Proposed Replacement of Accommodation Bridges at Cahergal, Tuam, Co. Galway

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: 22/2022 AA Screening and Natura Impact Statement for the proposed replacement of 2No. accommodation bridges (Pipe Culverts) at Cahergal, Tuam, Co. Galway (C3/4/9 – UB2 & B3) on the Corrib Arterial Drainage Scheme.

Proposed Works

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

The OPW propose the replacement of 2No. accommodation bridges (Pipe Culverts) at Cahergal, Tuam, Co. Galway (C3/4/9 – UB2 & B3) on the Corrib Arterial Drainage Scheme. The proposed works sites at UB2 and B3 are located at distances of 1.3km and 1.6km, respectively, in drainage channel C3/9/4 upstream of the Lough Corrib SAC (Site Code: 000297).

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

Brief description

The demolition of existing culverts and re-construction of 2No. new accommodation bridges (Pipe Culverts) at Cahergal, Tuam, Co. Galway (C3/4/9 – UB2 & B3) on the Corrib Arterial Drainage Scheme. The two sites are located along drainage channel C3/9/4, approximately 8.5km to the southeast of Tuam, Co. Galway via the R332 and the L2114. Site UB2 is located approximately 400m to the west of the L2114 and is accessed via a private road adjacent to agricultural land. Site B3 are located approximately 230m to the west of the L2114 and is also accessed via a private road adjacent to agricultural land.

Appropriate Assessment

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 Natura 2000 site in view of its conservation objectives.

An Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement for the proposed replacement of the 2No. accommodation bridges (Pipe Culverts) at Cahergal, Tuam, Co. Galway (C3/4/9 – UB2 & B3), has been prepared in respect of these proposed works and is available to view or download at the link provided below.

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:

- Lough Corrib SAC (Site Code: 000297)

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.

How to make a submission

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 Natura Site.

Submissions will be accepted from Monday 29th August to Monday 10th October 2022, up to 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 you must include the email subject as '2No. Accommodation Bridge at Cahergal, Tuam, Co. Galway'

Information about Submissions received

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. Individual responses to submissions will not be provided however all submissions and feedback will be considered before the final decision is made.

Please note that responses to this consultation are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (FOI), Access to Information on the Environment Regulations 2007-2018 (AIE) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Please also note that we may publish the contents of all submissions received to our consultations on our website. We will redact personal data prior to publication. In responding to this consultation, parties should clearly indicate where their responses contain personal information, commercially sensitive information or confidential information which they would not wish to be released under FOI, AIE or otherwise published.

We would like to draw your attention to our Data Privacy Noticewhich explains how and when we collect personal data, why we do so and how we treat this information. It also explains your rights in relation to the collection of personal information and how you can exercise those rights.