Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Screening Report
for the
proposed
August 2015
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Project Background and Summary of Findings ...................................... 3
1.2 Legislative Context ................................................................................. 3
1.3 Site Location........................................................................................... 4
1.4 Environmental Factors to be considered in the EIA screening ................... 6
2. EIA Screening .............................................................................................. 6
2.1 Project Description ................................................................................. 6
2.2 Overview of potential impacts on environmental sensitivities ................. 7
2.2.1 Human Beings and Material Assets ................................................. 7
2.3. Biodiversity: Flora and Fauna ............................................................ 7
2.4. Soil and geology ................................................................................ 9
2.5. Hydrogeology and Hydrology ................................................................ 9
2.5.1. Hydrogeology .................................................................................. 9
2.5.2 Hydrology....................................................................................... 11
2.6. Air/Climatic factors .............................................................................. 11
2.7. Landscape ........................................................................................... 12
2.8. Architectural and Archaeological heritage and Cultural Heritage ........ 13
2.9. Flood Risk and Management............................................................... 13
2.10. The interrelationship between the environmental topics .................... 13
3.0 Significance Evaluation Checklist ............................................................ 14
4.0 EIA sub-threshold screening .................................................................... 16
Appendix A - Photographs ............................................................................. 21
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1. Introduction
1.1 Project Background and Summary of Findings
This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening report has been prepared to
consider the potential for significant environmental impact from a proposed amenity
trail between Blennerville Bridge and Denny Street Tralee, Co Kerry and which will
include improvement works to the existing canal amenity pathway. This report seeks
to identify the legal requirement or otherwise for an Environmental Impact
Assessment for the project.
The project under assessment is detailed in the accompanying engineers’ report and
project description below but briefly includes the following:
Once operational, the canal pathway will return to its current recreational use, albeit
with increased popularity. The new pathways will function as shared surface
recreational trails. It is considered that the project provides adequate and standard
safeguards as inherent components of the overall project so as to ensure that
significant risks to the environment are not likely to occur.
The Directive outlines in Article 4(1) 21 Annex 1 projects that require a mandatory
EIA. Article 4 (2) outlines Annex 2 projects that require consideration for EIA further
to a case by case examination or through thresholds and criteria set out by Member
states. In an Irish context, projects requiring a mandatory EIA or consideration for
EIA further to a case by case examination or thresholds are listed in Schedule 5, of
the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended. In the case of
developments which are under the relevant EIA threshold planning authorities are
required under article 103 of the Regulations to request an EIS where it considers
that the proposed development is likely to have significant environmental effects. In
such cases the significant effects of the project on the environment are assessed
relative to criteria outlined in Schedule 7 of the Regulations, namely the project’s
characteristics, sensitivity of the project location and characteristics of potential
impacts. More specifically, section 50 of the Roads Act, 1993 to 2007 (as amended)
and Article 8 of the Roads Regulations, 1994 outline the legislative requirements that
determine whether an EIA is mandatory for a proposed road development.
This report relates to the screening for an EIA of the proposed amenity trail works
from Blennerville to Denny St, Tralee. In accordance with the EIA Directive and
transposed national legislation this proposal is considered to be a sub-threshold
project. Therefore the project will be screened in order to determine if there is likely
to be significant effects on the environment from the implementation of the project.
This report is written in accordance with guidelines provided in:
4
Above: Development proposals
Tralee to
Blennerville
Canal
Canal Basin
Existing Canal
Walk/Towpath
Canal
Blennerville
Bridge
5
1.4 Environmental Factors to be considered in the EIA
screening
Schedule 6 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as amended outline
the information to be contained in an EIS: this include aspects of the environment
likely to be significantly affected by the proposed development:
• Human beings,
• Fauna and flora,
• Soil,
• Water,
• Air/climatic factors,
• The landscape,
• Material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage and
the cultural heritage,
• The inter-relationship between the above factors.
2. EIA Screening
2.1 Project Description
Full details in relation to the construction aspects of the proposal are contained in the
accompanying engineers report. These include:-
Works will be generally be confined to Monday to Friday 08.15 to 17.15 i.e. normal
working and daylight hours. It is envisaged that works along the canal section will
generally be completed within a 4 week timeframe with less intensive works (edging)
occurring over an 8 week period. It is envisaged that construction works will involve I
JCB, 1 Grader, 1 Dumper , ½ Trucks.
Once operational, the canal pathway will return to its current recreational use, albeit
with increased popularity. It is envisaged that this proposal will increase the
recreational appeal of the Town Park and Riverside Walks by way of increased
accessibility and connectivity. The potential of the above proposal to significantly
effect the environment will be assessed below relative to the following environmental
factors: human beings; biodiversity/fauna and flora; geology (soil);
hydrology/hydrogeology (water); air; climatic factors; landscape; material assets, and
cultural heritage including the architectural and archaeological heritage. The inter-
relationship between all these factors will also be considered.
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2.2 Overview of potential impacts on environmental
sensitivities
The potential for the development to significantly affect Natura 2000 sites is
addressed in detail in the Habitats Directive Assessment, Appropriate Assessment
Screening report accompanying the project. Briefly the HDA screening report
determined that the proposed works are unlikely to significantly affect Natura 2000
sites. A stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is not required.
Most species of Irish bat are known to feed and commute along linear features such
as railway lines, roads and lanes, field boundaries and woodland edge habitats.
Accordingly bats are likely to utilise the area.
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The review of existing records of bat species in the area of the proposed route
redevelopment revealed that seven of the ten known Irish species have been
observed within a 10km radius of the study site. These include common Pipistrellus
pipistrellus and soprano P. pygmaeus pipistrelle, Leisler’s Nyctalus leisleri, brown
long-eared Plecotus auritus, Daubenton’s Myotis daubentonii, Natterer’s M. Nattereri
and lesser horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros bats.
This proposal will not result in loss of habitat for bats, given that adjoining
hedgerows, tree lines and scrub habitats are to be retained and given the restricted
nature of the lighting proposals (no spillage onto hedgerows or onto the canal).
Furthermore as it is possible to program the lights to fully switch off after a desired
time, any impacts associated with lighting can be easily reversed.
Project Site
Location
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2.4. Soil and geology
The project site is underlain by Dinantian Pure Unbedded Limestone. The soil is
classified as made ground, bedrock and soil classifications are shown in maps 4-5
below1.
1
http://spatial.dcenr.gov.ie
2
http://spatial.dcenr.gov.ie
3
http://watermaps.wfdireland.ie/
9
Above: Aquifer productivity in the vicinity of the works
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2.5.2 Hydrology
The inner Tralee Estuary is at risk of not achieving good status but this does not
include either the canal or the pond to the north of the canal. This pond has a WFD
score of ‘strongly expected to achieve good status’. The nature of this proposal is
such that it is unlikely to impact on the status of these.
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2.7. Landscape
The development site links the urban landscape of Tralee Town, with the more rural
setting of its hinterland and Blennerville. Along the canal, the pathway is located on
amenity / open space zoned lands, which are also identified as a proposed cycleway
in the Tralee Town Development Plan. As such this was assessed as part of the
Tralee Town Plan review and supporting Strategic Environmental Assessment
processes. The proposed alterations to the canal amenity path finishes, which
include replacement of the gravel finish with tarmacadam and a reduction in the
extent of the grassy verge will have a visual impact and will be more urban in
character. However it is considered that this alteration will be acceptable at this
location, particularly given the man made nature of the canal and its towpath. It is
considered that the impact is not likely to be significant and will soften over time.
Elsewhere the trail passes through a number of land use zonings, including leisure
and tourism related. It is considered that this proposal conforms with those land use
plan zonings and objectives. The canal amenity trail is already an established feature
in the landscape, while the nearby N86 roadway which runs parallel is provided with
public lighting. Therefore the proposed improvements will not look out of place or be
an obtrusive feature in the landscape. Similarly it is considered that the propose new
section of the amenity path can be accommodated into the landscape at this location.
The disused railway bridge forms part of the towns transport heritage and the
proposed use of this structure and the opening up of views of it is to be welcomed. It
is considered that a trail can be accommodated within the woodland parkland setting
in a visually satisfactory manner.
Overall having regard to the nature, scale and location of the works it is considered
that there will be no adverse impact on landscape, but rather the proposed project
will be a positive feature within the urban setting.
Above: Tralee Town Development Plan land use zonings in the area
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Project Site
Location
Above: Kerry County Development Plan amenity designations in the wider area
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3.0 Significance Evaluation Checklist
Having considered the above environmental factors, the aim of the next section is to
evaluate the significance of impacts if any on the environment, by the implementation
of the proposed development. The checklist of criteria for evaluating the significance
of environmental effects as set out in S5.39 of the Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) Guidance for Consent Authorities regarding Sub-threshold Development
(DEHLG, 2003), will be utilised in this regard.
Questions to be considered
1. Will there be a large change in No – the proposal is a small scale
environmental conditions? infrastructural project largely within an urban
setting.
2. Will new features be out-of-scale No –path surface and lighting are consistent
with the existing environment? with what would be expected for amenity
pathways of this type and within an urban /
suburban environment. The existing
environment along the canal, while attractive is
a highly modified one located on its tow path.
The proposals are similar to other such
projects carried out in the area in recent times
(e.g. Tralee Greenway).
3. Will the effect be particularly No
complex?
4. Will the effect extend over a The canal path to be upgraded is approx
large area? 1.5Km in length but will provide an improved
recreational amenity to all living or visiting
Tralee or Blennerville. The new trail section is
approx a further 1.5Km and will link the canal
trail with the town park and riverside walks.
5. Will there be any potential for No
transfrontier impact?
6. Will many people be affected? People will be positively affected by these
proposals by way of the provision of an
improved recreational resource.
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8. Will valuable or scarce features No
or resources be affected?
9. Is there a risk that environmental Low risk to water quality at construction stage
standards will be breached?
10. Is there a risk that protected Otter use of the adjoining canal and pond /
sites, areas, features will be wetland area, which makes up a small portion
affected? of the Tralee Bay SAC could be impacted by
way of disturbance associated with increased
recreational pressure. However it is noted that
an AA Screening Report has concluded that
Natura 2000 sites are not likely to be
significantly impacted.
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4.0 EIA sub-threshold screening
Having considered the environmental factors and potential impacts in Sections 2 and
3, the aim of the next section is to assess the proposed project relative to the criteria
set out in Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as
amended. This will help determine whether or not the proposed project is likely to
have a significant effect on the environment.
Criteria for determining whether the project would or would not be likely to
have a significant effect on the environment
1. Characteristics of development
Size The overall length of the pathway is approx 3Km, with a
maximum width of 3m and will accommodate cyclists and
pedestrians. As part of this 1.5Km of the existing canal
pathway is to be upgraded.
Accumulative impacts There are preliminary future plans for a pathway along the
with other developments extent of the Tralee-Fenit railway line, to carry out
/ projects improvements to the pathway linking Bleenerville with the
Spa village and to provide a pathway linking Tralee with
Ballyseedy Woods. There are also further proposals to
improve cyclist and pedestrian facilities in Tralee Town.
The biggest potential for impact relates to recreational
disturbance to sensitive species associated with Tralee
Bay.
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2. Location of Proposed Development
Existing land use Predominantly amenity (canal towpath, open space
associated with Aquadome, Town park, Siamsa tire). The
site also passes through a residential area and an area
with overgrown / unmanaged scrub type vegetation.
Previous land use Canal Towpath (transport)
Relative abundance, This is a relatively small-scale development project which
quality and regenerative will require a limited amount of natural resources
capacity of natural associated with the construction phase.
resources in the area
The existing o Wetlands: Wetlands are located in the area,
environment and associated with Tralee Bay, most notably a pond /
absorption capacity of wetland areas to the north of the towpath and the
the natural environment, canal to the south of the Towpath. Saltmarshes are
paying particular also located in the inner estuary.
attention to the following o Coastal Zone: This proposal is located within the
areas: coastal zone associated with Tralee Bay.
o Wetlands o Mountain and forest areas: Mountains and forests are
o Coastal zones located in the wider area (Slieve Mish and Stack Mts,
o Mountain and Ballyseedy Woods).
forest areas o Nature reserves and parks: The proposal is located in
o Nature reserves close proximity to the Tralee Bay Nature Reserve and
and parks wetlands. A town park is located in Tralee.
o Natura 2000 o Natura 2000 sites: The proposed works are in part
sites located within the Tralee Bay and Magharees
o Areas in which Peninsula West Cloghane cSAC (Site Code 002070)
environmental quality and in close proximity to the Tralee Bay Complex
standards laid down by pSPA (Site Code 004188).
the EU have already o Areas in which environmental quality standards laid
been exceeded down by the EU have already been exceeded: None
o Densely o Densely populated areas: Tralee Town, the main
populated areas county town in Kerry is located to the immediate
o Landscape of vicinity.
historical, cultural or o Landscape of historical, cultural or archaeological
archaeological significance: No known areas of archaeological
significance potential will be impacted upon. The proposal is in
part located on lands zoned for open space / amenity
purposes in the current Town Development Plan for
the area.
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positive, particularly in respect of impacts on human
beings and material assets as a consequence of the
provision of the upgraded amenity pathway network and
condition. This project will provide an alternative off road
path for vulnerable road users, cyclists and pedestrians
and improve connectivity to and accessibility between the
town centre, Blennerville, the trail network and key tourist
attractions.
This proposal will not result in loss of key habitat for bats,
given that adjoining hedgerows and tree lines are to be
retained and given the restricted nature of the lighting
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proposals (no spillage onto hedgerows or onto the canal).
Landscape
Loss of grassy verge type vegetation along the canal
towpath and surface upgrade from gravel to tarmacadam
is likely to have a localised slight to moderate negative
visual impact, which will reduce over time. The proposed
surface finish is consistent with other such pathway
finishes in the town, while the canal and its towpath are
very much man-made features in the landscape.
Elsewhere the trail extension works will open up new
vistas and landscapes for people to enjoy. Overall no
significant impacts are considered to be likely.
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project works.
Having regard to the above, and in particular to the nature, scale and location of the
proposed project, by itself and in combination with other plans and projects, it is
considered that an EIA is not required in this instance.
Date: 18/08/2015 .
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Appendix A - Photographs
Above: Existing canal path near Blennerville Bridge looking east. Note N86 to south of
canal.
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Above: Existing canal path near Tralee town looking towards the Anchorage Apartment
complex and the Canal basin.
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