SERVICES
MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL Habitats Directive (EU 92/43/EEC) Screening Assessment Determination
Appropriate Assessment for Ground Investigation Works required for the Phase 3 design of the
N2 Clontibret to Border Road Scheme
Monaghan County Council is working in association with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to develop a scheme to upgrade a 28km section of the N2/A5 Dublin- Derry Road. The proposed N2 Clontibret to Border Road Scheme is situated in County Monaghan between Clontibret and the Northern Ireland (NI) Border. This is an important project to enhance key North/South and Regional connectivity and to improve road safety.
Ground Investigation works are required along the proposed project route to examine soils, rock and groundwater below the surface. This information will be used to inform the design process and the Environmental Impact Assessment. Different types of Ground Investigation are proposed along the length of the proposed N2 Clontibret to Border Road Scheme, including;
- 239 No. Boreholes (cable percussive, rotary core and cable percussive with rotary follow-on techniques will be used);
- 262 Trial Pits;
- 59 Pavement Cores; and
- 28 Slit Trenches.
The works are planned to commence in September 2024, and will be undertaken over the course of approximately 4 months.
Monaghan County Council, in accordance with Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 as amended, has undertaken Appropriate Assessment screening on the proposed N2 Clontibret to Border Road Scheme Ground Investigation Works to assess, in view of best scientific knowledge and the conservation objectives of the site, if the works, individually or in combination with other plans or projects, are likely to have a significant effect on a European Site(s).
It has been concluded on the basis of information provided by Jacobs Engineering Ireland in a report titled ‘N2 Clontibret to Border Road Scheme, Ground Investigation Works – Screening for Appropriate Assessment’ that the GI works are not connected with, or necessary to, the management of any European site(s), and individually or in combination with other plans or projects are not likely to have a significant effect on any European sites. In accordance with the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 as amended, Monaghan County Council has made a determination that Appropriate Assessment is not required for the works.
The ‘N2 Clontibret to Border Road Scheme, Ground Investigation Works – Screening for Appropriate Assessment’ report can be viewed at the offices of Monaghan County Council’s Roads & Transportation Section, Floor 2, MTEK II Building, Knockaconny, Monaghan, Monday to Friday between 9.15am and 5.15pm until the 25th October 2024.
Dated the 21st August 2024
Signed on behalf of the competent authority: Nicola Payne, A/ Director of Services
Transportation, Community and Rural Development