Appropriate Assessment on Molerick

The Molerick development proposed to import topsoil onto a field dominated by wet and semi-wet grassland to improve its agricultural productivity. The site in question is near a number of national and internationally designated sites including Mount Hevey Bog Special Area of Conservation (SAC), River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC, River Boyne and River Blackwater Special Protection Area (SPA), Molerick Bog Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Carbury Bog NHA, Black Castle Bog NHA, and Milltown Pass Bog NHA

This proximity to protected and sensitive sites therefore required the development to undergo an Appropriate Assessment Screening report to evaluate how the development may impact these sites (sometimes referred to as Natura 2000 sites).

EcoÉireann was commissioned to undertake both the assessment and an ecological walkover survey (including consultation with data centres and the client) to ascertain, on best available evidence, if there would be a Likely Significant Impact of the development on the Natura 2000 sites within 15km.

The data collected revealed that the protected species likely to be affected by the works were river lamprey, salmon, otter, and King fisher. The potential effect was due to uncontrolled sedimentation of the surrounding water bodies as a result of the works. Our consultants advised that measures should be put in place to protect waterbodies on the site boundary from sedimentation and pollution from works.

With sedimentation control measures in place, the project did not impede the achievement of conservation objectives of the surrounding designated site nor have any cumulative effects detrimental to biodiversity.

EcoÉireann’s flexible approach ensured that our assessment was delivered on time and within budget to enable the client meeting their planning application schedule. This, in combination with the pragmatic ecological solutions recommended to ensure the designated sites remain unaffected by the development, has guaranteed customer satisfaction.

“We have used EcoÉireann on all of our environmental work for the past 6 months. We find the staff very friendly and courteous to deal with and very professional in their approach. EcoÉireann have met and exceeded our expectations on the projects we have used them on and always deliver on time.”

Shane Gill, Chartered Engineer, Planning & Design Team Lead, ORS.