Strategic Environmental Assessment Report

Appendix 3.2 - Evaluation Matrix - Detailed Evaluation of Environmental Effects of Strategy Implementation

Environmental Effect requiring Environmental

Potential Environmental Effects (in the absence of Environmental Mitigation)

AQ N

Ref.

Proposal

PHH

BFF

Mitigation identified?

This Principle determines that the EV infrastructure network will support and avoid impacting other sustainable transport projects within the city. The delivery of a good network of EV charging infrastructure with a focus on accessibility in tandem with the role out of new active and sustainable transport infrastructure, has the potential to promote the use of sustainable forms of transport and travel and the reduction of transport GHG emissions. This is likely to lead to slight to significant positive effects on local air quality, and slight positive effects on the climate environment - having regard to the share of GHG emission reductions that can be supported via this proposal relative to national GHG emission reduction targets and requirements. This Principle is focussed on ensuring accessibility and safety as well as incorporating renewable energy supply for the charge point infrastructure. It has the potential to lead to positive effects on population and human health and material assets. Where a charge point is situated within close proximity to an important habitat type - the spectrum of light from LED sources associated with charge point lighting and its associated infrastructure has the potential to negatively affect nocturnal species. Therefore, there is scope for negative biodiversity related impacts in the absence of mitigation.

Principle 1 : EV infrastructure will form part of a wider sustainable transport network: In the context of Cork City Council’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, the siting of new EV charging stations will avoid impacting on both existing and proposed new active and sustainable transport projects in the city. In addition, a key objective in the siting of new charge points in the city is that they will be easily accessible by foot from the surrounding residential areas. 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).

Yes