RPS was commissioned by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to develop 27 Freshwater Pearl Mussel Sub-Basin Management Plans for the waters designated for protection under EU legislation in 2009. We were also tasked with carrying out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) of the 27 Plans.

In 2009, national legislation was developed to support the achievement of favourable conservation status for Freshwater Pearl Mussel (FPM). This legislation sets environmental quality objectives for FPM habitat, requires the production of sub-basin plans with programmes of measures to achieve these objectives and sets out the responsibilities of the public authorities in respect of implementing the sub-basin plans and associated measures.

The Plans are an important part of the delivery of Ireland’s commitments under both the Water Framework Directive and the Habitats Directive. Although the Plans will contribute toward management of designated Natura 2000 sites, screening for AA identified the potential for indirect impacts on other protected species such as kingfisher as a result of implementation of the measures. As a result, an AA was undertaken and a Natura Impact Statement was produced together with the SEA and the 27 Plans.

Contact:
FPM Sub-Basin Management Plans
Grace Glasgow, Director
E: grace.glasgow@rpsgroup.com

FPM Sub-Basin Management Plans - SEA & AA Aspects
Antonia Gaughran, Technical Director
E: antonia.gaughran@rpsgroup.com