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Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information May 2017 EirGrid plc
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Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project

Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information

May 2017

EirGrid plc

379408 06 C PiMS Deliverables Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald South Block Rockfield Dundrum Dublin 16 D16 R6V0 Ireland T +353 (0)1 2916 700

mottmac.com

EirGrid plc EirGrid plc The Oval 160 Shelbourne Road Ballsbridge Dublin 4 D04 FW28 Ireland

Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project

Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information

May 2017

Directors: C O’Donovan BE MBA CEng MIET (Managing), J T Murphy BE HDipMM CEng FIEI CMCILT (Deputy Managing), D Herlihy BE MSc CEng, F McGivern BSc DipEnvEng CEng MIEI Innealtoirí Comhairleach (Consulting Engineers) Company Secretary: Ian Kilty BA (Hons) ACA Registered in Ireland no. 53280. Mott MacDonald Ireland Limited is a member of the Mott MacDonald Group

EirGrid plc

Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information

379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables

Issue and Revision Record

Revision Date Originator Checker Approver Description

A 21/04/17 M Wearmouth

L Mason-Jarvis

P Brennan

P Kelly P Kelly Draft for Client Review

B 21/04/17 M Wearmouth

L Mason-Jarvis

P Brennan

P Kelly P Kelly Second Draft for Client Review

C 26/05/17 M Wearmouth

L Mason-Jarvis

P Brennan

P Kelly P Kelly Final for Issue

Document reference: 379408 | 06 | C

Information class: Standard

This document is issued for the party which commissioned it and for specific purposes connected with the above-

captioned project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose.

We accept no responsibility for the consequences of this document being relied upon by any other party, or being

used for any other purpose, or containing any error or omission which is due to an error or omission in data supplied

to us by other parties.

This document contains confidential information and proprietary intellectual property. It should not be shown to other

parties without consent from us and from the party which commissioned it.

This report has been pr epared sol el y for use by the party which commissi oned it (the ‘Client’) i n connecti on with the capti oned proj ect. It should not be used for any other purpose. N o person other than the Client or any party who has expressl y agreed ter ms of r eliance with us (the ‘Reci pient(s)’) may rel y on the content, i nformati on or any vi ews expressed i n the repor t. We accept no duty of care, responsi bility or liability to any other r eci pient of thi s document. T his r eport is confi denti al and contains pr opri etar y intell ectual property.

Contents

Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 1Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information

379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables

Contents

Contents 1

1 Introduction 3

1.1 Structure of this Report 3

1.2 Contact for Further Information or Correspondence 3

2 Overview of Cross Shannon Cable Project 4

2.1 Introduction 4

2.2 About the Applicant – EirGrid 4

2.3 Background 4

2.4 Current Activities 4

3 Proposed Surveys 5

3.1 Introduction 5

3.2 Survey Overview 5

3.3 Offshore: Non-intrusive Surveys 6

3.4 Offshore: Intrusive Surveys 8

3.5 Inter-tidal: Intrusive Surveys 9

3.6 Environmental/Archaeological Surveys 9

3.7 Programme 9

4 Drawings/Maps 10

4.1 Inclusions with the Foreshore Application 10

5 Pre-Application Consultation 12

5.1 Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government 12

5.2 Development Applications Unit, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 12

6 Adjacent Landowners 13

6.1 Overview 13

6.2 Folio References and Adjacent Landowners 13

Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 2Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information

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7 Environmental and Land-Use Considerations 14

7.1 Designated Ecological Sites 14

7.2 Fishing/Aquaculture Considerations 14

7.3 Commercial Shipping Activity 15

7.4 Tourism and Recreation 15

7.5 Impacts 15

8 Company Information 16

8.1 Certificate of Incorporation 16

8.2 Constitution/Memorandum of Association 16

Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 3Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information

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1 Introduction

EirGrid plc are seeking permission (foreshore licence) from the Department of Housing, Planning,

Community and Local Government for the completion of surveys works to assist in the selection of a new

route for a 400kV high voltage electricity cable installation between Moneypoint Power Station, County Clare

and Kilpaddoge Substation, County Kerry (located approximately 1.5 kilometres north-west of Tarbert

village).

1.1 Structure of this Report

The structure of this report is presented hereunder;

Section 2 Overview of Cross-Shannon Cable Project

Section 3 Proposed Surveys

Section 4 Drawings/Maps

Section 5 Pre-Application Consultation

Section 6 Adjacent Landowners

Section 7 Other Foreshore Activities

Section 8 Designated Ecological Sites and Appropriate Assessment

Section 9 Company Documentation

1.2 Contact for Further Information or Correspondence

Should any further information be required please direct all correspondence to;

Paul Kelly

Technical Director Environment

Mott MacDonald Ireland Limited

South Block,

Rockfield,

Dundrum,

Dublin 16

D16 R6VO

Telephone (01) 291 6700

Email [email protected]

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2 Overview of Cross Shannon Cable Project

2.1 Introduction

The Cross-Shannon Cable Project involves the laying of a new 400kV cable across the Shannon Estuary (in

the river bed) between the existing electricity substations at Moneypoint, County Clare and Kilpaddoge,

County Kerry. There are high levels of renewable electricity generation, mainly wind power, being connected

to the electricity grid in the south and west of Ireland. At times of high wind, power is expected to flow from

the south-west to the east of Ireland. The Cross-Shannon Cable Project will enable this power to transfer to

the existing cross- Ireland 400 kV overhead lines which connect at Moneypoint.

2.2 About the Applicant – EirGrid

EirGrid is responsible for a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity: now and in the future. EirGrid

develop, manage and operate the electricity transmission grid. This brings power from where it is generated

to where it is needed – throughout Ireland. EirGrid use the transmission grid to supply power to industry and

businesses that use large amounts of electricity. The transmission grid also powers the distribution network.

This supplies the electricity you use everyday in homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and farms. Mott

MacDonald are an international firm of management, engineering and development engineers specialising in

electricity transmission projects. Mott MacDonald is providing EirGrid with specialist technical advice and

guidance on the Cross-Shannon Cable Project.

2.3 Background

In 2014, the Government announced the establishment of an Independent Expert Panel to conduct an

independent review of overhead and underground options for the Grid Link Project in the south of the

country. In 2015 EirGrid developed a number of alternative options to meet the need of the Grid Link Project,

in line with the terms of reference, as set by the expert panel.

In EirGrid’s analysis it identified a solution, referred to as the “regional solution”. This option meets the need

of the project, and minimises the development of new, large-scale infrastructure. The “regional solution” uses

a technology known as series compensation. This allows more power to flow through existing lines, and does

not require any significant new transmission lines. To complete this solution, a new underwater cable across

the Shannon estuary is needed, in addition to a set of reinforcements elsewhere on the system.

2.4 Current Activities

EirGrid are currently completing a range of technical, environmental and social studies to assist in the

identification of feasible options for the routing of the cable. These surveys will occur both on land but also in

the Shannon Estuary itself. In accordance with the requirements of Foreshore Act 1933 as amended, the

surveys which are the subject matter of this application are required to be completed in accordance with the

requirements of a Foreshore Licence issued by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local

Government.

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3 Proposed Surveys

3.1 Introduction

The data obtained from the proposed survey will be used to select the preferred route for the new 400kV

cable installation and to inform its design. The spatial definition of the proposed survey area is included in

Appendix C Drawings/Mapping;

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-001 (Proposed Survey Area – Discovery Mapping);

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-002 (Proposed Survey Area – Orthophotography); and

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-008 (Proposed Survey Area – Admiralty Chart).

Geographic reference points (1 to 28) have been defined around the red-line boundary to inform the specific

boundaries of the survey. As can be seen from the drawings the proposed survey location includes discrete

inter-tidal areas (from the high water mark) and corridors across the full width of the Shannon Estuary.

The indicative sample locations within the proposed survey area are also included in Appendix C

Drawings/Mapping;

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-009 (Designated Ecological Sites);

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-010 (Aquaculture/Fishery Interests);

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-011 (Indicative Sample Locations – Admiralty Chart);

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-012 (Indicative Sample Locations – Discovery Mapping);

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-013 (Indicative Sample Locations – Orthophotography);

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-016 (Indicative Sample Locations – Index);

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-017 (Indicative Sample Locations – Sheet 1 of 3);

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-017 (Indicative Sample Locations – Sheet 2 of 3); and

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-017 (Indicative Sample Locations – Sheet 3 of 3).

The proposed Foreshore Licence Map [drawing reference number 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-018

(Foreshore Licence Map) is included in Appendix C Drawings/Mapping;

3.2 Survey Overview

The surveys proposed consistent of;

● Offshore: Non-intrusive Surveys

Bathymetry

Side-Scan Sonar

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Sub-Bottom Profiling

Magnetometry

Current Profiling

● Offshore: Intrusive Surveys

Vibrocoring

Cone Penetration Testing

● Inter-Tidal: Intrusive Surveys

Trial pits

The scope and techniques proposed to be employed are detailed in the following sections.

3.3 Offshore: Non-intrusive Surveys

3.3.1 Bathymetry

Method: The primary method of determining water depth will be by a Multi-Beam Echo Sounder (MBES),

such as a Kongsberg EM 2040, R2Sonic 2024, Reson Seabat 7125 or similar system. A minimum overlap of

25% between adjacent swathes shall be achieved for satisfactory integration of successive swath data. To

complement the swath MBES bathymetry system a precision single-beam dual-frequency echo sounder

(SBES), such as a Kongsberg EA Series or similar shall be used.

Survey Parameters:

Survey width: 500 – 800m

Inline interval: not specified but expected to be ~10-20 m plus additional infills to obtain full seabed

coverage.

Cross line interval: 500m (maximum)

Source Parameters:

Operating frequency range (MBES): 200 – 400 kHz

Operating frequencies (SBES): 33 kHz and 210 kHz (or similar)

Sound pressure level (MBES): ~200 dB re 1 µPa at 1 m

3.3.2 Side-Scan Sonar

Method: A dual-channel, dual-frequency ‘digital’ side-scan sonar system, such as Edge Tech 4200,

Kongsberg SSS or similar will be used.

Survey Parameters:

Survey width: 500 – 800m

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Inline interval: not specified but expected to be ~10-20 m plus additional infills to obtain 100% seabed

coverage and nadir overlap.

Cross line interval: 500m (maximum)

Source Parameters:

Operating frequency range: 100 – 400 kHz

Sound pressure level: ~200 dB re 1 µPa at 1 m

3.3.3 Sub Bottom Profiling

Method: A high-resolution penetration Sub-Bottom Profiler (SBP) will be used to achieve penetration to at

least 12m depth below seabed. The system will be preferably a parametric (non-linear) source (e.g. Innomar

SES-2000, Kongsberg Topas PS 120) or alternatively a Chirp or a Pinger system.

Survey Parameters:

Survey width: 500 – 800m

Line spacing: 50m (maximum)

Cross line interval: 500m (maximum)

Source Parameters:

Operating frequency range: 2-7 kHz for Chirp and Pinger; Parametric source: ~100 kHz primary frequency

and 2-15/30 kHz secondary frequency.

Sound pressure level: ~200 dB re 1 µPa at 1 m.

3.3.4 Magnetometry

Method: A magnetometer system such as a Geometrics G882 will be used which is capable of detecting the

position of pipelines, cables, ordnance, wrecks or any other ferrous metallic objects buried to a depth of up to

6m below the seabed.

Survey Parameters:

Survey width: 500 – 800m

Line spacing: 50m (maximum)

Cross line interval: 500m (maximum)

3.3.5 Current Profiling

Method: Current profiling data will be collected using the vessel transecting method. This involves mounting

an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) to a vessel approximately 50 cm from the surface of the water;

allowing for the collection of data from the surface portion of the water, and through the water column.

An RD Instruments ADCP such as a Teledyne RDI Workshorse Sentinel ADCP will be used with signals of

300 or 600 kHz.

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Survey Parameters:

Current profiling will be undertaken along one of the proposed survey routes. Transect lines will be

undertaken over a 12-hour period, at typically 2 m/s, and on a spring and neap tide.

Source Parameters:

Ping rate: up to 10Hz.

Beam angle: 20o to the vertical.

Dynamic Range: 80dB +/- 1.5dB.

3.4 Offshore: Intrusive Surveys

3.4.1 Vibrocoring

Method: Vibrocoring will be used in order to better understand the soil profile from seabed to approximately

6 to 9m depth. Core samples will be obtained using a variable frequency control marine vibrocorer unit from

the seabed. The vibrocorer unit is deployed with the aid of a crane and/or ‘A’ frame either through the ship’s

moonpool or with a special deployment structure over the side of the vessel. Once the unit is on the sea floor

the vibrator motors are engaged and the core barrel is driven into the seabed.

The final depths, locations and number of holes will be determined based on the results of the non-intrusive

surveys. The below survey parameters are therefore indicative only.

Survey Parameters:

Core diameter: 100mm (maximum)

Core depth: 6 – 9m

Hole spacing: 100 – 200m

Proposed No. holes: 57 (approximately within a range of 55 to 60)

3.4.2 Cone Penetration Testing (CPT)

Method: Measurements of in-situ soil properties will be obtained using a seabed CPT unit. The CPT unit is

deployed either through a ships moonpool or with a special deployment structure over the side of the vessel.

The CPT unit operates from the seabed with rods connected to the survey vessel.

The final depths, locations and number of CPT holes will be determined based on the results of the non-

intrusive surveys. The below survey parameters are therefore indicative only.

Survey Parameters:

Hole depth: 6 – 9m

Hole spacing: 200 – 800m

Proposed No. holes: 25

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3.5 Inter-tidal: Intrusive Surveys

3.5.1 Trial Pits

Method: Trial pits will be machine dug up to 5 metres depth to determine the soil profile and, where

applicable, depth to bedrock, within the inter-tidal and shoreline areas at each landfall point. Trial pits will

typically be 3m x 1m in size but may be enlarged if necessary to increase stability and provide visibility to the

logging engineer. Samples will be taken from each of the trial pits for laboratory testing. Trial Pits will be

excavated using a JCB 360 excavator or equivalent capable of reaching 5m depth.

Survey Parameters:

Hole depth: 5m

Proposed No. holes: 14 (approximately)

3.6 Environmental/Archaeological Surveys

3.6.1 Field Surveys

It is intended that walkover surveys of the foreshore (inter-tidal area) will be completed by an ecological and

archaeological team. Photographs /video of individual features may be taken. Where inter-tidal/sub-tidal

metal detection is considered warranted a Detection Device Consent will be sought from the National

Monuments Service. Where a dive survey is considered warranted a Dive Survey Licence will be sought

from the National Monuments Service.

3.6.2 Sampling

Benthic grab samples may be sourced from representative locations within the survey area (typically 0.1 m3)

– one sample for faunal analysis and one sample for physico-chemical analysis to identify the presence of

potential pollutants.

3.7 Programme

It is anticipated (subject to a Foreshore Licence being granted) that the non-intrusive surveys (items detailed

in Section 3.3 above) will occur over a 10 day duration. It is anticipated that that the intrusive surveys will

occur over a 15 day duration (items detailed in Section 3.4 above).

There will be a separation period of approximately 4 weeks between the non-intrusive and intrusive surveys

to allow for time to interpret the findings of the non-intrusive surveys prior to commencing with the intrusive

surveys.

A contingency period will be required for to allow for operational delays. As the findings of the non-intrusive

survey are currently unknown there may be a requirement to delay the timing of the intrusive surveys.

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4 Drawings/Maps

4.1 Inclusions with the Foreshore Application

The following table sets out the drawings which have been included with this Foreshore Application.

Table 1: Drawings/Maps

Drawing Reference Title Purpose Location

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-001 (Discovery Mapping)

Proposed Survey Area Extent on Discovery Series Mapping

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 002 (Orthophotography)

Proposed Survey Area Extent on Discovery Series Mapping

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 003 (Landowner Folio Map Set Index)

Proposed Survey Area Extent with adjacent landowner folios

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 004 (Landowner Folio Map North Option 1)

Proposed Survey Area Extent with adjacent landowner folios at the proposed

landfall Option 1

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 005 (Landowner Folio Map North Option 2)

Proposed Survey Area Extent with adjacent landowner folios at the proposed

landfall Option 2

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 006 (Landowner Folio Map North Option 3)

Proposed Survey Area Extent with adjacent landowner folios at the proposed

landfall Option 3

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 006 (Landowner Folio Map South Option)

Proposed Survey Area Extent with adjacent landowner folios at the proposed

landfall South Option

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 008 (Admiralty Chart)

Proposed Survey Area Extent on Admiralty Chart Mapping

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 009 (Designated Ecological Sites)

Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating proximity to Protected Ecological Sites

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 010 (Aquaculture/Fishery Interests)

Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating proximity to Aquaculture/Shellfish Areas

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 011 (Indicative Sampling Locations – Admiralty Chart)

Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating Indicative Sampling Locations

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 012 (Indicative Sampling Locations – Discovery Mapping)

Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating Indicative Sampling Locations

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 013 (Indicative Sampling Locations – Orthophotography)

Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating Indicative Sampling Locations

Appendix C Foreshore Application

Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 11Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information

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Drawing Reference Title Purpose Location

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 016 (Proposed Sampling Locations – Key Sheet)

Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating Indicative Sampling Locations

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 017 (Proposed Sampling Locations – Sheets 1 to 3 of 3)

Proposed Survey Area Extent indicating Indicative Sampling Locations

Appendix C Foreshore Application

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y 018 (Foreshore Licence Map)

Foreshore Licence Map

Appendix C Foreshore Application

Source: Mott MacDonald

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5 Pre-Application Consultation

5.1 Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

A Pre-Application Consultation Request Form was issued to the Department on 21st March 2017.

5.2 Development Applications Unit, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and

Gaeltacht Affairs

A Pre-Application Consultation Request was issued to the Development Applications Unit on 10th April 2017.

A meeting was held with Dr. David Lyons, National Parks and Wildife Service on Tuesday 25th April 2017.

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6 Adjacent Landowners

6.1 Overview

With the exception of the foreshore which is in state ownership no access is required to or across any

privately owned lands for the purpose of completing any of the proposed surveys with the exception of lands

either owned by Electricity Supply Board or lands on which the ESB have agreed access. EirGrid have the

consent of the Electricity Supply Board to access its lands for the purpose of the surveys.

EirGrid has consulted with all adjacent landowners to inform them that the survey will be taking place.

6.2 Folio References and Adjacent Landowners

The information presented below was sourced from the Property Registration Authority web-site in March

2017. All of the land holdings are in private ownership. Those owned by the Electricity Supply Board are

identified with an asterisk (*). The locations of the individual folios are depicted on the following drawings

which are included in Appendix C Drawings/Mapping.

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-003 (Adjacent Landowner Folio- Map Set Index);

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-004 (Adjacent Landowner Folio- Map Set North Option 1);

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-005 (Adjacent Landowner Folio- Map Set North Option 2);

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-006 (Adjacent Landowner Folio- Map Set North Option 3); and

● 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-007 (Adjacent Landowner Folio- Map Set South Option).

Table 2: Adjacent Landowner Folios

CE12681 CE6741

CE12706

CE13217F

CE13562

CE26761F

CE26434

CE2763F

CE41599F

CE27848

CE12861

CE6741

CE2029L*

CE28033*

CE12706

CE27848

CE2029L

CE28033

CE6447*

CE49961F CE6628

KY69424F*

KY20182

KY4133

KY4427

KY67175F

Source: Property Registration Authority of Ireland

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7 Environmental and Land-Use Considerations

7.1 Designated Ecological Sites

Designated ecological sites are included in the table below and depicted in drawing reference 379408-MMD-

XX-00-GIS-Y-009 (Designated Ecological Sites) in Appendix C Drawings/Mapping.

Table 3: Designated Ecological Sites

Designation Site Name Site Code Distance from Survey Area

SPA River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA

004077 Within

SAC Lower River Shannon SAC 002165 Within

pNHA Ballylongford Bay 001332 approx. 1 km

pNHA Tarbert Bay 001386 approx. 1 km

A Stage 1 and Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment/Natura Impact Statement has been completed for the

proposed surveys. The reports considered whether it can be objectively concluded that these effects will not

be significant.

This assessment has shown that there will be no significant impact on the Lower River Shannon cSAC or

River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA as a result of the proposed short-term and temporary

marine surveys. As recommended in the report a qualified and experienced marine mammal observer will be

onboard the survey vessel who will instruct and supervise the ‘soft-start’ procedure. It is concluded that the

conservation objectives and integrity of the cSAC and SPA will not be compromised by the proposed survey

work.

The Stage 1 and Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment/Natura Impact Statement is included in Appendix F

Appropriate Assessment/Natura Impact Statement.

7.2 Fishing/Aquaculture Considerations

Information sourced from the Department of Agriculture concerning aquaculture interested in the study area

are depicted on drawing reference 379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-0010 (Aquaculture/Fishery Interests) in

Appendix C Drawings/Mapping.

The nearest designated shellfish waters are the West Shannon Ballylongford Designated Shellfish Waters

which are located approximately 1 kilometre south-west of the proposed study area. The West Shannon

Poulnasherry Designated Shellfish Waters are located approximately 4 kilometres north-west of the

proposed study area.

Aquaculture interests identified in close proximity to the study area are depicted on drawing reference

379408-MMD-XX-00-GIS-Y-0010 (Aquaculture/Fishery Interests) in Appendix C Drawings/Mapping. The

closest site is T08/0004BOFO which is partially located within the proposed survey area and relates to an

Oyster Fishery Order issued in 1961 to SO Limited. No further information concerning this order was

available from the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment when sought.

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7.3 Commercial Shipping Activity

The Shannon Estuary is the largest estuary in Ireland, with a water body of some 31,500 ha, covering a

distance of approximately 100km from Limerick City to Loop Head. It has a long established history of

facilitating major industries, including Shannon Foynes Port at Foynes and Limerick Docks. The Port is

Ireland’s second largest port operation, handling the largest vessels entering Irish waters, up to 200,000dwt.

Shannon International Airport, ESB Moneypoint, Tarbert Power Station, NORA Fuel Storage, Aughinish

Alumina are major industrial and employment hubs within the Estuary. (www.shannonestuarysifp.ie).

Significant commercial jetties in the general and wider area include;

● Aughinish Alumina;

● Foynes Deepwater Quay;

● Moneypoint Power Station;

● Shannon Airport Jetty;

● Tarbert Jetty;

● Limerick Docks

Shannon Ferry Group operates a ‘roll-on roll-off’ ferry service between Tarbert, County Kerry and Killimer,

County Clare.

7.4 Tourism and Recreation

Tourism is a sector of significant economic value in the Shannon Estuary which is intrinsically linked to the

quality and beauty of the natural environment of the area. Tourism activities in the study area include for

example;

● Wild Atlantic Way;

● Dolphin Watching;

● RIB tours (rigid inflatable boats);

● Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland (Kilrush);

● Kilrush Creek Adventure Centre;

● Scattery Island Ferries; and

● Shore Angling.

7.5 Impacts

The completion of the marine surveys proposed will add a negligible amount of marine traffic to the Shannon

Estuary and therefore not present additional navigational safety hazards. The relevant marine survey activity

procedures will be fully adhered to including the issuance of a Notice to Mariners and appointment of a

Fisheries Liaison Officer. EirGrid and/or its appointed representatives will consult with all relevant

stakeholders as appropriate ahead of the planned survey works.

Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 16Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information

379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables

8 Company Information

8.1 Certificate of Incorporation

The Certificate of Incorporation for EirGrid is included in Appendix E Company Documentation.

8.2 Constitution/Memorandum of Association

The Constitution/Memorandum of Association for EirGrid is included in Appendix E Company

Documentation.

Mott MacDonald | Cross Shannon 400kV Cable Project 17Foreshore Licence Application Appendix B Proposed Survey Information

379408 | 06 | C | May 2017 PiMS Deliverables

mottmac.com


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