2.1 - Environmental Protection Agency · 2.1.4.3 DEMOGRAPHY Receiving Environment 2.1.4.3.1 The...

Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement

Council are currently co-ordinating a review of the Castlebar

Development Plan. Indicative zoning objectives for the town and

environs have been prepared. The draft plan has not yet been

placed on public display, however the final document will state the

local authority's policies and objectives for land use and

development control and set out objectives for the sole or primary

use of particular areas, for infrastructural and road improvements

and for preserving, improving and extending amenities in

Castlebar. Furthermore, as set out in 2.1.2 above Castlebar has

been designated as a growth centre in the 'Border, Midlands and

Western Region Development Strategy, 2000-2006' and a key

location for inward foreign investment, . In this context, the

proposed expansion of the town's sewerage scheme is a very

significant and important development as it will improve the

drainage capacity of the town and facilitate the positive zoning

and sustainable development of industrial, light industrial,

residential and commercial lands within the town and its environs.

Patrick J. Tobin & Co. Ltd. 55

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2.1.4 Socio-Economic lmpact

2.1.4.1 STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

2.1.4.1.1 This section provides an assessment of the impact of the proposed

development on demography, employment and community aspects of the

catchment area of the scheme.

2.1.4.1.2 The content of this section of the Environmental lrnpact Statement has

been completed in accordance with the relevant provisions set out in the

European Communities (Environmental lmpact Assessment)

(Amendment) Regulations, 1999. These Regulations came into

operation on the 1st May, 1999 and are referred to as S.I. No. 93 of

1999. The purpose of the Regulations is to transpose into Irish law

Directive 971111EC of 3rd March 1997 (OJ No. 7315, 14th March 1997)

relating to environmental impact assessment. The Regulations contain

amendments to the European Communities (Environmental Impact

Assessment) Reguiations 1989-1998, and to provisions relating to

environmental impact assessment in a number of Acts including the Local

Government (Planning and Development) Acts, 1963-1 998.

2.1.4.1.3 This section of the EIS has also been prepared with regard to guidelines

on Environmental lmpact Statements prepared by the Environmental

Protection Agency, and outlined in "Guidelines on the Information to

be contained in Environmental lmpact Statements" and also "Advice

Notes on Current Practice in the Preparation o f Environmental

Impact Statements" both published in 1995. Specifically, this section

follows the "Grouped Format Structure" as indicated in these sources as

follows:

I) The Receiving Environment (Baseline Situation)

A description of the specific environment into which the proposal

will fit, taking account of other developments likely to occur. The

particular aspects of the environment are considered in terms of

their context, character, significance and sensitivity.


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2) The Characteristics of the Proposal

A projection of the specific 'Yoad" on the particular aspects of the

environment, specific to a particular topic, which the proposal would

be likely to generate.

3) The Potential lmpact of the Proposal

a) The potential impact of the proposal comprises a general

description of the possible types of impacts which proposals

of this kind would be likely to produce.

b) This includes a consideration of the "Do Nothing" scenario.

The do-nothing scenario describes the environment as it

would be in the future if no development of any kind was

carried out.

4) Remedial or Reductive Measures

A description of any specific remedial or reductive measures

considered necessary and practicable resulting from the

assessment of potential impacts described at (3a) above.

5) The Predicted lmpact of the Proposal

a) An assessment of the specific direct and indirect impacts of

the proposal arrived at by adding to the receiving environment

(as in (1) above), the loading of the proposal (as in (2) above)

and the remedial or reductive measures (as in (4) above).

The predicted impacts are discussed having regard to their

character, magnitude, duration, consequences and

significance.


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b) A "Worst Case" scenario is also considered. A Worst Case

scenario arises where a development, or its mitigation

measurels, substantially fails.

6) Monitoring

A description of any post development monitoring of effects on the

environment which might be necessary, covering the monitoring

methods, and the agencies responsible for their implementation.

7) Reinstatement

Where required, a description of reinstatement measures and the

agencies responsible for their implementation.

2.1.4.2 CATCHMENT AREA OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

2.1.4.2.1 The existing Castlebar Wastewater Treatment Plant is located at

Knockthomas adjoining the Castlebar River to the north-east of Castlebar

town centre. Due to population and industrial growth in Castlebar in recent

years, Mayo County Council proposes to upgrade and expand the existing

Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme. The Scheme is proposed to

provide adequate drainage capacity and wastewater treatment and

disposal for the town and environs for the medium and long term. The

primary demand for the proposed expanded and upgraded sewerage

scheme infrastructure will be from residential, industrial and commercial

land uses within the catchment area to be serviced by the scheme.

2.1.4.2.2 Drawings prepared by Patrick J. Tobin & Co. Ltd as part of the Castlebar

Environs Sewerage Scheme illustrate the extent and location of proposed

foul sewers and surface water pipelines. The existing Castlebar Sewerage

Scheme currently services and will continue to service lands within

Castlebar Urban District. It is proposed to repair and replace existing

sewers within this area as required. It is also proposed to construct foul

sewers and surface water pipelines on lands within the District Electoral


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Divisions of Castlebar Rural, Breaghwy and Turlough as defined by the

Central Statistics Office.

2.1.4.2.3 Therefore, for the purposes of this socio-economic impact assessment,

Castlebar Urban District, and the District Electoral Divisions of Castlebar

Rural. Breaghwy and Turlough form the catchment area of the proposed

development. County Mayo and State demographic and employment

statistics are also referred to in this section as appropriate for comparison

purposes.

2.1.4.2.4 The boundaries of Castlebar Urban District, Castlebar Rural District and

each DED within the subject catchment area are illustrated on a series of

figures appended to this document.

2.1.4.3 DEMOGRAPHY

Receiving Environment

2.1.4.3.1 The population within the primary catchment area has been determined

using 1986, 1991 and 1996 Census of Population Small Area statistics.

2.1.4.3.2 The existing Castlebar Sewerage Scheme was commissioned in 1976.

The 1979 census of population recorded a contributing population

(Castlebar Urban District) at that time of 6,489 persons. By 1991 this

figure had fallen to 6,073 persons.

2.1.4.3.3 However, recent population statistics reveal a significant turn-around in

these trends as Castlebar Urban District experienced an 8.4% growth in

population between 1991 and 1996 and Castlebar Rural District Electoral

Division (DEED) almost 18% during this same period reflecting the fact that

growth in Castlebar had been developing rapidly on the periphery of the

town between 1991 and 1996. These trends are also well in excess of the

comparable county growth of just 0.7% and the national population

average at 2.3% growth. The proposed development will therefore service

an area where population growth between 1991 and 1996 significantly

exceeded state and county averages. The rates of population change in


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each of these areas for the 1986, 1991 and 1996 census of population are

shown in Table 2.1.2

Table 2.1.2 Population Change at State, County and Local Level

1986-1996

Population Projections

Castlebar Rural

Castlebar Urban

2.1.4.3.4 The 1991 Castlebar Town Development Plan recognised that

approximately 20% of the Castlebar population at that time lived outside

the town boundary and almost all new industry would be located outside

the UDC area. Table 2 of the development plan projected the population

for Castlebar and Environs to grow to 8.089 persons in 1996 and to 8,311

persons in 2001.

Castlebar Rural DED

Breaghwy OED

Turlough DED

2.1.4.3.5 it was a strategic aim of the plan to accommodate a population of 8,500 in

the town and its environs in the year 2001. However, the council's

projected population for 2001 had already been exceeded by 1996 with a

recorded population for the town and its environs of 8,532 persons.


(Source: Central Statistics Office, Census of Population 1986, 1991 and

2,615

1,106

908

2,905

1,177

873

3,420

1,215

909

+ 11 %

+6.4%

- 3.8 %

+ 17.7 %

+ 3.2%

+ 4%

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Projections made for 1991 therefore underestimated the level of

population growth in Castlebar and its surrounding area, reflecting

economic and demographic growth trends at a national level. This

diversion is quite understandable considering the relatively pessimistic

economic and demographic context of that period.

2.1.4.3.6 We have used the ESRl ~ e d i u m Term Review 1999-2005 to estimate

population growth in the catchment area of this development up to 2005.

The ESRI does not estimate population growth beyond this point. Section

5.8 of the ESRl's report provides a forecast of projected population

change for the western region at a rate of 1% per annum between 1995

and 2000, and 0.8% per annum in the period up to 2005. These growth

rates have been applied to the catchment population here. Table 2.1.3

shows the projected population growth for 2000 as the current year and

for 2005.

Patrick J. Tobin & CO. Ltd. 61

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Table 2.1.3 Projected Catchment Population

Catchment Area 1991

Castlebar Urban 6,073

District

Castlebar Rural DED 2,905

Breaghwy DED 1,177

Turlough DED 8 73

Total 11,028

(Source: ESRl Medium Term Review 1999-2005, Central Statistics

Office, Census of Population 1996)

With reference to Table 2.1.3 above, and particularly the growth

experienced over the previous five year inter-censal period, it is

cons~dered that the ESRl's population central forecast at 8% growth

between 1996 and 2005, may be quite conservative, particularly in light

of the designation of Castlebar as a "growth centre" and a key location for

inward foreign investment and also in light of almost 18% growth in the

population of the Castlebar Rural district electoral division between 1991

and 1996.

Notwithstanding this, the projections provide for a sustained level of

population growth in the greater Castlebar area up to 2005. The actual

extent of population growth will depend on numerous factors, including

the supply of houses and the expansion of employment generating land

uses within the urban district and environs areas.


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Age Profile

2.1.4.3.9 Table 2.1.4 below illustrates the age profiles for the catchment hinterland,

Castlebar Rural District and the State for 1996. In the Castlebar Urban

District, 0-14 year olds accounted for 23.3% of the population in 1991

falling to 21.9% in 1996. By comparison, within the Castlebar Rural DED,

0-14 year olds accounted for almost 29% of the population in 1996. This

is notably higher by comparison with the State average.

2.1.4.3.10 Overall, the age profile figures reveal a youthful population within the

immediate hinterland of the proposed development. This will have

implications for employment and residential considerations in the short to

medium term as more young people enter the labour market and also as

more women enter the child-bearing age groups.

Table 2.1.4 Age Profile at State and Local Level, 1996

Castlebar Rural

Castlebar Rural


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Households

2.1.4.3.11 During the period 1986-1996 there has been strong growth in the

formation of new households in Castlebar, reflecting national patterns,

where household formation is progressing at a rate far in excess of

population growth. It is particularly notable that growth in household

formation has been extremely strong within Castlebar Urban District

(34%) and within Castlebar Rural DED (44%) over the 10 year period

between 1986 and 1996. In common with state and county statistics,

average household size within Castlebar Urban D~strict decreased from

3.5 persons in 1991 to 3.2 persons in 1996.

Table 2.1.5 Number of Households at State, County and Local Level,

1986-1 996

Area

% Change Average

1991 1996 1991.1996 Size. 1996

State 1,029,084 1,127,318 + 9.5 % 3.2

Castlebar Rural District 3.883 4,161 + 7.1% 3.3

Castlebar Urban District 1703 2023 + 18.7 % 3.2

Castlebar Rural DED 833 I018 + 22.2 % 3.3

Breaghwy DED 300 334 +11.3% 3.6

Turiough DED 263 273 + 3.8 % 3.3

(Source Central Statistics Office, Small Area Population Statistics. 1986-1996)

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSAL

2.1.4.3.12 The characteristics of this proposal comprise the upgrading and

expansion of the existing Castlebar and Environs Wastewater Treatment

Scheme. The upgrading of this scheme is planned by Mayo County

Council to provide adequate drainage, wastewater treatment and

disposal for the town and environs for the medium to long term. The

proposed development incorporates the expansion of the current


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wastewater treatment works at Knockthomas, which is considered to be

at or beyond its original design capacity. Expansion of the existing

treatment works site is proposed in the first instance. Sewer extensions

are also planned as part of the sewerage scheme together with repairs

and replacement of existing sewers as required. Existing pumping

stations will be upgraded where required and new pumping stations may

also be constructed.

2.1.4.3.13 The works in question will be carried out as a 'Design/Build/Operate'

procurement approach. However several basic design concepts will

directly apply to the development, including :

The upgrading and expansion of the Castlebar Wastewater

Treatment Works will occur at the current Knockthomas site;

The height of individual units on the site will not greatly exceed the

height of standard treatment units which are commonplace on

comparable wastewater treatment works;

Discharge of treated final effluent will be to the Castlebar River at

Knockthomas.

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL

2.1.4.3.14 The proposed extension of the wastewater drainage and treatment

infrastructure will facilitate increased economic development within

Castlebar and Environs and within outlying hinterland areas. The

proposed development contains no residential components. Hence, no

potential direct impacts on the demography of the area are expected to

arise.

2.1.4.3.15 The construction phase of the proposed development should not have

any direct and significant impact on the demography of the hinterland of

the development. It is expected that the workforce required to carry out

the works in question will travel from existing places of residence to

construction areas for the duration of works. No potential direct or


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indirect impact on the structure of households and household size is

anticipated as a consequence of the construction phase of the sewerage

scheme

2.1.4.'3.16 The proposed development will provide additional infrastructural capacity

which will facilitate further residential development in the Castlebar area,

thereby affecting residential population statistics for the town and its

hinterland. The ability, (pursuant to the completion of the upgraded

treatment works) to plan and permit further sustainable residential

development on zoned land constitutes a significant positive impact.

REMEDIAL OR REDUCTIVE MEASURES

2.1.4.3.17 The proposed development is not expected to generate any potential

adverse impacts on population during the course of construction works.

No remedial or reductive measures are therefore required. Similarly, no

remedial or reductive measures are considered necessary once the

development becomes operational as the works will not give rise to any

adverse impacts on population during the operational phase of the

proposed expanded sewerage scheme.

PREDICTED IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL

2.1.4.3.18 During construction, the proposed development is not predicted to have

any likely or significant direct impacts on the demographic structure of the

area. The development in question does not involve the provision of

residential units. Hence, the proposed development is not predicted to

have any likely and significant direct adverse impacts on the

demographic structure of the area on completion.

2.1.4.3.19 The proposed development will facilitate the growth of Castlebar Town

and Environs which at present is restricted due to inadequate wastewater

treatment capacity. It is anticipated that the proposed development will

facilitate a population equivalent of 35.000 to be realised in the short-

term, with 45,000 realised in the long-term.

Patrick J. Tobin 8 Co. Ltd. 66

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2.1.4.3.20 The increases in the population of Castlebar which will be facilitated by

the expanded sewerage scheme will place pressures on existing

services, such that an expansion of community, educational and

commercial services will result. Demand will determine the rate of

increase in these services, and it is expected that they will develop

gradually along with new residential, commercial and industrial

developments.

2.1.4.3.21 The proposed development will also facilitate the growth of employment

opportunities in the town and environs. New employment opportunities

may be availed of by the resident population from the immediate environs

and surrounding hinterland as well as from a wider catchment area. In so

far as the proposed development enhances local employment

opportunities, and in conjunction with other infrastructural improvements,

this will add to the attractiveness of the area as a residential and working

location and contribute to grater economic and social confidence and

stability in the community.

MONITORING

2.1.4.3.22 The main effect of the proposed development will be the increase in

population and the construction of a sizeable number of new housing

units. This will be monitored by the planning authority in the course of

carrying out its normal planning responsibilities and functions. No further

monitoring measures will be required.

REINSTATEMENT

2.1.4.3.23 No reinstatement measures will be required.


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2.1.4.4 EMPLOYMENT

RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

2.1.4:4.1 Reference to the Central Statistics Office's Statistical Volumes over the

past decade record that Persons on the Live Register at Castlebar are at

the lowest level since 1990. Persons signing on to the live register in

Castlebar as the regional centre for the region, has perceptively dropped

since a peak of just over 1200 persons in 1992, to a low of just over 900

persons at the end of 1999. Macro-economic indicators suggest that this

fall in unemployment and corresponding growth in employment is set to

continue in the medium term. With reference to the foregoing, it is clear

that Castlebar, as a key urban centre for Mayo, and the Western Region,

is at the centre of a catchment area experiencing ongoing demographic

change with growth in population and households and a fall in

unemployment. In order to ,best provide an overall picture of the

employment situation of an area, it is necessary to examine three sets of

relevant data, namely; trends in the number of persons at work, levels of

unemployment, and the sectoral composition of existing employment.

2.1.4.4.2 The 1986-1991 inter-censal period witnessed an increase in the total

number of persons at work in the state from 1,091,155 in 1986 to

1 ,I 25,100 persons in 1991, an increase of just over 3 percentage points.

A similar increase occurred within Castlebar Rural District. This growth

was greatly exceeded within the Castlebar Rural DED, Breaghwy DED

and Turlough DED. However, Castlebar Urban District experienced a

slight fall in the number of persons at work during this time of 0.9

percentage points.

2.1.4.4.3 As Table 2.1.6 below illustrates, all study areas recorded substantial

increases in the number of persons at work between 1991 and 1996. The

most significant increases occurred within Castlebar Rural DED which

recorded an increase of some 27.5% in the five year period. Castlebar

Urban District reversed the decline in the number of persons at work

between 1986 and 1991 to record an increase in the next five years of

25.7%.


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Table 2.1.6 Number of People At Work at State, County and Local

Level 1986,1991 and 1996

Area 1986

State (000) 1,091,155

Mayo County 33,287

Castlebar Rural District 4,322

Castlebar Urban District 1,886

Castlebar Rural DED 923

Breaghwy DED 342

Turlough DED 280

Source: Central Statistics Office, Small Area Population Statistics, 1986-1996

2.1.4.4.4 Table 2.1.7 below sets out the 1996 census data for the social class

composition of both the State and the hinterlands of the subject

development. The social classes encompassed within social classes 1

and 2 approximate to higher and lower professionallmanagerial

employment, including electronic and electrical engineering. According

to the 1996 census of population, 21.7% of the population of County

Mayo was categorised into these two classes. The equivalent

percentage for Castlebar Rural DED was significantly higher at 35.4%

while the percentage figure for the state was lower at 27.2%.

2.1.4.4.5 Typical employment within social classes 5 and 6 include semi-skilled

and un-skilled manual labour and services employment. The proportion

of the population of the state within these social classes was recorded at

21.3%. The equivalent percentage for Castlebar Rural DED was

considerably lower at 16.5%.

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Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental impact Statement

--

Table 2.1.7 Social Class Composition at State, County and Local

Level, 1996

Area

State

I 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total Persons

% % % Y o % % %

5.3 21.9 18.4 20.4 12.8 8.5 12.4 3,626,087

Mayo County 3.1 18.6 17.0 22.5 16.0 9.0 13.5 111,524

Castlebar Rural District 3.6 23.5 19.1 22.8 13.6 8.2 8.8 13920

Castlebar Urban District 6.2 23.9 17.8 14.2 10.5 5.5 21.6 6585

Castlebar Rural OED 6.7 28.7 21.1 18.8 11.3 5.2 7.9 3420

Breaghwy DED 5 30.5 20.9 19.4 10.7 5.7 7.5 1215

Turlough OED 4.7 24.2 22.5 21.6 11.9 8.8 5.9 909

Source: Central Statistics Office, Smali Area Population Statistics, 1996

2.1.4.4.6 The level of unemployment in the vicinity of the proposed development is

notably lower than the county and state averages. An analysis of Census

data for the period 1991-1996 indicates a declining rate of unemployment

at State, County and local level. A possible explanation for this drop in

the unemployment rate is due to the high level of economic development

over the last decade, primarily centred in urban areas, as well as

improved access to education.

2.1.4.4.7 Table 2.1.8 below illustrates the proportion of the 1996 population aged

15 years and over classified as'unemployed within the catchment area of

the proposed development. All subject DED's within the catchment

record lower unemployment levels that the county and state averages of

just over 8%.


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Castiebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental impact Statement

Table 2.18 Proportion of the 1996 15+ Population Classified 'At

Work', 'Unemployed' or 'Student'

Area At Work % Unemployed %Students

State 1,307,236 8.1 % 12.2 %

Mayo County 84,086 8.4 % 11.5 %

Castlebar Rural District 5,058 5.5 % 13.3 %

Castlebar Urban District 2.351 6.3 % 10.5 %

Castlebar Rural DED 1,333 5.0 % 12.9 %

Breaghwy DED 447 4.2 % 16 %

Turlough DED 328 5.4 % 13.4 %

Source: Central Statistics Office, Small Area Population Statistics, 1996


2.1.4.4.8 The proposed development comprises the upgrade and expansion of the

existing Castiebar Environs Sewerage Scheme. The works in question

will include the expansion of the existing wastewater treatment plant at

Knockthomas and the laying of foul sewers and surface water pipelines

within the Castlebar Environs area and in further outlying areas.


2.1.4.4.9 The construction phase of the development will generate construction

employment as well as jobs in support industries such as building

suppliers and local retailers. Once operational, two or three additional

jobs will be created at the treatment works. The proposed development

will facilitate the development of employment generating enterprises

within the catchment area to be serviced by the upgraded treatment

works.

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2.1.4.4.10 The proposed upgrade and expansion of the Castlebar Environs

Wastewater Treatment Works will increase drainage capacity in

Castlebar Town, its environs and additional hinterland areas. This will

facilitate industrial, light industrial and residential development within the

town and environs. New employment opportunities are likely to arise

from new industry and also from an increased demand for goods and

services generated by increased populations in Castlebar. The principal

economic benefit of this proposal relates to its function as a catalyst

enabling further developments to be commenced and completed.


2.1.4.4.1 1 The proposed development, if allowed to proceed, would be beneficial in

employment terms and no remedial or reductive measures are therefore

necessary.


2.1.4.4.12 The increased capacity of the treatment works will encourage economic

development on zoned industrial land within Castlebar and Environs.

2.1.4.4.13 The increased population of the town and environs, which will also be

facilitated by the upgraded and expanded wastewater treatment

infrastructure, is likely to generate increased demand within the town for

goods and services, thereby creating a sustainable basis for new service

and retail jobs.

2.1.4.4.14 Thus, the proposed development will encourage the growth of a range of

job types to include managerial, professional and skilled manual labour in

new industrial development and retail and personal service sector

employment due to the increase in population likely to arise.

p~ -

Patrick J, Tobin & Co. Ltd. 72

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MONITORING

2.1.4.4.15 As the likely socio-economic impacts will be entirely beneficial, no

monitoring will be required.

REINSTATEMENT

2.1.4.4.16 No reinstatement measures will be required.


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2.1.4.5 COMMUNITY IMPACTS

RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

2.1.4.5.1 The demographic and employment aspects of the local community in

Castlebar have been discussed above. However, other aspects of the

local community are also of relevance to this assessment. There are

three principal elements to the local community : the resident community.

the working community and the visiting community.

The Resident Community

2.1.4.5.2 As recorded above, the population of Castlebar Urban District grew by

8.4 %, while the population of the Castlebar Rural DED increased by

almost 18% between 1991 and 1996, demonstrating population growth

on the periphery of the town.

2.1.4.5.3 Almost 980h of the population of the Castlebar Rural DED in 1996 was

recorded as resident in a 'conventional house' as defined by the Central

Statistics Office, while the corresponding figure for Castlebar Urban

District was 80%.

2.1.4.5.4 Land use in the vicinity of the existing treatment works site to the north,

north-west and north-east is agricultural in nature. To the west and south-

west, the treatment works site is bounded generally by existing and under

construction residential development which takes the form of two-storey,

detached, semi-detached and terraced housing. To the south the site is

bounded immediately by the Castlebar River, which in turn, is also

overlooked by residential development.


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The Working Community

2.1.4.5.5 Castlebar is the second largest town in County Mayo and is the

administrative centre for the county. In the regional context, the 1991

town development plan records that Castlebar forms a second tier centre

in the regional settlement hierarchy to Galway City. The 1996 census of

population provides the most up to date data on the composition of the

working community within Castlebar and Environs and throughout

outlying district electoral divisions.

2.1.4.5.6 This source of information recorded that 9% of the working population of

Castlebar and Environs was employed within manufacturing industries in

1996 while some 57% of the working population was employed in the

categories of commerce, insurance, finance, business services, public

administration and professional services combined. Castlebar is also the

largest retailing centre within the county, all of which reflects the town's

primary function as the main services centre for County Mayo, as well as

the market, administrative and service centre for a large agricultural

hinterland.

The Visiting Community

2.1.4.5.7 The Castlebar Development Plan, 1991 records that the tourist trade in

Castlebar is under-developed with more than half of all tourists to the

town returning as emigrants to their place of origin.

2.1.4.5.8 Both the Central Statistics Office and Bord Failte compile statistics of

overseas visitors to Ireland on a regional and county basis. However,

there are no statistics available on a more local basis. Notwithstanding

this, it is fair to state that a substantial number of people travel into

Castlebar each day to access and visit commercial, retail, cultural, tourist

and leisure-related attractions and establishments within the area.


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2.1.4.5.9 The proposed development comprises the construction of the Castlebar

Environs Sewerage Scheme involving the expansion and upgrade of the

existing wastewater treatment works and the extension of drainage

pipelines throughout Castlebar Environs and outlying areas. The design of

the scheme envisages the construction of sewer lengths as illustrated on

Drawing No. 002040/11/.. 'Layout Plan' of the Castlebar Environs

Sewerage Scheme prepared by Patrick J. Tobin & Co. Ltd. and a

separate system of foul waste and stormlsurface water pipelines.

2.1.4.5.10 The works in question will be carried out as a 'DesignlBuiIdlOperate'

procurement approach. Several basic design concepts will directly apply

to the development. Those which are relevant to this section of the €IS

include the following :

. The upgrading and expansion of the Castlebar Wastewater

Treatment Works will occur at the current Knockthomas site; . The construction of foul sewers, surface water pipelines, foul rising

mains, pumping stations and associated infrastructure will occur

generally along public roadways adjoining single dwellings and within

existing housing estates, adjoining industrial, light industrial and

manufacturing facilities, and adjoining commercial, retail, tourism,

sports and leisure facilities leading to Castlebar town centre as well

as within the commercial core of the town.

2.1.4.5.1 1 Therefore in addition to works at the existing treatment works site, there

are elements of the subject development which can be characterised as

'linear' in nature. The construction of any linear project has different

characteristics to that of a contained site development in that work would

commence at one point and progress in stages along defined route

sections. In this way, as construction work progresses along the route.

different activities will occur at different places at different times. In order

to complete the sewerage wsrks scheme, construction activities may

commence simultaneously at a number of locations. A detailed

programme and schedule of works will be developed prior to the

commencement of work and is dependent on detailed design work and


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finalisation of work methodology with the appointed contractor.

Notwithstanding this, typical construction related activities which would be

undertaken along the routes of the proposed pipelines would include site

preparation and excavation, installation of pipelines and finishing to

surfaces.


2.1.4.5.12 Temporary construction works for the sewerage scheme would have the

potential to generate temporary disturbance and inconvenience during

the construction phase for residents in the vicinity of construction areas,

for the working community situated within premises in the immediate

vicinity of construction sites, for people visiting Castlebar and for people

travelling close to construction sites on foot, bicycle, private vehicular or

public transport. Impacts will be limited to the temporary construction

period of the development.

2.1.4.5.13 Construction works would have the potential to impact on existing road

users, on people at work in close proximity to construction sites and on

visitors to the area. Disruption to existing traffic flows will potentially

impact upon private and public transport journeys by the resident,

working and visitor communities. The potential impact on traffic is dealt

with elsewhere in this EIS.

2.1.4.5.14 Temporary local impacts may also arise for the local resident, working

and visitor communities due to increased noise and increased dirt and

dust generated during the construction phase.


2.1.4.5.15 The principal remedial measures required to minimise the potential

impacts on the local resident, working and visiting communities during

the construction phase relate to the application of appropriate methods of

construction and appropriate hours of operation. With respect to the

possible adverse impacts associated with dirt and dust generation arising

from the construction works generally, a number of measures would be

Patrick J. Tobin 8 CO. Ltd. 77

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implemented including where necessary, the spraying of exposed soil

with water in dry, windy weather to control dust. With respect to noise, it

is recommended that construction plant and equipment comply with

British standards and EU Regulations as appropriate.

2.1.4.5.16 Appropriate information and management procedures should also be put

in place before and during the construction phase to cater for the

resident, working and visitor communities. Traffic management

measures will be decided and implemented by Mayo County Council in

consultation with the relevant statutory agencies. Local residents and

business operators should be consulted with regard to the

implementation of necessary traffic management measures.


2.1.4.5.17 The construction phase of the proposed sewerage scheme will generally

result in inconvenience primarily for the residential and working

communities located along the routes of proposed sewer pipelines, in the

vicinity of proposed pumping stations and in the vicinity of the existing

sewerage treatment works at Knockthomas. The impacts would be

temporary and short-term in duration. It is not considered that these will

be significant.

2.1.4.5.18 The principal impacts will be an increase in daytime noise levels locally,

albeit within statutory limits, and the impacts of such factors as dirt and

dust generation and heavy vehicular construction traffic. However, the

implementation of appropriate mitigation measures and adherence to a

construction programme and associated management of works

procedures will ensure that this inconvenience is minimised. The

adverse impact of the construction of the scheme will be less acute for

residents located distant of works sites.

2.1.4.5.19 It is predicted that people who visit the town during the general

construction phase will experience inconvenience. This impact is not

predicted to be significant.

Patrick J. Tobin & Co. Lid. 78

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~p

2.1.4.5.20 It is likely that during construction, additional congestion and time delays

will be incurred at certain periods. This impact will be mitigated somewhat

by the undertaking of appropriate management measures as proposed

under Remedial or Reductive Measures. The impact on traffic is dealt

with elsewhere in this E.I.S.

'Worst Case' Scenario

2.1.4.5.21 The worst case scenario for the residential, working and visiting

communities of the area would occur if the construction was unduly

lengthened. This would significantly increase the general disturbance and

inconvenience, delays etc. during this period and would substantially

increase the perceived adverse impact of inconvenience. The

implementation of remedial or reductive measures shall ensure that the

predicted impacts of the construction phase would not be exacerbated.

MONITORING

2.1.4.5.22 The application of appropriate information and management measures

during construction of the scheme will be undertaken and review of these

measures will occur.

REINSTATEMENT

2.1.4.5.23 No reinstatement measures are required.


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