AN DAINGEAN (DINGLE) FISHERY HARBOUR, CO. KERRY DREDGING OF NAVIGATION CHANNEL

Transcription

1 AN DAINGEAN (DINGLE) FISHERY HARBOUR, CO. KERRY DREDGING OF NAVIGATION CHANNEL APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING REPORT MARCH 2017

2 NICHOLAS O'DWYER LTD. AN DAINGEAN (DINGLE) FISHERY HARBOUR, CO. KERRY DREDGING OF NAVIGATION CHANNEL AA SCREENING REPORT Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd Consulting Engineers Nutgrove Office Park Nutgrove Avenue Dublin 14 MARCH 2017 PROJECT NO Revision Reason for Revision Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by Issue Date - First Issue for Internal Review JW RC KMcG A Second Issue JW RC KMcG B Updated for Revised Dredge Depth JW RC KMcG C D Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. i March 2017

3 CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION Background Legislative Context Guidance Followed Appropriate Assessment Process Surveys 3 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED WORKS 7 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT Dingle Harbour Dumpsite 11 4 NATURA 2000 SITES Identification of Relevant Natura 2000 Sites Designated Sites of Relevance Characteristics of the Designated Sites 20 5 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED WORKS Overview Construction Effects Cumulative and in Combination Impacts 25 6 SCREENING CONCLUSIONS 26 7 REFERENCES 27 Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. ii March 2017

4 TABLES Table 4-1 Natura Sites located within the zone of Impact from the proposed works (*=priority habitat) FIGURES Figure 1.1 Position of video drop locations sampled in 2008 at the proposed disposal site (RPS (2008) An Daingean Dredging Studies Report)... 4 Figure 1.2 Position of benthic grab samples in the vicinity of the disposal area (RPS(2008) An Daingean Dredging Studies Report)... 5 Figure 1.3 Positions of beam trawl and anchor dredge samples collected in 2007 in the vicinity of the disposal area (RPS (2008) An Daingean Dredging Studies Report)... 6 Figure 2.1 Location Plan of Dingle Harbour Dredging and Proposed Dump Site Figure 3.1 Location of biotopes identified in the Dingle Harbour disposal site survey (RPS (2008) An Daingean Dredging Studies Report) Figure 4.1 Natura 2000 Sites within 15 km of the Proposed Works APPENDIX 1 - Finding of No Significant Effects Report Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. iii March 2017

5 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background This screening for Appropriate Assessment has been undertaken to determine the potential for significant impacts from a proposal to carry out dredging at An Daingean (Dingle) Fishery Harbour and disposal of the dredge material to a dumpsite in Dingle Bay, Co. Kerry. This report assesses whether the dredging and disposal of dredge material, alone or in combination with other plans and projects, are likely to have significant effects on a Natura 2000 Site(s) in view of best scientific knowledge and the conservation objectives of the site(s). Natura 2000 Sites are those identified as sites of European Community importance designated as Special Areas of Conservation under the Habitats Directive or as Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive. 1.2 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 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 (Annex 1.1). Article 6(3) establishes the requirement for Appropriate Assessment (AA): 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 or 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 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. Article 6(4) states: If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the [Natura 2000] 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 a social or economic nature, Member States shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted. Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 1 March 2017

6 1.3 Guidance Followed Both EU and national guidance exists in relation to Member States fulfilling their requirements under the EU Habitats Directive, with particular reference to Article 6(3) and 6(4) of that Directive. The methodology followed in relation to this AA has had regard to the following guidance: Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland: Guidance for Planning Authorities. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, (DoEHLG, 2010). Communication from the Commission on the Precautionary Principle. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, (EC, 2000a). 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, (EC, 2000b). 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. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Brussels (EC, 2001). 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, (EC, 2007). Nature and biodiversity cases: Ruling of the European Court of Justice. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg (EC, 2006). European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, 2011 (S.I. No.477 of 2011). Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 28. European Commission (EC, 2013). Guidelines for the Assessment of Dredge Material for Disposal in Irish Waters. Marine Environmental and Health Series (2006). 1.4 Appropriate Assessment Process Stage 1: Screening / Test of Significance This process identifies whether the proposed works are directly connected to or necessary for the management of a Natura 2000 Site(s); and identifies whether the proposed works are likely to have significant impacts upon a Natura 2000 Site(s) either alone or in combination with other projects or plans. The output from this stage is a determination for each Natura 2000 Site(s) of not significant, significant, potentially significant, or uncertain effects. The latter three determinations will cause that site to be brought forward to Stage 2. Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 2 March 2017

7 Stage 2: Appropriate Assessment This stage considers the impact of the proposed works on the integrity of a Natura 2000 Site(s), either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, with respect to (1) the site s conservation objectives; and (2) the site s structure and function and its overall integrity. Additionally, where there are adverse impacts, an assessment of the potential mitigation of those impacts is required. The output from this stage is a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). This document must include sufficient information for the Competent Authority to carry out the appropriate assessment. 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. Stage 3: Assessment of Alternatives This process examines alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the project or plan that avoid adverse impacts on the integrity of the Natura 2000 Site. 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 Natura 2000 Sites then the process either moves to Stage 4 or the project is abandoned. Stage 4: Assessment Where Adverse Impacts Remain This process is 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. Stage 1: Screening / Test of Significance In complying with the obligations under Article 6(3) and following the appropriate guidelines, this AA Screening has been structured as a stage by stage approach as follows: Description of the project; Identification of Natura 2000 sites potentially affected; Identification and description of individual and cumulative impacts likely to result; Assessment of the significance of the impacts identified above on site integrity; Exclusion of sites where it can be objectively concluded that there will be no significant effects; and Screening conclusion. 1.5 Surveys In 2007, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Ireland commissioned RPS Consulting Engineers to prepare a report on the potential impacts of the proposed dredging operation in An Daingean (Dingle) Harbour, Co Kerry. A variety of survey techniques were employed due to the heterogeneous nature of the benthic habitats in the region, including seabed video and still images, benthic faunal sampling and trawl sampling. These were used to characterise the area s benthic biota and sediment, and to determine what impact Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 3 March 2017

8 disposal of the dredge spoil in the area would have on the benthic communities present in and around Dingle Bay Video Surveys Due to the physical characteristics of the area, the nature of the benthos and its communities were partially assessed using analysis of seabed videos and still images. These video surveys were undertaken using a Video Pro-Ray 3 Remotely Operated Vehicle. Figure 1.1 shows the location of the 53 drop-down video transects that informed the 2008 RPS report, carried out over two campaigns during November The wide distribution of stations around the proposed disposal ground is likely to have yielded robust and accurate characterisation data, although it should be noted that in some instances the video quality did not allow the identification of fauna to species level. Figure 1.1 Position of video drop locations sampled in 2008 at the proposed disposal site (RPS (2008) An Daingean Dredging Studies Report) Benthic Sampling A total of 13 sites were sampled in the study area using a 0.1m 2 Van Veen grab and, when it was not possible to obtain a viable sample using this method, with a modified anchor dredge. At each station a benthic faunal and a sediment sample were taken for benthic fauna and granulometric analyses. The rationale for the placement of stations is unclear from the RPS report, however for interpretation of Figure 1.2 it is apparent that several reference stations were included within the array, in addition to those within or directly adjacent to the disposal area. The location of the anchor dredge samples is shown in Figure 1.3. Handling of the grab samples appears to be in line with best practice guidelines (e.g. Ware and Kenny, 2011). Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 4 March 2017

9 Figure 1.2 Position of benthic grab samples in the vicinity of the disposal area (RPS(2008) An Daingean Dredging Studies Report) Beam Trawl Sampling Beam trawl samples were acquired at two locations during the 2007 characterisation survey, the locations of which are shown in Figure 1.3. One trawl was taken within the disposal area and one immediately to the south of the boundary. Hauls were taken for approximately 10 minutes at a speed of 2 knots using a 2m-beam trawl with 4mm-mesh cod-end. The beam trawl samples yielded information on the nature and composition of epi-benthic and demersal fish communities present within the survey area. Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 5 March 2017

10 Figure 1.3 Positions of beam trawl and anchor dredge samples collected in 2007 in the vicinity of the disposal area (RPS (2008) An Daingean Dredging Studies Report) Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 6 March 2017

11 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED WORKS 2.1 Overview Dredging is required at Dingle Fishery Harbour to deepen the approach navigational channel and to generate a turning area with increased depth capacity to enable the harbour to cater for larger vessels. Dredging is an activity carried out by a dredge, which scrapes material from the sea bed and deposits it elsewhere. Maintenance dredging is required to deepen or maintain the navigation channels, which are at risk of becoming silted over. Capital dredging will be required to deepen the harbour area. The project will increase the navigability of Dingle Fishery Harbour and thereby reduce the associated safety concerns for commercial ships and boats. 2.2 Location The proposed dredging site is located within Dingle Fishery Harbour which is situated on the west coast of Ireland, in County Kerry on the northern side of Dingle Bay. Dingle Fishery Harbour is sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean and is located immediately southwest of Dingle with an approximate centre at NGR E N. The dredge area comprises of two separate dredge locations: Site A: Inner Harbour (covering an area of 43,600m 2 ). Site B: Approach Channel (covering an area of 59,300m 2 ). Dredge spoil will be dumped at sea if chemical tests deem it uncontaminated, while any contaminated spoil will be returned to land to be disposed of. The proposed dump site is located outside of the Dingle Fishery Harbour within Dingle Bay, ca. 500 m south of the shore and ca. 4 km south-east of Dingle town. The boundary of the dumpsite is rectangular in shape measuring 400 x 1000 m giving a total area of 400,000 m 2. The proposed dump site is outside of designated areas Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). 2.3 Dredge Volumes The proposed works originally aimed to remove 190,000m 3 of material from the Inner Harbour in order to reach a target depth of -7.7mCD, while in the Approach Channel, the removal of approximately 10,250m 3 of material was planned. Following the site investigation at Dingle Harbour in September 2016, a reassessment of the requirements for the capital and maintenance dredging was completed. This resulted in a reduction of the total dredged depth from -7.7mCD to a new proposed depth of -3.1mCD with the subsequent reduction in the volume of dredged material from c200,000m 3 to c85,000m 3. Rock comprises 24,000m 3 of this revised dredged volume and it is proposed that this is disposed on land. The resultant volumes are presented in Table 2-1. Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 7 March 2017

12 Table 2-1 Dredge Volumes Seabed Material Dredge Volume (m 3 ) Approach Channel Sand/Gravel 53,000 Harbour Turning Basin Rock* 24,000 Silt 5,500 Sand/Gravel 2,800 Dredge Total 85,300 Total for Dumping at Sea Application 61,300 * For disposal on land It is estimated that this work will take between 6-12 weeks to complete. 2.4 Consents A foreshore licence (FL) application for consent under the Foreshore Act for dredging at the harbour and dumping operations at the dumpsite will be sought from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (DHPCLG). A Dumping at Sea (DaS) permit application to dispose of the material at the proposed dumpsite will be sought from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act A Waste Licence application will be sought from the EPA for the disposal of the rock to land by the dredge contractor. Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 8 March 2017

13 Figure 2.1 Map Showing Proposed Site of Dingle Harbour Dredging Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 9 March 2017

14 Figure 2.2 Location Plan of Dingle Harbour Dredging and Proposed Dump Site Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 10 March 2017

15 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT 3.1 Dingle Harbour Dingle Harbour is a shallow, enclosed bay consisting of a sandy and rocky intertidal area and a shallow sublittoral basin with a dredged channel for vessel access to the inner harbour and marina. In terms of water quality, Dingle Harbour was categorised as Good according to the Coastal Waterbody WFD Status There are no areas designated for shellfish in close proximity to Dingle Harbour. Three marine mammal surveys of Dingle Harbour and adjacent coastal areas were made on November 4 th 2007 and February 10 th and 11 th The results of these watches confirm the use of the inner and outer harbour areas by grey seals and the bottlenose dolphin 'Fungi'. 3.2 Dumpsite In terms of water quality, the Outer Dingle Bay was categorised as High according to the Coastal Waterbody WFD Status There are no areas designated for shellfish in close proximity to the proposed dumping site Seabed Imagery The seabed imagery shows a heterogeneous seabed in the area. The RPS (2008) report indicates that within the disposal site the seabed can be classified as predominantly sand and muddy sands. The area outside the disposal site to the east largely comprised sandy sediments and mixed sands, while that to the south was mainly gravels. The western margin of the disposal area was dominated by hard substrata including cobbles, boulders and bedrock. Video quality was not sufficient to resolve faunal species in across much of the study site Sediment Distribution Sediment particle size distribution results show the domination of sands and muddy sands across the survey area, interspersed with areas of hard substrate characterised by cobble, boulders and bedrock Faunal Grab Samples A total of 38 distinct taxa were recorded from the benthic grab samples. None of the species encountered within the study area were of rare status or protected under any international or national conservation designations. All species recorded are of widespread occurrence in Irish coastal waters and relatively common. The most abundant species recorded in the study area was the brittlestar Amphiura filiformis, followed by the polychaetes Nepthys hombergii and Magelona alleni. Specifically within the dredge spoil disposal area, the mollusc Thyasira flexuosa was also recorded as particularly abundant. Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 11 March 2017

16 3.2.4 Trawl Samples A total of 10 taxa and 230 individuals were returned in the trawls. The dominant species was the starfish Asterias rubens with 181 individuals in total, following by the brittlestar Ophiura ophiura with 38. Just two species of fish were collected during the survey: Dover sole Solea solea and pipefish Sygnathus rostellatus with two and one individuals respectively Biotope Classification Biotope classifications were assigned to each station using the JNCC habitat classification system for Britain and Ireland (JNCC, 2015) based on the benthic, epibenthic and video data. A chart showing the location of the assigned biotopes is presented in Figure 3.1. Four separate biotopes were identified within the disposal site: SS.SMu.CSaMu Circalittoral Sandy Mud SS.SSa.CFiSa Circalittoral fine sands SS.SMx.CMx Circalittoral mixed sediment SS.SCS.CCS.PomB Pomatoceros triqueter with barnacles and bryozoan crusts on unstable circalittoral cobbles and pebbles (found at extreme edges of the disposal boundary) In addition to the above classification, one supplementary biotope was also identified in the area surrounding the proposed disposal area: CR.MCR.EcCr Echinoderms and crustose communities on moderately exposed circalittoral rock Figure 3.1 Location of biotopes identified in the Dingle Harbour disposal site survey (RPS (2008) An Daingean Dredging Studies Report) Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 12 March 2017

17 4 NATURA 2000 SITES 4.1 Identification of Relevant Natura 2000 Sites This section of the screening process describes the Natura 2000 sites within the potential impact zone of the proposed works. A 15 km buffer zone from the centre of the proposed works has been chosen, along with identifying any other receptor pathways (i.e. ecological corridors) as a precautionary measure, to ensure that all potentially affected Natura 2000 sites are included in the screening process. This is in line with Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland Guidance for Planning Authorities produced by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Figure 4.1 shows the location of all Natura 2000 sites within the 15 km buffer zone and those connected to the proposed works via receptor pathways. Table 4-1 lists the Natura 2000 sites within this buffer zone, the qualifying interests of each of the identified Natura 2000 Sites, the potential impact and the initial screening determination. Those sites or individual qualifying interests that are screened out at this stage (primarily as a result of being too great a distance away and having different habitat requirements) are not assessed any further. Any Natura 2000 sites or qualifying interests that are brought forward for further assessment are highlighted in Table 4-1. Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 13 March 2017

18 Figure 4.1 Natura 2000 Sites within 15 km of the Proposed Works Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 14 March 2017

19 Table 4-1 Natura Sites located within the Buffer Zone from the proposed works (*=priority habitat) Site Code Site Name (approx. distance from the proposed works) Castlemaine Harbour SAC (12.5 km) Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy s Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC (11.3 km) Qualifying Interest Estuaries [1130] Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140] Annual vegetation of drift lines [1210] Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220] Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts [1230] Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand [1310] Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] Embryonic shifting dunes [2110] Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) [2120] Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes) [2130] Dunes with Salix repens ssp. argentea (Salicion arenariae) [2170] Humid dune slacks [2190] Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno- Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Petromyzon marinus (Sea Lamprey) [1095] Lampetra fluviatilis (River Lamprey) [1099] Salmo salar (Salmon) [1106] Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355] Petalophyllum ralfsii (Petalwort) [1395] Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) [3110] Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or Isoeto-Nanojuncetea [3130] Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation [3260] Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [4010] Potential Impact None- due to distance and lack of potential impact pathway None- due to distance and lack of potential impact pathway Screened In/Out Screened Out Screened Out Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 15 March 2017

20 Site Code Site Name (approx. distance from the proposed works) Mount Brandon SAC (0.9 km) Qualifying Interest European dry heaths [4030] Alpine and Boreal heaths [4060] Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands [5130] Calaminarian grasslands of the Violetalia calaminariae [6130] Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] Blanket bogs (* if active bog) [7130] Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150] Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles [91A0] Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno- Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles [91J0] Geomalacus maculosus (Kerry Slug) [1024] Margaritifera margaritifera (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) [1029] Euphydryas aurinia (Marsh Fritillary) [1065] Petromyzon marinus (Sea Lamprey) [1095] Lampetra planeri (Brook Lamprey) [1096] Lampetra fluviatilis (River Lamprey) [1099] Salmo salar (Salmon) [1106] Rhinolophus hipposideros (Lesser Horseshoe Bat) [1303] Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355] Trichomanes speciosum (Killarney Fern) [1421] Najas flexilis (Slender Naiad) [1833] Alosa fallax killarnensis (Killarney Shad) [5046] Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts [1230] Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) [3110] Potential Impact None- due to distance and lack of potential impact pathway Screened In/Out Screened Out Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 16 March 2017

21 Site Code Site Name (approx. distance from the proposed works) Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC (12.1 km) Qualifying Interest Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or Isoeto-Nanojuncetea [3130] Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [4010] European dry heaths [4030] Alpine and Boreal heaths [4060] Species-rich Nardus grasslands, on siliceous substrates in mountain areas (and submountain areas, in Continental Europe) [6230] Blanket bogs (* if active bog) [7130] Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani) [8110] Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8210] Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8220] Margaritifera margaritifera (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) [1029] Trichomanes speciosum (Killarney Fern) [1421] Estuaries [1130] Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140] Coastal lagoons [1150] Large shallow inlets and bays [1160] Reefs [1170] Annual vegetation of drift lines [1210] Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220] Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand [1310] Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) [2120] Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes) [2130] Dunes with Salix repens ssp. argentea (Salicion arenariae) [2170] Humid dune slacks [2190] Potential Impact None- due to distance and lack of potential impact pathway Screened In/Out Screened Out Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 17 March 2017

22 Site Code Site Name (approx. distance from the proposed works) Blasket Islands SAC (12.6 km) Castlemaine Harbour SPA (12.1 km) Qualifying Interest Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno- Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355] Petalophyllum ralfsii (Petalwort) [1395] Reefs [1170] Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts [1230] European dry heaths [4030] Submerged or partially submerged sea caves [8330] Phocoena phocoena (Harbour Porpoise) [1351] Halichoerus grypus (Grey Seal) [1364] Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata) [A001] Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) [A017] Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota) [A046] Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050] Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) [A053] Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054] Scaup (Aythya marila) [A062] Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) [A065] Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130] Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) [A137] Sanderling (Calidris alba) [A144] Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) [A157] Redshank (Tringa totanus) [A162] Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) [A164] Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) [A169] Potential Impact None- due to distance and lack of potential impact pathway Further Assessment Required None- due to distance and lack of potential impact pathway Screened In/Out Screened Out Screened In Screened Out Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 18 March 2017

23 Site Code Site Name (approx. distance from the proposed works) Dingle Peninsula SPA (0.3 km) Iveragh Peninsula SPA (11.3 km) Qualifying Interest Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) [A346] Wetland and Waterbirds [A999] Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) [A009] Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) [A103] Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) [A346] Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) [A009] Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) [A103] Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) [A188] Guillemot (Uria aalge) [A199] Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) [A346] Potential Impact Further Assessment Required None- due to distance and lack of potential impact pathway Screened In/Out Screened In Screened Out Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 19 March 2017

24 4.2 Designated Sites of Relevance Table 4.1 above lists the Natura 2000 sites within the buffer zone of the proposed works area. There are five SACs and three SPAs within this zone. Three features of Qualifying Interest (QI) for the Dingle Peninsula and two QI features for the Blasket Islands SAC were considered to have some potential for impact resulting from the proposed development: Dingle Peninsula SPA [004153] Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) [A009] Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) [A103] Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) [A346] Blasket Islands SAC [002172] Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) [1351] Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) [1364] After an initial review of Natura 2000 sites, it was considered that no pathway exists by which the proposed works could impact upon any other designated site and therefore only the Dingle Peninsula SPA and Blasket Islands SAC and the five QIs listed above were brought forward for further assessment. 4.3 Characteristics of the Designated Sites The characteristics of the Dingle Peninsula are described below. The Conservation Objectives of the features of qualifying interest are discussed in Section 6 - Screening Assessment in the context of the potential impacts on them Dingle Peninsula SPA [004153] The Dingle Peninsula SPA is a large site situated on the west coast of Co. Kerry. It encompasses the high coast and sea cliff sections of the peninsula from just south of Brandon Point in the north, around to the end of the peninsula at Slea Head, and as far east as Inch in the south. The site includes the sea cliffs, the land adjacent to the cliff edge, areas of sand dune on the Magharees Peninsula and near Murreagh, and also several upland areas further inland of the coast about Ballybrack, Lough Doon, Anscaul Lough, Arraglen and Ballynane. The high water mark forms the seaward boundary. The site is underlain by a variety of sedimentary rock types of various ages, predominantly Devonian and Devonian/Silurian sandstones, conglomerates and siltstones, but also Ordovician mudstones, siltstones and breccias, and Silurian siltstones. An area of volcanic rocks of Silurian age is found about Clogher Head/Dunquin. The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Chough, Peregrine and Fulmar. Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 20 March 2017

25 The site supports some of the highest densities in Ireland of breeding Chough, a Red Data Book species that is listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. The abundance of Chough on the Dingle Peninsula was first noted in the 1800s. When the first modern survey of Chough was undertaken in 1982 the species was seen to be still abundant there. Since then the high importance of the site for Chough has been demonstrated by surveys in 1992 and 2002/03 when 107 and 105 breeding pairs respectively were recorded within the SPA. The topography of the Dingle Peninsula, with its mosaic of grazed semi-improved and improved pastures, extensive well-drained uplands, and sand dune systems in close proximity to breeding cliffs, favours Chough. Particularly high densities of Chough occur at Reenbeg in the south of the site, The Three Sisters in the north-west and Ballydavid Head in the north. Large post-breeding flocks gather, particularly in the autumn, at the dune systems at Castlegregory and Inch (which is included in an adjacent SPA). Marked individuals have provided evidence that young birds converge in these flocks from throughout the peninsula and it is possible that Chough gather in the dunes here from even further afield. Known roost sites within the SPA include a site on the Magharees Peninsula and a number of inland locations such as the cliffs at Anscaul Lough, Arraglen and Lough Doon. Flocks of up to 80 birds form in the mountains during the summer months. Studies have shown that Chough forage mainly within 300 m inland of the cliff tops used for breeding and these areas have been included in the site. The site also supports nationally important populations of Peregrine (5 pairs in 2002) and Fulmar (1,016 pairs), as well as smaller populations of other breeding seabirds: Razorbill (3 pairs), Herring Gull (33 pairs), Lesser Black-backed Gull (2 pairs), Shag (23 pairs) and Great Black-backed Gull (1 pair) all seabird data from The site also holds a population of Black Guillemot. The Dingle Peninsula SPA is of ornithological importance as it supports an internationally important population of Chough. It also supports nationally important populations of Fulmar and Peregrine. The presence of Chough and Peregrine, both species that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, is of particular significance. Part of the Dingle Peninsula SPA is a Statutory Nature Reserve. Conservation Objective: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected Blasket Islands SAC [002172] The Blasket Islands are situated at the end of the Dingle peninsula in Co. Kerry. The site includes all of the islands in the group as well as a substantial area of the surrounding seas. There are six main islands, plus some rocky islets and sea stacks. The vegetation of the islands is typical of exposed western islands. Sea cliffs are the dominant habitat and, aside from the cliffs themselves, much of the vegetation of the islands consists of species typical of cliffs or cliff-tops. Sea caves occur at the base of the cliffs on several of the islands. The cliff vegetation merges into dry grassland dominated by Red Fescue Festuca rubra on several of the islands. Several of the islands have small areas of dry heath with heather Calluna vulgaris the dominant species which often occurs in a stunted form due to exposure. The seas surrounding the islands have well-developed Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 21 March 2017

26 reef communities. There are good examples of exposed and tide swept shallow water kelp communities, deeper water sponge dominated communities and a hydroid dominated community. There are patches of vertical cliff face in very exposed areas that are characterized by plumose anemones Metridium senile and dense bryozoans Chartella papyracea where the rare nudibranch Crimora papillata is found. Species richness in these marine communities can be high. At depths greater than 20 m animal dominated communities are found. The communities present may be characterised by Deadman's Fingers Alcyonium digitatum, massive sponges such as Clinoa clelata, and species of Nemartesia hydroid, indicating that there is moderate tidal stream. The brown alga Carpomitra costata, an uncommon species, is found in this community and is considered a good indicator of clean oceanic waters. The site has a large Grey Seal population ( breeding in 2005; one-off moult count of 989 seals in 2007). This is one of the largest populations in the country and represents about one-third of the Irish population. The site is also of importance for Harbour Porpoise, a species which has a regular presence in Blasket Sound. A population estimate in 2008 gave a figure of individuals. Other cetaceans (whales and dolphins) regularly observed in the site include Common Dolphin, Bottle-nosed Dolphin, Risso s Dolphin, Killer Whale and Minke Whale. The site supports one of the most important seabird colonies in the country, with at least 11 species of seabird breeding regularly. It is the most important site in the world for Storm Petrel, and in the country for Manx Shearwater, the populations of both being of international importance (approx. 51,000 and 20,534 pairs respectively in 2000/01). Nine other seabird species occur regularly in nationally important numbers, the populations of three being of particular importance, i.e. Fulmar (approx. 3,000 pairs), Lesser Blackbacked Gull (421 pairs) and Puffin (approx. 5,000 individuals). Other species present in nationally important numbers are Shag (350+pairs), Herring Gull (100+ pairs), Great Black-backed Gull (approx. 400 pairs), Kittiwake (750+ pairs), Razorbill (500+ individuals) and Black Guillemot (44+ individuals). The Blaskets is one of the few known sites in the country where Leach s Petrel has bred and may still breed. The islands are traditional sites for Peregrine (1-2 pairs) and Chough (11 pairs in 2002). Both of these species are listed under the E.U. Birds Directive. Additional breeding species typical of western islands that occur include Oystercatcher, Rock Dove, Wheatear, Raven and possibly Twite. The Blaskets formerly had wintering populations of Greenland White-fronted Goose and Barnacle Goose. This extreme south-western maritime site has high conservation value owing to the occurrence of good examples of several habitats that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive, i.e. vegetated sea cliffs, dry heath, marine caves and reefs, as well as populations of Grey Seal and Harbour Porpoise, both species that are listed on Annex II of this Directive. The site is also one of the most important seabird sites in the country, with the populations of two species present being of international importance and at least a further nine being of national importance. Of especial significance is that it is the most important site in the world for Storm Petrel. The occurrence of important populations of Storm Petrel and Arctic Tern is of particular note as these are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive; also listed are Leach s Petrel, Peregrine and Chough. Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 22 March 2017

27 5 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED WORKS 5.1 Overview The purpose of this section of the screening assessment is to examine the possibility that the proposed works, either individually or in combination with other plans and projects, may result in significant negative effects on the Conservation Objectives of any Natura 2000 site and its qualifying interest (QI). The potential impacts on Natura 2000 sites or their QIs resulting from the proposed dredging and dumping works include: Disturbance (e.g. noise, vibration) resulting in the displacement of ex-situ QI species from supporting habitat (Disturbance/displacement). Water quality impacts from increased suspended sediment and turbidity levels in the water column at the dredge and dumpsite which could affect foraging of QI species Water quality impacts from accidental oil spill associated with fuelling activities of the dredger. 5.2 Construction Effects Habitat Loss and Alteration None of the Natura 2000 sites lie within the boundaries of the proposed works areas; therefore, no direct impacts will occur through landtake or habitat loss. There will be temporary, local increases in suspended solids in the vicinity of the dredging operation in Dingle Harbour and proposed dumping in Dingle Bay. Due to the distance between the dumpsite and the Blasket Islands SAC and the dilution factor available off the south-west Irish coast, it is anticipated that increases in suspended solids will not result in any habitat loss or alteration of the Natura 2000 site. Due to the maritime nature of the proposed dredging and disposal works the zone of influence of the project will be confined to the marine environment and, as such, there will be no habitat loss or alteration within the Dingle Peninsula SPA Habitat or Species Fragmentation Habitat fragmentation can be described as discontinuities in an organisms preferred habitat resulting in a fragmentation of the population. Habitat loss or alteration can result in habitat fragmentation. Due to the distance between the proposed works and the Blasket Islands SAC and the large dilution factor available within the sea off the south-west coast of Ireland, significant habitat or species fragmentation is not expected to occur within the SAC. Due to the maritime nature of the proposed dredging and disposal works the zone of influence of the project will be confined to the marine environment and, as such, there will be no habitat or species fragmentation within the Dingle Peninsula SPA. Ex-situ QI species of the Blasket Islands SAC and Dingle Peninsula SPA (harbour porpoise, grey seal and fulmar) are likely to forage within the boundary of the dumping site. Temporary increases in suspended solids within the dumping site may have a temporary Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 23 March 2017

28 displacement effect on foraging species. Due to the relatively small scale of potential impact in relation to the large expanse of suitable foraging habitat within Dingle Bay, this impact will not be significant and will not affect the conservation objectives of these QI species Disturbance and / or Displacement of Species There is potential for ex-situ QI species associated with the Blasket Islands SAC and Dingle Peninsula SPA to be disturbed or displaced through increased noise and vibration as a result of dredging and dumping operations. A trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) will be used over the course of works at Dingle. Dredge operations emit continuous low frequency sound into the marine environment, and because of this sound signature, these type of works are generally considered of lesser concern for impacts on marine mammals. Results from noise measurements conducted internationally during the extraction of sand using a TSHD showed that the dredger had an estimated source level of between db re 1μPa 2 m 2, with the main energy occurring between 100 and 500Hz (Itap, 2007; WODA, 2013). These source levels (SL) at frequencies below 500 Hz are similar with those expected from a cargo ship travelling at a speed of between 8 and 16 knots (Arveson and Vendittis, 2000). However, additional work by Robinson et al., (2011) has shown that source levels at frequencies above 1 khz show elevated levels of broadband noise generated by the aggregate extraction process; which is dependent on the aggregate type being extracted, e.g. coarse gravel generating higher noise levels than sand. Sound exposure levels from such operations are thought to be well below that expected to cause injury to a marine mammal. However, noise generated by dredging, from the physical presence of the dredger, and possibly from the increased water turbidity in the area of operations have the potential to cause low level disturbance such as masking or behavioural impacts such as displacement. The ambient noise levels in Dingle Harbour are expected to be dominated by shipping noise, and to a lesser extent by environmental noise (e.g. tidal movement of water and sediment, and wind and wave noise), with some noise contributed by shore based port activities and heavy traffic. No ambient noise measurements are available for the site, but it is likely the presence of an operational dredger in the harbour will lead to a small local increase in noise, especially as Dingle Harbour is already a noisy port with berthing capacity of c. 500m, an 80 berth marina and a number of pontoon units for berthing up to 40 smaller fishing vessels and dolphin watching boats. The risk of injury or mortality of a marine mammal over the course of the works is considered extremely low. Marine mammals that occur in the area are already exposed to large vessels on a daily basis and would be aware of their presence. The dredge vessel is relatively slow moving and thus ensuring any animals in the area would have sufficient time to avoid any collisions and thus injury or mortality. The potential disturbance from the proposed works will not have a significant impact on the conservation objectives of grey seal or harbour porpoise. As Dingle Harbour is a well-used port with frequent traffic, the proposed dredging is not anticipated to cause significant increases in noise levels, therefore the proposals will not Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 24 March 2017

29 have a significant disturbance effect on QI bird species associated with the Dingle Peninsula SPA Water Quality It is estimated that a relatively low percentage volume of sediment will be lost to the water column during the dredging operation. Loss of this material will result in an increase in the volume of suspended sediments and an increase in turbidity levels in the water column. It is predicted that the greatest increase in suspended sediment concentration will occur in the vicinity of the proposed dredging areas. It is expected that concentrations will lower significantly with distance from the dredging operations. Due to the intervening distance and the available dilution factor off the south-west Irish coast, significant water quality impacts are not expected to occur within the Blasket Islands SAC. Due to the maritime nature of the proposed dredging and disposal works the zone of influence of the project will be confined to the marine environment and, as such, there will be no water quality issues related to the Dingle Peninsula SPA. The hopper suction dredger is the only source of fuel and oil and it is not expected that a fuel/oil spill will occur. In the event of an accidental hydrocarbon spill and on the basis of the precautionary principle, appropriate fuel management measures will be implemented as per best practice. 5.3 Cumulative and in Combination Impacts Cumulative impacts or effects are changes in the environment that result from numerous human-induced alterations. Cumulative impacts can be thought of as occurring through two main pathways: first, through persistent additions or losses of the same materials or resource, and second, through the compounding effects as a result of the coming together of two or more effects. Cumulative projects that could act in combination with the proposed dredging and dumping operations include the regular harbour activities such as commercial shipping, fishing, sailing, casual boating and lifesaving. In relation to current and future planning applications, Kerry County Council or An Bord Pleanála, as the Competent Authorities, will screen each application for Appropriate Assessment. Any new applications will be examined and the requirement for Screening or Appropriate Assessment will be determined on a case by case basis in order to comply with the requirements of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. Therefore, it is not considered that there will be any significant adverse in combination effects with the proposed works and other developments. Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 25 March 2017

30 6 SCREENING CONCLUSIONS The likely impacts that will arise from the proposed works have been examined in the context of a number of factors that could potentially affect the integrity of the Natura 2000 network (e.g. disturbance to habitats or species, water quality impacts etc.). According to the NPWS Guidance for Planning Authorities, Screening can result in the following possible conclusions or outcomes: AA is not required: Screening, followed by consultation and agreement with the NPWS, establishes that the plan or project is directly connected with or necessary to the nature conservation management of the site. No potential for significant effects/aa is not required: Screening establishes that there is no potential for significant effects and the project or plan can proceed as proposed Significant effects are certain, likely or uncertain: The plan or project must either proceed to Stage 2 (AA), or be rejected if significant effects are certain, likely or uncertain. In line with the DoEHLG Guidance (2009) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland Guidance for Planning Authorities (2009), this Screening Assessment has been undertaken without the inclusion of mitigation measures. The dredging of Dingle Harbour is not directly connected with or necessary to the nature conservation management of any designated site. The likely impacts that will arise from the proposed works have been examined in the context of a number of factors that could potentially affect the integrity of the Natura 2000 network. It is determined with high certainty that the proposed works, alone or in combination with other plans or projects are not likely to cause significant (adverse) effects, alone and incombination with other projects/ plans on European Sites, and specifically the Blasket Islands SAC and Dingle Peninsula SPA, in view of their conservation objectives. This assessment is based on consideration of: 1. Relevant qualifying interests, their sensitivities and Conservation Objectives; 2. Potential source pathways between Natura 2000 sites identified and the proposed works; 3. The scale and nature of the proposed works; 4. It will be a contractual obligation that the Contractor implements Best Practice Construction and Biosecurity Methods; 5. By applying the precautionary principle. A Finding of No Significant Effects Matrix has been completed and is presented in next section of this Screening Statement. Nicholas O Dwyer Ltd. 26 March 2017