Strategic Environmental Assessment Statement

CONSULTANTS IN ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & PLANNING

CORK CITY COUNCIL ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STRATEGY

Prepared for: Cork City Council

Date: June 2024

Core House, Pouladuff Road, Cork, T12 D773, Ireland T: +353 21 496 4133 | E: info@ftco.ie

CORK | DUBLIN | CARLOW www.fehilytimoney.ie

Strategic Environmental Assessment Statement

REVISION CONTROL TABLE, CLIENT, KEYWORDS AND ABSTRACT User is responsible for Checking the Revision Status of This Document

Description of Changes

Rev. No.

Prepared by:

Checked by:

Approved by:

Date:

Issue to Client

EW/NSC

18/06/2024

Client:

Cork City Council

Keywords:

Strategic Environmental Assessment, Appropriate Assessment, SEA Statement, SEA Scoping, SEA Environmental Report, Electric Vehicle, EV, Charging, Strategy.

Abstract:

Fehily Timoney and Company is pleased to submit this Strategic Environmental Assessment Statement to Cork City Council for the Cork City Council Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy for publication alongside the Strategy. This Statement provides information on the decision in accordance with Article 16 of S.I. No. 435/2004 - European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (as amended).

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Background...................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Legislative Context .......................................................................................................................... 1 2. HOW ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS WERE INTEGRATED INTO THE EV CHARGING STRATEGY .........3 2.1 SEA Scoping ..................................................................................................................................... 3 2.2 Environmental Assessment and Mitigation .................................................................................... 4 2.2.1 Mitigation through consideration of alternatives ...........................................................4 2.2.2 Mitigation through integration of environmental considerations into the Strategy ......5 2.2.3 Mitigation through consideration of development management standards/environmental protection objectives contained in the CDP ........................12 2.3 Appropriate Assessment ............................................................................................................... 13 2.4 Consultation on SEA Environmental Report..................................................................................13 2.5 SEA and Strategy Modifications .................................................................................................... 18 3. CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................................................... 21 3.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................... 21 3.2 Approach to Developing Reasonable Alternatives........................................................................21 3.3 Identification and Description of Reasonable Alternatives...........................................................22 3.4 Evaluation of Reasonable Alternatives and Reasons for Choosing the Preferred Alternatives....23 4. SEA CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................................................... 24 5. SEA MONITORING ...................................................................................................................................... 25

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LIST OF FIGURES

Page

Figure 3-1:

'Why? What? Where? When?' Model for framing alternatives - Adapted from Figure 4.3 Developing and Assessing Alternatives in the Strategic Environmental Assessment Process (EPA, 2015). ..............................................................................................................................22

LIST OF TABLES

Page

Table 2-1:

Summary Detail on Scoping Consultation Submissions Received from Environmental Authorities .................................................................................................................................. 4 Proposed Environmental Mitigation Measures Related to the Text of the Strategy.................5 Environmental Mitigation Measure to be adopted during Strategy Implementation - to be included as a separate section in the Strategy ........................................................................11 Responses to Consultation Submissions ..................................................................................14 Strategy Modifications .............................................................................................................18 Reasonable Alternatives to the Strategy..................................................................................22 SEA Monitoring Programme.....................................................................................................26

Table 2-2: Table 2-3: Table 2-4: Table 2-5: Table 3-1: Table 5-1:

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CLIENT:

Cork City Council

PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:

Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

SEA Statement

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Cork City Council (CCC) have adopted the Cork City Council Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy. This is the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Statement for the Strategy. This SEA Statement provides information on the following: 1. How Environmental Considerations were integrated into the Strategy. 2. How the SEA Environmental Report and consultation submissions and observations on it have been taken into account during the preparation of the Strategy. 3. The reasons for choosing the Strategy as adopted, in the light of the other reasonable alternatives considered. 4. The measures decided concerning monitoring the significant environmental effects of implementation of the Strategy. The EPA in their Guidance on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Statements and Monitoring (2023) succinctly summarise the role SEA Statements have under the SEA process, as follows: 'SEA Statements have the potential to play a central role in summarising the effectiveness of the SEA process. They can capture how environmental considerations have shaped the plan/programme (e.g., through policy wordings, revisited zonings and other measures) and how the process has contributed to making the plan or programme more sustainable'. 1.2 Legislative Context SEA is required under the EU Council Directive 2001/42/EC on the Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment (the SEA Directive) 1 . The SEA Directive requires that an environmental assessment is carried out on certain plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment. The overarching objective of the SEA Directive is ‘ to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans….with a view to promoting sustainable development ’ 2

1 Transposing Irish Regulations: S.I. No. 435 of 2004 (European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004, as amended by S.I. No. 200 of 2011 (European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) (Amendment) Regulations 2011). S.I. No. 436 of 2004 (Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004, as amended by S.I. No. 201 of 2011 (Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations 2011). 2 Implementation of SEA Directive (2001/42/EC): Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment – Guidelines for Regional Authorities and Planning Authorities (Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, 2004)

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CLIENT:

Cork City Council

PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:

Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

SEA Statement

SEA is described within the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government’s (2004) Guidelines for Regional Authorities and Planning Authorities on the Implementation of SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) as the ‘formal systematic evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a plan or programme before a decision is made to adopt the plan or programme’. Article 16 of S.I. No. 435/2004 - European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (as amended) requires that a competent authority provide information on the decision to approve a Plan that has been subject to SEA. Article 16(2)(b) requires that a statement is produced summarized, inter alia, how environmental considerations have been integrated into the plan or programme subject to SEA.

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CLIENT:

Cork City Council

PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:

Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

SEA Statement

2. HOW ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS WERE INTEGRATED INTO THE EV CHARGING STRATEGY

2.1 SEA Scoping The first stage of the SEA process was to carry out SEA Screening to determine the requirement for SEA of the Strategy. It was concluded, based on screening analysis, and a review against the environmental significance criteria as set out in Annex II of the SEA Directive, that a full Strategic Environmental Assessment is required for the Strategy. The second stage of the SEA process was carrying out SEA Scoping. The purpose of SEA Scoping was to establish the spatial and temporal scope of the SEA and a framework that can be used to evaluate impacts. An SEA Scoping Report is produced to document the scoping process. The SEA Scoping Report outlined information on the Strategy, including the need for the Strategy, its temporal and geographical area and overall objectives. It facilitated scoping the environmental components and understanding the environmental issues to be considered under the SEA process. The Scoping Report was also required to facilitate statutory consultation to ensure that the approach proposed for the SEA is appropriate. A copy of this report was made available to the statutory Environmental Authorities. One Environmental Authority - the EPA made a scoping submission on the SEA Scoping Report. The SEA Scoping Report was finalised in light of this submission. The SEA Scoping Report, along with SEA scoping consultation submission and consideration of the submission by the SEA process, helped communicate and define the scope of the environmental issues which are to be dealt with by the SEA, the methods which will be used to address these issues, and the level of detail required to address these issues, as per the SEA Guidelines 3 . Summary detail on the scoping consultation submission received from the EPA and how it was taken into account during the SEA process is presented in Table 2-1.

3 Implementation of SEA Directive (2001/42/EC): Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment Guidelines for Regional Authorities and Planning Authorities (DEHLG, 2004), Page 18: “It is recommended that at the end of the scoping procedure, the plan-making authority should prepare a brief scoping report of its conclusions as to what information is to be included in the environmental report, taking account of any recommendations from the environmental authorities.”

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CLIENT:

Cork City Council

PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:

Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

SEA Statement

Table 2-1:

Summary Detail on Scoping Consultation Submissions Received from Environmental Authorities

Environmental Authority

How was this submission taken into account during the SEA?

Summary on the Scoping Consultation Submission

EPA

An overview of the nature of climate change challenges was provided. The EPA acknowledged the nature, focus and goals of the emerging Strategy. It was advised the SEA should seek to maximize climate action co-benefits for air quality, human health, biodiversity, water quality and other interrelated areas (i.e. win-win solutions). Other measures advised on which were relevant to the SEA included: the need to consider the Plan influence on Greenhouse Gas (GHG emissions) the need to manage climate change influenced invasive species spread, the need to have regard to the receiving water quality and air quality environment during the plan-making process. In relation to the SEA specifically, commentary was provided on the approach to mitigation, and on how the plan should consider impacts on air and water quality, water resource, soils/geology, landscape and material assets. The EPA recommended integrating the environmental mitigation defined under the SEA into the Plan, and advised on other interrelated plans and programmes to consider during plan- making and SEA processes.

The recommendation to ensure climate action defined in the Strategy created co-benefits underpinned the SEA process and the defined mitigation measures. Where relevant, mitigation measures ultimately defined serve to holistically maximize environmental benefits. The promotion of climate action co-benefits is embedded into the environmental mitigation defined for the Strategy. Appropriate regard was had to all potential positive and negative environmental effects associated with the Strategy. The receiving water and air environment were assessed and appropriately considered during the SEA process. The nature, focus and level of mitigation measures defined in the SEA Environmental Report were informed by the EPA's commentary. All mitigation measures defined for potential adverse environmental effects identified were integrated into the Strategy itself. The wording of policy measures defined in the Strategy was shaped having regard to relevant environmental considerations. A set of additional, separate eenvironmental mitigation measures were included in the Strategy. The Strategy was considered and evaluated relative to all inter-related plans and programmes.

2.2 Environmental Assessment and Mitigation Taking into account the scope detailed in the SEA Scoping Report which was produced for the initial draft version on the Strategy, the environmental effects associated with the implementation of the Strategy were identified, evaluated and described in an SEA Environmental Report. This report defined mitigation measures to prevent adverse environmental effects due to the implementation of the Strategy. The following forms of mitigation have been adopted to ameliorate the negative environments of the Strategy and maximise potential positive effects of the Strategy: • Mitigation through consideration of alternatives. • Mitigation through integration of environmental considerations into the Strategy. • Mitigation through consideration of development management standards/environmental protection objectives contained in the CDP. 2.2.1 Mitigation through consideration of alternatives A number of alternatives were considered at an early stage in the process. The environmental effects of these alternatives were evaluated during the SEA process. Detail on how Strategy alternatives and their environmental effects were considered during Strategy development is provided in Section 3.

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CLIENT:

Cork City Council

PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:

Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

SEA Statement

2.2.2 Mitigation through integration of environmental considerations into the Strategy The Strategy-development process was carried out in parallel with the SEA process. Regular communication and interaction took place between the environmental assessment team and the Strategy development team. Environmental considerations that came to light during the SEA process, including consultation processes, were regularly communicated to the Strategy-development team during the Strategy-development process. As necessary, environmental mitigation measures to ameliorate the potential negative environmental effects of implementing the Strategy were developed and then integrated into the Strategy. This process ensured optimal Strategy development and environmental outcomes. Environmental considerations were also integrated into the Strategy so as to facilitate maximising identified positive environmental effects of the Strategy. Additional text clarifying environmental protection-related obligations and environmental enhancement opportunities has been attached to a variety of defined proposals in the Strategy. This text has been shaped to ensure that environmental considerations are appropriately taken into account during Strategy implementation. This text has also been shaped to ensure Strategy implementation generates the minimum level of negative environmental effects and the maximum level of positive environmental effects. These text additions are presented in Table 2-2. A set of additional environmental mitigation measures were also defined and integrated into a separate section of the Strategy. These additional mitigation measures are defined in Table 2-3 and were incorporated into the Strategy itself. These environmental mitigation measures were integrated into the Strategy to prevent, reduce and fully offset any potential significant negative environmental effects, and to maximise potential environmental benefits and co-benefits of the Strategy. Table 2-2: Proposed Environmental Mitigation Measures Related to the Text of the Strategy

Proposal Ref.

Suggested Amendments to the text of the Strategy - to mitigate Potential Adverse Environmental Effects Attach the following text to the proposal: Principle 2: EV charging infrastructure will work for everyone, regardless of age, health, income, or other needs: The Cork City Council’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy will require all charge points to be well lit, 1, incorporate sustainable energy generation (where possible) and that a percentage of wheelchair accessible units will be included for within the total stock of infrastructure charging stations. In terms of electricity costs, the strategy will include opportunities for residents to avail of both low cost charging opportunities (i.e. normal speed charging) and fast charging (generally at a higher cost). Footnote: 1 - While ensuring lumen levels and spectral range are maintained or reduced/controlled to avoid effects to biodiversity in areas of important habitat types. Attach the following text to the proposal: Principle 4: Options will be provided for those who cannot charge at home: With respect Cork City Council’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy there will be a focus on providing normal speed charge points (generally low cost and the closest public available equivalent to home charging) close to areas of the city where residents have restricted access to off-street private car parking.

Strategy Proposal

Principle 2: EV charging infrastructure will work for everyone, regardless of age, health, income, or other needs: The Cork City Council’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy will require all charge points to be well lit, incorporate sustainable energy generation (where possible) and that a percentage of wheelchair accessible units will be included for within the total stock of infrastructure charging stations. In terms of electricity costs, the strategy will include opportunities for residents to avail of both low cost charging opportunities (i.e. normal speed charging) and fast charging (generally at a higher cost). Principle 4: Options will be provided for those who cannot charge at home: With respect Cork City Council’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy there will be a focus on providing normal speed charge points (generally low cost and the closest public available equivalent to home charging) close to areas of the city where residents have restricted access to off-street private car parking.

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CLIENT:

Cork City Council

PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:

Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

SEA Statement

Proposal Ref.

Suggested Amendments to the text of the Strategy - to mitigate Potential Adverse Environmental Effects However, the strategy will also provide for fast charging infrastructure to allow for greater flexibility in charging options in the city for all electric vehicle users. The provision of residential community charging stations will also provide for the following: Business users including light vehicle owners. Visitors to the city (including EV visitors to homes without a home charger). Taxis. Homes with two Electric Vehicles. Homes where the deployment of a home charger is not possible or overly expensive. Individual home(s) which do not have access to private off-street parking but are in an area where predominately homes are provided with driveways. Redundancy should there be technical problems with the home charger. Support the possible delivery of multi-modal interchanges to include, car share schemes, (e)bike hire, and other community services (i.e. parcel delivery, etc. Due regard shall be had to architectural and cultural heritage assets in the city when siting the EV charging stations.

Strategy Proposal

However, the strategy will also provide for fast charging infrastructure to allow for greater flexibility in charging options in the city for all electric vehicle users. The provision of residential community charging stations will also provide for the following: Business users including light vehicle owners. Visitors to the city (including EV visitors to homes without a home charger). Taxis. Homes with two Electric Vehicles. Homes where the deployment of a home charger is not possible or overly expensive. Individual home(s) which do not have access to private off-street parking but are in an area where predominately homes are provided with driveways. Redundancy should there be technical problems with the home charger. Support the possible delivery of multi-modal interchanges to include, car share schemes, (e)bike hire, and other community services (i.e. parcel delivery, etc. Phased Deployment of Fast Charging infrastructure within a 360 metre walk (approximately a five minute walk) of those living in homes without access to private off-street parking and within a 720 metre walk (approximately a 10 minute walk) of those living in homes with driveways. Key Siting principles have been defined for Fast Charging Stations. These are as follows: The hierarchy of provision of Fast Charging Infrastructure will be as follows: 1) Publicly managed car parks, 2) Publicly controlled lands, 3) Private retail car parks, 4) Community car parks (i.e. sports grounds, church grounds, etc..). It is preferrable that the Fast Charging Infrastructure is provided within a separate parking area segregated from the neighbouring road/street, but with ease of access to the primary road/street network. The Fast Charging stations should also allow for Normal Speed Charging. The design of the Fast Charging Stations should facilitate Access for All to include those who are disabled and/or mobility impaired. At Fast Charging Stations any existing parking regulations (i.e. parking disc zone, residential parking permits) will be replaced with universal access to all Electric Vehicles. (Non-electric vehicles may be liable to parking fines and/ or temporary removal). The duration of stay of such electric vehicles will be managed by the charge point operator which will likely include time limiting access to the charging infrastructure to ensure the facilities have good turn over and can be used by wider part of the population.

Add the following Key Siting Principle for Fast Speed Charging Stations to the Strategy: Ensure the deployment of fast speed charging stations at appropriate locations while having due regard to environmental sensitives such as cultural heritage and archaeology, traffic and transport conditions, people and businesses, and material assets.

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CLIENT:

Cork City Council

PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:

Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

SEA Statement

Proposal Ref.

Suggested Amendments to the text of the Strategy - to mitigate Potential Adverse Environmental Effects

Strategy Proposal

An Indicative number and location of Fast Charging Stations have been defined. There is likely to be changes to final number and location of charging stations taking into account local requirements including access (and upgrades) to the existing ESB network and other street side activities (waste collection, local access etc..). Phased Deployment of Normal Speed Chargers within a 144 metre walk (less than a two minute walk) of those living in homes without access to a driveway or private off-street parking. Key Siting principles have been defined for Normal Speed chargers have been defined. These are as follows: Normal speed residential neighbourhood charging infrastructure should where possible replace existing on- street parking spaces. It is preferrable to place normal speed residential charging infrastructure on side streets and not on roads/ streets which have been designated key bus routes or cycle routes. Should it be necessary to place charging infrastructure on bus routes, there needs to be sufficient buffer to ensure the charging cables to not impact on either the safe movement of pedestrians/ cyclists or vehicles. At Normal Speed Charging Stations existing parking regulations (i.e. parking disc zone, residential parking permit) will remain in place, ensuring that such chargers are reserved primarily for those actively charging from the local community who do not have access to a driveway or private off-street parking space. At a minimum each disk parking zone will be provided with one Normal Speed Charging Station. Access to normal speed charging stations will be actively managed by the operator to ensure the facilities are not monopolised by one or two users and that there is fair access to the wider residential community in terms of their use. Such fair access may include, the requirement to book a charging session (i.e. morning, afternoon, evening, night, etc..), limiting access to an individual charge point to every second, third, etc.. day. Charging Stations are proposed in estates where the roads have been taken in charge by the Local Authority. In the other estates, the development management company will need to provide the charging infrastructure, ZEVI currently have grants to facilitate such investment by private property management companies. Normal speed charging stations will not be provided on any privately owned (or leased) parking spaces in estates which have been taken in charge. An Indicative number and location of Normal Speed Chargers have been defined.

Add the following Key Siting Principle for Normal Speed Charging Stations to the Strategy: Ensure the deployment of normal speed charging stations at appropriate locations while having due regard to environmental sensitives such as cultural heritage and archaeology, traffic and transport conditions, people and businesses, and material assets.

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CLIENT:

Cork City Council

PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:

Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

SEA Statement

Proposal Ref.

Suggested Amendments to the text of the Strategy - to mitigate Potential Adverse Environmental Effects

Strategy Proposal

Adopt and progress an Implementation Plan for the EV Charging Strategy. This Implementation Plan involves the following: Cork City Council would obtain any required planning permission for the proposed electric vehicle charging infrastructure stations in Cork. The current strategy includes the delivery of 13 new fast charging stations and 44 normal speed charging stations in the community up to Year 2025. Cork City Council will manage the design and construction of the proposed electric vehicle charging infrastructure stations including any requirements to upgrade the electrical power network to supply the EV stations. This design work will require external consultants and resources/ funding will need to be sourced to ensure the timely delivery of this infrastructure. Cork City Council are likely to tender a number of concessions (5 years) to Charge Point Operators for the supply, operation and maintenance of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Cork. The current vision is to create three electric vehicle charging infrastructure bundles to provide competition in the marketplace. The bundles include both fast charging and normal charging infrastructure. Principle 2: EV charging infrastructure will work for everyone, regardless of age, health, income, or other needs: The Cork City Council’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy will require all charge points to be well lit, incorporate sustainable energy generation (where possible) and that a percentage of wheelchair accessible units will be included for within the total stock of infrastructure charging stations. In terms of electricity costs, the strategy will include opportunities for residents to avail of both low cost charging opportunities (i.e. normal speed charging) and fast charging (generally at a higher cost). Principle 4: Options will be provided for those who cannot charge at home: With respect Cork City Council’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy there will be a focus on providing normal speed charge points (generally low cost and the closest public available equivalent to home charging) close to areas of the city where residents have restricted access to off-street private car parking. However, the strategy will also provide for fast charging infrastructure to allow for greater flexibility in charging options in the city for all electric vehicle users. The provision of residential community charging stations will also provide for the following: Business users including light vehicle owners. Visitors to the city (including EV visitors to homes without a home charger). Taxis.

Attach the following text to the proposal: Cork City Council would obtain any required planning permission for the proposed electric vehicle charging infrastructure stations in Cork. All EV charging stations will be subject to the necessary environmental assessment during development planning in accordance with the land use framework defined in the Cork City Development Plan. The current strategy includes the delivery of 13 new fast charging stations and 44 normal speed charging stations in the community up to Year 2025. Cork City Council are likely to tender a number of concessions (5 years) to Charge Point Operators for the supply, operation and maintenance of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Cork. The current vision is to create three electric vehicle charging infrastructure bundles to provide competition in the marketplace. The bundles include both fast charging and normal charging infrastructure. Cork City Council will seek to source providers that can carry out the relevant works and services in an environmentally sustainable manner - in accordance with public sector green public procurement requirements. Attach the following text to the proposal: Principle 2: EV charging infrastructure will work for everyone, regardless of age, health, income, or other needs: The Cork City Council’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy will require all charge points to be well lit, 1, incorporate sustainable energy generation (where possible) and that a percentage of wheelchair accessible units will be included for within the total stock of infrastructure charging stations. In terms of electricity costs, the strategy will include opportunities for residents to avail of both low cost charging opportunities (i.e. normal speed charging) and fast charging (generally at a higher cost). Footnote: 1 - While ensuring lumen levels and spectral range are maintained or reduced/controlled to avoid effects to biodiversity in areas of important habitat types. Attach the following text to the proposal: Principle 4: Options will be provided for those who cannot charge at home: With respect Cork City Council’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy there will be a focus on providing normal speed charge points (generally low cost and the closest public available equivalent to home charging) close to areas of the city where residents have restricted access to off-street private car parking. However, the strategy will also provide for fast charging infrastructure to allow for greater flexibility in charging options in the city for all electric vehicle users. The provision of residential community charging stations will also provide for the following: Business users including light vehicle owners. Visitors to the city (including EV visitors to homes without a home charger).

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CLIENT:

Cork City Council

PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:

Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

SEA Statement

Proposal Ref.

Suggested Amendments to the text of the Strategy - to mitigate Potential Adverse Environmental Effects Taxis. Homes with two Electric Vehicles. Homes where the deployment of a home charger is not possible or overly expensive. Individual home(s) which do not have access to private off-street parking but are in an area where predominately homes are provided with driveways. Redundancy should there be technical problems with the home charger. Support the possible delivery of multi-modal interchanges to include, car share schemes, (e)bike hire, and other community services (i.e. parcel delivery, etc. Due regard shall be had to architectural and cultural heritage assets in the city when siting the EV charging stations.

Strategy Proposal

Homes with two Electric Vehicles. Homes where the deployment of a home charger is not possible or overly expensive. Individual home(s) which do not have access to private off-street parking but are in an area where predominately homes are provided with driveways. Redundancy should there be technical problems with the home charger. Support the possible delivery of multi-modal interchanges to include, car share schemes, (e)bike hire, and other community services (i.e. parcel delivery, etc. Phased Deployment of Fast Charging infrastructure within a 360 metre walk (approximately a five minute walk) of those living in homes without access to private off-street parking and within a 720 metre walk (approximately a 10 minute walk) of those living in homes with driveways. Key Siting principles have been defined for Fast Charging Stations. These are as follows: The hierarchy of provision of Fast Charging Infrastructure will be as follows: 1) Publicly managed car parks, 2) Publicly controlled lands, 3) Private retail car parks, 4) Community car parks (i.e. sports grounds, church grounds, etc..). It is preferrable that the Fast Charging Infrastructure is provided within a separate parking area segregated from the neighbouring road/street, but with ease of access to the primary road/street network. The Fast Charging stations should also allow for Normal Speed Charging. The design of the Fast Charging Stations should facilitate Access for All to include those who are disabled and/or mobility impaired. At Fast Charging Stations any existing parking regulations (i.e. parking disc zone, residential parking permits) will be replaced with universal access to all Electric Vehicles. (Non-electric vehicles may be liable to parking fines and/ or temporary removal). The duration of stay of such electric vehicles will be managed by the charge point operator which will likely include time limiting access to the charging infrastructure to ensure the facilities have good turn over and can be used by wider part of the population. An Indicative number and location of Fast Charging Stations have been defined. There is likely to be changes to final number and location of charging stations taking into account local requirements including access (and upgrades) to the existing ESB network and other street side activities (waste collection, local access etc..).

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CLIENT:

Cork City Council

PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:

Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

SEA Statement

Proposal Ref.

Suggested Amendments to the text of the Strategy - to mitigate Potential Adverse Environmental Effects

Strategy Proposal

Phased Deployment of Normal Speed Chargers within a 144 metre walk (less than a two minute walk) of those living in homes without access to a driveway or private off-street parking. Key Siting principles have been defined for Normal Speed chargers have been defined. These are as follows: Normal speed residential neighbourhood charging infrastructure should where possible replace existing on- street parking spaces. It is preferrable to place normal speed residential charging infrastructure on side streets and not on roads/ streets which have been designated key bus routes or cycle routes. Should it be necessary to place charging infrastructure on bus routes, there needs to be sufficient buffer to ensure the charging cables to not impact on either the safe movement of pedestrians/ cyclists or vehicles. At Normal Speed Charging Stations existing parking regulations (i.e. parking disc zone, residential parking permit) will remain in place, ensuring that such chargers are reserved primarily for those actively charging from the local community who do not have access to a driveway or private off-street parking space. At a minimum each disk parking zone will be provided with one Normal Speed Charging Station. Access to normal speed charging stations will be actively managed by the operator to ensure the facilities are not monopolised by one or two users and that there is fair access to the wider residential community in terms of their use. Such fair access may include, the requirement to book a charging session (i.e. morning, afternoon, evening, night, etc..), limiting access to an individual charge point to every second, third, etc.. day. Charging Stations are proposed in estates where the roads have been taken in charge by the Local Authority. In the other estates, the development management company will need to provide the charging infrastructure, ZEVI currently have grants to facilitate such investment by private property management companies. Normal speed charging stations will not be provided on any privately owned (or leased) parking spaces in estates which have been taken in charge. An Indicative number and location of Normal Speed Chargers have been defined. Adopt and progress an Implementation Plan for the EV Charging Strategy. This Implementation Plan involves the following: Cork City Council would obtain any required planning permission for the proposed electric vehicle charging infrastructure stations in Cork. The current strategy includes the delivery of 13 new fast charging stations and 44 normal speed charging stations in the community up to Year 2025.

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CLIENT:

Cork City Council

PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:

Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

SEA Statement

Proposal Ref.

Suggested Amendments to the text of the Strategy - to mitigate Potential Adverse Environmental Effects Cork City Council are likely to tender a number of concessions (5 years) to Charge Point Operators for the supply, operation and maintenance of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Cork. The current vision is to create three electric vehicle charging infrastructure bundles to provide competition in the marketplace. The bundles include both fast charging and normal charging infrastructure. Cork City Council will seek to source providers that can carry out the relevant works and services in an environmentally sustainable manner - in accordance with public sector green public procurement requirements.

Strategy Proposal

Cork City Council will manage the design and construction of the proposed electric vehicle charging infrastructure stations including any requirements to upgrade the electrical power network to supply the EV stations. This design work will require external consultants and resources/ funding will need to be sourced to ensure the timely delivery of this infrastructure. Cork City Council are likely to tender a number of concessions (5 years) to Charge Point Operators for the supply, operation and maintenance of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Cork. The current vision is to create three electric vehicle charging infrastructure bundles to provide competition in the marketplace. The bundles include both fast charging and normal charging infrastructure.

Table 2-3:

Environmental Mitigation Measure to be adopted during Strategy Implementation - to be included as a separate section in the Strategy

Relevant Environmental Components

Proposals to which Environmental Mitigation applies

Environmental Mitigation Measures

Any developments resulting from the implementation of the Strategy which would be likely to have a significant negative effect on amenity or population and human health in the Strategy area through dust, noise or traffic impacts shall be mitigated in order to eliminate significant negative impacts or reduce them to relevant limit levels. PHH Any developments arising from the implementation of the Strategy shall be subject to the relevant environmental assessments, as required (i.e. Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment Screening, Appropriate Assessment). All When designing and planning for the development of an EV Charging Station, appropriate consideration shall be given to how the siting and operation of an EV charging stations may influence the existing traffic dynamics MA Due regard shall be had to archaeological, cultural, historic and architectural sensitivities, and conservation when siting and designing EV Charging Stations. CH, L

4, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17

2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17

Environmental Components

6, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17

4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17 4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17

Appropriate archaeological monitoring shall take place where the installation of EV Charging infrastructure involves excavation at locations where unknown archaeology remains may potentially exist (such as within Cork City’s historic core). Suitable noise and dust mitigation measures shall be implemented during the construction of charging stations so as to prevent the occurrence of nuisance impacts upon people, residences and businesses, particularly where the development is occurring in built up areas of the city centre. Consideration of likely noise impacts/effects associated with charging station development projects. This includes being cognisant of proximity to sensitive receptors when siting charging points.

CH, L

AQN, PHH

4, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17

AQN

10, 11, 14, 15, 17

Cork City Council, as a policy, will consult with ESB Networks as soon as practicable upon confirming the location and Maximum Import Capacity required for charging stations proposed under the Strategy. MA

6, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17

The development of charging infrastructure in the city will be appropriately phased so as to ensure the operation of charging infrastructure in the city does not put pressure on grid capacity or lead to any unintended adverse effect of electricity supply.

4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17

MA, PHH

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CLIENT:

Cork City Council

PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:

Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

SEA Statement

Relevant Environmental Components

Proposals to which Environmental Mitigation applies

Environmental Mitigation Measures

A Connection Agreement shall be made with ESB Networks for all proposed charging stations. Cork City Council will – through appropriate advocacy and influence – promote the development of renewable energy generation capacity to serve the needs of Cork City and the EV charging network. Where necessary, Construction Traffic Management Plans shall be prepared for any charging station development that may lead to significant adverse traffic and transport effects during construction.

6, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17

2, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17 2, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17 2, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17 2, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17

Charging infrastructure development shall not lead to net biodiversity loss.

BFF

Aim to avoid siting charging stations (particularly sizeable charging stations) at or near to biodiversity sensitive areas, such as protected sites or important habitats. BFF

Aim to avoid designing and siting charging stations in a manner that may result in land- take affecting important habitat or habitat fragmentation.

BFF

Undertake appropriate ecological assessment in cases where supported charging infrastructure development has the potential to impact on sensitive ecological receptors. Ensure the adoption of appropriate ecological mitigation where necessary. BFF

Promote the incorporation of nature-based solutions and biodiversity enhancement, including the use of appropriate native landscaping of local provenance, into charging point development projects, where practicable. Ensure the development of charging point infrastructure aligns with Compact Growth principles defined in the National Planning Framework. As a preference, aim to locate charging stations at brownfield areas that have a good infrastructural baseline and which are in close proximity to suitable grid connection locations.

2, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17

BFF

BFF, CC, PHH, MA

2, 4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17

Ensure potential cumulative environmental effects are appropriately considered - where charging stations development projects overlap between one another or with other active travel projects, or where such development projects intersect and/or are within close proximity to one another. All

2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17

Environmental Components

Key: PHH - Population & Human Health. BFF - Biodiversity, Flora & Fauna. L - Landscape, Seascape & Visual Amenity. CH - Cultural Heritage - Archaeological & Architectural. S - Soils. LU - Land Use. AQN - Air Quality and Noise. W - Water. MA - Material Assets. TR- Tourism & Recreation. CC - Climate Change. 2.2.3 Mitigation through consideration of development management standards/environmental protection objectives contained in the CDP In addition to the environmental mitigation measures integrated into the Strategy, the development management standards and environmental protection measures defined in the CDP will serve to mitigate the environmental effects of any development proposals supported by the Strategy. These development management standards/environmental protection measures have been defined for the express purpose of ensuring proper planning and sustainable development in the City. The CDP has been subject to its own SEA and AA. The Strategy has been prepared having appropriate regard to the policies and objectives contained in the City Development Plan.

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CLIENT:

Cork City Council

PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:

Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

SEA Statement

2.3 Appropriate Assessment The Habitats Directive 4 requires, inter alia, that plans (such as the Strategy) undergo Screening for AA (Stage 1) and if necessary the preparation of a Natura Impact Report (Stage 2), to establish the likely or potential effects on European Sites arising from plan implementation. This first stage of the AA process is referred to as 'Screening for AA' and the purpose is to determine, on the basis of a preliminary assessment and objective criteria, whether a plan or project, alone and in combination with other plans or projects, could have significant effects on a European Site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. AA Screening concluded that the Strategy will not give rise to any adverse effects on designated European sites, alone or in combination with other plans or projects. Consequently, a Stage 2 AA was not required for the Strategy. 2.4 Consultation on SEA Environmental Report A draft version of the Strategy was accompanied by a draft version of the SEA Environmental Report on public display as part of the required statutory public consultation required under Article 13 of S.I. No. 435/2004 - European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004. Environmental Authorities, relevant interested stakeholder and members of the public were notified of the Draft Strategy being placed on display and the opportunity to make consultation submissions in relation to the Draft Strategy. Members of public were made aware of the Draft Strategy and associated environmental report through a notification published by the local authority on its website. Environmental Authorities and interested stakeholders were notified through notification correspondence. Various parties made consultation submissions and observations on the Draft Strategy. Only one submission - from the EPA - contained information related to the environmental effects of the Strategy. Detail on this submission, the response to this submission, and any changes made to SEA Environmental Report on foot of this submissions, is provided in Table 2-4. Updates were made to the SEA documentation where relevant following on from receipt and consideration of the consultation submissions.

4 Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora

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