region and Killyconny Bog is one of the best developed consisting of two small basins which have coalesced over a low drumlin ridge. surface typically displays a distinctive micro-topography, with patterns of hummocks and hollows rich in Sphagnum and other peat-forming species. examples remaining. This habitat has undergone an estimated decrease in land cover of more than 35% in the last decade and respectively only occurs in 56% of suitable concentrated 10km squares in Ireland. Killyconny Bog represents c.8.3% of the SAC contribution for this habitat in the Member State. Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Degraded raised bogs occur where there has been widespread disruption, usually by man, to the structure and function of the peat body. This can involve changes to the hydrology, vegetation, and physical structure of the bog, leading to desiccation, oxidation and loss of species or changes in the balance of the species composition. In contrast to 7110 Active raised bogs, peat is not currently forming in degraded bog, however which are ‘capable of natural regeneration’, i.e. "where the hydrology can be repaired and where, with appropriate rehabilitation management, there is a reasonable expectation of re- establishing vegetation with peat-forming capability within 30 years". This habitat type forms c.26% of the land cover within the SAC (49.7ha). This habitat occurs in 81% of 10km squares in Ireland, exemplifying the extent of degradation within raised bogs in a national context. Killyconny bog represents c.0.6% of the SAC contribution for this habitat in the Member State. Corratirrim Special Area of Conservation [000979] Site Area: 117.03ha In the north-west of Co. Cavan, Limestone pavements [8240] The landscape, flora and associated fauna have evolved in response to millennia of farming, principally grazing. This habitat supports a diverse flora and forms mosaics of orchid- This habitat forms c.23% of the land cover within the SAC (23.4ha). Limestone pavement occur in 81% of suitable 10km squares in Ireland. 23 SACs are It is considered that the adoption of this proposed Variation will not affect this Natura 2000 site. The proposed Variation will not
diminish the effect of existing policies and objectives in the Cavan County Development Plan 2014-2020 which provide protection for water quality, protected habitats and protected species, including SAC’s and SPA’s from development which would detrimentally impact upon them.
Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [4010] This habitat represents approximately 15% of the land cover within the SAC (c.1461ha), equivalent to 3.6% of the total SAC contribution in the Member State. European dry heaths [4030] This habitat represents approximately 5% of the land cover within the SAC (c.487ha), equivalent to 1.25% of the total SAC contribution in the Member State. Species rich Nardus grasslands, on siliceous substrates in mountain areas [6230] Species-rich Nardus grasslands tend to develop where there is flushing through base-rich strata on siliceous bedrock. These may include moderately base-rich metamorphic and igneous rocks. The soils have an acidic pH (<7.0 and mainly <6.0) and are derived from bedrocks with at least some silica. Species-rich Nardus grasslands are important because they support a wide range of species, including Atlantic, sub-Atlantic and arctic-alpine plants and invertebrates. This habitat represents approximately 1% of the land cover within the SAC (c.97.4ha). This habitat occurs in 84% of all suitable 10km squares in Ireland. 10 SACs are designated for this habitat type. Cuilcagh – Anierin represents 13.3% of the total SAC contribution for this habitat type in the Member State. Blanket bogs (*if active only) [7130] This habitat represents approximately 58% of the land cover within the SAC (c.5649ha), equivalent to c.3.6% of the total SAC contribution within the Member State. Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8220] Chasmophytic vegetation consists of plant communities that colonise the cracks and fissures of rock This habitat represents approximately 1% of the land cover within the SAC (97.4ha) and occurs in 100% of suitable 10km
River Boyne & River Blackwater Special Protection Area [004232] Site Area: 460.3ha Kingfisher Alcedo atthis [breeding] [A229] Kingfishers are relatively widespread throughout Ireland with a more easterly bias in their distribution, however are considered to be a bird of conservation concern (Amber listed). The survey undertaken in 2010 by Cummins et al. 2010 estimated 15 probable and 4 possible breeding pairs within the River Boyne, representing some of the highest numbers per kilometre recorded during the survey (0.09 – 0.12 territories per km). Estimates of national population were not provided in Cummins et al. 2010 due to the site specific focus of the study. Gibbons et al. 1993 present estimates of between 1,300 – 2,100 breeding pairs in Ireland. The SPA therefore represents between c.0.9 and 1.5% of the national population. It is considered that the adoption of this proposed Variation will not affect this Natura 2000 site. The proposed Variation will not diminish the effect of existing policies and objectives in the Cavan County Development Plan 2014-2020 which provide protection for water quality, protected habitats and protected species, including SAC’s and SPA’s from development which would detrimentally impact upon them.
Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum [91A0] There are no current policies within Variation No. 1 Cavan County Development Plan that are considered to be potential threats to site integrity. This is due to the nature of the proposed Variation and the distance of any towns and villages in Cavan from the Natura 2000 site Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus [1095] Brook Lamprey Lampetra planeri [1096] / River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis [1099] Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar [1106] European Otter Lutra lutra [1355] White-clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes [1092] Ardagullion Bog Candidate Special Area of Conservation [002341] Site Area: 117.3ha Ardaguillion Bog is located 5 km north-east of Edgeworthstown, mainly in the townlands of Cloonshannagh (Coolamber Manor Demesne) and Ardaguillon in Co. Longford. The site comprises a raised bog that includes both areas of high bog and cutover bog. Active raised bogs [7110]. There are no current policies within Variation No. 1 Cavan County Development Plan that are considered to be potential threats to site integrity. This is due to the nature of the proposed Variation and the distance of any towns and villages in Cavan from the Natura 2000 site Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120]. Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150]. Garriskil Bog Candidate Special Area of Conservation [000697] Site Area: 324.8ha. This raised bog site lies 3 km west of Lough Derravaragh and 3 km east of Rathowen. It is bounded to the southeast and southwest by the rivers Inny and Riffey. Active raised bogs [7110]. There are no current policies within Variation No. 1 Cavan County Development Plan that are considered to be potential threats to site integrity. This is due to the nature of the proposed Variation and the distance of any towns and villages in Cavan from the Natura 2000 site Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120]. Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150].
Garriskill Bog Candidate Special Protection Area [004102] Lough Derravaragh Special Protection Area [004043] Qualifying interests of Natura 2000 site(s) Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds [3160] Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [4010] European dry heaths [4030] Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey- silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] Blanket bogs (*if active only) [7130] Active raised bogs [7110] Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] Limestone pavements [8240] Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds [3160] Species rich Nardus grasslands, on siliceous substrates in mountain areas [6230] Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8220] Alkaline Fens [7230] Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior [91E0] Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and lsoeto-Nanojuncetea [ 3130] Petrifying spring with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) [7220] Calcareous and calschist screes of the montane to alpine levels [8120] Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation [3150] Old sessile oak woods with llex and Blechnum [91A0] Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150]. Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp [3140]. Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae [7210]. Sea Lamprey [1095] Brook Lamprey [1096] River Lamprey [1099] Atlantic Salmon [1106]