Offaly County Development Plan

Transcription

1 Offaly County Development Plan Natura Impact Report Prepared for Offaly County Council 27 th November 2014

2 This report has been prepared by Doherty Environmental with all reasonable skill, care and diligence. Information reported herein is based on the interpretation of data collected and has been accepted in good faith as being accurate and valid. This report is prepared for Offaly County Council and we accept no responsibility to third parties to whom this report, or any part thereof, is made known. Any such party relies on the report at their own risk. Doherty Environmental ii Offaly County Council

3 Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION HABITATS DIRECTIVE ASSESSMENT EVOLUTION OF THE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND HABITATS DIRECTIVE ASSESSMENT STAGES OF THE HABITATS DIRECTIVE ASSESSMENT 4 2 SCREENING METHODOLOGY INTRODUCTION CONSULTATION & REVIEW 5 3 OFFALY CDP & EUROPEAN SITE BASELINE SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF OFFALY CDP OFFALY CDP AND NATURE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN SITES OCCURRING WITHIN A 15KM BUFFER OF THE OFFALY CDP PEATLAND WATERBODIES GRASSLAND WOODLAND SPECIES CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES FOR EUROPEAN SITES GENERAL OVERVIEW 33 4 LIKELY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS TO EUROPEAN SITES SUMMARY OF ELEMENTS OF THE OFFALY CDP THAT COULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT EUROPEAN SITES EUROPEAN SITES AT RISK OF LIKELY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS 36 AS CAN BEEN SEEN FROM TABLE 4.1 AND 4.2 ALL EUROPEAN SITES OCCURRING WITHIN THE PLAN BOUNDARY IN CO. OFFALY OCCUR WITHIN THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE OF THE PLAN. FOR THOSE SITES OCCURRING IN A 15KM RADIUS OF THE PLAN AREA A TOTAL OF THREE SACS AND FIVE SPAS ARE CONSIDERED TO OCCUR WITHIN THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE OF THE PLAN AREA ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS 65 5 STAGE 2 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES FOR EUROPEAN SITES DETAILED ASSESSMENT POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES 88 HABITAT LOSS 88 HYDROLOGICAL & WATER QUALITY IMPACTS 88 DISTURBANCE IMPACTS TO QUALIFYING SPECIES 89 AIR EMISSIONS MITIGATION MEASURES SCREENING OF SUBMISSIONS, MANAGER S REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS AND MATERIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT PLAN 146

4 5.5 SCREENING OF SUBMISSIONS ON MATERIAL AMENDMENTS & MANAGER S REPORT TO MATERIAL AMENDMENTS SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES SUMMARY OF HOW THE HABITATS DIRECTIVE ASSESSMENT PROCESS INFLUENCED THE OFFALY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN NATURA IMPACT REPORT CONCLUSION REFERENCES 163 Doherty Environmental ii Offaly County Council

5 1 Introduction Minogue & Associates and Doherty Environmental have been appointed by Offaly County Council to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Directive Assessment of the Offaly County Development Plan (CDP). This Habitats Directive Assessment (HDA) has been undertaken in conjunction with the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the CDP and should be read in combination with the CDP and the associated SEA. The purpose of this Habitats Directive Assessment is to assess whether the Offaly CDP has the potential to result in likely significant effects to the integrity and conservation status of European Sites. 1.1 Habitats Directive Assessment The Habitats Directive Assessment is an assessment of the potential effects of a land use plan or project on one or more Natura 2000 (N2K) Sites. It is noted that a Habitats Directive Assessment is commonly referred to as an Appropriate Assessment (Dodd et al, 2007). However Appropriate Assessment forms only one stage of the HDA process (all stages making up the assessment process are outlined in detail below). The EU Habitats Directive provides the legislative framework for the protection of habitats and species throughout Europe through the establishment of a network of designated conservation areas known as the N2K network. The N2K network includes sites designated as Special Areas of Conservation (csacs), under the EU Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under the EU Birds Directive. csacs are designated in areas that support habitats listed on Annex I and/or species listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive. SPAs are designated in areas that support: 1% or more of the all-ireland population of bird species listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive; 1% or more of the population of a migratory species; and more than 20,000 waterfowl. Articles 6(1) & (2) of the Habitats Directive set out provisions for the conservation management of European Sites. Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of this Directive set out a series of procedural steps to test whether or not a plan or project is likely to affect an N2K site. Article 6(3) also establishes the requirement for a HDA: any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the (Natura 2000) site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans and projects, shall be subjected to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site s conservation objectives. In light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implication 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 affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public. Therefore, the objective of this HDA is to conclude whether or not the Offaly CDP will adversely affect the integrity of European Sites. Such a conclusion will be arrived at by assessing the implications of the CDP for each European Site s qualifying interests (i.e. those Annex I habitats and Annex II species of SACs and Special Conservation Interests (SCIs) of SPAs). Doherty Environmental 1 Offaly County Council

6 This NIR provides a documentary record of the evolution of the Offaly CDP from draft stage through to adopted Plan and its assessment in terms of implications to European Sites. The HDA is underpinned by the precautionary principle. Therefore, if the risk of adverse impacts to the conservation objectives of a European Site cannot be ruled out it is assumed that an adverse impact may exist. Where such uncertainties are identified during the assessment, measures will be proposed to avoid or mitigate the risk of adverse impacts occurring. The HDA was undertaken with reference to the following guidance documents on Habitats Directive Assessments: Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland Guidance for Planning Authorities (2009). DEHLG. Managing Natura 2000 Sites The provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats directive 92/43/EEC. European commission (2000). (To be referred to as MN 2000). Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 sites Methodological Guidance of the Provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats directive 92/43/EEC. European Commission (2001). Guidance 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. European Commission (2007). Appropriate Assessment of Plans. Scott Wilson, Levett-Therivel sustainability Consultants, Treweek Environmental Consultants and Land Use Consultants (2006). 1.2 Evolution of the County Development Plan and Habitats Directive Assessment This NIR outlines the results of the Habitats Directive Assessment of the adopted Offaly County Development Plan. The adopted Plan has been in formulation since November 2012 and has evolved since the initial draft of the Plan was put on display in October Each stage of the Plan has been assessed for its potential implications to European Sites. The various stages of the Plan and summary details of the Habitats Directive Assessment process relevant to each stage are outlined in Table 1.1 below. Table 1.1: Stage of the Development Plan and Habitats Directive Assessment Process Plan Stage Pre-draft Consultation (April July, 2013) Habitats Directive Assessment Identify key aims of the plan and the European Sites and associated qualifying features that could be sensitive to the aims and objectives of the Plan. Doherty Environmental 2 Offaly County Council

7 Drafting of the Plan (July October, 2013) Finalisation and Public Display of the Draft Plan (October 2013 January 2014) Draft Plan Submissions (January, 2014) Manager s Report on Submission detailing the response to Submissions and Recommendations on Amendments to the Plan (January - June 2014) Ensure European Sites sensitivities are considered during the drafting of the Plan. Review the Plan zoning, policies and objectives and provide guidance to ensure that the Plan avoids, wherever possible, the potential for significant effects to European Sites. Provide guidance during the drafting of the Plan to ensure appropriate mitigation is incorporated at the Plan stage. Prepare and finalise a Natura Impact Report of the Draft Plan Review Submissions on the Draft Plan and screen those that are relevant to European Sites. Outline the relevance of such submissions and their implications for European Sites. Review the Manager s Report to ensure an appropriate response to submissions relevant to European Sites is provided. Screen recommendations outlined in the Manager s Report for their potential to significantly effect European Sites. Elected Members Direction on Manager s Report (June, 2014) Display of Material Amendments to the Draft Plan (June - July 2014) Material Amendment Submissions (July, 2014) Manager s Report on Material Amendment Submission detailing the response to Submissions and Recommendations on Amendments to the Plan (August September 2014) Prepared and Finalise a Natura Impact Report Screening addendum for proposed Material Amendments to the Draft Plan Review Submissions on the Material Amendments and screen those that are relevant to European Sites. Outline the relevance of such submissions and their implications for European Sites. Screen the Manager s Report to ensure an appropriate response to submissions relevant to European Sites is provided. Screen recommendations outlined in the Manager s Report for their potential to significantly effect European Sites. Elected Members Direction on Manager s Report and Material Amendments (September, 2014) Doherty Environmental 3 Offaly County Council

8 Adoption of the Plan (October, 2014) Prepare and finalise a Natura Impact Report of the Adopted Plan. 1.3 Stages of the Habitats Directive Assessment The European Commission (2001) Guidance has outlined a staged process for the completion of a HDA. Stage 1 Screening: This stage defines the proposed plan, establishes whether the proposed plan is necessary for the conservation management of the European Site and assesses the likelihood of the plan to have a significant effect, alone or in combination with other plans or projects, upon a European Site. Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment: If a plan or project is likely to have a significant effect an Appropriate Assessment must be undertaken. In this stage the impact of the plan or project to the Conservation Objectives of the European Site is assessed. The outcome of this assessment will establish whether the plan will have an adverse effect upon the integrity of the European Site. Stage 3 Assessment of Alternative Solutions: If it is concluded that, subsequent to the implementation of mitigation measures, a plan has an adverse impact upon the integrity of a European Site it must be objectively concluded that no alternative solutions exist before the plan can proceed. the Stage 4 Where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain but imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) exist for the implementation of a plan or project an assessment of compensatory measures that will effectively offset the damage to the Natura site 2000 will be necessary. The remainder of this document sets out the Methodology and Results of the Stage 1 Screening Assessment and Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment of the Plan. It is structured as follows: Section 2: Habitats Directive Assessment Methodology; Section 3: Offaly CDP & European Site Baseline; Section 4: outlines the Likely Significant Effects to European Sites; Section 5: Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment of the Plan; and Section 6: Natura Impact Report Conclusion Doherty Environmental 4 Offaly County Council

9 2 Screening Methodology 2.1 Introduction The function of the Screening Assessment is to identify whether or not policies and objectives associated with the CDP will have a likely significant effect on European Sites. In this context likely means any effect that may be reasonably predicted and significant means not trivial or inconsequential but an effect that is potentially relevant to the Site s conservation objectives 1. Any effect, which would compromise the functioning and viability of a Site and interfere with achieving the conservation objectives of the Site would constitute a significant effect. The nature of the likely interactions between the CDP and the integrity of European Sites will depend upon the sensitivity of the Site s qualifying features to potential impacts associated with CDP policies and objectives; the current conservation status of the European Site qualifying features; and the likely changes that will result from the implementation of the CDP, in combination with other plans and projects. The European Commission Guidelines (2001) outline the stages involved in undertaking a Screening assessment of a plan or project that has the potential to have likely significant effects on European Sites. The methodology adopted for the Screening assessment of this CDP is informed by these guidelines and was undertaken in the following stages: 1. Define the CDP and determine whether it is necessary for the conservation management of European Sites; 2. Identification of European Sites occurring within the sphere of influence of the CDP; 3. Review the policies and objectives within the CDP to determine which have the potential to affect European Sites and determine whether the European Sites are vulnerable to the effects. A Source-Pathway-Receiver model of assessment will be used to determine whether or not Policies/Objectives with the potential to result in negative impacts will affect European Sites; and 4. Identification of other plans or projects that, in combination with the policies and proposals of the CDP, have the potential to affect European Sites; 2.2 Consultation & Review Initial scoping consultation for the HDA process was undertaken in November, 2012 with the prescribed environmental authorities. A written response was received from both the Development Applications Unit (DAU) of the DAHLG and the EPA. Both submissions set out guidance for the completion of the HDA process for the CDP. 1 See English Nature s Habitat Regulations Guidance Note No. 3, Doherty Environmental 5 Offaly County Council

10 The main issues raised by the DAU are as follows: It is recommended that the Plan should include a natural heritage section. All designated sites within the Plan area should be listed and mapped, including, if applicable, candidate Special Areas of Conservation (csac), special Protection Areas (SPA), Natural Heritage Areas (NHA), Proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pnha), Nature Reserves and Refuges for fauna. The Plan should take cognisance of boundary changes to sites made during the lifetime of the Plan and all such sites should be zoned appropriately and policies and objectives should be devised to ensure their protection. The proposed Plan should recognise that protected species also occur outside designated sites and should take note of the National Biodiversity Plan and the need to protect the County s biodiversity. Items to note: o o o Stepping stones and wildlife corridors Invasive species It is important that the proposed Plan should recognise the importance of linear features such as hedgerows and waterways. Wetland habitats such as rivers are an important source of biodiversity. In addition flood plains, if present, should be identified in the Plans and left undeveloped to allow for the protection of these valuable habitats and provide areas for flood water retention. Recreational impacts can arise particularly on mountains and rivers and due care is required It is recommended that the Biodiversity SEOs in the SEA cover habitats and species both within and outside of designated sites as below With regard to the scope of baseline data for flora and fauna in the SEA, in addition to any County records, this Department advises consulting the data of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at and the data of the National Biodiversity Data Centre at With regard to the SEOs for Water in the SEA it is important that the needs of protected species such as crayfish, salmon and lamprey species, which are listed on annex II of the Habitats Directive, are considered in relation to water quality. The SEOs and targets should be also compatible with the relevant River Basin Management Plans. Important Draft Plan is screened for appropriate assessment and the screening takes place in tandem with SEA. The main issues raised by the EPA are as follows: Doherty Environmental 6 Offaly County Council

11 Consistency with the Regional Planning Guidelines Integration of other key influential Plans/Programmes, where relevant and appropriate, including the Shannon CFRAMS, Shannon International and Eastern River Basin Management Plans and associated Programmes of Measures, Draft Nore Freshwater Pearl Mussel Sub Basin Management Plan Ensuring adequate and appropriate provision of critical service infrastructure to facilitate sustainable development. Fully implementing the Flood Risk Management Guidelines (OPW/DECLG, 2009) in the zoning and development of lands within the County. Protection of designated (national & international) and undesignated conservation sites (Natural Heritage Areas, Natura 2000 sites etc). Protection of areas of significant landscape character (including urban scape, townscape, riverscape etc). Subsequent to a review of the written submission by the assessment team a meeting was held with the DAHLG and EPA. Issues identified during the initial scoping were discussed in detail during the meeting. The main environmental issues identified during both the initial scoping and meetings have informed the policies and objectives of the draft CDP and the approach to the HDA process. Doherty Environmental 7 Offaly County Council

12 3 Offaly CDP & European Site Baseline 3.1 Summary Description of Offaly CDP The Offaly CDP aims to provide a statutory framework for the future growth, development and improvement of Offaly that are consistent with national and regional development objectives set out in the National Spatial Strategy and the Midland Regional Planning Guidelines. The purpose of the CDP is to guide future development within Offaly, in a sustainable and equitable manner and to inform members of the public, the local community, stakeholders, developers and the Planning Authority regarding policies and objectives for development, including provisions in relation to land use management, economic development, community facilities and amenities, transport and infrastructure, urban design, heritage and the environment. The overall strategic objectives for Offaly as set out in the CDP are as follows: 1. To strengthen the role of the Offaly Development Plan in implementing the objectives of higher order plans, where appropriate and ensure that the Offaly County Development Plans is consistent with the objectives and provisions of national and regional strategies, policy guidelines and national and regional population targets. 2. To develop a settlement strategy framework setting out a settlement hierarchy and providing an evidence base within which sustainable development, infrastructure, amenities and economic investment can be provided in a coherent and structured manner that maximises the use of resources in the County. 3. To provide for population growth in County Offaly in line with the population targets set out by the MRPGs and to allocate the population growth to settlement areas identified in the settlement hierarchy. This provides a framework within which sustainable infrastructure, amenities, economic investment and development can be provided in a manner that maximises the use of resources in the County, for current and future generations. 4. To provide for an appropriate quantity and location of zoned land so that this Plan accommodates the level of development anticipated over the plan period and support the priorities for growth as indicated in the settlement hierarchy of the Core Strategy whilst maintaining a level of development to secure the viability of rural communities 5. To promote sustainable settlement and transportation strategies in order to focus and integrate development in the most sustainable locations in the County making best use of existing and planned transport infrastructure/networks available and making isolated locations more accessible by improving transport links, particularly public transport. 6. To ensure that future development will integrate with the existing and planned transport and services infrastructure such as road, rail and water services infrastructure in order to utilise them in the most efficient way possible (as per priority investments outlined at national and regional level). 7. To ensure a high level of environmental protection ensuring the implementation of the policies and objectives of the plan through the observance of all legal requirements with regard to Strategic Environmental Assessment, Habitats Directive Assessment, Water Framework Directive and Floods Directive, as appropriate. 8. To promote sustainable economic development and direct economic activity into the most appropriate locations within County Offaly for employment generation and to capilatilse on opportuinities available in order to enhance the strategic competiveness and attractiveness of the County. Doherty Environmental 8 Offaly County Council

13 9. To revitalise town centres maintaining a clear hierarchy of vibrant, diverse and distinct town centres across the County as the focus for commercial, retail and leisure uses to meet the needs of the local population and ensuring the primacy of town centres as the first choice for the location of retail development. 10. To protect and conserve the high quality natural environment, built and cultural heritage of the County while ensuring that any future development is facilitated in a manner which complements, repects and protects natural, built and cultural heritage features. 11. To ensure that development promoted, supported or facilitated by the Development Plan provides for the adaptation to climate change and the promotion of renewable energy where possible including the increased risk of flooding. 12. To ensure that development over the lifetime of this plan is monitored and managed so as to achieve the overall objectives of the Core Strategy. 3.2 Offaly CDP and Nature Conservation Management The Plan sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Offaly. It is clear from strategic objectives of the Plan that it is not necessary for the management of any European Site for nature conservation purposes. Therefore consideration was given to the Plan and whether it was likely to have a significant effect on European Sites and if so what the implications would be to the Conservation Objectives for these Sites. 3.3 European Sites occurring within a 15km Buffer of the Offaly CDP In order to identify the European Sites that could be significantly affected by the implementation of the Offaly CDP an initial long-list of sites occurring within a 15km radius of the CDP area (to be referred to as the study area) has been compiled. The establishment of a 15km buffer area surrounding the CDP area is in line with the DAHLG recommended procedures for identifying European Sites. The buffer distance of 15km was also considered sufficient to ensure all potential impacts to European Sites arising from the implementation of the Plan were taken into account. A total number of 55 European Sites, 43 csacs and 12 SPAs, were identified within the study area (see Figures 3.1 to 3.4). 24 European Sites, consisting of 17 csacs and 6 SPAs occur within County Offaly. 31 European Sites, consisting of 26 csacs and 7 SPA occur within a 15km radius of the Offaly County boundary. The European Sites along with their qualifying features of interest and their dominant habitat and species characteristics are presented in Table 3.1. Doherty Environmental 9 Offaly County Council

14 Table 3.1: European Sites within the Study Area Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary csacs within Offaly River Shannon Callows csac (000216) Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355] Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clavey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) [6510] Limestone pavements [8240] Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Waterbody Mobile Slieve Bloom Mountains csac (000412) Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [4010] Blanket bog (*active only) [7130] Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Peatland NA Doherty Environmental 10 Offaly County Council

15 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary All Saints Bog and Esker csac (000566) Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia)(*important orchid sites) [6210] Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Bog woodland [91D0] Peatland Grassland NA Charleville Wood csac (000571) Vertigo moulinsiana [1016] Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in British Isles [91A0] Woodland Sedentary Clara Bog csac (000572) Marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) [1065] Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia)(*important orchid sites) [6210] Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Bog woodland [91D0] Peatland Mobile Doherty Environmental 11 Offaly County Council

16 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary Ferbane Bog csac (000575) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Peatland NA Fin Lough (Offaly) csac (000576) Vertigo geyeri [1013] Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. [3140] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Alkaline fens [7230] Peatland Sedentary Mongan Bog csac (000580) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Moyclare Bog csac (000581) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Peatland Peatland NA NA Raheenmore Bog csac (000582) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion Peatland NA Doherty Environmental 12 Offaly County Council

17 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary [7150] Sharavogue Bog csac (000585) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Peatland NA Ridge Road, SW of Rapemills csac (000919) Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia)(*important orchid sites) [6210] Grassland NA The Long Derries, Edenderry csac (000925) Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia)(*important orchid sites) [6210] Grassland NA Pilgrim's Road Esker csac (001776) Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia)(*important orchid sites) [6210] Grassland NA Lisduff Fen csac (002147) Vertigo geyeri [1013] Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) [7220] Alkaline fens [7230] Peatland Sedentary River Barrow and River Nore SAC (002162) Vertigo moulinsiana [1016] Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) Waterbody Mobile Doherty Environmental 13 Offaly County Council

18 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary [1029] White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) [1092] Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) [1095] Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) [1096] River lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) [1099] Allis shad (Alosa alosa) [1102] Twaite shad (Alosa fallax fallax) [1103] Salmon (Salmo salar) [1106] Estuaries [1130] Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140] Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [1310] Spartina swards (Spartinion maritimae) [1320] Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355] Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] Killarney fern (Trichomanes speciosum) [1421] Pearl mussel (Margaritifera durrovensis) [1990] Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation [3260] European dry heaths [4030] Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels [6430] Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) [7220] Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in British Isles [91A0] Woodland Sedentary Doherty Environmental 14 Offaly County Council

19 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Island Fen SAC (002236) Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands [5130] Alkaline fens [7230] Peatland NA SPAs occurring within Offaly Mongan Bog SPA (004017) Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris) [A395] Peatland Mobile Doherty Environmental 15 Offaly County Council

20 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary River Little Brosna Callows SPA (004086) Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) [A038] Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050] Waterbody Mobile Teal (Anas crecca) [A052] Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054] Shoveler (Anas clypeata) [A056] Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140] Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142] Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156] Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) [A179] Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris) [A395] Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999] Doherty Environmental 16 Offaly County Council

21 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary Middle Shannon Callows SPA (004096) Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) [A038] Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050] Corncrake (Crex crex) [A122] Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140] Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142] Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156] Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) [A179] Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999] Waterbody Mobile All Saints Bog SPA (004103) Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris) [A395] Peatland Mobile Dovegrove Callows SPA (004137) Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris) [A395] Waterbody Mobile Slieve Bloom Mountains SPA (004160) Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) [A082] Peatland Mobile csacs outside Offaly (County in brackets) River Boyne and River Blackwater (Westmeath and Meath) River lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) [1099] Salmon (Salmo salar) [1106] Waterbody Mobile Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355] Alkaline fens [7230] Doherty Environmental 17 Offaly County Council

22 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary Lough Ree (Roscommon) Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91 Peatland Mobile Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355] Natural euthrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation [3150] Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia)(*important orchid sites) [6210] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Alkaline fens [7230] Limestone pavements [8240] Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in British Isles [91A0] Bog woodland [91D0] Lough Ennell (Westmeath) Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) [1096] Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355] Waterbody Mobile Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. [3140] Alkaline fens [7230] Doherty Environmental 18 Offaly County Council

23 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary Ballymore Fen (Westmeath) Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Peatland NA Transition mires and quaking bogs [7140] Alkaline fens [7230] Mount Hevey Bog (Westmeath & Meath) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Peatland NA Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Carn Park Bog (Westmeath) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Peatland NA Crosswood Bog (Westmeath) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Peatland NA Split Hills and Long Hill Esker (Westmeath) Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia)(*important orchid sites) [6210] Grassland NA Glenloughaun Esker (Galway) Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia)(*important Grassland NA Doherty Environmental 19 Offaly County Council

24 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary orchid sites) [6210] Ardgraigue Bog (Galway) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Peatland NA Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Lough Derg, North-East Shore (Galway, Tipperary) Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands [5130] Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae [7210] Peatland Woodland Scrub NA Alkaline fens [7230] Limestone pavements [8240] Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles [91J0] Ballynafagh Lake (Kildare) Vertigo moulinsiana [1016] Marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) [1065] Peatland Sedentary Mobile Transition mires and quaking bogs [7140] Doherty Environmental 20 Offaly County Council

25 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary Alkaline fens [7230] Ballynafagh Bog (Kildare) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Peatland NA Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Mouds Bog (Kildare) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Peatland NA Pollardstown Fen (Kildare) Vertigo geyeri [1013] Vertigo angustior [1014] Peatland Sedentary Vertigo moulinsiana [1016] Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae [7210] Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) [7220] Doherty Environmental 21 Offaly County Council

26 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary Alkaline fens [7230] Mountmellick (Laois) Vertigo moulinsiana [1016] NA Sedentary Coolrain Bog (Laois) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Peatland NA Knockacoller Bog (Laois) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Peatland NA Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Doherty Environmental 22 Offaly County Council

27 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough (Roscommon) Turloughs [3180] Active raised bogs [7110] Peatland Waterbody NA Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Bog woodland [91D0] Castlesampson Esker (Roscommon) Turloughs [3180] Waterbody Grassland NA Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia)(*important orchid sites) [6210] Redwood Bog (Tipperary) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Peatland NA Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Doherty Environmental 23 Offaly County Council

28 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary Ballyduff/Clonfinane Bog (Tipperary) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Peatland NA Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Bog woodland [91D0] Kilcarren-Firville Bog (Tipperary) Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Peatland NA Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Liskeenan Fen (Tipperary) Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae [7210] Peatland NA Kilduff, Devilsbit Mountain (Tipperary) European dry heaths [4030] Species-rich Nardus grasslands, on siliceous substrates in mountain areas (and submountain areas, in Continental Europe) [6230] Peatland Grassland NA SPAs occurring outside Offaly Lough Derg (Shannon) (Tipperary, Galway) Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) [A061] Waterbody Mobile Doherty Environmental 24 Offaly County Council

29 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) [A067] Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) [A017] Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) [A193] Wetlands and Waterbirds River Suck Callows (Roscommon, Galway) Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) [A038] Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050] Waterbody Mobile Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140] Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142] Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris) [A395] Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999] River Nore (Laois, Carlow) Slievefelim to Silvermines Mountains (Tipperary) Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) [A229] Waterbody Mobile Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) [A082] Peatland Mobile Doherty Environmental 25 Offaly County Council

30 Site Name Qualifying Features of Interests Dominant Habitat Feature Qualifying Species: Mobile or Sedentary River Boyne and River Blackwater (Westmeath, Meath) Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) [A229 Waterbody Mobile Pochard (Aythya ferina) [A059] Waterbody Mobile Lough Ennell (Westmeath) Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) [A061] Coot (Fulica atra) [A125] Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999] Doherty Environmental 26 Offaly County Council

31 Figure 3.1: SACs within County Offaly Doherty Environmental 27 Offaly County Council

32 Figure 3.2: SPAs within County Offaly Doherty Environmental 28 Offaly County Council

33 Figure 3.3: SACs within 15km radius of County Offaly Doherty Environmental 29 Offaly County Council

34 Figure 3.4: SPAs within a 15km radius of County Offaly Doherty Environmental 30 Offaly County Council

35 As can be seen from Table 3.1 the dominant habitat characteristic influencing European Sites occurring within the study area are: peatland habitats influence 35 European Sites; waterbodies characterising 14 European Sites; grasslands characterising 8 European Sites; and woodland characterising 3 European Sites. With regard to species characteristics SPAs support mobile bird species while csacs largely support sedentary species. The following sub-section provides a brief overview of the main sensitivities and pressure to habitat and species characteristics influencing European Sites Peatland Peatlands are the dominant features of interest associated with European Sites in the study area. Of the 55 European Sites 35 are characterised by peatlands with bogs followed by fens being the principal peatland types associated with these European Sites. Peatlands are particularly sensitive to changes in their hydrological regime. Peatland habitats rely on a high water table along with undisturbed and intact peat-forming surface vegetation. Overgrazing can result in a loss of typically peat-forming vegetation leading to a change in vegetation composition which can in turn undermine the active status of bog habitats. Peat extraction and drainage also undermine the intact nature of bog habitats necessary for peat accretion. Such practices will disrupt the hydrological regime of bog habitats leading to drying out of the surface bog and eventual degradation and erosion. Other pressures to peatland habitats include forestry and wind energy developments and recreational activities Waterbodies 14 European Sites are characterised by waterbodies. 9 of these sites consist of watercourses and lakes which are primarily influenced by surface water while 2 are turloughs which are primarily influenced by groundwater. It is also noted that the fens associated with some peatland-dominated csac also support permanent waterbodies. Waterbodies are particularly sensitive to changes in the hydrological regime and water quality. The main pressures effecting these habitats include instream river maintenance operations such as flood relief schemes and bridge construction, the influx of contaminated surface water from terrestrial activities, abstractions leading to changes in the hydrological regime and the spread of invasive species. Lakes are particularly sensitive to the spread of invasive species. Doherty Environmental 31 Offaly County Council

36 3.3.3 Grassland Seven European Sites are designated for the presence of semi-natural orchid-rich grasslands. These grassland habitats are sensitive to changes in grazing and management practices. Within the study area they are generally restricted to eskers and are often underlain by substrates of economic value. Thus with regard to the Offaly CDP they are particularly sensitive to future extraction. One European Sites is designated for the presence of Nardus grassland. This habitat occurs in upland areas, usually in association with peatlands. It is sensitive to over-grazing and changes in landuse practices Woodland Three European Sites are designated for the presence of woodland habitats. Wet alluvial woodland are dependent on surface and groundwater influences and are sensitive to changes in the hydrological regime that can result from drainage activities. They are also sensitive to inappropriate grazing regimes. Drier oak and yew woodlands are sensitive to inappropriate grazing pressure and the spread of invasive species Species All 12 SPAs ocurring within the study area support mobile species. Seven csacs occurring within the study area support mobile species. These latter species are dominated by aquatic fauna and are therefore sensitive to the same pressures outlined for waterbodies in Section above. The marsh fritillary butterfly is also included as a mobile species. This species is sensitive to changes in grazing and land management practices. Improvements of semi-natural grasslands resulting in the loss of swards supporting the marsh fritillary larvae foodplant the devil s-bit scabious is known to have caused a decline in this species throughout Europe. With the exception of the Slieve Bloom Mountains and Slievefelim to Silvermines Mountains all bird species associated with SPAs are waterbirds that are reliant on wetland habitats dominated by peatland and waterbodies. Bird species associated with such sites are sensitive to the pressures outlined in Section and above. In addition these species are sensitive to effects outwith the boundaries of SPAs from development such as wind energy projects inappropriately sited along migratory or foraging flightlines. The Slieve Blooms and Slievefelim to Silvermines are the only upland habitats designated as SPAs within the study area. These SPAs are designated for raptors including hen harrier and merlin. Both species are sensitive to habitat change and disturbance. Recreational pressure and wind energy developments can result in displacement of these species resulting in a loss of suitable habitat. Sedentary species, which include both Vertigo snail species and pearl mussels, are supported by 7 European Sites. Both species of pearl mussels, Margaritifera margaritifera and Margaritifera durrovensis occurring in Ireland are supported by the River Barrow and River Nore csac. Both Vertigo snails and Doherty Environmental 32 Offaly County Council

37 pearl mussels are dependent upon wetland and waterbody habitats and are thus susceptible to the main pressures outlined in Section and above. Pearl mussels are especially sensitive to contamination of surface water with polluting substances and particularly sedimentation Conservation Management Objectives for European Sites General Overview In general the aims of Conservation Management Objectives for csacs is to maintain the favourable conservation status of qualifying feature of interest and the overall integrity of the site so that it can continue to support these features. For the majority of the csacs occurring within the study area only generic conservation management objecitves have been published. However detailed Conservation Management Plans with site-specific conservation management objectives have been published for some sites. These sites (along with the available version of the Plan at the time of writing) include: Ferbane Bog ( version); Fin Lough ( version); Mongan Bog ( version); and Raheenmore Bog ( version). Nevertheless for this Stage of the Habitats Directive Assessment the main conservation management objectives of csacs (along with the sensitivities of qualifying feature of interest as outlined in Section to above) are considered sufficient for identifying csacs that occur within the Plan s sphere of influence. The main Conservation Management Objectives for csac occurring within the study area are as follows: To maintain the Annex I habitats for which the csac has been selected at favourable conservation status; To maintain the Annex II species for which the csac has been selected at favourable conservation status; To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site; and To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal users and relevant authorities. Conservation Management Objectives have not be published for all SPAs occurring within the study area, thus a generic objective is outlined as follows: To maintain the bird species of special conservation interest, for which the SPA has been designated, at favourable conservation status. Since the conservation management objectives for the European Sites focus on maintaining the favourable conservation status of the qualifying features of interest of each site, the Screening process Doherty Environmental 33 Offaly County Council

38 concentrated on assessing the potential implications of the Plan against the qualifying interests of each site. Doherty Environmental 34 Offaly County Council

39 4 Likely Significant Effects to European Sites 4.1 Summary of Elements of the Offaly CDP that Could Negatively Affect European Sites In light of Section 3.3 and the dominant features underpinning the qualifying interests of European Sites along with their sensitivities and the principal pressures affecting them, the main elements of the Plan with the potential to result in such pressures relate to: Population growth and economic development leading to increases in consumption and waste generation; Zoning and potential for adverse effects associated with development on newly zoned lands; Primary industrial activities, principally agriculture, quarrying and peat extraction Tourism and Recreational development, principally relating to the development of recreational infrastructure such as walking, cycling, boating and angling and the promotion of tourism in sensitive locations such as the Slieve Blooms and River Shannon. The facilitation of infrastructural developments; Increased demands for resources and associated impacts. Activities involving water abstraction, quarrying and peat harvesting are particularly noted. The implementation of a wind energy strategy These elements of the Plan could result in the following pressures to European Sites occurring within the Plans sphere of influence: A reduction in extent and conservation status of habitats. Such an effect would be contrary to the aims of the main conservation management objectives for European Sites. A reduction in water quality in groundwater, springs and watercourses associated with the construction phase of new developments. Such an effect could undermine the conservation status of qualifying features of interest and the main conservation management objectives for European Sites. Surface water runoff from impermeable surfaces leading to reduced water quality in groundwater, springs or surface waters affecting qualifying habitats and species downstream. Changes in the flow rate of watercourses arising from an increased footprint of impermeable surfaces within the Plan area. Increasing the extent of impermeable surfaces will result in a decrease in infiltration and an increase in runoff. Doherty Environmental 35 Offaly County Council