Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 271

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-7 Policy Objective NBG 3 To protect and conserve Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. Policy Objective NBG 4 To ensure that all proposed developments comply with the requirements set out in the DECLG ‘Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidance for Planning Authorities 2010’. Policy Objective NBG 5 To ensure that no plan, programme, or project giving rise to significant cumulative, direct, indirect or secondary impacts on European sites 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 be permitted on the basis of this Plan, either individually or in combination with other plans, programmes or projects2. Policy Objective NBG 6 To ensure a screening for Appropriate Assessment (AA) on all plans and/or projects and/or Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment (Natura Impact Report/ Natura Impact Assessment) where appropriate, is undertaken to make a determination. European Sites located outside of the County but within 15km of the proposed development site shall be included in such screenings as should those to which there are pathways, for example, hydrological links for potential effects. Policy Objective NBG 7 To co-operate with the Regional Planning Assembly and adjoining local authorities, public agencies and community interests to protect regionally significant heritage assets, environmental quality, and to identify threats to existing environmental quality in a transboundary context throughout the region including Northern Ireland. 2 To ensure that no plan, programme or project giving rise to significant cumulative, direct, indirect or secondary impacts on European sites 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 be permitted on the basis of this Plan, either individually or in combination with other plans, programmes etc. or projects except as provided for in Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, where there must be no alternatives, imperative reasons of overriding public interest for the project to proceed and adequate compensatory measures are in place.

2. Page 272

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-8 8.4 PROTECTED PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES Louth is home to and supports many plants, animal and bird species, some of which are special to the County. Certain species that are deemed to be rare and threatened and which are known to exist outside of designated sites such as European Sites or Natural Heritage Areas are protected by law, as they require special measures to ensure their continued survival. These include plants listed in the Red Data Lists of Irish Plants, Flora (Protection) Order 2015 (or other such Orders) and their habitats, birds listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive, and birds and other animals listed in the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 and subsequent statutory instruments. Many of these species are protected by law. In addition, strict protection under the Habitats Directive applies to the species listed in Annex IV of that Directive. Where Annex IV species are present, all possible measures to avoid damage and disturbance to them must be taken in the formulation of proposals for development. Where the risk of damage or disturbance is unavoidable, an application for a derogation licence may be made to the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under Regulation 54 or 55 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477/2011). The derogation licence should be obtained in advance of seeking planning permission for a proposed development. (Listings of specially protected species is available in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan for County Louth 2021 – 2026. The planning process will seek to protect rare and threatened species, including species protected by law and their habitats. Proposals for development must demonstrate they will not have a significant adverse impact on such species and their habitats and ensure suitable avoidance and/or mitigation measures are implemented accordingly. Policy Objective NBG 8 To consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, taking account of their views and any licensing requirements, when undertaking, approving or authorising development, which is likely to affect plant, bird or other animal species protected by law.

3. Page 273

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-9 8.5 PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY VALUE IN NON-DESIGNATED SITES There are numerous biodiversity sites dispersed throughout County Louth. These occur in our ordinary landscapes where their ecological value is of immense importance in the County, as they help to serve as stepping stones in a wider ecological network. These include hedgerows, small wooded areas, ponds, streams and river banks all of which are vital links and essential to the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species. These corridors and links are a critical component of a functioning ecological network and their protection is advocated in Article 10 of the Habitats Directive and in the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). To this end, the Council has commissioned and will continue to commission surveys to further identify such sites, to ensure their value and conservation as they are critical to the overall ecological network and biodiversity value of the County. Identification of important elements undertaken to date include Wetland Surveys, 2011 to 2014, and a sample study of hedgerows. Other such studies may be carried out during the lifetime of this Plan. Policy Objective NBG 9 To ensure that proposals for development, where appropriate, protect and conserve biodiversity sites outside designated sites and require an appropriate level of ecological assessment by suitably qualified professionals to accompany development proposals likely to impact on such sites. Policy Objective NBG 10 To ensure that development proposals, where relevant, improve the ecological coherence of the Natura 2000 Network of European Sites and encourage the retention and management of landscape features as per Article 10 of the Habitats Directive. Policy Objective NBG 11 Where feasible, ensure that no ecological networks, or parts thereof, which provide significant connectivity between areas of local biodiversity, are lost without remediation as a result of implementation of this Plan.

4. Page 274

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-10 8.6 INVASIVE SPECIES Invasive, non-native plant and animal species are species which can negatively impact on native species, transform habitats and threaten whole ecosystems, resulting in serious problems for both the environment and the economy. After habitat loss, invasive species are the second biggest threat to biodiversity worldwide. Prohibitions are in place in relation to the introduction or dispersal of certain invasive species as set out in the Third Schedule of the EU (Birds and Habitats Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477/2011). Whilst there is a long list of freshwater, marine and terrestrial invasive species now present in Ireland, some plant species in particular pose a serious threat to the built environment. An example of this is the Japanese Knotweed, which has the ability to grow through concrete and tarmac. It can take several years to ensure that a contaminated site is completely cleared of an invasive species, thus ensuring its non-return. Policy Objective NBG 12 Prevent and control the spread of invasive plant and animal species within the County. 8.7 NATURAL HERITAGE AREAS The term 'Natural Heritage' covers wildlife (plants, animals and their habitats) in addition to geological and geomorphological sites. Wildlife sites of national importance including both ecological and geological sites are designated as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. Sites identified but not yet designated as NHAs are known as 'proposed Natural Heritage Areas' (pNHAs) and these are protected from development only by inclusion in a development plan. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) proposed 24 Natural Heritage Areas in Louth, which are listed in Table 8.3 and identified on Map 8.3. The process of designation of these sites is ongoing and it is anticipated that one or more of these pNHAs will be fully designated during the course of this Plan. Policy Objective NBG 13 Development sites must be investigated for the presence of invasive species, which if present must be treated and/or eradicated in accordance with best practice. Where appropriate, Invasive Species Management Plans will be prepared for such sites.

5. Page 275

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-11 Table 8.3: Proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) Ref. No. Name/Location NH1454 Ardee Cutaway Bog NH1801 Barmeath Woods NH1293 Blackhall Woods NH1957 Boyne Coast and Estuary NH1862 Boyne River Islands NH452 Carlingford Lough NH453 Carlingford Mountain NH1458 Castlecoo Hill NH1459 Clogherhead NH1461 Darver Castle Woods NH1462 Drumcah, Toprass and Cortial Loughs NH1856 Dunany Point NH 455 Dundalk Bay NH1806 Kildemock Marsh NH1804 King Williams Glen NH1451 Liscarragh Marsh NH1616 Louth Hall and Ardee Woods NH1464 Mellifont Abbey Woods NH1805 Ravensdale Plantation NH1828 Reaghstown Marsh NH456 Stabannan- Braganstown NH1803 Stephenstown Pond NH1468 Trumpet Hill NH1465 Woodland at Omeath Park

6. Page 276

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-12 Map 8.3 Proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs)

7. Page 277

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-13 Policy Objective NBG 14 To protect from inappropriate development and maintain the character, integrity and conservation value of those features or areas of ecological interest listed as pNHA or that may be designated as NHA, during the lifetime of this Plan. Policy Objective NBG 15 To ensure that any development within or adjacent to a NHA or pNHA is designed and sited to minimise its impact on the ecological value of the site and to resist development that would result in a significant deterioration of habitats or a disturbance of species. 8.8 SITES OF GEOLOGICAL INTEREST Louth has a tremendously rich and interesting geological heritage, which the Council is committed to protecting. In 2013, Louth County Council commissioned, with funding from the Heritage Council, a study to identify and assess the most important geological sites in the County. This study was conducted in collaboration with a Geological Heritage Project being carried out by the Geological Survey of Ireland, which is currently compiling a list of nationally important geological sites. Those worthy of designation as NHA but not yet designated, are referred to as proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs). Sites of more local value that were not selected for NHA designation are classified as County Geological Sites (CGS), which, although of lesser importance, nonetheless should be protected. In the interim, the Council will, through inclusion of these sites in the Plan, protect and maintain the geological heritage of the County. These sites are listed in Table 8.4 and illustrated on Map 8.4. It is the intention of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, in conjunction with the Geological Survey of Ireland to designate geological sites of national importance as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). Note: Site numbers are as given in the report of the Geological Heritage of Louth Survey of 2013. NHA sites are those considered to be worthy of designation as Natural Heritage Areas by the NPWS.

8. Page 278

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-14 CGS refers to sites of lesser importance which should still be protected as County Geological Sites Table 8.4: Sites of Geological Interest Site No. Site Name Site Importance (proposed designation) LH01 Ardee-Newtown Bedform Field CGS LH02 Barnavave Quarry NHA LH03 Barnavave Site B NHA LH04 Barnavave Site C CGS LH05 Barnavave Site D CGS LH06 Barnavave Site F CGS LH07 Barnavave Summit CGS LH08 Bush Delta CGS LH09 Carlingford Area NHA LH10 Castlebellingham Morainic Complex CGS LH11 Clogher Head NHA LH12 Clogher Head Wave Cut Platform CGS LH13 Collon Quarry CGS LH14 Cooley Castle Quarry CGS LH15 Cooley Point CGS LH16 Drumenagh Quarry NHA LH17 Dunany Point CGS LH18 Dundalk Bay CGS LH19 Greenore Raised Beach CGS LH20 King John's Castle CGS LH21 King William's Glen CGS LH22 Linns Moraine CGS LH23 Mell Quarry CGS LH24 Oriel Brook CGS LH25 Port Raised Beach CGS LH26 Rampark CGS LH27 Rathcor Complex CGS LH28 Salterstown NHA LH29 Slieve Foye Slate Rock NHA LH30 Slievenaglogh CGS LH31 Templetown Raised Beach CGS LH32 Waterunderbridge-Dry Bridge CGS LH33 Windy Gap NHA

9. Page 279

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   Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-15 Map 8.4: Sites of Geological Interest

10. Page 280

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    Chapter 8 – Natural Heritage, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 8-16 Policy Objective NBG 16 Support the designation of qualifying sites of geological interest listed in Table 8.4 as Natural Heritage Areas. Policy Objective NBG 17 In consultation with the Geological Survey of Ireland, protect from inappropriate development and maintain the character, integrity and conservation value of those features or areas of geological interest listed in Table 8.4 of the Plan. Policy Objective NBG 18 To promote awareness, where appropriate, of areas of geological interest, including the provision of access and interpretation where desirable and feasible. 8.9 WETLANDS Wetlands include watercourses and water bodies as well as other habitat types including marshes, fens, heathland, cutaway bog in addition to areas influenced by the marine – including coastal and estuarine salt marshes, dune slacks etc. They tend to have high biodiversity value supporting a variety of habitats and species and function in the protection of water quality and/or flood control, serve as important carbon stores contributing to climate resilience, filter pollutants and provide potential recreational opportunities. While many protected areas include wetlands, most wetland areas occur outside protected sites. Globally, wetlands are protected by the Ramsar Convention. Within Louth, only Dundalk Bay is listed as a Ramsar site. However, it should be noted that in County Down, the northern section of Carlingford Lough, which is a shared site, is also listed under the Ramsar Convention. Many of the SACs and SPAs in County Louth, referenced previously and above, are wetlands. Louth County Council, with funding from the Heritage Council, commissioned a survey of all known and potential wetlands in the County. This Louth Wetland Survey was a three year project (2011, 2012 and 2014), which determined the wetland status of in excess of 300 sites, considered likely to support wetland habitats on the basis of underlying soils, topography, historical mapping and aerial photography. The survey documented the location, extent, and threats facing and conservation ranking of virtually all the wetland sites in the County, in addition to presenting recommendations for their maintenance, management and conservation. Planning legislation requires that work or development, which involves the drainage or reclamation of a wetland requires planning permission where the wetland is greater than 0.1ha. For drainage or reclamation of wetlands greater than 2ha, an Environmental Impact Assessment is necessary.

Source Louth County Council: Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.