Archaeology

A chara

On behalf of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I refer to correspondence received in connection with the above.

Outlined below are heritage-related observations/recommendations of the Department under the stated heading(s).

Nature Conservation

The AA screening report and Natura Impact Report prepared for Kilkenny County Council by SLP states on page 21 that the outcome of a review of the status of Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) as a qualifying interest will determine conservation objectives. In the interim, the most recently published conservation objectives for this species may be referenced (NPWS a or b). In addition, environmental objectives and targets as outlined in the European Communities (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 296 of 2009), as amended by the European Union Environmental Objectives (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 355/2018) may also be referenced.

NHB5: Callan River Project, removal of sediment deposits and associated vegetation that has developed within the river channel in recent years. Objective NHB5 is likely to have significant effects on the River Barrow and River Nore SAC Site Code 2162 and the River Nore SPA Site Code 004233 and therefore will require Appropriate Assessment. Objective NHB5 should stipulate that the implementation of this

project will be subject to the outcome of Appropriate Assessment.

It is also suggested that Objective NHB5 includes sediment analysis and other investigations to determine the source and cause of the sediment build-up in the river with a view to preventing future mobilisation of sediment thereby avoiding on-going and potentially environmentally damaging sediment removal works in the river.

The Department considers that the proposed mitigation measures in relation to Objective NHB5 in the AA screening report and Natura Impact Report prepared for Kilkenny County Council by SLP, are insufficient to avoid adverse effects on the integrity of the River Barrow and River Nore SAC and River Nore SPA and suggests that a key mitigation measure should be that this project is subject to Appropriate Assessment. In relation to other LAP objectives, where it is considered that AA of the projects arising from the objectives will be required, this should be stated explicitly under the mitigation measures heading.

Invasive species

Invasive non-native plant and animal species can represent a major threat to local biodiversity. They can negatively impact on native species, can transform habitats and threaten whole ecosystems causing serious problems to the environment and the economy. This is particularly the case along river corridors. It is suggested that the Natural Heritage and Biodiversity – Objectives includes an objective to avoid the spread of alien invasive species, to promote best practice in the control of invasive species, to raise awareness in relation to invasive species and to ensure that proposed projects do not lead to the spread of invasive species.

References

NPWS (2017a) Conservation Objectives: Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC 001932. Version 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

NPWS (2017b) Conservation Objectives: Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC 000365. Version 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

You are requested to send further communications to this Department’s Development

Applications Unit (DAU) at manager.dau@chg.gov.ie (team monitored); if this is not

possible, correspondence may alternatively be sent to:

The Manager

Development Applications Unit (DAU)

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Newtown Road

Wexford

Y35 AP90

Is mise, le meas

Diarmuid Buttimer