Boyne Arterial Drainage Scheme Bank Protection and Bridge Repair Works

Statutory Consultation on proposed works by the OPW as required under Section 42 (6) and (8) of the EU (Birds and Habitats) Regulations 2011, as amended.

Ref: 20/2025 AA Screening and Natura Impact Statement for Boyne Bank Protection and Bridge Repair on the Boyne Arterial Drainage Scheme, Co. Meath.

The OPW (as the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland) has statutory responsibility for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, as amended.

As part of the Boyne Arterial Drainage Scheme, the OPW has identified a requirement to undertake critical bank protection works at one location on channel C1/8, one location on channel C1/21 and bridge repair works on one bridge on channel C1/31.

The proposed works will be carried out under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995.

• Bridge repair works on C1/31, Fearmore, Co. Meath
• Bank protection works on C1/8, Teltown and C1/21, Girley, Co. Meath

In accordance with Section 42 (6) and (8) of the EU (Birds and Habitats) Regulations 2011, as amended, the OPW are now required to carry out an appropriate assessment of the implications of the proposed works, alone and in combination with other plans and projects, on the integrity of a European site in view of its conservation objectives.

An Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement for the bank protection works on C1/8 and C1/21 and bridge repair works of the Boyne Arterial Drainage Scheme in Co. Meath, has been prepared in respect of these proposed works and is available to view or download at the link provided below.

NIS Boyne Bank Protection and Bridge Upgrade

The OPW now invites submissions and observations from the public relating to the likely significant effects of the proposed works on the following European Sites, if carried out:

- River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC (002299)

- River Boyne and River Blackwater SPA (004232)

The OPW shall have regard to any submissions or observations received during this public consultation when arriving at a decision. The OPW will also consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Inland Fisheries Ireland.

We are committed to engaging with stakeholders in a clear, open and transparent manner. Any person or organisation can make a submission in relation to this consultation. Public consultation forms an important part of advancing the consideration of the environmental impacts associated with these works and allows the involvement of the public in developing a better outcome for the associated European Site.

Submissions will be accepted from Friday 27th June 2025 to Saturday 26th July 2025 Closing 5pm.

Submissions will not be accepted outside the consultation period.

You can make a submission via email: please email your submission to nis@opw.ie and clearly include “Maintenance of Boyne Arterial Drainage Scheme: Bank Protection and Bridge Repair” in the subject title.