Threatened species live on route of proposed rail line
IRISH hare, badger and three threatened bird species have been spotted in the area of the proposed Metro North light rail line.
Black headed gull, lapwing and yellowhammer bird species, all on the "red list" of threatened species, were recorded in the area north of Swords.
Little egret and kingfisher, bats, salmon and otters were some of the main fauna species of interest recorded, predominantly in the area of the river corridors, according to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The line, from St Stephens Green to Belinstown north of Swords, includes several sites "designated for their national or international nature conservation importance in the surrounding area".
The line would involve "temporary loss of habitat along the alignment for features of the scheme, including the construction compounds," according to the EIS, submitted by the Railway Procurement Agency as part of its documentation to An Bord Pleanala.
Bord Pleanala has yet to rule on the RPA's Metro North Railway Order for the construction of the line.
"Some temporary disturbance to a range of common fauna species will occur, but the impacts are not predicted to be significant," the EIS said.
"The habitats affected are largely common and widespread, including agricultural land and those typical in urban locations such as amenity grassland, street trees, scattered trees and parkland and areas of built land.
"These habitats will typically be replaced on completion of the works."
Some temporary loss of habitat will occur in St Stephen's Green, "although this location is more important for its social value than its nature conservation value," it said.
Metro North crosses several major watercourses and instream works will occur in the Sluice River and the River Liffey.
"Measures will be implemented to reduce the risk of significant pollution to the watercourses during the construction, and also to ensure that significant impacts to fauna species such as otters and fish do not occur," it said.
- Michael Lavery
