Ecology

Start of construction of an artificial badger sett within the scheme area

Badger sets

Ecological surveys for Badgers and Otters were carried out before construction of the M28 to protect local wildlife. Several new features such as artificial badger setts and mammal underpasses have been created to provide safe habitats and crossings within the scheme area.

Wetland on completion of construction starting to re-vegetate (November 2024)

Raffeen Quarry

To replace wetlands affected by the M28, the ecology team oversaw the creation of a new habitat in Raffeen Quarry with varied water depths, vegetation, and features for wildlife such as Smooth Newts. Plants from existing wetlands were moved to help it establish, and the area is already thriving, with Coot and Little Grebe now spotted there.

Peregrine nest box installed away from the M28 route

Raffeen Quarry

Raffeen Quarry is home to nesting Peregrine Falcons, which are monitored each breeding season. The ecology team have erected a new nesting platform to ensure their protection. Before construction began, areas of calcareous grassland were carefully relocated to protect the species-rich habitat, which will continue to be monitored during the M28 works.

Compensatory Planting

Compensatory planting along the M28 will create habitats for birds, bats, and other wildlife while maintaining landscape connectivity. More than 20 hectares of native trees, including oak, Scots pine, hawthorn, hazel, holly, blackthorn, birch, and willow, will be planted, with verges and embankments sown with Irish wildflowers and grasses to enhance biodiversity and help the road integrate into its surroundings.

A bat box installed on a mature tree within the scheme area

Bat Boxes

In addition to badger and otter surveys, Bat surveys were completed pre-construction. Bat boxes have been installed across the scheme to replace lost roosting sites, and these will be monitored once works are finished.