Concerns emerge over environmental impact of planned bypasses of Limerick towns

LIMERICK City and County Council says a direction requiring it to prepare Environmental Impact Assessment Reports for two major road projects will not have any impact on the timeline for their delivery.

While the preparation of the reports is not mandatory, the local authority sought clarification from An Bord Pleanála, regarding the proposed bypasses of Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale.

The preferred routes for the two projects were revealed 18 months ago following a consultation process.

In each case, it is proposed that a dual carriageway will be constructed with provision also being made for cyclists and pedestrians.

In Newcastle West, the preferred route will travel north of the town, from Ballyfrawley Bridge to Killoughteen for seven kilometres while in Abbeyfeale the preferred route will travel south of the town for six and a half kilometres, beginning east of Wards Cross and continuing almost to Feale’s Bridge.

Both projects are seen as key pieces of infrastructure to alleviate traffic congestion and to facilitate the projected increase in the towns’ population.

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An EIA Screening Report, prepared by Jacobs Engineering for Limerick City and County Council, suggests the projects could have a major impact on the local environment - including during the construction phase.

In the case of Newcastle West, the report notes the presence of a number of “sites of historical, cultural and archaeological significance” and it states: “The proposed scheme is located in close proximity to the town of Newcastle West with a population of 6,000 people and would be likely to have significant effects on biodiversity, water, cultural heritage and landscape.”

In each case, the consultants note there will be “permanent and irreversible changes to the existing landscape as well as permanent changes to traffic and noise” if the projects proceed.

They add there will be a “permanent loss of agricultural land” with alteration to the existing landscape and the “potential for loss of natural resources”.

In a detailed report, prepared for An Bord Pleanála, senior planning inspector Liam Bowe noted the contents of the consultants’ report and the view of the local authority that it believes a full EIAR is required.

“Having regard to the examination which considers the nature, scale and location of the development, the characteristics and location and the characteristics of potential impacts it is considered that the project is likely to give rise to significant environmental impacts. Accordingly, that the preparation and submission of an EIAR is, therefore, required,” he wrote in each case.

Mr Bowe’s recommendation was formally accepted by An Bord Pleanála earlier this month and a direction has now been issued to Limerick City and County Council.

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When complete, the EIAR must contain an analysis of the likely effects (positive and negative) of the proposed bypasses on the environment. This  includes the likely effects on people, flora and fauna, soil, water, air, the landscape and cultural heritage.

A spokesperson for the local authority says the direction from An Bord Pleanala was not unexpected and will not affect the timeline.

"This is a normal requirement for schemes of this nature and  was included for in the schemes' programmes. Consequently, this direction will have no impact on the programme for delivery," he stated.

In a detailed report, prepared for An Bord Pleanála, senior planning inspector Liam Bowe noted the contents of the consultants’ report and the view of the local authority that it believes a full EIAR is required.

“Having regard to the examination which considers the nature, scale and location of the development, the characteristics and location and the characteristics of potential impacts it is considered that the project is likely to give rise to significant environmental impacts. Accordingly, that the preparation and submission of an EIAR is, therefore, required,” he wrote in each case.

Mr Bowe’s recommendation was formally accepted by An Bord Pleanála earlier this month and a direction has now been issued to Limerick City and County Council.

When complete, the EIAR must contain an analysis of the likely effects (positive and negative) of the proposed bypasses on the environment. This includes the likely effects on people, flora and fauna, soil, water, air, the landscape and cultural heritage.