9. Flora, Fauna
and Fisheries
9.3
Constraints
9.3.1
Designated Conservation Areas
One pcSAC and eight pNHA's occur within the constraints study
area. These sites are listed in Table 2 of Appendix C together
with a brief site description and a summary of the main conservation
interests, including rare and protected species These sites
are presented in Figures 6A and 6B.
In the extreme south the Lower River Suir pcSAC occurs outside
but in close proximity to the southern boundary of the constraints
study area.
The
River Barrow and River Nore pcSAC is a long, narrow site that
dissects the northern half of the southern constraints study
area. It comprises the River Nore, part of the Kings River
(downstream of Kells), and associated areas of semi-natural
habitat along the two river corridors.
Three
pNHA's overlap with the River Barrow and River Nore pcSAC;
Archersgrove, Thomastown and Mount Juliet. These are essentially
sub-sites of the larger pcSAC.
The pNHA's are typically small and have a scattered distribution.
Most are wetland areas that comprise fen and wet grassland,
in some cases together with areas of reedswamp, open water,
scrub or broadleaved woodland. Kilkeasy Bog also contains
areas of cutover bog and heath.
9.3.2
Rare and Protected Plant Species
There are a number of records of rare and protected plant
species within the constraints study area. [Information
not yet available from Dúchas.] Rare plants that occur
in designated conservation areas are listed in Table 2.
9.3.3
Sites of Ecological Value
A
total of 77 ecological sites of interest were identified in
the constraints study area, in addition to the designated
conservation areas listed Table 3 of Appendix C. Site visits
will be required at the route selection stage to establish
the full range of habitats present and their ecological significance.
Ecological
sites have an uneven distribution in the constraints study
area and are mainly found along river corridors and in upland
areas, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B. The greatest concentration
of sites occur in the uplands and hills south of Thomastown
and typically comprise of unimproved grassland, heath and
conifer plantation.
In
the lowlands to the north and west of Thomastown, and in the
extreme south of the constraints study area, there are comparatively
few ecological sites. The main habitats that do occur are
woodland, scrub, unimproved grassland (mainly wet), and wetland
areas associated with streams, rivers and lakes.
9.3.4
Important Bird Sites
Bishops
Lough Tullahern is an important site for wetland birds. Holly
Lake/Lough Cullin, which is also a pNHA, is of lesser importance.
For site locations see Figures 6A and 6B.
9.3.5
The Aquatic Environment
The
constraints study area contains a number of important rivers,
most being part of the River Nore system, as listed in Table
4 Appendix C. The areas referenced are presented on Figures
6A and 6B.
The River Nore is extremely important for salmonid fish and
is a Designated Salmonid River under the EU Freshwater Fish
Directive. Salmonid fish occur in all the main watercourses
in the constraints study area. The Barrow is also noted for
the quality of its coarse angling at a number of locations.
The
three species of lamprey that occur in Ireland are legally
protected under the EU Habitats Directive (listed in Annex
II). Brook lamprey occur throughout the Barrow catchment,
all three lamprey species have been observed in the lower
reaches of the River Barrow downstream of Borris (outside
the constraints study area) (Kurz and Costello, 1999).
Brook and sea lamprey appear to be common in the Nore catchment.
The
River Barrow and River Nore pcSAC and Lower River Suir pcSAC
are noted for the presence of all three lamprey species and
twaite shad, all of which are listed in Annex II of the EU
Habitats Directive. Tributaries of the River Suir occur inside
the constraints study area.
Two freshwater macroinvertebrates that are legally protected
under the EU Habitats Directive (listed in Annex II), white-clawed
crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) and freshwater
pearl-mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera and M. margaritifera
durrovensis), occur in the River Barrow and River Nore
pcSAC; the latter also occurs in Lower River Suir pcSAC. There
are records of white-clawed crayfish from two 10 km grid squares
within the constraints study area, as shown on Figures 6A
and 6B.
The River Barrow and River Nore pcSAC and Lower River Suir
pcSAC also contain otter, a legally protected species listed
in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. Otter are likely
to be widespread along most rivers in the constraints study
area.
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