PhD Fellowship, Dept of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science

The Effectiveness of Ecological Mitigation Measures on National Road Schemes in Ireland

The effectiveness of mitigation measures which have been put in place on national road schemes to reduce wildlife road fatalities, habitat loss and fragmentation effects of road infrastructure remain largely unassessed in Ireland. 

Wildlife crossing structures are used to provide safe passage for wildlife either under or over roads.  Structures include (1) terrestrial mammal underpasses; (2) aquatic passage structures e.g. culverts and ledges; and, (3) structures over roads such as green bridges.  It appears from the number of road casualties in Ireland that, in some places, the location of mammal underpasses, the tie-in of mammal resistant fencing to structures, culverts and other infrastructure and the execution of the design of these structures may not fulfil their intended purpose.  An analysis of the effectiveness of these measures is vital for biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, landscape planning and the future planning and design of Irish national road infrastructure.  We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a large and dynamic biodiversity research group at University College Cork, Ireland.  The research is to be funded by the National Roads Authority’s Research Fellowship Programme 2009 under the National Development Plan 2007 -2013.

 The proposed Ph.D. research programme will trace the impact assessment and design process for ecological mitigation measures on a select number of national road schemes from the EIS/Preliminary Design – to the Pre-Construction Surveys – to the Detailed Design Surveys and the preparation of the Detailed Design - the Construction stage and finally the Post-Construction evaluation and monitoring for wildlife crossing structures and associated compensatory habitats or landscape treatments.

 The PhD programme will commence in January 2010 and will conclude in December 2012.  A stipend (€20,000 per year) will apply plus annual fees will be covered by the funding.

 Candidates who consider that they have relevant skills for this research are encouraged to apply by e-mail, sending their CV plus a justification as to their suitability for the PhD programme to Dr Pádraig Whelan, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork, Environmental Research Institute, Lee Road, Cork at p.whelan@ucc.ie.  The closing date is midday (GMT) on Sunday December 13th, 2009.