The area at Tom Roe's Point is within a Special Protection Area (SPA) designated as such under the EU Birds Directive. The area is not proposed for designation under the EU Habitats Directive.
I understand that Drogheda Port Company has secured planning permission for this development having gone through a full environmental impact assessment procedure. Therein it is provided that the eastern edge of the site at Tom Roe's Point, which faces out towards the SPA mudflats, would be realigned to provide a neat boundary at that extremity of the development.
It is acknowledged by the port company that the current site boundary or working boundary, does not exactly correspond with that for which planning permission has been granted. The planning line has been exceeded in two relatively small locations. In the two areas referred to, which are insignificant in overall terms, the material will be pulled back to the planning permission boundary line. It is confirmed by the port company that, in compliance with the planning permission, trees and shrubs will be planted to provide a natural screen between the port development and the mudflats. This will help eliminate any port activity disturbance to birds within the SPA mudflats.
I am satisfied that no long-term adverse impact will result from this encroachment into the SPA at Tom Roe's Point. Whatever view may be taken of this situation by the planning authority, in the light of the reassurances given by the port authority I have no major concern about any nature conservation issue here at this time.
Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, will continue to monitor this development to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to avoid significant detrimental impacts on the SPA.
