Infrastructure

A core area of our work is the preparation of Flora and Fauna assessments at the planning stage of national infrastructure projects. A selection of projects which we are currently, or have recently been involved in, is provided below.

Road Schemes

M20 Cork to Limerick

We are currently undertaking aquatic ecological assessments on the watercourses affected by this major proposed road scheme. Surveys include identification of the presence of protected aquatic species and provision of a biological water quality rating for each proposed crossing site.

N17 Collooney to Achonry

We recently prepared the Flora & Fauna section of the EIS for this 12km long road scheme. A Phase 1 habitat survey along with specialist studies on bats, badgers, otters, rare plants, fish populations and birds were completed.

N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin

We also have just completed the Flora & Fauna and Water Quality sections of the EIS for this 15km long road scheme. Specialist studies undertaken included a Phase 1 habitat survey, seasonal bat survey, wide-band terrestrial mammal survey and fish stock assessment of affected rivers and streams.

Water Supply Schemes

Costello Regional Water Supply Scheme

We recently prepared the Flora and Fauna section for this major scheme which would affect Glenicmurrin Lough and parts of the Connemara Bogs Complex SAC. Specialist studies undertaken included habitat surveys, water and sediment quality assessments, and lake and river fish stock surveys (including specialist Arctic char survey work).

Lough Mask Regional Water Supply Scheme

We are currently preparing an ecological assessment for this proposed major water supply scheme in County Mayo. Studies undertaken included an assessment of aquatic communities in adjoining areas of Lough Mask, along with habitat, flora and fauna surveys along proposed pipeline routes between the lake and towns including Westport and Louisburgh.

East Limerick Trunk Main Scheme

We recently prepared a terrestrial and aquatic ecological assessment for this major water supply scheme which covers an area of 363 km² and includes the towns and villages of Caherconlish, Pallasgreen, Oola, Murroe, Cappamore, Doon, Old Pallas and Kilteely, and surrounding rural areas.

Sewage Schemes

Athlone Sewerage Scheme

ECOFACT prepared the Surface Water Assessment for the proposed upgrade to the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant, discharging into the River Shannon, downstream of Athlone town. This assessment was completed during 2008 and included a water quality, fisheries and aquatic ecology assessment of the River Shannon upstream and downstream of the proposed new outfall.

Portlaoise Sewerage Scheme

During 2008 we completed an Appropriate Assessment of the likely effects of the new Portlaoise Wastewater Treatment Plant on the River Barrow and River Nore SAC.

Clara Sewerage Scheme

We prepared a terrestrial and aquatic ecological assessment for Phase II of this scheme which would affect the River Brosna, an important trout river.

Flood Defence Schemes

ECOFACT has advised on a number of inland and coastal flood defence maintenance schemes in recent years. These have included the Shannon Estuary Embankment Maintenance Programme and the Upper River Lee Maintenance Scheme. During 2008, ECOFACT were engaged by the OPW to provide an ecological assessment for their national Arterial Drainage Scheme Maintenance Programme. We are currently providing monitoring and consultancy advice during the advance planning and construction of the River Fergus (Upper) and River Fergus (lower) Drainage Schemes.

ECOFACT have further experience in coastal defence and habitat restoration projects at a number of locations in western Ireland including Inisbofin, Clew Bay and Galway Bay.