9. Flora, Fauna
and Fisheries
9.1
Study Methodology
Existing
and proposed designated conservation areas were identified
from the Duchas database of sites (December 2000). The fisheries
value of rivers in the constraints study area was determined
by consultation with the Southern and Eastern Regional Fisheries
Boards.
The
Constraints Study also included using satellite imagery (Landsat
Thematic Mapper false colour images of May 2000 / April 1995)
to identify sensitive ecological sites within the constraints
study area.
Recent aerial photographs (Summer 2000) were used to check
ecological sites identified from satellite images and to identify
some additional sites. Detailed interpretation of the aerial
photographs was not undertaken at this stage.
Areas of intensively managed farmland contain few habitats,
apart from hedgerows, that are important for flora and fauna.
Hedgerows are important for wildlife at a local level and
are widespread throughout the constraints study area so are
not considered further in this report. Dúchas was consulted
in relation to records of rare and protected plant species
in the constraints study area. Important sites for wetland
birds were identified from the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS)
reports.
The fisheries value of the main rivers was determined by consultation
with the Southern Regional Fisheries Board. [Some of the
information requested has not yet been received.] Information
on the occurrence of protected freshwater species (listed
in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive) was derived from
published reports.
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