CLIENT:
Cork City Council
PROJECT NAME: REPORT TITLE:
Cork City Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy
SEA Environmental Report
6. DESCRIPTION AND EVALUATION OF STRATEGY ALTERNATIVES
6.1 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 alternatives must be realistic and capable of implementation. This section of the SEA Environmental Report examined reasonable alternatives to CCC's Strategy and systematically evaluated the likely significant effects of these alternatives. 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. The reason for considering identified reasonable alternatives within the scope of the environmental assessment is clearly described and documented. A description of how the assessment of alternatives was carried out was provided. 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. The purpose of this is to determine if the reasonable alternative resulted in positive, negative, neutral or uncertain environmental outcomes. This assessment process can result in mixed-effects outcomes. The description and evaluation of reasonable alternatives in this report was undertaken in accordance with guidelines defined in the following two guidance document primarily: 1. Implementation of SEA Directive (2001/42/EC): Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment, DEHLG 2004. 2. Developing and Assessing Alternatives in Strategic Environmental Assessment, EPA 2015. 6.2 Goal of the Reasonable Alternative Evaluation Process in SEA The underpinning goal of the reasonable alternative evaluation process is to ensure that the selection of preferred alternatives by the Local Authority is informed by environmental considerations including: • Which alternative best promotes and facilitates the use of EVs as an alternative form of sustainable transport, and therefore best contributes to reducing the use of ICE-based vehicles and associated emissions, to reducing transport sector GHG emission reductions overall, and protecting/improving local air quality conditions. • Which alternative best supports with the objectives of inter-related plans and policy, including their environmental protection objectives.
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P23-206
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