SEA Environmental Report for the Draft Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028
Impact assessment
Effects on biodiversity are identified and assessed and the AA considers the interrelationship between biodiversity and potential effects on European Sites. Taking into account all measures contained within the Plan, all the proposed mitigation measures deriving from the various processes were generally consistent and compatible. Indicators and associated targets have been included in SEA for monitoring European Sites. This SEA ER addresses all biodiversity-related considerations relevant for this level of assessment. This SEA ER contains all biodiversity-relevant information, data, figures and maps relevant for this level of assessment. This SEA ER has been informed by the AA findings. Submissions received have been taken on board. The preparation of the Plan, SEA and AA have taken place concurrently and the findings of the AA have informed the SEA.
3.2
Appropriate Assessment and Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment
Mitigation and monitoring
3.2.1 Appropriate Assessment Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening and Stage 2 AA are being undertaken alongside the Plan. The requirement for AA is provided under the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 1992/43/EEC). The emerging conclusion of the AA is that the Plan will not affect the integrity of the European Sites, alone or in combination with other plans or projects. 3 The preparation of the Plan, SEA and AA has taken place concurrently and the findings of the AA have informed the SEA. 3.2.2 Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment Many elements of Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment as detailed in the EPA’s (2013) Practitioner’s Manual have been aligned with in the undertaking of the SEA for the Plan. These include: Scoping
Reporting
Communication and consultation
3.3
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment
A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) is being undertaken alongside the Plan. The requirement for SFRA is provided under ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (Department of Environment and Office of Public Works, 2009) and associated Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Circular PL2/2014. Recommendations from the SFRA have been integrated into the Draft Plan. 3.4 Scoping The scope of environmental issues to be dealt with by the SEA together with the level of detail to which they are addressed was broadly decided upon taking into account the collection of environmental baseline data and input from environmental authorities. Scoping allowed the SEA to become focused upon key issues relevant to the environmental components that are specified under the SEA Directive 4 .
Biodiversity-relevant issues were identified for consideration at scoping stage and these are now detailed in Section 4. Reference to a zone of influence is provided at Section 4. Biodiversity data sources relevant for this local level assessment have been identified and datasets collated/gathered. The biodiversity baseline addresses designated sites and other habitats and species of ecological value. AA information has been incorporated into the SEA baseline.
Baseline
Alternatives
Impacts upon biodiversity are considered under each of the alternatives and potential conflicts can be mitigated.
3 Except as provided for in Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, viz. There must be: (a) no alternative solution available, (b) imperative reasons of overriding public interest for the plan to proceed; and (c) adequate compensatory measures in place.
4 These components comprise biodiversity, fauna, flora, population, human health, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors.
CAAS for Cork City Council
7
Powered by FlippingBook