Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014 2017. Screening for Appropriate Assessment & Screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment

Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014 2017 Screening for Appropriate Assessment & Screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment 2 nd April 2014

Table of Contents Part A: Screening for Appropriate Assessment... 4 1.0 Brief description of the Plan... 5 2.0 Brief description of European Sites within the Plan area... 6 3.0 Brief description of European Sites within 15km of the Plan boundary... 12 4.0 Describe the individual elements of the Plan (either alone or in combination with other plans) likely to give rise to impacts on European Sites.... 13 5.0 Describe any likely direct, indirect or secondary impacts of the Plan (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects) on European Sites by virtue of:... 14 Size and Scale... 14 Land Take... 14 Distance from the European Site... 14 Resource Requirements... 14 Emissions... 14 Excavation Requirements... 14 Transport Requirements... 14 6.0 Describe any likely changes arising as a result of:... 15 Reduction in Habitat Area... 15 Disturbance to Key Species... 15 Habitat and Species Fragmentation... 15 Changes in Key Indicators of Conservation Value... 15 Climate Change... 15 7.0 Describe any likely impacts on European Sites in terms of:... 16 Interference with the key relationships that define the structure of the site... 16 Interference with key relationships that define the function of the site... 16 8.0 Findings of no significant effects report matrix... 16 9.0 Conclusion Statement... 17 Part B: Screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment... 19 1.0 Introduction... 20 2.0 Description of the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017... 21 3.0 The European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 to 2011... 22 4.0 Screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment... 22 5.0 Conclusion... 22

Part A: Screening for Appropriate Assessment Page 4 of 24

1.0 Brief description of the Plan The Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is the second such Plan for County Clare, and supersedes the first Clare Biodiversity Action Plan, which was published in 2006. The Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is informed by the strategic aims of the National Biodiversity Plan (Actions for Biodiversity 2011-2016: Ireland s National Biodiversity Plan), and complements the County Clare Heritage Plan 2011-2017. It is also informed by the Clare County Development Plan 2011-2017. The latter contains a specific objective (CDP17.1) to implement the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan, or any subsequent plans, in partnership with all relevant stakeholders. The Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 will conserve the biodiversity of County Clare, through raising awareness of County Clare s biodiversity, co-ordinating a targeted biodiversity education programme for all ages and abilities, recording the biodiversity of County Clare, the production of best practice guidance for biodiversity management and conservation, and supporting individuals and organisations working towards biodiversity conservation in County Clare. The reason for producing the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is to comply with the requirements of Ireland s National Biodiversity Plan, and to ensure the Plan is up to date in the context of current legislation, understanding and best practice. Similar to the objectives of the National Biodiversity Plan, the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is consistent with the ecosystem approach. The ecosystem approach ensures that all of the essential processes, functions and interactions between species, their habitats and their local, non-living environment have been taken into account when promoting best practice management and guidelines for biodiversity conservation. Page 5 of 24

2.0 Brief description of European Sites within the Plan area The rich biodiversity which County Clare boasts is reflected in the high number of Nature Reserves, Wildfowl Sanctuaries, Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, and Natural Heritage Areas that have been designated across the county. The designation and subsequent management of these areas are governed by the EU Habitats Directive, EU Birds Directive and Irish Wildlife Acts. While the Draft Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 does not have any control in this, it is considered that the future protection of Clare s biodiversity is as equally reliant on awareness, education and the provision of best practice guidelines. The Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 covers the administrative boundary of County Clare, which comprises 37 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and 10 Special Protection Areas (SPAs). These are set out in Table 1(SAC s and the Qualifying Interests they support) and Table 2 (SPA s and the Special Conservation Interests they support) below. Conservation Objectives for all European Sites are available from the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (www.npws.ie). With the exception of the Lower River Shannon SAC, River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA, Galway Bay Complex SAC, and Inner Galway Bay SPA, which have detailed conservation objective (attributes, measures and targets), all other European Sites in Clare have generic conservation objectives. The generic Conservation Objective for Special Areas on Conservation is as follows: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected The generic Conservation Objective for Special Protection Areas is as follows: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for the SPA Page 6 of 24

Table 1: SAC s and the Qualifying Interests they support SITE Lower River Shannon SAC Site Code 002165 Poulnagordon Cave SAC Site Code 000064 Lough Gash Turlough SAC Site Code 000051 Carrowmore Point to Spanish Point & Islands SAC Site Code 001021 Kilkee Reefs SAC Site Code 002264 Tullaher Lough & Bog SAC Site Code 002343 Carrowmore Dunes SAC Site Code 002250 QUALIFYING INTERESTS * Indicates Priority Habitat Estuaries Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide Coastal lagoons* Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno- Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time Large shallow inlets and bays Reefs Perennial vegetation of stony banks Spartina swards (Spartinion maritimae) Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clavey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) European River Lamprey Brook Lamprey Sea Lamprey Atlantic Salmon Bottlenose Dolphin Otter Freshwater Pearl Mussel Caves not open to the public Turlough Reefs Coastal lagoons* Perennial vegetation of stony banks Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion)* Large shallow inlets and bays Reefs Submerged or partly submerged sea caves Active raised bogs* Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration Transition mires and quaking bogs Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes)* Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) Embryonic shifting dunes Reefs Narrow Mouthed Whorl Snail Page 7 of 24

SITE Knockanira House SAC Site Code 002318 Ballyallia Lake SAC Site Code 000014 New Hall & Edenvale Complex SAC Site Code 002091 Toonagh Estate SAC Site Code 002247 Dromore Woods & Loughs SAC Site Code 000032 Pouladatig Cave SAC Site Code 000037 Old Domestic Building, Keevagh SAC Site Code 002010 Ballycullinan Lake SAC Site Code 000016 Ballyogan Lough SAC Site Code 000019 Black Head-Poulsallagh SAC Site Code 000020 Inagh River Estuary SAC Site Code 000036 QUALIFYING INTERESTS * Indicates Priority Habitat Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation. Caves not open to the public Limestone pavements* Natural Euthropic Lake Hydrophillous tall herb fringe, Otter Caves not open to the public Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae* Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae* Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation Alpine and Boreal heaths Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia)* Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion)* Limestone pavements* Reefs Submerged or partly submerged sea caves Perennial vegetation of stony banks Petalophyllum ralfsii Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes)* Page 8 of 24

SITE Moneen Mountain SAC Site Code 000054 Moyree River System SAC Site Code 000057 Galway Bay Complex SAC Site Code 000268 Loughatorick South Bog SAC Site Code 000308 Ballyteige SAC Site Code 000994 Ballyvaughan Turlough SAC Site Code 000996 Termon Lough SAC Site Code 001321 QUALIFYING INTERESTS * Indicates Priority Habitat Limestone pavements* Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion)* Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia* Calaminarian grasslands of the Violetalia calaminariae Alpine and Boreal heaths Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands Turlough* Marsh Fritillary Limestone pavements* Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation Alkaline Fen Caves not open to the public Otter Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide Coastal lagoons* Large shallow inlets and bays Reefs Perennial vegetation of stony banks Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) Otter Harbour seal Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) Turloughs* Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia)* Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae* Alkaline fens Active Blanket Bog* Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clavey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) Turlough* Turlough* Page 9 of 24

SITE East Burren Complex SAC Site Code 001926 Old Farm Buildings, Ballymacrogan SAC Site Code 002245 Old Domestic Building, Ballycullinan SAC Site Code 002246 Old domestic Buildings, Rylane SAC Site Code 002314 Danes Holes, Poulnalecka SAC Site Code 000030 Glenomra Wood SAC Site Code 001013 Glendree Bog SAC Site Code 001912 Pollagoona Bog SAC Site Code 002126 Newgrove House SAC Site Code 002157 Sleive Bernagh Bog SAC Site Code 002312 Ratty River Cave SAC Site Code 002316 Kilkishen House SAC Site Code 002319 QUALIFYING INTERESTS * Indicates Priority Habitat Turloughs* Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation Alpine and Boreal heaths Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia)* Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae* Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion)* Alkaline fens Limestone pavements* Caves not open to the public Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno- Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)* Otter Marsh Fritillary Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp Caves not open to the public Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in British Isles Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in British Isles Active Blanket Bog* Active Blanket Bog* Active Blanket Bog* European dry heath Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix Caves not open to the public Page 10 of 24

Table 2: SPA s and the Special Conservation Interests they support SITE River Shannon &River Fergus Estuaries SPA Site Code 004077 Mid-Clare Coast SPA Site Code 004182 Loop Head SPA Site Code 004119 Illaunonearaun SPA Site Code 004114 Ballyallia Lough SPA Site Code 004041 SPECIAL CONSERVATION INTERESTS Cormorant Whooper Swan - Light bellied Brent Goose - Shelduck Wigeon Teal Pintail Shoveler Scaup Ringed Plover Golden Plover Grey Plover Lapwing Knot - Dunlin Black tailed Godwit Bar tailed Godwit Curlew Redshank Greenshank Black headed Gull Wetlands Cormorant Ringed Plover Sanderling Purple Sandpiper Dunlin Turnstone Barnacle Goose Wetlands & Waterbirds Kittiwake Guillemot Barnacle Geese Wigeon Gadwall Teal Mallard Shoveler Coot Black-tailed Godwit Wetlands & Waterbirds SITE Cliffs of Moher SPA Site Code 004005 Inner Galway Bay SPA Site Code 004031 Lough Derg (Shannon) SPA Site Code 004058 Slieve Aughty Mountain SPA Site Code 004168 Corofin Wetlands SPA Site Code 004220 SPECIAL CONSERVATION INTERESTS Razorbill Fulmar Kittiwake Puffin Guillimot Chough Great Northern Diver Cormorant Grey Heron Light-bellied Brent Goose Wigeon Teal Shoveler Red-breasted Merganser Ringed Plover Golden Plover Lapwing Dunlin Bar-tailed Godwit Curlew Redshank Turnstone Black-headed Gull Common Gull Sandwich Tern Common Tern Wetlands & Waterbirds Common Tern Cormorant Tufted Duck Goldeneye Wetlands and Waterbirds Hen Harrrier Merlin Little Grebe Whooper Swan Wigeon Teal Black-tailed Godwit Wetlands & Waterbirds Page 11 of 24

3.0 Brief description of European Sites within 15km of the Plan boundary When assessing the impact of a Plan on European Sites outside the Plan area, a distance of 15km is recommended as the likely zone of impact as per the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government s publication, Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland: Guidance for Local Authorities (revision 10/02/10). There are 38 SAC s and 9 SPA s within 15km of the Plan area as shown in Table 3 and Table 4 below. Qualifying Interests, Special Conservation Interests and Conservation Objectives for all these sites are available from the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (www.npws.ie). Table 3: SAC s within 15km of Plan Area Code SAC Name 000174 Curraghchase Woods 000212 Inishmaan Island 000216 River Shannon Callows 000231 Barroughter Bog 000238 Caherglassaun Turlough 000242 Castletaylor Complex 000248 Cloonmoylan Bog 000252 Coole-Garryland Complex Derrycrag Wood Nature 000261 Reserve 000286 Kiltartan Cave (Coole) 000297 Lough Corrib 000299 Lough Cutra 000318 Peterswell Turlough Pollnaknockaun Wood 000319 Nature Reserve 000432 Barrigone 000439 Tory Hill 000606 Lough Fingall Complex 000930 Clare Glen 000939 Silvermine Mountains 001197 Keeper Hill 001275 Inisheer Island 001285 Kiltiernan Turlough 001313 Rosturra Wood 001913 Sonnagh Bog 002074 Connemara Bog Complex 002117 Lough Coy 002126 Pollagoona Bog 002180 Gortacarnaun Wood 002181 Drummin Wood 002241 Lough Derg, North-East Code SAC Name Shore 002244 Ardrahan Grassland Silvermines Mountains 002258 West 002263 Kerry Head Shoal 002279 Askeaton Fen Complex Carrowbaun, Newhall and 002293 Ballylee Turloughs 002294 Cahermore Turlough 002295 Ballinduff Turlough Cregg House Stables, 002317 Crusheen Table 4: SPA s within 15km of Plan Area Code SPA Name 004042 Lough Corrib SPA 004056 Lough Cutra SPA Middle Shannon 004096 Callows SPA 004107 Coole-Garryland SPA Cregganna Marsh 004142 SPA Stacks to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and 004161 Mount Eagle SPA Slievefelim to Silvermines 004165 Mountains SPA Connemara Bog 004181 Complex SPA 004189 Kerry Head SPA Page 12 of 24

4.0 Describe the individual elements of the Plan (either alone or in combination with other plans) likely to give rise to impacts on European Sites. The aim of the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is to conserve the biodiversity of County Clare. The objectives of the Draft Plan relate to the implementation of Ireland s National Biodiversity Plan 2011-2016 informing projects under the County Clare Heritage Plan 2011-2017 contributing to the preparation of all planning policy within the county, including the Clare County Development Plan 2011-2017 producing best practice guidance on biodiversity conservation and management raising awareness of biodiversity in Clare, the services provided by biodiversity, and the threats to biodiversity delivering an education programme to a wide variety of sectors supporting individuals and groups recording the biodiversity of Clare, and working towards its conservation In addition, the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 contains an objective to ensure any projects carried out under the Plan comply with the requirements of the Habitats Directive and all other legislation as appropriate. All these objectives are aimed at conserving biodiversity, and as such, there are no elements of the Draft Plan (either alone or in combination with other plans) likely to give rise to impacts on European Sites. Page 13 of 24

5.0 Describe any likely direct, indirect or secondary impacts of the Plan (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects) on European Sites by virtue of: Size and Scale The Draft Plan covers the functional area of County Clare, however, it is not a land use plan, nor does it make land use policy. Land Take The Draft Plan is not a land use plan, nor does it make land use policy. It does not require or recommend encroachment onto any European Site and so will not result in land take. Distance from the European Site There are 37 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and 10 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) within the Draft Plan area. It is likely that awareness raising and educational events will occur within these areas. In this regard, sensitive habitats will be avoided, best practice guidance will be adhered to so as to ensure no likely impacts occur, and NPWS will be consulted. It is further considered that these events will be of benefit to the long-term conservation of these areas. Resource Requirements There are no resources required as a result of this Draft Plan which would impact on any European Site. Emissions There will be no emissions as a result of this Draft Plan which would impact on any European Site. Excavation Requirements There are no excavations required as a result of this Draft Plan which would impact on any European Site. Transport Requirements There will be no transport requirements as a result of this Draft Plan which would impact on any European Site. Page 14 of 24

6.0 Describe any likely changes arising as a result of: Reduction in Habitat Area There will be no reduction in habitat area as a result of this Draft Plan. It is noted that the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 identifies reduction in habitat area as a threat to the wider biodiversity of County Clare and contains objectives to address these threats. As such, any changes are likely to be positive Disturbance to Key Species There will be no disturbance to key species as a result of this Draft Plan. Where awarenessraising and educational events occur within European Sites, best practice guidance will be adhered to so as to ensure no disturbance to key species will occur, and NPWS will be consulted. It is noted that the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 identifies disturbance to species as a threat to the wider biodiversity of County Clare and contains objectives to address these threats. As such, any changes are likely to be positive Habitat and Species Fragmentation There will be no habitat or species fragmentation as a result of this Draft Plan. It is noted that the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 identifies habitat fragmentation and loss of wildlife corridors as a threat to the wider biodiversity of County Clare and contains objectives to address these threats. As such, any changes are likely to be positive Changes in Key Indicators of Conservation Value There will be no changes in key indicators of conservation value as a result of this Draft Plan. It is noted that the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 identifies changes in key indicators as a threat to the wider biodiversity of County Clare and contains objectives to address these threats, particularly in relation to hydrology of wetlands, and water quality for aquatic habitats and species. As such, any changes are likely to be positive Climate Change The Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 contains information and objectives on the role of climate change, the importance of protecting wetlands in order to minimise the impacts of flooding, the impacts of coastal squeeze on biodiversity and the importance of coastal zone management to minimize these impacts. The Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 sets out to minimize the impacts of climate change on local biodiversity, and raise awareness of how biodiversity can help us adapt to climate change. As such, any changes are likely to be positive. Page 15 of 24

7.0 Describe any likely impacts on European Sites in terms of: Interference with the key relationships that define the structure of the site No additional impacts or interference to the structure of the site were noted Interference with key relationships that define the function of the site No additional impacts or interference to the function of the site were noted 8.0 Findings of no significant effects report matrix 8.1 - Name of project or plan Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 8.2 - Name and location of European Sites 37 SAC s within Plan area See Table 1 above 10 SPA s within Plan area See Table 2 above 38 SAC s within 15km of Plan area See Table 3 above 9 SPA s within 15km of Plan area See Table 4 above 8.3 - Description of the project or plan The Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 will conserve the biodiversity of County Clare, through raising awareness of County Clare s biodiversity, co-ordinating a targeted biodiversity education programme for all ages and abilities, recording the biodiversity of County Clare, the production of best practice guidance for biodiversity management and conservation, and supporting individuals and organisations working towards biodiversity conservation in County Clare. 8.4 - Is the project or plan directly connected with or necessary to the management of a European Site (provide details)? No 8.5 - Are there other projects or plans that together with the project or plan being assessed could affect a European Site (provide details)? The objectives of the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2011-2017 relate to the implementation of Ireland s National Biodiversity Plan 2011-2016 informing projects under the County Clare Heritage Plan 2011-2017 informing all planning policy within the county, including the Clare County Development Plan 2011-2017 producing best practice guidance on biodiversity conservation and management supporting individuals and groups recording the biodiversity of Clare, and working towards its conservation Page 16 of 24

In addition, the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 contains an objective to ensure any projects carried out under the Plan comply with the requirements of the Habitats Directive and all other legislation as appropriate. The assessment of significance of effects 8.6 - Describe how the project or plan (alone or in combination) is likely to affect a European Site The objectives of the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2011-2017 are aimed at conserving biodiversity, and as such, there are no elements of the Plan (either alone or in combination with other plans and projects) likely to give rise to impacts on European Sites. 8.7 - Explain why these effects are not considered significant. Similar to the objectives of the National Biodiversity Plan, the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is consistent with the ecosystem approach. The ecosystem approach ensures that all of the essential processes, functions and interactions between species, their habitats and their local, non-living environment have been taken into account when promoting best practice management and guidelines for biodiversity conservation. 9.0 Conclusion Statement The Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is not likely to impact on any European Site, either on its own, or in combination with any other Plan or Project. As such, it has been screened out, and does not require a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment. Page 17 of 24

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Part B: Screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment Page 19 of 24

1.0 Introduction The objective of the SEA Directive 2001/42/EC is: to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development, by ensuring that, in accordance with the Directive, an environmental assessment is carried out of certain plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment. For the purposes of the Directive, "plans and programmes" shall mean plans and programmes, including those co-financed by the European Community, as well as any modifications to them: which are subject to preparation and/or adoption by an authority at national, regional or local level or which are prepared by an authority for adoption, through a legislative procedure by Parliament or Government, and which are required by legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions It is noted that the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is: 1. being prepared by Clare County Council, and 2. required under Irelands National Biodiversity Plan As such, the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is subject to the SEA Directive. Page 20 of 24

2.0 Description of the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 The Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is the second such Plan for County Clare, and supersedes the first Clare Biodiversity Action Plan, which was published in 2006. The Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is informed by the strategic aims of the National Biodiversity Plan (Actions for Biodiversity 2011-2016: Ireland s National Biodiversity Plan), and complements the County Clare Heritage Plan 2011-2017. It is also informed by the Clare County Development Plan 2011-2017. The latter contains a specific objective (CDP17.1) to implement the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan, or any subsequent plans, in partnership with all relevant stakeholders. The reason for producing the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is to comply with the requirements of Ireland s National Biodiversity Plan, and to ensure the Plan is up to date in the context of current legislation, understanding and best practice. The aim of the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is to conserve the biodiversity of County Clare. The objectives of the Draft Plan relate to the implementation of Ireland s National Biodiversity Plan 2011-2016 informing projects under the County Clare Heritage Plan 2011-2017 contributing to the preparation of all planning policy within the county, including the Clare County Development Plan 2011-2017 producing best practice guidance on biodiversity conservation and management raising awareness of biodiversity in Clare, the services provided by biodiversity, and the threats to biodiversity delivering an education programme to a wide variety of sectors supporting individuals and groups recording the biodiversity of Clare, and working towards its conservation In addition, the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 contains an objective to ensure any projects carried out under the Plan comply with the requirements of the Habitats Directive and all other legislation as appropriate. Similar to the objectives of the National Biodiversity Plan, the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 is consistent with the ecosystem approach. The ecosystem approach ensures that all of the essential processes, functions and interactions between species, their habitats and their local, non-living environment have been taken into account when promoting best practice management and guidelines for biodiversity conservation. Page 21 of 24

3.0 The European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 to 2011 These regulations set out the criteria to determine if a Plan or Programme, as defined under the SEA Directive, require Strategic Environmental Assessment. Article 9 of these regulations states that an environmental assessment shall be carried out for all plans and programmes: a. which are prepared for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism and town and country planning or land use, and which set the framework for future development consent of projects listed in Annexes I and II to the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, or b. which are not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a European site but, either individually or in combination with other plans, are likely to have a significant effect on any such site 4.0 Screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment It is noted that the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 has not been prepared for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism, town and country planning, or land use. The Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 does not set the framework for future development consent of projects listed in Annexes I and II to the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive The Screening for Appropriate Assessment of the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 has determined that the Draft Plan will not, either individually or in combination with other plans, have a significant effect on any European Site 5.0 Conclusion Based on the Screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment in Section 4.0 above, Clare County Council determines that the Draft Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017 does not require an environmental assessment under the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 to 2011. Page 22 of 24

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This is your plan and we hope that you will help us to implement it by getting involved. For more information: Shane Casey Biodiversity Officer Clare County Council Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Telephone: (065) 6821616 Email: biodiversity@clarecoco.ie Copies of the Draft Plan, and the accompanying Screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment and Screening for Appropriate Assessment reports may be inspected during normal opening hours from Wednesday 2nd April to Tuesday 22nd April 2014 both days inclusive, at: Planning and Enterprise Development Section, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Rd, Ennis, Co. Clare. All public libraries in County Clare. On the Clare County Council website www.clarecoco.ie. Written submissions or observations with respect to the Draft Plan, including the Screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment and Screening for Appropriate Assessment reports, may be made to the Planning and Enterprise Development Section, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Rd., Ennis, Co. Clare or by email to forwardplan@clarecoco.ie (max. document size by email: 4 MB) or by fax to 065 6892071, no later than 4p.m. Tuesday 22nd April 2014. Page 24 of 24