Environmental Impact Assessment

Screening Report

for the
proposed

Blennerville to Denny Street amenity trail,

including improvement works to the Canal
pathway, Tralee, Co Kerry

Environmental Assessment Unit, Planning Department,

Kerry County Council

August 2015
 Table of Contents

1. Introduction .................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Project Background and Summary of Findings ...................................... 3
1.2 Legislative Context ................................................................................. 3
1.3 Site Location........................................................................................... 4
1.4 Environmental Factors to be considered in the EIA screening ................... 6
2. EIA Screening .............................................................................................. 6
2.1 Project Description ................................................................................. 6
2.2 Overview of potential impacts on environmental sensitivities ................. 7
2.2.1 Human Beings and Material Assets ................................................. 7
2.3. Biodiversity: Flora and Fauna ............................................................ 7
2.4. Soil and geology ................................................................................ 9
2.5. Hydrogeology and Hydrology ................................................................ 9
2.5.1. Hydrogeology .................................................................................. 9
2.5.2 Hydrology....................................................................................... 11
2.6. Air/Climatic factors .............................................................................. 11
2.7. Landscape ........................................................................................... 12
2.8. Architectural and Archaeological heritage and Cultural Heritage ........ 13
2.9. Flood Risk and Management............................................................... 13
2.10. The interrelationship between the environmental topics .................... 13
3.0 Significance Evaluation Checklist ............................................................ 14
4.0 EIA sub-threshold screening .................................................................... 16
Appendix A - Photographs ............................................................................. 21

2
1. Introduction
1.1 Project Background and Summary of Findings
This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening report has been prepared to
consider the potential for significant environmental impact from a proposed amenity
trail between Blennerville Bridge and Denny Street Tralee, Co Kerry and which will
include improvement works to the existing canal amenity pathway. This report seeks
to identify the legal requirement or otherwise for an Environmental Impact
Assessment for the project.

The project under assessment is detailed in the accompanying engineers’ report and
project description below but briefly includes the following:

• Replacement and widening of gravel canal pathway to a maximum 3m wide

tarmacadam surface and the public lighting of this pathway up to 23:00hrs
(after which the lights will be switched off).
• New 3m wide tarmacadam trail linking the canal path with the riverside path
and the Town park. In part this will utilise a disused railway bridge over the
Big River outlet and to provide 2 pedestrian crossings over the N86 National
Secondary Roadway.
• Various standard environmental protection measures

Once operational, the canal pathway will return to its current recreational use, albeit
with increased popularity. The new pathways will function as shared surface
recreational trails. It is considered that the project provides adequate and standard
safeguards as inherent components of the overall project so as to ensure that
significant risks to the environment are not likely to occur.

Overall it is considered that there is no potential for significant effects on the

environment to arise as a result of this proposal and that an EIA is not required in this
instance.

1.2 Legislative Context

The EIA Directive 85/337 EEC, as amended is the key legislation in EU
environmental policy. The EIA Directive aims to determine the likely significant
effects of a project on the environment. Screening is the first stage in the EIA
process required by Article 4 of the EIA Directive and this process determines
whether an EIA is required for a specific project.

The Directive outlines in Article 4(1) 21 Annex 1 projects that require a mandatory
EIA. Article 4 (2) outlines Annex 2 projects that require consideration for EIA further
to a case by case examination or through thresholds and criteria set out by Member
states. In an Irish context, projects requiring a mandatory EIA or consideration for
EIA further to a case by case examination or thresholds are listed in Schedule 5, of
the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended. In the case of
developments which are under the relevant EIA threshold planning authorities are
required under article 103 of the Regulations to request an EIS where it considers
that the proposed development is likely to have significant environmental effects. In
such cases the significant effects of the project on the environment are assessed
relative to criteria outlined in Schedule 7 of the Regulations, namely the project’s
characteristics, sensitivity of the project location and characteristics of potential
impacts. More specifically, section 50 of the Roads Act, 1993 to 2007 (as amended)
and Article 8 of the Roads Regulations, 1994 outline the legislative requirements that
determine whether an EIA is mandatory for a proposed road development.

This report relates to the screening for an EIA of the proposed amenity trail works
from Blennerville to Denny St, Tralee. In accordance with the EIA Directive and
transposed national legislation this proposal is considered to be a sub-threshold
project. Therefore the project will be screened in order to determine if there is likely
to be significant effects on the environment from the implementation of the project.
This report is written in accordance with guidelines provided in:

• Guidance for EIA Screening, European Commission, June 2001,

• Guidelines on the information to be contained in an EIS, EPA, March 2002,
• EIA, Guidance for Consent Authorities regarding Sub-Threshold
Development, DoEHLG, August 2003.
• Guidelines for Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála on carrying out
Environmental Impact Assessment, DoEHLG, March 2013.
• National Roads Authority 2009. Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological
Impacts of National Road Schemes.

1.3 Site Location

The western section of the proposed project site is located along the canal towpath
from the canal Basin in Tralee Town to the Bridge in Blennerville – a distance of
approx 1.5km. The towpath is popular with runners, walkers (inc dog walkers) and to
a lesser extent cyclists. The remaining works will provide a trail so as to link the
existing canal path with the riverside path network (in the vicinity of the aquadome)
and the Town park (Denny St).

4
Above: Development proposals

Tralee to
Blennerville
Canal

Above: Tralee to Blennerville canal

Canal Basin

Existing Canal
Walk/Towpath

Canal

Blennerville
Bridge

Above: Location of the Tralee to Blennerville Canal and pathway

5
1.4 Environmental Factors to be considered in the EIA
screening
Schedule 6 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as amended outline
the information to be contained in an EIS: this include aspects of the environment
likely to be significantly affected by the proposed development:

• Human beings,
• Fauna and flora,
• Soil,
• Water,
• Air/climatic factors,
• The landscape,
• Material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage and
the cultural heritage,
• The inter-relationship between the above factors.

2. EIA Screening
2.1 Project Description
Full details in relation to the construction aspects of the proposal are contained in the
accompanying engineers report. These include:-

• Skirting to expose underlying stone on towpath to a maximum width of 3m.

• Removal of soil overburden and the importation of hardcore in green field site
areas.
• Provision of ducting, edging strips and lighting. For operational purposes
lighting along the canal will be switched off after 23:00hrs.
• Path grading with cl804 and surfacing with 10mm of aggregate surface
course material
• Bridge repair and pedestrian road crossing installation works
• Various standard environmental protection measures

Works will be generally be confined to Monday to Friday 08.15 to 17.15 i.e. normal
working and daylight hours. It is envisaged that works along the canal section will
generally be completed within a 4 week timeframe with less intensive works (edging)
occurring over an 8 week period. It is envisaged that construction works will involve I
JCB, 1 Grader, 1 Dumper , ½ Trucks.

Once operational, the canal pathway will return to its current recreational use, albeit
with increased popularity. It is envisaged that this proposal will increase the
recreational appeal of the Town Park and Riverside Walks by way of increased
accessibility and connectivity. The potential of the above proposal to significantly
effect the environment will be assessed below relative to the following environmental
factors: human beings; biodiversity/fauna and flora; geology (soil);
hydrology/hydrogeology (water); air; climatic factors; landscape; material assets, and
cultural heritage including the architectural and archaeological heritage. The inter-
relationship between all these factors will also be considered.

6
2.2 Overview of potential impacts on environmental
sensitivities

2.2.1 Human Beings and Material Assets

• It is expected that these works will have a positive long term human being
impact in the wider area as a result of the improvements to the amenity trail
network for both cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy.
• Positive long term material assets impacts associated with improvements to
public infrastructure facilities that provide a safe off road pathway alternative
for vulnerable road users - pedestrians and cyclists.
• Improvement of general accessibility and connectivity to and around Tralee
town for local and tourist pedestrians and cyclists. The amenity trail will
connect Tralee town with the settlement and tourist facilities at Blennerville, the
Aquadome, Siamsa Tire and the Town Park and will complement ‘Wild Atlantic
way’ tourist initiatives.
• Improved connectivity between local services, including educational,
commercial and residential areas.
• Construction work will require a number of trucks, small machinery and manual
labour. During the (short term) construction period there will be a slight
increase in traffic volumes in around the area of the project site. Disruption will
be temporary only and its impact will be reduced given that the works will be
confined to the site itself.
• Closure of the existing pathway during the course of the improvement works
will be an inconvenience to existing users. However this will be temporary in
nature and other recreational similar facilities exist in the area (e.g. Ballyseedy
woods, Riverside and Town Park walks, Tralee to Mounthawk greenway).

2.3. Biodiversity: Flora and Fauna

The site is in part located within the Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to
Cloghane cSAC and is located in close proximity to the Tralee Bay Complex SPA.
Notwithstanding this, it is considered that the proposed project will have no impact on
any designated conservation areas.

Habitats on site according to Fossitt’s 2000 A Guide to Habitats in Ireland can be

classed as:-

• ED2 - spoil and bare ground,

• GS2 - dry meadows and grassy verges,
• GA2 Amenity grassland (improved),
• WD5 Scattered trees and parkland,
• BL3 Buildings and artificial surfaces, and
• BL1 Stone walls and other stonework.

The potential for the development to significantly affect Natura 2000 sites is
addressed in detail in the Habitats Directive Assessment, Appropriate Assessment
Screening report accompanying the project. Briefly the HDA screening report
determined that the proposed works are unlikely to significantly affect Natura 2000
sites. A stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is not required.

Most species of Irish bat are known to feed and commute along linear features such
as railway lines, roads and lanes, field boundaries and woodland edge habitats.
Accordingly bats are likely to utilise the area.

7
The review of existing records of bat species in the area of the proposed route
redevelopment revealed that seven of the ten known Irish species have been
observed within a 10km radius of the study site. These include common Pipistrellus
pipistrellus and soprano P. pygmaeus pipistrelle, Leisler’s Nyctalus leisleri, brown
long-eared Plecotus auritus, Daubenton’s Myotis daubentonii, Natterer’s M. Nattereri
and lesser horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros bats.

This proposal will not result in loss of habitat for bats, given that adjoining
hedgerows, tree lines and scrub habitats are to be retained and given the restricted
nature of the lighting proposals (no spillage onto hedgerows or onto the canal).
Furthermore as it is possible to program the lights to fully switch off after a desired
time, any impacts associated with lighting can be easily reversed.

Project Site
Location

Above: Site location relative to ecological designations

8
2.4. Soil and geology
The project site is underlain by Dinantian Pure Unbedded Limestone. The soil is
classified as made ground, bedrock and soil classifications are shown in maps 4-5
below1.

Above: Bedrock underlying the proposed development site

2.5. Hydrogeology and Hydrology

2.5.1. Hydrogeology
Groundwater vulnerability maps indicate the disused railway line passes through an
area with groundwater vulnerability classed as High – Low. Only an interim study
took place. Risk to groundwater from the proposed project is not considered an
issue once best practice water control measures are in place.

Aquifer productivity in the area of the proposed trail is predominately classed as

regionally important Aquifer, Karstified (diffuse), map 72.
Under the WFD groundwater status is classed as poor and is classed at risk of not
achieving good status (good ecological or good chemical status/potential) by 2015,
see maps, 8 and 93.

1
http://spatial.dcenr.gov.ie
2
http://spatial.dcenr.gov.ie
3
http://watermaps.wfdireland.ie/

9
Above: Aquifer productivity in the vicinity of the works

Above: Groundwater risk status in the vicinity of the works

10
2.5.2 Hydrology
The inner Tralee Estuary is at risk of not achieving good status but this does not
include either the canal or the pond to the north of the canal. This pond has a WFD
score of ‘strongly expected to achieve good status’. The nature of this proposal is
such that it is unlikely to impact on the status of these.

Above: Transitional waters WFD Score

2.6. Air/Climatic factors

There may be additional noise and possibly an impact on air quality through the
generation of dust, during the construction stage. However, any such impacts would
be localised and temporary in nature and consistent with the provision of a small-
scale works. Overall given the scale and location of works in this instance, significant
negative impacts are not likely to be a matter of concern in this instance.

It is likely that there will be positive impacts to air/climate as a consequence of this

development. It is considered that the provision of a combined cycleway/walkway at
this location will have a long term beneficial impact on air as a consequence of
encouraging cycling and walking on a dedicated off road trail with long term spin off
effects and providing an alternative to motorists whishing to complete shorter
journeys within the urban setting, thereby potentially reducing carbon emissions and
noise.

11
2.7. Landscape
The development site links the urban landscape of Tralee Town, with the more rural
setting of its hinterland and Blennerville. Along the canal, the pathway is located on
amenity / open space zoned lands, which are also identified as a proposed cycleway
in the Tralee Town Development Plan. As such this was assessed as part of the
Tralee Town Plan review and supporting Strategic Environmental Assessment
processes. The proposed alterations to the canal amenity path finishes, which
include replacement of the gravel finish with tarmacadam and a reduction in the
extent of the grassy verge will have a visual impact and will be more urban in
character. However it is considered that this alteration will be acceptable at this
location, particularly given the man made nature of the canal and its towpath. It is
considered that the impact is not likely to be significant and will soften over time.

Elsewhere the trail passes through a number of land use zonings, including leisure
and tourism related. It is considered that this proposal conforms with those land use
plan zonings and objectives. The canal amenity trail is already an established feature
in the landscape, while the nearby N86 roadway which runs parallel is provided with
public lighting. Therefore the proposed improvements will not look out of place or be
an obtrusive feature in the landscape. Similarly it is considered that the propose new
section of the amenity path can be accommodated into the landscape at this location.
The disused railway bridge forms part of the towns transport heritage and the
proposed use of this structure and the opening up of views of it is to be welcomed. It
is considered that a trail can be accommodated within the woodland parkland setting
in a visually satisfactory manner.

Overall having regard to the nature, scale and location of the works it is considered
that there will be no adverse impact on landscape, but rather the proposed project
will be a positive feature within the urban setting.

Above: Tralee Town Development Plan land use zonings in the area

12
 Project Site
Location

Above: Kerry County Development Plan amenity designations in the wider area

2.8. Architectural and Archaeological heritage and Cultural Heritage

There are no protected structures within the project site. Those closest include the
Mulgrave Bridge, Ballyard and the Boundary of the Town Park – which will not be
impacted by way of this proposal. While not a protected structure, the canal and its
features and fittings are of cultural importance. However, it is noted that at this
location, the proposed works are along the towpath of the canal and are therefore
confined to previously disturbed ground where the potential for archaeological impact
considered to be low. No significant impacts are considered likely.

2.9. Flood Risk and Management

Amenity trails are not considered to be flood vulnerable type developments. In
addition, given its primarily coastal location, downstream of development the
potential to impact on flood risk is reduced. Therefore it is considered that flood risk
management can be assessed at development consent stage in accordance with the
safeguards contained in the current Town Development Plan for Tralee. It is noted
that the proposed lighting has been designed to increase its flood resilience, by
ensuring the junction / control boxes are at a higher level.

2.10. The interrelationship between the environmental topics

The greater the number of different aspects of the environment which are likely to be
affected and the greater the links between the effects, the more likely significant
effects may occur. Impact inter-relationships/interactions relate to the reactions
between impacts within a project and the inter-relationship between impacts
identified under one topic with impacts identified under another topic.

The consideration of impact inter-relationships and interactions provides an

opportunity to consider the overall impacts of a scheme that might not be
immediately apparent.All above receptors contribute to the distinctive character of the
area. Cumulative impacts on the suite of these features may be significant in scale,
nature and duration. The most important interaction in this case is that between
ecology and water quality.

13
3.0 Significance Evaluation Checklist
Having considered the above environmental factors, the aim of the next section is to
evaluate the significance of impacts if any on the environment, by the implementation
of the proposed development. The checklist of criteria for evaluating the significance
of environmental effects as set out in S5.39 of the Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) Guidance for Consent Authorities regarding Sub-threshold Development
(DEHLG, 2003), will be utilised in this regard.

Questions to be considered
1. Will there be a large change in No – the proposal is a small scale
environmental conditions? infrastructural project largely within an urban
setting.
2. Will new features be out-of-scale No –path surface and lighting are consistent
with the existing environment? with what would be expected for amenity
pathways of this type and within an urban /
suburban environment. The existing
environment along the canal, while attractive is
a highly modified one located on its tow path.
The proposals are similar to other such
projects carried out in the area in recent times
(e.g. Tralee Greenway).
3. Will the effect be particularly No
complex?
4. Will the effect extend over a The canal path to be upgraded is approx
large area? 1.5Km in length but will provide an improved
recreational amenity to all living or visiting
Tralee or Blennerville. The new trail section is
approx a further 1.5Km and will link the canal
trail with the town park and riverside walks.
5. Will there be any potential for No
transfrontier impact?
6. Will many people be affected? People will be positively affected by these
proposals by way of the provision of an
improved recreational resource.

Recreational users of the existing canal path

will be temporarily discommoded during the
construction phase but there are alternative
facilities available which can be utilised during
this short timeframe, including the town park,
the River Lee Walk, Ballyseedy Woods and the
Tralee to Mounthawk Greenway.
7. Will many receptors of other Businesses in the area will be positively
types (fauna and flora, businesses, affected by these development proposals as it
facilities) be affected? provides an alternative and safe access for
commuters and visitors linking Tralee,
Blennerville and key tourist and leisure
attractions.

There will be loss of habitat of local

importance. Fragmentation is unlikely to be an
issue of concern in this instance. Flora and
Fauna will not be significantly impacted.

14
8. Will valuable or scarce features
or resources be affected?
9. Is there a risk that environmental
standards will be breached?
10. Is there a risk that protected
sites, areas, features will be
affected?
No
Low risk to water quality at construction stage
Otter use of the adjoining canal and pond /
wetland area, which makes up a small portion
of the Tralee Bay SAC could be impacted by
way of disturbance associated with increased
recreational pressure. However it is noted that
an AA Screening Report has concluded that
Natura 2000 sites are not likely to be
significantly impacted.

No other such areas are likely to be affected.

11. Is there a high probability of the No
effect occurring?
12. Will the effect continue for a The proposed development will remain a
long time? permanent feature in the landscape. Any visual
impacts will reduce / soften over time as the
proposal is assimilated into the landscape.
Disturbance of otters will be linked to
recreational use, particularly by dog walkers
along the canal after dark.
13. Will the effect be permanent The proposed development will be permanent
rather than temporary? construction. Construction stage water quality
issues are likely to be temporary in nature as
will the potential risk of any associated impact.
14. Will the impact be continuous The proposed development will be a
rather than intermittent? permanent construction. Construction stage
water quality issues are likely to be temporary
in nature.
15. If it is intermittent will it be -
frequent rather than rare?
16. Will the impact be irreversible? The proposed development itself will be a
permanent construction. However any impacts
associated with the proposed lighting (direct or
indirect) will be readily reversible as these can
be switched off as required.
17. Will it be difficult to avoid, or This proposal is not a particularly complex or
reduce or repair or compensate for large proposal. Potential negative effects are
the effect? avoided by way of the standard environmental
protection measures contained in the overall
proposal.

15
4.0 EIA sub-threshold screening

Having considered the environmental factors and potential impacts in Sections 2 and
3, the aim of the next section is to assess the proposed project relative to the criteria
set out in Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as
amended. This will help determine whether or not the proposed project is likely to
have a significant effect on the environment.

Criteria for determining whether the project would or would not be likely to
have a significant effect on the environment

1. Characteristics of development
Size The overall length of the pathway is approx 3Km, with a
maximum width of 3m and will accommodate cyclists and
pedestrians. As part of this 1.5Km of the existing canal
pathway is to be upgraded.
Accumulative impacts There are preliminary future plans for a pathway along the
with other developments extent of the Tralee-Fenit railway line, to carry out
/ projects improvements to the pathway linking Bleenerville with the
Spa village and to provide a pathway linking Tralee with
Ballyseedy Woods. There are also further proposals to
improve cyclist and pedestrian facilities in Tralee Town.
The biggest potential for impact relates to recreational
disturbance to sensitive species associated with Tralee
Bay.

Potential also exists for temporary impacts on residential

amenity from noise, traffic, dust and on water quality
associated with the construction works required.
Use of natural This is a relatively small-scale development project which
resources/ The will require a limited amount of natural resources
production of wastes associated with the construction phase. No large scale
wastes generated.
Pollution and nuisances Predominantly minor and temporary in nature during
construction stage. Construction vehicular movements will
be limited and no residential properties will be significantly
impacted.

Standard water quality protection measures have been

incorporated so as to ensure that the risk of water
pollution is minimal.
The risk of accidents None envisaged due to the nature and scale of the
having regard to development proposed. Standard health and safety
substances or precautions will be required.
technologies used
As this proposal involves improvements to Tralee Towns
off-road amenity path network, this project is likely to
reduce the potential of risk of accidents in the future. As
part of this current design standards will be adhered to
and two appropriately designed crossings of the N86 are
to be provided. This will ensure that the needs of
vulnerable road users are taken in to account as part of
the proposal.

16
2. Location of Proposed Development
Existing land use Predominantly amenity (canal towpath, open space
associated with Aquadome, Town park, Siamsa tire). The
site also passes through a residential area and an area
with overgrown / unmanaged scrub type vegetation.
Previous land use Canal Towpath (transport)
Relative abundance, This is a relatively small-scale development project which
quality and regenerative will require a limited amount of natural resources
capacity of natural associated with the construction phase.
resources in the area
The existing o Wetlands: Wetlands are located in the area,
environment and associated with Tralee Bay, most notably a pond /
absorption capacity of wetland areas to the north of the towpath and the
the natural environment, canal to the south of the Towpath. Saltmarshes are
paying particular also located in the inner estuary.
attention to the following o Coastal Zone: This proposal is located within the
areas: coastal zone associated with Tralee Bay.
o Wetlands o Mountain and forest areas: Mountains and forests are
o Coastal zones located in the wider area (Slieve Mish and Stack Mts,
o Mountain and Ballyseedy Woods).
forest areas o Nature reserves and parks: The proposal is located in
o Nature reserves close proximity to the Tralee Bay Nature Reserve and
and parks wetlands. A town park is located in Tralee.
o Natura 2000 o Natura 2000 sites: The proposed works are in part
sites located within the Tralee Bay and Magharees
o Areas in which Peninsula West Cloghane cSAC (Site Code 002070)
environmental quality and in close proximity to the Tralee Bay Complex
standards laid down by pSPA (Site Code 004188).
the EU have already o Areas in which environmental quality standards laid
been exceeded down by the EU have already been exceeded: None
o Densely o Densely populated areas: Tralee Town, the main
populated areas county town in Kerry is located to the immediate
o Landscape of vicinity.
historical, cultural or o Landscape of historical, cultural or archaeological
archaeological significance: No known areas of archaeological
significance potential will be impacted upon. The proposal is in
part located on lands zoned for open space / amenity
purposes in the current Town Development Plan for
the area.

Having regard the above, the proposal is located in a

potentially sensitive area from an environmental impact
point of view. This will be taken into account when
considering the potential for significant impacts.
3. Characteristics of Potential Impacts
The potential significant effects of the proposed development in relation to the criteria
set out in 1 & 2 above and having particular regard to:
Extent of the Impact No significant adverse impacts identified, any minor
(geographical area and impacts envisaged to occur will be localised in nature
size of affected (noise, dust, recreational use, potential for surface water
population) pollution) and minimised by way of best practices in the
environmental management of construction works.

Overall it is considered that impacts are likely to be

17
 positive, particularly in respect of impacts on human
beings and material assets as a consequence of the
provision of the upgraded amenity pathway network and
condition. This project will provide an alternative off road
path for vulnerable road users, cyclists and pedestrians
and improve connectivity to and accessibility between the
town centre, Blennerville, the trail network and key tourist
attractions.

In general impacts are likely to be positive on human

beings and extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the
site and will benefit people using this amenity pathway
from the wider area.
Transfrontier nature of No cross border implications
the impact
Magnitude and Main adverse impacts include potential for:-
complexity of the impact • Impacts on ecology,
• Impacts on water quality associated with
construction phase,
• Impacts on landscape,
• Disturbance to residential amenities / recreational
users

These impacts are not considered to be overly high in

magnitude or complex in nature and are standard
considerations with respect to such developments.

Main positive impacts include:

• Off-road amenity pathway for cyclists and
pedestrians/Improved connectivity.
Probability of the impact Ecology
Potential effects on water and water dependent species
are considered unlikely as standard best practice
measures are proposed to be adhered to in the
environmental management of construction works.

The potential for the development to significantly affect

Natura 2000 sites is addressed in the Habitats Directive
Assessment, Appropriate Assessment Screening report
accompanying the project. Otters were the feature of
interest identified as being most at risk by way of the
proposals and associated increased recreational
pressure. The potential for significant impact was ruled
out having regard to the adaptability of the species, the
existing recreational use of the pathway and the limited
area of habitat potentially impacted. The Habitats
Directive Assessment screening report has determined
that the proposed development is unlikely to significantly
affect Natura 2000 sites; therefore a stage 2 Appropriate
Assessment is not required.

This proposal will not result in loss of key habitat for bats,
given that adjoining hedgerows and tree lines are to be
retained and given the restricted nature of the lighting

18
 proposals (no spillage onto hedgerows or onto the canal).

Impacts on water quality associated with construction

phase
Best practice during the works phase together with the
relatively short timescale of works involved are sufficient
to ensure that no significant risks are likely to occur in this
instance. As part of this it is noted that no sediment or
potentially other harmful pollutants will be permitted to
enter watercourses, it is noted that excavation works will
be very minimal.

The control measures implemented will be in accordance

with best practice. Therefore the potential for significant
water quality impacts can be discounted in this instance.

Landscape
Loss of grassy verge type vegetation along the canal
towpath and surface upgrade from gravel to tarmacadam
is likely to have a localised slight to moderate negative
visual impact, which will reduce over time. The proposed
surface finish is consistent with other such pathway
finishes in the town, while the canal and its towpath are
very much man-made features in the landscape.
Elsewhere the trail extension works will open up new
vistas and landscapes for people to enjoy. Overall no
significant impacts are considered to be likely.

Disturbance to residential amenities / recreational

users
No residential properties adjoin the proposed construction
works or would be significantly impacted by way of this
proposal. The proposed trail passes through the Castle
Countess residential area but limited construction works
will be required at this location. Once operational, this
area will see increased footfall associated with trail use
but significant impact on residential amenities is unlikely
to arise. Existing recreational users along the canal will be
temporarily discommoded during the construction works
period.

Amenity pathway for cyclists and pedestrians

Negative short term impacts associated with the
temporary closure of the canal pathway. This is for a short
timeframe (approx 4-8 weeks) and will result in positive
long-term human being impacts associated with the
upgraded amenity pathway. The project will increase
connectivity between Blennerville / the outer suburban
parts of Tralee and the town centre. Further the project
will provide a safe off road alternative for
cyclists/pedestrians wishing to access local services,
recreational and or tourist facilities.
Duration, frequency and Construction risks including risks to water quality/ water
reversibility of the dependent species are likely to be temporary and short
Impact term in nature once best practice is employed during the

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 project works.

More long-term positive impacts will be associated with

the provision of an upgraded amenity pathway network for
cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy and as a consequence
of improved connectivity between outer suburban areas
with the town centre. Any impacts associated with the
proposed lighting will be readily reversible as these can
be switched off as required.

4. Recommendation and conclusion

Having regard to the above, and in particular to the nature, scale and location of the
proposed project, by itself and in combination with other plans and projects, it is
considered that an EIA is not required in this instance.

Date: 18/08/2015 .

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Appendix A - Photographs

Above: Existing canal path near Blennerville Bridge looking east. Note N86 to south of
canal.

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Above: Existing canal path near Tralee town looking towards the Anchorage Apartment
complex and the Canal basin.

Above: Existing Tralee Town greenway

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