M28 Ecology

Major infrastructure projects must be delivered in a way that avoids, minimises or compensates for impacts on the natural environment. For the M28, the EIS identified a range of sensitive habitats and protected species along the route, which in turn shaped a detailed programme of ecological assessment, mitigation and ongoing monitoring.

Specialist ecologists were appointed from the outset to survey habitats, monitor protected species and design measures that maintain ecological connectivity during and after construction. These considerations were built into the scheme at an early stage, so that engineering design, drainage, earthworks and landscaping all respond to the ecological needs of the corridor rather than working against them.

As a result, the M28 includes a series of targeted environmental protections – from relocating sensitive habitats and creating new wetlands, to providing safe routes for wildlife movement and enhancing biodiversity through native planting.

Explore the key ecological measures below to learn more about how the project is safeguarding the natural landscape.

Protecting Native Species

Early surveys: Badgers, otters and bats were surveyed before construction to inform design and mitigation.
Built-in protection: Artificial setts, wildlife underpasses, otter ledges and 50 bat boxes are provided across the route.
Long-term monitoring: Measures will be monitored after construction to ensure they remain effective.

Protecting Habitats

Sensitive landscapes: The route passes through ecologically sensitive areas requiring careful design.
Sustainable delivery: Drainage, earthworks and construction methods were designed to minimise environmental impact.
Environmental priority: Habitats are protected and managed throughout all stages of the project.

Enhanced Landscaping

Native planting: 20 Hectares of Native trees, shrubs and groundcover will be planted across the scheme.
Biodiversity gains: New planting creates habitats for birds and wildlife while softening the motorway corridor.
Landscaping reflects the local character and will mature over time.

Protecting Habitats & Native Species

The M28 corridor passes through a diverse and environmentally sensitive landscape around Cork Harbour, including areas of karstified limestone and established ecological networks. These conditions required careful design and construction approaches that balance the technical demands of a major infrastructure project with the need to protect surrounding habitats and wildlife.

Environmental considerations were embedded from the outset. Detailed environmental assessments informed route selection, engineering design and construction practices, ensuring that ecological constraints influenced decisions at both strategic and site level across the scheme.

Protecting native species has been a key focus. Specialist surveys for badgers, otters and bats were carried out in advance of clearance works, informing the provision of artificial badger setts, mammal underpasses, otter ledges within culverts and 50 bat boxes at suitable locations along the route. These measures help maintain ecological connectivity during and after construction.

Together, these interventions demonstrate how the M28 is being delivered with a consistent commitment to protecting habitats and biodiversity, while respecting the environmental character of the Cork Harbour area.

Smooth newt recorded at the compensatory wetlands in February 2025

Bat Boxes Installed in Wooded Area

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

Badger Set construction

Aquatic plants in compensatory wetlands (November 2024)

Compensatory wetlands in August 2025

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

Enhanced Landscaping

Extensive landscape planting will be introduced across the full extent of the M28 scheme, with 20 Hectares of carefully planned mix of native trees, shrubs, and ground vegetation. This planting strategy has been designed not only to soften and screen the visual impact of the motorway, but also to deliver a wide range of ecological benefits. The newly planted areas will create nesting and feeding habitats for a variety of bird species, supporting both resident populations and seasonal migrants that pass through the Cork Harbour region.

The design of the planting plan takes into account the specific character of the surrounding landscape, with species selection and placement chosen to integrate seamlessly with existing vegetation patterns. Over time, as the planting matures, it will contribute to a more diverse and robust ecological network, while also delivering benefits in terms of soil stability, air quality, and overall visual amenity. This integrated approach demonstrates the project’s commitment to combining essential infrastructure with meaningful environmental stewardship.

Tree planting within the Mulcon Valley completed in advance of construction in February 2023

Raffeen Quarry

Raffeen Quarry was identified through the Environmental Impact Statement as an area of particular ecological interest and sensitivity along the M28 corridor. For this reason, it was subject to enhanced assessment, careful programming of works and targeted mitigation measures during construction.

Habitat loss associated with the new road was addressed through a programme of habitat re-creation and enhancement within the quarry. This included the creation of a replacement wetland designed to replicate the characteristics of the affected habitat, with varied water depths, vegetation and supporting features. Newts recorded within the original wetland were successfully relocated under ecological supervision, with monitoring confirming the effectiveness of these measures.

Raffeen Quarry also supported an active peregrine falcon nest during construction. Works in the vicinity were carefully managed to avoid disturbance, allowing chicks to be successfully hatched and reared on site. To support the long-term presence of the species, an elevated nesting structure has since been installed within the quarry, providing a suitable future nesting location.

Peregine Falcon chicks