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DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET

Client Mayo County Council

Project Title N59 Mulranny Footpaths

PMG Phase Phase 3: Design

Document Title Environmental Impact Assessment: EIA Screening Report

Document No. MO 11 4249–304‐0

This Document Comprises DCS TOC Text List of Tables List of Figures No. of

Appendices

Revision Status Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By Issue Date

0 Draft M. McHugh B. Freeman,

Dr. K. Donnelly

R. Gillespie

M. MacDonagh

1 Draft M. McHugh

2 Draft M. McHugh B. Freeman,

Dr. K. Donnelly

R. Gillespie

M. MacDonagh

NPWS

3 Final Issue M. McHugh R. Glancy P. Mahon 04/02/2013

N59 MULRANNY FOOTPATHS

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

EIA SCREENING REPORT

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 PROJECT HISTORY .................................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................ 2

1.2.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 2

1.2.2 Current Situation .............................................................................................................................. 2

1.2.3 Brief Description of the Scheme ....................................................................................................... 3

1.3 EIA SCREENING REPORT ........................................................................................................................ 3

2. EIA SCREENING LEGISLATION AND METHODOLOGY ....................................................................... 4

2.1 RELEVANT LEGISLATION ........................................................................................................................ 4

2.1.1 EU legislation .................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1.2 Irish Legislation ................................................................................................................................. 4

2.2 GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS ....................................................................................................................... 4

2.3 METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................................... 4

2.3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 4

2.3.2 Information for Screening Process ................................................................................................... 6

3. EIA SCREENING PROCESS ................................................................................................................. 7

3.1 SCREENING STEP 1: ANNEX I OR II......................................................................................................... 7

3.2 SCREENING STEP 2: MANDATORY LIST ................................................................................................. 7

3.3 SCREENING STEP 3: EXCLUSION LIST ..................................................................................................... 7

3.4 SCREENING STEP 4: CASE‐BY‐CASE (SUB‐THRESHOLD DEVELOPMENT) ............................................... 9

3.5 SCREENING STEP 5: RECORDING THE SCREENING DECISION .............................................................. 11

4. EIA SCREENING TOOLS: CASE‐BY‐CASE CONSIDERATION .............................................................. 12

4.1 SCREENING TOOLS .............................................................................................................................. 12

4.1.1 Screening Checklist ......................................................................................................................... 12

4.1.2 Checklist of the Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Environmental Effects ........................ 12

5. ANNEX III SCREENING SELECTION CRITERIA .................................................................................. 24

5.1 EIA LEGISLATION ................................................................................................................................. 24

5.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ...................................................................... 24

5.2.1 Size of the Project ........................................................................................................................... 24

5.2.2 Cumulation with Other Projects ..................................................................................................... 24

5.2.3 Use of Natural Resources................................................................................................................ 25

5.2.4 Production of Waste ....................................................................................................................... 25

5.2.5 Pollution and Nuisances ................................................................................................................. 25

5.2.6 Risk of Accidents ............................................................................................................................. 26

5.3 LOCATION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT .......................................................................................... 26

5.3.1 Existing Land Use ............................................................................................................................ 26

5.3.2 Abundance, Quality and Regenerative Capacity of Natural Resources .......................................... 26

5.3.3 The Absorption Capacity of the Natural Environment.................................................................... 26

5.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS ........................................................................................ 28

5.4.1 Extent of the Impact ....................................................................................................................... 29

5.4.2 Transfrontier Nature of the Impact ................................................................................................ 29

5.4.3 Magnitude and Complexity of the Impact ...................................................................................... 29

5.4.4 Probability of the Impact ................................................................................................................ 33

5.4.5 Duration, Frequency and Reversibility of the Impact ..................................................................... 33

6. CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................................ 34

6.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 34

6.2 MANDATORY EIA ................................................................................................................................. 34

6.3 SUB‐THRESHOLD EIA ........................................................................................................................... 34

6.3.1 Characteristics of the Proposed Development ............................................................................... 34

6.3.2 Location of the Proposed Development ......................................................................................... 34

6.3.3 Characteristics of Potential Impacts ............................................................................................... 34

6.3.4 Likely Significant Effects .................................................................................................................. 34

6.4 MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL DECISION .................................................................................................... 35

APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................................................... 36

Location of Designated Sites within 15km of Mulranny Village ....................................................................... 36

Mayo NRDO N59 Mulranny Footpaths February 2013

EIA Screening Report Final Issue Page | 1

N59 MULRANNY FOOTPATHS

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

EIA SCREENING REPORT

1. INTRODUCTION

Mulranny Village is located on the N59 National Secondary Road, west of Newport. The N59 National

Secondary Road is of strategic importance to the West & North West Region of County Mayo. All traffic

originating from Dublin, Cork, Galway and Castlebar must pass through Mulranny to reach Achill.

Mulranny is located in a very scenic area with spectacular views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick. It is also

located adjacent to the Westport‐Achill Great Western Greenway, which attracted 146,000 cyclists and

walkers in 2011. Despite this the village does not have a footpath linking all the services such as the National

School, Hotel, Shops, Public Houses, Greenway, Golf Course and beaches.

The proposed scheme is located in the Village of Mulranny. The existing carriageway width varies from 5.2m

to 6.2m. This means that at a number of locations in the village of Mulranny HGVs have difficulty passing one

another from opposite directions, having to stop and give way to one another. The varying width of

carriageway makes it extremely dangerous for pedestrians walking along this section of road. In addition, the

absence of any footpath, hard strip or hard shoulder, makes pedestrian movements extremely hazardous,

particularly when two HGVs approach them from opposite directions.

1.1 PROJECT HISTORY

Mulranny Community Futures Steering Group prepared the Mulranny Community Action Plan 2010‐2015.

Three Priorities under Roads, Traffic and Parking Actions are Traffic Calming, Footpaths and Parking.

In July 2011 Mayo County Council adopted a Part 8 for proposed pedestrian footpaths developed by Mayo

County Council Road Design Section. These plans included footpaths, pedestrian crossings, a carpark, a

retaining wall and the closure of a local road access to the N59.

The Mulranny Village Design Statement was launched in April 2012. This statement proposed a widened

“Promenade” on the south side of the village core, which incorporates the two petrol stations, proposed

outdoor picnic/café area, cyclist set down area and car parking. Mayo County Council and the NRA decided to

relook at the original footpath design to incorporate the objectives in the Mulranny Village Design Statement.

An NRDO‐led Working Group made up from MCC staff from NRDO, Road Design, Architects, Heritage, Planning

and the Area Engineer was formed to guide the design. The main objective of the Working Group is to develop

a consistent approach to the design of the project and to incorporate as much of the Village Design Statement

as is practicable. The outcome will be a concrete and definite proposal for the N59 Mulranny Footpaths that

can be brought forward.



1.2 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

1.2.1 Overview

The N59 National Secondary Road is approximately 297km long. It commences near Ballisodare in County Sligo

at the intersection with the N4. The route circles around the West of Ireland, passing west from Sligo into

County Mayo and through Ballina, Crossmolina, Bangor Erris, Mulranny, and Newport and to Westport.

Continuing south through Mayo into County Galway, the road passes through the village of Leenane. It then

proceeds southwest through Connemara to Clifden, then through Maam Cross, Oughterard and Moycullen,

before ending at a junction with the N6 in Galway city.

The Mulranny section of the N59 serves as the main access route for tourists visiting Mulranny, Achill Island

and north to Belmullet, Erris and the Céide Fields in North Mayo. It serves the Gaeltacht areas of Acaill (Achill)

and Iorrais (Erris).

The scheme is consistent with national transport policy, the National Development Plan 2007‐2013. The

scheme is also compatible with the National Spatial Strategy 2002‐2020 (NSS), as it will improve the road

transport link between Achill and the Castlebar/Ballina Linked Hub in the NSS.

The completion of this scheme is consistent with the objectives of local policy documents such as the West

Regional Planning Guidelines and the Mayo County Development Plan 2008‐2014.

1.2.2 Current Situation

There is linear development through Mulranny Village comprising of residential development, a Post Office, 2

supermarkets, 2 filling stations, 3 pubs, 2 B&B’s and a hotel at the western end of the village. Mulranny is

listed as a “Rural Village” in the Mayo County Settlement Strategy. There is a beach located south of the entire

village and the Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill runs parallel to the N59 to the north of the

village. There are access points to the south to the beach and to the north to the Greenway directly from the

N59 at intervals throughout the village.

The speed limit through the Village is 50kph and this speed is generally observed during the day and when

traffic flows are heavy. There are locations where 2 HGVs cannot pass without giving way and as a result

traffic comes to a halt while the HGVs negotiate safe passage. However, during evening times when traffic is

light traffic speeds increase and the speed limit is exceeded.

Currently the carriageway width varies between 5.2m and 6.2m with no footpath. When 2 vehicles approach

each other from the opposite direction there is no place for a pedestrian to walk and the pedestrian has to

step into the nearest garden or driveway for safety.

Two Recorded Protected Structures ‘The Great Southern Hotel’ (ID: 0121) and ‘St. Mary’s RC Church’ (ID: 0122)

and one structure included in the Mayo Thatch Survey are located adjacent to the scheme.

There are five Natura 2000 sites situated within 15km of the study area, including Clew Bay Complex cSAC (Site

Code 001482), Owenduff/Nephin Complex cSAC (Site Code 000534) and SPA (004098), Lough Gall Bog cSAC

(Site Code 000522), and Corraun Plateau cSAC (Site Code 000485).There are four Natural Heritage Areas

(NHAs) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) within 15km of the study area, including Clew Bay

Complex pNHA (Site Code 001482), Owenduff/Nephin Complex pNHA (Site Code 000534), Lough Gall Bog

pNHA (Site Code 000522) and Corraun Plateau pNHA (Site Code 000485.

Mulranny Village is within the Landscape Character Zone Area E: North Mayo Mountain Moorland as

characterized in the Landscape Appraisal of County Mayo (CAAS Ltd., 2008) as a barren montaine, moorland



with steep flowing slopes. The Appraisal notes that the N59 is a designated scenic route from Bangor to east of

Rosturk. The village is on this designated scenic route.

The bedrock in the area is primarily made up of Psammitic schists and quartzites associated with the Anaffrin

Formation, which is considered a poor aquifer ‐ bedrock which is generally unproductive except for local

zones. The groundwater vulnerability is considered extreme in this area.

1.2.3 Brief Description of the Scheme

The scheme length is 1800m, from the Western side of the Village at the access to Mulranny National School,

to the junction with the Golf Links Road on the eastern side of the village. It is proposed to provide a footpath

on at least one side of the road throughout the entire village and provide a promenade (widened footpath) to

develop a village core to the centre of Mulranny village.

The village can be divided readily into three distinct sections: Areas 1, 2 and 3 (See attached map):

Area 1 is at the western end of the village and is 800m long. It links the School/Church area and the Mulranny

Park Hotel to Village Core (Area 2). Improvements proposed in this area would eliminate the worst section

west of the village core. There is 300m of existing footpath; therefore 500m of new footpath is required. It is

proposed to include two pedestrian crossings in this area and improve visibility at the existing pedestrian

crossing from the hotel to the beach causeway. The works proposed satisfies objectives in the Mulranny

Village Design Statement.

Area 2 is the Village Core and is 330m long. This area is the main focus of the Mulranny Village Design

Statement. The design will include a promenade to the south and better interaction with the Great Western

Greenway. Improving the parking layout and the provision of a carpark(s) will be a priority in this area.

Area 3 is the eastern end of the village design and is 670m long. Improvements have been made in this area in

recent years with widened carriageway width and footpaths each side. Currently the kerb‐to‐kerb width is

8.4m. The 50kph speed limit zone starts within this area and the main focus will be in traffic calming. This will

aid in defining the village structure on the approach to Mulranny from Newport. The carriageway width

provides the opportunity to put in cycleways to link the Golf Course Road to the Village Core, i.e. only requires

lining, and the narrowing of the carriageway will aid in traffic calming on the approach to the speed limit.

1.3 EIA SCREENING REPORT

This report outlines the methodology used (with reference to published guidance documents) to screen the

proposed development for the requirement to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). It provides

a rationale for the decision, as well as final conclusions.

The report is prepared by members of the project’s Working Group with advice from specialist personnel from

Mayo County Council.



2. EIA SCREENING LEGISLATION AND METHODOLOGY

2.1 RELEVANT LEGISLATION

2.1.1 EU legislation

EIA requirements derive from EU Directive 85/337/EEC (as amended by Directive 97/11/EC) on the assessment

of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment.

2.1.2 Irish Legislation

In relation to roads projects, the requirements of these EU Directives have been transposed into Irish Law

through the Roads Act, 1993 to 2007, (as amended by the European Communities (Environmental Impact

Assessment) Regulations, 1989 to 2006 and the Planning and Development Acts, 2000 to 2010) and the Roads

Regulations, 1994 to 2000.

This results in the categorisation of all road projects into one of two categories:

Those that exceed the thresholds laid down and therefore there is a mandatory requirement to prepare

an EIS; and

Those projects that are sub‐threshold and must be assessed on a case‐by‐case basis to determine whether

or not they are likely to have significant effects on the environment.

2.2 GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS

This report has been prepared having regard to the following guidance documents:

Director General Environment – European Commission (June 2001), Guidance on EIA Screening;

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (August 2003), Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) Guidelines for Consent Authorities regarding Sub‐threshold Development;

National Roads Authority (2008), Environmental Impact of National Road Schemes – A Practical Guide

(Revision 1, November 2008);

Environmental Protection Agency (March 2002), Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in

Environmental Impact Statements.

2.3 METHODOLOGY

2.3.1 Introduction

Screening is the term used to describe the process of ascertaining whether a proposed road development

requires an EIA and is determined by reference to the mandatory and discretionary provisions set out in the

Roads Act, 1993, as amended.

The overriding consideration in determining whether a proposed road development should be subject to EIA is

the likelihood of significant environmental effects. Significant effects may arise by virtue of the type of the

proposed road development, the scale or extent of the proposed road development and the location of the

road scheme in relation to sensitive environments.

The methodology developed to formally screen the proposed road development is based on the

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Guidance for Consent Authorities regarding Sub‐threshold

Development (EPA, 2003), the Environmental Impact Assessment of National Road Schemes – A Practical

Guide (NRA, 2008) and The European Commission Guidelines on EIA Screening (June 2001). The screening

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2.3.2 Information for Screening Process

The information needed for this screening report has been drawn from the examination of the preliminary

design of the proposed development, desk study of literature pertinent to the site and surrounding area,

consultation with statutory bodies, field surveys of the area, information from the design team, including

members from the project’s Mayo County Council’s Working Group, and in‐house Mayo County Council

specialists.



3. EIA SCREENING PROCESS

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Report has been prepared to document Mayo County

Council’s screening of the N59 Mulranny Footpaths proposed developments for the requirement to prepare an

Environmental Impact Assessment.

A project will require an Environmental Impact Assessment where the screening has found that the project is

likely to have a significant effect on the environment.

The EIA screening process for the N59 Mulranny Footpaths is based on the European Commission Guidelines

on EIA Screening (June 2001) and follows the five steps outlined in Figure 1.

3.1 SCREENING STEP 1: ANNEX I OR II

The N59 Mulranny Footpaths would be considered an Infrastructure Project under Annex II of Directive

97/11/EC. Projects listed in this Annex may be subject to an EIA if it is determined, either on a basis of

thresholds and criteria set out by Irish Legislation or on a case‐by‐case examination, that it is likely to have a

significant effect on the environment.

3.2 SCREENING STEP 2: MANDATORY LIST

Irish legislation transposed the requirements of Annex II of the Directive and has set mandatory thresholds for

each project class.

Section 50 of the Roads Act, 1993 (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. Table

1 overleaf provides an overview of the relevant legislation and identifies its applicability to the N59 Mulranny

Footpaths Project.

The proposed road development is not a Motorway, Busway or Service Area. It does not involve the provision

of a dual carriageway of any length nor does it involve the provision of a bridge or tunnel greater than 100m in

length.

The proposed road development does not exceed any of the thresholds that trigger the mandatory

requirement for an EIA.

3.3 SCREENING STEP 3: EXCLUSION LIST

Irish legislation transposed the requirements of the EU Directive, but did not set minimum statutory thresholds

and/or criteria or an exclusion list for which an EIA is not required.



Table 1: Screening Matrix for Mandatory EIA

Mandatory Threshold Regulatory Reference Response

Construction of a Motorway S. 50(1)(a) of the Roads Act, 1993, as substituted by S. 9(1)(d)(i) of the Roads Act, 2007

The N59 Mulranny Footpaths, proposed road development, is not a Motorway.

Mandatory Threshold Trigger not reached.

Construction of a Busway S. 50(1)(a) of the Roads Act, 1993, as substituted by S. 9(1)(d)(i) of the Roads Act, 2007

The N59 Mulranny Footpaths, proposed road development, is not a Busway.


Construction of a Service Area S. 50(1)(a) of the Roads Act, 1993, as substituted by S. 9(1)(d)(i) of the Roads Act, 2007

The N59 Mulranny Footpaths, proposed road development, is not a Service Area and does not incorporate a Service Area.


Prescribed type of proposed road development:

• The construction of a new road of four or more lanes, or the realignment or widening of an existing road so as to provide four or more lanes, where such new, realigned or widened road would be eight kilometres or more in length in a rural area, or 500 metres or more in length in an urban area

• The construction of a new bridge or tunnel which would be 100 metres or more in length

Article 8 of the Roads Regulations, 1994 (Road development prescribed for the purposes of S. 50(1)(a) of the Roads Act, 1993

The N59 Mulranny Footpaths, proposed road development, does not involve the provision of four or more lanes anywhere throughout its length.


The N59 Mulranny Footpaths, proposed road development, does not involve the construction of a bridge or a tunnel that would be more than 100m in length.




3.4 SCREENING STEP 4: CASE‐BY‐CASE (SUB‐THRESHOLD DEVELOPMENT)

The Roads Act, 1993 (as amended) outlines three circumstances under which an EIA for a sub‐threshold road

project may be required. These are summarised in Table 2 overleaf including the subsequent response to the

circumstances regarding the N59 Mulranny Footpaths Project.

This screening step has found that a decision has to be made on whether the proposed road development,

N59 Mulranny Footpaths, would or would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

Where a decision is being made on whether a proposed road development would or would not be likely to

have significant effects on the environment, i.e. the screening process, regard must be given to the criteria

specified in Annex III of the EU Directive as transposed into Irish legislation by Article 27 of the European

Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 1989 to 2001.

The Article 27 screening criteria are grouped into three categories:

i. Characteristics of the Proposed Development,

ii. Location of the Proposed Development,

iii. Characteristics of potential Impacts.

The criteria associated with each category (i.e. the criteria that must be taken into account when making

screening decisions on a case‐by‐case basis) will be considered in the context of the proposed road

development in this report.

In addition, the European Commission publication, Guidance on EIA Screening (June 2001), provides a number

of checklists to aid the decision making process. In particular, the “Screening Checklist” and the

complementary “Checklist of Criteria for Evaluation the Significance of Environmental Effects” were used to

inform the Article 27 screening criteria.



Sub‐Threshold Requirements Regulatory Reference Response

Where An Bord Pleanála (ABP) considers that a proposed road development

would be likely to have significant effects on the environment it shall direct the

road authority to prepare an EIS.

S. 50(1)(b) of the Roads

Act, 1993.

An Bord Pleanála has not directed the Road Authority (Mayo

County Council) to prepare an EIS for the N59 Mulranny

Footpaths proposed road development.

Where a road authority considers that a proposed road development would be

likely to have significant effects on the environment it shall inform ABP in

writing and where ABP concurs it shall direct the road authority to prepare an

EIS.

S. 50(1)(c) of the Roads

Act, 1993.

This report will consider if the proposed N59 Mulranny

Footpaths would be likely to have significant effects on the

environment. If the road authority considers that significant

environmental effects are likely, it shall inform ABP

Where a proposed road development would be located on certain

environmental sites the road authority shall decide whether the proposed road

development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. If

the road authority considers that significant environmental effects are likely, it

shall inform ABP in accordance with section 50(1)(c) of the Roads Act, 1993

The sites concerned are:

i. A European Site, meaning, I. A candidate site of Community importance II. A site of Community importance III. A candidate special area of conservation IV. A special area of conservation V. A candidate special protection area, or VI. A special protection area

ii. Land established or recognised as a nature reserve within the meaning of section 15 or 16 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 (No. 39 of 1976)

iii. Land designated as a refuge for fauna under section 17 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 (No. 39 of 1976).

S. 50(1)(d) of the Roads

Act, 1993, as inserted by

Art. 14(a) of the EIA

(Amendment)

Regulations, 1999.

S.50(1)(d)(i) substituted

by Reg 56(7)(a) of the

European Communities

(Birds and Natural

Habitats)Regulations,

2011

This report will investigate if the proposed N59 Mulranny

Footpaths is located on certain environmental sites as listed

and will consider if the proposed N59 Mulranny Footpaths

would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

If the road authority considers that significant environmental

effects are likely, it shall inform ABP

Table 2: Screening Matrix for Sub Threshold Developments



3.5 SCREENING STEP 5: RECORDING THE SCREENING DECISION

Irish legislation transposed the requirements of the Directive, which makes the decision on whether a

proposed road development would or would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment will

be made available for inspection by members of the public.

Section 50 of the Roads Act 1993 to 2007 as amended by Article 14 of the European Communities

(Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 1989 to 2001 outline the legislative requirements that any

decision by a road authority will be made available for inspection by members of the public

The results of this screening process shall be recorded in this report. The determination on whether to require

or not to require an EIA will be recorded and the reasons for this determination will be noted.

The determination recommended to Mayo County Council (the road authority) shall be recorded in the

Conclusion Section of this report.

Any decision that Mayo County Council makes as a result of this determination on the proposed development

will be made available for inspection by members of the public.



4. EIA SCREENING TOOLS: CASE‐BY‐CASE CONSIDERATION

4.1 SCREENING TOOLS

The European Commission Guidelines on EIA Screening (June 2001) has provided two checklists to aid and

support the screening process in deciding on whether or not a project is likely to have significant effects on the

environment. These checklists will be used to apply the screening criteria, as set out in Article 27 of the

European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1989 to 2001 that must be

considered.

4.1.1 Screening Checklist

This checklist, in Table 3, provides a list of questions about the N59 Mulranny Footpaths and its environment.

4.1.2 Checklist of the Criteria for Evaluating the Significance of Environmental Effects

This list of questions is designed to aid in deciding whether an EIA is required for the N59 Mulranny Footpaths

based on the characteristics of the likely impacts of the project and is to be used in conjunction with the

Screening Checklist. These questions can be asked for each “Yes” answer in the Screening Checklist and the

conclusion and the reasons for it noted in the checklist.

The questions to be considered are:

1. Will there be a large change in environmental conditions?

2. Will new features be out‐of‐scale with the existing environment?

3. Will the effect be unusual in the area or particularly complex?

4. Will the effect extend over a large area?

5. Will there be any potential for transfrontier impact?

6. Will many people be affected?

7. Will many receptors of other types (fauna and flora, businesses, facilities) be affected?

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 and features will be affected?

11. Is there a high probability of the effect occurring?

12. Will the effect continue for a long time?

13. Will the effect be permanent rather than temporary?

14. Will the impact be continuous rather than intermittent?

15. If it is intermittent will it be frequent rather than rare?

16. Will the impact be irreversible?

17. Will it be difficult to avoid, or reduce or repair or compensate for the effect?



Table 3: The Screening Checklist

Brief Project Description: N59 Mulranny Footpaths

1.8km road development through the village of Mulranny, Co. Mayo to provide footpaths, a promenade, better interaction with the Great Western

Greenway and traffic calming

Questions to be considered Yes / No / ?

Briefly describe

Is this likely to result in a significant effect?

Yes / No / ? Why?

1. Will construction, operation or decommissioning of

the Project involve actions, which will cause physical

changes in the locality (topography, land use, changes

in water bodies, etc)?

Yes

It will involve online widening of the existing N59 road

through Mulranny Village.

No

Having regard to the size of the proposed project

(1.8km) and the online nature of the project, there are

not likely to be significant effects.

2. Will construction or operation of the Project use

natural resources such as land, water, materials or

energy, especially any resources which are non‐

renewable or in short supply?

Yes

The proposed development will use land and road

construction materials.

No

The proposed development will involve an online

upgrade of the existing road. It is likely that the majority

road construction material will have to be imported.

Exact quantities of materials required have not been

determined at this point in the development of the

project, but it is not likely that there will be any

significant effects on the environment.

3. Will the Project involve use, storage, transport,

handling or production of substances or materials,

which could be harmful to human health or the

environment or raise concerns about actual or

perceived risks to human health?

Yes

Some materials used in construction, e.g. concrete, silt,

oils, etc. could be harmful if released to the

environment

No

The proposed road development will be constructed in

accordance with best practice and specific controls will

be put in place to manage hazardous materials.




Briefly describe


Yes / No / ? Why?

4. Will the Project produce solid wastes during

construction or operation or decommissioning?

Yes

Excess material will be generated during the

construction phase.

No

Some material will not be suitable for reuse in the

works. Specific engineered control measures will be

implemented to deal with the removal and recovery of

the excess material along the route so as to minimise

potential sediment release.

5. Will the Project release pollutants or any hazardous,

toxic or noxious substances to air?

Yes

Release of air pollutants as a result of both construction

traffic and road operational traffic.

No

This is a low volume route, Design Year AADT is less

than 5000 vehicles. It is anticipated that concentrations

of air pollutants will not exceed MAC levels.

6. Will the Project cause noise and vibration or release

of light, heat energy or electromagnetic radiation?

Yes

Noise and vibration will be generated during both

construction and operation

No

This is a low volume route, Design Year AADT is less

than 5000 vehicles. It is anticipated that noise levels

generally will not exceed 60dB LDEN.




Briefly describe


Yes / No / ? Why?

7. Will the Project lead to risks of contamination of land

or water from releases of pollutants onto the ground or

into surface waters, groundwater, coastal wasters or

the sea?

Yes

During the construction stage there is a potential for

polluting matter to enter onto land, water and ground

water.

During the operation stage, there is a risk of pollutants

entering the aquatic environment from surface runoff.

No

Appropriate sediment control measures during the

construction phase will be required to minimise impact

to receiving watercourses and ensure imperceptible

impact to the downstream Clew Bay SAC.

The drainage system will be designed to protect the

water quality of the receiving waters from operational

impacts associated with routine road runoff and

accidental spillages.

The operational impact on surface water quality due to

the proposed road scheme as a whole is expected to be

slightly positive through improved road runoff drainage

and treatment.




Briefly describe


Yes / No / ? Why?

8. Will there be any risk of accidents during

construction or operation of the Project, which could

affect human health or the environment?

Yes


polluting matter to enter onto land, water and ground

water.

During the operational stage there will be a risk of

vehicular, pedestrian and cyclist accidents.



No

Accidental spillage of construction materials into the

aquatic environment will be mitigated by the use of

measures recommended by the ecologist.

During the operational stage of the proposed

development, it is anticipated that the risk of accidents

will be reduced due to the improvement in road

alignment, cross‐section and junctions.

The drainage system will be designed to protect the

water quality of the receiving waters from operational

impacts associated with routine road runoff and

accidental spillages.

9. Will the Project result in social changes, for example,

in demography, traditional lifestyles, employment?

No

The new road proposal will not directly result in

variations to population in the area.

During the construction phase there may be some

minor short term negative impacts along the N59

transport corridor as a result of potential traffic delays.

No

During the construction phase the increased

development activity should prove to have positive

benefits to the local economy.

The upgraded route and the improvements to the Great

Western Greenway has the potential to positively

impact on tourism in the area and the wider region with

reduced journey times, safer traffic movements and

reduced traffic congestion. This will result in a more

pleasant and safer environment within the village and

will allow the village to develop to its true potential.




Briefly describe


Yes / No / ? Why?

10. Are there any other factors, which should be

considered such as consequential development, which

could lead to environmental effects or the potential for

cumulative impacts with other existing or planned

activities in the locality?

Yes

The proposed road development is adjacent to the

proposed N59 Westport to Mulranny Road Project

which has recently had its CPO confirmed by ABP.

The existing Great Western Greenway runs parallel to

the N59 within Mulranny Village.

No

With regard to the current proposal for the N59

Mulranny Footpaths, it is considered that the scale of

the works and implementation of effective mitigations

to avoid impacts affecting the SACs/SPAs, there will be

no potential for further cumulative impacts arising in

combination with any other plans or proposals which

would be of significance in respect of impacts affecting

the conservation objectives or integrity of Clew Bay

cSAC or Owenduff/Nephin Complex cSAC/SPA

11. Are there any areas on or around the location,

which are protected under international or national or

local legislation for their ecological, landscape, cultural

or other value, which could be affected by the project?

Yes

Clew Bay SAC and Owenduff/Nephin Complex cSAC and

Owenduff/Nephin Complex SPA are within 90‐100m of

the proposed works and are therefore the only

designated sites that are given further consideration in

this EIA Screening Process:

No

With the implementation of best practice and when

recommended mitigation measures are taken into

consideration, it is considered that there will be no

significant negative impact upon the integrity of the

Clew Bay cSAC or Owenduff/Nephin Complex cSAC and

SPA.

12. Are there any other areas on or around the

location, which are important or sensitive for reasons of

their ecology, e.g. wetlands, watercourses or other

waterbodies, the coastal zone, mountains, forests or

woodlands, which could be affected by the project?

No

No




Briefly describe


Yes / No / ? Why?

13. Are there any areas on or around the location which

are used by protected, important or sensitive species of

fauna or flora e.g. for breeding, nesting, foraging,

resting, overwintering, migration, which could be

affected by the project?

Yes

Clew Bay cSAC/pNHA, and Owenduff/Nephin Complex

cSAC/SPA/pNHA have been designated in order to

protect a range of habitats and species listed in Annex I

and Annex II of the Habitats Directive and Annex I of the

Birds Directive.

No

With the implementation of best practice and when the

recommended mitigation measures are taken into

consideration, it is considered that there will be no

significant negative impact upon the qualifying habitats,

species and integrity of the Clew Bay cSAC/pNHA, or

Owenduff/Nephin Complex cSAC/SPA/pNHA.

14. Are there any inland, coastal, marine or

underground waters on or around the location, which

could be affected by the project?

Yes


polluting matter to enter into inland, coastal and

ground water.



No

The principal hydrological impact of the scheme will be

associated with sediment runoff generated by road

construction works near watercourses and the handling

of excess material, its removal, transport and recovery.




impact to the downstream Clew Bay cSAC/pNHA. The

operational impact on surface water quality due to the

proposed road scheme as a whole is expected to be


and treatment.




Briefly describe


Yes / No / ? Why?

15. Are there any areas or features of high landscape or

scenic value on or around the location, which could be

affected by the project?

Yes

The Landscape Appraisal of County Mayo (CAAS Ltd.,

2008) notes that the N59 is a designated scenic route

from Bangor to east of Rosturk. The whole of the N59

Mulranny Footpaths Project is within this designated

scenic route.

No

The N59 Mulranny Footpaths Project is an online

improvement and works will not interfere with the

existing landscape integrity of the area.

The N59 Mulranny Footpaths Project includes a

promenade (widened footpath) at the Village Core of

Area 2, which provides an opportunity for the visual

enhancement within the scenic route and for the safe

appreciation of views over Clew Bay.

16. Are there any routes or facilities on or around the

location, which are used by the public for access to

recreation or other facilities, which could be affected by

the project?

Yes

The existing route is used by tourists to access Achill

and North Mayo.

The Great Western Greenway, a cycleway/walkway,

runs parallel to the N59 Mulranny Footpaths Project

within the village.

A number of businesses, community facilities and

tourist accommodation and facilities, including a Tourist

Office, are located within the village.

No

The proposed development will cause some

disturbance and inconvenience to traffic in the short

term during the construction stage. The operational

stage will enhance access to other routes and facilities

in the region.

The N59 Mulranny Footpaths Project will enhance the

existing Great Western Greenway by providing

improvements to the interconnectivity between the

N59 and the Greenway

The N59 Mulranny Footpaths Project will improve

safety and access to the business, community and

tourist facilities within the village.




Briefly describe


Yes / No / ? Why?

17. Are there any transport routes on or around the

location which are susceptible to congestion or which

cause environmental problems, which could be affected

by the project?

No No

18. Is the project in a location where it is likely to be

highly visible to many people?

Yes

The residents within the village will experience slight

adverse visual impacts due to the removal of roadside

vegetation required for the online widening of the N59

No

Screen planting in accordance with A Guide to

Landscape Treatments for National Road Schemes in

Ireland (NRA) is proposed to mitigate visual impacts and

bring visual impacts to an acceptable level.

19. Are there any areas or features of historic or

cultural importance on or around the location, which


Yes

There are no known archaeological monuments present

in or around the location of the proposed development.

There are two Recorded Protected Structures

(Architectural Heritage) adjacent to the development

area; however they shall not to be negatively affected

by the development.

No

The development will improve access to these

structures but will not directly impact on them or on

any related features.

20. Is the project located in a previously undeveloped

area where there will be loss of greenfield land?

Yes

It will involve online widening of the existing N59 road

into adjacent green field locations.

No

Having regard to the online nature of the proposed

project (1.8km) and the removal of dangerous sections

within the village environs particularly for pedestrians,

there are not likely to be significant effects.




Briefly describe


Yes / No / ? Why?

21. Are there existing land uses on or around the

location e.g. homes, gardens, other private property,

industry, commerce, recreation, public open space,

community facilities, agriculture, forestry, tourism,

mining or quarrying which could be affected by the

project?

Yes

The scheme will involve the acquisition of both land and

property. It is not envisaged that public open space,

recreation or tourism lands will be affected.

No

The proposed road development would lead to a

relatively modest land requirement. Effects on other

land uses are more likely to be positive rather than

negative due to the provision of a safer road.

22. Are there any plans for future land uses on or

around the location, which could be affected by the

project?

No No


which are densely populated or built‐up, which could

be affected by the project?

No

Mulranny is listed as a “Rural Village” in the Mayo

County Settlement Strategy. The only impact on the

residents of the village from the proposed development

would be positive ones associated with traffic safety

and residential amenity.

No


which are occupied by sensitive land uses e.g. hospitals,

schools, places of worship, community facilities, which


Yes

The scheme will run adjacent to St. Brendan’s

Retirement Village, the Tourist Office, the Catholic

Church and the Primary School

No

The N59 Mulranny Footpaths Project will improve

safety and access to these facilities within the village.




Briefly describe


Yes / No / ? Why?

25. Are there any areas on or around the location which

contain important, high quality or scarce resources e.g.

groundwater, surface waters, forestry, agriculture,

fisheries, tourism, minerals, which could be affected by

the project?

Yes

There is a Pollution Reduction Programme for the Clew

Bay Shellfish Area under the Water Framework

Directive.


polluting matter to enter into inland water and ground

water.



No

The principal hydrological impact of the scheme will be

associated with sediment runoff generated by road

construction works near watercourses and the handling

of excess material, its removal, transport and recovery.




impact to the downstream Clew Bay cSAC/pNHA. The

operational impact on surface water quality due to the

proposed road scheme as a whole is expected to be


and treatment.

The construction control measures and proposed

drainage system will be compliant with the objectives of

the pollution reduction programme and the objectives

of the Shellfish waters Directive.


which are already subject to pollution or environmental

damage e.g. where existing legal environmental

standards are exceeded, which could be affected by the

project?

No No




Briefly describe


Yes / No / ? Why?

27. Is the project location susceptible to earthquakes,

subsidence, landslides, erosion, flooding or extreme or

adverse climatic conditions e.g. temperature inversions,

fogs, severe winds, which could cause the project to

present environmental problems?

No No

Summary of Features of project and of its location indicating the need for EIA

There are no features of the project or features of its location that indicate that the N59 Mulranny Footpaths require an EIA.



5. ANNEX III SCREENING SELECTION CRITERIA

5.1 EIA LEGISLATION

Article 4(3) of Directive 97/11/EC requires that the selection criteria set out in Annex III of the Directive is

taken into account when screening a project on a case‐by‐case basis. Annex III of the EU Directive has been

transposed into Irish legislation by Article 27 of the European Communities (Environmental Impact

Assessment) Regulations, 1989 to 2001.

The Article 27 screening criteria are grouped into three categories:

i. Characteristics of the Proposed Development,

ii. Location of the Proposed Development,

iii. Characteristics of potential Impacts.

The criteria associated with each category are considered below in the context of the proposed road

development. In addition the “Screening Checklist” and the “Checklist of Criteria for Evaluating the Significance

of Environmental effects” in the proceeding chapter were used to inform the Article 27 screening criteria.

5.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

The characteristics of the proposed development are considered having regard to:

the size of the proposed development,

the cumulation with other proposed development,

the use of natural resources,

the production of waste,

pollution and nuisances,

the risk of accidents, having regard to substances or technologies used.

5.2.1 Size of the Project

The mandatory threshold for prescribed types of road development is 8km of dual carriageway. Based on the

current NRA DMRB TD27, the typical paved width for a rural dual carriageway is 16.5m.

The proposed road development comprises a 1.8km length of Type 3 Single Carriageway (6.0m carriageway

with a 0.5m hardstrip on each side) with a 2.0m wide footpath along at least one‐side of its length. This gives a

typical paved road width of 9.0m.

The proposed road development will be developed as an online improvement of the existing road. Comparison

of the mandatory threshold with the size of the proposed development gives an indication of scale of the

works involved and this project does not trigger a requirement for a mandatory EIA.

Having regard to the size of the proposed project, there are not likely to be significant effects.

5.2.2 Cumulation with Other Projects

A review of the other projects and plans in the region was carried out. With regard to the current proposal for

the N59 Mulranny Footpaths Project, it is considered that the scale of the works and implementation of

effective mitigations to avoid impacts affecting the Natura 2000 sites, there will be no potential for further

cumulative impacts arising in combination with any other plans or proposals which would be of significance in

respect of impacts affecting the conservation objectives or integrity of these designated sites.



5.2.3 Use of Natural Resources

Some aggregates will be used during construction; none during operation. Periodic maintenance and

resurfacing will be required in the future but will only utilise a small proportion of the quantity used in initial

construction. Some of the construction materials will be won within the project boundary but it is likely that

the majority will have to be imported.

Exact quantities of materials required have not been determined at this point in the development of the

project, but it is not likely that there will be any significant effects on the environment.

5.2.4 Production of Waste

Natural material, in the form of mineral soil, rock and till, will be excavated during the construction stage.

Some of this material will not be suitable or required for reuse in the works. Some of the excess material will

be used in topsoiling and landscaping.

Specific engineered control measures will be implemented to deal with the removal and recovery of excess

material at the recovery sites along the route so as to minimise potential sediment release. Having regard to

the size of the proposed project, the amounts of excess material is anticipated to be minimal and there are not

likely to be significant effects.

Any movement of the excess material from the excavated areas to the recovery sites shall be carried out with

regards to the NRA’s Guidelines for the Management of Waste from National Road Construction Projects and

in particular the NRA’s Guidelines on The Management of Noxious Weeds and Non‐Native Invasive Plant

Species on National Roads. These guidelines will be followed to prevent the spread of invasive species, in

particular, Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and Giant Rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria).

5.2.5 Pollution and Nuisances

The proposed road development is located north of the Clew Bay cSAC/pNHA. Watercourses crossed by the

road are direct conduits to the cSAC. All of the watercourses crossed by the N59 discharge into Clew Bay

cSAC/pNHA. There is potential for aquatic species to be disturbed either through deterioration in water quality

or a disruption of hydrological processes as a result of construction and the operation of the road. Impacts

during construction will be mitigated to protect sensitive waterbodies downstream. The drainage system will

be designed to protect the water quality of the receiving waters from operational impacts associated with

routine road runoff and accidental spillages. The probability and severity of this will be carefully managed

through the use of best practice, particularly during the construction period and compliance with the guidance

contained in the NRA suite of Environmental Guidelines.

During the construction stage there will be temporary disruption to existing traffic and to local land and

property owners. Traffic management plans and phasing of the works will be designed to minimise traffic

disruption.

The proposed road development will be an online upgrade. Due to the fact that the proposed road

development will not generate extra traffic volumes or significantly divert traffic, it is predicted that at a local

level the proposed road development will have no significant impact on air quality or background noise levels

during the operation stage. The proposed road development is not expected to give rise to vibration that is

either significantly intrusive or capable of giving rise to structural or cosmetic damage. There will be some

increased emissions and vibrations during the construction stage but these will be subject to the normal

controls and will be temporary in duration.

It is noted that the improved road and footpaths would reduce the potential for road accidents and may lead

to a reduction in the risk of pollution incidents as a result of traffic accidents.



5.2.6 Risk of Accidents

Accidental spillage of construction materials into the aquatic environment will be mitigated by the use of

specific engineering control measures.

During the operational stage of the proposed development, it is anticipated that the risk of accidents will be

reduced due to the improvement in road alignment, cross‐section and junctions.

5.3 LOCATION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by the proposed development is

considered having regard to:

the existing land use,

the relative abundance, quality and regenerative capacity of natural resources in the area,

the absorption capacity of the natural environment, paying particular attention to the following areas:

(a) wetlands,

(b) coastal zones,

(c) mountain and forest areas,

(d) nature reserves and parks,

(e) areas classified or protected under legislation, including special protection areas designated

pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC,

(f) areas in which the environmental quality standards laid down in legislation of the EU have

already been exceeded,

(g) densely populated areas,

(h) landscapes of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.

5.3.1 Existing Land Use

Land use along the existing N59 Mulranny Footpaths is mostly commercial and residential with some

agricultural land to the south of the N59. The Clew Bay cSAC is located south of the proposed works.

5.3.2 Abundance, Quality and Regenerative Capacity of Natural Resources

Granular material will be required for the proposed road development. Amounts of other materials including

steel, concrete, bitumen, etc. will be required.

Some of this granular material will be sourced within the road development boundary as part of the

earthworks operations.

There will be a requirement to import the balance of material to construct the proposed development.

5.3.3 The Absorption Capacity of the Natural Environment

As the N59 in Mulranny is an existing road, the absorption capacity of the natural environment is quite good

for the proposed upgrade works. However, during the construction phase due to potential pollution incidences

measures must be put in place to protect affected water bodies and to maintain or improve the water quality

status.

5.3.3.1 Wetlands and Coastal Zones

The route crosses a number of watercourses which flow into Clew Bay and drain the

Owenduff/Nephin Complex. All of the watercourses crossed by the N59 discharge into Clew Bay

cSAC/pNHA. There is potential for aquatic species to be disturbed either through deterioration in

water quality or a disruption of hydrological processes as a result of construction operations.



Watercourses can be sensitive to pollution, particularly to potential increased levels of suspended

solids during the construction stage. Suspended solids (silt) affect aquatic life particularly larger

animals such as fish, most critically when it settles in spawning areas. Other impacts include:

physical obstructions to upstream and downstream migration both during and after

construction,

disturbance of spawning beds during construction ‐ timing of works is critical, and

point source pollution incidents during construction.

Impacts during construction can be mitigated to protect sensitive waterbodies downstream, but there

are no likely significant effects on the watercourses within the area provided best practice is followed

when constructing the works.

5.3.3.2 Mountain and Forest Areas

No mountain or forest areas are affected by the proposed development

5.3.3.3 Nature Reserves and Parks

There are no Nature Reserves or Parks affected by the proposed road development.

5.3.3.4 Nationally Designated Sites

There are four Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) within

15km of the study area, including Clew Bay Complex cSAC & pNHA (Site Code 001482),

Owenduff/Nephin Complex pNHA (Site Code 000534), Lough Gall Bog pNHA (Site Code 000522) and

Corraun Plateau pNHA (Site Code 000485. A map of the location of these nationally designated sites is

included in Appendix A of this report.

These sites lie north, south and west of the proposed works and the proposed works will not have any

effect on any of these designated sites.

5.3.3.5 European Sites

There are five Natura 2000 sites situated within 15km of the study area; Clew Bay Complex cSAC (Site

Code 001482), Owenduff/Nephin Complex cSAC (Site Code 000534) and SPA (004098), Lough Gall Bog

cSAC (Site Code 000522), and Corraun Plateau cSAC (Site Code 000485). A map of the location of

these designated sites is included in Appendix A of this report.

The existing N59, along which the proposed development is located, lies north of Clew Bay cSAC, lies

south and downstream of the Owenduff/Nephin Complex cSAC and SPA and east of the Corraun

Plateau cSAC. These are the only designated sites which are in close proximity to the proposed works

and are therefore the only designated sites that are given further consideration in this EIA Screening

Process.

Mayo County Council will carry out an Appropriate Assessment Screening to determine if the

proposed project would have any significant impacts on any Natura 2000 site.

5.3.3.6 Environmental Quality Standards

Environmental Quality Standards (EQS's) are levels that are used to assess the risk of chemical

pollutant effects on water quality to the health of aquatic plants and animals.



Most of the standards (for example those concerning bathing waters, habitats, shellfish and

freshwater fish) support the requirements of European Directives. For example the Water Framework

Directive (WFD) (2000/60/EC) came into force on 22 December 2000. Its objectives are to:

Achieve good ecological status and chemical status in surface waters;

Achieve good chemical status and quantitative status in groundwaters;

Achieve good ecological potential and chemical status in artificial and heavily modified

waters;

Prevent deterioration in the status of surface and groundwaters;

Reverse pollution trends;

Achieve objectives and standards for protected areas;

Reduce pollution from priority substances and cease or phase out emissions, discharges and

losses of priority hazardous substances.

The Water Framework Directive requires that the water bodies are protected and a good water

quality status is achieved for water bodies by 2015.

The EPA are currently developing ‘Environmental Quality Standards for Specific Relevant Pollutants in

Surface waters in Ireland’.

The EU Habitats Directive aims to protect the wild plants, animals and habitats that make up our

diverse natural environment.

All relevant Environmental Quality Standards will be adhered to throughout the project’s

development and implementation.

5.3.3.7 Densely Populated Areas

Mulranny Village would be predominately linear in form with dispersed development along both sides

of the road and would not be considered a densely populated area. The proposed development will

have a positive impact on the population, especially in terms of road safety.

5.3.3.8 Landscapes of Historical, Cultural or Archaeological Significance

The proposed development will not impact on any national monuments, recorded archaeological

monuments or any other known archaeological sites and there are no designated landscapes of

historical, cultural or archaeological significance.

The proposed development will not have any direct, significant impacts on Protected Structures

Two Recorded Protected Structures ‘The Great Southern Hotel’ (ID:0121) and ‘St. Mary’s RC Church’

(ID:0122) are located adjacent to the scheme but will not be impacted on negatively by the proposed

development.

One structure included in the Mayo Thatch Survey is located within the study area but will not be

impacted on.

5.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS

The potential significant effects of the proposed development in relation to criteria set out under section 5.2

and 5.3 are considered with having regard to:

the extent of the impact (geographical area and size of the affected population),

the transfrontier nature of the impact,



the magnitude and complexity of the impact,

the probability of the impact,

the duration, frequency and reversibility of the impact.

5.4.1 Extent of the Impact

The proposed road development is an online upgrade over a distance of 1.8km. The proposed project will

provide 500m of new footpaths, 330m of promenade (widened footpath), improved access to the Great

Western Greenway and safer access to the village.

5.4.2 Transfrontier Nature of the Impact

There are no transfrontier impacts associated with the proposed road development.

5.4.3 Magnitude and Complexity of the Impact

5.4.3.1 Human Beings

It is reasonably expected that during the construction phase of the N59 upgrade, the work force will

travel from their existing place of residence to the construction site given its short term nature, rather

than set up new residence in the vicinity of the subject lands. It is therefore unlikely that the new road

proposal will directly result in variations to population along the route.

The proposed route will allow for increased traffic flows along the route by virtue of the extent of the

online and at‐grade development works. This should result in limited potential reduction in passing

trade to retail, service and other business activity. During the construction phase the increased

development activity associated with the road project should prove to have positive benefits to the

local economy.

All along its route, the proposed road development is used by pedestrians and cyclists, in particular

people using the adjacent Great Western Greenway, which attracts many tourists to the area. Traffic

management plans during the construction phase should ensure safety of the vulnerable road users and

continued usage during construction. Long term, with the improved interaction between the Greenway

and the village core, the use of both will be enhanced.

The N59 is identified as one of the most important tourist routes in the State. The proposed road

development has the potential to positively impact on tourism in Mulranny and the wider region with

reduced journey times, safer traffic movements and reduced traffic congestion. This will result in a

more pleasant and safer environment in the village and will allow the area to develop to its true

potential.

During the construction phase there may be some minor short term negative impacts along the N59

transport corridor as a result of potential traffic delays.

Local community, tourist and business facilities are located within Mulranny. It is considered that there

will be a positive limited increase in the use of these facilities arising from the road proposal. The

proposed road improvement scheme also has the potential to improve safety and access to these

facilities.

Community severance may be described as being the separation of residents from facilities and services

used within their community, caused by new or improved roads or changes in traffic flows. As the

proposed works primarily involve an online at‐grade upgrade of the route, there is minimal scope for

affecting existing severance, as the project will provide improved safety for pedestrians, cyclists and

vehicles accessing these community facilities and services.



5.4.3.2 Ecology (Flora and Fauna)

There are five Natura 2000 sites situated within 15km of the preferred route, including Clew Bay

Complex cSAC (Site Code 001482), Owenduff/Nephin Complex cSAC (Site Code 000534) and SPA

(004098), Lough Gall Bog cSAC (Site Code 000522), and Corraun Plateau cSAC (Site Code 000485).

There are a further four Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs)

within 15km of the preferred route corridor, including Clew Bay pNHA (Site Code 0001482),

Owenduff/Nephin Complex pNHA (Site Code 000534), Lough Gall Bog pNHA (Site Code 000522), and

Corraun Plateau pNHA (Site Code 000485),

The designated sites which may be impacted by the proposed works include, Clew Bay Complex

cSAC/pNHA, Owenduff/Nephin Complex cSAC/SPA/pNHA and Corraun Plateau cSAC/pNHA. The

proposed route does not traverse any habitats listed under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive within

the Clew Bay cSAC, Owenduff/Nephin Complex cSAC/SPA/pNHA and Corraun Plateau cSAC/pNHA,

which would be listed as qualifying interests of the designated site. The route corridor crosses a number

of watercourses which flow into the Clew Bay and drain the Owenduff/Nephin Complex. There is

potential for aquatic species to be disturbed either through deterioration in water quality or a

disruption of hydrological processes as a result of construction operations. Construction activities may

cause some disruption to the protected bird species found in Owenduff/Nephin Complex SPA.

The proposed road development is an online upgrade of the existing N59 National Secondary Route.

The majority of the impacts that are likely to have an impact on the environment are associated with

the construction stage. These construction stage impacts are temporary in nature, of short duration,

will not recur once construction has been completed and the effects will be reversible over time.

The exception to this is mainly loss of roadside vegetation where the existing road is widened. This will

be minimal and consist of removal of hedgerows and agricultural grassland. In this case the duration is

permanent and is not reversible. Where any vegetation clearance is required this shall be done outside

the bird nesting season – March 1st to August 31st. Roadside habitat loss can be compensated for

through creative and ecologically sensitive landscaping.

The proposed development will be developed in accordance with the NRA and other relevant

environmental guidelines and specific environmental avoidance and mitigation measures will be

implemented, therefore likely significant environmental effects can be ruled out at this stage.

5.4.3.3 Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology

The geology and hydrogeology along the route is mainly a poor aquifer associated with the Anaffrin

Formation, described as Psammitic schists and quartzites. The groundwater vulnerability is considered

extreme. Impacts both constructional and operational to the geology and hydrogeology will be minor

to imperceptible and do not require any specific mitigation.

There will be a permanent but imperceptible negative impact due to the need to import material to fill

sections of the route and to excavate material. There may be interaction with other environmental

topics associated with excavation of material, in particular interaction with ecology, landscape, noise

and vibration, water environment. Impacts are not considered to be significant.

5.4.3.4 Water / Hydrology

The proposed N59 Mulranny Footpaths area is within the Murrevagh River catchment. The Murrevagh

River is classed at ‘Good’ status in the Clew Bay Water Management Unit Action Plan (March 2012).

Along the route there are two watercourse channel crossings with a number of potential road drainage



outfall locations. All of these watercourses discharge to the Clew Bay SAC complex. The drainage

system will be designed to protect the water quality of the receiving waters from operational impacts

associated with routine road runoff and accidental spillages.

The design of the drainage system for the project recognizes that the scheme is a low volume route,

and is an online upgrade of an existing road. It is considered that the design should seek to be as simple

and as low maintenance as possible and reflect broadly the drainage regime on the existing route, while

still seeking to protect any vulnerable and/or important receiving watercourses.

It is proposed that a concrete channel / kerb and gully drainage system is the most desirable solution

for the scheme.

The majority of the catchment areas associated with this study comprise Soil Type 5 (Very High Runoff)

with areas of Soil Type 4 (High Runoff) on the lower slopes of the Nephins. These characteristics give

rise to high rates of runoff and large flood flows in the watercourses intercepted by the road. There will

be no new bridge or culvert structures so OPW consent will not be required.

The principal hydrological impact of the scheme will be associated with sediment runoff generated by

road construction works near watercourses and the handling of unsuitable material, its removal,

transport and recovery. Appropriate sediment control measures during the construction phase will be

required to minimise impact to receiving watercourses and ensure imperceptible impact to the

downstream Clew Bay SAC. The operational impact on surface water quality due to the proposed road

scheme as a whole is expected to be slightly positive through improved road runoff drainage and

treatment.

The proposed development, which will be developed in accordance with current NRA environmental

guidelines and other relevant best practice standards, is considered unlikely to affect water quality in

the long term. Impacts are not considered to be significant.

5.4.3.5 Air & Climate

Due to the fact that the proposed road development will not generate extra traffic volumes or divert

traffic, it is predicted that at a local level the proposed road development will have no significant impact

on air quality. At a regional level, the proposed road development will not result in a detrimental

impact on background air quality. Levels of traffic‐derived air pollutants in the locality will not exceed

the ambient air quality standards either with or without the proposed road development in place. As

part of the mitigation strategy, a dust minimisation plan will be incorporated into the Environmental

Operating Plan formulated for the construction phase of the project in accordance with industry

guidelines.

5.4.3.6 Noise and Vibration

The existing background noise levels are typical of a semi‐urban area influenced by a rural/semi‐urban

national road. Due to the fact that the proposed road development will not generate extra traffic

volumes or divert traffic, it is predicted that the proposed road development will have no significant

impact on background noise levels in the area. Mitigation measures such as acoustic barriers or low

noise road surfacing are unlikely to be necessary to achieve the 60 dB Lden Design Goal at the sensitive

receptors in the vicinity of the proposed road development in accordance with NRA Guidelines. The

proposed road development is not expected to give rise to vibration that is either significantly intrusive

or capable of giving rise to structural or cosmetic damage.

Construction may lead to temporary adverse noise impacts at nearby residences. Subject to good

working practice during the construction phase and non‐exceedence of any noise limits stipulated in



industry guidelines, construction noise impacts will be kept to a minimum. There is the potential for

vibration impacts during construction at properties close to the works. However, contract documents

will specify that the Contractor will be obliged to undertake specific abatement measures and to comply

with industry guideline vibration limits.

5.4.3.7 Landscape & Visual Assessment

Generally the landscape either side of the alignment is either rural or residential/commercial, rising to

the north and includes mature roadside planting. The visual envelope i.e. where the site and any

activities associated with the site during construction and operation will be visible without mitigation

measures in place, is narrow and within 100m either side of the road corridor. From the preliminary

visual assessment carried out, no significant visual impacts will result.

The route corridor is described in the Landscape Appraisal of County Mayo (CAAS Ltd., 2008) within the

Landscape Character Zone Area E: North Mayo Mountain Moorland. The Appraisal notes that the N59 is

a designated scenic route from Bangor to east of Rosturk. The project is fully within this designated

scenic route.

Impacts on the landscape and its associated character will result from the removal of mature vegetation

along the route required from the creation of the widened road corridor. Mitigation including providing

areas suitable for planting, reinstatement of hedgerow and road edge planting plus sensitive treatment

to finishes to the promenade area will reduce impacts on the landscape.

5.4.3.8 Archaeology, Architecture and Cultural Heritage:

The proposed development will not impact on any national monuments, recorded archaeological

monuments or any other known archaeological sites.

The potential for previously unidentified or subsurface archaeological remains within the development

area is deemed very low – negligible. Nevertheless, a programme of archaeological fieldwalking shall be

carried out by a suitably qualified archaeologist If archaeological remains are identified an

archaeological mitigation strategy will be implemented in agreement with the relevant statutory

bodies. This may include test trenching that, if required, shall be carried out by a suitably qualified

archaeologist under licence from the National Monuments Service and the National Museum of Ireland.

The proposed development will not have any direct or significant impacts on any Recorded Protected

Structures. Two Recorded Protected Structures ‘The Great Southern Hotel’ (ID:0121) and ‘St. Mary’s RC

Church’ (ID:0122) are located adjacent to the scheme but will not be impacted on negatively by the

proposed development.

One structure included in the Mayo Thatch survey is located within the study area but will not be

impacted on. Also it should be noted that the Great Western Railway (Now the greenway cycle path)

and associated features, run parallel and adjacent to the study area but will not be impacted on by the

development.

5.4.3.9 Interactions:

There will be interaction between different environmental topics. In particular, there may be

interaction between the effects on the water environment and ecological receptors and between

ecology and landscape. Notwithstanding this all other environmental topics will receive appropriate

commensurate with the scale and complexity of the works.



5.4.3.10 Overall:

All of the environmental aspects listed in Section 50 of the Roads Act are not significantly affected by

the proposed road project. It is evident that there will not be significant effects on the receiving

environment or on effected designated sites, if all precautionary measures are implemented.

5.4.4 Probability of the Impact

The proposed road development will have some impacts on ecology (e.g. through loss of habitat), water (e.g.

during construction) and landscape (e.g. construction of road and associated infrastructure items). These

effects and the probability of them occurring will be minimised through the development of the project in

accordance with NRA Environmental Guidelines.

5.4.5 Duration, Frequency and Reversibility of the Impact

The proposed road development is an online upgrade of the existing N59 National Secondary Route. The

majority of the impacts that are likely to have an impact on the environment are associated with the

construction stage. These construction stage impacts are temporary in nature, of short duration, will not recur

once construction has been completed and the effects will be reversible over time.

The exception to this is mainly loss of habitat where the existing road is widened. In this case the duration is

permanent and is not reversible. Habitat loss can be compensated for through creative and ecologically

sensitive landscaping.



6. CONCLUSIONS

6.1 INTRODUCTION

This screening report has been carried out in accordance with a methodology that is based on Environmental

Impact Assessment (EIA), Guidance for Consent Authorities regarding Sub‐threshold Development (EPA, 2003),

the recently revised Environmental Impact Assessment of National Road Schemes – A Practical Guide (NRA,

2008) and The European Commission Guidelines on EIA Screening (June 2001).

6.2 MANDATORY EIA

The proposed road development does not exceed any of the thresholds prescribed in the Roads Act that would

trigger a mandatory requirement to conduct an EIA and prepare an EIS.

6.3 SUB‐THRESHOLD EIA

The proposed development is sub‐threshold. It has been assessed, in accordance with the Criteria for

Determining Whether or Not a Development Would or Would Not be Likely to have Significant Effects on the

Environment as specified in Article 27 of the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment)

Regulations, 1989 to 2001.

6.3.1 Characteristics of the Proposed Development

Having regard to the size of the proposed project, there are not likely to be significant effects.

6.3.2 Location of the Proposed Development

Land use along the existing N59 Mulranny Footpaths is mostly commercial and residential with some

agricultural land to the south of the N59. The N59 Mulranny Footpaths Road Project lies in close proximity to

the designated sites of Clew Bay Complex cSAC, Owenduff/Nephin Complex cSAC and SPA, Lough Gall Bog cSAC

and Corraun Plateau cSAC. These sites are the only designated sites that are given further consideration in this

EIA Screening Process.

Mayo County Council will carry out an Appropriate Assessment Screening to determine if the proposed project

would have any significant impact on any Natura 2000 site.

6.3.3 Characteristics of Potential Impacts

The proposed 1.8km road improvement for the N59 Mulranny Footpaths will be an online upgrade with

improved access within the village and to the Great Western Greenway.

The impacts of all aspects of the project have been addressed. It is evident that there will not be significant

effects on the receiving environment or on the designated sites, if all precautionary measures are

implemented.

6.3.4 Likely Significant Effects

The impacts of all aspects of the project have been addressed. It is evident that there will not be significant

effects to qualifying habitats and species of the Natura 2000 sites, if all precautionary measures are

implemented.



6.4 MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL DECISION

Mayo National Roads Design Office recommends that Mayo County Council determines that the proposed road

development would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment and that the N59 Mulranny

Footpaths Road Project does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment.

To comply with Section 50 of the Roads Act 1993 to 2007 as amended by Article 14 of the European

Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1989 to 2001, Mayo County Council shall make

their decision regarding this screening report available for inspection by members of the public.



APPENDIX A

LOCATION OF DESIGNATED SITES WITHIN 15KM OF MULRANNY VILLAGE

M

E

Mayo NRDO

IA Screening Report

N559 Mulranny Footpat

Final Issue

hs February 201

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