Moy Arterial Drainage Scheme Gravel Replenishment

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: 11/2022 AA Screening and Natura Impact Statement for the OPW Moy Arterial Drainage Scheme – Moy Catchment Gravel Replenishment, Co. Mayo & Co. Sligo

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 application relates to 38 sites on the Moy & Killala Bay Catchment which overlaps with the OPW Moy Arterial Drainage Scheme in counties Mayo and Sligo and are within or adjacent to the River Moy SAC (Site Code 002298). The Inland Fisheries Ireland has identified the need for gravel replenishment at these sites. The proposed fisheries enhancements will be carried out by the OPW as part of the annual arterial drainage maintenance activities over a 4 to 5 year period.

Brief description

This maintenance work is an obligation as part of the OPW’s statutory function in providing maintenance on the River Moy Arterial Drainage Scheme under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act. The proposed Moy Catchment Gravel Replenishment Project consists of 38 sites in the Moy & Killala Bay Catchment. Each site will be subject to either one, all or a combination of the following;

• Placement of gravel in-stream

• Introduction or use of existing in-stream boulders to create cover for the gravel

• Vegetation pruning

• Installation of riparian fencing

The aim of this project is to provide additional spawning habitat for salmon and trout.

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 OPW Moy Arterial Drainage Scheme – Moy Catchment Gravel Replenishment, has been prepared in respect of these proposed maintenance 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:

- River Moy SAC (Site Code 002298)

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 Thursday 16th June to Tuesday 26th July 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

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 Notice which 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.