The Grand Canal, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Summary
Roughan & O’Donovan undertook an ecological assessment of the Grand Canal in County Kildare with the twin aims of updating the ecology records of the area and informing future maintenance plans and capital projects.
Solution
We conducted a biodiversity audit and habitat classification of 70km of the Grand Canal main line, Naas and Corbally branch and Milltown feeder.
We developed a contemporary, geospatially digitised, habitat map of the canal, which identified ecologically sensitive areas and Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAS) along its corridor.
Our report and GIS database serve as important tools for planning, site maintenance and determining the suitability of capital projects on the Grand Canal.
Challenge
Finding the balance between improving access to the Grand Canal amenity while protecting its ecological integrity represents a key challenge for Waterways Ireland.
Services provided:
Environmental engineering consultancy
