Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report

SEA Environmental Report for the Draft Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028

Environmental Component

SEO Code

Guiding Principle

Strategic Environmental Objectives

Indicators

Targets

Soil

(and

Ensure

the

 Maintain built surface cover nationally to below the EU average of 4%  In accordance with National Policy Objectives of the National Planning Framework, a minimum of 50% of the housing growth targeted in the City is to be delivered within the existing built-up footprint  To map brownfield and infill land parcels across the City  Dispose of contaminated material in compliance with EPA guidance and waste management requirements  Screen for and undertake environmental assessments and AA as relevant for applications for brownfield and infill development prior to planning permission  Not to cause deterioration in the status of any surface water or affect the ability of any surface water to achieve ‘good status’  Implementation of the objectives of the River Basin Management Plan  Minimise developments granted permission on lands which pose - or are likely to pose in the future - a significant flood risk  All new developments granted permission to be connected to and adequately and appropriately served by waste water treatment over the lifetime of the Plan  Where individual on-site wastewater treatment systems are proposed, for planning permission to be only granted when applications demonstrate that the outfall from the individual on-site wastewater treatment system will not – in- combination with other septic tanks – contribute towards any surface or ground water body not meeting the objective of good status under the Water Framework Directive  Facilitate, as appropriate, Irish Water in developing water and wastewater infrastructure  See also targets relating to greenfield and brownfield development of land under Soil and broadband under Population and Human Health

 Proportion of population growth occurring on infill and brownfield lands compared to greenfield (also relevant to Material Assets)

 Protect soils against pollution, and prevent degradation of the soil resource  Promote the sustainable use of infill and brownfield sites over the use of greenfield sites  Safeguard areas of prime agricultural land and designated geological sites

Land)

long-term sustainable management of land

 Instances where contaminated material generated from brownfield and infill must be disposed of  Environmental assessments and AAs as relevant for applications for brownfield and infill development prior to planning permission  Status of water bodies as reported by the EPA Water Monitoring Programme for the WFD

Water

 Ensure that the status of water bodies is protected, maintained and improved in line with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive  Ensure water resources are sustainably managed to deliver proposed regional and City growth targets in the context of existing and projected water supply and wastewater capacity constraints ensuring the protection of receiving environments  Avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding and areas that are vulnerable to current and future erosion  Integrate sustainable water management solutions (such as SuDS, porous surfacing and green roofs) into development proposals  Optimise existing infrastructure and provide new infrastructure to match population distribution proposals  Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all which encourages a broad energy generation mix to ensure security of supply – wind, solar, hydro, biomass, energy from waste and traditional fossil fuels  Promote the circular economy, reduce waste, and increase energy efficiencies  Ensure there is adequate sewerage and drainage infrastructure in place to support new development

Protection, improvement and sustainable management of the water resource

 Number of incompatible developments permitted within flood risk areas

Material Assets

 Programmed delivery of Irish Water infrastructure for all key growth towns in line with Irish Water Investment Plan and prioritisation programme to ensure sustainable growth can be accommodated  Number of new developments granted permission which can be adequately and appropriately served with waste water treatment over the lifetime of the Plan

Sustainable and efficient use of natural resources

CAAS for Cork City Council