ECOFACT has undertaken a number of Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Article 6 Appropriate Assessments for Wind Energy Projects both in the Republic and Northern Ireland. Surveys completed included specialist bird surveys for bird species such as Greenland white-fronted goose, Whooper Swan, Red Grouse and Hen Harrier, as well as habitat mapping assessments, faunal studies, fisheries assessments and freshwater ecological impact assessments. We have prepared a number or Article 6 Appropriate Assessments.
Recent wind energy projects undertaken by ECOFACT have included full ecological impact assessments and appropriate assessments for upland wind farm developments at several major sites in the Stack’s to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA and also at a site in the Slieve Aughty Special Protection Area (SPA), Co. Galway. We are currently working with clients, including Saorgus Energy and Galetech Energy Developments, on several large onshore and offshore projects that have yet to go to planning.
ECOFACT have also carried out full Ecological Impact Assessments and Appropriate Assements for proposed wind farms including a recent development at Cloghan, Co Offaly, that is currently going through planning. It is noteworthy that the Further Information Request from Offaly county council did not mention a single ecology issue as a result of our thorough reporting. We provided extensive surveys and assessments for this proposed development, including a year-long ecology survey that included specialist regional studies on the movements Greenland white-fronted geese and Whooper Swans during the winter months.
ECOFACT have undertaken a suite of Article 6 Appropriate Assessments for proposed wind energy developments located on and near Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation throughout the Ireland of Ireland. We are considered national experts in the provision of Habitats Directive Article 6 Appropriate Assessment reporting.
For examples of current Ecological Impact Assessments and Appropriate Assessments for proposed wind energy projects, please follow the lonks belwo.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) published new guidance in January 2019 for bats surveys at wind farm sites. These new guidelines are entitled “Bats and onshore wind turbines – survey, assessment and mitigation”. The document incorporates findings from the latest research on the impact of wind farms on bats. It is endorsed by all the statutory […]
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We are one of the leading companies in Ireland providing mammal surveys and assessments. We provide expert advise on both bats and terrestrial non-volant (i.e. non-flying) mammals. We undertake surveys for all terrestrial non-volant mammal species in Ireland, including Badger, Otter, Red Squirrel, Pine Marten, and non-native American Mink, among others. Our staff are fully […]
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We were delighted to work recently with BBC Earth on a documentary on Sea Lampreys Petromyzon marinus. The filming took place during early-June 2017 on the old River Shannon at Castleconnell, Co Limerick. This is part of the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation, and Sea Lampreys are a key conservation interest of this […]
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A major new book will be published in May 2017 entitled ‘Wildlife and Wind Farms: Conflicts and Solutions’. Volume 1 of this book includes a chapter prepared by Ecofact Principal Ecologist Dr. William O’Connor. The two-volume set provides a comprehensive overview of the interactions between wind farms and wildlife, each volume dedicated to one of the two […]
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Our staff are currently undertaking a number of wintering bird surveys in the Irish Midlands. Here we have provided some photos and videos from bird surveys we undertook during December 2015. Our bird surveys are undertaken to inform both the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) reports being prepared for proposed wind energy […]
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