Newlands Cross Upgrade EIS - European Investment Bank

South Dublin County Council N7 Newlands Cross Upgrade
Environmental Impact Statement
Arup Consulting Engineers
predicted concentration levels were compared to the relevant air quality standards (AQS). The
results of modelling indicate that emissions to atmosphere will be within the relevant ambient
AQSs.
During the construction phase, the potential for significant dust emissions during construction
arises during site clearance and excavation in dry weather. Construction dust emissions will be
controlled via a construction environmental management plan.
Provided the appropriate mitigation measures are undertaken, the proposed scheme is not
predicted to have a residual impact on air quality.
NTS10. CLIMATE
The impact of the proposed development on climate was considered for both macro-climate
and micro-climate. The climate of a large geographic area (global) is defined as macroclimate.
The climate in the immediate local area of a development is known as the microclimate.
The potential macro-climatic impact of the proposed development was considered in relation
to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and Ireland’s obligations under the Kyoto Protocol
(Framework Convention On Climate Change, 1997; Framework Convention On Climate
Change Ireland, 1999). The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) screening
spreadsheet was used to calculate CO2 emissions associated with the proposed scheme.
The potential micro-climatic impacts of the proposed development were assessed in relation to
existing micro-climatic conditions, the size of the proposed development and the nature of use
of the surrounding environment.
The CO2 emissions generated as a result of the proposed development will not be significant
in terms of Ireland’s commitment under the Kyoto protocol.
The results of the micro-climatic assessment show that the impacts will not be significant.
There are no residual impacts on climate predicted as a result of the proposed development.
NTS11. ECOLOGY
Three ecological sites containing some semi-natural habitat are located along the southern
boundary of the existing N7 Naas Road at Newlands Cross, Dublin. Habitats present include,
mixed woodland, immature woodland, scattered trees and parkland and managed grassland.
These sites are of moderate to low ecological value but of some local importance for wildlife.
No watercourses are directly impacted by the proposed road upgrade.
Badger foraging signs were recorded in the ecological sites and one disused badger sett was
found along the boundary of the proposed land take area. A number of mature trees show
potential to act as bat roosts.
There will be minor temporary negative impacts to ecological sites during construction along
lands located south of the existing road. There will be temporary loss of habitat within the
working area inside the CPO line. Habitats that are damaged and disturbed will be left to
regenerate naturally or will be rehabilitated and landscaped, as appropriate, once construction
is complete.
There will be minor temporary negative impacts on fauna during the construction stage as a
result of disturbance to habitats, and from noise, light, the use of machinery, and presence of
people. These impacts will be reduced following construction but there will be some ongoing
disturbance during operation.
December 2007 Page NTS8