Chapter 9
Environmental Infrastructure
Issues / Recommendations / Observations
Sub. No.
Chief Executive’s Response & Recommendation
preclude developments in areas where the sewage infrastructure facilities necessary for development do not exist. It should be noted that other issues raised in this submission, are dealt with under Chapter 6 Green and Blue Infrastructure, Open Space and Biodiversity.
subsequent plan. Irish Water’s Water Quality Management Plans are also supported as part of the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive and the implementation of Drinking Water Protection Plans. In addition, Objective 9.2 Wastewater, requires that as part of new proposals for development, evidence of consultation with Irish Water be submitted, demonstrating that adequate water services are available to service the development and that existing water services will not be impacted. Recommendation: Amend paragraph 9.9 Water Quality as follows: 9.9 This section should be read in conjunction with Chapter 6 Green and Blue Infrastructure, Open Space and Biodiversity in terms of protection of aquatic habitats, the riparian corridor, river catchments and Cork Harbour. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) aims to prevent deterioration of the status of all waters and to protect, enhance and restore them with the aim of achieving good status at a minimum. It also aims to achieve compliance with the requirements for designated protected areas. The Directive is implemented through The River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018 – 2021 (RBMP), published by the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government. This is the second cycle of plans produced under the WFD and sets out supporting measures to improve water quality in water bodies. The third RBMP, which will run from 2022 – 2028, is due to be published in December 2021. The core objective of the national RBMP is to protect and restore water quality to ‘good ecological status’ in our rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters. The draft River BasinManagement Plan for Ireland 2022-2027 is currently out for public consultation. The overall aim of the plan is to ensure that our natural waters are sustainably managed and that freshwater resources are protected so as to maintain and
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