Adare is one of the oldest recorded placenames in Ireland, and is located on a strategic crossing point of the River Maigue. At this crossing point, the multiple masonry arch Adare Bridge is a protected structure, and sits just downstream of Desmond Castle.
The River Maigue (below Adare Bridge) forms part of the Lower River Shannon SAC, part of the largest estuarine complex in Ireland, and Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA. The Maigue estuary contains habitats of high conservation value that are influenced by the tide. Salmonids (brown trout and salmon), bats and otter are all qualifying interests and have been recorded present within the last 10 years within the SAC and along the River Maigue. The River Maigue also forms part of the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA downstream of Ferry Bridge. Adare is one of Europe’s premier tourist destinations, home of Adare Manor and Golf Club, Adare Village & Riverbank Walk, Desmond Castle and wider amenities. The Maigue is also a critical crossing point for Regional Transport, including the N21 Limerick Tralee Road (AADT 2019 c17,000), future Adare Bypass, and a potentially viable rail connection with Limerick to the East and Foynes to the West.
The Environmental Consultant, Ryan Hanley will produce the necessary Environmental Assessments for the scheme as outlined below.
Preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for the preferred scheme. The EIAR shall be prepared to meet the requirements set out by Directive 2014/52/EU and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the ‘Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports’ (EPA, 2022).
The purpose of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) will be to document the environment in the vicinity of the proposed scheme in an effort to quantify the possible impacts, if any on the environment.
The Environmental Consultant shall also prepare a Screening Statement for a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). The NIS Screening shall consider the likely impacts of the preferred Scheme on relevant Natura Sites. Should significant effects be identified, a Natura Impact Statement will be produced.