Pollardstown Fen.

Photographs Courtesy of Wild Ireland

Pollardstown Fen is an alkaline marsh situated on the northern margin of the Curragh, approximately 3km north-west of Newbridge Town, Co. Kildare. It is a spring-fed, post-glacial fen occupying an area of 220ha (550 acres). The origins of the fen can be traced back to the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 12,000 years ago. Because of the rarity of the habitat and the number of rare plant and animal species, the site is rated as of international importance.

Pollardstown Fen lies in a shallow depression. It is maintained by groundwater which continuously flows into the fen from approximately 40 springs and seepage zones. Most of the springs arise around the margins of the depression above the level of the fen and carry groundwater from the Curragh Aquifer.

The Curragh, or mid-Kildare Aquifer, is a large gravel aquifer which extends below and beyond the Curragh Plains. The Curragh itself is a unique semi-natural, acid grassland on shallow soils over an extensive glacial outwash plain. The gravels of the plain reach a depth of 75m in places. The gravel aquifer has a large catchment area. Its hydrogeology is significant as it is an important source of baseflow for rivers and streams, it influences the ecology of a number of interesting habitats and it is the source of water for Pollardstown Fen.

The continual inflow of water at the fen creates waterlogged conditions which lead to peat formation. There are layers of calcareous marl in the fen peats which reflect inundation by calcium-rich water. The peat - marl deposit reaches 6m at its deepest point and is underlain with clay.

The fen has been relatively, undisturbed except for some human influence over the last 1,000 years in the form of diversion of the natural water outflow (to power a number of mills and to supply the Grand Canal), turf-cutting and an attempt to reclaim the fen for agriculture in the 1960's and 70's. The fen was re-flooded in 1983 to redress the effects of the attempted reclamation. Subsequent to the reclamation most of the fen has been purchased by the State.

The outflow from the fen supplies water to the Grand Canal. The existence of the Grand Canal depends on the uninterrupted flow of water from the Curragh Aquifer via the fen. The pristine quality of water is maintained by its passage through the gravel aquifer and fen wetlands.

To the north of Pollardstown are extensive acid-peat bogs. Most ancient Irish fens (similar to Pollardstown) transformed into boglands by growing above the influence of groundwater. The constant inflow of calcium-rich water to Pollardstown did not allow acid-peat to develop (small patches exist on the margins) and the fen, therefore, has remained unchanged for thousands of years. Today, it represents an example of ancient landscape. The Curragh-Pollardstown system has existed and has reached equilibrium over the last 12,000 years. Its undisturbed, slow development has allowed its unique ecology to develop and its many rare species to survive.

Habitats and species

The vegetation of Pollardstown Fen is varied and species-rich with numerous well-defined plant communities and several rare or unusual species. The dominant plant species are saw-sedge (Cladium mariscus), common reed (Phragmites australis), blunt-flowered rush (Juncus subnodulosus) and a variety of sedges. Scrub vegetation has not developed on the fen but there are free-standing shrubs of willow (Salix sp.).

The central fen area is dominated by more uniform and less nutrient-demanding vegetation types such as saw-sedge Cladium mariscus. On the margins, where the water first emerges from the ground, there are species and communities characteristic of more nutrient-rich conditions. Damp grasslands on the margins are species-rich with particularly good displays of orchids in some areas. Regenerating fen occurs on an area of reclaimed land which was re-flooded in 1983 and has now reverted to open water, swamp and fen.

Some of the springs are up-welling, some are seepage zones where water oozes from the ground. A number of springs have tufaceous deposits where solid calcium carbonate precipitates from the calcium-rich water. Some of the more unusual species and communities of the fen are located in the vicinity of these tufaceous springs.

There are more than sufficient indicator species present to categorize the fen as priority habitat with reference to the E.U. Habitats Directive. Three E.U. Annex 1 habitats can be identified at Pollardstown Fen. Approximately half of it corresponds to habitat Alkaline Fen. Most of the remainder is regarded as the priority habitat Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and Carex davalliana. Tufaceous springs are rare and are protected as the E.U. Annex 1 habitat Petrifying springs with tufa formation.

Species

The list of flora and fauna is too extensive for a summary description of the fen but noteworthy species of flora and fauna include the following. Note : Species protected under the E.U. Habitats Directive are printed in bold type. Species locally scarce, or otherwise noteworthy, are underlined.

Orchids :
Early marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata), Common spotted orchid (D. fuchsii), Heath spotted orchid (D. maculata), Narrow-leaved marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza traunsteineri), Marsh helleborine (Epipactis palustris), Fragrant orchid (Gymnadenis conopsea), Early purple orchid (Orchis mascula), Common twayblade (Listera ovata), Fly orchid (Ophrys insectifera), Lesser butterfly orchid (Platanthera bifolia).

Other flowering plants :
Mountain everlasting (Antennaria dioica), Bog thistle (Cirsium dissectum), Fen bedstraw (Galium uliginosum), Marsh bedstraw (G. palustre), St. John's wort (Hypericum sp.), Ragged robin (Lychnis palustris), Water mint (Mentha aquatica), Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), Grass of parnassus (Parnassia palustris), Marsh lousewort (Pedicularis palustris), Common butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris), Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor), Devil's bit scabious (Succisa pratensis), Marsh arrowgrass (Triglochin palustris), Intermediate bladderwort (Utricularia intermedia).

Sedges :
Glaucous sedge (Carex flacca), Slender sedge (C. lasiocarpa), Fen sedge (C. lepidocarpa), Carnation sedge (C. panicea), Flea sedge (C. pulicaris), Saw sedge (Cladium mariscus), Broad-leaved bog cotton (Eriophorum latifolium).

Rushes :
Juncus acutiflorus, J. articulatus, J. subnodulosus, Schoenus nigricans.

Mosses :
**Drepanocladus vernicosus Homalothecium nitens

Invertebrates :
Various groups of invertebrate fauna have been studied and the system has been shown to support a true fen fauna. The species complexes represented are often rare in Ireland and sub-aquatic organisms are particularly well represented. Significant species include the E.U. Annex ll molluscs **Vertigo geyeri and **Vertigo moulinsiana.

A number of internationally important invertebrates including Diptera (true flies) have been recorded from the site. The rare hoverfly Platycherius amplus was discovered in 1988.

159 species of distinctive and highly interesting butterfly and moth have been recorded. Several scarce fenland moths occur at Pollardstown. Between 1984 and 1990 the first Irish recording of Cosmopterix lienigiella and Elachista triatomea were made. The E. U. Annex l1 species **Marsh fritillary butterfly (Eurodryas aurinia) has also been seen on the fen.

A total of 58 spider species have been recorded on the fen. The species Pirata tenuitarsis and Centromerus levitarsis were first recorded for Ireland on the fen in 1993/94.

Vertebrates
Vertebrates on the fen include **Otter (Lutra lutra) (Annex ll), hare and pygmy shrew. The fen is an important habitat for frogs and newts. ** Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), now rare in Ireland and protected by E.U. Habitats Directive (Annex ll), occur on the fen.

The fen has ornithological importance for both breeding and wintering birds. Little grebe, teal, mallard, water rail, coot, moorhen, snipe, sedge warbler and reed bunting all breed annually within the fen vegetation. Reed warbler and garganey, both rare breeding species in Ireland, have been recorded at Pollardstown and may have bred. In recent years two very specialized bird species associated with fens, Marsh harrier and Savi's warbler, have been seen at Pollardstown. Woodcock have also been seen.

Since the reflooding of the central part of the fen in 1983 wintering waterfowl have been attracted in increasing numbers.

National and international importance
The national and international significance of Pollardstown Fen is reflected in its inclusion in protective legislation and conventions. The fen has been given the following designations :

1 Statutory Nature Reserve
Legislation : Wildlife Act, 1976. Wildlife Act (Amendment) Bill pending. Provides for the strict conservation of Irish plants, animals and wildlife habitats to the exclusion of all other activities. 78 approx. sites in Ireland.

2 Natural Heritage Area (N.H.A.)
Legislation : Wildlife Act (Amendment) Bill pending. Provides for the conservation of plants, animals and wildlife habitats of Irish importance. 1251 approx. sites in Ireland.

3 Special Area of Conservation (S.A.C.)
Legislation : . European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997). E.U. Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. Protected habitats and species are listed in Annexes 1 - 5 of the Directive. Provides for the conservation of plants, animals and wildlife habitats of European Union importance. Prohibits any damaging land uses on State or privately-owned land. 400 approx. sites in Ireland.

4 Ramsar Site
Legislation : None. The convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat - the Ramsar Convention - was adopted in Iran in 1971. The Convention requires signatory governments to designate and conserve wetlands as Ramsar Sites but governments cannot be prosecuted for lack of implementation.

Ramsar provides for the conservation of wetlands of international importance listed in the Ramsar Convention. A wetland should be considered as internationally important if it is a particularly good example of a specific type of wetland characteristic of its region. The convention notes the presence of rare, vulnerable, endemic or endangered plants or animals as a factor in determining international importance. 47 Ramsar Sites in Ireland, 549 worldwide.

5 Biogenetic Reserve
Legislation : None. Biogenetic Reserves are designated by the Council of Europe (E.U.). Provides for the protection of natural habitats which are representative examples of natural European heritage, scientific research and exchange of information. 14 sites listed in Ireland.

The Proposed Kildare By-pass

The confusion has arisen out of confusion. There has been a lack of available information as to what is really happening. It is most important, at the outset, to state clearly that it is not the existence or route of the motorway which is currently under discussion. The design of the road, whereby it is to be built under the water table, could have consequences for the county.

Nobody is trying to stop the construction of the motorway. A number of serious issues have arisen in relation to the construction of the by-pass. These must be explained in the interests of the future of the county and its inhabitants. The following is a summary of procedures, an account of what has happened and is happening. It has been written with reference to the relevant public documentation and professional experience in the area of E.I.S.

Traffic.
Kildare suffers from serious traffic congestion. Delays for locals and commuters are commonplace and hours of delay occur at week-ends. It is difficult to cross the street in Kildare town. Everybody in Kildare is aware of the frustration caused by time spent in long traffic hold-ups. This has increased in recent years with the increased number of cars on the roads.

In recognition of the need for a solution to the traffic congestion Kildare County Council designed a motorway to join the Curragh dual-carriageway with the proposed Monasterevan by-pass. South of Kildare town from the Curragh, between the National Stud and Kildare and joining road close to Monasterevan.

Pollardstown Fen could be affected by the construction of the Kildare by-pass following the current design. Pollardstown Fen is well known to most people in Kildare and is now central to the debate on the by-pass. Pollardstown Fen is an area of immense scientific and ecological interest. It is a unique area, having developed from lakes of water left by melting ice after the Ice Age 12,000 years ago. It is a marsh, a post-glacial fen, the only of its kind in Ireland and the best example of its type in Europe. The reason for its uniqueness is that other such fens have long since changed naturally into boglands or have been lost to land drainage. Because it is an ancient habitat it has a number of rare species, both plant and animal, many of which are protected by Irish and European law.

The fen depends on inflow of water from the Curragh for its existence. Water drains constantly from the Curragh into the fen. This water flows naturally from the fen via the New River and the Milltown Feeder. The latter is the main source of water for the Grand Canal. The water enters the fen via approximately 40 landsprings and seepage zones. Some of these seepage zones are themselves protected by law. It is important to note the term seepage zone. The flow of water to the fen is from an ancient underground system which has developed and settled over 12,000 years. Most of the water seeps into the fen and flow is not the equivalent of stream or river flow.

The fen is held in great respect by many people in Newbridge and other areas around the county. It is visited by individuals, families, parents with children, bird-watchers, teachers, scientific groups. It is held in awe by many who have never even visited the site. It is, therefore, important to the well-being of many people in Kildare. This is a positive interaction with environment. This term interaction is significant - see below.

National Stud
The National stud is well known to all in Kildare and many from far afield. The Stud houses high quality stallions which are used for breeding quality racehorses. Also on the Stud grounds are the Japanese Gardens. The water in the gardens comes from the Curragh aquifer. The National Stud will be separated from Kildare Town by the proposed motorway.

Curragh aquifer and gravels.
Beneath the Curragh and surrounding areas are extensive deposits of sand and gravels. Within these gravels are huge quantities of water which constitute an aquifer. An aquifer may be simply described as a natural underground store of water. Water flows into and out of most aquifers. Water passes into an aquifer directly or indirectly from rainfall. Water may percolate through soils or may pass from rivers, streams, etc. into an aquifer. Water flows from aquifers via landsprings. The surface level of the underground water is called the water table.

In the centre of Co. Kildare there is a major aquifer, called the Curragh or Mid-Kildare aquifer. The name "Curragh" aquifer may be misleading since it lies under, not only the Curragh, but an area stretching to the Hill of Allen, Nurney, Suncroft, Newbridge and Kilcullen. It covers an area of approximately 200 square km. Water flows from the aquifer to Pollardstown Fen and the Tully streams.

Water movements within the aquifer are extremely complex and there is evidence of movements of water between the Liffey and Barrow via the aquifer. Experts agree that much of the groundwater movement is still unknown.

E.I.S. procedure
An E.I.S. is an Environmental Impact Statement. It is a document which is written after extensive investigation of the possible effects of a proposed development on the environment. E.I.S. is a legal requirement for developments of a particular type or size. The following must be considered in mandatory E.I.S. : human beings, flora, fauna, soil, water, air, climate, landscape, the inter-action between any of the foregoing, material assets, cultural heritage. E.I.A. refers to Environmental Impact Assessment and refers to the E.I.S. plus subsequent discussions which take place to come to a satisfactory design for a development. It is the duty of those carrying out E.I.S. to ensure that alternatives are considered. Measures must be investigated to avoid, reduce or remedy possible adverse effects of a development.

The purpose of the E.I.A. is, therefore, to identify and eliminate possible problems at the planning stage of a development. E.I.A. should not leave problems unsolved or questions unanswered. E.I.S. are public documents and should be available for inspection by any member of the public.

The problem
Kildare County Council propose to build the Kildare by-pass in a 4.5km long deep cutting which will lie below the water table for 3.5km.

As a result of this cutting 5.5 million gallons of water will be lost per day forever more from the Curragh aquifer. The water table will fall and there will be consequences for the surrounding areas. Consequences which have been identified are listed below. It is agreed that a reduced volume of water will reach Pollardstown fen. The exact amount of the loss is in dispute but there will be consequences for the fen (see below). The current argument centres around the loss of water to the fen since it is protected by the 1976 Wildlife Act, E.U. law and international agreements relating to Council of Europe Biogenic Reserves and Ramsar Convention. The E.U. cannot fund a project which is likely to damage an area which they have declared to be legally protected.

Story to date
Kildare County Council initially proposed the motorway route in 1982.

• An E.I.S. and final reports were completed in 1993.

• The O.P.W. (now Duchas) completed their assessment of the E.I.S. in November 1993. They listed, in serious terms, 35 objections to the proposed dewatering of the aquifer (see below).

• A public enquiry was held in November 1993. A report by the Inspector was completed in May 1994. The Inspector outlined grave reservations in relation to the proposed design of the motorway.

• The matter was referred to Minister for the Environment. A decision was made, in 1996, to proceed with the motorway but to raise the road level by 2m. This would still leave the road well below the water table and cause loss of water from the aquifer. The Minister requested that a monitoring programme be initiated to follow any changes in the water levels.

• An Taisce became aware of the situation in 1998 and submitted copies of the OPW and Chief Planner's reports to the E.U.

• Mid 1998 the E.U. stopped further work on the motorway pending their investigation.

• Report by independent hydrogeologist, Professor Ken Rushden was completed in April, 1999.

• Letter from Irish authorities to EU Directorate-General re the complaint P98/4307 concerning Pollardstown fen.

• Letter from EU Directorate- General requesting the Duchas report + etc.

• Nov. 2000 the contracts for the bypass construction were signed.

• E.U. are considering the situation, their request to cease alll works is still valid.

In the Introduction to their report the OPW outlined that Kildare County Council had selected the route without having first taken full account of the relative impacts of alternatives on Pollardstown Fen. They also stated that the Council "seem to have focussed on negotiating the route with the National Stud". It was agreed with the National Stud that the road would be built in a deep cutting to alleviate visual and noise impact and that the parcel of land separated from the main body of the Stud would be rezoned for development which would be of financial benefit to the Stud. The E.I.S. stated that horses are generally not adversely affected by noise and air from motorways but to further reduce the impact on horses in the Stud the road would be built in a deep cutting.

The remainder of the report dealt with grave concerns for Pollardstown Fen, the Grand Canal and other areas. It was the opinion of the OPW that the E.I.S. was inadequate, fraught with uncertainties, based on insufficient information and failed to adequately study alternatives.

They also outlined concerns for :

·
• buildings, roads, housing estates in Kildare Town due to shrinkage and settlement of gravels, etc. due to the loss of water from the aquifer.
• reduction in groundwater yields in wells in the Curragh Camp
• effects on hedges, trees, bushes, marsh plants, within an area 8 square km around the cutting
• reduced flow in Tully River
• effects on King's Bog
• effects on many other streams and springs in the area.

Rushden report
The Rushden report states that any loss to the fen could be replaced with artificial recharge i.e. pumping water back into the aquifer so that it would then flow to the fen. this theory is generally unaccepted because recharge to an area which has been settling and seeping naturally for thousands of years would be sensitive to any change in flow.

Dispelling the Misconceptions Mr. Tony Lowes is Chairperson of the Natural Environment Group of An Taisce. An Taisce is a non-government organisation , a respected national organisation who lobby for better policies for Ireland in relation to the natural and built environment. They are a recognised environmental watchdog. An Taisce became aware of the OPW and Chief Planner's Report in 1998 and Mr. Lowes sent these to the European Commission, as is his accepted responsibility. He has not tried to stop the construction of the motorway. He merely argues the proposal to build the road below the water table and has the full support of An Taisce in this matter.

Snails
Rare snails do occur on Pollardstown Fen. They were discovered years ago. Recent reports of snails being responsible for the hold-up are totally unfounded and have trivialised the issue.

Road deaths
Unfortunate deaths have taken place over the past years on the Kildare-Monasterevan area. Adequate traffic calming measures are necessary.

General concerns
There is an accepted theory of motorway construction that the developer uses the hills to fill the hollows. There is a general feeling that the gravel from the Curragh is to be used to fill the bogland near Monasterevan ? If this is the case, it would appear that the mid- Kildare Acquifer is to be put at risk for the price of gravel filling.

The trivialisation of the by-pass issue is damaging in many ways. It detracts from the overall picture of what is happening to and what is good for Kildare. Kildare, as a county is at risk. If the worst case scenario does become a reality Kildare could loose the Pollardstown Fen (a unique habitat). The Curragh , King's Bog, local wetlands streams, vegetation will be affected. Buildings and homes could be affected. The Grand Canal and tourism could suffer. One can imagine the consequence for the social fabric of Kildare.

Where are people to go if the worst happens when the traffic has sped by on Friday evenings? Where will they bring their children? How will they feel about their own surroundings? This is negative interaction which has already started with the doubts which are cast over Kildare. For the well-being of its people the county must be intact. Is it worth the risk for the sake of raising the road to the surface. A problem has been identified, albeit at the last hour. Let the E.I.S. process now work for Kildare and its people. This issue is very much about people

(Letter to Members about impact of Kildare Bypass on the Fen)