Local Economic and Community Plans LECP | Guidelines 2021
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment and LECPs Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a systematic process for evaluating the environmental implications of proposed policies, plans or programmes. The process provides for the examination of cumulative effects and facilitates addressing these effects at the earliest possible stage of decision making alongside economic and social considerations. The objectives of SEA are to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to promote sustainable development. Information and supporting documentation on responsibilities around SEAs can be found on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency at the link below; http://www.epa.ie/monitoringassessment/ assessment/sea/resources/ The aim of the European Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of wild habitats and of wild fauna and flora) is to create a network of protected wildlife sites in Europe, maintained at a favourable conservation status. Article 6 of the Habitats Directive provides a strict assessment procedure for any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a designated European site, but which has the potential to have implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. Information on requirements with regards to Appropriate Assessments in the context of Article 6 can be found on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Services at the link below; https://www.npws.ie/protected-sites/ guidance-appropriate-assessment-planning- authorities It is the responsibility of the Local Authority preparing the LECP to take account of the SEA Directive and Article 6 of the Habitats Directive and ensure compliance as appropriate.
ensuring an integrated approach to the implementation of both economic and community actions outlined in the implementation plans; and ensuring clarity as to where responsibility rests for leading/coordinating on actions. Spatial Planning Dimension The LECP is an important tool to support the implementation of national and regional policy on economic development and local/community development and this is specified in the legislation. The LECP should be complementary to the City/ County Development Plans that set important statutory frameworks in relation to, for example, appropriate locations for new development such as business parks, retail development and industry. The LECP needs to be consistent with the spatial policies of the Development Plan and not present alternate or competing proposals that would lead to inconsistency. The review role of Regional Assemblies and Municipal Districts under the Local Government Reform Act 2014 (and planning acts) is important in this regard. An important part of the rationale for the enhanced local government role in economic development is to forge a stronger link between spatial planning and economic development. This includes the need to ensure that the planning development role is focussed strongly on pro- actively supporting and promoting economic activity rather than being excessively regulatory in emphasis or concentrated primarily on physical infrastructure rather than on a broad range of development considerations. Ensuring consistency between the LECP and CDP and RSES will assist in this regard.
30
Powered by FlippingBook