HomeMy WebLinkAbout2560469 - Report Received from Internal Staff - Environment No 2ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
To: Planning
From: Martina Smith A / Executive Scientist
Ref: 25/60469 Connolly Meats Limited, Dundrumman, Scotstown, Co. Monaghan
Agent: Greenvolt next Ireland
Date: 09/01/2026
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Permission to erect a 850 kW wind turbine located in the northern area of our existing plant, with a
hub height of 65 metres and a blade radius of 26 metres, together with underground ducting
connecting to the existing ESB substation and all associated site works. A Natura Impact Assessment
(NIS) will be submitted to the Planning Authority in connection with the application described above.
This proposed development is located within the Maghery_010 river waterbody. This waterbody
has been classified as Poor Status with an objective of restore to Good Status by 2027.
Agriculture has been identified as a significant pressure and sediment and phosphorus have
been identified as significant issues in this water body.
The main channel of the Maghery river is located within 200m of the proposed development site.
The site is located within an area of very poorly drained soil and on an area of low groundwater
vulnerability which is underlain by a locally important aquifer, the groundwater status for the
Magheraveely GWS is Good Status. Given the poorly draining nature of the soil on the site of the
proposed development, surface water is at risk from sediment run-off during the construction
stages of this development. A water protection checklist has not been included.
Section 3.4 Hydrology & Water Quality of the Natura Impact Statement states that there are no
hydrological pathways were identified between the development site and the Maghery Stream.
Having reviewed the available mapping on EPA water maps, it is evident that the soil on the
development site is a poorly draining soil, the EPA flow delivery PIP_P pathway mapping indicates
that high and medium flow delivery pathways exist on the southwest and southern boundaries of
the site therefore the statement regarding no hydrological pathways is inaccurate. It is
recommended that the applicant carry out an assessment of the impact of the proposed
development on surface and groundwaters.
It is also recommended that a revised CEMP is requested, this CEMP should take account of
potential pathways to the Maghery River as identified in the EPA mapping. It is also recommended
that the CEMP is overseen by a suitably qualified Ecological Clerk of Works and that monitoring
points for the duration of the project are identified in the CEMP.
A Natura impact statement has been prepared for this application. It is recommended that this
application is referred to Heritage/Biodiversity section. It is recommended that the application is
referred to EHO for assessment of impacts from flicker and noise from the proposed
development.
Recommendations
The information submitted with the application is not sufficient to demonstrate that there will be
no impact on waters, I therefore recommend that the following additional information is
requested from the applicant:
1. A Water Protection Checklist
2. A water framework directive assessment of the impact of the proposed development
on receiving surface and ground waters, information submitted shall be prepared by
a suitably qualifled person and shall be sufficient to demonstrate that there will be no
deterioration in Water Framework Directive status as a result of the proposed
development.
3. A revised Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
(a) The CEMP shall identify potential surface water pathways for pollutants and shall
take account of the EPA PIP_P fiow delivery pathways mapping.
(b) The CEMP shall include provision for buffers to be maintained (at least 10m) from
any drains/ditches identifled on site.
(c) The CEMP shall detail a sampling plan and shall identify locations where daily
visual checks and weekly physio/chemical monitoring of the River Maghery
upstream and downstream of the site will be carried out.
(d) The CEMP shall take account of guidance produced by Inland Fisheries Ireland
entitled “Guidelines on Protection of Fisheries during Construction Works in and
Adjacent to Waters 2016”.
(e) The CEMP shall be sufficient to demonstrate that adequate measures are in place
during the construction phase to ensure there is no discharge of polluting
matter/sediment laden waters to any watercourse.
(f) The Construction and Environmental Management Plan shall contain details
regarding the supervision of the implementation of the CEMP by an Ecological
Clerk of Works or suitably qualifled environmental professional.
Prepared By:
Date: 09/01/2026