Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 10

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   Vision Natural Heritage encompasses the rich and interconnected variety of life which is all around us. This includes the diversity of plants and animals (including genetic diversity), and the habitats or landscapes where they are found. The biodiversity we see today is the result of billions of years of evolution, shaped by natural processes and increasingly by the influence of human beings.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 364

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   Policy NHP 01 Protect conserve and enhance biodiversity, natural heritage, amenity and landscape in order to provide economic, social and well-being benefits for current and future generations of Cavan’s citizens and its visitors. 10.1 Introduction Cavan’s natural heritage forms the rich tapestry of our landscape bogs, drumlins, lakes, wetlands, farmland and mature hedgerow networks. This natural heritage is of importance throughout the county. Our landscape continues to adapt and change in response to our needs as a society such as provisioning services and regulating services, supporting services and cultural services. It is important that in meeting our needs the natural heritage and biodiversity of our county is not negatively impacted upon. Cavan County Council will protect the natural heritage of the county in accordance with higher level national and regional policy. 10.2 Statutory and Policy Context 10.2.1 Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Development must include mandatory objectives for the conservation of the natural heritage and for the conservation of European sites and any other sites which may be prescribed. 10.2.2 EU Birds and Habitats Directives (The Habitats Directive) The Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Flora and Fauna, better known as ‘The Habitats Directive’, provides legal protection for habitats and species of European Importance. It protects habitats and species of community interest through the establishment and conservation of an EU- wide network of sites, known as Natura 2000; Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). The Habitats Directive sets out decision-making tests for plans and projects likely to affect European Sites and establishes the requirement for Appropriate Assessment (AA). 10.2.3 Wildlife Act 1976, (as amended) The Wildlife Act 1976, as amended is the principal national legislation providing for the protection of wildlife and the control of some activities which may adversely affect wildlife. 10.2.4 Flora (Protection) Order, 2015 This sets out the current list of plant species protected by Section 21 of the Wildlife Act, 1976, as amended. 10.3 National Policy Context 10.3.1 National Heritage Plan (2002) and the Draft National Heritage Plan (2019) These Plans identify and recognise that heritage is a shared asset to be protected by the actions within. 10.3.2 Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidance for Planning Authorities (2009) (revised 2010) Appropriate Assessment guidance is intended to assist and guide planning authorities in the application of Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive as it relates to their roles, functions and responsibilities in undertaking Appropriate Assessment of plans and projects. It applies to plans and projects for which public authorities receive an application for consent, and to plans or projects which a public authority wishes to undertake or adopt. It sets out different steps and stages that are needed in establishing whether a plan or project can be implemented without adversely impacting the integrity of a European Site. The guidance addresses issues of mitigation and avoidance of impacts, and also Article 6(4) derogation provisions for circumstances in which there are no alternatives and for which there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROP) requiring a plan or project to proceed. 10.3.3 All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015- 2020 and 2021-2025 The main objectives contained within: l Making farmland, public land and private land in Ireland pollinator friendly l Raising awareness of pollinators and how to protect them l Managed pollinators – supporting beekeepers and growers l Expanding our knowledge of pollinators and pollination service l Collecting evidence to track change and measure successNatural Heritage 365

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   10.3.4 National Peatlands Strategy 2016 The National Peatlands Strategy contains a comprehensive list of actions, necessary to ensure that Ireland’s peatlands are preserved, nurtured and become living assets within the communities that live beside them. 10.3.5 National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017 The National Biodiversity Action Plan – Actions for Biodiversity 2017 – 2021 was developed in line with EU and International Biodiversity strategies and policies. The plan recognises that locally led action is crucial in protecting biodiversity and ecosystem services and sets out the measures Ireland should take to ensure its conservation. 10.3.6 National Planning Framework (NPF) The National Planning Framework (NPF) sets out to protect and value our important and vulnerable habitats, landscapes, natural heritage and green spaces. It identifies the importance of interrelationships between biodiversity, natural heritage, landscape and our green spaces. The following Relevant National Policy Objectives are noted: NPO 58: Integrated planning for Green Infrastructure and ecosystem services will be incorporated into the preparation of statutory land use plans; NPO 59: Enhance the conservation status and improve the management of protected areas and protected species by: • Implementing relevant EU Directives to protect Ireland’s environment and wildlife; • Integrating policies and objectives for the protection and restoration of biodiversity in statutory development plans; • Developing and utilising licensing and consent systems to facilitate sustainable activities within European Sites; • Continued research, survey programmes and monitoring of habitats and species; NPO 60: Conserve and enhance the rich qualities of natural and cultural heritage of Ireland in a manner appropriate to their significance; NPO 61: Facilitate landscape protection, management and change through the preparation of a National Landscape Character Map and development of guidance on local landscape character assessments, (Including historic landscape characterisation) to ensure a consistent approach to landscape character assessment, particularly across planning and administrative boundaries. 10.4 Northern and Western Regional Assembly: Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy values the importance of the natural heritage asset and the importance of conserving, enhancing and protecting our biodiversity whilst sustainably managing it to safeguard for future generations. The strategy also addresses the need to build climate resilience in our local communities and transitioning to a low carbon economy by 2050. 10.5 Natural Heritage in County Cavan The Natural Heritage and Biodiversity of County Cavan is a unique resource from the bogs of the Cuilcagh Mountains, to the scenic lakes, wetlands and grasslands within the rolling lowland drumlin landscape for which Cavan is famed. It also occurs in urban centres whether it is a fleeting glimpse of a robin foraging for earthworms in our gardens and town parks or lichens colonizing walls and gravestones in graveyards. The Cavan County Heritage Plan and Cavan County Biodiversity Action Plan are currently being developed and will be agreed in partnership with Cavan County Heritage Forum and adopted by the elected members of Cavan County Council, following public consultation. Under the previous plans Cavan County Heritage Plan 2006 - 2011 and Cavan County Biodiversity Plan 2009-2014 a number of key actions have been delivered in terms of our natural heritage.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 366

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   NH 1 NH 2 NH 3 NH 4 NH 5 NH 6 NH 7 NH 8 NH 9 Through the implementation of these plans, Cavan County Council is engaging with the wider community to promote greater understanding of natural heritage in the county and encouraging greater public participation. Cavan County Council is committed to working in close partnership with the Heritage Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Fisheries Boards, Fáilte Ireland, Office of Public Works, Geological Survey Ireland to deliver on the strategic actions of the above plans. 10.6 Natura 2000 Sites Together, Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s) make up a network of European Sites known as the Natura Network. Collectively, these sites are known as the Natura 2000 sites. Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are designated under the Conservation of Wild Birds Directive (79/409/ECC). Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are designated under the Habitats Directive and The National Parks and Wildlife Service website provides up-to-date information regarding these sites (www.npws.ie) These sites are part of a pan-European network known as Natura 2000 internationally and nationally designated sites hosting habitats listed in Annex 1 of the Habitats Directive and sites hosting rare and protected species and their habitats. The boundaries of protected areas may change during the lifetime of the Plan and additional areas may be designated. Natural Heritage Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Conserve, protect and manage the County’s natural heritage assets for future generations while encouraging appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of the amenity value for the present generation. Maximise the social, economic and environmental benefits that may be derived from the conservation and management of Cavan’s Natural Heritage and green infrastructure. Support the implementation of relevant actions in the National Biodiversity Plan, the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and the National Peatlands Strategy. Implement, in partnership with Cavan County Heritage Forum, relevant stakeholders and the wider community, Cavan County Heritage and Biodiversity Plans and any revisions thereof. Integrate biodiversity consideration into all Cavan County Council activities through the County Biodiversity Action Plan process. Ensure the protection of species of flora and fauna afforded legal protection under Irish and European Legislation. Assess the impact on biodiversity of proposals for large developments, particularly those on greenfield sites, or in environmentally sensitive areas. Such developments must include measures for the enhancement and protection of biodiversity. Promote the conservation of biodiversity outside of designated areas, including features such as wetlands, woodlands, hedgerows and uplands. Working in close partnership with the Heritage Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Fisheries Boards, Fáilte Ireland, Office of Public Works, Geological Survey Ireland to deliver on the strategic actions of the current Cavan County Heritage Action Plan and the Cavan County Action Biodiversity Plan or subsequent plans adopted within the lifetime of the development plan.Natural Heritage 367

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   planning applications, plans or projects which have shown likely significant effects on these sites through a screening process. Screening for Appropriate Assessment applies to all development proposals, either within or outside a Natura 2000 Site, see Appendix 9 Natura 2000 Appropriate Assessment Buffer Areas. 10.7 Natural Heritage Areas Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) are designated under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act (2000) and encompass nationally important semi-natural and natural habitats, landforms and geomorphological features. The council will normally only grant permission where it is clearly demonstrated that a proposal will have no significant adverse impact on the habitats and species of interest in the designated area and its ecological integrity. There are two NHAs and eighteen proposed NHAs in Co. Cavan see Appendix 11: Natural Heritage Areas and list below. Site Status Code Dromore Lakes pNHA 000001 Bruse Hill pNHA 000002 Cootehill Church pNHA 000003 Lough Ramor pNHA 000008 Mullanacre Upper pNHA 000009 Slieve Rushen Bog NHA 000009 Annagh Lough (Ballyconnell) pNHA 000974 Blackrocks Cross pNHA 000976 Clonty Hill pNHA 000977 Cordonaghy Bog pNHA 000978 Drumkeen House Woodland pNHA 000980 Glasshouse Lake pNHA 000983 Lough Garrow and Lough Gubdoo pNHA 000984 Lough Kinale and Derragh Lough NHA 000985 Lough Macnean Upper pNHA 000986 Lough Sheelin pNHA 000987 Madabawn Marsh pNHA 000988 Lough Gowna pNHA 000992 Shannon Pot pNHA 001531 Drumcor Lough pNHA 001841 10.6.1 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) These are sites of importance for birds (and often are also important for other types of wildlife). The EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) requires designation of SPAs for listed vulnerable species, regularly occurring migratory species and wetlands, especially those of international importance, which attract large numbers of migratory birds each year. Development in or near an SPA should avoid any significant adverse impact on the features for which the site has been designated. There are three SPAs in Co. Cavan, see Appendix 8 Special Protection Areas Map and list below. Site Status Site Code Lough Oughter SPA 004049 Lough Kinale / Derragh Lough SPA 004061 Lough Sheelin SPA 004065 10.6.2 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s) These are the prime wildlife conservation areas in the country, considered to be important on a European as well as national level. The EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) lists certain habitats and species that must be protected. Any development in or near an SAC should avoid any significant adverse impact on the features for which the site has been designated or proposed for designation. There are six SACs in County Cavan, see Appendix 9 Special Areas of Conservation and list below. Site Status Code Killyconny Bog (Cloghbally) SAC 000006 Lough Oughter and Associated Loughs SAC 000007 Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands SAC 000584 Corratirrim SAC 000979 Boleybrack Mountain SAC 002032 River Boyne and Blackwater SAC 002299 Planning Authorities must ensure that Screening for Appropriate Assessment and if necessary Appropriate Assessment of the implications of proposals on designated Natura Sites is undertaken. This assessment is required for allCavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 368

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   NHDS 1 NHDS 2 NHDS 3 NHDS 4 NHDS 5 NHDS 6 NHDS 7 NHDS 8 NHDS 9 NHDS 10 NHDS 11 NHDS 12 Development Objectives for Designated Sites It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Protect and conserve Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, Natural Heritage Areas and proposed Natural Heritage Areas. Ensure an Appropriate Assessment is carried out in respect of any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary for the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect on the integrity of a European Site(s), either individually or in-combination with other plans or projects, in view of the site’s conservation objectives. Ensure that any plan or project that could have an adverse impact on a NHA, pNHA, SAC, SPA (either by themselves or in combination with other plans and projects) or upon the conservation objectives of the site or would result in the deterioration of any habitat or any species reliant on that habitat will be subject to the requirements of Article 6(3) and Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive. Ensure an Appropriate Assessment (AA) in accordance with Article 6(3) and Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, and in accordance with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidance for Planning Authorities, 2009 and relevant EPA and European Commission guidance documents, is carried out in respect of any Plan or Project likely to have significant effect on a Natura 2000 site(s), either individually or in combination. Require an ecological appraisal for development not directly connected with or necessary to the management of Natura Sites, or a proposed Natura Site and which are likely to have significant effects on that site either individually or cumulatively. Support the development of a Strategic Habitat Map for the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark in consultation with National Parks and Wildlife Service and relevant stakeholders. Promote the maintenance and as appropriate, achievement of favourable conservation status of habitats and species and to improve the ecological coherence of the Natura 2000 network, by maintaining and where appropriate, developing features in the landscape which are of major importance for wild fauna and flora. Ensure that new development proposals affecting designated sites have regard to the sensitivities identified in the SEA Environmental Report prepared in respect of this plan. Have regard to the views of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in respect of proposed development where such development may have an impact on a designated National or European site or proposed site for designation. Consult with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in regard to any developments (those requiring planning permission and those not requiring planning permission) which the council proposes to carry out within pNHAs, NHAs, SACs, SACs, SPAs, SPAs and other important ecological sites. Maintain the conservation value of Council owned land within NHAs and pNHAs and promote the conservation value of Council owned land adjoining NHAs. Continue to undertake surveys and collect data that will assist Cavan County Council in building its knowledge base and meeting its obligations under Article 6 of the Habitat Directives.Natural Heritage 369

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   NHDS 13 NHDS 14 10.8 Local Sites of Biodiversity Value and Non-Designated Sites Article 10 of the Habitats Directive states that Member States shall endeavour in their land use, planning and development policies, to encourage the management of features of the landscape which are of importance for wild flora and fauna. Cavan County Council recognises that there are a number of wildlife habitats in County Cavan that do not meet requirements for NHA designations, but at a local level or county basis these habitats contribute to the wider ecological network, which contribute towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity and ecological connectivity. Projects giving rise to adverse effects on the integrity of European sites (cumulatively, directly or indirectly) arising from their size or scale, land take, proximity, resource requirements, emissions (disposal to land, water or air), transportation requirements, duration of construction, operation, decommissioning or from any other effects shall not be permitted except as provided for in Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, viz there must be: (a) no alternative solution available, (b) imperative reasons of overriding public interest for the plan to proceed; and (c) adequate compensatory measures in place. Contribute towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity and ecological connectivity where these form part of the ecological network and/or may be considered as ecological corridors or stepping stones. These habitats include woods, trees, hedgerows, lakes, ponds, semi natural grasslands, rivers, streams, natural springs, wetlands, geological and geo-morphological systems, other landscape features, natural lighting conditions and associated wildlife all of which are essential to the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species. In order to inform this process, the Council commissioned surveys of geological sites, wetlands and hedgerows. To date Cavan County Council has commissioned a wetlands survey, hedgerow survey, audit of biological meta datasets to identify gaps in information on habitats and species in County Cavan.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 370

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   GH 1 GH 2 GH 3 GH 4 GH 5 GH 6 NHND 2 NHND 1 NHND 3 NHND 4 NHND 5 10.9 Geological Heritage County Cavan’s rich and diverse geological heritage is recognised by both national and international communities. Cavan County Council’s support for the world’s first ever UNESCO designated cross-border Geopark (2008), encompassing Cuilcagh and the Marble Arch Caves in County Fermanagh, has served to raise the profile of the geological heritage of the county. Whilst Global Geopark is not a legislative designation, the key heritage sites within a Geopark must be protected under, local, regional and national legislation as appropriate. An UNESCO endorsed Global Geopark does not imply restrictions on economic activity inside a Geopark where that activity complies with local, regional or national legislation. A Geological Audit of Cavan was completed in 2013. The audit details sites currently understood by the Irish Geological Heritage Programme (IGH) of the Geological Survey Ireland to be the most important sites in Cavan and proposes these sites as County Geological Sites (CGS). Many of the CGS fall within existing pNHA’s and SAC’S where the ecological interest is founded upon the underlying geodiversity. A list of the Geological Sites can be found in the Appendix 12 Geological Heritage Sites. Development Objectives for Non- Designated Sites It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the protection of nondesignated sites and acknowledge the need to protect non-designated habitats and landscapes and to conserve biological diversity. Conserve the existing wide range of flora, fauna and wildlife habitats in the county through the preservation of ecological corridors and networks vital to the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species. To designate County Biodiversity Sites within the lifetime of this plan and to protect the ecological integrity of these sites. Implement the actions of Cavan County Biodiversity Plan and any subsequent revisions in fulfilment of the requirements of the National Biodiversity Plan. Continue habitat mapping of the county to enable planning for the future development in a sensitive and sustainable manner and this mapping to inform the development management policy. Require an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) for any proposed development which have a significant impact on rare, threatened and or protected species and non-designated habitats of biodiversity value. Development Objectives for Geological Heritage It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Protect and enhance the County Geological Heritage Audit of Cavan. Support the implementation of recommendations in the Geological Audit of Cavan Provide safe and sustainable access to geological sites where appropriate and subject to requirements of Article 6 of the Habitat’s Directive. Consult Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) when undertaking, authorising developments likely to impact on the County Geological Sites or involve significant ground excavations. Continue to promote the unique geological heritage of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Global Geopark (UNESCO Geopark). Individual notable sites within the Cuilcagh Lakelands Global Geopark include Cuilcagh Mountain and Mid-Cavan Drumlinised Ribbed Moraines. These sites should be valued for their scientific and educational value to the community. Have regard to the geological and geomorphological heritage values of County Cavan geological heritage sites and to avoid inappropriate development, through consultation with the Geological Survey Ireland.Natural Heritage 371

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    GP 1 GP 2 GP 3 GP 4 GP 5 GP 6 GP 7 GP 8 GP 9 GP 10 10.10 Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark A Geopark is an area with a particular geological heritage and a sustainable development strategy. It must have clearly defined boundaries and sufficient area to allow for economic development. A Geopark must contain geological sites of special significance in terms of scientific quality, rarity, aesthetic appeal and educational value. In 2008, the Cuilcagh Geopark expanded across the border into West Cavan to become the first international Global Geopark. A shared geological heritage consisting of dramatic cliffs, rugged rocky outcrops and upland blanket bog dominated the north west of the Geopark, whilst the landscape to the south east of the Geopark gives way to gentle rolling drumlins and flooded hollows. These are married together by the presence of the major lake systems of the Erne, MacNean and Oughter. The sites within the Marble Arch Cavan Global Geopark are contained in Appendix 13. Marble Arch Caves (now Cuilcagh Lakelands) UNESCO Global Geopark, Development Plan 2020- 2030 sets out to elevate the operations and impact of the Geopark over a ten-year period. The five strategic pillars include: » Cross-Border Governance » Stakeholder Engagement » Education » Tourism » Community » Conservation & Recreation Development Objectives for Marble Arch Caves, UNESCO Global Geopark It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Conserve and manage the geological resources of a discrete area to develop sustainable tourism, enterprise and community life. Build on the existing progress and achievements of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark in supporting the ten-year Development Plan 2020- 2030. Support the development of geotourism and the recreational potential of Cavan Burren, the Shannon Pot, Killykeen, Lough Oughter and Associated Loughs, Cuilcagh and other Geopark sites through increased social use of the landscape, with attendant conservation, economic, social and community benefits within the region. Support the continuing development of strategic walking routes, trails and other countryside recreational opportunities within the Geopark such as the crossborder ‘Smuggler’s Route’. Continue to support the CANN crossborder environmental project restoring blanket bog habitat on Cuilcagh summit. Enhance the geodiversity, biodiversity and natural environments of the region including additional measures to conserve geosites and natural habitats where appropriate. Develop knowledge and understanding of geology, related Earth Sciences, endangered habitats and associated environmental issues through education and research programmes. Encourage enquiry through fieldwork and inspire scientific research through education and research programmes. Recognise the strategic location of Blacklion at the heart of the Geopark and other Geopark towns, villages and communities and seek to promote the development of appropriate ancillary facilities like interpretation, accommodation and social outlets. Support Swanlinbar and other Geopark towns, villages and communities as hubs for appropriate outdoor recreational activities.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 372

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