Environmental Impact Assessment

Screening Report

for the

R558 Fenit Road Improvement

Proposals

at Gaynor’s bends,

Ballymakegoge, Co Kerry

Eoin Kelleher

Executive Planner and Ecologist

Environmental Assessment Unit

Kerry County Council

August 2017

Executive Summary

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Report has been prepared to

consider the requirement or otherwise of carrying out an EIA in respect of the R558

Fenit Road Improvement Proposals at Gaynor’s bends, Ballymakegoge, Co Kerry.

This screening exercise was undertaken in two stages. The first stage considered the

requirement for a mandatory EIA, while the second stage considered the

requirement or need for a sub-threshold EIA. As part of the sub-threshold screening

exercise, the potential for impacts on environmental sensitivities were considered in

addition to the interrelationship between those environmental sensitivities.

Following on from this, the formal EIA Screening Exercise was completed, in line with

the criteria set out in the EIA Directive (2014/52EU).

This report concludes that this is a sub-threshold type project which is not likely to

have a significant effect on the environment, either by itself or in combination with

other plans or projects, and that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not

required in this instance.

1. Introduction

The Environmental Assessment Unit (Planning and Sustainable Development

Department) has been requested by the Operations Department of Kerry County

Council to assist the relevant authorities in forming an opinion as to whether or not

the proposed road improvement project should be subject to Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) and a subsequent Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) m/

Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR). Experience and rulings by the

European Court of Justice have shown that, in certain circumstances, small-scale

projects can have significant effects on the environment. This report comprises an

Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report and will be taken into

consideration by the Competent Authority in its determination as to whether EIA is

required in this instance.

1.3 Legislative context

EIA legislation sets down the types of projects that may require an EIS. Annex I

defines mandatory projects that require an EIS and Annex II defines projects that are

assessed on the basis of set mandatory thresholds for each of the project classes.

The relevant threshold summaries of legislative requirements for EIA Screening for

road type developments are set out in Table 1 below.

Table 1 Summary of Legislative Requirements for EIA Screening – From the Roads

Act (1993–2016); based on the original format in the NRA Guidelines on EIA (2008).

Mandatory Regulatory Reference

(1) Construction of a motorway S. 50.—(1) (a)(i) of the

Roads Act, 1993-2016.

(2) Construction of a busway S. 50.—(1) (a)(ii) of the

Roads Act, 1993-2016.

(3) Construction of a service area S. 50.—(1) (a)(iii) of the

Roads Act, 1993-2016.

(4) Any

prescribed

type of

proposed

road

development

consisting of

the

construction

of a proposed

public road or

the

improvement

of an existing

public road,

namely:

The construction of a new road of

four or more lanes, or the

realignment or widening of an

existing road so as to provide

four or more lanes, where such

new, realigned or widened road

would be eight kilometres or

more in length in a rural area, or

500m or more in length in an

urban area;

The construction of a new bridge

or tunnel which would be 100

metres or more in length.

Article 8 of the Roads

Regulations, 1994 (Part V

Environmental Impact

Assessment)

Article 8 of the Roads

Regulations, 1994 (Part V

Environmental Impact

Assessment)

Sub-Threshold Regulatory Reference

(4) Where An Bord Pleanála considers that any

proposed road development (other than

development to which mandatory requirement

applies) consisting of the construction of a

proposed public road or the improvement of an

existing public road would be likely to have

significant effects on the environment, he shall

direct the road authority to prepare an

environmental impact statement in respect of

such proposed road development and the

authority shall comply with such direction.

S. 50.—(1) (b) of the

Roads Act, 1993 - 2016.

(5) Where a road authority considers that any

proposed road development (other than

development to which mandatory requirement

applies) consisting of the construction of a

proposed public road or the improvement of an

existing public road would be likely to have

significant effects on the environment, it shall

S. 50.—(1) (c) of the

Roads Act, 1993 - 2016.

inform the Board in writing and where the Board

concurs with the road authority he shall give a

direction to the road authority (as above).

(i) a European Site,

meaning

(I) a candidate site of

Community importance,

(II) a site of Community

importance,

(III) a candidate special

area of conservation,

(IV) a special area of

conservation,

(V) a candidate special

protection area, or

(VI) a special protection

area

(v) Land established or

recognised as a nature

reserve within the

meaning of section 15 or

16 of the Wildlife Act,

1976 (No. 39 of 1976)

(6) Where a proposed

road development

(other than

development to which

mandatory

requirement applies)

consisting of the

construction of a

proposed public road

or the improvement of

an existing public road

would be located on

certain environmental

sites, the road

authority concerned

shall decide whether

the proposed road

development would or

would not be likely to

have significant

effects on the

environment. The

sites concerned are:

(vi) Land designated as a

refuge for fauna under

section 17 of the Wildlife

Act, 1976 (No. 39 of

1976)

If the authority decides that the proposed road

development would be likely to have significant

effects, it shall inform An Bord Pleanála in writing

(as outlined in (6) above).

S. 50.—(1) (d) of the

Roads Act, 1993 – 2016.

1.4 Methodology

Following on from an outline of a project as described in Section 2 of this report, the

screening exercise will be outlined in two main stages. The first stage, which is

contained within Section 3 of this report considered the requirement for a

mandatory EIA. The second stage considered the requirement or need for a sub-

threshold EIA and is outlined within Section 4 of this report.

2. Project Description

he R558 while a regional roadway is recognised as being of strategic importance

within the Region (Table 5.1 South West Regional Planning Guidelines 2010). These

guidelines highlight its importance linking Fenit Port with the Tralee - Killarney linked

hub. It is a busy route, particularly in the summer season as it forms part of the ‘Wild

Atlantic Way’, a touring route of international renown. The following extract from

S5.5.14 of the Regional Guidelines indicates the Regional importance of the port and

its access roads:- ‘The maintenance and ongoing development of Fenit Port and its

access roads is a critical element of the Tralee/Killarney Hub infrastructure providing

an additional transportation linkage and facilitating existing industry in the area. In

addition, it is the maritime leisure and activity base of the Linked Hub. These roles

must be protected and sustainably developed to ensure the role of the Hub towns

expand to reach their potential’.

The existing carriageway in the vicinity of Gaynor’s bends, Ballymakegoge has been

identified as being sub-standard in terms of its width and alignment. This is

especially the case for port related heavy goods traffic including the extra long loads

associated with Liebherr Container Cranes Ltds who have a significant manufacturing

facility in Killarney.

This proposal involves the upgrade of the existing surface and the increase of the

carriageway width to 8m in addition to realignment. The length of the proposed

scheme is approx 905m. Improvement works also include the provision of 1m grass

verges and a working space either side between the grass verges and the proposed

boundary lines. Drainage channels and boundary treatment are also included. Also

provided for is 1 No. junction to serve the bypassed road. The proposed widening

will require contour re-profiling works to the west. Boundary treatment / fencing, a

mammal underpass, water quality protection measures and invasive species

management / landscaping, are provided for in line with best practice NRA (TII)

Guidelines.

Above: Proposed project location (not to scale)

Above: Proposed realignment (not to scale)

Above: Typical Cross section (not to scale)

3. Mandatory requirement for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

3.1 Mandatory requirements

The proposed scheme has been assessed in terms of the mandatory requirement for

an EIA based on the nature or scale of the development, as addressed in the EU

Directive 2014/52/EU and also the Roads Act 1993 - 2016. It is considered that the

proposed road scheme is not one which falls within the scope of this category. As

part of this the requirements laid out in Table 1 have been taken into account.

In particular it is noted that a roadway of 4 or more lanes is not proposed as part of

this proposal. It should be noted that mandatory EIA requirements for non-road

type development have also been considered and discounted in this instance. As

part of this infrastructure type projects listed in the Planning and Development

Regulations 2001, as amended and in Annex I and II of the EIA Directive as amended

were taken into account.

4. Sub-threshold requirement for an Environmental Impact Statement

4.1 legislative context and screening methodology

Where a proposed road development would be located on certain environmental

sites (see Table 1), the road authority shall decide whether the proposed road

development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. The key

issue, in the context of the possible need for EIA of sub-threshold development, is

whether or not such development is likely to have significant effects on the

environment.

The 2014 amending EIA Directive (2014/52EU) contains guidance for Member States

in terms of deciding whether or not a development is likely to have “significant

effects on the environment”. The guidance is provided by way of criteria set out in

Annex III of the consolidated Directive. The criteria are grouped under three

headings and are used to help in the screening process to determine whether a

development is likely to have a significant effect on the environment. The criteria for

determining whether a development would or would not be likely to have significant

effects on the environment are taken from Annex III of the Directive and are grouped

under the following three headings:-

1. Characteristics of the projects

2. Location of the projects

3. Type and Characteristics of the potential Impact

This EIA Screening was prepared having regard to the following guidance documents;

• 2001 European Commission. Guidance on EIA – Screening;

• 2003 Government Publications. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Guidance for Consent Authorities regarding Sub-threshold Development;

• 2002 Environmental Protection Agency. Guideline on the Information to be

contained in Environmental Impact Statements; and

• 2008 National Roads Authority. Environmental Impact Assessment of National

Road Schemes – A Practical Guide.

Having regard to the above and in order to inform screening evaluation,

consideration was firstly given to environmental sensitivities in the area and to the

potential for impacts on environmental particular aspects of the environment

(Section 4.2). This section has regard to the Environmental Topics as set out in the

EIA Directive as follows:-

• Population, Material assets, and Human Health,

• Biodiversity,

• Land and Soil,

• Water,

• Air and Climate,

• Landscape and Cultural heritage, including architectural and archaeological

aspects, and

• The interrelationship between the environmental topics.

Following on from this, the formal EIA Screening Exercise was completed, in line with

the criteria set out in the EIA Directive. This is contained within Section 4.3 of this

report.

4.2 Overview of potential impacts on environmental sensitivities

4.2.1 Population, Material Assets and Human Health

It is expected that this proposal will have a positive impact on population, material

assets and human health by relieving traffic congestion and improving road safety

and the accessibility of the area. Material assets will be significantly improved by way

of enhance provision of transport infrastructure. Loss of agricultural land will be

minimal.

This proposal would facilitate sustainable (port related) employment, which is a

factor in maintenance of health. In general the material well being and sense of

purpose that a job provides are beneficial to health.

Potential also exists, particularly at the construction stage for an amount of nuisance

associated with traffic disruption. However, any such impacts will be temporary in

nature and could be reduced by implementation of construction and traffic

management measures.

4.2.2 Biodiversity (inc Flora and Fauna)

As with any road development project, the proposal will result in habitat loss along

the footprint of the works area. However it is noted that the works will not encroach

on protected sites in this instance. The extent of the required works is also reduced

given that it is for the most part a road widening as opposed to a new road build

proposal. Use of the existing road corridor will ensure that any risks to biodiversity

interests are minimised.

It is noted that a Badger sett is located between the existing R558 and the coastline

at this location as outlined below and that there is an ‘at grade’ badger crossing

point to the west, accessing agricultural lands to the north. It is also noted that it is

proposed to locate a standard mammal crossing in line with NRA (TII) guidelines at

the existing ‘at grade’ badger crossing location so as to ensure safe and suitable

connectivity between the sett / coastline and agricultural lands to the north.

Above: Badger Sett location and existing roadside ‘at grade’ crossing point

It is noted that the works area is located outside of but in close proximity to Natura

2000 designations. Having regard to the conservation objectives for the Tralee Bay

Natura 2000 sites and the accompanying maps and supporting documents which

outline the known location of qualifying habitats within the SAC, impact on habitats

associated with the Natura 2000 network are considered to be unlikely. No

qualifying species of designated sites are likely to be impacted upon by way of this

proposal. It is noted that a Habitats Directive Assessment has been prepared in

support of the proposal which has concluded that significant effects on Natura 2000

sites are not likely in this instance.

Above: Natura 2000 sites adjoining the development site

Badger Sett Crossing

point

European Otter Lutra lutra

The coast at this location showed signs of otter activity as would be expected.

Coastal locations such as this constitute prime Otter habitat with a year round

abundance of resource requirements for the species. Habitat within the proposed

development site is less favourable consisting as it does of improved agricultural

grassland of low ecological value to the species.

Environmental Protection Measures: None required

Tralee Bay Complex SPA Birdlife

Lands are not wetlands or qualifying habitats for Tralee Bay Complex SPA Birdlife.

Similar coastal improved agricultural lands are located elsewhere in the vicinity.

Proposal unlikely to significantly impact on same.

Environmental Protection Measures: None required

Badger

Environmental Protection Measures:-

• Pre construction mammal surveying as per TII / NRA guidelines

• Mammal Fencing and underpasses as per TII / NRA guidelines

Chough

Rock outcrop area to the west of the scheme is suitable Chough habitat. Works in

the vicinity of same are small scale in nature. This area has previously being widened.

No impact likely.

Environmental Protection Measures: None required

4.2.3 Land and Soil

The total land take required for the project is insignificant within the context of

similar resources in the area. Additional soil sealing will occur. Proposal will not

result in or exacerbate soil erosion elsewhere. Soil in the area is generally of

productive quality, however there will be opportunities for re-use of such soil

elsewhere.

Lands in the vicinity have not been classified as susceptible to landslides in the GSI

landslide susceptibility viewer and there are no geologically protected areas located

in the area. Construction materials would be sourced from authorized sources and

any excess fill will be disposed of at authorized locations. It is noted that an amount

of local excavation will be required, particularly to the west of the proposed scheme,

where rock is located close to the surface.

Bedrock at this location consists of bedded bioclastic limestone which forms part of

the Cloonagh Limestone Formation Rock Unit Type. 3 No. Geological Interest Sites

are located in the vicinity of Gaynor’s bends. These Geological Sites have outlined

buffer areas as opposed to fixed boundaries as they have not been formally

surveyed.

1. Oyster Hill (under both IGH8 Lower Carboniferous and IGH3 Palaeontology

themes) is an Asbian-aged mudmound with striped limestone and fauna (include

foreshore area). The IGH7 theme report, outlines:

‘Oyster Hill rises to c. 100 feet with a steep north face of laminates forming an

anticline which are repeated at the shore line forming part of the Sammy’s Rock

Formation; with further exposure in a quarry exposure of the Carboniferous reef and

slumped striped limestones along the Fenit Road. The type section of the Sammy’s

Rock Formation is found is found at Oyster Hill and consists of a series of coarsely

clastic limestones with interbedded striped limestones. The fauna together with the

unusual nature of the striped limestones make Oyster Hill a suitable candidate for a

Natural Heritage Area.’

2. Kilfenora (IGH12 Mesozoic-Caenozoic) Saprolite: Cliff exposure at Kilfenora near

Fenit. Lower Carboniferous intensely weathered limestones. Some chalk also found

there.

3. Fenit - Kilfenora – Spa (IGH7 Quaternary, IGH14 Fluvial and Lacustrine

Geomorphology) mass wasting: solifluction deposits, Fenitian Stage (the last

glaciation).

Above: Location of Geological Special Interest Sites in the vicinity of Gaynor’s

Bends (R558 Tralee to Fenit Harbour).

Proposed development would not impact on outcrop areas or the foreshore and any

new cuttings would provide new information which would be a positive impact on

Geological Heritage.

4.2.4 Water aspects

Key impacts during any construction works project relate to the potential for

pollution of watercourses / groundwater from works and or spillages. No

watercourses are located within or downstream of the works area. No potential

exists for loss of river corridors, river or riparian habitats or to potential spawning

beds in this instance. It is noted that standard best practice water quality protection

measures have been incorporated into the proposal including ‘Control of Water

Pollution from Construction Sites – Guidance for Consultants and Contractors’

published by CIRIA (2001) and NRA Guidelines (2006). This proposal is not in itself

considered to be a particularly flood vulnerable one and is not located within a

known flood risk area.

4.2.5 Air/Climatic factors

It is considered that air quality in the area is not likely to be significantly impacted

upon by way of this proposal. Any such impacts would be temporary and localised

and it is noted that standard dust control measures have been incorporated into the

proposal. Improved alignments can be associated with reduced energy demand and

associated emissions as the need to break and accelerate is reduced. The potential

exists for construction stage noise and vibration to occur. However given the scale

location and temporary nature of works and distance to potentially sensitive

receptors. NRA / TII guidelines will be adhered to as part of the proposal.

4.2.6 Landscape and cultural heritage including architectural aspects

This proposal is located within an area zoned for Rural General Development and

would not impinge on either Prime or Secondary Amenity designations or listed

protected views. There are no protected structures or Architectural Conservation

Areas in the vicinity. Road widening has taken place at this location a number of

times in the past. No known cultural features of significance are likely to be impacted

upon by the proposal.

• The predicted magnitude of change in landscape resource is low consistent with

minor alterations to character.

• The predicted significance of landscape impact for the LCA is slight i.e. there will

be a partial or noticeable loss of elements of the landscape character and / or

medium term change.

• No significant visual impacts are considered to be likely.

• The proposed road improvement development will maintain seaward views.

Above: landscape designations in the area. Dark Green = secondary special amenity

zoning, Light Green = Prime Special Amenity Zoning.

4.2.7 Archaeological heritage The County Archaeologist has advised that while there are no monuments listed in RMP or

SMR that are directly impacted by the road widening/realignment, archaeological testing in

advance of construction is recommended on the basis of location (Gaynor's Bend

realignment is coastal and at the base of one of the larger waulsortian reefs in the area

which are now understood to be focii for prehistoric activity).

4.2.8 The interrelationship between the environmental topics

The greater the number of different aspects of the environment which are likely to

be affected and the greater the links between the effects, the more likely significant

effects may occur. Impact inter-relationships/interactions relate to the reactions

between impacts within a project and the inter-relationship between impacts

identified under one topic with impacts identified under another topic.

The consideration of impact inter-relationships and interactions provides an

opportunity to consider the overall impacts of a scheme that might not be

immediately apparent. All above receptors contribute to the distinctive character of

the area. Cumulative impacts on the suite of these features may be significant in

scale, nature and duration. The most important interactions in this case are

considered to be those between soil / geology and landscape and between ecology /

water quality. It is considered that the proposal as outlined contains sufficient

standard safeguards as integral components of the overall project in this regard.

4.3. Sub threshold development assessment

Having considered the above environmental factors, the aim of the next section is to

address likely impacts, if any on the environment by the implementation of the

proposed development having regard to the criteria set out in the EIA Directive, as

amended.

Criteria for determining whether the project would or would not be likely to have a

significant effect on the environment

1. Characteristics of projects

(a) The size and design of the

whole project

In essence this is a road widening and realignment

development. It seeks to increase the paved road

width 8m for a distance of 905m, with the

incorporation of 1m grass verges.

(b) Cumulation with other

existing and/or approved

projects

It is noted that there are a number of existing and

proposed rural type developments in the area.

There are also proposals to widen the road by way

of setting back roadside boundaries at the Spa

village to the east.

Potential for cumulative impacts in relation to

landscape, loss or fragmentation of habitat, water

quality and road safety.

(c) The use of natural

resources, in particular land,

soil, water and biodiversity.

Natural resources will be required for the

construction of the roadway. However it is noted

that in this instance there will be opportunities to

source required fill on-site. There will be no

requirement for water abstraction for the proposed

development.

(d) The production of waste. The project includes an area of cut to the west. No

large-scale wastes generated.

(e) Pollution and nuisances. The construction of an infrastructure proposal such

as this could give rise to particular nuisances or

instances of pollution. During the construction

stage, there will be a risk of associated water

pollution via silt or hydrocarbons. There may also

be temporary disruption to existing traffic at certain

locations as would cause nuisance. Additional noise

associated with construction works may be

temporarily experienced locally in the vicinity – this

would be similar in character to road traffic /

agricultural machinery generated noise.

(f) The risk of major accidents

and/or disasters which are

relevant to the project

concerned, including those

caused by climate change, in

accordance with scientific

knowledge.

The risk of accidents associated with the

development would not cause unusual, significant

or adverse effects. Complex technologies or

substance use are not considered to be likely.

Standard health and safety precautions will be

required at design, construction and operation

stages. No hazardous activities are proposed which

would pose a significant risk to a habitats or the

environment.

(g) The risks to human health

(for example due to water

contamination or air

pollution).

None likely.

2. Location of projects

(a) The existing and approved

land use.

Existing: Transport and Agriculture

Approved land use: Rural General Development –

Kerry County Development Plan 2015-2021.

(b) The relative abundance,

availability, quality and

regenerative capacity of

natural resources (including

soil, land, water and

biodiversity) in the area and

its underground.

Soil to be removed generally of good quality, rock

to be removed limestone in nature. Opportunities

exist for use elsewhere and or disposed of at

authorised sites. Habitat type – improved

agricultural grassland, abundant in the area.

Regenerative capacity minimal as the surface of the

widened roadway will be sealed. Area affected

considered to be insignificant within the context of

the relative abundance of the soil, water, rock and

biodiversity resources in the area.

(c) The absorption capacity of

the natural environment,

paying particular attention to

the following areas:

(i) wetlands, riparian areas,

river mouths;

(ii) coastal zones and the

marine environment;

(iii)mountain and forest

areas;

(iv) nature reserves and parks;

(v) areas classified or

protected under national

legislation; Natura 2000

areas designated by

Member States pursuant

to Directive 92/43/EEC

and Directive

2009/147/EC;

(vi) areas in which there has

already been a failure to

meet the environmental

quality standards, laid

down in Union legislation

and relevant to the

project, or in which it is

considered that there is

such a failure;

(vii) densely populated

areas;

(viii) landscapes and sites of

historical, cultural or

archaeological

significance.

Wetlands are located in the wider area, associated

with Tralee Bay.

This proposal is located in the coastal zone

associated with Tralee Bay.

This adjoins the Tralee Bay and Magharees

Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC (Site Code

002070) and the Tralee Bay Complex SPA (Site Code

004188) Natura 2000 sites. Tralee Bay also forms

part of a Nature reserve.

The landscape at this location is attractive and

coastal in nature, forming part of the ‘Wild Atlantic

Way’ touring route. The proposal is outside of

Special Amenity designations and is not listed as a

protected view.

There are no monuments listed in RMP or SMR that

are directly impacted by the road

widening/realignment. Notwithstanding this, the

area has potentially ‘unknown’ archaeology.

3. Type and characteristics of Potential Impact

The potential significant effects of the projects on the environment must be

considered in relation to the criteria set out in 1 & 2 above and having regard to the

factors specified in Article 3(1) (of the EIA Directive) taking into account aspects of

the impact as outlined in (a) to (h) below.

Article 3(1) Factors

a) population and human health;

b) biodiversity, with particular attention to species and habitats protected under

Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/EC;

c) land, soil, water, air and climate;

d) material assets, cultural heritage and the landscape;

e) the interaction between the factors referred to in points (a) to (d).

(a) The magnitude and spatial

extent of the impact (for

example geographical area

and size of the population

likely to be affected).

The magnitude and spatial extent of impacts is

limited to the development site itself, its immediate

vicinity and road users in the area.

(b) The nature of the impact.

Population and human health impact

During the construction period road users may

experience traffic delays however on completion

increased accessibility of the area to a number of

different road users is likely to have positive

implications for the population of the wider area.

Biodiversity

• Habitat loss – loss of undesignated improved

agricultural grassland habitat of low ecological

value.

• Badger – potential for disturbance, alteration to

existing commuting routes / culverts.

• Birdlife / otter – potential for disturbance /

displacement.

Land / Landscape

This proposal will alter the landscape at this

location. In particular there will be loss of roadside

boundaries on the landward side of the scheme.

Area located within pNHA for geological heritage

interest.

Cultural heritage

Potential exists to uncover previously unknown

archaeology as part of the project.

Other / interacting impact

Other impacts are considered to be minor in nature

and do not have potential to significantly impact on

the environment, either by themselves or in

combination with other such impacts, plans or

projects.

(c) The transboundary nature

of the impact.

None. No cross border implications.

(d) The intensity and

complexity of the impact.

Population and human health impact

Negative impacts are associated with the

construction stage only and will have a low intensity

type impact ameliorated by standard traffic

management measures. Positive impacts thereafter

will have a intensely positive impact on the

population using the roadway, particularly port

related traffic.

Biodiversity

• Habitat loss. Habitat is of local importance.

• Badger impact – low intensity having regard to

the standard environmental protection

measures incorporated into the project, which

include the provision of mammal underpass and

fencing.

• Birdlife / otter – low intensity having regard to

nature, location and magnitude of proposed

works. Noise generated at construction stage

similar in nature to that generated from traffic

and agricultural machinery. The sea offers

considerable background noise much of the

time along the coastline within the designated

lands at this location.

Landscape

• The predicted magnitude of change in

landscape resource is low consistent with

minor alterations to character.

• The predicted significance of landscape impact

for the LCA is therefore slight i.e. there will be

a partial or noticeable loss of elements of the

landscape character and / or medium term

change.

• No significant visual impacts are considered to

be likely.

• The proposed road improvement development

will maintain seaward views.

• Proposal does not encroach on existing rock

outcrop or exposed coastal locations.

Cultural heritage

Standard archaeological testing and monitoring is

required. The possibility exists to uncover

previously unknown archaeology during the course

of the project.

These potential impacts are not considered to be

complex in nature.

(e) The probability of the

impact.

Population and human health impact

Traffic impacts – probably / near certain probability.

Negative impacts are associated with the

construction stage only. Positive impacts thereafter.

Biodiversity

• Habitat loss –high / near certain probability

• Badger impact – low / unlikely probability

having regard to the standard environmental

protection measures incorporated into the

project, which include the provision of mammal

underpass and fencing. Otters would be

expected to continue to access their territory

and would not be at increased risk of road

traffic related mortality.

• Birdlife / otter– low / unlikely probability.

Landscape

It is probable that the proposal will slightly alter the

landscape at this location.

Cultural heritage

It is unlikely that the project would impact on

cultural heritage if pre construction testing is

undertaken as outlined.

(f) The expected onset,

duration, frequency and

reversibility of the impact.

Population and human health impact

Construction stage traffic impact will be temporary

in nature coinciding with the construction phase of

the project. Operation stage traffic impact will be

long-term associated with the operation of the

roadway. Neither would be readily reversible.

Biodiversity impact

Habitat loss – this will occur during the early stages

of construction and will not be reversible.

Badger impact – expected to coincide with the

commencement of works on site and would be

temporary in nature.

Birdlife / otter - expected to coincide with the

commencement of works on site and would be

temporary in nature.

Landscape

Expected to coincide with the commencement of

works on site. Landscape alteration although slight

would be long-term and not reversibly. However

impact will naturally reduce over time. It is noted

that rock outcrops can also form a visual feature of

interest and that there may be opportunities to

expose rock towards the west of the proposed

scheme. new cuttings would provide new

information which would be a positive impact on

Geological Heritage

Cultural heritage

Impact expected to coincide with the

commencement of works on site.

(g) The cumulation of the

impact with the impact of

other existing and/or

approved projects.

Other road improvement works have occurred and

are planned for the Tralee to Fenit Roadway.

Cumulatively these will improve the transport

infrastructure and impact positively on the

population in the area. The scale of the works

would set precedent for similar projects on the

roadway. It is noted that the scale is based on Port

related traffic requirements.

(h) The possibility of

effectively reducing the

impact.

Population and human health impact

Standard traffic and construction management will

effectively reduce any such impacts.

Biodiversity

Standard environmental protection measures

including mammal underpass provision, landscaping

and fencing will effectively reduce impact.

Land / Landscape

Natural weathering and vegetation will effectively

reduce impact. New rock cuttings would provide

new information which would be a positive impact

on Geological Heritage. Opportunities for

interpretation of same (interpretative panels,

museum pieces etc).

Cultural heritage

Archaeological test excavations to be carried out in

greenfield areas in advance of construction. This is a

standard requirement.

4. Recommendation and conclusion

Having regard to the above, and in particular to the nature, scale and location of the

proposed project, by itself and in combination with other plans and projects, it is

considered that an EIA is not required in this instance.