Clontarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route

Transcription

1 Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Appropriate Assessment Screening June 2015 rpsgroup.com/ireland

2 Appropriate Assessment Screening of Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Client: Project Title: Document Title: Document No: Dublin City Council Appropriate Assessment Screening Appropriate Assessment Screening of Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route MDT0696Rp0007 Text Pages: 28 Appendices: 0 Rev. Status Date Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By A01 Approval 18 th June 2015 LC ED PC PC This report takes into account the particular instructis and requirements of the Client. It is provided for sole use of the Client and its professial advisors. Informati disclosed should be treated as being strictly private and cfidential. Any use which a third party makes of this document, or any reliance or decisis to be made based it, is the respsibility of such third parties. No respsibility is accepted by RPS for the use of this Document, in whole or in part, for any other purpose. rpsgroup.com/ireland

3 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND Site Locati LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT STAGES OF APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY Method Statement BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EUROPEAN SITES EXISTING ENVIRONMENT SITE VISIT Biodiversity ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Indirect Impacts CUMULATIVE AND IN COMBINATION IMPACTS Likely changes to European Sites SCREENING AND CONCLUSIONS FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS MATRIX LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1: Aerial Image depicts the extent of the Proposed Cycle Route from Amiens Street to Cltarf Road... 1 Figure 2.1: European Sites within a 15km Range of the Proposed Cycle Route Figure 3.1: Grey Her (Ardea cinerea ) observed in southwest secti of Fairview Park Figure 3.2: Mature Treeline Northeast Secti of Fairview Park Figure 3.3: Tolka River. Southeast Facing LIST OF TABLES Table 2.1: SACs within 15km of Proposed Cycle Route... 6 Table 2.2: SPAs within 15km of Proposed Cycle Route MDT0696Rp0007A01 i

4 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Table 3.1: Habitat Types Present Alg the Proposed Cycle Route (Fossitt 2000) Table 3.2: Bird Species Observed during Site Visit Table 3.3: Potential Impacts European Sites Table 3.4: Likely Effect European Sites Table 5.1: Finding of No Significant Effects Matrix MDT0696Rp0007A01 ii

5 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND This report comprises informati in support of screening for an Appropriate Assessment (AA), undertaken by RPS behalf of Dublin City Council (DCC) in respect of the proposal to develop the Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route. This report is prepared in accordance with the requirements of Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) Cservati of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora; the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010; and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulatis 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011). A Feasibility Study was undertaken in 2012 in order to identify the most appropriate opti for the development of the route. Extent of the proposed cycle route is shown in Figure Site Locati The proposed works will involve the cstructi of a cycle route starting at the juncti of Talbot Street and Amiens Street extending northeast to Cltarf Road. The Tolka River and Royal Canal have been identified as occurring within close proximity to the proposed route locati. These watercourses drain to the north-east towards Dublin Bay. A total of seventeen European sites have been identified as occurring within 15km of the proposed area. The nearest European site is South Dublin Bay and Tolka River SPA located ca. 50m to the south of the Cltarf Road secti of the proposed cycle route. Figure 1.1: Aerial Image depicts the extent of the Proposed Cycle Route from Amiens Street to Cltarf Road MDT0696Rp0007A01 1

6 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route 1.2 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT The Council Directive 92/43/EEC the Cservati of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, better known as The Habitats Directive, provides legal protecti for habitats and species of European importance. Articles 3 to 9 provide the legislative means to protect habitats and species of Community through the establishment and cservati of an EU-wide network of sites known as European sites. These are Special Areas of Cservati (SACs) designated under the Habitats Directive and Special Protecti Areas (SPAs) designated under the Cservati 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 decisi-making tests for plans and projects likely to affect European sites (Annex 1.1). Article 6(3) establishes the requirement for Appropriate Assessment (AA): Any plan or project not directly cnected with or necessary to the management of the European site but likely to have a significant effect there, either individually or in combinati with other plans or projects, shall be subjected to appropriate assessment of its implicatis for the site in view of the site s cservati objectives. In light of the cclusis of the assessment of the implicatis for the site and subject to the provisis of paragraph 4, the competent natial authorities shall agree to the plan or project ly after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site ccerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opini of the general public. Article 6(4) states: If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implicatis for the [European] site and in the absence of alternative solutis, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reass of overriding public, including those of a social or ecomic nature, Member States shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of European site is protected. It shall inform the Commissi of the compensatory measures adopted. 1.3 STAGES OF APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT Stage 1: Screening The aim of Stage 1, Screening is to determine whether or not the proposed plan or project is likely to adversely affect the integrity of any European site and to determine whether or not Stage 2, the AA, is required. This is de by examining the proposed plan or project; and the cservati objectives of any European sites that might potentially be affected. Stage 2: Appropriate Assessment The aim of Stage 2 is to identify any adverse impacts that the plan or project might have up the integrity of relevant European sites. As part of the assessment, a key csiderati is in combinati with other plans or projects. Where adverse impacts are identified, the AA will propose changes to the plan or project that would avoid, reduce or remedy any such negative MDT0696Rp0007A01 2

7 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route impacts and the plan or project should then be amended accordingly, thereby avoiding the need to progress to Stage 3. Stage 3: Assessment of Alternative Solutis If it is not possible during the Stage 2 assessment to reduce impacts to acceptable, n-significant levels by avoidance and/or mitigati, Stage 3 of the process must be undertaken, which is to objectively assess whether alternative solutis exist by which the objectives of the plan or project can be achieved. Explicitly, this means alternative solutis that do not have negative impacts the integrity of the European site. The process must return to Stage 2 as alternatives will require assessment in order to proceed. Demstrating that all reasable alternatives have been csidered and assessed, and that the least damaging opti has been selected, it is necessary to progress to Stage 4. It should also be noted that EU guidance this stage of the process states that, other assessment criteria, such as ecomic criteria, cannot be seen as overruling ecological criteria (EC, 2002). In other words, if alternative solutis exist that do not have negative impacts European sites; they should be adopted regardless of ecomic csideratis Stage 4: Imperative Reass of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI)/ Derogati This stage of the AA process is undertaken when it has been determined that negative impacts the integrity of a European site will result from a plan or project, but that no alternatives exist. At this stage of the AA process, it is the characteristics of the plan or project itself that will determine whether or not the competent authority can allow it to progress. This is the determinati of overriding public. It is important to note that in the case of European sites that include in their features priority habitats or species, as defined in Annex I and II of the Directive, the demstrati of overriding public is not sufficient, and it must be demstrated that the plan or project is necessary for human health or safety csideratis MDT0696Rp0007A01 3

8 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route 2 SCREENING 2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT The following provides a scope of works of the recommended opti: A cycle route to provide a high quality, ctinuous and csistent cycle facility linking the existing cycle track at Cltarf Road and the juncti of Talbot Street and Amiens Street, Dublin; Removal of a number of trees the existing footpath of the proposed cycle route; A secti of removal of grassland and parkland trees off-road in Fairview park; Widening of existing footpath and cycleway alg select points; Removal of parking spaces where necessary alg the route; and Additial associated infrastructure like bus stops etc. all of which will have to be developed/upgraded as part of the scheme. 2.2 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY Method Statement The proposed works will be carried out by ctractors, suitably appointed through a tendering process, who can meet the requirements of the standard best practice measures outlined below, together with the requirements of the generic method statements provided to each ctractor at the tendering stage. The generic method statements will be used by the appointed ctractor to develop the final cstructi management plan. The development is a low impact source development located within a built up area Polluti Preventi Ctrol Measures Polluti preventi ctrol measures will inform the final cstructi management plan. The relevant appointed ctractor shall have regard to measures to be implemented during the cstructi phase of the proposed works. The purpose of these measures is to ensure the strict protecti of water quality downstream of the proposed cycle route particularly at locatis that occur in proximity to watercourses that drain towards Dublin Bay further downstream i.e., where the proposed route crossed the Tolka River and the Royal Canal at North Strand Road. A key csiderati for this is the sensitivity of the receiving waters in terms of aquatic ecology. The appointed ctractor shall be vigilant in ensuring that no activities, listed or otherwise, give rise to polluti of watercourses site with suspended solids or other polluti substances having due regards to the following measures outlined below: There will be no release of suspended solids to any watercourse as a direct or indirect result of the proposed cycle route; During periods of heavy precipitati and run-off, works will be halted or working surfaces/pads will be provided to minimise soil disturbance; Temporary fills or stockpiles will be covered with polyethylene sheeting to avoid sediment release associated with heavy rainfall; MDT0696Rp0007A01 4

9 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Appropriate ctrol measures will be incorporated into the cstructi phase of the project to deal with any potential run-off from the site entering nearby natural watercourses; Fuels, lubricants and hydraulic fluids for equipment used the cstructi site should be carefully handled to avoid spillage, properly secured against unauthorised access or vandalism, and provided with spill ctainment in accordance with current best practice; Fuelling and lubricati of equipment shall ly be carried out in designated site compounds to support all deleterious materials which are located a minimum of 50m from the nearest watercourse; Waste oils and hydraulic fluids will be collected in leak-proof ctainers and removed from the site for disposal or re-cycling; Appropriate ctrol measures will be incorporated to ensure that materials (including any requirement for ccrete pouring etc.) will be ctained within the footprint of cstructi works; and Oil booms and oil soakage pads will be kept site to deal with any accidental spillage. The following guidelines and documents will inform the detailed planning of the works phase: Good practice guidelines the ctrol of water polluti from cstructi sites developed by the Cstructi Industry Research and Informati Associati (CIRIA) in particular; C532 Ctrol of water polluti from cstructi sites: guidance for csultants and ctractors (Masters-Williams et al, 2001); and SP156 Ctrol of water polluti from cstructi sites - guide to good practice (Murnane et al, 2002); NRA (2008) Guidelines for the Crossing of Watercourses during the Cstructi of Natial Road Schemes. Natial Roads Authority, Dublin; NRA (2010) Guidelines for the Management of Noxious Weeds and N- Native Invasive Plant Species Natial Roads. Natial Roads Authority, Dublin; NRA (2008) Envirmental Impact Assessment of Natial Road Schemes, A Practical Guide Natial Roads Authority, Dublin; Murphy, D. (2004) Requirements for the Protecti of Fisheries Habitat during Cstructi and Development Works at River Sites. Eastern Regial Fisheries Board, Dublin. DOMNR (1998). Fishery guidelines for Local Authority works. Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, Dublin. H. Masters-Williams et al (2001) Ctrol of water polluti from cstructi sites. Guidance for csultants and ctractors (C532). CIRIA E. Murnane, A. Heap and A. Swain. (2006) Ctrol of water polluti from linear cstructi projects. Technical guidance (C648). CIRIA E. Murnane et al., (2006) Ctrol of water polluti from linear cstructi projects. Site guide (C649). CIRIA Requirements for the protecti of fisheries habitat during cstructi and development works at river sites developed by the ERFB BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EUROPEAN SITES MDT0696Rp0007A01 5

10 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route The EU Habitats Directive ctains a list of habitats (Annex I) and species (Annex II) for which SACs must be established by Member States. Similarly, the EU Birds Directive ctains lists of important bird species and natially and internatially occurring bird populatis for which SPAs must be established. Features of cservati known to occur at a site are referred to as s and are listed in the European site forms which are lodged with the EU Commissi by each Member State. A is e of the factors (such as the species or habitat that is present) for which the site merits designati. The Natial Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are respsible for the designati of SACs and SPAs in Ireland. A 15km buffer ze has been chosen as a precautiary measure, to ensure that all potentially affected European sites are included in the screening process, which is in line with Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities produced by the Department of the Envirment, Heritage and Local Government (2010). Table 2.1 lists the SACs and Table 2.2 lists the SPAs that are within 15km of the proposed cycle route. See Figure 2.1 shows the locati of SACs and SPAs and the locati of the proposed cycle route. Further informati the cservati objectives and the s of the European Sites are provided in the site synopses for each of the sites which are available the NPWS website Table 2.1: SACs within 15km of Proposed Cycle Route Site Code Site Name Qualifying Habitats South Dublin Bay North Dublin Bay Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140]. Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140]; Salicornia and other annuals colizing mud and sand [1310]; Spartina swards (Spartini maritimae) [1320]; Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco- Puccinellietalia Qualifying Species Nearest Distance from Northeast Route (Cltarf Road) (km) Nearest Distance from Southwest Route (Talbot Street Juncti) (km) - 3km south 2.5km southeast Petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii) [1395] 2.4km east 4.5km northeast MDT0696Rp0007A01 6

11 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Site Code Site Name Qualifying Habitats maritimae) [1330]; Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410]; Shifting dunes alg the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) [2120]; Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetati (grey dunes) [2130]; Baldoyle Bay Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140]; Salicornia and other annuals colizing mud and sand [1310]; Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco- Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330]; and Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] Howth Head Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts [1230]; and European dry heaths [4030]. Qualifying Species Nearest Distance from Northeast Route (Cltarf Road) (km) Nearest Distance from Southwest Route (Talbot Street Juncti) (km) - 5km northeast 6.6km northeast - 11km northeast 12.5km northeast MDT0696Rp0007A01 7

12 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Site Code Site Name Qualifying Habitats Rockabill to Dalkey Island Malahide Estuary Reefs [1170] Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140]; Salicornia and other annuals colizing mud and sand [1310]; Spartina swards (Spartini maritimae) [1320]; Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco- Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330]; Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410]; Shifting dunes alg the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) [2120]; and *Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetati (grey dunes) [2130]. Qualifying Species Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) [1351 Nearest Distance from Northeast Route (Cltarf Road) (km) 8.5km east Nearest Distance from Southwest Route (Talbot Street Juncti) (km) 9.5km east - 9km north 10.5km northeast MDT0696Rp0007A01 8

13 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Site Code Site Name Qualifying Habitats Ireland s Eye Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts [1230]; and Wicklow Mountains Perennial vegetati of sty banks [1220]. Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetati of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or Isoeto- Nanojuncetea [3130]; Natural dystrophic lakes and pds [3160]; Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [4010]; European dry heaths [4030]; Alpine and Boreal heaths [4060]; Species-rich Nardus grasslands, siliceous substrates in mountain areas (and sub- Qualifying Species Nearest Distance from Northeast Route (Cltarf Road) (km) - 9.4km northeast Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355] 15km southwest Nearest Distance from Southwest Route (Talbot Street Juncti) (km) 11km northeast 16.5km south MDT0696Rp0007A01 9

14 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Site Code Site Name Qualifying Habitats mountain areas, in Ctinental Europe) [6230]; Qualifying Species Nearest Distance from Northeast Route (Cltarf Road) (km) Nearest Distance from Southwest Route (Talbot Street Juncti) (km) Blanket bogs (* if active bog) [7130]; Siliceous scree of the mtane to snow levels (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani) [8110]; Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetati [8210]; Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetati [8220]; Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles [91A0] Glenasmole Valley Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies calcareous substrates (Festuco- Brometalia) (* important orchid sites) [6210]; km southwest 14km southwest Molinia meadows MDT0696Rp0007A01 10

15 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Site Code Site Name Qualifying Habitats Qualifying Species Nearest Distance from Northeast Route (Cltarf Road) (km) Nearest Distance from Southwest Route (Talbot Street Juncti) (km) calcareous, peaty or clayeysilt-laden soils (Molini caeruleae) [6410]; and Petrifying springs with tufa formati (Crateuri) [7220] Table 2.2: SPAs within 15km of Proposed Cycle Route Site Code Site Name Qualifying Feature Annex I species South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota) [A046]; Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130]; Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) [A137]; Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [A140]; Knot (Calidris canutus) [A143]; Sanderling (Calidris alba) [A144]; Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149]; Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lappica) [A157]; Redshank (Tringa totanus) [A162]; Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalusridibundus) [A179]; Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) [A192]; Comm Tern (Sterna hirundo) [A193]; Arctic Tern (Sterna Nearest Distance from Northeast Route (Cltarf Road) (km) 0.05km south Nearest Distance from Southwest Route (Talbot Street Juncti) (km) 1km northeast MDT0696Rp0007A01 11

16 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Site Code Site Name Qualifying Feature Annex I species paradisaea) [A194]; and Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999] North Bull Island Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernihrota) [A046]; Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [A048]; Teal (Anas crecca) [A052]; Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054]; Shoveler (Anas clypeata) [A056]; Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130]; Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140]; Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [A141]; Knot (Calidris canutus) [A143]; Sanderling (Calidris alba) [A144]; Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149]; Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156]; Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lappica) [A157]; Curlew (Numenius arquata) [A160]; Redshank (Tringa totanus) [A162]; Turnste (Arenaria interpres) [A169]; Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) [A179]; and Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999] Baldoyle Bay Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota) Nearest Distance from Northeast Route (Cltarf Road) (km) 2.4km east 5.5km northeast Nearest Distance from Southwest Route (Talbot Street Juncti) (km) 3.9km northeast 7km northeast MDT0696Rp0007A01 12

17 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Site Code Site Name Qualifying Feature Annex I species [A046]; Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [A048]; Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) [A137]; Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140]; Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [A141]; Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lappica) [A157]; and Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999] Malahide Estuary Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) [A005]; Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota) [A046]; Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [A048]; Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054]; Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) [A067]; Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) [A069]; Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130]; Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140]; Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [A141]; Knot (Calidris canutus) [A143]; Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149]; Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156]; Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lappica) [A157]; Redshank (Tringa totanus) Nearest Distance from Northeast Route (Cltarf Road) (km) 9km north Nearest Distance from Southwest Route (Talbot Street Juncti) (km) 10.5km northeast MDT0696Rp0007A01 13

18 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Site Code Site Name Qualifying Feature Annex I species Howth Head Coast [A162]; and Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999] Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) [A188] Ireland's Eye Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) [A017]; Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) [A184]; Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) [A188]; Guillemot (Uria aalge) [A199]; and Razorbill (Alca torda) [A200] Dalkey Islands Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) [A192]; Nearest Distance from Northeast Route (Cltarf Road) (km) Nearest Distance from Southwest Route (Talbot Street Juncti) (km) 11.2km northeast 12.7km northeast 9.2km northeast 10.8km northeast 10.5km southeast 11.4km southeast Comm Tern (Sterna hirundo) [A193]; and Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) [A194] Wicklow Mountains Merlin (Falco columbarius) [A098]; and 14.9km southwest 16.4km south Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) [A103] See Figure 2.1 overleaf of the European Sites within a 15km Range of the Proposed Cycle Route MDT0696Rp0007A01 14

19 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route MDT0696Rp0007A01 15

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21 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route 3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 3.1 SITE VISIT A walkover survey of the site was undertaken the 24 th February The sites potential suitability to support volant and n-volant mammal species and bird species was assessed. Figure 3.1, Figure 3.2 and Figure 3.3 shows images of select areas and Table 3.1 presents habitats identified alg the proposed route. Sites were classified in accordance A Guide to Habitats in Ireland (Fossitt, 2000), the classificati system for Irish habitats. Figure 3.1: Grey Her (Ardea cinerea ) observed in southwest secti of Fairview Park Figure 3.2: Mature Treeline Northeast Secti of Fairview Park MDT0696Rp0007A01 16

22 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Figure 3.3: Tolka River. Southeast Facing. Table 3.1: Habitat Types Present Alg the Proposed Cycle Route (Fossitt 2000) Habitat Type Freshwater Habitat Code F Locati Tolka River Watercourses FW Royal Canal Tolka River Depositing Lowland Rivers FW2 Tolka River Grassland Improved Grassland Amenity Grassland G GA GA2 Fairview Park Fairview Park Fairview Park Woodland and Scrub W Fairview Park Tolka River Treelines WL2 Fairview Park Scattered Trees and Parkland WD5 Fairview Park Ornamental/N Native Shrub WS3 Royal canal Tolka River Fairview Park Built Land BL Throughout Proposed Route Buildings and Artificial Surfaces BL3 Throughout Proposed Route MDT0696Rp0007A01 17

23 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Biodiversity Watercourses Proposed works are in close proximity to both the Royal Canal and Tolka River that both drain towards Dublin Bay further downstream. The Atlantic Salm (Salmo salar) is listed in Annexes II and V of the European Uni s Habitats Directive as a species of European importance. Recent surveys by Inland Fisheries Ireland have recorded salm and sea trout in the Tolka River. In the case of salm, these are the first records in 100 years and bode well for the water quality and improved passage for salmids in the river. Canals are important amenity areas for leisure activities, such as boating and coarse fish angling, and provide a habitat for many wildlife species including aquatic plants, invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals (including otter). Both Royal Canal and Tolka River habitats were observed from the road and any mammal or bird activity was noted. No mammals were observed alg either watercourse habitat. Birds noted include Grey Her (Ardea cinerea ) alg the Tolka River and a flock Black Headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ribidunus) located the Royal Canal Trees and Grasslands The treelines of Fairview Park are well established and provide habitats for birds and insects and potential bat roosting and foraging habitat during the summer mths. There are no rare or protected species of flora under the footprint of the proposed development. The survey area ctained a range of tree species; the dominant genus being Maple (Acer spp.) with Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) most abundant. The next most numerous species was Ld Plane (Platanus x hispanica), followed by Lime (Tilia sp.) and flowering cherries (Prunus sp. and Prunus cerasifera). Other species present in small numbers included Silver Birch (Betula pendula), Holm Oak (Quercus Ilex), Ornamental Pear (Pyrus spp.), White poplar (Populus alba) and Willow (Salix spp.) The flower beds and grassland areas of Fairview Park are managed intensively and would have limited value for wildlife cover but some areas that are allowed to grow wild provide suitable cover for small mammals such as hedgehogs, wood mouse and brown rat Buildings and artificial surfaces Birds During the site walkover survey, bird species foraging and using the study area were identified and recorded. Birds recorded within and surrounding the proposed route are included in Table 3.2. The nearest SPA to the proposed cycle route is South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary SPA (See Table 2.2), designated for the protecti of internatial populatis of wintering waterfowl. The habitats MDT0696Rp0007A01 18

24 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route of the proposed development site are not csidered to be suitable for the cservati requirements of the bird species of this SPA. Birds recorded reflected a mixed grassland and urban representati. A list of bird species recorded at the site is provided in Table 3.2 below. All wild bird species, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife Act 1976 and as amended. There is potential for disturbance to nesting birds through the removal of vegetati and disturbance to trees in Fairview Park and alg select footpath areas where tree removal is proposed Table 3.2: Bird Species Observed during Site Visit Bird Species Scientific Name Observed Locati Her Ardeidae spp Fairview Park & Tolka River Blackbird Turdus merula Fairview Park Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Fairview Park Magpie Pica pica Fairview Park Wood Pige Columba palumbus Fairvew Park & Cltarf Road Black Headed Gull Chroicocephalus ribidunus Tolka River (Embankment) Mammals Otter (Lutra lutra) alg with their breeding and resting places are protected under the provisis of the Wildlife Act, 1976, and as amended. Otters have additial protecti because of their inclusi in Annex II and Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. There were no signs of otter, holts, spraints or prints in the study area. Badger (Meles meles) are protected under the Wildlife Act 1976 and as amended. There were no signs of badger or badger setts in the study area. Bats All bats (and their roosting places) are protected under the Natural Habitats Regulatis and the Wildlife Acts (1976 and as amended). Fairview Park supports suitable bat roosting and foraging habitat, given the abundance of mature trees and treelines, Six species of bats have been recorded in the Phoenix Park and it is likely that they commute to different part of Dublin City s parklands including Fairview. Mature tree species in Fairview Park display features favourable for bat roosting e.g. exposed bark, full canopy etc. Bat Cservati Ireland Records reveal Daubent s Bat recorded alg the Royal Canal and Tolka River. 3.2 ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE MDT0696Rp0007A01 19

25 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Table 2.1 and 2.2 list those European sites within 15km of the proposed cycle route. There are seventeen sites in all, nine SACs and eight SPAs. The footprint of the proposed works occurs outside those European 2000 sites identified in Table 2.1 and Table 2.2 and illustrated in See Figure 2.1. There will be no direct impacts to these European sites through landtake, habitat loss or fragmentati of habitats. A summary of potential impacts to European Sites are presented in Table Indirect Impacts The potential indirect impacts to the integrity of European sites further downstream of the proposed cycle route are limited to the following impacts: Water quality, and Disturbance to Bird Species. It is foreseen that the proposed works will not have any potential indirect impact European Sites that have been identified as being sufficiently removed from the proposed works area including Baldoyle Bay SAC, Howth Head SAC, Malahide Estuary SAC, Ireland s Eye SAC, Wicklow Mountains SAC, Glenasmole Valley SAC, Baldoyle Bay SPA, Malahide Estuary SPA, Howth Head Coast SPA,Ireland s Eye SPA, Dalkey Island SPA and Wicklow Mountains SPA. Therefore, no adverse impacts associated with the proposed works are foreseen the European 2000 sites listed above Water Quality Potential for indirect impacts European sites are possible via two surface water pathways, the Tolka River where the proposed cycle route crosses over the Tolka River directly southwest of Fairview Park alg the existing bridge footpath (Figure 3.3) and the Royal Canal where the proposed cycle route crosses the canal at North Strand Road. Both provide pathways to North Dublin Bay SAC (000206), North Bull Island SPA (004006), South Dublin Bay & River Tolka Estuary SPA (004024) and South Dublin Bay SAC (000210) all of which occur down gradient of the proposed cycle route. For the cstructi phase, the potential for indirect impacts is possible, in the absence of ctrol measures. There is potential risk to water quality due to accidental spillages of fuel or other harmful substances. This could potentially impact freshwater ecology during cstructi works. A reducti in surface water quality would impact sensitive ecological and envirmental receptors including hydrochemistry, impair plant growth and result in knock- effects further up the food chain invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals (including otter). The potential for sediment release to watercourses associated with the cstructi works is not csidered likely to impact watercourses down gradient of the proposed cycle route, given that the magnitude of the proposed works will be localised and will not require significant quantities of excavated earthen material over an expansive area. In additi, the majority of the proposed works will be located artificial surfaces made ground supporting no cnectivity to ground or surface water features. MDT0696Rp0007A01 20

26 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route To offset the potential impacts discussed above, a number of cstructi design measures (Secti ) will be built into the cstructi phase of the project to ensure that no deleterious or harmful substances will be released to nearby natural watercourses. The appointed ctractor shall implement the relevant measures associated with cstructi related activity when undertaking the proposed works. Therefore, no indirect impacts are expected to occur European sites within a 15km range of the proposed site because: The proposed works will not take place within a European site; The SACs and SPAs within the 15km boundary are csidered to be a sufficient distance from the proposed cycle route, and Appropriate ctrol measures implemented during the cstructi phase of the works will remove the potential for indirect impacts Potential Disturbance to Birds The SPAs identified within a 15km radius of the site are csidered to be sufficiently removed that any noise associated with the proposed works will be negligible and will not result in disturbance impacts the bird species of the SPA (Table 2.2). Given that the area of proposed works is hydrologically cnected to the following SPAs, it is csidered that there is potential for impacts European sites i.e. South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary SPA and North Bull Island SPA. However, the proposed cycle route is located in a recreatial and urban envirment and will not result in a significant increase in noise emissis. It is csidered that the bird species of the SPAs have already grown accustomed to noise related activities associated with traffic from existing road infrastructure and from urban properties in the surrounding areas. Furthermore, the nature of the proposed works will not impact any regularly used flight lines by wintering water birds and flight related activity is likely to be restricted to the coastline where there is a plethora of marine macro-invertebrate fauna that serve as the main food source. The nature and scale of the proposed works will not result in any impacts commuting and foraging birds of SPAs in the wider surroundings. Any disturbance to bird species within listed SPA designated areas as a result of the proposed works is csidered extremely unlikely due to the: Temporary and localised works; Qualifying features within South Dublin Bay and River Tolka SPA and North bull Island SPA include waders and shorebirds that utilise the estuarine habitats for foraging and roosting purposes. The proposed cycle route does not provide those optimum habitat cditis for these species. Therefore, it is not anticipated that the proposed cstructi works will impact South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary SPA, North Bull Island SPA or the remaining SPA sites within a 15km range of the proposed cycle route. The potential for adverse impacts is deemed to be negligible. MDT0696Rp0007A01 21

27 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route 3.3 CUMULATIVE AND IN COMBINATION IMPACTS It is not anticipated that the proposed works will result in any impacts the other SACs or SPAs within the 15km boundaries. No other pathways have been identified by which any plan or project could have a significant in combinati effect any of the European sites. Table 3.3 identifies the potential direct and indirect impacts of the proposed cstructi work, European sites within a 15 km radius of the proposed development site. Table 3.3: Potential Impacts European Sites Site Name Direct Impacts Indirect Resource Requirements (Drinking Water Abstracti Etc.) Emissis (Disposals to Land, Water or Air) Excavati Requirements Transport Requirements Durati of Cstructi, Operati, Decommissiing Baldoyle Bay SAC Howth Head SAC Malahide Estuary SAC South Dublin Bay SAC North Dublin Bay SAC Ireland s Eye SAC Rockabill to Dalkey Islands SAC Wicklow Mountains SAC MDT0696Rp0007A01 22

28 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Site Name Direct Impacts Indirect Resource Requirements (Drinking Water Abstracti Etc.) Emissis (Disposals to Land, Water or Air) Excavati Requirements Transport Requirements Durati of Cstructi, Operati, Decommissiing Glenasmole Valley SAC North Bull Island SPA Howth Head Coast SPA Baldoyle Bay SPA Malahide Estuary SPA Ireland s Eye SPA Dalkey Islands SPA Wicklow Mountains SPA Likely changes to European Sites The likely changes that will arise from proposed cycle route have been examined in the ctext of a number of factors that could potentially affect the integrity of the identified European sites. Overall, it has been found that the implementati of the cstructi and operatial phases of the proposed cycle route will not affect the integrity of the identified European sites, as outlined in Table 3.4. MDT0696Rp0007A01 23

29 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Table 3.4: Likely Effect European Sites Site Name Baldoyle Bay SAC Howth Head SAC Malahide Estuary SAC North Dublin Bay SAC South Dublin Bay SAC North Dublin Bay SAC Ireland s Eye SAC Rockabill to Dalkey Islands SAC Wicklow Mountains SAC North Bull Island SPA Howth Head Coast SPA Baldoyle Bay SPA Wicklow Mountains SPA South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary SPA Malahide Estuary SPA Ireland s Eye SPA Reducti of Habitat Area Disturbance to Key Species Habitat or Species Fragmentati Reducti in Species Density Changes in Key Indicators of Cservati Value (Water Quality, etc.) Climate Change Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Dalkey Islands SPA Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne Ne MDT0696Rp0007A01 24

30 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route 4 SCREENING AND CONCLUSIONS The likely impacts that will arise from the proposed Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route have been examined in the ctext of a number of factors that could potentially affect the integrity of the European Site network. The screening exercise ccludes that there is no potential for significant impacts the European sites within a 15km range of the proposed site due to: The localised and temporary proposed works relative to the size and complexity of the designated habitats, and The ctrol measures built into the cstructi phase of the project. Therefore the structure and functiing of the biological communities and habitats for which they are designated will remain intact. A finding of No Significant Effects Matrix has been completed and is presented in Secti 5 of this Screening Statement, therefore a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is not deemed required. 5 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS MATRIX Table 5.1: Finding of No Significant Effects Matrix Name of Project or Plan Name of European Site AA Screening of Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route South Dublin Bay SAC; North Dublin Bay SAC; Baldoyle Bay SAC; Howth Head SAC; Rockabill to Dalkey Island SAC; Malahide Estuary SAC; Ireland s Eye SAC; Wicklow Mountains SAC; MDT0696Rp0007A01 25

31 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Name of Project or Plan AA Screening of Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Glenasmole Valley SAC; South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary SPA; North Bull Island SPA; Baldoyle Bay SPA; Malahide Estuary SPA; Howth Head Coast SPA; Ireland's Eye SPA; Dalkey Islands SPA, and Wicklow Mountains SPA. Descripti of the Project or Plan The following provides a scope of works of the recommended opti: Is the project or plan directly cnected with or necessary to the management of the site? No. The Assessment of Significant Effects Describe how the project or plan (ale or in combinati) is likely to affect the European site. A two way cycle route at footpath level to provide a high quality, ctinuous and csistent cycle facility linking the existing cycle track at Cltarf Road and the juncti of Talbot Street and Amiens Street, Dublin; Removal of a number of trees the existing footpath of the proposed cycle route; A secti of removal of grassland and parkland trees off-road in Fairview park; Widening of existing footpath and cycleway alg select points; Removal of parking spaces where necessary alg the route; and Additial associated infrastructure like bus stops etc. all of which will have to be developed/upgraded as part of the scheme. The footprint of the proposed cycle route are cfined to urban and residential development and located outside of European sites. The proposed cycle route is not likely to affect any site that makes up the European site network. MDT0696Rp0007A01 26

32 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Name of Project or Plan Explain why these effects are not csidered significant. AA Screening of Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route There are seventeen European sites, nine SACs and eight SPAs within a 15km radius of the development site. The proposed works are not situated within any SAC or SPA; therefore no direct impacts will occur through landtake / habitat loss or fragmentati of habitats. The potential impacts to the integrity of European sites as a result of the proposed cycle route are limited to impacts relating to water quality and disturbance to bird species. To offset the potential impacts, a number of measures (Secti ) will be built into the cstructi phase of the project to ensure that no deleterious or harmful substances will be released to nearby natural watercourses. The appointed ctractor shall implement the relevant measures associated with cstructi related activity when undertaking the proposed works. Therefore, in indirect impacts are expected to occur European sites within a 15km range of the proposed site because: The proposed works will not take place within a European site; The SACs and SPAs within the 15km boundary are csidered to be a sufficient distance from the proposed cycle route, and Appropriate ctrol measures implemented during the cstructi phase of the works will remove the potential for indirect impacts. Any disturbance to bird species within listed SPA designated areas as a result of the proposed works is csidered extremely unlikely due to the: Temporary and localised works; Qualifying features within South Dublin Bay and River Tolka SPA and North bull Island SPA include waders and shorebirds that utilise the estuarine habitat area for foraging and roosting purposes. The proposed area does not provide those optimum cditis for these species. Therefore, it is not anticipated that the proposed cstructi works will impact South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary SPA, North Bull Island SPA or the remaining SPA sites within a 15km range of the proposed cycle route. The potential for adverse impacts is deemed to be negligible. List of agencies csulted: provide ctact name and telephe or address. Respse to csultati. - Data collected to Carry out this Assessment Who carried out the assessment? RPS Sources of data - NPWS database, RPS Engineering Department, and MDT0696Rp0007A01 27

33 AA Screening Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route Name of Project or Plan Level of assessment completed Where can the full results of the assessment be accessed and viewed? Overall Cclusi AA Screening of Cltarf Road to Amiens Street Cycle Route EPA datasets. Field Survey and desk based assessment. Dublin City Council Stage 1 Screening indicates that the proposed cycle route will not have a significant negative impact the European site network. Therefore, a Stage 2 'Appropriate Assessment' under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC is not required. MDT0696Rp0007A01 28

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