HomeMy WebLinkAbout2660060 - F.I. Received Doc. - Habitat Directive Screening Report
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report
Aghabog GAA Club expansion
Corleck, Smithborough, Co. Monaghan
May 2026
RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
Document Details
Client: Aghabog GAA Monaghan
Project Title: Aghabog GAA Club expansion
Project Code : Q-01-Aghabog GAA-2026
Document Title: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report
Prepared By: Ellen Irwin and Tommy Szlaga
Reviewed By: Ian Douglas
Rev Status Date
01 Final 22/05/2026
RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
Contents
1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Site of Works ............................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Description of the Works............................................................................................................ 5
1.2.1 Possible Construction Phase Impacts ................................................................................... 5
1.2.2 Possible Operational Phase Impacts..................................................................................... 6
1.2.3 Cumulative Impacts ............................................................................................................ 6
2 Preliminary Assessment ..................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Desktop Analysis........................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 Main Desktop Findings ............................................................................................................... 6
2.2.1 NBDC Data ......................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.2 Invasive Species.................................................................................................................. 7
2.2.3 Surface Water Bodies.......................................................................................................... 7
2.2.4 Semi-Natural Grasslands ..................................................................................................... 7
2.2.5 Native Woodlands .............................................................................................................. 7
2.3 Designated Sites ........................................................................................................................ 7
2.4 Field Surveys ........................................................................................................................... 10
2.4.1 Bats ................................................................................................................................. 10
2.4.2 Birds ................................................................................................................................ 11
2.4.3 Habitats ........................................................................................................................... 11
2.4.4 Terrestrial Mammals and Otters ........................................................................................ 12
2.4.5 Amphibians ...................................................................................................................... 12
2.4.6 Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths) .................................................................................. 12
2.4.7 Aquatic Fauna including Macroinvertebrates...................................................................... 12
2.4.8 Invasive Species................................................................................................................ 12
2.5 Assessment of Potential Impacts .............................................................................................. 12
2.5.1 Designated Sites ............................................................................................................... 12
2.5.2 Loss of Habitat.................................................................................................................. 13
2.5.3 Disturbance Impacts ......................................................................................................... 13
3 Conclusion and Next Steps ............................................................................................................... 13
3.1 Evaluation of Ecological Sensitivities ......................................................................................... 13 RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
3.2 Bat Mitigation Measures .......................................................................................................... 14
3.2.1 Lighting and Disturbance................................................................................................... 14
3.2.2 Procedure if Bats are Encountered .................................................................................... 15
4 Enhancement Options ..................................................................................................................... 15
RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
1 Introduction
ID Environmental Consultants have been commissioned by Aghabog GAA Monaghan to carry out a Preliminary
Ecological Appraisal (PEA) for a proposed expansion of the existing playing field at the Aghabog GAA Club
Corleck, Smithborough, Co. Monaghan . PEA is used to provide a high -level assessment of the ecological
features present, or potentially present, within a site and its surrounding area. This PEA comprises a desk study
and a walkover survey of the proposed site of works and the surrounding area.
The key objectives of this PEA are to:
• Identify the likely ecological constraints associated with a project;
• Identify protected sites locally, particularly those that may interact with and have connectivity to the
proposed site of works.
• Identify key habitat areas within the site, its surrounds and access routes
• Identify if any protected species are known to occur within the site, its surroundings and access routes
• Identify any additional surveys that may be required
The Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal are based on the guidelines provided by CIEMM 1
1.1 Site of Works
The site of works is located within Aghabog GAA club in a predominantly rural area of Co. Monaghan,
approximately 5km north -west of Smithborough. The site is situated within an agricultural landscape
dominated by fields of Improved Agricultural G rassland, interspersed with hedgerows, treelines, scattered
rural dwellings and farmyards. Existing land use at the site comprises of GAA playing fields, associated
clubhouse and dressing room facilities, parking areas and managed amenity grasslands.
Leylandii hedgerows which had recently been topped at the time of survey , occur along the northern and
southern site boundaries and require removal as part of the proposed development. A Site Location Map can
be seen in Figure 1.No rare, protected or Annex -listed plant species were recorded, and the site is considered
to be of low to negligible ecological value.
1 Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2017) Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
Second Edition December 2017
RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
Figure 1: Site Location Map
1.2 Description of the Works
Proposed works will include for the following;
1. The renovation and extension of the existing grass playing field to the rear of the clubhouse, along
with associated boundary fencing, ball stops and retaining wall structures.
2. The erection of 2no. Player dugouts to the North of the grass playing field.
3. The erection of an open spectator stand along the South side of the playing field.
4. Alterations to the existing carparking configurations, to include for disabled carparking spaces along
with a disability access viewing area.
5. The construction of a new shop building at the front of the playing field.
6. Construction of a new walking track, including low -level lighting and
7. All associated site and landscaping works at Aghabog GAA Club
1.2.1 Possible Construction Phase Impacts
• Disturbance and/or temporary displacement of protected species, including birds and bats, within
habitats surrounding the site during construction works.
• Temporary habitat loss resulting from the expansion of the sports field and the removal of existing
vegetation, including hedgerows and treelines surrounding the current site boundary. RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
• Loss of potential nesting habitat for birds associated with hedgerows and treelines.
• Temporary loss of bat commuting and foraging habitat associated with linear vegetation features
surrounding the site.
• Potential disturbance impacts arising from increased noise, lighting, vibration, and human activity
during construction works.
It should be noted that the affected vegetation habitats will be reinstated and replaced following completion
of the works, thereby restoring the ecological function of the site in the long term.
1.2.2 Possible Operational Phase Impacts
• No significant operational phase impacts are anticipated as a result of the proposed works. Once
operational, activities within the upgraded sports field facility will remain consistent with the existing
land use and will primarily comprise routine use and occasional maintenance works within the site.
• Replacement planting and reinstatement of hedgerow and treeline habitats following construction
will contribute to the restoration of ecological connectivity and habitat availability for local fauna,
including birds and bats.
1.2.3 Cumulative Impacts
• Given the temporary nature and localised extent of the proposed habitat loss, together with the
reinstatement of vegetation following construction, significant cumulative ecological impacts are not
anticipated.
2 P reliminary Assessment
2.1 Desktop Analysis
A desktop survey of available information sources was carried out. This included:
● The National Biodiversity Data Centre Online Database
● The NPWS data Protected Species and Designated Sites and Online Mapping
● Data on waterbodies, available for download and interrogation from the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) web map service (Environmental Protection Agency, 2018);
● Information on the location, nature and design of the proposed development supplied by the
applicant’s design team;
● Data on significant Irish grasslands from the Irish Semi-Natural Grassland Surveys (ISGS) 2007 –
2012
● Data contained in the National Survey of Native Woodland (NSNW) and ancient woodlands
inventory (2011 – 2012).
2.2 Main Desktop Findings
2.2.1 NBDC Data RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
• The NBDC data reviewed from a 2km square, recorded a range of Amber and red listed bird species
within 2km of the site.
• No red or amber listed bird species were recorded during site surveys
• Badgers and their setts are protected under the Wildlife Act 1976 and the Wildlife Amendment Act,
2000. A single record of badger from 2004 found within the 2km square . No evidence of badgers were
recorded within or surrounding the area of works.
2.2.2 Invasive Species
• No recent records of Third -schedule species was identified within the 2km square
• No Third Schedule Invasive Species were recorded within or directly surrounding the site of works
during field surveys in May 2026.
• Medium Impact, invasive species, Leyland cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) forms the north and south
boundaries of the site . No management actions are required.
2.2.3 Surface Water Bodies
• The nearest watercourse to the works area is the Bunnoe Stream (Bunnoe_010) which flows
approximately 120m north of the site.
• The stream is fully culverted in the vicinity of the development site , rather than open in nature,
resulting in a reduced potential for impacts on water quality.
• The Bunnoe stream flows south we stwards for approximately 7km from the site of works before
depositing into the Bunnoe River
• The Bunnoe Stream was recorded as having Poor water quality from monitoring under the Water
Framework Directive Period 2019 -2024.
• Given the nature and scale of the proposed works , the culverted nature of the watercourse and the
buffered distance of 120m from the site of works to Bunnoe Stream no water quality impacts are
expected.
2.2.4 Semi-Natural Grasslands
• No grasslands recorded on the Irish Semi-Natural Grassland Surveys are found within or surrounding
the subject site
2.2.5 Native Woodlands
• No woodlands recorded on the National Survey of Native Woodlands are found within or surrounding
the subject site
2.3 Designated Sites RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
SPAs and SACs form the Natura 2000 network of sites. SPA’s and SACs are prime wildlife conservation areas in
the country, considered to be important on a European as well as Irish level. SPA’s and SAC are designated
under the EU Habitats Directive, transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Birds and Natural
Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011), as amended.
Natural Heritage Area (NHA) is the basic designation for wildlife in Ireland. These are areas considered
important for their habitats or species of plants and animals. They first entered into European Law under the
1976 Wildlife Act, then were transposed into Irish law with the 1997 Natural Habitats Regulations (S.I. No. 94
of 1997). It finally gained full statutory recognition in Ireland with the passing of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act
2000.
pNHA sites were published on a non-statutory basis in 1995 but have not since been statutorily proposed or
designated. These sites are designated as being of significance for species and habitats. While not afforded
the same protection as sites protected u nder the Habitats Directive, they are subject to protection.
All designated sites within and beyond 15km of the proposed development were considered during the
desktop study to assess the potential for significant effects on their Qualifying Interests/Special Conservation
Interests. Table 3 details all European designated sites and Table 4 details all nationally designated sites within
15km and if any possible connectivity to the project site is likely to exist. Maps of designated sites found within
15km can be seen in Figure 2 and Figure 3.
Table 3: European Designated Sites within 15km of the Proposed Development Site:
Site
Code Site Name Designation Distance to the
designated site
Possible Connectivity
to the project site*
Kilroosky Lough Cluster SAC 12.1km
No
Table 4: Nationally Designated Sites within 15km of the Proposed Development Site:
Site
Code
Site Name Designation Designation Distance from the
Designated Site
Connectivity to the
project site
001606 Raffiny Lough pNHA 1.2km None
001781 Lisarilly Bog pNHA 4.2km None
001601 Drumgole Lough pNHA 5.6km None
001783 Corcreeghy Lake and
Woodland pNHA 6.2km None
000001 Dromore Lakes pNHA 7km None
001611 Ulster Canal (Aghalisk) pNHA 7.2km None
001784 Rosefield Lake and
Woodland pNHA 8.4km None
001612 Wright’s Wood pNHA 8.5km None
001837 Mullaglassan Lough pNHA 8.9km None
001840 Lislannan Bog pNHA 9.1km None
001602 Drumreaske Lough pNHA 10km None
001838 Kilcorran Lough pNHA 10km None
001268 Cordoo Lough pNHA 10.5km None RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
Site
Code
Site Name Designation Designation Distance from the
Designated Site
Connectivity to the
project site
000003 Cootehill Church pNHA 10.6km None
001839 Killyvilly Lough pNHA 10.8km None
001835 Lisabuck Lough pNHA 11.6km None
001786 Kilroosky Lough Cluster pNHA 12.1km None
Mullaghmore Lake (South) pNHA 12.6km None
001604 Gibsons’s Lough pNHA 13.4km None
001596 Black and Derrygoony
Loughs pNHA 14.8km None
Figure 2: European Designated Sites within 15km of the Development Area
RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
Figure 3: Nationally Designated Sites Within 15km of the Development Area:
A review of designated sites identified no designated site to have possible connectivity to the site of proposed
works. The project area is not located within any designated European or nationally designated sites. At the
nearest point the site is approximately 12km from the nearest European designated site, Kilroosky Lough
Cluster SAC and 1.2km from Raffiny Lough pNHA. No Likely Significant Effects have been identified as a result
of the proposed works to any European or Nationally designated site within or beyond 15km of the subject
site.
2.4 Field Surveys
Field surveys for this PEA were conducted on the 12th May 2026. Field surveys consisted of an ecological,
multidisciplinary walkover survey of the site and its surrounding areas to identify the key ecological features
of the site, including habitats, flora, and fauna, and to record any possible sensitive receptors with in and
surrounding the subject site.
2.4.1 Bats
• Signs of bats and bats roosting potential surveys were carried out following Bat surveys in accordance
with “Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists; Good Practice Guidelines” Collins (2023)
• Trees and other structures within 30m of the site were assessed for potential bat roost features
• No suitable roosting habitat was recorded within or adjacent to the site of works
• Treelines and hedgerows within the surrounding area of the works site are likely to be important RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
foraging habitat
• No treeline or hedgerow proposed for removal showed potential for a bat roost.
• The Leylandii treelines within the site are considered to have low suitability fo r roosting bats due to
the absence of Potential Roost Features (PRF’s), including cavities, splits or loose bark.
• The removal of the existing treelines may result in temporary disturbance and a minor short -term
reduction in foraging and commuting opportunities for bats, however r eplacement planting and
reinstatement of hedgerow and treeline habitats following construction will contribute to the
restoration of ecological connectivity and habitat availability for local bats.
• The surrounding landscape supports an abundance of mature hedgerows and treelines, many of which
are of greater ecological value and provide more suitable foraging and commuting habitat for bats ;
therefore, the temporary loss of the existing Leylandii treelines on site is not considered significant at
a local level.
• Mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts to local bat species during the construction phase
are outlined in section 3.2 below.
2.4.2 Birds
• A dedicated bird survey was not carried out as part of this assessment. All birds seen and heard during
the site survey were recorded. All of the birds were typical species seen and heard in rural areas
• No Special Conservation Interest (SCI) species were recorded within or surrounding the Proposed
Development Area.
• The site of works has little suitability for breeding birds . The Leylandii spp. hedgerow and treeline
proposed for removal is considered of limited suitability for breeding birds due to the low plant species
diversity, limited structural diversity and intensive management.
• The regular human activity at the GAA grounds would also reduce the sites value as a secure and
undisturbed nesting environment.
• If vegetation clearance works are to take place during the bird breeding season (March -August
inclusive), pre -construction bird nesting surveys will be required 48 hours prior to removal to confirm
the absence of active nests.
2.4.3 Habitats
• The habitat assessment was carried out according to guidelines given by the Heritage Council (2011)
and the JNCC (2010. Habitat classification followed by Fossitt (2000).
• The desktop assessment of recorded flora via the NBDC returned no record of protected or rare flora
within 2km of the subject lands.
• No habitats of higher than Low Local Importance are found within or surrounding the area of works.
• Existing habitats at the site comprises of Buildings and Artificial Surfaces (BL3), including the clubhouse
building and dressing room facilities and parking areas. The existing GAA playing field is classified as
Amenity Grassland (GA2). Treelines (WL2) and Hedgerows (WL1) of predominantly Lelylandii spp.
border the site to the north and south. Other species recorded within the treelines and hedgerow
include bush vetch (Vicia sepium), foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), herb Robert (Geranium robertianum),
stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) and bramble (Rubus fruticosus).
• The proposed works will require the removal of treeline and hedgerow habitat surrounding the site. RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
No protected or rare flora will be lost as a result.
2.4.4 Terrestrial Mammals and Otters
• Fauna surveys were carried out for the detection of field signs such as tracks, markings, feeding signs
and droppings as well as by direct observation.
• Bat habitat surveys and bird and mammal surveys followed guidance as per NRA (2009)
• No record of Badger, Pine Marten or Red Squirrels was recorded on the NBDC database .
• No evidence of Badger, Pine Marten or Red Squirrels w ere found within or surrounding the subject
site.
• No suitable habitat for Otter was recorded within or adjacent to the site.
• No record of Otter was recorded on the NBDC database, within 2km of the site .
2.4.5 Amphibians
• No suitable Amphibian habitat was found within or directly surrounding the subject site
2.4.6 Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
• No suitable habitat for Marsh Fritillary was recorded within or surrounding the subject site
2.4.7 Aquatic Fauna including Macroinvertebrates
• No suitable habitat for aquatic fauna was recorded within or directly surrounding the subject site
2.4.8 Invasive Species
• The area was surveyed in detail, to identify and verify the presence of non -native species of High and
Medium risk including those listed in the Third Schedule of S.I. No. 477 of 2011, EC (Birds and Natural
Habitats) Regulations 2011. No invasive plant spe cies listed in Part 1 of the Third Schedule of S.I No.
477 of 2011, European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and the IAS
Regulations, were identified on site.
• No recent records of Third -schedule species was identified within the 2km square , No Third Schedule
Invasive Species were recorded within or directly surrounding the site of works
2.5 Assessment of Potential Impacts
2.5.1 Designated Sites
The proposed upgrade works will not take place within any designated European site, and therefore, there
will be no direct impact on any European sites. The potential for indirect impacts on designated sites can also
be ruled out, given the physical separation between the Bunnoe Stream and the site of works, and the nature
and small-scale of the proposed works. At the nearest poin t the site is approximately 12.1 km from the nearest
European designated site, Kilroosky Lough Cluster SAC and 1.2km from Raffiny Lough pNHA. No Likely
Significant Effects have been identified as a result of the proposed works to any European or nationally
designated site within or beyond 15km of the subject site. RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
2.5.2 Loss of Habitat
No habitats of higher than Low Local Importance are found within or surrounding the area of works. The
majority of the works will occur within the existing hardstand s or the playing field of amenity grassland with
little to no ecological value. The removal of treeline and hedgerow habitat with limited ecological value are
required for removal to facilitate the proposed development. The removal of this habitat will have limited
impact on local bird and bat populations given its lack of species and structural diversity. No rare, protected
or Annex -listed plant species were recorded, and the habitat is not of high ecological value. Measures to
recover and enhance this area and to extend the habitat type across a wider area is proposed post works. This
is discussed in section 4 of the report.
2.5.3 Disturbance Impacts
No protected mammals, birds or any other protected species were found within the site of works or directly
adjacent to them. As such, no disturbance impacts will occur as a result of the proposed works.
3 Conclusion and Next Steps
Overall, the current GAA grounds and surrounding areas are of low ecological sensitivity. No rare, protected
or Annex -listed plant species were recorded, and the recorded habitats are not of high ecological value.
Enhancements to this area post construction are outlined below. The table below outlines the proposed
surveys to address the ecological concerns associated with the proposed development. A traffic light system
is used to indicate the level of potential ecological sensitivity associated with each species/survey group.
3.1 Evaluation of Ecological Sensitivities
Species Survey Notes Sensitivity
Bird Surveys
The site or works have negligible breeding bird potential.
No impacts are predicted.
If vegetation clearance works are to take place during the bird breeding
season (March-August inclusive), pre -construction bird nesting surveys will
be required 48 hours prior to removal to confirm the absence of active
nests.
Designated Site
Given the nature and small-scale of the proposed development and the low
associated impacts to ground conditions, no designated site will be
impacted upon as a result of the proposed works.
No impacts are predicted.
Bats Assessment of Bat potential following Collins 2 was carried out.
2 Collins, J. (2016). Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd edition). The Bat Conservation
Trust, London. RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
The site was recorded as having negligible bat roosting or foraging
potential. Mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts to local bat
species during the construction phase are outlined in section 3.2 below.
No impacts are predicted.
Habitats, Flora and
Invasive Species
Surveys
Habitat surveying and mapping of the entire site following A Guide to
Habitats in Ireland3 , Which is the standard habitat classification
methodology in Ireland was carried out
Majority of the proposed works for this project will occur within already
altered ground within existing hardstand areas and amenity grassland
associated with the existing playing field which has limited ecological
value . Removal of treeline and hedgerow habitat surrounding the site is
required. The removal of this habitat is not considered to lead to impacts
on local fauna as highlighted throughout the report. No impacts are
predicted post-enhancement.
Terrestrial
Mammals and
Otters
No evidence of any terrestrial mammals was found on site.
No impacts are predicted.
Butterflies Moths
and Other
Invertebrates
No suitable habitat for Marsh Fritillary butterfly within or surrounding the
subject site.
No impacts are predicted.
Aquatic Surveys
No suitable aquatic habitat is present within or surrounding the subject
site.
No impacts are predicted.
3.2 Bat Mitigation Measures
While the subject treeline and hedgerow habitat for removal w ere assessed as having limited bat roost
potential, the following precautionary mitigation measures are recommended to ensure that the proposed
development does not result in unintended impacts on bats or other protected species.
3.2.1 Lighting and Disturbance
To minimise potential disturbance to commuting or foraging bats:
• No additional artificial lighting should be installed directed at the hedgerows /treelines along the sites
3 Fossitt, J.A. (2000) A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny.
RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
boundaries.
• Any necessary external lighting should be directional, low intensity, and designed to avoid light spill
onto adjacent vegetation, rooflines, and boundary features.
3.2.2 Procedure if Bats are Encountered
• If bats are encountered during works, all works must cease immediately in the affected area.
• The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) shall be notified.
• A suitably qualified ecologist (I.D. Environmental Consultants) shall be contacted to advise on
appropriate measures before works recommence.
4 Enhancement Options
Biodiversity Interventions Further Information
Planting native hedgerows and tree lines
Treelines and Hedgerows to the north and south of the
development site are proposed to be removed to
facilitate the proposed works. The loss of these habitats
are not considered significant to local biodiversity given
their lack of species and structural diversity. The
affected vegetation habitats will be reinstated and
replaced following completion of the works . Replacing
these low-quality marginal habitats which provide
limited foraging or nesting opportunities for insects,
birds, or bats with high -quality, well-managed native
hedgerow and treeline s would significantly enhance the
overall habitat value of the site.
The existing hedgerow and treeline is dominated by
non-native Leyland cypress species with a scatter of
scrubby and herb species in the understory , including
include bush vetch (Vicia sepium), foxglove (Digitalis
purpurea), herb Robert (Geranium robertianum),
stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) and bramble (Rubus
fruticosus).
The replacement habitats should include a mix of native
species including birch (Betula spp.), elder (Sambucus
nigra), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), blackthorn
(Prunus spinosa), and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) to
enhance species diversity and habitat quality. RECEIVED: 15/06/2026
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
Bird Boxes
The addition of bird boxes within th e replacement
treeline s would provide additional shelter and nesting
opportunities for local bird species, complementing the
proposed native planting and enhancing overall
biodiversity on the site.
RECEIVED: 15/06/2026