Clondrisse Pig Farm Ltd. Gillardstown House Gillardstown ...fluorescent lighting tubes) is as required by separate waste legislation. It is policy to minimise waste accumulation and

1

Clondrisse Pig Farm Ltd. Gillardstown House Gillardstown Castlepollard Co Westmeath

24 September 2015.

Ms Dorota Richards, Administrative Officer

Office of Climate, Licensing & Resource Use

Environmental Protection Agency

Johnstown Castle Estate

Wexford.

Re: P0984-01. Reply to Agency’s Article 10(2)(b)(ii) Request of 20 February 2014.

Dear Ms Richards,

This is our response to the Article 10(2)(b)(ii) requests of 20 February 2014 received from Ms Pamela

McDonnell. The requests are dealt with in the order in which they were set down in the request letter.

1. A screening report on Appropriate Assessment has been completed and is submitted in Attachment

No. L with this response. The Screening Report concludes that the activity is not likely to have

significant adverse impact on a European / Natura Site and so Appropriate Assessment is considered

to be not required.

2. (a) The Best Available Techniques (BAT) described in the July 2003 BREF for intensive rearing of Pigs

and Poultry and relevant to pig breeding and rearing activity are listed on Table 8(i) which is in

Attachment No. I.5. The Table was compiled with regard to paragraph 2(c) in the request.

(b) We do not see any BAT in the Energy Efficiency BREF or in the Emissions from Storage BREF that

are relevant to pig rearing and not considered under the Intensive Agriculture BREF.

3. Article 3(18) of Directive 2010/75/EU is, and section 3 of the EPA Act contains:

‘hazardous substances’ means substances or mixtures as defined in Article 3 of Regulation

(EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008

on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.

In our opinion the “baseline report” required in certain cases by section 86B of the EPA Act (as

amended) is not required in relation to this activity as it does not involve the use, production or

release of “relevant hazardous substances” as is defined in section 3 of the EPA Act.

Please revert to us if this is not correct.

4. Electricity used in the installation is about 400,000 kWh per year. There is no other fuel used.

5. (a) 744 places for sows was referred to in the Westmeath planning application Ref No 09/2025.

That number did not include the served gilts planned to be maintained in the installation.

(b) Pig housing in the installation accommodates:

744 sows, described as pigs that have produced a litter, as was common practice in 2009,

Served gilts, about 340, but number is subject to variation, (1,084 sows as currently defined).

Gilts between 30kg and service (number subject to variation), and

2

Progeny not for breeding produced by breeding herd, each up to 30kg (number variable).

It is not clear that all of this detail is required by Article 9(2)(g) as claimed in the request letter.

The number of animals that can be accommodated in an authorised development is regulated by

Animal Welfare Regulations, and is a function of the available floor area and the class/classes of

animals accommodated, and within a holding, is subject to compliance with standards in relation

to manure collection and storage arrangements contained in the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP)

Regulations (S.I. No. 31 of 2014). Stock in the installation will comply with Animal Welfare Rules.

(c) The annual production of pig manure cannot be calculated accurately or reliably in advance of the

measurement of volume for the purpose of complying with Article 23(1)(g) of the GAP Regulations

as it is transferred from the activity. The estimated figure for manure volume provided in the

application was calculated for the purpose of determining statutory manure storage capacity

required for the installation so as to have the storage capacity required by Article 9 of the GAP

Regulations (then SI 610 of 2010, now S.I. No. 31 of 2014, requirement not changed).

The manure storage capacity in the installation is sufficient for more than 6 months manure

production by the herd described at 5(b) above. The figure supplied in the application serves as an

estimate of the annual figures for slurry volume that may be produced in the installation and be

available for sale or supply and transfer off the installation for use in fertilising customers’

farmlands. The figures supplied for nitrogen and phosphorus in the application are simply the

estimated volume figure (m3) multiplied by 4.2 and 0.8, respectively. All manure is and will be

transferred off the installation and the volume transferred is being and will be recorded for

reporting to the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine.

It is not clear that advance details about fertiliser product output is required by Article 9(2)(g) of

the Licensing Regulations, as is suggested or claimed in the request letter.

6. The class of activity listed in the amended First Schedule of the EPA Acts 1992 to 2013 and which is

carried on in the installation is:

6.2 The rearing of pigs in an installation where the capacity exceeds –

(a) 750 places for sows.

The class of activity listed in Directive 2010/75/EU and which is carried on in the installation is:

6.6. Intensive rearing of poultry or pigs:

(c) with more than 750 places for sows.

7. Slurry produced by the activity is product/by-product fertiliser which is sold or supplied to customers

to whom it is transferred from the installation in compliance with legislation under which transfer is

authorised and regulated. Customers who will be supplied are not contracted and are not known to

be customers / users of manure from the activity in any year in advance of actually acquiring slurry.

This applicant has no role or function in creating a customer list with their areas farmed and “import

capacity” for the EPA, or in submitting to the EPA for public file a customer list in any form. We

believe that the documents requested are not documents required under Article 9(2)(g) of the

Licensing Regulations as suggested or claimed in the request letter.

8. The “N & P Statements for each customer farm” are not ours, are not available to us, are of no use to

us and are not documents required from us under Article (9)(2)(g) of the Licensing Regulations as

suggested or claimed in the request letter.

3

9. We do not recognise what the Agency means by “spread land” in relation to our activity and the

current application for a licence. We have no role or function in either describing or monitoring any

customer’s land. We believe that the maps requested should not have been requested from us

because they are not of lands which are part of the activity or installation that are the subject of our

application for a licence. They cannot be produced or assembled by us. They are not ours to submit to

any one or to any authority. They are not documents that may be required from us under Article

9(2)(g) of the Licensing Regulations as suggested or claimed in the request letter.

10. There are no sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the activity, either within 1km of the activity or

elsewhere, impacted by the activity.

An updated Non-Technical Summary is included with this response.

One hard copy and a copy in searchable pdf file “P0984-01 Response to Art 10(2)(b)(2)(ii) Request” on

each of 2 CD-ROM discs are submitted along with this signed response.

Signed:

Clondrisse Pig Farm Ltd.

_______________________

William Murphy

Director.

Encl. Attachment No. A.1 Updated Non-Technical Summary of the licence application.

Attachment No. I.5 Table I.8 (i) Conclusions on BAT for Pig Rearing.

Attachment No. L Report on Screening for Appropriate Assessment

4

Attachment No A.1

Updated Non-Technical Summary of the Industrial Emissions activity Licence Application.

Clondrisse Pig Farm Ltd is applying to the Environmental Protection Agency for an Industrial Emissions

Directive activity licence to operate its pig rearing activity carried on at Bracklyn, Delvin, Co Westmeath.

The area of the installation on which the activity is based is about 1.90 ha. It is in a rural area. The

installation comprises 5 animal houses, a feed store, feed mixing room and an office. Floor area is about

6,311 m2). It also incorporates manure collection and storage tanks under the pig houses (capacity about

6,348m3) and a septic tank and percolation area and equipment necessary for the accommodation,

management and husbandry of the animals, and the administration of the enterprise. The structures and

equipment in the installation were designed and installed for the purpose of breeding and rearing pigs for

sale off the installation either for processing into human food by the pork/bacon industry or for further

feeding to maturity elsewhere. The installation has capacity to accommodate more than 750 sows in a

breeding unit and to rear progeny to weaner weight (30kg), at which time they are transferred from the

installation for further feeding elsewhere. While production in the installation is continuous, the presence of

staff, and deliveries/collections, are normally between 6.00 and 20.00 hours.

The principal inputs in the activity are pig feed, water, veterinary medicines and electricity for heating,

motive power and lighting. Pig feed (incl. cereals, soya, minerals) is acquired from the animal feed

industry. Water for pigs and for washing is acquired from a private well near the installation. Animal

houses are insulated to minimise heat loss and energy use. The outputs are pigs and pig manure (animal by-

product, fertiliser) collected and stored pending sale or supply and transfer from the installation as fertiliser.

Some animals die of natural causes before sale. Carcases of dead animals are placed in a closed skip in the

installation. The carcases are sent from the installation for rendering at an authorised rendering plant as is

required by legislation in S.I. No. 252 of 2008 (as amended) the Animal By-Products (ABP) Regulations.

There is a programme in place for the control of vermin and pests in the installation. There is no significant

pollution caused by the activity. Disposal of waste and small quantities of hazardous waste (sharps and

fluorescent lighting tubes) is as required by separate waste legislation. It is policy to minimise waste

accumulation and to recycle as much as possible, but the recyclable volume is small.

Storm water from roofs and clean paved yards is discharged to a local watercourse. Effluent from staff

sanitary facilities is treated in an authorised treatment plant and discharged to an authorised percolation

area. There is no process effluent discharge from the installation.

Normal respiration gasses and odours emit from the animal houses and from animal manure, particularly

during movement of the manure. Odours emitted in the installation do not interfere with amenities outside

the installation. The structures and equipment in the installation are in excellent serviceable condition and

will be maintained that way. The practices and technology used in the installation for the rearing of pigs

and the control of emissions from the activity are the best available to the enterprise.

Pig manure is not an emission from the activity. It is a lawful and valuable fertiliser for farmland. It is

collected and stored in tanks pending transfer to farmers who acquire quantities of it that they specify for

their use on their holdings of farmland. The sale or supply and transfer of manure to individual farmer

customers who use it is authorised under the ABP Regulations and S.I. No. 253 of 2008, and is part od

Good Agricultural Practice. Dispatches of manure are recorded as is required by Article 23(1)(g) in S.I. No.

31 of 2014. Customers’ use of pig manure to land in their holdings is separately required to comply with all

the relevant standards in S.I. No. 31 of 2014 as they apply to them and their farms.

Storm water discharged of from the installation and groundwater from the well is and will be monitored

periodically to check quality parameters and detect any unexpected effect of the activity on waters.

Best available techniques (BAT) are identified in the application and are used to ensure efficient operation,

efficient management of by-product, minimal production of waste and a high standard of protection for the

environment as a whole, with minimal risk of significant pollution. If activity in the installation ceases,

animals in stock will be sold, consumable inputs returned to source, manure tanks emptied and the

installation will be secured.

24/9/2015.

ATTACHMENT No. I.5

CONCLUSIONS ON BAT

TABLE I.5 (i) Conclusions on BAT for Pig Rearing - from 2003 BREF Document. IE Application Reg, No. P0984-01.

BAT ReferenceNo. BREF Sec. BAT Statement Applicability to Installation Proposed / In place

For improving the general environmental performance of an intensive

livestock farm, BAT is to do all of the following:

"Installation" as defined and "Farm" are not the same. Not strictly

applicable to the installation. Only the Intensive Agriculture (IA) activity is

licensable, and subject to BAT and licence conditions.

Phrases either "Proposed" or "In

place" are identified as such below.

1 4.1.2 identify and implement education and training programmes for farm staff. Applicable In place

2 4.1.4 keep records of water and energy usage, amounts of livestock feed, waste

arising, and field applications of fertiliser and manure.

Applicable BUT excluding records of and field applications of fertiliser and

manure.

In place, but for manure, only

records of transfers out.

3 4.1.5 have an emergency procedure to deal with unplanned emissions and

incidents.

Applicable In place

4 4.1.6 implement a repair and maintenance programme to ensure that

structures and equipment are in good working order and that facilities are

kept clean.

Applicable In place

5 4.1.3 plan activities at the site properly, such as the delivery of materials and

the removal of products and waste.

Applicable In place

6 4.1.3 plan the application of manure to land properly. Not applicable. Not in place. Not proposed.

7 5.2.1; 5.3.1 apply nutritional measures at source by feeding pigs lower amounts of

nutrients

Applicable only in the context of a "phase feeding" programme. In place

8 minimise emissions from manure to soil and groundwater by balancing

the amount of manure with the foreseeable requirements of the crop

(nitrogen and phosphorus, and the mineral supply to the crop from the

soil and from fertilisation).

Not applicable. Fertiliser use is by the farmers farming the land on which

the fertiliser is used; not by the supplier.

Not in place. Not proposed.

9 take into account the characteristics of the land concerned when applying

manure; in particular soil conditions, soil type and slope, climatic

conditions, rainfall and irrigation, land

use and agricultural practices, including crop rotation syst




10 to reduce pollution of water by doing in particular all of the following:

not applying manure to land when the field is:

water-saturated or flooded or frozen or snow covered,

not applying manure to steeply sloping fields

not applying manure adjacent to any watercourse, and

spreading the manure as close as possible before maximum crop growth

and nutrient uptake.




11 BAT is managing the landspreading of manure to reduce odour nuisance

where neighbours are likely to be affected, by doing in particular all of the

following:

Spreading during the day when people are less likely to be at home and

avoiding weekends and public holidays, and

Paying attention to wind direction in relation to neighbouring houses.

Not applicable. Fertiliser use is by the farmer farming the land on which the

fertiliser is used; Not by the supplier.

Not in place; Not proposed.

Page 1 of 5 ATTACHMENT No. I.5

5.2 Intensive Rearing of pigs.

12 5.2.1.1 Nutritional techniques applied to nitrogen excretion. to

apply feeding measures.

Applicable through "Phase feeding" and least cost ration formulation In place

13 5.2.1.2 Nutritional techniques applied to phosphorus excretion. to

apply feeding measures.

Applicable through "Phase feeding" and least cost ration formulation In place

14 5.2.2.1 Housing systems for mating/gestating sows :

a fully- or partly-slatted floor with vacuum system for frequent slurry

removal (Sections 4.6.1.1 and 4.6.1.6, or

a partly-slatted floor and a reduced manure pit (Section 4.6.1.4).

Not available. Not applicable Not in place. Not proposed.

Existing housing is fully slatted

over slurry tanks and is BAT for this

activity. Frequent slurry removal

not an option, particularly during

winter.

15 Housing systems for mating/gestating sows : New-

build housing systems with a fully or partly slatted floor and flushing

gutters or tube underneath and flushing applied with non-aerated liquid

.............


16 Housing systems for mating/gestating sows : a

housing system with manure cooling fins using a closed ystem with

heating pumps ..........


17 Housing systems for mating/gestating sows :

partly slatted floor system with a manure scraper underneath .....


18 Housing systems for mating/gestating sows : New-

build housing systems with a fully or partly slatted floor and flushing

gutters or tube underneath and flushing applied with aerated liquid

.............


19 Housing systems for mating/gestating sows :

littered floors ......


20 5.2.2.2 Housing systems for growers/finishers: :

1. a fully-slatted floor with a vacuum system for frequent removal (Section

4.6.1.1), or

2. a partly-slatted floor with a reduced manure pit, including slanted walls

and a vacuum system (Section 4.6.4.3), or

3. a partly-slatted floor with a central, convex solid floor or an inclined

solid floor at the front of the pen, a manure gutter with slanted sidewalls

and a sloped manure pit (Section 4.6.4.2).

Not available. Not applicable Not proposed. Existing housing is

fully slatted like item 1, but over

slurry tanks. Frequent slurry

removal is not an option,

particularly during October to

March.

21 Housing systems for growers/finishers: :

New build housing systems with a fully or partly slatted floor and flushing

gutters or tubes underneath and flushing is applied with non-aerated

liquid .............

Not applicable. Not available. Not in place. Not Proposed


22 Housing systems for growers/finishers: : a

housing system with manure surface cooling fins using a closed system

with heating pumps ......



partly slatted floow system with a manure scraper underneath ....



fully or partly slatted floor and flushing gutters or tube underneath and

flushing applied with non-aerated liquid .............


25 Housing systems for growers/finishers: :

littered floor, or littered outside alley


26 5.2.2.3 Housing systems for farrowing sows (including piglets). . a

crate with a fully-slatted iron or plastic floor and with (1) a

combination of a water and manure channel (Section 4.6.2.2),

(2) flushing system with manure gutters (Section 4.6.2.3), or

(3) manure pan underneath (Section 4.6.2.4).

Option (3) applicable, but a shallow tank instead of a "manure pan" . In place is similar to item 3.

Change not proposed.

27 4.6.2.5 Housing systems for farrowing sows (including piglets). . a




28 4.6.2.7 Housing systems for farrowing sows (including piglets). . Crates

with a partly slatted floor and a manure scraper underneath


29 .

4.6.2.6

4.6.2.1

Housing systems for farrowing sows (including piglets). . Crates

with a partly slatted floor and a reduced manure pit, or Crates with a

fully slatted floor and a board on a slope

Applicable.

The system in Place is similar to the 4.6.2.6 system.

In place is similar to 4.6.2.6.

Change is not proposed

30 Housing systems for farrowing sows (including piglets). .

Littered floor.


31 5.2.2.4 Housing systems for weaners: :

1. a pen or flatdeck with a fully-slatted- or partly-slatted floor with a

vacuum system for frequent slurry removal (Sections 4.6.1.1 and 4.6.1.6),

or

2. a pen or flatdeck with a fully-slatted floor beneath which there is a

concrete sloped floor to separate faeces & urine (Section 4.6.3.1), or

3. with a partly-slatted floor (two-climate system) (Section 4.6.3.4), or

4. with a partly-slatted iron or plastic floor and a sloped or convex solid

floor (Section 4.6.3.5), or

5. with a partly-slatted floor with metal or plastic slats and a shallow

manure pit & channel for spoiled drinking water (Section 4.6.3.6), or

6. with a partly-slatted floor with triangular iron slats and a manure

channel with sloped side walls (Section 4.6.3.9).

System in place is similar in practice to Item 5, (4.6.3.6), but with a fully

slatted floor. Other

options are not applicable and are not available.

In place is similar to item 5.

Change is not proposed.


32 Housing systems for weaners: :

New-build housing systems with a fully or partly slatted floor and flushing

gutters or tube underneath and flushing applied with non-aerated liquid

.............

Not applicable. Not available. Not in place. Not proposed

33 Housing systems for weaners: : a





Fully slatted or partly slatted floor with manure scraper underneath



Littered floor


36 5.2.3 Water: .

to reduce water use by doing all of the following:

cleaning animal housing and equipment with high-pressure cleaners at

appropriate times.

carry out a regular maintenance/calibration of the drinking-water

installation to avoid spill.

keeping record of water use through metering, and

detecting and repairing leakages.

Applicable, but not exactly as written in the BREF.

Washing "between cycles" is not universally applicable.

Measuring / metered "consumption" by the animals is not possible in terms

separate from the total water used in the installation.

In place but not exactly as written

in BREF. Change not proposed.

Normal Good Practice is in place.

High-pressure washing is in place,

and all wash-water is collected in

manure tanks. Water used is

recorded. The water system is

maintained as is necessary.

37 5.2.4 Energy.

to reduce energy use by application of good farming practice to housing

design, and by adequate operation and maintenance of the housing and

equipment.

Applicable. In place.

38 to reduce energy use by applying natural ventilation where possible applicable In place

39 to reduce energy use by optimising the design of the ventilation system in

each mechanically ventilated house to provide good temperature control

and to achieve minimum ventilation in winter.

applicable In place

40 to reduce energy use by avoiding resistance in mechanically ventilated

houses by frequent inspection and cleaning of ducts & fans.

applicable In place

41 to reduce energy use by applying low energy lighting. applicable In place


42 5.2.5 Manure storage. .

To design storage for pig manure with sufficient capacity until further

treatment or land application can be carried out.

.

The concept of manure as waste implied by the words is not accepted here

as it is managed and transferred as product for use, not for treatment.

Manure storage capacity is designed to be compliant with the relevant

governing legislation, eg. currently S.I. 31 of 2014.

In place is storage capacity which

complies with governing

legislation.

43 for a stack of manure that is always situated in the same place, either on

the installation or in the field .............

Not applicable. Not done. Not proposed.

44 positioning of a temporary stack of pig manure in the field Not applicable. Not done. Not proposed.

45 Storage of slurry in concrete or steel tank comprises all the following: A. A

stable tank able to withstand likely mechanical, thermal, and .

chemical influences,

B. impemeable base and walls protected against corrosion, . C.

Emptied regularly for inspection & maintenance, preferably . .

annually, .

D. double valves used on any valved outlet from the store, . E.

slurry is stirred only just before emptying the tank.

A, B, D & E Applicable, BUT item C re annual emptying tanks is neither

necessary nor possible in practice, and can pose serious risks to health and

life of operatives.

In place,all except for item C. Item

C is not in place and is not

proposed.

46 to cover slurry tanks using either .

A. a lid, roof or tent structure, or .

B. A floating cover such as straw, natural crust, canvas, foil, expanded clay

aggregate (LECA) or expanded polystyrene (EPS)

Not applicable. Not in place. Not proposed.

47 to cover lagoons where slurry is stored using either a plastic cover or a

floating cover (eg straw, LECA or natural crust).

Not applicable Not in place. Not proposed.

48 5.2.6 On-farm manure processing Not applicable. Processing not done. Not in place. Not proposed.

49 5.2.7 Techniques for landspreading pig manure. Not applicable. No landspreading done. Not in place. Not proposed


ATTACHMENT No. L

SCREENING REPORT ON

APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT

ANNEX 1Location of development site

SPA 004232ANNEX 2.1Location of development siteIn relation to Protected Sites.

National Paries *nd WiklW* Semites Map Viewer - Windows Intem« Explore*

National Parks and Wildlife ServicesMap Viewer

Natural Heritage -/eas iQ found)

Proposed Natural Heritage Areas (0 found;

Special Areas of Conservation (1 found;

Special Protected Aieas \ found)

Site Code Site Name

004232 River Boyne and River BacKwa

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SAC 002299

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ANNEX 2.2Site Synopsis & Conservation ObjectivesFor SAC Site Code 002299 (ItPages)

SITE SYNOPSIS

SITE NAME: RIVER BOYNE AND RIVER BLACKWATER

SITE CODE: 002299

This site comprises the freshwater element of the River Boyne as far as the BoyneAqueduct, the Blackwater as far as Lough Ramor and the Boyne tributaries includingthe Deel, Stoneyford and Tremblestown Rivers. These riverine stretches drain aconsiderable area of Meath and Westmeath and smaller areas of Cavan and Louth.The underlying geology is Carboniferous Limestone for the most part with areas ofUpper, Lower and Middle well represented. In the vicinity of Kells Silurian Quartziteis present while close to Trim are Carboniferous Shales and Sandstones. There aremany large towns adjacent to but not within the site. Towns both small and large,include Slane, Navan, Kells, Trim, Athboy and Ballivor.

The site is a candidate SAC selected for alkaline fen and alluvial woodlands, bothhabitats listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is also selected forthe following species listed on Annex II of the same directive - Atlantic Salmon,Otter and River Lamprey.

The main areas of alkaline fen are concentrated in the vicinity of Lough Shesk,Freehan Lough and Newtown Lough. The hummocky nature of the local terrainproduces frequent springs and seepages which are rich in lime. A series of base-richmarshes have developed in the poorly-drained hollows, generally linked with thesethree lakes. Open water is usually fringed by Bulrush (Typha latifolid), CommonClub-rush (Scirpus lacustris) or Common Reed (Phragmites australis) and this lastspecies also extends shorewards where a dense stand of Great Fen Sedge or SawSedge (Cladium mariscus) frequently occurs. This in turn grades into a sedge andgrass community (Carex spp., Molinia caeruled) or one dominated by the Black Bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans). An alternative direction for the aquatic/terrestrialtransition to take is through a floating layer of vegetation. This is normally based onBogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) and Marsh cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris). Otherspecies gradually become established on this cover, especially plants tolerant of lownutrient status e.g. bog mosses (Sphagnum spp.). Diversity of plant and animal life ishigh in the fen and the flora, includes many rarities. The plants of interest includeNarrow-leaved Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza traunsteineri), Fen Bedstraw (Galiumuliginosum), Cowbane (Cicuta virosa), Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) andLeast Bur-reed (Sparganium minimum). These species tend to be restricted in theirdistribution in Ireland. Also notable is the abundance of aquatic Stoneworts (Charaspp.) which are characteristic of calcareous wetlands.

The rare plant, Round-leaved Wintergreen (Pyrola rotundifolia) occurs aroundNewtown Lough. This species is listed in the Red Data Book and is protected underthe Flora Protection Order, 1999, and this site is its only occurrence in Co. Meath.

Wet woodland fringes many stretches of the Boyne. The Boyne River Islands are asmall chain of three islands situated 2.5 km west of Drogheda. The islands wereformed by the build up of alluvial sediment in this part of the river where watermovement is sluggish. All of the islands are covered by dense thickets of wet,Willow (Salix spp.) woodland, with the following species occurring: Osier (S.viminalis), Crack Willow (S. fragilis), White Willow (S. alba), Purple Willow (Salixpurpurea) and Grey Willow (S. cinerea). A small area of Alder (Alnus glutinosa)woodland is found on soft ground at the edge of the canal in the north-western sectionof the islands. Along other stretches of the rivers of the site Grey Willow scrub andpockets of wet woodland dominated by Alder have become established, particularly atthe river edge of mature deciduous woodland. Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Birch(Betula pubescens) are common in the latter and the ground flora is typical of wetwoodland with Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Angelica (Angelica sylvestris),Yellow Iris, Horsetail (Equisetum spp.) and occasional tussocks of Greater Tussock-sedge (Carex paniculata).

The dominant habitat along the edges of the river is freshwater marsh - the followingplant species occur commonly here: Yellow Flag (Iris pseudacorus), Creeping Bent(Agrostis stolonifera), Canary Reed-grass (Phalaris arundinacea), Marsh Bedstraw(Galium palustre), Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Water Forget-me-not (Myosotisscorpioides). In the wetter areas of the marsh Common Meadow-rue (Thalictrumflavum) is found. In the vicinity of Dowth, Fen Bedstraw (Galium uliginosum), ascarce species mainly confined to marshy areas in the midlands, is common in thisvegetation. Swamp Meadow-grass (Poa palustris) is an introduced plant which hasspread into the wild (naturalised) along the Boyne approximately 5 km south-west ofSlane. It is a rare species which is listed in the Red Data Book and has been recordedamong freshwater marsh vegetation on the banks of the Boyne in this site. The onlyother record for this species in the Republic is from a site in Co. Monaghan.

The secondary habitat associated with the marsh is wet grassland and species such asTall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea), Silverweed (Potentilla anserina), CreepingButtercup (Ranunculus repens), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and MeadowVetchling (Lathyrus pratensis) are well represented. Strawberry Clover (Trifoliumfragiferum), a plant generally restricted to coastal locations in Ireland, has beenrecorded from wet grassland vegetation at Trim. At Rossnaree river bank on theRiver Boyne, is Round-Fruited Rush (Juncus compressus) found in alluvial pasture,which is generally periodically flooded during the winter months. This rare plant isonly found in three counties in Ireland.

Along much of the Boyne and along tributary stretches are areas of mature deciduouswoodland on the steeper slopes above the floodplain marsh or wet woodlandvegetation. Many of these are planted in origin. However the steeper areas of KingWilliams Glen and Townley Hall wood have been left unmanaged and now have amore natural character. East of Curley Hole the woodland has a natural appearancewith few conifers. Broad-leaved species include Oak (Quercus spp.), Ash (Fraxinusexcelsior), Willows, Hazel (Corylus avellana), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus),Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Horse chestnut (Aesculus sp.) and the shrubs Hawthorn(Crataegus monogyna), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and Elder (Sambucus nigra).South-west of Slane and in Dowth, the addition of some more exotic tree species such

as Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), and occasionally Lime (Tiliacordata), are seen. Coniferous trees, Larch (Larix sp.) and Scots Pine (Pinussylvestris) also occur. The woodland ground flora includes Barren Strawberry(Potentilla sterilis), Enchanter’s Nightshade (Circaea lutetiana) and Ground-ivy(Glechoma hederacea), along with a range of ferns. Variation occurs in thecomposition of the canopy, for example, in wet patches alongside the river, WhiteWillow and Alder form the canopy.

Other habitats present along the Boyne and Blackwater include lowland drygrassland, improved grassland, reedswamp, weedy wasteground areas, scrub, hedge,drainage ditches and canal. In the vicinity of Lough Shesk, the dry slopes of themorainic hummocks support grassland vegetation which, in some places, is partiallycolonised by Gorse (Ulex europaeus) scrub. Those grasslands which remainunimproved for pasture are species-rich with Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra),Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense) and Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)commonly present. Fringing the canal alongside the Boyne south-west of Slane, areReed Sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima), Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) andMeadowsweet.

The Boyne and its tributaries is one of Ireland’s premier game fisheries and it offers awide range of angling from fishing for spring salmon and grilse to seatrout fishingand extensive brown trout fishing. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) use the tributariesand headwaters as spawning grounds. Although this species is still fishedcommercially in Ireland, it is considered to be endangered or locally threatenedelsewhere in Europe and is listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive. AtlanticSalmon run the Boyne almost every month of the year. The Boyne is most importantas it represents an eastern river which holds large three-sea-winter fish from 20 –30lb. These fish generally arrive in February with smaller spring fish (10 lb) arriving inApril/May. The grilse come in July, water permitting. The river gets a further run offish in late August and this run would appear to last well after the fishing season. Thesalmon fishing season lasts from 1st March to 30th September.

The Blackwater is a medium sized limestone river which is still recovering from theeffects of the arterial drainage scheme of the 70’s. Salmon stocks have not recoveredto the numbers pre drainage. The Deel, Riverstown, Stoneyford and TremblestownRivers are all spring fed with a continuous high volume of water. They are difficult tofish in that some are overgrown while others have been affected by drainage with theresulting high banks.

The site is also important for the populations of two other species listed on Annex IIof the E.U. Habitats Directive, namely River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) which ispresent in the lower reaches of the Boyne River while the Otter (Lutra lutra) can befound throughout the site. In addition, the site also supports many more of themammal species occurring in Ireland. Those which are listed in the Irish Red DataBook include Pine Marten, Badger and Irish Hare. Common Frog, another Red DataBook species, also occurs within the site. All of these animals with the addition ofthe Stoat and Red Squirrel, which also occur within the site, are protected under theWildlife Act.

Whooper Swans winter regularly at several locations along the Boyne and BlackwaterRivers. Parts of these areas are within the cSAC site. Known sites are at Newgrange(c. 20 in recent winters), near Slane (20+ in recent winters), Wilkinstown (severalrecords of 100+) and River Blackwater from Kells to Navan (104 at Kells in winter1996/97, 182 at Headfort in winter 1997/98, 200-300 in winter 1999/00). Theavailable information indicates that there is a regular wintering population ofWhooper Swans based along the Boyne and Blackwater River valleys. The birds usea range of feeding sites but roosting sites are not well known. The population issubstantial, certainly of national, and at times international, importance. Numbers areprobably in the low hundreds.

Intensive agriculture is the main landuse along the site. Much of the grassland is invery large fields and is improved. Silage harvesting is carried out. The spreading ofslurry and fertiliser poses a threat to the water quality of this salmonid river and to thelakes. In the more extensive agricultural areas sheep grazing is carried out.

Fishing is a main tourist attraction on the Boyne and Blackwater and there are anumber of Angler Associations, some with a number of beats. Fishing stands andstyles have been erected in places. The Eastern Regional Fishery Board have erectedfencing along selected stretches of the river as part of their salmonid enhancementprogramme. Parts of the river system have been arterially dredged. In 1969 anarterial dredging scheme commenced and disrupted angling for 18 years. Thedredging altered the character of the river completely and resulted in many cases inleaving very high banks. The main channel from Drogheda upstream to Navan wasleft untouched, as were a few stretches on the Blackwater. Ongoing maintenancedredging is carried out along stretches of the river system where the gradient is low.This is extremely destructive to salmonid habitat in the area. Drainage of the adjacentriver systems also impacts on the many small wetland areas throughout the site. TheRiver Boyne is a designated Salmonid Water under the EU Freshwater Fish Directive.

The site supports populations of several species listed on Annex II of the EU HabitatsDirective, and habitats listed on Annex I of this directive, as well as examples of otherimportant habitats. Although the wet woodland areas appear small there are fewsimilar examples of this type of alluvial wet woodland remaining in the country,particularly in the north-east. The semi-natural habitats, particularly the strips ofwoodland which extend along the river banks and the marsh and wet grasslands,increase the overall habitat diversity and add to the ecological value of the site as doesthe presence of a range of Red Data Book plant and animal species and the presenceof nationally rare plant species.

6.10.2006

Generic Conservation Objective18 July 2011

Conservation Objectives for River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC [002299]

European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to maintain habitats and species in the Natura 2000 network at favourable conservation condition. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites.

Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when: • its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing, and • the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long‐term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and • the conservation status of its typical species is favourable.

The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when: • population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a long‐term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and • the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and • there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long‐term basis.

Objective: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected:

The overall aim of the Habitats Directive is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest. These habitats and species are listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives and Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas are designated to afford protection to the most vulnerable of them. These two designations are collectively known as the Natura 2000 network.

The maintenance of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites at favourable conservation condition will contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable conservation status of those habitats and species at a national level.

Start 002299

Lampetra fluviatilis [1099]

Salmo salar (only in fresh water) [1106]

Lutra lutra [1355]

Alkaline fens [7230]

* Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno‐Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)

[91E0]

For more information please go to: www.npws.ie/protectedsites/conservationmanagementplanning

NPWS (2011) Conservation objectives for River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC [002299]. Generic Version 3.0. Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht.

Citation:

Site code: IE0002299 NATURA 2000 Data Form

NATURA 2000Site code:

STANDARD DATA FORM

FOR SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS (SPA)

FOR SITES ELIGIBLE FOR IDENTIFICATION AS SITES OF COMMUNITY IMPORTANCE (SCI)

AND

FOR SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION (SAC)

Start Form

NF002299

1


1. SITE IDENTIFICATION

1.5. RELATION WITH OTHER NATURA 2000 SITES:

1.1. TYPE 1.2. SITE CODE 1.3. COMPILATION DATE 1.4. UPDATE

B IE0002299 200306

1.6. RESPONDENT(S):National Parks & Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.

DATE SITE PROPOSED AS ELIGIBLE AS SCI:

200306

DATE CONFIRMED AS SCI:

DATE SITE CLASSIFIED AS SPA: DATE SITE DESIGNATED AS SAC:

1.7. SITE NAME:River Boyne and River Blackwater

1.8. SITE INDICATION AND DESIGNATION/CLASSIFICATION DATES:

2


2.1. SITE CENTRE LOCATION

LONGITUDE LATITUDE

W

W/E (Greenwich)

6 42 0 53 35 0

2.2. AREA (HA): 2.3. SITE LENGTH (KM):

2320.86

2.4. ALTITUDE (M):

10

MINIMUM MAXIMUM MEAN

100 60

2. SITE LOCATION

2.6. BIOGEOGRAPHIC REGION:

Alpine Atlantic Continental MacaronesianBoreal Mediterranean

NUTS CODE REGION NAME % COVER

2.5. ADMINISTRATIVE REGION:

IE011 Border 2

IE012 Midland 8

IE022 Mid-East 90

3


3. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

3.1. HABITAT types present on the site and assessment for them:

ANNEX I HABITAT TYPES:

CODE %COVER REPRESENTATIVITY RELATIVE SURFACE CONSERVATION STATUS

GLOBAL ASSESSMENT

91e0 1 B B B B

7230 1 B C B B

4


3.2. SPECIES

covered by Article 4 of Directive 79/409/EEC

and

and

listed in Annex II of Directive 92/43/EEC

site assessment for them

5


3.2.a. BIRDS listed on Annex I of Council directive 79/409/EEC

3.2.b. Regularly occuring Migratory Birds not listed on Annex I of Council directive 79/409/EEC

3.2.c. MAMMALS listed on Annex II of Council directive 92/43/EEC

3.2.d. AMPHIBIANS and REPTILES listed on Annex II of Council directive 92/43/EEC

3.2.e. FISHES listed on Annex II of Council directive 92/43/EEC

PopulationSITE ASSESSMENT

MigratoryResidentPOPULATIONNAMECODE

Conservation Isolation

Breed Winter Stage

50-200+ iCygnus cygnusA038 C B C




Breed Winter Stage

pLutra lutra1355 C A C A




Breed Winter Stage

cSalmo salar1106 C B CpLampetra

fluviatilis1099 C B C

6


3.2.f. INVERTEBRATES listed on Annex II of Council directive 92/43/EEC

3.2.g. PLANTS listed on Annex II of Council directive 92/43/EEC

7


3.3. Other Important Species of Flora and Fauna

(B = Birds, M = Mammals, A = Amphibians, R = Reptiles, F = Fish, I = Invertebrates, P = Plants)

SCIENTIFIC NAME POPULATION MOTIVATIONB M A R F I P

GROUP

P Juncus compressus p AP Poa palustris p AP Pyrola rotundifolia p A

A Rana temporaria p AA Rana temporaria p C

M Lepus timidus hibernicus p AM Lepus timidus hibernicus p BM Lepus timidus hibernicus p CM Martes martes p AM Martes martes p CM Meles meles p AM Meles meles p CM Mustela erminea hibernica p BM Mustela erminea hibernica p C

P Dactylorhiza traunsteineri p D

8


4. SITE DESCRIPTION

4.1. GENERAL SITE CHARACTER:

Habitat classes % cover

Tidal rivers, Estuaries, Mud flats, Sand flats, Lagoons (including saltwork basins)

1

Inland water bodies (Standing water, Running water) 30

Bogs, Marshes, Water fringed vegetation, Fens 12

Heath, Scrub, Maquis and Garrigue, Phygrana 4

Dry grassland, Steppes 1

Humid grassland, Mesophile grassland 10

Extensive cereal cultures (including Rotation cultures with regular fallowing)

8

Improved grassland 22

Other arable land 1

Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 2

Mixed woodland 7

Artificial forest monoculture (e.g. Plantations of poplar or Exotic trees)

1

Other land (including Towns, Villages, Roads, Waste places, Mines, Industrial sites)

1

Total habitat cover 100 %

Other site characteristicsThis site comprises most of the freshwater element of the River Boyne from upriver of the Boyne Aqueduct at Drogheda, the Blackwater River as far as Lough Ramor and the principal Boyne tributaries, notably the Deel, Stoneyford and Tremblestown Rivers. This system drains a considerable area of Cos. Meath and Westmeath and smaller areas of Cavan and Louth. The underlying geology is Carboniferous Limestone for the most part with areas of Upper, Lower and Middle well represented. In the vicinity of Kells Silurian Quartzite is present while close to Trim are Carboniferous Shales and Sandstones. The rivers flow through a landscape dominated by intensive agriculture, mostly of improved grassland but also cereals. Much of the river channels were subject to arterial drainage schemes in the past. Natural flood-plains now exist along only limited stretches of river, though often there is a fringe of reed swamp, freshwater marsh, wet grassland or deciduous wet woodland. Along some parts, notably between Drogheda and Slane, are stands of tall, mature mixed woodland. Substantial areas of improved grassland and arable land are included in site for water quality reasons. There are many medium to large sized towns adjacent to but not within the site.

4.2. QUALITY AND IMPORTANCE:

The main channel of the Boyne contains a good example of alluvial woodland of the Salicetum albo-fragilis type which has developed on three alluvium islands. Alkaline fen vegetation is well represented at Lough Shesk, where there is a very fine example of habitat succession from open water to raised bog. The Boyne and its tributaries is one of Ireland's premier game fisheries and offers a wide range of angling, from fishing for spring salmon and grilse to sea trout fishing and extensive brown trout fishing. The site is one of the most important in eastern Ireland for Salmo salar and has very extensive spawning grounds. The site also has an important population of Lampetra fluviatilis, though the distribution or abundance of this species is not well known. Lutra lutra is widespread throughout the site. Some of the grassland areas along the Boyne and Blackwater are used by a nationally important winter flock of Cygnus cygnus.

9


Several Red Data Book plants occur within the site, with Pyrola rotundifolia, Poa palustris and Juncus compressus. Also occurring are a number of Red Data Book animals, notably Meles meles, Martes martes and Rana temporaria. The River Boyne is a designated Salmonid Water under the EU Freshwater Fish Directive.

4.3. VULNERABILITY

Main threats to the ecological interests of this site are further drainage schemes and water pollution. In the past, where drainage occurred it altered the character of the river and removed natural bankside structure and vegetation. Ongoing maintenance dredging is carried out along stretches of the river system where the gradient is low. This can be extremely destructive to salmonid habitat. Drainage also impacts on the many small wetland areas throughout the site. Water quality is impaired in parts of the system through agricultural run-off and inputs from domestic and industrial sources. A reduction in the input of pollutants to the system is required to preserve the important aquatic interests in this site.

4.4. SITE DESIGNATION:

4.5. OWNERSHIP

Private : multiple

State

4.6. DOCUMENTATIONBracken, J. J. and O'Grady, M. E. (1992). A review of freshwater fisheries research in Ireland. In Feehan, J. (ed.) Environment and Development in Ireland, pp 499-510. The Environmental Institute, UCD, Dublin.

Central Fisheries Board 2001. Irish Salmon Catches 2000. http://www.cfb.ie/: February 2001.

Central Fisheries Board 2002. Irish Salmon Catches. http://www.cfb.ie/: January 2003.

Doris, Y., McGarrigle, M.L., Clabby, K.J., Lucey, J., Neill, M., Flanagan, M., Quinn, M.B., Sugrue, M. and Lehane, M. (1999). Water quality in Ireland 1995-1997. Statistical Compendium of River Quality Data. Electronic Publication on Disk. Environmental Protection Agency, Wexford.

Doris, Y., Clabby, K.J., Lucey and Lehane, M. (2002). Water Quality in Ireland 1998-2000. Statistical Compendium of River Quality Data. Electronic Publication on Disk. Environmental Protection Agency, Wexford.

Fahy, E. (1971). A Preliminary Report on Areas of Scientific Interest in County Louth. An Foras Forbartha, Dublin.

Farrell, L. (1972). A Preliminary Report on Areas of Scientific Interest in County Cavan. An Foras Forbartha, Dublin.

Goodwillie, R. (1971). A Preliminary Report on Areas of Scientific Interest in County Westmeath. An Foras Forbartha, Dublin.

Goodwillie, R. (1975). The Ecological Importance of Lough Shesk, Co. Meath. Unpublished Report. An Foras Forbartha, Dublin.

Kelly, D.L. and Iremonger, S.F. (1997). Irish wetland woods: the plant communities and their ecology. Biology and the Environment, Proceedings of the

10


Royal Irish Academy 97B: 1-32.

King, Dr Jimmy, personal Communication to EcoServe, 2003.

Kurz, I. and Costello, M.J. (1999). An outline of the biology, distribution and conservation of lampreys in Ireland. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 5. 27pp. Dublin. Dúchas - The Heritage Service.

Lenehan, L.J. (1996). Wintering waterfowl at Newgrange, Co. Meath. Irish East Coast Bird Report 1995. 75-78.

Limnological Unit, U.C.D., (1997). Limnological Investigations in the River Boyne at Bective / Ballinter. Unpublished Report for P.H. McCarthy & Partners, Dublin.

Maitland, P.S. (1980). Review of the ecology of lampreys in northern Europe. Canadian Journal of Aquatic Sciences 37: 1944 - 1952.

McGarrigle M.L., Bowman J.J., Clabby K.J., Lucey J., Cunningham P., MacCarthaigh M., Keegan M., Cantrell B., Lehane M., Clenaghan C. & Toner P.F. (2002). Water Quality in Ireland 1998-2000. Environmental Protection Agency, Wexford.

O'Grady, M. (1985). A Post Drainage Fishery Rehabilitation Programme for the Stonyford River and a Long Term Management Plan for this Resource. Central Fisheries Board, Dublin.

O'Grady, M. (1991). Rehabilitation of Salmonid Habitats in a Drained Irish River System. In: Steer, M.W. (ed.) Irish Rivers: Biology and Management. Royal Irish Academy, Dublin.

O'Reilly, P. (1998). Trout and Salmon Rivers of Ireland: an Anglers Guide. Merlin Unwin Books, London.

Praeger, R.L. (1934) . The Botanist in Ireland. Hodges, Figgis & Co, Dublin.

Reynolds, J.D. (1998). Ireland's Freshwaters. The Marine Institute, Dublin 1998.

Ryan, J. (1986). Report on Lough Shesk, Boyne Drainage Scheme. Internal Report. Forest and Wildlife Service, Dublin.

Sheppard, R. (1993). Ireland's Wetland Wealth. IWC, Dublin.

Synnott, D.M. (1987). Juncus compressus Jacq. in Ireland. Irish Naturalists' Journal 16: 92-93.

The Three Rivers Project, 2003. River Boyne Statistics. http://www.threeriversproject.ie

Young, R. (1971). A Preliminary Report on Areas of Scientific Interest in County Meath. An Foras Forbartha, Dublin.

11


5. SITE PROTECTION STATUS AND RELATION WITH CORINE BIOTOPES

5.1. DESIGNATION TYPES at National and Regional level:

5.2. RELATION OF THE DESCRIBED SITE WITH OTHER SITES:

5.3. RELATION OF THE DESCRIBED SITE WITH CORINE BIOTOPE SITES:

designated at National or Regional level:

designated at International level:

CORINE SITE CODE OVERLAP TYPE % COVER

800000430

800000873

12


6. IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND THE SITE

6.1. GENERAL IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES AND PROPORTION OF THE SURFACE OF THE SITE AFFECTED

6.2. SITE MANAGEMENT AND PLANS

IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES WITHIN the site

IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND the site

CODE INTENSITY % OF SITE INFLUENCE100 8A B C + 0 -120 40A B C + 0 -140 40A B C + 0 -160 1A B C + 0 -220 20A B C + 0 -420 30A B C + 0 -621 5A B C + 0 -622 30A B C + 0 -701 30A B C + 0 -810 20A B C + 0 -890 30A B C + 0 -502 1A B C + 0 -

CODE INTENSITY INFLUENCE100 A B C + 0 -120 A B C + 0 -140 A B C + 0 -160 A B C + 0 -400 A B C + 0 -403 A B C + 0 -502 A B C + 0 -

BODY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SITE MANAGEMENT

SITE MANAGEMENT AND PLANS

A Conservation Plan for the management of this site will be prepared.

13


7. MAPS OF THE SITE

- Physical map

- Aerial photograph(s) included:

8. SLIDES

NUMBER AREA SUBJECT DATE

OS-4632 Navan Town View of Blackwater River 200005

OS-1200 Drogheda Town View of eastern extremity of River Boyne

200005

14

ANNEX 2.3Site Synopsis & Conservation ObjectivesFor SPA Site Code 004232 (14 Pages)

SITE SYNOPSIS

SITE NAME: RIVER BOYNE AND RIVER BLACKWATER SPA

SITE CODE: 004232

The River Boyne and River Blackwater SPA is a long, linear site that comprisesstretches of the River Boyne and several of its tributaries; most of the site is in Co.Meath, but it extends also into Cos Cavan, Louth and Westmeath. It includes thefollowing river sections: the River Boyne from the Ml motorway bridge, west ofDrogheda, to the junction with the Royal Canal, west of Longwood, Co Meath; theRiver Blackwater from its junction with the River Boyne in Navan to the junctionwith Lough Ramor in Co. Cavan; the Tremblestown River/Athboy River from thejunction with the River Boyne at Kilnagross Bridge west of Trim to the bridge inAthboy, Co. Meath; the Stoneyford River from its junction with the River Boyne toStonestown Bridge in Co. Westmeath; the River Deel from its junction with the RiverBoyne to Cummer Bridge, Co. Westmeath. The site includes the river channel andmarginal vegetation.

Most of the site is underlain by Carboniferous limestone but Silurian quartzite alsooccurs in the vicinity of Kells and Carboniferous shales and sandstones close to Trim.

The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive of specialconservation interest for the following species: Kingfisher.

A survey in 2010 recorded 19 pairs of Kingfisher (based on 15 probable and 4possible territories) in the River Boyne and River Blackwater SPA. A surveyconducted in 2008 recorded 20-22 Kingfisher territories within the SPA. Otherspecies which occur within the site include Mute Swan (90), Teal (166), Mallard(219), Cormorant (36), Grey Heron (44), Moorhen (84), Snipe (32) and Sand Martin(553) - all figures are peak counts recorded during the 2010 survey.

The River Boyne and River Blackwater Special Protection Area is of highornithological importance as it supports a nationally important population ofKingfisher, a species that is listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive.

25.11.2010

Generic Conservation Objective16 April 2012

Conservation Objectives for River Boyne and River Blackwater SPA [004232]

European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to maintain habitats and species in the Natura 2000 network at favourable conservation condition. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites.

Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when: • its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing, and • the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long‐term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and • the conservation status of its typical species is favourable.

The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when: • population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a long‐term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and • the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and • there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long‐term basis.

Objective: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA:

The overall aim of the Habitats Directive is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest. These habitats and species are listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives and Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas are designated to afford protection to the most vulnerable of them. These two designations are collectively known as the Natura 2000 network.

The maintenance of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites at favourable conservation condition will contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable conservation status of those habitats and species at a national level.

Start 004232

Alcedo atthis [breeding ]

For more information please go to: www.npws.ie/protectedsites/conservationmanagementplanning

NPWS (2011) Conservation objectives for River Boyne and River Blackwater SPA [004232]. Generic Version 4.0. Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht.

Citation:


NATURA 2000Site code:

STANDARD DATA FORM

FOR SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS (SPA)

FOR SITES ELIGIBLE FOR IDENTIFICATION AS SITES OF COMMUNITY IMPORTANCE (SCI)

AND

FOR SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION (SAC)

Start Form

NF004232

1


1. SITE IDENTIFICATION

1.5. RELATION WITH OTHER NATURA 2000 SITES:

1.1. TYPE 1.2. SITE CODE 1.3. COMPILATION DATE 1.4. UPDATE

J IE0004232 201011

NATURA 2000 SITE CODES

IE0002299

1.6. RESPONDENT(S):National Parks & Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.

DATE SITE PROPOSED AS ELIGIBLE AS SCI: DATE CONFIRMED AS SCI:

DATE SITE CLASSIFIED AS SPA:

201011

DATE SITE DESIGNATED AS SAC:

1.7. SITE NAME:River Boyne and River Blackwater SPA

1.8. SITE INDICATION AND DESIGNATION/CLASSIFICATION DATES:

2


2.1. SITE CENTRE LOCATION

LONGITUDE LATITUDE

W

W/E (Greenwich)

9 39 42 53 38 9

2.2. AREA (HA): 2.3. SITE LENGTH (KM):

460.34

2.4. ALTITUDE (M):

10

MINIMUM MAXIMUM MEAN

80 40

2. SITE LOCATION

2.6. BIOGEOGRAPHIC REGION:

Alpine Atlantic Continental MacaronesianBoreal Mediterranean

NUTS CODE REGION NAME % COVER

2.5. ADMINISTRATIVE REGION:

IE022 Mid-East 100

3


3. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

3.1. HABITAT types present on the site and assessment for them:

ANNEX I HABITAT TYPES:

CODE %COVER REPRESENTATIVITY RELATIVE SURFACE CONSERVATION STATUS

GLOBAL ASSESSMENT

4


3.2. SPECIES

covered by Article 4 of Directive 79/409/EEC

and

and

listed in Annex II of Directive 92/43/EEC

site assessment for them

5


3.2.a. BIRDS listed on Annex I of Council directive 79/409/EEC

3.2.b. Regularly occuring Migratory Birds not listed on Annex I of Council directive 79/409/EEC

3.2.c. MAMMALS listed on Annex II of Council directive 92/43/EEC

3.2.d. AMPHIBIANS and REPTILES listed on Annex II of Council directive 92/43/EEC

3.2.e. FISHES listed on Annex II of Council directive 92/43/EEC

3.2.f. INVERTEBRATES listed on Annex II of Council directive 92/43/EEC

3.2.g. PLANTS listed on Annex II of Council directive 92/43/EEC



Conservation Isolation Global

Breed Winter Stage

166 iAnas creccaA052 C B C C219 iAnas

platyrhynchosA053 C B C C

36 iPhalacrocorax carbo

A017 C B C C

44 iArdea cinereaA028 C B C C



Conservation Isolation Global

Breed Winter Stage

19 pAlcedo atthisA229 C B C B

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3.3. Other Important Species of Flora and Fauna

(B = Birds, M = Mammals, A = Amphibians, R = Reptiles, F = Fish, I = Invertebrates, P = Plants)

SCIENTIFIC NAME POPULATION MOTIVATIONB M A R F I P

GROUP

B Cygnus olor 90 i C

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4. SITE DESCRIPTION

4.1. GENERAL SITE CHARACTER:

Habitat classes % cover

Inland water bodies (Standing water, Running water) 50

Heath, Scrub, Maquis and Garrigue, Phygrana 8

Humid grassland, Mesophile grassland 5

Extensive cereal cultures (including Rotation cultures with regular fallowing)

10

Improved grassland 12

Other arable land 2

Other land (including Towns, Villages, Roads, Waste places, Mines, Industrial sites)

6

Bogs, Marshes, Water fringed vegetation, Fens 5

Dry grassland, Steppes 2

Total habitat cover 100 %

Other site characteristicsThe River Boyne and River Blackwater SPA is a long linear site that comprises stretches of the River Boyne and several of its tributaries: most of the site is in Co Meath but it extends also into Counties Cavan, Louth and Westmeath. It includes the following river sections: The River Boyne from the M1 motorway bridge, west of Drogheda, to the junction with the Royal Canal, west of Longwood, Co Meath; the River Blackwater from its junction with the River Boyne in Navan to the junction with Lough Ramor in Co Cavan; the Tremblestown River (and Athboy River) from the junction with the River Boyne at Kilnagross Bridge to the bridge in Athboy, Co Meath; the Stoneyford River from its junction with the River Boyne to Stonestone Bridge in Co. Westmeath; the River Deel from its junction with the River Boyne to Cummer Bridge, Co.Westmeath. The site includes the river channel and marginal vegetation.

4.2. QUALITY AND IMPORTANCE:

The River Boyne and River Blackwater SPA supports nationally important numbers of Alcedo atthis. Other species which occur within the site include Cygnus olor, Anas crecca, Anas platyrhynchos, Phalacrocorax carbo, Ardea cinerea, Gallinula chloropus, Gallinago gallinago and Riparia riparia.

4.3. VULNERABILITY

There are no known threats.

4.4. SITE DESIGNATION:

4.5. OWNERSHIP

Private: multiple

4.6. DOCUMENTATIONCrowe, O. (2005). Ireland's Wetlands and their Waterbirds: Status and Distribution. BirdWatch Ireland, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow.

Crowe, O., Austin, G.E., Colhoun, K., Cranswick, P.A., Kershaw, M. and Musgrove, A.J. (2008). Estimates and trends of waterbird numbers wintering in Ireland 1994/95 to 2003/04. Bird Study 55: 66-

8


77. Crowe, O., Webb, G., Collins, E. and Smiddy, P. (2008). Waterway Bird Survey 2008. Unpublished report to the NPWS.

Cummins, S., Fisher, J., McKeever, R.J., McNaghten, L., and Crowe, O. (2010). Assessment of the distribution and abundance of Kingfishers Alcedo atthis and other riparian birds on six SAC. Unpublished report to the NPWS.

Gibbons, D.W., Reid. J.B. and Chapman. R.A. (1993). The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991. T.& A.D. Poyser, London.

Hunt, J., Derwin, J., Coveney, J. and Newton, S. (2000). Republic of Ireland. Pp. 365-416 in Heath, M.F. and Evans, M.I. (eds). Important Bird Areas in Europe: Priority Sites for Conservation 1: Northern Europe. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (BirdLife Conservation Series No. 8).

Newton, S., Donagh, A., Allen, D. and Gibbons, D. (1999). Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland. Irish birds 6: 333-344.

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5. SITE PROTECTION STATUS AND RELATION WITH CORINE BIOTOPES

5.1. DESIGNATION TYPES at National and Regional level:

5.2. RELATION OF THE DESCRIBED SITE WITH OTHER SITES:

5.3. RELATION OF THE DESCRIBED SITE WITH CORINE BIOTOPE SITES:

designated at National or Regional level:

designated at International level:

10


6. IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND THE SITE

6.1. GENERAL IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES AND PROPORTION OF THE SURFACE OF THE SITE AFFECTED

6.2. SITE MANAGEMENT AND PLANS

IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES WITHIN the site

IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND the site

CODE INTENSITY % OF SITE INFLUENCE810 20A B C + 0 -890 30A B C + 0 -502 1A B C + 0 -

CODE INTENSITY INFLUENCE400 A B C + 0 -403 A B C + 0 -502 A B C + 0 -

BODY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SITE MANAGEMENT

SITE MANAGEMENT AND PLANS

A Conservation Plan for the management of this site will be prepared.

11


7. MAPS OF THE SITE

- Physical map

- Aerial photograph(s) included:

8. SLIDES

12

Documents

Clondrisse Pig Farm Ltd. Gillardstown House Gillardstown ...fluorescent lighting tubes) is as required by separate waste legislation. It is policy to minimise waste accumulation and