ECOFACT have undertaken full flora and fauna assessments as part of the Environmental Impact Statement process for national and regional road schemes. We have extensive experience in the preparation of detailed route selection assessments and constraints studies.

We have also carried out specialist ecological surveys including mammal surveys, aquatic ecology and fisheries surveys, bird surveys and Article 6 Appropriate Assessments for projects affecting sensitive species and designated Natura 2000 sites. Examples of road schemes we are currently involved in or have recently completed include:

N17 Collooney to Achonry

ECOFACT prepared the Flora & Fauna section of the EIS for this 12km long road scheme. A Phase 1 habitat survey along with specialist studies on bats, badgers, otters, rare plants, fish populations and birds were completed. This study required updating of field data and reporting for submission in 2009.

N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin

ECOFACT also prepared the Flora & Fauna and Water Quality sections of the EIS for this 15km long road scheme. Specialist studies undertaken included a Phase 1 habitat survey, seasonal bat survey, wide-band terrestrial mammal survey and fish stock assessment of affected rivers and streams. This study was also updated in 2009, with additional field survey and reporting completed.

N11/ N25 Oilgate to Rosslare

ECOFACT have been commissioned to assess the impact of a proposed road scheme to bypass Wexford town on birds. At route selection stage there are a number of route options crossing the River Slaney Special Protection Area (SPA) with further crossings of the Wexford Harbour and South Slobs SPA. A wintering bird survey is being undertaken to assess the avifauna communities within the proposed crossing points and to evaluate the potential impacts of each route in this regard.

R264 Cobh Road Scheme

ECOFACT prepared the Ecology Section of the Route Selection Report for the proposed R264 Cobh Road Scheme. Specialist studies on wintering water birds at coastal breeding sites were also undertaken.

N21 Adare to Abbeyfeale

ECOFACT prepared a freshwater ecology impact assessment for the proposed N21 Adare to Abbeyfeale route selection study. This involved aquatic sampling, protected species sampling, water quality assessments and fisheries assessments of three major river catchments: Feale, Deel and Maigue. A comparative impact assessment was prepared for the routes under consideration.

Western Rail Corridor

ECOFACT have recently undertaken bat surveys and prepared a plan for bat mitigation and habitat compensation for works on the Western Rail Corridor in County Galway. This work was undertaken on behalf of Irish Rail.