SmithKline Beecham (Cork) Limited (GlaxoSmithKline) Wind ... · of which GSK is a member. The ....

SmithKline Beecham (Cork) Limited (GlaxoSmithKline)

Wind Energy Project

Environmental Impact Statement - Volume 1

April 2011

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SmithKline Beecham (Cork) Limited (GlaxoSmithKline)

Wind Energy Project

Environmental Impact Statement

EIS

Issue 1 | April 2011

Ove Arup & Partners Ireland

This report takes into account the particular

instructions and requirements of our client.

It is not intended for and should not be relied

upon by any third party and no responsibility is

undertaken to any third party.

Job number C2465.40

Arup

15 Oliver Plunkett Street

Cork

Ireland

arup.com

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SmithKline Beecham (Cork) Limited (GlaxoSmithKline) Wind Energy Project


EIS | Issue 1 | 29 April 2011 | Arup

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Contents

Page

Non-Technical Summary vii

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Background 1

1.3 GSK Profile 1

1.4 GSK Health, Safety and Environmental Policies 2

1.5 Outline of Scheme 3

1.6 Environmental Impact Statement 4

1.7 Regulatory Framework 6

1.8 Summary of Consultation Process 6

1.9 Difficulties Encountered During the Study 9

1.10 References 9

2 Need for the Scheme and Alternatives Considered 10

2.1 Introduction 10

2.2 Need for the Project 10

2.3 Alternatives Considered 11

2.4 References 16

3 Site and Scheme Description 17

3.1 Introduction 17

3.2 Site Description 17

3.3 Neighbouring Land Uses 17

3.4 Principal Design Objective 17

3.5 Design Constraints 17

3.6 Main Features of the Development 18

3.7 Associated Developments 19

3.8 Operational Health and Safety 20

3.9 Decommissioning 20

4 Construction Activities 21

4.1 Introduction 21

4.2 Geotechnical Investigation 21

4.3 Construction Programme 21

4.4 Site Preparation 21

4.5 Construction Methods 22

4.6 Materials - Source and Transportation 25

4.7 Employment and Accommodation 25

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4.8 Construction Traffic 26

4.9 Potential Construction Phase Impacts 28

4.10 Construction Phase Mitigation Measures 29

4.11 Residual Impacts 33

4.12 Commissioning 34

4.13 References 34

5 Planning and Policy 35

5.1 International Commitments and Guidance 35

5.2 European Union Directives and Policy Guidance 36

5.3 Irish National Policy, Objectives and Guidance on Energy 37

5.4 Regional Policy Guidance 38

5.5 Local Policy Guidance 40

6 Human Beings 45

6.1 Introduction 45

6.2 Baseline Description 45

6.3 Evaluation of Impacts and Mitigation Measures 53

6.4 Mitigation Measures 57


6.6 References 57

7 Flora and Fauna 59

7.1 Introduction 59

7.2 Methodology 59

7.3 Existing Environment 62

7.4 Predicted Impacts 74



7.7 Monitoring 88

7.8 References 89

8 Landscape and Visual 93

8.1 Introduction 93

8.2 Methodology 93

8.3 Receiving Environment 95

8.4 Characteristics of the Development 102

8.5 Impacts of the Development 103



8.8 References 133

9 Noise and Vibration 135

9.1 Introduction 135

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9.2 Methodology 135

9.3 Wind Turbine Noise Assessment Criteria 135

9.4 Noise Sensitive Locations 139

9.5 Noise Surveys 139

9.6 Noise Impact Assessment 145

9.7 Construction Phase Noise 148

9.8 Wind Turbine Noise Mitigation 148

9.9 Residual Impact 148

10 Air Quality and Climate 149


10.2 Methodology 149


10.4 Predicted Impacts 149



10.7 References 152

11 Soils Geology Surface Water and Groundwater 153




11.4 Groundwater 155

11.5 Flooding 156

11.6 Proposed Development 156

11.7 Potential Impacts 156



11.10 Cumulative Impacts 157

11.11 References 157

12 Material Assets 158



12.3 Land Use and Ownership 159

12.4 Infrastructure and Utilities 159

12.5 Landfill Space 160

12.6 Natural Resources 160

12.7 Waste Management 160


12.9 References 161

13 Archaeology, Architectural and Cultural Heritage 162


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13.2 Assessment Methodology 163

13.3 Field Inspection 165

13.4 Assessment of the Data 165

13.5 Cultural Heritage and the Proposed Development 165

13.6 Cultural Heritage and the Existing Environment 167

13.7 Site Inspection 174

13.8 Likely Significant Impact on the Cultural Heritage Environment 175

13.9 Visual Impact on the Cultural Heritage Environment 175


13.11 Residual Impact 176

13.12 References 176

14 Cumulative Impacts, Other Impacts, and Interactions 179


14.2 General 179

14.3 Methodology Used to Assess Cumulative and Indirect Impacts and Interactions. 179

14.4 Definitions 180

14.5 Effects in Different Environmental Media 181


14.7 References 184

15 Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures 186


Preface

This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed wind energy project at SmithKline Beecham (Cork) Limited (GlaxoSmithKline) consists of two volumes, of which this is the first.

Volume 1 EIS, including Non-technical Summary

Volume 2 Landscape and Visual Figures

List of Contributors

This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is based on an assessment, undertaken by Arup, of the environmental effects of the proposed wind energy project. The Arup study team drew on in-house resources including environmental, geotechnical, civil, traffic, infrastructure, air quality and climate, energy and graphics.

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Arup sub-consultants

The following sub-consultants, working in accordance with specifications prepared by Arup, contributed to the preparation of this EIS:

ANV Technology – Noise and Vibration

Brady Shipman Martin – Landscape and Visual, including the preparation of photomontages

Food and Environment Research Agency – Bird Radar Survey

GL Garrad Hassan – Shadow Flicker Assessment

Lane Purcell Archaeology – Archaeological, Architectural and Cultural Heritage

Natura Environmental Consultants – Flora and Fauna

Pager Power – Aviation Impact Assessment

List of Figures

Figure 1.1 Site Location

Figure 2.1 Electricity Prices for Industrial Consumers 2010

Figure 3.1 Site Layout

Figure 7.1 Habitat Map

Figure 7.2 Feeding and Roosting Areas

Figure 8.0 to 8.3.61 Landscape and Visual Figures – Refer to Volume 2

Figure 9.1 Wind Turbine Location Plan, and Noise Sensitive Locations

Figure 9.2 Calculated Wind Turbine Noise Envelope Map, LA90 Values

Figure 9.3 Calculated Cumulative Wind Turbine Noise Envelope Map, LA90 Values

Figure 13.1 General Location

Figure 13.2 Turbine Location

Figure 13.3 RMP Map (superimposed on 1934 OS map)

Figure 13.4 1842 OS Map

Figure 13.5 Down Survey Map

Figure 13.6 1902 25 inch OS Map

Figure 13.7 Candell‟s Map

Figure 13.8 Plates 1 and 2 (Turbine Location Photographs)

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List of Appendices

Appendix 2.1 Aviation Impact Assessment

Appendix 6.1 Shadow Flicker Assessment

Appendix 7.1 Peak Counts of Non-Breeding Waterbirds

Appendix 7.2 Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement

Appendix 7.3 Bird Radar Monitoring Report

Appendix 9.1 Acoustics Terminology

Appendix 13.1 Archaeological Inventory of County Cork (within the study area)

Appendix 13.2 RMP Sites Not Listed in the Inventory

Appendix 13.3 Archaeological Investigations Within the Study Area

Appendix 13.4 Country Houses (within the study area)

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Non-Technical Summary

INTRODUCTION

SmithKline Beecham (Cork) Limited, trading as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), intends to construct a new wind turbine with an output of up to three megawatts, and associated infrastructure on the site of its existing pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, at Currabinny, County Cork.

The proposed development is one of a number of wind energy projects proposed by the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group, of which GSK is a member. The Group‟s renewable energy plan will comprise a total of six wind turbines installed throughout the area, with each turbine generating power for the site it is located on.

The GSK facility is located on the banks of Lough Beg close to the mouth of Cork Harbour.

GlaxoSmithKline operates under an Environmental Protection Agency Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Licence.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

This Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared to provide information on potential environmental impacts of the proposed turbine, and to propose mitigation measures to reduce the residual impacts of the proposed development. The cumulative impacts arising from the proposed development in conjunction with the other Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group wind turbines at the Novartis, DePuy (Ireland) and Janssen Biologics (Ireland) plants in the area are also assessed. The Environmental Impact Statement will be submitted with the planning application for the proposed development. The Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared in accordance with the relevant provisions set out in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. Due regard has been given to guidelines and advice notes for the preparation of environmental impact statements published by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Environmental Impact Statement was also prepared with due regard to the 2006 Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government guidelines Wind Farm Planning Guidelines, and with the 2008 Irish Wind Energy Association and Sustainable Energy Ireland guidelines Best Practice Guidelines for Windfarms.

NEED FOR THE SCHEME

The proposed wind turbine will result in both financial and environmental improvements. It will reduce the cost of the operations at the GSK facility in Currabinny, making it more cost efficient and helping GSK to sustain operations in the Cork area. GSK‟s dependence on energy generated by the combustion of fossil fuels will be reduced by over 30% as a result of the proposed turbine, and will also result in reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The Irish Government‟s contribution to the achievement of EU targets on climate and energy includes reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, increasing the use of renewable energy

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and improving energy efficiency. The proposed development will contribute to helping Ireland in meeting these targets.

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

GSK has had an active Energy Reduction Programme, with a dedicated Energy

Manager since 2004, and energy consumption at the site was reduced by 23% in

2009. As part of the Energy Reduction Programme, a range of renewable energy

solutions have been investigated including solar panels, biomass boilers, heat

pumps and tidal generators. Wind energy has been identified as the most suitable

renewable option for the site, due to the availability of a viable wind resource and

the maturity of the technology.

Alternative locations outside the boundary of the GSK site were not considered

for the location of the proposed wind turbine, as these are precluded by the current

power regulatory framework.

During the selection process for the optimal location of the proposed wind turbine

within the GlaxoSmithKline site, the optimisation of wind energy opportunities on

the site was taken into consideration within environmental, planning, engineering,

health and safety, future development and commercial constraints. Proposed

locations for the wind turbine were reviewed in the context of these constraints

and several iterations of the turbine layout were completed. The turbine location

identified is based on an optimised technical, economic and environmental layout.

Unforeseen ground conditions may require minor movements (micro-siting) of the

position of the turbine. Any alteration to the location of the proposed works would

be agreed with Cork County Council, prior to commencement of construction.

SITE AND SCHEME DESCRIPTION

The GSK facility is situated approximately 1.5 kilometres southeast of the village of Ringaskiddy. Cork Harbour is situated to the east. There are a number of buildings within the perimeter of the GSK facility, including the production building and the research and development buildings. The southern portion of the site comprises a wetland area. The remaining land comprises a number of fields in agricultural use. There are two access roads to the GSK facility. The main access is via a causeway from the minor local road. A secondary access lies further east along the local road.

The Hovione facility at Loughbeg is located approximately 400 metres northeast of the GSK site. There are a number of residential properties in the surrounding area. The nearest residential properties are approximately 300 metres south of the site, and over 500 metres from the proposed turbine. Currabinny Wood lies approximately 300m to the east of the site.

The main features of the proposed development include a new wind turbine with a

capacity of up to three megawatts, an associated transformer, buried electrical and

fibre-optic cabling. A crane pad will be required adjacent to the turbine

foundation, to provide a stable base on which to lay down turbine components

ready for assembly and erection, and to site the two cranes necessary to lift the

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tower sections, nacelle and rotor into place. The crane pad will remain in situ

following construction, in order to facilitate any future maintenance operations

which may require cranes. The transformer will be housed within or adjacent to

the turbine. The turbine will have a hub height of up to 100 metres with a rotor

radius of approximately 50.5 metres. It will be of a typical modern design

incorporating a tubular tower and three blades attached to a nacelle housing the

generator, gearbox and other operating equipment. The colour of the proposed

turbine will be a semi-matt pale grey. The turbine foundation will comprise a

reinforced concrete. Underground cables will link the turbine to the GSK facility.

In addition to generating electrical power for the GSK facility, electricity will also

be exported, occasionally, to the electrical grid via underground cabling.

The turbine is projected to have an operating lifetime of 25 years. The wind turbine operations will be controlled from the GSK facility and will be operated and maintained in accordance with the relevant Health and Safety regulations.

The turbine will operate at all times when wind speeds are suitable, with the exception of downtime for maintenance.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

The duration of the construction period for the wind project is expected to be six months. It is anticipated that up to 20 construction workers will be employed on site at any one time. The main elements of the construction process will comprise site preparation, excavation for and construction of turbine foundation, excavation of trenches and laying of underground cables, movement onto site and erection of wind turbine, connection to on-site distribution and signal cables, connection to existing ESB Networks system and commissioning of site equipment. A temporary construction compound will be required. This will be located within the GSK facility. Access to the site for construction vehicles delivering turbine components will be from the N28 via an existing access point.

Construction traffic will comprise heavy goods vehicles, workforce traffic and

general site traffic. Mobile crane parts, including ballast, will be used to erect the

turbines and will be delivered and removed by heavy goods vehicles. Abnormal

load vehicles will be required for the delivery of the wind turbine components.

The construction phase will involve approximately 1000 Heavy Goods Vehicle

trips over a 6 month period. This will equate to an average of 6 Heavy Goods

Vehicles trips per day, with a peak of between 30 and 40 trips per day during

certain construction activities i.e. delivery of ready mix concrete. Construction

staff will generate a peak of approximately 60 car/light goods vehicle trips per

day. A construction management plan will be implemented and will include

management of construction traffic. A study of the haulage route was undertaken

and for road safety reasons there may be a requirement for temporary local road

closures during transportation of abnormal loads to the site (e.g. the turbine

rotors). Road closures, if required, will be of temporary and of short duration.

Temporary road setbacks may be required at some of the more acute bends on the

local road to GSK, to facilitate negotiation of the bends by the turbine

transporters.

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The impact of construction traffic on the local road network will be temporary and very slight.

Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure that any detrimental environmental effects will be minimised during the construction phase of the project. A construction environmental management plan will be prepared and implemented with the objective of keeping disruption and nuisance to a minimum. The employment of good construction management practices will minimise the risk of pollution of soil, storm water run-off or groundwater. Waste generated during the construction phase will be carefully managed according to accepted waste hierarchy which gives precedence to prevention, minimisation, reuse and recycling over disposal, with energy recovery and finally disposal to landfill. It is anticipated that 50 per cent of soil excavated for the turbine foundation may be reused to backfill over the lower turbine pad. The remaining subsoil will be transported offsite for appropriate reuse, or disposal at an appropriate facility.

The cumulative impacts of simultaneous construction of all four Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group sites will be very slight. Impacts will be short term and of a temporary nature.

It is anticipated that, with proper management, the construction phase of the development will not have significant or long-term cumulative negative impacts.

PLANNING AND POLICY

Both international, national and local development policy support the appropriate development of wind energy. In particular, in December 2010, Cork County Council amended the Development Plan (Variation Number 2 of the Plan) to facilitate the appropriate future development of wind energy projects in locations such as Ringaskiddy, in accordance with the Planning and Development Acts. With the incorporation of Variation No.2 to the Plan, the Plan‟s general policy of support for wind energy now applies to wind energy projects in Ringaskiddy, and subject to normal planning and sustainable development criteria, the project is in compliance with this policy.

HUMAN BEINGS

Employment will be directly provided for approximately 20 workers during the

construction of the wind turbine. There will also be associated secondary

employment and economic activity associated with the construction of the

proposed development.

The increase in traffic, generated by the construction of the wind turbine will not

be significant. Refer to the Construction Activities section above. No significant

flicker effects are predicted arising from the operation of the turbine.

It is envisaged there will be no recreational amenity impacts as a result of the proposed wind turbine. There will be no significant impact on land use, property values, agriculture or tourism as a result of the proposed development.

The potential noise, air and visual impacts are described in the relevant sections.

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Overall, other than visual impacts from a number of viewpoints (refer to above

Landscape and Visual section) there will be no significant, long term, adverse

cumulative impacts on human beings as a result of the construction and operation

of all of the six Lower Harbour Energy Group wind turbines.

FLORA AND FAUNA

The impacts of the proposed GlaxoSmithKline wind turbine on flora and fauna, and also the cumulative impacts of the development of six turbines in the wider area on flora and fauna are assessed.

The site of the proposed wind turbine is not covered by any nature conservation designation. Six designated areas for nature conservation occur within five kilometres of the site of the turbine, five of which are proposed Natural Heritage Areas. Two of the designated areas are adjacent to the site, Cork Harbour Special Protection Area and Lough Beg proposed Natural Heritage Area. Due to the proximity of the proposed turbine to the Special Protection Area, an Appropriate Assessment was completed to assess the potential for the proposed development to impact negatively on the integrity of this Natura 2000 site.

Mitigation measures have been incorporated into the project design, to avoid areas of particular sensitivity for rare and protected species by excluding or relocating the turbine. In addition, best practice will be implemented during all construction activities to prevent potential impacts to surface waters.

The principal residual impacts of the proposed development will be a slight, temporary risk of collision by non-breeding birds and bats at the GSK turbine and an imperceptible risk of displacement of non-breeding birds from rocky shore areas within 200 metres of the turbine during its operation.

With regard to cumulative impacts of the construction and operation of all six

Cork Lower Harbour Energy wind turbines on flora and fauna, there will be no

significant cumulative impacts on designated areas of conservation or on flora and

fauna.

Under the 2008 EUROBATS guidelines it is recommended that monitoring of bat

populations is conducted for three years once the wind turbine becomes

operational. Monitoring results from all operational turbines within nearby sites

should be assessed cumulatively.

Following construction, bird populations within 600 metres of the turbine, should

be monitored periodically over three years, by a competent ornithologist to

determine if any effects of displacement disturbance can be detected. In addition,

periodic searches for bird casualties should be undertaken within a radius of 140

metres of the turbine to monitor the actual number of collisions.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

The proposed development was assessed with regard to its visual impact, the extent to which it will be seen, and its impact on the existing landscape character. The cumulative landscape and visual impacts arising from the proposed

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development in conjunction with the other wind turbines at the Novartis, DePuy (Ireland) and Janssen Biologics (Ireland) plants in the area are also assessed.

Once installed, the physical scale and movement of the turbine will give rise to significant change in the immediate landscape however the turbine has been located to minimise visual and other environmental impacts. In addition, the turbine will be painted in an off-white or grey colour with a matt finish to help it blend in effectively with typical Irish skies. Night lighting, for aviation safety, will comprise a small warning light at the top of the nacelle or turbine hub.

In general, construction impacts will be temporary, negative and localised in nature.

During the operational stage, landscape and visual impacts will mainly arise from the physical built presence of the turbine and the movement of the blades. The wind turbine will be visible over a wide area of the surrounding landscape and lower harbour. The impacts of the GSK turbine on views will range from imperceptible, through slight and moderate, to significant, depending on the viewpoint, distance and intervening topography. During operation, the proposed GSK turbine will impart a slight to moderate change to the lower harbour landscape character area.

The cumulative impacts, of all six turbines operating together, on views will range from imperceptible, through slight to moderate, to significant. The six wind turbines, when operating together, will impart a moderate cumulative change in the harbour landscape character area.

The impact of the wind turbine within the landscape will very much depend on by whom and how it is experienced.

NOISE AND VIBRATION

The environmental noise and vibration impact assessment of the construction and operation of the proposed wind turbine at GSK was undertaken by ANV Technology and is included in this Environmental Impact Statement. The assessment is in accordance with criteria outlined in the 2006 Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government Wind Farm Planning Guidelines.

Account is also taken of cumulative industrial plus wind turbine noise limits, which may be applied by the Environmental Protection Agency or by the planning authorities. Compliance with guideline noise limits is assessed based on the cumulative wind turbine noise levels, assuming that all six Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group wind turbines are installed.

Noise propagation modelling was undertaken as part of the noise impact assessment. The final wind turbine model has not yet been selected. However, the noise assessment used data for the Enercon E-101, which is indicative of the turbine type being considered for the site.

For a wind turbine with characteristics similar to the Enercon E-101, the highest predicted noise levels, as a result of the operation of proposed turbine, are expected to be comfortably within the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government limit values. In terms of audible wind turbine noise, the noise impact at the residential noise sensitive locations will be negligible.

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In general, construction noise and vibration impacts will be negligible, and temporary in nature.

Environmental Protection Agency guidelines on the assessment of wind turbine noise at Integrated Pollution Prevention Control licensed sites were in draft form at time of preparation of this Environmental Impact Statement, however it is likely that the Environmental Protection Agency will require the cumulative industrial plus wind turbine noise to be within the standard Environmental Protection Agency noise limits at the noise sensitive receptors. The analysis indicates that the cumulative noise levels at the nearest noise sensitive receptor at Currabinny will be within the Environmental Protection Agency limits. The cumulative wind turbine and industrial noise at the nearest noise sensitive receptor at Loughbeg will comply comfortably with the Environmental Protection Agency daytime and evening noise limits. At night-time, at this receptor, there will be a borderline situation with respect to formal compliance, and a slight adverse noise impact. However, the calculated exceedance of the guideline limit is just 0.5 decibels under the worst case conditions, and wind turbine noise is unlikely to be audible or detectible.

Regarding noise conditions which may be imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency, it is considered that the GSK wind turbine will not have to apply for special limits relative to background noise.

At the noise sensitive receptor at Loughbeg, the main reason for the potential exceedance of the Environmental Protection Agency night-time limit is the cumulative industrial noise from GSK and other Integrated Pollution Prevention licensed sites in the area. Given the predicted small contribution from the wind turbines, a practical and cost-effective mitigation measure would be to attenuate selected industrial noise sources to compensate for this additional noise.

AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE

There will be minor emissions to the atmosphere during the construction phase. Containment and dust suppression techniques during construction will be sufficient to ensure that any off site impacts are negligible. Therefore, it is not envisaged that the turbine will have any significant adverse impacts on ambient air quality or climate.

During operation, long-term beneficial impacts are predicted relating both to global air quality and climate.

SOILS, GEOLOGY, SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER

The bedrock of the site of the proposed development is understood to be massive unbedded fine grained limestone of the Waulsortian Limestone Formation which is Carboniferous in age. The desk study indicates that bedrock is of the order of three to four metres below ground level. The desk study also indicates ground conditions at the proposed turbine location to be topsoil overlying firm to stiff brown slightly gravelly clay over broken limestone.

There are no sites of geological interest within the GSK site.

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A wetland area, south of the existing facility, is located in the southern portion of

the GSK site. Loughbeg is adjacent to the western, northern and eastern

boundaries of the site. Cork Harbour lies to the east of the site.

Groundwater flow at the GSK site is in a radial direction from the centre of the

„island‟ towards the coastline.

Excavation works below the existing ground level for the foundation of the

turbine will be required during the construction of the facility. It is envisaged that

this will involve excavation of approximately 1300 cubic metres of spoil, of

which 50 per cent may be reused to backfill over the lower pad. The remaining

subsoil will be transported offsite for appropriate reuse, or disposal at an

appropriate facility.

The employment of good construction management practices will minimise the

risk of pollution of soil, storm water run-off or groundwater. The removal of

excavated soil from the site, if required, will be long term and irreversible, but not

significant. It is considered that overall there will be no significant impacts on

soils, geology, surface water and groundwater as a result of the construction and

operation of the proposed development.

There will be no significant cumulative impacts on soils, geology, surface water

and groundwater as a result of the construction and operation of all of the six

Lower Harbour Energy Group wind turbines.

MATERIAL ASSETS

Existing material assets associated with the site of the proposed development are

assessed, projections of resource use are made for the construction and operation

of the proposed development, and the impact assessed.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has been consulted in relation to the proposed

scheme. They identified the potential for effects on their radar installation at

Tulligmore Hill, south of Cork Airport. In response to these concerns, an

Aviation Impact Assessment was completed. The IAA is currently

commissioning a radar installation which is similar to that at Tulligmore Hill.

This new radar installation is located near Shannon Airport, and it will incorporate

mitigation measures similar to those proposed in the Aviation Impact Assessment

for this project. The IAA has advised that the outcome of this commissioning will

help to inform their assessment of the proposed development.

The proposed wind turbine will be in keeping with Cork County Council zoning

for the site. It is considered that the proposed development will have an overall

neutral impact on local settlement and undeveloped land resource. It is anticipated

that property values in the Ringaskiddy area will not be affected as a result of the

construction or operation of the proposed development.

There will be no significant impact on the road infrastructure and traffic as a result

of the construction phase of the proposed wind turbine.

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The operation of the wind turbine will reduce the consumption of mains electricity

on the GSK site. At certain stages, surplus power will also be exported to the

national electricity grid. No significant impact on existing power infrastructure is

envisaged.

There will not be a significant impact on the Cork County Council water supply,

as a result of the construction of the proposed development.

There are no known mineral resources located within the site boundary.

Overall, it is anticipated that there will be no significant, cumulative adverse impacts on material assets as a result of construction and operation of all of the six Lower Harbour Energy Group wind turbines.

ARCHAEOLOGY, ARCHITECTURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

There are no recorded archaeological sites within the site of the proposed wind turbine. There is one archaeological site (a shell midden) along the eastern shore of the peninsula. There are forty six archaeological sites within a two kilometre radius of the site which reflect the archaeological background of the area surrounding the site and the archaeological potential of the proposed development site itself.

No features of archaeological/architectural/cultural heritage interest were noted

during site inspection.

The proposed development will not impact directly on any recorded archaeological site or on any architectural heritage.

The construction of the proposed development will involve ground disturbance. However, as the entire area has been previously disturbed, no mitigation is necessary. It is always possible that stray finds may be present in material being disturbed on the site. In the event of archaeological material being uncovered such material will be fully resolved to professional standards of archaeological practice (Policy Guidelines on Archaeological Excavation – Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands). The developer is aware of the National Monuments Legislation (1930-1994) which states that in the event of the discovery of archaeological finds or remains, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government should be notified immediately and that any subsequent investigation should be facilitated and funded by the developer.

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS, OTHER IMPACTS AND INTERACTIONS

The GSK wind energy project has been assessed in the context of other planned wind energy projects which are proposed for the Lower Harbour area. For each environmental topic, the cumulative impacts of all of the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group projects have been assessed, to ensure that all potential significant impacts and interactions are identified.

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VIEWING AND PURCHASING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

The full Environmental Impact Statement, of which this is a non-technical summary, can be viewed and purchased at the offices of the Planning Department, Cork County Council, County Hall, Carrigrohane Road, Cork.

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SmithKline Beecham (Cork) Limited (GlaxoSmithKline) Wind Energy Project Environmental Impact Statement


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1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction

SmithKline Beecham (Cork) Limited, trading as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) intends to construct a wind turbine of 2MW to 3MW, and associated infrastructure at the site of its existing pharmaceutical manufacturing site at Currabinny, County Cork. The total site on which the proposed development is located, in the ownership of GSK is approximately 61.27 hectares (151.4 acres) in extent and its location is shown on Figure 1.1 Site Location.

Arup has been commissioned by GSK to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed development.

[Note – there are two widely accepted spellings for Currabinny: „Curraghbinny‟ and „Currabinny‟. For consistency, „Currabinny‟ is used in this EIS.]

1.2 Background

The proposed development is part of a wind energy project proposed by the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group (CLHEG). The CLHEG, of which GSK is a member, comprises a number of healthcare manufacturing sites in the Ringaskiddy and Currabinny areas and was formed to coordinate the development of renewable energy projects in order to improve the cost competitiveness of each site, reduce its carbon footprint and also to attract additional investment into Ireland. The Group‟s renewable energy plan will comprise a total of six wind turbines installed throughout the area, each generating power for the site on which it is located. These turbines will reduce the amount of energy consumed from the national grid, and, in addition will lead to a reduction in the cost of operations, and will result in an improvement in the environmental performance of each of the manufacturing facilities.

1.3 GSK Profile

GSK is based in Currabinny, and is located on the banks of Lough Beg close to the

mouth of Cork Harbour.

The facility commenced operations in 1975 and currently employs 366 staff in its primary manufacturing facility plus a further 90 staff in its co-located research and development facility. The total capital investment to date is €600m.

The research and development facility manufactures products for Clinical supplies and scales up processes for commercial validation and supply. The primary facility is a New Production Introduction site that produces bulk active pharmaceutical ingredients for validation and launch and acts as a global supply site during the growth phase of product life for key GSK products. The current product portfolio includes cancer treatments- Tykerb, Hycamtin, anti-depressants- Seroxat, and a number of specialist pharmaceuticals.

Active pharmaceutical ingredients are exported to other GSK locations worldwide for formulation and distribution. These secondary plants are located in the UK, mainland Europe, USA, Japan and Canada supplying markets in over 180 countries worldwide.

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Figure Title:Job Title :

GlaxoSmithKline

Wind Energy ProjectProject No.: C2465.40 Date: 29 April 2011

Figure No.:

Site Location

1.1

Turbine

Location

Carrigaline

Shanbally

Ringaskiddy

Currabinny

Rafeen

Coolmore

Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No EN 0002811 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/ Government of Ireland Not to Scale

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1.4 GSK Health, Safety and Environmental Policies

1.4.1 Health and Safety Policy

GSK manages health and safety through its integrated environment, health, safety and

sustainability (EHSS) management system, which incorporates GSK‟s EHSS vision

and policy and associated standards.

1.4.2 Environmental Policy

The GSK sustainability and environment strategy is implemented through a Plan for

Excellence with Group-wide goals to improve its performance. The EHSS Plan for

Excellence sets targets for improving EHSS performance up to 2015.

GSK has a world-wide commitment to conduct itself in a responsible fashion to protect people and the environment. Facilities are designed, constructed, operated and maintained to achieve the goals, and mandates of appropriate laws and regulations world-wide and in Ireland, as well as those incorporated in GSK‟s Environmental Standards. GSK‟s standards are applicable worldwide because it is GSK‟s belief that environmental issues are global in scope and that it should conduct its affairs accordingly. In addition to the above, GSK (Cork) Limited places a specific emphasis on the areas of operation listed below and considers them to be a vital part of its site operations:

commitment to adhere to the GSK Environmental Policy and the Standards and Guidance‟s issued in support of this,

commitment to operate at all times within the terms of the site Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control (IPPC) Licence issued by the EPA,

commitment to continuous improvement on environmental issues,

commitment to prevent pollution by eliminating, or if that is not possible, reducing as far as practicable all emissions to the environment. (Reduction at source will be the first priority, followed by recycling and the use of end-of pipe technology only where reduction at source or recycling is not possible),

commitment to setting environmental objectives and targets on a regular basis,

commitment to energy minimisation by incorporating energy efficient technologies in all aspects of plant design and promoting energy awareness.

commitment to liaise openly on environmental issues with members of staff, the local community and other interested parties,

commitment to provide information on the environment to the public as per GSK‟s undertaking in the IPPC Licence,

commitment to assess the environmental impact of all new projects in advance, and

a commitment to raise environmental awareness at all levels within the Company.

This policy is reviewed annually.

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1.4.2.1 Environmental Management Programme

As a condition of its IPPC licence, GSK maintains a Schedule of Environmental Objectives and Targets, and an Environmental Management Programme (EMP) for the achievement of the Objectives and Targets. The Schedule and the EMP are reviewed annually. The EMP comprises a number of categories as follows:

1. Environmental Management System Review,

2. Emissions to Atmosphere of Volatile Organic Compounds,

3. Waste Management (Solid and Liquid),

4. Surface Water Quality and Number of diversions,

5. Incinerator Wastewater and Bioplant Effluent Quality,

6. Groundwater Quality,

7. Energy reduction,

8. Reduction in water usage.

For each of these categories the following information is outlined:

Objective

Rationale behind objective

Specific targets to achieve objective

Plan to achieve targets

Time scale

Teams responsible.

1.5 Outline of Scheme

The proposed scheme comprises the construction and operation of a wind turbine of 2MW to 3MW, and associated infrastructure. The proposed new wind turbine will provide electrical power for operations on site. In addition, it is envisaged that if any electrical power is generated which is surplus to GSK‟s requirements, it will be made available for export to the national electricity grid.

The main elements of the proposed development will be:

a wind turbine of 2MW to 3MW (hub height of up to 100m and rotor radius of approximately 50.5m),

high voltage power lines (underground) on site, and

concrete base.

The turbine will be located in the eastern part of the existing manufacturing facility (currently in use as a construction compound). The proposed development is described in detail in Chapter 3 Site and Scheme Description of this EIS. The layout of the proposed development is shown on Figure 3.1 Site Layout of this EIS. Photomontages of the proposed scheme have been prepared and are shown in Volume 2 of this EIS. The Landscape and Visual Impacts of the proposed scheme are addressed in Chapter 8 Landscape and Visual Impact. The cumulative impacts of the proposed scheme are addressed in Chapter 14 Cumulative Impacts.

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It is intended that the members of the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group will submit planning applications for wind energy developments in the same timeframe as this project.

1.6 Environmental Impact Statement

1.6.1 Purpose and Screening

Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 (S.I. 600 of 2001) specifies the types and size of developments that require an EIS to be submitted as part of a planning application. With reference to the proposed development, S.I. 600 of 2001 Fifth Schedule, Part 3 (i) requires that an EIS be submitted as part of a planning application where

“Installations for the harnessing of wind power for energy production

(windfarms) with more than 5 turbines or having a total output greater than 5

megawatts.”

The proposed development is for one turbine only, and will have an output of less than five megawatts and is therefore sub-threshold. However, an EIS was requested by the Planning Authority. This EIS has been prepared to provide information on potential environmental impacts of the proposed wind turbine and to propose mitigation measures to reduce the residual impacts of the development. The EIS will be submitted with the planning application for the proposed development.

1.6.2 Statutory Requirements for the Contents of an EIS

This EIS has been prepared in accordance with the relevant provisions set out in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended. Schedule 6 of the 2001 Regulations specifies the information to be contained in an EIS, including the following:

“A description of the proposed development comprising information on the site, design and size of the proposed development

A description of the measures envisaged in order to avoid, reduce and, if possible, remedy significant adverse effects

The data required to identify and assess the main effects which the proposed development is likely to have on the environment

An outline of the main alternatives studied by the developer and an indication of the main reasons for his or her choice, taking into account the effects on the environment.”

Information is also required on the following matters:

“A description of the physical characteristics of the whole proposed development and the land-use requirements during the construction and operational phases

A description of the main characteristics of the production processes, for instance, nature and quantity of the materials used

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An estimate, by type and quantity, of expected residues and emissions (including water, air and soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat and radiation) resulting from the operation of the proposed development.”

Aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the proposed development are also to be described, including in particular:

“human beings, fauna and flora,

Soil, water, air, climatic factors and the landscape,

Material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, and the cultural heritage.

The inter-relationship between the above factors.”

A description is required of the likely significant effects (including direct, indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative) of the proposed development on the environment resulting from:

“The existence of the proposed development,

The use of natural resources,

The emission of pollutants, the creation of nuisances and the elimination of waste”.

In addition, a description is required of the forecasting methods used to assess the effects on the environment.

A summary in non-technical language of this information is also to be included.

Finally, any difficulties encountered by the developer in compiling the required information should be indicated.

This EIS has been prepared in compliance with the above requirements. The format used is the grouped format, in which each topic is addressed in a separate section. This is designed to allow the reader to access the issues of interest to them as easily as possible. However, some topics may overlap. For example, effects on human beings are addressed in a number of chapters including Landscape and Visual Assessment, Air Quality and Climate Assessment and Noise and Vibration as well as Human Beings. Issues not directly addressed in individual chapters and interactions between environmental issues are considered in Chapter 15 of this EIS, Other Impacts and Interactions. Cumulative impacts are addressed in each chapter, insofar as they are relevant.

As the other members of CLHEG intend submitting planning applications for wind energy projects in a similar timeframe, cumulative impacts of all developments has been considered in each chapter as appropriate.

1.6.3 EPA Guidelines

This EIS has been prepared with due regard to the guidelines on the preparation of environmental impact statements published by the EPA. These are contained in Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements)

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published in 2003 and Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impacts published in 2002.

1.6.4 Other Guidelines

This EIS was also prepared with due regard to the following guidelines:

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government guidelines Wind Farm Planning Guidelines (2006)

Irish Wind Energy Association and Sustainable Energy Ireland Guidelines (2008) Best Practice Guidelines for Windfarms

1.7 Regulatory Framework

GSK operates under Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Licensing, Register Number P0004-03.

An interference study will be required, to facilitate the occasional export of electricity to the national electricity grid.

1.8 Summary of Consultation Process

During the preparation of this EIS, discussions were held with a number of relevant parties in order to ensure that issues relating to the proposed project were addressed. The parties consulted include the following:

Cork County Council (Planning Department, Architect‟s Department, Heritage Officer)

Irish Aviation Authority

The Environmental Protection Agency

RTÉ

O2 Ireland

Eircom

Meteor Mobile Communications Ltd.

An Garda Síochána

Ambulance Headquarters

UPC Communications Ireland Limited

Irish Coast Guard

TG4

Commission for Communications Regulation

TV3

Tower Com Ltd.

Arra Communications

An Taisce

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Wireless Connect Ltd.

Munster Broadband

3G Ireland Ltd.

ESB Telecoms

Vodafone

Premier Broadband

TETRA Ireland Communications Ltd.

Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government

BirdWatch Ireland

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Fáilte Ireland

The Heritage Council

Irish Raptor Study Group

Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

Irish Broadband

Cork Airport

Health Service Executive

The Health and Safety Authority

IDA

1.8.1 Public Consultation

As part of a comprehensive public consultation process, the project team engaged with local community groups and individuals across the Cork Harbour area. Through a dedicated project website and phone line, printed newsletters, newspaper advertisements and radio bulletins, two rounds of public information sessions, media relations and numerous individual briefings and queries, the project team has engaged with a broad cross-section of the wider harbour community and continues to engage with community groups and residents in relation to the project.

Project website www.clheg.com

The project website allowed people who were unable to attend the public information sessions the opportunity to download the project newsletter, review frequently asked questions and engage directly with the project through questions submitted through the website.

The website also allowed members of the public to review the display boards that were shown at the public information sessions, ensuring that everyone had access to the same information.

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Printed newsletters

Two editions of the project newsletter were produced between the launch of the project and the lodging of the planning application. The initial newsletter acted as an introduction to the project for people, while the second edition addressed specific issues that were raised following the launch of the project. The newsletters are available for members of the public to download from the project website.

Dedicated phone line

A dedicated phone line was established for the project, giving people a single point of contact. The phone number was included in copies of the newsletter and was also referenced on the website. Queries raised on the phone line were noted and forwarded to a designated member of the project team. This centralised approached was crucial given the fact that there are four member companies involved in the project.

Advertising

Advertisements were run in local and national media in the run-up to both rounds of public consultation. These announced the venues and times for the public information sessions and directed people towards the website for further information. The advertisements were placed in both local and national media, including the Irish Examiner, the Evening Echo and local weekly papers including the Carrigdhoun and the East Cork Journal. Bulletins were also provided to local radio stations RedFM and 96FM.

Media Relations

As part of the launch of the project, a media relations campaign was undertaken. This campaign involved issuing a press release, along with a map highlighting the proposed turbine locations, to local and national print media. The press release also contained details of the first round of public information sessions, providing an additional information channel to reach the wider community. The announcement received extensive local and national newspaper coverage.

Public Information Sessions

Two rounds of public information sessions were held around the harbour area. These events, were open to all members of the public, and were advertised locally and nationally.

The first round of public consultation was held in September 2010 and with events being held in Cobh and Ringaskiddy. Local politicians were invited to briefings by the project team prior to the public sessions and all relevant members of the team were made available to the general public at the sessions. Information boards with key project milestones, the rationale behind the project, photomontages and other project information were displayed at the sessions. Feedback forms were provided so that people could provide detailed questions or views on the project for consideration.

Following the briefing with the Passage West Town Council, a specific public information session in that community was added to the second round of consultation which took place in December 2010. The sessions - in Cobh, Ringaskiddy and Passage West - were again publicised in local and national media with notices also broadcast on local radio as well as the project website. Topics that had been raised in the first

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round of public consultation were addressed, including noise and the impact on tourism among others.

Ongoing Consultation

As part of ongoing consultation, members of the project team have also met and briefed both the Cobh and Harbour and Cork Chambers of Commerce. The group has also engaged with local environmental and community groups such as CHASE and the Ringaskiddy & District Residents Association, and other groups in the harbour area, engaging with a truly representative cross-section of the harbour community.

Issues of Concern

The environmental topics that were raised as being of particular concern in the consultation process included the effects on tourism, visual impacts and noise. This EIS covers these topics in Chapters 6, 8 and 9, respectively.

1.9 Difficulties Encountered During the Study

No significant difficulties were encountered during the preparation of this EIS.

1.10 References

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government guidelines (2006) Wind Farm Planning Guidelines (2006),

Environmental Protection Agency (2003) Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements) EPA, Wexford,

Environmental Protection Agency (2002) Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impacts EPA, Wexford.

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2 Need for the Scheme and Alternatives Considered

2.1 Introduction

This chapter sets out the need for the proposed development. It also outlines the process by which the optimum wind turbine location within the GSK site was selected.

2.2 Need for the Project

2.2.1 Energy Costs

In recent years, Ireland has had among the highest energy costs in Europe. This places facilities such as GSK at a European and global disadvantage in cost competiveness. GSK therefore urgently need to reduce their energy costs.

Figure 2.1 Electricity Prices for Industrial Consumers 2010

[source: Eurostat website accessed 18 January 2011]

GSK‟s proposal to develop a renewable energy source on-site will reduce the cost of operations for the facility, making it more cost efficient and will help it to sustain operations in the Cork area.

In addition to the reduction in energy costs for the site, the proposed wind energy project will reduce the uncertainty associated with volatility in the Irish electricity market.

This volatility is driven by the following factors:

Irish electricity is predominantly derived from imported fossil fuels (78.6%).

There is increasing demand for resources in emerging economies.

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There is increasing demand for resources in developed economies.

Investors are tending to move from equities to commodities.

In summary, prices are volatile, and the underlying trend is upward.

2.2.2 Reduced Dependency on Fossil Fuels

The Irish Government‟s contribution to the achievement of EU targets on climate and energy includes reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, increasing the use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. The proposed development will contribute to helping Ireland in meeting its targets.

The proposed development will reduce GSK‟s dependence on energy generated by the combustion of fossil fuels. The consumption of electricity from fossil-fuel based generation will be reduced by approximately 30%, (it is estimated that the CLHEG‟s total annual CO2 emissions will be reduced by approximately 22,000 tonnes), delivering significant environmental as well as financial improvements.

2.3 Alternatives Considered

2.3.1 Alternative Renewable Energy Options

GSK Cork has had an active Energy Reduction Programme, with a dedicated Energy

Manager, since 2004, and energy consumption at the site has been reduced by 23% in

2009. Due to its high carbon footprint and high cost, reduction of electricity usage has

been a key focus of the programme over the last two years.

As part of the Energy Reduction Programme, a range of renewable energy solutions

has been investigated including:

Solar Thermal Panels

Biomass Boilers

Heat Pumps

Tidal Generators

The Cork Site intends to assess the viability of photo voltaic solar arrays. Some of these technologies have been found to be not suitable due to lack of a viable energy source or very poor payback. However, a heat pump was installed in 2010 which is used to heat offices.

A Combined Heat and Power (CHP) feasibility study was recently completed, and showed that the project would not be viable as there would be a low demand for the heat generated by the CHP plant. GSK Cork already has a Waste Heat Recovery Boiler installed, which satisfies a lot of the site‟s steam demand.

A high level feasibility study has also been carried out on the potential for generating electricity from tidal turbines. It was found that this was not a viable option due to low tidal current velocities.

Wind energy has been identified as the most suitable renewable energy option for the site, due to the availability of a viable wind resource and the maturity of the technology. The electricity generated by the proposed wind turbine will provide up to

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approximately 23% of the current demand, and additional electricity reduction projects will still be undertaken to ensure that the site meets its carbon reduction targets.

2.3.2 Alternative Site Selection

Sites outside the boundary of the GSK site were not considered for the location of the proposed wind turbine, as these are precluded by the current electricity regulatory framework.

2.3.3 Alternative Turbine Heights

A range of turbine heights were considered. Because of the urgent need to significantly reduce energy costs on the site, options that maximised energy yield were favoured.

Conventionally, wind turbines are located in well-exposed conditions: typically elevated or upland areas with relatively few obstacles to the wind flow. Due to the industrial, built-up nature of the site, and the general low-lying terrain of the lower harbour, the exposure of the site is therefore not ideal. The presence of buildings and other structures in proximity to the turbine will result in decreased wind speeds at low level and increased levels of turbulence.

However, the wind exposure improves with increased elevation, and significant improvements in energy yield can be achieved by locating the turbine hub above the most turbulent surface wind layers. The energy content of wind varies with the cube of the average wind speed – that is, if the wind speed doubles, it provides eight times as much energy.

Within the currently-available range of turbine hub heights, a height of up to 100 metres has been selected to best meet the project requirements.

2.3.4 Alternative Turbine Locations within the GSK Site

The GSK site is located in the busy Currabinny / Ringaskiddy industrial zone, with large workforces, extensive buildings and infrastructure, strict health and safety requirements, and also expansion and development plans for the future. In addition to these constraints, the wider area includes residences, National and Regional roads, internationally important nature conservation areas, and includes areas of scenic and cultural heritage value.

The wind turbine locations considered were appraised in the context of the Irish Wind Energy Association and Sustainable Energy Ireland (now the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland) guidelines Best Practice Guidelines for the Irish Wind Industry (IWEA and SEI 2008), and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government‟s Planning Guidelines (DEHLG 2006).

During the selection process for the optimal location of the proposed wind turbine within the GSK site, the optimisation of wind energy opportunities on the site was considered within constraints outlined under the following headings as explained below.

Environmental, Planning

Engineering, Health and Safety

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Future Development, Commercial.

2.3.4.1 Environmental/Planning

Under the environmental / planning heading the following topics were addressed:

Visual Impact

Noise

Cultural Heritage

Nature Conservation

Ground Conditions | Geology

Proximity to Roads and Railways

Proximity to Power Lines

Interference with Communication Systems

Aircraft Safety

Shadow Flicker

Decommissioning

Windtake

Land Use Planning and Permitting

Visual Impact

The proposed turbine will be visible for a considerable distance from the site. Options for mitigating visual impacts by appropriate location within the site were very limited on a flat site.

Noise

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government‟s Planning Guidelines (DEHLG 2006) indicate that “noise is unlikely to be a significant problem where the distance from the nearest turbine to any noise sensitive property is more than 500 metres” (DEHLG 2006 p30). This was considered to be an important constraint for turbine location, and a minimum separation of 500 metres from noise sensitive properties was achieved.

Cultural Heritage

A study of recorded archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage features in the area was undertaken, to identify if any recorded archaeological sites were located in the vicinity of the site of the proposed wind turbine. All known archaeological features were avoided.

Cognisance was also taken of potential visual impacts on established harbour landmarks, such as the Martello Tower in Ringaskiddy, Cobh Cathedral, and other significant cultural heritage sites.

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Nature Conservation

Although the turbine will not be located within a designated conservation area, the designated areas of conservation in the vicinity of the site of the proposed wind turbine were considered to ensure that the proposed location of the wind turbine would not affect the integrity of any identified sites.

The nearest designated sites are Lough Beg, Monkstown Creek, and the Owenboy River, parts of which are designated as the Cork Harbour Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC). Special Protection Areas (SPA) are internationally important nature conservation areas, designated to protect a network of habitat areas use by certain bird species throughout Europe. For projects within or close to Special Protection Areas, consent may only be given if the integrity of the designated site is not adversely affected, or for „imperative reasons of overriding public importance‟ if there is no alternative.

These areas (with minor variations in extent) are also proposed Natural Heritage Areas, which are nature conservation areas designated under Irish law to protect nationally important habitats, flora, fauna and geological features.

Avoiding or minimising impacts on nature conservation areas was given high priority in the selection of the turbine location. This is reflected in the elimination of a second proposed turbine on the site during the design process. This turbine was to be located towards the northern extremity of the site, but was considered to have the potential for adverse impacts on the designated site. Because of the risk of impact on the SPA arising from this turbine, it was eliminated from the emerging scheme.

Ground Conditions | Geology

The foundations for wind turbines are completely reliant on the supporting ground for overall stability. The available data on existing soils and geology was reviewed. This included environmental studies associated with various planning and licensing applications for the sites, and subsequent ground investigation data, where available. Areas considered unsuitable for wind turbine construction were avoided.

Proximity to Roads and Railways

There are no railways in the Ringaskiddy area. The distance of the proposed locations for the wind turbine from the local road network was taken into consideration when choosing the optimal location for the GSK wind turbine.

Proximity to Power Lines

The location of high- and medium-voltage power lines was reviewed, and the location of the proposed turbine will provide adequate separation from the existing power infrastructure.

Interference with Communication Systems

Broadcast communication service providers were consulted in relation to the proposed turbine location, and no potential for interference with the commercial broadcasters was identified.

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Aircraft Safety

The proposed turbine locations are approximately 11 kilometres from Cork Airport, and 13 kilometres from the Tulligmore radar installation, and are not in the immediate vicinity of any active airport or air strip. The Irish Aviation Authority and Cork Airport were consulted as part of the process of the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement, and their recommendations fully incorporated into the scheme. An aviation impact assessment has been completed for the project, and this is included as Appendix 2.1 to this EIS.

Shadow Flicker

Wind turbines can cause shadow flicker at the windows of nearby houses, when a specific combination of conditions coincides. A shadow flicker assessment has been undertaken during the preparation of this Environmental Impact Statement.

Decommissioning

An outline of the decommissioning strategy for the wind turbine and associated infrastructure is included in Chapter 3 Site and Scheme Description of this Environmental Impact Statement.

Windtake

The proposed turbine location was selected to provide sufficient separation to avoid turbulence and wake effects that could affect the efficient operation of the wind turbines proposed on the other CLHEG sites.

Land Use Planning and Permitting

As part of the turbine location selection process, meetings were held with Cork County Council planning and architectural staff to discuss the potential landscape and visual impacts of the project, and also the planning strategy. Refer to Chapter 5 Planning and Policy for more details on this subject.

2.3.4.2 Engineering/Health and Safety

The health and safety risks associated with the construction and operation of the wind energy project were identified, evaluated and recorded through the conceptual design process. A desk study of generic risks associated with wind turbines was completed, and following a workshop review with the Project Supervisor for the Design Process, site-specific health and safety reviews were completed.

2.3.4.3 Future Development/Commercial

The GSK site is subject to ongoing development, reconfiguration, consolidation and expansion, as an intrinsic part of GSK‟s industrial activities in a dynamic market. Potential turbine locations were considered in the context of the site plans, to ensure that the turbine will fit coherently within the site as it develops over time. The proposed turbine will not be located in any area specifically reserved for future development and expansion on the GSK site.

Proposed locations for the wind turbine were reviewed in the context of the constraints identified under the above headings. Several iterations of the turbine layout were completed. This resulted in an optimum location which satisfied the constraints. In

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general terms, the constraints described above significantly limited the available turbine location opportunities.

2.4 References

Irish Wind Energy Association and Sustainable Energy Ireland (now the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland) (2008), guidelines Best Practice Guidelines for the Irish Wind Industry and the Department of the Environment, Heritage

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2006). Planning Guidelines

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3 Site and Scheme Description

3.1 Introduction

This chapter presents a description of the proposed wind energy project at the site of the SmithKline Beecham (Cork) Limited, trading as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), plant at Currabinny, County Cork.

The site and the neighbouring land uses are described.

3.2 Site Description

The overall GSK site is approximately 61.27 hectares in extent. The developed area is in the northern part. Part of the southern portion of the GSK site comprises a wetland area. The remaining land comprises a number of fields in agricultural use. There are two access roads to the GSK facility. The main access is via a causeway from the minor local road. A secondary access lies further east along the local road.

The GSK site is situated approximately 1.5 kilometres south of the village of Ringaskiddy. Cork Harbour is situated to the east. There are a number of buildings within the boundary of the GSK facility, including the production building and the research and development buildings.

It is proposed to locate the turbine at grid reference Easting 178401 Northing 62608 within the site of the GSK facility at Currabinny. The wind turbine location is shown on Figure 3.1.

3.3 Neighbouring Land Uses

The land surrounding the site is relatively open, undulating farmland, in an industrially-zoned area. In addition to the GSK facility, there are a number of other industrial facilities in the area. The nearest of these facilities is the Hovione, Loughbeg facility, located approximately 400m northeast of the GSK site. There are a number of residential properties in the surrounding area. The nearest residential properties are approximately 300m south of the site boundary. Currabinny Wood lies approximately 300m to the southeast of the site.

The Ringaskiddy area, in general is industrial in nature and has a number of major industrial plants, a ferry port, a deepwater berth, the headquarters of the Irish Naval Service, the National Maritime College of Ireland, a crematorium and small residential areas.

3.4 Principal Design Objective

The principal design objective for the proposed development is the design and construction of a wind turbine in an optimum location within the site of the GSK facility, which will provide GSK with up to 34% of its electrical power requirements whilst at the same time reducing its carbon footprint.

3.5 Design Constraints

Design constraints included the following:

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GlaxoSmithKline


Figure No.:

Site Layout

3.1


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Site boundary;

'Set back‟ - distances from the turbine to roads, dwellings, overhead lines, ownership boundaries and so on;

Environmental constraints;

Location of noise-sensitive dwellings, if any, and assessment criteria;

Location of visually-sensitive viewpoints, if any, and assessment criteria;

Location of dwellings that may be affected by „shadow flicker‟ (flickering shadows cast by rotating blades) when the sun is in particular directions, and assessment criteria;

Turbine minimum spacings, as defined by the turbine supplier (turbines are affected by turbulence, in particular, if located too close together); and

Constraints associated with communications signals, for example microwave link corridors or radar.

3.6 Main Features of the Development

3.6.1 Introduction

The main features of the development include:

1 wind turbine.

Associated transformer located within or adjacent to the turbine.

Buried electrical and fibre-optic cabling in the GSK site.

In addition, a temporary construction compound will be established on site for the duration of the construction period.

The turbine location identified is based on an optimised technical, economic and environmental layout. Unforeseen ground conditions may require minor movements (micro-siting) in the position of the turbine. Any alteration to the location of the proposed works would be agreed with Cork County Council, prior to commencement of construction.

3.6.1.1 Wind Turbine

Turbine structure

The proposed turbine will have a capacity of between two and three megawatts. The turbine will have a hub height of up to 100 metres with a rotor radius of approximately 50.5 metres.

The turbine will be of a typical modern design incorporating a tubular tower and three blades attached to a nacelle housing the generator, gearbox and other operating equipment.

The colour of the proposed turbine will be a suitable pale neutral colour.

The transformer will be housed within or adjacent to the turbine.

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Turbine Foundations

The foundations will comprise a reinforced concrete pad. The dimensions of the pad may be up to 18m in overall length or diameter. The dimensions of the pad depend on the ground conditions and turbine size (refer to Chapter 4 Section 4.5.5).

3.6.1.2 Crane Pad

Assembly of the superstructure (refer to Section 4.5.6) will require significant crane work, and a large hard standing area (approximately 40m x 60m) to accommodate crane movements and to support the cranes during the lifting and assembly process.

The hard standing will be located immediately alongside the turbine pad, with its alignment selected to minimise disruption to the site and to facilitate delivery and unloading of the various turbine components.

Based on existing information on the ground conditions at the location in the GSK facility, in which it is proposed to locate the cranes, it is expected that the ground is suitable for the purpose. This will be verified by the geotechnical investigation.

3.6.1.3 Cabling

Underground cables within the site will link the turbine to the GSK facility. Typically the cables will be laid in a trench one metre deep and one metre wide (refer also to Chapter 4, Section 4.5.3).

3.7 Associated Developments

The following subsections detail offsite and secondary developments which will occur directly or indirectly from the wind turbine operations.

3.7.1 Power

In addition to generating electrical power for the GSK facility, a small amount of electricity may also be available for export to the national power grid – from time to time - via existing transformers and associated switchgear.

3.7.2 Wind Turbine Operations

The wind turbine will have a capacity of between two and three megawatts. It is projected to have an operating lifetime of 25 years. The wind turbine operations will be controlled from the GSK facility.

3.7.2.1 Hours of Operation

The turbine will operate at all times when wind speeds are suitable, with the exception of downtime for maintenance. The exact wind speeds at which generation will occur will ultimately depend upon the machine selected during the detailed design process. However, it is anticipated that the turbines will typically start to generate electricity at wind speeds of about 2ms

-1, rising to its maximum output at windspeeds of about

12ms-1

to 13ms-1

. If windspeeds exceed 25ms-1

, for a ten minute mean, or if the wind speed exceeds 30 ms

-1 the turbines will automatically shut down.

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3.7.2.2 Routine Maintenance

It is envisaged that routine maintenance or servicing of the turbine will be carried out twice a year, with a main service at 12 monthly intervals and a minor service at 6 month intervals. In year 1, there will be an initial 3-month service after commissioning. The turbine will be switched off for the duration of the service.

3.7.2.3 Unscheduled Repairs to the Turbine

During the 25-year operational period, it is possible that unscheduled repairs or maintenance of the turbines may require large items of plant, such as cranes, to be returned to the site, along with additional maintenance staff.

3.8 Operational Health and Safety

The wind turbine will be operated and maintained in accordance with the relevant Health and Safety regulations.

3.9 Decommissioning

The projected operational lifetime of the wind project is 25 years. When the wind project ceases operation, all major components and most above-ground structures will be removed from the site. In the case of the foundation works, the upper sections will be removed and the voids backfilled with appropriate materials. Underground cables and concrete foundations will be left in place as removal would be likely to cause more damage than leaving them in situ. The surface will then be restored.

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4 Construction Activities

4.1 Introduction

This chapter describes the construction of the proposed development and outlines the measures that will be taken to ensure that the adverse impacts of the construction activities are avoided or minimised.

4.2 Geotechnical Investigation

Prior to detailed design, and construction, a site specific ground investigation will be undertaken to determine the ground conditions underlying the wind turbine.

4.3 Construction Programme

The construction period for the wind project is expected to be six months. The construction process will comprise the following:

Site Preparation.

Relocation of existing buried services.

Construction of turbine foundations, including transformer base.

Delivery onto site and erection of wind turbine.

Installation of electricity transformer.

Excavation of trenches, and laying of underground cable.

Connection of on-site distribution and signal cables.

Reconfigure the existing connection to the ESB Networks system.

Commissioning of site equipment.

Site restoration.

It is envisaged that some of the above construction activities will be carried out concurrently in order to minimise the overall length of the construction programme.

4.4 Site Preparation

Site preparation works will include the “site establishment” set up by the contractor which will include the following:

Setting up of access control to the site.

Erection of site office.

Site facilities (canteen, toilets, drying rooms, etc.

Office for construction management team.

Secure compound for the storage of all on-site machinery and materials.

Permanent and temporary fencing.

Erection of signage.

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Prior to commencement of construction, the contractor will consult GSK records and drawings to establish the location of existing buried services.

4.5 Construction Methods

The proposed wind energy project will be constructed employing best practice in safety and efficiency.

4.5.1 Construction Safety

As required by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001-2006, a Health and Safety Plan will be prepared which will address health and safety issues from the design stages through to the completion of the construction and maintenance phases. This plan will be reviewed as the development progresses. The contents of the Health and Safety Plan will comply with the requirements of the Regulations.

Safety on site will be of paramount importance. During the selection of the relevant contractor and the respective subcontractors their safety records will be investigated. Only contractors with the highest safety standards will be selected.

Prior to working on site, each individual will receive a full safety briefing and will be provided with all of the safety equipment relevant to the tasks the individual will be required to perform during employment on site.

Safety briefings will be held regularly and prior to any onerous or special task. „Toolbox talks‟ will be held to ensure all workers are fully aware of the tasks to be undertaken and the parameters required to ensure the task will be successfully and safely completed.

All visitors will be required to wear personal protective equipment prior to going on to the site and will undergo a safety briefing by a member of the Construction Management safety team.

Regular site safety audits will be carried out throughout the construction programme to ensure that the rules and regulations established for the site are complied with at all times.

At any time that a potentially unsafe practice is observed, the Construction Management Safety Team will have the right as well as the responsibility to halt the work in question, until a safe system of working is again put in place.

4.5.2 Construction Compound

A temporary construction compound with approximate dimensions of 50m x 50m will be required. This will be located within the GSK facility.

The temporary construction compound will include a site office, for the construction management team and site facilities for the construction staff. The compound will be serviced with electrical power, water supply and toilet facilities. It is envisaged that the existing GSK facility will supply these services. If not, electrical power would be supplied from a low noise, double bunded diesel generator sited within the compound, water would be delivered to the site by bowser and sewerage/effluent would be stored

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in septic tanks and removed from site. The compound will be used as a storage area for the various components, fuels and materials required for construction. The compound will be fenced off to prevent damage to adjacent habitats and to ensure site security is maintained. The compound will be reinstated to its original condition at the end of the construction period.

4.5.3 Underground Cables

The new power lines which will run from the proposed turbine to the existing on-site

substation will be laid underground.

Detailed construction and trenching specifications for the laying of underground cables will depend on the ground conditions encountered at the time.

An electricity transformer may be installed within or adjacent to the wind turbine.

4.5.4 Construction of Turbine Foundations

The foundation type used for the proposed turbine is usually a square, circular or

octagonal reinforced concrete pad which may have a central column or plinth. The

requirement for a plinth depends on site conditions, loading and anchoring

arrangement for the turbine tower. Typical dimensions vary from 14m to 18m overall

length or diameter, however the dimensions of the pad depend on the ground

conditions and turbine size. The pad may not be of uniform thickness. Given the

anticipated ground conditions, the underside of the pad will be founded approximately

three metres below ground level, therefore a pad incorporating a plinth is anticipated.

Thickness at the edge of the pad will be of the order of one metre, increasing gradually

to the edge of the central plinth. The diameter of the central plinth is determined by

the diameter of the tower and accommodates the „anchor‟ system for the tower. The

overall thickness of the base under the tower will be of the order of three metres.

During construction, an area, approximately one to two metres bigger than the pad

size, will be excavated to facilitate the placing of the edge shutters. The sides of the

excavation will be battered back for safety. Concrete will be placed in two pours, with

the lower pad followed by the plinth. It will be finished just below ground level. The

ground will be backfilled above the lower pad in compacted layers of suitable

material. The surface will be reinstated.

The desk study indicates ground conditions at the proposed turbine location to be

topsoil overlying firm to stiff, brown, slightly gravelly clay over broken limestone.

Bedrock is of the order of 3 to 4m below ground level. It is envisaged that the pad size

will be of the order of 14m x 14m, given the presence of the shallow bedrock. Where

rock is greater than 3m below ground level, it is envisaged that mass concrete will be

used to make up the depth to bedrock locally. An excavation of the order of 18m

x18m by 4m deep can be expected, generating some 1300m3 of spoil of which 50%

may be reused to backfill over the lower pad. The remaining subsoil will be

transported offsite for appropriate reuse, or disposal at an appropriate facility.

Structural concrete volumes in the pad will be of the order of 290m3 and up to 150m

3

of mass concrete may be required under the pad to allow for variable rock levels.

Where feasible, it is proposed to replace a percentage of the cement in the concrete

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with ground granulated blast furnace slag to minimise the carbon footprint of the

development.

Prior to detailed design and construction, a site specific ground investigation will be

undertaken to determine the ground conditions underlying the wind turbine. This will

include the determination of the appropriate ground stiffness modulii and soil/rock

parameters for the turbine base design. In particular, a grid of drilling into the

limestone will be carried out to check for potential karst features in the underlying

bedrock. This work will enable optimum design of the turbine foundations.

Prior to excavation, the existing surface material will be removed and transported offsite for appropriate reuse or disposal at a licensed facility.

In the event of any evidence of soil contamination being found during work on site, the appropriate remediation measures will be employed. Any work of this nature would be carried out in consultation with, and with the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental Department of Cork County Council.

Once the turbine has been installed, the surface area surrounding the turbine will be restored.

4.5.5 Construction of Crane Hard Standing

Assembly of the super structure (refer to Section 4.5.6) requires significant crane work

and a large hard standing area (approximately 40m x 60m) is required to accommodate

crane movements and to support the cranes during the lifting and assembly process.

Generally only minimal falls of the order of 1-5% are permitted along and across the

hard standing area.

The hard standing will be located immediately alongside the turbine pad, with its

alignment selected to minimise disruption of the site and to facilitate delivery and

unloading of the various turbine components.

It is expected that the ground conditions at the location in the GSK facility, in which it

is proposed to locate the cranes, is suitable for the purpose. This will be verified by the

geotechnical investigation.

4.5.6 Turbine Erection

The superstructure of the wind turbine will be assembled on site from a number of

components. The tower can be formed in steel sections typically comprising 4 or 5

long tapered sections or precast concrete sections approximately four metres in length.

Tower sections will be lifted from delivery trailers into place from the crane

hardstanding. The rotor, comprising the blades and nacelle will be assembled on the

ground prior to lifting into place.

In general, it takes approximately one week to assemble the wind turbine and move the cranes, using a two crane method.

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4.5.7 Other ancillary developments

For some turbine models there is an external transformer with typical dimensions of

1m wide x 2-3m long x 2m high (approximately). If external, it is located close to the

turbine and sometimes over the footprint of the foundation. Other turbines include

these within the turbine shaft.

4.5.8 Electrical Connections

The turbine will be connected to the existing on-site electrical distribution system, and

to the ESB Networks electricity system, by means of underground cables.

4.5.9 Commissioning

Once construction has been completed, commissioning will commence. Commissioning tests will usually involve standard electrical tests for the electrical infrastructure as well as the turbine, and inspection of routine civil engineering quality records.

4.6 Materials - Source and Transportation

In so far as possible, construction materials will be from local sources.

Wind turbine components will be imported. The method of transporting these components is described in Section 4.8.1.4.

4.7 Employment and Accommodation

Through the construction phase there will be some variation in the numbers working

on site. It is anticipated that up to 20 construction workers will be employed on site at

any one time.

Temporary office accommodation and other construction facilities will be installed on

site for the construction phase. All temporary units will be of a high standard in

accordance with statutory regulations as a minimum.

The co-ordination of people and materials on-site will be one of the key activities

throughout the construction phases. A construction management plan will be put in

place prior to the commencement of the works. This plan will designate traffic routes,

timings and parking arrangements.

Typical working hours during the construction phases will be:

Start Finish

0700 1900 Monday – Friday

0700 1300 Saturday

It may be necessary to work overtime or night shifts (including at weekends) at certain

critical stages during the project. Consideration of safety, weather or sub-contractor

availability may necessitate working outside normal hours. Heavy or noisy

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construction activities will be avoided outside normal hours and the amount of work

outside normal hours will be strictly controlled.

4.8 Construction Traffic

This section describes the existing traffic in the area surrounding the site and provides a description of the local road network.

The impact of the generated traffic on the local road network during the construction of the proposed development is assessed and mitigation measures are proposed where necessary.

4.8.1 Existing Traffic Situation

4.8.1.1 General

The Ringaskiddy area in which the site is located is industrial in nature and the road system is designed to cater for heavy traffic.

4.8.1.2 Existing Local Road Network

The proposed development will be located at the GSK facility in the townland of Currabinny. Access to the construction will be from the existing GSK access road.

4.8.1.3 Construction Traffic

Construction traffic, likely to be generated during the construction of the proposed

development, is described below:

Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic

Workforce traffic

General site traffic

HGV Traffic

The construction stage of the proposed development will involve HGV movements. HGV movements may include the following:

Delivery and subsequent removal of plant and equipment to site for site compound, etc.

Transformer

Cable

Sand

Ready-mix concrete

Formwork and reinforcing steel

Mobile cranes

Turbine components

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GlaxoSmithKline


Figure No.:

Access Route AutoTrack

Analysis Location Plan 4.1


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GlaxoSmithKline


Figure No.:

Access Route AutoTrack

Analysis 4.2


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Delivery of base rings.

These activities are outlined in more detail below. It should be noted that, in calculating traffic generation, account is taken of the return journey of the delivery.

It is unlikely that HGVs will access the site at night time. However this may be required in unusual circumstances (refer to Section 4.7).

The larger components of the wind turbine are likely to be delivered by sea to the Ringaskiddy Port, and subsequently transported by road to the GSK site.

The earthworks element of the construction will introduce some additional HGVs to the area.

Removal offsite of Excavated Soil

It is estimated that 50% of excavated soil may require removal offsite (refer to Section 4.5.5).

General Plant and Equipment – Delivery and Removal

A range of plant and equipment is expected to be delivered to site near the onset of the works and will be removed as soon as practical at the end of the activity for which the equipment is required.

Delivery of Concrete

Up to approximately 440m3

of ready mix concrete may be required for the construction of the turbine foundation.

Delivery of Turbine Components

Over-size load vehicles will be required for the delivery of the components of the turbine. The longest such element will be the turbine blades, of up to 50.5 metre length.

Delivery of Transformer

The transformer will be delivered by HGV.

Delivery of Holding Down Bolts

Additional deliveries of turbine components will include delivery of the hub and the holding down bolts.

Delivery of Formwork and Reinforcing Steel

Formwork and reinforcing steel will be required for the concrete bases.

Mobile Crane Delivery and Removal

It is assumed that mobile crane parts, including ballast will be used to erect the turbines, and will be delivered on HGVs.

Other Deliveries and Removals

Deliveries of cabling, and also of sand for the cable trenches will generate additional HGV traffic.

Removal of temporary portakabins offsite (if required) will generate HGV traffic.

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Workforce Traffic

The construction period will also generate demand in terms of construction workforce

access. Throughout the construction, there will be some variation in the number of

workers on site. It is estimated that up to 20 construction workers will be employed on

site at any one time.

General Site Traffic

The construction stage will also generate site traffic in addition to HGV movements and workforce traffic. The general site traffic accounts for visitors and general service vehicles to the site.

4.8.1.4 Estimate of Traffic Generation During Construction

The construction phase will involve approximately 1000 HGV trips over a 6 month period. This will equate to an average of 6 HGV trips per day with a peak of between 30 and 40 trips during certain construction activities i.e. delivery of crushed stone and delivery of ready mix concrete.

Construction staff will generate a peak of approximately 60 car/light goods vehicles (LGV) trips per day.

4.9 Potential Construction Phase Impacts

4.9.1 General

This section addresses potential construction phase impacts, and nuisance to the local community, including emissions to air such as dust, noise and vibration, construction traffic (including oversized deliveries and night time working) and poorly controlled construction waste. Surface water runoff from the site during periods of heavy rainfall, and leaks or spills from construction plant and equipment, have the potential to impact on the quality of soils, surface water and groundwater.

Potential construction phase impacts are also addressed in other chapters of this EIS e.g. the construction phase noise and vibration impacts, and construction phase impacts on air quality and climate are addressed in Chapters 9 and 10 Noise and Vibration and Air Quality and Climate, respectively. Potential impacts of construction on flora and fauna are addressed in Chapter 7 Flora and Fauna.

4.9.2 Construction Traffic

The construction phase will involve approximately 1000 HGV trips over a 6 month period. This will equate to an average of 6 HGV trips per day with a peak of between 30 and 40 trips during certain construction activities i.e. delivery of crushed stone and delivery of ready mix concrete.

Construction staff will generate a peak of 60 car/LGV trips per day.

The annual average daily traffic (AADT) figure for the N28 is approximately 15,000. The proposed development peak levels (staff plus 30-40 trucks), will equate to a less than one percent increase in traffic. Overall, the impact of construction traffic on the local road network will be very slight.

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A study of the haulage route, including a swept-path analysis (using Autotrack software) of the local minor road from Ringaskiddy Port to GSK, was undertaken as part of this assessment. The study indicated that for road safety reasons there may be a requirement for temporary local road closures during transportation of abnormal loads to the site (e.g. the turbine rotors). Road closures, if required, will be of temporary and of short duration (refer also to Section 4.10.6 Construction Traffic Mitigation Measures).

4.10 Construction Phase Mitigation Measures

4.10.1 General

Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure that any detrimental environmental effects will be minimised during the construction phase of this project. A construction environmental management plan will be prepared and implemented with the objective of keeping disruption and nuisance to a minimum. The plan will have regard to the guidance contained in the handbook published by Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) in the UK, Environmental Good Practice on Site, CIRIA 2005.

4.10.2 Dust Minimisation

A dust minimisation plan will be formulated for the construction phase of the project, as construction activities are likely to generate some dust emissions. The potential for dust to be emitted depends on the type of construction activity being carried out in conjunction with ambient conditions including rainfall, wind speed and wind direction. Refer to Chapter 10 Air Quality and Climate, for an outline of the contents of the dust minimisation plan.

These measures will be a requirement of the contract documents, and will be monitored by the construction management team. The dust minimisation plan will be reviewed at regular intervals during the construction phases to ensure the effectiveness of the procedures in place and to maintain the goal of minimisation of dust nuisance through the use of best practice and procedures.

4.10.3 Noise and Vibration

Construction noise will be kept to a minimum in accordance with BS 5228. Construction-phase noise impact is described in Chapter 9 Noise and Vibration, of this EIS.

It is anticipated that no significant vibration will be generated during the construction phases of the project.

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4.10.4 Construction Waste Management

4.10.4.1 General

Waste generated during the construction phase will be carefully managed according to the accepted waste hierarchy which gives precedence to prevention, minimisation, reuse and recycling over disposal with energy recovery and finally disposal to landfill.

This hierarchy will be implemented by identifying opportunities to firstly prevent waste from being produced, and secondly minimise the amount of waste produced. Where prevention and minimisation will not be feasible, ways to reuse or recycle waste will be sought, preferably on-site to avoid the impacts arising from transportation. If this is not feasible, opportunities to reuse or recycle the waste off-site will be investigated. If this is not feasible, then waste will be sent to an energy recovery facility, and only where there is no alternative, will waste be disposed of to landfill. To achieve this, existing waste management programmes and networks will be used such as the National Waste Prevention Programme (implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency) and material exchange networks, for example „Freecycle‟.

All waste removed from the site will be collected only by contractors with valid waste collection permits (under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2001 as amended). All facilities to which waste will be taken will be audited in advance, to ensure that they have appropriate waste licences or permits allowing them to accept the type of waste that is to be sent there (under the Waste Management Act 1996 as amended by the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, and the regulations thereunder). Hazardous waste generation will be minimised, and such waste will be recovered where feasible, and only disposed of if recovery is not feasible. Hazardous waste will be managed in accordance with the Waste Management (Hazardous Waste) Regulations 1998 and 2000.

4.10.4.2 Waste Arisings

In general construction waste materials may include general construction debris, scrap timber and steel, machinery oils and chemical cleaning solutions. In addition, the practice of excessive purchase of materials and equipment to allow for anticipated wastage will be avoided.

Typically, excavated material that is unsuitable for use as backfill will be re-used locally as fill material. Soil which is not re-used will be disposed of to an appropriate permitted site. In the unlikely event of any evidence of soil contamination being found during work on site, the appropriate remediation measures will be employed. Any work of this nature would be carried out in consultation with, and with the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental Department of Cork County Council.

4.10.4.3 Waste Management Plan for the Construction Phase

The Contractor will be required to develop, implement and maintain a Waste Management Plan during the construction works. A senior manager will be responsible for the waste management plan. The manager will be competent in waste

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management, and will receive training, where necessary, such as the CIF/FÁS Construction and Demolition Waste Management module.

The key principles underlying the plan will be to minimise waste generation and to segregate waste at source. The measures to achieve these aims include:

Ordering of appropriate quantities of materials, with a just-in-time philosophy.

Immediate and careful storage of materials delivered to the site.

Storing materials which are vulnerable to damage by rain under cover and raised above the ground.

Careful handling of materials, using appropriate equipment, to avoid undue damage.

Designation of separate storage areas for different types of waste, in order to maximise the reuse and recycling potential of the waste.

The Waste Management Plan will outline how residual waste will be handled as follows:

The identification of disposal sites.

The identification of quantities to be excavated and disposed of and classification of this material.

The identification of measures to prevent nuisance, etc.

The identification of the amounts intended to be stored temporarily on site and the location of such storage.

The contractor‟s approach to waste management.

The names, roles, responsibilities, and authority of the key personnel involved in the waste management.

The Waste Management Plan will include documented procedures for dealing with waste management including liaison with third parties, statutory undertakers and other companies.

The Waste Management Plan will meet the requirements of the voluntary initiative by the construction industry. The National Construction and Demolition Waste Council (NCDWC) prepared these requirements. The NCDWC has been established by the Forum for the Construction Industry.

4.10.4.4 Site Tidiness

The following are some of the measures that will be taken to ensure that the site and surroundings are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness:

A regular program of site tidying will be established to ensure a safe and orderly site.

Scaffolding will have debris netting attached to prevent materials and equipment being scattered by the wind.

Food waste will be strictly controlled on all parts of the site.

Loaded lorries and skips will be covered.

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Surrounding roads used by trucks to access to and egress from the site will be cleaned regularly using an approved mechanical road sweeper. Roads will be cleaned subject to local authority requirements. Site roads will be cleaned on a daily basis, or more regularly, as required.

In the event of any fugitive solid waste escaping the site, it will be collected immediately and removed to storage on site, and subsequently disposed of in the normal manner.

4.10.5 Surface Water and Groundwater

The employment of good construction management practices will minimise the risk of pollution of soil, storm water run-off or groundwater. The Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) in the UK has issued a guidance note on the control and management of water pollution from construction sites, Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites, guidance for consultants and contractors (Masters-Williams et al 2001).

The guide is written for project promoters, design engineers and site and construction managers. It addresses the main causes of pollution of soil, groundwater and surface waters from construction sites and describes the protection measures required to prevent pollution of groundwater and surface waters and the emergency response procedures to be put in place so that any pollution, which occurs, can be remedied. The guide addresses developments on green field and potentially contaminated brownfield sites. The construction management of the site will take account of the recommendations of the CIRIA guidance to minimise as far as possible the risk of soil, groundwater and surface water contamination.

Site activities considered in the guidance note include the following:

excavation

earthmoving

concreting operations

Additional specific guidance is provided in the CIRIA technical guidance on Control of Water Pollution from Linear Construction Projects (Murnane E, Heap A and Swain A 2006).

Surface run-off from wheel washing areas can contain of pollutants such as:

detergents

oil and fuel

suspended solids

grease

antifreeze

Measures, as recommended in the guidance above, that will be implemented to minimise the risk of spills and contamination of soils and waters include:

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Careful consideration will be given to the location of any fuel storage facilities.

These will be designed in accordance with guidelines produced by CIRIA, and will

be fully bunded.

All vehicles and plant will be regularly inspected for fuel, oil and hydraulic fluid

leaks. Suitable equipment to deal with spills will be maintained on site.

In principle, soil excavation will be completed during dry periods and undertaken

with backacters and dump trucks. Topsoil and subsoil will not be mixed together.

Ensure that all areas where liquids are stored or cleaning is carried out are in a

designated impermeable area that is isolated from the surrounding area, e.g. by a

roll-over bund, raised kerb, ramps or stepped access.

Run-off will not be allowed to enter surface water drains, surface water or

groundwater.

Use collection systems to prevent any contaminated drainage entering surface

water drains, watercourses or groundwater, or draining onto the land.

Minimise the use of cleaning chemicals.

Use trigger-operated spray guns, with automatic water-supply cut-off.

Use settlement lagoons or suitable absorbent material such as flocculent to remove

suspended solids such as mud and silt.

Ensure that all staff are trained and follow vehicle cleaning procedures. Post

details of the procedures in the work area for easy reference.

Use catchpots or silt traps on drains and ensure that they are in place during

cleaning. Empty them at regular intervals.

4.10.6 Construction Traffic Mitigation Measures

The Construction Management Plan will include construction traffic management.

Any road closures, if required, for the transportation of abnormal loads to the site will be of a short duration and will only be for the duration of the transportation of these components.

Construction traffic will be temporary and of short duration.

The Garda Siochána and local residents will be given advance notice of the above closures, should they be required.

4.11 Residual Impacts

It is anticipated that with proper management, there will be no significant environmental impacts as a result of the construction of the proposed development. Any impacts likely to occur will be of a temporary nature.

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4.11.1.1 Cumulative Impacts

The cumulative construction impacts of all four CLHEG sites being constructed simultaneously would be very slight. Impacts would be short term and of a temporary nature.

It is anticipated that, with proper management, the construction phase of the development will not have significant or long-term cumulative negative impacts. If it arises that construction is programmed for more than one site at any one time, then the construction activities will be coordinated to ensure that cumulative effects are minimised.

4.12 Commissioning

Following completion of construction and installation of equipment, and before operation commences, testing and commissioning will be undertaken. This will comprise:

Installation compliance checks

Commissioning tests

Performance demonstration tests

4.12.1 Installation compliance checks,

This will be a process of systematically checking that all systems and equipment have been constructed, assembled, aligned and installed correctly, in accordance with the design specifications and drawings, and that all interconnecting pipe work, cabling and wiring has been installed in compliance with the design specifications and drawings.

4.12.2 Commissioning and Performance Demonstration tests

The wind energy system will be tested and verified, as being in accordance with the design and specifications. The control system and instrumentation will be tested to demonstrate that they are functioning correctly. Following these tests, each system will be checked to ensure that it is ready to be commissioned under operating conditions.

4.13 References

The Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA), (2005) Environmental Good Practice on Site, UK

The Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA), (2001) Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites, Guidance for Consultants and Contractors, UK.

Masters-Williams et al (2001) Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites, guidance for consultants and contractors

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5 Planning and Policy

This chapter outlines the statutory land use development and planning policy context of the proposed wind turbine development at GSK. The proposed development is examined in the context of the policies and objectives of the documents below, which address energy policy guidance at European Union, national, and local levels.

International Commitments and Guidance

Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change 1997

Climate Change 2007: Mitigation of Climate Change, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

EU Directives and Policy Guidance

EU Directive 2001/77/EC: Renewable Energy

EU COM (2007) 1 Final: An Energy Policy for Europe

Irish National Policy, Objectives and Guidance on Energy

National Development Plan 2007 to 2013

National Climate Change Strategy (2007 to 2012)

Making Ireland‟s Development Sustainable 2002

Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland – The Energy Policy Framework 2007 to 2020

National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2009

Regional Planning Guidance

Regional Planning Guidelines 2010 to 2022

Local Policy Guidance

Cork Area Strategic Plan 2001 to 2020

Cork County Development Plan 2009

Carrigaline Electoral Area Local Area Plan: Public Consultation Draft November 2010

5.1 International Commitments and Guidance

5.1.1 Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate Change (1997)

The Kyoto Protocol aims to reduce worldwide greenhouse gas emissions to 5.2 percent below 1990 levels in the period 2008 to 2012. The Kyoto Protocol sets specific emissions reduction targets for each industrialised nation, but excludes developing countries.

To meet their targets, most ratifying nations would have to combine several strategies, such as:

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Place restrictions on their biggest polluters.

Manage transportation to limit or reduce vehicle emissions.

Make better use of renewable energy sources and displace the use of fossil fuels.

Conformance of the Project to Policy Objectives

The project will lead to a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases (arising from the generation of electricity from fossil fuels), and will displace the use of fossil fuels.

5.1.2 Climate Change 2007: Mitigation of Climate Change

This report is the contribution from Working Group III towards the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change publication, the Fourth Assessment Report. It is designed to inform policy makers on the relative impacts of different activities on climate change, and to identify any activities that help reduce overall emissions.


The project will lead to a reduction in the generation of greenhouse gases (arising from the generation of electricity from fossil fuels), and will displace the use of fossil fuels.

5.2 European Union Directives and Policy Guidance

5.2.1 EU Directive 2001/77/EC: Renewable Energy

This Directive highlights the importance of electricity from renewable sources for the security and diversification of energy supply. The Directive seeks to increase the contribution of renewable energy sources to electricity production.

Article 3 of the Directive requires Member States to encourage greater consumption of electricity from renewable sources in accordance with national indicative targets.


The project will lead to an increased proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources being consumed on-site.

5.2.2 EU COM (2007) 1 final An Energy Policy for Europe

The Commission issued a communication in early 2007 that outlined, for the first time, a comprehensive energy policy for Europe. The policy aims to develop a long-term secure, sustainable and competitive energy for Europe, with the core energy objective being to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020 (or 30% with international consensus). This deliberately draws the link between greenhouse gas emissions and energy production. To achieve this objective, the Commission proposed further energy-related goals: improving energy efficiency by 20% and raising the share of renewable energy in the energy mix by 20%, all by 2020.


The project contributes to achieving the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.

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5.3 Irish National Policy, Objectives and Guidance on Energy

5.3.1 National Development Plan 2007 to 2013

The National Development Plan (NDP) sets out a programme of integrated investments that will underpin the Country‟s objective of growth that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. It follows on from the previous National Development Plan 2000 to 2006, however, it has a greater focus on the necessary infrastructure which will be important in attracting investment and ensuring progress.

The NDP highlights that Ireland has significant renewable energy resources available but their large-scale exploitation continues to require support and intervention by policy makers because of the investment costs and risks entailed. This intervention is required across the three principal energy sectors: electricity, heat and transport and in the industrial, public, commercial and domestic sectors.

A 2020 target for the share of electricity produced from renewable energy sources and targets for renewable heat and transport sectors, will be finalised in the context of the Energy Policy Framework and in the light of EU developments.


The project will increase the share of electricity produced from renewable energy resources, in line with the targets set out in the NDP.

5.3.2 National Climate Change Strategy 2007 to 2012

The National Climate Change Strategy details the proposed measures to be taken by Ireland to limit the emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, oxides of nitrogen, and certain fluorinated gases from all sectors of the economy to meet its 2008 to 2012 commitment. It also demonstrates how these measures position the nation for the post-2012 period, identifying the areas in which further measures are being researched and developed to enable the eventual 2020 commitment to be met.

The Strategy supports the production of energy from non-fossil fuel sources, displacing the carbon dioxide emissions associated with those sources.


The project will lead to a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the objectives of the Strategy.

5.3.3 Making Ireland’s Development Sustainable, 2002

This policy document highlights the importance of ensuring economic development is carried out in a sustainable manner. It acknowledges that (at the time it was prepared) the pace of economic growth was putting great pressure on the environment. Resource efficiency is emphasised in the document, breaking the link between economic growth and consumption of resources.

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The project will mean that consumption of electricity from the grid will be reduced, leading to greater resource efficiency, in accordance with the objectives of the policy.

5.3.4 Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland: The

Energy Policy Framework 2007 to 2020

The primary objective of the National Energy Policy is security of supply, environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness. It is an objective of the Government to achieve 33% of the country‟s electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2020 with 15% the target for 2010. In this respect, Ireland set a target to increase the capacity of renewable energy based electricity generation capacity to at least 1,450 megawatts installed.


The project will contribute to the three key energy pillars of enhancing the security of energy supply, the environmental sustainability of energy supply and economic competitiveness.

5.3.5 National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, 2009

This policy document details the range of actions to which the Government is currently committed across all sectors of the economy. It includes reference to the implementation of the EU „cap and trade‟ greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme in Ireland. The industrial sector (which includes the larger industrial sites in the Ringaskiddy area) accounts for approximately 37% of the National Allocation Plan for greenhouse gas emissions.


The reduction in carbon emissions that will be associated with the project is in line with the objectives of this Plan.

5.4 Regional Policy Guidance

5.4.1 Regional Planning Guidelines 2010 to 2022

The Regional Planning Guidelines for the South West Region were reviewed in 2010

and the review was published as the Regional Planning Guidelines 2010 – 2022. The

purpose and role of the Guidelines are explained thus in the Preface:

“The Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) formulate public policy for the region,

covering Cork and Kerry, integrating land-use, transport, economic growth and

investment, to enable the region to continue to grow as a sustainable high quality

location for investment and one in which to live, work and visit.

The RPGs set out a series of recommendations to local authorities, which are clearly

linked to and support national investment priorities and are designed to strengthen

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integrated approaches to policy making and planning at local level, in line with

regional and national planning frameworks.

Sustainable growth is a key theme of the Guidelines, relating to the development and

strengthening of the regional economy; the quantum and location of future housing;

environmental improvement and sustainable living with a high level of service

integration, all within the context of heightened protection of the region‟s

biodiversity.”

Chapter 1 of the Guidelines sets out the planning context and examines the delivery of

the 2004 Guidelines. It notes that:

“1.3.15. The South West Region is the only region in Ireland where output from the

manufacturing sector exceeds the value of output from the services sector.

Manufacturing accounts for 54% of GVA while services add 44%. It should however

be noted that the services sector grew by 70 % between 2000 and 2005 compared to

manufacturing growth of 47 % in the same period.”

The economic importance of the pharmaceutical and health care sector to the region is

recognised in Chapter 3 of the Guidelines, which presents the economic development

strategy for the region.

“3.1.3. The South West has the highest Gross Value Added (GVA) per worker in the

State in 2005 and has experienced higher than national average growth rates over the

period 1998-2007. There are marked differences however between the counties of

Cork and Kerry, with disposable income levels in Cork at 99% of the national average

compared with Kerry at 86%. The reason for this is the significant presence of the

high value pharma-chem sector, primarily located in the Cork Gateway.”

“3.1.5. The region is unique in that it is the only region where the value of output from

industry (manufacturing) exceeds that of services (both traded and non traded). It has

a diverse industry base and well developed geographic clustering of export oriented

companies in the Food, Pharmaceuticals and ICT sectors in particular, and to a lesser

extent Medical Devices and Engineering.”

Objective RES-01 Production and Knowledge in the Guidelines, in relation to the

economic development, states:

“It is an objective to promote sustainable growth of indigenous and multinational

companies in the economic sectors where the region enjoys competitive advantage

and in particular:-

• Knowledge based industry, research and development, with a strong focus on

indigenous company growth, supported by the sustainable development of a

Regional Science Park in the Gateway.

• Strategic sites at appropriate locations for large scale developments related to

the pharmachemical, bio-medical, IT and food sciences sectors.

• Internationally traded services located in high quality sustainable locations,

strongly focused on the Gateway and Hub towns, in brown field locations

where practicable and within easy access to public transport and support

services.

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In order to safeguard the expansion of existing productive industries in the region, it is

necessary for local authorities to:

• Ensure adequacy of suitable land for expansion.

• Identify optimum sustainable locations for large scale production.

• Where appropriate, facilitate the sustainable generation of renewable energy

at source in strategic industrial areas.

• Encourage the relocation of existing Seveso sites in the Cork Docklands area

to facilitate future development of the docklands, in a sustainable manner.

• Ensure that travel and transport needs are catered for in a sustainable

manner.”


The project will lead to the appropriate sustainable generation of renewable energy at source in the strategic industrial area of Ringaskiddy, thereby helping to safeguard the presence and potential future expansion of existing productive industries in the region.

5.5 Local Policy Guidance

5.5.1 Cork Area Strategic Plan 2001 to 2020

The Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) recognises that the delivery of power and the provision of the necessary infrastructure is an essential requirement for the economic development of the CASP study area. Cork‟s growth rates in electrical demand has been above the national average of 5% per annum since 1993, and the potential for problems maintaining service is identified.


The project will lead to a reduction in the demand for electricity from the grid, which will mitigate the risk to power service identified in CASP.

5.5.2 Cork County Development Plan 2009

5.5.2.1 Overall Economic Development Policy

Section 1.1.6 of the Plan states “If the County is to continue to play its part as a prosperous counter weight to Dublin and other regions, it is critical that it maintains its cost competitiveness in terms of employment and quality of life benefits, which can only be maintained if sustainable land use planning and policy decisions are adopted and implemented.” (CCDP 2009 p3)

Objective ECON 1-1 states “It is an objective generally to encourage all forms of economic and employment development throughout the County in response to the policies and objectives contained within the National Spatial Strategy, the Regional Planning Guidelines, the North and West Cork Strategic Plan, the CASP Update 2008 and in accordance with the overall development strategy and objectives of this plan.” (CCDP 2009 p135)

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In addition, economic development in strategic employment areas is supported: “It is an objective to promote sustainable economic development in the county along the suburban rail corridor (Blarney – Monard - Mallow-Carrigtwohill – Midleton- Cobh), the strategic employment areas (Kilbarry, Ringaskiddy, Little Island, Whitegate, Airport Business Park and Ballincollig) as well as in Clonakilty and the major Ring Towns in order to provide a balance in economic development and employment across the County as a whole.” (CCDP 2009 p136)

5.5.2.2 Economic Development Policy in Strategic Employment

Centres

In relation to strategic employment centres, Objective ECON 2-2 states “It is an objective to promote the development of Ringaskiddy, Little Island, Carrigtwohill and Kilbarry as Strategic Employment Centres, which will be the primary locations for large-scale industrial development.” (CCDP 2009 p144)

5.5.2.3 Energy Development Policy

Objective INF 7-1 relates to energy networks and infrastructure, and states: “It is an objective to recognise the national importance of ensuring security of energy supplies for servicing a whole range of economic sectors in line with the Government‟s White Paper „Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland‟”. (CCDP 2009 p252)

In relation to renewable energy, Section 6.7.10 states “The Council, through this Plan will support initiatives aimed at reducing the level of energy consumption within the County. Land-use strategies and policies that reduce the need to travel and mixed use developments that provide an appropriate balance of residential, employment, recreational and retail uses, will be supported as they promote a more sustainable, energy efficient pattern of living.” (CCDP 2009 p253)

Other energy objectives in relation to climate change and renewable energy production are INF 7-2 and INF 7-3:

“INF 7-2 Climate Change

(a) It is an objective to support the National Climate Change Strategy and, in general to facilitate measures which seek to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

(b) It is an objective to adopt sustainable planning strategies, such as integrated approach to land-use and transportation and facilitate mixed-use developments, so as to reduce greenhouse emissions.

INF 7-3 Renewable Energy Production

It is an objective generally to encourage the production of energy from renewable sources, including in particular that from biomass, waste material, solar, wave, micro hydro power and wind energy, subject to normal proper planning considerations, including in particular the impact on areas of environmental or landscape sensitivity.” (CCDP 2009 p254)

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5.5.2.4 Policy Relating to Wind Energy

With specific reference to wind energy, detailed studies were undertaken by Cork County Council in 2001 and 2002. These studies informed the identification “in broad strategic terms” of two special areas:

“STRATEGIC SEARCH AREAS: Areas which have both relatively high wind speeds and relatively low landscape sensitivity to wind projects. These could be considered to be strategic „search areas‟ for wind farm development. Prospective developers would be encouraged generally to focus on these areas when searching for potentially suitable sites in County Cork. While not all locations within these areas would be suitable for wind projects (see below), they do give a strategic representation of generally preferred areas.

STRATEGICALLY UNSUITABLE AREAS: Areas which, because of high landscape sensitivity, are considered generally to be unsuitable for wind energy projects. While there may be a small number of locations within these areas with limited potential for small-scale wind projects, their contribution to any significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be negligible. Except on a small scale and at particularly suitable locations, wind projects would normally be discouraged in these areas.” (CCDP 2009 pp254-255)

The status of these areas is expanded upon in Sections 6.7.13 and 6.7.14 of the Plan, as follows:

“The identification of these areas does not of course give any certainty about the outcome of any particular wind energy proposal and, even within the strategic search areas there will be particular constraints at individual sites. For example, within the identified search areas, important breeding and feeding grounds for rare and protected hen harriers can be found and these can be damaged or destroyed by inappropriate development.

In general terms, for a wind energy project to succeed in the planning process, a whole range of criteria must be met, whether in the search areas or in other areas. The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government‟s “Wind Energy Development” guidelines sets out in detail various development control considerations (including site selection, siting and layout) for various types of wind energy projects.” (CCDP 2009 p255).

5.5.2.5 Policy Relating to the Landscape

Policy ENV 2-2 states that “It is an objective of the Planning Authority that landscape issues will be an important factor in all land-use proposals, ensuring that a pro-active view of development is undertaken while maintaining respect for the environment and heritage generally in line with the principle of sustainability.” (CCDP 2009 p277)

5.5.2.6 Variation No.2 to the Development Plan

In December 2010, Cork County Council amended the Development Plan to facilitate

the future development of wind energy projects at Ringaskiddy in accordance with the

Planning and Development Acts.

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The changes made were as follows:

“Volume 1 – Chapter 6: Transport and Infrastructure change to paragraph 6.7.12 to include additional text (bold & underlined) to read as follows:

“STRATEGICALLY UNSUITABLE AREAS: Areas which, because of high landscape sensitivity, are considered generally to be unsuitable for wind energy projects. While there may be a small number of locations within these areas with limited potential for small‐scale wind projects, their contribution to any significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be negligible. Except on a small scale and at particularly suitable locations, wind projects would normally be discouraged in these areas. However, because of the potential of wind generated electricity to reduce the reliance of large scale industry on fossil fuel generated electricity, for the avoidance of doubt, the areas identified as suitable locations for large scale industrial development in Objective ECON 3‐2 of this plan are excluded from these areas and wind energy proposals in the areas referred to in ECON 3‐2 will be considered on their merits, subject to compliance with Article 6 of the EU Habitats Directive.”

amend section (b) of objective INF 7‐4 to include additional text (bold & underlined) as follows:

“…(b) It is an objective to support existing and established businesses and industries who wish to use wind energy to serve their own needs subject to proper planning and sustainable development. In particular, because of the potential for wind generated electricity to reduce the reliance of large scale industry on fossil fuel generated electricity, proposals located within the areas identified as suitable locations for large scale industrial development in objective ECON 3‐2 of this plan will be considered on their merits, subject to compliance with Article 6 of the EU Habitats Directive.”

amend section (d) of objective INF 7‐4 to include additional text (bold & underlined) as follows:

“…(d) Similar criteria would be taken into account in the strategically unsuitable areas except that (other than in areas to which objective ECON 3‐2 relates) suitable projects will generally be on a smaller scale and on very special, carefully chosen sites.” “


The project aligns with the wind energy objectives of the Plan, in particular Objective INF 7-4, which states „it is an objective to support existing and established businesses and industries who wish to use wind energy to serve their own needs subject to proper planning and sustainable development‟.

With the incorporation of Variation No.2 to the Plan, the Plan‟s general policy of support for wind energy now applies to wind energy projects in Ringaskiddy, and the project is in compliance with this policy.

5.5.3 Carrigaline Electoral Area Local Area Plan: Public

Consultation Draft November 2010

The November 2010 draft of the Carrigaline Electoral Area Local Area Plan (LAP) will be either „amended‟ or „made‟ in due course by the County Council. The Ringaskiddy area is within the Carrigaline Electoral Area. The Planning and Development Acts make provision for the draft LAP to be taken into account as a material consideration in the determination of applications for planning permission either by the County Council or An Bord Pleanála.

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Ringaskiddy is designated as a Strategic Employment Centre, focused on industry. Parts of Ringaskiddy have been identified as being at risk of flooding, and it is an objective of the LAP that development is avoided in these areas.


The project will help to secure local industry in the Strategic Employment Centre, in accordance with the LAP objectives. Development has been avoided in areas designated as being at risk of flooding.

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6 Human Beings

6.1 Introduction

This chapter addresses impacts of the proposed SmithKline Beecham (Cork) Limited, trading as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) wind energy project on human beings.

The proposed development has the potential to impact human beings in several ways. The potential impacts on human beings from construction activities, visual effects, built and natural heritage, and air, noise and vibration are dealt with in the specific chapters in this EIS dedicated to those topics. In this chapter, issues such as social and economic activity are examined.

6.2 Baseline Description

6.2.1 Introduction

The current socio-economic status in the areas close to the proposed development was reviewed. The site is located within the Carrigaline Electoral Division. Baseline information with respect to the demographic and employment characteristics of the resident population within the catchment area was sourced from the 1996, 2002 and 2006 Censuses (where available). The data included information on population, structure, age profile, and household size, number of persons at work and unemployment profile. Information was also sourced from the following documents/websites:

The Cork County Development Plan 2009

Carrigaline Electoral Area Local Area Plan Public Consultation Draft November

2010

Central Statistics Office (CSO) National Quarterly Household Statistics available

on the CSO website (www.cso.ie)

Cork Area Strategic Plan – Strategy for Additional Economic and Population Growth - An Update (Indecon International Consultants RPS and Savills HOK, July 2008)

The Department of Education and Sciences website www.education.ie

During the preparation of this EIS, consultations were held with a number of parties in order to ensure that environmental issues, including socio-economic, recreational and amenity issues relating to the project were addressed. The parties consulted are listed in Chapter 1 Introduction of this EIS.

6.2.2 Existing Environment

A description of the existing environment in the study area is provided in the following subsections.

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6.2.2.1 Residences

The nearest residences to the site of the proposed development are located approximately 300m south of the GSK site boundary, and more than 500m from the proposed turbine.

6.2.2.2 Schools and Colleges

The National Maritime College of Ireland is located at Ringaskiddy. There are plans to expand the existing facility eastwards to provide a maritime campus adjacent to the college, accommodating the Maritime and Energy Research Campus and Commercial Cluster (MERC

3).

There is a large pre-school at Ringaskiddy. Primary schools in the area include Ringaskiddy and Shanbally National Schools.

6.2.2.3 Haulbowline Naval Base

Haulbowline is an island of about 84 acres which is linked by bridge to Ringaskiddy via Rocky Island. Haulbowline is State property and is the headquarters of the Irish Naval Service.

6.2.2.4 Health, Social, and Community Facilities

Local area facilities include the Community Centre at Ringaskiddy. Churches are located at Ringaskiddy and Shanbally. There is a local health centre at Upper Shanbally.

A crematorium exists at Rocky Island, Ringaskiddy and is accessed via the access road to Haulbowline.

6.2.2.5 Heritage and Amenity

Heritage

Archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage are discussed in Chapter 13, Archaeological, Architectural and Cultural Heritage. Nature Conservation Areas are discussed in Chapter 7, Flora and Fauna.

Two Areas of Geological Interest listed in the Cork County Development Plan are located at Ringaskiddy, namely Loughbeg and Golden Rock. The geology of the area is discussed in Chapter 11 of this EIS, Soils, Geology, Surface Water, Groundwater.

A list of Scenic Routes – Views and Prospects for the Cork County is set out in the Cork County Development Plan. Those within the study area are discussed in Chapter 8 of this EIS, Landscape and Visual.

Local Amenity

From a local amenity viewpoint, the road to Currabinny Wood and Currabinny Pier is the access road to the GSK facility. Currabinny Wood is a popular walking area for the public. Sailing, boating and fishing are undertaken at Currabinny Pier. The GSK site is adjacent to Cork Harbour designated Special Protection Area, and Lough Beg

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proposed Natural Heritage Area (refer to Chapter 7). Bird watching is carried out at the Lagoon which is part of the GSK site.

The N28 road which passes through Ringaskiddy Village is a busy road carrying port and industrial traffic twenty-four hours per day, in addition to residential traffic. The road is a National Primary Route (N28). It passes eastwards through Ringaskiddy Village as far as the junction with the entrance to the ferry port and the main road to Loughbeg, and continues eastwards past the site of the proposed development as the access road to Hammond Lane, the crematorium at Rocky Island, the National Maritime College, the Naval Base on Haulbowline Island and Gobby beach.

The sandy/rocky shore at the eastern end of the peninsula at Ringaskiddy is known as Gobby beach. This beach is a local amenity served by a small public car park and is well used by local residents for walking. There is also another sandy beach near DePuy (Ireland). There is a footpath to the Martello Tower from the main Ringaskiddy to Loughbeg Road.

The deepwater berth at Ringaskiddy is one of Cork Harbour‟s premier shore fishing locations. During the winter months, bottom fishing will produce flatfish, whiting and codling. Ray is caught during the summer, while coalfish and conger can be caught all year round. Fishing is also carried out from the shore at Gobby beach.

Local sports clubs include Pfizer Pitch and Putt Club and Raffeen Creek Golf Club in Ringaskiddy, and Shamrocks Hurling and Football Club and Hibernian AFC soccer club in Shanbally, near Ringaskiddy.

Amenity in Cork Harbour

There is extensive recreational use of Cork Harbour, mainly the Lower Harbour, for sea angling and boating. Leisure and recreational activities within the Harbour and its immediate surrounds include sailing, rowing, windsurfing, canoeing, sea angling, bird watching, whale watching swimming and walking. Sailing is a popular recreation in Cork Harbour and there are several sailing/yacht clubs in the Harbour including Lower Aghada Tennis and Sailing Club, Cove Sailing Club, Monkstown Bay Sailing Club and Royal Cork Yacht Club.

Typically, boats use the main shipping channel (known as Cobh Road) which runs north of Haulbowline Island and Spit Bank, and north and east of Spike Island. Leisure craft including sailing and motor boats use the West Channel between Spike Island and Ringaskiddy on occasion but there are depth restrictions due to the shallow nature of the channel and the presence of Curlane Bank to the south and Spit Bank to the north. Depths range from 0.2m to 5.9m (Chart Datum) and the channel is too shallow to be used as a shipping channel. Sailing race courses around the harbour pass in close proximity to Spike Island and there is an annual sailing race around Spike Island. The race takes place during the summer at a high tide (preferably spring tide) when there is enough depth in the channel for larger boats such as cruisers.

The Monkstown and Cork Harbour Rowing Club is based in Monkstown. Irish Coastal Rowing Federation Clubs which utilise Cork Harbour include Rushbrooke, Passage West, Commodore, Crosshaven, Fishermans‟, Maritime College and Naval Service rowing clubs.

Fota Estate, Fota House and Arboretum, Fota Wildlife Park and Fota Golf Clubs are situated on Fota Island, in the upper Harbour. Other golf clubs around the Harbour area include Rafeen Creek, Monkstown, Cork and Harbour Point Golf Clubs.

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Amenities in Passage West and Monkstown include a sea front walk which runs north to Hop Island, and a playground which is located in Passage West.

6.2.2.6 Economic Activity

Tourism

Ringaskiddy is an important transit port for tourists with scheduled car ferry services to Northern France and to Swansea in Wales. Ringaskiddy is expected to continue as an important tourist transit port.

Although tourism is not the main activity within the Harbour, it contributes both socially and economically to the Cork Harbour area and beyond. Tourist attractions include Cork Harbour‟s network of coastal walks which provide visitors the opportunity to experience the surrounding activities and scenery. In addition, the water-based activities which attract visitors are boating, angling charters and yachting. The harbour hosts the International Deep Sea Angling Festival, and the bi-annual Cork Week which is a significant economic contributor to the local economy. Other tourist attractions in the Harbour include the Harbour‟s military installations such as Camden Fort Meagher on the west side of the harbour and Carlisle Fort Davis to the east, Haulbowline Island, Spike Island and Rocky Island and the Cobh Heritage Centre.

Brittany Ferries operates a ferry crossing between Ringaskiddy and France. The ship, the Pont Aven has the capacity to transport 2,400 passengers per ferry weekly between Ringaskiddy and Roscoff.

The Fastnet Line operates overnight sailings six nights a week between Cork and Swansea. The MV Julia has capacity for 1,500 passengers, 350 cars, 40 trucks and has 300 cabins on board, and carried around 85,000 passengers in 2010.

Port of Cork estimates that ferry passengers contribute €81.5 million annually to the local economy.

There is a deep water berth at Cobh which has the capacity to handle very large cruise liners, several of which dock there each week during the summer season.

The Harbour‟s location makes it an attractive port of call for cruises from the Baltic,

Mediterranean and Caribbean as well as trans-Atlantic cruise traffic. Cruise passengers

can go on shore excursions to the immediate area or travel further afield to West Cork

or Kerry.

The Port of Cork estimates that cruise liner passengers contribute €40.9 million to the

local economy annually.

Commercial and Industrial Premises

A considerable area of land in Ringaskiddy, is zoned for industrial development. IDA

Ireland owns part of the zoned land, with the remainder in private and Port of Cork

ownership. The site of the proposed development is zoned „Existing Built up Area‟ in

the Carrigaline Electoral Area Local Area Plan Public Consultation Draft (November

2010).

Ringaskiddy is a significant centre of pharmaceutical manufacture at an international level. Since the late 1960s, some large pharmaceutical manufacturing plants have been

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constructed in the area. Other businesses in the area include car importers, electronics manufacturing, grain, and cement storage, and manufacture of prefabricated building pods. IDA Ireland includes the Ringaskiddy area in its ongoing promotion of industrial development.

The Port of Cork, initially as Cork Harbour Commissioners, has been developing the Ringaskiddy port facilities since the early 1980s. The Port of Cork Company has a throughput of approximately 10 million tonnes per annum of cargo and there are extensive port facilities in the Harbour. The Company operates a container and ferry port at Ringaskiddy. Its deepwater berth at Ringaskiddy is of major economic importance to the region. Facilities at the deepwater berth can handle a range of cargo types, including roll-on roll-off, lift-on lift-off and dry bulk.

Cargo ships service the Tivoli Container Port, approximately 6km to the north west of the site.

The land use and development policy for the area is for this industrial and port development to continue. The Cork Area Strategic Plan – Strategy for Additional Economic and Population Growth - An Update (CASP Update) (RPS and Savills HOK, July 2008) states that “Ringaskiddy will continue to act as a Strategic Employment location and should see significant industrial employment growth”.

Commercial Fisheries

Vessels more than 12m in length are not permitted to fish within Cork Harbour. Vessels fish mainly out of Cobh and Crosshaven. Boats are engaged in potting for lobster, edible or brown crab, velvet crab and the common shore or green crab. Shrimp are also potted extensively in late summer and autumn. A limited amount of mullet fishing takes place during the summer months and trawling takes place, particularly later in the year for codling and flat fish. The channel between Spike Island and the Ringaskiddy shore is occasionally used as a trawling route for boats fishing for species such as plaice, skate and flounder when the conditions outside the harbour are too inclement for fishing. The edges of the channel below the low water mark are used for potting for Green Crab, Velvet Crab and Shrimp.

Occasional scallop fishing is undertaken south of Cuskinny on the southern shore of Great Island. Potting is undertaken extensively from inside the Dognose Bank (Fort Davis/Carlisle) along the rocky coast on the eastern side of the Lower Harbour. Up to 2,000 pots can be laid in this area at any one time and in general the area is considered very productive for all potted species. Potting for shrimp, crab and lobster is also undertaken along the Great Island shore, east of Cuskinny, and to a limited extent in the East Ferry channel. Green crab is also fished in the North Channel, north of Great Island.

Trawling is undertaken in several places around the harbour especially along the shelf bordering the main channels.

Netting for mullet is undertaken around Aghada, mainly during the summer.

Over-fishing is a threat to all fisheries and responsible management and conservation of the resources are required if long-term sustainability is to be ensured. In light of this, lobster conservation measures have been adopted by the Cork Harbour fishermen in line with their counterparts around the Irish Coast.

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Aquaculture

Mussel culture is totally banned in Cork Harbour because of the prevalence of the organisms that cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning. Oysters are the main species cultivated.

In July 2007, Great Island North, along with another 53 sites around the Irish coastline, was designated as an area of Shellfish Growing Waters. This designation specifies the minimum standards of water quality that must be maintained in bays and inlets around the coast of Ireland where shellfish are grown. This decision also obligates public authorities to report information relevant to water quality in the designated areas to the Department of Communication, Energy, and Natural Resources, particularly when the water may be affected by activities carried out within their area. The designated Bivalve Mollusc Production Areas in Cork Harbour are listed in the following Table 6.1.

Table 6.1 Designated Bivalve Mollusc Production Areas in Cork Harbour

Location in Cork Harbour Bed Name

Between 8°16.4‟W and 8°15.6‟W North West Channel

Between 8°14.6‟W and 8°13.2‟W North Channel East

Aghada Pier to Gold Point Rostellan

Source: Appendix lV of Status of Irish Aquaculture 2007 Report

6.2.3 Recent Trends in Population

The Central Statistics Office online population data for Ringaskiddy is provided in the following Table 6.2. The table outlines the population change and growth rate of Carrigaline Town, which includes Ringaskiddy, between 1996 and 2006. The population of the area has increased substantially in the ten year period.

Table 6.2 Population of Carrigaline Town (including Ringaskiddy) 1996, 2002, 2006

District 1996 2002 2006 Change from 1996-2006 (%)

Carrigaline Town (including

Ringaskiddy)

7,827

429

11,191

407

12,835

514

+61

+19.8

(Data source: CSO website)

Note: Ringaskiddy town is included in the count for Carrigaline Town because it forms part of

Carrigaline Electoral Division No 82.

Table 4.6 of the Indecon International Economic Consultants, RPS and Savills HOK publication (July 2008) Cork Area Strategic Plan – Strategy for Additional Economic and Population Growth - An Update gives a projected 2020 population for Carrigaline and Ringaskiddy of 14,280.

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6.2.3.1 Household Size

Table 6.3 below outlines the average household size in each of the geographical areas assessed. The statistics illustrate a decrease in household size from 2002 to 2006. This trend is reflected throughout the Country. However, the household size in the area of the proposed development (Carrigaline Electoral Division, which includes Ringaskiddy) is still higher than the State, City and County.

Table 6.3 Average Household Size (persons per household)

District 2002 2006

State 2.94 2.81

Cork County 3.0 2.88

Cork City 2.8 2.61

Cork Rural Area 3.2 3.03

Carrigaline Electoral Division (incl. Ringaskiddy) 3.1 2.96


6.2.3.2 Age Profile

Table 6.4 below outlines the age profile of the population in terms of dependent age cohorts (0-14 and 65+) and working age cohorts (15-64) over a ten year period between 1996 and 2006. The statistics show that in 2006, a below-average proportion within the dependant age groups resided in both the Cork Rural Area (29.8%) and the Carrigaline Electoral Division (29.3%) compared to the State (31.4%). A higher percentage (51.7%) of the population in the Carrigaline Electoral Division fall within the childbearing age group compared to the State (46.6%).

Table 6.4 Population of each catchment categorised into independent, dependent and childbearing cohorts 1996-2006

District 0-14 & 65+ yrs

Dependent

(%)

15-64 yrs independent (%)

15-44 yrs childbearing (%)

State 1996 35.0 65.0 45.0

State 2002 32.2 67.8 46.5

State 2006 31.4 68.6 46.6

Cork County 1996 36.1 63.9 44.3

Cork County 2002 33.3 66.7 45.1

Cork County 2006 32.3 67.7 45.5

Cork City 1996 32.0 68 48

Cork City 2002 30 70 48.9

Cork City 2006 29.3 70.7 48.8

Cork Rural Area 1996 33.5 66 49

Cork Rural Area 2002 31 69 50

Cork Rural Area 2006 29.8 70.2 49.9

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District 0-14 & 65+ yrs

Dependent

(%)

15-64 yrs independent (%)

15-44 yrs childbearing (%)

Carrigaline ED 1996 (incl. Ringaskiddy)

34 66 50


31.1 68. 52.1


29.3 70.7 51.7


Table 6.5 below shows the actual age cohorts for 2006. It is evident that the Carrigaline Electoral Division has young and growing population.

Table 6.5 Age cohort 2006

District 0-14 15-24 25-44 45-64 65+ Total

State 2006 20.4% 15% 31.7% 21.9% 11% 4,239,848

Cork County 2006 21.8% 13.5% 32% 22.2% 10.5% 361,877

Cork City 2006 15.2% 19.5% 29.3% 21.9% 14.1% 119,418

Cork Rural Area 2006 23.2% 14.5% 35.4% 20.2% 6.7% 119,520

Carrigaline ED 2006 (incl. Ringaskiddy) 24.3% 13.7% 38% 19% 5% 10,969


In summary, it is evident that the Carrigaline Electoral Division (including Ringasiddy) has a growing population with a below average proportion of people within the dependant age groups, an above average proportion within the working and childbearing groups, and a household size slightly above the State average.

6.2.4 Trends in Employment

6.2.4.1 Quarterly National Household Survey

The CSO Quarterly National Household Survey, Quarter 2 of 2010 states that

1,859,100 persons were in employment in the State in the second quarter of 2010, an

annual decrease of 79,400 or 4.1%. This compares with an annual decrease in

employment of 5.5% in the previous quarter and a decline of 8.2% in the year to the

second quarter of 2009. The annual decrease of 4.1% in the number of persons in

employment is the lowest fall since the fourth quarter of 2008 when the rate of

decrease was 3.9%. On a seasonally adjusted basis employment fell by 7,600 in the

quarter, the lowest quarterly fall recorded since Q1 2008.

The survey states that in the second quarter of 2010, there were 293,600 persons

unemployed, an increase of 29,000 (+11.0%) in the year. This is the lowest annual

increase in unemployment since an increase of 23,600 was recorded in the second

quarter of 2008.

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6.2.4.2 Cork Area Strategic Plan – Strategy for Additional

Economic and Population Growth - An Update

The CASP Update July 2008 combined Ringaskiddy and Carrigaline into a single

employment area. Table 4.3 of the Carrigaline Electoral Area Local Area Plan Public

Consultation Draft November 2010 (Draft LAP) outlines the 2020 job target for

Ringaskiddy and Carrigaline which was set out in both the CASP Update and the Cork

County Development Plan 2009. The following table, taken from the LAP, shows the

future jobs requirement for Ringaskiddy/Carrigaline for 2020 is 10,316, which is an

increase of 2,500 jobs or 32%.

Table 6.6 Carrigaline/Ringaskiddy employment 2006-2020

Settlement 2020 Jobs Target Growth needed by 2020

Ringaskiddy/Carrigaline 10,316 2,500

Source: Table 4.3 Carrigaline Draft LAP 2010.

6.3 Evaluation of Impacts and Mitigation Measures

6.3.1 Introduction

Impacts on humans as a result of the proposed development have been considered in detail in other chapters of this EIS, as follows:

Chapter 4 Construction Activities

Chapters 8 Landscape and Visual

Chapter 9 Noise and Vibration

Chapter 10 Air Quality and Climate

Chapter 12 Material Assets

In this chapter, the socio-economic impacts of the proposed development on human beings are evaluated in the following sections.

6.3.2 'Do nothing' impacts

Based on past trends and the policies of the Cork County Development Plan 2009, it can be expected that industrial and port development will continue in the Ringaskiddy area. However, investment may not take place at the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group sites to the same degree, if the project does not go ahead, due to lack of cost competitiveness. Residential development in Ringaskiddy and Shanbally villages will be confined to that which is required to meet local needs. A consequence of general development is that industrial and port activity occurs adjacent to Ringaskiddy Village and in the Lower Harbour. This development will take place regardless of whether the wind energy project is built or not.

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6.3.3 Residential Amenity Impacts

6.3.3.1 Residential Amenity During Construction

There may be some minor temporary disruption to the residents in the vicinity of the site due to traffic, noise and dust during the construction phase. Chapters 4, 9, and 10 respectively of this EIS have addressed these issues, and the measures, which will be put in place, to minimise this disruption.

6.3.3.2 Residential Amenity During Operation of the Facility

The proposed wind turbine will be located within the existing GSK facility.

The impacts of the proposed turbine due to construction activities and noise are discussed in Chapters 4 and 9 of this EIS, respectively. The impact on landscape is assessed in Chapter 8 of this EIS.

Shadow Flicker

Wind turbines, like other tall structures, can cast long shadows when the sun is low in the sky. The effect known as shadow flicker occurs where the blades of a wind turbine cast a shadow over a window in a nearby building and the rotation of the blades causes the shadow to flick on and off. This effect lasts only for a short period and happens only in certain specific combined circumstances.

A shadow flicker assessment has been completed, assessing the cumulative (worst-case) development of the six CLHEG wind turbines. The assessment is included as Appendix 6.1 to this EIS.

Shadow flicker may occur under certain combinations of geographical position and time of day, when the sun passes behind the blades of a wind turbine and casts a shadow over the neighbouring properties. As the blades rotate, the shadow flicks on and off and an effect known as shadow flicker occurs. The effect occurs inside buildings, where the flicker generally appears through a narrow window opening. The likelihood and duration of the effect depends upon a number of variable factors as follows:

Direction of the property relative to the turbine. In Ireland, only properties within ~130° either side of north, relative to the turbine, can be affected as turbines do not cast long shadows on their southern side;

Distance from turbine. The further the observer is from the turbine, the less pronounced the effect is;

Wind speed and direction. The wind speed at the turbine will need to be sufficient for the blades to rotate. Further, the shape of the shadow will be determined by the position of the sun relative to the blades (which will be rotated to face the wind);

Turbine height and rotor diameter;

Time of year and day (the height of the sun in the sky);

Weather conditions (cloud cover reduces the risk of shadow flicker).

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Assessment Methodology

The shadow flicker calculations have been undertaken using the GH WindFarmer model.

The model makes the following simplifications:

There are clear skies every day of the year.

The rotors are always rotating.

The sun can be represented as a single point.

There are no obstacles other than terrain.

The blades of the turbines are always perpendicular to the direction of the line of sight from the specified location to the sun.

Shadow flicker has been calculated at a height of two metres to represent ground floor windows.

The receptors are simulated as mounted horizontal plates representing the worst case scenario (glass-house) while real windows would be facing towards a particular, selective direction. The simulations have been carried out with a resolution of 1 minute; if shadow flicker occurs in any 1minute period, the model records this as 1 minute of shadow flicker.

The Enercon E82 2.3 MW turbine with a hub height of 98 m and Enercon E101 3.0 MW turbine with a hub height of 99 m have been considered in this analysis.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Wind Energy Planning Guidelines states:

At distances greater than 10 rotor diameters from a turbine, the potential for shadow flicker is very low. Where shadow flicker could be a problem, developers should provide calculations to quantify the effect and where appropriate take measures to prevent or ameliorate the potential effect, such as by turning off a particular turbine at certain times.

Taking the above into consideration, the calculation of shadow flicker has been limited to effects for the areas which are within 10 rotor diameters (820 m or 1010 m) of each turbine.

Assessment Findings

The residences which will experience the worst-case shadow flicker are located on Currabinny Road. In this case, no flicker could occur for nine and a half months of the year. For the 75 days around mid-summer, the potential for flicker effects has been identified in this location, only between the hours of 5.00 and 6.00 in the morning, during these days. At all other times, and outside these months, no significant flicker effects are predicted at any other sensitive receptors arising from the operation of the turbine.

There are not expected to be any other impacts on residential amenity.

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6.3.3.3 Health and Safety

Health and safety is addressed in Chapters 3 and 4 Site and Scheme Description and Construction Activities.

6.3.4 Recreational Amenity Impacts

There will be no recreational amenity impacts as a result of the proposed wind turbine.

6.3.5 Community Facilities

There will be no impact on community facilities as a result of the proposed development.

6.3.6 Economic Activity

6.3.6.1 Land Use

No economic activity will be displaced by constructing the proposed wind turbine on the site.

6.3.6.2 Agriculture

There will be no impact on agricultural activities as a result of the proposed wind turbine.

6.3.6.3 Tourism

The visual impact of the development on tourist routes and amenities is assessed in Chapter 8 Landscape and Visual Assessment of this EIS.

The development will not have a significant impact on the ferry port.

6.3.6.4 Property Values

Property values are addressed in Chapter 12 Material Assets.

6.3.6.5 Construction Phase Economic Impact

The construction of the turbine will cost circa €5.45 million. There will be a maximum number of 20 jobs created during construction. There will also be a number of indirect jobs, created in the off-site construction services providers and material suppliers. These jobs will be a beneficial economic impact of the proposed development.

6.3.6.6 Operational Phase Economic Benefit

The proposed wind energy project will also generate annual expenditure on maintenance, security, insurance and various other services, which will be from local or indigenous suppliers where possible.

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The proposed development will not have an impact on shellfish production, fishing or angling in the area.

The wind turbine will help secure the existing employment in GSK.

6.4 Mitigation Measures

The Health and Safety features incorporated into the design of the proposed facility are outlined in Chapter 3 Proposed Site and Project Description. The Health and Safety policy, procedures and work practices of the proposed development will be in conformance to all relevant health and safety legislation both during the construction and operational stages of the wind turbine. The proposed development will be designed and constructed to best industry standards, with an emphasis being placed on the health and safety of employees, local residents and the community at large. The technology to be employed in the proposed development is well understood and has been used successfully in equivalent projects internationally, with no implications for health and safety. The main characteristics of the proposed development are outlined in Chapter 3 Proposed Site and Project Description and in the drawings submitted with the planning application.

To minimise the risk that the proposed development will cause nuisance, comprehensive mitigation measures will be implemented. These mitigation measures will reduce any negative impacts of the proposed development on the residential amenity of the local area. Refer to Chapters 4, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13 of this EIS for further details of mitigation measures.

6.5 Residual Impacts

The proposed mitigation measures will minimise nuisance and inconvenience to the local residents during construction and operation of the facility. There will be a residual visual impact on the immediate area and the surrounding area.

The jobs created during construction will have a positive economic impact in the local area.

6.6 References

BIM (2008) State of Irish Aquaculture 2007 Report Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Taighde Mara Teo

Central Statistics Office (1996) Census of Population



Central Statists Office website www.cso.ie

Central Statistics Office (2010) National Quarterly Household Statistics

Cork County Council (November 2010) Carrigaline Electoral Area Local Area Plan Public Consultation Draft

Cork County Council (2009) Cork County Development Plan 2009

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Department of Education website www.education.ie

Fáilte Ireland (2009) Guidelines on the Treatment of Tourism in Environmental Impact Statements (draft)

Indecon International Consultants RPS and Savills HOK (2008) Cork Area Strategic Plan – Strategy for Additional Economic and Population Growth - An Update

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7 Flora and Fauna

7.1 Introduction

This chapter covers the impacts on flora and fauna for the proposed wind energy project at the site of the GlaxoSmithKline facility (hereinafter called GSK) at Ringaskiddy, County Cork. It was prepared by Natura Environmental Consultants. The general format of the report is in accordance with the EPA (2002) Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements.

7.1.1 Relevant Legislation

Flora and fauna in Ireland are protected at a national level by the Wildlife Act, 1976 and Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 and the Flora (Protection) Order, 1999 (SI 94/1999). They are also protected at a European level by the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC).

Under these directives and acts sites of nature conservation importance are then designated in order to legally protect faunal and floral species and important/vulnerable habitats. The categories of designation are as follows;

Candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC) are designated under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 to comply with the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and designated under the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC). cSACs and SPAs are considered to be of international importance.

Proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA) are designated under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000. They have limited legal protection under the County Development Plan.

7.1.2 Appropriate Assessment

Under Article 6 of the European Union Habitats Directive an “appropriate assessment” is required to be carried out where there is a possibility of significant effects of a plan or project on the integrity of a Natura 2000 Site (i.e. SAC or SPA) (DoEHLG, 2009).

7.2 Methodology

7.2.1 Desk Review and Consultations

A desk review was undertaken to document all previous relevant information on the site. This included a review of the qualifying interests and conservation objectives for the nearest designated areas. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) database was consulted in relation to designated areas and records of rare plants and protected species in the vicinity of the proposed development site. Existing records of bat roosts in the general area were sourced from the Cork County Bat Group (CCBG) and the local NPWS ranger. Bat Conservation Ireland‟s (BCI) National Bat Distribution Database was also consulted in relation to known bat species within the study area. Previous winter counts of non-breeding birds in adjacent intertidal areas (IWeBS data) were provided by BirdWatch Ireland. Raptor records were supplied by the Irish Raptor Study Group (IRSG).

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Written consultations were undertaken with the NPWS, Cork County Council (Heritage Officer) and Cork County Bat Group. Consultation meetings were held with NPWS personnel on 1 October 2009, 28 April 2010 and 10 February 2011.

7.2.2 Baseline Survey

7.2.2.1 Habitats and Vegetation

Habitats on the site were surveyed and mapped on 11th

August 2010. Habitat classification followed the Heritage Council scheme (Fossitt, 2000). The dominant vegetation type in each habitat was recorded.

7.2.2.2 Mammals

Mammals (other than bats): A mammal survey was undertaken on 11th

August 2010 within and adjacent to the proposed development site. This involved a systematic search of all treelines and areas of vegetation cover for signs of large mammals such as badger and otter. Although direct observations of mammals are occasionally made, most species in Ireland are nocturnal in habit and the survey method relies on finding signs such as burrows, resting places, tracks, feeding signs and droppings which are generally distinctive for the species concerned.

Bats: A visual assessment of habitats within the proposed site was undertaken during the mammal survey to identify habitats considered to have good potential for bats. A night time detector survey was conducted on 11

th August 2010 by a trained bat worker

accompanied by an ecologist. The survey was conducted using two types of electronic bat detector: a Batbox Duet Heterodyne/Frequency Division detector and a Batbox III Heterodyne detector. The purpose of the survey was to determine the usage of habitats within the proposed site by bats (i.e. as commuting corridors, feeding areas, etc.) and where possible to identify any roosts present. The survey commenced after sunset and continued into the early hours of the morning. A transect was walked around the site focusing on treelines and the turbine location. Bats were identified by their ultrasonic calls coupled with behavioural and flight observations.

Weather conditions were good during the survey with temperatures ranging from 10-12°C and light winds. August is within the active bat season and an optimum time to survey as bat activity is high.

7.2.2.3 Birds

Breeding Birds

A series of monthly visits to the location of the proposed turbine was undertaken in the breeding season between April and August 2010. On each visit an ornithologist walked a transect around the site recording the presence of territorial birds either by direct sighting or by identification of calls.

Special attention was given to the breeding colonies of common terns which have nested in the Ringaskiddy area over the period 2002-2010. Previous information on the status of these colonies was reviewed and observations were made on flight lines to and from the remaining colony in the lagoon beside Monkstown Creek in 2009 and 2010.

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Non-breeding Water Birds

The study area for this assessment incorporated all intertidal areas within approximately 1.5km of the centre point of the proposed wind turbine. This included the adjacent sections of Cork Harbour SPA. In particular, all of the intertidal areas of Lough Beg and Monkstown Creek (as the original proposal included turbines close to the latter estuarine area). It was also anticipated that birds using these two small inlets might use distinct flight corridors across land connecting the two estuaries and thus be vulnerable to collision with the proposed wind turbine.

Low tide counts: At low tide water birds generally disperse across estuarine intertidal areas to maximise the feeding opportunities. A coordinated series of surveys of all water bird species was carried out on both Lough Beg and Monkstown Creek over a full year from November 2009 to October 2010. These surveys excluded the months of April to August, when estuarine bird numbers are generally much lower than in the winter. Two surveys were carried out per month according to best practice. The surveys were undertaken from a fixed series of vantage points each of which gave good visibility over the intertidal area using telescopes. On each of the 12 survey dates the full (6-hour) tidal cycle, from high to low tide (or the reverse), was covered. From November to January, counts were made once per hour over the full tidal cycle. Both intertidal areas were subdivided into a series of sectors, using fixed landmarks on the shoreline. Bird distribution in each of these subsectors was recorded separately.

Following a review of the methodology for the first three months, it was found that greater coverage without loss of accuracy could be achieved by reducing the frequency of counting to once every two hours. This approach was adopted for the months February, March, September and October. A total of 58 separate counts were made for each of the areas (59 in the case of Monkstown Creek). Tables A7.1 and A7.2 (Appendix 7.1) give the peak count for each species recorded on each date of the survey. It should be noted that the peak count for each species did not necessarily occur simultaneously, but these figures represent the highest numbers of each species present in the estuaries over the survey period.

High tide roosts: At high tide, water birds (such as waders) generally gather together in tightly packed groups near the high water mark. Some birds (such as cormorants, geese, ducks and gulls) may continue feeding on the shallow water throughout the tidal cycle. High tide roost sites were mapped and the species and approximate numbers of birds using these were described for both Lough Beg and Monkstown Creek. To avoid disturbance to the birds, counts were generally made from a distance.

Flight lines: A series of fixed point watches were undertaken from particular vantage points close to the proposed turbine location. A total of 41.5 hours of observations from these locations was logged during the survey period from November 2009 to October 2010. The objectives of these watches were twofold: 1. To record the species and approximate frequency of movement of birds which passed within 200m of the proposed turbine location, within the height bands of the rotors; 2. To establish flight patterns between feeding areas and between roost sites. Flight lines were mapped where any birds left the intertidal areas though the mouth of the estuary and across land within the proposed development site.

Bird movements were also recorded from several other vantage points within Monkstown Creek, Lough Beg and at Barnahely Hill to the north-west and close to the DePuy facility to the north-east.

Radar survey: To enable a more accurate assessment of bird species movements, specifically during nocturnal periods, and interconnectivity between the various SPA areas, a bird radar study was commissioned by Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group and has being undertaken by Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA).

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Nocturnal flight movements of water birds are important to survey as studies have shown that collision risks with wind turbines are highest during darkness, in particular during very dark nights and during nights with bad weather and poor visibility (i.e. fog) (Percival 2003). Studies on nocturnal flight paths have also shown that waders do not always use the same inland high tide roosts during darkness and during the day. Therefore, waders may use different flight paths at night when moving between tidal flats and inland roosts (Dirksen et al. 1999).

Surveys were carried out for a total of 240 hours each month, between November 2010 and March 2011 inclusive, of radar operation. Additional observer fieldwork was carried out in daylight in all months to ground truth the radar data. A detailed methodology can be found in the Bird Radar Monitoring Report (Simms et al., 2011) in Appendix 7.3.

The initial radar finding identified a number of significant nocturnal flight patterns and corridors. Distinct flight activity was recorded connecting Lough Beg with the Owenboy River at incoming and outgoing tide periods. No distinct patterns were observed joining Monkstown Creek to Lough Beg although clutter issues meant that detection in some of the overlying area between these sites was compromised. Small numbers of movements were detected between the western end of Monkstown Creek and Owenboy River although there was no evidence that these were SPA birds or tide related. However the fact that tracks were recorded in these areas illustrates that no significant patterns were missed (Simms et al., 2011).

Fieldwork was completed in March 2011 and includes identification (where present) of flight corridors and associated spatial movements, flight track density distribution, mean directionality of flight activity and overall nocturnal flight track descriptions.

7.2.2.4 Survey Constraints

Daytime surveys were only undertaken in good to moderate visibility and wet weather was avoided. Some of the intertidal surveys were hampered by strong sun glare and, in these cases, approximate numbers of birds in each section were estimated.

During the radar survey, specific activity associated with the individual turbines was problematic due to clutter issues associated with the industrial landscape. The radar report (Appendix 7.3) shows those areas where radar track detection is greatly diminished due to industrial clutter and local topography

7.3 Existing Environment

7.3.1 Designated Areas

The proposed wind turbine site is not covered by any nature conservation designation. Five designated areas for nature conservation occur within 5km of the proposed development site, four of which are proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) (see Table 7.1). Monkstown Creek which is within the Cork Harbour SPA (Special Protection Area) is located less than1km north of the site. Monkstown Creek is also designated as a pNHA.

The Cork Harbour SPA (Special Protection Area) was designated primarily due to its bird populations. The site includes a number of areas, which are interrelated, with bird populations moving between different areas at different times.

Lough Beg along with Monkstown Creek and the Owenboy Estuaries are all within the Cork Harbour SPA boundary. All of these estuaries are also designated pNHAs.

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Table 7.1 Designated Areas within a 5km radius of the GSK site

Site Name Status Code Approx. distance from proposed windfarm site

Cork Harbour (Lough Beg) SPA 004030 Adjacent

Lough Beg (Cork) pNHA 001066 Adjacent

Cork Harbour (Monkstown Creek) SPA 004030 2.6km

Cork Harbour (Owenboy) SPA 004030 2km

Monkstown Creek pNHA 001979 2.6km

Whitegate Bay pNHA 001084 4.6km

Owenboy River pNHA 001990 2km

Templebreedy National School, Crosshaven

pNHA 000107 2km

SPA = Special Protection Area; p NHA =proposed Natural Heritage Area

Cork Harbour Special Protection Area: Cork Harbour is a designated Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds under Article 4 of the European Union Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC). SPAs are part of the pan-European network known as Natura 2000. The Conservation objective for the Cork Harbour SPA, as published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, is:

To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Qualifying Interests and Special Conservation Interests for this SPA (NPWS, 2011).

The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when:

population data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself, and

the natural range of the species is neither being reduced or 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.

The Qualifying Interests and Special Conservation Interests for the Cork Harbour SPA are given in Table 7.2.

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Table 7.2 List of qualifying interests and special conservation interests for the Cork Harbour Special Protection Area

Common name Scientific name Annex of EU

Birds

Directive

Qualifying

interests

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo n/a

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna n/a

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus n/a

Golden plover Pluvialis apricaria Annex 1

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus n/a

Dunlin Calidris alpine n/a

Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa n/a

Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica n/a

Curlew Numenius arquata n/a

Redshank Tringa totanus n/a

Common tern Sterna hirundo Annex 1

Special

Conservation

Interests

Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis n/a

Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus n/a

Grey heron Ardea cinerea n/a

Wigeon Anas penelope n/a

Teal Anas crecca n/a

Pintail Anas acuta n/a

Shoveler Anas clypeata n/a

Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator n/a

Grey plover Pluvialis squatarola n/a

Black-headed gull Larus ribundus n/a

Common gull Larus canus n/a

Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus n/a

Lough Beg pNHA: This site is a constituent part of Cork Harbour and for the most part overlaps with the SPA except for the eastern boundary which extends further out to sea. This site is a significant area for wintering shorebirds. It not only contains important mudflats for feeding but provides secure high tide roosting sites.

Monkstown Creek pNHA: This site is a constituent part of Cork Harbour and for the most part overlaps with the SPA but extends slightly in places to include areas of semi-natural woodland on the southern shores. It is a tidal inlet composed of mudflats fringed with salt marsh vegetation. A brackish lake separated from the creek by a sluice gate is also within the site and is an important area for birds, in particular common tern. This site acts as a significant winter refuge for wintering shorebirds.

Owenboy pNHA: This site is a constituent part of Cork Harbour and for the most part overlaps with the SPA. The estuary is fed by the Owenboy River to the west. This site has extensive mudflats and is an important feeding area for wintering birds.

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7.3.2 Protected Species of Flora

There are historical records of four rare and protected species of flora from within the 10km grid square unit W76 (NPWS database). The species are listed in Table 7.3. None of these species are recorded on the site of the proposed development.

Table 7.3 Protected species of flora from records within the 10km grid square encompassing the study area

Species Common name Date recorded Protection & RDB

status

Hordeum

secalinum Meadow Barley 1845

FPO

Vulnerable

Mentha pulegium Penny Royal 1850 FPO

Vulnerable

Misopates

orontium Lesser Snapdragon 1845/1819

FPO,

Vulnerable

Scleranthus annuus Annual Knawel 1845 FPO

FPO: Flora Protection Order (1999), RDB: Red Data Book (Vascular Plants, Curtis and McGough,

1998

7.3.3 Habitats and Vegetation

7.3.3.1 Habitat types around the site

The GSK site is located on a peninsula on the south side of Lough Beg, an inlet of

Cork Harbour. It is surrounded to the east, north and north-west by the intertidal

mudflats of Lough Beg. The upper shoreline is comprised of a moderately exposed

rocky shore (LR2) with some shingle and gravel banks (LS1) to the east. Rock

armoury (CC1) has been installed around most of the perimeter of the site. To the

west, an area of lagoon has been isolated from tidal incursion by a causeway linking

the GSK plant to farmland to the west.

Buildings and artificial surfaces (BL3): The majority of the centre part of the site is

occupied by buildings and artificial surfaces, including car parks and other open areas.

Treelines (WL2): The perimeter of the site on the north-west, north, north-eastern and

south sides is marked by treelines. These comprise a mixture of planted conifers

including Leylandii (Cupressus leylandii), willow (Salix sp.), alder (Alnus sp.), poplar

(Populus sp.), pine (Pinus sp.) and maple (Acer sp.).

Mixed broadleaved woodland (WD1): On the western side of the site, fringing the

lagoon area is a shelterbelt of mixed broadleaved woodland. This contains alder

(Alnus sp.), oak (Quercus sp.), rowan (Sorbus sp.) ash (Fraxinus excelsior), elder

(Sambucus nigra), holly (Ilex aquifolium) and Leylandii (Cupressus leylandii).

Dry meadow and grassy verge (GS2): on the south-east fringe of the site, an area of

grassy verge is dominated by false oat grass (Arrhenstherum elatius), Yorkshire fog

(Holcus lanatus) and timothy (Phleum pratense), with a mixture of herbs including

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meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens),

teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), dock (Rumex sp.), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense),

hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium), bush vetch (Vicia sepium), birds-foot trefoil

(Lotus corniculatus), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and common ragwort

(Senecio jacobaea).

Reed and large sedge swamp (FS1): The lagoon on the west side of the site is fringed

by an area of swamp which extends eastwards as far as the outer shoreline of Lough

Beg. The dominant species around the lagoon are sea club-rush (Bolboshoenus

maritimus) and grey club-rush (Schoenoplectus tabermontani) (O‟Mahony 2009). The

wetter parts of the swamp also contain rushes (Juncus sp.), false fox sedge (Carex

otrubae), with bulrush (Typha latifolia) and rosebay willowherb (Epilobium

angustifolium). In the dryer areas grasses predominate with creeping bent (Agrostis

stolonifera) and sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum).

7.3.4 Fauna

7.3.4.1 Mammals

Mammal (other than bats):

It is likely that otter (Lutra lutra) forage along the coast and within the lagoon to the west of the site but it is unlikely that they would venture on to the site due to disturbance and the presence of a security fence. Signs of otter activity (spraints) have been recorded at the north-western perimeter of the GSK site in May 2010. Three unoccupied otter holts were recorded within the earth bank at the boundary of the site in 2010 (Malachy Walsh and Partners, 2010). One of these holts was located approximately 30m from the causeway at the entrance to the GSK site. There are also records of otter from Crosshaven and Carrigaline (NPWS database).

Other species for which are likely to occur around the perimeters of the site include

fox (Vulpes vulpes), badger (Meles meles), rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), hedgehog

(Erinaceous europaeus), field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), brown rat (Rattus

norvegicus) and pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus). There are records of other mammals

within the 10km square W76 such as fallow deer (Dama dama) and red squirrel

(Sciurus vulgaris), however there is no suitable habitat for these species within or

adjacent to the site. The nearest suitable habitat for these species would be Currabinny

Wood.

Bats:

Existing records

A review of existing records of bat species in the area of the proposed development site showed that seven of the ten known Irish species have been observed within the local Ringskiddy area. These include common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus and soprano pipistrelle P. pygmaeus pipistrelle, Leisler‟s Nyctalus leisleri, brown long-eared Plecotus auritus, Daubenton‟s Myotis daubentonii, Natterer‟s M. nattereri and whiskered M. mystacinus/ Brandts M. brandtii bats as shown in Table 7.4 below.

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There are no records of lesser horseshoe (Rhinolophus hipposideros) bat for this area of Cork.

Currabinny Wood is a mixed woodland site managed by Coillte and is known to be an important area for bats. The Cork County Bat Group identified three of the above species within the wood, which is located less than 1km south east of the development site.

Table 7.4 Records of bat species known to occur within the study area

Common name Scientific name Occurrence Roosts Source

Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Present No CCBG

Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus Present No CCBG

Leisler‟s Nyctalus leisleri Present Yes NPWS

Brown long-eared Plecotus auritus Present Yes CCBG

Daubenton‟s Myotis daubentonii Present No CCBG

Natterer‟s M. Nattereri Present No CCBG

Whiskered/Brandts M. mystacinus/ M. brandtii

Present No CCBG

CCBG – Cork County Bat Group; NPWS – National Parks and Wildlife Service

Survey results

Treelines along the perimeter of the northern half of the site comprise of conifers and multi-stemmed broadleaves, which offer little if any roosting potential for bats. Given the nature of the GSK facility i.e. noise, lighting etc. it is unlikely that the buildings would be used as bat roost sites, especially when the more favourable Currabinny Wood is situated less than 1km away.

Activity recorded within the actual sites was low, with only one species of bat, Leisler‟s bat, recorded foraging over the eastern boundary of the site. This bat was feeding on insects attracted by the large spotlights in this section, and was recorded at an approximate height of 12-13m. Most of the activity was recorded along the southern boundary outside of the site where the lagoon is situated. Two soprano pipistrelle bats were recorded foraging along the small bridge over the lagoon. A single soprano pipistrelle was recorded briefly along the coast in the south east corner of the site. Four soprano pipistrelle bats were recorded foraging intensively over the causeway, making good use of the insects attracted by the lights and trees.

The site including the bridges over the lagoon is considered too brightly lit and devoid of substantial tree cover for brown long-eared bats and Myotis species to forage here. These species avoid areas with artificial lighting, unlike the pipistrelle and Leisler‟s bats which are attracted to well lit areas because of the insect prey.

Overall the GSK site is of low value for bats, however the habitats to the south of the site are considered to have moderate value for certain species of foraging bat. There are no suitable roost sites on or immediately adjacent to the site. Currabinny Wood, an important area for bats is located close to the site.

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7.3.4.2 Birds

Breeding Birds

As the majority of the GSK site is occupied by buildings and artificial surfaces, there is very little suitable habitat for breeding birds. The bird species recorded on the GSK site in the period April to August 2010 are listed in Table 7.5. Of these species linnet and swallow are considered to be of medium conservation concern at a national level while the remaining species are of low conservation concern (Lynas et al 2007). None of these species is considered to be at risk of collision with wind turbines (European Commission 2010).

Table 7.5 Breeding bird species recorded within the GSK site, 2010

Species Scientific name Level of conservation concern*

Blackbird Turdus merula Low

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Low

Greenfinch Chloris chloris Low

Hooded crow Corvus cornix Low

Linnet Carduelis cannabina Medium

Swallow Hirundo rustica Medium

Rook Corvus frugilegus Low

Wood pigeon Columba polumbus Low

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Low

*Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland are defined by Lynas et al (2007)

A small colony (maximum 48 nests) of breeding common tern (Sterna hirundo) was recorded on an island in the centre of Lough Beg in 2004-2006 (information from P. Smiddy and B. O‟Mahony). The Lough Beg site was deserted in 2007 and subsequent years and no terns were breeding here in 2010. From 2002 to 2010 a colony of common terns has been breeding on an island in the lagoon within the golf course at the south-west corner of Monkstown Creek. Observations of flight lines of these birds in summer 2009 and 2010 show that that they consistently fly over the sea wall to the north of the lagoon and follow the intertidal area of Monkstown Creek to the open sea. They have not been recorded near the proposed turbine location.

Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) has been recorded occasionally, and may breed at Coolmore Quarry which is located approximately 1km west of the GSK site (information from Irish Raptor Study Group). This species does not breed within the GSK site but has been recorded in flight over the area (see Table 7.7).

Non-breeding birds:

Numbers present: The peak numbers of all non-breeding bird species recorded at Lough

Beg and Monkstown Creek over the full survey period from November 2009 to October

2010, during 12 separate count dates, are given in Tables A7.1 and A7.2 (Appendix 7.1).

Table 7.6 below gives a summary of these figures in the form of a range (lowest to

highest peak) and an average (mean peak) for the regularly recorded species (those

recorded on at least half of the survey dates). Other occasionally recorded species are

listed below the table.

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A much greater number of species was recorded at Lough Beg than at Monkstown Creek. The most abundant wildfowl species at Lough Beg were brent goose, shelduck, wigeon, teal and mallard. The largest numbers of waders at Lough Beg were dunlin, redshank, black-tailed godwit, oystercatcher and curlew. Black-headed gull, common gull were the most abundant gulls.

Monkstown Creek holds a significant roost of cormorant and grey heron with large numbers of shelduck, teal, black-tailed godwit, curlew, redshank, turnstone and black-headed gull feeding at low tide.

The proposed turbine location at GSK1 is approximately 100m from the nearest parts of Lough Beg and over 2.6km from the nearest part of Monkstown Creek. The shoreline to the east of this turbine location is used as a high tide roost by a number of non-breeding birds including little egret, mallard, oystercatcher, curlew, redshank, greenshank, black-tailed godwit and herring gull. At low tide most of the species listed in Table 7.6 use the intertidal areas in the centre of Lough Beg for foraging. This area is at least 300m from the proposed turbine location GSK1. Some of these species are confined to the lagoon west of the GSK site.

Table 7.6 Range and mean peak counts of regularly* recorded species counted in Lough Beg and Monkstown Creek over the winter period 2009/10

Species Scientific name Lough Beg Monkstown Creek

Range Mean Range Mean

Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 0-15 7 Irregular

Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus 0-36 7 Irregular

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 0-20 6 15-162 68

Little egret Egretta garzetta 0-10 4 Irregular

Grey heron Ardea cinerea 1-15 5 6-32 15

Mute swan Cygnus olor 0-6 2 Irregular

Brent goose Branta bernicla hrota 0-65 35 Irregular

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 0-96 58 0-126 69

Wigeon Anas penelope 0-99 40 Not recorded

Teal Anas crecca 26-112 60 0-94 55

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 0-54 26 2-30 14

Coot Fulica atra 0-6 2 Not recorded

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 0-14 3 Not recorded

Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator 0-30 4 Irregular

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus 53-106 88 Not recorded

Ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula 1-125 45 Not recorded

Grey plover Pluvialis squatarola 0-48 15 Not recorded

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 0-156 33 Irregular

Knot Calidris canuta 0-36 7 Irregular

Dunlin Calidris alpina 62-525 244 Irregular

Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa 27-156 103 8-66 39

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Species Scientific name Lough Beg Monkstown Creek

Range Mean Range Mean

Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica 0-28 10 Irregular

Curlew Numenius arquata 20-197 81 28-85 47

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 0-3 2 Not recorded

Redshank Tringa totanus 88-349 157 26-84 57

Greenshank Tringa nebularia 3-17 8 0-5 2

Turnstone Arenaria interpres 0-70 23 2-43 23

Black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus 10-281 71 22-323 138

Common gull Larus canus 11-100 48 0-38 6

Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus 0-19 5 0-16 6

Herring gull Larus argentatus 0-17 4 0-17 5

Great black-backed gull Larus marinus 0-17 4 0-23 5

*Regularly recorded species are defined as those occurring on at least half of the survey dates.

Other infrequent or less regular species recorded (on less than half of the survey dates) are given below:

Lough Beg: Red-throated Diver, Shag, Black Brant, Shoveler, Golden Plover, Snipe, Kingfisher, Mediterranean Gull,

Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Gadwall, Spotted Redshank, Water Rail.

Monkstown Creek: Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Shag, Mute Swan, Brent Goose, Red-breasted Merganser,

Snipe, Kingfisher, Mediterranean Gull, Shag, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Bar-tailed

Godwit, Mediterranean Gull, Ring-billed Gull.

Feeding areas: At low tide, the majority of the non-breeding birds in the vicinity of the

site are distributed across the intertidal mudflats of Lough Beg. This area is located

around the east, north and north-west of the GSK site. Brent geese and shelduck tend to

remain feeding on the middle and upper sections of the estuary during low and mid-tides

and they swim on the shallow water at high tide. Diving species including red-breasted

merganser and great crested grebe stay out on the open water. The lagoon to the south of

the GSK causeway holds a variety of ducks, coot, moorhen and a pair of mute swans

during all states of tide. The Owenboy Estuary and Monkstown Creek, south west and

north west of Lough Beg respectively, are also important feeding areas for water birds.

Information recorded on bird movements, shows a strong interconnectivity between birds

feeding in the Owenboy Estuary and Lough Beg. Most of these birds are also likely to

feed in Monkstown creek and other areas of Cork Harbour.

Agricultural fields immediately west and south west of Lough Beg Estuary are also

considered primary feeding areas for a number of wader and gull species. Curlew were

recorded in these fields every month during the winter period except for September 2009,

with the largest number recorded being 127. Other species recorded feeding in these

fields regularly included black-tailed godwits (up to 170 individuals), black-headed gull

and common gull, and on one occasion a flock of over 100 golden plover. Little egret

were recorded feeding regularly throughout the day in the fields north west of the salt

marsh (Simms et al 2011). A number of other inland fields are also used occasionally by

waders and gulls. Curlew were recorded feeding around the fields close to the buildings

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at Barnahely and a flock of 35 lapwing were recorded feeding over a number of days in

fields north west of the DePuy facility, both in November (Simms et al 2011). A number

of gull species have also been recorded feeding in the fields close to DePuy.

High tide roosts: At high tide, the birds move into a series of high tide roosts around all

shorelines of Lough Beg. Table 7.7 shows the number of birds recorded in the main

high tide roosts identified in Lough Beg (see also Figure 7.2). The two largest regularly

used roosts sites are the salt marsh (B) situated along the western edge of the inner

estuary and the rocky shoreline (i) situated at the mouth of estuary.

The rocky shorelines (E) and (F) on the perimeters of the GSK site are also used for

roosting by a variety of waders including oystercatcher, curlew, bar-tailed godwit,

redshank and turnstone. The lagoon (A) south of the causeway is also an important roost

site for ducks but is used by most species at different times.

Curlew feeding on the estuary have two main diurnal roost sites. Those feeding on Lough

Beg gather on the salt marsh at high tide along with black-tailed godwits, bar-tailed

godwits and redshank. Those feeding on the Owenboy Estuary use a roost site in a

stubble field half way along the Owenboy River on the north side (around 30 birds attend

this roost), with further small roosts scattered along the river (Simms et al 2011).

During darkness the stubble field roost is not used. Birds feeding on the river Owenboy

follow a flight line heading east north east from the river to join birds roosting in the salt

marsh on Lough Beg, a maximum of 105 birds were recorded using this flightline. At

dusk the birds feeding on fields to the south west and north of Lough Beg make their way

to roost again in the salt marsh at the western end of Lough Beg. During nocturnal spring

tides the roost in the salt marsh is pushed out into the lagoon south of the causeway (A).

Peak roost count numbered 680 birds during the December visit, coinciding with a spring

tide (Simms et al 2011). Approximately 170 dunlin have also been recorded roosting in

the lagoon during the night.

A roost of about 23 heron occurs at the mouth of Lough Beg along the southern shore

(see Figure 7.2).

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