG (2010). Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning Authorities. Revision, February, 2010. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local , Government.

DoAHG (2014). Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. r i Ecologic Environmental & Ecological Consultants (2009). Killamuck Bog (Abbeyleix, Co. Laois) High Bog ' Ecological Survey. Unpublished Report (prepared for Bord na Mona, October 2009). I 1, 1, 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. European Commission.

i EC (2001) Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites: Methodological 'guidance on the provisions of Articles 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC.

1 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. IEC (2002) Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological 'guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official ,Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. European Commission.

EC (2007a) 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. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. European Commission.

EC (2007b) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 27. European Commission, DG Environment.

EPA (2002) Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements. Environmental Protection Agency.

EPA (2003) Advice Notes on current practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements. Environmental Protection Agency.

EPA (2016). http://nis.eoa.ie/Envision. EPA Envision Map Viewer. (Last Viewed: 29/09/2016)

Fernandez-Bellon, D., Irwin, S., Wilson, M. & OHalloran, J. (2015). Reproductive output of Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus in relation to wind turbine proximity. Irish Birds 10: 143-150.

EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 Bord na Mdna Abbeyleix IPC Boundary Amendment AASR 2016 12 06-D2

Fossitt, 1. A. (2000). A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. Dublin: The Heritage Council,

MacGowan, F. (2013). Abbeyleix Bog Local Conservation Management Plan for 2013. Plan produced for Abbeyleix Community Project Ltd.McDonagh, E. (1996). Drain. Blocking by Machine on Raised Bogs. National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Unpublished Report.

NBDC (2016). http://www.biodiversitvireland.ie/. National Biodiversity Data Centre (Last Viewed: 30/11/2016)

NPWS (2016). https://www.npws.ie/. Conservation Objectives, Site Synopses, Natura 2000 Standard Data Forms, etc.) (Last Viewed: 30/11/2016).

NPWS (2013). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Conservation Status in Ireland of Habitats and Species listed in the European Council Directive on the Conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna 92/43/EEC.

Ruddock, M., Mee, A., Lusby, J., Nagle, A., O’Neill, S. & O’Toole, L. (2016). The 2015 National Survey of Breeding Hen Harrier in Ireland. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 93. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ireland.

Ruddock, M. & Whitfield, D.P. (2007). A Review of Disturbance Distances in Selected Bird Species. Scottish Natural Heritage.

Ryle, T. (2015). Abbeyleix Bog Conservation Management Plan 2015-2020. The Heritage Council.

Ryle, T. (2015). Abbeyleix Bog Conservation Management Plan 2015-2020. AA Screening Document. The Heritage Council.

Smith, G., O’Donoghue, P., O’Hora, K. & Delaney, E. (2011). Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping. The Heritage Council.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) (July 2013) Assessing Connectivity with Special Protection Areas (SPA) Stace, C. A. (1997). New Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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I I EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 ! . Bord na M6na Abbeyleix IPC Boundan/ Amendment AASR 2016 12 06-02 Appendix I

NPWS Site Synopsis (River Barrow and River Nore SAC (Site Code: 002162) & River Nore SPA (Site Code: 004233))

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

EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 SITE SYNOPSIS

Site Name: River Barrow and River Nore SAC

Site Code:.002162 ..

This site consists of the freshwater stretches of the Barrow and Nore River catchments as far upstream as the Slieve Bloom Mountains, and it also includes the tidal elements and estuary as far downstream as Creadun Head in Waterford. The site passes through eight counties - Offaly, Kildare, Laois, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Wexford and Waterford. Major towns along the edge of the site include Mountmellick, Portarlington, Monasterevin, Stradbally, Athy, Carlow, Leighlinbridge, Graiguenamanagh, New Ross, Inistioge, Thomastown, Callan, Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny and Durrow. The larger of the many tributaries include the Lerr, Fushoge, Mountain, Aughavaud, Owenass, Boherbaun and Stradbally Rivers of the Barrow, and the Delour, Dinin, Erkina, Owveg, Munster, Arrigle and King's Rivers on the Nore.

Both rivers rise in the Old Red Sandstone of the Slieve Bloom Mountains before passing through a band of Carboniferous shales and sandstones. The Nore, for a large part of its course, traverses limestone plains and then Old Red Sandstone for a short stretch below Thomastown. Before joining the Barrow it runs over intrusive rocks poor in silica. The upper reaches of the Barrow also run through limestone. The middle reaches and many of the eastern tributaries, sourced in the Blackstairs Mountains, run through Leinster Granite. The southern end, like the Nore runs over intrusive rocks poor in silica. Waterford Harbour is a deep valley excavated by glacial floodwaters when the sea level was lower than today. The coast shelves quite For inspection purposes only. rapidly along much of the shore.Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / I1 of the E.U. Habitats Directive (" = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes): ,

[1 1301 Estuaries [1140] Tidal Mudflats and Sandflats [1170] Reefs [1310] Salicornia Mud [1330] Atlantic Salt Meadows [1410] Mediterranean Salt Meadows [3260] Floating River Vegetation [4030] Dry Heath [6430] Hydrophilous Tall Herb Communities [7220] Petrifying Springs* [91AO] Old Oak Woodlands

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[91EO] Alluvial Forests*

[lo161 Desmoulin's Whorl Snail (Vertigo moulinsiana) 110291 Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) [10921 White-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) 110951 Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) 110961 Brook Lamprey (Lampetra planeri)

110991 River Lamprey (Lampetrafluviatilis) I 111031 Twaite Shad (Alosafallax) 1 [1106] Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) 113551 Otter (Lutra lutra) [1421] Killamey Fern (Trichomanesspeciosum) [1990] Nore Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritiferadurrovensis)

Good examples of alluvial forest (a priority habitat on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive) are seen at Rathsnagadan, Murphy's of the River, in Abbeyleix estate and along other shorter stretches of both the tidal and freshwater elements of the site. Typical species seen include Almond Willow (Salix triandra), White Willow (S. alba), Rusty Willow (S. cinerea subsp. oleifolia), Crack Willow (S.fragilis)and Osier (S. viminalis), along with Iris (Iris pseudacorus),Hemlock Water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocata), Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Thin-spiked Wood-sedge (Carex strigosa), Pendulous Sedge (C. pendula), Meadowsweet (Filipendulaulmaria), Common Valerian (Valeriana oficinalis) and the Red Data Book species Nettle-leaved Bellflower I (Campanula trachelium).

' A good example of petrlfying springs with tufa formations occurs at Dysart Wood For inspection purposes only. along the Nore. This is a Consentrare habitat of copyright in owner Ireland required and for any one other listeduse. with priority status on

Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. These hard water springs are characterised by lime encrustations, often associated with small waterfalls. A rich bryophyte flora is typical of the habitat and two diagnostic species, Palustriella commutata and Eucludium verticillatum, have been recorded. I The best examples of old oak woodlands are seen in the ancient Park Hill woodland in the estate at Abbeyleix; at Kyleadohir, on the Delour, Forest Wood House, Kylecorragh and Brownstown Woods on the Nore; and at Cloghristic Wood, Drummond Wood and Borris Demesne on the Barrow, though other patches occur throughout the site. Abbeyleix Woods is a large tract of mixed deciduous woodland which is one of the only remaining true ancient woodlands in Ireland. Historical records show that Park Hill has been continuously wooded since the 16thcentury and has the most complete written record of any woodland in the country. It supports a variety of woodland habitats and an exceptional diversity of species including 22 native trees, 44 bryophytes and 92 lichens. It also contains eight indicator species of iycient woodlands. Park Hill is also the site of two rare plants, Nettle-leaved

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, EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 Bellflower and the moss Leucodon sciuroides. The rare Myxomycete fungus, Licea minima has been recorded from woodland at Abbeyleix.

Oak woodland covers parts of the valley side south of Woodstock and is well developed at Brownsford where the Nore takes several sharp bends. The steep valley side is covered by oak (Quercus spp.), Holly (Ilex aqui;folium),Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Downy Birch (Betula pubescens), with some Beech (Fugus sylvatica) and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior). All the trees are regenerating through a cover,of Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.), Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), Great Wood-rush (Luzula sylvatica) and Broad Buckler-fern (Dryopteris dilatata).

On the steeply sloping banks of the River Nore, about 5 km west of New Ross, in Co. Kilkenny, Kylecorragh Woods form a prominent feature in the landscape. This is an excellent example of relatively undisturbed, relict oak woodland with a very good tree canopy. The wood is quite damp and there is a rich and varied ground flora. At Brownstown, a small, mature oak dominated woodland occurs on a steep slope. There is younger woodland to the north and east of it. Regeneration throughout is evident. The understorey is similar to the woods at Brownsford. The ground flora of this woodland is developed on acidic, brown earth type soil and comprises a thick carpet of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant), Common Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense) and Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum).

Borris Demesne contains a very good example of a semi-natural broadleaved woodland in very good condition. There istquite a high degree of natural regeneration of oak and Ash through the woodland. At the northern end of the estate oak species predominate. Drummond Wood, also on the Barrow, consists of three blocks of deciduous woods situated on steep slopes above the river. The deciduous For inspection purposes only. trees are mostly oak species. ConsentThe woods of copyright have owner requireda well-established for any other use. understorey of Holly, and the herb layer is varied, with Bramble abundant. The whitebeam Sorbus devoniensis has also been recorded here.

Eutrophic tall herb vegetation occurs in association with the various areas of alluvial forest and elsewhere where the floodplain of the river is intact. Characteristic species of the habitat include Meadowsweet, Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Marsh Ragwort (Senecio aquaticus), Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) and Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium).Indian Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), an introduced and invasive species, is abundant in places.

Floating river vegetation is well represented in the Barrow and in the many tributaries of the site. In the Barrow the species found include water-starworts (Callituiche spp.), Canadian Pondweed (Elodea canadensis), Bulbous Rush (Juncus bulbosus), water-milfoils (Myriophyllum spp.), the pondweed Potamogeton x nitens, Broad-leaved Pondweed (P. natans), Fennel Pondweed (P. pectinatus), Perfoliated Pondweed (P. perfoliatus) and crowfoots (Ranunculus spp.). The water quality of the Barrow has improved since the vegetation survey was carried out (EPA, 1996).

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EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 Dry heath at the site occurs in pockets along the steep valley sides of the rivers i especially in the Barrow Valley and along the Barrow tributaries where they occur in the foothills of the Blackstairs Mountains. The dry heath vegetation along the slopes of the river bank consists of Bracken and Gorse (Ulex europaeus)with patches of acidic grassland vegetation. Additional typical species include Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile), Foxglove, Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and Creeping Bent (Agrostis stolonifera). On the steep slopes above New Ross the Red Data Book species Greater Broomrape (Orobanche rapum-genistae) has been recorded. Where rocky outcrops are shown on the maps Bilberry and Great Wood-rush are present. At Ballyhack a small area of dry heath is interspersed with patches of lowland dry grassland. These support a number of clover species, including the legally protected Clustered Clover (Trifolium glomeratum) - a species known from only one other site in Ireland. This grassland community is especially well developed on the west side of t the mud-capped walls by the road. On the east of the cliffs a group of rock-dwelling species occur, i.e. English Stonecrop (Sedum anglicum), Sheep's-bit (Jasione montana) and Wild Madder (Rubia peregrina). These rocks also support good lichen and moss assemblages with Ramalina subfarinacea and Hedwigia Ciliata. .

Dry heath at the site generally grades into wet woodland or wet swamp vegetation lower down the slopes on the river bank. Close to the Blackstairs Mountains, in the foothills associated with the Aughnabrisky, Aughavaud and Mountain Rivers there are small patches of wet heath dominated by Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) with Heather, Tormentil (Potentilla erecta), Carnation Sedge (Carex panicea) and Bell Heather (Erica cinerea). '_ 1

I Salt meadows occur at the southern section of the site in old meadows where the embankment has been breached, along the tidal stretches of in-flowing rivers below Stokestown House, in a narrow band on the channel side of Common Reed I @%ragmitesaustralis) beds and in For narrow inspection purposes fragmented only. strips along the open shoreline. I Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. iIn the larger areas of salt meadow, notably at Carrickcloney, Ballinlaw Ferry and 'Rochestown on the west bank; Fisherstown, Alderton and Great Island to Dunbrody on the east bank, the Atlantic and Mediterranean sub types are generally intermixed. jAt the upper edge of the salt meadow in the narrow ecotonal areas bordering the Igrasslands where there is significant percolation of salt water, the legally protected Lpecies Borrer's Saltmarsh-grass (Puccinelliafasciculata) and Meadow Barley (Hordeum i 'secalinum)are found. The very rare and also legally protected Divided Sedge (Carex bivisa) is also found. Sea Rush (Juncus maritimus) is also present. Other plants recorded and associated with salt meadows include Sea Aster (Aster tripolium), Thrift i (Armeria maritima), Sea Couch (Elymus pycnan thus), Spear-leaved Orache (Atriplex prostrata), Lesser Sea-spurrey (Spergularia marina), Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima) and Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima).

Glassworts (Salicornia spp.) and other annuals colonising mud and sand are found in the creeks of the saltmarshes and at the seaward edges of them. The habitat also occurs in small amounts on some stretches of the shore free of stones.

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EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 The estuary and the other E.U. Habitats Directive Annex I habitats within it form a large component of the site. Extensive areas of intertidal flats, comprised of substrates ranging from fine, silty mud to coarse sand with pebbles/stones are present. Good quality intertidal sand and mudflats have developed on a linear shelf on the western side of Waterford Harbour, extending for over 6 km from north to south between Passage East and Creadaun Head, and in places are over 1 km wide. The sediments are mostly firm sands, though grade into muddy sands towards the upper shore. They have a typical macro-invertebrate fauna, characterised by polychaetes and bivalves. Common species include Arenicola marina, Nephtys hombergii, Scoloplos armiger, Lanice conchilega and Cerastoderma edule. An extensive area of honey-comb worm biogenic reef occurs adjacent to Duncannon, Co. Wexford on the eastern shore of the estuary. It is formed by the polychaete worm Sabellaria alveolata. This intertidal Sabellaria alveolata reef is formed as a sheet of interlocking tubes over a considerable area of exposed bedrock. This polychaete species constructs tubes, composed of aggregated sand grains, in tightly packed masses with a distinctive honeycomb-like appearance. These can be up to 25cm proud of the substrate and form hummocks, sheets or more massive formations. A range of species are reported from these reefs including: Enteromorpha sp.; Ulva sp.; Fucus vesiculosus; Fucus serratus; Polysiphonia sp.; Chondrus crispus; Palmaria palmate; Coralinus oficialis; Nemertea sp.; Actinia equine; Patella Vulgate;Littorina littorea; Littorina obtusata and Mytilus edulis.

The western shore of the harbour is generally stony and backed by low cliffs of glacial drift. At Woodstown there is a sandy beach, now much influenced by recreation pressure and erosion. Behind it a lagoonal marsh has been impounded which runs westwards from Gaultiere Lodge along the course of a slow stream. An extensive reedbed occurs here. At the edges is a tall fen dominated by sedges (Carex spp.), Meadowsweet, willowherbs (Epilobium spp.) and rushes Uuncus spp.). Wet For inspection purposes only. woodland also occurs. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

The dunes which fringe the strand at Duncannon are dominated by Marram (Ammophila arenaria) towards the sea. Other species present include Wild Clary/Sage (Salvia verbenaca), a rare Red Data Book species. The rocks around Duncannon ford have a rich flora of seaweeds typical of a moderately exposed shore and the cliffs themselves support a number of coastal species on ledges, including Thrift, Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum) and Buck's-horn Plantain (Plantago coronopus).

Other habitats which occur throughout the site include wet grassland, marsh, reedswamp, improved grassland, arable land, quarries, coniferous plantations, deciduous woodland, scrub and ponds.

Seventeen Red Data Book plant species have been recorded within the site, most in the recent past. These are Killarney Fern (Trichomanesspeciosum), Divided Sedge, Clustered Clover, Basil Thyme (Acinos amensis), Red Hemp-nettle (Galeopsis angustifoh), Borrer's Saltmarsh-grass, Meadow Barley, Opposite-leaved Pondweed (Groenlandia densa), Meadow Saffron/Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale), Wild Clary/Sage, Nettle-leaved Bellflower, Saw-wort (Serratula tinctoria), Bird Cherry

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(Prunus padus), Blue Fleabane (Erigeron mer), Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera), Ivy Broomrape (Orobanche hederae) and Greater Broomrape. Of these, the first nine are protected under the Flora (Protection) Order, 2015. Divided Sedge was thought to be extinct but has been found in a few locations in the site since 1990. In addition plants which do not have a very wide distribution in the country are found in the site including Thin-spiked Wood-sedge, Field Garlic (Allium oleraceum) and Summer Snowflake. Six rare lichens, indicators of ancient woodland, are found including Lobaria laetevirens and L. pulmonaria. The rare moss Leucodon sciuroides also occurs.

The site is very important for the presence of a number of E.U. Habitats Directive Annex I1 animal species including Freshwater Pearl Mussel (both Margaritifera . margaritifera and M. m. durrovensis),White-clawed Crayfish, Salmon, Twaite Shad, three lamprey species - Sea Lamprey, Brook Lamprey and River Lamprey, the tiny whorl snail Vertigo moulinsiana and Otter. This is the only site in the world for the hard water form of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, M. m. duwovensis, and one of only a handful of spawning grounds in the country for Twaite Shad. The freshwater stretches of the River Nore main channel is a designated salmonid river. The

I Barrowmore is mainly a grilse fishery though spring salmon fishing is good in the 1 vicinity of Thomastown and Inistioge on the Nore. The upper stretches of the Barrow ' and Nore, particularly the Owenass River, are very important for spawning.

: The site supports many other important animal species. Those which are listed in the !Irish Red Data Book include Daubenton's Bat, Badger, Irish Hare and Common Frog. &Therare Red Data Book fish species Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) occurs in estuarine ,stretchest of the site. In addition to the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, the site also supports two other freshwater mussel species, Anodonta anatina and A. cygnea.

i\Three rare invertebrates have been recorded in alluvial woodland at Murphy's of the 1" For inspection purposes only. \River. These are: NeoasciaConsent obliqua of copyright (Order owner Diptera: required for Syrphidae), any other use. Tetanocera fieyi (Order 'Diptera: Sciomyzidae) and Dictya umbrarum (Order Diptera: Sciomyzidae). The rare \invertebrate, Mitostoma chrysomelas (Order Arachnida), occurs in the old oak :woodland at Abbeyleix and only two other sites in the country. Two flies (Order 'Diptera) Chrysogaster virescens and Hybomitra muhlfeldi also occur at this woodland. t I /The site is of ornithological importance for a number of E.U. Birds Directive Annex I species, including Greenland White-fronted Goose, Whooper Swan, Bewick's Swan, Bar-tailed Godwit, Peregrine and Kingfisher. Nationally important numbers of Golden Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit are found during the winter. Wintering flocks of migratory birds are seen in Shanahoe Marsh and the Curragh and Goul Marsh, both in Co. Laois, and also along the Barrow Estuary in Waterford Harbour. There is also an extensive autumnal roosting site in the reedbeds of the Barrow Estuary used by Swallows before they leave the country. The old oak woodland at Abbeyleix has a typical bird fauna including Jay, Long-eared Owl and Raven. The reedbed at Woodstown supports populations of typical waterbirds including Mallard, Snipe, Sedge Warbler and Water Rail.

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EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 Land use at the site consists mainly of agricultural activities - mostly intensive in nature and principally grazing and silage production. Slurry is spread over much of the area. Arable crops are also grown. The spreading of slurry and fertiliser poses a threat to the water quality of the salmonid river. and to the populations of E.U. Habitats Directive Annex 11 animal species within the site. Many of the woodlands along the rivers belong to old estates and support many non-native species. Little ' active woodland management occurs. Fishing is a main tourist attraction along stretches of the main rivers and their tributaries and there are a number of Angler Associations, some with a number of beats. Fishing stands and styles have been erected in places. Both commercial and leisure fishing takes place on the rivers. There is net fishing in the estuary and a mussel bed also. Other recreational activities such as boating, golfing and walking, particularly along the Barrow towpath, are also popular. There is a golf course on the banks of the Nore at Mount Juliet and GAA pitches on the banks at Inistioge and Thomastown. There are active and disused sano and gravel pits throughout the site. Several industrial developments, which discharge into the river, border the site. New Ross is an important shipping port. Shipping to and from Waterford and Belview ports also passes through the estuary.

The main threats to the site and current damaging activities include high inputs of nutrients into the river system from agricultural run-off and several sewage plants, over-grazing within the woodland areas, and invasion by non-native species, for example Cherry Laurel (Prunus luurocerusus) and Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticurn). The water quality of the site remains vulnerable. Good quality water is necessary to maintain the populations of the Annex I1 animal species listed above. Good quality is dependent on controlling fertilisation of the grasslands, particularly along the Nore. It also requires that sewage be properly treated before discharge. Drainage activities in the catchment can lead to flash floods which can damage the many Annex I1 species present. Capital and maintenance dredging within the lower For inspection purposes only. reaches of the system pose a threatConsent of to copyright migrating owner required fish for species any other use.such as lamprey and shad. Land reclamation also poses a threat to the salt meadows and the populations of legally protected species therein.

Overall, the site is of considerable conservation significance for the occurrence of good examples of habitats and of populations of plant and animal species that are listed on Annexes I and I1 of the E.U. Habitats Directive. Furthermore it is of high conservation value for the populations of bird species that use it. The occurrence of several Red Data Book plant species including three rare plants in the salt meadows and the population of the hard water form of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, which is limited to a 10 km stretch of the Nore, add further interest to this site.

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EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 SITE SYNOPSIS

.SITE NAME: RIVER NORE SPA

SITE CODE: 004233

The River Nore SPA is a long, linear site that includes the following river sections: the River Nore from the bridge at Townparks, (north-west of Borris in Ossory) to Coolnamuck (approximately 3 km south of Inistioge) in Co. Kilkenny; the Delour River ,from its junction with the River Nore to Derrynaseera bridge (west of Castletown) in Co. Laois; the Erkina River from its junction with the River Nore at Durrow Mills to Boston Bridge in Co. Laois; a 1.5 km stretch of the River Goul upstream of its junction with the Erkina River; the Kings River fiom its junction with the River Nore to a bridge at Mill Island, Co. Kilkenny. The site includes the river channel and marginal vegetation.

For a large part of its course the River Nore traverses Carboniferous limestone plains; it passes over a narrow band of Old Red Sandstone rocks below Thomastown.

The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive of special honservation interest for the following species: Kingfisher.

A survey in 201 0 recorded 22 pairs of Kingfisher (based on 16 probable and 6 possible territories) within the SPA. Other species which occur within the site include Mute Swan (39, Mallard (267), Cormorant (14), Grey Heron (49, Moorhen (14), Snipe (17) and Sand Martin (1,029) - all figures are peak counts recorded during the 2010 survey. I The River Nore SPA is of high ornithological importance as it supports a nationally @portant population of Kingfisher, a species that is listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds For inspection purposes only. Directive. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

13.9.201 1

EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 Bord na M6na Abbeyleix IPC Boundav Amendment AASR 2016 12 06-D2 Appendix 2

Bord na Mona Abbeyleix Rehabilitation Plan

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EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 Bord na Mona Abbeyleix Rehabilitation Plan

Rehabilitation Plan

This rehabilitation plan is developed under Condition 10 of IPPC Licence Ref 502. It outlines the measures that will provide for stabilisation of the bog area. Rehabilitation can comprise natural colonisation with or without targeted management, and in some instances will incorporate other after-uses (development of sites for nature conservation; amenity, renewable energy, forestry and/or other commercial developments) deemed compatible with the site as outlined under the Bord na Mona Land Use Framework document 201 1

Bog Name: Abbevleix Bog Area (ha): Total approx. 190 Ha

Works Name: Cui1 na Mona County: Laois

NPWS’ cF’ MMC & Site survey dates: Author@): Survey Date(s): DF August 2009

Land Use Map Maps:, Killamuck Bog Report

Status: Completed August IOth 2012

Background Abbeyleix Bog is part of the Cull na Mona (Ref. 507) Group of Bord na Mona bogs. It is an example of degraded raised bog with associated marginal habitats. The bog was ditched (drained) in the early 1980s but were never industrially harvested for peat and the surface vegetation remained largely intact. The site was designated as a Bord na Mona Biodiversity Area in 2008 and subsequent restoration work carried out on the bog to restore active Raised, Bog habitat. The site has since been leased to a local Abbeyleix community group to be managed for nature {conservationand amenity/education where both purposes are aligned and mutually beneficial. I This plan is a specific rehabilitation plan for Abbeyleix Bog group and outlines: 0 i criteria which define the successful rehabilitation, ’ consultation with interested parties, 0 f main issues for rehabilitation, 0 1 proposed rehabilitation programme, 0 and proposed timeframe to implement this programme, and associated aftercare, maintenance and For inspection purposes only. 1 monitoring. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Scope 1 The scope of the rehabilitation plan seeks to address issues of concern as identified by Bord na Mona and the consultees. The key issues identified are: 0 Categorisation of the habitats developing on Abbeyleix Bog (outlined in Appendix I: Killamuck Bog Report) Entironmental stabilisation of the former peat production areas (N/A) 0 Maintenance of drainage and silt control through the site

0 Remediation of water courses where necessary (decommissioning) 0 The timeframe for bog rehabilitationlrestoration

0 The impact of any other proposed development on the site and rehabilitation plan

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Consultation

e February 2008: Abbeyleix Bog designated Bord na Mona Biodiversity Area

e June 2008: meeting with local Abbeyleix community group to discuss management of Abbeylei (Killamuck Bog)

e November 2008: Management Plan drawn up between NPWS, IPCC, BNM, Laois County COUI Heritage Officer and local community representatives

e December 2008: Funding secured for restoration of Abbeyleix Bog

e April to June 2009: Restoration work implemented and completed

e August 2009: NPWS commission and complete ecological survey

e October 2010: Irish Peat Society meeting and field trip at Abbeyleix Bog with ramge of consulte present.

e November 2009: Abbeyleix Bog lease agreement signed

e January 2010 to date: site proposed as NHA, ongoing community activities

e December 201 1: meeting of Technical Advisory Group w.r.t. adjacent quarry activities impactin! area of bog. 1 e April 2012: Official handing over of Abbeyleix Bog to local community. Rehabilitation completed

Site description I Abbeyleix (Killamuck) Bog was acquired, by Bord na Mona from the de Vesci family in the 1980s aftc ’ailed attempt by the owner to sell it to the NPWS. A detailed ecological survey report is detailed in E 2009 (Appendix I) and the executive summary included here:

Killamuck bog located to the south of Abbeyleix town is the most south-eastern Raised Bog in County 1 . The total extent of the High Bog at Killamuck bog is over 100 ha. Although the margins of the bog were e ;ively cutaway in the past, turf cutting no longer takes place. Restoration works involving the blockage of Bog drains took place in early 2009 after approximately two decades of drainage. For inspection purposes only. The survey of Killamuck bog, carried outConsent in July of copyright 2009, owner consisted required for of any a othervegetation use. survey of the High Bot d the recording of impacting activities such as drainage and the presence of invasive species. High Bog \ ation was described and mapped based on Raised Bog ecotope vegetation community complexes. The )wing habitats described in Annex I of the European Habitats Directive (92/43EEC) were found on Killamuck Bog: Active Raised Bog, (priority habitat), Degraded Raised Bog and Depressions on peat substratc f the Rhynchosporion. Active Raised Bog, which accounted for 1Yo of the High Bog area, was found on the wettest sections o High Bog and featured high cover of Sphagnum mosses necessary for the generation of new peat and bc wth. This habitat was characterised by a complex micro-topography consisting of low hummocks and hollov igher plant species found on this habitat included: Common Cotton grass, White Beak-sedge, Bog Aspho ;reat Sundew, Round-leaved Sundew, Bog rosemary, Cranberry, Hare’s-tail Cotton grass, Deer grass, Ling Heather and Cross-leaved Heath. Degraded Raised Bog, which covered the largest portion of the High Bog, was drier than Active Raisec 1 and supported lower density of Sphagnum mosses, higher cover of Ling Heather, Cross-leaved HI Bog Asphodel and Deer grass and poorer micro-topography. Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion habitat was found throughout the High Bog in’ 3reas such as hollows and Sphagnum moss lawns. i Scots Pine and Downy Birch were found scattered throughout the entire High Bog. A relatively large a 4 wet semi-natural Downy Birch dominated woodland was found to the east of the High Bog. This section 1 ? site does not seem to have been cutaway in the past and thus vegetation gently grades from typical Bog vegetation to wet woodland. In addition, mature mixed (mainly coniferous) woodland was found SL iding Killamuck Bog. Invasive species such as Rhododendron, Cherry Laurel and Purple pitcher plant were id on Killamuck bog, mainly in cutover areas. Rhododendron was particularly frequent along the wester tover section of the site. -

EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 Bord na Mona Abbeyleix Rehabilitation Plan

The main management objective is to maintain and enhance priority habitat Active Raise Bog at the site. Overall good future prospects are expected for all three Annex I habitats at the site;' this is evident from the infilling processes taking place within recently blocked drains.

Peat production programme and proposed developments

0 Abbeyleix Bog was originally ditched some time in the 1980s but never brought into peat production.

0 I The site has been designated as a Biodiversity Area in the BNM Decision Framework process.

0 I There is currently no turf cutting on bog edges with recovering cutover on margins

. .. . Other,,considerations .._.._.__..__,_~.__I____ .-----..--..__...I__.-" j i Area BNM I Turf-cutting 1 Restoration I Biodiversity Value I Ownership i Activity ! potential active RB i !; I I i. !1 status _.__.__.__.._____! j i i a Abbeyleix Bog 190ha Complete; i None ! High f A !: !- I i i i lease i I agreement signed with i ;,i . I i Abbeyleix j I i community i 2009 1 I' I f

Key biodiversity features of interest (2012) A large' extent of high bog that had been ditched 1981-1984 but still retains -typical raised bog characteristics (that qualifies as the Annex I EU Habitats Directive habitat - 'degraded raised bogs still capable of regeneration' - 7120). (Number codes refer to EU habitat classification system - European Commission 1996). The presence of a third Annex II EU Habitats Directive habitat - 'Depressions on the peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion (7150) - associated with parts of the high bog. A remnant lagg area to the east of the site For inspection purposes only. Woodland habitat along theConsent margins of copyright dominated owner required by Scots for any otherPine. use.

Current ecological rating (A-E) This majority of the site can be rated as having a high local ecological value (B) as it is dominated by a relatively large area of intact raised bog (ditched). Some parts of the site have a higher value (International value -:A) as they contain remnants of active raised bog.

Criteria defining successful rehabilitation There are several potential management options for this site after industrial peat-cutting has ceased, some of Nhich can be applied to different sections that have different potentials to enhance their biodiversity value. These suggested options do not preclude other land-uses of the site in the future. I 0 Given the relatively high ecological value of the sites and the fact that they retain raised bog features, :the main success criteria in the degraded raised bog areas capable of restoration is rewetting and restoration where possible of active raised bog habitat.

0 Restoration works with targeted drain blocking was carried out to maintain the current status of the high 'bog habitats and potential develop active raised bog. Without drain blocking, the bogs was likely to continue to deteriorate and dry out. However, drain-blocking is likely to have a positive impact on restoration of typical raised bog conservation status through-out the site in the long-term.

EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 Bord na Mona

0 Adjacent land-uses such as commercial forestry and private peat-cutting may also have affect any future management plan and should be considered.

Short-term (2008-2012: work completed)

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

Short-term (2008-2012) /Ii I

Long-term

0 Ongoing consultation with lessee 1, After-care and maintenance

0 There will be regular assessments of the site to determine the progress of the rehabilitation requirements for further enhancement measures. It is not expected that there will be any after-care and maintenance other than ecological monitoring which will be carried out NPWS and the local community as under lease agreement.

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Bord na Mona Abbeyleix Rehabilitation Plan

Potential future natural habitats on the site This section attempts to predict how the habitats on the site will develop and also takes into account future land- use, such as restoration/rehabilitation works. This prediction is based on research and methods used to predict the natural vegetation of Ireland (Cross 2006). Raised Bog (PBI) will be the dominant habitat on the site, the proposed rehabilitation works will create a more stable condition for these habitats to exist by allowing the site to become wetter.

0 ' Remnant lagg zone.

0 Bog woodland (WN7) is likely to be the dominant climax habitat that will develop on some of the 1 marginal cutover regeneration areas. I

Budget and costing I

Level survey?? .__--_.-- €90,000 Complete

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I i i !

I i, !

, 5 I !

EPA Export 30-08-2017:03:12:12 I

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

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