As part of the proposed Dyrick Hill Wind Farm Environmental Impact Assessment, a detailed flora and fauna study was conducted in order to understand the current biological conditions present at the Study Area, as well as the likely impacts of such a development on surrounding environments. Surveys included habitat mapping and targeted sampling of flora and non-avian fauna at a variety of survey points within different identified habitats on the Project's Study Area, as well as additional survey points along the transmission corridor. Timed species counts can be used to record resident fauna species at each survey point. These surveys were carried out by the independent environmental and engineering consultancy Jennings O’Donovan & Partners Limited who are based in Sligo town.

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Plant species were recorded using baseline study investigations and any protected or endangered species were noted. The final project design has avoided any sensitive habitats and has mitigated by design where possible.

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Impacts of wind farms on bird populations can occur through collisions, habitat loss, avoidance/barrier effects, disturbance displacement or exclusion, e.g. from breeding grounds or foraging areas. For this reason, EMPower take the utmost due care and diligence to ensure that any wind turbines are positioned to cause the minimum possible impact to the native bird populations well being and habitat. In line with industry best practice, EMPower have conducted 2 years bird surveys prior to submission of a planning application.

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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) promotes the development of wind energy in harmony with the natural environment.

“Switching to renewable energy now, rather than in ten or twenty years, is essential if we are to stabilise greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at safe levels. Wind power is the most advanced renewable technology, available at a large scale, over this time period. For this reason, RSPB supports a significant growth in offshore and onshore wind power generation in the UK.” – (Source: RSPB, 2019)

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