Volume 3 Specific Built Heritage Objectives - Draft Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028
26 July 2021
Draft Plan Stage
Cork City Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report Non-Technical Summary
CORKCITY J DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2021
C Weare Cork.
Comhairle Cathrach Chorcai Cork City Council
SEA E NVIRONMENTAL R EPORT A PPENDIX III – N ON -T ECHNICAL S UMMARY
FOR THE
D RAFT C ORK C ITY D EVELOPMENT P LAN 2022-2028
Cork City Council City Hall Anglesea Street Cork
for:
Comhairle Cathrach Chorcaf Cork City Council
by:
CAAS Ltd. 1 st Floor 24-26 Ormond Quay Upper Dublin 7
J ULY 2021
SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
Table of Contents
Section 1 Section 2
Introduction and Terms of Reference .....................................................1 The Draft Plan..........................................................................................4
2.1 Introduction and Content.................................................................................................. 4 2.2 Strategic Vision is based on the following Key Strategic Principles ........................................ 4 2.3 Preparation of the Draft Plan and Members’ Amendments ................................................... 5 2.4 Relationship with other relevant Plans and Programmes ...................................................... 5 Section 3 The Environmental Baseline....................................................................6 3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 6 3.2 Likely Evolution of the Environment in the Absence of the Draft Plan.................................... 6 3.3 Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna....................................................................................... 6 3.4 Population and Human Health........................................................................................... 9 3.5 Soil ................................................................................................................................. 9 3.6 Water ........................................................................................................................... 10 3.7 Air and Climatic Factors .................................................................................................. 12 3.8 Material Assets .............................................................................................................. 13 3.9 Cultural Heritage............................................................................................................ 14 3.10 Landscape..................................................................................................................... 15 3.11 Strategic Environmental Objectives.................................................................................. 15 Section 4 Alternatives ...........................................................................................17 4.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 17 4.2 Description of Alternatives Considered ............................................................................. 17 4.3 Summary of Assessment and Selected Alternative............................................................. 18 Section 5 Summary of Effects arising from Plan...................................................19 Section 6 Mitigation and Monitoring Measures ....................................................24 6.1 Mitigation ...................................................................................................................... 24 6.2 Monitoring..................................................................................................................... 24
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SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
Section 1 Introduction and Terms of Reference This is the Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Report for the Cork City Development Plan 2022- 2028. The purpose of the Environmental Report is to provide a clear understanding of the likely environmental consequences of decisions regarding the adoption and implementation of the Plan. The Environmental Report has been prepared as part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process for the Plan. What is SEA? SEA is a systematic process of predicting and evaluating the likely environmental effects of implementing a proposed plan, or other strategic action, in order to ensure that these effects are appropriately addressed at the earliest appropriate stage of decision-making on a par with economic, social and other considerations. Why is SEA needed? The Benefits The SEA has been carried out in order to comply with the provisions of the European SEA Directive and in order to enable sustainable development and environmental protection and management. SEA is the planning authority’s and the public’s guide to what are generally the best areas for development in the City. SEA enables the planning authority to direct development towards robust, well-serviced and connected areas in the City – thereby facilitating the general avoidance of incompatible areas in the most sensitive, least well-serviced and least well-connected areas. Compact development can be accompanied by placemaking initiatives to enable the City, including its surrounding settlements, to become more desirable places to live – so that they maintain and improve services to existing and future communities. SEA provides greater to the public and to developers. Plans are more likely to be adopted without delays or challenges and planning applications are more likely to be granted permission. Environmental mitigation is more likely to cost less. An overlay of environmental sensitivities in Cork City is shown on Figure 1.1. The Plan directs incompatible development away from the most sensitive areas in the City and focuses on directing: compact, sustainable development within and adjacent to the existing built-up footprint of the City, including its surrounding settlements; and sustainable development elsewhere. Development of areas within and adjacent to the existing built-up footprint, which are generally more robust, better serviced and better connected, will contribute towards environmental protection and sustainable development, including climate mitigation and adaptation. Compatible sustainable development in the City’s sensitive areas is also provided for, subject to various requirements relating to environmental protection and management being met. How does the SEA work? All of the main environmental issues in the area were assembled and considered by the team who prepared the Plan. This helped them to devise a Plan that contributes towards the protection and management of environmental sensitivities. It also helped to identify wherever potential conflicts between
the Plan and the environment exist and enabled these conflicts to be mitigated. The SEA was scoped in consultation with designated environmental authorities.
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SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
What is included in the Environmental Report that accompanies the Plan? A description of the environment and the key environmental issues; A description and assessment of alternatives for the Plan; An assessment of the provisions of the Plan; and, Mitigation measures, which will avoid/reduce the environmental effects of implementing the Plan and will contribute towards compliance with important environmental protection legislation. Difficulties Encountered during the SEA process No significant difficulties have been encountered during the undertaking of the assessment to date. There is a data gap relating to WFD surface water status data. There are a number of waterbodies within the Plan area with overall status currently not assigned to them and the term “unassigned status” applies in respect of these waterbodies. The SEA ensured that the Plan contains measures that will contribute towards the maintenance and improvement of status of all water bodies within the zone of influence. What happens at the end of the process? An SEA Statement is prepared which summarises, inter alia, how environmental considerations have been integrated into the Plan.
CAAS for Cork City Council
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SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
D CorkCity
Figure 1.1 Environmental Sensitivities that the Plan directs incompatible development away from
CAAS for Cork City Council
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SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
Section 2 The Draft Plan
2.1 Introduction and Content The Draft Cork City Development Plan is a land use plan and overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the functional area of Cork City over the six-year period 2022-2028. The Plan sets out the Council’s proposed policies and objectives for the development of the City over the Plan period. The Plan comprises a series of separate, but closely linked and interrelated elements. The Plan comprises two volumes: Volume 1 – Written Statement Volume 2 – Mapped Objectives Volume 3 – Built Heritage Objectives The structure of the Written Statement is as follows: Chapter 1 – Introduction Chapter 2 – Core Strategy Chapter 3 – Delivering Homes and Communities Chapter 4 – Transport and Mobility Chapter 5 – Climate and Environment Chapter 6 – Green and Blue Infrastructure, Open Space and Biodiversity Chapter 7 – Economy and Employment Chapter 8 – Heritage, Arts and Culture Chapter 9 – Environmental Infrastructure and Management Chapter 10 – Key Growth Areas and Neighbourhood Development Sites Chapter 11 – Placemaking and Managing Development Chapter 12 – Land Use Zonings Chapter 13 – Implementation Appendix 1 – Compliance with Ministerial Guidelines Appendix 2 – Strategic Environmental Assessment Appendix 3 – Appropriate Assessment Appendix 4 – Strategic Flood Risk Assessment 2.2 Strategic Vision is based on the following Key Strategic Principles The Strategic Vision for Cork City included in the Plan is for Cork City to take its place as a world class city, driving local and regional growth, embracing diversity and inclusiveness and growing as a resilient, healthy, age-friendly and sustainable compact city with placemaking, communities and quality of life at its heart. This Strategic Vision is based on the following Key Strategic Principles: Compact growth: Integrate land-use and transport planning to achieve a compact city with 50% of all new homes delivered within the existing built-up footprint of the City on regenerated brownfield, infill and greenfield sites identified in the Core Strategy, and to achieve higher population densities aligned with strategic infrastructure delivery. A city of neighbourhoods and communities: Develop a sustainable, liveable city of neighbourhoods and communities based on the 15-minute city concept, ensuring that placemaking is at the heart of all development. Sustainable and active travel: To implement the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Study (CMATS) and develop a transformed sustainable transport system with a significant shift toward walking, cycling and public transport and to enshrine this principle in all developments across the City. Enhanced built and natural heritage: Protect, enhance, support and develop our built and natural heritage, our open spaces and parks, and our green and blue infrastructure, and expand our built heritage with new buildings, townscapes and public spaces achieved through the highest standards of architecture and urban design. A strong and diverse economy: Support Cork City’s role as the economic driver for the region and the creation of a strong, resilient, diverse and innovative economy. A resilient City: Contribute to a framework for the transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient City, resilient to extreme weather events, pandemics, economic cycles and other potential shocks. A healthy, inclusive and diverse city: Build on Cork City’s status as a World Health Organisation designated Healthy City, offering an inclusive and vibrant environment for all whilst promoting healthy living and wellbeing. A connected city: Cork City will continue to be a highly connected city providing local, regional, national and international connectivity. A city of learning and culture: To build on Cork’s designation as a UNESCO Learning City and the city’s rich cultural heritage and to foster learning, culture, heritage and the arts throughout the City.
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SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
2.3 Preparation of the Draft Plan and Members’ Amendments The preparation of the Chief Executive’s Draft Plan, for the consideration of Members in advance of public display was informed by the SEA, AA and SFRA processes. Advice relating to Members’ Motions to amend the Chief Executive’s Draft Plan was provided to the Members for their consideration in advance of agreeing amendments. Taking into account, inter alia, the advice on Motions and the SEA, AA and SFRA documentation for the Chief Executive’s Draft Plan, the Members agreed to amend the Chief Executive’s Draft Plan by resolution. Motions that were advised against, subsequently agreed upon as amendments to the Chief Executive’s Draft Plan and which would have elevated potential for significant environmental effects are addressed at Section 5 of this Summary. 2.4 Relationship with other relevant Plans and Programmes It is acknowledged that many of the major issues affecting the City’s development are contingent on national policy and government funding. The Draft Plan sits within a hierarchy of statutory documents setting out public policy. The Plan must comply with relevant higher-level strategic actions and will, in turn, guide lower-level strategic actions. These documents include plans and programmes such as those detailed in Appendix of the main SEA ER. These documents have been subject to their own environmental assessment processes, as relevant. The National Planning Framework (NPF) sets out Ireland’s planning policy direction for the years 2018-2040. The NPF is to be implemented through Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs) and lower tier Development Plans and Local Area Plans. The RSES for the Southern Region sets out objectives for land use planning, tourism, infrastructure, sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management that have been subject to environmental assessment and must be implemented through the City Development Plan. As required by the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, the Draft County Development Plan is consistent with and conforms with national and regional policies, plans and programmes, including the NPF and the RSES for the Southern Region. The City Development Plan will, in turn, guide lower-level strategic actions, such as Local Area Plans that will be subject to their own lower-tier environmental assessments. In order to be realised, projects included in the Plan (in a similar way to other projects from any other sector) will have to comply, as relevant, with various legislation, policies, plans and programmes (including requirements for lower-tier AA, EIA and other licencing requirements as appropriate) that form the statutory decision-making and consent-granting framework.
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SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary The Environmental Baseline
Section 3
3.1 Introduction The summary of the environmental baseline of the City is described in this section. This baseline together with the Strategic Environmental Objectives, which are identified in Section 3.11, is used in order to identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the Draft Plan and in order to determine appropriate monitoring measures. 3.2 Likely Evolution of the Environment in the Absence of the Draft Plan In the absence of a new Plan it is uncertain how permission for new development would be applied for and considered. The 2015-2021 Plan has contributed towards environmental protection within Cork City. If the 2015-2021 Plan was to expire and not be replaced by a new Plan, this would result in a deterioration of the City’s planning and environmental protection framework. As a result, there would be an increased likelihood in the extent, magnitude and frequency of adverse effects on all environmental components occurring, including: Arising from both construction and operation of development and associated infrastructure: o Loss of/damage to biodiversity in designated sites (including European Sites and Wildlife Sites) and Annexed habitats and species, listed species, ecological connectivity and non-designated habitats; and disturbance to biodiversity and flora and fauna; o Habitat loss, fragmentation and deterioration, including patch size and edge effects; and o Disturbance (e.g. due to noise and lighting along transport corridors) and displacement of protected species such as birds and bats. Potential interactions if effects arising from environmental vectors. Potential adverse effects on the hydrogeological and ecological function of the soil resource, including as a result of development on contaminated lands. Potential for riverbank and coastal erosion. Potential adverse effects upon the status of water bodies and entries to the WFD Register of Protected Areas (ecological and human value), arising from changes in quality, flow and/or morphology. Increase in flood risk and associated effects associated with flood events. Failure to provide adequate and appropriate waste water treatment (water services infrastructure and capacity ensures the mitigation of potential conflicts). Failure to adequately treat surface water run-off that is discharged to water bodies (water services infrastructure and capacity ensures the mitigation of potential conflicts). Failure to comply with drinking water regulations and serve new development with adequate drinking water (water services infrastructure and capacity ensures the mitigation of potential conflicts). Increases in waste levels. Potential impacts upon public assets and infrastructure. Interactions between agriculture and soil, water, biodiversity and human health – including phosphorous and nitrogen deposition as a result of agricultural activities and the production of secondary inorganic particulate matter. Potential conflict between development under the Plan and aiming to reduce carbon emissions in line with local, national and European environmental objectives. Potential conflicts between transport emissions, including those from cars, and air quality. Potential conflicts between increased frequency of noise emissions and protection of sensitive receptors. Potential conflicts with climate adaptation measures including those relating to flood risk management. Potential effects on protected and unknown archaeology and protected architecture arising from construction and operation activities. Occurrence of adverse visual impacts and conflicts with the appropriate protection of designations relating to the landscape. 3.3 Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna Information on biodiversity and flora and fauna that is relevant to project planning and development and associated environmental assessment and administrative consent of projects includes available information on designated ecological sites and protected species, ecological connectivity (including stepping stones and corridors) and non-designated habitats. Cork City supports a variety of natural and semi-natural habitats and a wide range of plant and animal species, which have come under threat due to development pressures and increased demand for new development land.
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SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
Cork Harbour, the River Lee and associated water courses, estuaries, salt marshes, reedbeds and intertidal mudflats are of ecological importance, providing a habitat for a variety of plant and animal species including mosses, lichens and bats and act as a corridor for the movement of species between the surrounding countryside and urban areas. These areas contain many rare and threatened habitats and species of national and international importance, including those protected under the national and European legislation. A network of urban green spaces, including gardens, parks, graveyards, amenity walks, hedgerows, railway lines and patches of woodland and scrub, provide habitats and ecological connectivity within the City and beyond. Designated sites within and close to the City include Special Areas of Conservation 1 (SACs) and Special Protection Areas 2 (SPAs). These are mapped on Figure 3.1. There are three European sites (two SACs and one SPA) designated within/nearby, comprising:
Great Island Channel SAC (001058) – c.1.40 km to the east of the City; Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC (002170) – c.7 km to the north of the City; and Cork Harbour SPA (004030) – partially within the eastern parts of the City.
CORINE 3 land cover mapping shows that the most dominant land cover types are urban fabric (concentrated within the City’s centre) and pastures and agricultural lands (in the areas surrounding the City’s centre). Existing Problems Ireland’s Article 17 report on the Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland (DCHG, 2019) identifies various Irish, EU-protected habitats and species to be of unfavourable status and many to be still declining, although it also identifies that a range of positive actions are underway. Categories for pressures and threats on Ireland’s habitats and species identified by the report include: Agriculture; Forestry; Extraction of resources (minerals, peat, non-renewable energy resources); Energy production processes and related infrastructure development; Development and operation of transport systems; Development, construction and use of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational infrastructure and areas; Extraction and cultivation of biological living resources (other than agriculture and forestry); and Climate change. Ireland’s Article 12 Birds Directive Reports and the 6 th National Report under the Convention of Biological Diversity identify similar issues. The Plan includes measures to contribute towards the protection of biodiversity and flora and fauna and associated ecosystem services. Previous changes in land uses arising from human development have resulted in a loss of biodiversity and flora and fauna however, legislative objectives governing biodiversity and fauna were not identified as being conflicted with.
1 SACs have been selected for protection under the European Council Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (92/43/EEC) due to their conservation value for habitats and species of importance in the European Union. The Habitats Directive seeks to establish Natura 2000, a network of protected areas throughout the EU. It is the responsibility of each member state to designate SACs to protect habitats and species, which, together with the SPAs designated under the 1979 Birds Directive, form Natura 2000. 2 SPAs have been selected for protection under the 1979 European Council Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC) - referred to as the Birds Directive - due to their conservation value for birds of importance in the EU. 3 The CORINE (Coordinated Information on the Environment) land cover data series was devised as a means of compiling geo-spatial environmental information in a standardised and comparable manner. CORINE has become a key data source for informing environmental and planning policy on a national and European level. The main land cover type in Ireland is agricultural land including forestry, which accounts for two-thirds of the national landmass. Most of this is permanent grassland pastures. Peatlands and wetlands are the second most widespread land cover type, covering almost one- fifth of the country. While forested areas cover about one-tenth of the country. Despite rapid development in the past two decades, Ireland’s landscape is predominantly rural and agricultural.
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SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
D
CorkCity D WFD Catchment Water River or Stream European Sites -
Special Area of Conservation Special Protection Area
Figure 3.1 European sites within and within 15 km of the City
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SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
3.4 Population and Human Health In 2016 Census, the total population of the area that is now under the administration of Cork City Council 4 was 210,853 persons, showing an increase since previous census by c. 5.1%. The population growth projections for the City are 257,852 persons by 2028 5 and 274,000-286,000 persons by 2031 (as set out by the NPF and the Southern Regional Spatial Economic Strategy). Cork City is the largest urban centre in the Southern region and it is recognised by the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy as one of five Metropolitan Areas in Ireland. Cork Metropolitan Area acts as an international location of scale, a complement to Dublin and a primary driver of economic and population growth in the Southern Region. The Plan designates different City Areas as follows:
City Centre;
Docklands (City Docks, Tivoli Docks);
City Suburbs (North East Suburb, North West Suburb, South East Suburb, South West Suburb); Urban Town (Ballincollig, Blarney, Glanmire, Tower); and City Hinterland. The new population provided for in the Draft Plan will interact with various environmental components. Potential interactions include: Recreational and development pressure on habitats and landscapes; Increase in demand for waste water treatment at the municipal level; Increase in demand for water supply and associated potential impact of water abstraction; Potential interactions in flood-sensitive areas; and Potential effects on water quality. Human health has the potential to be impacted upon by environmental vectors (i.e. environmental components such as air, water or soil through which contaminants or pollutants, which have the potential to cause harm, can be transported so that they come into contact with human beings). Hazards or nuisances to human health can arise as a result of exposure to these vectors arising from incompatible adjacent land uses for example. These factors have been considered with regard to the description of: the baseline of each environmental component; and the identification and evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the Plan. Existing Problems There is historic and predictive evidence of flooding in various locations across the City. The greatest health risk from radiation in Ireland is caused by radon. The presence of radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that originates from the decay of uranium in rocks and soils, occurs across the country. The number of homes within the City with radon levels above the reference level is within the normal range experienced in other locations across the country. 3.5 Soil Urban soils (underlying the City Centre) and brown earths 6 (to the north, south and west of the City Centre) are the two most dominant soil types in Cork City. There is an area of peat soil identified in the north-west of the City. There are two Sites of Geological Interest identified within the area of Cork City: Blackrock Diamond Quarry and St. Joseph's Section on Lee Road. 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.
4 In 2019, the Cork City expanded to approx. five times its former size and the population of the City grew by c. 85,000. The Cork City boundary was expanded to include the areas of Douglas, Rochestown, Ballincollig, Tower, Blarney, Glanmire and Cork Airport. 5 Draft Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 6 Well drained mineral soils, associated with high levels of natural fertility.
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SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
3.6 Water The City lies within the catchment of Lee, Cork Harbour and Youghal Bay. This catchment includes the area drained by the River Lee and all streams entering tidal water in Cork Harbour and Youghal Bay and between Knockaverry and Templebreedy Battery. The main river within Cork City is the River Lee running west to east. Other waterbodies within the City include the Rivers Blackwater and Bandon, Glashaboy Estuary, Lee Estuary and Lough Mahon. The WFD status of sections of rivers within the City is classified as moderate (including Shournagh, Owenboy, Martin, Lee and Blarney) and good (including Martin, Glashaboy and Butlerstown). The WFD surface water status (2013-2018) of transitional waterbodies within and surrounding the City is identified as moderate (including Lough Mahon and Lee - Cork Estuary Upper) and good (including Glashaboy Estuary). The WFD surface water status (2013-2018) within and downstream of Cork City is shown on Figure 3.2. The Outer Cork Harbour (downstream of Cork City) is identified as being of good status, Cork Harbour is identified as being of moderate status, Lower Bandon Estuary (transitional waterbody) is identified as being of poor status and Cuskinny Lake (transitional waterbody) is identified as being of bad status. The bathing water at Fountainstown (downstream of Cork City) is of excellent water quality 7 . The WFD status (2013-2018) of groundwater underlying the City is mostly identified as being of good status, with an area of poor 8 status underlying Tramore Valley Park to the south of Cork City Centre. Aquifer vulnerability refers to the ease with which pollutants of various kinds can enter into groundwater. The vulnerability of aquifers is classified as being of Extreme or High vulnerability, in most of the City. Certain areas across the City are at risk from flooding from sources including groundwater, pluvial 9 , fluvial 10 and coastal 11 . There is historic evidence of flooding in various locations across the City, including along the Rivers Blackwater, Bandon and Lee, Glashaboy Estuary, Lee Estuary and Lough Mahon. Existing Problems Subject to exemptions provided for by Article 4 of the WFD, based on available water data, certain surface and groundwater bodies will need improvement in order to comply with the objectives of the WFD. The Draft Plan includes provisions that will contribute towards improvements in the status of waters. There is historic and predictive evidence of elevated levels of flood risk at various locations across the City.
7 The EPA Report (2020) Bathing Water Quality in Ireland 2019. 8 Area underlying Waste Facility (W0012-03). 9 Resulting from high intensity rainfall events where run-off volume exceeds capacity of surface water network. 10 Watercourse capacity is exceeded or the channel is blocked and excess water spills from the channel onto adjacent floodplains. 11 Resulting from higher sea levels than normal causing the sea to overflow onto land. Such flooding is influenced by high tide level, storm surges and wave action.
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CAAS for Cork City Council
SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
D CorkCity L~-=-.J WFD River SubBasins - Water WFD Status Surface Waterbodies 2013-2018 River Waterbodies
-- High -- Good
Moderate Unassigned
Transitional Waterbodies Good Moderate
--
\
\
\
I ,· '-·:.
Figure 3.2 Surface Water Status (2013-2018)
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CAAS for Cork City Council
SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
3.7 Air and Climatic Factors Total emissions of greenhouse gases by humans come from various sectors including transport, agriculture, energy industries, manufacturing combustion, industrial processes, residential developments, commercial services developments, waste management processes and fluorinated gases equipment (such as refrigeration and fire protection systems). The National Climate Action Plan 2019 is an all of Government plan to tackle climate change and bring about a step change in Ireland’s climate ambition over the coming years. The Plan sets out an ambitious course of action over the coming years to address the diverse and wide-ranging impacts climate disruption is having on Ireland's environment, society, economic and natural resources. The Climate Action Plan sets out clear 2030 targets for each sector with the ultimate objective of achieving a transition to a competitive, low-carbon, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable society and economy by 2050. The Action Plan deals with both mitigation and adaptation. Climate mitigation describes action to reduce the likelihood of climate change occurring or reduce the impact if it does occur. This can include reducing the causes of climate change (e.g. emissions of greenhouse gases) as well as reducing future risks associated with climate change. The Climate Change Advisory Council’s Annual Review 2020 identifies that the most recent projections demonstrate that, under different assumptions, Ireland will not meet its emissions reduction targets, even with the additional policies and measures included in the National Development Plan. The projections also show that progress on reducing emissions is sensitive to the future path of fuel prices. A significant and sustained rate of emissions reduction of approximately - 2.5% per year is required to meet agreed objectives for 2050. It is noted that additional measures within the recent Climate Action Plan are not included. Climate adaptation is a change in natural or human systems in response to the impacts of climate change. These changes moderate harm or exploit beneficial opportunities and can be in response to actual or expected impacts. The National Adaptation Framework Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, 2018), sets out the national strategy to reduce the vulnerability of the country to the negative effects of climate change and to avail of positive impacts. The National Adaptation Framework outlines a whole of government and society approach to climate adaptation. Under the Framework, a number of Government Departments will be required to prepare sectoral adaptation plans in relation to a priority area that they are responsible for. The Cork City Council Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 features a range of actions across a number of themes, including: local adaptation governance and business operations; infrastructure and built environment; land use and development; drainage, water and flood management; nature, natural resources and cultural infrastructure; citizen safety, health and wellbeing; and partnerships with other sectors and agencies. The main goals of this strategy are: To make Cork City as climate-resilient as possible, reducing the impacts of current and future climate change-related conditions and events; and To pro-actively engage with all citizens on the subject of climate action, such as climate change, climate change adaptation and climate change mitigation. The EPA’s (2020) Air Quality in Ireland 2019 identifies that: Air quality in Ireland is generally good however there are localised issues; Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) from transport emissions is polluting urban areas; and Ireland was above World Health Organization air quality guideline value levels at 33 monitoring sites – mostly due to the burning of solid fuel within settlements across the country. With regard to solutions, the report identifies that: To tackle the problem of particulate matter, clean ways of heating homes and improve energy efficiency of homes can be progressed; and To reduce the impact of nitrogen dioxide, transport options in the Government’s Climate Action Plan can be implemented and transport choices can be considered by individuals.
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SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
In order to comply with European Directives relating to air quality, the EPA manages the National Ambient Air Quality Network and measures the levels of a number of atmospheric pollutants at locations across the country. The current 12 air quality within the City is identified by the EPA as being good . 3.8 Material Assets Other material assets, in addition to those referred to below, covered by the SEA include archaeological and architectural heritage (see Section 3.9) natural resources of economic value, such as water and air (see Sections 3.6 and 1.1). Public Assets and Infrastructure Public assets and infrastructure that have the potential to be impacted upon by the Plan, if unmitigated, include; settlements; resources such as public open spaces, parks and recreational areas; public buildings and services; transport and utility infrastructure (electricity, gas, telecommunications, water supply, wastewater infrastructure etc.); forestry; and natural resources that are covered under other topics such as water and soil. Waste Water The EPA’s 2020 report ‘Urban Wastewater Treatment in 2019’ identified that: Wastewater treatment at 19 towns and cities (including Cork City ) did not meet European standards for the treatment of urban wastewater in 2018; and Wastewater from 48 areas (including Cork City ) is the main significant pressure on waters at risk of pollution. Cork City Council will work alongside and facilitate the delivery of Irish Water’s Water Investment Plan to support and facilitate the delivery of new or improved wastewater treatment plants in the City. Wastewater plans and projects for Cork City include proposed upgrades to the Carrigrenan WWTP (which serves much of the Plan area including City suburbs, Little Island, Glanmire and Glounthaune areas) treatment process to allow compliance with its Waste Licence and to cater for future population growth. There are separate treatment plants serving the urban towns of Ballincollig, Blarney/Tower and Kileens, as well as a number of smaller treatment plants serving settlements in the City’s hinterland. In unserviced areas and outside the main settlements, the main method of sewage disposal is by individual septic tanks and other types of wastewater treatment. Spare treatment capacity is identified as being available in most WWTPs serving the City with the following levels of headroom (PE) 13 available: Carrigrennan WWTP (122,180 PE); Ballinacollig WWTP (10,493 PE); Blarney WWTP (5,345 PE); Rosemount, Kilcully WWTP (6 PE); and Kileens WWTP (potential availability). Water Supply The EPA publishes their results in annual reports that are supported by Remedial Action Lists (RALs). The RAL identifies water supplies that are not in compliance with the Regulations mentioned above. the most recent available RAL (Q4 of 2020 published in January 2021) identifies two Cork City drinking water supplies: The Glashaboy Water Supply is listed on the most recent EPA RAL due to EPA treatment and management issues. This Water Supply Scheme has a supply volume of 20,010 m 3 /day, serving a population of 22,808 people. The upgrade of this plant is scheduled for completion in June 2024. The Cork City Water Supply is listed on the most recent EPA RAL due to EPA treatment and management issues. This Water Supply Scheme has a supply volume of 42,733 m 3 /day, serving a population of 87,114 people. The proposed plan of action to remedy this issue is to upgrade the Water Treatment Plant by December 2021. Waste Management Waste management across the City is guided by the Southern Waste Management Plan 2015-2021.
12 27/04/2021 (http://www.epa.ie/air/quality/) 13 WWTPs are described in terms of their designed treatment capacity, which is generally expressed as population equivalent (PE). This is a measurement of total organic biodegradable load, including industrial, institutional, commercial and domestic organic load, on a wastewater treatment plant, converted to the equivalent number of PEs. One person is considered to generate 60g of five-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) per day. 1 PE is defined as being equivalent to 60g of BOD per day.
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CAAS for Cork City Council
SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
Transport Road and rail infrastructure in the City has the potential to support reductions in energy demand from the transport sector, including through electrification of modes. Land The Plan seeks to assist with the reuse and regeneration of brownfield sites thereby contributing towards sustainable mobility and reducing the need to develop greenfield lands and associated potential adverse environmental effects. Brownfield lands are generally located within urban/suburban areas. Existing Problems There are a number of challenges with respect to the provision of water services infrastructure, some of which are summarised above. The provisions of the new City Development Plan will contribute towards protection of the environment with regard to impacts arising from material assets. 3.9 Cultural Heritage Archaeological Heritage Archaeological heritage is protected under the National Monuments Acts (1930-2004), Natural Cultural Institutions Act 1997 and the Planning Acts. The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) is an inventory, put on a statutory basis by amendment to the National Monuments Act 1994, of sites and areas of archaeological significance, numbered and mapped. Cork City is one of the oldest cities in Ireland and has a rich and significant archaeological heritage, ranging from seventh century monasteries to 11 th century Viking settlements and 12 th century Anglo- Norman stone walls. The medieval street pattern of Cork City is still evident today as is its historic trading centre maritime merchant ports. There are 60 archaeological sites within Cork City Centre including standing stones and medieval walls and c. 400 entries to the RMP within the surrounding towns, villages and hinterland. Churches, houses, distilleries, factories and graveyards are amongst the most common recorded monuments and sites of significant archaeological, historic and cultural importance include St. Anne’s Church, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Blarney Castle Estate and Elizabeth Fort. Architectural Heritage Records of Protected Structures are legislated for under Section 12 and Section 51 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended. Protected structures are defined in the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended as structures, or parts of structures that are of special interest from an architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical point of view. Examples of Protected Structures in the Plan area include churches, markets, gaols, post boxes and building fronts. Clusters of architectural heritage can be found in Cork City Centre and in settlements such as Blarney, Ballincollig and Glanmire. Cork City has an important vernacular heritage with many important historic buildings and structures. Historic Street Character Areas are designated within Cork City and consist of groups of buildings with architectural and social interest, including a number of older residential areas outside the City Centre. Individual buildings of character are also identified, including farmhouses, cottages, stone walls and other local features that contribute to the architectural heritage of the area. In addition to Protected Structures, the Planning and Development Act, 2000 provides the legislative basis for the protection of Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs). An ACA is a place, area or group of structures or townscape that is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or value, or contributes to the appreciation of protected structures, whose character it is an objective to preserve in a development plan. There are various existing ACAs included under the 2015-2021 Plan, ACAs included under the 2015-2021 Plan but proposed to be modified under the Draft Plan and Proposed New ACAs under the Draft Plan. Existing Problems The context of archaeological and architectural heritage has changed over time within Cork City, however no existing conflicts with legislative objectives governing archaeological and architectural heritage have been identified.
14
CAAS for Cork City Council
SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
3.10 Landscape The visual character of Cork City is due to its variety of landscapes and rich and diverse built and cultural heritage. Built around estuarine islands in the valley of the River Lee, Cork City is shaped by its rolling landscape, waterways and a rich mix of natural, built and cultural heritage. The Lee Valley runs through the centre of the City giving rise to steep hills to the north and to the south. The Lee Estuary flows into Cork Harbour to the east of the City. The Cork City Council Landscape Study (2008) 14 identified seven Landscape Character Areas, within the City: Estuarine/Riverine; Natural harbour; Historic urban core; Inner-city residential; Sub-urban residential; Urban sylvan character; and Urban industrial/commercial/Institutional. Cork City Council seeks to protect and enhance the landscape character of the City by protecting the significant landscape elements that contribute to the general amenity of Cork City. Areas of High Landscape Value and Landscape Preservation Zones are identified in the Plan and must be considered when assessing planning applications. Areas of High Landscape Value display an intrinsic landscape character and a special amenity value. Landscape Preservation Zones are areas in need of special protection as their character and amenity value is considered to be to highly sensitive to development. Existing Environmental Problems New developments have resulted in changes to the visual appearance of lands within the City however legislative objectives governing landscape and visual appearance were not identified as being conflicted with. 3.11 Strategic Environmental Objectives Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs) are methodological measures developed from policies that generally govern environmental protection objectives established at international, Community or Member State level e.g. the environmental protection objectives of various European Directives that have been transposed into Irish law and that are required to be implemented. The SEOs are set out under a range of topics and are used as standards against which the provisions of the Draft Plan and the alternatives are evaluated in order to help identify which provisions would be likely to result in significant environmental effects and where such effects would be likely to occur, if - in the case of adverse effects - unmitigated. Table 3.1 Strategic Environmental Objectives
Environmental Component Biodiversity, Flora and
SEO Code BFF
Guiding Principle
Strategic Environmental Objectives
No net contribution to biodiversity losses or deterioration
To preserve, protect, maintain and, where appropriate, enhance the terrestrial, aquatic and soil biodiversity, particularly EU designated sites and protected species Ensure no adverse effects on the integrity of any European site, with regard to its qualifying interests, associated conservation status, structure and function Safeguard national, regional and local designated sites and supporting features which function as stepping stones for migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species Enhance biodiversity in line with the National Biodiversity Strategy and its targets To protect, maintain and conserve the City’s natural capital Promote economic growth to encourage retention of working age population and funding of sustainable development and environmental protection and management Ensure that existing population and planned growth is matched with the required public infrastructure and the required services Safeguard the City’s citizens from environment-related pressures and risks to health and well-being
Fauna
PHH
Population and
Improve quality of life for all ages and abilities based on high-quality, serviced, well connected and sustainable residential, working,
Human
Health
14 This Study referred to the pre-2019 City area, and Cork City Council will undertake a revised landscape study that addresses the entirety of the administrative area including the urban towns, villages and suburbs.
15
CAAS for Cork City Council
SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary
Environmental Component
SEO Code
Guiding Principle
Strategic Environmental Objectives
educational recreational environments
and
Soil
(and
S
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 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 Reduce the energy demand from the transport sector and support moves to electrification of road and rail transport modes Encourage the transition to a zero-carbon economy by facilitating the development of a grid infrastructure to support renewables and international connectivity. Reduce the average energy consumption per capita including promoting energy efficient buildings, retrofitting, smart- buildings, towns and grids To avoid, prevent or reduce harmful effects on human health and the environment as a whole resulting from emissions to air from all sectors with particular reference to emissions from transport, residential heating, industry and agriculture Maintain and promote continuing improvement in air quality through the reduction of emissions and promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency Promote continuing improvement in air quality Reduction of emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, ammonia and fine particulate matter which are responsible for acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone pollution Meet Air Quality Directive standards for the protection of human health — Air Quality Directive Significantly decrease noise pollution by 2020 and move closer to WHO recommended levels To minimise emissions of greenhouse gasses Integrate sustainable design solutions into the City’s infrastructure(e.g. energy efficient buildings; green infrastructure) Contribute towards the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in line with national targets Promote development resilient to the effects of climate change Promote the use of renewable energy, energy efficient development and increased use of public transport Protect places, features, buildings and landscapes of cultural, archaeological or architectural heritage
Ensure the long-term sustainable management of land
Land)
Water
W
Protection, improvement
and
sustainable management of the water resource
Material Assets
MA
Sustainable and efficient use of natural resources
Air
A
Support clean air policies that reduce the impact of air pollution on the environment and public health
Climatic Factors
C
Achieving transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate- resilient economy that is cognisant of environmental impacts cultural heritage features and their settings through responsible design and positioning of development Safeguard Protect and enhance the landscape character
Cultural Heritage
CH
L
Landscape
To implement the Plan’s framework for identification, assessment, protection, management and planning of landscapes having regard to the European Landscape Convention
16
CAAS for Cork City Council
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