Minutes
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Subject: |
N22 Route Options Workshop |
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Issued by: |
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Date: |
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Location: |
Guildford, UK |
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Present: |
Richard
Thomas |
James
Dessain |
Moira
Ludlam |
Warren
Jose |
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Julian
Galloway |
Nicola
Martin |
Matt
Pickard |
Steve
Crudge |
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Matt
Cunningham |
Senan
Clandillon |
Jane
Sladen |
John
Baple |
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Steve
Davies |
Andrew
Barbour |
Tom
Comerford |
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Minutes of N22 Ballyvourney
– Macroom – Ballincollig Road Project
Introduction: JD provided a brief introduction outlining the purpose and objectives
of the workshop, and the Programme Key Milestones.
Key Constraints: Five minutes was allocated to each person to describe the key
Constraints relevant to their particular input into the Project to date.
Ecology (MP): There are six designated sites (Primary Constraints) located within
the Study Area which should be avoided if at all possible. These are: The
Gearagh (SPA etc), St Gobnet’s Wood (pSAC, pNHA), Prohus Wood (pNHA),
Boylegrove (pNHA), Gough Gal (pNHA) and Glashagarriff River (pNHA). There is
also a “Bat” Site at Dunisky. There are also a number of “other” sites which
are considered valuable in terms of ecology.
Further comments:
Habitats towards the
western end of the Study Area (SA) are considered more important than those at
the eastern end.
All Rivers within the SA
are considered to be ecologically sensitive also.
The Bride River, Lee River
and the “Bat” Site are potential SAC sites?
The NHA’s are considered
to be of lesser importance than SAC sites, however they are all very important
(Dúchas).
In terms of Ecology, the
Route Options towards the western end of the SA should pass to the north of
Ballyvourney.
Archaeology (JG): There are five sites (Monuments) in Ownership or
Guardianship of the Minister (Primary Constraints): Graveyard of the Franciscan
Abbey at Kilcrea, Lissacresig Ring fort and Stone Circle, Carrigaphooca Castle
and Carrigaphooca Multiple Stone Circle. There are also an additional 844
archaeological sites which are scattered across the SA.
Possible need for an
Archaeological Survey during the SI for the Preferred Route.
Agriculture (NM): In terms of Agriculture, the most productive land
is located to the east of the SA, east of Macroom. In general, the farms east of Macroom are larger and more
productive. Conversely, the farms to the west of Macroom are smaller and less
productive.
It appears that Scenic
Importance Areas, Scientific Importance Areas, Scenic Routes and Views fall
under the protection of the Local Planning Authority, and are not Nationally
protected. In these areas development “must not dominate the landscape” (CCC
Development Plan).
Land Use / Services (WJ): The land use within the SA is mainly agricultural.
There are also a number of quarries, and there is one current Mineral
Exploration Licence for an area near a quarry at Ovens.
The main services in the
SA comprise: ESB High Voltage Power Lines, the two dams and hydro power
facility, Group Water Schemes and Sewerage Schemes with associated reservoirs
and treatment works (Ballyvourney / Ballymakerra and Macroom), RTE transmission
towers, and Optic Fibre (likely along N22 and proposed at Ovens) .
The two dam structures and
the quarries (possibly) would be considered as Primary Constraints.
Geology (JB): There are two basic rock formations: Sandstones/Mudstones and
Limestones. The overburden soils are likely to comprise sands and gravels,
which is consistent with the number of existing sand and gravel quarries
located within the SA. The small number of soft soil / alluvial deposits
located within the SA are not likely to be very thick.
There are no real
geological constraints, however the route options should avoid areas of
flooding.
The major constraint will
be Topography.
Hydrogeology (JS): The limestone formation located within the SA are
described as having “Karst. Good Development Potential” and “Fissure Flow”. Two
Karst features have been also identified within the SA. The main constraint in terms of new road
construction is to ensure that NO road run-off flows into “Productive”
aquifers.
Also, in terms of defining
routes, we should keep away from Group Schemes. Also, if the proposed road
“misses” a house, then it is likely that the extraction point for a domestic
groundwater well will also be missed.
Hydrology (JS): Hydrology comprises all surface waterways / watercourses (i.e. reservoirs,
rivers and flooding areas). Water quality throughout the SA appears to be very
good at the moment. The flooding areas can be engineered over.
The Ballincollig Bypass
design incorporated shallow embankments over Karst areas, rather than cuts, in
order not to disturb the groundwater equilibrium.
Engineering (ML): The main constraints in terms of engineering are:
Topography, the River Valleys / Crossings (Rivers Sullane, Bride and Lee), and
the mountainous areas throughout the SA, and more importantly, west of Macroom.
The start point of the
project links onto the Ballincollig Bypass, and will be Dual Carriageway. The
end point will join onto the existing N22 west of Ballyvourney, and will be
Single Carriageway. The change from Dual
Carriageway to Single Carriageway will most likely occur at the Macroom
interchange.
Traffic (SC): The link roads from the proposed new route to Macroom should be kept
as short and as safe as possible, to attract as much traffic as possible. This
helps the Cost – Benefit Analysis.
Currently is approximately
10,000-15,000 AADT at Ballincollig, and 5,000 AADT at Ballyvourney, so traffic
surveys will be carried out in the near future to determine the traffic
movements throughout the SA. Approximately 10,000 AADT are lost in the Macroom
area somewhere.
Consideration of the
proposed locations of interchanges also needs to looked into. Possibly depends on results of Traffic
Analysis / Model.
PC 1 (JD/ML): JD provided a brief explanation of the ranking system used in the PC1 Database
Summary. The results indicated that 92% of respondents believed that the
existing N22 had to be improved. The
main issues that the respondents believed that the Proposed new N22 road should
improve road safety, improve traffic conditions and should not impact too much
on people living near the new route.
Route Options Discussions: MC / SC presented a large map of the SA showing
Four Route Options (Blue, Yellow, Red & Green). A Purple Route was also shown to the west of Macroom, linking
with either the Yellow or Red Route. The following table summarises the
different aspects of each route.
|
Route |
Blue |
Yellow |
Green |
Red |
|
Location |
Southern Route |
On-Line Route |
Northern Route |
Northern Route |
|
Length (km) |
44 |
43 |
39 |
41 |
|
Crossings |
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N22 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Regional Rds |
4 |
7 |
3 |
3 |
|
Other Rds |
29 |
27 |
26 |
30 |
|
Rivers |
6 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
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Streams |
10 |
11 |
13 |
9 |
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Pros of Route |
Low number of houses
affected. |
Large part of route
on-line. Passes close to Macroom. |
Shortest route. Passes
close to Macroom. |
Second shortest route.
Passes close to Macroom |
|
Cons of Route |
Passes close to The
Gearagh, and the Bat Site. Need a long link road into
Macroom (possibly have to upgrade existing N22 into Macroom). |
Large amount of
properties affected. |
Passes close to Burial
Sites west of Macroom |
Ovens Caves affected? |
LUNCH
Route Options Discussion: The Key Decisions made were as follows:
The Southern Bypass of
Macroom shown on the Yellow Route was discarded due to its proximity to the
SAC, topography problems, the large industrial site on the N22, and
difficulties in creating an interchange near Macroom.
The Purple Route west of
Macroom was discarded due to the fact that the other routes (Blue, Yellow, Red
and Green) are performing the same operation, but are shorter in length. This route required two crossing of the
Sullane River and crossed hilly terrain.
The Ballincollig Bypass
start point of this scheme needs to be reviewed in detail in engineering terms.
All Routes plotted today
(approximately 10-12) would be assessed in a “Broad Brush” format to attempt to
remove a few prior to carrying out the detailed Route Assessments.
SC to talk to CCC (TC)
about obtaining DTM Files from the OS to produce VA/HA for the route options.
Programme:
MC/SC require the
Orthophotos of the Area ASAP. WJ to obtain cost and time estimates ASAP.
SC to draw up long sections
of all routes, including text identifying route colour, node numbers etc. ASAP
in order for other personnel to carry out “Broad Brush” assessments.
Parameters for the “Broad
Brush” assessment include:
Total Route Length and
Route Length from Ovens to Macroom;
Topography assessment
(i.e. cuts and fills);
Access to Macroom (i.e.
link road lengths and interchanges);
Approximate Cost (related
to length of dual carriageway and single carriageway, earthworks, and major
river / reservoir crossings)
Environment (Ecology,
Archaeology, Hydrogeology/Hydrology)
FINISH
Refer to Fig 3.2.
Table 1: Whole Routes
|
Reference No |
Whole Route |
Nodes |
Traffic and Economics |
Marks out of 10 |
Hydrogeology |
Marks out of 10 |
Ecology |
Marks out of 10 |
Agriculture |
Marks out of 10 |
Hydrology |
Marks out of 10 |
Archaeology |
Marks out of 10 |
Planning |
Marks out of 10 |
Geotechnical |
Marks out of 10 |
Length (km) |
Land Use |
Marks out of 10 |
General |
|
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
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1 |
Green |
1- 6+ |
Shortest, most direct - therefore, likely to perform
best in economic terms |
8 |
Remote from sensitive aquifer |
6 |
Large adverse impact (Lough Gal) |
7 |
Large adverse (some ‘Excellent’, some ‘Very Good’, rest
is upland, greater impact of severance) |
7 |
Moderate adverse (3 river, 5 minor, and 1 reservoir
crossing) |
8 |
Large adverse impact (73 sites, 4 burial, 1 with grounds) |
7 |
Moderate/Minor (2 x Area Sci Imp, 1 x Rec, 1 Imp x Ldsc Imp, crosses views @ Clondrohid,
visible from scenic route A38) |
6 |
Deep cutting required at start of route. Passes over two
soft ground areas. High route over hills to north |
7 |
39.5 |
Public Amenity site Clondrohid, Clips forestry
plantation Beheena, forestry plantation Coolacullig, Quarry south of
reservoir |
5 |
Amended north of Macroom to reduce earthworks, also
reduces impact on Archaeology, Ecology and takes road closer to Macroom. |
|
2 |
Red |
1- 6+ |
Fairly direct, equal shortest Macroom link |
7 |
Crosses sensitive aquifer and flooding near Ovens |
5 |
Moderate adverse impact (loss of large amount of locally
important habitat) |
8 |
Moderate (most on upland/severance, short stretch only =
‘Very Good’) |
8 |
Large adverse (6 river, 5 minor 1 reservoir crossings –
also crosses floodplain) |
6 |
Large adverse (104 sites, 5 burial, 3 with grounds
including 1 site in ownership of minister – Kilcrea friary) |
3 |
(2 x Area Sci Imp, crosses views @ Clondrohid affects
landscape areas and industrial zones in Macroom. Visible from scenic route
A38) |
5 |
Possible karst features. Passes over waterlogged ground.
Deep cutting required. High route dropping down through Macroom |
5 |
40.3 |
Tourist site north west Macroom, Public service site
north of reservoir, Pylons north of reservoir, Monastic site and burial
ground Collnacarriga, Quarry Srelane Cross |
4 |
Decision to eliminate route from start to node 8 (see
below) |
|
3 |
Yellow |
1- 6+ |
In traffic terms effectively a Macroom bypass, equal
shortest access to Macroom |
6 |
Moderately productive aquifer. Flooding near Ovens |
5 |
Large adverse impact (Bats at Dunisky) |
5 |
Large adverse (1/3= ‘Very Good’, rest on upland,
severance) |
6 |
Large adverse (flooded quarry, 6 crossings, also runs
alongside Sullane and Bride for long distances, and takes up large proportion
of Bride flood area) |
4 |
Large adverse (57, no burial sites, 2 with grounds + 2
sites in ownership of Minister, Carrigaphooca castle and circle) |
4 |
Large adverse impact (3 x Area Sci Imp, affects
landscape areas and industrial zones in Macroom) |
5 |
Passes over soft ground area. Passes through exposed
rock area west of Macroom. Severe dips in exposed rock area. Low route east
of Macroom |
6 |
43.1 |
Tourist site Ballymakeery, 2 Tourist sites Carrigaphooca br., Tourist site north west
Macroom, Tourist site Ballymichael, Quarry Srelane Cross |
4 |
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|
4 |
Blue |
1- 6+ |
Longest plus longest Macroom link; possibility of
carrying less Macroom traffic than others |
4 |
Fissured and karst aquifer near Ovens |
4 |
Large adverse impact (Gearagh & Bats at Dunisky) |
4 |
Large adverse (1/3 =’Very Good’, remainder is less
productive) |
5 |
Large adverse (8 river crossings – crosses Bride flooded
area at Crookstown |
5 |
Large adverse (51 sites, 4 burial, 5 with grounds + site
in ownership of Minister, Kilcrea Friary) |
3 |
Large (Crosses 2 areas Sci Imp,) |
8 |
Possible karst features. Several soft ground areas. Rock
outcrops west of Macroom. Severe dips in rock outcrop areas. Low route east
of Crookstown |
5 |
43.1 |
Tourist site Ballymakeery, Tourist site Poulnabro
br., Tourist site south Sullane river, Church Tooms, Tourist site
Ballymichael Quarry Crookstown, Church Cloughduv, Quarry Srelane Cross |
3 |
Decision to eliminate route from node 15 to end. (See
below) |
Note: The marks out of 10
are for comparison purposes within a set discipline. i.e. a traffic mark cannot be compared with an environmental
mark. A higher mark indicates a relatively
more acceptable route.
Node 6+ indicates the
common section from the west of Ballyvourney to the tie-in with the improved
section of the N22.
Table 2: Options within
Routes
|
Reference No |
Route Options |
Nodes |
Traffic and Economics |
Marks out of 10 |
Hydrogeology |
Marks out of 10 |
Ecology |
Marks out of 10 |
Agriculture |
Marks out of 10 |
Hydrology |
Marks out of 10 |
Archaeology |
Marks out of 10 |
Planning |
Marks out of 10 |
Geotechnical |
Marks out of 10 |
Length (km)) |
Land Use |
Marks out of 10 |
General |
|
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
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|
5 |
Green |
3-4 |
|
8 |
Moderately productive aquifer |
6 |
Large impact (within
250m Lough Gal) |
7 |
Agriculture – Large adverse (Mostly ‘VG’, some
‘excellent’, some upland) |
6 |
Hydrology – Large/moderate (cross Glashagarriff &
Inishcarra reservoir, pass close to Lough Gal) |
6 |
Archaeology – Large/moderate adverse (28 sites, 2 burial,
0 with grounds) |
7 |
Planning – Minor adverse (crosses 1 area of Recreation & Landscape Importance) |
8 |
Passes over soft ground area |
6 |
14.6 |
Clips forestry
plantation - Beheena forestry
plantation Coolacullig Quarry
south of reservoir |
5 |
Amended to follow the Green 2 from start to reservoir
crossing to avoid quarry. |
|
6 |
Green option 2 |
3-4 |
Shorter and more direct, therefore marginally
economically superior. Closer to, and
shorter link to Coachford |
9 |
Moderately productive aquifer |
6 |
Ecology – Large Impact (within 250m Lough Gal) |
8 |
Agriculture – Large adverse (Mostly ‘VG’, some
‘excellent’, some upland) |
4 |
Hydrology – Large/moderate
adverse (Glashagarriff, minor stream & Inishcarra reservoir, passes close
to Lough Gal) |
6 |
Archaeology – Moderate (20 sites, 0 burial, 0 with
grounds) |
6 |
Planning – Moderate (crosses large portion of area of
Recreation & Landscape Importance, visible from scenic route A38) |
6 |
No specific adverse conditions |
7 |
14.3 |
Clips forestry
plantation - Buena Quarry, Graveyard, Amenity site
(46) |
5 |
Decision to eliminate this route: land use; cannot avoid a lot of
existing development to the north of the reservoir, quarry. Archaeology;
close to burial ground. Eng./Cost; large quantity of earthworks west of
Coachford. |
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7 |
Green |
1-4 |
|
8 |
Moderately productive aquifer |
6 |
Ecology – Large adverse Impact (within 250m Lough Gal) |
7 |
Agriculture – Large adverse (Mostly ‘VG’, some
‘excellent’, some upland) |
6 |
Hydrology – Large/Moderate (Glashagarriff, minor stream
& Inishcarra reservoir, passes close by Lough Gal) |
6 |
Archaeology – Moderate/Large (29 sites, 2 burial sites,
0 with grounds) |
7 |
Planning – Minor (crosses small portion of area of
Recreation & Landscape Importance, visible from scenic route A38) |
7 |
Deep cutting required. Passes over soft ground area |
6 |
16.1 |
Clips forestry
plantation - Beheena forestry
plantation Coolacullig
Quarry south of reservoir |
5 |
|
|
8 |
Green option 1 |
1-4 |
Slightly longer plus slightly longer distance to
Coachford |
7 |
Moderately productive aquifer |
5 |
Ecology – Large adverse Impact (within 250m Lough Gal |
6 |
Agriculture –Large (1/2 = ‘excellent’, ½ = upland) |
6 |
Hydrology – Moderate (Flooded quarry at ovens, crosses 1
river, & 1 stream, crosses Inishcarra, and also runs alongside reservoir
for distance) |
5 |
Archaeology – Large (21 sites, 2 burial sites, 0 with
grounds, |
7 |
Planning – Minor (crosses 1 area of Rec & Ldsc
Importance, visible from scenic routes A38 and A39) |
8 |
Deep cutting required. Route passes through/round
several hills |
5 |
17.3 |
None |
9 |
Amended to west of R619 Coachford junction to reduce
steep gradients and earthworks |
|
9 |
Red |
start-8 |
|
7 |
Crosses sensitive aquifer and flooding near Ovens |
4 |
Ecology – Minor Impact |
8 |
Agriculture – Moderate impact (1/2 ‘VG’, ½ upland) |
7 |
Hydrology – Large adverse (Flooded quarry at Ovens, crosses Carrigadrohid reservoir, 1 river,
and 2 minor streams, - also takes large chunk of Bride flood area) |
6 |
Archaeology – Large adverse (61 sites, 2 burial sites, 2
with grounds, +site in ownership of Minister - Kilcrea) |
4 |
Planning – Moderate
(clips NE corner of Area of Sci Import – D47) |
8 |
Possible karst features. Deep cutting required.
Passes over waterlogged ground |
5 |
18.7 |
Public service site (north of reservoir) Pylons (north of reservoir) Monastic site and burial
ground (Coolnacarriga (south of reservoir)) Quarry (Srelane Cross west of ovens) |
5 |
Decision to eliminate this route: Eng./cost;2km @ 5% over escarpment Earthworks through
mountainous area Archaeology; Close
to Monastic site (poss. large). Land use; Close to Quarry |
|
10 |
Red option 1 |
start-8 |
Slightly shorter plus shorter distance to Coachford |
8 |
Moderately productive aquifer |
5 |
Ecology – Moderate Impact |
7 |
Agriculture – Large impact (some upland, most ‘excellent’,
corridor very close to ESB fish rearing farm) |
8 |
Hydrology – Moderate (crosses Inishcarra reservoir,
affects flooded quarry at Ovens, crosses and runs alongside Kame river) |
7 |
Archaeology – Very large (35 sites, 4 burial, 0 with
grounds) |
5 |
Planning – Minor (clips NE corner of Area of Sci Import
– D47 & S of Area of Rec and landscape importance, may be visible from
scenic route A38) |
7 |
Deep cutting required |
6 |
17.9 |
Public service
site (north of reservoir) Pylons
(north of reservoir) |
7 |
Amended to reduce length of reservoir crossing. |
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11 |
Yellow |
14-10 |
|
6 |
Moderately productive aquifer |
5 |
Ecology - Large adverse Impact (Bats at Dunisky) |
5 |
Agriculture – minor adverse (some ‘VG’, some urban/
industrial) |
9 |
Hydrology – Moderate (3 river, 1 reservoir, runs
alongside reservoir for distance) |
6 |
Archaeology – Moderate/Minor (17 sites, 0 burial sites,
0 with grounds) |
8 |
Planning – Large (crosses 1 Area of Sci Import – D47,
affects scenic areas and industrial land in Macroom) |
6 |
No specific adverse conditions |
7 |
11.8 |
Tourist site
(Ballymichael) |
5 |
|
|
12 |
Yellow option 1 |
14-10 |
Very slightly shorter, slightly superior for Macroom -
Coachford traffic |
6 |
Moderately productive aquifer |
5 |
Ecology – Moderate adverse impact (loss of locally
important habitat) |
6 |
Agriculture –Large/Moderate adverse (most = ‘Very Good’) |
8 |
Hydrology – Moderate/minor (3 river, 1 reservoir) |
7 |
Archaeology – Large/Moderate (31 sites, 2 burial, 1 with
grounds) |
6 |
Planning – Large/Moderate (crosses 1 Area of Sci Import
– D47, affects scenic areas and industrial land in Macroom) |
6 |
Route passes through/round several hills |
6 |
11.1 |
None |
7 |
|
Note: The marks out of 10
are for comparison purposes within a set discipline. i.e. a traffic mark cannot be compared with an environmental
mark. A higher mark indicates a
relatively more acceptable route.
Table 3: Routes that cross
over
|
Reference No |
Route Options |
Nodes |
Traffic and Economics |
Marks out of 10 |
Hydrogeology |
Marks out of 10 |
Ecology |
Marks out of 10 |
Agriculture |
Marks out of 10 |
Hydrology |
Marks out of 10 |
Archaeology |
Marks out of 10 |
Planning |
Marks out of 10 |
Geotechnical |
Marks out of 10 |
Length (km) |
Land Use |
Marks out of 10 |
General |
|
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
Comments |
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|
13 |
Yellow |
start-15 |
Marginal preference - distance/travel time |
7 |
Moderately productive aquifer. Flooding near Ovens |
5 |
Ecology – Moderate impact |
7 |
Agriculture – Large adverse (‘VG’ land) |
6 |
Hydrology – Large (flooded quarry, runs alongside and
crosses Bride, takes portion of Bride flood area) |
5 |
Archaeology – Moderate (7 sites, 1 burial sites - burial
site on map, but not on recorded list, 0 with grounds) |
7 |
Planning – No impact (crosses no planning designations) |
9 |
No specific adverse conditions |
7 |
14.9 |
Tourist site (Ballymichael) Quarry (Srelane Cross west of ovens) |
5 |
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|
14 |
Blue |
start-15 |
|
6 |
Fissured and karst aquifer near Ovens. Some flood risk
near Crookstown |
4 |
Ecology – Moderate/Minor |
8 |
Agriculture – Large adverse (‘Very Good’ land) |
5 |
Hydrology – Moderate/Large (Crosses River Bride twice,
also crosses Bride flood area at Crookstown) |
6 |
Archaeology – Moderate/Large (14 sites, 1 burial site, 3
with grounds +site in ownership of Minister, Kilcrea Friary) |
4 |
Planning – No impact (crosses no planning designations) |
9 |
Possible karst features |
6 |
15.9 |
Tourist site (Ballymichael) Quarry (Crookstown) Church (Cloughduv) Quarry (Srelane Cross west of ovens) |
3 |
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15 |
Yellow |
15-16 |
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5 |
Moderately productive aquifer |
6 |
Ecology – Large adverse impact (Bats @ Dunisky & Pearl
mussel) |
5 |
Agriculture – Minor (some ‘VG, rest urban or upland) |
8 |
Hydrology – Large (6 x rivers 1 x reservoir, runs
alongside Sullane for some length) |
5 |
Archaeology – Moderate/Large (35 sites, 0 burial sites,
1 with grounds, +Sites in ownership of Minister at Carrigaphooca) |
4 |
Planning – Large (crosses 2 Area of Sci Import – D47,
affects scenic areas and industrial land in Macroom) |
6 |
Passes over soft ground area. Passes through exposed rock area west of Macroom. Severe dips
in exposed rock area |
5 |
22.4 |
Tourist site (Ballymakeery) 2 Tourist sites (Carrigaphooca br.) Tourist site (north west Macroom) |
5 |
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16 |
Blue |
15-16 |
Markedly inferior Macroom access, but possibly superior
for through traffic |
4 |
Moderately productive aquifer |
6 |
Ecology – Large adverse impact (Gearagh & Bats @
Dunisky) |
4 |
Agriculture – Moderate (some dairy, but mostly upland
& nature reserve) |
7 |
Hydrology – Moderate (6 River crossings) |
7 |
Archaeology – Large (26 sites, 3 burial sites, 1 with
grounds) |
5 |
Planning – Major Adverse (Crosses 1 Area Sci Import –
D4) |
8 |
Passes over several soft ground areas. Passes through
rock outcrops west of Macroom. Severe dips in rock outcrop areas |
6 |
21.3 |
Tourist site
(Ballymakeery) Tourist site
(Poulnabro br.) Tourist
site (south Sullane river) Church (Tooms) |
5 |
Decision to eliminate this route: Eng./cost;
long route and requires 6km link to Macroom. Ecology: close to the Gearagh
and Bats. Planning; 6km from Macroom |
|
17 |
Red |
11-6 |
Marginal preference in terms of distance/travel time |
6 |
Moderately productive and unproductive aquifer |
6 |
Ecology – Moderate Impact |
7 |
Agriculture – Moderate/minor (upland areas) |
8 |
Hydrology – Minor impact (3 river, 2 x stream) |
7 |
Archaeology – Moderate/Large (32 sites, 1 burial site, 0
sites with grounds) |
7 |
Planning – Minor adverse impact (passes in front of view
from Clondrohid – passes through no planning designations) |
8 |
Passes over soft ground area |
6 |
12.0 |
Tourist site (north west Macroom) |
5 |
|
|
18 |
Yellow |
11-6 |
|
6 |
Moderately productive and unproductive aquifer |
6 |
Ecology – Large Impact |
5 |
Agriculture – Moderate/Minor (upland & floodplain) |
8 |
Hydrology – Large adverse impact (3 rivers, runs
alongside Sullane for most of node length) |
5 |
Archaeology – Large (44 sites, 1 burial site, 1 with grounds
+ sites in ownership of Minister at Carrigaphooca) |
4 |
Planning – Moderate (Clips northern boundaries of 1 Area
Sci Import & 1 scenic area) |
7 |
Many exposed rock outcrops |
4 |
12.6 |
Tourist site (Ballymakeery) 2 Tourist sites (Carrigaphooca br.) Tourist site (north west Macroom) |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19 |
Yellow |
start-13 |
Slight preference - distance-wise |
7 |
Moderately productive aquifer. Flooding near Ovens |
5 |
Ecology – Moderate/Minor impact |
7 |
Agriculture – Large Adverse (All very good land) |
6 |
Hydrology – Minor (Flooded quarry at Ovens, no river
crossings) |
7 |
Archaeology – very minor (2 sites, 0 burial sites, 0
with grounds) |
8 |
Planning – No impact (Crosses no planning designations) |
9 |
No particular adverse conditions |
7 |
5.6 |
Tourist site (Ballymichael) Quarry (Srelane Cross west of ovens |
5 |
|
|
20 |
Red |
start-13 |
|
7 |
Crosses sensitive aquifer and flooding near Ovens |
4 |
Ecology – Minor Impact |
6 |
Agriculture – Large Adverse (All very good land) |
3 |
Hydrology – Large adverse impact (crosses Bride, and takes
chunk of flood area) |
5 |
Archaeology – moderate/Large (10 sites, 1 burial, 2 with
grounds +site in ownership of Minister – Kilcrea Friary) |
4 |
Planning – No impact (Crosses no planning designations) |
9 |
Possible karst features. Passes over waterlogged ground |
5 |
6.3 |
Public service
site(north of reservoir) Pylons
(north of reservoir)
Monastic site and burial ground (Coolnacarriga) Quarry (Srelane
Cross west of ovens) |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21 |
Green |
4.5-5 |
Slight preference - shorter but slightly poorer Macroom
access |
8 |
Generally unproductive aquifer |
7 |
Ecology – Moderate adverse (local habitat loss) |
7 |
Agriculture – Minor (all upland) |
8 |
Hydrology – Minor impact (2 river & 2 stream
crossings) |
8 |
Archaeology – Moderate (10 sites, 1 burial site, 0 with
grounds) |
7 |
Planning – Minor adverse impact (passes in front of
northern views at Clondrohid, passes through no planning designations) |
8 |
No particular adverse conditions |
7 |
8.3 |
Public Amenity site - Clondrohid |
5 |
|
|
22 |
Red |
10.5-5 |
|
8 |
Generally unproductive aquifer |
7 |
Ecology – Moderate adverse (local habitat loss) |
6 |
Agriculture – Minor (Upland or urban) |
8 |
Hydrology – Minor impact (2 river & 1 stream
crossing) |
8 |
Archaeology – Minor/Moderate (11 sites, 0 burial sites,
0 with grounds) |
8 |
Planning – very minor (passes in front of southern views
at Clondrohid, passes through no planning designations) |
8 |
No particular adverse conditions. Terrain slightly more
hilly |
6 |
8.8 |
Tourist site (north west Macroom) |
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23 |
Green node |
4.5-6 |
Preference - shorter but slightly poorer Macroom access |
7 |
Generally unproductive/productive aquifer |
6 |
Ecology – Moderate adverse (local habitat loss) |
7 |
Agriculture – Minor (all upland) |
8 |
Hydrology – Minor Impact (2 river & 3 stream
crossings) |
8 |
Archaeology – Large (34 sites, 2 burial sites, 0 with
grounds) |
6 |
Planning – Minor adverse impact (passes in front of
northern views at Clondrohid, passes through no planning designations) |
8 |
Passes over soft ground area |
7 |
13.9 |
Public Amenity site - Clondrohid |
5 |
|
|
24 |
Red/Yellow |
10.5-6 |
|
6 |
Generally unproductive/productive aquifer |
6 |
Ecology – Large adverse impact (Pearl Mussel habitat) |
5 |
Agriculture – Moderate/Minor (Upland, urban &
floodplain) |
7 |
Hydrology – Moderate impact (3 x River, & runs
alongside Sullane for node length) |
6 |
Archaeology – Large (31 sites, 1 site with grounds
including sites in ownership of Minister at Carrigaphooca) |
4 |
Planning – (cuts northern tip of site of Scientific
Importance) |
7 |
Many exposed rock outcrops |
5 |
15.0 |
Tourist site (Ballymakeery) 2
Tourist sites (Carrigaphooca br.) Tourist site (north west Macroom) |
3 |
|
Note: The marks out of 10
are for comparison purposes within a set discipline. i.e. a traffic mark cannot be compared with an environmental
mark. A higher mark indicates a
relatively more acceptable route.
Minutes
|
Cork CC/NRA |
|
|
Subject |
N22 Ballyvourney -
Macroom - Ballincollig |
|
Issued by |
MAL |
|
Date of meeting |
7/8/01 |
|
Location |
McCarthy Hyder, Dublin |
|
Present |
Moira Ludlam - Deputy PM |
|
|
|
Senan Clandillon -
Highways |
Alistair Campbell -
Geotechnics |
|
|
Julian Galloway -
Environment |
Nicola Martin -
Environment |
|
|
Andrew Barbour -
Structures |
Steve Crudge -
Traffic/Economics |
|
Copy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. Introductions.
All present from McCarthy Hyder Consultants Ltd.
2. JD ran though the route selection process and the tables
to be used. Assessment of route to be
undertaken by comparing route between nodes 1 to 3, 3 to 6 and 6 to 16.
3. JD outlined that there had been minor amendments to
the routes since Public Consultation No.2. these revisions had been made to
avoid properties and the gravel deposits to the south of the existing N22.
4. The implications of the routes for the various
disciplines were then discussed- see following sections.
5. The various sections were discussed with regard to
making amendments to avoid/mitigate constraints. No other options were identified but minor amendments to be made
on current alignments.
6. In order to progress the scheme while awaiting
results of the traffic study (see notes below) the following assumptions were
made:
·
Dual carriageway
assumed from R584 to Ballincollig tie-in.
·
Termination of dual
carriageway section to be roundabout junction
·
Junctions to be
located at regional roads for dual carriageway section
Steve Crudge outlined the
current status of the traffic and economics work:
JD stated that the
greatest priority was to obtain reliable model forecasts of traffic
particularly for the Macroom - Ballincollig section for which the issue of the
extent of dual carriageway needs to be resolved promptly. A decision on carriageway standard is
required to enable a full comparison of alternative routes to be carried out.
·
Assuming that the
scheme comprises dual carriageway between Macroom and Ballincollig and single
carriageway between Ballyvourney and Macroom, the change in standards should take place at a logical location i.e.
at one of the junctions accessing Macroom.
·
Junction location and
type: this will be confirmed by the traffic model but a preliminary assessment
can be made.
R582
Ballyveerane
Road
Knockeenacuttin
(possible, although remote from Macroom)
R619
Ballincollig
R582
Ballyveerane
Road
R618/R584
R619
(possible, to be determined by traffic model)
Ballincollig
R582
Ballyveerane
Road
R618/R584
R590/R585
Crookstown
Ballincollig
As
for Yellow
·
Scheme construction
staging to be decided but will be split into three parts, east, west and
Macroom bypass.
·
Traffic figures are
required for the Ballincollig Bypass from Cork CC. Action JD.
Annex Habitat. It is understood that Dúchas do not intend to
designate any new Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). However, any areas/sites that contain
habitat listed in Annex 1 of the Habitats Directive and which therefore could
be designated as an SAC are to be treated by Dúchas as though they were
designated, and should therefore be avoided. Following initial surveys, the
areas listed below, along the various route corridors, have been identified as areas that may
contain Annex 1 type habitat.
|
Ecological constraint area number |
Location |
Habitat Type |
|
20 |
Coolacresig (Link 1) |
Broadleaved woodland
with Oak, Birch, Holly Ash |
|
30 |
Kilnagurteen
(Green/04) |
Oak woodland |
|
33 |
Sleveen East
(Yellow/07) |
mature Oak woodland, |
|
42 |
Kiltrasna (Blue/01) Coolcareen (Red/01) |
Oak Woodland |
|
51 |
Lehenagh (Blue/01) |
Fen and Marsh |
|
71 |
Ryecourt (Yellow/09) & Aherla Beg (Blue/03) |
Broadleaved Woodland And River Valley Fen |
More detailed surveys are currently
underway which should confirm whether or not these areas contain Annex habitat
Bats. A survey of the Macroom to Ballincollig section has
been undertaken by the Cork Bat Group, who are a local voluntary conservation
group. This survey identified 32 bat roosts and 8 bat species within the
vicinity of the various routes. Of these, 6 are noted to be Internationally
Important, one of which (the Lesser Horseshoe Bat) is an Annex 2 species under
the EC Habitats Directive 1992. Three roosts are of particular note:
Two Lesser Horseshoe Bat
roosts – one of these is at Dunisky on the Yellow route (previously identified
by Matt Pickard) – the other location is not given
Soprano Pipistrelle bat
roost – containing a colony of 1,500 individuals, an exceptionally large
number. The exact location is not provided but it is understood to be on both
the Purple and Red routes, so is likely to be close to Kame Cross Roads.
We requested that the Bat
Group send us details of the locations of the roosts, and also an updated copy
of their report. The Bat Group have subsequently stated that in order for us to
receive this information, we would be invoiced £1,500. Since we will be undertaking bat surveys
(amongst other protected species) as part of the EIS surveys we declined their
offer
Cultural
heritage. The Archaeological sub-consultants have stated that in general, in terms of
archaeology and built heritage their preferred route is the yellow, for the whole
of the length of the route, provided that the 3 sites which are directly
impacted in Ballymakeery can be avoided.
It should be noted that
although Kilcrea Abbey is not directly impacted by any of the routes, the Blue
route passes very close to the monument, which is owned by the Minister for
Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, and is considered of national
importance. Passing so close to this monument is likely to have a severe
detrimental impact on it’s setting. Due to the importance of this site, and the
fact that it is an important tourist attraction, this is likely to be
considered as a severe impact.
Of the other Environmental
topics:
Agriculture: - Yellow is
the preferred route for the Ballyvourney to Macroom and the Red route (Macroom to
Ballincollig) as it takes less high quality land (although Yellow route is only
marginally better for this section)
Planning – Routes which
cross the Lee Valley contravene the policy of Cork County Council to maintain
the shoreline of the Reservoirs free from development which may affect the
scenic views
Noise - Not yet completed,
as property information not available at that time for the new alignments
Air Quality – Not yet
completed, as property information not available at that time for the new
alignments
(Noise and Air Quality
were not seen as governing constraints for initial route selection.)
Preliminary site
investigation for the purposes of Route Selection not required. Exact extent
and depth of soft/peat areas remain uncertain but soft areas are fairly
limited. Some probing of peat may be required. Given problems experienced by
other jobs with respect to land access for site investigations it is expected
that the N22 will have similar difficulties.
Foundations for
structures: no problems envisaged for bearing/settlement criteria. Piles may be
required depending on river crossing chosen.
Hydrogeology: issue of
drying of wells due to alteration of groundwater regime around cuttings.
Current vertical alignments limit lengths and depths of deep cuttings thus
minimising this impact.
Back to Chapter 3 To Appendices