A few years ago a Wicklow County Council meeting it was proposed to put a gondola on Blessington lake as a tourist attraction, to which County Councillor, Jim Miley, is reported to have asked who will feed the gondola? Irish public representatives are famously ignorant of Irish wildlife but this snafu was soundly beaten by recent comments by Westmeath County Councillor Newman as reported in the Westmeath Examiner of Saturday May 30th and in the Irish Times of June 18th. The Council was discussing the imposition of Special Protection Areas under the EU birds directive for the protection of birds at Glen Lough, Lough Kinale and Derragh Lough including Whooper Swan, Tufted duck, Teal, Wigeon and other species.
Councillor Newman was reported to have commented “that he had a "bellyful" these directives and with "interference" in the everyday life of good honest country people. "We are seeing species that have never been seen before in Ireland being introduced by these people," he said. "Look at the Pinemartin, the most nasty vicious bird that you have ever seen. They were never in Ireland but have been introduced," he said.”
Newman subsequently claimed that he had been misquoted and sent a letter of clarification to the Irish Times published June 20th, which includes the following statements: “I suggested that there have recently been seen in the Midlands ravens, eagles and pine martens, and that it's conceivable that all these had been introduced from other parts of this country by well-meaning environmentalists who should know better. In over 40 years in this area I had not once seen such creatures until very recently.”
Unfortunately we will be deprived of Mr Newmans expertise in Irish wildlife as he failed to get elected in the recent County Council elections.
The fact is that pine martins, a small, shy, nocturnal, cat-like mammal that lives in trees have existed in Ireland for at least 1000 years and was probably introduced by those well meaning environmentalists, the Vikings. Ravens have been here even longer and likely were among the first species to colonise Ireland after the ice age. And God know what the councillor meant in his reference to eagles, which have not been introduced to the midlands, not by well meaning environmentalists or by anyone else.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Jet skis on Louth Waterways
Jet skis are an enjoyable form of outdoor entertainment for many people, and one can indeed see the attraction of racing out on open water, riding waves and maybe doing various tricks. At the same time jet skis make a lot of noise and because they are often used on lakes and rivers where people go to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife, conflicts of interest arise. Its not much fun going for a picnic along a quiet river or lake only to find a dozen jet skis noisily churning the water and putting the wildlife to flight!
Recently we have seen an increase of Jet Ski use along the river Boyne, and now on the Castletown River in Dundalk. In both locations jet skis were observed speeding and creating significant wake, turning in tight circles, and disturbing wildlife, in particular wild birds that use the two areas for nesting. At Dundalk docks the flock of 40 odd mute swans nest in the salt marsh just adjacent to the quay wall, along with mallard and other species. The area is used by dozens of species for feeding and roosting. The use of Jet Skis in this area should therefore be in strict compliance with the Irish Jet Ski code of conduct. Specifically the item that states: “Do not exceed 5 knots within 200m of a jetty, bridge, and wharf or with 100m of a moored craft or bathing area” and “Never harass or chase wildlife“. The code of conduct also suggests, “If you see any PWC rider acting irresponsibly, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Gardai.“
Recently we have seen an increase of Jet Ski use along the river Boyne, and now on the Castletown River in Dundalk. In both locations jet skis were observed speeding and creating significant wake, turning in tight circles, and disturbing wildlife, in particular wild birds that use the two areas for nesting. At Dundalk docks the flock of 40 odd mute swans nest in the salt marsh just adjacent to the quay wall, along with mallard and other species. The area is used by dozens of species for feeding and roosting. The use of Jet Skis in this area should therefore be in strict compliance with the Irish Jet Ski code of conduct. Specifically the item that states: “Do not exceed 5 knots within 200m of a jetty, bridge, and wharf or with 100m of a moored craft or bathing area” and “Never harass or chase wildlife“. The code of conduct also suggests, “If you see any PWC rider acting irresponsibly, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Gardai.“
The areas in question on the Boye and on the Castletown are highly sensitive areas for wildlife, being protected by both national and EU legislation (being SAC, SPA and NHAs). Clearly the entire length of the Boyne inside County Louth and beyond is protected and jet skis should, along with all other watercraft, limit their speed to less than 5 knots. Equally in that part of the Castletown that runs through Dundalk as far as Bellurgan should be have a 5-knot speed limit. The code of conduct is however only a guideline and stronger rules may be needed.
Inland waterways in Ireland are subject to a patchwork of regulations but the pertinent legislation in the context of the Boyne and Castletown are as follows:
1. It is an offence under the Wildlife Act to disturb any bird or other protected wildlife. Generally the NPWS enforce this along with the Gardai.
2. Both port areas are also regulated by their respective Harbour Masters who enforce appropriate speed limits, nominally 5 knots.
Dundalk Harbour Master: 042 9334096
Drogheda Harbour Master: 041 983 8378 http://www.droghedaport.ie/
Inland waterways in Ireland are subject to a patchwork of regulations but the pertinent legislation in the context of the Boyne and Castletown are as follows:
1. It is an offence under the Wildlife Act to disturb any bird or other protected wildlife. Generally the NPWS enforce this along with the Gardai.
2. Both port areas are also regulated by their respective Harbour Masters who enforce appropriate speed limits, nominally 5 knots.
Dundalk Harbour Master: 042 9334096
Drogheda Harbour Master: 041 983 8378 http://www.droghedaport.ie/
The Inland Waterways of Ireland may also be helpful for advice but if people do not respect the code of conduct (and to date compliance is not good) it is tough for the Harbour Master, Gardai or NPWS to enforce the law.
As a consequence the best long-term solution to this growing problem is the passage of Council Bye-Laws. This solution has been successfully adopted by many other local authorities, notably nearby progressive Fingal . The regulatory basis for this is the fact that the Marine Safety Act of 2005 (see below) empowers local authorities to enact these byelaws. Hopefully Louth’s local authorities will take action soon, before the issue become a major problem.
“6.—(1) Bye-laws may be made regulating or controlling the operation of craft or craft of a specified class by—
(a) a local authority, in waters in its functional area, other than waters referred to in paragraph (b) (except where the harbour authority concerned agrees) or paragraph (c),
(b) a harbour authority, in or on waters under its control or management, or
(c) Waterways Ireland, in or on waters under its control or management,
in respect of any or all of the following matters—
(i) the prohibition or restriction in the waters or such part of the waters specified in the bye-laws of the operation generally or for any particular purpose of craft or specified classes of craft in such places or at such times (if any) or for such periods (if any) as specified in the bye-laws—
(I) in the interests of the safety of persons using the waters generally or at certain times,
(II) to prevent nuisance to or injury to persons or damage to watercraft or other property on the waters, or
(III) subject to subsection (7), to protect—
(A) a natural heritage area, or
(B) a monument or wreck protected under the National Monuments Acts,
(ii) matters relating to launching, mooring or berthing craft,
(iii) conditions to be observed by operators of craft with regard to the waters or the adjacent area in which craft are used or launched, or (iv) maximum speed limits at which craft may be operated.”
As a consequence the best long-term solution to this growing problem is the passage of Council Bye-Laws. This solution has been successfully adopted by many other local authorities, notably nearby progressive Fingal . The regulatory basis for this is the fact that the Marine Safety Act of 2005 (see below) empowers local authorities to enact these byelaws. Hopefully Louth’s local authorities will take action soon, before the issue become a major problem.
“6.—(1) Bye-laws may be made regulating or controlling the operation of craft or craft of a specified class by—
(a) a local authority, in waters in its functional area, other than waters referred to in paragraph (b) (except where the harbour authority concerned agrees) or paragraph (c),
(b) a harbour authority, in or on waters under its control or management, or
(c) Waterways Ireland, in or on waters under its control or management,
in respect of any or all of the following matters—
(i) the prohibition or restriction in the waters or such part of the waters specified in the bye-laws of the operation generally or for any particular purpose of craft or specified classes of craft in such places or at such times (if any) or for such periods (if any) as specified in the bye-laws—
(I) in the interests of the safety of persons using the waters generally or at certain times,
(II) to prevent nuisance to or injury to persons or damage to watercraft or other property on the waters, or
(III) subject to subsection (7), to protect—
(A) a natural heritage area, or
(B) a monument or wreck protected under the National Monuments Acts,
(ii) matters relating to launching, mooring or berthing craft,
(iii) conditions to be observed by operators of craft with regard to the waters or the adjacent area in which craft are used or launched, or (iv) maximum speed limits at which craft may be operated.”
Sunday, May 10, 2009
More Poisonings
The lambing season should be coming to an end now yet the apparent national spate of poisoning continues. Framers put out meat or carrion bated with poison to kill foxes who prey on their lambs. The farmers are probably also targeting hooded crows and magpies, since it is widely believed that these species also kill newborn lambs (the evidence for this is scant - in one study (Houston, Report on Hooded Crows and Hill Farming in Argyll, Dept of Forestry and Natural Resources, Edinburgh University, 1968) it was found that about 1 in 1700 lambs were killed by crows. In lowland areas the number is doubtless lower.) Poison is also put out to prevent grey crows from eating recently sown grain (see below).
Buzzard
However the big problem with the indescriminate use of baited meat is that it will also kill any other species that eats it, particularly birds of prey such as the recently returned buzzard. This is proving to be a major problem with the reintroduction of the white-tailed eagle in Kerry and the golden eagle in Donegal. Click here for the petition to regulate the use of poison.
Closer to home, poisoned buzzards were found near Knockbridge, County Louth last week. According to a piece in the Irish Times, "EIGHT RARE buzzards have been killed in suspected poisoning incidents in the northeast in the last two months. The National Parks Wildlife Service (NPWS) said yesterday it was investigating the discovery of buzzard carcasses on farmlands in north Dublin, Louth and Meath. The broad-winged birds of prey have only recently re-established themselves in Ireland after becoming extinct in the early 20th century through poisoning and hunting." According the Dr Maurice Eakin of the NPWS, "the true number of buzzards being poisoned may be far higher, as birds often retreat to secluded spots to die after consuming contaminated food and their deaths may go unnoticed". The article continues, "Experts believe the buzzards may be consuming poisoned bait intended for grey crows which are known to eat recently-sown grain."
Friday, May 1, 2009
Congratulations Annette!
In an unusual story the NPWS reports a prosecution for the poisoning of birds in nearby county Meath: "The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley T.D. has today (30/4/2009) welcomed the successful outcome to a prosecution taken by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of his Department in Navan District Court on Wednesday 22nd of April 09.
In November 07, Conservation Ranger Annette Lynch investigated a complaint of dying rooks in a field at Headfort Demesne. She found dead and dying rooks and bread laced with a blue substance in a recently tilled field. As she collected the rooks and bait she was challenged by a man, who appeared to be the landowner. When she identified herself and told him what she was doing he stated that he was not the landowner, had no interest in the land and refused to give his name and address. She took his registration number and traced it to defendant. She brought the rooks and bait to the University Veterinary Hospital, UCD for analysis."
This recalls a similar story some time ago involving the destruction of a rookerie in which the Louth Ranger, Kieran Buckley, successfully brought a case against a Louth resident, the conviction being upheld on appeal with a reduction in the fine.
Hopefully this zealon the part of NPWS rangers will spread to the rest of the country and we wil get successful prosecutions of the individuals responsible for poisoning White-tailed Eagles in Kerry and Golden Eagles in Donegal. To support this see the petition in this link.
In November 07, Conservation Ranger Annette Lynch investigated a complaint of dying rooks in a field at Headfort Demesne. She found dead and dying rooks and bread laced with a blue substance in a recently tilled field. As she collected the rooks and bait she was challenged by a man, who appeared to be the landowner. When she identified herself and told him what she was doing he stated that he was not the landowner, had no interest in the land and refused to give his name and address. She took his registration number and traced it to defendant. She brought the rooks and bait to the University Veterinary Hospital, UCD for analysis."
This recalls a similar story some time ago involving the destruction of a rookerie in which the Louth Ranger, Kieran Buckley, successfully brought a case against a Louth resident, the conviction being upheld on appeal with a reduction in the fine.
Hopefully this zealon the part of NPWS rangers will spread to the rest of the country and we wil get successful prosecutions of the individuals responsible for poisoning White-tailed Eagles in Kerry and Golden Eagles in Donegal. To support this see the petition in this link.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Floodplains for Development?
According to the Fourth Assessment Report of the UN International Panel on Climate Change, sea levels will rise by between 18 cm to 59 cm by 2100, however this estimate is limited to the thermal expansion of water and only gives limited consideration to the effect Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets melting.
Sea level rise over the last 150 years
However a recent climate change conference in Copenhagen, covered in the New Scientist , warns that the currently observed rise of 3mm per year is far above what was predicted in the TAR:
"Because modelling how the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets will react to rising temperatures is fiendishly complicated, the IPCC did not include either in its estimate. It's no small omission: the Greenland ice cap, the smaller and so far less stable of the two, holds enough water that if it all melted, it would raise sea levels by 6 metres on average across the globe."
According to John Church of the Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research, "By 2100, sea levels could be 1 metre or more above current levels".
Presumably responding to this, FG Cllr Eamonn O'Boyle warned in last weeks Argus that "a rise of one metre or more in global sea levels would be quite disastrous in itself, as all low-lying areas such as most of Dundalk, would be threatened by catastrophic flooding if this recent authoritative prediction materialises."
Cllr O'Boyle's solution is to enable a local developer to raise the dykes between Soldiers Point and Blackrock by 2 metres; in exchange the developer would be granted permission to develop the floodplain for housing and other uses.
The Independent newspaper notes that "Britain's Environment Agency was apparently unique when it discarded the IPCC's 2007 advice as flawed. Based on its own estimates, it is planning flood defences for 2100 on the basis of a one-metre rise in sea levels – with a "worst-case scenario" of 2.7 metres."
Countering Cllr O'Boyle's comments, Paraic McKevitt, a County Council candidate for the Green Party, was quoted in the same newspaper, "'Climate change and rising sea levels are very critical issues facing low lying coastal communities around Dundalk Bay. What we need is a Dundalk Bay flood protection plan and not a one-off embankment that leaves one development dry while increasing the flooding risk for everyone else," referring to the phenomenum whereby strengthening sea defences in one area can have knock-on effects on other areas.
According to the Office of Public Works the cause of past flooding events in the area has been due to rainfall swelling the rivers Ramparts, Blackwater, and Fane, as well as, or combined with, high tides and storm surges.
Extract from OPW report
The advice given by the OPW in regard to development on floodplains, on their special web site is unequivocal:
"Impact of flood risk on development Locating development in an area at risk from flooding can lead to property damage, human stress and hardship, problems obtaining property insurance and consequential demands for the expenditure of local authority or central government resources on flood protection works. The construction of protection works either at the time of the development, or at a later date, will incur additional costs, may not provide absolute immunity from the risk of flooding and can, if not appropriately designed, have detrimental effects on flood risk elsewhere. "
It continues:
"Impact of development on flood risk upstream In times of flood, the river flows not only through its normal channel but also along the flood plains. Any constriction of the natural flow path can 'back-up' the river and lead to increased flood levels upstream. The construction of buildings or houses, and particularly embankments for infrastructure or protection, in or across a floodplain can therefore not only put the development itself at risk of flooding, but can also increase the flood risk for land and properties upstream. The same is obviously true of any construction in, or encroachment into, the normal river channel. "
And finally,
"Impact of development of flood risk downstream Natural or agricultural land, such as forests, woodland, pastures or crop fields, is normally able to absorb a considerable proportion of any rain that falls onto it. Covering such land with buildings, tarmac (such as for parking areas or roads), or other impermeable materials significantly reduces this ability to absorb rainfall, and will lead to increased land runoff. As a result, large developments, including those away from major rivers, can increase river flows and the risk of flooding to land and property downstream. A number of smaller developments built up over a period of time can have the same effect.
Impact of tidal flood risk on development A combination of high tides, waves, high winds and surges developed from low-pressure systems can lead to extensive flooding. Current predictions of climate change indicate that the risk of flooding from the sea will increase in the future. Any area below current or predicted future peak sea levels, including areas behind existing defences that offer only a certain level of protection, are at risk from flooding in the future."
The debate on how Dundalk, and indeed County Louth, should respond to rising sea levels is joined - we look forward to following how it develops!
Sea level rise over the last 150 years
However a recent climate change conference in Copenhagen, covered in the New Scientist , warns that the currently observed rise of 3mm per year is far above what was predicted in the TAR:
"Because modelling how the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets will react to rising temperatures is fiendishly complicated, the IPCC did not include either in its estimate. It's no small omission: the Greenland ice cap, the smaller and so far less stable of the two, holds enough water that if it all melted, it would raise sea levels by 6 metres on average across the globe."
According to John Church of the Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research, "By 2100, sea levels could be 1 metre or more above current levels".
Presumably responding to this, FG Cllr Eamonn O'Boyle warned in last weeks Argus that "a rise of one metre or more in global sea levels would be quite disastrous in itself, as all low-lying areas such as most of Dundalk, would be threatened by catastrophic flooding if this recent authoritative prediction materialises."
Cllr O'Boyle's solution is to enable a local developer to raise the dykes between Soldiers Point and Blackrock by 2 metres; in exchange the developer would be granted permission to develop the floodplain for housing and other uses.
The Independent newspaper notes that "Britain's Environment Agency was apparently unique when it discarded the IPCC's 2007 advice as flawed. Based on its own estimates, it is planning flood defences for 2100 on the basis of a one-metre rise in sea levels – with a "worst-case scenario" of 2.7 metres."
Countering Cllr O'Boyle's comments, Paraic McKevitt, a County Council candidate for the Green Party, was quoted in the same newspaper, "'Climate change and rising sea levels are very critical issues facing low lying coastal communities around Dundalk Bay. What we need is a Dundalk Bay flood protection plan and not a one-off embankment that leaves one development dry while increasing the flooding risk for everyone else," referring to the phenomenum whereby strengthening sea defences in one area can have knock-on effects on other areas.
According to the Office of Public Works the cause of past flooding events in the area has been due to rainfall swelling the rivers Ramparts, Blackwater, and Fane, as well as, or combined with, high tides and storm surges.
Extract from OPW report
The advice given by the OPW in regard to development on floodplains, on their special web site is unequivocal:
"Impact of flood risk on development Locating development in an area at risk from flooding can lead to property damage, human stress and hardship, problems obtaining property insurance and consequential demands for the expenditure of local authority or central government resources on flood protection works. The construction of protection works either at the time of the development, or at a later date, will incur additional costs, may not provide absolute immunity from the risk of flooding and can, if not appropriately designed, have detrimental effects on flood risk elsewhere. "
It continues:
"Impact of development on flood risk upstream In times of flood, the river flows not only through its normal channel but also along the flood plains. Any constriction of the natural flow path can 'back-up' the river and lead to increased flood levels upstream. The construction of buildings or houses, and particularly embankments for infrastructure or protection, in or across a floodplain can therefore not only put the development itself at risk of flooding, but can also increase the flood risk for land and properties upstream. The same is obviously true of any construction in, or encroachment into, the normal river channel. "
And finally,
"Impact of development of flood risk downstream Natural or agricultural land, such as forests, woodland, pastures or crop fields, is normally able to absorb a considerable proportion of any rain that falls onto it. Covering such land with buildings, tarmac (such as for parking areas or roads), or other impermeable materials significantly reduces this ability to absorb rainfall, and will lead to increased land runoff. As a result, large developments, including those away from major rivers, can increase river flows and the risk of flooding to land and property downstream. A number of smaller developments built up over a period of time can have the same effect.
Impact of tidal flood risk on development A combination of high tides, waves, high winds and surges developed from low-pressure systems can lead to extensive flooding. Current predictions of climate change indicate that the risk of flooding from the sea will increase in the future. Any area below current or predicted future peak sea levels, including areas behind existing defences that offer only a certain level of protection, are at risk from flooding in the future."
The debate on how Dundalk, and indeed County Louth, should respond to rising sea levels is joined - we look forward to following how it develops!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Planning Matters
It looks like the Quinn Energy application to the EPA for an IPPC license for the operation of the proposed power plant at Toomes is once again deferred, this time up until 29th of May 2009. However persons wishing to make a submission should make it as soon as possible to the EPA.
The quarry at Bush in Cooley County Louth (Dundalk Quarry Products Ltd.) has applied to massively extend the quarry, the planning reference is 09/96 and is currently being considered by the County Council.
Quarry at Bush, Cooley.
Another application with significant consequences for Louth's environment is application reference 09/22 - this application describes "Permission for dumping and spreading of soil and stone waste for the benefit of agricultural activity and all associated site works at Stonetown Lower and Redbog, Dundalk, Co. Louth." The County Council kicked this application back for further information. The applicant was requested to provide a Biodiversity Impact Assessment and to investigate possible archaeological artifacts in the area.
Lower Stonetown and Red Bog, the area can clearly be seen as high quality from the aerial shot with superimposed OS map.
Another application sent for Further Information, this time in the south of the county along the banks of the Boyne, is 08154 (Drogheda Borough). This application proposes to develop a high quality ecological area along the north banks of the Boyne to the west of Drogheda. It is currently unclear when a decision will be made on this one...
The quarry at Bush in Cooley County Louth (Dundalk Quarry Products Ltd.) has applied to massively extend the quarry, the planning reference is 09/96 and is currently being considered by the County Council.
Quarry at Bush, Cooley.
Another application with significant consequences for Louth's environment is application reference 09/22 - this application describes "Permission for dumping and spreading of soil and stone waste for the benefit of agricultural activity and all associated site works at Stonetown Lower and Redbog, Dundalk, Co. Louth." The County Council kicked this application back for further information. The applicant was requested to provide a Biodiversity Impact Assessment and to investigate possible archaeological artifacts in the area.
Lower Stonetown and Red Bog, the area can clearly be seen as high quality from the aerial shot with superimposed OS map.
Another application sent for Further Information, this time in the south of the county along the banks of the Boyne, is 08154 (Drogheda Borough). This application proposes to develop a high quality ecological area along the north banks of the Boyne to the west of Drogheda. It is currently unclear when a decision will be made on this one...
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Dundalk Flood Defense
In a headline article in last weeks Dundalk Leader, a proposal to raise the existing dyke by a further three metres from the Soldiers Point area to Blackrock was described. This proposal centres around the Rockview Farm and the idea is to create a large area protected from flooding that can be developed for housing, amentites, commercial development etc. According to the piece, "...the developers of Rockview Farm, a 200-acre site rezoned in 2003 may find it possible to convince Dundalk Councillors that the added protection provided to the townby a proposed upgrade to the embankment makes the plan worthwhile."
This proposal is just the latest in a series of efforts to get permission to develop this area. In 1994 an application was made to put a golf course and housing in the area. Earlier an application was made for a a business park and associated amenities. Both these and other applicaiton to develope the low-lying flood plain were refused by the County Council for the very good reason that the whole area regularly floods.
The proposal to increase the height of the dyke by 3 metres may protect the immediate area but as with many coastal developments, there is an inevitable knock-on effect: unless the dyke were to stretch all the way up the Castletown river the dyke would only move the flood plain into the centre of Dundalk!
The current thinking on such flood plains is that they should not be developed but rather left to absorb the impact of flooding events. In the south of England and in Holland, where flooding is a major problem, the current thinking is to retreat from the coast in an approach called "managed retreat". Furthermore, sea levels have been slowly rising for more than 100 years now, and with global warming, are likely to rise even further with flood events becoming more common, making the proposition to erect this dyke even less likely to be approved.
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