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.
than 3 m deep, diving to the bottom to forage. They feed on seeds, roots, grasses, sedges and aquatic plants, as well as invertebrates, amphibians and small fish. Tufted Duck [ A061] In winter, Tufted Ducks are highly gregarious, preferring large, freshwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs, though they are also found in estuaries, along sheltered seacoasts and on brackish inland seas in winter. They feed by diving, with 80% of the diet consisting of animal material, but also feed on seeds and green parts of aquatic plants, aquatic insects and crustaceans. Its European wintering population is large (>1,200,000 individuals) Ireland supports approximately 40,000 wintering Tufted Duck each winter. It is estimated that c.51% of the wintering population occurs within SPAs. Lough Sheelin supports an average peak number of 762 individuals, equivalent to 1.9% of the wintering population in the Member State, and 3.6% of the total SAC contribution for this species. Goldeneye [A067] is a widespread breeder in northern and central Europe, which holds less than half of its global population. Its European wintering population is large (>310,000 individuals). In Ireland the species winters mainly on large rivers, loughs, turloughs and reservoirs. The species is restricted to water close to the shore and less than 10 m deep (showing a preference for waters 4 m deep). Ireland supports approximately 11,000 individual Goldeneye each winter. It is estimated that c.77% of the wintering population occurs within SPAs. Lough Sheelin supports an average peak number of 225 individuals, equivalent to 2% of the wintering population
within the Member State, and 2.5%of the total SPA contribution for this species. Wetland & Waterbirds [A999] As detailed above. Lough Kinale Special Protection Area [004061] Site Area: 282.3ha Lough Kinale is a relatively small lake that is situated immediately downstream of Lough Sheelin. Lough Kinale has two main basins, almost separated by swamp formations. Pochard [A059] As detailed above. Ireland supports approximately 40,000, wintering Pochard. It is estimated that c.60% of these individuals occur in SPAs. Lough Kinale supports a peak average number of 951 individuals, equivalent to 2.3% of the wintering population within the Member State, and 3.9% of the total SPA contribution for this species. 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. Tufted Duck [ A061] As detailed above. Ireland supports approximately 40,000 wintering Tufted Duck each winter. It is estimated that c.51% of the wintering population occurs within SPAs. Lough Kinale supports a peak average number of 449 individuals, equivalent to 1.1% of the wintering population within the Member State, and 2.2% of the total SPA contribution for this species. Wetland & Waterbirds [A999] As detailed above.
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.
Kilroosky Lough Cluster Special Area of Conservation [001786] Site Area: 57.6ha. Kilroosky Lough Cluster straddles the border with Northern Ireland, and is located approximately 2 km north-west of Clones, Co. Monaghan. The site consists of three separate areas which contain several calcium- rich, clean water (oligo-mesotrophic) lakes and their marginal fen vegetation. Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae [7210]. Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp [3140]. Alkaline Fens [7230]. White-clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes [1092]. Special Protection Areas within 15km of Cavan County Two Special Protection Areas are designated within 15km of the Cavan county boundary. Both of these sites are located to the south of Cavan County in County Westmeath. Garriskil Bog SPA (14.1km south of the boundary) is designated for wintering Greenland white-fronted Goose, while Lough Derravaragh SPA (12.2km south of the boundary) is designated for its importance to wintering Waterbirds. Figure 5 shows the location of these SPAs in relation to Cavan County boundary. Table 5 summarises any potential impacts on these sites from policies and objectives within Variation No. 1 Cavan County Development Plan.
Table 5. Qualifying Features of Special Protection Areas within 15km of Cavan County. NATURA 2000 Site Qualifying Features Threats to Site Integrity Garriskil Bog Candidate Special Protection Area [004102] Site Area: 324.25ha Site lies 3 km west of Lough Derravaragh in Co. Westmeath. It is bounded to the southeast and southwest by the rivers Inny and Riffey. Greenland White-fronted Goose [A395] 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 from the Natura 2000 site (14.1km). Lough Derravaragh Special Protection Area [004043] Site Area: 1120.4ha Lough Derravaragh is located approximately 12 km north of Mullingar town. It is a medium- to large-sized lake of relatively shallow water (maximum depth 23 m). The lake extends along a south-east/north-west axis for approximately 8 km. The Inny River, a tributary of the River Shannon, is the main inflowing and outflowing river. Whooper Swan [A038] 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 from the Natura 2000 site (12.2km). Pochard [A059] Tufted Duck [ A061] Coot [ A125] Wetland & Waterbirds [A999]
European Otter [1355] White-clawed Crayfish [1092] Wetland & Waterbirds [A999] Great Crested Grebe [A005] Whooper Swan [A038] Wigeon [A050] Pochard [A059] Tufted Duck [ A061] Goldeneye [A067] Kingfisher [A229] Greenland White-fronted Goose [A395] Coot [ A125] 1.0 Name of project or plan: Variation No. 1 Cavan County Development Plan 2014 - 2020 Name and location of Natura 2000 site: Variation No. 1 Cavan County Development Plan does not relate to any one Natura 2000 site and considers all sites within Cavan County and within a recommended 15km buffer zone. Description of the project or plan The Variation Seeks in accordance with the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 to integrate specific objectives which will identify and encourage the development and renewal of identified areas in need of regeneration or residential development and to specify the areas identified in need of regeneration or residential development Is the project or plan directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site (provide details)? Variation No. 1 Cavan County Development Plan 2014 - 2020 is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the Natura 2000 Network. Are there other projects or plans that together with the project or plan being assessed could affect the site (provide details)? No, the propsoped Variation will have no significant residual impacts on any European site. therefore, the cululative impacts are not anticipated.
The assessment of significance of effects Describe how the project or plan (alone or in combination) is likely to affect the Natura 2000 Site. There will be no adverse effect on any European site as a result of the propsoped Variation. Explain why these effects are not considered significant. There will be no negative direct or indirect impacts or reduction in Annex I habitat within any European Site. There will be no reduction in key habitats supporting populations of Annex I bbird species and no reduction in the populations of Annex I species. There will be no reduction in key habitats supporting populations of Annex II species and no reduction in the popultios of any Annex II species. Individual projects will be subject to Appropriate Assessment process as necessary. List of agencies consulted: provide contact name and telephone or email address Review of Stage 1 Screening for Appropriaute Assessment for Cavan Cpounty Development Plan Review of Stage 1 Screeening for Appropeiate Assessment for Cavan Town and Environs Development Plan 2014-2020 Heritage Officer Anne-Marie Ward (Cavan Heritage Officer)