Lough Lene cSAC Site Code 2121 Co. Westmeath - National Parks ...

National Parks & Wildlife Service 

Conservation Statement 2009 

Lough Lene cSAC 

Site Code 2121 

Co. Westmeath

SUMMARY 

Introduction 

Lough Lene cSAC has been designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation under the EU 

Habitats Directive as it is an oligo-mesotrophic (low in nutrients) hard water marl lake with a 

diverse stonewort community. This habitat is listed in Annex I of the directive. 

The lake supported a good population of the internationally rare and protected White-clawed 

Crayfish in the 1980s. However, following recent survey work, the species is believed to be present 

in very low numbers or may even have disappeared altogether. This species is listed in Annex II of 

the Habitats Directive 

Nature Conservation Value of Lough Lene cSAC 

Lough Lene is a medium-sized hard water marl lake in fairly natural condition, with a diverse 

stonewort community. Water quality is good, being borderline oligo- to mesotrophic, though there 

have been algal blooms in recent years. Most of the land immediately adjacent to the stony shore 

comprises improved agricultural pasture, while the main areas of semi-natural terrestrial vegetation 

are largely confined to the west and east ends of the lake and include woodland, wet grassland, fen 

and swamp/marsh. 

The lake supported a population of White-clawed Crayfish, which was wiped out in 1987. This 

species subsequently recovered following a re-introduction programme, but its current status is 

unclear. The Irish population of Freshwater crayfish is important, as it is threatened in Europe. The 

lake also supports wintering wildfowl with nationally important numbers of some species. 

Description of Lough Lene cSAC 

Lough Lene is a medium-sized clear hard-water lake with marl deposition, and is up to 20 m deep. 

At least three species of stoneworts, a type of alga, are abundant in the lake, along with other 

aquatic plants. Semi-natural lakeshore habitats are mainly found on the east and west shores of the 

lake, and include fen, wet woodland and cutover bog. A variety of wintering waterfowl use the 

lake, including some that occur in nationally important numbers. 

The White-clawed Crayfish population in the lake was wiped out in 1987 following an outbreak of 

crayfish fungus, and was subsequently re-introduced. Recent surveying indicates that the species 

may again be extinct in Lough Lene, or present in very low numbers. 

The lake is surrounded by improved agricultural land as well as some forestry and a public amenity 

area. Water to supply Castlepollard is abstracted from the lake. 

The greatest threat to the conservation status of the lake is nutrient enrichment (eutrophication) due 

to fertiliser run-off from adjacent land or effluent from wastewater treatment. Excessive amounts of 

Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government 1 CS Version 1.01 2009

2 Conservation Statement Lough Lene cSAC — Site Code 2121 

nutrients can cause increased growth of other aquatic species which then compete with and displace 

the stoneworts, with knock-on effects on wildfowl and other fauna. Reclamation and improvement 

of agricultural land could lead to the loss of more of the semi-natural lakeshore habitats. 

Main Conservation Objectives 

• To maintain the Annex I habitat for which the SAC has been selected at favourable conservation 

status: Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. (85% area of the 

site) 

• To maintain the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected at favourable 

conservation status: White-clawed Crayfish 

• To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site 

• To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal users and relevant 

authorities 

Main Management Issues 

• Angling 

• Crayfish population status 

• Eutrophication 

• Grazing 

• Invasive species 

• Reclamation 

• Recreation/amenity 

• Water abstraction 

Scientific Monitoring and Inspection 

Monitoring of Lough Lene cSAC will be carried out by the Monitoring Section of the NPWS to 

determine if the Annex I habitat and Annex II species are being maintained at favourable 

conservation status. Regular inspection of the site by regional NPWS staff will identify any major 

changes that occur. 

Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government CS Version 1.01 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Summary .......................................................................................................................................................1 

Reader’s Guide .......................................................................................................................................................5 

Legal Background....................................................................................................................................................6 

Nature Conservation Legislation .........................................................................................................................6 

Roles of Government Departments and Agencies..............................................................................................7 

Implications of Site Designation for Landowners and other Site Users ..............................................................9 

Nature Conservation Value of Lough Lene cSAC .................................................................................................10 

Reason for Designation of Lough Lene cSAC ..................................................................................................10 

Conservation Value of Lough Lene cSAC.........................................................................................................10 

Conservation Objectives ...................................................................................................................................11 

Site Description .....................................................................................................................................................12 

Location Including Site Boundaries...................................................................................................................12 

Legal Status.......................................................................................................................................................13 

Physical Features..............................................................................................................................................13 

Biological Features............................................................................................................................................15 

Land Use ...........................................................................................................................................................22 

Management Issues ..........................................................................................................................................24 

Scientific Monitoring & Inspection..........................................................................................................................26 


4 Conservation Statement for Lough Lene cSAC — Site Code 2121 

APPENDICES 

Appendix I: Glossary..............................................................................................................................................27 

Appendix II: Reference Material ............................................................................................................................32 

Appendix III: Climate..............................................................................................................................................34 

Appendix IV: Water Quality....................................................................................................................................35 

Appendix V: I-WeBS Bird Count Data ...................................................................................................................39 

Appendix VI: Compensation Procedures...............................................................................................................41 

Appendix VII: Notifiable Actions.............................................................................................................................42 

Appendix VIII: National Parks and Wildlife Contact Details...................................................................................69 

MAPS 

Map 1 Site Location and Boundary Map (Ver. 1.00) 

Map 2 Ownership Map 

Map 3 Indicative Habitat Map 


READER’S GUIDE 

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of the Environment, Heritage 

and Local Government (DEHLG) has produced this document to provide ecological information 

about Lough Lene cSAC and to outline the main objectives for the conservation of the special 

features of the site. 

The Legal background section outlines the legislative and policy drivers for the site’s designation 

and identifies the relevant authorities with responsibilities in relation to the site. 

The Nature Conservation Value section describes the reasons for the site designation and lists 

the site specific Consevation Objectives. 

The Site Description section contains general information on the site’s boundaries and ownership 

and on the statutory bodies with responsibility for its conservation. It also contains sections on the 

physical aspects of the site such as the geology and hydrology as well as the biological features, 

in particular, the habitats and species found there. Land use and cultural features are also 

described. 

The Scientific Monitoring and Inspection section outlines the methodologies used for monitoring 

the conservation status of the site and identifying any changes that occur. 

The appendices include a glossary where scientific and technical terms are explained, reference 

material consulted in the preparation of the statement and a list of notifiable actions relevant to 

each habitat within the site. 


LEGAL BACKGROUND 

Nature Conservation Legislation 

The legal basis for selection and designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) is the EU 

Habitats Directive, which was adopted in 1992. Focusing on the conservation of natural and seminatural 

habitats and species of flora and fauna, the Habitats Directive seeks to establish “Natura 

2000”, a network of protected areas throughout the European Community. The Habitats Directive 

includes a list of habitats that require SAC designation and specific conservation measures. This 

list is known as Annex I and the habitats are referred to as Annex I habitats. On this list, habitats 

that require special attention because they are in danger of disappearance, are termed ‘priority 

habitats’. A second list, Annex II in the Habitats Directive comprises species that must be afforded 

special protection. 

In Ireland, the habitats and species that must be afforded protection under the Habitats Directive 

include: 

16 Annex I priority habitats that require particular attention – including raised bogs, active blanket 

bogs, turloughs and machair, 

45 other Annex I habitats – such as certain types of heaths, lakes and woodlands, 

25 Annex II species – including Otter, Freshwater Pearl Mussel and Killarney Fern. 

It is the responsibility of each member state to designate SACs to protect the Annex I habitats and 

Annex II species. These sites, together with the Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under 

the EU Birds Directive (1979), form the European “Natura 2000” network. 

The Birds Directive contains annexes, which are lists of birds that require particular conservation 

measures (Annex I), and also species that may be hunted, and species that may be sold. There are 

28 Annex I species regularly occurring in Ireland including Whooper Swan, Greenland Whitefronted 

Goose, Peregrine Falcon, Corncrake and Terns. Member states are also required to protect 

wetlands and their associated water birds and sites that are important for migratory species such as 

ducks, geese and waders 

The Habitats Directive was transposed into Irish law through the European Communities 

(Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997. The Wildlife Act 1976 is the main statute governing the 

protection of wildlife in Ireland and was amended in 2000 to take account of European law, 

particularly the Habitats and Birds Directives. The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 also makes 

legal provision for the designation and protection of a national network of Natural Heritage Areas 

(NHAs). Over 1,100 proposed NHAs were published in 1995 and almost 400 of these are also 

selected as candidate SACs. 


Legal Background 

The European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 include the following points: 

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government must transmit a candidate list 

of sites to the European Commission for consideration. 

Following adoption of this list by the Commission, the Minister will formally designate the sites as 

SACs. 

Sites are legally protected once they are publicly advertised. 

Landowners and other users with a legal entitlement should be notified of designation, and the 

Minister must make all reasonable efforts to do so. Notification also includes a list of activities 

that may alter, damage, destroy or interfere with the integrity of the site. A person who illegally 

damages a site may be prosecuted or required to repair damage. 

Landowners and other users with a legal entitlement may appeal the designation of lands on 

scientific grounds, within three months of the designation notification. 

Landowners and other users with a legal entitlement will be compensated for actual loss of 

income arising from restrictions imposed as a result of designation. 

Roles of Government Departments and 

Agencies 

Department of the 

Environment, Heritage and 

Local Government 

(DEHLG) 

National Parks & Wildlife 

Service (NPWS) 

DEHLG is the government department with responsibility for the 

designation and protection of wildlife habitats, species and areas of 

conservation interest. As part of their responsibility in relation to 

biodiversity and wildlife under the Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), the 

Minister’s brief extends far beyond the habitats and species listed in the 

annexes of the Habitats and Birds Directives. 

NPWS is the section of the DEHLG responsible for maintaining the 

nature conservation value of the site. Periodic inspection of the site is 

carried out by the local Conservation Ranger. 

Regional staff also participate in research and survey projects by 

collecting data on the site, provide advice to planning authorities on the 

impacts of development applications and provide an education and 

advisory service to the public. See Appendix VIII for NPWS contact 

details. 

Westmeath County Council Westmeath County Council is the planning authority for the site. As such 

it is obliged to ensure appropriate assessment of the implications of 

developments requiring planning permission that may have an impact, 

either individually or in combination with other developments on the 

designated area. It also manages the amenity area at The Cut, and 

operates a water abstraction plant on the south-west shore, as well as 

monitoring the water quality of the lake. 

Coillte Teoranta Coillte Teoranta is the State-owned commercial forestry company, which 

owns public forests. 

Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) 

The EPA is an independent state sponsored body with a wide range of 

statutory duties including monitoring environmental quality and 

overseeing the performance by local authorities of their statutory 

environmental protection functions. Lough Lene is included in the EPA’s 

lake water quality monitoring programme, using the data gathered by 

Westmeath Co. Co. 

Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government CS Version 1.01 2009 

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Department of Agriculture, 

Fisheries and Food (DAFF) 

The Department of 

Communications, Energy 

and Natural Resources 

(DCENR) 

The Central Fisheries 

Board 

Eastern Regional Fisheries 

Board 

DAFF is the government department responsible for the development and 

regulation of agriculture, fisheries, forestry and the food industry, 

including the administration of schemes such as the Rural Environment 

Protection Scheme (REPS), the Native Woodland Scheme (NWS), and 

Commonage Framework Plans (CFPs). In 2007 the Department assumed 

the additional responsibility for sea fisheries, aquaculture, marine 

research, marine engineering and pier and harbour development (non 

commercial) and associated agencies such as Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) 

and the Marine Institute. 

Under Regulation 31 of the EC (Natural Habitats) Regulations, DAFF 

have responsibility for ensuring that activities it regulates do not 

adversely affect cSACs. Monitoring functions are carried out by 

individual divisions or executive agencies of the department. 

DCENR is the government agency with responsibility for 

Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, including the Inland 

Fisheries Division. It holds corporate governance of the Central and 

Regional Fisheries Boards and the Loughs Agency. 

The Central Fisheries Board is the statutory body is responsible for the 

co-ordination and support of the seven regional fisheries boards. Its 

responsibilities also include the control of commercial salmon licensing. 

The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board is responsible for maintaining and 

improving environmental quality and developing and protecting the 

fisheries resource in their region. The Boards responsibilities cover both 

inland waterways and out to the twelve-mile limit off the coast. 

Local Authority Policy in Relation to the Site 

Westmeath County Development Plan 2008-2014 (Section 2.5; Environment & Heritage) states 

several objectives and policies in relation to natural heritage and designated sites within the county. 

Objectives: 

O-EH2 To protect, manage and enhance the natural heritage, biodiversity, landscape and 

environment of County Westmeath in recognition of its importance as a non-renewable resource, 

unique identifier and character of the county and as a natural resource asset. 

O-EH3 It is a key objective to ensure as far as possible that development does not impact 

adversely on wildlife habitats and species. In the interests of sustainability, biodiversity should be 

conserved for the benefit of future generations. 

O-EH4 The “polluter pays” and the “precautionary principles” are integral components of 

planning policies for environment and heritage. If uncertainty exists regarding the potential impact 

of a proposed development full account will be taken of the precautionary principle and the 

proposed development will be resisted unless or until its effects are more clearly understood. 

Policies in relation to Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) 

P-EH8 To protect and conserve proposed candidate Special Areas of Conservation. The most 

valuable wildlife habitats in Westmeath form part of a national network of protected areas and 

some species of wild plants and animals are protected by law. 

P-EH9 To protect plant, animal, species and habitats which have been identified by the Habitats 

Directive, Birds Directive, Wildlife Act (1976) and (Amendment Act) 2000, and the Flora 

Protection Order S.I No. 94 of 1999. 

P-EH10 To require appropriate environmental assessment such as EIA (Environmental Impact 

Assessment) or ecological appraisal for developments not directly connected with or necessary to 


Legal Background 

the management of a European site, or a proposed European Site and which are likely to have 

significant effects on the site individually or cumulatively. 

P-EH11 To consult with appropriate prescribed bodies and Government agencies when assessing 

development proposals affecting designated sites of European importance. 

Implications of Site Designation for 

Landowners and other Site Users 

In most areas designated as cSACs, current practices will not have to change significantly. 

In cases where users with a legal entitlement are required to change practices or restrict activities to 

protect the wildlife interest of the site, compensation will be payable based on actual loss of 

income. See Appendix VI for further details. 

If a user with a legal entitlement wishes to carry out certain activities, not covered by licence or 

consent from another statutory body, within the designated area, they must consult with, and get 

consent from, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. These activities 

are listed as “Notifiable Actions” for each habitat (see Appendix VII). 


9

NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE 

OF LOUGH LENE CSAC 

Reason for Designation of Lough Lene 

cSAC 

This section outlines the habitats and species occurring within the site that are the basis for the 

designation of the site because of their relative importance, both at a national and Community 

level. 

HABITAT LISTED IN ANNEX I OF THE EU 

HABITATS DIRECTIVE 

• Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic 

vegetation of Chara spp. (EU Habitat Code 3140) 

SPECIES LISTED IN ANNEX II OF THE EU 

HABITATS DIRECTIVE 

• Freshwater crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) 

Conservation Value of Lough Lene cSAC 

Lough Lene is a medium-sized hard water marl lake in fairly natural condition, with a diverse 

stonewort community. Water quality is good, being borderline oligo- to mesotrophic, though there 

have been algal blooms in recent years. Most of the land immediately adjacent to the stony shore 

comprises improved agricultural pasture, while the main areas of semi-natural terrestrial vegetation 

are largely confined to the west and east ends of the lake and include woodland, wet grassland, fen 

and swamp/marsh. 

The lake supported a population of White-clawed Crayfish, which was wiped out in 1987. This 

species subsequently recovered following a re-introduction programme, but its current status is 

unclear. The Irish population of Freshwater crayfish is important, as it is threatened in Europe. The 

lake also supports wintering wildfowl with nationally important numbers of some species. 


Nature Conservation Value of Lough Lene cSAC 

Conservation Objectives 

European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to 

maintain at favourable conservation status areas designated as candidate Special Areas of 

Conservation. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and 

enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites. 

According to the EU Habitats Directive, favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved 

when: 

• its natural range, and area it covers within that range, is stable or increasing, and 

• the ecological factors that are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to 

continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and 

• the conservation status of its typical species is favourable as defined below. 

The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when: 

• population data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself, and 

• the natural range of the species is neither being reduced or likely to be reduced for the 

foreseeable future, and 

• there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations 

on a long-term basis. 

Objective 1: To maintain the Annex I habitats for which the cSAC has been selected at 

favourable conservation status; Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with 

benthic vegetation of Chara spp. (85% area of the site). 

Objective 2: To maintain the Annex II species for which the cSAC has been selected 

at favourable conservation status; White-clawed Crayfish 

(Austropotamobius pallipes). 

Objective 3: To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site. 

Objective 4: To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal 

users and relevant authorities. 


11

SITE DESCRIPTION 

Location Including Site Boundaries 

Lene is 4 km north east of Castlepollard in Co. Westmeath (see Map 1). 

Grid Ref.: N 510 682 

Latitude: N 53º40’0” 

Longitude: W 07º14’0” 

Area: 491 ha 

Altitude Range: 95 m to 98 m 

Max. Depth 20 m 

Townlands: Ballany, Collinstown, 

Cummerstown, 

Loughpark, 

Loughanavagh/ 

Newpark, Ranaghan, 

Teeverevagh, 

Windtown. 

Site Boundaries 

Much of the site boundary follows the high water level along the shoreline, which is marked by a 

fence or hedgerow in some places. Other site boundaries follow hedgerows and fences along field 

boundaries. The boundary is not marked on the ground at a few locations. 

Site Infrastructure 

Most of the shoreline is private land that is under pasture or woodland. A public amenity area (The 

Cut) managed by Westmeath County Council is found at the north-east corner of the lake. This 

includes a slipway and bathing area which are partly within the site, and public toilets and a car 

park which are on the shore outside the site. 


Site Description 

Legal Status 

Ownership 

Land around the lake is in multiple private ownership, apart from a small area owned by Coillte 

(see Map 2). The lake itself appears to be in multiple private ownership, having historically been 

one of the so-called ‘State lakes’ which was subsequently granted by Letters Patent to private 

individuals. 

Designations of the Site 

candidate Special 

Area of Conservation 

proposed Natural 

Heritage Area 

Physical Features 

Climate 

Sitecode IE0002121 Published on 1 st July 1999 

Sitecode 2121 Published in 1995 

The closest synoptic weather station to Lough Lene is at Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, approximately 

15 km from the site. 30-year average information for this station is presented in Appendix III. In 

summary, this region receives an average of 934.3 mm rainfall per annum. The annual mean daily 

air temperature is 8.8 o C, varying from a mean low of 4 o C in January to a mean high of 14.7 o C in 

July. This area has an average of 97.2 days per year with ground frost, and 214 days per year with 

greater than 0.2 mm of rain. The area receives approximately 3.5 hours per day of bright sunshine. 

Geology & Geomorphology 

Lough Lene lies in an area underlain by Carboniferous limestone of the Derravaragh Cherts 

Formation, which is characterised by mostly unfossiliferous dark-grey thinly-bedded limestones 

and shales. 

Around and to the north of Lough Lene the landscape is characterised by glacial deposits. 

Soils & Soil Processes 

Soils in the area comprise grey-brown podzolics, gleys and brown earths derived from limestone 

and shale glacial till, with basin peat found in some of the inter-drumlin hollows. Fen peats are 

found in low-lying ground around the lake. 

Hydrology & Water Quality 

The Irish Karst Working Group (2000) describes the hydrology of the region as follows: "The lakes 

of Co. Westmeath straddle the watershed between the River Inny (River Shannon) and the River 

Deel (River Boyne) catchments. It was remarked by Piers in 1682 the Lough Lene drains via a 

surface channel eastwards to the River Deel and subterraneously via sinkholes to springs in the 

settlement at Fore to the north, and hence flows both to the Atlantic and to the Irish Sea. A recent 

hydrological study demonstrated that water from the swallow holes on the shores of the lake does 

indeed flow underground to the southerly spring at Fore with a flow rate of 80 m per hour". 


13


Swallow-hole on the north west shore. (Photo: Mieke Muyllaert) 

Lough Lene is fed by a number of small streams and springs. Water quality on the River Deel is 

monitored by the EPA and is currently classified as Q4-5, unpolluted. 

A past study on the lake (Flanagan and Toner 1975) found moderate standing crops of 

phytoplankton and noted that phosphate and nitrate concentrations were low, and that the water 

was moderately hard with low colour and high transparency. 

Westmeath County Council operates a water abstraction plant on the south-west shore of the lake, 

which takes approximately 6000-7000 cubic metres of water per day from the lake to supply 

Castlepollard. Due to its importance as a source of potable water, water quality of Lough Lene is 

subject to detailed annual monitoring carried out on behalf of Westmeath County Council. Reports 

for 2004 and 2005 (see Appendix IV) conclude that the lake is generally borderline oligomesotrophic 

with most parameters measured showing a shift towards mainly mesotrophic status. 

Blooms of blue-green algae occurred in both years and the report notes that their persistence in the 

lake is a cause for concern, with special vigilance needed on sources of diffuse nutrient run-off in 

the lake catchment. 

Westmeath County Council adopted the Water Pollution (Agricultural) Bye-laws in 2000, which 

requires farmers in named townlands, including those in the Lough Lene catchment, to have 

adequate facilities and a farm nutrient management plan to help prevent water pollution. The 

council carries out farm surveys/inspections to enforce the bye-laws. 

There are no wastewater treatment plants discharging into the lake; Collinstown wastewater 

treatment plant effluent is pumped away from the catchment. 



Biological Features 

Habitats and Vegetation 

Note: Throughout the conservation statement, habitats are named and described under two 

different systems: the Annex I habitat is as listed in the EU Habitats Interpretation Manual 

Version EUR 27 (2007), while all other habitats are as listed according to the classification 

system of ‘A Guide to Habitats in Ireland’ (Fossitt, 2000). 

The following table lists the habitats within the site. The Annex I habitat of the Habitats Directive 

for which the site was selected is listed, with the relevant Guide to Habitats category also shown. 

The Indicative Habitat map for the site is presented in Map 3. The percentage area presented for 

each habitat type is based on the approximate geographic area of each habitat, as shown in Map 3. 

Habitats Found within Lough Lene cSAC 

ANNEX I HABITAT TYPE HABITAT CATEGORY % AREA 

Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic 

vegetation of Chara spp. (EU Code 3140) 

Limestone/marl lakes (FL3) 85 

- Depositing /lowland rivers (FW2)


Annex I Habitat: 

Hard oligomesotrophic 

waters 

with benthic 

vegetation of Chara 

spp. (EU code 3140) 

(85% of total site area 

or 420 ha) 

Lough Lene is a medium-sized limestone lake with abundant charophytes 

(stoneworts). Species recorded from the lake include Lesser Bearded 

Stonewort (Chara curta), Hedgehog Stonewort (Chara pedunculata) and 

Delicate Stonewort (Chara virgata). Other aquatic species found in the 

lake are Canadian Pondweed (Elodea canadensis), Perfoliate Pondweed 

(Potamogeton perfoliatus) and Shining Pondweed (Potamogeton lucens). 

This habitat includes the stony shore, approximately 3-5 m wide, which is 

found around much of the lake margin. Characterised by small to 

medium-sized cobbles and boulders, the shoreline supports scattered 

vegetation comprising species such as Reed Canary-grass (Phalaris 

arundinacea), Jointed Rush (Juncus articulatus), Water Mint (Mentha 

aquatica), Marsh Ragwort (Senecio aquaticus), Creeping Bent-grass 

(Agrostis stolonifera) and Shoreweed (Littorella uniflora). 

A number of ‘swallow-hole’ features are found running into the 

broadleaved woodland from the north shore. These are fissures in the 

limestone bedrock into which the lake water overflows. 

There are two islands on the lake, both vegetated with trees and scrub. 

The rocks around Nuns Island are used by cormorants. 

South shore of Lough Lene, showing transition from semi-improved grassland to lakeshore (Photo: Mieke Muyllaert) 



Other Habitats: 

Depositing /lowland 

rivers (FW2) 

Drainage ditches 

(FW4) 

Reed and large sedge 

swamps (FS1) 

Improved agricultural 

grassland (GA1) 

Dry neutral and 

calcareous grassland 

(GS1) 

Dry meadows and 

grassy verges (GS2) 

A few small streams flow into the lake. These are generally heavily 

shaded and have little aquatic vegetation. The main species are Watercresses 

(Nasturtium spp.) and Fool’s Water-cress (Apium nodiflorum). 

Ditches from farmland surrounding the site drain into the lake and 

surrounding wetland habitats. Some of these are wet for only part of the 

year. The ditches support similar aquatic vegetation to that found in the 

streams, as well as species from the adjoining wetland habitats. 

Swamp dominated by Common Reed (Phragmites australis) and 

Common Club-rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris) is common around the 

lake margin, particularly in sheltered inlets. This habitat is typically 

species-poor, with Water Horse-tail (Equisetum fluviatile) and Spikerushes 

(Eleocharis spp.) the main species in the understorey. Bottle Sedge 

(Carex rostrata) is locally abundant. 

Some small sections of intensively managed improved/semi-improved 

grassland fields are included in the site, where they come down to the 

lake margin or where they are found immediately adjacent to semi-natural 

habitats. These are dominated by Meadow-grasses (Poa spp.), Bentgrasses 

(Agrostis spp.) and Perennial rye-grass (Lolium perenne). Weeds 

indicative of nutrient enrichment, such as Nettle (Urtica dioica) and 

Thistles (Cirsium spp.) can be locally abundant. 

Calcareous grassland is found on the peninsula in the west of the lake and 

supports species such as Quaking Grass (Briza media) and Downy Oatgrass 

(Helictotrichon pubescens) with Hawkbits (Leontodon spp.), 

Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Red Clover (Trifolium repens), 

Spotted-orchids (Dactylorhiza spp.), Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) and 

Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis). 

Dry grassland on the centre of the peninsula has not been recently grazed 

and is dominated by coarse grasses, mainly False Oat-grass 

(Arrhenatherum elatius), Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata) and Yorkshire 

Fog (Holcus lanatus). Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) and Sweet Vernalgrass 

(Anthoxanthum odoratum) are abundant. 

Wet grassland (GS4) Wet rushy grassland is found grading into the stony lakeshore habitat, as 

well as in fields adjacent to the lake. The main species are Soft Rush 

(Juncus effusus), Hard Rush (Juncus inflexus), Creeping Bent-grass 

(Agrostis stolonifera), Yorkshire Fog and Meadowsweet (Filipendula 

ulmaria), with Silverweed (Potentilla anserina), Sedges (Carex spp.), 

Jointed Rush (Juncus articulatus) and Marsh Bedstraw (Galium 

palustre). 

Cutover bog (PB4) Cutover bog is found in the west of the site. This was more extensive in 

the past but has been planted or recolonised with forestry/woodland. The 

bog surface is very uneven. Tall dry hummocks are dominated by Ling 

Heather (Calluna vulgaris) with Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), 

Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and 

occasional Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos). Lichens are abundant. 

Hollows in between the hummocks are wet and are dominated by bog 

mosses (Sphagnum spp.) with Bulrush (Typha latifolia). 


17


Rich fen and flush 

(PF1) 

Wet willow-alder-ash 

woodland (WN6) 

Fen-type vegetation is found at a few locations along the lakeshore. It 

varies in species composition and wetness. Drier areas support abundant 

Purple Moor-grass and/or Black Bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans) with 

species such as Meadow Thistle (Cirsium dissectum), Glaucous Sedge 

(Carex flacca), Selfheal and bryophytes (mosses). Tormentil (Potentilla 

erecta), Sheep’s Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), Ling Heather, butterworts 

(Pinguicula spp.) and Lousewort (Pedicularis sylvestris) on hummocks 

indicate more acidic conditions. Wet areas are dominated by sedges such 

as Bottle Sedge with Water Horse-tail, Marsh Cinquefoil (Potentilla 

palustris), Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Marsh Pennywort 

(Hydrocotyle vulgaris). 

Wet woodland is found fringing the lakeshore in the east and west of the 

site. The dominant tree species are Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and willows 

(Salix spp.), while Ash can be locally frequent. Birch (Betula spp.) are 

occasional, as are Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris), with Hawthorn 

(Crataegus monogyna) and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus) in the shrub 

layer. The field layer varies, with some areas being dominated by grasses 

with Nettle, while other areas are more diverse with species such as 

Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum), Meadowsweet, Marsh 

Ragwort (Senecio aquaticus), Cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis), 

Lesser Spearwort (Ranunculus flammula), Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus), 

Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris) and bryophytes. Alder carr is found 

in the centre of the peninsula in the west of the site. 

Wet woodland on the south-east shore near The Cut. 



Bog woodland (WN7) Dominated by Downy Birch (Betula pubescens), this woodland is found 

on cutover bog in the west of the site. Other tree species include willows, 

Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), oaks (Quercus spp.) 

and Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia). As well as the species described 

for cutover bog (PB4) above, this woodland contains abundant Bracken 

(Pteridium aquilinum), frequent Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Honeysuckle 

(Lonicera periclymenum) and Ivy (Hedera helix). Mosses are abundant 

with occasional hummocks of Sphagnum capillifolium in some areas. 

Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is occasional. Towards the western edge 

of the site in Windtown, birch woodland seems to continue onto mineral 

soil and may have been planted in the past. 

(Mixed) broadleaved 

woodland (WD1) 

Mixed 

broadleaved/conifer 

woodland (WD2) 

Found in the east of Windtown on the north shore of the lake, this strip of 

broadleaved woodland is divided from the adjacent coniferous plantation 

by an old stone wall. Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is dominant in the 

broadleaved woodland with occasional Beech, Sycamore (Acer 

pseudoplatanus) and Hazel (Corylus avellana). A narrow band along the 

lakeshore is dominated by Alder. Bramble and Hawthorn are abundant in 

the shrub layer, while Ivy dominates the ground flora. Other frequent 

species are Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), Nettle, Herb Robert 

(Geranium robertianum), Honeysuckle and Wood Sorrel. Hart’s-tongue 

Fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium) is frequent in rocky areas. 

In the absence of definitive information, the lake islands have been 

mapped as mixed broadleaved woodland. 

A small area of mature conifers found in the south east of the site 

comprises Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) and Scots Pine with a eutrophic 

ground flora of Smooth Meadow-grass (Poa pratensis), Creeping bentgrass, 

Nettle and Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium). Closer to the shore 

there is Birch, Alder and Willow with Holly and Hawthorn. 

Scrub (WS1) Scrub is a frequent component of the vegetation around the lake. In dry 

areas it is dominated by Hawthorn and Blackthorn with Gorse and 

Bramble. In wet areas it is dominated by Willows and/or Alder. Ground 

flora under dense scrub is sparse and tends to be grassy. Where scrub is 

scattered or more open, the ground flora comprises species of the main 

underlying or adjacent habitats. The non-native species Cherry Laurel 

(Prunus laurocerasus) is found at several locations around the lake. Alder 

scrub appears to be spreading on the low-lying ‘neck’ of the peninsula, 

while Hawthorn is spreading in the dry grassland habitat. 

Hedgerows (WL1) Most of the hedgerows in the site run perpendicular to the lakeshore, and 

so only the last few metres of hedgerow falls within the site boundary. A 

few hedgerows run parallel to the shore, or around fields that are included 

in the site, and so form the site boundary. They are generally dominated 

by Hawthorn with Blackthorn and Ash. Bramble and Ivy are abundant. 

Treelines (WL2) Treelines are found along the upper lakeshore and on some field 

boundaries. Species include Alder, Beech, Oak, Ash, Scots Pine, Sweet 

Chestnut (Castanea sativa) and Sitka Spruce. 

Stone walls and other 

stonework (BL1) 

Buildings and 

artificial surfaces 

(BL3) 

Stone walls are found along the lakeshore and some of the field 

boundaries. In some cases they run out into the lake below the high-water 

mark to divide adjacent plots. 

There is a concrete slipway and wooden boardwalk at the Westmeath 

County Council amenity area. 


19


Notable Flora: 

Lower Plants 

Lough Lene supports a diverse population of stoneworts (Charophytes). Stoneworts are a type of 

green alga and one of their characteristics is the accumulation of calcium carbonate (lime) on their 

surface. When the stoneworts die, the lime-encrusted material is deposited on the lakebed and 

contributes to the formation of marl. The species recorded from Lough Lene are Lesser Bearded 

Stonewort (Chara curta), Hedgehog Stonewort (Chara pedunculata) and Delicate Stonewort 

(Chara virgata). While none of these species are currently listed in the Red Data Book for 

Stoneworts as threatened in Ireland, C. curta and C. pedunculata are considered to be indicator 

species for marl lakes. 

Fauna: 

Invertebrates 

White-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) is listed is Annex II of the Habitats Directive 

and is a qualifying interest for this site. White-clawed Crayfish were abundant as adults and 

juveniles in Lough Lene in 1980, but were wiped out in 1987 by crayfish plague fungus 

(Aphanomyces astaci). Crayfish were experimentally reintroduced to the lake in 1989 and 1991 and 

by 1996 the population appeared to be recovering. However, when Lough Lene was surveyed in 

2006 as part of a crayfish surveying methodology pilot study, none were found. Thus, it appears 

that the population has declined or is again extinct. 

Butterfly species recorded from the site include Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus), Meadow 

Brown (Maniola jurtina), Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus), Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines) 

and Green-veined White (Artogeia napi). 

White-clawed Crayfish 



Fish 

This lake holds a good stock of wild Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) and this is complemented by 

regular stocking. Trout to 2.3 kg weight are not uncommon and in 1997 the largest recorded trout 

was a 2.7 kg fish taken in March. In addition, Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Minnow 

(Phoxinus phoxinus), Ten-spined Stickleback (Pungitius pungitius), Pike (Esox lucius) and Perch 

(Perca fluviatilis) occur in the lake. Brook Lamprey (Lampetra planeri) has been found in the 

outlet stream that runs to Lough Adeel. 

Amphibians and Reptiles 

The Common Frog (Rana temporaria) is found in wetland habitats around the lakeshore. It is listed 

in the Red Data Book as Internationally Important, and is protected under the Bern Convention and 

Annex V of the EU Habitats Directive. 

Birds 

The site is monitored as part of the Irish Wetland Birds Survey (I-WeBS) network of winter 

wetland bird counting sites (see Appendix V), with 13 regularly occurring species of waterbirds. 

Lough Lene regularly supports nationally important numbers of Little Grebe. Pochard is also 

occasionally recorded in numbers of national importance. 

The following species have been recorded from Lough Lene. 

Wintering waterfowl: 

1 BoCCI red-listed species: Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Curlew (Numenius arquata). 

BoCCI amber-listed species: Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus), Pintail (Anas acuta), 

Wigeon (Anas penelope), Teal (Anas crecca), Pochard (Aythya ferina), Tufted Duck (Aythya 

fuligula), Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula). 

Others: Shoveler (Anas clypeata), Red Crested Pochard (Netta rufina, a vagrant). 

Breeding birds: 

BoCCI amber-listed species: Coot (Fulica atra), Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) (both also 

wintering), Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), Stonechat (Saxicola torquata), Grasshopper Warbler 

(Locustella naevia). 

Others: Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), Mallard (Anas 

platyrhynchos), Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus), 

Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis). 

Year-round presence, not breeding: 

Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Herring Gull (Larus argentatus), 

Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus), Curlew (Numenius arquata). 

1 BoCCI - Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland – is a list of bird species prioritised for conservation in Ireland. The list is divided 

into Red (high conservation concern), Amber (medium conservation concern), and Green (not threatened). 


21


Great Crested Grebe (photo Triona Finnen) 

Jay (Garrulus glandarius), Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nicus) and Reed 

Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) have all been recently recorded from the site. 

Mammals 

Otter (Lutra lutra) occur around the lake. Otters are listed in Annexes II and IV of the Habitats 

Directive. 

Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) has been recently recorded for the site. These non-native 

squirrels were introduced to Ireland in the early 20 th century and are now widespread. Mink 

(Mustela vison), another introduced species, occur around the lakeshore. 

Land Use 

Land use on the site 

Agriculture The lake is surrounded by agricultural land. Where this lies inside the 

site, it is mainly low-intensity pasture. A few small areas of improved 

grassland are included in the site. Much of the shoreline is open for 

grazing and access to the lake for drinking by cattle. 

Angling The Lough Lene Angling Association controls fishing on the lake, which 

is a very popular game angling venue and hosts angling competitions. 

Angling is primarily carried out from boats. Lough Lene's feeder streams 

are small in comparison to the size of the lake and the recruitment of wild 

brown trout is therefore limited. Thus, the lake is regularly stocked by the 

angling association with Brown and Rainbow Trout from a fish farm 

operated by the CFB in Roscrea. In 2006, the lake was stocked with 

50,000 fingerlings, 5,000 2-year old and 10,000 1-year old trout. The lake 

is noted for its large brown trout of over 1 kg. 



Amenity/Recreation Westmeath County Council maintains an amenity area at ‘The Cut’ at the 

east end of the lake, including a bathing area and slipway. This 

designated Bathing Water was awarded Blue Flag status in 2004 and 

2005, but lost it in 2006 due to littering and vandalism. The use of jet skis 

on Lough Lene (as well as other lakes) has been prohibited by Westmeath 

County Council by adoption of bye-laws which came into effect on 3 rd 

October 2006. 

Evidence of campfires with a small amount litter was found in some of 

the woodland areas along the lakeshore. 

Individual boats are moored around the edge of the lake. 

Forestry Coillte owns woodland within the site near Loughpark House in the west 

of the site, and at Windtown on the north shore. Both of these are 

included in the Lakelands Forestry District as biodiversity areas. The area 

near Loughpark House is wet woodland and will not be subject to felling. 

The adjacent conifer plantation (outside the SAC) is due for clearfelling 

in approximately 6 years’ time. There is a plan to selectively fell 

Sycamore from Windtown over a period of approximately 40 years. 

Water abstraction Westmeath County Council abstracts water from the lake to supply 

Castlepollard (See Hydrology and Water Quality section). 

Land use adjacent to the site 

Agriculture Most of the land surrounding the lake is in agricultural use as intensive 

grassland. 

Forestry Relatively small areas of forestry plantation are found to the west and 

north of the lake. A more recent plantation on the northern shore 

comprises broadleaved tree species. 

Amenity/Recreation The amenity area at ‘The Cut’ includes public toilets and a car park, 

which are outside the site boundary. 

Past human use 

The revegetated cutover bog in the west of the site is the only remnant of this habitat found around 

the lake, and indicates that turf was cut in this area in the past. A small circle of trees and scrub 

adjacent to the northern shore may have been a crannóg. Some of the woodland in the west of the 

site may have been planted and there are indications of past management such as coppicing. 


23


Management Issues 

The following issues have been identified for this site. They are listed in alphabetical order. 

• Angling 

• Crayfish population status 

• Eutrophication 

• Grazing 

• Invasive species 

• Reclamation 

• Recreation/amenity 

• Water abstraction 

Angling 

Angling itself does not cause any significant disturbance or other detrimental effects on the lake. 

However the introduction of invasive alien species such as Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) 

on boats and tackle (see below), as well as crayfish plague, poses a threat to the ecology of the lake. 

The stocking of the lake with trout raised on fish farms has the potential to introduce disease or 

other organisms into Lough Lene. However, the fish used for stocking come from a CFB farm, 

which is subject to veterinary checks twice annually. 

Crayfish population status/crayfish plague 

White-clawed Crayfish may be extinct again in Lough Lene, and while not proven, it seems likely 

that crayfish plague is the cause. 

Eutrophication 

It appears that water quality in Lough Lene has had a fairly stable borderline mesotrophic status 

since the 1970s. However the occurrence of small but regular blooms of blue-green algae is of 

concern. Any increase in nutrient inputs would have a negative effect on water quality in the lake, 

with knock-on effects on the stonewort communities, wildfowl and other fauna. Westmeath County 

Council is actively seeking to manage nutrient inputs on surrounding farmland. 

Grazing 

Grazing on open stretches of the lakeshore is maintaining the wet grassland flora and in general 

appears to be at a sustainable level. The lack of grazing on the peninsula at the west of the site is 

leading to the development of species-poor dry grassland with encroaching scrub. 

Invasive species 

The invasive alien mollusc Zebra Mussel has not been recorded in Lough Lene. This species is 

found in the nearby Shannon catchment and also occurs in Rahan’s Lake on the Glyde system. 

Zebra mussels are thumbnail-sized shellfish that form dense clusters which attach themselves to 

hard surfaces such as underwater rocks, boats and pipes. They filter up to one litre of water a day 

and consume plankton that small fish and other aquatic life depend on for survival. 



Currently the Fisheries Boards provide information to anglers on how to avoid spreading this 

species from infected waters. 

Reclamation 

Agricultural improvement has caused some direct damage to wet grassland habitat. It would be 

expected that the long-term intensive management of reclaimed areas would lead to increased risk 

of nutrient run-off into adjacent semi-natural habitats. Given the relatively small amounts of seminatural 

habitats around the lake’s perimeter, any further reclamation would be detrimental to the 

overall ecology of the lake system. 

Recreation/amenity 

Disturbance on the lake due to jet skis is eliminated by the bye-laws brought in by Westmeath 

County Council. Most recreational activity is low-level and limited to the bathing area at The Cut. 

Westmeath County Council manages this area and is endeavouring to control litter and other 

damaging activities associated with use of the amenity area. Waste water from the public toilets is 

treated via a septic tank and percolation area maintained by the council. 

It is not clear whether campfires with associated littering at remote parts of the shore are due to 

accessing the areas by boat or by land. This activity is not causing significant damage at its current 

level. If camping and/or lighting fires were to increase it could cause significant damage and 

disturbance to the site. 

Development of private mooring facilities along the lakeshore involving disturbance of the lake 

bed causes damage to habitats. 

Water abstraction 

Water abstraction by Westmeath County Council at the current level does not appear to be 

affecting the conservation value of the site. If the rate of abstraction was to increase, this could 

affect the ecological functioning of the lake. 


25

SCIENTIFIC MONITORING & 

INSPECTION 

The inspection and monitoring regime for the site will comprise: 

Water quality 

monitoring 

Water quality is monitored at regular intervals by the local authority. 

Under the Water Framework Directive local authorities are obliged to 

establish River Basin District plans covering all inland and coastal waters 

that will lead to the identification and implementation of effective 

measures for improved water management. 

NPWS will liaise with the EPA, the local authorities and other relevant 

statutory agencies and research organisations to: 

• determine the quality and quantity of waters associated with water 

dependent habitats 

• establish reference conditions necessary for monitoring the status of 

the habitats and species and to 

• ensure that the sampling regime is adequate to detect changes in their 

conservation status 

Scientific monitoring Monitoring of the conservation status of the Annex I lake habitat will be 

done by, or on behalf of, the staff of the Monitoring Section of the NPWS 

or staff working to NPWS in accordance with the procedures laid down 

by that section. 

The lake will be monitored as part of a national monitoring programme 

for crayfish. This will be repeated every 5-10 years. 

Protocols for monitoring Lough Lene cSAC will be developed, in 

consultation with other agencies where appropriate, to determine if the 

site is being maintained at favourable conservation status. 

Site surveillance Regular inspection of the site by the NPWS staff, with special attention to 

the lake habitat will identify any major changes, damaging operations, or 

threats should they arise. 

Bird counts As part of the I-WeBS project, bird counts are carried out using standard 

methodology. These will be continued. 


APPENDIX I: GLOSSARY 

ABSTRACTION - The process of taking water from a river, stream, spring, pond, lake or ground 

water. This process is “abstracting” water or making an “abstraction”. 

ACIDIC - When applied to soils, refers to soils which are of a low pH i.e. below 7. The term is 

often used in relation to the plant communities that an acid soil may support e.g. acidic grassland. 

ALGAE - Simple plants that are not differentiated into roots, stems and leaves and have no true 

vascular system. They can be microscopic, or very large and are capable of photosynthesis. They 

can be found in most habitats but the majority occurs in freshwater or marine environments. 

ALKALINE - When applied to soils it refers to soils of a calcareous nature and of a high pH, i.e. 

above 7. The term is often used to describe plant communities associated with such soils e.g. 

Alkaline Fens. 

ALTITUDE - Vertical height above sea level. 

AMPHIBIANS – A vertebrate group whose members spend part of their life cycle in water and 

part on land e.g. Frog. 

ANNEX I - of the EU Birds Directive, lists birds that are strictly protected so that they cannot be 

killed, captured, disturbed or traded. 

ANNEX I - of the EU Habitats Directive, lists habitats including priority habitats for which SACs 

have to be designated. 

ANNEX II - of the EU Birds Directive lists birds which may be hunted. 

ANNEX II - of the EU Habitats Directive is a list of species for which SACs have to be designated. 

ANNEX III - of the EU Habitats Directive gives the criteria for selecting sites to be designated as 

SACs. 

ANNEX IV - of the EU Habitats Directive lists animal and plant species of Community interest in 

need of strict protection. 

AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT – Rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, springs and features that depend on 

natural waters e.g. marsh, bogs and wetlands. 

ASIs - Areas of Scientific Interest. Areas that were identified in the 1970s as being of conservation 

interest. The NHA designation developed from ASIs. 

BERN CONVENTION – Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural 

Habitats. It obliges contracting States to protect a wide range of plant and animal species and their 

habitats through the formation of Biogenetic Reserves 

BIODIVERSITY – A general term used to describe all aspects of biological diversity, including: 

the number of species present in a given environment; the genetic diversity present within a 

species; the number of different ecosystems present within a given environment. 

BIRDS DIRECTIVE (Council Directive 79/ 409/ 2nd April 1979) - Under this Directive Ireland is 

required to conserve the habitats of two categories of wild birds: 1) Listed rare and vulnerable 

species and 2) Regularly occurring migratory species. The Directive also obliges Ireland to 

conserve wetlands, especially those of international importance and regulates the hunting and 



trading of wildbirds. It was transposed into Irish legislation by the EU (Natural Habitats) 

Regulations, 1997. 

BoCCI – Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland. A list of bird species prioritised for 

conservation in Ireland. The list is divided into Red (high conservation concern), Amber (medium 

conservation concern) and Green (not threatened). 

BONN CONVENTION - The convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild 

Animals. Ireland ratified this Convention in 1983. 

BRYOPHYTES - A group of simple non-vascular spore-bearing green plants comprising the 

mosses, liverworts and hornworts. 

CALCAREOUS - Made of or containing calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and therefore alkaline- 

limestone for example. 

CANOPY LAYER - The tallest tree layer in a wood. 

CARR - Shrub or woodland communities growing in waterlogged ground. 

CATCHMENT - An area of land draining to a defined point. The term river catchment refers to the 

area of land that drains into a particular river system. 

COMMUNITY - a well-defined assemblage of plants and/or animals, clearly distinguishable from 

other such assemblages. 

CONSERVATION STATUS - The sum of the influences acting on a habitat and its typical species 

that may affect its long term distribution, structure and functions. Also refers to the long-term 

survival of its typical species within the European territory of the Member States. 

COPPICING - The process of cutting trees or bushes close to the ground to allow new shoots to 

grow from the stump, on a rotational basis. 

CUTOVER BOG – Areas of bog which have been previously cut, although not down to the marl 

layer or bedrock. Cut-over areas are normally a mosaic of cut areas, face banks, pools, drainage 

ditches, uncut areas of peat, scrub, grassland etc. 

DAFF – The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. 

DEHLG - Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government 

DEVELOPMENT PLANS - Local Authorities (Co. Councils & Corporations) are obliged under 

statute to produce a document which sets out the planned development of their areas for a given 

number of years. In the future Local Authorities will be asked to incorporate designated NHAs, 

SACs and SPAs classifications into their development plans. 

DIVERSITY - see biodiversity. 

DCMNR – Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources 

DRUMLINS -A mound of glacial drift. 

ECOLOGY - The study of the interactions between organisms, and their physical, chemical and 

biological environment. 

ELEVATION - The height of something above a given place, usually above sea level. 

ENCROACHMENT - The invasion of a species (usually plants) into areas previously uncolonised. 

This term is often used when an undesirable species advances at the expense of a 

desirable species or habitat. 

ENVIRONMENT – The biological and physical conditions in which an organism lives. 

EPA – Environmental Protection Agency 

EUROPEAN BIRDS DIRECTIVE (79/ 409/ 2nd April 1979) - See Birds Directive. 

EUTROPHIC – Having high levels of nutrients or primary productivity. 


Appendix I: Glossary 

EUTROPHICATION - The nutrient enrichment of aquatic ecosystems usually by phosphates and 

nitrates. It may occur naturally but can also be the result of human activity (fertiliser run-off/ 

sewage discharge/ seepage from silage etc.). 

EXOTIC SPECIES - Are those species which are considered to be non native. 

FAUNA - Animal life. 

FAVOURABLE CONSERVATION STATUS - The conservation status of a natural habitat will be 

taken as “favourable” when: its natural range and areas it covers within that range are stable or 

increasing, and the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long term 

maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and the conservation 

status of its typical species is favourable. 

FEN – A peat-forming wetland system that is fed by groundwater or moving surface waters. 

FLORA - Plant life. 

FORMATION – A geological term for a body of rocks having easily recognised boundaries that 

can be traced in the field, and large enough to be represented on a geological map as a practical and 

convenient unit for mapping and description. 

GAME FISH - Salmonid fish, i.e. trout and salmon. 

GEOMORPHOLOGY – The study of the form and structure of the landscape, which is shaped by 

the underlying geology. 

GLEY – Soil type subject to waterlogging because of the high content of impermeable clays. 

HABITAT - Refers to the environment defined by specific abiotic and biotic factors, in which a 

species lives at any stage of its biological cycle. In general terms it is a species home. In the 

Habitats Directive this term is used more loosely to mean plant communities and areas to be given 

protection. 

HABITATS DIRECTIVE - (Council Directive 92/43/EEC). The Directive on the conservation of 

Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna. This Directive seeks to legally protect wildlife and 

its habitats. It was transposed into Irish legislation by the EU (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997. 

HUMMOCK - A small hillock/mound. Often used to describe the surface of active bogs where the 

ground forms a pattern of mounds, hollows and pools. Such hummocks commonly comprise bog 

mosses. 

HYDROLOGY - The movement of water through a catchment area including freshwater and 

seawater inputs, water level changes and drainage mechanisms which are all influenced by the 

underlying geology. 

I-WeBS - Irish Wetland Bird Survey, published by Birdwatch Ireland, summarises winter 

waterfowl counts from sites in the Republic of Ireland. 

INVERTEBRATES - Animals without backbones. 

LATITUDE – The angular distance measured in degrees north or south of the equator. 

LIMESTONE - Sedimentary rock composed predominantly of calcium carbonate, often containing 

fossils. 

LOCAL – A term used in ecology which is applied to distribution of species when assessed on a 

national grid reference system. The assessment is made on the basis of the number of occupied 10 

km National Grid squares. Local applies to 26-75, 10 km squares in this context. 

MARGINAL VEGETATION - At or near the margin or border, often used to describe the 

vegetation at the edge of a lake or river. 

MESOTROPHIC – In trophic status, mesotrophic is between oligotrophic and eutrophic and has 

moderate levels of primary production or nutrients. 


29


MONITORING – A repeat or repeats of a survey using the same methodology. Designed to look 

for or measure specific changes and the rate or extent of change. Used to check the “health” 

quantity or quality of a habitat or species. 

MULTIPLE PRIVATE OWNERSHIP- Lands that are divided into areas which are privately 

owned. There must be more than one private landowner under this heading. (lands in commonage 

are not described under this heading). 

NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE – NPWS is part of the Department of the 

Environment, Heritage & Local Government (DEHLG) that manages the Irish State's nature 

conservation responsibilities under National and European law. 

NATURA 2000 - A network of sites across the European Community, selected for the purpose of 

conserving natural habitats and species of plants and animals which are rare, endangered or 

vulnerable in the European Community. SACs and SPAs form the Natura 2000 network. 

NATURAL HERITAGE AREA – Designated areas that are important for wildlife conservation. 

Some of these sites are small, such as roosting areas for rare bats; others can be large such as a 

blanket bog or a sand dune system. 

NHA - Natural Heritage Area. 

NOTABLE SPECIES - Plants or animals which are worthy of mentioning either because they are 

particularly typical of a habitat, or because they are rare/ scarce/ atypical. 

NOTIFIABLE ACTIONS - Actions specified under the SAC regulations and are listed in the 

appendices of a conservation plan. These are actions which could cause damage to the site, and for 

which prior approval is required before they can be carried out. 

NPWS - National Parks and Wildlife Service 

OLIGO – Prefix denoting few or little 

OLIGOTROPHIC - Applied to waters that are relatively low in nutrients, as in lakes which are low 

in dissolved minerals and which can only support limited plant growth. 

OS – Ordnance Survey. 

PODZOL – An acid soil, characteristically with a thin organic layer above a highly leached mineral 

layer. 

PRECIPITATION - Water moving from the atmosphere to the ground in the form of rain, fog, 

mist, snow or hail. 

QUALIFYING INTERESTS – The habitat(s) and/or species for which an SAC or SPA is 

designated. 

Q-VALUE – A biological index of river water quality ranging from Q5 (good water quality) to Q1 

(bad water quality). 

RARE - An ecological term applied to distribution of species when assessed on a national grid 

reference system. The assessment is made on the basis of the number of occupied 10 km National 

Grid squares. A species is described as rare if has been recorded in to 3-10, 10 km squares. 

RARITY - Refers to how common or scarce a site/habitat/species is. 

RECLAIMED LAND - this is applied to lands which have been modified from their natural state 

by intervention such as: a) drainage, b) bulldozing, c) clearance of scrub, d) infilling of wetland, e) 

ploughing and reseeding. 

RED DATA BOOK – A register of threatened species that includes definitions of degrees of threat. 

RED DATA BOOK (lower plants) - This Red Data Book deals with Stoneworts which are 

recognised as a separate class, Characea, of the Green Algae Chlorophyta). Many of these species 

are threatened by loss of habitat or pollution. 


Appendix I: Glossary 

RED DATA BOOK 2 (mammals, birds, amphibians and fish) - identifies those species threatened 

in Ireland or those species whose populations are considered to be of international importance, 

though not necessarily threatened in Ireland. It details the current state of Irish vertebrates and 

provides a concise summary of the various legislation for each species. 

REPS - Rural Environment Protection Scheme. This is an Agri-Environmental programme which 

seeks to draw up agreements with farmers, according to the type of farming, landscape and features 

on the land. The overall objectives of REPS are to achieve: the use of farming practices which 

reduce the polluting effects of agriculture by minimising nutrient loss- an environmentally 

favourable extensification of crop farming, and sheep farming and cattle farming; - ways of using 

agricultural land which are compatible with protection and improvement of the environment, the 

countryside, the landscape, natural resources the soil and genetic diversity; - long-term set-aside of 

agricultural land for reasons connected with the environment; - land management for public 

access;- education and training for farmers in types of farming compatible with the requirements of 

environmental protection and upkeep of the countryside. 

REPTILES - Cold-blooded vertebrates, most of which are terrestrial, having dry horny skin with 

scales or plates. Most reptiles lay eggs that have a leathery skin, although some are ovoviviparous. 

SAC – Special Area of Conservation 

SCIENTIFIC MONITORING - this is carried out by the monitoring section of the NPWS, whose 

function here is to ensure that the favourable conservation status of the site is maintained and where 

possible improved. 

SEDIMENT - Solid particles that can originate by the weathering and erosion of pre-existing rock, 

by chemical precipitation from water, or by the breakdown of organisms. 

SEDIMENTARY - Formed by the deposition of sediment, i.e. rock particles or chemical 

precipitate, or pertaining to the process of sedimentation. 

SHALE - Fine-grained sedimentary rock, like mudstone but with an irregular parting. 

SPECIAL AREA OF CONSERVATION – Areas designated for nature conservation at a European 

level. SACs have been selected from the prime examples of wildlife conservation areas in Ireland. 

Their legal basis from which selection is derived is The Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC of the 21st 

May 1992). 

SPECIES - the lowest unit of classification normally used for plants and animals. 

STRATEGY - A course of action or a broad approach towards achieving an objective . It is the 

general thrust of management towards achieving an objective. It is a description of how the 

objective is to be achieved. 

SUSTAINABLE - The highest rate at which a renewable resource can be used without reducing its 

supply (without causing damage to the resource). 

TERRESTRIAL - A term used to refer to living on land. The opposite of aquatic. 

VERTEBRATES - Animals with backbones. 


31

APPENDIX II: REFERENCE 

MATERIAL 

Map References: 

O.S. 1/2 inch (1:126,720) map: 12, 13 

Databases: 

O.S. Discovery (1:50,000) map: 41, 42 

O.S. 6 inch (1: 10,560) map: WM007, WM008 

NHA database, NPWS, The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 7 Ely 

Place, Dublin 2. 

Natura 2000 database, NPWS, The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 7 

Ely Place, Dublin 2. 

I-WeBS Database, BirdWatch Ireland, Rockingham House, Newcastle, Co Wicklow 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENVision interactive environmental data map 

viewer: http://maps.epa.ie/InternetMapViewer/MapViewer.aspx 

Photographic Coverage: 

Aerial photo No. 4623, Flight Line 30. Date: 2000. NPWS, The Department of Environment, 

Heritage and Local Government, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2. 

Relevant Legislation: 

S.I. No. 39 of 1976: Wildlife Act 1976 

S.I. No. 38 of 2000: Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 

S.I. No. 94/1997: European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997. 

Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts 1963-2002. 

Bibliography: 

Aquatic Services Unit, Cork. 2004 & 2005. Water Quality Survey of Lough Derravarragh, Lough 

Lene & Lough Glore. For Westmeath Co. Council. 

Coillte. 2006. District Strategic Plan 2006-2010 Lakelands District N3. Newtownmountkennedy, 

Wicklow. 

Crowe, O. 2005. Ireland’s wetlands and their waterbirds: status and distribution. BirdWatch 

Ireland, Newcastle, County Wicklow. 

Department of Agriculture and Food. 2004. The Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) – 

Specification for REPS Planners in the Preparation of REPS 3 Plans. 

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/areasofi/reps3/reps3planner_spec_30june.doc 

European Commission. 2007. Interpretation Manual of European Habitats EUR 27. 

Flanagan, P.J. & Toner, P.F. 1975. A Preliminary Survey of Irish Lakes. An Foras Forbartha, 

Dublin. 


Appendix II: Reference Material 

Fossitt, J.A. 2000. A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny. 

Karst Working Group. 2000. The Karst of Ireland - limestone landscapes, Caves and Groundwater 

Drainage Systems. Geological Survey of Ireland, Dublin. 

Matthews, M. A. & Reynolds, J.D. 1992. Ecological impact of crayfish plague in Ireland. 

Hydrobiologia 234: 1-6. 

Matthews, M. A. & Reynolds, J.D. 1995. A population study of the White-Clawed Crayfish 

Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet) in an Irish Reservoir. Biology and Environment: 

Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 95B (2): 99-109. Dublin. 

Reynolds, J.D. 1982. Notes on the Irish distribution of the freshwater crayfish. Bulletin of the Irish 

Biogeographical Society 6: 18-24. 

Reynolds, J.D. 1988. Crayfish extinctions and crayfish plague in Central Ireland. Biological 

Conservation 45: 279-285. 

Reynolds, J.D. 2006. Methods for monitoring stocks of white-clawed crayfish in Irish lakes - 

Technical manual (draft version). NPWS Unpublished Report. 

Reynolds, J.D. & Matthews, M.A. 1996. Conservation strategies for the Irish Freshwater Crayfish. 

In: The conservation of Aquatic Systems. Reynolds, J.D. (ed.). Royal Irish Academy, Dublin. 

Reynolds, J.D. & Matthews, M.A. 1997. Successful reintroduction of crayfish to an Irish lake. 

Crayfish News 19 (2): 4-5. 

Preston, C.D., Pearman, D.A. and Dines, T.D. 2002. New Atlas of the British and Irish flora. 

Oxford University Press, Oxford. 

Rohan, P.K. 1986. The Climate of Ireland. Meteorological Service, Dublin. 

Scannell, M.J.P. and Synnott, D.M. 1987. Census catalogue of the flora of Ireland 2 nd ed. 

Stationery Office, Dublin. 

Sheppard, R., 1993. Ireland’s Wetland Wealth. IWC, Dublin. 

Stewart, N.F. & Church, J.M. 1992. Red Data Books of Britain & Ireland: Stoneworts. JNCC, 

Peterborough, UK. 

Westmeath County Council. 2008. Westmeath County Development Plan 2008-2014. 


33

APPENDIX III: CLIMATE 

MULLINGAR 

monthly and annual mean and extreme values 

1961-1990 

TEMPERATURE (degrees Celsius) jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec year 

mean daily max. 6.8 7.2 9.4 11.8 14.7 17.5 19 18.6 16.4 13.2 9.1 7.5 12.6 

mean daily min. 1.2 1.2 2 3.3 5.6 8.5 10.3 9.8 8.1 6.1 2.7 2 5.1 

mean 4 4.2 5.7 7.5 10.1 13 14.7 14.2 12.3 9.7 5.9 4.8 8.8 

absolute max. 13.3 14.7 20.1 22.6 25 28.8 29.7 28.9 24.4 21.6 17.3 14.6 29.7 

absolute min. -14.9 -8.7 -8.4 -3.9 -2.6 0.7 3.4 2.1 0 -4.2 -6.9 -12.4 -14.9 

mean no. of days with air frost 10.6 9.1 8 3.7 0.6 0 0 0 0 1.3 7.2 9.5 50 

mean no. of days with ground frost 17.5 15.6 14.2 10.8 4 0.6 0 0.2 1.4 4.6 13.2 15 97.2 

RELATIVE HUMIDITY (%) 

mean at 0900UTC 92 90 89 83 79 80 82 85 88 91 92 92 87 

mean at 1500UTC 85 79 73 68 68 70 70 72 74 79 83 86 76 

SUNSHINE (hours) 

mean daily duration 1.73 2.31 3.3 4.83 5.56 5.17 4.57 4.39 3.7 2.74 2.18 1.53 3.5 

greatest daily duration 8.1 9.5 11.8 13.9 15.5 16 15.6 14.4 11.7 10 8.9 7 16 

mean no. of days with no sun 11 8 5 3 2 2 2 2 4 6 9 12 66 

RAINFALL (mm) 

mean monthly total 93.1 66.3 72.3 59.1 72.4 66.2 61.8 81.2 85.9 94 88.2 93.8 934.3 

greatest daily total 31 38.7 29.5 21.6 42.2 26.2 69.8 49.9 42.2 60.2 48.6 54.1 69.8 

mean no. of days with >= 0.2mm 20 17 19 16 17 16 16 18 17 20 18 20 214 



WIND (knots) 

mean monthly speed 9.7 9.7 10 8.5 8 7.4 7.3 7.2 7.6 8.4 8.5 9.3 8.5 

max. gust 76 71 64 60 58 52 48 57 79 67 59 68 79 

max. mean 10-minute speed 45 41 42 37 36 35 28 34 45 45 39 45 45 

mean no. of days with gales 0.7 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.1 0 0 0 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 2.5 

WEATHER (mean no. of days with...) 

snow or sleet 6.4 5.7 4.4 1.9 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 1.2 3.6 23.5 

snow lying at 0900UTC 3.9 1.8 0.9 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 1.2 8.4 

hail 0.7 1 3.4 2.6 2 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.6 0.5 0.3 12.1 

thunder 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.9 1.1 1.3 0.7 0.3 0.2 0.2 0 5.3 

fog 6 4.5 3.3 3.2 2.7 2.5 2.8 5.3 5.8 5.6 5.6 5.5 52.6 

Source: Met Éireann 


APPENDIX IV: WATER QUALITY 

Water Quality Survey of Lough Derravarragh, Lough Lene & Lough Glore 

Aquatic Services Unit, Cork for Westmeath Co. Council 

Overall conclusions for 2004 (Lough Lene) (see Table 1) 

The key trophic status indicators, mean total phosphorus, mean chlorophyll a, maximum 

chlorophyll a and mean minimum transparency, placed Lough Lene into the mesotrophic category, 

whereas minimum transparency placed Lough Lene into the oligotrophic category (OECD 1982, 

Table 16). Therefore, L. Lene can be classified as being mainly mesotrophic in 2004 and thus 

remains suitable as a source of potable water and a game fishery provided that suitable monitoring, 

particularly in relation to blue-green algae, is carried out (see below). Lough Lene has shifted its 

borderline oligo-mesotrophic status towards mainly mesotrophic in 2004. 

The phytoplankton survey showed that cell concentrations in Lough Lene nearly doubled in 2004 

compared to 2003. However it should be pointed out this is solely due to the blue-green algae 

bloom in the month of October and to a lesser extent in May. Overall, cell volumes were generally 

low in the other 6 months, which is one of the characteristics of a less productive lake. However, 

the persistent presence of blue-green algae, and particularly the major blue-green algae bloom in 

October was a cause for concern. With this in mind, special vigilance should be maintained with 

regard to potential sources of diffuse nutrient run-off in the catchment. 

The zooplankton survey for 2004 on the other hand suggested that Lough Lene is the least 

productive among the four Westmeath lakes examined, i.e. L. Owel, L. Derravarragh, L. Lene and 

L. Glore. 

Overall conclusions for 2005 (Lough Lene) (see Table 2) 

The key trophic status indicators for lakes, mean total phosphorus, maximum chlorophyll a and 

mean transparency, placed Lough Lene in the mesotrophic category, whereas minimum 

transparency placed Lough Lene in the oligotrophic category and mean chlorophyll a placed it 

borderline between the mesotrophic and eutrophic categories. Therefore, Lough Lene can be 

classified as being mainly mesotrophic in 2005 and it thus remains suitable as a source of potable 

water and a game fishery. Monitoring, particularly for blue-green algae needs to be continued (see 

below). Lough Lene shifted its borderline oligo-mesotrophic status towards mainly mesotrophic in 

2005. 

The phytoplankton survey showed that in Lough Lene the average cell volume in 2005 (1.53 

mm 3 /l) was comparable to that in 2004 (1.50 mm 3 /l), but significantly higher than that in 2003 

(0.79 mm 3 /l). While the high average cell volume in 2004 was solely due to the blue-green algae 

bloom in the month of October and to a lesser extent in May, the 2005 average was due to a 

combination of moderate monthly biomass levels detected in April, July, August and October. 

Lough Lene had the greatest average phytoplankton biomass among the four loughs surveyed, i.e. 

Lough Owel, Lough Derravaragh, Lough Lene and Lough Glore in 2005. The persistent presence 

of blue-green algae, and particularly the blue-green algae bloom in August is a cause for concern. 

With this in mind, special vigilance should be maintained with regard to potential sources of 

diffuse nutrient run-off in the catchment. 



The zooplankton survey for 2005 on the other hand suggested that Lough Lene is the least 

productive among the four Westmeath lakes examined. 


Appendix IV: Water Quality 37 

Table 1. Results of the measurements of water quality characteristics in Lough Lene on 8 monthly sampling dates between March and October 

2004.Values shown are the range and arithmetic means of all values recorded for each parameter in the mixed layers of the lake on each date. 

Sample Date Total 

Phosphorus 

March 31st 

April 26th 

May 19th 

June 29th 

July 27th 

August 24th 

September 

28th 

October 26th 

Range over 8 

mths 

(Mean over 8 

mths) 

(mg P/l) 

0.010-0.013 

(0.012) 

0.009-0.013 

(0.010) 

0.010-0.019 

(0.012) 

0.013-0.015 

(0.014) 

0.008-0.015 

(0.012) 

0.014-0.019 

(0.015) 

0.012-0.019 

(0.015) 

0.011-0.017 

(0.014) 

0.008-0.019 

(0.013) 

Source: Aquatic Services Unit, Cork. 

Orthophosphate 

(mg P/l) 

0.001-0.002 

(0.001) 

0.000-0.000 

(0.000) 

0.000-0.002 

(0.001) 

0.000-0.002 

(0.001) 

0.000-0.000 

(0.000) 

0.000-0.001 

(0.000) 

0.000-0.002 

(0.001) 

0.001-0.002 

(0.002) 

0.000-0.002 

(0.001) 

Oxidised 

Nitrogen 

(mg N/l) 

0.003-0.010 

(0.005) 

0.000-0.003 

(0.001) 

0.000-0.023 

(0.009) 

0.000-0.000 

(0.000) 

0.000-0.004 

(0.000) 

0.000-0.003 

(0.000) 

0.000-0.001 

(0.001) 

0.000-0.012 

(0.007) 

0.000-0.023 

(0.003) 

Ammonia 

(mg N/l) 

0.009-0.013 

(0.011) 

0.008-0.014 

(0.011) 

0.010-0.049 

(0.017) 

0.003-0.012 

(0.007) 

0.006-0.006 

(0.006) 

0.006-0.010 

(0.007) 

0.007-0.012 

(0.010) 

0.005-0.010 

(0.007) 

0.003-0.049 

(0.010) 

Chlorophyll a 

(mg/ m 3 ) 

Transparency 

(m) 

Temperature 

(°C) 

Dissolved Oxygen 

% Saturation 


5.11-5.84 

(5.48) 

1.36-1.88 

(1.62) 

2.71-3.65 

(3.32) 

3.65-3.75 

(3.70) 

2.81-7.82 

(5.16) 

5.21-9.80 

(7.02) 

6.15-11.68 

(9.96) 

15.01-22.10 

(17.58) 

1.36-22.10 

(6.76) 

5.5-5.5 

(5.5) 

5.9-6.2 

(6.1) 

5.2-5.7 

(5.5) 

4.7-4.8 

(4.8) 

5.8-5.9 

(5.9) 

3.2-3.4 

(3.3) 

3.5-4.0 

(3.8) 

2.8-3.8 

(3.3) 

2.8-6.2 

(4.6) 

8.0-8.0 

(8.0) 

10.0-12.0 

(11.3) 

11.5-15.5 

(14.2) 

15.6-16.2 

(16.0) 

17.0-17.5 

(17.2) 

17.3-17.8 

(17.6) 

14.7-15.0 

(14.9) 

10.2-10.2 

(10.2) 

8.0-17.8 

(13.5) 

97-97 

(97) 

90-101 

(98) 

70-104 

(95) 

96-104 

(100) 

86-99 

(93) 

78-89 

(84) 

90-97 

(92) 

94-97 

(95) 

77-104 

(95)

Appendix IV: Water Quality Conservation Plan for Lough Lene cSAC — Site Code 2121 

Table 2. Results of the measurements of water quality characteristics in Lough Lene on 8 monthly sampling dates between March and October 2005. 

Values shown are the range and arithmetic means of all values recorded for each parameter in the mixed layers of the lake on each date. 

Sample Date Total 

Phosphorus 

March 30th 

April 25th 

May 29th 

June 27th 

July 21st 

August 30th 

October 4th 

October 18th 

Range over 8 

mths 

(Mean over 8 

mths) 

(mg P/l) 

0.013-0.016 

(0.014) 

0.014-0.019 

(0.016) 

0.013-0.026 

(0.017) 

0.012-0.017 

(0.014) 

0.014-0.018 

(0.016) 

0.012-0.034 

(0.020) 

0.015-0.026 

(0.017) 

0.014-0.019 

(0.015) 

0.012-0.034 

(0.016) 

Source: Aquatic Services Unit, Cork 

Orthophosphate 

(mg P/l) 

0.000-0.001 

(0.001) 

0.000-0.001 

(0.000) 

0.000-0.002 

(0.001) 

0.000-0.001 

(0.000) 

0.000-0.001 

(0.001) 

0.000-0.004 

(0.001) 

0.001-0.004 

(0.002) 

0.001-0.002 

(0.002) 

0.000-0.004 

(0.001) 

Oxidised 

Nitrogen 

(mg N/l) 

0.085-0.102 

(0.093) 

0.053-0.070 

(0.060) 

0.000-0.000 

(0.000) 

0.002-0.017 

(0.007) 

0.007-0.008 

(0.008) 

0.000-0.005 

(0.001) 

0.000-0.000 

(0.000) 

0.000-0.002 

(0.000) 

0.000-0.102 

(0.022) 

Ammonia 

(mg N/l) 

0.022-0.031 

(0.026) 

0.007-0.017 

(0.012) 

0.014-0.019 

(0.016) 

0.000-0.066 

(0.010) 

0.004-0.010 

(0.007) 

0.003-0.012 

(0.007) 

0.009-0.015 

(0.012) 

0.011-0.040 

(0.017) 

0.000-0.066 

(0.014) 

Chlorophyll a 

(mg/ m3 ) 

4.48-5.94 

(5.28) 

Transparency 

Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government 38 CS Version 1.01 2009 

8.55-8.97 

(8.74) 

3.75-4.38 

(4.03) 

2.71-4.27 

(3.56) 

5.84-9.59 

(8.57) 

9.80-13.55 

(12.20) 

10.22-11.68 

(11.03) 

12.20-13.87 

(12.95) 

2.71-13.87 

(8.29) 

(m) 

7.3-7.8 

(7.6) 

5.0-5.0 

(5.0) 

5.3-6.0 

(5.7) 

4.1-5.0 

(4.6) 

3.5-4.0 

(3.8) 

4.1-4.6 

(4.4) 

3.4-3.5 

(3.5) 

3.1-3.2 

(3.2) 

3.1-7.8 

(4.7) 

Temperature 

(°C) 

9.0-9.5 

(9.2) 

10.0-10.0 

(10.0) 

13.4-14.2 

(13.9) 

15.4-20.2 

(18.4) 

18.5-19.0 

(18.8) 

17.5-18.0 

(17.9) 

13.0-13.5 

(13.4) 

12.5-13.0 

(13.0) 

9.0-20.2 

(14.1) 

Dissolved Oxygen 

% Saturation 

97-100 

(98) 

101-105 

(102) 

96-101 

(98) 

72-143 

(110) 

97-106 

(103) 

94-107 

(102) 

92-95 

(94) 

86-97 

(94) 

72-143 

(101)

APPENDIX V: I-WEBS BIRD COUNT DATA 

I-WeBS Site: Lough Lene cSAC 

Species Name 

Season 

1995/96 

Season 

1996/97 

Season 

1997/98 


Season 

1998/99 

Season 

1999/00 

Season 

2001/02 

Season 

2002/03 

4 Counts 3 Counts 4 Counts 4 Counts 3 Counts 1 Count 1 Count 7 Seasons 

counted 

Peak Month Peak Month Peak Month Peak Peak Month Month Peak Month Peak 

Mean of 

Month 

Peak 

Little Grebe 25 Dec 22 Nov 35 Sep 48 Sep 57 Sep 2 Jan 

Great Crested Grebe 7 Feb 7 Nov 15 Sep 6 Feb 11 Sep 7 Jan 1 Jan 8 

Cormorant 29 Nov 26 Nov 18 Sep 13 Sep 14 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 15.5 

Grey Heron 3 Nov 1 Nov 3 Dec 2 Sep 

Mute Swan 5 Feb 7 Nov 6 Feb 6 Feb 3 Jan 

Wigeon 4 Nov 110 Jan 55 Feb 200 Dec 4 Jan 

Teal 12 Nov 10 Jan 4 Dec 

Mallard 150 Dec 20 Nov 50 Jan 270 Dec 43 Jan 

Pintail 

1 Jan 

27 

2 

2 Jan 5 

1 Jan 62 

Shoveler 

4 Nov 

4 

I-Webs: Irish Wetland Bird Survey data: Mean and Peak Monthly Counts 1994 – 2001 

N Counts = Number of Counts, Peak = Peak Count for Season, Month = Month of Peak Count, Mean of Peak = Mean of all the Peak Counts. Large bold type indicates nationally important numbers. 

*Species listed on Annex I of Birds Directive I 

9 

107 

1

Appendix V: I-WeBS Bird Count Data Conservation Plan for Lough Lene cSAC — Site Code 2121 

I-WeBS Site: L ough Lene cSAC (continued…………….) 

Species Name 

Red Crested Pochard 

Season 

1995/96 

Season 

1996/97 

Season 

1997/98 


Season 

1998/99 

Season 

1999/00 

Season 

2001/02 

Season 

2002/03 

4 Counts 3 Counts 4 Counts 4 Counts 3 Counts 1 Count 1 Count 7 Seasons 

counted 

Peak Month Peak Month Peak Month Peak 

Mean of 

Peak Month Month Peak Month Peak Month 

Peak 

1 Jan 

Pochard 431 Dec 599 Jan 700 Dec 400 Dec 350 Jan 39 Jan 9 Jan 383 

Tufted Duck 121 Feb 202 Jan 180 Jan 49 Dec 20 Jan 245 Jan 48 Jan 120 

Goldeneye 104 Feb 31 Jan 60 Jan 121 Dec 59 Jan 

Sep/ 

42 Jan 7 Jan 53 

Coot 15 Feb 10 Feb 

Jan/ 

4 Dec 1 Jan 

7.5 

Moorhen 4 Feb 2 Nov 2 Feb 3 Dec 

3 

Water Rail 2 Nov 

Lapwing 25 Jan 40 Dec 

Curlew 3 Mar 

Black-headed Gull 207 Feb 50 Mar 27 Jan 

Jan/ 

136 Mar 11 Sep 

86 

Herring Gull 1 Jan 2 Feb 

1.5 

I-Webs: Irish Wetland Bird Survey data: Mean and Peak Monthly Counts 1994 – 2001 

N Counts = Number of Counts, Peak = Peak Count for Season, Month = Month of Peeak Count, Mean of Peak = Mean of all the Peak Counts. Large bold type indicates nationally important numbers. 

*Species listed on Annex I of Birds Directive I 

1 

2 

32.5 

3

APPENDIX VI: COMPENSATION 

PROCEDURES 

The Government is committed, as part of the social partnership process, to the payment of a fair 

and proper level of compensation to landowners who have lands proposed as part of an SAC or 

SPA and to other users who have a legal entitlement in the site. 

A landowner or user with a legal entitlement may seek compensation for actual losses incurred due 

to restrictions imposed as a result of designation. Eligible persons should submit to NPWS details 

of the losses incurred as a result of the inclusion of lands in an SAC/SPA and outlining the basis for 

the calculations. Documentary evidence of past earnings and the activities that produced these 

should be included with the claim. Should the applicant be dissatisfied with a compensation offer, 

the case may be referred to an independent arbitrator who will review the matter and make a final 

decision. 

Where a landowner or user with a legal entitlement is restricted in carrying out an activity on their 

land or licensed area, the compensation due will exclude any payments that have been attracted 

under grant schemes. 

For farmers, there are two options available for receiving compensation for possible restrictions to 

their farming practices. Farmers may also receive payments for carrying out actions that enhance a 

nature conservation area. 

Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) 

Lands within SACs, SPAs, NHAs or commonages are defined as ‘Target Areas’ under this scheme. 

A REPS plan usually covers an entire farm, but a farmer with land in a target area receives a higher 

payment for that area. Farmers with small areas of land in a designated area can get REPS 

payments for that part of their farm. In either case, the farmer is subject to certain conditions 

regarding farming and land use practices, set out in the REPS plan for the farm. REPS is 

administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. 

NPWS Farm Plan Scheme 

Where a farmer chooses not to participate in REPS, and NPWS seeks to change the farm operation 

in some way or to restrict a particular activity, NPWS will pay for preparation of a farm plan. This 

scheme also applies to land within SACs, SPAs, NHAs and commonages. 

An NPWS farm plan will normally be confined just to the designated land and will address the 

conservation requirements, as well as any costs arising. Payment may also be made for work 

carried out that enhances the nature conservation value of the designated area. The farmer will have 

a substantial input into the plan. 

A list of trained and approved farm planners is available for farmers to choose from. For further 

information, contact NPWS. 


APPENDIX VII: NOTIFIABLE 

ACTIONS 

The notifiable actions relating to the habitats that occur within the site are listed below: 

• Notifiable Action 2.2 Dry lowland grasslands 

• Notifiable Action 2.3 Wet lowland grasslands 

• Notifiable Action 4.1 Raised bog, cutaway bog, bog woodland 

• Notifiable Action 4.2 Fens, transition mires, petrifying springs 

• Notifiable Action 5.1 Woodlands 

• Notifiable Action 5.2 Scrub 

• Notifiable Action 6.1 Rivers or streams. 

• Notifiable Action 6.2 Lakes, ponds, canals, 

• Notifiable Action 6.3 Marshes and reedbeds 

• Notifiable Action 7.1 Ditches, hedges, cereals and intensive grasslands, walls, buildings, 

waste ground, bare soil, parkland grassland, bracken 

• Notifiable Action 8.3 River lamprey, sea lamprey, brook lamprey, salmon, twaite shad, fresh 

water pearl mussels, white-clawed crayfish, Killarney shad 


Appendix VII: Notifiable Actions 

HABITAT TYPE 2.2 

DRY LOWLAND GRASSLANDS 

Under STATUTORY INSTRUMENT 94 of 1997, made under the EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

ACT 1972 and in accordance with the obligations inherent in the COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 

92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 (the Habitats Directive) on the conservation of the natural habitats and 

species of wild fauna and flora, all persons must obtain the written consent, (in circumstances 

prescribed at section A and B below) of the Minister for The Environment, Heritage and Local 

Government before performing any of the operations on, or affecting, the following habitats where 

they occur on lands / waters within the candidate Special Area of Conservation. 

Please note that where a landowner has a current approved plan under the Rural Environment 

Protection Scheme or any scheme which the Minister considers to be equivalent s/he need only 

notify the Minister of activities not covered in the plan. 

SECTION A 

Please note that the activities listed in Section A 

overleaf are required to be notified to the Minister 

for The Environment, Heritage and Local 

Government and should not be undertaken before 

consent. 

SECTION B 

Please note that the activities listed in Section B 

overleaf may, and in most cases do, require a 

licence or consent from another statutory authority 

(e.g. the local planning authority, the Minister for 

the Marine and Natural Resources, or the Minister 

for Agriculture and Food). 

If so, these notifiable actions do not apply. 

However, if such activities are not regulated by 

another statutory authority, the said activities are 

required to be notified to the Minister for The 

Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 


43



DRY LOWLAND GRASSLANDS 

Section A 

THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, 

HERITAGE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS 

REQUIRED TO BE NOTIFIED IN RELATION 

TO THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES AND 

SUCH ACTIVITIES SHOULD NOT PROCEED 

WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT 

grazing of livestock above a sustainable density (as 

defined in approved farm plans)/grazing by 

livestock treated within the previous week with a 

pesticide which leaves persistent residues in the 

dung 

changing of traditional use from hay meadow (to 

either grazing or silage making), or from grazing to 

silage cutting 

adding lime/adding fertiliser of any sort to areas not 

previously fertilised/ applying fertiliser which 

would increase the level of nitrogen in the 

soil/applying fertiliser which would increase the 

level of phosphorous in the soil/ applying 

phosphorous to soils which already have in excess 

of the REPS index 2 levels mowing grass before 

the 30th June (Note; if you have been notified that 

your lands hold breeding corncrakes, or certain 

rare meadows, special provisions will apply) 

burning of vegetation /ploughing or cultivation of 

lands which have not been so managed for the last 

20 years 

reclamation, infilling, or land drainage/ reseeding, 

planting of trees or any other species use of any 

pesticide or herbicide 

dumping, burning or storing any materials 

alteration of the banks, bed or low of watercourses 

operation of commercial recreation facilities (e.g. 

pony trekking)/introduction (or re-introduction) 

into the wild of plants or animals of species not 

currently found in the area 

any other activity of which notice may be given by 

the Minister from time to time 

Section B 

(NO REQUIREMENT TO NOTIFY IF 

ALREADY LICENSED BY ANOTHER 

MINISTER/BODY) 

developing leisure facilities including golf courses, 

sports pitches, caravan or camping facilities. 

removal of soil, mud, gravel, sand or minerals 

developing roads or car parks 

construction of fences, buildings or 

embankments 

afforestation 

In a very limited number of cases it may be necessary for the Minister for The Environment, 

Heritage and Local Government to restrict existing activities. In these cases compensation will be 

payable for actual losses arising out of any such restriction. In the event of restrictions being 

imposed by the Minister for The Environment, Heritage and Local Government, an appropriate 

appeals procedure will be put in place. 




WET LOWLAND GRASSLANDS 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 













45



WET LOWLAND GRASSLANDS 

Section A 











dung 




adding lime/adding fertiliser of any sort to areas not 

previously fertilised/ applying fertiliser which 

would increase the level of nitrogen in the 

soil/applying fertiliser which would increase the 

level of phosphorous in the soil/ applying 

phosphorous to soils which already have in excess 

of the REPS index 2 levels mowing grass before 

the 30th June (Note; if you have been notified that 

your lands hold breeding corncrakes, or certain 

rare meadows, special provisions will apply) 

burning of vegetation 

reclamation, infilling, ploughing or land drainage/ 

reseeding, planting of trees or any other species use 

of any pesticide or herbicide 


alteration of the banks, bed or low of watercourses 


pony trekking)/introduction (or re-introduction) 

into the wild of plants or animals of species not 

currently found in the area 



Section B 









embankments 

afforestation 









RAISED BOG, CUTAWAY BOG AND BOG WOODLAND 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 













47



RAISED BOG, CUTAWAY BOG AND BOG WOODLAND 

Section A 







grazing of livestock/grazing by livestock treated 

within the previous week with a pesticide which 

leaves persistent residues in the dung 

adding lime/adding fertiliser of any sort 

creation of new tracks or paths 

burning areas of vegetation reclamation, infilling, 

or ploughing /reseeding, planting of trees or any 

other species/cutting trees or removing timber 

drainage works on the bog or within the local water 

catchment area 

cutting turf or peat moss extraction 

use of any pesticide or herbicide, including sheep 

dip 


alteration of the banks, bed or flow of watercourses 


botanical tours) 

introduction (or re-introduction) into the wild of 

plants or animals of species not currently found in 

the area 



Section B 









embankments 

afforestation 

erecting or operating a windfarm 









FENS, TRANSITION MIRES, PETRIFYING SPRINGS 











SECTION A 


beloware required to be notified to the Minister for 

The Environment, Heritage and Local Government 

and should not be undertaken before consent. 

SECTION B 













49



FENS, TRANSITION MIRES, PETRIFYING SPRINGS 

Section A 








defined in approved farm plans) 

grazing by livestock treated within the previous 

week with a pesticide which leaves persistent 

residues in the dung 




adding lime within 50m of the fen or a water course 

running into it 

adding fertiliser of any sort within 50m or a water 

course running into it 

extracting water for irrigation or other purposes 

mowing grass before the 30th June (Note; if you 

have been notified that your lands hold breeding 

corncrakes, or certain rare meadows, special 

provisions will apply) 

supplementary feeding of stock 

operation of boat angling or shore angling business 

restocking with fish. 

reclamation, infilling, ploughing or land drainage 

within 50m of the fen 

reseeding, planting of trees or any other species 

within 50m of the fen 

use of any pesticide or herbicide within 50m of fen 

dumping, burning or storing any materials within 

50m of the fen 


within the fen or running into or out of it 

harvesting reed or willow 


bird watching tours) 



the area any other activity of which notice may be 

given by the Minister from time to time 

Section B 






any activity which might cause pollution of the fen 



construction of fences, buildings or embankments 

afforestation 









51



WOODLANDS 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 















WOODLANDS 

Section A 







grazing by livestock 

adding lime 

adding fertiliser of any sort 



felling of trees, removal of timber 

removal of foliage, moss or other materials 

killing ivy 

use of any pesticide or herbicide 







the area 



Section B 






any activity which may cause pollution of the 

woodland 




embankments 

felling trees or reafforestation 







53



SCRUB 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 















SCRUB 

Section A 











dung 

supplementary feeding of stock (as defined in 

approved farm plans) 

adding lime /adding fertiliser of any sort 

reclaiming land covered by scrub; if scrub is cut it 

must be allowed to regrow 



felling of trees, removal of timber 

removal of foliage, moss or other materials 

killing ivy 

use of any pesticide or herbicide /dumping, burning 

or storing any Materials 



walking tours) 



the area 



Section B 






any activity which may cause pollution of the site 




embankments 

felling trees or reafforestation 







55



RIVERS OR STREAMS 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 















RIVERS OR STREAMS 

Section A 







grazing of livestock above a sustainable density 

(as defined in approved farm plans) within 30m of 

the river or stream/grazing by livestock treated 

within the previous week with a pesticide which 

leaves persistent residues in the dung within 30m of 

the river or stream 

supplementary feeding of stock within 30m of the 

river or stream/adding lime within 30m of the river 

or stream/adding fertiliser of any sort within 30m 

of the river or stream 


operation of boat angling or shore angling business/ 

restocking with fish 


within 30m of the river or stream/ reseeding, 

planting of trees or any other species within 30m of 

the river or stream/ removal of trees or any aquatic 

vegetation within 30m of the river/stream/ use of 

any pesticide or herbicide in the river or stream or 

within 30m of the river or stream 

dumping rubbish or other materials or disposing of 

any chemicals or wastes in streams/rivers or into 

water-courses running into them 


30m of the river/stream including the land 

spreading of used pesticides (e.g. sheep 

dip)./alteration of the banks, channel, bed or flow 

of the river or stream 

harvesting or burning of reed or willow. 

causing siltation/ operation of commercial 

recreation facilities (e.g. bird watching tours) 



the area 



Section B 






any activity which might cause pollution of the 

river or stream 




construction or operation of an aquaculture facility. 

fishing for eels or salmon 

bank maintenance and grading 

creation of weirs and dams 







57



LAKES, PONDS AND CANALS 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 















LAKES, PONDS AND CANALS 

Section A 







grazing of livestock above a sustainable density as 

defined in approved farm plans) within 50m of the 

lake, pond or canal 






adding lime within 50m of the lake, pond or canal 

/adding fertiliser of any sort within 50m of the lake, 

pond or canal 


operation of boat angling or shore angling business/ 


within 50m of the lake, pond or canal: reclamation, 

infilling, ploughing or land drainage 


/removal of trees or any aquatic vegetation/use of 

any pesticide or herbicide in the lake, pond or canal 

or within 50m of the lake, pond or canal 



water-courses running into them. 


50m of the lake pond or canal including the land 

spreading of used pesticides (e.g. sheep dip). 

alteration of the banks, channel, bed or flow of the 

lake, pond or canal or of watercourses running into 

or out of it 


causing siltation 

operation of commercial recreation facilities 

(e.g. bird watching tours) 



the area 



Section B 











construction or operation of an aquaculture Facility. 

fishing for eels or salmon 







59







MARSHES AND REEDBEDS 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 













61



MARSHES AND REEDBEDS 

Section A 









marsh or reedbed 






adding lime within 50m of the marsh or reedbed 

adding fertiliser of any sort within 50m of the 



operation of boat angling or shore angling Business 



within 50m of the marsh or reedbed 


within 50m of the marsh or reedbed 

removal of trees or any aquatic vegetation within 

50m of the marsh or reedbed 

use of any pesticide or herbicide in the marsh or 

reedbed or within 50m of the marsh or reedbed 


any chemicals or wastes in marsh or reedbed or into 

water-courses Running into them. 


50m of the marsh or reedbed including the land 



marsh or reedbed or of watercourses running into 

or out of it 


causing siltation 





the area 



Section B 












fishing for eels 











63



DITCHES, HEDGES, CEREALS AND INTENSIVE GRASSLANDS, WALLS, 

BUILDINGS, WASTE GROUND, BARE SOIL, PARKLAND GRASSLAND, BRACKEN, 

CAVES, OR QUARRIES 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 















DITCHES, HEDGES, CEREALS AND INTENSIVE GRASSLANDS, WALLS, 

BUILDINGS, WASTE GROUND, BARE SOIL, PARKLAND GRASSLAND, BRACKEN, 

CAVES, OR QUARRIES 

Section A 







disturbance of bats 





the area 



Section B 




developing leisure facilities including sports 

pitches, caravan or camping facilities. 


construction of fences, buildings and embankments 

afforestation 







65



RIVER LAMPREY, SEA LAMPREY, BROOK LAMPREY, SALMON, TWAITE SHAD, 

WHITE-CLAWED CRAYFISH, FRESH WATER PEARL MUSSEL 

(It is an offence under Wildlife Act 1976 to kill, injure or disturb these species) 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 





The Marine and Natural Resources, or the Minister 










RIVER LAMPREY, SEA LAMPREY, BROOK LAMPREY, SALMON, TWAITE SHAD, 

WHITE-CLAWED CRAYFISH, FRESH WATER PEARL MUSSEL 

Section A 







fishing for fresh-water pearl mussels 



river or stream 





river or stream/adding lime within 30m of the river 

or stream adding fertiliser of any sort within 30m 

of the river or stream extracting water for irrigation 

or other purposes 

operation of boat angling or shore angling business, 

restocking with fish 





removal of trees or any aquatic vegetation within 

30m of the river/stream 

use of any pesticide or herbicide in the river or 

stream or within 30m of the river or stream 



water-courses running into them 


30m of the river/stream including the land 



river or stream/harvesting or burning of reed or 

willow./causing siltation 





the area 



Section B 




culture of crayfish 


Fishing for eels or salmon 






67






APPENDIX VIII: NATIONAL 

PARKS AND WILDLIFE CONTACT 

DETAILS 

National Parks and Wildlife Service 

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government 

7 Ely Place, 

Dublin 2 

Phone Lo Call 1890 202021, (01) 8882000 

Fax (01) 8883272 

www.npws.ie 


SCALE : 1:17,500 

0 125 250 500 M eters 

¯ 

CE AN TAR SPE ISIALTA CAO M HN AITHE 

CAN DIDATE SPE CIAL AR E A O F CO N SE R VATIO N 

LOUGH LENE 002121 

Boundary Version 1.00 

Date: June 2009 

O .S. sixinch sheets: wm 007, wm 008 

The m apped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. 

Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. 

R eproduced from O rdnance Survey m aterial by perm ission of the Governm ent (Perm it num ber E N 0059208). 

N íl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscá ileanna ach nod garshuiom hach gineará lta. 

F éadfar athbhreithnithe a déanam h ar theorainneacha na gceantar com harthaithe. 

M acasam hail d’á bhar na Suirbhéarachta O rdoná is le chead ón R ialtas (Ceadunas U im h. E N 0059208) 

Co. Westmeath 

MAP 1: 

UV 

UV 

MULLINGAR 

! 

SITE LOCATION AND BOUNDARY 

DELVIN 

!

CE AN TAR SPE ISIALTA CAO M HN AITHE 


The m apped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. R eproduced from O rdnance 

Survey material by perm ission of the Governm ent (Perm it num ber E N 0059208). 

N íl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscá ileanna ach nod garshuiomhach gineará lta. F éadfar athbhreithnithe a déanam h ar theorainneacha na gceantar 

com harthaithe. M acasamhail d’á bhar na Suirbhéarachta O rdoná is le chead ón R ialtas (Ceadunas U im h. E N 0059208) 

LOUGH LENE 

CO U N TY W E STM E ATH 

0 125 250 500 

Meters 

Scale: 

1:12,500 

¯ 

MAP 2: OWNERSHIP MAP 

M ap to be read in conjunction with N PW S Conservation Statem ent 

version 1.01 


Legend 

SITE CODE 

cSAC 002121 

Version: 1.00 

Date: 

June 2009 

Coilte

CE AN TAR SPE ISIAL TA CAO M HN AITHE 


The m apped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. R eproduced from O rdnance 

Survey m aterial by perm ission of the Governm ent (Perm it num ber E N 0059208). 

N íl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscá ileanna ach nod garshuiomhach gineará lta. F éadfar athbhreithnithe a déanam h ar theorainneacha na gceantar 

com harthaithe. M acasamhail d’á bhar na Suirbhéarachta O rdoná is le chead ón R ialtas (Ceadunas U im h. E N 0059208) 

À 

LOUGH LENE 

CO U N TY W E STM E ATH 

0 125 250 500 

Meters 

Scale: 

1:15,500 

¯ 

Legend 

! ! ! 

3140 Hard oligo-m esotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. 

F W 2 Depositing/lowland rivers 

GA1 Im proved agricultural grassland 

GS1 Dry calcareous and neutral grassland 

GS2 Dry m eadows and grassy verges 

GS4 W et grassland 

PB4 Cutover bog 

PF 1 R ich fen and flush 

W N 6 W et wilow-alder-ash woodland 

! ! ! W N 7 Bog woodland 

W D1 (M ixed) broadleaved woodland 

! ! ! ! 

! ! ! ! W D2 M ixed broadleaved/conifer woodland 

! ! ! ! W S 1 Scrub 

W L 2 Treelines 

BL 3 Buildings and artificial surfaces 

MAP 3: 

INDICATIVE HABITAT MAP 

M ap to be read in conjunction with N PW S Conservation Statem ent 

version 1.01 


SITE CODE 

cSAC 002121 

Version: 1.00 

Date: 

June 2009

Lough Lene cSAC Site Code 2121 Co. Westmeath - National Parks ...

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