SEA Environmental Report for the Draft Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028
Aggregate Potential Mapping;
Bedrock mapping;
Quaternary and Physiographic mapping; and National Aquifer and Recharge mapping.
4.8.1 Geological Sites Geological Survey of Ireland coordinates the Irish Geological Heritage Programme, which seeks to identify and select sites of geological interest within administrative areas across the country. The audit of Geological Sites in Cork City has not yet been completed. There are two Sites of Geological Interest (mapped on Figure 4.7) identified within the area of Cork City: Blackrock Diamond Quarry and St. Joseph's Section on Lee Road. 4.8.2 Potentially contaminated lands and landfill sites In the absence of mitigation, contaminated materials have the potential to adversely impact upon human health, water quality and habitats and species. As is the case with other areas across the country, there is potential for contamination at sites within Cork City, especially where land uses occurred in the past in the absence of environmental protection legislation. Such contamination has the potential to affect water quality, biodiversity and flora and fauna and human health. Under the Plan (Chapter 11), where brownfield redevelopment is proposed, adequate and appropriate investigations are required to be carried out into the nature and extent of any soil and groundwater contamination and the risks associated with site development work. 4.8.3 Landslides The term "landslide" describes a wide variety of processes that result in the downward and outward movement of materials such as rock, debris, earth, mud and peat under the force of gravity. Issues such as existing ground conditions, slope stability and storage of excavated material have the potential to influence susceptibility to landslides/bog bursts. The potential impacts of landslides include loss of human life/injury, flooding, pollution of watercourses and impacts upon aquatic biodiversity. Geological Survey of Ireland have identified that most of the City has relatively low levels of landslide susceptibility, with moderate to high susceptibility found mainly along steep river valleys in the centre, north and south of the City (as mapped on Figure 4.8). 4.8.4 Existing Problems Legislative objectives governing soil were not identified as being conflicted with.
CAAS for Cork City Council
26
Powered by FlippingBook