erne canal maritime link

1. ERNE CANAL MARITIME LINK

5. Benefits Accruing Generate 361 FTE jobs in water-based businesses and support services Increase visitor numbers by 20% over ten years � worth �2.1 million annually Increase market share of local tourism for Ballyshannon and Belleek Development can function as a regeneration catalyst through integration with planning and investment framework for the local area Socio-Economic Assessment

6. Six Navigational Obstacles Belleek Bridge and Weir Cliff hydro station & tail race Cathaleen�s Falls hydro station Tail race, Cathaleen�s Fall Bridge & Ballyshannon Bridge Tidal Erne Estuary Sand bar at Tullan Strand

7. Obstacle 1: Belleek Bridge & Weir

9. Obstacle 2: Cliff Hydro station and tail race

12. Obstacle 6: Sand bar at Tullan Strand �Ballyshannon Bar Mouth Feasibility Study� Recommended Option: new channel with training walls (�11m capital cost)

13. Recommended Alternative Route using Dry Boat Lift (Obstacles 3 to 5)

16. Recommended options and costs: Belleek Bridge and Weir: Diversionary Channel and Bridge Lock (�8M) Cliff Hydro Station: Deep Lock with Vertical Lift Gate (�5M) Dry Lifts at Lakeside Centre and Mall Quay (�6M) Marinas at Mall Quay and Lakeside Centre (�2M) Parallel Training Walls at Tullan Strand (�11M) Dredging of channel etc (�1M)

17. Enviromental Impact Assessment EIA was required in accordance with Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 The proposed development requires work to an inland waterway over a length exceeding 2.0km Current Status: Preliminary Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) issued in July 2006 to assist with funding application. Currently liaising with An Bord Plean�la regarding scope of assessment prior to submission of planning application.

19. Landscape The impact on landscape charter of each structure was evaluated using criteria developed by the Landscape Institute. Belleek Bridge - Slight or No Impact Cliff Generating Station - Substantial Impact (Positive) Dry Boat Lifts: Assaroe Lake - Slight or No Impact Erne Estuary - Substantial Impact Tullan Strand & Estuary - Slight or No Impact Scheme would not be out of character with the area considering the existence of the hydro stations. Landscape Architects Conclusion The project will have a positive and beneficial impact on the Landscape Character. Most of the proposed structures are in isolated sites away from major residential areas. There will be localised disruption during construction of each structure. The bridge crossing for the dry lift over the River Erne will have the greatest impact with site traffic accessing and leaving the site on to (old) N15 road. Enviromental Impact Assessment

20. Surface Water The River Erne is Ireland�s second largest river system - river area of 3,950 square metres and estimated total storage of 194 million cubic metres Impacts during construction stage associated with: Silting � from surface run-off and dredging of the estuary Storage of chemicals � fuels and oils stored on site No impacts during operational phase anticipated, as surface water run-off will comprise rainwater / storm water Mitigation Measures Monitoring of the suspended solids in the watercourse Run-off from work area will be monitored and intercepted prior to entering the watercourse All contractors will be trained in use of pollution prevention equipment and given emergency contact information All chemicals and fuels on site to be stored within bunds Enviromental Impact Assessment

21. Geology / Hydrogeology/Geotechnology The Ballyshannon Limestone formation is a regionally important aquifer Rockhead near surface is considered suitable as a bearing stratum. Site Investigation would be required, suitable foundations are likely to be Pad or Strip. Impact during construction phase would be minimal as no groundwater will be abstracted during the site works and no discharges are intended to the soil or groundwater There are not expected to be any operational impacts Mitigation measures Not intended to store hazardous materials during construction All construction workers will be trained in handling substances and in the use of pollution prevention equipment Enviromental Impact Assessment

23. Noise and Vibrations Greatest impact will occur during the construction phase. Construction noise may exceed recommended limits occasionally Vibration during construction may impact buildings <10m from piling locations. Structural assessment may be considered prior to piling in these locations Noise Survey for Wildlife undertaken: Construction noise would not be detrimental to wildlife and fish populations. Target exposure levels set for plant associated with lifts and locks to ensure that installation housing provides required level of sound attenuation Considered that noise during the operational phase will be insignificant Mitigation measures Use of new and well maintained plant machinery meeting EC guidelines Constructions works should be timed to minimise impact upon migrating fish and birds during breeding periods Enviromental Impact Assessment

24. Ecological Assessment Based on findings of field and desk study Main potential impacts are dredging related and impacts associated with construction of structures including walls and channels. These sediment losses could affect flora and faunain the estuary and disturb birds, mammals and migratory fish. There would be a localised impact on habitats, loss of marginal woodland and disturbance of mammals Scheme may have beneficial impacts for the migration of salmon and eels within the Erne catchment Mitigation Measures Restriction of dredging and river channel works so as not to coincide with fish or bird migrations Dredging works should be undertaken with an agreed code of practice Detailed assessment to take place of dredging and dump sites Minimisation of the construction zone Appointment of a landscape architect Enviromental Impact Assessment

25. Archaeology Field inspection and desk study undertaken County Development Plan does not indicate protected structures within the areas of proposed development. However, the area is considered archaeologically important. Estuary Area has high potential to contain prehistoric archaeology and shipwreck remains, of which 22 are recorded. Dredging may have adverse impact on unrecorded deposits and artefacts. Mitigation Measures -Further Investigation recommended: Archaeological testing and monitoring by a licensed archaeologist suggested for each of the construction sites Photographic record of bridge at Belleek All ground disturbances should be monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist. Underwater archaeological assessment recommended in river area affected by boat lift adjacent to the Lakeside Centre and at the river crossing at Belleek. Full provision should be made for resolution of any archaeological feature or deposits that may be discovered. Enviromental Impact Assessment