CLIENT:
Cork City Council
PROJECT NAME:
Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening Report
2.2 Overview of the SEA Screening Process The first step of the SEA process is to carry out SEA Screening to determine the requirement for SEA of a P/P (or Strategy modifications in this case). The first stage in determining whether a P/P requires SEA is the carrying out of a 'Pre-screening Check' (also known as a 'Stage 1 Applicability'). This allows rapid screening-out of P/P that are clearly not going to have any environmental impact and screening-in of those that do require SEA. The second stage in determining whether a P/P requires SEA is known as 'Stage 2 Screening.' The purpose of this stage is to determine whether a P/P is likely to have significant effects on the environment and whether SEA must be carried out in conjunction with a P/P. The application of environmental significance criteria is important in determining whether an SEA is required. Annex II of Directive 2001/42/EC sets out the ‘statutory’ criteria that should be addressed when undertaking this stage. This process is typically undertaken following an 8-step approach Figure 2-1. The first environmental significance criterion relates to the characteristics of the P/P, having regard to: the degree to which the P/P sets out a framework for other projects and activities; the influence of the P/P on other projects, plans or activities; the role of the plan for integrating environmental considerations to promote sustainable development; environmental issues of relevance to the P/P and the relevance of the P/P for the implementation of EU legislation on the environment. The second environmental significance criterion refers to the characteristics of the effects and area likely to be affected, having regard to; the probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the effects; the cumulative nature of the effects; the transboundary nature of the effects; the value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to special natural characteristics or cultural heritage, exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values or intensive use; the effects on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, European or international protection status.
Figure 2-1:
SEA Screening steps as per the EPAs Good Practice Guidance on SEA Screening
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P23-206
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