Appropriate Assessment

The Importance of Appropriate Assessment

The Appropriate Assessment (AA) system in Ireland serves to fulfill the requirements outlined in Article 6(3) and (4) of the European Union Habitats Directive. Its primary objective is to safeguard the network of ‘European sites’ (Natura 2000 sites) throughout Ireland, ensuring that all proposed plans and projects undergo scrutiny by the competent authority. This scrutiny aims to determine the likelihood of significant effects on these sites. Appropriate Assessment serves as a thorough check to ensure that any plan or project, particularly those near European protected sites, does not negatively affect the ecological integrity of these areas. This process is essential in safeguarding Ireland’s natural heritage for future generations whilst allowing for sustainable development to continue.

Deep understanding of the relevant environmental legislation.

Appropriate Assessment Screening

Our approach to Appropriate Assessment combines rigorous ecological analysis with a deep understanding of the relevant environmental legislation:

 

Detailed Ecological Analysis

  • Impact Assessment: We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the potential impacts of your project on nearby European sites. Our knowledge of environmental law surrounding the AA process is extensive and is constantly evolving as the relevant case law evolves in Irish and EU Courts alike. 
  • Ecological Surveys: Our team may carry out extensive ecological surveys as part of the assessment to gather accurate data on local biodiversity and habitats.

Consultation and Compliance

 

  • Stakeholder Collaboration: We may engage with all relevant stakeholders, including governmental bodies, environmental groups, and local communities, to ensure that a well-rounded assessment is achieved. 
  • Compliance Expertise: Our team has extensive knowledge of relevant regulations and directives, ensuring that your project adheres to all legal requirements and expectations. 

Contact Us for a Comprehensive Appropriate Assessment:

 

 

Email: afitzgerald@fitzgeraldecology.ie
Phone: +353-86-1266-167

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Safeguarding Rare Plant Species

In 2022, FitzGerald Ecology completed a full flora study and rare plant survey of four sub-sites within Turvey Nature Reserve, Co. Dublin. As part of this work, we were responsible for the transplantation of two rare plant populations which were at risk of damage from planned environmental engineering works in the area. This transplantation was conducted successfully. This flora study will inform future environmental engineering works to be carried out by the client within Turvey Nature Reserve in the coming years, which is partially within the Rogerstown Estuary Special Area of Conservation (SAC).