HomeMy WebLinkAbout2560400 - Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Screening Report for Appropriate
Assessment
Single Wind Turbine
Carney’s Island, Clones, Co.
Monaghan
Doherty Environmental Consultants Ltd.
July 2025 RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT ......................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 Requirement for an Assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive ................................ 1
1.2 SCREENING METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................. 2
1.3 SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS ................................................................................................. 3
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................... 6
2.1 KEY COMPONENTS ................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 WIND TURBINE ...................................................................................................................... 8
2.3 TURBINE HARDSTAND ............................................................................................................ 9
2.4 SUBSTATION ........................................................................................................................ 10
2.5 GRID CONNECTION .............................................................................................................. 11
2.6 TURBINE DELIVERY ROUTE ................................................................................................. 11
2.7 SITE DRAINAGE ................................................................................................................... 13
2.7.1 Watercourse / Drainage Crossings .......................................................................................... 16
2.8 PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE ............................................................................... 17
2.9 WASTE GENERATED DURING CONSTRUCTION .................................................................... 18
2.10 MATERIAL & DISPOSAL OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL .......................................................... 18
2.11 CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC ..................................................................................................... 20
3.0 PROJECT SITE DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................ 21
3.1 OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT SITE ......................................................................................... 21
3.2 DESIGNATED CONSERVATION AREAS ................................................................................... 21
3.3 BIODIVERSITY AT THE PROJECT SITE .................................................................................... 24
3.3.1 Proposed Turbine Location ..................................................................................................... 24 RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
3.4 HYDROLOGY ........................................................................................................................ 26
4.0 IS THE PROJECT NECESSARY FOR THE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT OF
EUROPEAN SITES ............................................................................................................................ 26
5.0 EUROPEAN SITES ............................................................................................................... 27
5.1 WITHIN/ADJOINING EUROPEAN SITES ................................................................................. 27
5.2 SOURCE-PATHWAY-RECEPTOR MODEL ................................................................................ 27
5.2.1 SPR Model Pathways ............................................................................................................... 28
6.0 EXAMINATION OF LIKELY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS .............................................. 32
7.0 SCREENING CONCLUSION: FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS ............. 34
8.0 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 35
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 1 24/06/2024
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Doherty Environmental Consultants Ltd. have been commissioned by ART Generation Ltd. to
undertake a Stage 1 Habitats Directive Assessment Screening for Appropriate Assessment for
the proposed development of a single wind turbine (the project) at Carney’s Island, Clones, Co.
Monaghan (see Figure 1.1 for location, and Figure 1.2 for an aerial image of the project
location).
This Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment forms Stage 1 of the Habitats Directive
Assessment process and is being undertaken in order to comply with the requirements of the
Habitats Directive Article 6(3). The function of this Screening Report is to identify the potential
for the project to result in likely significant effects to European Sites and to provide information
so that the competent authority can determine whether a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is
required for the project.
1.1 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT
Legislative protection for habitats and species is provided within the European Union by the
Habitats Directive. The Habitats Directive has been implemented in Ireland and throughout
Europe through the establishment of a network of designated conservation areas known as the
Natura 2000 (N2K) network. The N2K network includes sites designated as Special Areas of
Conservation (SACs), under the EU Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
designated under the EU Birds Directive 2009/147/EC (as amended). SACs are designated in
areas that support habitats listed on Annex I and/or species listed on Annex II of the Habitats
Directive. SPAs are designated in areas that support: 1% or more of the all -Ireland population
of bird species listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive; 1% or more of the population of a
migratory species; and more than 20,000 waterfowl.
This Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment is being prepared in order to enable the
competent authority to comply with Article 6(3) of Council Directive 92/43/EEC (The Habitats
Directive). It is prepared to assess whether or not the project alone or in combination with other
plans and projects is likely to have a significant effect on any European Site in view of best
scientific knowledge and in view of the conservation objectives of the European Sites and
specifically on the habitats and species for which the sites have been designated. Measures
intended to avoid or reduce the harmful effects of the proposed project on European sites (i.e. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 2 24/06/2024
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 3 24/06/2024
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 1 24/06/2024
“mitigation measures”) have not been taken into account in this screening stage appraisal of
the project. It is noted that, as per the EC (2021) Guidelines, design and generic measures can
be taken into account at the screening stage. Furthermore it is noted that European legal
precedent1 has established that account may be taken of features of a project which involve the
removal of contaminants and which therefore may have the effect of reducing the harmful
effects of the project on a European Site, where those features have been incorporated into that
project as standard features, inherent in such a project, irrespective of any effect on the site.
1.1.1 Requirement for an Assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive
According to section 177U(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) the
competent authority has a duty to:
• Determine whether the proposed Project is directly connected to or necessary for the
management of one of more European Sites; and, if not,
• Determine if the Project, either individually or in combination with other plans or
projects, would be likely to have a significant effect on the European Site(s) in view of
best scientific knowledge and the Conservation Objectives of the site(s).
This report contains information to support a Screening for Appropriate Assessment and is
intended to provide information that assists the competent authority when assessing and
addressing all issues regarding the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project
and to allow the competent authority to comply with the Habitats Directive. Article 6(3) of the
Habitats Directive defines the requirements for assessment of projects and plans for which
likely significant effects on European Sites may arise. The Birds Directive and the Habitats
Directive together list habitats and species that are of international importance for conservation
and require protection. The Habitats Directive requires competent authorities, to carry out a
Screening for Appropriate Assessment of plans and projects that are not directly connected to
or necessary for the management of a European Site, to assess whether the plan or project alone
1 ECJ Judgement C-721/21 of the 15th June 2023 RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 2 24/06/2024
or in combination with other plans or projects, would be likely to have significant effects on
European Sites in view of best scientific knowledge and the Site’s conservation objectives. This
requirement is transposed into Irish Law by, inter alia, Part XAB of the Planning and
Development Act, 2000 (as amended). Section 177U(4) of Part XAB of the Planning and
Development Act states:
"The competent authority shall determine that an appropriate assessment of a draft Land use
plan or a proposed development, as the case may be, is required if it cannot be excluded, on
the basis of objective information, that the draft Land use plan or proposed development,
individually or in combination with other plans or projects, will have a significant effect on a
European site. "
1.2 SCREENING METHODOLOGY
This Screening Report has been prepared in order to comply with the legislative requirements
outlined in Section 1.1 above and aims to establish whether or not the proposed project, alone
or in combination with other plans or projects, would be likely to h ave significant effects on
European Sites in view of best scientific knowledge and the Site’s conservation objectives. In
this context “likely” means a risk or possibility of effects occurring that cannot be ruled out
based on objective information and “significant” means an effect that would undermine the
conservation objectives of the European sites, either alone or in-combination with other plans
and projects (Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR), 2021).
The nature of the likely interactions between the Plan and the Conservation Objectives of
European Sites will depend upon the:
• the ecological characteristics of the species or habitat, including their structure,
function, conservation status and sensitivity to change; and/or
• the character, magnitude, duration, consequences and probability of the impacts arising
from land use activities associated with the plan, in combination with other plans and
projects.
• This Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment has been undertaken in accordance
with respective National and European guidance documents: Appropriate Assessment RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 3 24/06/2024
of Plans and Projects in Ireland: Guidance for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2010);
Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 sites –
Methodological Guidance of the Provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats
Directive 92/43/EEC; and Office of the Planning Regulator – OPR Practice Note
PN01: Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management (2021), and
recent European and National case law. The guidance document Managing Natura
2000 Sites – The provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. European
Commission (2018) was also of relevance during the preparation of this Screening
Report.
The EC (2021) guidelines outline the stages involved in undertaking a Screening Report for
Appropriate Assessment for projects. The methodology adopted during the preparation of this
Screening Report is informed by these guidelines and was undertaken in the following stages:
• Describe the project and determine whether it is necessary for the conservation
management of European Sites;
• Identify European Sites that could be influenced by the project;
• Where European Sites are identified as occurring within the zone of influence of the
project identify potential effects arising from the project and screen the potential for
such effects to negatively affect European Sites identified under Point 2 above; and
• Identify other plans or projects that, in combination with the project, have the potential
to affect European Sites.
1.3 SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS
Field surveys were completed at the project site to inform this screening report for Appropriate
Assessment. The field surveys included targeted vantage point surveys and winter and breeding
bird season transect surveys.
Habitat surveys were also completed and particularly attention was given to recording the
presence of surface water pathways in the form of watercourses or surface drains . .
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 4 24/06/2024
The vantage point surveys comprised watches from a vantage point that provides a view of the
proposed turbine location and the wider surrounding area. The vantage points were completed
during the 2023 and 2024 breeding season, and the 2023/2024 non-breeding season on the 26th
April 2023; 14th June 2023; 12th October 2024; 7th February 2024; 1st May 2024; 9th May 2024;.
A watch of 3.5 hours was completed during each of the vantage point surveys amounting to a
total of 21 hours vantage point surveying of the proposed turbine location and wider
surrounding area.
Subsequent to the termination of each vantage point watch, walked transect surveys were
completed within the fields at and adjacent to the proposed turbine location and access track.
The location of the vantage point and the bird transects are shown on Figure 1.3.
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 5 24/06/2024
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 6 17/07/2023
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Clones Wind Farm development will include the following:-
• Construction of 1 No. site entrance and any sections of internal access track to facilitate access
to the temporary construction compound;
• Construction of 1 No. temporary construction compound, including fencing site offices,
parking, material laydown and storage areas, etc;
• Upgrading and widening of existing internal tracks to a wind farm road standard and
construction of new wind farm roads, including all excavation, importation, and placement of
stone and associated materials.
• Earthworks and drainage infrastructure associated with construction of new and upgraded
internal access roads, crane hardstand, turbine foundations and substation compound;
• Construction of upgraded and new drainage/watercourse crossings for construction of internal
access roads and underground cables;
• Excavation of turbine bases and associated turbine hardstand areas;
• Construction of wind turbine foundations and hardstands;
• Installation of underground cabling between turbine and substation;
• Construction of the 20kV Substation compound and building;
• Construction of 1.9km of underground cable connection from the wind farm substation to the
existing Clones Substation and all associated remedial/. Reinstatement works to the public road;
• Delivery, installation, and commissioning of the proposed turbine. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 7 17/07/2023
2.1 KEY COMPONENTS
The development proposed by the applicant, is a 1 No. turbine wind farm in the townland of
Clones and all associated infrastructure including a connection to the National Electricity Grid.
The proposed development will consist of the following elements:
• Construction and operation of 1No. wind turbine, with an overall tip height of up to 149.61m;
• Construction of a crane hardstanding area for the wind turbine erection;
• Approximately 1.1km of new internal access road;
• An on-site 20kV electrical substation;
• Underground electrical and communications cabling connecting the turbine to the site
substation;
• Approximately 1.9 kilometres of underground cabling connecting the 20kv wind farm
substation to the existing
• Clones Substation;
• 1 No. site entrance onto the R183 regional road;
• 1 No. temporary on-site construction compound;
• Associated surface water management systems;
• All associated ancillary infrastructure and preparatory works.
The proposed project will have a lifespan of 30-years. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 8 17/07/2023
2.2 WIND TURBINE
The proposed wind turbines will be a Nordex N133 on a 71.5m tower and will have a maximum
tip height of 140m. A drawing of the proposed wind turbine is shown on Drawing No. 22790 -
200 & 201.
The turbines installed on the site will be the conventional three-bladed, tubular tower model
with horizontal axis. The rotor blades are bolted to the central rotor hub, which is connected to
the nacelle. The nacelle contains the following turbine components:-
• Generator
• Electrical components
• Aviation lighting to Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) specifications.
The entire nacelle and rotor are designed to rotate, or ‘yaw’, in order to face the prevailing
wind. A wind vane located on the nacelle of the turbine controls the yaw mechanism. A control
unit is typically located at the base of the turbine and an internal lift or ladder leads up to the
nacelle where the shaft, generator and gearbox are located.
The turbine tower is a conical steel tube with multiple layer paint finish. Towers comprise a
steel ring at the base of the tower which is assembled on top of the concrete foundations. The
tower will be delivered to site in three sections. The base of the tower is approximately 4.3m in
diameter, tapering to approximately 3.2m where it is attached to the nacelle. The tower is
accessed by a galvanised steel hatch door, which will be kept locked except during
maintenance.
The blades of the turbines are typically made of fibreglass or carbon fibre reinforced polyester
and are aerodynamically shaped to improve efficiency and lower noise production.
The turbines are multi-ply coated to protect against corrosion. It is proposed that the turbines
will be of an off-white or light grey colour to blend into the sky background RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 9 17/07/2023
2.3 TURBINE HARDSTAND
The crane Hardstand will be constructed to accommodate and support the Wind Turbine
components, cranes and other plant during delivery and Turbine erection. Hardstands will also
be used for maintenance activities while the Wind Turbines are in operation.
The dimension of a single Hardstand is circa 91 metres in length and 35 metres in width. There
will also be smaller temporary stoned areas constructed to store the Wind Turbine parts and
components prior to erection, these will be removed, and the areas reinstated on completion of
the Wind Turbine erection. See Planning Drawing 22790-202 for details on the Hardstand.
The crane Hardstands will be constructed to support the significant loads imposed by the
outriggers of the main lifting crane during the Wind Turbine installation process on site.
Hardstand construction will include the following:-
1. The excavation process will involve hydraulic excavators moving excavated material to on-site
repository areas using articulated dumper trucks or tractor and trailers.
2. Topsoil will be excavated in the presence of the Archaeologist and removed to the temporary
topsoil repository area for use in the permanent reinstatement works.
3. The Hardstand formation will be formed by excavating subsoil to a suitable bearing stratum in
accordance with the requirements of the Design Engineer.
4. The Hardstand will be constructed using imported stone aggregate rolled in layers and tested in
accordance with the requirements of the Design Engineer.
5. Temporary set down areas will be created at each crane Hardstand to store Wind Turbine
components such as the rotor hub assembly, turbine blades, turbine towers, and nacelle. These
areas will be made of compacted stone aggregate, these will be removed and the areas reinstated
on completion of the Wind Turbine deliveries.
6. Plate bearing tests will be conducted on the completed Hardstand surface to verify if the
Hardstand bearing strengths meet the crane outrigger load requirements. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 10 17/07/2023
7. The main crane outrigger areas are subjected to the highest levels of stress and as such strict
minimum requirements are put in place to ensure safety during the works. This includes but is
not limited to:
a. Surface Evenness of equal or less than 0.25% slope.
b. Minimum Bearing Capacity of 220kN/m2.
2.4 SUBSTATION
It is proposed to construct a 20kV electricity Substation within the site boundary as shown on
Drawing No. 22790-102. This Substation will provide a connection to the national grid via an
underground 20kV transmission cable connection.
The construction and electrical components of the on-site Substation will be to ESB, Electrical
Designer and Wind Turbine Supplier specifications.
The Substation compound will have an area of approximately 256m2 and will include one
Substation building and electrical components. The Substation and compound will be
surrounded by stockproof fencing.
Prior to construction beginning, interception drains will be placed uphill from the planned
Substation area to catch any current overland water flows and direct them downhill to minimise
water contact with the construction site. The clean water will be rel eased through a level
spreader downhill from the construction site, flowing over the current vegetation.
The construction will include the following:-
1. The Substation compound's area will be outlined using ranging rods or wooden posts.
2. Perimeter drains will be installed or upgraded to collect surface water run-off from the
Substation compound. This will involve the installation of check dams, silt traps and level
spreaders to manage surface run-off effectively.
3. Topsoil will be stripped and carefully stockpiled for future landscaping use. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 11 17/07/2023
4. Subsoil will be excavated and retained on site by incorporated it into the perimeter of the
compound area.
5. The Substation compound will be formed by constructing compacted layers of suitable
hardcore;
6. The foundations for both Substation buildings will be excavated down to the level indicated by
the designer and appropriately shuttered;
7. Steel reinforcement will be laid in place and concrete foundations will be poured;
8. The Substation building will be constructed on top of the concrete foundations.
9. Construction of underground cable ducts and trenches within the Substation compound will be
carried out;
10. On completion of the ground works the area will be re-topsoiled and landscaped;
11. Stockproof fencing and gates will be installed around the compound perimeter on completion
of the landscaping works.
2.5 GRID CONNECTION
The turbine will connect directly to the national electrical grid network at the approved
substation. The grid connection route is not included as part of this planning application but is
assessed as part of the Planning and Environmental Report. The grid connection is via circa
1.9km of underground 20kV electrical cabling connecting to Clones 38kV Substation in the
townland of Clones, County Monaghan. The majority of the grid connection will be constructed
in public road verges and footpaths.
2.6 TURBINE DELIVERY ROUTE
The components for the Wind Turbines will be delivered by cargo ships to the Port of
Waterford, which is also known as Belview Port, and is actually located in County Kilkenny.
The components for the Wind Turbine will be delivered in separate loads, some of which are RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 12 17/07/2023
abnormal in terms of their width and length. The components will be transported from Belview
to the site along the motorway, national, regional and local road network.
Several junction locations along the national road and both bends and junctions on the regional
road network require temporary works to accommodate these deliveries of Wind Turbine
components to the site, as well as construction works at the site access on the R183. These
works will include the temporary alterations at locations on the N54 and the R183.
This will include the temporary hardstanding’s, making signposts, lighting columns and kerbs
demountable / hinged, utility diversions, minor drainage works (i.e. temporary relocated
interceptor ditches) hedgerow / vegetation cutting for oversail.
At construction stage a transportation plan will be prepared by the Wind Turbine component
delivery company. Permits for moving the abnormal loads on the public roads to the Wind Farm
site will be obtained from An Garda Síochána and the applicable local authorities on the
selected haulage route.
The selected haulage route is detailed below:
• Starting at Belview Port;
• Turn Left, then the next right onto the N29;
• Merge onto the N29;
• At the Slieverue Roundabout, exit to stay on N29 going Northbound;
• At the Luffany Roundabout, exit onto the N25, Waterford City Bypass;
• Continue onto the N25;
• After 6km take the third exit onto the N9, continue to Quarry Roundabout, exiting onto the M9
going Northbound;
• Merge onto the M7; RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 13 17/07/2023
• Merge onto the M50 via slip road to Northbound/Dublin Port Toll Road;
• At junction 6, take the N3 exit;
• Exit the N3 at junction 4 onto the M3;
• Continue straight through roundabout onto the N3;
• Turn right onto the R165;
• Continue onto the L2011;
• Slight right onto the L2010;
• Turn right onto the R212;
• Turn right onto Abbey Street;
• Turn right onto Analore Street;
• Continue on the R183;
• Take third left turn into the site entrance
2.7 SITE DRAINAGE
Clean water cut-off drainage will be installed up-hill or up-stream around the perimeter of the
proposed work areas as part of the Enabling Works. This drainage “cuts-off” existing drainage
runs from entering the proposed work areas thus reducing site surface water run-off, prevent
soil erosion, and protect the water quality downstream. This drainage will be temporary and
on completion of the site works it will be removed or altered and incorporated into the
permanent works drainage.
Permanent drainage will be constructed during construction of the Access Roads, Hardstands,
Turbine Foundations, Substation. While construction works are being carried out, this drainage RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 14 17/07/2023
tends to pick-up a suspended solids – and is often known as “dirty water”. During the
construction stage, this dirty water drainage is directed to a number of sediment control
measures such as check dams and settlement ponds. The permanent drainage during the
construction stage is therefore often referred to “dirty water cut-off drainage”.
Plate 2.1 below shows a typical check dam arrangement. The site's proposed drainage system
is detailed in Planning Drawings 22729-130 to 22729-134, provided under separate cover with
the planning application documentation.
Plate 2.1: Check Dam
The drainage design will incorporate the following:-
1. Check dams strategically positioned at regular intervals along all drains to slow down flow,
encourage settlement, prevent scour and ditch erosion, and prevent silt from reaching adjoining
drainage channels.
2. Low gradient drains will be installed. These slow down the flow rate in the drains, which
decreases soil and subsoil erosion and reduces the amount of water entering watercourses. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 15 17/07/2023
3. Existing drains will be preserved where applicable.
4. Regular buffered outfalls will be installed. These are composed of several minor drains
branching from the main drain and terminating by spreading out into the nearby vegetation
through tapered drains. The drain will have hardcore material to capture suspended sediment.
5. Construction site runoff will be redirected into settlement ponds to encourage sediment
deposition and decrease hydraulic loading by lowering flow velocities, enabling sediment to
settle. The settlement ponds are structured as a three-stage tiered pond system. The settlement
pond system design for the site is outlined in Planning Drawing 22729-102 & 103.
6. Water from the settlement ponds will flow into the sediment traps for additional cleaning
through a sequence of graded gravel filters.
7. Drainage ditch outfalls from silt traps will release water periodically to imitate natural
hydrology, promoting percolation and reducing hydraulic loadings at discharge sites. The
drainage ditches will discharge onto the ground by spreading out over the surrounding
vegetation through tapered drains.
8. The Access Roads will be graded to ensure that all runoff is channelled towards the dirty water
drains. A small embankment will be built between the road and clean water drains to prevent
runoff from the road from entering the clean water system.
9. Where possible the natural vegetative barrier will not be disturbed. Protective barriers and
fences will be installed to prevent access to protected areas.
10. All drainage and silt control measures will be regularly inspected during the construction works
to ensure they are performing correctly. When necessary, silt will be cleaned out from silt
control measures and disposed of on site, initially by stockpiling to allow drying out, and then
incorporating into groundwork finishing works.
Plate 2.2 below shows a typical check dam arrangement with several dams strategically
positioned at regular intervals along an open drain. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 16 17/07/2023
Plate 2.2: Multiple Check Dams as Silt Control Measure
2.7.1 Watercourse / Drainage Crossings
As part of the upgrade to the existing road and new road construction there will be one drain
and stream surface water drainage crossing. This will include the construction of new drainage
crossings.
The sizing, layout and works methodology of drainage crossings will be agreed with Monaghan
Co. Co. and, where required, with the OPW, prior to construction.
In general drainage crossings will be constructed of concrete precast concrete or High-Density
Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and will cater for a minimum 1 in 100-year return rainfall event
with an additional 30% allowance for climate change.
• The invert of the pipe will be submerged approximately 1/4 of its diameter below the original
drainage bed. Where natural gradients allow, a nominal back fall in the pipe will be incorporated
to prevent scour and promote the settling of natural material along the invert of the pipe RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 17 17/07/2023
2.8 PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
It is anticipated that the overall construction of the development will take approximately 10-12
months from starting on-site to final commissioning of the Wind Turbine.
All vegetation clearance that is required for the construction works will be carried outside the
bird breeding season, which runs from the 1st of March to the 31st of August. To comply with
this requirement a section of the initial Civil Engineering Works may be carried out as advance
enabling works in the months from September to February.
Error! Reference source not found. below details the works in a number of key phases, some
of these phases will run in parallel.
Table 2.1: Proposed Development Construction Stage Duration and Phasing
Phase Activity
Phase 1 Site Preparation, Pre-construction activities, Site entrance
Construction
Phase 2 Access Road Construction + Drainage Plan
Implementation
Phase 3 Crane Hardstand Construction
Phase 4 Turbine Foundation Construction
Phase 5 Substation Construction RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 18 17/07/2023
Phase 6 Internal Trenching and Ducting
Phase 7 Turbine Delivery
Phase 8 Turbine Erection
Phase 9 Grid Connection Construction
Phase
10
Wind Farm Commissioning
2.9 WASTE GENERATED DURING CONSTRUCTION
The wastes likely to be generated during the construction phase will include the following:
• Excavated material from road cuts and foundations. The material will be stored in a
centralised area to minimise environmental impact and will be used on-site for
hardstanding and embankments;
• Cut-offs from building material. This material will be taken off-site for re-use,
recycling, or taken to a licensed landfill facility;
• Domestic type waste by contractors. This material will be collected on-site, stored in
an enclosed skip and disposed of at a licensed landfill facility
2.10 MATERIAL & DISPOSAL OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL
Where necessary, excavated soil material will be stored, out of the path of trafficking
machinery. Where the topsoil layer must be temporarily held in the spoil storage areas, the
contractor will divide the storage areas to ensure that the topsoil layer is not mixed with the RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 19 17/07/2023
underlying soils. This will facilitate adequate site reinstatement and ensure re-vegetation of the
land occurs as quickly as possible.
Site inspections indicate that the soil conditions at the site will facilitate material being
stockpiled to a height of no greater than 2.0m. Depending on geotechnical considerations, the
maximum gradient of side slopes in the spoil storage areas should be 30-40 degrees to ensure
safe storage of materials and reduce the overall erosion potential at the site. The top of the soil
mound is to be profiled gently to facilitate surface water and therefore prevent ponding and
saturation of the soil. All stockpiling will be temporary and subject to receipt of planning
permission for this application, specific site locations for stockpiling will be determined by the
appointed site engineer and will form part of a Construction Management Plan for the entire
development.
Drainage channels at the uphill side will intercept clean water runoff and will be directed away
from the spoil storage areas to prevent sedimentation. Runoff from the storage areas will pass
through a sediment basin to ensure suspended particles are settled out.
The vegetated top soil layer (300-500mm depth typically) removed from the surface will be
side-cast where feasible and used to resurface ground adjacent to road edges, the turbine base
and other disturbed areas to assist in the recovery vegetation. Re-seeding of the areas will also
be carried out at this stage providing it is the appropriate time of year. Re -instatement will be
carried out as soon as possible after excavation to ensure vegetation recovers without delay.
This will ensure that, as well as restoring the natural environment, the erosion potential for the
soil will be minimised thus reducing the risk of sediment entering watercourses.
The majority of the excavated material (typically clay) underlying the topsoil will be brought
to storage areas. At certain locations along the access road it may be possible to side cast this
material adjacent to the road and place topsoil over it. The topsoil will be graded to reflect the
surrounding landscape. The maximum depth of any side cast material will be 500mm.
In an effort to reduce the storage time of excavated material, a sequential ('rolling') extraction
restoration programme will be employed where feasible i.e. where topsoil and overburden from
one location can be used for the restoration of the previous location. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 20 17/07/2023
2.11 CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC
As with any construction development project, the transport of materials onto the site will give
rise to increased traffic. It is considered that the proximity of the site to the regional route R691,
(the primary access road to the site) will reduce the degree of traffic impact that would
otherwise be associated with third class or minor roads.
Public perception of the construction phase will be influenced primarily from the impact of
traffic movements. The degree of traffic disturbance caused by the construction phase of a wind
farm depends on the number of turbines (in this instance a single wind turbine), the associated
civil engineering requirements and the length of the construction period.
The traffic movements to be expected will involve:
• Vehicles bringing concrete (for foundations) to the site;
• Articulated vehicles bringing turbine components to the site;
• Private vehicles of those employed on site for the construction phase; and
• Cranes to erect the turbine.
The largest number of traffic movements will be with the delivery of concrete to the site for
construction of the turbine foundations. In order to assist with logistics for delivery of turbines
the selection of final delivery times and routes will be subject to detailed consultation with the
Planning Authority and the Garda Siochána. The site has good accessibility with close
proximity to a National Road. This will greatly assist the logistics of delivering components on
site, compared to more remote and inaccessible locations.
Once the turbine is in operation, traffic movements to and from the sight will be very light,
probably averaging one visit a week by a light commercial vehicle or car. The potential need
to replace machine components may generate heavier commercial vehicle movements, but
these are likely to be infrequent. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 21 17/07/2023
Subject to receipt of planning permission of this application a detailed Traffic Management
Plan will be completed and will form part of the Construction Management Plan.
3.0 PROJECT SITE DESCRIPTION
3.1 OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT SITE
The project site is located in the townlands of Carney’s Island, approximately 1.7km to the east
of Clones. The proposed turbine within a farmed landscape with improved agricultural
grassland being the dominant land cover occurring at and surrounding the project. An area of
recently felled conifer plantation occurs within the project site at the northern end of the turbine
hardstand.
The proposed grid connection route runs along the R183 and connects the proposed turbine
location to the existing substation at Clones.
3.2 DESIGNATED CONSERVATION AREAS
The nearest European Site to the project site is the Kilroosky Lough Cluster SAC (Site Code:
001786), which is located approximately 1.5km to the northwest of the project site. There are
no pathways connecting the project site to this SAC.
The nearest SPA to the project site is the Slaibh Beagh SPA, located approximately 13km to
the north/northeast of the project site.
Lough Oughter and Associated Loughs SAC is located approximately 20km downstream of
the project site. The Finn River drains into this SAC and as such there is a hydrological pathway
connecting the project site to this SAC.
Kilroosky Lough Cluster SAC is designated for it role in supporting the following Annex 1
habitat and Annex 2 species:
Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. [3140]
Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae [7210]
Alkaline fens [7230] RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 22 17/07/2023
Austropotamobius pallipes (White-clawed Crayfish) [1092].
Lough Oughter And Associated Loughs SAC is designated for it role in supporting the
following Annex 1 habitat and Annex 2 species:
Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition - type vegetation [3150]
Bog woodland [91D0]
Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355]
Slieve Beagh SPA is designated for it role in supporting a breeding population of hen harrier. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 23 17/07/2023
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 24 17/07/2023
3.3 BIODIVERSITY AT THE PROJECT SITE
3.3.1 Proposed Turbine Location
A habitat map of the project site and the proposed development footprint is provided as Figure
3.1 below. The footprint of the proposed development is dominated by improved agricultural
grassland. The proposed access track and the proposed turbine hardstand are situated within
this habitat. Hedgerow s form the boundary to agricultural fields within and adjacent to the
project. Approximately 125m of hedgerow will lost to the footprint of the project.
A small area of recently felled conifer plantation occurs to the north of the proposed
hardstanding with the redline boundary. .
The Legarhill Stream is crossed twice by the proposed access track and once by the R183 along
the proposed grid connection route.
Bird species recorded during bird surveys completed for the proposed turbine include Buzzard,
Chaffinch, Robin, Wren, Gold crest, Linnet, Chiffchaff, Pied Wagtail, Great Tit, Mute Swan,
Wood Pigeon, Great crested Grebe, Hooded Crow, Jackdaw, Grey Heron, Herring Gull and
Mallard.
No non-volant mammals were recorded within the boundary of the project site. The Legarhill
Stream provides suitable foraging habitat for otters. No field signs for otters or other protected
non-volant mammals species such as badgers were recorded during field signs completed for
the project.
Bat species recorded in the vicinity of the proposed turbine location comprise Leisler's bat,
Common pipistrelle and Soprano pipistrelle . These three species were recorded consistently
during bat monitoring with median levels of activity during monitoring reflecting high levels
of activity . Very low levels of activity were recorded for Myotis species, whilst no activity for
Nathusius pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat were recorded. the project site is located outside
the geographic range of lesser horseshoe bats in Ireland. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 25 17/07/2023
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 26 03/09/2025
3.4 HYDROLOGY
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WFD dataset boundaries show that the proposed
development site and grid connection route lie within the Finn[Monaghan]_SC_020 WFD river
sub-catchment, part of the larger Erne East catchment, ultimately discharging into Lough Erne
approximately 30 km downstream of the project site.
The significant water features in proximity to the project site (i.e., the water feature assigned a
WFD status on EPA mapping) is the Legarhill Stream which is crossed by the proposed access
track and the R183; Bishops Lough, which is located approximately 100m to the southeast of
the proposed substation; and Altartate Lough and the associated substation, located
approximately 150m to the south of the proposed access track.
The Legarhill Stream is a tributary of the River Finn, the confluence of which is located
approximately 1.7km downstream of the project site.
No water quality monitoring of the Legarhill Stream is undertaken by the EPA. Water quality
monitoring of the River Finn is completed by the EPA, with monitoring completed in 2023
from the Cumber Bridge monitoring station downstream of the Legarhill Stream and River Finn
confluence assigns a status of Good water quality to this section of the River Finn. Water quality
monitoring from the Scarvey Bridge monitoring station along the River Finn, upstream of its
confluence with the Legarhill Stream, in 2022 assigned a status of Moderate (Q3-4) to the River
Finn. This status is indicative of some pollution to this river.
4.0 IS THE PROJECT NECESSARY FOR THE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT OF
EUROPEAN SITES
The project has been described in Section 2 of this Screening Report and it is clear from the
description provided that the project is not directly connected with or necessary for the future
conservation management of any European Sites. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 27 03/09/2025
5.0 EUROPEAN SITES
5.1 WITHIN/ADJOINING EUROPEAN SITES
Current guidance (OPR, 2021) informing the approach to screening for Appropriate
Assessment defines the zone of influence of a proposed development as the geographical area
over which it could affect the receiving environment in a way that could have significant effects
on the Qualifying Interests of a European site. It is recommended that this is established on a
case-by-case basis. In order to identify European Sites that could potentially be located within
the zone of influence of the project, the current digital mapping (shapefile) of European Sites
in Ireland2, as published by the NPWS, was reviewed to identify the European Sites that could
conceivably be connected to the project site via pathways. The OPR guidelines recommend that
for projects that are located within or immediately adjacent to European Sites, the relevant
European Site should be automatically selected for consideration in the screening exercise.
Given that no element of the project occurs within or adjoining a European Sites, the automatic
selection of European Sites for further consideration is not triggered. In view of this, this
screening exercise will turn its attention to identifying the European Sites that fall within the
zone of influence of the project by virtue of pathway connections between the project and
European Sites. A Source-Pathway-Receptor model is used to identify the European Sites
within the zone of influence of the project.
5.2 SOURCE-PATHWAY-RECEPTOR MODEL
Current guidance informing the approach to screening for Appropriate Assessment defines the
zone of influence of a project as the geographical area over which it could affect the receiving
environment in a way that could have significant effects on the Qua lifying Interests of a
European site. It is recommended that this is established on a case-by-case basis using the
Source-Pathway-Receptor (SPR) model.
2 Current SAC shapefile layer dated January 2024; current SPA shapefile layer dated December
2024 RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 28 03/09/2025
Under the SPR model the project, the works associated with the construction and
decommissioning phase and the operation of the project represent the source of potential
impacts. Pathways are represented by vectors that could potentially convey impacts from the
project site to European Sites and features of interest. The receptors are European Sites and
their features of interest. The type of pathways that could represent vectors for the conveyance
of impacts are considered in Section 5.2.1 below.
5.2.1 SPR Model Pathways
Pathways that can arise as a result of development projects and lead to offsite/downstream
impacts are listed below and an appraisal of the potential for these pathways to connect the
project to European Sites and their qualifying features of interest are also listed below and each
are examined for their potential to function as pathways connecting the project to European
Sites.
5.2.1.1 Emissions to Surface water
As detailed in Section 3.2 above a hydrological pathway connects the project to the Lough
Oughter And Associated Loughs SAC. This SAC is located a significant distance downstream
from the project site at circa 20km along the Legarhill Stream and the Finn River. The approach
to the management of surface water runoff during the construction phase of the project is set
out in Section 2.7 above. Aside from crossings of the Legarhill Stream the proposed turbine
hardstand and access track are located at remote distance from the nearest watercourse. For
instance the hardstand is situated circa 200m to the east of Legarhill Stream.
The management of drainage waters for the project are representative of typical best practice
construction measures that will eliminate the potential for the discharge of contaminated surface
water during the construction phase.
Given the separation distance between the proposed turbine hardstand and the Legarhill Stream
the operation phase of the turbine will no pose a risk of contaminated surface water runoff to
the Legarhill Stream. It is further noted that the activity associated with the operation phase will
be representative of low pollution risk activities. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 29 03/09/2025
In view of the above it is considered that the distant hydrological pathway connecting the
project site to the Lough Oughter And Associated Loughs SAC will not have the potential to
function as an impact pathway between the project site and this SAC.
In view of this finding and the absence of any hydrological connection between the project site
and any other European Sites, no hydrological impact pathway is identified.
5.2.1.2 Noise & Vibration Emissions
Noise and vibration emissions are considered to have the potential to result in negative impacts
to biodiversity up to a 300m distance from the emission source. This distance is based on the
maximum noise disturbance zone of 300m for wetland bird species, as specified by Cutts et al.
(2013)3. Noise and vibration effects for other qualifying species as well as qualifying habitats
of European Sites are less than 300m. For mammal species listed as qualifying features of
interest for SACs in the surrounding area this distance is set at 150m, as p er the NRA (2009).
For qualifying aquatic species, a potential noise and vibration impact pathway will only arise
where works such as piling or blasting are proposed at instream or bankside locations within
adjoining SACs. No such proposals form part of the project. No European Sites occur within
such distances of the project and the potential for works associated with the project to result in
disturbance to qualifying features of interest of European Sites as a result of noise or vibration
emission will not arise. In view of this a noise and vibration pathway is screened out.
5.2.1.3 Emissions to Air
Air emissions that have been identified as arising from the project relate to the generation of
dust emissions during the construction phase. Dust emissions can have the potential to result
in negative impacts to biodiversity up to 50m from the source of the emission. This is supported
3 It is noted Nature Scotland (2022) published disturbances zones for bird species at a greater distance
than 300m. However, unlike Cutt et al. (2013) who specifically examined disturbance effects generated
by noise stimuli, the potential disturbance stimuli set out in the Nature Scotland publication are not
concerned specifically with noise stimuli. As such the Cutts et al. (2013) publication and maximum noise
disturbance distance is relied upon. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 30 03/09/2025
by the guidance outlined by Holman et al. (2014), which provides a risk assessment for
ecological impacts arising from dust deposition. European Sites are ranked as highly sensitive
sites and the risk to high sensitive sites ranges from high (at less than 20m from source) and
medium (at less than 50m from source), while low risks, representative of insignificant and de-
minimis effects, arise at distances greater than 50m from source. No European Sites occur
within such distances of the project and the potential for works associated with the project to
result in disturbance to qualifying features of interest of European Sites as a result of air
emission will not arise. In view of this an air emission pathway is screened out.
5.2.1.4 Light Emissions
The project will include for the provision of nighttime beacon lights on turbines. Special
conservation interest/qualifying species of European Sites that are considered to be potentially
sensitive to beacon lighting provided at the turbine nacelle are bird species and lesser horseshoe
bats in the event that the beacon should act as an attractant to such species. Given that no special
conservation interest bird populations of SPAs occur at or in the vicinity of the proposed wind
turbine, there will be no potential for light emissions from the turbines to influence such
populations. As such this pathway is not considered further in this screening exercise.
5.2.1.5 Visual Emissions
Certain qualifying species of European Sites can be sensitive to visual changes in the landscape
and visual disturbance as a result of new structures. Species that are sensitive to such
disturbance are wildfowl in the form of geese and swans. The proposed turbine will represent
the only prominent structures in the landscape. The potential zone of sensitivity arising from
turbines for geese and swans is 1km and 600m (as per McGuinness et al., 2015; Goodship &
Furness 2022). Given that no special conservation interest bird populations of surrounding
SPAs, or indeed potential visually sensitive species such as whooper swan or Greenland white-
fronted geese, were recorded at or in the vicinity (i.e. within 500m) of the project site during
baseline surveys, there will be no potential for a visual emission pathway to result in disturbance
to special conservation interest bird species populations of any SPAs. As such this pathway is
not considered further in this screening exercise. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 31 03/09/2025
5.2.1.6 Mobile Species Pathways
The mobiles species associated with the European Sites occurring in the wider surrounding
area, as shown on Figure 3.1, are otters and hen harrier. For reasons set out under Section 5.2.1.1
above and given the distance of c. 20km separating the project site from the Lough Oughter
And Associated Loughs SAC, and the absence of any field signs indicating the presence of
otters along the Legarhill Stream during field surveys, no mobile species pathway established
by the otter population of this SAC and the project site is considered to occur.
The Slieve Beagh SPA is designated for a population of breeding hen harrier. This SPA is
located c. 13km from the project site and the project site is located well outside the core and
maximum foraging range for the hen harrier population associated with this SPA. It is further
noted that no suitable habitat for hen harrier occurs at the project and this species was not
observed at the project site during bird surveys.
5.2.1.7 Summary of Pathway
Following the above consideration of pathways that could conceivably connect the project site
to European Sites in the wider surrounding area it has been found that no impact pathways
connect the project to European Sites in the wider surrounding area.
As such the Source-Pathway-Receptor model has not identified the presence of an impact
pathway linking the project site to European Sites in the wider surrounding area.
Hydrological and groundwater pathways with potential to connect the project to the Lough
Corrib SAC;
Mobile species pathway, due to the potential for watercourses, at and in the vicinity of the
project site (that are outside of but draining to the Lough Corrib SAC) to support otters and
Annex 2 qualifying fish species of the Lough Corrib SAC.
In view of the above the only European Site identified as occurring within the zone of influence
of the project is the Lough Corrib SAC. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 32 03/09/2025
6.0 EXAMINATION OF LIKELY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS
The absence of any potential impact pathways eliminates the potential for this project to result
in likely significant effects to European Sites. A Screening Matrix, in line with European
Commission (2021) guidelines is provided below in Table 5.2.
Table 6.1: Screening Matrix for Project Activities associated with the Project
Brief description of the project or plan
The project and associated activities are
described in Section 2 above.
Brief description of the European Sites
The European Sites occurring in the
wider surrounding area are identified in
Section 3.2 and shown on Figure 3.1.
Describe the individual elements of the
project (either alone or in combination
with other plans or projects) likely to give
rise to impacts on the European Sites.
Given the distance separating the
project site from the nearest European
Site (i.e. 1.5km) and the absence of
impact pathways connecting the project
site to European Sites no elements of the
project will have the potential to give
rise to impacts to European Sites.
Describe any likely direct, indirect or
secondary impacts of the project (either
alone or in combination with other plans
or projects) on the European Sites site by
virtue of:
• size and scale;
• land-take;
• distance from the Natura 2000 site
or key features of the site;
• resource requirements (water
abstraction etc.);
The project will not have the potential to
result in direct, indirect or secondary
impacts to European Sites. As there are
no pathways connecting the project site
to surrounding European Sites it will not
have the potential, alone or in-
combination with other plans or
projects, to result in cumulative
significant effects to European Sites
occurring in the wider surrounding area. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 33 03/09/2025
• emissions (disposal to land, water
or air);
• excavation requirements;
• transportation requirements;
• duration of construction,
operation, decommissioning, etc.;
Describe any likely changes to the site
arising as a result of:
• reduction of habitat area:
• disturbance to key species;
• habitat or species fragmentation;
• reduction in species density;
• changes in key indicators of
conservation value
• (water quality etc.);
• climate change.
As there are no impact pathways
between the project site and surrounding
European Sites it will not have the
potential to result in changes to
qualifying habitats or qualifying species
of European Sites occurring in the wider
surrounding area.
Bird surveys completed for the project
did not record the presence of special
conservation interest bird species of
SPAs in the wider surrounding area and
these species are not considered to rely
on the area at or surrounding the
proposed turbine. Given their absence
there will be no potential for the project
to result in disturbance, fragmentation
or other interactions, such as collision,
with such bird species.
Describe any likely impacts on the
European Sites site as a whole in terms of:
interference with the key relationships that
define the structure of the site;
interference with key relationships that
define the function of the site
For reasons set out above the project
will not have the potential to interfere
with key relationships that define the
structure and function of European
Sites. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 34 03/09/2025
Provide indicators of significance as a
result of the identification of effects set
out above in terms of:
• loss;
• fragmentation;
• disruption;
• disturbance;
• change to key elements of the site
(e.g. water quality etc.).
For reasons set out above the project
will not have the potential to result in
such effects to European Sites.
Describe from the above those elements of
the project or plan, or combination of
elements, where the above impacts are
likely to be significant or where the scale
or magnitude of impacts is not known.
The project will not have the potential to
result in likely significant effects to
European Sites.
7.0 SCREENING CONCLUSION: FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS
During the Screening of the proposed Single Wind Turbine project it was found that 3 European
Sites occur within the wider area surrounding the project site. The nearest European Site to the
project site is located approximately 1.5km to the northwest. All of the European Sites (and
their associated qualifying features of interest) are adjudged to be located outside the zone of
influence of the project. No impact pathways were identified linking the project to the
surrounding European Sites. As stated in Section 5.2 above, there will be no potential for impact
pathways to connect the project site and European Sites occurring in the wider surrounding
area. As such, there will be no potential for the project, alone or in-combination with other plans
or projects, to result in likely significant effects to the conservation status or integrity of
European Sites. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 35 03/09/2025
In light of the findings of this report, it is the considered view of the author of this Screening
Report for Appropriate Assessment that it can be concluded by the competent authority that the
project is not likely, alone or in-combination with other plans or projects, to have a significant
effect on any European Sites in view of their Conservation Objectives and on the basis of best
scientific evidence and there is no reasonable scientific doubt as to that conclusion.
This Screening has resulted in a Finding of No Significant Effects and as such a Stage II
Appropriate Assessment is not required.
8.0 REFERENCES
Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) (2008) Circular
letter SEA 1/08 & NPWS 1/08.
Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) (2010).
Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects. Guidance for Local Authorities.
English Nature (1999). Habitats regulations guidance note no. 3 (HRGN No. 3). Determination
of Likely Significant Effect under The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994.
European Commission (2018). Managing Natura 2000 sites. The provisions of Article 6 of the
Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. Luxembourg.
European Commission (2021). Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura
2000 sites. Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats
Directive 92/43/EEC. Luxembourg.
European Commission (1992). EU Habitats Directive.
Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) (2021). Appropriate Assessment Screening for
Development Management. OPR Practice Note PN01.
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Client: ART Generation Ltd.
Project Title: Clones SWT
Document Title: Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment
Date: July 2025
Document Issue: Final
DEC Ltd. 36 03/09/2025
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025