This project was a joint initiative between the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Fáilte Ireland working in strategic partnership which aimed to further develop and expand, and upgrade and enhance, the existing trail system within the Connemara National Park.
The primary objectives of the project were to:
- Alleviate pressure on the existing infrastructure within Connemara National Park from the growth in visitor numbers to the Park,
- Enhance and improve the overall visitor experience within the Park,
- Enhance the appeal to cater for a wider audience, particularly families, and
- Encourage people to stay longer in the Park and surrounding area and consequently bring more business into the local communities.
A Screening for Appropriate Assessment was carried out. The source-pathway-receptor model revealed two European sites with potential to be impacted by the project; The Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Illaunnanoon Special Protection Area (SPA). It was not considered possible to rule out the potential for likely significant effects on these European sites in the absence of any mitigation measures, and thus a Stage 2 Natura Impact Statement was undertaken. Mitigation measures were subsequently put in place to ensure there would be no risk of significant adverse effects on the qualifying interests or special conservation interests, or on overall site integrity and attainment of their specific conservation objectives for The Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex SAC and Illaunnanoon SPA.
