Ecology

Our range of services includes:

Ecological monitoring of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
Desktop studies including ecological data review and analysis
Ecology surveys, including:
- Birds e.g. Vantage Point surveys targeting Hen Harrier surveys, Red Grouse, Greenland White-fronted Goose, White-tailed Sea Eagle, and breeding bird transect surveys
- Mammals e.g. Badger, Otter
- Bat surveys
- Habitat and botanical surveys
- Aquatic invertebrates (SSRS assessment)
- Other taxa. e.g. Kerry Slug, Butterflies, Moths and Terrestrial Invertebrates
- Marine ecology surveys
Planning and Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
Ecological constraints studies
Statutory compliance and consultation
Biodiversity Action Plans
Appropriate Assessment
Expert witness testimony at Oral Hearings

Our Projects

Barranafaddock Wind Farm extension and modifications Environmental Impact Assessment – Ecological assessments

Client: Barranafaddock Sustainable Electricity Ltd.

Location: Waterford, Ireland

Capital Value: Confidential

Key Facts: Full suite of ecological services for the extension modifications to the wind farm, and planning compliance.

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FT ecologists carried out a full suite of ecological field surveys at Barranafaddock including winter bird Vantage Point (VP) surveys, summer bird VP surveys, breeding bird transects, mammal surveys, bat surveys, and habitat and botanical assessments. The impacts of the proposed development on the ecology of the site were assessed in detail, and this informed the ecology section of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A range of mitigatory measures were introduced to reduce/avoid impacts from the development on the local ecology.

All ecology surveys and impact assessments were carried out in accordance with best practice guidelines from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), National Parks and Wildlife Service of Ireland (NPWS), Irish National Roads Authority (NRA), Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Heritage Council, and Bat Conservation Ireland (BCI). Full consultation was carried out with the relevant bodies including the NPWS, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the EPA, BirdWatch Ireland and an Tasice (the National Trust for Ireland).

Ecological assessment for Cork Northern Ring Road Environmental Impact Assessment

Client: Cork County Council/Cork City Council

Location: Ireland

Capital Value: c. €175

Key Facts: Undertake ecological surveys and ecological assessment, as part of the EIA

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FT ecologists carried the ecological impact assessment for the proposed Cork Northern Ring Road route. A detailed desktop review of existing ecological data for the area was collated, including information on the designated nature conservation areas which could be potentially impacted by the development. There are 18 such designated sites within 10km of the proposed route, of which three are Natura 2000 sites; the Great Island Channel SAC, Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, and Cork Harbour SPA. The Blarney Bog pNHA is in close proximity to the proposed route. In addition, consultation with all statutory and non-statutory bodies was undertaken.

FT ecologists then carried out a full series of baseline ecological field surveys along the route corridor of the proposed Cork Northern Ring Road. These field studies comprised of comprehensive baseline habitat, botanical, bird, and mammal surveys (including bat surveys), according to the guidelines of the National Roads Authority of Ireland (NRA). The conservation value and ecological sensitivity of the proposed route was assessed. Detailed mitigation measures to reduce the impacts on the local ecology were designed.

Europe

Jon Kearney

Telephone: +353 21 4969570

Email: jon.kearney@nullftco.ie

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