Stage 1 Screening for Appropriate Assessment is a crucial step in the planning permission process for sites located within or near protected areas under European Law. These areas, known as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), are designated by the Habitats Directive (1992) to protect vital ecosystems. A Stage I Screening for Appropriate Assessment is sometimes asked for when Planning Permission is sought for a site located within or close to a protected area.
Why is Appropriate Assessment Necessary?
Natura 2000 sites cover about 13% of Ireland, forming an extensive network of protected areas. These sites require careful consideration during development planning to preserve Ireland’s unique biodiversity. Consequently, the Appropriate Assessment process helps balance development needs with conservation goals, ensuring proposed projects don’t harm these protected sites.
Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
SPAs protect 193 bird species across Europe, including the Hen Harrier, King Fisher, and Corncrake. In Ireland, the SPA Network spans over 570,000 hectares of marine and terrestrial habitats. These areas safeguard crucial breeding, feeding, and wintering grounds for protected bird species.
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
SACs in Ireland cover approximately 13,500 sq. km, with 53% being land and the rest marine or large lakes. Across the EU, over 12,600 sites have been identified, covering 420,000 sq. km of land and sea – an area as large as Germany.
Protected Irish habitats include: Raised and blanket bogs, Turloughs and sand dunes, Machairs (flat sandy plains on the north and west coasts), Heaths, lakes, rivers, and woodlands, Estuaries and sea inlets.
Additionally, 25 Irish species require special protection, such as Salmon, Otter, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Bottlenose Dolphin, and Killarney Fern.
The Appropriate Assessment Process
When a proposed development site is located within or near these protected areas, the Council may require a Stage 1 Screening for Appropriate Assessment. This process typically involves:
- Site evaluation and data collection
- Assessment of potential impacts on protected species and habitats
- Determination of whether a full Appropriate Assessment is necessary
If the screening indicates potential significant effects, a full Appropriate Assessment (Stage 2) may be required, which involves a more detailed ecological impact assessment and the development of mitigation measures.
Ash Ecology’s Expertise in Appropriate Assessments
At Ash Ecology and Environmental, we specialise in conducting these assessments to the highest professional standards, ensuring fast turnaround times. Our team has extensive knowledge of Irish ecosystems and the regulatory framework surrounding protected areas.
Some of the projects Ash Ecology has completed stage 1 screening reports for recently include:
- A one-off house in Galway
- Farm in Waterford
- Farm in Tipperary
Our comprehensive approach ensures thorough assessment of potential ecological impacts while facilitating timely project progression.
>Contact Ash Ecology< for Your Appropriate Assessment Needs
Ensuring compliance with ecological regulations is essential, whether you’re planning a small-scale development or a larger project near protected areas. Contact us now for a competitive quote on an Appropriate Assessment (AA). Our team at Ash Ecology is ready to provide expert guidance and deliver high-quality assessments tailored to your project’s needs.
Indicative SAC and SPA maps of Natura 2000 sites in Ireland. The left map shows the SAC network (423 sites covering 13,500 km²), while the right map displays the SPA complex (154 sites spanning 570 km²). Together, these protected areas account for 13% of Ireland’s land cover, safeguarding critical habitats for various species including breeding seabirds and wintering waterbirds