Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029

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   11.2 Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020-2025 The unique built, natural and cultural heritage of the county is key to Leitrim’s identity. As outlined above, the catalyst for heritage management and awareness is through the preparation and implementation of a County Heritage Plan. The Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020-2025 reflects the ongoing commitment of Leitrim County Council to protecting and promoting the heritage of the county. The Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020 – 2025 sets out objectives and actions to help understand, promote and conserve the heritage of the county for future generations. The Heritage Plan comprises a fiveyear work plan which involves the consultation and collaboration of a local partnership with a range of individuals and organisations. The Heritage Council are a key national partner in this relationship, as they provide technical and financial support to develop and deliver the heritage plans but also to give effect to the actions contained therein. The aim of the Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020 – 2025 is to: “To connect all Leitrim residents with their shared heritage and to work together to conserve and celebrate Leitrim’s unique heritage, for the benefit of both present and future generations”. The Leitrim Heritage Plan seeks to: ● support the conservation and recording of Leitrim’s heritage ● raise awareness of Co. Leitrim’s heritage ● engage communities with their heritage ● support sustainable heritage tourism in Co. Leitrim OBJECTIVE LHP OBJ 1 To support the implementation of the actions contained in the Co. Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020- 2025 or any successor plan, in partnership with all relevant stakeholders and subject to the availability of the necessary funding sources. 261LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 11 Heritage & Biodiversity

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   11.3 Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Natural heritage, also referred to as biodiversity, includes the variety of life around us. It comprises all plants and animals (including humans), fungi, algae and micro-organisms, the habitat where they live and their genetic diversity. It also includes the physical and geological foundation that forms landscapes. Biodiversity is important because all of life depends on biodiversity for survival. Our biodiversity underpins important economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism and recreation and is a core component of the county’s ‘Green Infrastructure’. Protection and wise use of the county’s natural resources is necessary to achieve sustainable development. It is the aim of the Council to conserve, sustainably manage and enhance the county’s natural heritage and biodiversity and to promote understanding of and sustainable access to it. A number of areas in Co. Leitrim have been identified as being of exceptional importance for biodiversity at a national and/or international level (See Tables 11.1 to 11.4 which follow and Map Nos. 4-7 of Volume III - Book of Maps). These areas are protected through national and European legislation. In addition, certain plant, animal and bird species found in the county are considered rare or vulnerable and are protected by Irish law. The Goals which this Plan seeks to realise in relation to natural heritage and biodiversity are: 1 The protection of fragile ecosystems and species and habitats so as to ensure that biodiversity is maintained, and vulnerable habitats protected. 2 The protection and conservation of nonrenewable resources and their settings, where settings are considered important. 3 The enhancement of opportunities for the enjoyment of the natural heritage. 11.3.1 European, National and Other Environmentally Sensitive Sites The principal legal framework for the conservation of wildlife includes the European Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), the European Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), the Wildlife Acts 1976, the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 and Part XIII of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. The objectives of this European and national legislation are to provide for the protection and conservation of the flora and fauna in the habitats in which they occur. The categories of designated sites in Co. Leitrim follow in subsequent sub sections. It is considered that certain developments within areas adjoining and in the vicinity of environmentally sensitive areas may impact on the integrity of such sensitive areas. Accordingly, areas adjoining environmentally sensitive sites, including Natura 2000 sites, Natural Heritage Areas, proposed Natural Heritage Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Areas of High Visual Amenity, and other features such as lakes, rivers, waterways, wetlands, peatlands and deciduous woodlands, shall be protected from inappropriate development through the Development Management process. It is not proposed to map the extent of all these areas; determination shall be based on the potential impact of the development concerned (taken in conjunction with other developments in the area), mitigation, as relevant, and the requirement to conserve and protect the environmental integrity of the habitat concerned. Targeted surveys of sensitive habitat types may be carried out, such as the Co. Leitrim Wetland Survey. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I262 11 Heritage & Biodiversity

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   11.3.2 Natura Sites The EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) provide for the conservation and protection of breeding and resting sites for rare and threatened species, and rare habitat types in a European context considered to be most in need of conservation. Such sites form part of an EU network of ecologically important and protected sites known as Natura 2000 sites and comprise: ● Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) - these sites are selected for the conservation and protection of plant and animal species (other than birds) and habitats listed in Annex I and Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/ EEC) respectively. ● Special Protection Areas (SPAs) - these sites are selected for the conservation and protection of birds and their habitats designated under the EU Birds Directive 2009 (2009/147/EC) (first adopted in 1979) and transposed into Irish law by the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations (SI 291 of 1985). The Council shall take appropriate steps to avoid, in these areas, the deterioration of natural habitats and the habitats of species, as well as disturbance of the species for which the areas have been designated, in so far as such disturbance could be significant in relation to the objectives of the EU Habitats Directive and EU Birds Directive. Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site, but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to an ‘Appropriate Assessment’ by the Local Authority of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. Considering the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site, and subject to the provisions of Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, the Council shall agree to the plan or project proceeding only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the qualifying interests and conservation objectives of the site concerned. This includes considering submissions made by the general public and other stakeholders through the participation provisions of legislation. Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) The EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) was transposed into Irish domestic law on 26th February 1997 with the enactment of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (Statutory Instrument No. 94 of 1997). In accordance with the above Regulations, habitats of European ecological importance have been designated Special Areas of Conservation by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Under these regulations, Member States are required to maintain the quality of the habitats and species for which they have been designated. Special Areas of Conservation are prime wildlife conservation areas in the county which are considered to be important on a European level, as well as at a national level. There are 8 no. SAC’s contained wholly or partially in Co. Leitrim which are identified in Map No. 4 in Volume III (Book of Maps). Table 11.1: List of Special Areas of Conservation Ref No. Name of Area 000623 Benbulben, Gleniff and Glenade Complex 000625 Bunduff Lough and Machair/ Trawalua/Mullaghmore 001919 Glenade Lough 001403 Aroo Mountain 000428 Lough Melvin 001976 Lough Gill 000584 Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands 002032 Boleybrack Mountain LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 263 11 Heritage & Biodiversity

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   Special Protection Areas (SPAs) The EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) requires the designation of sites as SPAs under the following criteria: ● a site holding 20,000 waterbirds or 10,000 pairs of seabirds ● a site holding 1% or more of the all-Ireland population of an Annex I species ● a site holding 1% or more of the biogeographical population of a migratory species ● a site is one of the ‘n’ most suitable sites in Ireland for an Annex I species or a migratory species, (where ‘n’ is a variable which is related to the proportion of the total biogeographic population of a species held by Ireland) Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are designated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. These sites are areas of importance for wild birds and relate to their breeding, feeding, roosting and wintering areas. There is one designated SPA in Co. Leitrim and Map No. 5 in Volume III (Book of Maps) identifies the location of this SPA in the county. Table 11.2: Overview of Special Protection Area Ref. No Name of SPA Species 004187 Sligo/Leitrim Uplands Peregrinne (Falco peregrinus) Chough (Phyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) 11.3.3 Natural Heritage Areas There are a number of areas designated as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) or proposed NHAs (pNHAs) in Co. Leitrim. NHAs are designated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Under the provisions of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, these sites are important semi-natural and natural habitats for the conservation of wildlife, landforms and geomorphological features of national significance. Map No. 6 in Volume III (Book of Maps) identifies NHAs in the county whilst Map No. 7 identifies the pNHAs in the county. Table 11.3: List of Natural Heritage Areas Ref. No. Name of Natural Heritage Areas Type 002430 Aghavogil Bog Blanket Bog 00422 Aghnamona Bog Raised Bog 001405 Cashel Bog (Leitrim) Raised Bog 001423 Cloonageeher Bog Raised Bog 001420 Corracramph Bog Raised Bog 002321 Corry Mountain Bog Blanket Bog 002435 Crockauns/Keelogyboy Bogs Blanket Bog 002384 Dough /Thur Mountains Blanket Bog 000691 Rinn River Raised Bog LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I264 11 Heritage & Biodiversity

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   Table 11.4: List of proposed Natural Heritage Areas Ref. No. Name of Proposed Natural Heritage Areas 001402 Annaghhearly Lough 001403 Arrow Mountain 000623 Ben Bulben, Gleniff and Glenade Complex 002032 Boleybrack Mountain 000625 Bunduff Lough and Machair/Trawalua/ Mullaghmore 001920 Carrickaport Lough 000424 Clooncoe Wood and Lough 001407 Corduff Wood and Lough 001409 Cromlin Bridge Woods 000584 Cuilcagh Anierin Uplands 001412 Drumhierney Wood 001413 Garadice Lough Wood 000983 Glasshouse Lake 001919 Glenade Lough 000426 Kilgarriff Marsh 001415 Kinlough Wood 000427 Lough Allen, South End and Parts 001642 Lough Boderg and Lough Bofin 001643 Lough Drumharlow 001807 Lough Errew 001976 Lough Gill 000428 Lough Melvin 001417 Lough Rinn 001808 Lough Sallagh 001418 O’Donnell’s Rock Wood 001419 Owengar Wood 001421 Sheemore Wood 11.3.4 Protected Plant and Animal Species Certain plant, animal and bird species are protected by law. These includes plant species listed in the Flora Protection Order, 1999 (or other such Orders) and animals and birds listed in the Wildlife Act, 1976 and subsequent statutory instruments, those listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), and those listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive. The Council will protect and, where possible, enhance the natural heritage sites designated under EU Legislation and National Legislation (Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and Wildlife Acts). This protection will extend to any additions or alterations to sites that may arise during the lifetime of this Plan. The Council will also protect and, where possible, enhance the plant and animal species and their habitats that have been identified under European legislation (Habitats and Birds Directive) and protected under national Legislation (European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (SI 477 of 2011), Wildlife Acts 1976- 2010 and the Flora Protection Order (SI94 of 1999). 265LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 11 Heritage & Biodiversity

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   POLICIES 32 Except as provided for in Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive which states that there must be: a) no alternative solution available, b) imperative reasons of overriding public interest for the project to proceed; and c) Adequate compensatory measures in place. NH POL 1 To protect and conserve Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. NH POL 2 To implement Article 6(3) and where necessary Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, to ensure that Appropriate Assessment is carried out in relation to works, plans and projects with the potential to impact European sites (SACs and SPAs), whether directly or indirectly or in combination with any other plan(s) or project(s). All assessments must be in compliance with the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as amended, and the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended as relevant. NH POL 3 To protect designated Natural Heritage Area (NHA) sites, including proposed Natural Heritage Area sites (pNHA) and seek to develop linkages between designated sites and other non-designated sites of ecological importance, where feasible and as resources permit. NH POL 4 To consult with relevant prescribed bodies, such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service (DoHLGH), and take account of any licensing requirements when undertaking, approving and authorising development which is likely to affect plant, animal or bird species or habitats protected by law. NH POL 5 To ensure that development does not have a significant adverse impact on plant, animal or bird species or habitats protected by law, subject to satisfactory mitigation measures. OBJECTIVES NH OBJ 1 To ensure that no project or programme giving rise to significant adverse, direct, indirect, secondary or cumulative impacts on the integrity of any Natura 2000 site(s), having regard to their qualifying interests and conservation objectives, arising from their size, scale, area or 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 be permitted on the basis of this Plan (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects)32. NH OBJ 2 To protect and conserve those sites designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) during the lifetime of this Plan. The list of current SACs is contained in Table 11.1 of this Chapter. NH OBJ 3 To protect and conserve those sites designated as Special Protection Areas during the lifetime of this Plan. There is current one SPA in Co. Leitrim which is contained in Table 11.2 of this Chapter. NH OBJ 4 To protect and conserve Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) that become designated and notified to the Local Authority during the lifetime of this Plan. The list of current NHAs and proposed NHAs are contained in Table 11.3 and 11.4 of this Chapter. NH OBJ 5 To protect the character, appearance and quality of the habitats and semi-natural features in Co. Leitrim such as woodlands, hedgerows, peatlands, wetlands and artificial waterways of historic or ecological importance. NH OBJ 6 To promote, in partnership with the relevant agencies, the development and implementation of codes of best practice through initiatives such as the Local Floral Pride initiatives, Community Environmental Action and the Green Schools projects. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I266 11 Heritage & Biodiversity

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   11.4 Development Management Guidance on Ecologically Sensitive Sites Developments in or near ecologically sensitive sites will need to satisfy the Planning Authority that the development proposal will not adversely affect the integrity of the area concerned. This applies to all development proposals likely to have a significant impact on the area of ecological importance, irrespective of whether they are actually located within the area or not, i.e., through hydrological linkage to designated sites of ecological importance. The Council will ensure that an adequate level of assessment of the implications of development proposals is undertaken when development is proposed that has the potential to have a significant impact on designated sites of ecological importance and ecologically sensitive areas, including designated or proposed designated areas. The Planning Authority will consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in respect of any proposed development where there is a possibility that such development may have an impact on a protected area of international or national importance, and shall take account of any licensing requirements, when undertaking, or approving development which is likely to affect plant, animal or bird species protected by national or European legislation. The Council will generally be guided by their comments in reaching a decision on such applications. 11.5 Biodiversity Outside of Habitats Designated for Nature Conservation The full extent of Leitrim’s natural heritage of wild species, geological features and landforms, and natural and semi-natural habitats, extend to more than just those sites which benefit from statutory protection. Protected natural areas cannot thrive in isolation. Maintaining and re-establishing connectivity between these natural areas is needed to restore the health of ecosystems and allow species to thrive across their entire natural habitat. Under Article 10 of the EU Habitats Directive, it states that Member States shall endeavour, where they consider it necessary, in their land-use planning and development policies to encourage the management of features of the landscape, which are of major importance for wild fauna and flora. Such features are those, which by virtue of their linear and continuous structures such as rivers, or their functions as stepping stones such as ponds and small woods, are essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species. Connectivity can be achieved through ‘Green Infrastructure’ which seeks to harness biodiversity as a natural infrastructure for the benefit of both people and nature. ‘Green Infrastructure’ can be defined as strategically planned and interconnected networks of green space and water capable of delivering ecosystem services and quality of life benefits. Green Infrastructure can include parks, open spaces, rivers, farmland, playing fields, woodlands, allotments and private gardens which surround and intersperse our towns and villages. The NPF highlights the importance of the interrelationships between biodiversity, natural heritage, landscape and our green spaces. The NPF states that integrated planning for ‘Green Infrastructure’ and ecosystem services will be incorporated into the preparation of statutory land use plans. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 267 11 Heritage & Biodiversity

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   It should be designed and managed as a multifunctional resource capable of delivering a wide range of economic, environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities including: ● adaptation to the impacts of climate change and flooding ● high-quality environment which can attract investment and new business ● places for people to access nature, outdoor recreation and for social interaction ● local food production - in allotments, gardens and through agriculture ● space for nature and wildlife to flourish ● a sense of place and local distinctiveness ● a resource for environmental education Green Infrastructure planning has a significant role to play in assisting in the protection of Natura 2000 sites, biodiversity in the wider countryside and climate resilience. The Council’s land use plans will protect, manage and provide, where possible, ‘Green Infrastructure’ in an integrated and coherent manner. Similarly, water bodies (including their tributaries and lakes where relevant) form important ecological corridors within the county include the following, and their inclusion is not an indication that they fall within the remit of Article 10 of the Habitats Directive: ● River Shannon System ● Shannon-Erne Waterway (Ballyconnell- Ballinamore Canal) ● Lough Allen System ● Bonet River System ● Duff River ● The Drumcliff River (including Diffreen River) ● Drowes River/Lough Melvin System ● Bradoge River ● River Erne POLICIES NH POL 6 To protect and where possible enhance wildlife habitats and landscape features which act as ecological corridors/networks and stepping stones, such as river corridors, hedgerows and road verges, and to minimise the loss of habitats and features of the wider countryside (such as ponds, wetlands and trees) which are not within designated sites. NH POL 7 To treat the uplands of North Leitrim located above the 160 metre contour, as an ecologically-sensitive entity, where these uplands are not already designated as such. NH POL 8 To protect ecological networks linking protected and designated important sites within the county, in accordance with Article 10 of the Habitats Directive. NH POL 9 To ensure that appropriate mitigation and/or compensation measures to conserve biodiversity, landscape character and ‘Green Infrastructure’ networks are required in developments where habitats are at risk or lost as part of a development. OBJECTIVES NH OBJ 7 To encourage appropriate management of landscape features, particularly through the development management process and using planning agreements with landowners and developers, where appropriate. NH OBJ 8 To identify and map over the lifetime of the Plan habitats and ‘Green Infrastructure’/sites of local biodiversity value of county importance and to raise awareness and understanding of the county’s natural heritage and biodiversity. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I268 11 Heritage & Biodiversity

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   11.6 Leitrim Biodiversity Action Plan 2022-2027 The National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021 captures the objectives, targets and actions for biodiversity that will be undertaken by a wide range of government, civil society and the private sector to achieve Ireland’s ‘Vision for Biodiversity’ and follows on from the work of the first and second National Biodiversity Action Plans. The National Biodiversity Action Plans provides a framework to track and assess progress towards Ireland’s Vision for Biodiversity over a six-year timeframe. Planning Authorities play a key role in supporting biodiversity initiatives, including implementing Local Biodiversity Action Plans. The Council fully recognises the National Biodiversity Action Plan and the need to protect the county’s biodiversity. The Leitrim Development Company, in partnership with Leitrim County Council, has prepared the first Leitrim Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) to coincide with the period 2022-2027. The Leitrim BAP 2022-2027 has been informed by a series of consultation processes with local, county and national stakeholders, experts and the public to ensure that it reflects current priorities, concerns and opportunities for the conservation of biodiversity in Co. Leitrim. The BAP also takes cognisance of the Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020-2025 and other relevant ecological surveys undertaken in Co. Leitrim, aiming to build upon objectives and actions in these plans and reports. The BAP adopts a cross-sectoral approach to promote actions for biodiversity at an individual, community and county level to ensure the benefits of biodiversity for our local environment and society are experienced by as many as possible. The BAP identifies 23 no. actions across five themes for biodiversity specific to Co. Leitrim ranging from raising awareness of biodiversity amongst individuals and communities in Co. Leitrim to identifying support structures to further engage with biodiversity through education and practical conservation participation. POLICY NH POL 10 To ensure the protection, conservation and enhancement of the biodiversity of the county. OBJECTIVES NH OBJ 9 To support the implementation of the relevant recommendations contained in the National Biodiversity Action Plan and the All Ireland Pollinator Plan. NH OBJ 10 To support the implementation of the actions contained in the Co. Leitrim Biodiversity Action Plan 2022-2027 when finalised, or any successor plan, in partnership with all relevant stakeholders and subject to the availability of the necessary funding sources. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 269 11 Heritage & Biodiversity

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    11.7 Areas of Geological Interest Geological heritage is part of Leitrim’s natural heritage, and its uniqueness reflects the county’s geological makeup. For its relatively modest size, Co. Leitrim has an extensive and diverse range of geological heritage sites. Many of them represent the primary geological foundation of uplands composed of Carboniferous age limestone and sandstone rocks. Associated with the upland areas are coal and iron deposits and extensive development of caves and other karstic landscape features. Geology is recognised as a fundamental component of natural heritage and as such the conservation of geological heritage features is considered an important aspect of conserving our natural heritage. In 1998, the Geological Survey of Ireland established the Irish Geological Heritage (IGH) Programme which is a partnership between The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the NPWS. Under the IGH Programme, important sites that are capable of being conserved as Natural Heritage Areas (NHA) are being identified. Those not selected for NHA designation are being promoted as County Geological Sites (CGS). An Audit of Leitrim’s Geological Heritage Sites was carried out in 2020 and the audit report documents what are currently understood by the Geo-heritage Programme of the Geological Survey Ireland to be the most important geological sites within the county. 33 no. CGS sites have been identified for inclusion within the County Development Plan, details of which are listed in Appendix XII of this Plan. POLICIES AGI POL 1 To recognise the need to identify sites of geological interest in the county and to protect these sites in the interest of protecting our geological heritage. AGI POL 2 To protect County Geological Sites from inappropriate development, as outlined in Appendix XII of this Plan. 270 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 11 Heritage & Biodiversity

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