Some local wildlife may face extinction, road inquiry hears

A number of reports which detail measures to reduce the environmental impact of the proposed south-eastern motorway were outlined at the public inquiry into the road yesterday.

Mr Aidan J. ffrench, executive parks superintendent with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, told the inquiry that studies in terrestrial ecology along the 12km route of the motorway had identified areas that deserved special attention. These included a beech woodland at Leopardstown racecourse, where rare broad-leaved meadow grass was visible, and specimen trees on IDA lands at Leopardstown.

An archaeologist, Ms Valerie Keeley, said many previously unrecorded potential archaeological sites had been identified as a result of a study. She recommended further investigation at a number of sites, including a complex at Laughanstown, near Loughlinstown.

Mr Kevin Cleary, a consultant electrical engineer, said special lighting would be installed on the new motorway to reduce light "pollution". Mr A.J. Worsnop of Southern Tree Surgeons said a number of mature trees at Brides Glen would have to be removed to make way for a motorway bridge.

On landscaping, Mr ffrench said ameliorating proposals "would bring comprehensive visual and environmental benefits to both humans and wildlife along the south-eastern motorway".

However, the inquiry in Dun Laoghaire was earlier told that the environmental impact statement associated with the motorway had shown there would be disruption of flora and fauna, as well as of archaeological sites and buildings.

Mr Thomas Gibson, senior planner with Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council and project leader on the preparation of the environmental impact survey, acknowledged that visual obstruction caused by the motorway would be severe for 200 dwellings.

The principal waterways affected would be the Carrickmines and Shanganagh river system. Mr Gibson acknowledged there would be a "direct loss of sections of the river habitat through culverting . . . and possible deterioration in water quality in river systems due to the input of pollutants from building activities".

Mr Gibson also said that without ameliorative measures the construction of the motorway could lead to the local extinction of otters, dippers and kingfishers. A total of 3,800 trees and 5.6km of hedgerows are to be removed in the course of construction. Nine buildings are to be demolished, including a pair of cottages at Carmen Hall, Leopardstown, dating from about 1909, and Hinchoge at Carrickmines, which largely pre-dates 1760. These are listed buildings, and it is proposed to compile drawings and a photographic archive of them

The inquiry is expected to end today.

Two telephone lines have been set up by Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council to advise members of the public of the inquiry's progress. The numbers are (01) 205-4786 and (086) 2701067.