ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT...and Environmental Management (CIEEM, 2018). 1.1 Quality assurance and...

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

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,


Jim Dowdall,


4.0 Final Donnacha Woods,

Project Ecologist

Muriel Ennis,


Jim Dowdall,


5.0 Final Muriel Ennis,


Jim Dowdall,

Director

Jim Dowdall,

Director

08 October

2019



November 2019 Page ii

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



November 2019 Page iii

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



November 2019 Page iv

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



November 2019 Page 1

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.




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,




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.




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.




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




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




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.




- 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


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



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:


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.




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


the significance of impacts. See Table 3, below.




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


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




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.




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.




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




- [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




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




FIGURE 1. DESIGNATED SITES WITHIN 15KM FROM THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT.




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.




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




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.




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




FIGURE 2. HABITAT MAP OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE.




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


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


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




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


Species

Canadian Fleabane

(Conyza canadensis) O03 02/08/2018


cular Plants 2012-

2020


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


cies

False-acacia

(Robinia pseudoacacia) O03 22/08/2005

Species Data from

the National Vege-

tation Database


Species

Giant Hogweed

(Heracleum mantegazzi-

anum)

O03 30/04/2009 National Invasive

Species Database


cies


Himalayan Honey-

suckle

(Leycesteria formosa)

O03 22/08/2005

Species Data from

the National Vege-

tation Database


Species

Indian Balsam

(Impatiens glandulifera) O03 05/09/2018


cular Plants 2012-

2020


cies


Japanese Knotweed

(Fallopia japonica) O03 10/07/2017


cular Plants 2012-

2020


cies


Least Duckweed

(Lemna minuta) O03 31/12/1999

BSBI tetrad data for

Ireland


Species

Nuttall's Waterweed

(Elodea nuttallii) O03 31/07/2009

National Invasive

Species Database


cies


Rhododendron

(Rhododendron ponti-

cum)

O03 22/08/2005

Species Data from

the National Vege-

tation Database


cies


Russian-vine

(Fallopia baldschuanica) O03 08/05/2014


cular Plants 2012-

2020


Species

Spanish Bluebell

(Hyacinthoides hispan-

ica)

O03 07/05/2016


cular Plants 2012-

2020





Sycamore

(Acer pseudoplatanus) O03 12/05/2018


cular Plants 2012-

2020


Species

Three-cornered Garlic

(Allium triquetrum) O03 15/04/2015


cular Plants 2012-

2020


Species


Traveller's-joy

(Clematis vitalba) O03 22/08/2005

Species Data from

the National Vege-

tation Database


Species

Douglas Fir

(Pseudotsuga menziesii) O03 02/09/2005

Species Data from

the National Vege-

tation Database


Species

Water Fern

(Azolla filiculoides) O03 20/05/2011 Ireland's BioBlitz


Species


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



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






(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



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



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



Eastern Grey Squir-

rel

(Sciurus caro-

linensis)

O03

O03T

11/01/2018

25/05/2008

Mammals of Ireland

2016-2025; Road Kill

Survey



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



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



Sika Deer

(Cervus nippon) O03 31/12/2008

Deer of Ireland Data-

base






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.




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


IV


Daubenton's Bat

(Myotis daubentonii)

O03

O03T

31/08/2014

15/08/2008

National Bat Data-

base of Ireland


IV


Leisler’s Bat

(Nyctalus leisleri)

O03

O03T

05/09/2011

15/08/2008

National Bat Data-

base of Ireland


IV


Nathusius's Pipi-

strelle

(Pipistrellus nathusii)

O03

O03T

12/08/2007

12/08/2007

National Bat Data-

base of Ireland


IV


Natterer's Bat

(Myotis nattereri) O03 30/09/2008

National Bat Data-

base of Ireland


IV


Common Pipistrelle

(Pipistrellus pipistrel-

lus)

O03

O03T

06/06/2013

25/09/2008

National Bat Data-

base of Ireland


IV


Soprano Pipistrelle

(Pipistrellus pyg-

maeus)

O03

O03T

19/08/2013

25/09/2008

National Bat Data-

base of Ireland


IV


Whiskered Bat

(Myotis mystacinus) O03 03/09/2005

National Bat Data-

base of Ireland


IV


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




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).




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.




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

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