CLIENT:
Cork City Council
PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:
Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy
SEA Statement
3. CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES
3.1 Introduction Article 5(1) of the SEA Directive states that: 'Where an environmental assessment is required under Article 3(1), an environmental report shall be prepared in which the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme, are identified, described and evaluated.' The SEA Directive requires that reasonable alternative means of achieving the strategic goals of the Strategy (taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of a plan or programme) are identified, described and evaluated for their likely significant effects on the environment. Such reasonable alternative must be realistic and capable of implementation. Reasonable alternatives to the Strategy were initially explored and examined during the SEA Scoping stage of the SEA process, having regard to the scope, function and strategic aims and main objectives of the Strategy. This process facilitated the accurate identification of reasonable alternatives to the Strategy and also suitably informed the Strategy development process, ensuring optimal environmental outcomes. Reasonable alternatives are assessed against the Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs) established for the aspects of the baseline environment which are likely to be significantly affected by the Strategy. 3.2 Approach to Developing Reasonable Alternatives A range of alternatives to the Strategy were considered during the Strategy-development process. The approach for identifying reasonable alternatives to the Strategy is defined below: 1. Iterative communication was held between the Strategy-development and environmental assessment teams to identify the various alternative approaches and options being considered to achieve the vision of the Strategy - the delivery of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure to allow for the targeted uptake in electric vehicles in Cork City. This communication commenced early on during the plan- making process. 2. Reasonable alternatives considered were identified. For an alternative to be considered reasonable, it must be practical/functional, realistic and implementable. An evaluation of whether each alternative was practical/functional, reasonable and implementable took place. This evaluation considered the following factors: 2.1. The vision of high-level objectives of the Strategy. 2.2. The geographic scope of the Strategy. 2.3. The actual powers and functions of the Local Authority. 2.4. The climate action merits of the alternative. 2.5. The genuine ability of the alternative to effectively achieve the vision of the Strategy. 2.6. The technical feasibility of the alternative. 2.7. The availability of resources, including financial resources to deliver the Strategy within the required timeframe. 2.8. The policy hierarchy and the parameters placed around the Strategy by higher-level policy. 2.9. The legislative context and the parameters placed around the Strategy by alternative fuel, planning and environmental legislation.
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