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RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2014-2020
APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT
DRAFT - MAY 2014
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ii
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Legislative Context 1
2 Methods 3
2.1 Overview 3
2.2 Assessment 3
3 Rural Development Plan 2014-2020 Measures 6
3.1 Overview 6
3.2 RDP Measures 6
3.3 Plan Context 13
4 Natura 2000 Sites 23
5 AA Screening 24
5.1 Connection to Conservation Management 24
5.2 Potential Impacts of RDP Measures 24
5.3 Assessing Significance of Potential Impacts on Qualifying Interests 28
5.5 Screening Conclusions 35
6 Appropriate Assessment 36
6.1 Predicting Impacts 36
6.2 Assessing Significance of Potential Impacts 49
6.3 Mitigation 72
7 Conclusion Statement 76
8 References 77
APPENDIX A Natura 2000 Sites and Qualifying Interests 80
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Under the Habitats Directive as transposed into Irish law, the potential impacts of any
plan or project on Natura 2000 sites, including SACs and SPAs, are to be assessed by
means of Appropriate Assessment (AA). Therefore, AA of the Rural Development Plan
(RDP) 2014-2020 has been carried out according to European and Irish best practice.
The RDP 2014-2020 consists of 15 measures that aim to promote economic
development, competitiveness and social inclusion in rural areas and to conserve and
enhance ecosystems. These are:
GLAS and GLAS+ – the proposed new agri-environmental scheme (AES).
Organic Farming Scheme.
Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes – a new targeted, output-driven and
locally led AES.
Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme – a continuation of the
Disadvantaged Area Scheme.
TAMS II – on-farm capital investments.
Bioenergy Scheme.
Knowledge Transfer Groups.
EIP Operational Groups – research and innovation themes to link researchers,
farmers and other agri-business and environmental stakeholders.
CPD for Advisors – to upskill agricultural advisors.
Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health and Welfare.
Support for Collaborative Farming – to support new farm partnerships.
Artisan Food Cooperation Measure.
Regional Product Development Support.
Beef Genomics and Data Programme – to foster genetic improvement of the
beef cattle herd.
LEADER
A Stage 1 screening assessment found that the RDP 2014-2020 could result in a
number of changes to farm management that could impact on Natura 2000 sites in a
number of ways, including over- or under grazing, land abandonment, land-use change
or intensification, direct or indirect water pollution, nitrogen deposition, building or
tourism developments, inappropriate conservation works or fragmentation of the
landscape around Natura 2000 sites. With the exception of some mainly marine
habitats and species, the majority of the qualifying interests of Natura 2000 sites could
potentially be affected. Stage 2 AA of the significance of potential impacts on Natura
2000 site conservation objectives was then carried out.
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Stage 2 AA assessed each measure in detail and identified several potentially significant
impacts. The GLAS scheme had the potential to impact on a wide range of terrestrial
and aquatic habitats and species in Natura 2000 sites as a result of inappropriate
management prescriptions. Minimum stocking rates under the ANC scheme could
lead to overgrazing of sensitive habitats and dependent species. Abandonment of
uneconomic habitats was a potential impact of farm restructuring under the Organic
Farming, TAMS II and Support for Collaborative Farming schemes. TAMS II and the
Support for Collaborative Farming schemes could support intensification, leading to
water quality impacts on aquatic qualifying interests and nitrogen deposition impacts
on sensitive habitats, such as bogs and orchid-rich grassland. Building and tourism
developments under LEADER or TAMS II had the potential for a wide range of impacts
on Natura 2000 site conservation objectives. Planning permission for developments is
predicted to mitigate this. Competition with afforestation schemes by a number of
measures had the potential to negatively affect Natura 2000 woodland habitats by
promoting fragmentation. Knowledge transfer measures, especially CPD for
agricultural advisors, served to eliminate or minimise the risk of significant impacts
arising from other measures, such as GLAS.
Mitigation that will be implemented includes AA of individual building, tourism, or
agricultural reclamation projects, consultations with key stakeholders during detailed
measure development, and site-based monitoring of the effects of RDP measures.
When these mitigation measures are fully implemented, there will be no significant
impacts on Natura 2000 sites.
It is objectively concluded that the RDP 2014-2020 as adopted will not have any
significant impacts on the integrity of any Natura 2000 sites, alone or in combination
with other plans or policies.
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) have appointed a team
of consultants led by Fitzpatrick Associates Economic Consultants to carry out Ex Ante
Evaluation, Strategic Environmental Assessment, and Appropriate Assessment of the
Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. Blackthorn Ecology has been tasked with
completing the Appropriate Assessment on behalf of DAFM.
This Appropriate Assessment has been prepared by Dr George F Smith of Blackthorn
Ecology. Dr Smith has extensive experience in preparing Natura Impact Statements
and in the field of ecology and land-use policy. He is a Chartered Ecologist and a full
member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
(CIEEM), the chief professional society in Ireland for ecological professionals, and as
such, he is bound by their Code of Professional Conduct.
1.2 Legislative Context
In accordance with Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), the potential
impacts of any plan or project on the conservation objectives of a Natura 2000 site of
European conservation importance, including Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and
Special Protection Areas for birds (SPAs), are to be assessed by means of Appropriate
Assessment (AA). The Habitats Directive is implemented in Irish law by the European
Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (SI No. 477 of 2011), which
supersede the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 and
amendments. The purpose of AA is to assess the impacts of plans or projects in
combination with the effects of other plans and projects against the conservation
objectives of a Natura 2000 site and to ascertain whether they would adversely affect
the integrity of that site.
The AA process begins with Stage 1 - Screening to determine if a plan or project is
likely to have an impact on a Natura 2000 site. If impacts are likely or uncertain, Stage
2 – Appropriate Assessment is required (European Commission, 2002, Department of
the Environment, 2009a).
Under Regulation 42 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats)
Regulations 2011, AA is to be carried out by a public authority for a plan it wishes to
adopt, which is not directly connected with the management of a Natura 2000 site.
DAFM is the competent public authority with responsibility of carrying out AA of the
Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.
According to the Regulations, plan can be adopted by a public authority only after
having determined that it will not adversely affect the integrity of a Natura 2000 site.
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The sole exception would be in the case of imperative reasons of overriding public
interest. In this case, the plan could be adopted if several conditions were met,
including measures to compensate for damage to Natura 2000 sites and to ensure the
coherence of the Natura 2000 network.
This AA report also includes a Natura Impact Statement as defined by the European
Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.
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2 METHODS
2.1 Overview
This AA has been prepared in accordance with:
The provisions of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats)
Regulations 2011.
The European Commission’s Methodological Guidance (2002).
DEHLG’s Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland (2009a).
AA is concerned with the assessment of impacts to Natura 2000 sites. In most cases,
the plan or project to be assessed is spatially explicit, such as Local Authority
Development Plans. The Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 (RDP) is different
in that it is a national plan encompassing the entire territory of the State. Assessing
each Natura 2000 site in Ireland individually would not be appropriate to the high-
level, strategic nature of the RDP. Therefore, the approach taken here was to assess
potential impacts of the RDP on the habitats and species that comprise the qualifying
interests of the Natura 2000 sites.
2.2 Assessment
The assessment followed the steps below, in accordance with the Methodological
Guidance (European Commission, 2002) for AA:
1) Description of the RDP measures.
2) Review Natura 2000 sites and qualifying interests.
3) Stage 1 Screening assessment of the significance of the RDP on qualifying
interests.
4) Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment of the impacts of each RDP measure on
qualifying interests.
5) AA conclusion statement.
2.2.1 Description of RDP Measures
The RDP measures are briefly described in Section 3, focusing on the aspects of
greatest relevance to Natura 2000 sites. As it is critical to assess the effects of a plan
in combination with other plans, the policy and operational framework in which the
RDP will operate are also reviewed. The main areas of interaction between RDP
measures and other plans, strategies and frameworks are highlighted.
This AA is an iterative process. As RDP measures are refined and finalised, the assessment
will be returned to and revised as required.
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2.2.2 Natura 2000 Sites and Qualifying Interests
Natura 2000 sites in Ireland and their qualifying interests are introduced in Section 4
and are detailed in the Appendices.
2.2.3 Stage 1 Screening
A draft AA screening was prepared, based on the RDP 2014-2020 Draft Consultation
Paper issued in January 2014. A consultation meeting on the draft screening was held
on 13th March 2014 between representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service
(NPWS), the consultants and DAFM. NPWS are the State agency with statutory
responsibility for nature conservation, including the Natura 2000 network.
The results of the AA screening assessment are detailed in Section 5. These take
account of the outcomes of the consultation meeting.
Screening of the RDP as a whole was carried out rather than a measure-by-measure
assessment, due to the potential for cumulative impacts with other policies and plans.
This would introduce a degree of complexity best addressed in full AA. Individual
qualifying interests were screened out, however, where the screening assessment
concluded that there was no potential that a qualifying interest would be significantly
affected by the RDP alone or in combination with other policies and plans.
Where the assessment concluded that there would be the potential for significant
impacts or where the potential is uncertain, the qualifying interests were taken forward
to Stage 2 (full) AA.
2.2.4 Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment
The Stage 2 AA of the RDP followed on from Stage 1 screening and is provided in
Section 1. At this stage, the potential impacts of individual measures on the integrity
of Natura 2000 sites were examined in detail.
The assessment then focused on the conservation objectives of Natura 2000 sites.
Although site-specific conservation objectives have not yet been finalised for all Natura
2000 sites, they will depend on the qualifying interests present. Where the same
qualifying interest is present in different sites, the same attributes, such as distribution,
habitat area, population structure and vegetation structure, are used to define
conservation objectives; site specific targets will differ (NPWS, pers. comm.). Where
significant impacts of a measure on the conservation attributes of a qualifying interest
are likely, significant impacts on the conservation objectives of Natura 2000 sites, and
therefore site integrity, that contain the qualifying interest are indicated.
Section 6.3 covers mitigation measures that will address negative impacts on Natura
2000 sites. Where Stage 2 AA has determined that the effects of a measure on one or
more qualifying interests would lead to impacts on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites,
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mitigation measures have been detailed. The effectiveness of mitigation measures was
assessed.
The AA was informed by scientific research on agroecology and the ecology and
conservation status of Natura 2000 habitats and species. Particular attention was paid
to the most recent assessment of the conservation status of Habitats Directive habitats
(National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b) and species (National Parks and Wildlife
Service, 2013c). Literature referred to is cited in Section 8. The AA was also informed
by submissions from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG) on
the structure and content of the RDP and also on the Strategic Environmental
Assessment (SEA) of the RDP.
2.2.5 Conclusion Statement
The AA Conclusion Statement is in Section 7.
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3 RURAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2014-2020 MEASURES
3.1 Overview
A total of €4,007 million has been allocated to the RDP 2014-2020, which includes EU funding
under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and contributions from
the National Exchequer. Of this, the total funding for LEADER amounts to €250 million.
The RDP is based on six EU priority areas for rural development:
Fostering knowledge transfer and innovation,
Enhancing competitiveness,
Promoting food chain organisation and risk management in agriculture,
Restoring, preserving and enhancing ecosystems,
Promoting resource efficiency and supporting the shift towards a low carbon and
climate resilient economy,
Promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural
areas.
In line with this framework, a total of fifteen (15) measures in seven themes have been
proposed for the RDP 2014-2020. At the time this assessment was prepared, many of the
measure details remained to be fully fleshed out. Furthermore, these may change slightly as
part of the RDP development process and consultations. There was enough detail, however,
to allow a suitably strategic-level AA of the plan.
3.2 RDP Measures
Agri-Environment and Climate Measures
GLAS (Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme) and GLAS+
The objectives of the measure are:
To promote ways of using agricultural land compatible with
the protection and improvement of the environment and achieving water
quality, climate change and biodiversity objectives
the conservation of high nature value farmed environments both within and
outside of designated Natura 2000 sites
the use of nutrient management planning in farming practice.
To foster knowledge transfer in the area of sustainable environmental farming systems
GLAS is the proposed new agri-environmental scheme (AES) to replace the preceding schemes
(AEOS and REPS). Payment is on an action basis and the scheme is targeted to farms where it
will be most effective by three-tiered entry criteria. All farmers with Priority Environmental
Assets (PEAs) will get first priority access to the scheme. The PEAs are:
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Natura 2000 sites (privately owned)
Farmland birds of high conservation concern (e.g. Twite, Curlew, Corncrake, Grey
Partridge, Hen Harrier)
Commonages where 80% of the commonage participates
High Status water areas
Rare breeds
Actions related to the PEAs are mandatory where they applicable to a farm, i.e. all farms with
Natura 2000 sites would be required to take up the appropriate action. Farms without PEAs
but with whole-farm stocking rates of greater than 140 kg Livestock Manure Nitrogen per
hectare or greater than 30 ha of arable crops may also apply for Tier 1 access to GLAS if they
undertake one of the following actions:
Low emission slurry spreading
Minimum tillage
Green cover establishment from a sown crop
Wild bird cover (grassland farms only)
Organic farmers may also apply for Tier 1 access by selecting actions appropriate to the
environmental priorities on their farms. Actions related to PEAs must be selected first,
however, if these apply. Entry is not guaranteed to all eligible Tier 1 applicants, as this will be
subject to scheme capacity.
After Tier 1 has been filled, additional capacity in the scheme can then be filled by farmers with
Tier 2 Environmental Assets and Actions. These include commonages with 50-79%
participation in GLAS and Vulnerable water areas. Thereafter, if take-up of Tiers 1 and 2 falls
short of capacity, a selection process will be used to allow farmers access to GLAS via a Tier 3
list of General Actions. Depending on the available budget, more precise targeting of the
scheme may be needed, for example to farms with habitats in poor or bad status or with highly
threatened species.
A GLAS contract will last for 5 years. Participants must have their application prepared by an
approved agricultural planner, must have a Nutrient Management Plan, must attend training
courses tailored to their specific actions, and must keep accurate records.
Payment rates per action are yet to be finalised. Farmers may take on additional actions if
they wish to maximise their payments, subject to the scheme ceiling. The maximum proposed
payment per farmer is €5000 with a proposal for a GLAS+ payment of an additional €2000 for
farmers that take on particularly challenging actions which deliver an exceptional level of
environmental benefit. GLAS+ payments will be initially targeted at farmers that must
undertake a high number of mandatory actions under the Tier 1 priority environmental assets
and actions.
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Detailed targets relative to output indicators have not yet been finalised. An indicative target
has been set of 40% of the scheme funds invested in Natura 2000 sites and other PEAs. The
target for water quality actions is 30% of scheme funds, with 30% targeted towards general
environmental and climate change actions .
Organic Farming Scheme
The objective of this measure is:
to deliver enhanced environmental and animal welfare benefits and
to encourage producers to respond to the market demand for organically produced
food.
This measure will continue the general structure and implementation of the current Organic
Farming Scheme. The scheme provides grant-aid for farmland with full organic status and in
conversion. An area based payment will be made for a 5 year period plus a higher payment
for an initial 2 year conversion period. Increasing the payment rates is being considered to
incentivise new entrants and increase the low level of organic production in Ireland relative to
other EU states. An alternative structure with a basic payment and a menu of incentivised
options is also being considered.
Organic status must be certified by one of five recognised certification bodies. A five year
business plan will also be required of applicants and will be used to select entrants.
Completion of an introductory training course is also required.
Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes
The objective of the measure is:
to provide a complementary approach to the overall agri-environmental effort, one
which encourages the development of unique projects designed to respond to specific
environmental challenges.
This measure aims to provide a complementary agri-environmental scheme to the broad-scale
GLAS scheme, where GLAS is not the most appropriate method for addressing specific issues.
The methodology for this measure is to extend the concept of the locally-based, output-
specific Burren Farming for Conservation Programme (BFCP) model. In the case of the BFCP,
High Nature Value Farming in the Burren is funded by awarding payments based on the quality
of species-rich grassland produced, rather than by prescribed actions. Capital works to
improve farm management and conservation, such as stone wall restoration, provision of
watering facilities and installation or upgrading access tracks, are also co-funded.
Under this measure, it is proposed that the BFCP be continued and expanded. It is also
planned to develop a similar scheme for nine freshwater pearl mussel catchments. A
competitive fund is also planned to select a number of other priority projects on foot of a call
for proposals.
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Areas of Natural Constraint
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme (ANCs)
The objectives of this measure are to:
Ensure continued agricultural land use, thereby contributing to the maintenance of a
viable rural society
Maintain the countryside
Maintain and promoting sustainable farming systems, which in particular take account
of environmental protection requirements.
The Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme is a continuation of the former Less Favoured
Areas Scheme. It is envisaged that the scheme will operate in much the same way as in the
2007-2013 RDP. Under this scheme, payment rates are linked to disadvantage category: more
severely handicapped, less severely handicapped or mountain sheep grazing. Disadvantaged
Areas are to be redesignated as ANCs strictly according to biophysical criteria by 2018. This
may change the designation of areas and the structure of the ANC scheme in ways yet to be
determined. Scheme participants will be required to comply with minimum stocking rates,
subject to AES or Commonage Framework Plan requirements.
On Farm Capital Investments
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes II (TAMS II)
The objective of this measure is:
to encourage investment in a number of particular target areas which will promote, in
particular, increased competitiveness in those sectors in which grant-aid will be made
available and
to support young farmers wishing to enter the sector or improve their holdings by way
of higher aid levels.
The Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes II (TAMS II) are proposed to operate in the
same way as the current TAMS, with separate schemes for each group of investment items
insofar as possible. The scheme is proposed to fund capital investments in a number of priority
areas. Proposed initial priority areas are: dairy equipment, slurry storage, low-emission
spreading equipment, animal housing, and pig and poultry investment in energy, water meters
and medicine dispensers.
Grant aid will be 40%, but will be increased to 60% for young farmers. Young farmers may
also avail of grant aid for dairy buildings. Selection and eligibility criteria, including minimum
and maximum levels of farming enterprise, will apply and are currently being developed.
Bioenergy Scheme
The objective of this measure is to:
support the development of additional areas of energy crops.
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This measure is proposed to encourage the indigenous energy crop sector, which is
developing at a slower rate than is required to meet renewable energy targets.
The measure would support establishment of a bioenergy crop (€2,600 per ha), with a possible
income forgone element to be determined. Applicants must provide contractual evidence that
the harvested crop will be used for renewable energy purposes within a defined minimum
distance from where the crop is grown. Site suitability would also form part of the application
criteria.
Knowledge Transfer Measures
Knowledge Transfer Groups
The objective for this measure is:
to contribute to knowledge acquisition and the adoption of best practice in the sector.
Knowledge Transfer Groups will be collaborative groups established to develop the knowledge
base and foster innovation and best practice. These Groups will build on the current
Discussion Groups model, but will incorporate a more output-focused approach concentrating
on priority areas. . Groups will be set up following structured calls for proposals and will
incorporate clear selection criteria. Group facilitators will be assessed and selected based on
eligibility criteria that may include qualifications, participation in Continuing Professional
Development (CPD), record with DAFM relating to SPS, REPS, AEOS, etc. and diversity in group
composition.
Proposed priority Knowledge Transfer Groups are mainly envisaged along sectoral lines (e.g.
dairy, beef and sheep, etc.). It is proposed that groups may be linked to other RDP measures,
e.g. participation in a relevant Group may be a requirement of another measure.
EIP – Operational Groups
The objectives of this measure are:
To promote the sustainable development of agriculture and help the Irish agricultural
sector to become more productive and efficient by:
supporting operational groups to address issues in areas such as environment
and climate change, biodiversity and sustainable production.
bringing together farmers, NGOs, private sector bodies, research institutions
and advisors in a partnership type approach to address challenges identified,
disseminating information through appropriate channels including the EIP
Network.
European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs) are a research and innovation approach that are
focused on particular challenges and aim to bring together all players across the entire
research and innovation chain in a given area. In particular, the measure is anticipated to fill
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the gap between farmers, rural enterprises and advisors on the one hand, and researchers on
the other. EIP operational groups provide a method to link, for example, farmers, researchers,
advisors, agri-business or NGOs. The aim is to develop innovative solutions to sustainable
agricultural development using a partnership type approach that will result in practical
application.
A target of ten EIP groups over the lifetime of the RDP 2014-2020 is proposed. It is anticipated
that funding for new EIP groups will be made available via a competitive fund.
Continued Professional Development for Advisors
The objective of this measure is:
to enhance the skills of advisors through delivery of targeted training courses across a
range of measures and therefore to:
Improve their technical skills,
Enhance their regulatory knowledge, and
Develop their client facing skills.
This measure will provide CPD for farm advisors and will ensure that they are properly trained
in priority areas identified by DAFM, such as climate change mitigation and biodiversity
management. CPD will particularly target advisors engaged in delivery of GLAS and
Knowledge Transfer Groups; the latter two measures will use appropriately qualified advisors
for their implementation. DAFM will identify appropriate areas for skills training. CPD
provision will be implemented by issuing structured calls for training proposals by
appropriately qualified professionals. Clearly defined selection criteria will be implemented.
CPD for agricultural advisors in environmental and climate change issues is proposed,
including biodiversity management, water management, renewable energy, climate change
and mitigation.
Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health and Welfare
The objective of this measure is:
to support national animal health priorities, as articulated in Food Harvest 2020, by the
provision of targeted on farm animal health and welfare advice.
Targeted advisory services for individual farmers on animal health and welfare are proposed,
in addition to knowledge transfer facilitated by Knowledge Transfer Groups. The service
outputs will include farm action plans for targeting and controlling animal disease. The
measure will be implemented following public procurement procedures to select the most
appropriate provider. Advice will be delivered on a request basis at the individual farm level.
Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for Collaborative Farming
The objective of this measure is:
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to encourage greater engagement by the farming community with the concept of
collaborative farming, and in particular farm partnerships
It is anticipated that this measure will increase capacity, competitiveness and profitability of
farms by providing economies of scale, improving land access for young, female or expanding
farmers, encouraging skill sharing, and enhancing social benefits. This measure will provide
up to 50% grant aid to farmers setting up as a partnership or other approved collaborative
farming arrangement. Grant aid will cover initial legal and administrative start-up costs.
Artisan Food Cooperation Measure
The objective of this measure is to support improved marketing of local food.
This measure will provide annual grant support for collaborative actions to improve marketing
of local food products, product quality and business skills. Grant aid will be focused on
improving and validating production quality and improving marketability of niche category
products.
Support for this measure will be delivered via the LEADER programme.
Regional Product Development Support
The objective of this measure is to address challenges for primary producers in developing
group proposals for marketing distinctive local agricultural produces.
This measure will provide grant support for developing producer groups and promotion
through EU Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI),
and Traditional Specialties Guaranteed (TSG) schemes. Grants will cover the development of
group proposals, defining product control specification, organisation and promotion.
Support for this measure will be delivered via the LEADER programme.
Targeted Support
Beef Genomics and Data Programme
This scheme aims to improve breed quality through increasing genetic improvement of the
beef cattle herd. It will assist farmers to increase the economic sustainability of beef
production from suckler herds, including in marginal farmland, which is a major land type for
suckler farming.
The measure will help to mitigate climate change by increasing stock efficiency rather than
numbers. The scheme will build on the 2014 Beef Data Programme and Beef Genomics
Scheme. Participants will be required to collect tissue samples from their suckler herds for
genotyping, record life stage data for calves, select stock bulls and high genetic quality
replacement heifers, and dispose of calves persistently infected by BVD.
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LEADER
LEADER
The objective of the LEADER programme is:
to support the sustainable economic and social development of rural Ireland.
LEADER will be implemented through the production of Local Development Strategies under
a partnership approach combining the expertise of local public and private stakeholders. Local
Development Strategy design will be guided by indicative LEADER Themes. Each Strategy will
be required to examine the potential of these themes in the context of local planning and
development. The indicative LEADER Themes are:
Rural Economic / Enterprise Development and Job Creation
Rural tourism
Enterprise development
Broadband
Rural towns
Social Inclusion
Basic services for hard to reach communities
Rural youth
Rural environment
The Local Development Strategy design process will contain criteria to ensure that all
Strategies address each of the three main cross-cutting issues: innovation, climate change and
environment.
3.3 Plan Context
AA must take into account the effects of a plan in combination with other plans relevant to
Natura 2000 sites. Different plans operating in combination may result in cumulative impacts
on Natura 2000 sites that are not apparent when considered individually. It should be noted
that the term “plan” as used in the Habitats Directive is undefined, but is interpreted as being
quite broad and including a wide range of land-use plans and sectoral plans, policies and
frameworks (European Commission, 2000). The European Communities (Birds and Natural
Habitats) Regulations 2011 reflect this broad interpretation and define “plan” as “any plan,
programme or scheme, statutory or non-statutory, that establishes public policy in relation to
land use and infrastructural development in one or more specified locations or regions…”.
Plans, policies and strategic frameworks with the greatest for interaction with RDP 2014-2020
and Natura 2000 sites are listed in Table 1. Key EU level policy that will interact with the RDP
includes the other elements of the post-2013 CAP, the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, and
the Water Framework Directive. Broad-based national policies and strategic frameworks
include Food Harvest 2020, an industry led vision for the Irish agri-food sector up to 2020, the
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National Biodiversity Plan, the Prioritised Action Framework for Natura 2000, and national
sustainable development policy. Sectoral or topical plans and policies include national forestry
policy and the Commonage Framework Plans.
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Table 1. Primary plans, policies and strategic frameworks potentially operating in
combination with RDP 2014-2020 and Natura 2000
Plan / Policy / Strategic Framework Objectives
European Union
Post-2013 CAP Single Payment System
Support viable food production, promote
sustainable management of natural resources
and climate action, and support balanced
territorial development.
EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020
Six targets in line with the Convention on
Biological Diversity 2011-2020 strategic plan
Aichi Targets, including more sustainable
agriculture.
Water Framework Directive
Protect and enhance quality of all waters,
achieve good status for all waters by end 2015,
manage water bodies by river basins.
National
Food Harvest 2020
Significant increase in agricultural productivity
by 2020, mainly in beef, dairy and pig meat
sectors.
National Biodiversity Plan 2011-2016
Reduce biodiversity loss and ecosystem
degradation by 2016 and make progress to
substantial recovery by 2020.
Prioritised Action Framework for Natura 2000
Identify strategic conservation priorities for the
Natura 2000 network during the 2014-2020
period and identify key measures for achieving
them.
Our Sustainable Future
Framework for sustainable development
through 2020, including specific measure on
supporting sustainable agriculture and
biodiversity protection.
Sectoral
Forestry Policy
Develop forestry to a scale and in a manner
which maximises its contribution to national
economic and social well-being on a sustainable
basis and which is compatible with the
protection of the environment.
Commonage Framework Plans Implement sustainable grazing regimes and
other management measures on commonages.
National Peatlands Strategy
Sustainable management of peatlands, including
specific actions for agriculture to safeguard
biodiversity and ecosystem services
CFRAM Programme
Reduction and management of flood risk via risk
assessment, flood hazard mapping and flood
risk management plans.
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3.3.1 European Union
Post-2013 CAP Single Payment System
Greening, cross compliance and other elements of the Single Payment System (SPS) of the
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must be considered when assessing the potential for RDP
impacts on Natura 2000 sites. In order to be eligible for the basic Single Farm Payment, farms
must meet the requirements of cross compliance. Under the new CAP, these will include 13
Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) and 7 standards for Good Agricultural and
Environmental Condition (GAEC) of land. Of most direct relevance, SMR2 (Birds Directive) and
SMR3 (Habitats Directive) require compliance with the provisions of the Birds and Habitats
Directives, including notifiable actions of Natura 2000 sites on farm holdings. In addition,
SMR1 requires compliance with the provisions of the Nitrates Directive, including requirements
on the storage and application of slurry and other organic and chemical fertilisers.
GAEC standards include conservation of landscape features, such as hedges, ponds and field
margins, in addition to other standards on soil erosion, burning and watercourse protection.
GAEC standards also exclude agriculturally unproductive land from SPS eligibility. Ineligible
land includes lakes, watercourses, woodland, rock, scrub, and land not being farmed. These
GAEC standards also apply to lands within Natura 2000 sites and render certain Habitats
Directive habitat types, e.g. limestone pavement, ineligible for the SPS or other area-based
payments.
The post-2013 CAP has introduced an additional “green” direct payment comprising 30% of
the direct payments budget that requires farmers to maintain permanent pasture, to diversify
tillage crops, and to conserve ecological focus areas. The latter are areas that must be
conserved to enhance biodiversity and provide climate change mitigation; their exact nature
is yet to be determined, but may include features such as hedgerows, uncultivated field
margins, agroforestry or fallow land. The requirement for ecological focus areas applies only
to tillage farms larger than 15 ha or grassland farms greater than 30 ha. On these farms,
ecological focus areas must comprise 5% of the farm area.
EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020
The EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 relies in part on the provisions of the post-2013 CAP to
achieve its target of ensuring the sustainability of agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The
specific strategy target regarding agriculture is to maximise the area under biodiversity-related
CAP measures so as to bring about a measurable improvement in the conservation of habitats
and species that depend on or are affected by agriculture. Measurable improvements in the
ecosystem services provided by these habitats and species are also called for. Improvements
are to be measured against whole-strategy targets of: 1) 100% more Habitats Directive habitat
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assessments and 50% more species assessments under the Habitats or Birds Directives show
improved conservation status, and 2) restoring at least 15% of degraded ecosystems.
Water Framework Directive
The primary objective of the Water Framework Directive is to achieve good status for all waters
by the end of 2015. One of the main tools for achieving this is the implementation of River
Basin Management Plans for each of the eight River Basin Districts in the island of Ireland.
Each River Basin Management Plan contains a set of objectives and a programme of measures,
including measures designed to control agricultural sources of pollution. These measures rely
heavily on the Nitrates Regulations and DAFM cross compliance inspections.
The current Nitrates Regulations – the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice from the
Protection of Waters) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 31 of 2014) – implement the work of the Third
Nitrates Action Programme under the EU Nitrates Directive. The Nitrates Regulations contain
several detailed requirements for farmers on minimising soiled water, storing and spreading
livestock manure, other organic fertilisers and soiled water, nutrient management and water
body buffer zones. Amendments made to the current Nitrates Regulations generally
strengthen water quality protection compared to previous Regulations. In particular, the SEA
screening for the Third Nitrates Action Programme predicted that new, lower phosphorus
application limits for extensive grassland systems would contribute positively to protecting
vulnerable habitats and species in Natura 2000 sites.
Under the Water Framework Directive, sub-basin management plans have been prepared for
freshwater pearl mussel catchments. These include proposals for an AES tailored toward
improving water quality within pearl mussel catchments. Other detailed agricultural measures
are proposed to be implemented where required, such as siting of feeding stations and sheep
dipping stations, avoiding drain maintenance impacts, and increasing awareness.
3.3.2 National
Food Harvest 2020
The chief strategic framework that AA screening of the RDP 2014-2020 must take into account
is Food Harvest 2020 (FH2020). FH2020 sets out the industry’s vision of ambitious targets for
growth of the agri-food sector over the operating period of the RDP. The smart green growth
targets are to increase the value of primary production by 33%, increase value-added outputs
by 40% and increase exports by 42% relative to the averaged 2007-2009 baseline. This
programme forms the primary context for agricultural production for the RDP 2014-2020
period, and many of the proposed measures in the RDP respond to issues raised in the FH2020
Environmental Report (Farrelly et al., 2014).
The main sectoral targets of FH2020, relative to the 2007-2009 baseline, are:
Increase milk production volume by 50%
Increase beef production value by 20%
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Increase pig meat production value by 50%
Increase sheep meat production value by 20%
Increase poultry production value by 10%
In addition, FH2020 views organic production as an opportunity and supports a target of
increasing organic production to 5% of land use. FH2020 recommends the extension of the
Organic Farming Scheme to support the sector.
FH2020 also recognises the importance of environmental sustainability, including biodiversity
conservation, at least in part as a factor in marketing Irish produce as “green”. FH2020 also
recognises that agricultural production can lead to negative impacts on biodiversity. The
strategy states that better biodiversity monitoring is required to assess and legitimise “green
product claims”.
The Food Harvest 2020 Environmental Analysis Report (Farrelly et al., 2014) provides an
independent external assessment of the likely environmental impacts of a number of
production and land-use scenarios under FH2020. This found that there was the potential for
significant negative impacts on some of the Annex habitats and species that form qualifying
interests of Natura 2000 sites. In most cases, the potential was uncertain or unquantifiable.
The assessment did find, however, a definite potential for negative impacts on four habitats
and eleven species (Table 2). The main potential impacts highlighted were the potential for
eutrophication to impact on hard water lakes and aquatic fauna and also potential changes to
grazing regimes or land management to affect some grasslands and limestone pavement.
Impacts to Annex I birds from FH2020 growth targets were considered to be not possible or
uncertain in all cases (Farrelly et al., 2014).
Table 2. Qualifying interests of Natura 2000 sites assessed as having definite
potential for negative impacts arising from FH2020 (Farrelly et al., 2014)
Qualifying
Interest Rationale
Hard water lakes
(3140) Potential for increased eutrophication from agricultural intensification
Orchid-rich
calcareous
grassland (6210)
Change in stocking density and livestock type may occur; changes in land
management techniques possible; however largest areas outside of the
potential primary areas of dairy expansion, but potential for impact on some
sites supporting this habitat type.
Molinia meadows
(6410)
Change in stocking density and livestock type may occur; changes in land
management techniques possible
Limestone
pavement (8240)
Intensification of grazing and changes in management practices may occur
under FH2020, but extent and of changes are unknown.
White-clawed
crayfish (1092)
Agricultural intensification along watercourse catchments has potential to
increase nutrient loads and could cause negative impacts on crayfish in slight
to moderate polluted waters.
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Qualifying
Interest Rationale
Freshwater pearl
mussel (1029)
Potential impacts may arise from increase in nutrients within sensitive
catchments. They key issue is potential for increases in sediment loading of
water bodies, as this species is particularly vulnerable to even temporary
increases in sedimentation.
Nore freshwater
pearl mussel
(1990)
Potential impacts may arise from increase in nutrient loading along the River
Nore catchment. They key issue is potential for increases in sediment loading
of the Nore and its tributaries, as this species is particularly vulnerable to even
temporary increases in sedimentation.
Sea lamprey
(1095) Potential impacts may arise from increases in nutrient loads and fine sediment
loads within sensitive river catchments; decreases in water quality may impact
on lamprey, although the level of water quality which is optimal for lamprey is
not yet quantified.
Brook lamprey
(1096)
River lamprey
(1099)
Twaite shad
(1103)
Spawning activity has only been recorded in five large rivers in the south-east:
the Barrow, Munster Blackwater, Suir, Nore and Slaney, within catchments
where dairy expansion may occur. Potential impacts may arise from increase in
nutrient loads within sensitive river catchments in south-east.
Atlantic salmon
(1106)
Potential increase in diffuse pollution from agricultural intensification,
particularly phosphorus, within sensitive catchments could lead to excessive
plant growth and impact on salmon.
Otter (1355)
Direct impacts on otter are unlikely from FH2020; however potential impacts
could occur where increases in nutrient loading result in adverse impacts on
stocks of prey fish.
Marsh fritillary
(1065)
Where agricultural intensification occurs within suitable areas for marsh
fritillary, it could result in fragmentation of breeding sites with resultant loss of
integrity of metapopulation; changes in grazing density or stock types could
alter habitat suitability and abundance of the foodplant, devil’s-bit scabious.
Lesser horseshoe
bat (1303)
Direct impacts to bat are unlikely, but could occur at local level though loss of
roosting opportunities. Indirect impacts may arise from the loss of linear
commuting features such as hedgerows and from lowered prey populations
where agricultural intensification occurs.
The FH2020 environmental assessment concludes that implementing mitigation and
monitoring measures recommended in the report will help avoid or reduce impacts on Natura
2000 sites. These include provision of targeted AESs and knowledge transfer measures to
improve the biodiversity management skills and awareness of agricultural advisors. These
recommendations have been explicitly considered when developing the RDP 2014-2020.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the RDP in mitigating any negative impacts of FH2020 is
outside the scope of this assessment, which is concerned with the impacts of the RDP itself.
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National Biodiversity Plan
The importance of the agricultural sector, including funding under the CAP and RDP, is
emphasised throughout the National Biodiversity Plan. In particular, Target 5 is to “optimise
use of opportunities under agricultural, rural development and forest policy to benefit
biodiversity”. Nine specific Actions to reach this target are detailed, including Action 5.1,
“develop measures in future rural development programmes for the protection and
enhancement of ecosystem services and biodiversity”. The “number and effectiveness of
measures” in the RDP for biodiversity conservation is given as a key indicator of a successful
outcome. Target 15 is concerned with safeguarding the Natura 2000 network, and includes
Action 15.4 to “ensure that agri-environmental schemes provide targeted and costed
prescriptions that will contribute to favourable conservation status in farmed designated sites”.
Prioritised Action Framework for Natura 2000
Ireland’s Prioritised Action Framework (PAF) for the Natura 2000 network over the 2014-2020
period focuses on improving the conservation status of habitats and species that are currently
in bad status or are in inadequate and declining status. These include 10 priority habitats, 20
non-priority habitats, 8 Habitats Directive species and 17 Birds Directive species. Priority
actions under the PAF include developing targeted AES measures to improve the conservation
status of peatlands, uplands, limestone pavement, species-rich calcareous grassland, fixed
dunes, machair, turloughs and species-rich Nardus grasslands. The PAF also identifies the
need to develop targeted AES measures for corncrake, breeding waders, wintering gees and
wintering swans. Improving the status of freshwater pearl mussel is also a priority, and the
implementation of sub-basin management plans under the Water Framework Directive is a
key element.
Our Sustainable Future
Published in 2012, Our Sustainable Future is Ireland’s sustainable development framework.
The sustainable agricultural development measures in the framework include a commitment
to pursue implementation of environmental policies as they relate to those envisaged under
FH2020. Additional commitments include support for farmers to remain in farming and to
increase productivity, efforts to maximise active farming through rural development supports,
and ensuring research outputs are adopted at farm level.
3.3.3 Sectoral
Forestry Policy
Under the 1996 strategic plan for the sector, Growing for the Future, the national target was
to increase the area under productive forestry to 17% of the land area of the State, c. 1.2 million
ha by 2030. A draft revised forest policy was prepared in 2013 by the Forest Policy Review
Group. This document targets an increase in forestry to 18% of the State by 2046. As forestry
will not be funded under the RDP 2014-2020, a separate Forestry Programme 2014-2020 has
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been drafted and is currently at the consultation stage. The Forestry Programme includes a
number of measures, including funding for afforestation in order to achieve the 18% forest
cover by 2046 target.
Forestry is the main alternative land use to agriculture, and most existing plantations and
afforestation grants are for agriculturally marginal land. Afforestation is grant-aided by the
State, and farmers receive a higher rate of annual premia for a longer term than do non-
farmers. Grant aid is also available for establishing new native woodlands under the Native
Woodland Scheme. All grant applications must be approved by the Forest Service.
Applications within or adjacent to Natura 2000 sites are subject to AA and are forwarded to
NPWS for comment.
The Irish National Forest Standard is a framework designing Ireland’s approach to sustainable
forest management. A series of guidelines have been issued to implement sustainable forest
management, including the Code of Best Forest Management, the Forest Biodiversity
Guidelines and the Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines. Under these guidelines, a minimum
of 15% of a forest must be managed primarily for open space or for biodiversity conservation.
There are additional, more detailed guidelines on forest management in freshwater pearl
mussel catchments and guidelines on protecting the Habitats Directive species otter, Kerry
slug and bats during forestry operations.
Commonage Framework Plans
Commonage framework plans were drawn up for all commonage areasin the State, many of
which are Natura 2000 sites, during the late 1990s and early 2000s. These plans aim to
establish sustainable stocking rates in commonages and were produced in response to the
severe overgrazing that took place in many commonages as a result of headage payments.
The plans prescribe levels of destocking required by each commonage shareholder based on
the condition of the land, number of shareholders and the size of the shares. At present,
monitoring surveys show that commonages are now a complex mixture of overgrazed,
undergrazed and adequately grazed land. DAFM and DAHG have carried out reviews of
commonage framework plans, and work is underway on revised commonage management
plans to take into account changes in the condition of commonages, land-use patterns, and
agri-environmental policy.
National Peatlands Strategy
The National Peatlands Strategy was being finalised at the time of writing. This Strategy sets
out a number of principles and actions to encourage the sustainable management of the
national peatlands resource. The Strategy highlights the ecosystem services that peatland
biodiversity provides, including water quality, climate change mitigation, amenity and others.
The draft Strategy contains four actions specific to the agricultural sector:
Continue cross compliance GAEC standards and SMRs to ensure sustainable
management
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Finalise the review of commonage management plans
Explore the possibility of introducing a peatlands measure under the RDP 2014-2020
to encourage enhanced peatlands management
Support farmers in Natura 2000 sites with RDP measures designed for site protection
Regarding the third action, enhanced peatlands management is potentially the topic of an EIP
– Operational Group. The fourth action is implemented via the GLAS and GLAS+ measure.
CFRAM Programme
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme is a strategy
delivering on the National Flood Policy and the EU Floods Directive. The Office of Public Works
(OPW) is the lead agency for the Programme in partnership with local authorities. The
Programme and the National Flood Policy aim to manage flood risk at the catchment basis.
Preparation of flood maps and flood risk management plans are central to meeting these
objectives. These are being implemented at a catchment basis via a series of CFRAM studies
based on review of historical flood risk, hydraulic modelling and flood mapping. Management
options are subject to SEA and AA prior to the completion of a catchment flood risk
management plan.
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4 NATURA 2000 SITES
There are 423 SACs in Ireland designated for 59 Annex I habitat types and 24 Annex II species.
The current list of Irish SACs (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2011b) is given in Table 25
in Appendix A. The Annex I habitats for which Irish SACs are designated are detailed in Table
27 in Appendix A, including habitat code and habitat name, according to the Interpretation
Manual (European Commission, 2013), and the shortened version of the habitat name as
frequently used in Ireland. The Annex II species for which Irish SACs are listed in Table 28 in
Appendix A.
There are 165 SPAs in Ireland designated for the conservation of 68 bird species. The current
list of Irish SPAs (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013a) is given in Table 26 in Appendix
A. The bird species that form the Special Conservation Interests of Irish SPAs are listed in Table
29 in Appendix A. Not all of these species are listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive, as several
species are regularly occurring migratory species for which Ireland has a special responsibility.
Natura 2000 sites in Northern Ireland that are situated in catchments downstream of farmland
in the Republic of Ireland also fall within the scope of this assessment. Their qualifying interests
would reflect those listed in Appendix A.
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5 AA SCREENING
5.1 Connection to Conservation Management
Under the Habitats Directive, a plan that is directly connected with or necessary to the
conservation management of Natura 2000 site(s) does not require AA (European Commission,
2000). As the primary aims of the RDP are much wider in scope than the conservation
management of Natura 2000 sites, this is not the case. Therefore AA screening is required.
5.2 Potential Impacts of RDP Measures
The potential impacts that the measures in the RDP 2014-2020 may have on the qualifying
interests of Natura 2000 sites are outlined in Table 3 and are briefly discussed below. Further
details are provided under the full AA in Section 1. The standard reference list of threats,
pressures and activities that can influence Natura 2000 sites (DG Environment, 2011) assisted
in identifying potential impact mechanisms.
Although AA is not concerned with identifying positive impacts, their inclusion in Table 3
provides a greater degree of context to how RDP measures may interact with Natura 2000
sites.
Where potential impacts are identified, this does not necessarily mean that they are
likely to occur or will significantly affect Natura 2000 sites. The potential for impacts only
recognises the possibility of an impacts arising from the measure in at least one Natura 2000
site. The potential impacts identified take into account impacts in combination with other
plans, policies and strategic frameworks. Potential impacts do not take into account
mitigation, which is discussed in Section 6.3.
Table 3. Potential impact mechanisms of RDP measures on Natura 2000 sites
RDP Measure Potential Negative
Impacts
Potential Positive
Impacts
Agri-Environment and Climate Measures
GLAS (Green Low-Carbon Agri-
Environment Scheme) and GLAS+
Overgrazing
Undergrazing
Abandonment
Habitat loss
Water pollution
Inappropriate conservation
work
Conserve/enhance
biodiversity
Replace grassland with tillage
Maintain extensive agriculture
Water pollution mitigation
Climate change mitigation
Organic Farming Scheme Abandonment
Fragmentation
Conserve/enhance
biodiversity
Crop change
Replace grassland with tillage
Maintain extensive agriculture
Water pollution mitigation
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RDP Measure Potential Negative
Impacts
Potential Positive
Impacts
Locally Led Agri-Environment
Schemes
Overgrazing
Undergrazing
Abandonment
Habitat loss
Water pollution
Inappropriate conservation
work
Conserve/enhance
biodiversity
Replace grassland with tillage
Maintain extensive agriculture
Water pollution mitigation
Climate change mitigation
Areas of Natural Constraint
Areas of Natural Constraint
Scheme (ANCs)
Overgrazing
Water pollution
Maintain extensive agriculture
On Farm Capital Investments
Targeted Agricultural
Modernisation Schemes II (TAMS
II)
Overgrazing
Undergrazing
Replace tillage with grassland
Abandonment
Intensification
Building development
Water pollution
Fragmentation
Climate change mitigation
Replace tillage with grassland
Water pollution mitigation
Bioenergy Scheme Crop change
Fragmentation
Crop change
Water pollution mitigation
Climate change mitigation
Knowledge Transfer Measures
Knowledge Transfer Groups
In combination impacts In combination impacts
EIP – Operational Groups
Continued Professional
Development for Advisors
Targeted Advisory Service on
Animal Health and Welfare
Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for Collaborative Farming
Overgrazing
Undergrazing
Abandonment
Intensification
Water pollution
Fragmentation
Maintain extensive agriculture
Artisan Food Cooperation
Measure In combination impacts
In combination impacts
Regional Product Development
Support In combination impacts
In combination impacts
Targeted Support
Beef Genomics and Data
Programme In combination impacts
Climate change mitigation
In combination impacts
LEADER
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RDP Measure Potential Negative
Impacts
Potential Positive
Impacts
LEADER
Improved site access
Building developments
Water pollution
Hydrology changes
Inappropriate conservation
work
Improved site access
Water pollution mitigation
Invasive species control
Conservation projects
Climate change mitigation
Many of the RDP measures would have the positive impact of maintaining extensive
agriculture, especially livestock grazing, in Natura 2000 sites. Many habitats and species that
are qualifying interests of Natura 2000 sites would require extensive grazing to maintain or
achieve good conservation status. When considering screening impacts from the RDP in
combination with forestry policy, it is likely that maintaining extensive agriculture would tend
to reduce afforestation. This could have positive or negative impacts depending on the
habitats that would have been afforested, the characteristics of the forestry plantation (e.g.
size, location, connectivity to native woodlands), and the landscape setting (e.g. many or few
forests).
The GLAS, Organic Farming Scheme and Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes measures
have the potential to conserve/enhance biodiversity. This positive outcome is a key
objective of GLAS and the Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes. Organic farming, with low
chemical inputs, supports greater biodiversity of farmland species sensitive to such inputs.
Overgrazing and undergrazing may occur in Natura 2000 sites as a result of inappropriate
stocking levels prescribed by measures (e.g. ANC scheme or GLAS). Some measures (e.g.
TAMS II or Organic Farming Scheme) may facilitate fundamental changes to the farm
enterprise, leading to shifts in grazing patterns across the farm holding. Expansion of farming
activities may be encouraged in combination with FH2020 expansion targets. Inappropriate
grazing regimes outside of Natura 2000 sites may impact on habitats and species within
Natura 2000 sites by changing the habitat matrix and connectivity of the landscape. The same
factors may also lead to abandonment of grazing or mowing inside or outside Natura 2000
sites. For example, a GLAS prescription may incorrectly recommend exclusion of livestock from
a habitat, which may then result in biodiversity loss due to undergrazing. Abandoning
management of some areas may be encouraged by GAEC standards that may make certain
habitats ineligible for the SPS.
If farm enterprises are restructured with support under the RDP (e.g. Support for Collaborative
Farming), this may lead to intensification or habitat loss. FH2020 targets would encourage
such activity, and GAEC standards would encourage some types of habitat removal.
Intensification or habitat removal would not generally be allowed within Natura 2000 sites, but
may impact on habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites by changing the habitat matrix
and increasing the fragmentation of semi-natural habitats across the landscape. Habitat loss
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may also come about where GLAS prescriptions are based on a poor understanding of Natura
2000 habitats and species.
The GLAS, Organic Farming Scheme and Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes measures
would have positive impacts arising from water pollution mitigation, including reduced
sedimentation, lower levels of organic and inorganic fertiliser runoff, and lower levels of
pesticide use. The provisions of the Water Framework Directive would act in combination.
TAMS II can be used to invest in slurry storage facilities. The Bioenergy Scheme would also be
expected to have mainly positive impacts on water quality, due to lower levels of ground
disturbance than tillage and lower chemical inputs. Measures that may encourage
intensification or overgrazing upstream of Natura 2000 sites could have negative impacts
arising from increased water pollution. Depending on the type of projects funded, the
LEADER measure may have positive impacts (e.g. river restoration works) or negative impacts
(e.g. building development adjacent to watercourses). Negative (and positive) impacts on
water quality may result in transboundary impacts where catchments are located upstream
of Natura 2000 sites in Northern Ireland.
The TAMS II and LEADER measures may fund building developments or other infrastructural
development, which may result in water pollution or habitat loss impacts. LEADER funding
could also be used to support flood control measures or other hydrology changes that could
impact negatively on downstream Natura 2000 sites.
Replacement of grassland with tillage (including horticulture) at the scales encouraged by
the wild bird cover action under GLAS and possibly also the Organic Farming Scheme are likely
result in positive impacts on Natura 2000 sites, especially for birds. Replacing tillage with
grassland to expand dairy farming under FH2020 sectors could be encouraged by the TAMS
II schemes. Depending on the landscape setting, this could be a positive or negative impact.
Tillage or horticultural crop change could be encouraged by the Organic Farming Scheme,
which would be expected to be a positive impact, given the low intensity nature of organic
farming. The Bioenergy Scheme would require a different type of crop change. The impacts
of this scheme would depend greatly on the habitat to be replaced and the landscape setting.
Inappropriate conservation work may be carried out under AESs or as part of LEADER
projects in the absence of suitable mitigation. This may include habitat removal or lead to
an increased risk of water pollution inside or outside Natura 2000 sites. On the other hand,
LEADER may fund positive conservation projects in or near Natura 2000 sites. LEADER
projects may also facilitate improved site access to Natura 2000 sites. This may have negative
disturbance impacts on sensitive habitats, flora or fauna (e.g. breeding waders). Alternatively,
improved access may increase visitor understanding and appreciation of the site, and lead to
positive conservation works in the future.
LEADER projects may include invasive species control, a positive impact.
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Many habitats and species that are qualifying interests of Natura 2000 sites are at risk from
climate change. Several RDP measures are aimed at providing climate change mitigation.
The Beef Genomics and Data Programme will produce climate change mitigation over the
medium to long term by increasing beef cattle productivity without increasing numbers.
Knowledge Transfer measures would not have any potential impacts in and of themselves.
They would, however, operate in combination with other measures and affect how potential
impacts manifest. As these measures are contained within the RDP, their effects in
combination with other RDP measures are assessed in Section 6.1. The Artisan Food
Cooperation, Regional Product Development Support, and Beef Genomics and Data
Programme measures would also have no direct impacts on Natura 2000 sites. These
measures provide direct or indirect support to local agricultural enterprises. Therefore, this
measure would act in combination with other measures providing income support to farms.
5.3 Assessing Significance of Potential Impacts on Qualifying Interests
The significance of the potential impacts of the RDP on the qualifying interests of SACs in
Ireland are summarised in Table 4. The significance of the potential impacts of the RDP on the
qualifying interests of SPAs in Ireland are summarised in the matrix in Table 5. Where there is
the potential for a significant impact or where the impact significance is uncertain, this is
indicated with a “”. Where there is no potential for a significant impact, this is indicated with
an “”.
The assessment considered pressures and threats to Annex I habitats and Annex II species
highlighted in the recent Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species reports (National Parks
and Wildlife Service, 2013b, c). Particular attention was paid when potential impact
mechanisms were reported as pressures of medium or high importance, such as “intensive
cattle grazing” (A04.01.01), “abandonment of pastoral systems, lack of grazing” (A04.03), or
“diffuse pollution to surface waters due to agricultural and forestry activities” (H01.05). For
birds that are qualifying interests of SPAs, potential impact factors reported in BirdWatch
Ireland’s Group Action Plans for Irish Birds and the Bird Atlas 2007-2011 (Balmer et al., 2013)
were considered when assessing impact significance.
Marine Qualifying Interests
As the RDP is concerned solely with agriculture and not aquaculture or fisheries, there are few
sources of potential impacts on marine habitats and species. The most important potential
impact source is water pollution arising from terrestrial runoff. The water pollution threat
posed to large shallow inlets and bays and sea caves is low (National Parks and Wildlife Service,
2013b), but nutrients, especially nitrogen, from terrestrial runoff have resulted in
eutrophication of some Irish coastal waters (O'Boyle et al., 2010). Water pollution impacts also
have the potential to negatively affect nearby Natura 2000 sites in Northern Ireland. Habitats
and species screened out due to absence of agriculture-related water pollution threats,
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according to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (2013b, c), are sand banks, bottlenose
dolphin and harbour porpoise. Although organochlorine compounds from pesticides have
been identified as a threat to the health of cetaceans (Department of the Environment, 2009b),
these compound are now no longer used in Irish agriculture. Colonial, cliff-dwelling seabirds,
such as Gannets, Kittiwakes and Puffins, are highly unlikely to be impacted by terrestrial
agriculture, and therefore most of the RDP measures. LEADER projects aimed at enhancing
tourism in coastal communities, such as boating enterprises or cliff walks, may result in
significant human disturbance of nesting seabirds, depending on the project and time of year
(BirdWatch Ireland, 2011c). Seals may also be disturbed by humans at their haul-out sites.
Coastal Qualifying Interests
Some coastal waters, such as lagoons and estuaries, are sensitive to water quality impacts.
Coastal land habitats, including salt marshes and most dune systems, are often grazed by
livestock at least on occasion (McCorry and Ryle, 2009, National Parks and Wildlife Service,
2013b). Inappropriate management prescriptions under an AES that results in undergrazing
or overgrazing may significantly impact on these habitats. Undergrazing of fixed dunes, for
example, is a pressure of high importance, according to recent habitat monitoring data
(National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b). Intensification of adjacent land facilitated by on-
farm capital investments (e.g. TAMS II) may result in knock-on changes to management to
coastal habitats within Natura 2000 sites.
Spartina swards are currently listed as qualifying interests for some Natura 2000 sites. Most
Spartina swards are composed of the invasive, non-native Spartina anglica, and their spread is
an indicator of poor conservation condition for other salt marsh habitats. No conservation
objectives for Spartina swards have been listed for any Natura 2000 sites. Therefore, Spartina
swards have been screened out.
As with marine habitats and species, impacts of LEADER projects are particularly difficult to
identify due to their broad scope, which includes rural tourism and recreation. Coastal
recreation projects may include developing seaside walks or amenities. Therefore, potentially
significant impacts on some wintering or breeding coastal birds, such as Knot, Turnstone and
Ringed Plover, or habitats, like embryonic dunes, cannot be screened out.
Freshwater Qualifying Interests
All freshwater habitats are sensitive to potential water pollution impacts (National Parks and
Wildlife Service, 2013b). Aquatic species, such as lamprey, Atlantic salmon and slender naiad,
are also sensitive (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013c). Other species dependent on
freshwater habitats, such as otter and waterfowl, may be significantly impacted by the loss of
prey or habitat structure arising from pollution impacts. Freshwater habitats and species
situated in downstream catchments in Northern Ireland may also be significantly impacted.
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Grassland and Heath Qualifying Interests
Grassland and heath habitats may suffer from inappropriate livestock grazing regimes
(National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b). As with coastal habitats, these may arise under
the RDP under an AES where an advisor or farmer has insufficient understanding of the
habitats or species in a Natura 2000 site. On-farm capital investments may result in
intensification (e.g. conversion of a suckler farm to a higher-input, higher stocked dairy farm)
of land outside Natura 2000 sites that may in turn result in undergrazing or abandonment of
the Natura 2000 site. Investments that support new pig or poultry enterprises may result in
ammonia deposition and fertilisation of nearby orchid-rich calcareous grassland or heath.
Species that are dependent on these habitats or other grassland habitats may also be
significantly impacted by changes to grazing regime or vegetation structure. These include
marsh fritillary and a wide range of birds, including Corncrake, Redshank, Curlew, Lapwing,
Bewick’s Swan and Whooper Swan (BirdWatch Ireland, 2011b).
Peatland Qualifying Interests
Fens, transition mires and petrifying springs are sensitive to water pollution impacts and
inappropriate grazing levels (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b). Blanket bogs and
Rhynchosporion depressions associated with blanket bogs have suffered significant impacts
from overgrazing in the past and may do so in the future (National Parks and Wildlife Service,
2013b). Raised bogs are not typically used for grazing or other agricultural uses, but may be
impacted by ammonia deposition from pig or poultry enterprises, as noted above. LEADER
projects may involve peatland restoration, but may also result in significant damage if
recreational access, such as boardwalks, are managed inappropriately.
The peatland plant species shining sickle moss and marsh saxifrage are both species of flushes
in blanket bogs. The former is vulnerable to groundwater eutrophication (Lockhart et al., 2012)
and the latter is sensitive to overgrazing and undergrazing (C. Muldoon, pers. comm.).
Upland Qualifying Interests
Among the upland habitats not already considered, scree slope habitats and calcareous rocky
slopes, but not siliceous rocky slopes, are reported to be threatened by inappropriate grazing
levels (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b). Siliceous rocky slopes would be sensitive
to development for rock-climbing tourism with LEADER funding. Limestone pavement and
juniper scrub are also sensitive to livestock management. Hen Harrier, a ground-nesting
species, requires appropriate rough grassland structure for nesting and hunting.
Woodland Qualifying Interests
Old oak woodland is significantly affected by both overgrazing and undergrazing. Deer are
the typical grazing animals, although livestock are also often present. Yew woodland is
frequently overgrazed as well. Bog woodland is not an agricultural habitat, while grazing and
water quality issues are not reported as being significant factors in the conservation of residual
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alluvial woodland (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b). These woodland types could,
however, be impacted by developments under the LEADER programme.
Killarney fern is a plant of rocky habitats in woodlands that are not under agricultural
management. As with woodlands, however, LEADER-funded developments could result in
recreational or other disturbances. On the other hand, Kerry slug has been screened out. It is
a woodland and heath species in favourable conservation condition that does not appear to
be sensitive to grazing or disturbance (Moorkens, 2006, Byrne et al., 2009, National Parks and
Wildlife Service, 2013c).
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Table 4. Screening the RDP against Annex I habitat types and Annex II species that are
qualifying interests for Irish SACs
Qualifying Interest
Potentially
Significant
?
Sandbanks
Estuaries
Tidal mudflats
Lagoons
Large shallow inlets and bays
Reefs
Annual vegetation of drift
lines
Perennial vegetation of stony
banks
Sea cliffs
Salicornia mud
Spartina swards
Atlantic salt meadows
Mediterranean salt meadows
Halophilous scrub
Embryonic shifting dunes
Marram dunes (white dunes)
Fixed dunes (grey dunes)
Decalcified Empetrum dunes
Decalcified dune heath
Dunes with creeping willow
Dune slack
Machair
Lowland oligotrophic lakes
Upland oligotrophic lakes
Hard water lakes
Natural eutrophic lakes
Dystrophic lakes
Turloughs
Floating river vegetation
Chenopodium rubri
Wet heath
Dry heaths
Alpine and subalpine heath
Juniper scrub
Calaminarian grassland
Qualifying Interest
Potentially
Significant
?
Orchid-rich calcareous
grassland
Species-rich Nardus upland
grassland
Molinia meadows
Hydrophilous tall herb
Lowland hay meadows
Raised bog
Degraded raised bogs
Blanket bog
Transition mires
Rhynchosporion
depressions
Cladium fen
Petrifying springs
Alkaline fens
Siliceous scree
Calcareous scree
Calcareous rocky slopes
Siliceous rocky slopes
Limestone pavement
Caves
Sea caves
Old oak woodlands
Bog woodland
Residual alluvial forests
Yew woods
Vertigo geyeri
Vertigo angustior
Vertigo moulinsiana
Geomalacus maculosus
Margaritifera margaritifera
Euphydryas aurinia
Austropotamobius pallipes
Petromyzon marinus
Lampetra planeri
Lampetra fluviatilis
Alosa fallax
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Qualifying Interest
Potentially
Significant
?
Salmo salar
Rhinolophus hipposideros
Tursiops truncatus
Phocoena phocoena
Lutra lutra
Halichoerus grypus
Phoca vitulina
Drepanocladus vernicosus
Petalophyllum ralfsii
Trichomanes speciosum
Saxifraga hirculus
Najas flexilis
Margaritifera durrovensis
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Table 5. Screening the RDP against Special Conservation Interests of Irish SPAs
Qualifying Interest Potentially
Significant?
Arctic Tern
Barnacle Goose
Bar-tailed Godwit
Bewick's Swan
Black-headed Gull
Black-tailed Godwit
Chough
Common Gull
Common Scoter
Common Tern
Coot
Cormorant
Corncrake
Curlew
Dunlin
Eider
Fulmar
Gadwall
Gannet
Golden Plover
Goldeneye
Great Crested Grebe
Great Northern Diver
Greenland White-
fronted goose
Greenshank
Grey Heron
Grey Plover
Greylag Goose
Guillemot
Hen Harrier
Herring Gull
Kingfisher
Kittiwake
Knot
Lapwing
Qualifying Interest Potentially
Significant?
Leach's Petrel
Lesser Black-backed
Gull
Light-bellied Brent
Goose
Little Grebe
Little Tern
Mallard
Manx Shearwater
Merlin
Oystercatcher
Peregrine
Pintail
Pochard
Puffin
Purple Sandpiper
Razorbill
Red-breasted
Merganser
Redshank
Red-throated Diver
Ringed Plover
Roseate Tern
Sanderling
Sandwich Tern
Scaup
Shag
Shelduck
Shoveler
Storm Petrel
Teal
Tufted Duck
Turnstone
Whooper Swan
Wigeon
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5.5 Screening Conclusions
The AA screening has found that the RDP 2014-2020 could potentially impact on most of the
qualifying interests for which Natura 2000 sites are designated, in the absence of mitigation,
or that significant impacts cannot be ruled out. A few habitats and species that are qualifying
interests have been screened out (Table 4 and Table 5). Natura 2000 sites with qualifying
interests that are restricted to these will not be significantly impacted by the RDP 2014-2020
measures. These habitats and species are:
Sandbanks
Spartina swards
Kerry slug
Bottlenose dolphin
Harbour porpoise
As a result of Stage 1 Screening, Stage 2 (full) Appropriate Assessment has been carried out
to determine if the RDP 2014-2020 will have significant impacts on the integrity of Natura 2000
sites (Section 1). The Appropriate Assessment takes the same approach as the screening by
focusing on the qualifying interests rather than the Natura 2000 sites directly. This approach
allows qualifying interests and sites to be cross-referenced to determine which sites may be
impacted.
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6 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT
In line with AA guidelines (European Commission, 2002, Department of the Environment,
2009a), the AA of the RDP 2014-2020 follows these steps:
Predicting impacts of each of the measures
Assessing impact significance relative to the conservation objectives of Natura 2000
sites
Identifying mitigation measures required and reviewing impacts post-mitigation
6.1 Predicting Impacts
Predicted (or uncertain) impacts in the absence of mitigation are discussed below and are
summarised in Table 6. Mitigation measures are discussed in Section 6.3.
It should be noted that predicting positive impacts is outside the scope of AA and are not
discussed here.
As AA is site-based, predicted impacts must be highlighted where there is the potential for
significant negative effects on one or more Natura 2000 sites.
6.1.1 Agri-Environment and Climate Measures
GLAS (Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme) and GLAS+
The screening assessment has identified overgrazing, undergrazing, abandonment of grazing
or mowing, habitat removal, water pollution and inappropriate conservation work as potential
impacts on Natura 2000 sites (Table 3). Although the GLAS scheme is designed to conserve
and enhance biodiversity, there are a number of ways in which it could achieve the opposite
effect in Natura 2000 sites:
Management prescriptions not appropriate to particular habitats and species
Incorrect or inadequate advice from farm advisor
Inadequate understanding of management prescriptions by farmer
In combination impacts with other plans, policies or strategies
Management Prescriptions
Management prescriptions for GLAS measures must take into account the varying
management requirements for Natura 2000 habitats and species. Otherwise, unintentional
damage may occur. For example, if management prescriptions under GLAS are provided for
a broad range of habitats, they may be inappropriate for a particular habitat or its conservation
condition. They could also be inflexible with respect to different seasonal weather from year
to year. Some habitats that should be grazed may be excluded from grazing under scheme
requirements that are too rigid to cater for special cases. General prescriptions for certain
habitat types may be unsuitable for Natura 2000 species, such as breeding waders or hen
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harrier. Breeding waders, for example, have specific vegetation structure requirements, plus
the requirement for shallow water and mud habitats for feeding (BirdWatch Ireland, 2011b,
Balmer et al., 2013).
DAFM will develop the management prescriptions for GLAS measures during the measure
design process. Consultations with stakeholders, including NPWS and conservation NGOs, will
inform the measure design process. The management prescriptions will build on those used
in REPS, AEOS and NPWS farm plans and also on past experience of how those schemes
functioned. The results of some pilot management projects are also available for some
habitats and species. For most, however, there has been little or no monitoring or assessment
of the effects of AESs on biodiversity (Finn and Ó hUallacháin, 2012). Therefore, potential
impacts of inappropriate GLAS scheme prescriptions on many Natura 2000 habitats and
species cannot be ruled out in the absence of mitigation.
Farm Advisors
Agricultural advisors will have the responsibility of developing management plans in
conjunction with farmers. Their role will be critical where GLAS scheme management
prescriptions leave important decisions, such as stocking rates, to the advisor. Where an
advisor has insufficient understanding of the habitats or species of a site or their management
requirements, inappropriate grazing levels or other incorrect measures may be incorporated
into the farm management plan. An advisor may not be aware of the presence of a particular
species, such as breeding waders, wintering waterfowl or freshwater pearl mussel. In this case,
inappropriate measures may be included in the farm plan. In an extreme case, inappropriate
advice could lead to the removal or replacement of habitats of conservation value. Hazel
woodland could be removed as “scrub” for example. In most cases, removal of habitats within
Natura 2000 sites would be a Notifiable Action, but habitat loss near but outside sites could
still have negative landscape-scale impacts on site qualifying interests.
As the role of an advisor is inbuilt into the GLAS measure, errors made by advisors in preparing
farm management plans can be considered to be the result of the measure, rather than simple
human error. This would be the case if the GLAS scheme were not structured in a way to detect
and minimise such errors.
Where the Natura 2000 site is commonage, stocking levels will be determined by Commonage
Framework Plans or their successors, which will reduce the risk of over- or undergrazing in
these sites. The risk of advisors giving incorrect advice on GLAS management plans is further
significantly reduced by the Continued Professional Development for Advisors measure. CPD
in biodiversity management and other environmental areas will be required for advisors
providing planning services under the GLAS scheme. CPD for GLAS advisors will be provided
by appropriately qualified professionals. The need for such a measure was also highlighted in
the FH2020 environmental report (Farrelly et al., 2014), and the general need for greater
ecological advice has been highlighted by other studies (Finn and Ó hUallacháin, 2012). When
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CPD for advisors is fully implemented and encompasses all the elements of the GLAS and
GLAS+ schemes, there will be no impacts arising from this source.
Farm Management
Similar to agricultural advisors, where the farmer has inadequate understanding, management
may not be inappropriately implemented. If the GLAS scheme structure did not aim to ensure
farmers understand their management plans, then management errors that would arise would
flow from the measure, rather than simple human error.
As GLAS actions will be based on management prescriptions and farmers will have the advice
of a trained advisor, this will help minimise incorrect implementation of actions. In addition,
all farmers in Natura 2000 sites will have been advised of Notifiable Actions on those lands,
which will also reduce inappropriate management. All farmers who participate in GLAS will be
required to participate in training courses for specific actions complemented by on-line
demonstrations and advice on good environmental practices. The need for these knowledge
transfer initiatives was also highlighted in the FH2020 environmental report (Farrelly et al.,
2014) and by other studies (Van Rensburg et al., 2008, Finn and Ó hUallacháin, 2012). When
these safeguards arising from statutory requirements, other policies and knowledge transfer
are implemented, there will be no impacts arising from inadequate understanding of the
scheme’s requirements.
Other In Combination Impacts
Member States are obliged to implement AESs under the RDP regulations. There are also
several other policy instruments that generally support AESs and promote the development
of a well-designed scheme that will benefit Natura 2000 sites (Table 1). These in-combination
effects will tend to reduce the likelihood of significant impacts arising from this measure. In
particular, the objective of National Biodiversity Plan Action 15.4 is to “ensure that agri-
environmental schemes provide targeted and costed prescriptions that will contribute to
favourable conservation status in farmed designated sites”.
Cross compliance requirements will also apply to land in the GLAS scheme. The SMRs to abide
by the provisions of the Birds and Habitats Directives will reinforce the protection given to
Natura 2000 sites by the Notifiable Action system. Carrying out a Notifiable Action without
permission from DAHG would result in SPS penalties in addition to whatever penalties that
might arise under GLAS. In this way, cross compliance will reduce the likelihood of significant
impacts arising from incorrect implementation of the GLAS scheme by advisors or farmers.
On the other hand, GAEC standards exclude agriculturally unproductive land from eligibility
under SPS or GLAS. These GAEC standards also apply to lands within Natura 2000 sites and
render certain Habitats Directive habitat types, e.g. limestone pavement, ineligible for GLAS or
other area-based payments. Other habitat types, such as scrub and certain types of wetlands,
would also be ineligible for GLAS. Outside of Natura 2000 sites, these habitats could be subject
to clearance, drainage and other work to put them into good agricultural condition, possibly
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with negative consequences for nearby Natura 2000 sites. Within Natura 2000 sites, these
works would normally not be permitted (although scrub cutting could be permitted as a
Notifiable Action if allowed to regrow). Ineligible lands within Natura 2000 sites that could
not be made to meet GAEC standards would then be at risk of abandonment, with significant
impacts on such habitats as limestone pavement, fens, salt marshes, etc. These negative
impacts, however, would arise from the operation of cross compliance independently, and not
in combination with the GLAS scheme.
The 2013 Forestry Policy Review has identified competition with AESs as a factor in the failure
to reach previous afforestation targets. GLAS participation could discourage farmers from
planting forests or woodlands, either inside or outside Natura 2000 sites, in landscapes where
these would be a net biodiversity benefit. Within Natura 2000 sites, however, afforestation
would generally result in the loss of open habitats of biodiversity interest (and would require
AA prior to grant aid approval).
There are three LIFE+ projects operating in Natura 2000 sites that include agricultural
elements: AranLIFE, MulkearLIFE and the IRD Duhallow LIFE project in the Blackwater River
SAC. Operation of the GLAS scheme in these areas has the potential to disrupt LIFE project
actions by offering a competing scheme with contrasting management measures. Careful
integration of GLAS with these projects will be undertaken at the detailed measure design
stage to avoid significant impacts on Natura 2000 sites.
Organic Farming Scheme
In Natura 2000 sites, the Organic Farming Scheme will have mainly positive impacts, such as
maintaining management practices involved in extensive farming (Bengtsson et al., 2005, Hole
et al., 2005). The low levels or absence of chemical inputs allowed under the Organic Farming
Scheme could benefit water-dependent qualifying interests located in the downstream
catchment of participating farms (Stolze et al., 2000, Hole et al., 2005). Regarding potential
negative impacts, the screening assessment has found that the measure presents a risk of
abandonment of agricultural management or fragmentation due to habitat loss outside
Natura 2000 sites (Table 3).
Abandonment
Conversion to organic farming involves significant changes in farm management that
payments received under the Organic Farming Scheme are designed to support. These
changes could include restructuring the farm enterprise, including abandoning or reducing
management on land that is no longer economic to farm. This may occur if the additional
income from organic farming means that less farming activity is required on parts of the
holding to maintain a comparable income. Land abandonment could also arise if more effort
is needed to farm parts of the holding organically and other parts were abandoned or under-
managed. Complete or partial abandonment within Natura 2000 sites could lead to significant
impacts on habitats and species dependent on extensive agriculture. Similar changes outside
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of Natura 2000 sites could also lead to significant impacts due to changes in landscape
connectivity and loss of supplementary habitat.
GAEC standards will reduce the likelihood of land abandonment, as agricultural activity must
be maintained if land is to be eligible for SPS payments. Nevertheless, land that is
economically marginal to farm may still be abandoned, which could lead to significant impacts
on Natura 2000 sites, depending on the nature and location of abandoned farmland.
Fragmentation
Changes in farming enterprise under the Organic Farming Scheme, e.g. conversion of
grassland to horticulture, could lead to negative impacts on Natura 2000 sites arising from
loss of valuable wildlife habitat. Similarly, organic farming supports could encourage farmers
to reclaim scrub or wetlands for organic production. Cross compliance requirements would
operate in combination with the Organic Farming Scheme in a similar way to the GLAS scheme.
Habitat loss within Natura 2000 sites is therefore unlikely due to the requirement to abide by
SMRs. Habitat loss outside Natura 2000 sites, however, could result in significant impacts due
to changes in landscape connectivity and loss of supplementary habitat.
Conversion of grassland on farms over 30 ha would make the land ineligible for Pillar I
greening payments, which would also reduce the likelihood of species-rich grassland loss to
non-grassland organic farming.
Other In Combination Impacts
Interactions with Commonage Framework Plans will be few, as grazing commonage with
organic certified or in conversion livestock is not permitted under certification schemes unless
certain strict requirements are met.
As with the GLAS scheme, supports under the Organic Farming Scheme will tend to discourage
afforestation, which may have positive or negative impacts.
Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes
Similar to GLAS, the Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes measure may result in overgrazing,
undergrazing, abandonment of grazing or mowing, fragmentation, water pollution and
inappropriate conservation work as potential impacts on Natura 2000 sites (Table 3). The key
differences are that GLAS is a prescription-based scheme and the Locally Led Agri-
Environment Schemes measure is output-driven. Therefore, inappropriate management
prescriptions in scheme design are not a potential risk factor. Potential impacts could arise
from:
Inadequate knowledge base
Inadequate understanding of management needs by farmer
In combination impacts with other plans, policies or strategies
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Knowledge Base
Farm plans under the Burren Farming for Conservation Project (BFCP) are developed by the
farmer in conjunction with local, dedicated scheme advisors to meet specific scheme
objectives. It is anticipated that other projects under this measure will follow a similar model.
Developing farm plans that will deliver biodiversity benefits and avoid negative impacts
depends on a good knowledge base put into operation by scheme advisors. Otherwise,
inappropriate grazing levels or other incorrect actions are likely to be incorporated into the
farm plan. This may lead to habitat damage or negative impacts on species from over- or
undergrazing or water pollution. Inappropriate farm conservation projects, such as changing
access routes, providing drinking water, etc., may also arise if the project knowledge base is
inadequate.
This measure will provide additional funding for the BFCP, which has a solid knowledge base
of baseline research into the ecology of the Burren and applied biodiversity and agricultural
management research from the BurrenLIFE project. Additional projects to be funded will
include freshwater pearl mussel schemes and three others to be determined on a competitive
basis. There is a good understanding of the ecology of freshwater pearl mussel and
agricultural management methods that are required for their conservation (e.g. Moorkens,
1999, 2000, WFD sub-basin management plans). Demonstrating a good knowledge base to
deliver promised biodiversity objectives will be a requirement of additional projects chosen
following a competitive call.
The EIP – Operational Groups measure may include one or more projects to provide applied
research and implementation support for future Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes.
Each project will include its own locally-based, specialist advisors to help develop farm plans
and to evaluate project outputs. The skills and understanding of the project advisors will be
ensured by competitive appointments, as has been done in the BFCP. Monitoring of project
outputs is in-built into the project, which will allow projects to be readily adapted if targets are
not being met or circumstances require.
There will be no impacts on Natura 2000 sites arising from an inadequate knowledge base for
this measure.
Farm Management
Where the participating farmer has inadequate understanding of Natura 2000 habitats and
species on his farm and their management needs, agricultural management may not be
inappropriately implemented. Farm plans under the BFCP rely less on detailed prescriptions
and allow more decision-making latitude for farmers, and other Locally Led Agri-Environment
Schemes are likely to follow the same model. Therefore, there is greater potential for
inappropriate management choices to be made. Farm plans will be prepared with the
guidance of the specialist scheme advisor, however, which will reduce this risk. In addition, all
farmers who participate in Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes will be required to
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participate in regular training. Finally, all farmers in Natura 2000 sites will have been advised
of Notifiable Actions on those lands, which will also reduce inappropriate management.
When these safeguards arising from statutory requirements, other policies and knowledge
transfer are implemented, there will be no impacts arising from inadequate understanding of
the scheme’s requirements.
Other In Combination Impacts
The same impacts in combination with other plans, policies and strategies that apply to the
GLAS scheme would also apply to the Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes measure.
6.1.2 Areas of Natural Constraint
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme
The ANC scheme will require specific minimum stocking rates and durations, which may not
be appropriate for some habitats, depending on their conservation condition, within or
upstream of Natura 2000 sites. Minimum stocking rates or durations that are too high for a
habitat in a given condition may result in damage due to overgrazing. Overgrazing can also
lead to water pollution arising from siltation of watercourses. Where land is part of a
Commonage Framework Plan or an AES, those stocking rate requirements will supersede those
specified by the ANC scheme. These exceptions will ensure that sensitive sites are not
overgrazed under the ANC scheme on the majority of farms. Significant impacts on Natura
2000 sites arising from overgrazing under the ANC scheme, however, cannot be ruled out in
the absence of mitigation where land is not in commonage or in an AES. It should also be
noted that minimum stocking rates may also conflict with GAEC standards if minimum rates
lead to excessive poaching or peat erosion.
GAEC standards exclude agriculturally unproductive land from eligibility under SPS or the ANC
scheme. These GAEC standards also apply to lands within Natura 2000 sites and make certain
Habitats Directive habitat types, e.g. limestone pavement, ineligible for ANC scheme
payments. Other habitat types, such as scrub and certain types of wetlands, would also be
ineligible for the ANC scheme. Outside of Natura 2000 sites, these habitats could be subject
to clearance, drainage and other work to put them into good agricultural condition, possibly
with negative consequences for nearby Natura 2000 sites. Within Natura 2000 sites, these
works would normally not be permitted (although scrub cutting could be permitted as a
Notifiable Action if allowed to regrow). Ineligible lands within Natura 2000 sites that could
not be made to meet GAEC standards would then be at risk of abandonment. These negative
impacts, however, would arise from the operation of cross compliance alone, and not in
combination with the ANC scheme.
ANC scheme participation could discourage farmers from planting forests or woodlands, which
may result in positive or negative impacts, depending on the land to be planted and its
landscape setting.
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6.1.3 On Farm Capital Investments
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes II (TAMS II)
The TAMS II scheme has the potential for a wide range of direct or indirect impacts on Natura
2000 habitats and species in the absence of mitigation (Table 1). These arise from:
Intensification of the farm enterprise
Restructuring the farm holdings
Building developments
Intensification
Investments funded by TAMS II could be used to support intensification of farm management.
In this situation, more intensive land use would follow on from farm infrastructure investment,
such as animal housing or dairy equipment. This could also include a change of enterprise,
such as from suckler farming to dairy production. As TAMS II is livestock-oriented, change of
enterprise from tillage to dairy, for example, may also be facilitated. Intensification would
include greater inputs of fertilisers (organic and inorganic) and pesticides, in addition to
reseeding, drainage, vegetation control and other work. These would constitute Notifiable
Actions in Natura 2000 grasslands, and carrying out such work without approval would be a
breach of cross compliance. Intensification within Natura 2000 sites is therefore unlikely.
Intensification of the landscape surrounding Natura 2000 sites, however, could result in
fragmentation and loss of supplementary habitat: potentially negative impacts on Natura 2000
habitats and species within sites. Intensification could also result in water quality impacts that
may impact downstream sites. The Nitrates Regulations (SMR1) and Water Framework
Directive policies, however, would reduce impacts of intensification on watercourses.
Capital investments in the pig and poultry sectors are limited to energy, water meters and
medicine dispensers and therefore will not constitute support for the expansion of intensive
enterprises.
Restructuring
Investments under the TAMS II scheme could support the restructuring of farm holdings.
Restructuring may come about as a result of new animal housing changing patterns of land
use or because certain parts of the farm are now less profitable to farm. These changes may
result in undergrazing or abandonment of marginally economic parts of the farm. Other parts
of the farm holding may then be overgrazed or intensified as a result of concentrating effort
on a smaller part of the farm. Complete or partial abandonment within Natura 2000 sites
could lead to significant impacts on habitats and species dependent on extensive agriculture.
Similar changes outside of Natura 2000 sites could also lead to significant impacts due to
changes in landscape connectivity and loss of supplementary habitat.
GAEC standards will reduce the likelihood of over/undergrazing and land abandonment, as
agricultural activity must be maintained if land is to be eligible for SPS and other payments.
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Participation in an AES or a Commonage Framework Plan would also reduce grazing and
abandonment impacts. Nevertheless, land outside these schemes that is economically
marginal to farm may still be abandoned, which could lead to significant impacts on Natura
2000 sites, depending on the nature and location of abandoned farmland.
Building Developments
Building developments may impact on Natura 2000 sites through direct or indirect habitat
loss, water quality impact or disturbances to sensitive fauna. Most on-farm developments
would require planning permission prior to grant-aid approval, in which case planning
authorities are obliged to carry out AA. Very small developments would not require planning
permission, and thus potential impacts may be overlooked. These may arise where a small
building is erected in a Natura 2000 site that results in disturbance and loss of a highly sensitive
or spatially restricted qualifying interest. Water pollution, such as from spilled concrete, could
also be the source of direct or upstream impacts. The activity associated with farm buildings
may cause disturbance impacts if sited near breeding sites of sensitive birds or other fauna.
Bioenergy Scheme
The primary effect of the Bioenergy Scheme would be a change of crop from grassland or
tillage to a bioenergy crop: Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) willow or Miscanthus. Bioenergy
crop establishment within Natura 2000 sites would be a Notifiable Action and is therefore
unlikely to take place. Within the wider landscape, establishment of bioenergy crops in a
predominantly intensive agricultural landscape would probably benefit nearby Natura 2000
sites (Dauber et al., 2010, Stout et al., 2012). Landscape heterogeneity would increase, and
bioenergy crops could act as stepping stones habitats for species that do not use improved
grassland or tillage habitats. In a landscape dominated by semi-natural habitats, bioenergy
crop establishment could result in habitat fragmentation and significant impacts due to
changes in landscape connectivity and loss of supplementary habitat. Given the low levels of
biomass production to be supported by the scheme (10,000 ha or less than 0.2% of land area),
significant fragmentation impacts would be unlikely.
Conversion of grassland on farms over 30 ha would make the land ineligible for Pillar I
greening payments, which would reduce the likelihood of species-rich grassland loss.
Approval from DAFM and NPWS for establishing biomass crops within Natura 2000 sites was
a requirement of the previous bioenergy scheme, and will also be a feature of the present
scheme. Furthermore, conversion of semi-natural habitats for biomass would be subject to
AA screening and possibly full AA under the European Communities (Environmental Impact
Assessment) (Agriculture) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 456 of 2011), where this may significantly
impact on Natura 2000 sites. Therefore, there is no significant risk of impacts arising from
conversion to biomass crops and fragmentation.
The species grant-aided under the Bioenergy Scheme are SRC willow, mostly Salix viminalis
clones, and Miscanthus. These species have been planted frequently in the past and have not
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shown any invasive traits. Salix viminalis and other willows used as biomass crops have been
naturalised in Ireland for centuries. Extensive research has been carried out on Miscanthus in
Ireland. Therefore, there is no risk of significant impacts on Natura 2000 sites from these
species.
Perennial biomass crops require fewer interventions than that pose siltation or chemical
pollution risks to the aquatic environment tillage or most grassland systems (Caslin et al.,
2010a, Caslin et al., 2010b). Perennial biomass crops only require cultivation at establishment
of the crop, which lasts for c. 15 year (Miscanthus) or c. 30 year (SRC willow). Herbicide use is
only required in the first year or two of establishment, after which the crop shades out
competitive weeds. Furthermore, perennial biomass crops may serve as a buffer along
watercourses, intercepting silt or nutrient-rich water flow. Significant impacts on Natura 2000
sites are not predicted from water pollution.
Considering impacts in combination with forestry policy, supports under this measure would
discourage conventional afforestation, which may be positive or negative for Natura 2000 sites,
depending on landscape context. The areas involved, however, would not be significant.
6.1.4 Knowledge Transfer Measures
Knowledge transfer in itself would have no impacts on Natura 2000 sites, but would operate
in combination with other measures. Knowledge transfer measures will eliminate or reduce
some of the impacts of other RDP measures. For example, CPD for agricultural advisors will
ensure that the GLAS scheme will be well implemented and will not result in significant impacts
on Natura 2000 sites. EIP – Operational Groups will contribute to the evidence base for Locally
Led Agri-Environment Schemes. Knowledge Transfer Groups will improve farmers’
understanding of sustainable farming practices. Effective knowledge transfer has been linked
to better outcomes for AESs (Gabbett and Finn, 2005, Finn and Ó hUallacháin, 2012). In
combination impacts of Knowledge Transfer Measures are considered further with other
measures where appropriate.
6.1.5 Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for Collaborative Farming
Collaborative farming can increase farming activity by providing access to land for young and
expanding farmers. Skills synergies can also lead to increases and changes in farming activity.
In a farm holding that had been managed at a low level, such as by an elderly farmer, the
Support for Collaborative Farming Measure could result in intensification or restructuring,
including change of farming enterprise.
Intensification
Intensification could include greater inputs of fertilisers (organic and inorganic) and pesticides,
reseeding, drainage, vegetation control and other work. These would constitute Notifiable
Actions in Natura 2000 sites, and carrying out such work without approval would be a breach
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn
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of cross compliance. Intensification within Natura 2000 sites is therefore unlikely.
Intensification of the landscape surrounding Natura 2000 sites, however, could result in
fragmentation and loss of supplementary habitat. These could potentially manifest as negative
impacts on Natura 2000 habitats and species within sites. Intensification could also result in
water quality impacts that may impact downstream sites. The Nitrates Regulations (SMR1)
and Water Framework Directive policies, however, would reduce impacts of intensification on
watercourses. Significant impacts on highly sensitive Natura 2000 sites may remain, however.
Restructuring
Reorganisation and restructuring of farm management may result in undergrazing or
abandonment of marginally economic parts of the farm. On the other hand, other parts of the
farm holding may be overgrazed or intensified if management is focused on a smaller part of
the farm. Complete or partial abandonment within Natura 2000 sites could lead to significant
impacts on habitats and species dependent on extensive agriculture. Similar changes outside
of Natura 2000 sites could also lead to significant impacts due to changes in landscape
connectivity and loss of supplementary habitat.
GAEC standards would reduce the risk of over/undergrazing and land abandonment.
Participation in an AES or a Commonage Framework Plan would also reduce grazing and
abandonment impacts. If the land is still considered economically marginal, land outside these
schemes may still be abandoned, which could lead to significant impacts on Natura 2000 sites,
depending on the nature and location of abandoned farmland.
Other In Combination Impacts
Supports under this measure may encourage or discourage afforestation, depending on the
skill sets and interests in the new farm partnership. The impacts of afforestation on Natura
2000 sites would depend on the site, the landscape context and the nature of the plantation.
Artisan Food Cooperation Measure
The Artisan Food Cooperation Measure provides only indirect support under the LEADER
programme to farming through grant aid for marketing and quality of local food. This measure
would act in combination with other measures by maintaining local agricultural activity and
maintaining whatever positive or negative effects presently occur in the area.
Regional Product Development Support
The Regional Product Development Support measure provides support to primary producers
for developing and promoting local agricultural products under the LEADER programme. The
additional income arising from successful marketing and promotion could be used by farmers
in several ways that may or may not have impacts on Natura 2000 sites. The nature and
direction of any impacts would be determined primarily by other factors that the scheme
would operate in combination with, including other plans, policies and strategies as well as
local economic and social factors and individual preference. FH2020 targets may encourage
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn
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increasing farming activity; however, targets for some sectors, such as beef, are focused on
productivity rather than output, which can also be met through Quality Schemes. Quality
Schemes may be more attractive for farmers in extensive areas, as sustainability could be a
component of the quality brand. In this situation, Quality Scheme participants are also likely
to be AES participants with less incentives to intensify farming activities. Stocking rates of
lamb producers in commonage would be set by Commonage Framework Plans. In summary,
the Regional Product Development Support measure would not have any impacts on Natura
2000 sites on its own, and any in combination impacts would arise from the independent
operation of other plans or socioeconomic factors without any significant contribution from
the measure.
6.1.6 Targeted Support
Beef Genomics and Data Programme
Similar to the Regional Product Development Support measure, the Beef Genomics and Data
Programme will provide support for primary producers. This scheme is targeted towards the
suckler farm sector, which a major farming activity in more extensively farmed landscapes
where Natura 2000 sites are frequently situated. As with the Regional Product Development
Support measure, the additional income could be used to support a range of farming activities.
The nature and direction of these activities and their potential impacts on Natura 2000 sites
would be determined by other factors, plans, policies and strategies that the Beef Genomics
and Data Programme would interact with.
6.1.7 LEADER
LEADER
LEADER projects have the potential to impact on Natura 2000 sites in a number of ways that
are difficult to predict at the strategic level, due to the diversity of projects that can be funded.
LEADER projects often have a building or other development component. These types of
projects can impact directly on Natura 2000 sites through habitat loss, water pollution or
changes in hydrology. Tourism-focused projects may include improving access to Natura 2000
sites through construction of cycle paths or developing walking routes. In addition to potential
impacts from the development, improving access can lead to increased disturbance of
sensitive species, such as breeding waders or wintering waterfowl. Many LEADER projects are
directly aimed at improving the conservation management of Natura 2000 sites. If these
projects include inappropriate elements or are incorrectly executed, negative impacts could
result.
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Table 6. Predicted impacts of RDP measures on Natura 2000 sites prior to mitigation
RDP Measure Impacts
Agri-Environment and Climate Measures
GLAS (Green Low-Carbon Agri-
Environment Scheme) and
GLAS+
Inappropriate management prescriptions leading to
over/undergrazing, abandonment of habitats or unsuitable
conservation measures
Discourage afforestation
Organic Farming Scheme
Restructuring leading to abandonment of uneconomic farmland
Conversion/reclamation of habitats outside Natura 2000 sites
leading to landscape fragmentation
Discourage afforestation
Locally Led Agri-Environment
Schemes Discourage afforestation
Areas of Natural Constraint
Areas of Natural Constraint
Scheme (ANCs)
Minimum stocking rates leading to overgrazing in sensitive
habitats and water quality impacts
Change in ANC criteria leading to unpredictable impacts
Discourage afforestation
On Farm Capital Investments
Targeted Agricultural
Modernisation Schemes II (TAMS
II)
Intensification outside Natura 2000 sites leading to landscape
fragmentation and/or reductions in water quality
Expansion of intensive pig and poultry units leading to nitrogen
deposition
Restructuring leading to abandonment of uneconomic farmland
Building developments directly or indirectly impacting Natura
2000 sites
Bioenergy Scheme No significant impacts
Knowledge Transfer Measures
Knowledge Transfer Groups
In combination impacts
EIP – Operational Groups
Continued Professional
Development for Advisors
Targeted Advisory Service on
Animal Health and Welfare
Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for Collaborative
Farming
Intensification outside Natura 2000 sites leading to landscape
fragmentation and/or reductions in water quality
Restructuring leading to abandonment of uneconomic farmland
Artisan Food Cooperation
Measure In combination impacts
Regional Product Development
Support In combination impacts
Targeted Support
Beef Genomics and Data
Programme In combination impacts
LEADER
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RDP Measure Impacts
LEADER
Building developments directly or indirectly impacting Natura
2000 sites
Improved access to Natura 2000 sites leading to disturbance to
sensitive species
Inappropriate conservation measures
6.2 Assessing Significance of Potential Impacts
In AA, the significance of impacts is assessed with respect to the conservation objectives of
Natura 2000 sites that may be affected. Natura 2000 site-specific conservation objectives have
been prepared by NPWS for some sites. These have been defined for each qualifying interest
by defining targets for a number of attributes. If these targets are met, then the qualifying
interest is in favourable conservation condition, and the site’s conservation objective for that
habitat or species has been met. The attributes are the same for each habitat or species across
sites, but the targets may be site-specific. Where available, the attributes for each qualifying
interest have been summarised in tables in the following sections.
Where detailed attributes have not yet been prepared by NPWS, the generic conservation
objectives are to maintain or restore favourable conservation condition of qualifying interests.
In the case of habitats, favourable conservation condition is achieved when:
Area and range are stable or increasing
Ecological factors necessary for long-term maintenance will exist for the foreseeable
future
Conservation status of typical species is favourable
Favourable conservation status of species is achieved when:
Species population is maintaining itself
Range is stable and is unlikely to be reduced for the foreseeable future
A sufficiently large habitat exists to maintain its populations on a long-term basis
The potential impacts identified in the previous section have been assessed against
conservation objective attributes. If it is considered that an attribute for a qualifying interest
may be significantly affected, then a significant impact on that qualifying interest, and the
Natura 2000 sites in which it is found, cannot be ruled out. The results of the assessment are
summarised in a table. Where there is the potential for a significant impact or where the
impact significance is uncertain, this is indicated with a “”. (In AA, the precautionary principle
applies. A plan may not be implemented where significant impacts are likely or uncertain.)
Where there is no potential for a significant impact, this is indicated with an “”.
Where no impacts or only in combination impacts are predicted for measures (Table 6), those
measures are not assessed further below.
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It should be noted that this assessment does not assess the effects of mitigation that will
be implemented, i.e. impact significance is considered under a “no mitigation” scenario.
Mitigation and impacts after implementation of mitigation is addressed in the following
section.
6.2.1 Marine Qualifying Interests
Detailed conservation objective attributes for marine habitats and species of SACs that have
not been screened out are in Table 7 Conservation attributes of colonial breeding seabirds
are:
Breeding population abundance
Productivity rate
Distribution of breeding colonies
Prey biomass availability
Barriers to connectivity
Disturbance
Conservation attributes for other birds are population trend and distribution.
The assessment of impact significance is summarised in Table 8 and Table 9.
Table 7. Attributes of conservation objectives for marine qualifying interests of SACs
Code Qualifying Interests Conservation Objective Attributes
1140 Tidal mudflats Habitat area
Community distribution
1160 Large shallow inlets and
bays
Habitat area
Community distribution
1170 Reefs
Habitat distribution
Habitat area
Community distribution
8330 Sea caves Distribution
Community structure
1364 Halichoerus grypus
Access to suitable habitat
Breeding behaviour
Moulting behaviour
Resting behaviour
Population composition
Disturbance
1365 Phoca vitulina
Access to suitable habitat
Breeding behaviour
Moulting behaviour
Resting behaviour
Disturbance
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Table 8. Significance of impacts on marine qualifying interests of SACs
RDP Measure
Tid
al m
ud
flats
Larg
e s
hallo
w in
lets
an
d
bays
Reefs
Sea c
aves
Halich
oeru
s g
ryp
us
Ph
oca
vit
ulin
a
Agri-Environment and Climate Measures
GLAS Scheme
Organic Farming Scheme
Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes
Areas of Natural Constraint
ANC Scheme
On Farm Capital Investments
TAMS II Scheme
Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for Collaborative Farming
LEADER
LEADER
Table 9. Significance of impacts on marine qualifying interests of SPAs
RDP
Measure
Arc
tic
Tern
Bla
ck-h
ead
ed
Gu
ll
Co
mm
on
Gu
ll
Co
mm
on
Tern
Co
rmo
ran
t
Eid
er
Fu
lmar
Gan
net
Gre
at
No
rth
ern
Div
er
Gu
ille
mo
t
Herr
ing
Gu
ll
Kit
tiw
ake
Leach
's P
etr
el
Less
er
Bla
ck-b
ack
ed
Gu
ll
Lit
tle T
ern
Man
x Sh
earw
ate
r
Pu
ffin
Razo
rbill
Ro
seate
Tern
San
dw
ich
Tern
Sh
ag
Sto
rm P
etr
el
Agri-Environment and Climate Measures
GLAS Scheme
Organic
Farming
Scheme
Locally Led
Agri-
Environment
Schemes
Areas of Natural Constraint
ANC Scheme
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RDP
Measure
Arc
tic
Tern
Bla
ck-h
ead
ed
Gu
ll
Co
mm
on
Gu
ll
Co
mm
on
Tern
Co
rmo
ran
t
Eid
er
Fu
lmar
Gan
net
Gre
at
No
rth
ern
Div
er
Gu
ille
mo
t
Herr
ing
Gu
ll
Kit
tiw
ake
Leach
's P
etr
el
Less
er
Bla
ck-b
ack
ed
Gu
ll
Lit
tle T
ern
Man
x Sh
earw
ate
r
Pu
ffin
Razo
rbill
Ro
seate
Tern
San
dw
ich
Tern
Sh
ag
Sto
rm P
etr
el
On Farm Capital Investments
TAMS II
Scheme
Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for
Collaborative
Farming
LEADER
LEADER
Grazing impacts of AESs are restricted to terrestrial habitats and species and will not affect
marine qualifying interests.
Measures with the potential to impact on water quality through nutrient loading as a result of
intensification can also significantly impact on tidal mudflats, large shallow inlets and bays,
reefs and sea caves (O'Boyle et al., 2010). The potential for nitrogen pollution impacting on
benthic community distribution or structure of these habitats cannot be ruled out. Pollution
that may affect invertebrate or fish prey abundance has the potential to impact on population
densities or productivity rates of seabirds. The ANC Scheme and AESs are excluded, as water
quality impacts that may result from that measure arise from siltation caused by overgrazing,
which is not a factor in marine environments.
Building or tourism developments have the potential to significantly impact on any of the
habitats or species in Table 8. Increased access near grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) or harbour
seal (Phoca vitulina) haul-out points (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2011a) or near
seabird breeding colonies (BirdWatch Ireland, 2011c) could cause significant disturbance.
Qualifying interests in Northern Ireland marine sites near the border may be subject to similar
impacts.
6.2.2 Coastal Qualifying Interests
Detailed conservation objective attributes for coastal habitats and species of SACs are in Table
10. Conservation attributes for birds (SPAs) are population trend and distribution. Detailed
attributes are not available for halophilous scrub, decalcified Empetrum dunes, decalcified
dune heath or machair.
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The assessment of impact significance is summarised in Table 11 and Table 12. Note that birds
of coastal grassland habitats are considered in Section 6.2.4 below.
Table 10. Attributes of conservation objectives for coastal qualifying interests of
SACs
Code Qualifying Interests Conservation Objective Attributes
1130 Estuaries
Habitat area
Community distribution
Community extent
1150 Lagoons
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Salinity regime
Hydrological regime
Connectivity between lagoon and sea
Water quality
Depth of macrophyte colonisation
Typical plant species
Typical animal species
Negative indicator species
1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Physical structure
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Physical structure
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
1230 Sea cliffs
Habitat length
Habitat distribution
Physical structure
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
1310 Salicornia mud
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Physical structure
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
1330 Atlantic salt meadows
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Physical structure
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
1410 Mediterranean salt meadows
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Physical structure
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
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Code Qualifying Interests Conservation Objective Attributes
2110 Embryonic shifting dunes
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Physical structure
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
2120 Marram dunes (white dunes)
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Physical structure
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
2130 Fixed dunes (grey dunes)
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Physical structure
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
2170 Dunes with creeping willow
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Physical structure
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
2190 Dune slack
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Physical structure
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
1103 Alosa fallax
Distribution
Population structure
Water quality
Spawning habitat quality
1395 Petalophyllum ralfsii
Distribution
Population size
Area occupied by habitat
1014 Vertigo angustior
Distribution
Frequency
Abundance
Habitat quality
Optimal wetness
Habitat area
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Table 11. Significance of impacts on coastal qualifying interests of SPAs
RDP Measure
Bar-
tailed
Go
dw
it
Gre
en
shan
k
Gre
y P
lover
Kn
ot
Oyst
erc
atc
her
Pu
rple
San
dp
iper
Red
-bre
ast
ed
Merg
an
ser
Rin
ged
Plo
ver
San
derl
ing
Sh
eld
uck
Tu
rnst
on
e
Agri-Environment and Climate Measures
GLAS Scheme
Organic Farming Scheme
Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes
Areas of Natural Constraint
ANC Scheme
On Farm Capital Investments
TAMS II Scheme
Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for Collaborative Farming
LEADER
LEADER
Most terrestrial habitats are susceptible to overgrazing as a result of inappropriate GLAS
management prescriptions or intensification. These measures have the potential for significant
impacts on vegetation structure and composition and physical structure (e.g. poaching).
Habitats that are seldom grazed and for which overgrazing is not a significant threat include
annual vegetation of drift lines, perennial vegetation of stony banks, sea cliffs and embryonic
shifting dunes (McCorry and Ryle, 2009, National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b).
Overgrazing in salt marsh habitats may impact on food resources for coastal birds and thus
their population trends.
The vegetation structure and composition of saltmarsh habitats and marram dunes are not
sensitive to undergrazing or abandonment (McCorry and Ryle, 2009, National Parks and
Wildlife Service, 2013b), and would thus not be impacted by such changes arising from the
Organic Farming Scheme. Most dune habitats, however, would experience impacts on
vegetation structure and composition, and perhaps eventually reductions in habitat area and
distribution.
Over/undergrazing or abandonment would also reduce the habitat quality and availability for
petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii) and narrow-mouthed whorl snail (Vertigo angustior)
(Moorkens, 2006, Lockhart et al., 2012, National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013c).
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Most terrestrial habitats and narrow-mouthed whorl snail (Vertigo angustior) could be
significantly impacted by fragmentation and loss of connectivity in the wider landscape. This
factor could alter vegetation and physical structure by reducing the permeability of the
landscape for characteristic flora and fauna moving to and from Natura 2000 sites. This factor
would not impact on habitats not amenable to agricultural improvement, including annual
vegetation of drift lines, perennial vegetation of stony banks, sea cliffs, salt marshes and
embryonic shifting dunes.
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Table 12. Significance of impacts on coastal qualifying interests of SACs
RDP Measure
Est
uari
es
Lag
oo
ns
An
nu
al veg
eta
tio
n o
f d
rift
lin
es
Pere
nn
ial veg
eta
tio
n o
f
sto
ny b
an
ks
Sea c
liff
s
Salico
rnia
mu
d
Atl
an
tic
salt
mead
ow
s
Med
iterr
an
ean
salt
mead
ow
s H
alo
ph
ilo
us
scru
b
Em
bry
on
ic s
hif
tin
g d
un
es
Marr
am
du
nes
(wh
ite
du
nes)
Fix
ed
du
nes
(gre
y d
un
es)
Deca
lcif
ied
Em
petr
um
du
nes
Deca
lcif
ied
du
ne h
eath
Du
nes
wit
h c
reep
ing
willo
w
Du
ne s
lack
Mach
air
Alo
sa f
allax
Peta
loph
yllu
m r
alf
sii
Vert
igo a
ngu
stio
r
Agri-Environment and Climate
Measures
GLAS Scheme
Organic Farming Scheme
Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes
Areas of Natural Constraint
ANC Scheme
On Farm Capital Investments
TAMS II Scheme
Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for Collaborative Farming
LEADER
LEADER
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Measures with the potential to reduce water quality through nutrient loading as a result of
intensification can significantly impact on estuaries, lagoons and salt marsh habitats (McCorry
and Ryle, 2009, National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b). Excessive nutrients can negatively
impact on the attributes benthic and emergent community distribution and extent for
estuaries; water quality, macrophyte colonisation and species composition of lagoons; and
vegetation structure and composition of salt marsh habitats. Conversely, organic pollution
can lead to increased food supplies for coastal birds rather than negative impacts (BirdWatch
Ireland, 2011e). GLAS and the ANC Scheme would not be sources of significant nutrient
pollution impacts, as water quality impacts that may result from those measures arise from
siltation caused by overgrazing. As estuaries, lagoons and salt marsh habitats are naturally
silty habitats, the contributions of these measures would not be significant.
Discouraging afforestation would not constitute a negative impact, as none of the habitats in
this group would significantly benefit from increased woodland cover in the landscape.
Building or tourism developments have the potential to significantly impact on any of the
habitats or species in Table 12. Disturbances associated with the use of buildings or tourism
developments may impact significantly on coastal birds, affecting distribution or breeding
success (population trends) (BirdWatch Ireland, 2011e).
6.2.3 Freshwater Qualifying Interests
Detailed conservation objective attributes for freshwater habitats and species of SACs are in
Table 13. Conservation attributes for birds (SPAs) are population trend and distribution. No
detailed attributes have been specified for Geyer’s whorl snail (Vertigo geyeri), slender naiad
(Najas flexilis), Chenopodium rubri vegetation or any permanent lake habitats. The assessment
of impact significance is summarised in Table 14 and Table 15.
Table 13. Attributes of conservation objectives for freshwater qualifying interests of
SACs
Code Qualifying Interests Conservation Objective Attributes
3180 Turloughs
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Hydrological regime
Soil type
Soil nutrient status
Physical structure
Chemical processes
Water quality
Active peat formation
Vegetation composition
Vegetation structure
Typical species
Fringing habitats
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Code Qualifying Interests Conservation Objective Attributes
3260 Floating river vegetation
Habitat distribution
Habitat area
Hydrological regime
Substratum composition
Water chemistry
Water quality
Vegetation composition
Floodplain connectivity
6430 Hydrophilous tall herb
Habitat distribution
Habitat area
Hydrological regime
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
7220 Petrifying springs
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Hydrological regime
Water quality
Vegetation composition
1016 Vertigo moulinsiana
Distribution
Population size
Population density
Area of occupancy
Habitat quality
1029 Margaritifera margaritifera
Distribution
Population size
Population structure
Habitat extent
Water quality
Substratum quality
Hydrological regime
Host fish
1092 Austropotamobius pallipes
Distribution
Population structure
Negative indicator species
Disease
Water quality
Habitat quality
1095 Petromyzon marinus
Distribution
Population structure
Juvenile density
Spawning habitat extent and distribution
Juvenile habitat availability
1096 Lampetra planeri
Distribution
Population structure
Juvenile density
Spawning habitat extent and distribution
Juvenile habitat availability
1099 Lampetra fluviatilis
Distribution
Population structure
Juvenile density
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Code Qualifying Interests Conservation Objective Attributes
Spawning habitat extent and distribution
Juvenile habitat availability
1106 Salmo salar
Distribution
Adult spawning fish
Salmon fry abundance
Out-migrating smolt abundance
Number and distribution of redds
Water quality
1355 Lutra lutra
Distribution
Extent of terrestrial habitat
Extent of marine habitat
Extent of freshwater (river) habitat
Extent of freshwater (lake) habitat
Couching sites and holts
Fish biomass available
1990 Margaritifera durrovensis
Distribution
Population size
Population structure
Habitat extent
Water quality
Substratum quality
Hydrological regime
Host fish
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn
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Table 14. Significance of impacts on freshwater qualifying interests of SPAs
RDP Measure
Co
mm
on
Sco
ter
Co
ot
Gad
wall
Go
lden
eye
Gre
at
Cre
sted
Gre
be
Gre
y H
ero
n
Kin
gfi
sher
Lit
tle G
reb
e
Mallard
Pin
tail
Po
chard
Sca
up
Sh
ovele
r
Teal
Tu
fted
Du
ck
Wig
eo
n
Agri-Environment and Climate Measures
GLAS Scheme
Organic Farming
Scheme
Locally Led Agri-
Environment Schemes
Areas of Natural Constraint
ANC Scheme
On Farm Capital Investments
TAMS II Scheme
Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for
Collaborative Farming
LEADER
LEADER
All freshwater habitats and species are susceptible to water pollution impacts arising from
overgrazing and siltation or from excess nutrient runoff (BirdWatch Ireland, 2011a, d, National
Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b, c). For petrifying springs, water quality of groundwater
would be expected to be a more important attribute than surface water quality. Freshwater
qualifying interests in Northern Ireland Natura 2000 sites in downstream catchments may be
subject to similar impacts.
Turloughs are susceptible to over/undergrazing or abandonment due to potential significant
impacts on soil nutrient status, vegetation structure and composition, physical structure (e.g.
poaching), and potentially negative impacts on fringing habitats (Sheehy Skeffington et al.,
2006, Sharkey, 2012, National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b). Geyer’s whorl snail (Vertigo
geyeri) and petrifying springs are similarly vulnerable to changes in grazing levels (Moorkens,
2006, National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b, c).
Turloughs and hydrophilous tall herb swamps could also be significantly impacted by habitat
fragmentation and loss of connectivity in the wider landscape. This factor could alter
vegetation composition and structure by reducing the permeability of the landscape for
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn
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characteristic flora and fauna moving to and from Natura 2000 sites. Fragmentation and
landscape-scale habitat loss has the potential to impact on the extent of terrestrial habitat and
the couching sites and holts available to otter (Lutra lutra) (Bailey and Rochford, 2006, Lundy
and Montgomery, 2010). Otter habitat may also be negatively affected by schemes that
compete with afforestation projects, especially riparian woodland establishment under the
Native Woodland Scheme (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2009).
Building developments, including tourism infrastructure, have the potential to significantly
impact on any of the habitats or species in Table 14 or Table 15. This includes impacts from
improved access to waterbird breeding or resting sites (BirdWatch Ireland, 2011a, d).
Freshwater habitats and species are also frequent subjects for conservation projects (e.g. river
restoration work) and could be susceptible to inappropriate conservation measures.
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn Ecology
63
Table 15. Significance of impacts on freshwater qualifying interests of SACs
RDP Measure
Lo
wla
nd
olig
otr
op
hic
lakes
Up
lan
d o
lig
otr
op
hic
lakes
Hard
wate
r la
kes
Natu
ral eu
tro
ph
ic lakes
Dyst
rop
hic
lakes
Tu
rlo
ug
hs
Flo
ati
ng
riv
er
veg
eta
tio
n
Ch
en
op
od
ium
ru
bri
Hyd
rop
hilo
us
tall h
erb
Petr
ifyin
g s
pri
ng
s
Vert
igo g
eyeri
Vert
igo m
ou
lin
sian
a
Marg
ari
tife
ra m
arg
ari
tife
ra
Au
stro
pota
mobiu
s p
allip
es
Petr
om
yzo
n m
ari
nu
s
Lam
petr
a p
lan
eri
Lam
petr
a f
luvia
tilis
Salm
o s
ala
r
Lutr
a lu
tra
Naja
s fl
exi
lis
Marg
ari
tife
ra d
urr
oven
sis
Agri-Environment and Climate
Measures
GLAS Scheme
Organic Farming Scheme
Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes
Areas of Natural Constraint
ANC Scheme
On Farm Capital Investments
TAMS II Scheme
Collaborative and Quality Focused
Measures
Support for Collaborative Farming
LEADER
LEADER
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn
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64
6.2.4 Grassland and Heath Qualifying Interests
Detailed conservation objective attributes for grassland and heath habitats and species of
SACs are in Table 16. Conservation attributes for birds (SPAs) are population trend and
distribution. Detailed attributes are not available for wet heath, alpine and subalpine heath,
species-rich Nardus grassland, lowland hay meadows, limestone pavement or marsh fritillary
(Euphydryas aurinia). The assessment of impact significance is summarised in Table 17 and
Table 18.
Table 16. Attributes of conservation objectives for grassland and heath qualifying
interests of SACs
Code Qualifying Interests Conservation Objective Attributes
4030 Dry heaths
Habitat distribution
Habitat area
Physical structure
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
5130 Juniper scrub
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Juniper population size
Formation structure
Vegetation composition
6130 Calaminarian grassland
Habitat area
Distribution
Physical structure
Soil toxicity
Vegetation structure
Vegetation composition
6210 Orchid-rich calcareous grassland
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Vegetation composition
Vegetation structure
Physical structure
6410 Molinia meadows
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Vegetation composition
Vegetation structure
Physical structure
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Table 17. Significance of impacts on grassland and heath qualifying interests of SACs
RDP Measure
Wet
heath
Dry
heath
s
Alp
ine a
nd
su
balp
ine h
eath
Jun
iper
scru
b
Cala
min
ari
an
gra
ssla
nd
Orc
hid
-ric
h c
alc
are
ou
s
gra
ssla
nd
Sp
eci
es-
rich
Na
rdu
s u
pla
nd
gra
ssla
nd
M
olin
ia m
ead
ow
s
Lo
wla
nd
hay m
ead
ow
s
Lim
est
on
e p
avem
en
t
Eu
ph
yd
ryas
au
rin
ia
Agri-Environment and Climate Measures
GLAS Scheme
Organic Farming Scheme
Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes
Areas of Natural Constraint
ANC Scheme
On Farm Capital Investments
TAMS II Scheme
Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for Collaborative Farming
LEADER
LEADER
Table 18. Significance of impacts on grassland and heath qualifying interests of SPAs
RDP Measure
Barn
acl
e G
oo
se
Bew
ick's
Sw
an
Bla
ck-t
ailed
Go
dw
it
Ch
ou
gh
Co
rncr
ake
Cu
rlew
Gre
en
lan
d W
hit
e-f
ron
ted
go
ose
G
reyla
g G
oo
se
Lap
win
g
Lig
ht-
bellie
d B
ren
t G
oo
se
Red
shan
k
Wh
oo
per
Sw
an
Agri-Environment and Climate Measures
GLAS Scheme
Organic Farming Scheme
Locally Led Agri-Environment
Schemes
Areas of Natural Constraint
ANC Scheme
On Farm Capital
Investments
TAMS II Scheme
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn
Ecology
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RDP Measure
Barn
acl
e G
oo
se
Bew
ick's
Sw
an
Bla
ck-t
ailed
Go
dw
it
Ch
ou
gh
Co
rncr
ake
Cu
rlew
Gre
en
lan
d W
hit
e-f
ron
ted
go
ose
G
reyla
g G
oo
se
Lap
win
g
Lig
ht-
bellie
d B
ren
t G
oo
se
Red
shan
k
Wh
oo
per
Sw
an
Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for Collaborative
Farming
LEADER
LEADER
All habitats are susceptible to over/undergrazing or abandonment due to potential significant
impacts on vegetation structure and composition and physical structure (e.g. poaching)
(O'Neill et al., 2013). Abandonment may lead to reductions in habitat area and distribution
within Natura 2000 sites. Population trends of bird species dependent on grassland habitats
would also be negatively impacted by changes to their habitats (BirdWatch Ireland, 2011b).
Almost all habitats could be significantly impacted by fragmentation and loss of connectivity
in the wider landscape. This factor could alter vegetation and physical structure by changing
connectivity for characteristic flora and fauna, including birds (BirdWatch Ireland, 2011b),
moving to and from Natura 2000 sites. Calaminarian grasslands would not be vulnerable to
landscape fragmentation, as these habitats are restricted to small, frequently isolated sites (old
mine spoils), and their characteristic species are easily dispersed bryophytes.
Marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) is particularly vulnerable to loss of habitat connectivity
outside Natura 2000 sites (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013c), due to its
metapopulation structure. Metapopulations occupy a subset of suitable habitats within a
landscape in a shifting pattern, colonising suitable habitats and disappearing from others.
Marsh fritillary is also susceptible to changes in grazing patterns that might impact on
vegetation structure.
Waterbirds listed in Table 18 would be susceptible to water pollution impacts arising from
overgrazing and siltation or from excess nutrient runoff (BirdWatch Ireland, 2011a, d).
Discouraging afforestation would not constitute a negative impact, as none of the habitats in
this group would significantly benefit from increased woodland cover in the landscape.
Building developments or disturbance from improved access for tourism have the potential to
significantly impact on any of the habitats or species in Table 17 or Table 18.
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6.2.5 Peatland and Upland Qualifying Interests
Detailed conservation objective attributes are not available for most peatland and upland
habitats and species. Conservation attributes for birds (SPAs) are population trend and
distribution. Detailed attributes are available for Cladium fens and alkaline fens in Table 19.
The assessment of impact significance is summarised in Table 20 and Table 21.
Table 19. Attributes of conservation objectives for peatland and upland qualifying
interests for SACs
Code Qualifying Interests Conservation Objective Attributes
7210 Cladium fen
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Hydrological regime
Peat formation
Water quality
Vegetation composition
Physical structure
7230 Alkaline fens
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Hydrological regime
Peat formation
Water quality
Vegetation composition
Physical structure
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Table 20. Significance of impacts on peatland and upland qualifying interests for SACs
RDP Measure
Rais
ed
bo
g
Deg
rad
ed
rais
ed
bo
gs
Bla
nket
bo
g
Tra
nsi
tio
n m
ires
Rh
yn
cho
spo
rio
n
dep
ress
ion
s C
ladiu
m f
en
Alk
alin
e f
en
s
Silic
eo
us
scre
e
Calc
are
ou
s sc
ree
Calc
are
ou
s ro
cky s
lop
es
Silic
eo
us
rock
y s
lop
es
Dre
pan
ocl
adu
s
vern
icosu
s Saxi
fraga h
ircu
lus
Agri-Environment and Climate Measures
GLAS Scheme
Organic Farming Scheme
Locally Led Agri-Environment
Schemes
Areas of Natural
Constraint
ANC Scheme
On Farm Capital Investments
TAMS II Scheme
Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for Collaborative
Farming
LEADER
LEADER
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Table 21. Significance of impacts on peatland and upland qualifying interests for SPAs
RDP Measure
Du
nlin
Go
lden
Plo
ver
Hen
Harr
ier
Merl
in
Pere
gri
ne
Red
-th
roate
d D
iver
Agri-Environment and Climate Measures
GLAS Scheme
Organic Farming Scheme
Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes
Areas of Natural Constraint
ANC Scheme
On Farm Capital Investments
TAMS II Scheme
Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for Collaborative Farming
LEADER
LEADER
Most peatland and upland habitats are susceptible to overgrazing due to potential significant
impacts on vegetation structure and composition and physical structure (e.g. poaching) (Perrin
et al., 2009, National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b). Some habitats may also be sensitive
to undergrazing or abandonment, although for many their agricultural importance is limited.
Raised bogs and degraded raised bogs are seldom grazed by livestock to any extent. Siliceous
rocky slopes are defined as vertical or near vertical habitats, and as such are nearly inaccessible
to most grazing animals (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b). Grazing is a more
important factor for calcareous rocky slopes (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b).
Shining sickle-moss (Drepanocladus vernicosus) and marsh saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus) are
also sensitive to changes in grazing intensity (Lockhart et al., 2012, National Parks and Wildlife
Service, 2013c, C. Muldoon, pers. comm.). Over/undergrazing or abandonment of uplands
leading to vegetation change has the potential to impact on the nesting or foraging habitat
of upland birds (BirdWatch Ireland, 2011f).
Peatlands with strong dependence on groundwater are susceptible to water pollution impacts
arising from overgrazing and siltation or from excess nutrient runoff. These habitats are
transition mire, Cladium fen and alkaline fen (Kilroy et al., 2008, National Parks and Wildlife
Service, 2013b). Shining sickle-moss (Drepanocladus vernicosus) is also vulnerable to
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn
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groundwater eutrophication (Lockhart et al., 2012). Red-throated Diver would be susceptible
to water quality impacts on upland breeding lakes.
Fragmentation impacts on Natura 2000 sites resulting from agricultural intensification or
improvement of habitats in the wider landscape would not apply to most peatland or upland
habitats, as they are generally not amenable to intensification. Exceptions are the fen habitats,
alkaline fens, Cladium fens and transition mires, which are vulnerable to drainage and
agricultural reclamation (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2013b).
Discouraging afforestation would not constitute a negative impact, as none of the habitats in
this group would significantly benefit from increased woodland cover in the landscape.
Building or tourism developments or inappropriate conservation measures under the LEADER
project have the potential to significantly impact on any of the habitats or species in Table 20
or Table 21.
6.2.6 Woodland Qualifying Interests
Detailed conservation objective attributes for woodland habitats and species are in Table 22.
Detailed attributes are not available for caves, bog woodland or yew woods. (Caves are
included in the woodland group as their major conservation interest in Ireland is lesser
horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros), which mainly forages in woodland.) The assessment
of impact significance is summarised in Table 23.
Table 22. Attributes of conservation objectives for woodland qualifying interests
Code Qualifying Interests Conservation Objective Attributes
91A0 Old oak woodlands
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Woodland size
Woodland structure
Vegetation composition
91E0 Residual alluvial forests
Habitat area
Habitat distribution
Woodland size
Woodland structure
Hydrological regime
Vegetation composition
1303 Rhinolophus hipposideros
Population per roost
Winter roosts
Summer roosts
Number of auxillary roosts
Extent of potential foraging habitat
Linear features
Light pollution
1421 Trichomanes speciosum
Distribution
Population size
Population structure
Habitat extent
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn
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71
Code Qualifying Interests Conservation Objective Attributes
Hydrological conditions
Light levels
Invasive species
Table 23. Significance of impacts on woodland qualifying interests
RDP Measure
Caves
Old
oak w
oo
dla
nd
s
Bo
g w
oo
dla
nd
Resi
du
al allu
via
l fo
rest
s
Yew
wo
od
s
Rh
inolo
ph
us
hip
posi
dero
s
Tri
chom
an
es
speci
osu
m
Agri-Environment and Climate Measures
GLAS Scheme
Organic Farming Scheme
Locally Led Agri-Environment Schemes
Areas of Natural Constraint
ANC Scheme
On Farm Capital Investments
TAMS II Scheme
Collaborative and Quality Focused Measures
Support for Collaborative Farming
LEADER
LEADER
Woodland habitats are susceptible to overgrazing or undergrazing due to potential significant
impacts on woodland structure, particularly tree regeneration, and vegetation composition
(Perrin et al., 2008).
No woodland habitats would be significantly impacted by fragmentation and loss of
connectivity arising from agricultural intensification. Clearance of mature woodland is not a
predicted impact of intensification under any RDP measure. Similarly, the woodland species
lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) and Killarney fern (Trichomanes speciosum)
would not be affected.
Alluvial forests are not especially susceptible to water pollution, as they are naturally silt- and
nutrient-rich habitats (O'Neill and Barron, 2013). Bog woodlands have little or no surface or
groundwater connectivity.
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn
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Schemes that compete with afforestation, especially the Native Woodland Scheme, have the
potential to maintain landscape-scale woodland fragmentation, reducing connectivity and
refugia for woodland species. Over the very long term, reduced connectivity may impact on
the extent of potential foraging habitat for lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros).
Such effects, however, would be slight and not significant over the span of the 2014-2020 RDP.
Building developments under TAMS II have limited potential for impacts on woodland
habitats. The scope of building and tourism developments under LEADER is wider, and has
the potential to significantly impact on any of the habitats or species in Table 23.
6.3 Mitigation
Mitigation measures for predicted impacts of the RDP 2014-2020, summarised in Table 6, are
specified in Table 24. These measures operate in addition to cross compliance requirements
and in-combination effects contained within the RDP, such as provision of CPD to agricultural
advisors.
Table 24. Mitigation measures for predicted impacts
Impacts Mitigation Measures
Building developments directly or indirectly impacting
Natura 2000 sites
Appropriate Assessment of individual
projects
Conversion/reclamation of habitats outside Natura
2000 sites leading to landscape fragmentation
Appropriate Assessment of reclamation
projects
Discourage afforestation CPD for agricultural advisors in forestry
schemes
Improved access to Natura 2000 sites leading to
disturbance to sensitive species
Appropriate Assessment of individual
projects
Inappropriate conservation measures
Appropriate Assessment of individual
projects
Consultations with key stakeholders
during GLAS measure development
Inappropriate GLAS management prescriptions
leading to over/undergrazing, abandonment of
habitats or unsuitable conservation measures
Consultations with key stakeholders
during GLAS measure development
Monitoring
Intensification outside Natura 2000 sites leading to
landscape fragmentation and/or reductions in water
quality
Appropriate Assessment of reclamation
projects
Monitoring
Minimum stocking rates leading to overgrazing in
sensitive habitats and water quality impacts Monitoring
6.3.1 Building Developments
Most building developments under LEADER and under the TAMS II scheme will be subject to
planning permission and therefore AA screening under the Planning and Development Acts
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn
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73
2000 to 2010. This process will ensure that significant impacts do not arise for these
developments.
6.3.2 Conversion of Habitats Outside Natura 2000
Converting semi-natural habitats for organic production, where this may significantly impact
on Natura 2000 sites, would be subject to AA screening and possibly full AA under the
European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Agriculture) Regulations 2011
(S.I. No. 456 of 2011). This regulation applies whether the land in question is within a Natura
2000 site or not, as long as there is the risk of a significant impact on the site. Conversion
works included in the regulation include improving semi-natural habitats, hedgerow clearance
and land drainage. Therefore, there is no significant risk of impacts arising from conversion of
semi-natural habitats to organic farming or similar activities.
6.3.3 Discourage Afforestation
The design of the specific content of the CPD for ag advisors is currently being finalised. This
process will take cognisance of the potential to include a familiarisation of forestry schemes in
tandem with ongoing developments in relation to training in the forestry sector. In this regard,
issues in relation to awareness of opportunities for sustainable forestry among advisors and
their clients, appropriate sites and landscapes for afforestation, and the most suitable schemes,
including the Native Woodland Scheme, in or near Natura 2000 sites will be considered. When
this mitigation is implemented, the impacts of scheme competition on wooded Natura 2000
sites will be non-significant.
6.3.4 Disturbance from Improved Access
Tourism developments within Natura 2000 sites, such as walking or cycling routes, will be
subject to planning permission and therefore AA screening under the Planning and
Development Acts 2000 to 2010. This process will ensure that significant impacts do not arise
for these developments.
6.3.5 Inappropriate Conservation Measures
Conservation measures in or near Natura 2000 sites that are to be undertaken as part of a
LEADER project will be subject to planning permission or approval from NPWS as a Notifiable
Action and possibly approval from Inland Fisheries Ireland in the case of riparian projects.
Where the works are not directly related to managing Natura 2000 sites, screening for AA may
be required. When the appropriate consultations and any AA screening that may be required
are carried out, significant impacts will not arise from this source.
GLAS and GLAS+ measures will be designed following a review of management prescriptions
under REPS and AEOS. Detailed measure design will be done in consultation with key
stakeholders, including NPWS, to ensure that no conservation works prescribed or supported
under GLAS and GLAS+ will result in significant impacts to Natura 2000 sites.
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn
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74
6.3.6 Inappropriate GLAS Prescriptions
As stated above, GLAS and GLAS+ measures will be designed following a review of
management prescriptions under REPS and AEOS and also DAHG Farm Plans. The review and
design process will assess the suitability of management prescriptions for Natura 2000 site
habitats and species. Detailed measure design will also be done by DAFM in consultation with
key stakeholders, including NPWS. This approach will ensure that there will be no significant
impacts to Natura 2000 sites from management practices prescribed or supported under GLAS
and GLAS+.
Monitoring and evaluation systems are being put in place for the whole RDP, including an RDP
Evaluation Plan. In addition, a robust system of administrative and on the spot checks will be
established. When robust monitoring protocols are in place, this will ensure that any negative
impacts from the scheme will be detected and remedied before they result in significant
impacts on Natura 2000 sites.
6.3.7 Intensification Outside Natura 2000 Sites
As noted above, certain agricultural intensification work, including improving semi-natural
habitats, hedgerow clearance and land drainage, would be subject to AA screening and
possibly full AA under the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment)
(Agriculture) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 456 of 2011). This regulation applies whether the land
in question is within a Natura 2000 site or not, as long as there is the risk of a significant impact
on the site. With respect to nutrient inputs and water quality, the Nitrates Regulations specify
maximum allowable inputs, buffer strips and additional safeguards. Together, these statutory
requirements will greatly reduce the risk posed by intensification of agricultural activities
outside Natura 2000 sites.
EPA water quality monitoring under the Water Framework Directive and Natura 2000 site
monitoring undertaken by NPWS will add further safeguards. Water monitoring data will
highlight rivers where water quality is being negatively affected, despite the Nitrates
Regulations. Regular Natura 2000 site monitoring by NPWS local conservation staff will also
identify any sites being affected by intensification. Monitoring will allow detection of negative
impacts from the scheme before thy result in significant impacts on Natura 2000 sites.
Statutory requirements and monitoring will ensure that there will be no significant impacts on
Natura 2000 sites arising from this factor.
6.3.8 Minimum Stocking Rates
Minimum stocking rates and durations for when the land is stocked required under the ANC
scheme may be too high for some sensitive habitats or species. Prescriptions under
Commonage Framework Plans or AESs will supersede ANC requirements. There remains a risk,
however, that outside these schemes, sensitive habitats or species within Natura 2000 sites
could experience significant impacts. The degree of risk is unclear.. DAFM cross compliance
RDP 2014-2020 AA Blackthorn
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75
inspections will detect farms where overgrazing and poaching leads to non-compliance under
GAEC. This evaluation system will clarify if the risk is significant. Regular monitoring of Natura
2000 sites by NPWS local conservation staff will also raise issues before they become
significant. When these monitoring systems are operating, there will be no risk of significant
impacts on Natura 2000 sites from ANC scheme minimum stocking rates.
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7 CONCLUSION STATEMENT
The AA of the RDP 2014-2020 has identified a number of elements within the plan that could
result in potentially significant negative impacts on the qualifying interests of Natura 2000
sites in the absence of mitigation. Several measures for mitigating potential negative impacts
have been specified. When these mitigation measures are in place, the risk of impacts will be
not significant.
The RDP 2014-2020 as adopted will not have any significant impacts on the integrity of any
Natura 2000 sites.
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European Commission (2013) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. EUR 28. DG
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APPENDIX A NATURA 2000 SITES AND QUALIFYING INTERESTS
Table 25. SACs in Ireland
Site Code Site Name
000006 Killyconny Bog (Cloghbally)
000007 Lough Oughter and Associated Loughs
000014 Ballyallia Lake
000016 Ballycullinan Lake
000019 Ballyogan Lough
000020 Black Head-Poulsallagh Complex
000030 Danes Hole, Poulnalecka
000032 Dromore Woods and Loughs
000036 Inagh River Estuary
000037 Pouladatig Cave
000051 Lough Gash Turlough
000054 Moneen Mountain
000057 Moyree River System
000064 Poulnagordon Cave (Quin)
000077 Ballymacoda (Clonpriest and Pillmore)
000090 Glengarriff Harbour and Woodland
000091 Clonakilty Bay
000093 Caha Mountains
000097 Lough Hyne Nature Reserve and Environs
000101 Roaringwater Bay and Islands
000102 Sheep's Head
000106 St. Gobnet's Wood
000108 The Gearagh
000109 Three Castle Head to Mizen Head
000111 Aran Island (Donegal) Cliffs
000115 Ballintra
000116 Ballyarr Wood
000129 Croaghonagh Bog
000133 Donegal Bay (Murvagh)
000138 Durnesh Lough
000140 Fawnboy Bog/Lough Nacung
000142 Gannivegil Bog
000147 Horn Head and Rinclevan
000154 Inishtrahull
000163 Lough Eske and Ardnamona Wood
000164 Lough Nagreany Dunes
000165 Lough Nillan Bog (Carrickatlieve)
000168 Magheradrumman Bog
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Site Code Site Name
000172 Meenaguse/Ardbane Bog
000173 Meentygrannagh Bog
000174 Curraghchase Woods
000181 Rathlin O'Birne Island
000185 Sessiagh Lough
000189 Slieve League
000190 Slieve Tooey/Tormore Island/Loughros Beg Bay
000191 St. John's Point
000194 Tranarossan and Melmore Lough
000197 West of Ardara/Maas Road
000199 Baldoyle Bay
000202 Howth Head
000204 Lambay Island
000205 Malahide Estuary
000206 North Dublin Bay
000208 Rogerstown Estuary
000210 South Dublin Bay
000212 Inishmaan Island
000213 Inishmore Island
000216 River Shannon Callows
000218 Coolcam Turlough
000231 Barroughter Bog
000238 Caherglassaun Turlough
000242 Castletaylor Complex
000248 Cloonmoylan Bog
000252 Coole-Garryland Complex
000255 Croaghill Turlough
000261 Derrycrag Wood Nature Reserve
000268 Galway Bay Complex
000278 Inishbofin and Inishshark
000285 Kilsallagh Bog
000286 Kiltartan Cave (Coole)
000295 Levally Lough
000296 Lisnageeragh Bog and Ballinastack Turlough
000297 Lough Corrib
000299 Lough Cutra
000301 Lough Lurgeen Bog/Glenamaddy Turlough
000304 Lough Rea
000308 Loughatorick South Bog
000318 Peterswell Turlough
000319 Pollnaknockaun Wood Nature Reserve
000322 Rahasane Turlough
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Site Code Site Name
000324 Rosroe Bog
000326 Shankill West Bog
000328 Slyne Head Islands
000330 Tully Mountain
000332 Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour
000335 Ballinskelligs Bay and Inny Estuary
000343 Castlemaine Harbour
000353 Old Domestic Building, Dromore Wood
000364 Kilgarvan Ice House
000365 Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Caragh River Catchment
000370 Lough Yganavan and Lough Nambrackdarrig
000375 Mount Brandon
000382 Sheheree (Ardagh) Bog
000391 Ballynafagh Bog
000396 Pollardstown Fen
000397 Red Bog, Kildare
000404 Hugginstown Fen
000407 The Loughans
000412 Slieve Bloom Mountains
000428 Lough Melvin
000432 Barrigone
000439 Tory Hill
000440 Lough Ree
000448 Fortwilliam Turlough
000453 Carlingford Mountain
000455 Dundalk Bay
000458 Killala Bay/Moy Estuary
000461 Ardkill Turlough
000463 Balla Turlough
000466 Bellacorick Iron Flush
000470 Mullet/Blacksod Bay Complex
000471 Brackloon Woods
000472 Broadhaven Bay
000474 Ballymaglancy Cave, Cong
000475 Carrowkeel Turlough
000476 Carrowmore Lake Complex
000479 Cloughmoyne
000480 Clyard Kettle-holes
000484 Cross Lough (Killadoon)
000485 Corraun Plateau
000492 Doocastle Turlough
000495 Duvillaun Islands
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Site Code Site Name
000497 Flughany Bog
000500 Glenamoy Bog Complex
000503 Greaghans Turlough
000504 Kilglassan/Caheravoostia Turlough Complex
000507 Inishkea Islands
000516 Lackan Saltmarsh and Kilcummin Head
000522 Lough Gall Bog
000525 Shrule Turlough
000527 Moore Hall (Lough Carra)
000532 Oldhead Wood
000534 Owenduff/Nephin Complex
000541 Skealoghan Turlough
000542 Slieve Fyagh Bog
000566 All Saints Bog and Esker
000571 Charleville Wood
000572 Clara Bog
000575 Ferbane Bog
000576 Fin Lough (Offaly)
000580 Mongan Bog
000581 Moyclare Bog
000582 Raheenmore Bog
000584 Cuilcagh - Anierin Uplands
000585 Sharavogue Bog
000588 Ballinturly Turlough
000592 Bellanagare Bog
000595 Callow Bog
000597 Carrowbehy/Caher Bog
000600 Cloonchambers Bog
000604 Derrinea Bog
000606 Lough Fingall Complex
000607 Errit Lough
000609 Lisduff Turlough
000610 Lough Croan Turlough
000611 Lough Funshinagh
000612 Mullygollan Turlough
000614 Cloonshanville Bog
000622 Ballysadare Bay
000623 Ben Bulben, Gleniff and Glenade Complex
000625 Bunduff Lough and Machair/Trawalua/Mullaghmore
000627 Cummeen Strand/Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay)
000633 Lough Hoe Bog
000634 Lough Nabrickkeagh Bog
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Site Code Site Name
000636 Templehouse and Cloonacleigha Loughs
000637 Turloughmore (Sligo)
000638 Union Wood
000641 Ballyduff/Clonfinane Bog
000646 Galtee Mountains
000647 Kilcarren-Firville Bog
000665 Helvick Head
000668 Nier Valley Woodlands
000671 Tramore Dunes and Backstrand
000679 Garriskil Bog
000685 Lough Ennell
000688 Lough Owel
000692 Scragh Bog
000696 Ballyteige Burrow
000697 Bannow Bay
000700 Cahore Polders and Dunes
000704 Lady's Island Lake
000707 Saltee Islands
000708 Screen Hills
000709 Tacumshin Lake
000710 Raven Point Nature Reserve
000713 Ballyman Glen
000714 Bray Head
000716 Carriggower Bog
000717 Deputy's Pass Nature Reserve
000719 Glen of the Downs
000725 Knocksink Wood
000729 Buckroney-Brittas Dunes and Fen
000733 Vale of Clara (Rathdrum Wood)
000764 Hook Head
000770 Blackstairs Mountains
000781 Slaney River Valley
000831 Cullahill Mountain
000849 Spahill and Clomantagh Hill
000859 Clonaslee Eskers and Derry Bog
000869 Lisbigney Bog
000919 Ridge Road, SW of Rapemills
000925 The Long Derries, Edenderry
000930 Clare Glen
000934 Kilduff, Devilsbit Mountain
000939 Silvermine Mountains
000979 Corratirrim
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Site Code Site Name
000994 Ballyteige (Clare)
000996 Ballyvaughan Turlough
001013 Glenomra Wood
001021 Carrowmore Point to Spanish Point and Islands
001040 Barley Cove to Ballyrisode Point
001043 Cleanderry Wood
001058 Great Island Channel
001061 Kilkeran Lake and Castlefreke Dunes
001070 Myross Wood
001090 Ballyness Bay
001107 Coolvoy Bog
001125 Dunragh Loughs/Pettigo Plateau
001141 Gweedore Bay and Islands
001151 Kindrum Lough
001179 Muckish Mountain
001190 Sheephaven
001195 Termon Strand
001197 Keeper Hill
001209 Glenasmole Valley
001228 Aughrusbeg Machair and Lake
001230 Courtmacsherry Estuary
001242 Carrownagappul Bog
001251 Cregduff Lough
001257 Dog's Bay
001271 Gortnandarragh Limestone Pavement
001275 Inisheer Island
001285 Kiltiernan Turlough
001309 Omey Island Machair
001311 Rusheenduff Lough
001312 Ross Lake and Woods
001313 Rosturra Wood
001321 Termon Lough
001342 Cloonee and Inchiquin Loughs, Uragh Wood
001371 Mucksna Wood
001387 Ballynafagh Lake
001398 Rye Water Valley/Carton
001403 Arroo Mountain
001430 Glen Bog
001432 Glenstal Wood
001459 Clogher Head
001482 Clew Bay Complex
001497 Doogort Machair/Lough Doo
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Site Code Site Name
001501 Erris Head
001513 Keel Machair/Menaun Cliffs
001529 Lough Cahasy, Lough Baun and Roonah Lough
001536 Mocorha Lough
001547 Castletownshend
001571 Urlaur Lakes
001625 Castlesampson Esker
001626 Annaghmore Lough (Roscommon)
001637 Four Roads Turlough
001656 Bricklieve Mountains & Keishcorran
001669 Knockalongy and Knockachree Cliffs
001673 Lough Arrow
001680 Streedagh Point Dunes
001683 Liskeenan Fen
001741 Kilmuckridge-Tinnaberna Sandhills
001742 Kilpatrick Sandhills
001757 Holdenstown Bog
001766 Magherabeg Dunes
001774 Lough Carra/Mask Complex
001776 Pilgrim's Road Esker
001786 Kilroosky Lough Cluster
001810 White Lough, Ben Loughs and Lough Doo
001818 Lough Forbes Complex
001831 Split Hills and Long Hill Esker
001847 Philipston Marsh
001858 Galmoy Fen
001873 Derryclogher (Knockboy) Bog
001879 Glanmore Bog
001880 Meenaguse Scragh
001881 Maulagowna Bog
001890 Mullaghanish Bog
001898 Unshin River
001899 Cloonakillina Lough
001912 Glendree Bog
001913 Sonnagh Bog
001919 Glenade Lough
001922 Bellacorick Bog Complex
001926 East Burren Complex
001932 Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex
001952 Comeragh Mountains
001955 Croaghaun/Slievemore
001957 Boyne Coast and Estuary
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Site Code Site Name
001975 Ballyhoorisky Point to Fanad Head
001976 Lough Gill
001992 Tamur Bog
002005 Bellacragher Saltmarsh
002006 Ox Mountains Bogs
002008 Maumturk Mountains
002010 Old Domestic Building (Keevagh)
002012 North Inishowen Coast
002031 The Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex
002032 Boleybrack Mountain
002034 Connemara Bog Complex
002036 Ballyhoura Mountains
002037 Carrigeenamronety Hill
002041 Old Domestic Building, Curraglass Wood
002047 Cloghernagore Bog and Glenveagh National Park
002070 Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane
002074 Slyne Head Peninsula
002081 Ballinafad
002091 Newhall and Edenvale Complex
002098 Old Domestic Building, Askive Wood
002110 Corliskea/Trien/Cloonfelliv Bog
002111 Kilkieran Bay and Islands
002112 Ballyseedy Wood
002117 Lough Coy
002118 Barnahallia Lough
002119 Lough Nageeron
002120 Lough Bane and Lough Glass
002121 Lough Lene
002122 Wicklow Mountains
002123 Ardmore Head
002124 Bolingbrook Hill
002125 Anglesey Road
002126 Pollagoona Bog
002129 Murvey Machair
002130 Tully Lough
002135 Lough Nageage
002137 Lower River Suir
002141 Mountmellick
002144 Newport River
002147 Lisduff Fen
002157 Newgrove House
002158 Kenmare River
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Site Code Site Name
002159 Mulroy Bay
002161 Long Bank
002162 River Barrow and River Nore
002164 Lough Golagh and Breesy Hill
002165 Lower River Shannon
002170 Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford)
002171 Bandon River
002172 Blasket Islands
002173 Blackwater River (Kerry)
002176 Leannan River
002177 Lough Dahybaun
002179 Towerhill House
002180 Gortacarnaun Wood
002181 Drummin Wood
002185 Slieve Mish Mountains
002187 Drongawn Lough
002189 Farranamanagh Lough
002193 Ireland's Eye
002213 Glenloughaun Esker
002214 Killeglan Grassland
002236 Island Fen
002241 Lough Derg, North-East Shore
002243 Clare Island Cliffs
002244 Ardrahan Grassland
002245 Old Farm Buildings, Ballymacrogan
002246 Ballycullinan, Old Domestic Building
002247 Toonagh Estate
002249 The Murrough Wetlands
002250 Carrowmore Dunes
002252 Thomastown Quarry
002256 Ballyprior Grassland
002257 Moanour Mountain
002258 Silvermines Mountains West
002259 Tory Island Coast
002261 Magharee Islands
002262 Valencia Harbour/Portmagee Channel
002263 Kerry Head Shoal
002264 Kilkee Reefs
002265 Kingstown Bay
002268 Achill Head
002269 Carnsore Point
002274 Wicklow Reef
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Site Code Site Name
002279 Askeaton Fen Complex
002280 Dunbeacon Shingle
002281 Reen Point Shingle
002283 Rutland Island and Sound
002287 Lough Swilly
002293 Carrowbaun, Newhall and Ballylee Turloughs
002294 Cahermore Turlough
002295 Ballinduff Turlough
002296 Williamstown Turloughs
002298 River Moy
002299 River Boyne and River Blackwater
002301 River Finn
002303 Dunmuckrum Turloughs
002306 Carlingford Shore
002312 Slieve Bernagh Bog
002313 Ballymore Fen
002314 Old Domestic Buildings, Rylane
002315 Glanlough Woods
002316 Ratty River Cave
002317 Cregg House Stables, Crusheen
002318 Knockanira House
002319 Kilkishen House
002320 Kildun Souterrain
002324 Glendine Wood
002327 Belgica Mound Province
002328 Hovland Mound Province
002329 South-West Porcupine Bank
002330 North-West Porcupine Bank
002331 Mouds Bog
002332 Coolrain Bog
002333 Knockacoller Bog
002336 Carn Park Bog
002337 Crosswood Bog
002338 Drumalough Bog
002339 Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough
002340 Moneybeg and Clareisland Bogs
002341 Ardagullion Bog
002342 Mount Hevey Bog
002343 Tullaher Lough and Bog
002346 Brown Bog
002347 Camderry Bog
002348 Clooneen Bog
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Site Code Site Name
002349 Corbo Bog
002350 Curraghlehanagh Bog
002351 Moanveanlagh Bog
002352 Monivea Bog
002353 Redwood Bog
002354 Tullaghanrock Bog
002356 Ardgraigue Bog
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Table 26. SPAs in Ireland
Site code Site name
004002 Saltee Islands
004003 Puffin Island
004004 Inishkea Islands
004005 Cliffs of Moher
004006 North Bull Island
004007 Skelligs
004008 Blasket Islands
004009 Lady's Island Lake
004013 Drumcliff Bay
004014 Rockabill
004015 Rogerstown Estuary
004016 Baldoyle Bay
004017 Mongan Bog
004019 The Raven
004020 Ballyteigue Burrow
004021 Old Head of Kinsale
004022 Ballycotton Bay
004023 Ballymacoda Bay
004024 South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary
004025 Malahide Estuary
004026 Dundalk Bay
004027 Tramore Back Strand
004028 Blackwater Estuary
004029 Castlemaine Harbour
004030 Cork Harbour
004031 Inner Galway Bay
004032 Dungarvan Harbour
004033 Bannow Bay
004034 Trawbreaga Bay
004035 Cummeen Strand
004036 Killala Bay/Moy Estuary
004037 Blacksod Bay / Broadhaven
004038 Killarney National Park
004039 Derryveagh and Glendowan Mountains SPA
004040 Wicklow Mountains
004041 Ballyallia Lough
004042 Lough Corrib
004043 Lough Derravaragh
004044 Lough Ennell
004045 Glen Lough
004046 Lough Iron
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Site code Site name
004047 Lough Owel
004048 Lough Gara
004049 Lough Oughter Complex
004050 Lough Arrow
004051 Lough Carra
004052 Carrowmore Lake
004056 Lough Cutra
004057 Lough Derg (Donegal)
004058 Lough Derg (Shannon)
004060 Lough Fern
004061 Lough Kinale & Derragh Lough
004062 Lough Mask
004063 Poulaphouca Reservoir
004064 Lough Ree
004065 Lough Sheelin
004066 The Bull & Cow Rock
004068 Inishmurray
004069 Lambay Island
004072 Stags of Broadhaven
004073 Tory Island SPA
004074 Illanmaster
004075 Lough Swilly
004076 Wexford Harbour & Slobs
004077 River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries
004078 Carlingford Lough (cross border)
004080 Boyne Estuary
004081 Clonakilty Bay
004082 Greers Isle
004083 Inishboffin, Inishdooey & Inishbeg SPA
004084 Inishglora & Inishkeeragh
004086 River Little Brosna Callows
004087 Lough Foyle (cross border)
004089 Rahasane Turlough
004090 Sheskinmore Lough
004091 Stabannan - Braganstown
004092 Tacumshin Lake
004093 Termoncarragh Lough & Annagh Machair
004094 Blackwater Callows
004095 Kilcolman Bog
004096 Middle Shannon Callows
004097 River Suck Callows
004098 Owenduff/Nephin Complex
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Site code Site name
004099 Pettigo Plateau Nature Reserve
004100 Inishtrahull
004101 Ballykenny-Fishertown Bog
004102 Garriskil Bog
004103 All-Saints Bog
004105 Bellangare bog
004107 Coole-Garryland
004108 Eirk Bog
004109 The Gearagh
004110 Lough Nillan
004111 Duvillaun Islands
004113 Howth Head Coast
004114 Illaunonearaun
004115 Inishduff
004116 Inishkeel
004117 Ireland's Eye
004118 Keeragh Islands
004119 Loop Head
004120 Rathlin O'Birne Island
004121 Roaninish
004122 Skerries Islands
004124 Sovereign Islands
004125 Magharee Islands
004127 Wicklow Head
004129 Ballysadare Bay
004132 Illancrone & Inishkeeragh
004133 Aughris Head
004134 Lough Rea
004135 Ardbolin Island & Horse Island
004136 Clare Island
004137 Dovegrove Callows
004139 Lough Croan Turlough
004140 Four Roads Turlough
004142 Cregganna Marsh
004143 Cahore Marshes
004144 High Island, Inishshark & Davillaun
004145 Durnesh Lough
004146 Malin Head SPA
004148 Fanad Head SPA
004149 Falcarragh to Meenlaragh
004150 West Donegal Coast
004151 Donegal Bay
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Site code Site name
004152 Inishmore
004153 Dingle Peninsula
004154 Iveragh Penninsula
004155 Beara Peninsula
004156 Sheep's Head to Toe Head
004158 River Nanny Estuary & Shore
004159 Slyne Head to Ardmore Point Islands
004160 Slieve Bloom Mountains
004161 Stack's to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limrick Hills and Mount Eagle
004162 Mullaghanish to Musheramore Mountains
004165 Slievefelim to Silvermines Mountains
004167 Slieve Beagh
004168 Slieve Aughty Mountains
004170 Cruagh Island
004172 Dalkey Island
004175 Deenish Island & Scariff Island
004177 Bills Rocks
004181 Connemara Bog Complex
004182 Mid-Clare Coast
004186 The Murrough
004187 Sligo/Leitrim Uplands
004188 Tralee Bay Complex
004189 Kerry Head
004190 Galley Head to Duneen Point
004191 Seven Heads
004192 Helvick Head to Ballyquinn
004193 Mid-Waterford Coast
004194 Horn Head to Fanad Head
004212 Cross Lough (Killadoon)
004219 Courtmacsherry Bay
004220 Corofin Wetlands
004221 Illaunnanoon
004227 Mullet Peninsula SPA
004228 Lough Conn and Lough Cullin SPA
004230 West Donegal Islands SPA
004231 Inishbofin, Omey Island and Turbot Island SPA
004232 River Boyne and River Blackwater
004233 River Nore
004234 Ballintemple and Ballygiligan
004235 Doogort Machair
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Table 27. Annex I habitats that form Special Conservation Interests for SACs in
Ireland
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Habitat
Code Full Name Short Title
1110 Sandbanks which are slightly covered by
sea water all the time Sandbanks
1130 Estuaries Estuaries
1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by
seawater at low tide Tidal mudflats
1150 Coastal lagoons Lagoons
1160 Large shallow inlets and bays Large shallow inlets and
bays
1170 Reefs Reefs
1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines Annual vegetation of drift
lines
1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks Perennial vegetation of
stony banks
1230 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and
Baltic coasts Sea cliffs
1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing
mud and sand Salicornia mud
1320 Spartina swards (Spartinion maritimae) Spartina swards
1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-
Puccinellietalia maritimae) Atlantic salt meadows
1410 Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia
maritimi)
Mediterranean salt
meadows
1420
Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic
halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornetea
fruticosi)
Halophilous scrub
2110 Embryonic shifting dunes Embryonic shifting dunes
2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with
Ammophila arenaria (white dunes)
Marram dunes (white
dunes)
2130 Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous
vegetation (grey dunes) Fixed dunes (grey dunes)
2140 Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum
nigrum
Decalcified Empetrum
dunes
2150 Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-
Ulicetea) Decalcified dune heath
2170 Dunes with Salix repens ssp.argentea
(Salix arenariae) Dunes with creeping willow
2190 Humid dune slacks Dune slack
21a0 Machairs (* in Ireland) Machair
3110
Oligotrophic waters containing very few
minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia
uniflorae)
Lowland oligotrophic lakes
3130
Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing
waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea
uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-
Nanojuncetea
Upland oligotrophic lakes
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Habitat
Code Full Name Short Title
3140 Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with
benthic vegetation of Chara spp. Hard water lakes
3150
Natural euthrophic lakes with
Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type
vegetation
Natural eutrophic lakes
3160 Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds Dystrophic lakes
3180 Turloughs Turloughs
3260
Water courses of plain to montane levels
with the Ranunculion fluitantis and
Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation
Floating river vegetation
3270
Rivers with muddy banks with
Chenopodion rubri p.p. and Bidention
p.p. vegetation
Chenopodium rubri
4010 Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica
tetralix Wet heath
4030 European dry heaths Dry heaths
4060 Alpine and Boreal heaths Alpine and subalpine heath
5130 Juniperus communis formations on
heaths or calcareous grasslands Juniper scrub
6130 Calaminarian grasslands of the Violetalia
calaminariae Calaminarian grassland
6210
Semi-natural dry grasslands and
scrubland facies on calcareous substrates
(Festuco Brometalia)(*important orchid
sites)
Orchid-rich calcareous
grassland
6230
Species-rich Nardus grasslands, on
siliceous substrates in mountain areas
(and submountain areas, in Continental
Europe)
Species-rich Nardus upland
grassland
6410
Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or
clavey-silt-laden soils (Molinion
caeruleae)
Molinia meadows
6430
Hydrophilous tall herb fringe
communities of plains and of the
montane to alpine levels
Hydrophilous tall herb
6510 Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus
pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) Lowland hay meadows
7110 Active raised bogs Raised bog
7120 Degraded raised bogs still capable of
natural regeneration Degraded raised boggs
7130 Blanket bog (*active only) Blanket bog
7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs Transition mires
7150 Depressions on peat substrates of the
Rhynchosporion
Rhynchosporion
depressions
7210 Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus
and species of the Caricion davallianae Cladium fen
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Habitat
Code Full Name Short Title
7220 Petrifying springs with tufa formation
(Cratoneurion) Petrifying springs
7230 Alkaline fens Alkaline fens
8110
Siliceous scree of the montane to snow
levels (Androsacetalia alpinae and
Galeopsietalia ladani)
Siliceous scree
8120
Calcareous and calcshist screes of the
montane to alpine levels (Thlaspietea
rotundifolii)
Calcareous scree
8210 Calcareous rocky slopes with
chasmophytic vegetation Calcareous rocky slopes
8220 Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic
vegetation Siliceous rocky slopes
8240 Limestone pavements Limestone pavement
8310 Caves not open to the public Caves
8330 Submerged or partly submerged sea
caves Sea caves
91A0 Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and
Blechnum in British Isles Old oak woodlands
91D0 Bog woodland Bog woodland
91E0
Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and
Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion
incanae, Salicion albae)
Residual alluvial forests
91J0 Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles Yew woods
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Table 28. Annex II species that form Special Conservation Interests for SACs in
Ireland
Species Code Scientific Name Common Name
1013 Vertigo geyeri Geyer’s whorl snail
1014 Vertigo angustior Narrow-mouthed whorl
snail
1016 Vertigo moulinsiana Desmoulin’s whorl snail
1024 Geomalacus maculosus Kerry slug
1029 Margaritifera
margaritifera
Freshwater pearl mussel
1065 Euphydryas aurinia Marsh fritillary
1092 Austropotamobius
pallipes
White-clawed crayfish
1095 Petromyzon marinus Sea lamprey
1096 Lampetra planeri River lamprey
1099 Lampetra fluviatilis Brook lamprey
1103 Alosa fallax Twaite shad
1106 Salmo salar Atlantic salmon
1303 Rhinolophus hipposideros Lesser horseshoe bat
1349 Tursiops truncatus Bottlenose dolphin
1351 Phocoena phocoena Harbour porpoise
1355 Lutra lutra Otter
1364 Halichoerus grypus Grey seal
1365 Phoca vitulina Harbour seal
1393 Drepanocladus vernicosus Shining sickle-moss
1395 Petalophyllum ralfsii Petalwort
1421 Trichomanes speciosum Killarney fern
1528 Saxifraga hirculus Marsh saxifrage
1833 Najas flexilis Slender naiad
1990 Margaritifera durrovensis Nore freshwater pearl
mussel
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Table 29. Bird species that form Special Conservation Interests for SPAs in
Ireland
Common Name Scientific Name
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Bewick's Swan Cygnus columbianus
Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Common Gull Larus canus
Common Scoter Melanitta nigra
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Coot Fulica atra
Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Corncrake Crex crex
Curlew Numenius arquata
Dunlin Calidris alpina
Eider Somateria mollissima
Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis
Gadwall Anas strepera
Gannet Morus bassanus
Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria
Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Great Northern Diver Gavia immer
Greenland White-fronted
goose Anser albifrons flavirostris
Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Greylag Goose Anser anser
Guillemot Uria aalge
Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus
Herring Gull Larus argentatus
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Common Name Scientific Name
Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla
Knot Calidris canutus
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
Light-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Little Tern Sterna albifrons
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus
Merlin Falco columbarius
Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
Peregrine Falco peregrinus
Pintail Anas acuta
Pochard Aythya ferina
Puffin Fratercula arctica
Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima
Razorbill Alca torda
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
Redshank Tringa totanus
Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata
Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii
Sanderling Calidris alba
Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
Scaup Aythya marila
Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis
Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
Shoveler Anas clypeata
Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus
Teal Anas crecca
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
Turnstone Arenaria interpres
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Common Name Scientific Name
Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
Wigeon Anas penelope