Flooding is becoming an increasingly frequent occurrence in many areas of Ireland in recent years. Storms like Éowyn and Babet have highlighted the escalating risks faced by communities, infrastructure and ecosystems. Recent studies conducted by Met Éireann, the UK Met Office, and the EPA have concluded that extreme rainfall events are now ten times more likely to occur compared to pre-industrial times. As developers and local authorities seek to mitigate this increasing risk through the implementation of flood relief schemes nationwide, ecological assessment plays a vital role in ensuring these interventions protect people, properties and biodiversity alike.
At MKO, we have extensive experience supporting flood relief and infrastructure projects nationwide. We understand that bird surveys are a vital component of the environmental assessments required for flood relief schemes. These surveys help identify protected species, such as curlew, kingfisher, and lapwing, that may breed, roost or forage in proposed works areas, particularly within or near designated sites like SPAs and SACs, as required under the EU Birds Directive and Wildlife Acts. Specifically designed waterbird surveys used for these schemes note the species present in key development areas, their activity and their specific habitat usage within affected areas and catchments. This carefully designed approach to surveying provides developers with important information on any impacts the development may have on these species. With these insights, projects can be designed in a manner that benefits both communities and biodiversity.
Guidance from Transport Infrastructure Ireland and OPW Flood Risk Management outlines best practice survey methods, including breeding bird assessments during the nesting season (March–August) and overwintering waterbird surveys in coastal and wetland habitats (October–March) (TII, 2010), (OPW, 2019). Early-stage avian assessments allow project teams to plan works around sensitive periods, avoiding delays, legal non-compliance, or reputational risk. By integrating ecological insights into design and scheduling, developers can streamline planning while delivering infrastructure that is both resilient and environmentally responsible. MKO provides tailored, pragmatic bird survey solutions that meet statutory requirements and support the success of your project from inception to delivery.
With climate-driven flooding on the rise, the integration of ecological expertise into flood mitigation planning has never been more critical. Bird surveys are not just a regulatory requirement, they’re a key tool for ensuring that vital infrastructure can proceed without harming Ireland’s protected species and habitats. By engaging with us early in the process, developers can navigate environmental obligations efficiently, reduce risk, and contribute to more sustainable, nature-positive outcomes.
Photo credit: Louis de Vries, MKO Ornithologist
References
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2024. *Ireland’s Environment: An Integrated Assessment 2024*. [online] Available at: https://epawebapp.epa.ie/ebooks/soe2024/87 [Accessed 1 Jul. 2025].
Mayes, E., 2018. *Bird Baseline Surveys: Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme – 2016–2017*. [online] Available at: <https://enniscorthyfrs.ie/wp-content-uploads/2020/07/AppendixH-Bird-Baseline-Surveys-Eleanor-Mayes-Mar-2018.pdf> [Accessed 1 Jul. 2025].
Met Éireann and UK Met Office, 2024. *Attribution of extreme rainfall in Ireland and the UK*. [online] Reported in: The Irish Times. Available at: <https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2024/05/22/storm-rainfall-inireland-and-uk-made-20-more-intense-by-human-caused-climate-change-study-finds> [Accessed 1 Jul. 2025].
Office of Public Works (OPW), 2019. *Environmental Guidance: Drainage Maintenance and Construction – Part 3: Birds*. [online] Available at: <https://www.floodinfo.ie/frs/media/filer_public/41/2b/412b697f-4bda-49a3-a47e3eef1af28bf8/environmental_guidance__drainage_maintenance_and_construction_2019_web_part-3.pdf> [Accessed 1 Jul. 2025].
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), 2010. *Ecological Surveying Techniques for Protected Flora and Fauna during the Planning of National Road Schemes*. [online] Available at: <https://www.tii.ie/media/4nthqz3a/ecological-surveying-techniques-forprotected-flora-and-fauna-during-the-planning-of-national-road-schemes.pdf> [Accessed 1 Jul. 2025].
World Weather Attribution (WWA), 2023. *Climate Change Made the Extreme Rainfall Associated with Flooding in Midleton, Ireland More Likely and More Intense*. [online] Available at: <https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/climate-change-made-theextreme-rainfall-associated-with-flooding-in-midleton-ireland-more-likely-and-moreintense> [Accessed 1 Jul. 2025]