This article is from page 12 of the 2006-10-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
AN TAISCE has stated that it is concerned over the impact that the proposed €20 million greyhound stadium may have on otters in the River Shannon.
The trust has stated in a submission to Clare County Council that the welfare of the otters is its main concern. Otters are protected under the EU Habitats Directive.
The future of the otters in the area has also attracted the attention of the Government’s National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
In its submission to the council, the NPWS has asked the council that the developers carry out a second survey of otters in the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The NWPS said that the first survey contained in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was inconclusive because of large rainfall.
“Particular attention should be given to the likely effects on otters of habitat fragmentation, including creation of barrier and avoidance, as a result of the proposed development and the nearby Limerick Southern Relief Road.
“This should include underpasses or safe routes for otters to traverse the existing N18 in that general area and should extend outside the immediate site boundaries.
“If forced onto the road, otters will be killed and this would also create a hazard for road traffic.”
The NPWS states that the part of the application site is located within the Lower River Shannon SAC and “in our opinion, there will be direct and indirect impacts on parts of these sites as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed development”.
The NWPS state: “In order to assess the likely effects on birds and on the SPA, dedicated wintering and breeding bird surveys should be undertaken.”
The plan is to construct the five storey stadium and a three storey office building at Meelick.
A decision is due on the application later this year.