A study of land-use change and present habitats at Marino Point – a coastal brownfield site in Cork Harbour Three phases of research: • • desktop study: Cork County Files � description land-use change; Cork County Files and EPA files � operational phase of Industry GI S: historic maps � historic • land use/land-use change on the site Field visits and GI S: • describing and mapping semi- natural habitats of the site
Conclusions • Loss of woodland • flattening of hill on the site • reclamation of the area to the north increased Marino Point from ca 25 ha to ca 45 ha • loss of intertidal mudflats • land-use change between 1975-79 from rural to industrial � fragmented the landscape � dramatic habitat loss compared to land-use change during the previous 133 years.
Conclusion • production phase NET and subsequently IFI could have affected surrounding habitats of the site adversely records demonstrate � not adequately • assessed if, how and to what extent habitats were affected • Under current legislation: similar development at this site � Impact assessment of non-compliances and incidents regarding the surrounding habitat with special concern for the designated mudflats north of Marino Point
Conclusion • Historic features and the habitats on Marino Point that soften ecotones to any new development should be preserved. • habitats can act as transient zones to the adjacent environment and should be maintained and supported to improve the continuity of the landscape.
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