12
Appendix B
HDA Screening Report
rpsgroup.com/ireland
DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET
Client: Port of Cork
Project Title: Cobh Cruise Terminal Upgrade
Document Title: Habitats Directive Assessment - Screening Statement
Document No: D01
This Document Comprises:
DCS TOC Text No. of
Appendices List of Figures
List of Tables
1 1 39 2 3 3
Rev Status Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By Office of Origin Issue Date
V01 Working
Draft D.
McDonnell S. Downes Limerick
V02 1
st Draft for
preliminary review
D. McDonnell
S. Downes M. McConnell Limerick 15.05.2014
V03 Final Draft S. Downes R. Barr M. McConnell Limerick 22.07.2014
Port of Cork
Cobh Cruise Terminal Upgrade
Habitats Directive Assessment Screening Statement
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................... III
1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR HABITATS DIRECTIVE ASSESSMENT .................................................... 1
1.1.1 Legislative context ............................................................................................ 1
1.1.2 Guidance for Appropriate Assessment Reporting ............................................ 2
1.1.3 Additional Legislation in Relation to Designated Conservation Sites............... 3
1.2 THE APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT PROCESS ..................................................................... 4
1.2.1 Overview of Screening Methodology................................................................ 5
2 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING OF THE PROJECT ......................................... 6
2.1 PROJECT SETTING AND BACKGROUND ............................................................................. 6
2.1.1 Site Location ..................................................................................................... 6
2.1.2 Description of the project .................................................................................. 8
2.1.3 Desk Study and Consultation ......................................................................... 10
2.2 SCREENING OF THE NATURA 2000 SITES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA .................................. 10
2.2.1 Identification of Natura 2000 sites with the study area .................................. 10
2.2.2 Description of the Natura 2000 sites potentially affected by the project ........ 11
2.3 IMPACT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ..................................................................................... 17
2.3.1 Potential Direct Impacts Affecting Natura 2000 Designations ....................... 18
2.3.2 Potential Indirect Impacts Affecting Natura 2000 Designations ..................... 18
2.3.3 Potential Cumulative or In-Combination Impacts Affecting Natura 2000
Designations ................................................................................................... 20
3 SCREENING CONCLUSION STATEMENT ............................................................................ 24
4 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 26
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: Project Drawings
APPENDIX B: Natura 2000 Site Synopses
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2.1 Location of the proposed project at Cobh, Co. Cork ................................................................. 7
Figure 2.2 Location and layout of the proposed works at the Cobh Cruise Terminal, Cobh, Co. Cork. .... 9
Figure 2.3 Natura 2000 sites located within a 15km radius of the Cobh Cruise Berth Upgrade project .. 16
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1 Summary of the conservation status of the Annex I habitats for which the Great Island Channel SAC (Site Code 001058) is designated. .................................................................................... 13
Table 2.1 Potential Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Impacts from the proposed development affecting Natura 2000 Sites ...................................................................................................................... 23
Table 3.1 Summary of significance of effects arising from the proposed works with regard to the Natura 2000 sites potentially affected. ................................................................................................................. 24
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS
Appropriate Assessment: An assessment of the effects of a plan or project on the Natura 2000
network. The Natura 2000 network comprises Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive,
Special Areas of Conservation under the Habitats Directive and Ramsar sites designated under the
Ramsar Convention.
Biodiversity: Word commonly used for biological diversity and defined as assemblage of living
organisms from all habitats including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the
ecological complexes of which they are part.
Birds Directive: Council Directive of 2nd April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC).
Geographical Information System (GIS): A GIS is a computer-based system for capturing, storing,
checking, integrating, manipulating, analysing and displaying data that are spatially referenced.
Habitats Directive: European Community Directive (92/43/EEC) on the Conservation of Natural
Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna and the transposing Irish regulations (The European Union
(Natural Habitats) Regulations, SI 94/1997 as amended). It establishes a system to protect certain
fauna, flora and habitats deemed to be of European conservation importance.
Mitigation measures: Measures to avoid/prevent, minimise/reduce, or as fully as possible,
offset/compensate for any significant adverse effects on the environment, as a result of implementing a
plan or project.
Natura 2000: European network of protected sites, which represent areas of the highest value for
natural habitats and species of plants and animals, which are rare, endangered or vulnerable in the
European Community. The Natura 2000 network will include two types of area. Areas may be
designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) where they support rare, endangered or vulnerable
natural habitats and species of plants or animals (other than birds). Where areas support significant
numbers of wild birds and their habitats, they may become Special Protection Areas (SPA). SACs are
designated under the Habitats Directive and SPAs are classified under the Birds Directive. Some very
important areas may become both SAC and SPA.
Scoping: the process of deciding the content and level of detail of an AA, including the key
environmental issues, likely significant environmental effects and alternatives which need to be
considered, the assessment methods to be employed, and the structure and contents of the Natura
Impact Statement.
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Screening: The determination of whether implementation of a plan or project would be likely to have
significant environmental effects on the Natura 2000 network.
Significant effects: Effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population,
human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including
architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above
factors.
Special Area for Conservation (SAC) / Candidate Special Area for Conservation (cSAC): A SAC
designation is an internationally important site, protected for its habitats and species. It is designated, as
required, under the EC Habitats Directive (1992). A cSAC is a candidate site, but is afforded the same
status as a ‘European Site’ as if it were confirmed.
Special Protection Area (SPA) / proposed Special Protection Area (pSPA): A SPA is a site of
international importance for breeding, feeding and roosting habitat for bird species. It is designated, as
required, under the EC Birds Directive (1979).
Statutory Instrument: Any order, regulation, rule, scheme or byelaw made in exercise of a power
conferred by statute.
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR HABITATS DIRECTIVE ASSESSMENT
With the introduction of the Birds Directive in 1979 and the Habitats Directive in 1992 came
the obligation to establish the Natura 2000 network of sites of highest biodiversity importance
for rare and threatened habitats and species across the EU. In Ireland, the Natura 2000
network of European sites comprises Special Areas of Conservation (SACs, including
candidate SACs), and Special Protection Areas (SPAs, including proposed SPAs). SACs are
selected for the conservation of Annex I habitats (including priority types which are in danger
of disappearance) and Annex II species (other than birds). SPAs are selected for the
conservation of Annex I birds and other regularly occurring migratory birds and their habitats.
The annexed habitats and species for which each site is selected correspond to the qualifying
interests of the sites; from these the conservation objectives of the site are derived.
A key protection mechanism is the requirement to consider the possible nature conservation
implications of any plan or project on the Natura 2000 site network before any decision is
made to allow that plan or project to proceed.
Not only is every new plan or project captured by this requirement but each plan or project,
when being considered for approval at any stage, must take into consideration the possible
effects it may have in-combination with other plans and projects when going through the
process known as Appropriate Assessment (abbreviated in this document to AA). All
developments that require a planning permission process, public developments carried out by
Local Authorities, material contravention proposals and Exempted Development applications
within a Natura site, or which could potentially have a significant effect on Natura 2000 site,
are subject to AA.
1.1.1 Legislative context
Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC require an Appropriate Assessment
of plans or projects to prevent significant adverse effects on Natura 2000 sites.
Article 6(3) Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management
of the site but likely to have a significant effect there on either individually or in-combination
with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for
the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the
assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the
competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained
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that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and if appropriate, after
having obtained the opinion of the general public.
Article 6(4) If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the
absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for
imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of social or economic nature,
the Member State shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall
coherence of the Nature 2000 site is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the
compensatory measures adopted.
The purpose of AA is for the competent authority to assess whether the proposed Cobh
Cruise Berth will adversely affect the integrity of any Natura 2000 sites. It should be
highlighted at this stage in the process that an application under Article 6(4) is highly unlikely
given the overall design of the project has been undertaken in such a way as to avoid any
construction directly within a Natura 2000 site.
1.1.2 Guidance for Appropriate Assessment Reporting
This appropriate assessment has been carried out using the following guidance:
• Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government Circular NPW 1/10 and PSSP
2/10 on ‘Appropriate Assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive – Guidance for
Planning Authorities’ March 2010.
• ‘Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland: Guidance for Planning Authorities’.
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2009);
http://www.npws.ie/en/media/NPWS/Publications/CodesofPractice/AA%20Guidance.pdf
• ‘Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC’,
European Commission (2000);
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/art6/provision_of_art6_
en.pdf
• ‘Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological
guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC’.
European Commission (2001);
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/art6/natura_2000_asse
ss_en.pdf
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• ‘Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the 'Habitats Directive' 92/43/EEC – Clarification of the
concepts of: alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding public interest,
compensatory measures, overall coherence, opinion of the Commission’;
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/art6/guidance_art6_4_
en.pdf
• ‘Guidance document on the implementation of the birds and habitats directive in estuaries and
coastal zones with particular attention to port development and dredging’.
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/guidance_doc.pdf
• ‘European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011’.
http://www.npws.ie/media/npwsie/content/files/Birds%20and%20Habitats%20Regulations%20
SI%20477%20of%202011.pdf
Based on these guidelines, the assessment process is a four-staged approach as described
below. An important aspect of the process is that the outcome at each successive stage
determines whether a further stage in the process is required.
1.1.3 Additional Legislation in Relation to Designated Conservation Sites
Natural Heritage Areas (NHA) are sites of national significance, proposed Natural Heritage
Areas (pNHA) are sites that have been proposed but not formally designated. When formally
designated, a pNHA is legally protected from damage under Irish legislation in the form of the
Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. However, as this Appropriate Assessment report deals only
the Natura 2000 sites (SACs and SPAs) with reference to the EC Habitats Directive (1992) the
NHAs and pNHAs within the study area are not considered further.
The EU Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds) is
the main mechanism for protecting, management and control of bird species and defines rules
for their exploitation. According to Article 4 of the Birds Directive “species mentioned in Annex
I shall be the subject of special conservation measures concerning their habitat in order to
ensure their survival and reproduction in their area of distribution”. The key element of the
Birds Directive is that it provides for the creation of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) to protect
Annex I bird species, as well as for regularly occurring migratory species not listed in Annex I.
The Birds Directive is implemented in Ireland under the Wildlife Act (1976) and the Wildlife
(Amendment) Act (2000).
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1.2 THE APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Article 6(3) of Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the ‘Conservation of Natural Habitats and of
Wild Fauna and Flora’, better known as “The Habitats Directive”, states that any plan or
project likely to have significant effects on a Natura 2000 site must undergo the process of
appropriate assessment. Proposed plans or projects can only be approved if it has been
ascertained that they will not adversely affect the integrity of the Natura 2000 site(s)
concerned or, in the case of a negative assessment where there are no alternative solutions,
the scheme can only be approved for reasons of overriding public interest.
According to European Commission Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3)
and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EC (2001) and the provisions of Article 6 of the
“Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (commonly referred to as MN2000)1, the assessment
requirements of Article 6 establish a four-staged approach as described below. An important
aspect of the process is that the outcome at each successive stage determines whether a
further stage in the process is required.
• Stage 1 – Screening for a likely significant effect: An initial assessment of the project or
plan impacting on a European site(s). If it cannot be concluded that there will be no significant
effect upon a European site, an AA is required.
• Stage 2 – Appropriate Assessment (Natura Impact Statement or NIS): The consideration
of the impact on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site of the project or plan, either alone or in-
combination with other projects of plans, with respect to the site’s structure and function and
its conservation objectives. Additionally, where there are adverse impacts, an assessment of
the potential mitigation of those impacts.
• Stage 3 – Assessment of alternative solutions: The process which examines alternative
ways of achieving the objectives of the project or plan that avoid adverse impacts on the
integrity of the Natura 2000 site.
• Stage 4 – Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts
remain: An assessment of compensatory measures where, in the light of an assessment of
imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI), it is deemed that the project or plan
should proceed.
1 See http://euroopa.eu.int/comm/environmnet/natura/home.htm
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Each stage determines whether a further stage in the process is required. If, for example, the
conclusions at the end of Stage One are that there will be no significant impacts on the Natura
2000 sites, there is no requirement to proceed further.
1.2.1 Overview of Screening Methodology
Thus, the current Screening Report determines whether the project is likely to have significant
effects on any Natura 2000 site. A detailed list of all cSACs and SPAs within the study area
(taking account of sites within a 15km radius, with reference to the zone of influence of the
proposal) was compiled and the qualifying interest features for each site identified. Following
this, the key environmental conditions (conservation objectives) needed to support site
integrity were detailed for each site. According to the NPWS guidance (DEHLG, 2010) the
initial Screening stage determines whether Appropriate Assessment is necessary, according
to the requirements of Article 6(3) by examining:
• Whether a plan or project can be excluded from AA requirements because it is directly
connected with or necessary to the management of a Natura 2000 site;
• Whether a plan or project, alone or in combination with other plans and projects, is likely to
have significant effects on a Natura 2000 site in view of its conservation objectives; and
• If the effects are deemed to be significant, potentially significant, or uncertain, or it the
screening process becomes overly complicated, then the process must proceed to Stage 2
(AA), which comprises the preparation of a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) to inform the
Appropriate Assessment process.
Screening for Appropriate Assessment involves the following:
• Description of plan or project;
• Identification of relevant Natura 2000 sites, and compilation of information on their qualifying
interests and conservation objectives;
• Assessment of likely effects – direct, indirect and cumulative – undertaken on the basis of
available information as a desk study or field survey or primary research as necessary;
• Screening Statement with conclusions.
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2 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING OF THE PROJECT
2.1 PROJECT SETTING AND BACKGROUND
2.1.1 Site Location
The existing cruise port terminal at Cobh, Co. Cork is managed by the Port of Cork. The Port
of Cork are responsible for port operations, navigation and safety within the vicinity of Cork
Harbour and carry out maintenance dredging to maintain navigable depths in the port facilities
including Cobh. Cork Harbour is a natural harbour and river estuary at the mouth of the River
Lee in the south of Ireland with extensive intertidal areas of high ecological value. Cork
Harbour is further characterized by a large tidal range, during spring tide up to 23% of the
water in the estuary flows to and from the sea twice a day. In summer hardly any fresh water
enters the estuary, in the winter the river discharges rise significantly, to up to 65 m3 of water
from the River Lee alone in January. (Van Oord, May 2012)
Cobh town is a noted tourist seaport on the south of Great Island in Cork Harbour. Spike
Island and Haulbowline Island lie to the south of Cobh, in Cork Harbour. The proposed
development site is currently in use as the only dedicated cruise ship terminal in Ireland, as
shown in Figure 2.1 below.
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Figure 2.1 Location of the proposed project at Cobh, Co. Cork
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2.1.2 Description of the project
The proposed works at Cobh Cruise Berth are intended to provide the facility for the berth to
accommodate cruise vessels with an overall length up to 350m (Quantum Class). Currently
the berth accommodates vessels up to 341m but larger vessels will require the provision of
additional mooring points with a greater mooring load capacity, as shown in Figure 2.2 below
and an additional drawing included in Appendix A: ‘Proposed Mooring Bollards – Layout and
Details’). In order to accommodate a Quantum class vessel three additional mooring points
are required at the following locations:
• Adjacent to the walkway at Five Foot Way
• Adjacent to the eastern corner of the existing berth
• Adjacent to the boarding pontoon in front of The Quays pub.
At location B1 (Figure 2.2) the mooring structure will comprise a reinforced concrete pile cap
immediately in front of the sea wall, supported on isolated piles installed in the seabed in front
of the wall and anchored by ground anchors onto land beneath Five Foot Way and the
adjoining car park. The top of the structure will be at ground level on the adjacent Five Foot
Way. At locations B2 & B3 the mooring structures will comprise isolated dolphins. These will
consist of a reinforced concrete pile cap supported on a series of individual piles installed in
the seabed. At these locations there will be no work undertaken on existing land. The top level
of the structures will be the same as the deck (ground) level at the adjacent quay. A steel
access walkway will be provided from the existing quay to the nearest proposed dolphin
structure. The construction works will include the following main activities (final details will be
subject to detailed design):
• Piling using both driving and drilling installation methods
• Installation of ground anchors
• Precast and in situ reinforced concrete works
• Miscellaneous civil engineering works
There are no coastal modifications, dredging works or disposal of dredged material arising
during the works phase as part of the current proposal.
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Figure 2.2 Location and layout of the proposed works at the Cobh Cruise Terminal, Cobh, Co. Cork.
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2.1.3 Desk Study and Consultation
In undertaking this Screening Assessment a desk study review of publically available
information relevant to the proposal and the Natura 2000 designation within the study area
was carried out. This included reporting, mapping and data available from the following:
• Cork County Council (Cork Co. Co.);
• National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS);
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and
• Water Framework Ireland (WFD Ireland);
A consultation request to inform the assessment was submitted to the Development
Applications Unit of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on the 17th April, 2014.
No response to this consultation has been received to date.
2.2 SCREENING OF THE NATURA 2000 SITES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA
This section provides an assessment of the Natura 2000 sites within the study area of the
proposal; a 15km radius has been chosen as a precautionary measure, to ensure that all
potentially affected Natura 2000 sites are included in the screening process, which is in line
with guidance produced by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government ‘Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidance for
Planning Authorities’ (DoEHLG, 2010). Following this guidance the proposed project was
examined to establish whether it is likely to give rise to significant adverse effects on any
Natura 2000 site or sites. This was based on a preliminary impact assessment using best
available information. Data sources included the NPWS Natura 2000 data, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and in particular work undertaken by the Port of Cork with regard to
environmental and ecological surveys in the wider study area, associated with the Port of Cork
and Ringaskiddy facilities within Cork Harbour.
2.2.1 Identification of Natura 2000 sites with the study area
Two Natura 2000 sites were identified within the 15km radius study area of the proposed
development site; both of which are directly associated with the estuarine and transitional
habitats of Cork Harbour, these are:
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• Great Island Channel cSAC (01058) – located approximately 3.45km to the north of the
existing port at Cobh, at its closest point. This Natura 2000 site is designated primarily for
intertidal habitats and is separated by a distance of approximately 7km when calculated via
the hydrological connection of the inner Cork Harbour.
• Cork Harbour SPA (04030) – this designation includes a series of intertidal areas of
importance for wintering waders and waterbirds within the wider Cork Harbour, the closest
sections of this site to the proposed development are located approximately 2.44km to the
west, 2.69km to the south and 2.92km to the southeast.
The location of these designations in relation to the proposed development is presented in
Figure 2.3. The NPWS site synopses for these designations are presented for reference in
Appendix B.
2.2.2 Description of the Natura 2000 sites potentially affected by the project
The construction and operation phases of the proposal are considered to have the potential
for impacts affecting the following designations, taking account of their qualifying interests and
conservation objectives:
• Great Island Channel cSAC;
• Cork Harbour SPA.
This screening assessment aims to determine whether the impacts identified have the
potential to give rise to significant adverse effects on these Natura 2000 sites, in view of their
qualifying interests and conservation objectives.
2.2.2.1 Great Island Channel cSAC
The Great Island Channel stretches from Little Island to Midleton, with its southern boundary
being formed by Great Island. The main habitats of conservation interest are the sheltered
tidal sand and mudflats and Atlantic salt meadows, both habitats listed on Annex I of the EU
Habitats Directive. Owing to the sheltered conditions, the intertidal flats are composed mainly
of soft muds. These muds support a range of macro-invertebrates, notably Macoma balthica,
Scrobicularia plana, Hydrobia ulvae, Nepthys hombergi, Nereis diversicolor and Corophium
volutator. Green algal species occur on the flats, especially Ulva lactua and Enteromorpha
spp. Cordgrass (Spartina spp.) has colonised the intertidal flats in places, especially at
Rossleague and Belvelly. The salt marshes are scattered through the site and are all of the
estuarine type on mud substrate. Species present include Sea Purslane (Halimione
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portulacoides), Sea Aster (Aster tripolium), Thrift (Armeria maritima), Common Saltmarsh-
grass (Puccinellia maritima), Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima), Greater Sea-spurry
(Spergularia media), Sea Lavender (Limonium humile), Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin
maritimum), Mayweed (Matricaria maritima) and Red Fescue (Festuca rubra). Annex I habitats
identified as qualifying interests for this designation and specified in the conservation
objectives include:
• Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140]
• Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330]
It is noted that two further Annex I habitats Spartina swards (Spartinion maritimae) [1320] and
Estuaries [1130] are listed on the Natura 2000 standard data form for this site and are also
identified as qualifying interests on the NPWS website (www.npws.ie). From consultation with
the NPWS Site Designations Unit, it is understood that the representativity and relative
surface area for these habitats have not been brought forward as conservation objectives for
the Natura 2000 site.
European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to
maintain habitats and species in the Natura 2000 network at favourable conservation
condition. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and
enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites. The
maintenance of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites at favourable conservation
condition will contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable conservation status of those
habitats and species at a national level. Favourable conservation status of a habitat is
achieved when:
• its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing; and
• the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long‐term maintenance exist
and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future; and
• the conservation status of its typical species is favourable.
The conservation objectives set out by the NPWS (2011a) are ‘to maintain or restore the
favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) for which the SAC has been
selected’, that is ‘Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140]’ and
‘Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330]’. Table 2.1 sets out the
conservation status, trends and threats identified with regard to the above Annex I habitats.
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Table 2.1 Summary of the conservation status of the Annex I habitats for which the Great
Island Channel SAC (Site Code 001058) is designated.
Qualifying
Interest
Site Sensitivity2 Conservation
Status / Trends 2
Threats3
Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide
Surface and marine water dependent. Moderately sensitive to hydrological change. Moderate sensitivity to pollution. Sensitive to changes in salinity and tidal regime as well as coastal development.
Inadequate Improving (+)
Pollution to surface waters (limnic & terrestrial, marine & brackish) Fishing and harvesting aquatic resources Bottom culture Hand collection Estuarine and coastal dredging Nautical sports Other outdoor sports and leisure activities
Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae)
Marine and groundwater dependent. Medium sensitivity to hydrological change. Sensitive to changes in salinity and tidal regime as well as overgrazing, erosion and accretion
Inadequate Stable (=)
Climate Change Intensive cattle/ sheep grazing Paths, tracks, cycling tracks Disposal of household / recreational facility waste Disposal of industrial waste Reclamation of land from sea, estuary or marsh Polderisation Modification of hydrographic functioning, Erosion Invasive non-native species
2.2.2.2 Cork Harbour SPA
Cork Harbour is an internationally important wetland site, regularly supporting in excess of
20,000 wintering waterfowl, for which it is amongst the top five sites in the country. Cork
Harbour is a large, sheltered bay system, with several river estuaries - principally those of the
Rivers Lee, Douglas, Owenboy and Owennacurra. The SPA site comprises most of the main
intertidal areas of Cork Harbour, including all of the North Channel, the Douglas River Estuary,
inner Lough Mahon, Monkstown Creek, Lough Beg, the Owenboy River Estuary, Whitegate
Bay and the Rostellan and Poulnabibe inlets.
Owing to the sheltered conditions, the intertidal flats are often muddy in character. Cork
Harbour is of major ornithological significance, being of international importance both for the
total numbers of wintering birds (i.e. > 20,000) and also for its populations of Black-tailed
Godwit and Redshank. In addition, there are at least 18 wintering species that have
populations of national importance, as well as a nationally important breeding colony of
Common Tern. Several of the species which occur regularly are listed on Annex I of the E.U.
2 http://www.npws.ie/en/PublicationsLiterature/ConservationStatusReport/
3 http://www.npws.ie/publications/euconservationstatus/
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Birds Directive, i.e. Whooper Swan, Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Ruff and Common
Tern. The site provides both feeding and roosting sites for the various bird species that use it.
The E.U. Birds Directive pays particular attention to wetlands and, as these form part of this
SPA, the site and its associated waterbirds are of special conservation interest for Wetland &
Waterbirds. The special conservation interests listed for this SPA are as follows:
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) [A004]; Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) [A005];
Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) [A017]; Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) [A028]; Shelduck
(Tadorna tadorna) [A048]; Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050]; Teal (Anas crecca) [A052]; Pintail
(Anas acuta) [A054]; Shoveler (Anas clypeata) [A056]; Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus
serrator) [A069]; Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130]; Golden Plover (Pluvialis
apricaria) [A140]; Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [A141]; Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
[A142]; Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149]; Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156]; Bar-tailed
Godwit (Limosa lapponica) [A157]; Curlew (Numenius arquata) [A160]; Redshank (Tringa
totanus) [A162]; Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) [A179]; Common Gull (Larus
canus) [A182]; Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) [A183]; Common Tern (Sterna
hirundo) [A193]; and Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999].
From the results of a seasonal survey undertaken by RPS on behalf of the Port of Cork ‘Port
of Cork Bird Surveys Report on 2011 Breeding Season Bird Surveys at Ringaskiddy /
Monkstown Creek’ (RPS, 2012) it was found that Common Terns setting out to forage from
nesting colonies within the SPA tend to fly over water, whilst returning birds tend to fly directly
to the colony, overland if necessary. Observations, including anecdotal evidence suggest that
areas in the vicinity of Cobh and due east of Cobh provide an important foraging area for birds
from sub-colonies within the SPA (Port of Cork Deep Water Port/ Pfizer’s Golf Course and
Martello Tower), to the south of the Cobh Terminal site.
Whilst the period between May and July inclusive is the time of year when lowest numbers of
wintering waders and waterbirds listed as conservation interests of the SPA are present in the
wider study area of Cork Harbour, the RPS (2012) study found that substantial numbers of
some species are nevertheless present at this time including Shelduck, Cormorant, Black-
tailed Godwit and Curlew. All waterbird and wader species (other than breeding Common
Tern, and migratory Sandwich Tern and Whimbrel) are however present in greater numbers at
other seasons and it is considered that the period from April to July inclusive, provides the
most suitably ‘window’ in which construction activity in sensitive locations, within the proposed
Cobh site can be carried-out with minimal disturbance to birds.
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The conservation objectives of this designation (NPWS, 2011b) are ‘to maintain or restore the
favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests
for this SPA’; where these special conservation interests are listed above. The favourable
conservation status of a species is achieved when:
• population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a
long‐term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats; and
• the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the
foreseeable future; and
• there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations
on a long‐term basis.
Existing threats to the conservation status of the Cork Harbour SPA include extensive areas of
estuarine habitat which have been reclaimed since about the 1950s for industrial, port-related
and road projects, and further reclamation remains a threat. As Cork Harbour is adjacent to a
major urban centre and a major industrial centre, water quality is variable, with the estuary of
the River Lee and parts of the Inner Harbour being somewhat eutrophic. However, the
polluted conditions may not be having significant impacts on the bird populations. Oil pollution
from shipping in Cork Harbour is a general threat4.
4 http://www.npws.ie/publications/euconservationstatus/
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Figure 2.3 Natura 2000 sites located within a 15km radius of the Cobh Cruise Berth Upgrade project
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2.3 IMPACT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Based on EC (2000) and IEEM Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment (IEEM, 2006),
impacts are listed as significant if impacts have the potential to have a significant impact on
the ecological integrity on the conservation objectives (i.e. the habitats and species for which
the site is designated), or on the overall integrity of the Natura 2000 site itself. The approach
to assessing the significance of impacts in the IEEM guidelines (2006) states that the
significance of an impact “is defined as an impact (negative or positive) on the integrity of a
defined site or ecosystem and/or the conservation status of habitats or species within a given
geographical area.” Definitions of ‘integrity’ and ‘conservation status’ are provided in the IEEM
guidelines.
If an ecological feature is likely to experience a significant negative impact, the consequences
of that impact will depend on the level at which the ecological feature is valued. Typically in
Appropriate Assessment only features of international importance are considered as it is these
features (Annex I habitats and Annex II species under the Habitats Directive and Annex I bird
species under the Birds Directive) that Natura 2000 sites are designed for.
Once an impact is deemed to be significant on the basis of effects on integrity and/or
conservation status, then the value of the ecological feature that will be significantly affected is
used to identify the geographical scale at which the impact is significant. Impacts are not
always significant at the level at which the ecological feature has been valued and may be
significant at a lower geographical frame of reference. For example, a particular impact may
not be considered likely to have a negative effect on the overall integrity or conservation status
of a species which is considered to be internationally important. However it may be considered
that there would be an impact at the local population scale on this internationally important
species. In this case the impact on an internationally important species is considered to be
significant at only a local scale, rather than an international scale. The IEEM guidelines (2006)
have been followed for determining likelihood of impacts occurring. This provides the following
four categories, based on the fact that the 5% confidence level is conventionally chosen as the
lowest limit for acceptable statistical significance:
• Certain/near-Certain: probability estimated at 95% chance or higher.
• Probable: probability estimated 50% to 95%.
• Unlikely: probability estimated 5% to 50%
• Extremely Unlikely: probability estimated at less than 5%.
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2.3.1 Potential Direct Impacts Affecting Natura 2000 Designations
The proposed development is not located within or directly adjacent to any designated Natura
2000 site; there are therefore no pathways by which direct impacts may arise from the
construction and operation of the proposed development.
2.3.2 Potential Indirect Impacts Affecting Natura 2000 Designations
The potential for indirect impacts are identified with regard to hydrological pathways between
the proposed development site and the Great Island Channel cSAC and the Cork Harbour
SPA. Therefore the potential for significant indirect impacts affecting habitat loss, severance,
modification and pollution within the cSAC and SPA designations located at a distance from
but within the Cork Harbour waterbody are evaluated. The potential for noise, disturbance and
emissions to air affecting the habitats and fauna listed as qualifying interests and special
conservation interests of the cSAC and SPA sites respectively, are also examined with
reference to the construction and operational phase of the proposal.
2.3.2.1 Potential indirect impacts affecting water quality
The construction phase of the proposed development will include the installation of piles in the
seabed adjacent to the existing seawall and isolated dolphins which will be secured to the
seabed by individual piles. These piles will be installed by direct driving and drilling. There is
associated pre-cast and in-situ reinforced concrete works required to anchor the mooring
structures. Both piling and concreting activities have the potential to give rise to water quality
impacts affecting the marine biological communities within the direct footprint of the proposed
works arising from increase suspended solids or accidental spillages of concrete. The dilution
factor identified within the Cork Harbour waterbody is considered to be of significant size,
capable of assimilating any such water quality impacts arising from the above works. This
would preclude any likelihood of significant adverse effects on the Annex I habitats for which
the Great Island Channel cSAC is designated.
Similarly there are no impacts identified in this regard potentially affecting the intertidal wetland
habitats listed as a special conservation interest of the Cork Harbour SPA. Taking account of
the distance between the proposed works area and the bird species listed as conservation
interests of the site and the scale of the proposed works with reference to the dilution factor
available within the Cork Harbour waterbody it is considered that there is no potential for
significant adverse effects on the Cork Harbour SPA arising with regard to water quality
impacts.
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2.3.2.2 Potential indirect impacts arising from disturbance
With cognisance of the existing port facility at Cobh and the significant distance separating the
proposed development site and the Great Island Channel cSAC it is considered that there will
be no indirect impacts arising during the construction and operational phase of the proposed
development that would have the potential to give rise to significant disturbance impacts
affecting the Annex I mudflat / sandflat and saltmarsh habitats for which this site is designated.
There are no significant hydrological or hydrogeomorphological impacts arising from the
proposal which would have the potential to affect the tidal regime, flood level or indirect habitat
loss or disturbance within these Annex I habitats.
The bird species listed as special conservation interests of the Cork Harbour SPA and the
wetland habitats supporting these species are located at distances of approximately 2.44km to
the west, 2.69km to the south and 2.92km to the southeast. Taking account of the existing port
facilities operational at the Cobh port site and the distance of separation, with further reference
to the limited size and scale of the proposed works, there are no construction or operational
phase impacts identified that would have the potential for significant adverse effects on the
SPA taking account of the special conservation interests and conservation objectives of this
Natura 2000 site.
The Port of Cork to the southwest of the proposed works at Cobh Terminal is identified as an
important Common Term breeding site, a species listed as a special conservation interest of
the SPA (RPS, 2012). Breeding terns are subject to extraordinarily high levels of man-made
noise and visual disturbance to which they appear to be entirely habituated. Loud irregular
noise from human sources and movement of machinery, vehicles and people close-by is a
near-constant feature of the site. Sources include road traffic within 100m, including a high
proportion of trucks and other large commercial vehicles many of which are stopping and
starting, revving engines and using air brakes; port activity including mass bulk handling within
200m; pedestrians and regular human voices within 100m (for example at the Deep Water
Port security desk) and the regular docking of very large ocean going passenger ferries within
30m of the dolphins and on rare but regular occasions, directly up against the dolphins
themselves (RPS, 2012).
Sensitive qualifying interests of these Natura 2000 designations do not occur within the
development site or in close proximity to the development, i.e. within the zone of influence,
within the wider study area. The qualifying interests of the cSAC and conservation interests of
the SPA within the study area are evaluated as being habituated to the background noise /
disturbance levels.
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2.3.3 Potential Cumulative or In-Combination Impacts Affecting Natura 2000 Designations
Ringaskiddy Redevelopment Plans
The Port of Cork have submitted an application to An Bord Pleanála (May, 2014) in relation to
proposed redevelopment plans for Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. The proposed developments under
consideration form an extension to the existing facilities that Port of Cork currently operates at
Ringaskiddy; this development is being considered in four key areas:
1. At Ringaskiddy East, where works will comprise of:
• A multi-purpose berth that will be capable of accommodating vessels carrying
a range of different cargoes including containers, unaccompanied Roll On – Roll Off
freight and general cargoes;
• An additional 200 metres long berth which will be used for port container traffic;
• A new container yard and marshalling area;
2. At Ringaskiddy West, where works will comprise of:
• A 180 metre extension to the existing Deepwater Berth;
• Dredging works to facilitate navigational access to the new facilities
3. At Paddy’s Point, where a new public slipway is being constructed, new planting and
landscaping is being provided in a new public amenity area and new pedestrian circulation
routes, will be introduced.
4. Improvements to the existing road entrance at the Ringaskiddy Deep-water Terminal and
internal road upgrades to improve connectivity to the remainder of the port complex and
facilitate future connection to a new upgraded N28 both east and west of Ringaskiddy Village.
The above elements of the proposed redevelopment have been examined in a comprehensive
EIS and Appropriate Assessment reporting (Natura Impact Statement) prepared by RPS on
behalf of the Port of Cork. The baseline surveys, impact assessment and conclusions of
reporting to inform the above project proposals have been examined in preparing the current
cumulative and in-combination impact assessment.
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Port of Cork Maintenance Dredging
Proposals have been prepared for undertaking maintenance dredging works associated with
the Port of Cork facility, within the Cork Harbour Channel. The proposals for the Port of Cork
maintenance dredging have been subject to separate Screening for Appropriate Assessment,
the conclusions of which found that all of the potential impacts identified will be avoided with
the correct implementation of the proposed mitigation measures. Furthermore no significant
residual negative impacts on any of the conservation objectives of any Natura 2000 sites were
identified.
Cobh Sailing Club Marina
Cove Sailing Club proposes to develop a 74 berth marina at White Point, Cobh, Co. Cork
which lies immediately west of the Cobh Cruise Terminal proposal. The marina will be an all
tide access marina in Cork Harbour with all marina components comprising floating pontoons.
Access to the marine will be via a fixed platform and gangway extending from the quay wall at
the “five foot way”. The marine will be restrained in position with a chain and anchor system
with no planned associated dredging. A Natura Impact Statement and Appropriate
Assessment Screening was prepared by Moore Group Environmental Services for Cronin
Millar Consulting Engineers on behalf of Cove Sailing Club. The conclusions from this
assessment indicated that given the relatively small footprint area of the proposed
development and the proposed use of point anchoring, there would be no significant impact on
the adjacent Cork Harbour SPA or Great Island Channel SAC. Therefore a finding of no
significant effect was documented in the Appropriate Assessment Screening Report.
Proposal by Harbour Ferries Ltd
Harbour Ferries Limited have a permitted proposal in place for a docking station (pontoon with
gangway) for the Harbour Cat Ferry close to the Cobh Deep Water Quay.
There is considerable support in planning policy for the Harbour Ferries project, and the
potential benefits it could offer as an alternate mode of transport, greater coastal connectivity,
and linkages along the coastline. This is an extant planning approval which would intimate
that this proposal is still active and deliverable on the ground. There was no AA screening
carried out at the time of planning for the Harbour Cat Ferry proposal. For the purposes of
assessing the in-combination impact of the Harbour Cat proposal and the proposed new
mooring dolphins at the Cobh Terminal, it is envisaged that there will not be any in-
combination impact.
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Seaplane Berthing Facilities
Harbour Flights Ireland submitted a planning application in 2010 which was granted for a
commercial and charter seaplane service in Ireland with a proposed site for the landing
pontoon in Cobh adjacent to the Quays Bar & Restaurant, Westbourne Place. The installation
will comprise of a 5m wide berthing pontoon connected to the existing pontoon at the site and
access will be provided by 1m wide gangway which is currently in place.
The Appropriate Assessment Screening Report which accompanied the planning application
concluded that there will be no direct impact or loss of habitat within the Cork Harbour SPA as
the proposed developed is outside of the SPA. There will be no impacts on any of the
qualifying interests for the SPA or on the integrity of the site. The proposed landing and take-
off area is sufficiently distant from the surrounding areas of the SPA as not to cause a
disturbance to wintering waders and waterfowl occupying these primarily intertidal zones. The
taxiing, take-off or landing of seaplanes may results in a localised disturbance to birds in open
water but this will constitute a very limited spatial effect and be of no greater significance than
the regular passage of vessels with Cork Harbour.
No impacts are anticipated on either grey or common seal as a result of the operation of the
proposed development.
There will be no impacts from the proposed development on water quality or on the hydrology
of the designated areas. On the basis of the findings of the screening stage it was concluded
that there will be no potential impact on the qualifying interests or the integrity of either Natura
2000 site and therefore no requirement to proceed to Stage 23: Natura Impact Assessment
Conclusion
The proposed development has been evaluated with regard to the potential for direct and
indirect impacts affecting the Great Island Channel cSAC and the Cork Harbour SPA. Taking
account of the location of the proposed development outside of and at a distance from any
Natura 2000 designation; with cognisance of the size and scale of the proposal in the context
of existing shipping activity within the overall Cork Harbour marine and transitional water body;
and in the absence of sensitive receptors designated within either the SAC or SPA occurring
within the study area; it is evaluated that there would be no potential for in-combination
impacts affecting the conservation objectives or qualifying interests of these designations. No
other pathways have been identified by which any element of the proposed project could have
a significant ‘in combination’ effects on any of the Natura 2000 sites.
Table 2.1 identifies the potential direct, indirect and secondary impacts of the proposal on the
Natura 2000 sites which have been evaluated and screened for potential effects.
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Table 2.1 Potential Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Impacts from the proposed development
affecting Natura 2000 Sites
Impact character Great Island Channel cSAC Cork Harbour SPA
Direct Impacts No works within or adjacent to the cSAC; no potential for significant impacts on the qualifying interests or conservation objectives.
No works within or directly adjacent to the SPA; no potential for significant impacts on special conservation interests or conservation objectives.
Indirect/ Secondary Taking account of the size and scale of the development, in addition to the existing level of shipping traffic within Cork Harbour there are no pathways for impacts that would have the potential for significant adverse effects on the qualifying interests or conservation objectives.
Taking account of the size and scale of the development, in addition to the existing level of shipping traffic within Cork Harbour there are no pathways for impacts that would have the potential for significant adverse effects on the special conservation interests or conservation objectives.
Resource Requirements (Drinking Water Abstraction etc.)
No significant impacts arising from the proposed development affecting the cSAC with regard to resource requirements.
No significant impacts arising from the proposed development affecting the SPA with regard to resource requirements.
Emissions (Disposal to Land, Water or Air)
No significant impacts arising from the proposed development affecting the cSAC with regard to emissions.
No significant impacts arising from the proposed development affecting the SPA with regard to emissions.
Excavation Requirements
No significant impacts arising from the proposed development affecting the cSAC with regard to excavation requirements.
No significant impacts arising from the proposed development affecting the SPA with regard to excavation requirements.
Transportation Requirements
No significant impacts arising from the proposed development affecting the cSAC arising from transport or transportation.
No significant impacts arising from the proposed development affecting the SPA arising from transport or transportation.
Duration of Operation and Decommissioning
No significant impacts arising from the proposed development affecting the cSAC during the operational phase.
No significant impacts arising from the proposed development affecting the SPA during the operational phase.
Cumulative and in-combination effects
No significant impacts arising from the proposed development with potential to interact in combination or cumulatively to adversely affect the cSAC.
No significant impacts arising from the proposed development with potential to interact in combination or cumulatively to adversely affect the SPA.
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3 SCREENING CONCLUSION STATEMENT
The first stage of the Habitats Directive appraisal process, i.e. Screening, was completed in
compliance with the relevant European Commission (EC 2000; EC, 2001) and national
guidelines (DEHLG, 2010). The assessment set out in this report has provided a thorough
evaluation of the project proposal; mitigation measures are not considered as part of the
Screening process and can only be taken into account in the Appropriate Assessment (Stage
2). The potential impacts during the construction and operation of the proposed development
at the proposed Cobh Cruise Terminal Upgrade have been considered in the context of the
Natura 2000 sites potentially affected, their qualifying interests and conservation objectives.
From the findings of the Screening for Appropriate Assessment, the following conclusions with
regard to the proposed Cobh Cruise Terminal Upgrade project have been drawn:
• The proposal is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of any Natura
2000 site;
• The proposal does not have the potential to give rise to any significant effects, on the basis of
objective information, on the Great Island Channel cSAC or the Cork Harbour SPA, in view of
their qualifying interests and conservation objectives, either individually or in combination with
other plans or projects.
Table 3.1 presents a summary of the findings of the Screening for Appropriate Assessment
with regard to significance of effects on designated Natura 2000 sites.
Table 3.1 Summary of significance of effects arising from the proposed works with regard to
the Natura 2000 sites potentially affected.
Does the project have the potential to: Yes or No
Details
Cause delays in progress towards achieving the conservation objectives of the site?
No No significant impacts
Interrupt progress towards achieving the conservation objectives of the site?
No No significant impacts
Disrupt those factors that help to maintain the favourable conditions of the site?
No No significant impacts
Interfere with the balance, distribution and density of key species that are the indicators of the favourable condition of the site?
No No significant impacts
Cause changes to the vital defining aspects (e.g. nutrient balance) that determine how the site functions as a
No No significant impacts
Change the dynamics of the relationships (between, for example, water with flora and fauna) that define the structure and/or function of the site?
No No significant impacts
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Does the project have the potential to: Yes or No
Details
Interfere with predicted or expected natural changes to the site (such as water dynamics or chemical composition)?
No No significant residual negative impacts
Reduce the area of the key habitats? No No significant residual negative impacts
Reduce the population of the key species? No No significant residual negative impacts
Change the balance between key species? No No significant residual negative impacts
Reduce diversity of the site? No No significant residual negative impacts
Result in disturbance that could affect population size or density or the balance between key species?
No No significant residual negative impacts
Result in habitat fragmentation? No No significant residual negative impacts
Result in loss or reduction of key features (e.g. inter-tidal/tidal feeding areas, alteration to tidal regime, etc.)
No No significant residual negative impacts
Therefore adopting the precautionary approach, in line with current guidance, the current
Screening Report concludes that an Appropriate Assessment of the proposal is not required.
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4 REFERENCES
Council Directive 79/409 EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds
Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and
Flora.
DEHLG (2010). Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidance for
Planning Authorities. Produced by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin.
European Commission (2000a) Communication from the Commission on the Precautionary
Principle, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg.
European Commission (2000b) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the
‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities,
Luxembourg.
European Commission (2001) Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting
Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the
Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities,
Luxembourg.
European Commission (2011) Guidelines on the Implementation of the Birds and Habitats
Directives in Estuaries and Coastal Zones, with particular attention to port development and
dredging.
European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations (S.I. No. 477 of 2011)
IEEM (2006) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom. Institute of
Ecology and Environmental Management (version 7 July 2006).
NPWS (2011a) Conservation objectives for Great Island Channel SAC [001058]. Generic
Version 3.0. Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht.
NPWS (2011b) Conservation objectives for Cork Harbour SPA [004030]. Generic Version 4.0.
Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht.
RPS (2012) Port of Cork Bird Surveys Report on 2011 Breeding Season Bird Surveys at
Ringaskiddy / Monkstown Creek. Prepared on behalf of the Port of Cork. RPS Belfast.
Cobh Cruise Terminal Upgrade HDA Screening Statement
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IBE0925.00 AP A Rev 0.1
APPENDIX A
PROJECT DRAWING
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APPENDIX B
NPWS NATURA 2000 SITE SYNOPSES
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SITE NAME: GREAT ISLAND CHANNEL
SITE CODE: 001058
The Great Island Channel stretches from Little Island to Midleton, with its southern
boundary being formed by Great Island. It is an integral part of Cork Harbour which
contains several other sites of conservation interest. Geologically, Cork Harbour consists
of two large areas of open water in a limestone basin, separated from each other and the
open sea by ridges of Old Red Sandstone. Within this system, Great Island Channel
forms the eastern stretch of the river basin and, compared to the rest of Cork Harbour, is
relatively undisturbed. Within the site is the estuary of the Owennacurra and Dungourney
Rivers. These rivers, which flow through Midleton, provide the main source of freshwater
to the North Channel.
The main habitats of conservation interest are the sheltered tidal sand and mudflats and
Atlantic salt meadows, both habitats listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. Owing
to the sheltered conditions, the intertidal flats are composed mainly of soft muds. These
muds support a range of macro-invertebrates, notably Macoma balthica, Scrobicularia
plana, Hydrobia ulvae, Nepthys hombergi, Nerei diversicolor and Corophium volutator.
Green algal species occur on the flats, especially Ulva lactua and Enteromorpha spp.
Cordgrass (Spartina spp.) has colonised the intertidal flats in places, especially at
Rossleague and Belvelly. The salt marshes are scattered through the site and are all of
the estuarine type on mud substrate. Species present include Sea Purslane (Halimione
portulacoides), Sea Aster (Aster tripolium), Thrift (Armeria maritima), Common Saltmarsh-
grass (Puccinellia maritima), Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima), Greater Sea-spurry
(Spergularia media), Sea Lavender (Limonium humile), Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin
maritimum), Mayweed (Matricaria maritima) and Red Fescue (Festuca rubra).
The site is extremely important for wintering waterfowl and is considered to contain three
of the top five areas within Cork Harbour, namely North Channel, Harper's Island and
Belvelly-Marino Point. Shelduck are the most frequent duck species with 800-1000 birds
centred on the Fota/Marino Point area. There are also large flocks of Teal and Wigeon,
especially at the eastern end. Waders occur in the greatest density north of Rosslare, with
Dunlin, Godwit, Curlew and Golden Plover the commonest species. A population of about
80 Grey Plover is a notable feature of the area. All the mudflats support feeding birds; the
main roost sites are at Weir Island and Brown Island and to the north of Fota at
Killacloyne and Harper’s Island. Ahanesk supports a roost also but is subject to
disturbance. The numbers of Grey Plover and Shelduck, as given above, are of national
importance.
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The site is an integral part of Cork Harbour which is a wetland of international importance
for the birds it supports. Overall, Cork Harbour regularly holds over 20,000 waterfowl and
contains Internationally important numbers of Black-tailed Godwit (1,181) and Redshank
(1,896) along with Nationally important numbers of nineteen other species. Furthermore, it
contains the large Dunlin (12,019) and Lapwing (12,528) flocks. All counts are average
peaks, 1994/95 – 1996/97. Much of the site forms part of Cork Harbour Special Protection
Area, an important bird area designated under the EU Birds Directive.
While the main land use within the site is aquaculture (Oyster farming), the greatest
threats to its conservation significance come from road works, infilling, sewage outflows
and possible marina developments. The site is of major importance for the two habitats
listed on the EU Habitats Directive that it contains, as well as for its important numbers of
wintering waders and wildfowl. It also supports a good invertebrate fauna.
SITE NAME: CORK HARBOUR SPA
SITE CODE: 004030
Cork Harbour is a large, sheltered bay system, with several river estuaries - principally
those of the Rivers Lee, Douglas, Owenboy and Owennacurra. The SPA site comprises
most of the main intertidal areas of Cork Harbour, including all of the North Channel, the
Douglas River Estuary, inner Lough Mahon, Monkstown Creek, Lough Beg, the Owenboy
River Estuary, Whitegate Bay and the Rostellan and Poulnabibe inlets.
Owing to the sheltered conditions, the intertidal flats are often muddy in character. These
muds support a range of macro-invertebrates, notably Macoma balthica, Scrobicularia
plana, Hydrobia ulvae, Nepthys hombergi, Nereis diversicolor and Corophium volutator.
Green algae species occur on the flats, especially Ulva lactua and Enteromorpha spp.
Cordgrass (Spartina spp.) has colonised the intertidal flats in places, especially where
good shelter exists, such as at Rossleague and Belvelly in the North Channel. Salt
marshes are scattered through the site and these provide high tide roosts for the birds.
Salt marsh species present include Sea Purslane (Halimione portulacoides), Sea Aster
(Aster tripolium), Thrift (Armeria maritima), Common Saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia
maritima), Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima), Laxflowered Sea-lavender (Limonium
humile) and Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima). Some shallow bay water is included in
the site. Cork Harbour is adjacent to a major urban centre and a major industrial centre.
Rostellan Lake is a small brackish lake that is used by swans throughout the winter. The
site also includes some marginal wet grassland areas used by feeding and roosting birds.
The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special
conservation interest for the following species: Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe,
Cormorant, Grey Heron, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Red-breasted
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Merganser, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Blacktailed
Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser
Black-backed Gull and Common Tern. The site is also of special conservation interest for
holding an assemblage of over 20,000 wintering waterbirds. The E.U. Birds Directive pays
particular attention to wetlands and, as these form part of this SPA, the site and its
associated waterbirds are of special conservation interest for Wetland & Waterbirds. Cork
Harbour is an internationally important wetland site, regularly supporting in excess of
20,000 wintering waterfowl, for which it is amongst the top five sites in the country. The
two-year mean of summed annual peaks for the entire harbour complex was 55,401 for
the period 1995/96 and 1996/97. Of particular note is that the site supports internationally
important populations of Black-tailed Godwit (905) and Redshank (1,782) - all figures
given are average winter means for the two winters 1995/96 and 1996/97. At least 18
other species have populations of national importance, as follows: Little Grebe (51), Great
Crested Grebe (204), Cormorant (705), Grey Heron (63), Shelduck (2,093), Wigeon
(1,852), Teal (922), Pintail (66), Shoveler (57), Red-breasted Merganser (88),
Oystercatcher (1,404), Golden Plover (3,653), Grey Plover (84), Lapwing (7,688), Dunlin
(10,373), Bartailed Godwit (417), Curlew (1,325) and Greenshank (26). The Shelduck
population is the largest in the country (over 10% of national total). The site has regionally
or locally important populations of a range of other species, including Whooper Swan
(10), Pochard (145) and Turnstone (79). Other species using the site include Gadwall
(13), Mallard (456), Tufted Duck (113), Goldeneye (31), Coot (53), Mute Swan (38),
Ringed Plover (34) and Knot (38). Cork Harbour is a nationally important site for gulls in
winter and autumn, especially Black-headed Gull (4,704), Common Gull (3,180) and
Lesser Black-backed Gull (1,440). A range of passage waders occurs regularly in autumn,
including such species as Ruff (5-10), Spotted Redshank (1-5) and Green Sandpiper (1-
5). Numbers vary between years and usually a few of each of these species over-winter.
The wintering birds in Cork Harbour have been monitored since the 1970s and are
counted annually as part of the I-WeBS scheme. Cork Harbour has a nationally important
breeding colony of Common Tern (3 year mean of 69 pairs for the period 1998-2000, with
a maximum of 102 pairs in 1995). The birds have nested in Cork Harbour since about
1970, and since 1983 on various artificial structures, notably derelict steel barges and the
roof of a Martello Tower. The birds are monitored annually and the chicks are ringed.
Extensive areas of estuarine habitat have been reclaimed since about the 1950s for
industrial, port-related and road projects, and further reclamation remains a threat.
As Cork Harbour is adjacent to a major urban centre and a major industrial centre, water
quality is variable, with the estuary of the River Lee and parts of the Inner Harbour being
somewhat eutrophic. However, the polluted conditions may not be having significant
impacts on the bird populations. Oil pollution from shipping in Cork Harbour is a general
threat. Recreational activities are high in some areas of the harbour, including jet skiing
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which causes disturbance to roosting birds. Cork Harbour is of major ornithological
significance, being of international importance both for the total numbers of wintering birds
(i.e. > 20,000) and also for its populations of Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank. In
addition, there are at least 18 wintering species that have populations of national
importance, as well as a nationally important breeding colony of Common Tern. Several
of the species which occur regularly are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, i.e.
Whooper Swan, Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Ruff and Common Tern. The site
provides both feeding and roosting sites for the various bird species that use it.