-
ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
FOR
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
AT
BALROY HOUSE,
CARPENTERSTOWN ROAD,
CASTLEKNOCK, DUBLIN 15
November 2019
Prepared by
Enviroguide Consulting
Dublin Kerry www.enviroguide.ie
3D Core C, Block 71, The Plaza, 19 Henry Street
[email protected]
Park West, Dublin 12 Kenmare, Co. Kerry +353 1 565 4730
ON BEHALF OF
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Enviroguide Consulting Residential Development
Ecological Impact Assessment Balroy House, Castleknock, Dublin
15
November 2019 Page i
DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET
Client Glenveagh Homes Limited
Project Title Residential Development at Balroy House,
Carpenterstown Rd., Castleknock, Dublin 15
Document Title Ecological Impact Assessment
Revision Status Author(s) Reviewed Approved Issue Date
1.0 Internal
Draft
Donnacha Woods,
Project Ecologist
Muriel Ennis,
Principal Consultant - 18 April 2019
2.0
Draft
for
Client
Donnacha Woods,
Project Ecologist
Muriel Ennis,
Principal Consultant
Jim Dowdall,
Director 19 April 2019
3.0 For
Client
Donnacha Woods,
Project Ecologist
Muriel Ennis,
Principal Consultant
Jim Dowdall,
Director 25 April 2019
4.0 Final Donnacha Woods,
Project Ecologist
Muriel Ennis,
Principal Consultant
Jim Dowdall,
Director 25 April 2019
5.0 Final Muriel Ennis,
Principal Consultant
Jim Dowdall,
Director
Jim Dowdall,
Director
08 October
2019
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
.............................................................................................................................
1
1.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND COMPETENCE
....................................................................................
1
2 PLANNING POLICY AND LEGISLATION
.....................................................................................
2
2.1 NATIONAL LEGISLATION
.............................................................................................................
2
2.1.1 Wildlife Act 1976 and
amendments.....................................................................................
2
2.1.2 EU Habitats Directive 1992 and EC (Birds and Natural
Habitats) Regulations 2011 ......... 2
2.1.3 Flora (Protection) Order, 1999
............................................................................................
2
2.2 INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION
.....................................................................................................
3
2.2.1 EU Birds Directive
...............................................................................................................
3
2.2.2 EU Habitats Directive
..........................................................................................................
3
2.2.3 Bern and Bonn Convention
.................................................................................................
3
2.2.4 Ramsar Convention
............................................................................................................
3
3 METHODOLOGY
............................................................................................................................
4
3.1 SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT
............................................................................................................
4
3.2 DESK STUDY
.............................................................................................................................
4
3.2.1 Information Resource Research
.........................................................................................
4
3.2.2 Database Searches and Data Requests for Previously
Recorded Data ............................ 5
3.3 FIELD SURVEYS
.........................................................................................................................
5
3.3.1 Habitat Surveying, Mapping and Evaluation
.......................................................................
5
3.3.2 Bat Roost Inspection Survey
...............................................................................................
5
3.3.3 Bird Surveys
........................................................................................................................
6
3.3.4 Mammal
Surveys.................................................................................................................
6
3.3.5 Other Fauna
........................................................................................................................
6
3.4 CONSULTATION
.........................................................................................................................
6
3.5 ASSESSMENT
............................................................................................................................
6
3.5.1 Value of Ecological Resources
...........................................................................................
7
3.5.2 Impact Assessment Criteria
................................................................................................
9
3.6 LIMITATIONS
............................................................................................................................
11
4 BASELINE ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
...................................................................................
12
4.1 SITE OVERVIEW
.......................................................................................................................
12
4.2 DESIGNATED SITES
.................................................................................................................
12
4.2.1 Site of International Importance
........................................................................................
12
4.2.2 Sites of National Importance
.............................................................................................
12
4.3 HABITATS
................................................................................................................................
17
4.3.1 Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1)
............................................................................
17
4.3.2 Amenity Grassland (Improved) (GA2)
...............................................................................
17
4.3.3 Buildings and Artificial Surfaces (BL3)
..............................................................................
17
4.3.4 Flower Beds and Borders (BC4)
.......................................................................................
17
4.3.5 Ornamental / Non-native Shrubs (WS3)
...........................................................................
17
4.3.6 Scrub (WS1)
......................................................................................................................
18
4.3.7 Hedgerows (WL1)
.............................................................................................................
19
4.3.8 Treelines (WL2)
.................................................................................................................
19
4.3.9 Habitat Evaluation
.............................................................................................................
20
4.4 SPECIES AND SPECIES GROUPS
...............................................................................................
22
4.4.1 Flora
..................................................................................................................................
22
4.4.2 Mammals (excl. bats)
........................................................................................................
24
4.4.3 Bats
...................................................................................................................................
26
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4.4.4 Birds
..................................................................................................................................
28
4.4.5 Fish
....................................................................................................................................
29
4.4.6 Amphibians
........................................................................................................................
29
4.4.7 Invertebrates
.....................................................................................................................
30
4.4.8 Other species and species groups
....................................................................................
30
4.4.9 Fauna Evaluation
..............................................................................................................
30
5 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
.............................................................
32
6 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
................................................ 33
6.1 IMPACTS ON DESIGNATED SITES
..............................................................................................
33
6.2 IMPACTS ON HABITATS AND FLORA
...........................................................................................
33
6.3 IMPACTS ON MAMMALS
............................................................................................................
34
6.4 IMPACTS ON BATS
...................................................................................................................
34
6.5 IMPACTS ON BIRDS
..................................................................................................................
35
6.6 IMPACTS ON OTHER TAXA
........................................................................................................
35
6.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
.............................................................................................................
35
7 MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES
......................................................................
37
7.1 FAUNA
....................................................................................................................................
37
7.2 HABITATS
................................................................................................................................
37
8 RESIDUAL IMPACTS
...................................................................................................................
37
9 CONCLUSION
..............................................................................................................................
41
10 REFERENCES
..............................................................................................................................
42
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1. DESCRIPTION OF VALUES FOR ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES BASED ON
GEOGRAPHIC
HIERARCHY OF IMPORTANCE (NRA, 2009B).
...................................................................................
7
TABLE 2. DEFINITION OF QUALITY OF EFFECTS.
............................................................................
9
TABLE 3. DEFINITION OF SIGNIFICANCE OF EFFECTS.
................................................................
10
TABLE 4. DEFINITION OF DURATION OF EFFECTS.
.......................................................................
10
TABLE 5. DESIGNATED SITES OF CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE LOCATED
WITHIN 15KM OF
THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE.
...........................................................................................
13
TABLE 6. EVALUATION OF HABITATS RECORDED WITHIN THE PROPOSED
DEVELOPMENT
SITE.
.....................................................................................................................................................
20
TABLE 7. RECORDS OF RARE OR PROTECTED FLORA FOR THE SURROUNDING
10KM (O03)
GRID SQUARE, FROM THE NBDC.
....................................................................................................
22
TABLE 8. RECORDS OF INVASIVE SPECIES OF FLOWERING PLANT FOR THE
SURROUNDING
10KM (O03) GRID SQUARE FROM THE NBDC.
................................................................................
23
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TABLE 9. RECORDS OF TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS FOR THE SURROUNDING 1KM
(O0736), 2KM
(O03T) & 10KM (O03) GRID SQUARES FROM THE NBDC.
..............................................................
24
TABLE 10. RECORDS OF BATS FOR THE SURROUNDING, 2KM (O22H) &
10KM (O22) GRID
SQUARES FROM THE NBDC.
............................................................................................................
27
TABLE 11. BIRD SPECIES RECORDED WITHIN THE PROJECT SITE DURING
BREEDING BIRD
SURVEY AND THEIR ASSOCIATED BREEDING STATUS
CODES.................................................. 28
TABLE 12. EVALUATION OF FAUNA RECORDED WITHIN THE SURROUNDING
AREA............... 30
TABLE 13. SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON KER(S), MITIGATION
PROPOSED AND
RESIDUAL IMPACTS.
..........................................................................................................................
38
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1. DESIGNATED SITES WITHIN 15KM FROM THE PROPOSED
DEVELOPMENT. ......... 16
FIGURE 2. AMENITY GRASSLAND (GA1) AND SOME FLOWER BEDS AND
BORDERS (BC4) TO
THE REAR OF THE EXISTING HOUSE.
.............................................................................................
18
FIGURE 3. ORNAMENTAL / NON-NATIVE SHRUBS (WS3) BORDERING THE
TENNIS COURT. . 18
FIGURE 4. HEDGEROWS (WS1) BOUNDING THE EAST OF THE DEVELOPMENT
SITE. ............ 19
FIGURE 5. HABITAT MAP OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE.
......................................... 21
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX I. BREEDING BIRD STATUS CODES
(BTO)……………………………….…………………42
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1 INTRODUCTION
Enviroguide Consulting was commissioned by Glenveagh Homes
Limited to undertake an
Ecological Impact Assessment for a proposed Residential
Development at Balroy House,
Carpenterstown Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15.
This Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) assesses the potential
effects of the proposed
residential development in Castleknock, Dublin 15 on habitats
and species; particularly those
protected by national and international legislation or
considered to be of particular nature
conservation importance. This report will describe the ecology
of the proposed development
area, with emphasis on habitats, flora and fauna, and will
assesses the potential effects of the
proposed development on these ecological receptors. The report
follows Guidelines for
Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland, by the
Chartered Institute of Ecology
and Environmental Management (CIEEM, 2018).
1.1 Quality assurance and competence
Synergy Environmental Ltd., T/A Enviroguide Consulting, is a
wholly Irish Owned multi-disci-
plinary consultancy specialising in the areas of Environment,
Waste Management and Plan-
ning. Both directors carry scientific qualifications and have a
wealth of experience working
within the Environmental Consultancy sectors, having undergone
extensive training and con-
tinued professional development.
Enviroguide Consulting as a company remains fully briefed in
European and Irish environmen-
tal policy and legislation. Both directors have a diploma from
the Law Society of Ireland in
Environmental and Planning Law and a Master’s degree in
Environmental and Natural Re-
sources Law at University College Cork.
Enviroguide’s staff members are highly qualified in their field.
Professional memberships in-
clude the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), the
Irish Environmental Law
Association and Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental
Management (CIEEM).
All surveying and reporting have been carried out by qualified
and experienced ecologists and
environmental consultants. Donnacha Woods, Project Ecologist
with Enviroguide, undertook
the on-site surveys and desktop research for this report.
Donnacha has an M.Sc. (Biodiversity
and Conservation) from Trinity College, and over 6 years’
experience as an ecologist and is
an Associate member of CIEEM. He has worked on a wide range of
conservation, research
and ecological monitoring projects across several different
countries.
Muriel Ennis, Principal Consultant, has an M.Sc. in Ecosystem
Conservation and Landscape
Management and over 10 years’ experience as an Environmental /
Ecology Consultant and is
an Associate member of CIEEM. She has worked on a range of
projects from Strategic Flood
Studies to residential developments.
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2 PLANNING POLICY AND LEGISLATION
An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is a process of
identifying, quantifying and evaluating
potential effects of development-related, or other actions, on
habitats, species and ecosys-
tems (CIEEM, 2016). The proposed development at Balroy House,
Castleknock, Dublin 15, is
a sub-threshold for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
under the Planning and De-
velopment Regulations 2001 – 2018.
When an EcIA is undertaken as part of an EIA process it is
subject to the EIA Regulations
(under the EU Planning and Development [Environmental Impact
Assessment] Regulations
2001-2018). An EcIA on its own is not a statutory requirement,
however it is a best practise
evaluation process. This EcIA has been undertaken to support and
assess the proposed de-
velopment planning application and demonstrates how the proposed
development accords to
planning policy and legislation. While assessing the proposed
development the below National
and European legislation have been checked and referenced.
2.1 National Legislation
2.1.1 Wildlife Act 1976 and amendments
The Wildlife Act 1976 was enacted in order to provide protection
to birds, animals and plants
in Ireland and to control activities which may have an adverse
impact on the conservation of
wildlife. In regard to the listed species, it is an offence to
disturb, injure or damage their
breeding or resting place wherever these occur without an
appropriate licence from National
Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). This list includes all birds
along with their nests and eggs.
Intentional destruction of an active nest from the building
stage up until the chicks have fledged
is an offence. This includes the cutting of hedgerows from the
1st of March to the 31st of Au-
gust. The act also provides a mechanism to give statutory
protection to Natural Heritage Are-
as (NHAs). The Wildlife Amendment Act 2000 widened the scope of
the Act to include most
species, including the majority of fish and aquatic invertebrate
species which were excluded
from the 1976 Act.
2.1.2 EU Habitats Directive 1992 and EC (Birds and Natural
Habitats) Regulations 2011
The EU Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of
Wild Fauna and Flora
(Habitats Directive 1992) provides protection to particular
species and habitats throughout
Europe. The Habitats Directive has been transposed into Irish
law through the EC (Birds and
Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.
Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive provides protection to a
number of listed species,
wherever they occur. Under Regulation 23 of the Habitat
Directive any person who, in regards
to the listed species; “Deliberately captures or kills any
specimen of these species in the wild,
Deliberately disturbs these species particularly during the
period of breeding, rearing,
hibernation and migration, deliberately takes or destroys the
eggs from the wild, or damages
or destroys a breeding site or resting place of such an animal
shall be guilty of an offence.”
2.1.3 Flora (Protection) Order, 1999
The Flora (Protection) Order grants protection to 86 species of
plant in Ireland (56 vascular
plants, 14 mosses, 4 liverworts and 2 stoneworts). This Act
makes it illegal for anyone to up-
root, cut or damage any of the listed plant species and it also
forbids anyone from altering,
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interfering or damaging their habitats. This protection is not
confined to within designated
conservation sites and applies wherever the plants are
found.
2.2 International Legislation
2.2.1 EU Birds Directive
The Birds Directive constitutes a level of general protection
for all wild birds throughout the
European Union. Annex I of the Birds Directive includes a total
of 194 bird species that are
considered rare, vulnerable to habitat changes or in danger of
extinction within the European
Union. Article 4 establishes that there should be a sustainable
management of hunting of
listed species, and that any large scale non-selective killing
of birds must be outlawed. The
Directive requires the designation of Special Protection Areas
(SPAs) for: listed and rare
species, regularly occurring migratory species and for wetlands
which attract large numbers
of birds. There are 25 Annex I species that regularly occur in
Ireland and a total of 153 Special
Protection Areas have been designated.
2.2.2 EU Habitats Directive
The Habitats Directive aims to protect some 220 habitats and
approx. 1000 species through-
out Europe. The habitats and species are listed in the
Directives annexes where Annex I
covers habitats and Annex II, IV and V cover species. There are
59 Annex I habitats in Ireland
and 33 Annex IV species which require strict protection wherever
they occur. The Directive
requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation for
areas of habitat deemed to be
of European interest. The SACs together with the SPAs from the
Birds Directive from a
network of protected sites called Natura 2000.
2.2.3 Bern and Bonn Convention
The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and
Natural Habitats (Bern
Convention 1982) was enacted to conserve all species and their
habitats. The Convention on
the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn
Convention 1979, enacted 1983)
was introduced in order to give protection to migratory species
across borders in Europe.
2.2.4 Ramsar Convention
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty
signed in Ramsar, Iran,
in 1971. The treaty is a commitment for national action and
international cooperation for the
conservation of wetlands and their resources. In Ireland, there
are currently 45 Ramsar sites
which cover a total area of 66,994ha.
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3 METHODOLOGY
This section details the steps and methodology employed to
undertake the ecological impact
assessment of the proposed development.
3.1 Scope of assessment
The specific objectives of the study were to:
- Undertake baseline ecological surveys and evaluate the nature
conservation im-
portance of the development site;
- Identify and assess the direct, indirect and cumulative
ecological implications or im-
pacts of the project during its lifetime; and
- Where possible, propose mitigation measures to remove or
reduce those impacts at
the appropriate stage of the development.
3.2 Desk study
A desktop study was carried out to collate and review available
information, datasets and
documentation sources pertaining to the site’s natural
environment.
3.2.1 Information Resource Research
A comprehensive review of available sources was conducted, and
from this, a detailed
description of the current circumstances that pertain within the
site and its extended
geographical area was completed. This included consideration of
the extant ecological and
biodiversity resources as well as an assessment of the
topography, hydrology, and
urban/agricultural land use patterns that comprise the existing
physical environment within the
proposed development area.
The publications, datasets and resources consulted included,
inter alia the following:
- OSI aerial photography and OSI 1:50000 mapping;
- National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) online datasets and
literature;
- Bat Conservation Ireland (BCI) publications;
- BirdWatch Ireland - online resources;
- BirdLife International – online resources;
- Irish Red Data Book for Vascular Plants (Curtis and McGough,
1988);
- New Atlas of British and Irish Flora (Preston et al.,
2002);
- Checklist of protected & rare species in Ireland (Kingston
2012);
- Teagasc Soil area maps;
- Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) online database;
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water quality data and
online mapping;
- Catchments.ie online mapping;
- National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) online mapping and
records;
- Fingal Biodiversity Action Plan 2010-2015.
For a complete list of the specific documents consulted as part
of this assessment, see Section
10, References.
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3.2.2 Database Searches and Data Requests for Previously
Recorded Data
Biodiversity Maps, the online mapping resource of the NBDC,
allows users to search over 4
million records that are retained across 147 datasets. Data
analysis tools enable users to
refine database searches by selecting 1km, 2km or 10km grid
squares on an interactive map.
Concise and site-specific information on species distribution in
and around the study area was
collated from this database.
The proposed development site lies within the 10km grid square
O03, the 2km grid square
O03T and the 1km grid square O0736. The NPWS were contacted, and
supplied, records of
rare and protected species in proximity to the proposed
development. Records from the last
30 years from the above datasets, where available and are given
in the relevant sections
below.
3.3 Field Surveys
3.3.1 Habitat Surveying, Mapping and Evaluation
Habitat surveys of the project site were conducted by an
ecologist on the 10th December 2018
and 12th April 2019. Habitats were categorised according to the
Heritage Council’s ‘A Guide
to Habitats in Ireland’ (Fossitt, 2000) to level 3. The habitat
mapping exercise had regard to
the ‘Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping’
(Smith et al., 2010) published
by the Heritage Council. Aerial photography was used together
with GPS to accurately enable
field navigation. Habitat categories, characteristic plant
species and other ecological features
and resources were recorded on field sheets.
Scientific and common names for plants follow Parnell et al.
(2012) and Blamey et al. (1996),
respectively. In addition to habitat identification, each
habitat was assessed for its ecological
significance, based on the National Roads Authority (NRA) Site
Evaluation Scheme (NRA,
2009).
3.3.2 Bat Surveys
3.3.2.1 Roost Inspection Survey
A bat roost inspection survey was carried out on the 10th
December 2018. Survey methodology
followed the best-practice techniques outlined in the Bat
Conservation Trusts “Bat Surveys for
Professional Ecologists” (3rd edition, 2016) guidelines.
All building within the project site (main house and attic,
stables and sheds) were systemati-
cally inspected both externally and internally for any signs of
roosting bats. This included
searches for live/dead specimens, droppings, urine splashes and
fur-oil stains.
3.3.2.2 Activity Survey
A post-sunset activity survey were carried out in relation to
the proposed development on 19th
July 2019. Survey methodology followed the best-practice
techniques outlined in the Bat Con-
servation Trusts “Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists” (3rd
edition, 2016) guidelines.
The equipment used included a handheld ultrasound detector
(Elekon Bat Logger M). Visual
observations were taken with the aid of a powerful L.E.D. torch
(AP Pros-Series 220 Lumens
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High-Performance Spotlight). In addition to a Seek Thermal
Reveal Pro High-Resolution Ther-
mal Imaging Camera used along with a Teslong Borescope
Inspection Camera for inspection
of any crevices and ivy on trees during daylight. A set transect
was walked by an ecologist
and the details of all records (peak frequency, species, time,
location) were recorded on field
sheets and mapped. The bat survey on the 19th July 2019
commenced at 21.43 (sunset) and
ceased at 23.28.
3.3.3 Bird Surveys
A breeding bird survey was completed at the project site on 12th
April 2019. The survey meth-
odology followed the British Trust for Ornithology’s (BTO)
Common Bird Census (CBS) tech-
nique (Bibby et al, 1992). The survey was undertaken using
Vortex DiamondBack 8X32 bin-
oculars and started approximately 1.5 hours after sunrise.
A pre-determined transect was walked and all bird species
encountered were recorded on
field sheets, along with the corresponding breeding evidence
code (see Appendix I), location
(on 1:500 field maps), behaviour and numbers.
3.3.4 Mammal Surveys
Mammal surveys of the site were carried out in conjunction with
the other field surveys. The
site was searched for tracks and signs of mammals. The habitat
types recorded throughout
the survey area were used to assist in identifying the fauna
considered likely to utilise the area.
During this survey, the site was searched for tracks and signs
of mammals as per Bang and
Dahlstrom, (2001).
3.3.5 Other Fauna
During the course of all surveys at the proposed project site,
other species of fauna were noted
and these are included in the report where applicable.
3.4 Consultation
The following have been consulted regarding the proposed
development:
- Fingal County Council Biodiversity Officer;
- National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS);
Fingal County Council Biodiversity Officer, Hans Visser, was
consulted on 17th January 2019
regarding an issue raised on the presence of Annex I habitat on
the county development maps
in the vicinity of the development site. Mr. Visser confirmed
that this was an error on the county
development plan maps, and confirmed that there is no Annex I
habitat present at the devel-
opment site.
3.5 Assessment
The value of the ecological resources – the habitats and species
present or potentially present
was determined using the ecological evaluation guidance given in
the National Roads Author-
ity’s Ecological Assessment Guidelines (NRA, 2009). This
evaluation scheme, with values
ranging from locally important to internationally important,
seeks to provide value ratings for
habitats and species present that are considered ecological
receptors of impacts that may
ensue from a proposal. The NRA (2009) defines key ecological
receptors as those ecological
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features which are evaluated as Locally Important (higher value)
or higher, that are likely to
be impacted significantly by the proposed development.
Internationally important receptors
would include candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC) or
Special Protected Areas
(SPA) while those of national importance would include Natural
Heritage Areas (NHA).
This evaluation scheme has been adapted here to assess the value
of habitats and fauna
within the project site. The value of habitats is assessed based
on the condition, size, rarity,
conservation and legal status. The value of fauna is assessed on
its biodiversity value, legal
status and conservation status. Biodiversity value is based on
its national distribution, abun-
dance or rarity, and associated trends.
Using the evaluation criteria as described above, some of the
habitats and species identified
as being present were assessed. Any of those selected that were
evaluated as being of Local
Importance (higher value) and higher in this study were selected
as key ecological receptors
and then the impact significance on each of these receptors was
assessed.
3.5.1 Value of Ecological Resources
The ecological features identified within the project site and
wider area are evaluated based
on their value. These values are detailed in Table 1 below and
are taken from the Guidelines
for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes
published by the NRA, now
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
TABLE 1. DESCRIPTION OF VALUES FOR ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES BASED ON
GEOGRAPHIC HIERARCHY OF IMPORTANCE (NRA, 2009B).
Importance Criteria
International
Importance
- ‘European Site’ including Special Area of Conservation (SAC),
Site of Community Im-
portance (SCI), Special Protection Area (SPA) or proposed
Special Area of Conserva-
tion.
- Proposed Special Protection Area (pSPA). - Site that fulfils
the criteria for designation
as a ‘European Site’ (see Annex III of the Habitats Directive,
as amended).
- Features essential to maintaining the coherence of the Natura
2000 Network
- Site containing ‘best examples’ of the habitat types listed in
Annex I of the Habitats Di-
rective.
- Resident or regularly occurring populations (assessed to be
important at the national
level) of the following:
o Species of bird, listed in Annex I and/or referred to in
Article 4(2) of the Birds
Directive; and/or
o Species of animal and plants listed in Annex II and/or IV of
the Habitats Di-
rective
- Ramsar Site (Convention on Wetlands of International
Importance Especially Water-
fowl Habitat 1971).
- World Heritage Site (Convention for the Protection of World
Cultural & Natural Herit-
age, 1972).
- Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO Man & The Biosphere
Programme)
- Site hosting significant species populations under the Bonn
Convention (Convention on
the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals,
1979).
- Site hosting significant populations under the Berne
Convention (Convention on the
Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats,
1979).
- Biogenetic Reserve under the Council of Europe.
- European Diploma Site under the Council of Europe.
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- Salmonid water designated pursuant to the European Communities
(Quality of Salm-
onid Waters) Regulations, 1988, (S.I. No. 293 of 1988).
National Im-
portance
- Site designated or proposed as a Natural Heritage Area
(NHA).
- Statutory Nature Reserve.
- Refuge for Fauna and Flora protected under the Wildlife
Acts.
- National Park.
- Undesignated site fulfilling the criteria for designation as a
Natural Heritage Area
(NHA); Statutory Nature Reserve; Refuge for Fauna and Flora
protected under the
Wildlife Act; and/or a National Park.
- Resident or regularly occurring populations (assessed to be
important at the national
level) of the following:
o Species protected under the Wildlife Acts; and/or
o Species listed on the relevant Red Data list.
o Site containing ‘viable areas’ of the habitat types listed in
Annex I of the Habi-
tats Directive
County Im-
portance
- Area of Special Amenity.
- Area subject to a Tree Preservation Order.
- Area of High Amenity, or equivalent, designated under the
County Development Plan.
- Resident or regularly occurring populations (assessed to be
important at the County
level) of the following:
o Species of bird, listed in Annex I and/or referred to in
Article 4(2) of the Birds
Directive;
o Species of animal and plants listed in Annex II and/or IV of
the Habitats Di-
rective;
o Species protected under the Wildlife Acts; and/or
o Species listed on the relevant Red Data list.
o Site containing area or areas of the habitat types listed in
Annex I of the Habi-
tats Directive that do not fulfil the criteria for valuation as
of International or
National importance.
- County important populations of species; or viable areas of
semi-natural habitats; or
natural heritage features identified in the National or Local
BAP; if this has been pre-
pared.
- Sites containing semi-natural habitat types with high
biodiversity in a county context
and a high degree of naturalness, or populations of species that
are uncommon within
the county.
- Sites containing habitats and species that are rare or are
undergoing a decline in qual-
ity or extent at a national level.
Local Im-
portance
(higher value)
- Locally important populations of priority species or habitats
or natural heritage features identified in the Local BAP, if this
has been prepared;
- Resident or regularly occurring populations (assessed to be
important at the Local level) of the following:
o Species of bird, listed in Annex I and/or referred to in
Article 4(2) of the Birds
Directive; o Species of animal and plants listed in Annex II
and/or IV of the Habitats Di-
rective; o Species protected under the Wildlife Acts; and/or o o
Species listed on the relevant Red Data list. o Sites containing
semi-natural habitat types with high biodiversity in a local
context and a high degree of naturalness, or populations of
species that are
uncommon in the locality;
- Sites or features containing common or lower value habitats,
including naturalised spe-cies that are nevertheless essential in
maintaining links and ecological corridors be-
tween features of higher ecological value.
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Local Im-
portance
(lower value)
- Sites containing small areas of semi-natural habitat that are
of some local importance for wildlife;
- Sites or features containing non-native species that is of
some importance in maintain-ing habitat links.
3.5.2 Impact Assessment Criteria
Once the value of the identified ecological receptors was
determined, the next step was to
assess the potential effect or impact of the proposed
development on the identified key eco-
logical receptors. This was carried out with regard to the
criteria outlined in various impact
assessment guidelines (NRA, 2009; CIEEM, 2018) that set down a
number of parameters
such as quality, magnitude, extent and duration that should be
considered when determining
which elements of the proposal could constitute impact or
sources of impacts. Once impacts
are defined, their significance was categorised using EPA
Guidelines (EPA, 2017).
Identification of a risk does not constitute a prediction that
it will occur, or that it will create or
cause significant impact. However, identification of the risk
does mean that there is a possibil-
ity of ecological or environmental damage occurring, with the
level and significance of the
impact depending upon the nature and exposure to the risk and
the characteristics of the
ecological receptor.
3.5.2.1 Criteria used to Define Quality of Effects
In line with the EPA Guidelines (EPA, 2017), the following terms
are defined when quantifying
the quality of effects. See Table 2, below.
TABLE 2. DEFINITION OF QUALITY OF EFFECTS.
Quality Definition
Positive Effects
A change which improves the quality of the environment (for
example, by
increasing species diversity; or the improving reproductive
capacity of an
ecosystem, or by removing nuisances or improving amenities).
Neutral Effects No effects or effects that are imperceptible,
within normal bounds of varia-
tion or within the margin of forecasting error
Negative/adverse Effects
A change which reduces the quality of the environment (for
example, less-
ening species diversity or diminishing the reproductive capacity
of an eco-
system; or damaging health or property or by causing
nuisance).
3.5.2.2 Criteria used to Define Significance of Effects
In line with the EPA Guidelines (EPA, 2017), the following terms
are defined when quantifying
the significance of impacts. See Table 3, below.
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TABLE 3. DEFINITION OF SIGNIFICANCE OF EFFECTS.
Significance of Effects Definition
Imperceptible An effect capable of measurement but without
significant consequences.
Not significant An effect which causes noticeable changes in the
character of the environ-
ment but without significant consequences.
Slight Effects An effect which causes noticeable changes in the
character of the environ-
ment without affecting its sensitivities.
Moderate Effects An effect that alters the character of the
environment in a manner that is
consistent with existing and emerging baseline trends.
Significant Effects An effect which, by its character,
magnitude, duration or intensity alters a
sensitive aspect of the environment
Very Significant An effect which, by its character, magnitude,
duration or intensity signifi-
cantly alters most of a sensitive aspect of the environment.
Profound Effects An effect which obliterates sensitive
characteristics
3.5.2.3 Criteria Used to Define Duration of Effects
In line with the EPA Guidelines (EPA, 2017), the following terms
are defined when quantifying
duration and frequency of effects. See Table 4, below.
TABLE 4. DEFINITION OF DURATION OF EFFECTS.
Quality Definition
Momentary Effects Effects lasting from seconds to minutes
Brief Effects Effects lasting less than a day
Temporary Effects Effects lasting less than a year
Short-term Effects Effects lasting one to seven years.
Medium-term Effects Effects lasting seven to fifteen years.
Long-term Effects Effects lasting fifteen to sixty years
Permanent Effects Effects lasting over sixty years
Reversible Effects Effects that can be undone, for example
through remediation or restoration
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3.6 Limitations
An extensive search of available datasets for records of rare
and protected species within
proximity of the proposed development has been undertaken as
part of this assessment. How-
ever, the records from these datasets do not constitute a
complete species list. The absence
of species from these datasets does not necessarily confirm an
absence of species in the
area.
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4 BASELINE ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
4.1 Site Overview
The subject site is located within the townland of Diswellstone
in Carpenterstown, Dublin 15.
The site area measures c.1.77ha and currently consists of an
unoccupied residential dwelling
(Balroy House), stables, gardens, tennis court, paddock and some
other ancillary structures.
The site is bordered to the east and west by similar large,
detached residential dwellings and
to the north and south with the Cottonwood and Diswellstown
housing schemes, respectively.
Diswellstone and the wider area are located within the Dublin
groundwater body. The overall
status of this waterbody is recorded as Good. The groundwater
rock units underlying the area
are classified as Dinantian Upper Impure Limestones and the
sub-soil at the site is classified
as Limestone till (Carboniferous). The site area is located on a
locally important aquifer with
groundwater vulnerability in the area listed as High.
4.2 Designated Sites
4.2.1 Site of International Importance
4.2.1.1 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are protected under the
European Union (EU) ‘Habitats
Directive’ (92/43/EEC), as implemented in Ireland by the
European Communities (Natural
Habitats) Regulations, 1997.
4.2.1.2 Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
Special Protection Areas (SPAs) were initially designated under
Directive 79/409/EEC, The
Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (‘The Birds
Directive’), and are now protected as
Natura 2000 Sites under the EU ‘Habitats Directive’.
4.2.1.3 Ramsar Sites
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
especially as Waterfowl Habitat,
more commonly known as the Ramsar Convention, was ratified by
Ireland in 1984.
4.2.2 Sites of National Importance
The basic designation for wildlife and habitats in Ireland is
the Natural Heritage Area (NHA).
These sites are comprised of 75 raised bogs and a further 73
blanket bogs. There are an
additional 630 sites listed as proposed Natural Heritage Areas
(pNHA). These are sites that
were initially published on a non-statutory basis in 1995 but
have yet to be statutorily proposed
or designated.
Table 5 below presents details of the key ecological features of
sites with 15km of the project
area, and gives their distance from the proposed development
site.
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TABLE 5. DESIGNATED SITES OF CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE LOCATED
WITHIN 15KM OF THE PRO-POSED DEVELOPMENT SITE.
Site
Code Site Name Qualifying Interests
Distance
to Site
Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
001398 Rye Water Valley/Car-
ton cSAC
- [7220] Petrifying Springs*
- [1014] Narrow-mouthed Whorl Snail (Vertigo angustior)
- [1016] Desmoulin's Whorl Snail (Vertigo moulinsiana)
7.19km
000210 South Dublin Bay cSAC
- [1140] Tidal Mudflats and Sandflats
- [1210] Annual vegetation of drift lines
- [1310] Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and
sand
- [2110] Embryonic shifting dunes
11.78km
001209 Glenasmole Valley
cSAC
- [6210] Orchid-rich Calcareous Grassland*
- [6410] Molinia Meadows
- [7220] Petrifying Springs*
12.48km
000206 North Dublin Bay cSAC
- [1140] Tidal Mudflats and Sandflats
- [1210] Annual Vegetation of Drift Lines
- [1310] Salicornia Mud
- [1330] Atlantic Salt Meadows
- [1410] Mediterranean Salt Meadows
- [2110] Embryonic Shifting Dunes
- [2120] Marram Dunes (White Dunes)
- [2130] Fixed Dunes (Grey Dunes)*
- [2190] Humid Dune Slacks
- [1395] Petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii)
13.24km
002122 Wicklow Mountains
cSAC
- [3110] Oligotrophic Waters containing very few minerals
- [3160] Dystrophic Lakes
- [4010] Wet Heath
- [4030] Dry Heath
- [4060] Alpine and Subalpine Heaths
- [6130] Calaminarian Grassland
- [6230] Species-rich Nardus Grassland*
- [7130] Blanket Bogs (Active)*
- [8110] Siliceous Scree
- [8210] Calcareous Rocky Slopes
- [8220] Siliceous Rocky Slopes
- [91A0] Old Oak Woodlands
- [1355] Otter (Lutra lutra)
14.80km
Special Protection Areas (SPA)
004024
South Dublin Bay and
River Tolka Estuary
SPA
- [A046] Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota)
[wintering]
- [A130] Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [winter-
ing]
- [A137] Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) [wintering]
- [A141] Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [wintering]
- [A143] Knot (Calidris canutus) [wintering]
- [A144] Sanderling (Calidris alba) [wintering]
10.14km
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- [A149] Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [wintering]
- [A157] Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) [wintering]
- [A162] Redshank (Tringa totanus) [wintering]
- [A179] Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibun-
dus) [wintering]
- [A192] Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) [passage]
- [A193] Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) [breeding] [pas-
sage]
- [A194] Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) [breeding [pas-
sage]
- [A999] Wetland and Waterbirds
004006 North Bull Island SPA
- [A046] Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota)
[wintering]
- [A048] Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [wintering]
- [A052] Teal (Anas crecca) [wintering]
- [A054] Pintail (Anas acuta) [wintering]
- [A056] Shoveler (Anas clypeata) [wintering]
- [A130] Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [winter-
ing]
- [A140] Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [wintering]
- [A141] Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [wintering]
- [A143] Knot (Calidris canutus) [wintering]
- [A144] Sanderling (Calidris alba) [wintering]
- [A149] Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [wintering]
- [A156] Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [wintering]
- [A157] Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) [wintering]
- [A160] Curlew (Numenius arquata) [wintering]
- [A162] Redshank (Tringa totanus) [wintering]
- [A169] Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) [wintering]
- [A179] Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibun-
dus) [wintering]
- [A999] Wetland and Waterbirds
13.23km
Natural Heritage Areas (NHA)
There are no NHAs within 15km of the proposed development.
Proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA)
000128 Liffey Valley
There are no formal qualifying interests listed for proposed
Natura Heritage Areas (pNHA). A general site synopsis is
available for most sites on the NPWS website.
0.43km
002103 Royal Canal 1.82km
002104 Grand Canal 4.62km
001398 Rye Water Valley/Car-
ton 7.18km
000178 Santry Demesne 8.99km
000991 Dodder Valley 9.60km
000206 North Dublin Bay 9.89km
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001212 Lugmore Glen 11.19km
000210 South Dublin Bay 11.78km
001209 Glenasmole Valley 12.47km
000211 Slade Of Saggart And
Crooksling Glen 12.57km
000201 Dolphins, Dublin Docks 12.60km
001208 Feltrim Hill 14.16km
001753 Fitzsimon's Wood 14.84km
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FIGURE 1. DESIGNATED SITES WITHIN 15KM FROM THE PROPOSED
DEVELOPMENT.
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4.3 Habitats
The project site is located within the River Liffey
sub-catchment (Liffey_SC_100) and the Lif-
fey_180 sub-basin. The closest waterbody to the project site, as
mapped by the EPA, is a
small unnamed tributary (seg. code: 09_1510) of the River Liffey
approximately 240m to the
east. This watercourse flows into the River Liffey (seg. code:
09_2126) approximately 1.44km
downstream. The EPA does not have any operational monitoring
stations on this tributary.
The closest monitoring is on the River Liffey at the West-Link
Bridge (RS09L012250).
4.3.1 Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1)
This habitat is found in the paddock in the east of the project
site and was most likely originally
grazed by horses kept in the stables. The habitat grades into
Dry/calcareous and neutral
grassland (GS1) in areas. The dominant grasses found here
include: perennial ryegrass (Lo-
lium perenne) and Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus). The principal
herbaceous plants identified
are creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), meadow buttercup
(Ranunculus acris), white
clover (Trifolium repens), cleavers (Galium aparine), silverweed
(Argentina anserina), dande-
lion (Taraxacum vulgaria), ribwort plantain (Plantago
lanceolate), broad-leaved dock (Rumex
obtusifolius), creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans), red
dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum),
daisy (Bellis perennis) and nettle (Urtica dioica).
4.3.2 Amenity Grassland (Improved) (GA2)
This habitat covers the lawns in the north-west section of the
project site, in addition to the
back garden of the existing house. Herbaceous species found here
include: daffodil (Narcis-
sus pseudonarcissus), daisy (Bellis perennis), common
field-speedwell (Veronica persica),
white clover (Trifolium repens) and dandelion (Taraxacum
vulgaria), and in the shadier areas:
lesser celandine (Ficaria verna), bluebell (Hyacinthoides
non-scripta), cowslip (Primula veris),
nettle (Urtica dioica) and cleavers (Galium aparine). The
dominant grass is perennial ryegrass
(Lolium perenne).
4.3.3 Buildings and Artificial Surfaces (BL3)
The house, stables, shed and hardstanding surfaces throughout
the site make up this habitat.
There is little or no vegetation present in these areas.
4.3.4 Flower Beds and Borders (BC4)
This habitat is primarily located bordering the back garden of
the existing house. Species
found here are almost entirely non-native, although some lesser
celandine and other native
‘weeds’ have established in small quantities. Other flower beds
within the site have a higher
proportion of larger shrubs and trees and are therefore
classified under Ornamental / non-
native shrubs (WS3).
4.3.5 Ornamental / Non-native Shrubs (WS3)
The planted areas bordering the tennis court, along with the
western boundary of the paddock,
are the primary locations that conform to this habitat type.
Similar to above, species found
here are almost entirely non-native.
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PLATE 1. AMENITY GRASSLAND (GA1) AND SOME FLOWER BEDS AND
BORDERS (BC4) TO THE REAR OF THE EXISTING HOUSE.
PLATE 2 ORNAMENTAL / NON-NATIVE SHRUBS (WS3) BORDERING THE
TENNIS COURT.
4.3.6 Scrub (WS1)
There is a degree of this habitat in both the south-east and
south-west corners of the paddock,
located to the east of the existing house. The area has been
used to store garden cuttings and
scrub has begun to establish in the recent past. Species found
here include bramble (Rubus
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fructicosus), some immature ash (Fraxinus excelsior), sycamore
(Acer pseudoplatanus), net-
tle (Urtica dioica), cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), herb
Robert (Geranium robertianum),
ivy (Hedera hibernica), cleavers (Galium aparine), dandelion
(Taraxacum vulgaria) and bush
vetch (Vicia sepium).
4.3.7 Hedgerows (WL1)
This habitat bounds almost the entire project site. Some
sections are covered under treelines
(WL2). The majority of species within this habitat are
non-native, and there are crossovers
with the habitat covered above - Ornamental / non-native shrub
(WS3). The highest value
hedgerows are along the eastern boundary of the site, and along
the Carpenterstown Rd.,
adjacent to the planted sections. These higher-value hedgerows
are primarily composed of
ash (Fraxinus excelsior), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), horse
chestnut (Aesculus hippo-
castanum), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), bramble (Rubus
fructicosus), ivy (Hedera hiber-
nica), nettle (Urtica dioica) and cow parsley (Anthriscus
sylvestris). The more recent and
planted hedgerows contain more non-native species including
Portuguese laurel (Prunus lu-
sitanica), Leyland cypress (Cupressus × leylandii), sycamore
(Acer pseudoplatanus) and
beech (Fagus sylvatica) hedging.
PLATE 3 HEDGEROWS (WS1) BOUNDING THE EAST OF THE DEVELOPMENT
SITE.
4.3.8 Treelines (WL2)
There are treelines along either side of the main avenue to the
entrance of the existing house.
There is also a thick stand of Leyland cypress (Cupressus ×
leylandii) which forms the western
border of the project site, along with some areas either side of
the existing house. The treelines
along the driveway contain some mature specimens of silver birch
(Betula pendula), lime (Tilia
spp.) and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus).
See Figure 2 for Habitat Map.
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4.3.9 Habitat Evaluation
Habitats have been evaluated below in Table 6 for their
conservation importance, based on
the NRA evaluation scheme (NRA, 2009b). Those selected as key
ecological receptors are
those which are evaluated to be of at least local importance
(higher value). The impacts of the
proposed development on these receptors are assessed in section
6.1 of this report. The
summary in Table 6 below indicates the evaluation rating
assigned to each habitat. The ra-
tionale behind these evaluations is also provided.
TABLE 6. EVALUATION OF HABITATS RECORDED WITHIN THE PROPOSED
DEVELOPMENT SITE.
Species Evaluation Rationale
Key Ecological
Receptor
(KER)
Improved agricultural
grassland (GA1)
Local importance
(lower value)
Low diversity grassland not considered to
be of conservation value. No
Amenity grassland
(improved) (GA2)
Local importance
(lower value)
Managed habitat of little to no conservation
value. No
Buildings and artifi-
cial surfaces (BL3)
Local importance
(lower value)
Man-made habitat with little to no vegeta-
tion present. No
Flower beds and bor-
ders (BC4)
Local importance
(lower value)
Habitat consists of almost entirely non-na-
tive ornamental plants. No
Ornamental / non-na-
tive shrubs (WS3)
Local importance
(lower value)
Habitat consists of almost entirely non-na-
tive ornamental plants. No
Scrub (WS1) Local importance
(lower value)
Recently established with a proportion of
non-native species. No
Hedgerows (WL1) Local importance
(higher value)
Higher value hedgerow along the eastern
boundary, other hedgerows of low conser-
vation value.
Yes
Treelines (WL2) Local importance
(higher value)
The treelines along the driveway contain
some mature silver birch which has the po-
tential to support roosting bats.
Yes
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FIGURE 2. HABITAT MAP OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE.
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4.4 Species and Species Groups
4.4.1 Flora
4.4.1.1 Rare and Protected Flora
The project site is located within the Ordnance Survey National
Grid 10km Square O03. Spe-cies records from the National
Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) online database for the 10km square
O03 were studied for the presence of rare or protected flora
species. A search of the two-kilometre (O03T) and 1km (O0736) grid
squares encompassing the proposed develop-ment site on the online
database was also completed but yielded no records. Table 7
presents details of the rare and protected flora species found
within the 10km square
O03.
TABLE 7. RECORDS OF RARE OR PROTECTED FLORA FOR THE SURROUNDING
10KM (O03) GRID
SQUARE, FROM THE NBDC. NPWS = RECORD OBTAINED FROM NPWS
DATABASE
Name Species Group
Date of last record
Database Designation
Green Figwort NPWS
(Scrophularia umbrosa)
Flowering
plant 2001
Herbarium and Literature
Database 19/02/2013 -
Hairy St John's-wort
(Hypericum hirsutum)
Flowering
plant 07/06/2018
Online Atlas of Vascular
Plants 2012-2020
Flora Protection
Order; Endangered
Hairy Violet NPWS
(Viola hirta)
Flowering
plant 1991
Herbarium and Literature
Database 19/02/2013
Flora Protection
Order
Opposite-leaved Pond-
weed
(Groenlandia densa)
Flowering
plant 31/12/1999 BSBI tetrad data for Ireland
Flora Protection
Order; Endangered
Yellow Archangel NPWS
(Lamiastrum galeobdolon
subsp. montanum)
Flowering
plant Nov 2001
Herbarium and Literature
Database 19/02/2013 -
No rare or protected flora were identified within the project
site during surveys. The dataset
obtained from the NPWS contains records of Hairy St. John’s-wort
from St. Catherine’s Park,
Luttrellstown Castle and King’s Hospital, all of which are a
considerable distance from the
project site.
4.4.1.2 Invasive Species
There are records for 20 species of flora considered to be
invasive within the 10km (O03), grid
square within which the proposed development site is located.
Details of these records are
listed in Table 8 below. A search of the two-kilometre (O03T)
and 1km (O0736) grid squares
encompassing the proposed development site on the online
database was also completed but
yielded no records.
The proposed development site contains a number of planted
ornamental/non-native species.
None of these species are listed under regulation S.I. 477,
however cherry laurel (Prunus
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laurocerasus), present in the south-eastern section of the site,
is considered a high impact
invasive species.
TABLE 8. RECORDS OF INVASIVE SPECIES OF FLOWERING PLANT FOR THE
SURROUNDING 10KM (O03) GRID SQUARE FROM THE NBDC.
Species Grid
square
Date of last
record Source Designations
Black Currant
(Ribes nigrum) O03 16/09/2017
Online Atlas of Vas-
cular Plants 2012-
2020
- Medium Impact Invasive
Species
Butterfly-bush
(Buddleja davidii) O03 20/05/2011 Ireland's BioBlitz
- Medium Impact Invasive
Species
Canadian Fleabane
(Conyza canadensis) O03 02/08/2018
Online Atlas of Vas-
cular Plants 2012-
2020
- Medium Impact Invasive
Species
Canadian Waterweed
(Elodea canadensis) O03 31/07/2009
National Invasive
Species Database
- High Impact Invasive Spe-
cies
- Regulation S.I. 477
Cherry Laurel
(Prunus laurocerasus) O03 20/05/2011 Ireland's BioBlitz
- High Impact Invasive Spe-
cies
False-acacia
(Robinia pseudoacacia) O03 22/08/2005
Species Data from
the National Vege-
tation Database
- Medium Impact Invasive
Species
Giant Hogweed
(Heracleum mantegazzi-
anum)
O03 30/04/2009 National Invasive
Species Database
- High Impact Invasive Spe-
cies
- Regulation S.I. 477
Himalayan Honey-
suckle
(Leycesteria formosa)
O03 22/08/2005
Species Data from
the National Vege-
tation Database
- Medium Impact Invasive
Species
Indian Balsam
(Impatiens glandulifera) O03 05/09/2018
Online Atlas of Vas-
cular Plants 2012-
2020
- High Impact Invasive Spe-
cies
- Regulation S.I. 477
Japanese Knotweed
(Fallopia japonica) O03 10/07/2017
Online Atlas of Vas-
cular Plants 2012-
2020
- High Impact Invasive Spe-
cies
- Regulation S.I. 477
Least Duckweed
(Lemna minuta) O03 31/12/1999
BSBI tetrad data for
Ireland
- Medium Impact Invasive
Species
Nuttall's Waterweed
(Elodea nuttallii) O03 31/07/2009
National Invasive
Species Database
- High Impact Invasive Spe-
cies
- Regulation S.I. 477
Rhododendron
(Rhododendron ponti-
cum)
O03 22/08/2005
Species Data from
the National Vege-
tation Database
- High Impact Invasive Spe-
cies
- Regulation S.I. 477
Russian-vine
(Fallopia baldschuanica) O03 08/05/2014
Online Atlas of Vas-
cular Plants 2012-
2020
- Medium Impact Invasive
Species
Spanish Bluebell
(Hyacinthoides hispan-
ica)
O03 07/05/2016
Online Atlas of Vas-
cular Plants 2012-
2020
- Regulation S.I. 477
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Sycamore
(Acer pseudoplatanus) O03 12/05/2018
Online Atlas of Vas-
cular Plants 2012-
2020
- Medium Impact Invasive
Species
Three-cornered Garlic
(Allium triquetrum) O03 15/04/2015
Online Atlas of Vas-
cular Plants 2012-
2020
- Medium Impact Invasive
Species
- Regulation S.I. 477
Traveller's-joy
(Clematis vitalba) O03 22/08/2005
Species Data from
the National Vege-
tation Database
- Medium Impact Invasive
Species
Douglas Fir
(Pseudotsuga menziesii) O03 02/09/2005
Species Data from
the National Vege-
tation Database
- Medium Impact Invasive
Species
Water Fern
(Azolla filiculoides) O03 20/05/2011 Ireland's BioBlitz
- Medium Impact Invasive
Species
- Regulation S.I. 477
4.4.2 Mammals (excl. bats)
Records for terrestrial mammals were retrieved from the NBDC
online database, along with
records obtained from the NPWS. Table 9 below lists these
species, their date of last record
and summarises their protected status.
As part of the ecology surveys for the Diswellstown development
located to the south of Balroy
House, two badger setts were recorded, one with no activity
noted and the other identified as
a ‘main’ sett (Brady Shipman Martin, 2014). These setts were
located approximately 200m
and 500m respectively to the south of the proposed development.
The Diswellstown develop-
ment has since been completed and these setts were excavated and
closed under licence
from the NPWS.
TABLE 9. RECORDS OF TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS FOR THE SURROUNDING 1KM
(O0736), 2KM (O03T) & 10KM (O03) GRID SQUARES FROM THE
NBDC.
Species Grid
square
Date of last
record Source Designation
NATIVE
Badger
(Meles meles) O03 02/04/2017
Mammals of Ireland
2016-2025
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
- Bern Convention Appendix III
Hedgehog
(Erinaceus euro-
paeus)
O03
O03T
O0736
28/10/2016
04/03/2013
04/03/2013
Mammals of Ireland
2016-2025; Atlas of
Mammals in Ireland
2010-2015
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
- Bern Convention Appendix III
Irish (mountain)
Hare
(Lepus timidus hiber-
nicus)
O03 17/08/2016 Mammals of Ireland
2016-2025 - Bern Convention Appendix III
Irish Stoat O03 08/03/2014 Atlas of Mammals in
Ireland 2010-2015
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
- Bern Convention Appendix III
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(Mustela erminea
subsp. hibernica)
Otter
(Lutra lutra)
O03
O03T
15/05/2016
20/08/2014
Mammals of Ireland
2016-2025; Atlas of
Mammals in Ireland
2010-2015
- EU Habitats Directive – Annex
II & IV
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
- Bern Convention Appendix III
Pine Marten
(Martes martes)
O03
O03T
06/07/2017
31/12/2010
Mammals of Ireland
2016-2025; Atlas of
Mammals in Ireland
2010-2015
- EU Habitats Directive - Annex
V
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
- Bern Convention Appendix III
Pygmy Shrew
(Sorex minutus) O03 03/10/2015
Atlas of Mammals in
Ireland 2010-2015 - Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
Red Deer
(Cervus elaphus) O03 31/12/2008
Deer of Ireland Data-
base - Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
Red Fox
(Vulpes vulpes)
O03
O03T
O0736
06/10/2017
28/07/2012
28/07/2012
Mammals of Ireland
2016-2025; Atlas of
Mammals in Ireland
2010-2015
- n/a
Red Squirrel
(Sciurus vulgaris) O03 24/01/2015
Atlas of Mammals in
Ireland 2010-2015 - Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
Wood Mouse
(Apodemus sylvati-
cus)
O03 20/05/2011 Ireland's BioBlitz - n/a
NON-NATIVE
American Mink
(Mustela vison) O03 26/08/2017
Mammals of Ireland
2016-2025
- High Impact Invasive Species
- Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)
Brown Rat
(Rattus norvegicus)
O03
O03T
20/11/2015
27/09/2014
Atlas of Mammals in
Ireland 2010-2015
- High Impact Invasive Species
- Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)
Eastern Grey Squir-
rel
(Sciurus caro-
linensis)
O03
O03T
11/01/2018
25/05/2008
Mammals of Ireland
2016-2025; Road Kill
Survey
- High Impact Invasive Species
- Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)
European Rabbit
(Oryctolagus cunicu-
lus)
O03 11/01/2018 Mammals of Ireland
2016-2025
- Medium Impact Invasive Spe-
cies
Fallow Deer
(Dama dama) O03 19/05/2012 Ireland's BioBlitz
- High Impact Invasive Species
- Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)
House Mouse
(Mus musculus) O03 01/11/2012
Atlas of Mammals in
Ireland 2010-2015 - High Impact Invasive Species
Siberian Chipmunk
(Tamias sibiricus) O03 15/07/2011
National Invasive
Species Database
- High Impact Invasive Species
- Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)
Sika Deer
(Cervus nippon) O03 31/12/2008
Deer of Ireland Data-
base
- High Impact Invasive Species
- Regulation S.I. 477 (Ireland)
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No rare or protected mammal species were directly recorded
during site surveys. The habitats
within the project site are of variable value for mammals. There
is a potential habitat for hedge-
hog along the hedgerows bordering the east of the project site.
No badger setts were recorded
during the site survey, and it is considered unlikely that there
are active badger setts in the
vicinity. There are no watercourses or areas of woodland within
the project site or immediate
area. There is therefore little or no potential habitat for
hare, otter, pine marten, red squirrel,
pygmy shrew or stoat within the proposed development site (Carey
et al, 2007; O’Mahony et
al, 2012; Reid et al, 2007 & 2013; Sleeman, 1993). However,
the drainage ditch located adja-
cent to the eastern boundary of the project site could
potentially ultimately link to the River
Liffey, which does offer suitable habitat for otter.
The mature hedgerows along the eastern boundary offers some
potential habitat for wood
mouse, although the area is likely too small to be of high
value. Red fox was not observed
during the site surveys, although they are likely to be present
locally. Similarly, while no rabbit
burrows were observed at the site, they have potential to
utilise some areas. Brown rat and
house mouse are also likely to utilise the surrounding area and
numerous grey squirrel were
observed within the project site. There is little habitat for
fallow deer, sika deer, American mink
or Siberian chipmunk within the proposed development site,
although sika and fallow deer
could potentially occur. However, none of the eleven species
mentioned in this paragraph are
of conservation concern and the potential impact to these
species is therefore not considered
further.
4.4.3 Bats
Ireland had ten known bat species until February 2013, when a
single live greater horseshoe
bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) was found roosting in Co.
Wexford (NBDC, 2019). For a
more comprehensive overview of the Irish vesper bat species see
McAney (2006).
In view of their sensitive status across Europe, all species of
bat have been listed on Annex
IV of the EC ‘Habitats and Species Directive’ and some, such as
the lesser horseshoe bat,
are given further protection and listed on Annex II of this
Directive. This Directive was trans-
posed into Irish law as the European Communities (Natural
Habitats) Regulations, 1997, and
combined with the Wildlife Acts (1976-2016), ensures that
individual bats and their breeding
sites and resting places are fully protected. This has important
implications for those who own
or manage sites where bats occur.
All bat species are protected under the Wildlife Acts which make
it an offence to wilfully inter-
fere with or destroy the breeding or resting place of these
species; however, the Acts permit
limited exemptions for certain kinds of development.
Eight species of bat have been recorded within the 2km and 10km
grid squares which encom-
pass the proposed development site. These species records are
listed in Table 10. There are
no records of bats for the surrounding 1km grid square O0736. A
dusk bat activity survey
carried out for the Diswellstown development (Brady Shipman
Martin, 2014), located to the
south of Balroy House, recorded a relatively low level of bat
activity. Bat species recorded
comprised of Leisler’s Bat (Nyctalus leisleri), common
pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and
soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), all of which
appeared to be foraging. The Diswell-
stown development has since been completed and this habitat area
has been fundamentally
changed.
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TABLE 10. RECORDS OF BATS FOR THE SURROUNDING, 2KM (O22H) &
10KM (O22) GRID SQUARES FROM THE NBDC.
Species Grid
square
Date of last
record Source Designation
Brown Long-eared
Bat
(Plecotus auritus)
O03 28/04/2011 National Bat Data-
base of Ireland
- EU Habitats Directive - Annex
IV
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
Daubenton's Bat
(Myotis daubentonii)
O03
O03T
31/08/2014
15/08/2008
National Bat Data-
base of Ireland
- EU Habitats Directive - Annex
IV
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
Leisler’s Bat
(Nyctalus leisleri)
O03
O03T
05/09/2011
15/08/2008
National Bat Data-
base of Ireland
- EU Habitats Directive - Annex
IV
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
Nathusius's Pipi-
strelle
(Pipistrellus nathusii)
O03
O03T
12/08/2007
12/08/2007
National Bat Data-
base of Ireland
- EU Habitats Directive - Annex
IV
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
Natterer's Bat
(Myotis nattereri) O03 30/09/2008
National Bat Data-
base of Ireland
- EU Habitats Directive - Annex
IV
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
Common Pipistrelle
(Pipistrellus pipistrel-
lus)
O03
O03T
06/06/2013
25/09/2008
National Bat Data-
base of Ireland
- EU Habitats Directive - Annex
IV
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
Soprano Pipistrelle
(Pipistrellus pyg-
maeus)
O03
O03T
19/08/2013
25/09/2008
National Bat Data-
base of Ireland
- EU Habitats Directive - Annex
IV
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
Whiskered Bat
(Myotis mystacinus) O03 03/09/2005
National Bat Data-
base of Ireland
- EU Habitats Directive - Annex
IV
- Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
4.4.3.1 Roost Inspection Survey
No evidence of roosting bats (e.g. live/dead specimens,
droppings, urine splashes and fur-oil
stains) were found during the roost inspection survey at the
project site. The exterior and in-
terior of the main house (including attic), sheds and all
stables were all extensively searched.
However, numerous mature trees along the driveway to the
existing house have the potential
to support roosting bats.
The Treelined Avenue had several trees with bat potential
(especially the Lime, Beech, Birch
and Sycamore specimens). The Popular tree species to the west of
the site were also of bat
potential.
4.4.3.2 Activity Survey
The detector picked up frequencies between 25 kHz - 115 kHz,
this frequency range is able
to pick up the calls of Irish bat species, including Lesser
horseshoe bats.
No bats were seen emerging from the house, stables, gatekeepers
lodge or the main Balroy
House. Bat activity around the proposed devlopment site was
moderate to high with an abun-
dance of Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) using
the entire site are, especially the
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northeast corner. Leisler’s Bat (Nyctalus leisleri) were the
next most common species encoun-
tered around the proposed development site, with the more
elusive Nathusius Pipistrelle (Pip-
istrellus nathusii) and Brown Long Eared Bat (Plecotus auratus)
encountered on occasion.
The details of the recording made during the activity surveys
carried out on 19th July 2019 are
summaries in Table 11 below. A full table of result can be found
in Appendix II. Weather con-
ditions during the activity survey on 19th June 2019 were dry
and calm, until approximately
23.28 when it started to rain. Air temperature during the survey
ranged from 19-22 degrees
celsius.
TABLE 11 SUMMARY TABLE OF BAT ACTIVITY SURVEY
Species No. of Recordings
Common Pipistrelle
(Pipistrellus pipistrellus) 86
Leisler’s Bat
(Nyctalus leisleri) 23
Nathusius Pipistrelle
Pipistrellus nathusii 7
Brown Long Eared Bat
(Plecotus auratus) 5
4.4.4 Birds
Results from the breeding bird survey carried out at the project
site on 12th April 2019 are
shown in Table 12 below. A total of 10 bird species were
recorded within the project site during
the breeding bird survey. Of these 10 species, 4 were considered
to be probable breeders, 4
possible breeders and 1 non-breeder. See Appendix I for
explanations of Breeding Evidence
Codes.
TABLE 12. BIRD SPECIES RECORDED WITHIN THE PROJECT SITE DURING
BREEDING BIRD SURVEY AND THEIR ASSOCIATED BREEDING STATUS
CODES.
Species BoCCI1
Status EU Designation
Breeding
Evidence
Code
Breeding Status
Blackbird
(Turdus merula) Green N/A P Probable breeder
Blackcap
(Sylvia atricapilla) Green N/A P Probable breeder
Goldcrest
(Regulus regulus) Amber N/A P Probable breeder
Woodpigeon
(Columba palumbus) Green N/A P Probable breeder
1 Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2014-2019 (Calhoun,
K. and Cummins, S., 2012).
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Wren
(Troglodytes troglodytes) Green N/A P Probable breeder
Blue tit
(Cyanistes caeruleus) Green N/A S Possible breeder
Great tit
(Parus major) Green N/A H Possible breeder
Robin
(Erithacus rubecula) Amber N/A S Possible breeder
Song Thrush
(Turdus philomelos) Green N/A H Possible breeder
Herring Gull
(Larus argentatus) Red N/A F Non-breeding
4.4.5 Fish
4.4.5.1 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) & trout (Salmo
trutta)
There are two species of salmonid associated with freshwater
habitats in Ireland, namely At-
lantic Salmon (Salmo salar) and Brown Trout (Salmo trutta). The
Atlantic salmon is listed as
an Annex II species under the Habitat Directive. There is a
record of brown trout from the
10km grid square O03 from May 2011.
4.4.5.2 Lamprey (Lampetra sp. & Petromyzon marinus)
All three lamprey species recorded in Ireland are listed on
Annex II of the EU Habitats Di-
rective. Lamprey larval burrows are characteristically found at
eddies or backwaters, on the
inside of bends or behind obstructions, where current velocity
is below that of the main stream
and where organic material tends to accumulate (Kelly &
King, 2001). There are no records
for any species of lamprey within either the 10km (O03), 2km
(O03T) or 1km (O0736) grid
squares.
4.4.5.3 European eel (Anguilla anguilla)
European eel are a red listed species and are currently
considered to be the most threatened
fish species in Ireland (King et al. 2011). There is a record of
European eel from the 10km grid
square O03 from May 2011.
The drainage ditch located along the eastern boundary of the
project site has the potential to
ultimately link to the River Liffey.
4.4.6 Amphibians
The common frog (Rana temporaria) is listed under Annex V of the
EU Habitats Directive and
is further protected in Ireland under Wildlife (Amendment) Act
2000. There are records of
common frog and smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) from the
Amphibians and Reptiles of Ire-
land database from 2018 for the 10km grid square O03.
There are no garden ponds or other habitat features considered
to be of value for either com-
mon frog or smooth newt. No individuals of either species or
their spawn/eggs were observed
during site surveys.
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4.4.7 Invertebrates
4.4.7.1 White-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes)
In Ireland, the white-clawed crayfish most commonly occurs in
small and medium-sized lakes,
large rivers, streams and drains, wherever there is sufficient
lime (Reynolds, 2007). The over-
all conservation status of the white-clawed crayfish in Ireland
is inadequate, due to the reduc-
tion in its range and the continuing pressures that it faces
(NPWS, 2013). There are records
for this species within the 10km grid square O03 from the River
Biologists’ Database, with the
most recent record from September 2016.
There are no watercourses or waterbodies located within, or
within close proximity, to the
proposed development site. However, a drainage ditch located
along the eastern boundary of
the project site has the potential to ultimately link to the
River Liffey.
4.4.7.2 Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia)
Marsh Fritillary Butterfly is liste