CLIENT:
Cork City Council
PROJECT NAME:
Appropriate Assessment Screening Report
• This document was updated by Assessment of plans and projects in relation to Natura 2000 sites - Methodological guidance on Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. Commission Notice (2021) Brussels, 28.9.2021 C (2021) 6913 final; • Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland: Guidance for Planning Authorities. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin (2009, updated 2010); • Commission Notice: Managing Natura 2000 sites. The provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. European Commission (2018). Brussels, (2019/C 33/01). OJ C 33, 25.1.2019; • Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 28. European Commission 2013; • OPR Practice Note PN01 Appropriate Assessment Screening for Development Management, Office of the Planning Regulator (2021). The AA screening is based on best scientific knowledge and has utilised ecological and hydrological expertise. In addition, a detailed online review of published scientific literature and ‘grey’ literature was conducted. This included a detailed review of the National Parks and Wildlife Website including mapping and available reports for relevant sites and in particular sensitive qualifying interests/special conservation interests described and their conservation objectives. The EPA Envision Map-viewer (www.epa.ie) and available reports were also reviewed: • Definitions of conservation status, integrity and significance used in this assessment are defined in accordance with ‘Managing Natura 2000 sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the 'Habitats' Directive 92/43/EEC’ (EC, 2000). • The conservation status of a natural habitat is defined as the sum of the influences acting on a natural habitat and its typical species that may affect its long-term natural distribution, structure and functions as well as the long-term survival of its typical species; • The conservation status of a species is defined as the sum of the influences acting on the species concerned that may affect the long-term distribution and abundance of its population; • The integrity of a European Site is defined as the coherence of the site’s ecological structure and function, across its whole area, or the habitats, complex of habitats and/or populations of species for which the site is or will be classified; and • Significant effect should be determined in relation to the specific features and environmental conditions of the protected site concerned by the plan or project, taking particular account of the site’s conservation objectives. 2.3 Assessment Process and Approach An AA Screening Report has been produced for the CCC Draft Strategy. The effects that could arise from the Draft Strategy were examined, and on the basis of the findings, it was concluded that the Draft Strategy would not have significant adverse effects on any European Site, alone or in combination with other plans or projects. Consequently, a Stage 2 AA was not required for the Draft Strategy. This assessment commences with a description of the Strategy modifications being considered. The type of impacts that are likely due to the Strategy modifications are then identified and evaluated having regard to nature and characteristics of the Strategy modifications. The overall AA process will be completed in a revised AA Screening Report for the Strategy at the end of the Strategy-development process incorporating all interim steps, modifications and reports/assessments.
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