SEA ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

FOR THE

CLEW BAY DESTINATION AND EXPERIENCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

for: Fáilte Ireland

88-95 Amiens Street Dublin 1

by: CAAS Ltd.

1st Floor 24-26 Ormond Quay Upper Dublin 7

NOVEMBER 2020

SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Table of Contents

List of Abbreviations ...... v

Glossary ...... vi

SEA Introduction and Background ...... 1

1.1 Introduction and Terms of Reference ...... 1 1.2 SEA Definition ...... 1 1.3 SEA Directive and its transposition into Irish Law ...... 1 1.4 Implications for the Plan ...... 1

The Plan ...... 3

2.1 Overview ...... 3 2.2 Relationship with other relevant Plans and Programmes ...... 3

SEA Methodology ...... 5

3.1 Introduction to the Iterative Approach ...... 5 3.2 Appropriate Assessment and Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment ...... 6 3.3 Scoping ...... 6 3.4 Alternatives ...... 7 3.5 Environmental Report ...... 7 3.6 The SEA Statement ...... 7 3.7 Difficulties Encountered ...... 7

Environmental Baseline ...... 9

4.1 Introduction ...... 9 4.2 National Reporting on the Environment ...... 9 4.3 Sustainable Development Goals ...... 9 4.4 Likely Evolution of the Environment in the Absence of the Plan ...... 10 4.5 Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna ...... 12 4.6 Population and Human Health ...... 25 4.7 Soil ...... 25 4.8 Water ...... 31 4.9 Air and Climatic Factors ...... 41 4.10 Material Assets ...... 43 4.11 Cultural Heritage ...... 45 4.12 Landscape ...... 49

Strategic Environmental Objectives ...... 51

Description of Alternatives ...... 54

6.1 Introduction ...... 54 6.2 Current Situation (Alternative 1: Business as Usual) ...... 54 6.3 Prepare a Plan (Alternatives 2A and 2B: Prepare a Plan) ...... 54

Evaluation of Alternatives ...... 56

7.1 Introduction ...... 56 7.2 Methodology ...... 56 7.3 Cumulative Effects ...... 58 7.4 Detailed Consideration of Alternatives ...... 60 7.5 Selected Alternative for the Plan ...... 62

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland i SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Evaluation of Plan Provisions ...... 65

8.1 Introduction ...... 65 8.2 Overall Findings ...... 67 8.3 Appropriate Assessment ...... 73 8.4 Interrelationship between Environmental Components ...... 73 8.5 More Detailed Assessment of Plan Provisions ...... 75

Mitigation Measures ...... 94

9.1 Introduction ...... 94 9.2 Establishing the status of the Plan and its interrelationship with the Statutory Decision- Making and Consent-Granting Framework ...... 94 9.3 Integrating Requirements for Environmental Protection and Management into the Plan ...97

Monitoring Measures ...... 99

10.1 Introduction ...... 99 10.2 Indicators and Targets ...... 99 10.3 Sources ...... 99 10.4 Reporting and Responsibility ...... 99

Appendix I SEA Determination ...... 103

Appendix II Relationship with Legislation and Other Plans and Programmes .. 104

Appendix III Designated Sites ...... 145

Appendix IV Non-Technical Summary……………………………..…Separately bound

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland ii SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

List of Figures

Figure 3.1 Overview of the SEA/AA/Plan-preparation Processes ...... 5 Figure 4.1 Area to which the Plan relates ...... 11 Figure 4.2 European Sites within and adjacent to the area to which the Plan relates ...... 18 Figure 4.3 Other connected European sites ...... 19 Figure 4.4 NHAs and pNHAs within and adjacent to the area to which the Plan relates ...... 20 Figure 4.5 Other ecological designations within and adjacent to the area to which the Plan relates .. 21 Figure 4.6 CORINE Land Cover Mapping 2018 ...... 22 Figure 4.7 WFD Register of Protected Areas: Drinking Water, Bathing Waters and Salmonid Regs .... 23 Figure 4.8 WFD Register of Protected Areas: Nutrient Sensitive Areas and Shellfish Areas ...... 24 Figure 4.9 Soils ...... 28 Figure 4.10 Geological Heritage ...... 29 Figure 4.11 Landslide Susceptibility and Previous Landslide Events ...... 30 Figure 4.12 Surface Water Status (2013-2018) ...... 37 Figure 4.13 WFD Groundwater Status (2013-2018) ...... 38 Figure 4.14 Groundwater Vulnerability ...... 39 Figure 4.15 Groundwater Productivity ...... 40 Figure 4.16 Archaeological and Architectural Heritage ...... 48 Figure 4.17 Landscape Designations ...... 50 Figure 9.1 Statutory Decision-Making and Consent-Granting Framework, DEDPs and Environmental Assessment Requirements ...... 96

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland iii SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

List of Tables

Table 3.1 Checklist of Information included in this Environmental Report ...... 8 Table 4.1 WFD River, Lake, Coastal and Transitional Waterbodies Status ...... 33 Table 5.1 Strategic Environmental Objectives, Indicators and Targets ...... 52 Table 7.1 Strategic Environmental Objectives ...... 57 Table 7.2 Criteria for appraising the effect of Alternatives on SEOs ...... 57 Table 7.3 Effects Common to All Alternatives ...... 60 Table 7.4 Comparative Evaluation of Alternatives against SEOs ...... 63 Table 8.1 Strategic Environmental Objectives ...... 66 Table 8.2 Criteria for appraising the effect of Plan provisions on SEOs ...... 66 Table 8.3 Overall Findings – Environmental Effects arising from Plan Provisions ...... 70 Table 8.4 Potential for Interrelationships between Environmental Components ...... 74 Table 10.1 Selected Indicators, Targets and Monitoring Sources ...... 100

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland iv SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

List of Abbreviations

AA Appropriate Assessment ACA Architectural Conservation Area CFRAM Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management DCHG Department of Culture, Heritage, and Gaeltacht DEHLG Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EPA Environmental Protection Agency EU European Union GSI Geological Survey of Ireland HSE Health Service Executive IFI Inland Fisheries Ireland pNHA Proposed Natural Heritage Area NHA Natural Heritage Area NPWS National Parks and Wildlife Service OPW Office of Public Works RMP Record of Monuments and Places RPA Register of Protected Areas RPS Record of Protected Structures SAC Special Area of Conservation SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SEO Strategic Environmental Objective SI No. Statutory Instrument Number SPA Special Protection Area WFD Water Framework Directive

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland v SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Glossary

Appropriate Assessment The obligation to undertake Appropriate Assessment derives from Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. AA is a focused and detailed impact assessment of the implications of a strategic action (such as a plan or programme) or project, alone and in combination with other strategic actions and projects, on the integrity of a European Site in view of its conservation objectives.

Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms from all sources including inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems’ (United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity 1992).

Flora is all of the plants found in a given area.

Fauna is all of the animals found in a given area.

Environmental Problems Annex I of Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of Ministers, of 27th June 2001, on the assessment of the effects of certain Plans and programmes on the environment (the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive) requires that information is provided on ‘any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme’, thus, helping to ensure that the proposed strategic action does not make existing environmental problems worse.

Environmental problems arise where there is a conflict between current environmental conditions and ideal targets. If environmental problems are identified at the outset they can help focus attention on important issues and geographical areas where environmental effects of the plan or programme may be likely.

Environmental Vectors Environmental vectors are 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.

Mitigate To make or become less severe or harsh.

Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures are measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and, as fully as possible, offset any significant adverse impacts on the environment of implementing a human action, be it a plan, programme or project. Mitigation involves ameliorating significant negative effects. Where there are significant negative effects, consideration should be given in the first instance to preventing such effects or, where this is not possible, to lessening or offsetting those effects. Mitigation measures can be roughly divided into those that: avoid effects; reduce the magnitude or extent, probability and/or severity of effects; repair effects after they have occurred; and compensate for effects, balancing out negative impacts with other positive ones.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland vi SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Protected Structure Protected Structure is the term used in the Planning and Development Act and Regulations (as amended) to define a structure included by a planning authority in its Record of Protected Structures. Such a structure shall not be altered or demolished in whole or part without obtaining planning permission or confirmation from the planning authority that the part of the structure to be altered is not protected.

Recorded Monument A monument included in the list and marked on the map that comprises the Record of Monuments and Places that is set out county by county under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994 by the Archaeological Survey of Ireland. The definition includes Zones of Archaeological Potential in towns and all other monuments of archaeological interest that have so far been identified. Any works at or in relation to a recorded monument requires two months’ notice to the former Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (now Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994.

Scoping Scoping is the process of determining what issues are to be addressed, and setting out a methodology in which to address them in a structured manner appropriate to the plan or programme. Scoping is carried out in consultation with appropriate environmental authorities.

Strategic Actions Strategic actions include Policies/Strategies, which may be considered as inspiration and guidance for action and which set the framework for Plans and programmes; Plans, sets of co- ordinated and timed objectives for the implementation of the policy; and Programmes, sets of projects in a particular area.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the formal, systematic evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a plan or programme before a decision is made to adopt it.

Strategic Environmental Objective (SEO) Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs) are methodological measures developed from policies which generally govern environmental protection objectives established at international, Community or Member State level and are used as standards against which the provisions of the Plan and the alternatives can be 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.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland vii SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

SEA Introduction and Background

be carried out on plans and programmes which are prepared for a number of sectors, including 1.1 Introduction and tourism. Terms of Reference The SEA Directive was transposed into Irish This is the Strategic Environmental Assessment Law through the European Communities (SEA) Environmental Report for the Clew Bay (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans Destination and Experience Development Plan and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (Statutory (hereafter referred to as ‘DEDP’ or ‘the Plan’). Instrument Number (SI No. 435 of 2004) and It has been undertaken by CAAS Ltd. on behalf the Planning and Development (Strategic of Fáilte Ireland. Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (SI No. 436 of 2004). Both sets of Regulations became operational on 21st July 2004. The 1.2 SEA Definition Regulations have been amended by the European Communities (Environmental Environmental assessment is a procedure that Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) ensures that the environmental implications of (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (SI No. 200 of decisions are taken into account before such 2011) and the Planning and Development decisions are made. Environmental Impact (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Assessment, or EIA, is generally used for (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (SI No. 201 of describing the process of environmental 2011). assessment for individual projects, while Strategic Environmental Assessment or SEA is the term that has been given to the 1.4 Implications for the environmental assessment of plans and Plan programmes, which help determine the nature and location of individual projects taking place. Article 3 para. 2 of the SEA Directive, SEA is a systematic process of predicting and introduced the requirement that SEA be carried evaluating the likely significant environmental out on plans and programmes, or modifications effects of implementing a proposed plan or to these: programme, in order to ensure that these effects are adequately addressed at the earliest a) which are prepared for agriculture, appropriate stages of decision-making in forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, tandem with economic, social and other transport, waste management, water considerations. management, telecommunications, tourism, town and country planning or land use and which set the framework 1.3 SEA Directive and its for future development consent of transposition into projects listed in Annexes I and II to 1 Irish Law the EIA Directive , or b) which, in view of the likely effect on sites, have been determined to require Directive 2001/42/EC of the European an assessment pursuant to Article 6 or Parliament and of the Council of Ministers, of 7 of the Habitats Directive2 i.e. the 27th June 2001, on the Assessment of the Directive requires that SEA is Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the undertaken where Stage 2 Appropriate Environment, referred to hereafter as the SEA Assessment (AA)3 is being undertaken Directive, introduced the requirement that SEA on plans, programmes etc.

1 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of 2 Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of the Council of 13 December 2011, on the assessment of the natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora effects of certain public and private projects on the 3 AA is provided for by the Habitats Directive and is a environment (codification) focused and detailed impact assessment of the implications of a strategic action or project, alone and in combination

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 1 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

The tourism sector Plan does not contribute towards the framework for future development consent of projects listed in Annexes I and II to the EIA Directive and does not contain provisions or define rules that must be complied with when administrative consent of other projects is being granted.

The Plan does, however, fall under the definition of a “plan” contained within the Birds and Natural Habitats Regulations 2011 (as amended) and therefore must be screened for the need to undertake AA. The Screening for AA has found that the Plan has the potential, if unmitigated, to affect the ecological integrity of European Sites and that measures to ensure that potential effects are avoided are required. Taking into account the requirements of the Habitats Directive and recent case law (including, European Court of Justice Judgement C323-17), Stage 2 AA is therefore being undertaken for the Plan. As Stage 2 AA is being undertaken on the Plan, SEA is also being undertaken - see requirement at b) above. An SEA Determination is provided at Appendix I.

This SEA Environmental Report provides the findings of the SEA so far and should be read in conjunction with the Plan. This report is being placed on public display and will be altered in order to take account of any changes that are made to the Draft Plan on foot of submissions following public display. Fáilte Ireland has taken into account the findings of this report and other related SEA output during their preparation of the Draft Plan. On finalisation of the Plan, an SEA Statement will be prepared that summarises, inter alia, how environmental considerations have been integrated into the Plan.

with other strategic actions and projects, on the integrity of a European Site in view of its conservation objectives.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 2 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan The Plan

2.1 Overview partnerships. These include projects relating to land use, infrastructural development and land The Vision of the Clew Bay Destination and use activities and attractions. Reference made Experience Development Plan is to extend the to such projects included in the Plan does not season, increase overnight visitation and visitor guarantee funding. While funding is provided to spend, and attract visitors to Clew Bay while certain projects, Fáilte Ireland is not the seeking to promote, sustain and enhance the developer. natural and cultural heritage of the region. In order to achieve funding (including The Key Objectives of the Plan are to develop promotion) for land use or infrastructural compelling experiences for this stretch of the development or land use activities from Fáilte Ireland, Fáilte Ireland’s stakeholders shall be Wild Atlantic Way that will: 4 required to demonstrate compliance with  Position Clew Bay as a ‘must do’ destination and measures relating to sustainable development, motivate visitors to stay overnight and spend environmental protection and environmental more; management contained within the following  Extend the length of the season; Fáilte Ireland published documents:  Improve the overall economy of communities through strengthening individual businesses, creating new entrepreneurial opportunities  Wild Atlantic Way Operational Programme sustaining and increasing job creation and Appendix 5 “Site Maintenance Guidelines” and increasing the attractiveness of the area for other other relevant measures from the Fáilte Ireland forms of economic growth; visitor and habitat management guidelines series  Align to the Wild Atlantic Way brand and target (and any subsequent replacements); and markets;  Wild Atlantic Way Operational Programme  Support community values and aspirations, and Appendix 6 "Environmental Management for strengthen community appreciation of local Local Authorities and Others" (and any culture and intangible heritage; subsequent replacements).  Support sense of place enhancement;  Promote collaboration and partnership, support engagement of businesses, and build lasting links 2.2 Relationship with between national and regional partners, local agencies and associations, and local tourism other relevant Plans experiences;  Protect the natural heritage and special and Programmes environmental character of the region; and  Protect and celebrate the region’s cultural The Plan sits within a hierarchy of statutory heritage. documents setting out public policy for, among

other things, land use development, tourism, Implementing the Plan will involve Fáilte infrastructure, sustainable development, Ireland helping to facilitate, promote, support environmental protection and environmental and coordinate stakeholders (including local management. These documents include plans authorities, other government agencies, and programmes such as those detailed in tourism operators, communities and visitors) in Appendix II5 (see also, Section 4 their activities in a way that is consistent with “Environmental Baseline”, Section 5 “Strategic existing and emerging plans that have been Environmental Objectives”, Section 6 subject to environmental assessment. The Plan “”Description of Alternatives and Section 9 does not provide consent, establish a “Mitigation Measures”). These documents have framework for granting consent or contribute been subject to their own environmental towards a framework for granting consent. assessment processes, as relevant, and form

the decision-making and consent-granting Fáilte Ireland provides funding for sustainable framework. tourism projects that emerge as part of specific, competitive, themed and time-bound grant The National Planning Framework (NPF) sets schemes or as part of wider strategic out Ireland’s planning policy direction for the

4 Demonstration of compliance may be supported by regulatory framework for environmental protection and monitoring undertaken by the beneficiary. management. The information is not exhaustive and it is 5 Appendix II is not intended to be a full and comprehensive recommended to consult the Directive, Regulation, Plan or review of EU Directives, the transposing regulations or the Programme to become familiar with the full details of each.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 3 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan next 22 years. 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 Northern and Western Region sets out objectives relating tourism development that have been subject to environmental assessment, including those relating to: enhancing provision of tourism and leisure amenity; promoting tourism activity; developing a road network and public transport services, facilitating improved visitor access and longer dwell times; developing walking and cycling trails, opening greater accessibility to the marine and countryside environment by sustainable modes; and facilitating appropriate tourism development, including that relating to greenways, blueways and peatlands. When adopted, the RSESs will inform the review of existing, assessed Development Plans and Local Area Plans, which already include various provisions relating to land use, tourism and infrastructure. Such reviews will also be subject to environmental assessments.

Implementation of the Plan shall be consistent with and conform with the NPF, RSESs and lower-tier land use plans, including provisions relating to sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management that have been integrated into these documents including through SEA and AA processes. 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 Appropriate Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment and other licencing requirements as appropriate) that form the statutory decision- making and consent-granting framework, of which the Plan is not part and does not contribute towards.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 4 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan SEA Methodology

3.1 Introduction to the

Iterative Approach

Figure 3.1 provides an overview of the integrated Plan preparation, SEA and Appropriate Assessment (AA) processes. The preparation of the Plan, SEA and AA are taking place concurrently and the findings of the SEA and AA have informed the Plan.

Figure 3.1 Overview of the SEA/AA/Plan-preparation Processes

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Impact assessment  Effects on biodiversity are identified and assessed and the AA considers the 3.2 Appropriate interrelationship between biodiversity and Assessment and potential effects on European Sites.

Integrated Mitigation and monitoring  Taking into account all measures contained Biodiversity Impact within the Plan, all the proposed mitigation measures deriving from the various processes Assessment were generally consistent and compatible.  Indicators and associated targets have been 3.2.1 Appropriate Assessment included in SEA for monitoring European Sites.

Reporting Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment (AA) is being  This SEA ER addresses all biodiversity-related undertaken alongside preparation of the Plan. considerations relevant for this level of The requirement for AA is provided under the assessment.  This SEA ER contains all biodiversity-relevant EU Habitats Directive (Directive 1992/43/EEC). information, data, figures and maps relevant for this level of assessment. The emerging conclusion of the AA is that the  This SEA ER has been informed by the AA Plan will not affect the integrity of the European findings.

Sites, alone or in combination with other plans Communication and consultation or projects.  Submissions received have been taken on board.  The preparation of the Plan, SEA and AA are The preparation of the Plan, SEA and AA are taking place concurrently and the findings of the AA have informed the SEA. taking place concurrently and the findings of the AA have informed the SEA. 3.3 Scoping 3.2.2 Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment 3.3.1 Introduction

Many elements of Integrated Biodiversity The scope of environmental issues to be dealt Impact Assessment as detailed in the EPA’s with by the SEA together with the level of detail (2013) Practitioner’s Manual have been aligned to which they are addressed was broadly with in the undertaking of the SEA for the Plan. decided upon taking into account the collection These include: of environmental baseline data and input from environmental authorities. Scoping allowed the Scoping SEA to become focused upon key issues  Biodiversity-relevant issues were identified for relevant to the environmental components that consideration at scoping stage and these are now 6 detailed in Section 4. are specified under the SEA Directive .  Reference to a zone of influence is provided at Section 4. As the Plan is not likely to have significant effects on the environment in another Member Baseline  Biodiversity data sources relevant for this local State, transboundary consultations as provided level assessment have been identified and for by Article 7 of the SEA Directive were not datasets collated/gathered. undertaken.  The biodiversity baseline addresses designated sites and other habitats and species of ecological value. 3.3.2 Scoping Notices  AA information has been incorporated into the SEA baseline. 7 Relevant environmental authorities identified Alternatives under the European Communities  Impacts upon biodiversity are considered under (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans each of the alternatives and potential conflicts and Programmes) Regulations, as amended, can be mitigated. were sent SEA scoping notices by Fáilte Ireland indicating that submissions or observations in

6 These components comprise biodiversity, fauna, flora, 7 The following authorities were notified: The population, human health, soil, water, air, climatic factors, Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the between the above factors. Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 6 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan relation to the scope and level of detail of the altered in order to take account of any changes information to be included in the environmental that are made to the Draft Plan on foot of report could be made to Fáilte Ireland. submissions following public display.

3.3.3 Scoping Submissions This Environmental Report contains the information specified in Schedule 2 of the Submissions from the following environmental European Communities (Environmental authorities were made during the SEA Scoping Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) process: Regulations 2004 (SI No. 435 of 2004) as amended (see Table 3.1). a) Environmental Protection Agency; b) Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine; 3.6 The SEA Statement c) Department of Communication, Climate Action and Environment; and On finalisation of the Plan by Fáilte Ireland, an d) Department of Culture, Heritage and SEA Statement will be prepared that will include the Gaeltacht. information on:

These submissions were taken into account  How environmental considerations during preparation of the SEA and informed the have been integrated into the Plan, various SEA recommendations that have been highlighting the main changes to the integrated into the Plan (see Section 9). Plan that resulted from the SEA process;  How the SEA Environmental Report and 3.4 Alternatives consultations have been taken into account, summarising the key issues The SEA Directive requires that reasonable raised in consultations and in the alternatives (taking into account the objectives Environmental Report indicating what and the geographical scope of the plan or action was taken in response; programme) are identified, described and  The reasons for choosing the Plan in evaluated for their likely significant effects on the light of the other alternatives, the environment. In accordance with this identifying the other alternatives requirement, alternatives for the Plan are considered, commenting on their examined in Section 7. potential effects and explaining why the Plan as adopted was selected; and  The measures decided upon to monitor 3.5 Environmental the significant environmental effects of Report implementing of the Plan.

In this SEA Environmental Report, which is 3.7 Difficulties being placed on public display alongside the Draft Plan, the likely environmental effects of Encountered the Draft Plan and the alternatives are predicted and their significance evaluated. No significant difficulties were encountered in undertaking the assessment. The Environmental Report provides Fáilte Ireland, stakeholders and the public with a clear There is a data gap relating to WFD surface understanding of the likely environmental water status data. There are a number of consequences of implementing the Plan. waterbodies within the Plan area with overall status currently not assigned to them and the Mitigation measures to prevent or reduce term “unassigned status” applies in respect of significant adverse effects posed by the Plan these waterbodies. The SEA ensured that the are identified in Section 9 - these have been Plan contains measures that will contribute integrated into the Plan. towards the maintenance and improvement of status of all water bodies within the zone of This SEA Environmental Report provides the influence. findings of the SEA so far and should be read in conjunction with the Plan. This report will be

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 7 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Table 3.1 Checklist of Information included in this Environmental Report

Information Required to be included in the Environmental Report Corresponding Section of this Report (A) Outline of the contents and main objectives of the plan or programme, Sections 2, 5 and 8 and of its relationship with other relevant plans and programmes (B) Description of relevant aspects of the current state of the environment Section 4 and the evolution of that environment without implementation of the plan or programme (C) Description of the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be Sections 4, 7 and 8 significantly affected (D) Identification of any existing environmental problems which are relevant Section 4 to the plan or programme, particularly those relating to European Sites (E) List environmental protection objectives, established at international, EU Sections 5, 7, 8 and 9 or National level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and describe how those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account when preparing the Plan (F) Describe the likely significant effects on the environment Sections 7 and 8 (G) Describe any measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as Section 9 possible offset any significant adverse environmental effects of implementing the plan or programme (H) Give an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives considered, Sections 3, 6, 7 and 8 and a description of how the assessment was undertaken (including any difficulties) (I) A description of proposed monitoring measures Section 10 (J) A non-technical summary of the above information Appendix IV Non- Technical Summary (K) Interrelationships between each environmental topic Addressed as it arises within each Section

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 8 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Environmental Baseline

Climate Change 4.1 Introduction Accelerating mitigation actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement Reflecting the specifications in the SEA adaptation measures to increase resilience in Directive, the relevant aspects of the current dealing with adverse climate impacts. state of the environment for the following Implementation of Legislation environmental components are identified in this Improving the tracking of plans and policies and section: the implementation and enforcement of environmental legislation to protect the environment.  Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna;  Population and Human Health; Restore and Protect Water Quality  Material Assets; Implementing measures that achieve ongoing  Water; improvement in the environmental status of water bodies from source to the sea.  Air and Climatic Factors;  Landscape; Sustainable Economic Activities  Cultural Heritage; Integrating environmental sustainability ideas  Soil; and and performance accounting across economic sectors and sectoral plans should be a key policy  The interrelationship between the for growth. above factors. Nature and Wild Places Information which is relevant to planning and Protecting pristine and wild places that act as biodiversity hubs, contributing to health and project development and associated wellbeing, and providing tourism opportunities environmental assessments and administrative consent of projects is identified (note that Community Engagement Article 5 of the SEA Directive, in accordance Informing, engaging and supporting communities in the protection and improvement with the established European principle of of the environment. subsidiarity, requires that the Environmental Report includes the information that may The report highlights that high-quality green reasonably be required taking into account, and blue spaces are not just for nature but are inter alia, the extent to which certain matters for peoples’ health and wellbeing, particularly in are more appropriately assessed at different the context of an increasingly urban society and levels in that process in order to avoid increasing settlement densities. duplication of the assessment).

The area to which the Plan relates covers 4.3 Sustainable western parts of County Mayo. Development Goals

Implementation of the Plan will contribute 4.2 National Reporting on towards efforts to achieve a number of the 17 the Environment Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which The EPA’s “Ireland’s Environment - An were adopted by world leaders in 2015 at a Assessment 2016” report provides an United Nations Summit and came into force in integrated assessment of the overall quality of 2016. These Goals include: Ireland's environment, the pressures being placed on it and the societal responses to  Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well- current and emerging environmental issues. being for all at all ages.  Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable This report has informed various parts of the management of water and sanitation for all. environmental baseline provided below. The  Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, key environmental challenges or messages sustainable and modern energy for all. identified by the report are:  Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive

employment and decent work for all. Environment and Health and Wellbeing  Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote Recognising the benefits of a good quality inclusive and sustainable industrialization and environment to health and wellbeing. foster innovation.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 9 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

 Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.  Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.  Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.  Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

4.4 Likely Evolution of the Environment in the Absence of the Plan

The likely evolution of the environment in the absence of a plan would resemble the environmental effects that are described for Alternative 1 (Business as Usual) under Section 7.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 10 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.1 Area to which the Plan relates

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 Nature Reserves13;  Ramsar Sites14; 4.5 Biodiversity and  Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)15; Flora and Fauna  Salmonid Waters16;  Shellfish Waters17; 18 4.5.1 Overview  Freshwater Pearl Mussel catchments ;  Flora Protection Order19 sites;  Certain entries to the Water Framework Information on biodiversity and flora and fauna Directive Register of Protected Areas20; which is relevant to project planning and  Wildfowl Sanctuaries (see S.I. 192 of development and associated environmental 1979)21; assessment and administrative consent of  Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)22; projects includes available information on  Ecological connectivity and networks; designated ecological sites and protected  CORINE Landcover23; species, ecological connectivity (including  Watercourses, wetlands and peatlands; stepping stones and corridors) and non- and designated habitats.  Other sites of high biodiversity value or

ecological importance, e.g. BirdWatch Ecological designations include: Ireland’s ‘Important Bird Areas’.

 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) 8 and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) 9;  Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs)10 and Proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs)11;  National Parks12;

8 Please refer to Section 4.5.3 for more details. Sites measures to protect waters, including shellfish waters, relevant to the area to which the Plan relates are mapped against pollution and to safeguard certain shellfish on Figure 4.2 and Figure 4.3 and listed in Appendix III. populations from various harmful consequences, resulting 9 Please refer to Section 4.5.3 for more details. Sites from the discharge of pollutant substances into the sea. The relevant to the area to which the Plan relates are mapped Directive applies to the aquatic habitat of bivalve and on Figure 4.2 and Figure 4.3 and listed in Appendix III. gastropod molluscs only (includes oysters, mussels, 10 Please refer to Section 4.5.4 for more details. Sites cockles, scallops and clams). It does not include relevant to the area to which the Plan relates are mapped crustaceans such as lobsters, crabs and crayfish. There are on Figure 4.4 and listed in Appendix III. a number of Shellfish Waters designated within, 11 Please refer to Section 4.5.4 for more details. Sites partially within or adjacent to the area to which the relevant to the area to which the Plan relates are mapped Plan relates (as shown on Figure 4.8): Achill Sound on Figure 4.4 and listed in Appendix III. South; Achill Sound North; Clew Bay (East of Old 12 Please refer Section 4.5.7 and Figure 4.5 for more details. Head); and Killary Harbour. 13 Please refer to Section 4.5.7 and Figure 4.5 for more 18 For more details refer to Section 4.5.7. details. 19 The Flora (Protection) Order, 2015 (S.I. No. 356 of 2015) 14 Please refer to Section 4.5.7 and Figure 4.5 for more gives legal protection to 65 species of bryophytes in the details. Republic of Ireland (25 liverworts and 40 mosses). There 15 Under the OSPAR Convention to Protect the Marine are a number of Flora Protection Orders recorded in Environment of the North-East Atlantic, Ireland committed various locations across the area to which the Plan to establishing marine protected areas to protect relates, including: Old Head (Radula holtii); Clare biodiversity (OSPAR MPAs). There are currently 19 OSPAR Island (Petalophyllum ralfsii); Slievemore Achill MPAs in Ireland, which established a number of its cSACs Island (Scapania nimbosa); Croagh Patrick as OSPAR MPAs for marine habitats. There is one OSPAR (Adelanthus lindenbergianus); and Sheeffry Hills Site adjacent to the Plan area: Mullet/Blacksod Bay (Scapania ornithopodioides). Complex MPA (Site number: O-IE-0002972). 20 For more details refer to Sections 4.5.6 and 4.8.7. 16 Salmonid waters are designated and protected as under 21 Wildfowl Sanctuaries are areas that have been excluded the European Communities (Quality of Salmonid Waters) from the ‘Open Season Order’ so that game birds can rest Regulations 1988 (S.I. No. 293 of 1988). Designated and feed undisturbed. There are 68 sanctuaries in the Salmonid Waters are capable of supporting salmon (Salmo State. Shooting of game birds is not allowed in these salar), trout (Salmo trutta), char (Salvelinus) and whitefish sanctuaries. Wildfowl Sanctuaries within or adjacent (Coregonus). A section of the Castlebar River in the to the area to which the Plan relates include east of the area to which the Plan relates and a Carrowmore Lake (WFS-37). section of the River Deel (Crossmolina) in the north 22 TPOs are a planning mechanism whereby individual trees of the area to which the Plan relates are both or groups of trees can be identified as important and designated as Salmonid Waters under these protected by a TPO. There are a number of Tree regulations (as show on Figure 4.7). Preservation Orders designated within the area to 17 In order to protect existing shellfish waters and to ensure which the Plan relates. the future protection of these areas, the European Union 23 For more details refer to Section 4.5.5 The CORINE introduced the Shellfish Waters Directive (2006/113/EC). Landcover in the area to which the Plan relates is shown on The purpose of this Directive is to put in place concrete Figure 4.6.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 12 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan 4.5.2 Existing Fáilte Ireland This ensures that the research can be harnessed on site by those responsible while Environmental contributing towards informed management Monitoring plans and guidelines created by Fáilte.

Fáilte Ireland regularly engages with This extensive database demonstrates that over environmental research that is used to make 85% of visitors observed at WAW discovery informed management decisions and produce points are having low or no effects on the robust guidelines to facilitate the protection of ecological features or processes at these sites. the environment. From its inception in 2014, Ecological impacts observed comprise: the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) Operational Programme Monitoring Programme  Destruction of structures, vegetation or (undertaken to date by CAAS on behalf of Fáilte fauna; Ireland guided by relevant stakeholders) has  Trampling of herbaceous vegetation; been conducting research into the impacts of  Disturbance of wildlife; tourism on the receiving environment. To date  Heavy littering or dumping quantities of the surveys have covered 43 sites and waste; monitored the activities and effects of over  Addition/alteration of site features, 20,000 visitors to WAW discovery points. transient emissions, noise;  Harvesting of large quantities of shells This research characterises visitor movements from beach sites; at each site while examining the ecological  Fishing activities; features and sensitives present. A detailed  Removal and throwing of large rocks; assessment of the site facilities and and management actions on site is also undertaken.  Unrestricted dogs causing disturbances From this data, impacts to ecological features to wildlife. are quantified in a systematic way and management recommendations are made. It is assumed that visitor interactions within the Over the first 4 years of the monitoring, the area to which the Plan relates will be consistent data has shown that visitors themselves cause with the trends, activities and effects recorded low-level effects, and high-level effects are in this dataset. predominantly caused by the mismanagement of sites. As well as the site-specific data being The Monitoring Programme has identified that collected, the monitoring program collates and dunes, machair, maritime grasslands and interprets existing national environmental upland habitats such as heathlands are the indicator data compiling the results into annual most sensitive/vulnerable to visitor effects. macro monitoring reports. The WAW Therefore, the management of visitor monitoring research is guided by an movements within these habitats is key for the independent working group that steers the avoidance of potential effects. research and develops the program as the data is collected. This working group comprises of 4.5.3 European Sites members from the EPA, NPWS, the Environmental Pillar and a representative from A significant portion of the area to which the each of the County Councils along the WAW. Plan relates, its coastline and its surrounding

waters are designated as European Sites. Each year the results are refined and published European Sites in the area to which the Plan online in the form of Visitor Observation relates occur in the greatest concentrations Reports, Ecological Impact Reports and the along the coastline and in upland areas. These Macro Monitoring Reports. The reports are then European Sites (shown on Figure 4.2 and Figure dissected and detailed reports containing all 4.3.) comprise: relevant site-specific information are sent to each of the County Councils along the WAW; as  Special Areas of Conservation24 (SACs), well as any site management teams at sites not including candidate SACs; and under the management of the County Council.

24 SACs have been selected for protection under the seeks to establish Natura 2000, a network of protected European Council Directive on the conservation of natural areas throughout the EU. It is the responsibility of each habitats and of wild fauna and flora (92/43/EEC) due to member state to designate SACs to protect habitats and their conservation value for habitats and species of species, which, together with the SPAs designated under importance in the European Union. The Habitats Directive the 1979 Birds Directive, form Natura 2000. The European

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 13 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

 Special Protection Areas25 (SPAs). Lough Cahasy, Lough Baun and Roonah Lough SAC33; Bellacorick Bog Complex SAC34; The SEA uses the same zone of influence cited Bellacragher Saltmarsh SAC35; River Moy SAC36; in the AA; a 15 km buffer around the area to Brackloon Woods SAC37; Oldhead Wood SAC38; which the Plan relates (see sites within this and Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC39. zone listed in the Appendix III mapped on Figure 4.2). The AA review of all sites within this There are number of SPAs designated within zone has allowed a determination to be made and adjacent to the area to which the Plan that in the absence of significant hydrological relates including: Cross Lough-Killadoon SPA40; links the characteristics of the DEDP will not Bills Rocks SPA41; Clare Island SPA42 and impose effects beyond the 15 km buffer. Doogort Machair SPA43; Blacksod Bay/Broad Haven SPA44; and Owenduff/Nephin Complex There are number of SACs designated within SPA45. and adjacent to the area to which the Plan relates, including: Croaghaun/Slievemore Many of the European Sites in the wider area SAC26; Keel Machair/Menaun Cliffs SAC27; are connected with the Clew Bay via Doogort Machair/Lough Doo SAC28; Corraun hydrological links (as shown on Figure 4.2), Plateau SAC29; Newport River SAC30; West including: Connemara Bog Complex SAC46; Connacht Coast SAC31; Lough Gall Bog SAC32; Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex SAC47, Galway Bay Complex SAC48; Mullet/Blacksod Bay

Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 Mediterranean salt meadows; embryonic shifting dunes; consolidate the European Communities (Natural Habitats) marram dunes; decalcified dune heath; dunes with Regulations 1997 to 2005 and the European Communities creeping willow; machairs; oligotrophic waters containing (Birds and Natural Habitats) (Control of Recreational very few minerals; oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing Activities) Regulations 2010. The Regulations have been waters; dystrophic lakes; floating river vegetation; wet prepared to address several judgments of the Court of heath; dry heath; Alpine and subalpine heaths; juniper Justice of the European Union (CJEU) against Ireland, scrub; blanket bogs; transition mires; rhynchosporion notably cases C-418/04 and C-183/05, in respect of failure vegetation; petrifying springs; alkaline fens; siliceous scree; to transpose elements of the Birds Directive and the calcareous rocky slopes; siliceous rocky slopes; geyer's Habitats Directive into Irish law. whorl snail; narrow-mouthed whorl snail; freshwater pearl 25 SPAs have been selected for protection under the 1979 mussel; Atlantic salmon; otter; petalwort; and slender European Council Directive on the Conservation of Wild naiad. Birds (79/409/EEC) - referred to as the Birds Directive - due 40 Sensitive features include: sandwich tern. to their conservation value for birds of importance in the 41 Sensitive features include: puffin and storm petrel. EU. 42 Sensitive features include: fulmar; shag; common gull; 26 Sensitive features include: wet heath; dry heath; Alpine kittiwake and guillemot and razorbill and chough. and subalpine heaths; siliceous scree; and siliceous rocky 43 Sensitive features include: dunlin. slopes. 44 Sensitive features include: red-throated diver; great 27 Sensitive features include: perennial vegetation of stony northern diver; slavonian grebe; light-bellied brent goose; banks; machairs; Alpine and subalpine heaths; and common scoter; red-breasted merganser; ringed plover; petalwort. sanderling; dunlin; bar-tailed godwit; curlew; sandwich 28 Sensitive features include: machairs and petalwort. tern; dunlin; and wetland and waterbirds. 29 Sensitive features include: wet heath; dry heath; Alpine 45 Sensitive features include: oligotrophic waters containing and subalpine heaths; juniper scrub; siliceous scree; and very few minerals of sandy plains; natural dystrophic lakes siliceous rocky slopes. and ponds; Northern Atlantic wet heaths; Alpine and boreal 30 Sensitive features include: freshwater pearl mussel and heaths; calcareous grasslands; blanket bogs; transition Atlantic salmon. mires and quaking bogs; salmon; otter; marsh saxifrage; 31 Sensitive features include: bottle-nosed dolphin. and slender green feather-moss. 32 Sensitive features include: blanket bogs; and 46 Sensitive features include: coastal lagoons; reefs; rhynchosporion vegetation oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals; 33 Sensitive features include: coastal lagoons; perennial oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters; dystrophic vegetation of stony banks; embryonic shifting dunes; lakes; floating river vegetation; wet heath; dry heath; marram dunes; fixed dunes; and machairs. molinia meadows; blanket bogs; transition mires; 34 Sensitive features include: dystrophic lakes; wet heath; rhynchosporion vegetation; alkaline fens; old oak blanket bogs; rhynchosporion vegetation; alkaline fens; woodlands; marsh fritillary; Atlantic salmon; otter; and geyer's whorl snail; and marsh saxifrage. slender naiad. 35 Sensitive features include: Atlantic salt meadows; and 47 Sensitive features include: oligotrophic waters containing Mediterranean salt meadows. very few minerals; oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing 36 Sensitive features include: raised bog; degraded raised waters; Alpine and subalpine heaths; blanket bogs; bog; rhynchosporion vegetation; alkaline fens; old oak rhynchosporion vegetation; siliceous scree; calcareous woodlands; alluvial forests; white-clawed crayfish; sea rocky slopes; siliceous rocky slopes; old oak woodlands; lamprey; brook lamprey; Atlantic salmon; and otter. freshwater pearl mussel; Atlantic salmon; otter; and slender 37 Sensitive features include: old oak woodlands. naiad. 38 Sensitive features include: Dry Heath and Old Oak 48 Sensitive features include: tidal mudflats and sandflats; Woodlands. coastal lagoons; large shallow inlets and bays; reefs; 39 Sensitive features include: coastal lagoons; annual perennial vegetation of stony banks; vegetated sea cliffs; vegetation of drift lines; Atlantic salt meadows; salicornia mud; Atlantic salt meadows; Mediterranean salt

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 14 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Complex SAC49; Inishkea Islands SPA50; Lough to which the Plan relates are peat bogs and Corrib SPA51; Lough Carra SPA52; Lough Conn pastures. and Lough Cullin SPA53; Carrowmore Lake SPA54; Lough Mask SPA55; Inner Galway Bay Categories from CORINE mapping that may SPA56; and Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SPA57. indicate areas likely to contain Annex I habitats, in the area to which the Plan relates, include: For more detail on European Sites please refer to the AA document that accompanies the Plan  Peat bogs; and this SEA Environmental Report.  Natural grassland;  Water bodies; 4.5.4 Natural Heritage Areas  Coastal lagoons; and Proposed Natural  Mixed forests;  Coniferous forest; Heritage Areas  Broad-leaved forest;  Moors and heaths; Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) are designated  Intertidal flats; due to their national conservation value for  Beaches dunes sand; ecological and/or geological/geomorphological  Inland marshes; heritage. They cover nationally important semi-  Estuaries; natural and natural habitats, landforms or  Sparsely vegetated areas; geomorphological features, wildlife plant and  Salt marshes; animal species or a diversity of these natural  Bare rock; attributes. NHAs are designated under the  Transitional woodland and scrub; and Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. Proposed  Land principally occupied by agriculture NHAs (pNHAs) were published on a non- with areas of natural vegetation. statutory basis in 1995, but have not since been statutorily proposed or designated. 4.5.6 Register of Protected

There are number of NHAs and pNHAs Areas designated within or adjacent to the area to which the Plan relates including those listed in In response to the requirements of the Water the Appendix III and mapped on Figure 4.4. Framework Directive a number of water bodies or parts of water bodies that must have extra 4.5.5 Land Cover Mapping controls on their quality by virtue of how their waters are used by people and by wildlife have been listed on Registers of Protected Areas CORINE58 land cover mapping for the area to (RPAs). RPAs designations in the area to which which the Plan relates is shown on Figure 4.6. the Plan relates include those listed below and The most dominant land cover types in the area mapped on Figure 4.7 and Figure 4.8:

meadows; turloughs; juniper scrub; orchid-rich calcareous 56 Sensitive features include: black-throated diver; great grassland; cladium fens; alkaline fens; limestone northern diver; cormorant; grey heron; light-bellied brent pavement; otter; and common seal. goose; wigeon; teal; red-breasted; merganser; ringed 49 Sensitive features include: tidal mudflats and sandflats; plover; golden plover; lapwing; dunlin; bar-tailed godwit; large shallow inlets and bays; reefs; salicornia mud; curlew; redshank; turnstone; black-headed gull; common marram dunes; fixed dunes; decalcified dune heath; gull; sandwich tern; common tern; wetland and waterbirds. machairs; natural eutrophic lakes; alkaline fens; otter; and 57 Sensitive features include: ringed plover; golden plover; petalwort. grey plover; sanderling; dunlin; bar-tailed godwit; curlew; 50 Sensitive features include: shag; barnacle goose; ringed redshank; wetland and waterbirds. plover; sanderling; purple sandpiper; turnstone; common 58 The CORINE (Coordinated Information on the gull; herring gull; Arctic tern; little tern; and dunlin. Environment) land cover data series was devised as a 51 Sensitive features include: gadwall; shoveler; pochard; means of compiling geo-spatial environmental information tufted duck; common scoter; hen harrier; coot; golden in a standardised and comparable manner. CORINE has plover; black-headed gull; common gull; common tern; become a key data source for informing environmental and Arctic tern; Greenland white-fronted goose; and wetland planning policy on a national and European level. The main and waterbirds. land cover type in Ireland is agricultural land including 52 Sensitive features include: common gull. forestry, which accounts for two-thirds of the national 53 Sensitive features include: tufted duck; common scoter; landmass. Most of this is permanent grassland pastures. common gull; Greenland white-fronted goose; wetland and Peatlands and wetlands are the second most widespread waterbirds. land cover type, covering almost one-fifth of the country. 54 Sensitive features include: sandwich tern. While forested areas cover about one-tenth of the country. 55 Sensitive features include: tufted duck; black-headed Despite rapid development in the past two decades, gull; common gull; lesser black-backed gull; common tern; Ireland’s landscape is predominantly rural and agricultural. Greenland white-fronted goose; wetland and waterbirds.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 15 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Wood Nature Reserve; and Owenboy Nature  WFD Nutrient Sensitive Areas59 (as shown on Reserve. Figure 4.8);  WFD Surface Water in Nutrient Sensitive Areas60 (as shown on Figure 4.8); Ramsar Sites are designated and protected  WFD Groundwater in Nutrient Sensitive Areas61 under the Convention of Wetlands of (as shown on Figure 4.8); International Importance, especially as Water 62  WFD Drinking Water Surface Water Bodies - Fowl Habitat, which was established at Ramsar including Keel East; Bellagarvaun; Derryhillagh; Moyour; and Mask (as shown on Figure 4.7). in 1971 and ratified by Ireland in 1984. Ireland Groundwater beneath the entire area to which presently has 45 sites designated as Wetlands the Plan relates is also included; of International Importance, with surface areas  WFD Salmonid River Regs (S.I. 293 only) - the of 66,994 hectares. The objective of a Ramsar River Castlebar and the River Deel are designated as Salmonid Rivers under S.I. No. 293, and site is the conservation of wetlands for wildfowl. associated WFD Surface Water and Groundwater While Ireland ratified the Ramsar Convention in in Salmonid Regs, as shown on Figure 4.7; 1984 there is no legal backing for Ramsar sites  WFD Bathing Waters and associated WFD unless they are also Nature Reserves or SPAs Surface Waters in Bathing Locations (as shown on Figure 4.7) - including a number of bathing and as such are protected by the Wildlife Acts locations such as: Carrowniskey, Louisburgh; 1976 and 2000 or the Birds or Habitats Clare Island, Louisburgh; Carrowmore Beach, Directives. There are three Ramsar sites Louisburgh; Old Head Beach, Louisburgh; Bertra partially located within or adjacent to the area Beach, Murrisk; Mulranny Beach; Dooega Beach, Achill Island; Keel Beach, Achill Island; and to which the Plan relates (as shown on Figure Golden Strand, Achill Island; and 4.5): Owenduff Catchment (Site number: 336);  WFD Shellfish Areas (as shown on Figure 4.8) - Owenboy (Site number: 371); and Blacksod Bay including Killary Harbour; Achill Sound North; and Broadhaven (Site number: 844). Achill Sound South; and Clew Bay (East of Old Head) and associated WFD Surface and Groundwater in Shellfish Areas. Freshwater pearl mussel is a globally threatened, long-lived and extremely sensitive 4.5.7 Other Designations species that can be impacted by many forms of pollution, particularly sediment and nutrient Other designations mapped on Figure 4.5 pollution and by hydrological and morphological include National Park, Nature Reserves, Ramsar changes, which may arise from developments, Sites and Freshwater Pearl Mussel catchments. activities or changes in any part of the catchment. There are two species of freshwater National Parks are specially designated pearl mussel in Ireland (Margaritifera protected areas of unspoilt beauty and there margaritifera and Margaritifera durrovensis) are six located in Ireland. The primary purpose and both are protected under Annex II and of the National Parks is the conservation of Annex V of the EU Habitats Directive. In the biodiversity and landscape; however, they also area to which the Plan relates, the following provide for recreational space for locals and river catchments have freshwater pear mussel visitors. The Ballycroy National Park is partially designations associated with them: located within the area to which the Plan relates Carrownisky–Bunleemshough; Bunowen; (shown on Figure 4.5). Bundorragha; Owenwee; Erriff; Newport; Corrib-Finny; Moy-Deel; and Moy-Tobergal. A Nature Reserve is an area of importance to These areas (shown on Figure 4.5) are wildlife, which is protected under Ministerial identified as: order. There are currently 78 Statutory Nature Reserves. Most are owned by the State but  Catchments of SAC populations listed in some are owned by organisations or private S.I. 296 of 2009; and landowners. There are two Nature Reserves  Catchments of other extant partially within or adjacent to the area to which populations. the Plan relates (shown on Figure 4.5): Oldhead

59 Nutrient sensitive areas are those waterbodies listed in 61 Groundwater bodies that intersect with areas designated accordance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment as sensitive under the Urban Waste Water Treatment (UWWT) Directive 91/271/EEC on Urban Waste Water Directive (91/271/EEC) and and transposing Regulations. Treatment and transposing Regulations. The waterbody 62 Various water bodies are used for drinking water containing the sensitive area is used to represent the abstraction in accordance with European Communities nutrient sensitive area. (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 60 Areas designated as sensitive under the Urban Waste 278/2007). Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) and and transposing Regulations.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 16 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan 4.5.8 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 comprise:

 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);  Military action, public safety measures, and other human intrusions;  Alien and problematic species;  Mixed source pollution;  Human-induced changes in water regimes;  Natural processes (excluding catastrophes and processes induced by human activity or climate change);  Geological events, natural catastrophes;  Climate change; and  Unknown pressures, no pressures and pressures from outside the Member State.

The Plan includes robust 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.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 17 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.2 European Sites within and adjacent to the area to which the Plan relates

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 18 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.3 Other connected European sites CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 19 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.4 NHAs and pNHAs within and adjacent to the area to which the Plan relates CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 20 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.5 Other ecological designations within and adjacent to the area to which the Plan relates

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 21 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.6 CORINE Land Cover Mapping 2018 CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 22 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.7 WFD Register of Protected Areas: Drinking Water, Bathing Waters and Salmonid Regs

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 23 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.8 WFD Register of Protected Areas: Nutrient Sensitive Areas and Shellfish Areas CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 24 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

significant environmental effects of implementing the Plan. 4.6 Population and Human Health 4.6.3 Existing Problems

4.6.1 Population The greatest health risk from radiation in Ireland is caused by radon. The presence of Using the 2016 Census data, the population of radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas the to which the Plan relates was estimated to that originates from the decay of uranium in be c. 18,000 persons63. The population of rocks and soils, occurs across the country. It Westport, the biggest settlement in the area to accounts for more than half of the total which the Plan relates, was identified as being radiation dose received by the Irish population. 6,198 persons. As a known carcinogen, in the same category as tobacco smoke and asbestos it is a cause of Population has the potential to interact with lung cancer. Exposure to radon for long periods various environmental components. Potential or at high concentrations can lead to lung interactions include: cancer.

 Interactions with landslides (see The number of homes within the area to which Section 4.7.4); the Plan relates with radon levels above the  Recreational and development reference level is within the normal range pressure on habitats and landscapes experienced in other locations across the 64 (see Section 4.5); country .  Contribution towards increase in demand for wastewater treatment at Also refer to the other sections of this report the municipal level (see Section 4.10); referred to above with respect interactions with  Contribution towards increase in other environmental components. demand for water supply and associated potential impact of water 4.7 Soil abstraction (see Section 4.10);  Potential interactions in flood-sensitive area; and 4.7.1 Introduction  Potential effects on water quality (see Section 4.8). Soil is the top layer of the earth’s crust. It is formed by mineral particles, organic matter, 4.6.2 Human Health water, air and living organisms. Soil can be considered as a non-renewable natural resource because it develops over very long Human health has the potential to be impacted timescales. It is an extremely complex, variable upon by environmental vectors (i.e. and living medium and performs many vital environmental components such as air, water functions including: food and other biomass or soil through which contaminants or production, storage, filtration and pollutants, which have the potential to cause transformation of many substances including harm, can be transported so that they come water, carbon, and nitrogen. Soil has a role as into contact with human beings). Hazards or a habitat and gene pool, serves as a platform nuisances to human health can arise as a result for human activities, landscape and heritage of exposure to these vectors arising from and acts as a provider of raw materials. Such incompatible adjacent land uses for example. functions of soil are worthy of protection These factors have been considered with because of their socio-economic as well as regard to the description of: the baseline of environmental importance. Soils in any area are each environmental component; and the the result of the interaction of various factors, identification and evaluation of the likely

63 Total population was estimated using the interactive Acaill; Louisburgh; Croaghpatrick; Knappagh; Census 2016 mapping tool for Small Area Population Derryloughan; Ballycroy South; Srahmore; Statistics (SAPMAP) including the following CSO Small Owennadornaun/Bundorragha; Erriff; Clare Island; Areas: Kilmeena; Aghagower North; Westport Rural; Westport Urban; and Clogher. Kilmaclasser; Derryloughan; Newport East; Newport West; 64 Mapping available at Aillemore; Kilgeever; Emlagh; Drummin; Kilsallagh; http://www.epa.ie/radiation/radonmap Slievemahanagh; Slievemore; Dumha Áige; An Corrá¡n;

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 25 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan such as parent material, climate, vegetation of these peat areas are also a subject to and human action. ecological designations (see Section 4.5).

To date, there is no legislation which is specific Outcropping rock is found mainly in the coastal to the protection of soil resources. However, and upland areas to the north and also there is currently an EU Thematic Strategy on throughout the islands scattered across the the protection of soil that includes a proposal Clew Bay area. for a Soil Framework Directive that proposes common principles for protecting soils across 4.7.3 Geological Designations the EU. There are a number of potential County 4.7.2 Soil Types Geological Sites (as shown on Figure 4.10) across the area to which the Plan relates73. The Ombrotrophic (rain-fed) peat soils and luvisols65 highest concentration of these sites occurs are the two most dominant soil types across the along the coastline, occupied by an archipelago area to which the Plan relates (see Figure 4.9). of postglacial drumlins and along the peat cliffs Other soils identified across the area to which overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. the Plan relates include: County Geological Sites, when audited, do not  Podzols66 occurring in the south, east receive statutory protection like Natural and north of the area to which the Plan Heritage Areas but receive an effective relates; protection from their inclusion in the planning  Alluvial soils67 occurring in the flood system. plains of the rivers and streams flowing into the Bay; The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Aspiring  Brown earths68 and rendzinas69 UNESCO Global Geopark project (which adjacent to the south-east of the area partially covers/is adjacent to the area to which to which the Plan relates; the Plan relates) is currently underway. The aim  Surface and groundwater gleys70 of the project is to develop a geopark in the occurring to the south and east of the area surrounding Joyce Country on the Galway- area to which the Plan relates; Mayo border, and Loughs Mask, Carra and  Peat-based brown podzols71 occurring Corrib, with the intention of applying for full to the south-east of the area to which UNESCO Global Geopark status by 202274. the Plan relates; and Geoparks are places of internationally  Areas of tidal marsh72 occurring along important geology which are managed with a the coastline. holistic concept of protection, education and economic development. UNESCO Geopark Active blanket bogs and active raised bogs are status carries no additional legal status or considered to be priority habitats, listed on planning restrictions to those already in place Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. Areas of by local, national or EU legislation. peat-based soils and blanket peat are abundant across the area to which the Plan relates. Peat 4.7.4 Landslides soils are often indicative of areas that are the most sensitive to development due to ecological The term "landslide" describes a wide variety of sensitivities and impeded drainage issues. Many processes that result in the downward and outward movement of materials such as rock,

65 Luvisol soils are generally fertile, widely used for 71 Brown podzol soils are characterised by dark brown agriculture and associated with significant accumulation of humus-mineral soil covered with a thin mat of partly clay. decayed leaves. 66 Acidic soils generally found in forested areas. 72 Found along rivers, coasts and estuaries which floods and 67 These are associated with alluvial (clay, silt or sand) river drains by the tidal movement of the adjacent estuary, sea deposits. or ocean. 68 Brown earths are well drained mineral soils, associated 73 The counties not yet audited are defined as "Geological with high levels of natural fertility. Heritage Sites Unaudited" where buffers have been applied 69 Rendzina soils are very shallow soils over bedrock, liable to potential sites of interest. County Mayo Geological Sites to drought. Audit is currently under preparation (www.gis.ie). 70 Surface and groundwater gleys are wetland soils with 74 There are currently three UNESCO Global Geoparks on slowly permeable horizons resulting in seasonal the island of Ireland: Copper Coast in County Waterford; waterlogging. Burren and Cliffs of Moher in County Clare; and Marble Arch Caves in County Fermanagh and County Cavan.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 26 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan 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.

The area to which the Plan relates has several locations with a history of landslide events75 as shown on Figure 4.11. There is a concentration of frequent landslide events recorded in the upland areas in the south and north of the area to which the Plan relates. Many of these events are associated with the peatland areas.

The GSI have identified various upland and coastal areas across the area to which the Plan relates that are of high and moderately high levels of landslide susceptibility, as shown on Figure 4.11.

4.7.5 Existing Problems

There have been a number of landslide events across the and there are various areas identified by the GSI as being of elevated levels of landslide susceptibility (see Section 4.7.4).

Legislative objectives governing soil were not identified as being conflicted with.

75 Over 2,500 landslide events are recorded in the National assist in the identification of areas that are likely to Landslides Database available from GSI (www.gsi.ie). This experience land sliding. Date records are not available for dataset also includes Landslide Susceptibility Mapping to all landslide events.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 27 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.9 Soils CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 28 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.10 Geological Heritage CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 29 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.11 Landslide Susceptibility and Previous Landslide Events

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 30 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan and coastal waters that are in turn divided into specific, clearly defined water bodies. 4.8 Water 4.8.2 Zone of Influence 4.8.1 The Water Framework Directive The Zone of Influence of the Plan beyond the area to which the Plan relates, with respect to Since 2000, Water Management in the EU has impacts upon waters can be estimated to be all been directed by the Water Framework bodies of groundwater and all surface waters Directive 2000/60/EC (WFD). The WFD requires downstream areas of catchments which drain that all Member States implement the the area to which the Plan relates. necessary measures to prevent deterioration of the status of all waters - surface, ground, 4.8.3 Surface Water estuarine and coastal - and protect, enhance Drainage and restore all waters with the aim of achieving good status. All public bodies are required to A catchment is an area of land contributing to coordinate their policies and operations so as to a waterbody, with all the water ultimately maintain the good status of water bodies which running off to a single outlet. The WFD requires are currently unpolluted and improve polluted water quality management to be based on water bodies to good status. natural river catchments i.e. by reference to the natural, environmental unit rather than by Article 4 of the WFD sets out various reference to administrative or legal boundaries, exemptions for deterioration in status caused as which often fragment river catchments. a result of certain physical modifications to water bodies. This is provided: all practicable The main rivers in the area to which the Plan mitigation measures are taken; there are relates are the: Milltown River; Feohanagh reasons of overriding public interest or the River; Garfinny River; Owenanscaul River; and benefits to human health, safety or sustainable Owenalondrig River. development outweigh the benefits in achieving the WFD objective; there are no better The surface water from the area to which the alternatives; and the reasons for the physical Plan relates drains mainly into the Erriff-Clew modification are explained in the River Basin Bay Catchment76 and partially to the Blacksod- Management Plan. Broadhaven Catchment77, Moy and Killala Bay Catchment78 and Corrib Catchment79. The EU’s Common Implementation Strategy Guidance Documents No. 20 and 36 provide guidance on exemptions to the environmental 4.8.4 Surface Water Status objectives of the WFD. The WFD defines ‘overall surface water status’ For the purpose of assessment, reporting and as the general expression of the status of a management, water is divided into body of surface water, determined by the groundwater, rivers, lakes, estuarine waters poorer of its ecological status and its chemical status. Thus, in order to achieve ‘good surface

76 This catchment includes the area drained by the River river system on the island comprises the Dookinelly, Keel Erriff and all streams entering tidal water between Slyne Rivers and Keel Lough drains the central basin of the Island. Head, County Galway and Corraun Point, Co. Mayo. The 78 This catchment includes the area drained by the River catchment includes many mountainous areas, all of which Moy and all streams entering tidal water in Killala Bay are underlain by assorted metamorphic rocks and the between Benwee Head and Lenadoon Point, Co. Sligo. The drumlinised lowland area east of Clew Bay is underlain by lowland parts of the catchment are underlain by various pure karstified limestones. types of limestones while the upland areas from the Ox 77 This catchment includes the area drained by all streams Mountains and Croaghmoyle are underlain by a band of entering tidal water in Blacksod and Broadhaven Bays and igneous and metamorphic rocks. between Corraun Point and Benwee Head, Co. Mayo. The 79 This catchment includes the area drained by the River catchment contains many upland areas including the north Corrib and all streams entering tidal water between Mayo coast and the northern part of the Nephin Beg range. Renmore Point and Nimmo's Pier, Galway. This catchment The catchment is underlain mostly by metamorphic rocks is characterised by a wide, flat, limestone plain occupying with sandstones. This catchment includes part of mainland the eastern two-thirds of the catchment which terminates County Mayo, the Belmullet Peninsula and Achill Island. in the large lakes of Corrib and Mask that abut against the Achill is drained by a number of small streams draining the igneous granites of Galway and the metamorphic uplands slopes of the four mountains that dominate the Island, of southwest Mayo. The entire area of this catchment east Croaghan, Slievemore, Minaun and Knockmore. The largest of the large lakes is karstifed and groundwater and surface water are highly interconnected in this region.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 31 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan water status’ both the ecological status and the spreading of fertilisers and manures. Excess phosphorous and sediment are typically issues for rivers chemical status of a surface water body need and lakes, and too much nitrogen is the main issue for to be at least ‘good’. estuaries and coastal waters.

 Urban run-off pressures - can include leaking sewers Ecological status is an expression of the and run-off from paved and unpaved areas and structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems misconnections where private foul connections are connected to storm sewers instead of the foul sewer associated with surface waters. Such waters are network. classified as of ‘good ecological status’ when  Urban wastewater pressures - can include direct they meet Directive requirements. discharge of nutrients from urban wastewater treatment plants and discharge from combined storm overflows or storm water overflows. Discharges of elevated Chemical Status is a pass/fail assignment with concentrations of phosphorus, ammonium and nitrogen a failure defined by a face-value exceedance of impact on the ecology of surface waters. an Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) for  Hydromorphological and anthropogenic one or more Priority Action Substances (PAS) pressures are identified together in many instances. listed in Annex X of the Water Framework Hydromorphological pressures can include: modifications to the physical habitat conditions or the Directive (WFD). The EQS values for individual natural functioning of a waterbody which can impact on PAS substances are set at European level. Good ecology, caused by dredging and straightening of rivers (chanellisation), land drainage or hard infrastructure surface water chemical status means that such as dams, weirs, culverts or other obstructions. concentrations of pollutants in the water body Anthropogenic pressures can include: water do not exceed the environmental limit values abstractions; invasive species; agriculture; use of fertilizers, manures and pesticides; animal husbandry specified in the Directive. activities; inefficient irrigation practices; deforestation of woods; aquaculture; pollution due to industrial effluents and domestic sewage; mining; and recreational The WFD surface water status (2013-2018) for activities. rivers, lakes, coastal and transitional waters,  Industrial pressures - can include discharges and within and surrounding the area to which the emissions from industrial and commercial facilities. Plan relates is shown on Figure 4.12.  Extractive industry related pressures – can include different activities that lead to the extraction of raw 80 There are a number of unassigned rivers, materials from the earth, such as oil, metals, mineral lakes, coastal and transitional waterbodies and aggregates. Impacts from extractive sites include sediment/siltation pollution and alteration to the across the area to which the Plan relates. physical environment.

 Invasive species pressures - can include those The WFD status of most of the surface waters relating to non-native species introduced outside their in the area to which the Plan relates is classified natural range that threaten ecosystems, habitats and as good and high, however, sections81 of rivers native species with environmental or socio-economic harm. Currently 37 species have been identified across and streams including Owengarve, Glenisland, the EU as a high priority for management, and nine of Castlebar, Moyour and Altaconey are identified these occur in Ireland. The potential impacts of IAS include the alteration of eco-systems (by causing bank as being of poor due to unsatisfactory erosion, for example), inhibition of access to water ecological/biological and/or physio-chemical bodies, hindrance of land development and, in some cases, potential human health impacts. status.  Atmospheric pressures - can include atmospheric In addition to this, many water bodies are deposition of nutrients. Atmospheric deposition of nutrients is the process whereby nutrients from natural identified as being at risk of not achieving their or anthropogenic sources move from the atmosphere to water quality objectives due to the damage the earth's surface. 82 being caused by significant pressures.  Forestry pressures - can include poorly managed and Significant pressures, those pressures which inappropriately sited forest operations, negatively impact on water quality and aquatic habitats and need to be addressed in order to improve water species. The most common water quality problems quality, have been identified for waterbodies arising from forestry relate to the release of sediment that are ‘At Risk’ of not meeting their water and nutrients and the impacts from acidification. Forestry may also give rise to changes in stream flow quality objectives under the WFD. Significant regimes caused by associated land drainage. pressures for surface water bodies within or

adjacent to the area to which the Plan relates are identified on Table 4.1. There are various types of pressures identified, such as:

 Agricultural pressures - can include issues related to farming including loss of excess nutrients and sediment loss to surface waters from diffuse sources such as

80 There is a data gap relating to WFD surface water status 81 As per EPA classification system (gis.epa.ie/EPAMaps). data. Overall status is currently not assigned and the term 82 EPA (2019): Report on Water Quality in Ireland 2013- “unassigned status” applies in respect of these waterbodies. 2018

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 32 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Table 4.1 WFD River, Lake, Coastal and Transitional Waterbodies Status83

Waterbody Name Waterbody WFD Surface Waterbody Status (2013 -2018)85 (EPA Identification Code)84 Type Bar Deela_010 River Poor - due to poor ecological/biological status. No pressures identified. Castlebar_010 River Poor - due to poor ecological/biological status. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from domestic wastewater and urban run-off sources. Claureen (Mayo)_010 River Poor - due to poor ecological/biological status. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from agricultural, hydromorphological and extractive industry sources. Culfin_010 River Poor - due to poor ecological/biological status. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from hydromorphological sources. Glenisland_010 River Poor - due to poor ecological/biological status. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from forestry sources. Owengarve (Mayo)_010 River Poor - due to poor ecological/biological status. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from forestry and hydromorphological sources. Aille (Mayo)_010 River Moderate. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from anthropogenic sources. Bellagarvaun_010 River Moderate. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from agricultural and forestry sources. Bunowen (Louisburgh)_030 River Moderate. No pressures identified. Carrowbeg (Westport)_030 River Moderate. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from extractive industry, urban wastewater and urban run-off sources. Carrownisky_020 River Moderate. No pressures identified. Cartron_010 River Moderate. No pressures identified. Claureen (Mayo)_020 River Moderate. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from hydromorphological and forestry sources. Dawros_040 River Moderate. No pressures identified. Deel (Crossmolina)_010 River Moderate. No pressures identified. Deel (Crossmolina)_020 River Moderate. No pressures identified. Dooega_010 River Moderate. No pressures identified. Glenamong_010 River Moderate. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from agricultural and forestry sources. Glensaul_010 River Moderate. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from agricultural sources. Newport (Mayo)_010 River Moderate. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from extractive industrial, hydromorphological and forestry sources. Owenbrin_020 River Moderate. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from forestry and hydromorphological sources. Owengarve (Mayo)_020 River Moderate. No pressures identified. Shanvolahan_010 River Moderate. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from extractive industrial and forestry sources. Owennabrockagh_010 River Moderate. No pressures identified. Ballin MO Lake Moderate. No pressures identified. Castlebar Lake Moderate. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from agricultural, domestic wastewater and invasive species sources. Knappaghbeg Lake Moderate. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from agricultural sources. Tully Lake Moderate. No pressures identified. Killary Harbour Coastal Moderate. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from anthropogenic sources Aille (Mayo)_030 River Good. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from agricultural and forestry sources. Aille (Mayo)_040 River Good. No pressures identified. Altnabrocky_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Bunanioo_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Bundorragha_020 River Good. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from anthropogenic and hydromorphological sources. Bunnahowna_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Bunowen (Louisburgh)_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Bunowen (Louisburgh)_020 River Good. No pressures identified. Carrowbeg (Westport)_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Clydagh (Castlebar)_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Cong Canal_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Cross (Mayo)_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Crumpaun_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Crumpaun_020 River Good. No pressures identified. Culfin_020 River Good. No pressures identified. Deel (Crossmolina)_030 River Good. No pressures identified. Deel (Crossmolina)_040 River Good. No pressures identified. Derrycraff_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Erriff_040 River Good. No pressures identified.

83 Source: https://gis.epa.ie/EPAMaps/ and https://gis.epa.ie/EPAMaps/Water. 84 The number at the end of each river water body name indicates where the water body is located along the main river channel. For example, the water body at the source is coded ‘_010’, the next water body downstream is coded ‘_020’ and the final water body before the river becomes transitional is ‘_180’. 85 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. These are not included on the Table 4.1.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 33 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Finny_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Fooey_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Goulaun_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Joyce's_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Lough Nacorralea Stream_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Moyour_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Muing_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Owenbrin_010 River Good. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from forestry sources. Owenduff (Blacksod)_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Owenduff (Blacksod)_020 River Good. No pressures identified. Owenduff (Blacksod)_030 River Good. No pressures identified. Owenduff (Erriff)_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Owennadornaun_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Owenwee (Mayo)_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Owenwee (Mayo)_020 River Good. No pressures identified. Skerdagh_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Srah Stream_010 River Good. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from agricultural sources. Srahduggan Stream_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Srahmore_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Srahnalong_010 River Good. Tarsaghaunmore_010 River Good. No pressures identified. Acorrymore Lake Good. No pressures identified. Aille Lake Good. Beltra Lake Good. No pressures identified. Doo MO Lake Good. No pressures identified. Feeagh Lake Good. No pressures identified. Keel MO Lake Good. No pressures identified. Mask Lake Good. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from agricultural, domestic wastewater and invasive species sources. Moher Lake Good. No pressures identified. Erriff Estuary Transitional Good. No pressures identified. Clew Bay Coastal Good. This waterbody is also identified to be under significant pressure from anthropogenic sources. Altaconey_010 River High. No pressures identified. Bundorragha_010 River High. No pressures identified. Carrownisky_010 River High. No pressures identified. Erriff_010 River High. No pressures identified. Erriff_020 River High. No pressures identified. Erriff_030 River High. No pressures identified. Glenlaur_010 River High. No pressures identified. Glenummera_010 River High. No pressures identified. Newport (Mayo)_020 River High. No pressures identified. Newport (Mayo)_030 River High. No pressures identified. Owenmore (Mayo)_020 River High. No pressures identified. Owenmore (Mayo)_030 River High. No pressures identified. Glencullin Lake High. No pressures identified. Furnace Lough Transitional High. No pressures identified. Newport Bay Transitional High. No pressures identified. Tullaghan Bay Transitional High. No pressures identified. Westport Bay Transitional High. No pressures identified. Inner Clew Bay Coastal High. No pressures identified.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 34 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

4.8.5 Groundwater The GSI also rates aquifers based on the hydrogeological characteristics and on the Groundwater is stored in the void spaces in value of the groundwater resource. This is underground layers of rock, or aquifers. These referred to as aquifer productivity and is aquifers are permeable, allowing both the mapped on Figure 4.15. Productivity is infiltration of water from the soils above them generally classified as being: and the yielding of water to surface and coastal  Poor aquifer bedrock which is generally waters. Groundwater is the part of the moderately unproductive except for local zones, subsurface water that is in the saturated zone - across most of the area to which the Plan relates; the zone below the water table, the uppermost  Locally important aquifer bedrock, which is level of saturation in an aquifer at which the moderately productive only in local zones, mainly in the north and north-east of the area to which pressure is atmospheric, in which all pores and the Plan relates; fissures are full of water.  Locally important aquifer bedrock which is generally moderately productive, mainly in the For groundwater bodies, the approach to north-east and south-east of the area to which the Plan relates; classification is different from that for surface  Locally important aquifer karsified in the coastal water. For each body of groundwater, both the areas; chemical status and the quantitative must be  Regionally important aquifer karstified (conduit), determined. Both have to be classed as either in the centre of County Mayo; and  Regionally important aquifer karstified and locally good or poor. The WFD sets out a series of important gravel aquifer adjacent to the north- criteria that must be met for a body to be east of the area to which the Plan relates. classed as good chemical and quantitative status. 4.8.7 WFD Registers of

The WFD groundwater status (2013-2018) of all Protected Areas groundwater underlying the area to which the Plan relates (shown on Figure 4.13) is identified The WFD requires that Registers of Protected as being of good status, meeting the objectives Areas (RPAs) are compiled for a number of of the WFD, apart from an area of poor water bodies or part of water bodies which groundwater status located to the east of must have extra controls on their quality by Newport. virtue of how their waters are used by people and by wildlife. 4.8.6 Aquifer Vulnerability and The WFD requires that these RPAs contain: Productivity areas from which waters are taken for public or private water supply schemes; designated The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) rates shellfish production areas; bathing waters; groundwaters according to both their areas which are affected by high levels of productivity and vulnerability to pollution. substances most commonly found in fertilizers, animal and human wastes - these areas are Aquifer vulnerability refers to the ease with considered nutrient sensitive; areas designated which pollutants of various kinds can enter into for the protection of habitats or species e.g. groundwater. The vulnerability of aquifers Salmonid areas; Special Areas of Conservation underlying the area to which the Plan relates (SACs); and, Special Protection Areas (SPAs). are mapped on Figure 4.14 and generally Entries to the RPAs within and adjacent to the classified as being of: area to which the Plan relates include:

 High, moderate and low vulnerability, in most of  WFD Nutrient Sensitive Areas86 (as shown on the area to which the Plan relates; and Figure 4.8);  Extreme vulnerability and extreme (rock at or  WFD Surface Water in Nutrient Sensitive Areas87 near surface or karst) mainly in the upland and (as shown on Figure 4.8); coastal areas in the south and north of the area  WFD Groundwater in Nutrient Sensitive Areas88 to which the Plan relates. (as shown on Figure 4.8);

86 Nutrient sensitive areas are those waterbodies listed in 87 Areas designated as sensitive under the Urban Waste accordance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) and and (UWWT) Directive 91/271/EEC on Urban Waste Water transposing Regulations. Treatment and transposing Regulations. The waterbody 88 Groundwater bodies that intersect with areas designated containing the sensitive area is used to represent the as sensitive under the Urban Waste Water Treatment nutrient sensitive area. Directive (91/271/EEC) and and transposing Regulations.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 35 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

 WFD Drinking Water Surface Water Bodies89 - awarded with the Blue Flag in 2020: including Keel East; Bellagarvaun; Derryhillagh; Carrowmore; Bertra; Clare Island (The Moyour; and Mask (as shown on Figure 4.7). Groundwater beneath the entire area to which Harbour); Mulranny; Dooega; Keel; Keem; and the Plan relates is also included; Dugort.  WFD Salmonid River Regs (S.I. 293 only) - the River Castlebar and the River Deel are designated as Salmonid Rivers under S.I. No. 293, and 4.8.9 Flooding associated WFD Surface Water and Groundwater in Salmonid Regs, as shown on Figure 4.7; Certain areas across the area to which the Plan  WFD Bathing Waters and associated WFD Surface Waters in Bathing Locations (as shown relates are at risk from coastal, groundwater, 93 94 on Figure 4.7) - including a number of bathing pluvial and fluvial flooding. Historical locations such as: Carrowniskey, Louisburgh; flooding is documented at a number of Clare Island, Louisburgh; Carrowmore Beach, locations, including: Louisburgh; Newport; Louisburgh; Old Head Beach, Louisburgh; Bertra Beach, Murrisk; Mulranny Beach; Dooega Beach, Westport; Mallaranny; and Dooagh. Achill Island; Keel Beach, Achill Island; and Golden Strand, Achill Island; and Predictive flood risk mapping is available from  WFD Shellfish Areas (as shown on Figure 4.8) - the Office of Public Works (OPW) for rivers and including Killary Harbour; Achill Sound North; Achill Sound South; and Clew Bay (East of Old coastal areas across the area to which the Plan Head) and associated WFD Surface and relates. Groundwater in Shellfish Areas. A number of settlements in County Mayo were 4.8.8 Bathing Waters identified by the OPW in 2012 as requiring detailed assessment of flood risk (Areas for For bathing waters, Mandatory and Guide Further Assessment), including settlements in Values are set out for bathing waters in the the area to which the Plan relates: Louisburgh; 2006 EU Bathing Water Directive and Newport; Westport; and Westport Quay. transposing Regulations. Mandatory Values are values that must be observed if the bathing Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) as required by the area is to be deemed compliant with the ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Directive. Compliance with Guide Values Management Guidelines for Planning exceeds guidance with Mandatory Values and Authorities’ (OPW and DEHLG, 2009) is relevant can be regarded as quality objectives which to project planning and development and bathing sites should endeavour to achieve. associated environmental assessment and administrative consent of projects. Bathing waters are now classed into four quality categories: excellent, good, sufficient, or poor 4.8.10 Existing Problems with a minimum target of sufficient required to be achieved for all bathing waters. Subject to exemptions provided for by Article 4 of the WFD, based on available water data, The most recent available data from the EPA90 certain surface and groundwater bodies will shows that all bathing waters within the area to need improvement in order to comply with the which the Plan area relates reported on are of objectives of the WFD. good91 and excellent 92 water quality. There is historic and predictive evidence of The Blue Flag award is given to beaches and elevated levels of flood risk from fluvial and marinas that have excellent water quality and coastal sources at various locations across the maintain other standards including effective area to which the Plan relates. and appropriate management to ensure the protection of the natural environment and safety standards. A number of bathing locations across the area to which the Plan relates were

89 Various water bodies are used for drinking water Dugort Beach, Achill Island; Keel Beach, Achill Island; Keem abstraction in accordance with European Communities Beach, Achill Island; and Mulranny Beach. (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 93 Resulting from high intensity rainfall events where run- 278/2007). off volume exceeds capacity of surface water network. 90 EPA Report on Bathing Water Quality in Ireland 2019 94 Watercourse capacity is exceeded or the channel is 91 Carrowniskey, Louisburgh; Golden Strand Achill Island; blocked and excess water spills from the channel onto and Old Head Beach, Louisburgh. adjacent floodplains. 92 Bertra Beach, Murrisk; Carrowmore Beach, Louisburgh; Clare Island, Louisburgh; Dooega Beach, Achill Island;

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 36 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.12 Surface Water Status (2013-2018) CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 37 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.13 WFD Groundwater Status (2013-2018)

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 38 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.14 Groundwater Vulnerability CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 39 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.15 Groundwater Productivity CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 40 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

part of the report’s package of documents are that: 4.9 Air and Climatic  There is a long‐term projected decrease in Factors greenhouse gas emissions as a result of inclusion of new climate mitigation policies and measures 4.9.1 Climatic Factors that formed part of the 2018-2027 National Development Plan, which was published in 2018. This is evident in the With Additional Measures Various provisions relating to climatic factors scenario which assumes full implementation of have been integrated into the Plan, compliance the programmes, policies and measures included with which will need to be demonstrated by in the National Development Plan.  Fossil fuels such as coal, peat and gas continue those seeking or maintaining funding from to be key contributors to emissions from the Fáilte Ireland. Such measures include those power generation sector. However, a significant relating to (for more detail refer to Section 9): reduction in emissions over the longer term is projected as a result of the expansion of renewables (e.g. wind), assumed to reach 41‐  Walking and cycling; and 54% by 2030, with a move away from coal and  Contribution towards European and national peat. objectives for climate adaptation and mitigation,  A growth in emissions from the transport sector taking into account a wide range of detailed continues to be projected which is largely measures including those relating to resilience. attributed to fuel consumption from diesel cars and diesel freight. A decrease in emissions over Interactions with climatic factors are also the longer term, most notably in the With present with other environmental components Additional Measures scenario, is largely including water/flooding (see Section 4.8). attributed to assumed accelerated deployment of 500,000 electric vehicles and the impact of greater biofuel uptake. Total emissions of greenhouse gases by  Agriculture emissions are projected to continue humans come from various sectors including to grow steadily over the period which is mainly transport, agriculture, energy industries, a result of an increase in animal numbers particularly for the dairy herd. manufacturing combustion, industrial  The implementation of additional energy processes, residential developments, efficiency measures included in the National commercial services developments, waste Development Plan will see a significant reduction management processes and Fluorinated gases in emissions in the residential, commercial/public services and manufacturing sectors over the equipment (such as refrigeration and fire projected period. protection systems). Ireland’s National Policy position is to reduce Ireland’s Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions CO2 emissions in 2050 by 80% on 1990 levels 1990-2017 (EPA, 2018) details estimates of across the Energy Generation, Built greenhouse gas emissions for the period 1990- Environment and Transport sectors, with a goal 2017. For 2017, total national greenhouse gas of Climate neutrality in the Agriculture and emissions are estimated to be 60.75 million Land-Use sector. The 2016 emissions for all of tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt these sectors are rising, making achievement of CO2eq). This is 0.9% lower (0.53 Mt CO2eq) long-term goals more difficult. than emissions in 2016.

The EPA’s 2019 publication Ireland’s 4.9.2 Climate Mitigation and Greenhouse Gas Emission Projections 2018- 2040 provides an assessment of Ireland’s Adaptation progress towards achieving its emission reduction targets set down under the EU Effort The National Climate Action Plan 2019 is an all Sharing Decision (Decision No 406/2009/EC) of Government plan to tackle climate change for the years 2013-2020 and a longer-term and bring about a step change in Ireland’s assessment based on current projections. climate ambition over the coming years. The Ireland’s 2020 target is to achieve a 20% plan sets out an ambitious course of action over reduction of non-Emission Trading Scheme the coming years to address the diverse and (non-ETS) sector emissions (i.e. agriculture, wide-ranging impacts climate disruption is transport, the built environment, waste and having on Ireland's environment, society, non-energy intensive industry) on 2005 levels economic and natural resources. The Climate with annual limits set for each year over the Action Plan sets out clear 2030 targets for each period 2013-2020. Key Insights identified as sector with the ultimate objective of achieving a transition to a competitive, low-carbon,

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 41 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan climate-resilient, and environmentally number of Government Departments will be sustainable society and economy by 2050. The required to prepare sectoral adaptation plans in Action Plan deals with both mitigation and relation to a priority area that they are adaptation. responsible for.

Climate mitigation describes action to reduce The Mayo County Council Climate Change the likelihood of climate change occurring or Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 seeks to reduce the impact if it does occur. This can contribute towards adaptation with a Vision a include reducing the causes of climate change Climate Ready Mayo being “A county that (e.g. emissions of greenhouse gases) as well as understands how climate change will affect the reducing future risks associated with climate region, our businesses and communities, and change. actively working together to reduce our exposure to climate risks and to capture new The use of alternative fuels, including opportunities”. electricity, forms a significant part of government policy to reduce emissions, 4.9.3 Ambient Air Quality including from transport. Greater use of alternative fuels, including renewable energy, In order to protect human health, vegetation has the potential to further contribute towards and ecosystems, EU Directives set down air energy security. quality standards in Ireland and the other Member States for a wide variety of pollutants. The 2019 emission projections do not consider These pollutants are generated through fuel the impact of new policies and measures that combustion, in space heating, traffic, electricity are included in the Government Climate Plan. It generation and industry and, in sufficient is anticipated that future emission projections amounts, could affect the well-being of the will include the additional impact of the areas inhabitants. The EU Directives include Government Climate Plan. details regarding how ambient air quality should be monitored, assessed and managed. The Climate Change Advisory Council’s Annual Review 2019 identifies that the most recent The principles to this European approach are projections demonstrate that, under different set out in the Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner assumptions, Ireland will not meet its emissions Air for Europe (CAFE) Directive (2008/50/EC) reduction targets, even with the additional (which replaces the earlier Air Quality policies and measures included in the National Framework Directive 1996 and the first, second Development Plan. The projections also show and third Daughter Directives; the fourth that progress on reducing emissions is sensitive Daughter Directive will be included in CAFE at a to the future path of fuel prices. A significant later stage). and sustained rate of emissions reduction of approximately -2.5% per year is required to In order to comply with the directives meet our objectives for 2050. However, it must mentioned above, the EPA measures the levels be noted that additional measures within the of a number of atmospheric pollutants. For the recent Climate Action Plan are not included in purposes of monitoring in Ireland, four zones the analysis to date. are defined in the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 (SI No. 271 of 2002). Climate adaptation is a change in natural or human systems in response to the impacts of The EPA’s (2020) Air Quality in Ireland 2019 climate change. These changes moderate harm identifies that: or exploit beneficial opportunities and can be in response to actual or expected impacts.  Air quality in Ireland is generally good however there are localised issues; The National Adaptation Framework  There was one exceedance of the EU annual average legal limit values in 2019 at one urban Department of Communications, Climate Action traffic station in Dublin due to pollution from and Environment, 2018), sets out the national transport; strategy to reduce the vulnerability of the  Ireland was above World Health Organization country to the negative effects of climate (WHO) air quality guideline value levels at 33 monitoring sites – mostly due to the burning of change and to avail of positive impacts. The solid fuel in our cities, towns and villages; and National Adaptation Framework outlines a  There was one exceedance of the EU annual whole of government and society approach to average legal limit values in 2019 at one urban climate adaptation. Under the Framework, a

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 42 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

traffic station in Dublin due to pollution from  Inform and consult the public about noise transport. exposure, its effects, and the measures considered to address noise. Problem pollutants identified by the EPA include particulate matter from burning of solid fuel and In compliance with the Directive and nitrogen dioxide from transport emissions in transposing Environmental Noise Regulations urban areas. Indications that Ireland will (S.I. No. 140 of 2006), Noise Action Plans have exceed EU limit values for nitrogen dioxide in been prepared for each local authority area the near future. within the country. The Action Plans include noise mapping and are required to include With regards to solutions, the report identifies measures to manage noise issues and effects, that: including noise reduction if necessary.

 To tackle the problem of particulate matter we 4.9.5 Existing Problems should move away from burning solid fuel (coal, wood, turf) towards cleaner ways of heating our homes like gas or electrified heating and The Climate Change Advisory Council’s Annual implement a national Smoky Coal ban and Review 2019 identifies that the most recent determine the feasibility of a wider smoky fuel projections demonstrate that, under different ban for towns and cities; and assumptions, Ireland will not meet its emissions  To reduce the impact of NO2 we must follow through on the legal requirement for an air reduction targets, even with the additional quality action plan to be developed for Dublin to policies and measures included in the National protect health and implement the transport Development Plan. The projections also show options in the Government’s Climate Action Plan, promoting clean public transport and increasing that progress on reducing emissions is sensitive the use of electric vehicles, and as individuals, to the future path of fuel prices. A significant consider our transport choices for each journey and sustained rate of emissions reduction of we take. approximately -2.5% per year is required to meet our objectives for 2050. It is noted that In order to apply with European Directives additional measures within the recent Climate relating to air quality, the EPA manages the Action Plan are not included in the above National Ambient Air Quality Network and projections. measures the levels of a number of atmospheric pollutants at locations across the country. The current95 air quality in the Rural West Air Quality 4.10 Material Assets Region, including the area to which the Plan relates, is identified by the EPA as being good. 4.10.1 Water Services

4.9.4 Noise 4.10.1.1 Wastewater

Noise is unwanted sound. The Noise Directive – The EPA’s 2020 report ‘Urban Waste Water Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the Treatment in 2019’ identified that: assessment and management of environmental  Wastewater treatment at 19 large urban areas noise – is part of an EU strategy setting out to did not meet European standards; reduce the number of people affected by noise  Raw sewage is released into the environment in the longer term and to provide a framework from 35 urban areas; for developing existing EU policy on noise  Wastewater from 48 areas is the sole threat to waters at risk of pollution; reduction from source. The Directive requires  Wastewater contributed to poor quality bathing competent authorities in Member States to: waters at three beaches in 2019;  Discharges from 13 areas must improve to  Draw up strategic noise maps for major roads, protect freshwater pearl mussels; railways, airports and agglomerations, using  Seven wastewater collection systems have been harmonised noise indicators and use these maps found non-compliant with European Union to assess the number of people which may be requirements. impacted upon as a result of excessive noise levels; Based on the EPA’s assessment of monitoring  Draw up action plans to reduce noise where necessary and maintain environmental noise information provided by Irish Water and the quality where it is good; and, enforcement activities carried out by the EPA, this report identifies urban areas with the most

95 17/11/2020 (http://www.epa.ie/air/quality/)

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 43 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan important environmental issues that must be Shrule. Capacity improvements will help to addressed. support new development in these areas, including tourism related development.97 There is one Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) partially serving the area to which the 4.10.1.2 Water Supply Plan relates (located at Newport) listed as one Drinking water supply in the area to which the of two priority areas in County Mayo, where Plan relates is provided by domestic water wells improvements are required to resolve urgent and private/public water supply schemes and environmental issues. individual wells.

Settlements and rural areas across the area to Under Section 58 of the Environmental which the Plan relates are served by a Protection Agency Act 1992, the EPA is required combined sewer network, including number of to collect and verify monitoring results for all Urban Wastewater Treatment Plants (including water supplies in Ireland covered by the locations at: Westport; Mallaranny; Achill European Communities (Drinking Water) Island; Doogort; and Louisburgh), sewerage Regulations, 2000. The EPA publishes their schemes and septic tanks. results in annual reports that are supported by

Remedial Action Lists (RALs). The RAL identifies The most recent Irish Water compliance reports water supplies that are not in compliance with for the wastewater treatment plants serving the the Regulations mentioned above. area to which the Plan relates provide information on the environmental performance The most recent98 EPA Remedial Action List (Q3 and wastewater discharge licence compliance of 2020) identifies two drinking water supplies of the following WWTP96: serving the population within or partially within

 Westport WWTP (licence no. D0055-01) - non- the area to which the Plan relates: compliant with the Emission Limit Values (ELVs) set in the wastewater discharge licence.  Newport Public Water Supply (due to elevated  Achill Island Central WWTP (licence no. D0072- levels of pesticides above the standard in the 01) - non-compliant with the ELVs set in the Drinking Water Regulations) – the proposed wastewater discharge licence due to failed total action programme includes Complete catchment- Oxidised Nitrogen parameters. focussed engagement actions involving Irish  Achill Sound WWTP (licence no. D0511-01) - Water and the relevant stakeholders to achieve fully compliant with the ELVs set in the compliance with the limits for pesticides by wastewater discharge licence. December 2021; and  Mallaranny WWTP (licence no. D0218-01) - fully  Ballycastle Public Water Supply (due to compliant with the ELVs set in the waste water inadequate treatment for cryptosporidium) - the discharge licence. proposed action programme is a replacement of  Louisburgh WWTP (licence D0220-01) non - water supply with the Ballina - Lisglennon Public compliant with the ELVs set in the wastewater Water Supply by December 2020. discharge licence due to failed ammonia parameters.  Doogort WWTP (licence no. D0367-01) - non- 4.10.2 Public Assets and compliant with the ELVs set in the wastewater Infrastructure discharge licence due to failed ammonia parameters. Settlements across the area to which the Plan Irish Water, working in partnership with Mayo relates include Westport, Newport, Mallaranny, County Council, is investing one million euro to Louisburgh, Keel and Dooagh. Westport is the undertake essential upgrade works to largest settlement in the area to which the Plan wastewater treatment plants in towns and relates and is designated as a Place of Strategic villages across County Mayo. These Potential by the Northern and Western Regional improvement works include upgrades to the Spatial Economic Strategy. inlet works, storm water management and sludge treatment and storage facilities. As part The area to which the Plan relates is served by of the project, upgrade works are proposed to rail, bus and regional and strategic roads. Aer be completed in settlements including Arann Islands and Knock Airports also serve the Mulranny, Ballindine, Ballycastle, Gweesalia and area to which the Plan relates. The ports and

96 Irish Water (2019) Annual Environmental Reports (AERs) 98 The Achill Public Water Supply Scheme, associated group 97 https://www.water.ie/projects-plans/mayo-wastewater- water schemes and parts of the adjacent mainland, were treatment/ affected by ‘Do Not Consume’ notice in August 2020 due to detectable higher levels of aluminum in the drinking water. (www.water.ie)

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 44 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan harbours located across the Clew Bay area have under severe stress as more water was being many functions including transport, fishing, used than could be produced. marine leisure and tourism. Irish Water is currently preparing a National Public assets and infrastructure that have the Water Resources Plan (NWRP) to address potential to be impacted upon by the issues with the supply and demand for drinking development of tourism related infrastructure, water in Ireland over the short, medium and if unmitigated, include: resources such as public long term. Measures have been integrated into open spaces, parks and recreational areas; the DEDP that will ensure that those receiving public buildings and services; and utility funding from Fáilte Ireland will not direct infrastructure (electricity, gas, additional tourists towards specific locations in telecommunications, water supply, wastewater instances where significant problems with infrastructure etc.). These resources are critical infrastructure have been identified (for generally located within the immediate outskirts more detail refer to Section 9). of urban/suburban areas.

Various provisions relating to material assets 4.11 Cultural Heritage have been integrated into the Plan, compliance with which will need to be demonstrated by 4.11.1 Archaeological Heritage those seeking or maintaining funding from Fáilte Ireland. Such measures include those Archaeology is the study of past societies relating to ‘Critical Infrastructure’ and the through the material remains left by those ‘Mitigation of Traffic’ (for more detail refer to societies and the evidence of their environment. Section 9). Archaeological sites and monuments vary greatly in form and date; examples include 4.10.3 Waste Management earthworks of different types and periods, (e.g. early historic ringforts and prehistoric burial Waste management across the area to which mounds), megalithic tombs from the Prehistoric the Plan relates is guided by the Connacht period, medieval buildings, urban Ulster Waste Regional Waste Management Plan archaeological deposits and underwater 2015-2021. The Connacht Ulster Waste Region features. comprises nine local authority areas including: Cavan County Council; Donegal County Council; The European Convention on Protection of the Galway City Council; Galway County Council, Archaeological Heritage known as the Valletta Leitrim County Council; Mayo County Council; Convention of 1992. This was ratified by Ireland Monaghan County Council; Roscommon County in 1997 and requires that appropriate Council; and Sligo County Council. The Plan consideration be given to archaeological issues provides a framework for the prevention and at all stages of the planning and development management of waste in a sustainable manner. process.

4.10.4 Existing Problems Archaeological heritage is protected under the National Monuments Acts (1930-2004), Natural The provisions of the Plan will contribute Cultural Institutions Act 1997 and the Planning towards protection of the environment with Acts. regard to impacts arising from material assets. The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) is The provisions of infrastructure and supporting an inventory, put on a statutory basis by services for development, particularly water amendment to the National Monuments Act and wastewater services, is critical. 1994, of sites and areas of archaeological significance, numbered and mapped. It is 2018 saw long dry spells, which Met Éireann available from the National Monuments Service compared to 1976 when similar drought and at archaeology.ie. conditions were experienced across the country. The prolonged hot weather during the The term ‘monument’ includes all man-made summer caused a huge increase in water usage structures of whatever form or date except across the country. As demand for water rose buildings habitually used for ecclesiastical to critical levels, Irish Water’s supplies were put purposes. All monuments in existence before 1700 A.D. are automatically considered to be

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 45 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan historic monuments within the meaning of the Service to manage and protect Ireland's Acts. Monuments of architectural and historical underwater cultural heritage, including the interest also come within the scope of the Acts. quantification of the underwater resource and Monuments include: any artificial or partly assessing development impacts in order to artificial building, structure or erection or group manage and protect this aspect of Ireland's of such buildings, structures or erections; any heritage. The Shipwreck Inventory is principally cave, stone or other natural product, whether a desktop survey with information gathered or not forming part of the ground, that has been from a broad range of cartographic, artificially carved, sculptured or worked upon or archaeological and historical sources, both which (where it does not form part of the place documentary and pictorial. An inventory of where it is) appears to have been purposely put wrecks covering the coastal waters off County or arranged in position; any, or any part of any, Dublin was published in 2008. Wrecks over 100 prehistoric or ancient tomb, grave or burial years old and archaeological objects found deposit, or, ritual, industrial or habitation site; underwater are protected under the National and any place comprising the remains or traces Monuments (Amendment) Acts 1987 and 1994. of any such building, structure or erection, any Significant wrecks less than 100 years old can such cave, stone or natural product or any such be designated by Underwater Heritage Order tomb, grave, burial deposit or ritual, industrial on account of their historical, archaeological or or habitation site, situated on land or in the artistic importance. Such Orders can also be territorial waters of the State’, but excludes ‘any used to designate areas of seabed or land building or part of any building, that is covered by water to more clearly define and habitually used for ecclesiastical purposes’ protect wreck sites and archaeological objects. (National Monuments Acts 1930-2004). Under the legislation all diving on known protected wreck sites or with the intention of A recorded monument is a monument included searching for underwater cultural heritage is in the list and marked on the map, which subject to licensing requirements. There are a comprises the RMP set out county by county number of historically recorded shipwrecking under Section 12 of the National Monuments events located in vicinity off the coast and the (Amendment) Act, 1994 by the Archaeological bay of the area to which the Plan relates. Survey of Ireland. The definition includes Zones of Archaeological Potential in towns and all Coastal waters, tidal estuaries and rivers within other monuments of archaeological interest, and surrounding the area to which the Plan which have so far been identified. relates, may contain many features and finds associated with maritime/riverine heritage such The archaeology of the area to which the Plan as shipwrecks, piers, quay walls, fords, relates ranges from standing stones, megalithic stepping stones and associated archaeological tombs, fulacht fiadh and prehistoric rock art to objects and features. more recent remains including medieval castles relics, priories, industrial maritime ports, and 4.11.2 Architectural marginal lands once ravaged by famine. There Heritage are also a number of National Monuments in State Care, including: Clare Island Abbey; The term architectural heritage is defined in the Carrickkildavnet Castle; Murrisk Abbey; and Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Burrishoole Abbey. These monuments are Historic Monuments Act 1999 as meaning all: mapped on Figure 4.16. structures and buildings together with their

settings and attendant grounds, fixtures and Clusters of archaeological heritage are fittings; groups of structures and buildings; concentrated within and surrounding towns and and, sites which are of technical, historical, villages (such as Westport, Murrisk, Louisburgh archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, and Clare Island) and in lowland rural areas. social, or technical interest. Upland areas contain smaller concentrations of protected monuments. Archaeological sites of The National Inventory of Architectural the particular importance include one of the Heritage (NIAH) is a State initiative under the finest examples of Neolithic rock art (Boheh administration of the Department of Culture, Stone) and Megalithic tomb (Srahwee Wedge Heritage and the Gaeltacht and was established Tomb) in Ireland. on a statutory basis under the provisions of the

Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and The Underwater Archaeology Unit was Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) established within the National Monuments

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 46 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Act 1999. The purpose of the NIAH is to historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, identify, record, and evaluate the post-1700 scientific, social or technical interest or value, architectural heritage of Ireland, uniformly and or contributes to the appreciation of protected consistently as an aid in the protection and structures, whose character it is an objective to conservation of the built heritage. NIAH surveys preserve in a development plan. The ACA provide the basis for the recommendations of designation requires that planning permission the Minister of Culture, Heritage and the must be obtained before significant works can Gaeltacht to the local authorities for the be carried out to the exterior of a structure in inclusion of particular structures in their Record the ACA that might alter the character of the of Protected Structures. The NIAH includes structure or the ACA. historic gardens and designed landscapes. Figure 4.16 shows entries to NIAH across the There are many ACAs designated across the area to which the Plan relates. area to which the Plan relates, including those located in Westport: Records of Protected Structures are legislated for under Section 12 and Section 51 of the  Altamont Street; Planning and Development Act 2000 as  Bridge Street;  Castlebar Street; amended. Protected structures are defined in  Church Lane; the Planning and Development Act 2000 as  Distillery Road; amended as structures, or parts of structures  Fairgreen; that are of special interest from an  High Street;  Hillside; architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic,  James Street; cultural, scientific, social or technical point of  John’s Row; view.  Mill Street;  Newport Street;  North Mall; In relation to a protected structure or proposed  Peter Street; protected structure, the following are  Prospect Avenue; encompassed:  Quay Street;  Shop Street;  South Mall; and • The interior of the structure;  Tubberhill. • The land lying within the curtilage99 of the structure; • Any other structures lying within that curtilage 4.11.3 Existing Problems and their interiors; and, • All fixtures and features that form part of the interior or exterior of any structure or structures The context of archaeological and architectural referred to in subparagraph (i) or (iii). heritage has changed over time however no existing conflicts with legislative objectives Similar to the general spatial spread of governing archaeological and architectural archaeological heritage, clusters of heritage have been identified. architectural heritage are indicated within settlements, such as Westport, Newport and Louisburgh. Protected Structures within the area to which the Plan relates include Delphi Lodge, Delphi, Newport House, Ardagh Lodge, Trafalgar Lodge and Clare Island Lighthouse.100

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,

99 Curtilage is normally taken to be the parcel of ground in land subsequently sold off. Such lands are described as immediately associated with the Protected Structure, or in being attendant grounds, and the protection extends to use for the purposes of the structure. Protection extends to them just as if they were still within the curtilage of the the buildings and land lying within the curtilage. While the Protected Structure. curtilage sometimes coincides with the present property 100 The Record of Protected Structures in County Mayo is boundary, it can originally have included lands, features or under the review as a part of the preparation of a new Mayo even buildings now in separate ownership, e.g. the lodge County Development Plan. of a former country house, or the garden features located

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 47 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 4.16 Archaeological and Architectural Heritage

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 48 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

County Galway is adjacent to the south of the area to which the Plan relates and the current 4.12 Landscape Galway County Development Plan includes landscape protection and management policies. 4.12.1 Topography Landscape Character Areas identified in this part of County Galway include Killary Harbour The Clew Bay area comprises an attractive and and Joyce’s Country, both of which are varied landscape and seascape with rivers, identified as being of outstanding value and lakes, boglands, pastures and mountains, both of which contain areas of elevated stretching into the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland's landscape sensitivity. west coast. The Bay is dominated by glacially formed drumlins that have been partially 4.12.3 Scenic Routes submerged, creating many offshore islands. Protected Views and Clew Bay is situated between the upland areas of Croagh Patrick to the south and the Nephin Highly Scenic Vistas Beg Range to the north. Some of Ireland’s highest rocky sea cliffs are found adjacent to The area to which the Plan relates contains the Bay, on Achill Island and Clare Island. The many sites, areas and vantage points from cliffs on Achill Head (650 m high) drop vertically which views over areas of great natural beauty, into the sea forming steep sublittoral reefs. local landmarks, historic landscapes, may be obtained. 4.12.2 Landscape Character The landscape designations provided for by the Appraisal Mayo County Development Plan 2014-2020 (as varied) and Local Area Plans in force in the area The area to which the Plan relates is identified to which the Plan relates102 must be considered as being situated within the Landscape when assessing planning applications. These Character Units as listed below101: designations (mapped on Figure 4.17) include: Scenic Routes; Viewing Points; Scenic Views;  Area A: Achill, Clare, Inishturk and related and Highly Scenic Views. Coastal Complex;  Area B: North-West Coastal Moorland;  Area C: North-West Coastal Bog; 4.12.4 Existing  Area E: North Mayo Mountain Moorland;  Area J: Clew Bay Glacial Drumlins; Environmental  Area N: South-West Mountain Moorlands; Problems  Area O: Croagh Patrick Association; and  Area P: South-West Coastal Basin. The legislative objectives governing landscape Character units with similar visual landscape and visual appearance were not identified as elements were grouped according to four being conflicted with. categories of ‘Principle Policy Areas’ in County Mayo’ (also shown on Figure 4.17):

 Policy Area 1: Montaine Coastal;  Policy Area 2: Lowland Coastal;  Policy Area 3: Uplands, moors, heath or bogs; and  Policy Area 4: Drumlins and lowlands.

Areas designated as ‘vulnerable’ within Landscape Character Units include the coastline, the banks of rivers, the shorelines of all lakes, the skylines of upland areas and headlands and promontories. These areas are protected by the current Mayo County Development Plan.

101 Landscape Appraisal, Mayo County Development Plan 102 Including Westport Town and Environs Development 2014-2020 (as varied) Plan 2010-2019 and Castlebar and Environs Development Plan 2008-2014.

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Figure 4.17 Landscape Designations CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 50 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan 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 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.

The SEOs are linked to indicators that can facilitate monitoring the environmental effects of the Plan as well identifying targets that the Plan can help work towards.

All SEOs, indicators and targets are provided on Table 5.1 overleaf.

Further detail on legislation, plans and programmes are provided under Section 2 (and associated Appendix II ‘‘Relationship with Legislation and Other Plans and Programmes’’) and Section 4.

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Table 5.1 Strategic Environmental Objectives, Indicators and Targets

Environmental Strategic Environmental Indicators Targets Component Objectives Biodiversity, B1: To contribute towards B1: Conservation status of habitats B1: Maintenance of favourable Flora and compliance with the Habitats and species as assessed under conservation status for all Fauna and Birds Directives with Article 17 of the Habitats Directive habitats and species protected regard to the protection of under National and International European Sites and Annexed legislation to be unaffected by habitats and species103 implementation of the Plan104 B2: To contribute towards B2: Percentage loss of functional B2: No significant ecological compliance with Article 10 of connectivity without remediation networks or parts thereof which the Habitats Directive with resulting from Plan provide functional connectivity regard to the management of to be lost without remediation features of the landscape resulting from the Plan which - by virtue of their linear and continuous structure or their function act as stepping stones (designated or not) - are of major importance for wild fauna and flora and essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species B3: To contribute towards B3i: Number of significant impacts B3i: Avoid significant impacts on avoidance of significant on relevant habitats, species, relevant habitats, species, impacts on relevant habitats, environmental features or other environmental features or other species, environmental sustaining resources in designated sustaining resources in features or other sustaining sites including Wildlife Sites designated sites including resources in designated sites resulting from the Plan Wildlife Sites resulting from the including Wildlife Sites105 and Plan to ensure compliance with the B3ii: Number of significant impacts Wildlife Acts 1976-2010 with on the protection of listed species B3ii: No significant impacts on regard to the protection of the protection of listed species species listed on Schedule 5 of resulting from the Plan the principal Act Population PHH1: To contribute towards PHH1: Occurrence (any) of a PHH1: No spatial concentrations and Human the protection of populations spatially concentrated deterioration of health problems arising from Health and human health from in human health arising from environmental factors as a result exposure to incompatible environmental factors resulting the Plan landuses from the Plan, as identified by the Health Service Executive and Environmental Protection Agency Soil S1: To minimise land take and S1: Artificial surfaces land cover S1: Contribute towards the loss to extent of soil resource extent target of the National Planning Framework’s SEA (2018) to “Maintain built surface cover nationally to below the EU average of 4%.” Water W1: To contribute towards W1i: Classification of Overall Status W1i: No deterioration in the the maintenance and (comprised of ecological and status of any surface water or improvement, where possible, chemical status) under the adverse effect upon the ability of of the quality and status of European Communities any surface water to achieve surface waters Environmental Objectives (Surface ‘good status’ as a result of the Waters) Regulations 2009 (SI No. Plan 272 of 2009) W1ii: Mandatory and Guide values W1ii: No deterioration in the as set by the EU Bathing Water value of bathing waters or Directive and transposing Bathing adverse effect upon the ability of Water Quality Regulations (SI No. any bathing water to achieve 79 of 2008) Mandatory values and, where possible, Guide values as a result of the Plan

103 ‘Annexed habitats and species’ refer to those listed under Annex I, II & IV of the EU Habitats Directive and Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. 104 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 programme to proceed; and (c) Adequate compensatory measures in place. 105 The definition of a ‘wildlife site’ provided by the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, includes Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and proposed NHAs.

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Environmental Strategic Environmental Indicators Targets Component Objectives W2: To contribute towards W2: Interactions with Groundwater W2: Not to affect the ability of maintaining and improving, Quality Standards and Threshold groundwaters to comply with where possible, the chemical Values under Directive Groundwater Quality Standards and quantitative status of 2006/118/EC resulting from and Threshold Values under groundwaters development adhering to the Plan Directive 2006/118/EC, subject to exemptions provided for by Article 4 of the WFD W3: To contribute towards W3: Compliance of relevant lower W3: For lower tier assessments compliance with the tier assessments and decision and decision making to comply provisions of the Flood Risk making with the Flood Risk with the Flood Risk Management Management Guidelines Management Guidelines Guidelines Air and AC1: To contribute towards AC1: Demonstration of compliance C1: To maximise the amount of Climatic climate adaptation and with provisions relating to climate measures relating to climate Factors mitigation adaptation and mitigation have adaptation and mitigation being been integrated into the Plan. implemented Material M1: For development to be M1: Number of instances whereby M1: No instances whereby Assets served with adequate and additional tourists are directed by additional tourists are directed appropriate critical beneficiaries of funding towards by beneficiaries of funding infrastructure with sufficient areas in the Plan area where towards areas in the Plan area capacity (drinking water, adequate and appropriate critical where adequate and appropriate wastewater, waste and infrastructure with sufficient critical infrastructure with transport) that does not capacity is unavailable sufficient capacity that does not present a danger to human present a danger to human health health are unavailable M2: To contribute towards the M2: Number of significant adverse M2: No significant adverse protection of public assets and effects on the use of or access to effects on the use of or access to infrastructure, including that public assets and infrastructure public assets and infrastructure relating to recreation and leisure, transport, utilities and marine areas and fisheries M3: To reduce waste M3: Preparation and M3: For construction and volumes, minimise waste to implementation of construction and environmental management landfill and increase recycling environmental management plans plans to be prepared and and reuse implemented for relevant projects Cultural CH1: To contribute towards CH1: Percentage of entries to the CH1: No unauthorised adverse Heritage the protection of Record of Monuments and Places effects on archaeological archaeological heritage protected from significant adverse heritage resulting from including entries to the Record effects arising from the Plan implementation of the Plan of Monuments and Places and/or their context CH2: To contribute towards CH2: Percentage of entries to the CH2: No unauthorised adverse the protection of architectural Records of Protected Structures effects on architectural heritage heritage including entries to and Architectural Conservation resulting from implementation of the Records of Protected Areas and their context protected the Plan Structures and Architectural from significant adverse effects Conservation Areas and their arising from the Plan context Landscape L1: To avoid conflicts with the L1: Number of unmitigated L1: No unmitigated conflicts with appropriate protection of conflicts with the appropriate the appropriate protection of statutory designations protection of statutory designations statutory designations relating relating to the landscape, relating to the landscape, including to the landscape, including including those included in those included in Development those included in Development Development Plans and other Plans and other statutory land-use Plans and other statutory land- statutory land-use plans plans use plans

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 53 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Description of Alternatives

6.1 Introduction

As per the requirements of the SEA Directive, this SEA considers reasonable alternatives, which are capable of being implemented for Plan, taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the Plan.

6.2 Current Situation (Alternative 1: Business as Usual)

As identified in the Plan, there are various strengths associated with the current tourism development situation include:

• Nationally significant hiking and cycling trails network • Pristine natural environment and scenic beauty, including diversity of islands • Distinctive shape • Croagh Patrick spiritual asset • Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park and Dark Skies recognition • Rich cultural scape strong themes • Pearl of settlements diversity of towns and villages • Recognition for local food, arts and craft, writers, adventure and well being • Westport direct rail to Dublin

However, there are a number of weaknesses associated with this situation, including:

• Public infrastructure transportation services, toilets, parking • Insufficient non peak season experiences • Lack of funding for development particularly in key historical sites • Seasonality • Trail erosion on Croagh Patrick • Insufficient investment in marine tourism • Accommodation varied needs • Sustainability of island life • Marketing and promotion of Clew Bay as a destination • Lack of a coordinated regional approach to tourism development

This current situation presents Alternative 1 (Business as Usual) to be considered by the SEA. Overtime, numbers of visitors would continue to increase under this scenario – consistent with the development of tourism over many decades. The most popular locations in the Clew Bay area would see the largest increases in visitors, which would occur during the peak season.

6.3 Prepare a Plan (Alternatives 2A and 2B: Prepare a Plan)

The weaknesses presented by the current situation (see Section 6.2) establish a potential need for a plan that seeks to better manage tourism in the Clew Bay area; facilitating, promoting, supporting and coordinating stakeholders (including local authorities, other government agencies, tourism operators, communities and visitors) in their activities in a way that is consistent with existing and emerging plans that have been subject to environmental assessment. Such a plan would not provide consent, establish a framework for granting consent or contribute towards a framework for granting consent (such frameworks fall under the remit of other public authorities). Any projects would continue to be required to comply, as relevant, with the various provisions of documents that form the statutory decision- making and consent-granting framework.

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Features of such a Plan (in combination with the wider and extensive policy and wider and extensive policy and planning framework planning framework) would include:

 Motivating visitors to stay overnight and spend more;  Extending the length of the season;  Improving the overall economy of communities through strengthening individual businesses, creating new entrepreneurial opportunities sustaining and increasing job creation and increasing the attractiveness of the area for other forms of economic growth; and  Promoting collaboration and partnership, supporting engagement of businesses, and building lasting links between national and regional partners, local agencies and associations, and local tourism experiences.

Under Alternative 2 there are two separate alternatives:

Alternative 2A: A Plan with Additional Requirements for Environmental Protection and Management

Fáilte Ireland provides funding sustainable tourism projects including land use and infrastructural development and land use activities. In order to achieve funding (including promotion) for land use or infrastructural development or land use activities from Fáilte Ireland, Alternative 2A would require Fáilte Ireland’s stakeholders to demonstrate compliance with measures relating to sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management contained within the following Fáilte Ireland published documents:

 Wild Atlantic Way Operational Programme Appendix 5 “Site Maintenance Guidelines” and other relevant measures from the Fáilte Ireland visitor and habitat management guidelines series (and any subsequent replacements); and  Wild Atlantic Way Operational Programme Appendix 6 "Environmental Management for Local Authorities and Others" (and any subsequent replacements).

In order to be realised, projects included in the Plan (in a similar way to other projects from any other sector) would have to demonstrate compliance, as relevant, with various provisions of legislation, policies, plans and programmes that form the statutory decision-making and consent-granting framework, of which the Plan is not part and does not contribute towards.

Further environmental requirements would be integrated into the Plan under Alternative 2A, relating to infrastructure capacity, visitor management and green infrastructure and ecosystem services.

Alternative 2B: A Plan without Additional Requirements for Environmental Protection and Management

Alternative 2B would not include the requirements for environmental protection and management described under Alternative 2A. Projects would continue to be required to comply, as relevant, with the various provisions of documents that form the statutory decision-making and consent-granting framework.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 55 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Evaluation of Alternatives

7.1 Introduction

This section provides a comparative evaluation of the environmental effects of implementing the alternatives that are detailed under Section 6. This determination sought to understand whether each alternative was likely to improve, conflict with or have a neutral interaction with environmental components.

7.2 Methodology

The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment (see Section 4) and the Strategic Environmental Objectives (see Section 5 and Table 7.1) are used in the evaluation of alternatives.

The alternatives are evaluated using compatibility criteria (see Table 7.2 below) in order to determine how they would be likely to affect the status of the SEOs. The SEOs and the alternatives are arrayed against each other to identify which interactions - if any - would cause effects on specific components of the environment. Where the appraisal identifies a likely conflict with the status of an SEO the relevant SEO code is entered into the conflict column - e.g. B1 which stands for the SEO likely to be affected - in this instance ‘To contribute towards compliance with the Habitats and Birds Directives with regard to the protection of European Sites and Annexed habitats and species106’.

The interactions identified are reflective of likely significant environmental effects107.

The degree to which effects can be fully determined at this level of decision-making is limited, as the Plan will be implemented alongside planning and project development and associated environmental assessments and administrative consent of projects. Nonetheless, a comparative evaluation of the various alternatives can be provided.

106 ‘Annexed habitats and species’ refer to those listed under Annex I, II & IV of the EU Habitats Directive and Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. 107 These effects include secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long-term permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects.

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Table 7.1 Strategic Environmental Objectives108

Environmental Code Strategic Environmental Objectives Component Biodiversity, B1 To contribute towards compliance with the Habitats and Birds Directives with regard to the Flora and Fauna protection of European Sites and Annexed habitats and species109 B2 To contribute towards compliance with Article 10 of the Habitats Directive with regard to the management of features of the landscape which - by virtue of their linear and continuous structure or their function act as stepping stones (designated or not) - are of major importance for wild fauna and flora and essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species B3 To contribute towards avoidance of significant impacts on relevant habitats, species, environmental features or other sustaining resources in designated sites including Wildlife Sites110 and to ensure compliance with the Wildlife Acts 1976-2010 with regard to the protection of species listed on Schedule 5 of the principal Act Population and PHH1 To contribute towards the protection of populations and human health from exposure to Human Health incompatible landuses Soil S1 To minimise land take and loss to extent of soil resource Water W1 To contribute towards the maintenance and improvement, where possible, of the quality and status of surface waters W2 To contribute towards maintaining and improving, where possible, the chemical and quantitative status of groundwaters W3 To contribute towards compliance with the provisions of the Flood Risk Management Guidelines Air and Climatic AC1 To contribute towards climate adaptation and mitigation Factors Material Assets M1 For development to be served with adequate and appropriate critical infrastructure with sufficient capacity (drinking water, wastewater, waste and transport) that does not present a danger to human health M2 To contribute towards the protection of public assets and infrastructure, including that relating to recreation and leisure, transport, utilities and marine areas and fisheries M3 To reduce waste volumes, minimise waste to landfill and increase recycling and reuse Cultural CH1 To contribute towards the protection of archaeological heritage including entries to the Heritage Record of Monuments and Places and/or their context CH2 To contribute towards the protection of architectural heritage including entries to the Records of Protected Structures and Architectural Conservation Areas and their context Landscape L1 To avoid conflicts with the appropriate protection of statutory designations relating to the landscape, including those included in Development Plans and other statutory land-use plans

Table 7.2 Criteria for appraising the effect of Alternatives on SEOs

Likely to Improve status of SEOs Potential Conflict with status of SEOs - Probable Conflict likely to be mitigated by complying with with status of other measures included within the Plan SEOs- unlikely to to the to a to a Lesser to a Moderate to a Greater be fully mitigated degree Moderate degree Greatest degree degree degree

108 See Section 5 for a description of Strategic Environmental Objectives. 109 ‘Annexed habitats and species’ refer to those listed under Annex I, II & IV of the EU Habitats Directive and Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. 110 The definition of a ‘wildlife site’ provided by the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, includes Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and proposed NHAs.

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7.3 Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects are one of the types of effects that have been considered by the assessment of the alternatives. Cumulative effects can be described as the addition of many small impacts to create one larger, more significant, impact.

There are two types of potential cumulative effects that have been considered, namely:

 Potential intra-Plan cumulative effects - these arise from the interactions between different types of potential environmental effects resulting from a plan, programme, etc. Where there are elevated levels of environmental sensitivities (such as those identified under Section 4), future development could result in environmental conflicts and lead to a deterioration in environmental integrity. The interrelationships between environmental components that help determine these potential effects are identified on Table 8.4 in Section 8 e.g. interrelationships between: human health and water quality; human health and air quality; human health and flood risk; and ecology and water quality.

 Potential inter-Plan cumulative effects - these arise when the effects of the implementation of one plan occur in combination with those of other plans, programmes, developments, etc.

In considering the relationship with legislation and other plans and programmes it is important to note that the Plan will form part of a wider and extensive policy and planning framework that covers sectors including tourism, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications and land use planning (see Section 2, 4 and 5 and Appendix II) for a range of sectors at a range of levels (e.g. National, Regional, County and Local). Legislation, plans and programmes from these other sectors also take into account demands from both residents and tourists when considering infrastructure and service needs. These plans, in turn, are also subject to their own SEA and AA requirements and include their own requirements relating to environmental protection and management. In this way, the environment is protected in a holistic manner so that the interactions of other uses and their associated plans and programmes are taken into account. Where they exist, the SEA recognises the existence of other environmental assessments with a view to avoid duplication of assessment, in compliance with the SEA Directive.

The National Planning Framework (NPF) sets out Ireland’s planning policy direction for the next 22 years. 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 Northern and Western Region (Clew Bay is located within the Northern and Western Region) sets out objectives relating tourism development, that have been subject to environmental assessment, including those relating to: enhancing provision of tourism and leisure amenity; promoting tourism activity; developing a road network and public transport services, facilitating improved visitor access and longer dwell times; developing walking and cycling trails, opening greater accessibility to the marine and countryside environment by sustainable modes; and facilitating appropriate tourism development, including that relating to greenways, blueways and peatlands. The RSES will inform the review of existing, assessed Development Plans and Local Area Plans, which already include various provisions relating to land use, tourism and infrastructure. Such reviews will also be subject to environmental assessments.

Implementation of the Plan shall be consistent with and conform with the NPF, RSES and lower-tier land use plans, including provisions relating to sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management that have been integrated into these documents including through SEA and AA processes. 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 Appropriate Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment and other licencing requirements as appropriate) that form the statutory decision-making and consent-granting framework, of which the Plan is not part and does not contribute towards. These provisions are in addition to those that have been integrated into the Plan that will contribute towards sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management (see Section 9).

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Effects111 that may arise as a result of implementing the Plan, in combination with the existing statutory planning/decision-making and consent-granting framework, have been mitigated to the extent that the only residual adverse effects likely to occur as a result of implementation of the Plan are those that are identified under Table 8.3.

Cumulative effects that have been considered include those resulting from the Plan in-combination with the following:

 Land use policy, plans and programmes (e.g. the National Planning Framework, the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, Development Plans and Local Area Plans);  Water services, waste management, transport and energy infrastructure plans (e.g. Irish Water’s Water Services Strategic Plan and associated Capital Investment Plan, Regional Waste Management Plans, Transportation Policies and Strategies, Grid25 and associated Implementation Programme) and the Local Economic and Community Plans; and  Environmental protection and management plans (e.g. River Basin Management Plans, National Climate Action Plan, National Adaptation Framework, and Flood Risk Management Plans).

Potential cumulative effects include the following arising from the alternatives in combination with the plans etc. detailed above (note that potential adverse cumulative effects will be mitigated by provisions that have been integrated into the Plan - see Section 9):

 Contribution towards sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management – various provisions for which are provided for in the aforementioned plans (Alternatives 1, 2A and 2B).  Need for and use of services, infrastructure and other development (to service development, including tourism), including those related to water services, transport, access or accommodation, that are planned for and consented through the statutory framework – and associated potential adverse environmental effects on various environmental components including biodiversity and flora and fauna, the status of waters, human health, soil, emissions, cultural heritage and landscape (Alternatives 1, 2A and 2B).  Contribution towards climate adaptation and mitigation through measures such as those relating to walking and cycling, charging infrastructure, flood risk management and resilience (Alternatives 1, 2A and 2B).  Contribution towards travel related greenhouse gas and other emissions to air as a result of increases in tourist numbers (Alternatives 1, 2A and 2B).  Helps to minimise likelihood of exceeding capacity in material assets as a result of not directing additional tourists towards specific locations in instances where significant problems with critical infrastructure (drinking water, wastewater, waste and transport) have been identified (Alternative 2A). This would positively impact upon the protection and management of environmental components such as human health, water, soil, air and climatic factors.  Contribution towards the protection and management of biodiversity and flora and fauna (in designated sites, including European Sites and Wildlife Sites, and Annexed habitats and species, listed species, ecological connectivity and non-designated habitats) through visitor management strategies, as relevant and appropriate (Alternative 2A).  In combination with plans and programmes from all sectors potential adverse effects on all environmental components arising from all development in greenfield and brownfield areas (e.g. infrastructural, residential, accommodation, economic, forestry, agricultural etc.). The type of these effects are consistent with those described on Table 7.3. These plans and programmes from other sectors undergo SEA and comply with environmental legislation while projects are subject to EIA and AA, as relevant (Alternatives 1, 2A and 2B).

111 Effects include in-combination effects – those arising from services and infrastructure (to service development, including tourism) that are planned for and consented through the statutory framework including the NPF, RSES and lower-tier land use plans. Examples may include developments/operation of developments relating to water services, transport, access or accommodation. Mitigation includes that which has been integrated into the Plan – please refer to Section 9 of this report.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 59 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan 7.4 Detailed Consideration of Alternatives

Table 7.3 below describes effects common to all Alternatives (1, 2A and 2B).

Table 7.3 Effects Common to All Alternatives Environmental Component Environmental Effects from all Alternatives, in combination with the existing statutory planning/decision-making and consent-granting framework112 Significant Positive Effect, likely to Potential Significant Adverse Effect, if occur unmitigated Biodiversity  Contribution towards the protection Arising from both construction and operation of tourism and flora and and management of biodiversity related development/activities: fauna and flora and fauna (in designated  Loss of/damage to biodiversity in designated sites, including European Sites and sites (including European Sites and Wildlife Wildlife Sites, and Annexed habitats Sites) and Annexed habitats and species, listed and species, listed species, species, ecological connectivity and non- ecological connectivity and non- designated habitats; and disturbance to designated habitats) biodiversity and flora and fauna;  Contribution towards the  Habitat loss, fragmentation and deterioration, maintenance of existing green including patch size and edge effects; and infrastructure and its ecosystem  Disturbance (e.g. due to noise and lighting services. along transport corridors) and displacement of  Contribution towards protection of protected species such as birds and bats. biodiversity and flora and fauna as a result of contributing towards the protection of environmental vectors, air, water and soil. Population  Contribution towards the protection  Potential interactions if effects upon and human of human health. environmental vectors such as water are not health  Contribution towards the protection mitigated. amenity usage and access.  Potential interactions if additional tourists are  Contribution towards the directed towards specific locations in instances sustainable growth of tourism and where significant problems with critical associated sustenance and growth infrastructure (drinking water, wastewater, of communities within the Clew Bay waste and transport) have been identified. area. Soil  Contribution towards minimising  Adverse impacts upon the hydrogeological and land-take and loss of extent of soil ecological function of the soil resource. resource.  Adverse effects on designated geological  Contribution towards the protection heritage sites. of the environment from  Potential for increase in coastal /river bank contamination. erosion.  Contributes towards protection of designated sites of geological heritage. Water  Contribution towards the protection  Adverse impacts upon the status of water of water resources (including the bodies and entries to the WFD Register of status of surface and Protected Areas (ecological and human value), groundwaters), bathing water arising from changes in quality, flow and/or quality and water-based morphology. designations.  Increase in flood risk.  Contribution towards flood risk management and appropriate drainage. Air and  Contribution towards climate  Potential conflict, in combination with plans and climatic adaptation and mitigation. programmes from all sectors including factors transport and land use planning, between increases in visitors (which is likely to result in an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and other emissions to air, including from aviation, with associated interactions with climatic factors) and local, national and European objectives to reduce carbon emissions.  Potential conflicts between transport movements, including car movements, and air quality.

112 Effects include in-combination effects – those arising from services, infrastructure and other development (to service development, including tourism) that are planned for and consented through the statutory framework including the NPF, RSES and lower-tier land use plans. Examples may include developments/operation of developments relating to water services, transport, access or accommodation. Effects would be to varying degrees – refer to Table 7.4 for comparative evaluation.

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Environmental Environmental Effects from all Alternatives, in combination with the existing statutory Component planning/decision-making and consent-granting framework Significant Positive Effect, likely to Potential Significant Adverse Effect, if unmitigated occur Material  Contributes towards protection and  Increased number of visitors have the potential Assets allows for continued use of public to increase traffic levels. assets and infrastructure.  The need to provide adequate and appropriate Contribution towards compliance water services (it is the function of Irish Water with national and regional water to provide for such needs). services and waste management  Increases in waste levels and residual wastes policies. from visitors and construction of developments.  Potential impacts upon public assets and infrastructure. Cultural  Contribution towards the long-term  Potential effects on designated and unknown Heritage protection of archaeological and archaeological heritage. architectural heritage.  Potential effects on architectural heritage. Landscape  Contribution towards the protection  Occurrence of adverse visual impacts, of landscape designations. especially in marine, estuary, island and ridge areas where, and conflicts with the appropriate protection of statutory designations relating to the landscape.  Changes in the appearance of the landscape.

Alternative 1: Business as Usual Sustainable development, environmental management and environmental protection under Alternative 1 is provided through the existing statutory planning and consent framework. These measures would contribute towards positive effects on the protection and management of all environmental components (see Table 7.3).

Tourism related development would continue to be planned for and consented through the existing statutory planning and consent framework. Potential adverse effects (see Table 7.3) would continue be mitigated through that process.

In the absence of a Plan, overtime, there would continue to be an increase in tourist numbers – consistent with the development of tourism over many decades. The most popular locations in the Clew Bay area would see the largest increases in visitors, which would occur during the peak season. This would give rise to greater concentration of tourists during peak seasons and in the most popular locations thereby increasing potential environmental effects on all components and peak load additions on various infrastructure in particular locations/at particular times.

Contributions towards in an increase in travel related greenhouse gas and other emissions to air, including from aviation, would not occur as a result a Plan that seeks to lengthen dwell time and grow visitor numbers however increases in tourist numbers would occur. Similarly, the positive mitigatory effects as a result of provisions of a Plan, such as those relating to sustainable mobility, traffic management and compliance with climate adaptation and management plans/strategies would not be provided for.

There would be one layer of mitigation under Alternative, through the existing statutory planning and consent framework.

Alternative 2A: A Plan with Additional Requirements for Environmental Protection and Management In addition to the measures relating to sustainable development, environmental protection, environmental management (and associated effects - see Table 7.3), which are provided under all alternatives, and measures relating to seasonality and regionality, provided for by this alternative and Alternative 2B, this alternative would provide additional requirements for environmental protection and management, including those taken from the Wild Atlantic Way Operational Programme and those relating to infrastructure capacity, visitor management and green infrastructure and ecosystem services. In order to be realised, projects included in the Plan (in a similar way to other projects from any other sector) would have to demonstrate compliance, as relevant, with various provisions of legislation, policies, plans and programmes that form the statutory decision-making and consent- granting framework, of which the Plan is not part and does not contribute towards.

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Tourism related development would continue to be planned for and consented through the existing statutory planning and consent framework. Potential adverse effects (see Table 7.3) would continue be mitigated through that process.

Although a Plan would help to improve the seasonal and geographic spread of visitors, a Plan’s objective would be to increase the number of visitors to the Clew Bay area. Although this would be likely to happen without a Plan, a Plan would have the potential to increase numbers of tourists – and associated potential adverse effects – to a greater degree than would be the case if there was no Plan. This would be likely to contribute towards in an increase in travel related greenhouse gas and other emissions to air, including from aviation. These increases will be mitigated by provisions that have been integrated into the Plan, including those relating to sustainable mobility and compliance with the Climate Action Plan 2019 and the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (2018 and any subsequent versions).

A Plan would also help to promote new experiences – including those relating to land use activities and developments. These would also have the potential to increase adverse effects. Notwithstanding this, there would be three layers of mitigation, through:  The existing statutory planning and consent framework;  Visitor management strategies; and  Additional environmental requirements for environmental protection and management, under this alternative.

Alternative 2B: A Plan without Additional Requirements for Environmental Protection and Management In addition to the measures relating to sustainable development, environmental management and environmental protection (and associated effects - see Table 7.3), which are provided under all alternatives, this Alternative (2B) would provide measures to improve seasonality and regionality. Seasonality and regionality provide a greater spread of tourists throughout the year and across the Clew Bay area thereby reducing potential environmental effects and peak load additions on various infrastructure in particular locations/at particular times.

Tourism related development would continue to be planned for and consented through the existing statutory planning and consent framework. Potential adverse effects (see Table 7.3) would continue be mitigated through that process.

Although a Plan would help to improve the seasonal and geographic spread of visitors, a Plan’s objective would be to increase the number of visitors to the Clew Bay area . Although this would be likely to happen without a Plan, a Plan would have the potential to increase numbers of tourists – and associated potential adverse effects – to a greater degree than would be the case if there was no Plan.

This would be likely to contribute towards in an increase in travel related greenhouse gas and other emissions to air, including from aviation. These increases would be mitigated by the wider planning framework.

A Plan would also help to promote new experiences – including those relating to land use activities and developments. These would also have the potential to increase adverse effects. Notwithstanding this, there would be one layer of mitigation, through the existing statutory planning and consent framework.

7.5 Selected Alternative for the Plan

Taking into account the environmental effects detailed above and the challenges and opportunities present for tourism across the Clew Bay area , Fáilte Ireland have proceeded with Alternative 2A “A Plan with Additional Requirements for Environmental Protection and Management”. A comparative assessment of all three alternatives against SEOs is provided on Table 7.4 overleaf.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 62 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Table 7.4 Comparative Evaluation of Alternatives against SEOs

Likely to Improve status of SEOs Potential Conflict with status of SEOs - likely to be mitigated by complying with other measures included within Probable the Plan Conflict to the Greatest degree to a Moderate to a Lesser degree to a Moderate to a Greater with status of degree degree degree SEOs- unlikely to be fully mitigated Alternative 1: B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 AC1 Business as W1 W2 W3 AC1 M1 M1 M2 M3 CH1 CH2 L1 Usual M2 M3 CH1 CH2 L1 Tourism related development would continue to be Sustainable planned for and consented through the existing development, statutory planning and consent framework. Potential environmental adverse effects (see Table 7.3) would continue be management and mitigated through that process. environmental protection is B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 AC1 provided through the M1 M2 M3 CH1 CH2 L1 existing statutory In the absence of a Plan, there would likely to be a planning and consent continuing increase in tourist numbers – consistent framework. These with the development of tourism over many decades. measures would The most popular locations in the Clew Bay area would contribute towards be likely to see the largest increases in visitors, which positive effects on the would be likely to occur during the peak season. This protection and would be likely to give rise to greater concentration of management of all tourists during peak seasons and in the most popular environmental locations thereby increasing potential environmental components (see effects on all components and peak load additions on Table 7.3). various infrastructure in particular locations/at particular times. Alternative 2A: A B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 AC1 M1 M2 M3 Plan with W1 W2 W3 AC1 M1 CH1 CH2 L1 Additional M2 M3 CH1 CH2 L1 Tourism related development would continue to be planned Requirements for and consented through the existing statutory planning In addition to the measures for and consent framework. Potential adverse effects (see Table relating to sustainable Environmental 7.3) would continue be mitigated through that process. Protection and development, Management environmental protection, B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 AC1 M1 M2 M3 environmental CH1 CH2 L1 management (and Although a Plan would help to improve the seasonal and associated effects - see Table geographic spread of visitors, a Plan’s objective would be to 7.3) and measures relating to increase the number of visitors in the Clew Bay area. seasonality, regionality Although this would be likely to happen without a Plan, a and visitor management Plan would have the potential to increase numbers of tourists strategies, provided for by – and associated potential adverse effects – to a greater this alternative and Alternative degree. A Plan would also help to promote new experiences 2B, this Alternative (2A) would – including those relating to land use activities and provide additional developments. These would also have the potential to requirements for increase adverse effects. environmental protection and management. Notwithstanding these issues, there would be three layers of mitigation, through:  The existing statutory planning and consent framework;  Visitor management strategies; and  Additional environmental requirements for environmental protection and management, under this alternative.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 63 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Likely to Improve status of SEOs Potential Conflict with status of SEOs - likely to be mitigated by complying with other measures included within Probable the Plan Conflict to the Greatest degree to a Moderate to a Lesser degree to a Moderate to a Greater with status of degree degree degree SEOs- unlikely to be fully mitigated Alternative 2B: A B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 AC1 Plan without W1 W2 W3 AC1 M1 M2 M3 CH1 CH2 L1 Additional M1 M2 M3 CH1 Tourism related development would continue to be Requirements CH2 L1 planned for and consented through the existing for In addition to the statutory planning and consent framework. Potential Environmental measures relating to adverse effects (see Table 7.3) would continue be Protection and sustainable mitigated through that process. Management development,

environmental B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 AC1 management and M1 M2 M3 CH1 CH2 L1 environmental Although a Plan would help to improve the seasonal protection (and and geographic spread of visitors, a Plan’s objective associated effects - see would be to increase the number of visitors to the Clew Table 7.3), this Bay area. Although this would be likely to happen alternative would without a Plan, a Plan would have the potential to provide measures increase numbers of tourists – and associated relating to seasonality potential adverse effects – to a greater degree. and regionality – such

measures would also be A Plan would also help to promote new experiences – provided for by including those relating to land use activities and Alternative 2A. developments. These would also have the potential to increase adverse effects.

Notwithstanding this, there would be two layers of mitigation, through:  The existing statutory planning and consent framework; and  Visitor management strategies.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 64 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Evaluation of Plan Provisions

8.1 Introduction

The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment (see Section 4) and the Strategic Environmental Objectives (see Section 5 and Table 8.1) are used in the assessment of the Plan.

The provisions are evaluated using compatibility criteria (see Table 8.2) in order to determine how they would be likely to affect the status of the SEOs. The SEOs and the Plan provisions are arrayed against each other to identify which interactions - if any - would cause effects on specific components of the environment. Where the appraisal identifies a likely conflict with the status of an SEO the relevant SEO code is entered into the conflict column - e.g. B1 which stands for the SEO likely to be affected - in this instance ‘To contribute towards compliance with the Habitats and Birds Directives with regard to the protection of European Sites and Annexed habitats and species113’.

The interactions identified are reflective of likely significant environmental effects114:

 Interactions that would be likely to improve the status of a particular SEO would be likely to result in a significant positive effect on the environmental component to which the SEO relates.

 Interactions that would potentially conflict with the status of an SEO and would be likely to be mitigated would be likely to result in potential significant negative effects however these effects will be mitigated by measures which have been integrated into the Plan (see Section 9).

 Interactions that would probably conflict with the status of an SEO and would be unlikely to be mitigated would be likely to result in a significant negative effect on the environmental component to which the SEO relates.

The degree to which effects can be fully determined at this level of decision-making is limited, as the Plan will be implemented alongside planning and project development and associated environmental assessments and administrative consent of projects. More detailed environmental measures may emanate from such assessments, further facilitating the mitigation of adverse effects.

113 ‘Annexed habitats and species’ refer to those listed under Annex I, II & IV of the EU Habitats Directive and Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. 114 These effects include secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long-term permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects.

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Table 8.1 Strategic Environmental Objectives

Environmental Code Strategic Environmental Objectives Component Biodiversity, B1 To contribute towards compliance with the Habitats and Birds Directives with regard to the Flora and Fauna protection of European Sites and Annexed habitats and species115 B2 To contribute towards compliance with Article 10 of the Habitats Directive with regard to the management of features of the landscape which - by virtue of their linear and continuous structure or their function act as stepping stones (designated or not) - are of major importance for wild fauna and flora and essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species B3 To contribute towards avoidance of significant impacts on relevant habitats, species, environmental features or other sustaining resources in designated sites including Wildlife Sites116 and to ensure compliance with the Wildlife Acts 1976-2010 with regard to the protection of species listed on Schedule 5 of the principal Act Population and PHH1 To contribute towards the protection of populations and human health from exposure to Human Health incompatible landuses Soil S1 To minimise land take and loss to extent of soil resource Water W1 To contribute towards the maintenance and improvement, where possible, of the quality and status of surface waters W2 To contribute towards maintaining and improving, where possible, the chemical and quantitative status of groundwaters W3 To contribute towards compliance with the provisions of the Flood Risk Management Guidelines Air and Climatic AC1 To contribute towards climate adaptation and mitigation Factors Material Assets M1 For development to be served with adequate and appropriate critical infrastructure with sufficient capacity (drinking water, wastewater, waste and transport) that does not present a danger to human health M2 To contribute towards the protection of public assets and infrastructure, including that relating to recreation and leisure, transport, utilities and marine areas and fisheries M3 To reduce waste volumes, minimise waste to landfill and increase recycling and reuse Cultural CH1 To contribute towards the protection of archaeological heritage including entries to the Heritage Record of Monuments and Places and/or their context CH2 To contribute towards the protection of architectural heritage including entries to the Records of Protected Structures and Architectural Conservation Areas and their context Landscape L1 To avoid conflicts with the appropriate protection of statutory designations relating to the landscape, including those included in Development Plans and other statutory land-use plans

Table 8.2 Criteria for appraising the effect of Plan provisions on SEOs

Likely to Improve status of Potential Conflict with status Probable Conflict with No Likely interaction SEOs of SEOs- likely to be mitigated status of SEOs- unlikely to with status of SEOs be mitigated

115 ‘Annexed habitats and species’ refer to those listed under Annex I, II & IV of the EU Habitats Directive and Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. 116 The definition of a ‘wildlife site’ provided by the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, includes Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and proposed NHAs.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 66 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan 8.2 Overall Findings

The overall findings of the SEA are that:

 The Plan contributes towards Compliance with Environmental Legislation and Guidelines

Fáilte Ireland are integrating all recommendations arising from the SEA and AA processes into the Plan (see Section 9 of this report), facilitating compliance of the Plan with various European and National legislation and Guidelines relating to the sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management.

Implementation of the Plan will contribute towards efforts to achieve a number of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals117 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which were adopted by world leaders in 2015 at a United Nations Summit and came into force in 2016.

 The Plan provides for Environmental Protection and Management

Fáilte Ireland provides funding for sustainable tourism projects that emerge as part of specific, competitive, themed and time-bound grant schemes or as part of wider strategic partnerships. These include projects relating to land use, infrastructural development and land use activities and attractions. Reference made to such projects included in the Plan does not guarantee funding. While funding is provided to certain projects, Fáilte Ireland is not the developer.

In order to achieve funding (including promotion) for land use or infrastructural development or land use activities from Fáilte Ireland, Fáilte Ireland’s stakeholders shall be required to demonstrate compliance118 with measures relating to sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management contained within the following Fáilte Ireland published documents:

 Wild Atlantic Way Operational Programme Appendix 5 “Site Maintenance Guidelines” and other relevant measures from the Fáilte Ireland visitor and habitat management guidelines series (and any subsequent replacements); and  Wild Atlantic Way Operational Programme Appendix 6 “Environmental Management for Local Authorities and Others” (and any subsequent replacements).

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 provisions of legislation, policies, plans and programmes that form the statutory decision-making and consent-granting framework, of which the Plan is not part and does not contribute towards. Such legislation, policies, plans and programmes include:

 Requirements for lower-tier environmental assessment, including EIA and AA;  Statutory land use plans that form part of the statutory decision-making and consent-granting framework (e.g. Development Plans, such as the Mayo County Development Plan, and Local Area Plans) and that have undergone environmental assessment, as appropriate, including various provisions relating to sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management; and

117 Including: Goal 3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages; Goal 6 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all; Goal 7 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.; Goal 8 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; Goal 9 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation; Goal 11 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; Goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns; Goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts; Goal 15 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. 118 Demonstration of compliance may be supported by monitoring undertaken by the beneficiary.

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 The Climate Action Plan 2019 and the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (2018 and any subsequent versions).

Further requirements have been integrated into the Plan under the headings of “Infrastructure Capacity”, “Visitor Management” and “Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services” – see Section 9 of this Environmental Report.

 The Plan is likely to contribute towards, in combination with other governmental policies, plans etc., an increase in greenhouse gas emissions – although such increases will be mitigated

The Plan seeks to lengthen dwell time and grow visitor numbers to Clew Bay and would, in combination with other governmental policies, plans etc., be likely to contribute towards in an increase in travel related greenhouse gas and other emissions to air, including from aviation. These increases will be mitigated by provisions that have been integrated into the Plan, including those relating to sustainable mobility and compliance with the Climate Action Plan 2019 and the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (2018 and any subsequent versions).

Furthermore, as identified in the Climate Action Plan (Government of Ireland, 2019):

“Since 2012, greenhouse gas emissions associated with flights operating in the European Economic Area (EEA), including domestic flights as well as those to and from third countries, are covered by the EU ETS119. Airlines are required to monitor, report and verify their emissions, and to surrender allowances against those emissions. Airlines receive tradable allowances covering a certain level of emissions from their flights per year and must purchase allowances to cover any shortfall between their allocated sum of free emissions allowances and their actual emissions, as reported annually.

To support the planned development of a global Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the EU agreed in 2014 to limit the scope of aviation in the EU ETS to flights within the EEA. CORSIA will come into effect in 2021 and aims to stabilise global aviation emissions at 2020 levels by requiring airlines to offset any emissions growth after 2020 by purchasing eligible emission units generated by projects that reduce emissions in other sectors. As Ireland is a member of ICAO, Irish aircraft operators will have to offset any emissions growth after 2020 by purchasing eligible emission units, i.e. pay full carbon price.”

 The Plan is Consistent with the existing Statutory Decision-Making and Consent- Granting Framework

Implementing the Plan will involve Fáilte Ireland helping to facilitate, promote, support and coordinate stakeholders (including local authorities, other government agencies, tourism operators, stakeholders and visitors) in their activities in a way that is consistent with existing and emerging plans that have been subject to environmental assessment. The Plan does not provide consent, establish a framework for granting consent or contribute towards a framework for granting consent.

The Plan is situated alongside a hierarchy of statutory documents setting out public policy for, among other things, land use development, tourism, infrastructure, sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management. These other existing policies, plans etc. have been subject to their own environmental assessment processes, as relevant, and form the decision-making and consent-granting framework.

The National Planning Framework (NPF) sets out Ireland’s planning policy direction for the next 22 years. 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 Northern and Western Region (that includes the area to which the Plan relates) sets out objectives

119 Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)

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relating tourism development, that have been subject to environmental assessment, including those relating to: enhancing provision of tourism and leisure amenity; promoting tourism activity; developing a road network and public transport services, facilitating improved visitor access and longer dwell times; developing walking and cycling trails, opening greater accessibility to the marine and countryside environment by sustainable modes; and facilitating appropriate tourism development, including that relating to greenways, blueways and peatlands. The RSES will inform the review of existing, assessed lower-tier Development Plans and Local Area Plans, which already include various provisions relating to land use, tourism and infrastructure. Such reviews will also be subject to environmental assessments.

Implementation of the Plan shall be consistent with and conform with the NPF, RSES and lower- tier land use plans, including provisions relating to sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management that have been integrated into these documents, including through SEA and AA processes. In order to be realised, projects included in the DEDP (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 Appropriate Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment and other licencing requirements as appropriate) that form the statutory decision-making and consent-granting framework, of which the Plan is not part and does not contribute towards.

 Potentially Significant Adverse Effects to be mitigated

Potentially significant adverse environmental effects arising from the Plan, in combination with the existing statutory decision-making and consent-granting framework, are detailed on Table 8.3. These effects will be mitigated by the various provisions that have been integrated into the Plan including those that have arisen through the SEA and AA processes (see Section 9).

Table 8.3 details the various types of environmental effects likely to arise with respect to the Plan (as developed from the selected alternatives – see Section 7) as a direct result of activities under the Plan and in combination with the existing statutory decision-making and consent-granting framework. By complying with appropriate mitigation measures - including those that have been integrated into the Plan - potentially significant adverse environmental effects which could arise as a result of implementing the Plan would be likely to be avoided, reduced or offset.

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Table 8.3 Overall Findings – Environmental Effects arising from Plan Provisions

Environmental Component Environmental Effects, in combination with the existing statutory planning/decision-making and consent-granting framework120 SEO Codes Potential Significant Adverse Effect, if Significant Positive Effect, likely to occur unmitigated Residual Adverse Non-Significant Effects Biodiversity  Contribution towards the protection and management Arising from both construction and operation of  Loss of an extent of non-protected habitats and B1 and flora and of biodiversity and flora and fauna (in designated tourism related development/activities: species arising from the replacement of semi- B2 fauna sites, including European Sites and Wildlife Sites, and  Loss of/damage to biodiversity in natural land covers with artificial surfaces arising B3 Annexed habitats and species, listed species, designated sites (including European from projects consented through the statutory ecological connectivity and non-designated habitats) Sites and Wildlife Sites) and Annexed planning/consent-granting framework. including through: habitats and species, listed species,  Losses or damage to ecology (these would be: in  Visitor management strategies; and ecological connectivity and non- compliance with relevant legislation; and  DEDP requirements for environmental protection designated habitats; and disturbance mitigated as projects would demonstrate and management. to biodiversity and flora and fauna; compliance with various environmental protection  Contributes towards the maintenance of existing  Habitat loss, fragmentation and and management measures) green infrastructure and its ecosystem services. deterioration, including patch size and  Contribution towards protection of biodiversity and edge effects; and flora and fauna as a result of contributing towards the  Disturbance (e.g. due to noise and protection of environmental vectors, air, water and lighting along transport corridors) and soil. displacement of protected species such as birds and bats. Population  Contribution towards the protection of human health  Potential interactions if effects upon  Potential interactions with residual effects on PHH1 and human including through DEDP requirements for environmental vectors such as water environmental vectors. This has been mitigated health environmental protection and management. are not mitigated. by provisions that have been integrated into the  Contribution towards the protection of human health  Potential interactions if additional Plan, including those relating to sustainable as a result of not directing additional tourists towards tourists are directed towards specific development, environmental protection and specific locations in instances where significant locations in instances where significant environmental management. problems with critical infrastructure (drinking water, problems with critical infrastructure wastewater, waste and transport) have been (drinking water, wastewater, waste identified. and transport) have been identified.  Contribution towards the protection amenity usage and access.  Contribution towards the sustainable growth of tourism and associated sustenance and growth of communities within the Clew Bay area.

120 Effects include in-combination effects – those arising from services, infrastructure and other development (to service development, including tourism) that are planned for and consented through the statutory framework including the NPF, RSES and lower-tier land use plans. Examples may include developments/operation of developments relating to water services, transport, access or accommodation. Mitigation includes that which has been integrated into the Plan – please refer to Section 9 of this report. CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 70 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Environmental Component Environmental Effects, in combination with the existing statutory planning/decision-making and consent-granting framework120 SEO Codes Potential Significant Adverse Effect, if Significant Positive Effect, likely to occur unmitigated Residual Adverse Non-Significant Effects Soil  Various provisions (e.g. relating to maintaining the  Adverse impacts upon the  Loss of an extent of soil function arising from the S1 wildness of areas that have not yet been developed) hydrogeological and ecological function replacement of semi-natural land covers with help to minimise land-take and loss of extent of soil of the soil resource. artificial surfaces and from sea level rise/coastal resource.  Adverse effects on designated erosion.  Contribution towards the protection of the geological heritage sites. environment from contamination.  Potential for increase in coastal /river  Contributes towards protection of designated sites of bank erosion. geological heritage. Water  Contribution towards the protection of water  Adverse impacts upon the status of  Increased loadings as a result of development to W1 resources (including the status of surface and water bodies and entries to the WFD comply with River Basin Management Plan. W2 groundwaters), bathing water quality and water- Register of Protected Areas (ecological  Flood related risks remain due to uncertainty with W3 based designations including through integrating and human value), arising from regard to extreme weather events – however such requirements for environmental protection and changes in quality, flow and/or risks will be mitigated by: measures that have management into the Plan. morphology. been integrated into the Plan; and the statutory  Contribution towards flood risk management and  Increase in flood risk. planning/consent-granting framework. appropriate drainage. Air and  Contribution towards climate adaptation and  Potential conflict, in combination with  An increase in travel related greenhouse gas and AC1 climatic mitigation through measures relating to: plans and programmes from all sectors other emissions to air, including from aviation. factors  Walking and cycling; and including transport and land use This has been mitigated by provisions that have  Contribution towards European and national planning, between increases in visitors been integrated into the Plan, including those objectives for climate adaptation and mitigation, (which is likely to result in an increase relating to sustainable mobility and compliance taking into account a wide range of detailed in greenhouse gas emissions and other with the Climate Action Plan 2019 and the measures including those relating to resilience. emissions to air, including from National Climate Change Adaptation Framework aviation, with associated interactions (2018 and any subsequent versions). with climatic factors) and local, national  Risks remain due to uncertainty with regard to and European objectives to reduce climate and interactions with issues including carbon emissions. flooding and material assets.  Potential conflicts between transport movements, including car movements, and air quality. Material  Contributes towards protection and allows for  Increased number of visitors have the  Residual wastes to be disposed of in line with M1 Assets continued use of public assets and infrastructure. potential to increase traffic levels. higher level waste management policies. M2  Contains clear objectives around seasonality and  The need to provide adequate and  Increased loading on critical infrastructure M3 regionality which look not only to spread the benefits appropriate water services (it is the (drinking water, wastewater, waste and of tourism but also the potential impacts/ load function of Irish Water to provide for transport) where no significant problems have associated with tourism. such needs). been identified with this infrastructure.  Helps to minimise likelihood of exceeding capacity in  Increases in waste levels and residual  Exceedance of capacity in critical infrastructure material assets as a result of not directing additional wastes from visitors and construction risks remain due to uncertainty with regard to tourists towards specific locations in instances where of developments. climate – however such risks will be mitigated by: significant problems with critical infrastructure  Potential impacts upon public assets measures that have been integrated into the Plan; (drinking water, wastewater, waste and transport) and infrastructure. and the statutory planning/consent-granting have been identified. framework.  Contribution towards compliance with national and  Any impacts upon public assets and infrastructure regional water services and waste management to comply with statutory planning/consent- policies. granting framework. 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Environmental Component Environmental Effects, in combination with the existing statutory planning/decision-making and consent-granting framework120 SEO Codes Potential Significant Adverse Effect, if Significant Positive Effect, likely to occur unmitigated Residual Adverse Non-Significant Effects Cultural  Contribution towards the long-term protection of  Potential effects on designated and  Potential alteration to the context and setting of CH1 Heritage archaeological and architectural heritage by unknown archaeological heritage. architectural heritage however, these will occur in CH2 encouraging greater levels of awareness and  Potential effects on architectural compliance with legislation. appreciation through, use, interpretation and access, heritage.  Potential alteration to the context and setting of in line with the requirements relating to the protection archaeological heritage however, this will occur in of cultural heritage including: entries to the Record of compliance with legislation. Monuments and Places and/or their context; and  Potential loss of unknown archaeology however, entries to the Records of Protected Structures and this loss will be mitigated by measures integrated Architectural Conservation Areas and their context. into the Plan. Landscape  Contribution towards the protection of landscape  Occurrence of adverse visual impacts,  Residual visual effects (these would comply with L1 designations as a result of: facilitating compliance especially in marine, estuary, island landscape designation provisions). with relevant plans; and maintaining the wildness of and ridge areas where, and conflicts areas that have not yet been developed. with the appropriate protection of statutory designations relating to the landscape.  Changes in the appearance of the landscape.

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8.3 Appropriate Assessment

Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment (AA) is being undertaken alongside preparation of 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.

The preparation of the Plan, SEA and AA are taking place concurrently and the findings of the AA have informed the SEA. Various content has been integrated into the Plan through the SEA and AA processes (see Section 9).

8.4 Interrelationship between Environmental Components

The SEA Directive requires the Environmental Report to include information on the likely significant effects on the environment, on issues such as 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.

Likely significant effects on environmental components that are identified include those that are interrelated; implementation of the Plan will not affect the interrelationships between these components. The presence of significant interrelationships between environmental components is identified on Table 8.4.

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Table 8.4 Potential for Interrelationships between Environmental Components

Component Biodiversity, Population Soil Water Air and Material Cultural Landscape flora and and human Climatic assets heritage fauna health factors Biodiversity, Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes flora and fauna Population Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes and human health Soil Yes Yes Yes No No

Water Yes Yes No No

Air and Yes No No Climatic factors Material Yes Yes assets

Cultural Yes heritage

Landscape

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 74 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan 8.5 More Detailed Assessment of Plan Provisions

Central to the DEDP is the Action Plan that Action Plan lists all the actions that are required to address the development of the potential HERO Experience themes and the associated priorities. The Plan is organised by HERO Theme, and outlines a range of initiatives that are designed to bring each theme to the fore. As the HERO Experience theme Following Tracks and Trails is a theme that integrates across all themes, elements of it are addressed in relation to each of the other four experience themes.

Initiatives that are likely to have a particular transformational impact are identified as Catalyst Projects. In addition, the Action Plan identifies ‘enablers of success’ a broad spectrum of destination development factors relating to governance, access, supporting infrastructure, capacity building, storytelling and sense of place.

8.5.1 Vision, Aims and Objectives

Likely to Potential Probable No Likely Improve Conflict Conflict interaction status of with status with status with status SEOs of SEOs- of SEOs- of SEOs likely to be unlikely to mitigated be mitigated The Vision of the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan is to extend the season, B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 increase overnight visitation and visitor spend, and attract visitors to Clew Bay while seeking to PHH1 S1 PHH1 S1 promote, sustain and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the region. W1 W2 W1 W2 W3 AC1 W3 AC1 The Key Objectives of the Plan are to develop compelling experiences for this stretch of the Wild M1 M2 M3 M1 M2 M3 Atlantic Way that will: CH1 CH2 CH1 CH2 L1 L1  Position Clew Bay as a ‘must do’ destination and motivate visitors to stay overnight and spend more;  Extend the length of the season;  Improve the overall economy of communities through strengthening individual businesses, creating new entrepreneurial opportunities sustaining and increasing job creation and increasing the attractiveness of the area for other forms of economic growth;  Align to the Wild Atlantic Way brand and target markets;  Support community values and aspirations, and strengthen community appreciation of local culture and intangible heritage;  Support sense of place enhancement;  Promote collaboration and partnership, support engagement of businesses, and build lasting links between national and regional partners, local agencies and associations, and local tourism experiences;  Protect the natural heritage and special environmental character of the region; and  Protect and celebrate the region’s cultural heritage.

SEA Commentary:

The assessment of the Plan’s Vision and Key Objectives against Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs B1, B2, B3, PHH1, S1, W1, W2, W3, AC1, M1, M2, M3, CH1, CH2 and L1) is consistent with the:  Environmental effects detailed under subsections 8.2 to 8.4; and  Assessments of the selected alternatives for the Plan provided at Section 7 of this report.

Implementing the DEDP will involve Fáilte Ireland helping to facilitate, promote, support and coordinate stakeholders (including local authorities, other government agencies, tourism operators, communities and visitors) in their activities in a way that is consistent with existing and emerging plans that have been subject to environmental assessment. The DEDP does not provide consent, establish a framework for granting consent or contribute towards a framework for granting consent. The DEDP is situated alongside a hierarchy of statutory documents setting out public policy for, among other things, land use development, tourism, infrastructure, sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management. These other existing policies, plans etc. have been subject to their own environmental assessment processes, as relevant, and form the decision-making and consent-granting framework.

The SEA process that has been undertaken alongside the preparation of the Plan has brought about various changes to the emerging Plan through an iterative process. These measures are reproduced under Section 9 “Mitigation Measures” of this SEA Environmental Report. By integrating all SEA recommendations into the Plan, Fáilte Ireland is helping to ensure that:  The potential significant adverse effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are avoided, reduced or offset; and  The beneficial environmental effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are maximised.

Sustainability and the environment have been integrated into the Vision and Key Objectives, for example:  Vision "...to promote, sustain and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the region.”  Key Objectives relating to regionality, seasonality and environmental protection and management.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 75 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan 8.5.2 Action Plan: Under Big Skies

Likely to Potential Probable No Likely The Plan should be referred to for more detail than is produced below, including timeframes, Improve Conflict Conflict interaction leads and partners for each of the action. status of with status with status with status SEOs of SEOs- of SEOs- of SEOs likely to be unlikely to mitigated be mitigated B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 PHH1 S1 W1 W2 W1 W2 W3 AC1 W3 AC1 M1 M2 M3 M1 M2 M3 CH1 CH2 CH1 CH2 L1 L1

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 76 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 77 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 78 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 79 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

SEA Commentary:

The assessment of the Plan’s “Under Big Skies” and associated “Following Tracks and Trails” Actions against Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs B1, B2, B3, PHH1, S1, W1, W2, W3, AC1, M1, M2, M3, CH1, CH2 and L1) is consistent with the:  Environmental effects detailed under subsections 8.2 to 8.4; and  Assessments of the selected alternatives for the Plan provided at Section 7 of this report.

Implementing the DEDP will involve Fáilte Ireland helping to facilitate, promote, support and coordinate stakeholders (including local authorities, other government agencies, tourism operators, communities and visitors) in their activities in a way that is consistent with existing and emerging plans that have been subject to environmental assessment. The DEDP does not provide consent, establish a framework for granting consent or contribute towards a framework for granting consent. The DEDP is situated alongside a hierarchy of statutory documents setting out public policy for, among other things, land use development, tourism, infrastructure, sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management. These other existing policies, plans etc. have been subject to their own environmental assessment processes, as relevant, and form the decision-making and consent-granting framework.

These actions will contribute towards positive environmental effects (see Table 8.3) through:  Sustainable development, environmental protection, environmental management (e.g. Action 1.4 “sustainable solutions to managing the heathland habitats”, Action 1.9 “sustainable development”, Action 1.19 “Secure UNESCO Biosphere designation for the Clew Bay Area” and Action 1.22 “Protect its environmental integrity”);  Regionality (e.g. Action 1.3 “across the region”, Action 1.16 “regional approach....regional trails”, Action 1.21 “across the region”, Action 1.22 “regional initiatives”);  Seasonality (e.g. Action 1.2 “across different seasons”, ”Action 1.16 “disperse visitor demand outside peak summer months”); and  Visitor management (e.g. Action 1.3 “promoting the importance of responsible environmental behaviours” and Action 1.9 “Develop visitor management criteria….”).

The actions will also contribute towards the promotion of new experiences – including those relating to land use activities and developments – and would be likely to contribute towards an increase in the number and dwell time of visitors (and associated potential adverse effects – see Table 8.3) to the Clew Bay area. New built developments and increases in the number and dwell time of visitors would continue to be planned for, mitigated and consented through the existing statutory planning and consent framework. The mitigation of potential adverse effects arising (see Table 8.3) would also be contributed towards by additional DEDP measures, including those relating to infrastructure capacity, visitor management and green infrastructure and ecosystem services. Any amendment to the DEDP or integration of DEDP provisions into other Plans, Programmes etc. would have to be subject to Screening for SEA and AA processes and full assessments as relevant.

The development of new and existing greenways, blueways, trails and walking and cycling routes, including those within the Clew Bay area and linking to other areas has the potential to contribute towards sustainable mobility and a better management of movements in sensitive areas, thereby benefitting various environmental components including habitats at certain locations. The development of these projects, however, presents a variety of potentially adverse environmental effects that would, if unmitigated, have the potential to arise from both the construction and operation of such developments and/or their ancillary infrastructure. These types of infrastructure are often constructed in ecologically and visually sensitive areas, for example along the coast or estuaries or adjacent to the banks of rivers and streams. Potential adverse effects would be mitigated both by measures referred to in Section 9 of this report. The development of green infrastructure can achieve synergies with regard to the provision of open space amenities, sustainable mobility, the sustainable management of water, the protection and management of biodiversity, the protection of cultural heritage and the protection of protected landscape sensitivities.

The SEA process that has been undertaken alongside the preparation of the Plan has brought about various changes to the emerging Plan through an iterative process. These measures are reproduced under Section 9 “Mitigation Measures” of this SEA Environmental Report. By integrating all SEA recommendations into the Plan, Fáilte Ireland is helping to ensure that:  The potential significant adverse effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are avoided, reduced or offset; and  The beneficial environmental effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are maximised.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 80 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan 8.5.3 Action Plan: Our Fearless Queen

Likely to Potential Probable No Likely The Plan should be referred to for more detail than is produced below, including timeframes, Improve Conflict Conflict interaction leads and partners for each of the action. status of with status with status with status SEOs of SEOs- of SEOs- of SEOs likely to be unlikely to mitigated be mitigated B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 PHH1 S1 W1 W2 W1 W2 W3 AC1 W3 AC1 M1 M2 M3 M1 M2 M3 CH1 CH2 CH1 CH2 L1 L1

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 81 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 82 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

SEA Commentary:

The assessment of the Plan’s “Our Fearless Queen” and associated “Following Tracks and Trails” Actions against Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs B1, B2, B3, PHH1, S1, W1, W2, W3, AC1, M1, M2, M3, CH1, CH2 and L1) is consistent with the:  Environmental effects detailed under subsections 8.2 to 8.4; and  Assessments of the selected alternatives for the Plan provided at Section 7 of this report.

Implementing the DEDP will involve Fáilte Ireland helping to facilitate, promote, support and coordinate stakeholders (including local authorities, other government agencies, tourism operators, communities and visitors) in their activities in a way that is consistent with existing and emerging plans that have been subject to environmental assessment. The DEDP does not provide consent, establish a framework for granting consent or contribute towards a framework for granting consent. The DEDP is situated alongside a hierarchy of statutory documents setting out public policy for, among other things, land use development, tourism, infrastructure, sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management. These other existing policies, plans etc. have been subject to their own environmental assessment processes, as relevant, and form the decision-making and consent-granting framework.

These actions will contribute towards positive environmental effects (see Table 8.3) including through:  Regionality (e.g. Action 2.2 “across the entire region and Action 2.7 “regional themed trail”); and  Seasonality (e.g. Action 2.7 “new off-season events”).

The actions will also contribute towards the promotion of new experiences – including those relating to land use activities and developments – and would be likely to contribute towards an increase in the number and dwell time of visitors (and associated potential adverse effects – see Table 8.3) to the Clew Bay area. New built developments and increases in the number and dwell time of visitors would continue to be planned for, mitigated and consented through the existing statutory planning and consent framework. The mitigation of potential adverse effects arising (see Table 8.3) would also be contributed towards by additional DEDP measures, including those relating to infrastructure capacity, visitor management and green infrastructure and ecosystem services. Any amendment to the DEDP or integration of DEDP provisions into other Plans, Programmes etc. would have to be subject to Screening for SEA and AA processes and full assessments as relevant.

The development of new and existing greenways, blueways, trails and walking and cycling routes, including those within the Clew Bay area and linking to other areas has the potential to contribute towards sustainable mobility and a better management of movements in sensitive areas, thereby benefitting various environmental components including habitats at certain locations. The development of these projects, however, presents a variety of potentially adverse environmental effects that would, if unmitigated, have the potential to arise from both the construction and operation of such developments and/or their ancillary infrastructure. These types of infrastructure are often constructed in ecologically and visually sensitive areas, for example along the coast or estuaries or adjacent to the banks of rivers and streams. Potential adverse effects would be mitigated both by measures referred to in Section 9 of this report. The development of green infrastructure can achieve synergies with regard to the provision of open space amenities, sustainable mobility, the sustainable management of water, the protection and management of biodiversity, the protection of cultural heritage and the protection of protected landscape sensitivities.

The SEA process that has been undertaken alongside the preparation of the Plan has brought about various changes to the emerging Plan through an iterative process. These measures are reproduced under Section 9 “Mitigation Measures” of this SEA Environmental Report. By integrating all SEA recommendations into the Plan, Fáilte Ireland is helping to ensure that:  The potential significant adverse effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are avoided, reduced or offset; and  The beneficial environmental effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are maximised.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 83 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan 8.5.4 Action Plan: Ribs of Our Land

Likely to Potential Probable No Likely The Plan should be referred to for more detail than is produced below, including timeframes, Improve Conflict Conflict interaction leads and partners for each of the action. status of with status with status with status SEOs of SEOs- of SEOs- of SEOs likely to be unlikely to mitigated be mitigated B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 PHH1 S1 W1 W2 W1 W2 W3 AC1 W3 AC1 M1 M2 M3 M1 M2 M3 CH1 CH2 CH1 CH2 L1 L1

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 84 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

SEA Commentary:

The assessment of the Plan’s “Ribs of Our Land” and associated “Following Tracks and Trails” Actions against Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs B1, B2, B3, PHH1, S1, W1, W2, W3, AC1, M1, M2, M3, CH1, CH2 and L1) is consistent with the:  Environmental effects detailed under subsections 8.2 to 8.4; and  Assessments of the selected alternatives for the Plan provided at Section 7 of this report.

Implementing the DEDP will involve Fáilte Ireland helping to facilitate, promote, support and coordinate stakeholders (including local authorities, other government agencies, tourism operators, communities and visitors) in their activities in a way that is consistent with existing and emerging plans that have been subject to environmental assessment. The DEDP does not provide consent, establish a framework for granting consent or contribute towards a framework for granting consent. The DEDP is situated alongside a hierarchy of statutory documents setting out public policy for, among other things, land use development, tourism, infrastructure, sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management. These other existing policies, plans etc. have been subject to their own environmental assessment processes, as relevant, and form the decision-making and consent-granting framework.

These actions will contribute towards positive environmental effects (see Table 8.3) including through:  Regionality (e.g. Action 3.4 “regional expertise”, Action 3.5 “regional event” and Action 3.8 “regional themed trail”); and  Seasonality (e.g. Action 3.5 “shoulder season” Action 3.9 “off-season”).

The actions will also contribute towards the promotion of new experiences – including those relating to land use activities and developments – and would be likely to contribute towards an increase in the number and dwell time of visitors (and associated potential adverse effects – see Table 8.3) to the Clew Bay area. New built developments and increases in the number and dwell time of visitors would continue to be planned for, mitigated and consented through the existing statutory planning and consent framework. The mitigation of potential adverse effects arising (see Table 8.3) would also be contributed towards by additional DEDP measures, including those relating to infrastructure capacity, visitor management and green infrastructure and ecosystem services. Any amendment to the DEDP or integration of DEDP provisions into other Plans, Programmes etc. would have to be subject to Screening for SEA and AA processes and full assessments as relevant.

The development of new and existing greenways, blueways, trails and walking and cycling routes, including those within the Clew Bay area and linking to other areas has the potential to contribute towards sustainable mobility and a better management of movements in sensitive areas, thereby benefitting various environmental components including habitats at certain locations. The development of these projects, however, presents a variety of potentially adverse environmental effects that would, if unmitigated, have the potential to arise from both the construction and operation of such developments and/or their ancillary infrastructure. These types of infrastructure are often constructed in ecologically and visually sensitive areas, for example along the coast or estuaries or adjacent to the banks of rivers and streams. Potential adverse effects would be mitigated both by measures referred to in Section 9 of this report. The development of green infrastructure can achieve synergies with regard to the provision of open space amenities, sustainable mobility, the sustainable management of water, the protection and management of biodiversity, the protection of cultural heritage and the protection of protected landscape sensitivities.

The SEA process that has been undertaken alongside the preparation of the Plan has brought about various changes to the emerging Plan through an iterative process. These measures are reproduced under Section 9 “Mitigation Measures” of this SEA Environmental Report. By integrating all SEA recommendations into the Plan, Fáilte Ireland is helping to ensure that:  The potential significant adverse effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are avoided, reduced or offset; and  The beneficial environmental effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are maximised.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 85 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan 8.5.5 Action Plan: Bounteous Bay

Likely to Potential Probable No Likely The Plan should be referred to for more detail than is produced below, including timeframes, Improve Conflict Conflict interaction leads and partners for each of the action. status of with status with status with status SEOs of SEOs- of SEOs- of SEOs likely to be unlikely to mitigated be mitigated B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 PHH1 S1 W1 W2 W1 W2 W3 AC1 W3 AC1 M1 M2 M3 M1 M2 M3 CH1 CH2 CH1 CH2 L1 L1

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 86 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 87 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

SEA Commentary:

The assessment of the Plan’s “Bounteous Bay” and associated “Following Tracks and Trails” Actions against Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs B1, B2, B3, PHH1, S1, W1, W2, W3, AC1, M1, M2, M3, CH1, CH2 and L1) is consistent with the:

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 88 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan  Environmental effects detailed under subsections 8.2 to 8.4; and  Assessments of the selected alternatives for the Plan provided at Section 7 of this report.

Implementing the DEDP will involve Fáilte Ireland helping to facilitate, promote, support and coordinate stakeholders (including local authorities, other government agencies, tourism operators, communities and visitors) in their activities in a way that is consistent with existing and emerging plans that have been subject to environmental assessment. The DEDP does not provide consent, establish a framework for granting consent or contribute towards a framework for granting consent. The DEDP is situated alongside a hierarchy of statutory documents setting out public policy for, among other things, land use development, tourism, infrastructure, sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management. These other existing policies, plans etc. have been subject to their own environmental assessment processes, as relevant, and form the decision-making and consent-granting framework.

These actions will contribute towards positive environmental effects (see Table 8.3) including through:  Regionality (e.g. Action 4.1 “region-wide sector” and Action 4.5 “across the region”, Action 4.7 “across the entire region”, Action 4.8 “across the region” and Action 4.9 “regional approach”); and  Seasonality (e.g. Action 4.2 “all-season” and Action 4.10 “shoulder season”).

The actions will also contribute towards the promotion of new experiences – including those relating to land use activities and developments – and would be likely to contribute towards an increase in the number and dwell time of visitors (and associated potential adverse effects – see Table 8.3) to the Clew Bay area. New built developments and increases in the number and dwell time of visitors would continue to be planned for, mitigated and consented through the existing statutory planning and consent framework. The mitigation of potential adverse effects arising (see Table 8.3) would also be contributed towards by additional DEDP measures, including those relating to infrastructure capacity, visitor management and green infrastructure and ecosystem services. Any amendment to the DEDP or integration of DEDP provisions into other Plans, Programmes etc. would have to be subject to Screening for SEA and AA processes and full assessments as relevant.

The development of new and existing greenways, blueways, trails and walking and cycling routes, including those within the Clew Bay area and linking to other areas has the potential to contribute towards sustainable mobility and a better management of movements in sensitive areas, thereby benefitting various environmental components including habitats at certain locations. The development of these projects, however, presents a variety of potentially adverse environmental effects that would, if unmitigated, have the potential to arise from both the construction and operation of such developments and/or their ancillary infrastructure. These types of infrastructure are often constructed in ecologically and visually sensitive areas, for example along the coast or estuaries or adjacent to the banks of rivers and streams. Potential adverse effects would be mitigated both by measures referred to in Section 9 of this report. The development of green infrastructure can achieve synergies with regard to the provision of open space amenities, sustainable mobility, the sustainable management of water, the protection and management of biodiversity, the protection of cultural heritage and the protection of protected landscape sensitivities.

The SEA process that has been undertaken alongside the preparation of the Plan has brought about various changes to the emerging Plan through an iterative process. These measures are reproduced under Section 9 “Mitigation Measures” of this SEA Environmental Report. By integrating all SEA recommendations into the Plan, Fáilte Ireland is helping to ensure that:  The potential significant adverse effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are avoided, reduced or offset; and  The beneficial environmental effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are maximised.

8.5.6 Action Plan: Enablers of Success

Likely to Potential Probable No Likely The Plan should be referred to for more detail than is produced below, including timeframes, Improve Conflict Conflict interaction leads and partners for each of the action. status of with status with status with status SEOs of SEOs- of SEOs- of SEOs likely to be unlikely to mitigated be mitigated B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 PHH1 S1 PHH1 S1 W1 W2 W1 W2 W3 AC1 W3 AC1 M1 M2 M3 M1 M2 M3 CH1 CH2 CH1 CH2 L1 L1

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 89 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 90 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 91 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 92 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan SEA Commentary:

The assessment of the Plan’s “Enablers of Success” against Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs B1, B2, B3, PHH1, S1, W1, W2, W3, AC1, M1, M2, M3, CH1, CH2 and L1) is consistent with the:  Environmental effects detailed under subsections 8.2 to 8.4; and  Assessments of the selected alternatives for the Plan provided at Section 7 of this report.

Implementing the DEDP will involve Fáilte Ireland helping to facilitate, promote, support and coordinate stakeholders (including local authorities, other government agencies, tourism operators, communities and visitors) in their activities in a way that is consistent with existing and emerging plans that have been subject to environmental assessment. The DEDP does not provide consent, establish a framework for granting consent or contribute towards a framework for granting consent. The DEDP is situated alongside a hierarchy of statutory documents setting out public policy for, among other things, land use development, tourism, infrastructure, sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management. These other existing policies, plans etc. have been subject to their own environmental assessment processes, as relevant, and form the decision-making and consent-granting framework.

These actions will contribute towards positive environmental effects (see Table 8.3) through:  Sustainable development, environmental protection, environmental management (e.g. Action E3.2 “ensure sustainability”, E4.2 “longer term sustainability” and E5.3 “raising the profile of sustainability”);  Regionality (e.g. Action E4.2 “across the region”, Action E7.2 “across the region”); and  Seasonality (e.g. Action E3.3 “non peak season”, Action E4.1 “Extend the season” and Action E7.1 “Extend the tourist season”).

The actions will also contribute towards the promotion of new experiences – including those relating to land use activities and developments – and would be likely to contribute towards an increase in the number and dwell time of visitors (and associated potential adverse effects – see Table 8.3) to the Clew Bay area. New built developments and increases in the number and dwell time of visitors would continue to be planned for, mitigated and consented through the existing statutory planning and consent framework. The mitigation of potential adverse effects arising (see Table 8.3) would also be contributed towards by additional DEDP measures, including those relating to infrastructure capacity, visitor management and green infrastructure and ecosystem services. Any amendment to the DEDP or integration of DEDP provisions into other Plans, Programmes etc. would have to be subject to Screening for SEA and AA processes and full assessments as relevant.

The development of new and existing greenways, blueways, trails and walking and cycling routes, including those within the Clew Bay area and linking to other areas has the potential to contribute towards sustainable mobility and a better management of movements in sensitive areas, thereby benefitting various environmental components including habitats at certain locations. The development of these projects, however, presents a variety of potentially adverse environmental effects that would, if unmitigated, have the potential to arise from both the construction and operation of such developments and/or their ancillary infrastructure. These types of infrastructure are often constructed in ecologically and visually sensitive areas, for example along the coast or estuaries or adjacent to the banks of rivers and streams. Potential adverse effects would be mitigated both by measures referred to in Section 9 of this report. The development of green infrastructure can achieve synergies with regard to the provision of open space amenities, sustainable mobility, the sustainable management of water, the protection and management of biodiversity, the protection of cultural heritage and the protection of protected landscape sensitivities.

The SEA process that has been undertaken alongside the preparation of the Plan has brought about various changes to the emerging Plan through an iterative process. These measures are reproduced under Section 9 “Mitigation Measures” of this SEA Environmental Report. By integrating all SEA recommendations into the Plan, Fáilte Ireland is helping to ensure that:  The potential significant adverse effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are avoided, reduced or offset; and  The beneficial environmental effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are maximised.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 93 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Mitigation Measures

9.1 Introduction

Mitigation measures are measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and, as fully as possible, offset any significant adverse impacts on the environment of implementing the Plan. Various environmental sensitivities and issues have been communicated to Fáilte Ireland through the SEA and Appropriate Assessment (AA) processes.

By integrating all SEA and AA recommendations into the Plan121, Fáilte Ireland is helping to ensure that:

 The potential significant adverse effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are avoided, reduced or offset; and  The beneficial environmental effects of implementing the Plan, in combination with implementation of other provisions from the Plan and other plans, programmes, etc., are maximised.

Mitigation was achieved through the following:

 Establishing the status of the Plan and its interrelationship with the Statutory Decision- Making and Consent-Granting Framework122; and  Integrating Requirements for Environmental Compliance into the Plan123.

9.2 Establishing the status of the Plan and its interrelationship with the Statutory Decision-Making and Consent-Granting Framework124

The SEA team worked with the Plan-preparation team at Fáilte Ireland in order to help establish the status of the Plan and its interrelationship with the Statutory Decision-Making and Consent-Granting Framework.

Implementing the DEDP will involve Fáilte Ireland helping to facilitate, promote, support and coordinate stakeholders (including local authorities, other government agencies, tourism operators, communities and visitors) in their activities in a way that is consistent with existing and emerging plans that have been subject to environmental assessment. The DEDP does not provide consent, establish a framework for granting consent or contribute towards a framework for granting consent.

The DEDP is situated alongside a hierarchy of statutory documents setting out public policy for, among other things, land use development, tourism, infrastructure, sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management. These other existing policies, plans etc. have been subject to their own environmental assessment processes, as relevant, and form the decision-making and consent-granting framework.

The National Planning Framework (NPF) sets out Ireland’s planning policy direction for the next 22 years. 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 Northern and Western Region (that includes the area to which the DEDP relates) sets out objectives relating tourism development, that have been subject to environmental assessment, including those relating to: enhancing provision of tourism and leisure amenity; promoting tourism activity; developing a road network and public

121 All recommendations made by the SEA and AA processes either have already been integrated into the Plan that is being placed on public display or shall be integrated into the Plan in advance of adoption. 122 This framework includes various environmental requirements. 123 These requirements include those that have arisen through the SEA and/or AA processes. 124 This framework includes various environmental requirements.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 94 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan transport services, facilitating improved visitor access and longer dwell times; developing walking and cycling trails, opening greater accessibility to the marine and countryside environment by sustainable modes; and facilitating appropriate tourism development, including that relating to greenways, blueways and peatlands. The RSES will inform the review of existing, assessed lower-tier Development Plans and Local Area Plans, which already include various provisions relating to land use, tourism and infrastructure. Such reviews will also be subject to environmental assessments.

Implementation of the DEDP shall be consistent with and conform with the NPF, RSES and lower-tier land use plans, including provisions relating to sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management that have been integrated into these documents including through SEA and AA processes. In order to be realised, projects included in the DEDP (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 Appropriate Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment and other licencing requirements as appropriate) that form the statutory decision-making and consent-granting framework, of which the DEDP is not part and does not contribute towards.

Figure 9.1 provides a schematic of the relationship between Destination and Experience Development Plan and the existing Statutory Decision-Making and Consent-Granting Framework. Also indicated is the hierarchy of accompanying environmental assessment in force. Note that the Overall Findings of this SEA are provided under Section 8.2 of this SEA Environmental Report.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 95 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Figure 9.1 Statutory Decision-Making and Consent-Granting Framework, DEDPs and Environmental Assessment Requirements

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 96 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

9.3 Integrating Requirements for Environmental Protection and Management into the Plan125

The SEA and AA team worked with the Plan-preparation team at Fáilte Ireland in order to integrate requirements for environmental protection and management into the Plan.

Fáilte Ireland provides funding for sustainable tourism projects that emerge as part of specific, competitive, themed and time-bound grant schemes or as part of wider strategic partnerships. These include projects relating to land use, infrastructural development and land use activities and attractions. Reference made to such projects included in the Plan does not guarantee funding. While funding is provided to certain projects, Fáilte Ireland is not the developer.

In order to achieve funding (including promotion) for land use or infrastructural development or land use activities from Fáilte Ireland, Fáilte Ireland’s stakeholders shall be required to demonstrate compliance126 with measures relating to sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management contained within the following Fáilte Ireland published documents:

 Wild Atlantic Way Operational Programme Appendix 5 “Site Maintenance Guidelines” and other relevant measures from the Fáilte Ireland visitor and habitat management guidelines series (and any subsequent replacements); and  Wild Atlantic Way Operational Programme Appendix 6 “Environmental Management for Local Authorities and Others” (and any subsequent replacements).

In order to be realised, projects included in the DEDP (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 Appropriate Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment and other licencing requirements as appropriate) that form the statutory decision-making and consent- granting framework, of which the DEDP is not part and does not contribute towards. Such legislation, policies, plans and programmes include:

 Requirements for lower-tier environmental assessment, including EIA and AA;  Statutory land use plans that form part of the statutory decision-making and consent- granting framework (e.g. Development Plans, such as the Mayo County Development Plan, and Local Area Plans) and that have undergone environmental assessment, as appropriate, including various provisions relating to sustainable development, environmental protection and environmental management127; and  The Climate Action Plan 2019 and the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (2018 and any subsequent versions)128.

Infrastructure Capacity129

With respect to infrastructural capacity (including drinking water, wastewater, waste and transport) the potential impact on existing infrastructure as well as the potential environmental effects of a likely increase in tourism-related traffic volumes along any routes resulting from the relevant initiative shall be considered and mitigated as appropriate, where relevant. The promotion of developing visitor friendly infrastructure where it is required will also be encouraged.

125 These requirements include those that have arisen through the SEA and/or AA processes. 126 Demonstration of compliance may be supported by monitoring undertaken by the beneficiary. 127 For more information please refer to Appendix II of this report or the website of the relevant public authority. 128 For more information please refer to Section 4.10 and/or Appendix II of this report or the website of the relevant public authority. 129 This requirement has arisen through the SEA and/or AA processes.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 97 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Visitor Management130

Those receiving funding shall seek to manage any increase in visitor numbers and/or any change in visitor behaviour in order to avoid significant effects including loss of habitat and disturbance, including ensuring that new projects are a suitable distance from ecological sensitivities.

Extensive research by Fáilte Ireland has shown improved environmental outcomes (including improved attainment of conservation objectives) in areas with visitor management strategies. Visitor management strategies will be required for proposed plans, programmes and projects that are to receive funding as relevant and appropriate.

Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services131

Those receiving funding shall contribute towards the maintenance of existing green infrastructure and its ecosystem services, taking into account the output of the Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystem Services project being undertaken by the NPWS. Proposals for the development of any green infrastructure should demonstrate the synergies that can be achieved with regard to the: provision of open space amenities; sustainable management of water; protection and management of biodiversity; protection of cultural heritage; and protection of protected landscape sensitivities.

130 This requirement has arisen through the SEA and/or AA processes. 131 This requirement has arisen through the SEA and/or AA processes.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 98 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Monitoring Measures

10.1 Introduction 10.3 Sources The SEA Directive requires that the significant environmental effects of the implementation of Confirmation of compliance with relevant plans and programmes are monitored. This environmental measures (see Section 9) will be section details the measures that have been a source of information for the Monitoring selected in order to monitor the likely significant Programme. This documentation may include effects of implementing relevant Fáilte Ireland monitoring undertaken by beneficiaries to Plans, Programmes, etc. demonstrate compliance with the

environmental requirements. The monitoring programme is flexible to take account of specific environmental issues and Other existing monitoring sources will be used, unforeseen adverse impacts should they arise. including: It monitors all potential effects, including positive and negative ones (including  Information gathered through existing Fáilte cumulative effects – refer also to Section 7.3). Ireland environmental monitoring programmes Monitoring can demonstrate the positive effects (and any subsequent replacements), including facilitated by the Plan and can enable, at an the Monitoring Programme for the Wild Atlantic Way, a sub-programme of which will be extended early stage, the identification of unforeseen to/reported on for the Clew Bay DEDP area in adverse effects and the undertaking of order to monitor any effects of visitors (see appropriate remedial action. Section 4.6.3);  Sources maintained by Mayo County Council (such as those arising from the SEA of land use The occurrence of persistent significant adverse plans) and the relevant authorities e.g. the environmental effects that are directly Environmental Protection Agency, the National attributable to tourism would necessitate Parks and Wildlife Service and the Central consideration of the effects in the context of the Statistics Office; and Plan and a possible review of part(s) of the  Lower-tier environmental assessment and decision making – including a review of project Plan. approvals granted and associated documents – will also be utilised as part of the Monitoring Programme. 10.2 Indicators and Targets 10.4 Reporting and Monitoring is based around indicators that allow Responsibility quantitative measures of trends and progress over time relating to the Strategic Reporting on environmental monitoring will Environmental Objectives identified in Section 5 address the indicators set out below. Fáilte and used in the evaluation. Each indicator to be Ireland is responsible for the ongoing review of monitored is accompanied by the target(s) that indicators and targets, collating existing were identified with regard to the relevant relevant monitored data, the preparation of strategic actions. monitoring evaluation report(s), the publication of these reports and, if necessary, the carrying Table 10.1 overleaf shows the current out of corrective action, in combination with the indicators and targets that have been selected relevant authorities. for monitoring the likely significant environmental effects of implementing relevant Environmental monitoring for the DEDP and Fáilte Ireland Plans, Programmes, etc. These other existing/future Fáilte Ireland plans, monitoring measures are updated on an programmes, etc. may be undertaken and ongoing basis. reported on at the same time. The findings of monitoring will be reported on periodically with Monitoring is an ongoing process and the frequencies to be determined during programme allows for flexibility and further implementation. refinement of indicators and targets.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 99 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Table 10.1 Selected Indicators, Targets and Monitoring Sources Environmental Indicators Targets Source and (where available) Frequency Component Biodiversity, B1: Conservation status of habitats and B1: Maintenance of favourable • Documentation demonstrating compliance with “Requirements for Environmental Flora and species as assessed under Article 17 of the conservation status for all habitats and Protection and Management” – see Section 9 Fauna Habitats Directive species protected under National and • Lower tier environmental assessment and decision making by local authorities International legislation to be unaffected by • SEA Monitoring Programme reports for the land use plans of relevant local implementation of the Plan132 authorities (as required, monitoring reports published on various timescales and B2: Percentage loss of functional connectivity B2: No significant ecological networks or frequencies) without remediation resulting from Plan parts thereof which provide functional • Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs’ report of the connectivity to be lost without remediation implementation of the measures contained in the Habitats Directive - as required resulting from the Plan by Article 17 of the Directive (every 6 years) B3i: Number of significant impacts on relevant B3i: Avoid significant impacts on relevant • Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs’ National habitats, species, environmental features or habitats, species, environmental features or Monitoring Report for the Birds Directive under Article 12 (every 3 years) other sustaining resources in designated sites other sustaining resources in designated • Consultations with the NPWS including Wildlife Sites resulting from the Plan sites including Wildlife Sites resulting from • CORINE mapping resurvey (every c. 5 years) the Plan • Input from any other existing or replacement Fáilte Ireland monitoring programmes B3ii: Number of significant impacts on the B3ii: No significant impacts on the protection of listed species protection of listed species resulting from the Plan Population PHH1: Occurrence (any) of a spatially PHH1: No spatial concentrations of health • Documentation demonstrating compliance with “Requirements for Environmental and Human concentrated deterioration in human health problems arising from environmental Protection and Management” – see Section 9 Health arising from environmental factors resulting factors as a result the Plan • Lower tier environmental assessment and decision making by local authorities from the Plan, as identified by the Health • SEA Monitoring Programme reports for the land use plans of relevant local Service Executive and Environmental authorities (as required, monitoring reports published on various timescales and Protection Agency frequencies) • Consultations with the HSE and EPA • Input from any other existing or replacement Fáilte Ireland monitoring programmes Soil S1: Artificial surfaces land cover extent S1: Contribute towards the target of the • Documentation demonstrating compliance with “Requirements for Environmental National Planning Framework’s SEA (2018) Protection and Management” – see Section 9 to “Maintain built surface cover nationally • Lower tier environmental assessment and decision making by local authorities to below the EU average of 4%.” • SEA Monitoring Programme reports for the land use plans of relevant local authorities (as required, monitoring reports published on various timescales and frequencies) • CORINE mapping resurvey (every c. 5 years) • Input from any other existing or replacement Fáilte Ireland monitoring programmes

132 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 programme to proceed; and (c) Adequate compensatory measures in place.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 100 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Environmental Indicators Targets Source and (where available) Frequency Component Water W1i: Classification of Overall Status W1i: No deterioration in the status of any  Documentation demonstrating compliance with “Requirements for Environmental (comprised of ecological and chemical status) surface water or adverse effect upon the Protection and Management” – see Section 9 under the European Communities ability of any surface water to achieve ‘good  Lower tier environmental assessment and decision making by local authorities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) status’ as a result of the Plan  Data issued under the Water Framework Directive Monitoring Programme for Regulations 2009 (SI No. 272 of 2009) Ireland (multi-annual)  EPA The Quality of Bathing Water in Ireland reports W1ii: Mandatory and Guide values as set by W1ii: No deterioration in the value of  SEA Monitoring Programme reports for the land use plans of relevant local the EU Bathing Water Directive and bathing waters or adverse effect upon the authorities (as required, monitoring reports published on various timescales and transposing Bathing Water Quality ability of any bathing water to achieve frequencies) Regulations (SI No. 79 of 2008) Mandatory values and, where possible,  Input from any other existing or replacement Fáilte Ireland monitoring Guide values as a result of the Plan programmes W2: Interactions with Groundwater Quality W2: Not to affect the ability of Standards and Threshold Values under groundwaters to comply with Groundwater Directive 2006/118/EC resulting from Quality Standards and Threshold Values development adhering to the Plan under Directive 2006/118/EC, subject to exemptions provided for by Article 4 of the WFD W3: Compliance of relevant lower tier W3: For lower tier assessments and assessments and decision making with the decision making to comply with the Flood Flood Risk Management Guidelines Risk Management Guidelines Air and AC1: Demonstration of compliance with C1: To maximise the amount of measures • Documentation demonstrating compliance with “Requirements for Environmental Climatic provisions relating to climate adaptation and relating to climate adaptation and Protection and Management” – see Section 9 Factors mitigation have been integrated into the Plan. mitigation being implemented • Lower tier environmental assessment and decision making by local authorities • SEA Monitoring Programme reports for the land use plans of relevant local authorities (as required, monitoring reports published on various timescales and frequencies) • Input from any other existing or replacement Fáilte Ireland monitoring programmes Material M1: Number of instances whereby additional M1: No instances whereby additional • Documentation demonstrating compliance with “Requirements for Environmental Assets tourists are directed by beneficiaries of tourists are directed by beneficiaries of Protection and Management” – see Section 9 funding towards areas in the Plan area where funding towards areas in the Plan area • Lower tier environmental assessment and decision making by local authorities adequate and appropriate critical where adequate and appropriate critical • SEA Monitoring Programme reports for the land use plans of relevant local infrastructure with sufficient capacity is infrastructure with sufficient capacity that authorities (as required, monitoring reports published on various timescales and unavailable does not present a danger to human health frequencies) are unavailable • Consultations with the partners such as the EPA, Irish Water and/or Mayo County M2: Number of significant adverse effects on M2: No significant adverse effects on the Council the use of or access to public assets and use of or access to public assets and • Input from any other existing or replacement Fáilte Ireland monitoring infrastructure infrastructure programmes M3: Preparation and implementation of M3: For construction and environmental construction and environmental management management plans to be prepared and plans implemented for relevant projects

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 101 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan

Environmental Indicators Targets Source and (where available) Frequency Component Cultural CH1: Percentage of entries to the Record of CH1: No unauthorised adverse effects on  Documentation demonstrating compliance with “Requirements for Environmental Heritage Monuments and Places protected from archaeological heritage resulting from Protection and Management” – see Section 9 significant adverse effects arising from the implementation of the Plan  Lower tier environmental assessment and decision making by local authorities Plan  SEA Monitoring Programme reports for the land use plans of relevant local authorities (as required, monitoring reports published on various timescales and frequencies)  Input from any other existing or replacement Fáilte Ireland monitoring programmes CH2: Percentage of entries to the Records of CH2: No unauthorised adverse effects on  Documentation demonstrating compliance with “Requirements for Environmental Protected Structures and Architectural architectural heritage resulting from Protection and Management” – see Section 9 Conservation Areas and their context implementation of the Plan  Lower tier environmental assessment and decision making by local authorities protected from significant adverse effects  SEA Monitoring Programme reports for the land use plans of relevant local arising from the Plan authorities (as required, monitoring reports published on various timescales and frequencies)  Input from any other existing or replacement Fáilte Ireland monitoring programmes Landscape L1: Number of unmitigated conflicts with the L1: No unmitigated conflicts with the  Documentation demonstrating compliance with “Requirements for Environmental appropriate protection of statutory appropriate protection of statutory Protection and Management” – see Section 9 designations relating to the landscape, designations relating to the landscape,  Lower tier environmental assessment and decision making by local authorities including those included in Development Plans including those included in Development  SEA Monitoring Programme reports for the land use plans of relevant local and other statutory land-use plans Plans and other statutory land-use plans authorities (as required, monitoring reports published on various timescales and frequencies)  Input from any other existing or replacement Fáilte Ireland monitoring programmes

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 102 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Appendix I SEA Determination

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 103 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Appendix II Relationship with Legislation and Other Plans and Programmes

Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan European Level SEA Directive (2001/42/EC)  Contribute to the integration of environmental  Carry out and environmental assessment for plans or Where new land use developments or considerations into the preparation and adoption of programmes referred to in Articles 2 to 4 of the Directive. activities occur as a result of this plans and programmes with a view to promoting  Prepare an environmental report which identifies, describes legislation, plan, programme, etc., sustainable development. and evaluates the likely significant effects on the individually or in combination with  Provide for a high level of protection of the environment of implementing the plan or programme and others, potential in-combination environment by carrying out an environmental reasonable alternatives that consider the objectives and the effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. assessment of plans and programmes which are likely geographical scope of the plan or programme. Implementation of the Plan needs to to have significant effects on the environment.  Consult with relevant authorities, stakeholders and public comply with all environmental allowing sufficient time to make a submission. legislation and align with and  Consult other Member States where the implementation of a cumulatively contribute towards – in plan or programme is likely to have transboundary combination with other users and environmental effects. bodies and their plans etc. – the  Inform relevant authorities and stakeholders on the decision achievement of the objectives of the to implement the plan or programme. regulatory framework for  Issue a statement to include requirements detailed in Article environmental protection and 9 of the Directive. management.  Monitor and mitigate significant environmental effects identified by the assessment. EIA Directive (2011/92/EU as  Requires the assessment of the environmental effects  All projects listed in Annex I are considered as having Where new land use developments or amended by 2014/52/EU) of public and private projects which are likely to have significant effects on the environment and require an EIA. activities occur as a result of this significant effects on the environment.  For projects listed in Annex II, a "screening procedure" is legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  Aims to assess and implement avoidance or mitigation required to determine the effects of projects on the basis of individually or in combination with measures to eliminate environmental effects, before thresholds/criteria or a case by case examination. This others, potential in-combination consent is given of projects likely to have significant should take into account Annex III. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. effects on the environment by virtue, inter alia, of their  The environmental impact assessment shall identify, Implementation of the Plan needs to nature, size or location are made subject to a describe and assess in an appropriate manner, in the light of comply with all environmental requirement for development consent and an each individual case and in accordance with Articles 4 to 12, legislation and align with and assessment with regard to their effects. Those projects the direct and indirect effects of a project on the following cumulatively contribute towards – in are defined in Article 4. factors: human beings, fauna and flora, soil, water, air, combination with other users and climate and the landscape, material assets and the cultural bodies and their plans etc. – the heritage, the interaction between each factor. achievement of the objectives of the  Consult with relevant authorities, stakeholders and public regulatory framework for allowing sufficient time to make a submission before a environmental protection and decision is made. management. Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)  Promote the preservation, protection and  Propose and protect sites of importance to habitats, plant Where new land use developments or improvement of the quality of the environment, and animal species. activities occur as a result of this including the conservation of natural habitats and of  Establish a network of European sites hosting the natural legislation, plan, programme, etc., wild fauna and flora. habitat types listed in Annex I and habitats of the species individually or in combination with  Contribute towards ensuring biodiversity through the listed in Annex II, to enable the natural habitat types and others, potential in-combination conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and the species' habitats concerned to be maintained or, where effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. flora. appropriate, restored at a favourable conservation status in Implementation of the Plan needs to  Maintain or restore to favourable conservation status, their natural range. comply with all environmental natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora of  Carry out comprehensive assessment of habitat types and legislation and align with and community interest. species present. cumulatively contribute towards – in

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 104 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  Promote the maintenance of biodiversity, taking  Establish a system of strict protection for the animal species combination with other users and account of economic, social, cultural and regional and plant species listed in Annex IV. bodies and their plans etc. – the requirements. achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Birds Directive (2009/147/EC)  Conserve all species of naturally occurring birds in the  Preserve, maintain or re-establish a sufficient diversity and Where new land use developments or wild state including their eggs, nests and habitats. area of habitats for all the species of birds referred to in activities occur as a result of this  Protect, manage and control these species and comply Annex 1. legislation, plan, programme, etc., with regulations relating to their exploitation.  Preserve, maintain and establish biotopes and habitats to individually or in combination with  The species included in Annex I shall be the subject of include the creation of protected areas (Special Protection others, potential in-combination special conservation measures concerning their Areas). effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. habitat in order to ensure their survival and  Ensure the upkeep and management in accordance with the Implementation of the Plan needs to reproduction in their area of distribution. ecological needs of habitats inside and outside the protected comply with all environmental zones, re-establish destroyed biotopes and creation of legislation and align with and biotopes. cumulatively contribute towards – in  Measures for regularly occurring migratory species not listed combination with other users and in Annex I is required as regards their breeding, moulting bodies and their plans etc. – the and wintering areas and staging posts along their migration achievement of the objectives of the routes. The protection of wetlands and particularly wetlands regulatory framework for of international importance. environmental protection and management. EU Nitrates Directive (91/676/EC)  Reducing water pollution caused or induced by nitrates Ireland’s Nitrates Action Programme is designed to prevent Where new land use developments or from agricultural sources and - preventing further such pollution of surface waters and ground water from agricultural activities occur as a result of this pollution. sources and to protect and improve water quality. Ireland’s third legislation, plan, programme, etc., NAP came into operation in 2014. Each Member State’s NAP must individually or in combination with include: others, potential in-combination  a limit on the amount of livestock manure applied to the land effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. each year Implementation of the Plan needs to  set periods when land spreading is prohibited due to risk comply with all environmental  set capacity levels for the storage of livestock manure legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. EU Integrated Pollution  The purpose of this Directive is to achieve integrated The IPPC Directive is based on several principles: Where new land use developments or Prevention Control Directive prevention and control of pollution arising from the  an integrated approach activities occur as a result of this (2008/1/EC) activities listed in Annex I. It lays down measures  best available techniques, legislation, plan, programme, etc., designed to prevent or, where that is not practicable,  flexibility; and individually or in combination with to reduce emissions in the air, water and land from the  public participation others, potential in-combination abovementioned activities, including measures effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. concerning waste, in order to achieve a high level of Implementation of the Plan needs to protection of the environment taken as a whole, comply with all environmental without prejudice to Directive 85/337/EEC and other legislation and align with and relevant Community provisions. cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 105 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. EU Plant Protection (products)  The Directive aims at reducing the risks and impacts  The Framework Directive applies to pesticides which are Where new land use developments or Directive 2009/127/EC of pesticide use on human health and plant protection products. activities occur as a result of this  the environment by introducing different targets, tools  Regarding pesticide application equipment already in legislation, plan, programme, etc., and measures such as Integrated Pest professional use, the Framework Directive introduces individually or in combination with  Management (IPM) or National Action Plans (NAPs). requirements for the inspection and maintenance to be others, potential in-combination carried out on such equipment. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. EU Renewables Directive  The Renewable Energy Directive establishes an overall  The Directive promotes cooperation amongst EU countries Where new land use developments or (2009/28/EC) policy for the production and promotion of energy (and with countries outside the EU) to help them meet their activities occur as a result of this from renewable sources in the EU. renewable energy targets. legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  It requires the EU to fulfil at least 20% of its total  The Directive specifies national renewable energy targets for individually or in combination with energy needs with renewables by 2020 – to be each country, taking into account its starting point and others, potential in-combination achieved through the attainment of individual national overall potential for renewables. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. targets.  EU countries set out how they plan to meet these targets Implementation of the Plan needs to  All EU countries must also ensure that at least 10% of and the general course of their renewable energy policy in comply with all environmental their transport fuels come from renewable sources by national renewable energy action plans. legislation and align with and 2020.  Progress towards national targets is measured every two cumulatively contribute towards – in years when EU countries publish national renewable energy combination with other users and progress reports. bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Indirect Land Use Change  Article 3(4) of Directive 2009/28/EC of the European  Limit the contribution that conventional biofuels (with a risk Where new land use developments or Directive (2012/0288(COD)) Parliament and of the Council (3) requires Member of ILUC emissions) make towards attainment of the targets activities occur as a result of this States to ensure that the share of energy from in the Renewable Energy Directive; legislation, plan, programme, etc., renewable energy sources in all forms of transport in  Improve the greenhouse gas performance of biofuel individually or in combination with 2020 is at least 10 % of their final energy production processes (reducing associated emissions) by others, potential in-combination consumption. raising the greenhouse gas saving threshold for new effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  The blending of biofuels is one of the methods installations subject to protecting installations already in Implementation of the Plan needs to available for Member States to meet this target, and is operation on 1st July 2014; comply with all environmental expected to be the main contributor.  Encourage a greater market penetration of advanced (low- legislation and align with and  Other methods available to meet the target are the ILUC) biofuels by allowing such fuels to contribute more to cumulatively contribute towards – in reduction of energy consumption, which is imperative the targets in the Renewable Energy Directive than combination with other users and because a mandatory percentage target for energy conventional biofuels; bodies and their plans etc. – the from renewable sources is likely to become achievement of the objectives of the increasingly difficult to achieve sustainably if overall regulatory framework for

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 106 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan demand for energy for transport continues to rise, and  Improve the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions by environmental protection and the use of electricity from renewable energy sources. obliging Member States and fuel suppliers to report the management. estimated indirect land-use change emissions of biofuels. Alternative Fuels Infrastructure  This Directive establishes a common framework of  This Directive sets out minimum requirements for the Where new land use developments or Directive (2014/94/EU) measures for the deployment of alternative fuels building-up of alternative fuels infrastructure, including activities occur as a result of this infrastructure in the Union in order to minimise recharging points for electric vehicles and refuelling points legislation, plan, programme, etc., dependence on oil and to mitigate the environmental for natural gas (LNG and CNG) and hydrogen, to be individually or in combination with impact of transport. implemented by means of Member States' national policy others, potential in-combination frameworks, as well as common technical specifications for effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. such recharging and refuelling points, and user information Implementation of the Plan needs to requirements. comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. EU Energy Efficiency Directive  Establishes a set of binding measures to help the EU  Energy distributors or retail energy sales companies have to Where new land use developments or (2012/27/EU) reach its 20% energy efficiency target by 2020. achieve 1.5% energy savings per year through the activities occur as a result of this  Under the Directive, all EU countries are required to implementation of energy efficiency measures legislation, plan, programme, etc., use energy more efficiently at all stages of the energy  EU countries can opt to achieve the same level of savings individually or in combination with chain, from production to final consumption. through other means, such as improving the efficiency of others, potential in-combination heating systems, installing double glazed windows or effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. insulating roofs Implementation of the Plan needs to  The public sector in EU countries should purchase energy comply with all environmental efficient buildings, products and services legislation and align with and  Every year, governments in EU countries must carry out cumulatively contribute towards – in energy efficient renovations on at least 3% (by floor area) combination with other users and of the buildings they own and occupy bodies and their plans etc. – the  Energy consumers should be empowered to better manage achievement of the objectives of the consumption. This includes easy and free access to data on regulatory framework for consumption through individual metering environmental protection and  National incentives for SMEs to undergo energy audits management.  Large companies will make audits of their energy consumption to help them identify ways to reduce it  Monitoring efficiency levels in new energy generation capacities. EU Seveso Directive  This Directive lays down rules for the prevention of The Seveso Directive is well integrated with other EU policies, thus Where new land use developments or (2012/18/EU) major accidents which involve dangerous substances, avoiding double regulation or other administrative burden. This activities occur as a result of this and the limitation of their consequences for human includes the following related policy areas: legislation, plan, programme, etc., health and the environment, with a view to ensuring a  Classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals; individually or in combination with high level of protection throughout the Union in a  The Union's Civil Protection Mechanism; others, potential in-combination consistent and effective manner.  The Security Union Agenda including CBRN-E and Protection effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. of critical infrastructure; Implementation of the Plan needs to  Policy on environmental liability and on the protection of the comply with all environmental environment through criminal law; legislation and align with and  Safety of offshore oil and gas operations. cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 107 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. European Union Biodiversity  Aims to halt or reverse biodiversity loss and speed up  Outlines six targets and twenty actions to aid European Where new land use developments or Strategy to 2020 the EU's transition towards a resource efficient and Union in halting the loss to biodiversity and eco-system activities occur as a result of this green economy. services. legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  Halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of  The six targets cover: individually or in combination with ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, and restoring o Full implementation of EU nature legislation to others, potential in-combination them in so far as feasible. protect biodiversity effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. o Maintaining, enhancing and protecting for Implementation of the Plan needs to ecosystems, and green infrastructure comply with all environmental o Ensuring sustainable agriculture, and forestry legislation and align with and o Sustainable management of fish stocks cumulatively contribute towards – in o Reducing invasive alien species combination with other users and o Addressing the global need to contribute towards bodies and their plans etc. – the averting global biodiversity loss achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. EU Green Infrastructure Strategy Aims to create a robust enabling framework in order to  Promoting GI in the main EU policy areas. Where new land use developments or promote and facilitate Green Infrastructure (GI) projects.  Supporting EU-level GI projects. activities occur as a result of this  Improving access to finance for GI projects. legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  Improving information and promoting innovation. individually or in combination with others, potential in-combination effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. UN Kyoto Protocol (2nd Kyoto The UN Kyoto Protocol set of policy measures to reduce  The Kyoto Protocol is implemented through the European Where new land use developments or Period), the Second European greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Change Programme (ECCP II). activities occur as a result of this Climate Change Programme (ECCP  EU member states implement measures to improve on or legislation, plan, programme, etc., II), Paris climate conference The Second European Climate Change Programme (ECCP compliment the specified measures and policies arising from individually or in combination with (COP21) 2015 (Paris Agreement) II) aims to identify and develop all the necessary elements the ECCP. others, potential in-combination of an EU strategy to implement the Kyoto Protocol.  Under COP21, governments agreed to come together every effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. 5 years to set more ambitious targets as required by science; Implementation of the Plan needs to At the Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015, report to each other and the public on how well they are comply with all environmental 195 countries adopted the first-ever universal, legally doing to implement their targets; track progress towards the legislation and align with and binding global climate deal. The agreement sets out a global long-term goal through a robust transparency and cumulatively contribute towards – in action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous accountability system. combination with other users and climate change by limiting global warming to well below bodies and their plans etc. – the 2°C. achievement of the objectives of the

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 108 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. EU 2020 Climate and Energy  Binding legislation which aims to ensure the European Four pieces of complimentary legislation: Where new land use developments or Package Union meets its climate and energy targets for 2020.  Reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to activities occur as a result of this  Aims to achieve a 20% reduction in EU greenhouse include a cap on emission allowances in addition to existing legislation, plan, programme, etc., gas emissions from 1990 levels. system of national caps. individually or in combination with  Aims to raise the share of EU energy consumption  Member States have agreed national targets for non-EU ETS others, potential in-combination produced from renewable resources to 20%. emissions from countries outside the EU. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  Achieve a 20% improvement in the EU's energy  Meet the national renewable energy targets of 16% for Implementation of the Plan needs to efficiency. Ireland by 2020. comply with all environmental  Preparing a legal framework for technologies in carbon legislation and align with and capture and storage. cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. EU 2030 Framework for Climate  A 2030 Framework for climate and energy, including To meet the targets, the European Commission has proposed the Where new land use developments or and Energy EU-wide targets and policy objectives for the period following policies for 2030: activities occur as a result of this between 2020 and 2030 that has been agreed by  A reformed EU emissions trading scheme (ETS). legislation, plan, programme, etc., European countries.  New indicators for the competitiveness and security of the individually or in combination with  Targets include a 40% cut in greenhouse gas energy system, such as price differences with major trading others, potential in-combination emissions compared to 1990 levels, at least a 27% partners, diversification of supply, and interconnection effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. share of renewable energy consumption and at least capacity between EU countries. Implementation of the Plan needs to 27% energy savings compared with the business-as-  First ideas for a new governance system based on national comply with all environmental usual scenario. plans for competitive, secure, and sustainable energy. These legislation and align with and plans will follow a common EU approach. They will ensure cumulatively contribute towards – in stronger investor certainty, greater transparency, enhanced combination with other users and policy coherence and improved coordination across the EU. bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. The Clean Air for Europe Directive  The CAFE Directive merges existing legislation  Sets objectives for ambient air quality designed to avoid, Where new land use developments or (2008/50/EC) into a single directive (except for the fourth prevent or reduce harmful effects on human health and the activities occur as a result of this (EU Air Framework Directive) daughter directive). environment as a whole. legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  Sets new air quality objectives for PM2.5 (fine  Aims to assess the ambient air quality in Member States on individually or in combination with Fourth Daughter Directive particles) including the limit value and exposure the basis of common methods and criteria. others, potential in-combination (2004/107/EC) related objectives.  Obtains information on ambient air quality in order to help effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  Accounts for the possibility to discount natural combat air pollution and nuisance and to monitor long-term Implementation of the Plan needs to sources of pollution when assessing compliance trends and improvements resulting from national and comply with all environmental against limit values. community measures. legislation and align with and  Allows the possibility for time extensions of three  Ensures that such information on ambient air quality is made cumulatively contribute towards – in years (PM10) or up to five years (NO2, benzene) available to the public. combination with other users and for complying with limit values, based on  Aims to maintain air quality where it is good and improving bodies and their plans etc. – the conditions and the assessment by the European it in other cases. achievement of the objectives of the Commission.  Aims to promote increased cooperation between the Member regulatory framework for States in reducing air pollution.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 109 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  The Fourth Daughter Directive lists pollutants, environmental protection and target values and monitoring requirements for management. the following: arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air. Noise Directive (2002/49/EC) The Noise Directive - Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the The Directive requires competent authorities in Member States to: Where new land use developments or assessment and management of environmental noise - is  Draw up strategic noise maps for major roads, railways, activities occur as a result of this part of an EU strategy setting out to reduce the number of airports and agglomerations, using harmonised noise legislation, plan, programme, etc., people affected by noise in the longer term and to provide indicators and use these maps to assess the number of individually or in combination with a framework for developing existing Community policy on people which may be impacted upon as a result of excessive others, potential in-combination noise reduction from source. noise levels; effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  Draw up action plans to reduce noise where necessary and Implementation of the Plan needs to maintain environmental noise quality where it is good; and comply with all environmental  Inform and consult the public about noise exposure, its legislation and align with and effects, and the measures considered to address noise. cumulatively contribute towards – in The Directive does not set any limit value, nor does it prescribe combination with other users and the measures to be used in the action plans, which remain at the bodies and their plans etc. – the discretion of the competent authorities. achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Floods Directive (2007/60/EC)  Establishes a framework for the assessment and  Assess all water courses and coast lines at risk from flooding Where new land use developments or management of flood risks through Flood Risk Assessment activities occur as a result of this  Reduce adverse consequences for human health, the  Prepare flood hazard maps and flood risk maps outlining the legislation, plan, programme, etc., environment, cultural heritage and economic activity extent or potential of flooding and assets and humans at risk individually or in combination with associated with floods in the Community in these areas at River Basin District level (Article 3(2) (b)) others, potential in-combination and areas covered by Article 5(1) and Article 13(1) (b) in effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3. Implementation of the Plan needs to  Implement flood risk management plans and take adequate comply with all environmental and coordinated measures to reduce flood risk for the areas legislation and align with and covered by the Articles listed above. cumulatively contribute towards – in  Inform the public and allow the public to participate in combination with other users and planning process. bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Water Framework Directive  Establish a framework for the protection of water  Protect, enhance and restore all water bodies and meet the Where new land use developments or (2000/60/EC) bodies to include inland surface waters, transitional environmental objectives outlined in Article 4 of the activities occur as a result of this waters, coastal waters and groundwater and their Directive. legislation, plan, programme, etc., dependent wildlife and habitats.  Achieve "good status" for all waters. individually or in combination with  Preserve and prevent the deterioration of water status  Manage water bodies based on identifying and establishing others, potential in-combination and where necessary improve and maintain “good river basins districts. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. status” of water bodies.  Involve the public and streamline legislation. Implementation of the Plan needs to  Promote sustainable water usage.  Prepare and implement a River Basin Management Plan for comply with all environmental  The Water Framework Directive repealed the following each river basin districts identified and a Register of legislation and align with and Directives: Protected Areas. cumulatively contribute towards – in o The Drinking Water Abstraction Directive  Establish a programme of monitoring for surface water combination with other users and o Sampling Drinking Water Directive status, groundwater status and protected areas. bodies and their plans etc. – the  Recover costs for water services. achievement of the objectives of the

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 110 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan o Exchange of Information on Quality of regulatory framework for Surface Freshwater Directive environmental protection and o Shellfish Directive management. o Freshwater Fish Directive o Groundwater (Dangerous Substances) Directive o Dangerous Substances Directive Groundwater Directive  Protect, control and conserve groundwater.  Meet minimum groundwater standards listed in Annex 1 of Where new land use developments or (2006/118/EC)  Prevent the deterioration of the status of all bodies of Directive. activities occur as a result of this groundwater.  Meet threshold values adopted by national legislation for the legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  Implements measures to prevent and control pollutants, groups of pollutants and indicators of pollution individually or in combination with groundwater pollution, including criteria for assessing which have been identified as contributing to the others, potential in-combination good groundwater chemical status and criteria for the characterisation of bodies or groups of bodies of effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. identification of significant and sustained upward groundwater as being at risk, also taking into account Part B Implementation of the Plan needs to trends and for the definition of starting points for trend of Annex II. comply with all environmental reversals. legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Drinking Water Directive  Improve and maintain the quality of water intended  Set values applicable to water intended for human Where new land use developments or (98/83/EC) for human consumption. consumption for the parameters set out in Annex I. activities occur as a result of this  Protect human health from the adverse effects of any  Set values for additional parameters not included in Annex I, legislation, plan, programme, etc., contamination of water intended for human where the protection of human health within national individually or in combination with consumption by ensuring that it is wholesome and territory or part of it so requires. The values set should, as a others, potential in-combination clean. minimum, satisfy the requirements of Article 4(1) (a). effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  Implement all measures necessary to ensure that regular Implementation of the Plan needs to monitoring of the quality of water intended for human comply with all environmental consumption is carried out, in order to check that the water legislation and align with and available to consumers meets the requirements of this cumulatively contribute towards – in Directive and in particular the parametric values set in combination with other users and accordance with Article 5. bodies and their plans etc. – the  Ensure that any failure to meet the parametric values set in achievement of the objectives of the accordance with Article 5 is immediately investigated in order regulatory framework for to identify the cause. environmental protection and  Ensure that the necessary remedial action is taken as soon management. as possible to restore its quality and shall give priority to their enforcement action.  Undertake remedial action to restore the quality of the water where necessary to protect human health.  Notify consumers when remedial action is being undertaken except where the competent authorities consider the non- compliance with the parametric value to be trivial. Urban Wastewater Treatment  This Directive concerns the collection, treatment and  Urban wastewater entering collecting systems shall before Where new land use developments or Directive (91/271/EEC) discharge of urban wastewater and the treatment and discharge, be subject to secondary treatment. activities occur as a result of this discharge of wastewater from certain industrial  Annex II requires the designation of areas sensitive to legislation, plan, programme, etc., sectors. eutrophication which receive water discharges. individually or in combination with

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 111 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  The objective of the Directive is to protect the  Establishes minimum requirements for urban wastewater others, potential in-combination environment from the adverse effects of wastewater collection and treatment systems in specified agglomerations effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. discharges. to include special requirements for sensitive areas and Implementation of the Plan needs to certain industrial sectors. comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Environmental Liability Directive  Establish a framework of environmental liability based  Relates to environmental damage caused by any of the Where new land use developments or (2004/35/EC) as amended on the ‘polluter-pays' principle, to prevent and remedy occupational activities listed in Annex III, and to any activities occur as a result of this by Directive 2006/21/EC, environmental damage. imminent threat of such damage occurring by reason of any legislation, plan, programme, etc., Directive 2009/31/EC and of those activities; damage to protected species and natural individually or in combination with Directive 2013/30/EU habitats caused by any occupational activities other than others, potential in-combination those listed in Annex III, and to any imminent threat of such effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. damage occurring by reason of any of those activities, Implementation of the Plan needs to whenever the operator has been at fault or negligent. comply with all environmental  Where environmental damage has not yet occurred but there legislation and align with and is an imminent threat of such damage occurring, the cumulatively contribute towards – in operator shall, without delay, take the necessary preventive combination with other users and measures. bodies and their plans etc. – the  Where environmental damage has occurred the operator achievement of the objectives of the shall, without delay, inform the competent authority of all regulatory framework for relevant aspects of the situation and take all practicable environmental protection and steps to immediately control, contain, remove or otherwise management. manage the relevant contaminants and/or any other damage factors in order to limit or to prevent further environmental damage and adverse effects on human health or further impairment of services and the necessary remedial measures, in accordance with Article 7.  The operator shall bear the costs for the preventive and remedial actions taken pursuant to this Directive.  The competent authority shall be entitled to initiate cost recovery proceedings against the operator.  The operator may be required to provide financial security guarantees to ensure their responsibilities under the directive are met.  The Environmental Liability Directive has been amended through a number of Directives that are not of significant relevance to the SEA for the Guidelines. Implementation of the Environmental Liability Directive is contributed towards by a Multi-Annual Work Programme (MAWP) 'Making the Environmental Liability Directive more fit for purpose' that is updated annually to changing developments, growing knowledge and new needs.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 112 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan European Convention on the  The aim of this (revised) Convention is to protect the The Valletta Convention makes the conservation and Where new land use developments or Protection of the Archaeological archaeological heritage as a source of the European enhancement of the archaeological heritage one of the goals of activities occur as a result of this Heritage (Valletta 1992) collective memory and as an instrument for historical urban and regional planning policies. The Convention sets legislation, plan, programme, etc., and scientific study. guidelines for the funding of excavation and research work and individually or in combination with publication of research findings. It also deals with public access, others, potential in-combination in particular to archaeological sites, and educational actions to be effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. undertaken to develop public awareness of the value of the Implementation of the Plan needs to archaeological heritage. It also constitutes an institutional comply with all environmental framework for pan-European co-operation on the archaeological legislation and align with and heritage, entailing a systematic exchange of experience and cumulatively contribute towards – in experts among the various States. combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Convention of the Protection of the  The main purpose of the Convention is to reinforce and  The reinforcement and promotion of policies for protecting Where new land use developments or Architectural Heritage of Europe promote policies for the conservation and and enhancing the heritage within the territories of the activities occur as a result of this (Granada 1995) enhancement of Europe's heritage. It also affirms the parties. legislation, plan, programme, etc., need for European solidarity with regard to heritage  The affirmation of European solidarity with regard to the individually or in combination with conservation and is designed to foster practical co- protection of the heritage and the fostering of practical co- others, potential in-combination operation among the Parties. It establishes the operation between states and regions. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. principles of "European co-ordination of conservation Implementation of the Plan needs to policies" including consultations regarding the thrust comply with all environmental of the policies to be implemented. legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Council of Europe Framework  Cultural heritage is a group of resources inherited from  Recognise that rights relating to cultural heritage are Where new land use developments or Convention on the Value of the past which people identify, independently of inherent in the right to participate in cultural life, as defined activities occur as a result of this Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro ownership, as a reflection and expression of their in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. legislation, plan, programme, etc., 2005) constantly evolving values, beliefs, knowledge and  Recognise individual and collective responsibility towards individually or in combination with traditions. It includes all aspects of the environment cultural heritage. others, potential in-combination resulting from the interaction between people and  Emphasise that the conservation of cultural heritage and its effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. places through time. sustainable use have human development and quality of life Implementation of the Plan needs to  A heritage community consists of people who value as their goal. comply with all environmental specific aspects of cultural heritage which they wish,  Take the necessary steps to apply the provisions of this legislation and align with and within the framework of public action, to sustain and Convention concerning the role of cultural heritage in the cumulatively contribute towards – in transmit to future generations. construction of a peaceful and democratic society. combination with other users and  Greater synergy of competencies among all the public, bodies and their plans etc. – the institutional and private actors concerned. achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. European Landscape Convention  The developments in agriculture, forestry, industrial  Promote protection, management and planning of Where new land use developments or 2000 and mineral production techniques, together with the landscapes. activities occur as a result of this

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 113 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan practices followed in town and country planning,  Organise European co-operation on landscape issues. legislation, plan, programme, etc., transport, networks, tourism and recreation, and at a individually or in combination with more general level, changes in the world economy, others, potential in-combination have in many cases accelerated the transformation of effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. landscapes. The Convention expresses a concern to Implementation of the Plan needs to achieve sustainable development based on a balanced comply with all environmental and harmonious relationship between social needs, legislation and align with and economic activity and the environment. It aims to cumulatively contribute towards – in respond to the public’s wish to enjoy high quality combination with other users and landscapes. bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. The Seventh Environmental Action It identifies three key objectives: Four so called "enablers" will help Europe deliver on these Where new land use developments or Programme (EAP) of the European  to protect, conserve and enhance the Union’s natural objectives (goals): activities occur as a result of this Community (2013-2020) capital  Better implementation of legislation. legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  to turn the Union into a resource-efficient, green, and  Better information by improving the knowledge base. individually or in combination with competitive low-carbon economy  More and wiser investment for environment and climate others, potential in-combination  to safeguard the Union's citizens from environment- policy. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. related pressures and risks to health and wellbeing  Full integration of environmental requirements and Implementation of the Plan needs to considerations into other policies. comply with all environmental Two additional horizontal priority objectives complete the legislation and align with and programme: cumulatively contribute towards – in  To make the Union's cities more sustainable. combination with other users and  To help the Union address international environmental and bodies and their plans etc. – the climate challenges more effectively. achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Bern Convention (Convention on The convention has three main aims: The Parties under the convention recognise the intrinsic value of Where new land use developments or the Conservation of European  to conserve wild flora and fauna and their natural nature, which needs to be preserved and passed to future activities occur as a result of this Wildlife and Natural Habitats) habitats generations, they also: legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  to promote cooperation between states  Seek to ensure the conservation of nature in their countries, individually or in combination with  to give particular attention to endangered and paying particular attention to planning and development others, potential in-combination vulnerable species including endangered and policies and pollution control. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. vulnerable migratory species  Look at implementing the Bern Convention in central Eastern Implementation of the Plan needs to Europe and the Caucus. comply with all environmental  Take account of the potential impact on natural heritage by legislation and align with and other policies. cumulatively contribute towards – in  Promote education and information of the public, ensuring combination with other users and the need to conserve species is understood and acted upon. bodies and their plans etc. – the  Develop an extensive number of species action plans, codes achievement of the objectives of the of conducts, and guidelines, at their own initiative or in co- regulatory framework for operation with other organisations. environmental protection and  Created the Emerald Network, an ecological network made management. up of Areas of Special Conservation Interest. Bali Road Map (2007) The overall goals of the project are twofold: The Bali Action Plan is centred on four main building Where new land use developments or  To increase national capacity to co-ordinate ministerial Blocks: activities occur as a result of this views, participate in the UNFCCC process, and  mitigation legislation, plan, programme, etc.,

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 114 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan negotiate positions within the timeframe of the Bali  adaptation individually or in combination with Action Plan; and  technology others, potential in-combination  To assess investment and financial flows to address  financing effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. climate change for up to three key sectors and/or Implementation of the Plan needs to economic activities. comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Cancun Agreements (2010) Set of decisions taken at the COP 16 Conference in Cancun Among the most prominent agreements is the establishment of a Where new land use developments or in 2010 which addresses a series of key issues in the fight Green Climate Fund to transfer money from the developed to activities occur as a result of this against climate change. Cancun Agreements' main developing world to tackle the impacts of climate change. legislation, plan, programme, etc., objectives cover: individually or in combination with  Mitigation others, potential in-combination  Transparency of actions effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  Technology Implementation of the Plan needs to  Finance comply with all environmental  Adaptation legislation and align with and  Forests cumulatively contribute towards – in  Capacity building combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Doha Climate Gateway (2012) Set of decisions taken at the COP 18 meeting in Doha in The following actions were committed to by governments at this Where new land use developments or 2012 which pave the way for a new agreement in Paris in conference: activities occur as a result of this 2015.  Set out a timetable to adopt a universal climate legislation, plan, programme, etc., agreement by 2015 (to come into effect in 2020); individually or in combination with  Complete the work under Bali Action Plan and to focus others, potential in-combination on new completing new targets; effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  Strengthen the aim to cut greenhouse gases and help Implementation of the Plan needs to vulnerable countries to adapt; comply with all environmental  Amend Kyoto Protocol to include a new commitment legislation and align with and period for cutting down the greenhouse gases cumulatively contribute towards – in emissions; and combination with other users and  Provide the financial and technology support and new bodies and their plans etc. – the institutions to allow clean energy investment and achievement of the objectives of the sustainable growth in developing countries. regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. EU Common Agricultural Policy  To improve agricultural productivity, so that  ensuring viable food production that will contribute to Where new land use developments or consumers have a stable supply of affordable food; feeding the world’s population, which is expected to rise activities occur as a result of this and considerably in the future; legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  To ensure that EU farmers can make a reasonable  Climate change and sustainable management of natural individually or in combination with living. resources; others, potential in-combination

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 115 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  Looking after the countryside across the EU and keeping the effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. rural economy alive. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. EU REACH Regulation  Aims to improve the protection of human health and The aims are achieved by applying REACH, namely: Where new land use developments or (EC 1907/2006) the environment through the better and earlier  Registration, activities occur as a result of this identification of the intrinsic properties of chemical  Evaluation, legislation, plan, programme, etc., substances.  Authorisation; and individually or in combination with  Restriction of chemicals. others, potential in-combination REACH also aims to enhance innovation and competitiveness of effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. the EU chemicals industry. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Stockholm Convention  The objective of the Stockholm Convention is to  Prohibit and/or eliminate the production and use, as well as Where new land use developments or protect human health and the environment from the import and export, of the intentionally produced POPs activities occur as a result of this persistent organic pollutants. that are listed in Annex A to the Convention legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  Restrict the production and use, as well as the import and individually or in combination with export, of the intentionally produced POPs that are listed in others, potential in-combination Annex B to the Convention effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  Reduce or eliminate releases from unintentionally produced Implementation of the Plan needs to POPs that are listed in Annex C to the Convention comply with all environmental  Ensure that stockpiles and wastes consisting of, containing legislation and align with and or contaminated with POPs are managed safely and in an cumulatively contribute towards – in environmentally sound manner combination with other users and  To target additional POPs bodies and their plans etc. – the  Other provisions of the Convention relate to the achievement of the objectives of the development of implementation plans, information regulatory framework for exchange, public information, awareness and education, environmental protection and research, development and monitoring, technical assistance, management. financial resources and mechanisms, reporting, effectiveness evaluation and non-compliance Ramsar Convention The Convention’s mission is “the conservation and wise use Under the “three pillars” of the Convention, the Contracting Where new land use developments or of all wetlands through local and national actions and Parties commit to: activities occur as a result of this international cooperation, as a contribution towards  Work towards the wise use of all their wetlands; legislation, plan, programme, etc., achieving sustainable development throughout the world”. individually or in combination with others, potential in-combination

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 116 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  Designate suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. International Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and ensure Implementation of the Plan needs to their effective management; comply with all environmental  Cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, legislation and align with and shared wetland systems and shared species. cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. OSPAR Convention The mission of OSPAR is to conserve marine ecosystems OSPAR's work is organised under six strategies: Where new land use developments or and safeguard human health in the North-East Atlantic by  Biodiversity and Ecosystem Strategy activities occur as a result of this preventing and eliminating pollution; by protecting the  Eutrophication Strategy legislation, plan, programme, etc., marine environment from the adverse effects of human  Hazardous Substances Strategy individually or in combination with activities; and by contributing to the sustainable use of the  Offshore Industry Strategy others, potential in-combination seas.  Radioactive Substances Strategy effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  Strategy for the Joint Assessment and Monitoring Implementation of the Plan needs to Programme comply with all environmental These six strategies fit together to underpin the ecosystem legislation and align with and approach. For each strategy a programme of work is designed cumulatively contribute towards – in and implemented annually. combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. European 2020 Strategy for Europe 2020 sets out a vision of Europe’s social market In order to reach these priorities, the Commission proposes five Where new land use developments or Growth economy for the 21st century and puts forward three quantitative targets to fulfil by 2020: activities occur as a result of this mutually reinforcing priorities: 1. 75 % of the population aged 20-64 should be employed; legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  Smart growth: developing an economy based on 2. 3% of the EU’s GDP should be invested in R&D; individually or in combination with knowledge and innovation; 3. the “20/20/20” climate/energy targets should be met (including others, potential in-combination  Sustainable growth: promoting a more resource an increase to 30% of emissions reduction if the conditions are effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. efficient, greener and more competitive economy; right); Implementation of the Plan needs to  Inclusive growth: fostering a high-employment 4. the share of early school leavers should be under 10% and at comply with all environmental economy delivering social and territorial cohesion. least 40% of the younger generation should have a tertiary legislation and align with and degree; cumulatively contribute towards – in 5. 20 million less people should be at risk of poverty. combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Level Ireland 2040 - Our Plan, the  The National Planning Framework is the Government’s The National Planning Framework published alongside the Where new land use developments or National Planning Framework, high-level strategic plan for shaping the future growth National Development Plan yields ten National Strategic activities occur as a result of this (replacing the National Spatial and development of to the year 2040. It is a Outcomes as follows: legislation, plan, programme, etc., Strategy 2002-2020) and the framework to guide public and private investment, to 1. Compact Growth individually or in combination with National Development Plan (2018- create and promote opportunities for people, and to 2. Enhanced Regional Accessibility others, potential in-combination 2027) 3. Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 117 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan protect and enhance the environment - from villages 4. Sustainable Mobility Implementation of the Plan needs to to cities, and everything around and in between. 5. A Strong Economy, supported by Enterprise, Innovation comply with all environmental  The National Development Plan sets out the and Skills legislation and align with and investment priorities that will underpin the successful 6. High-Quality International Connectivity cumulatively contribute towards – in implementation of the new National Planning 7. Enhanced Amenity and Heritage combination with other users and Framework. This will guide national, regional and local 8. Transition to a Low-Carbon and Climate-Resilient Society bodies and their plans etc. – the planning and investment decisions in Ireland over the 9. Sustainable Management of Water and other achievement of the objectives of the next two decades, to cater for an expected population Environmental Resources regulatory framework for increase of over 1 million people. 10. Access to Quality Childcare, Education and Health Services environmental protection and management. Planning, Land Use and Transport The PLUTO will take account of forecasted future economic In preparation Where new land use developments or Outlook 2040 [in preparation] and demographic scenarios, affordability considerations activities occur as a result of this and relevant Government policies and will: legislation, plan, programme, etc., 1. Quantify in broad terms the appropriate scale of financial individually or in combination with investment in land transport over the long term; others, potential in-combination 2. Consider how fiscal, environmental and technological effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. developments might impact on this investment; and, Implementation of the Plan needs to 3. Identify strategic priorities for future investment to comply with all environmental ensure land transport infrastructure provision facilitates the legislation and align with and objectives of Project Ireland 2040. cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Planning and Development Act  The core principal objectives of this Act are to amend  Development, with certain exceptions, is subject to Where new land use developments or 2000 (as amended) the Planning Acts of 2000 – 2009 with specific regard development control under the Planning Acts and the local activities occur as a result of this given to supporting economic renewal and sustainable authorities grant or refuse planning permission for legislation, plan, programme, etc., development. development, including ones within protected areas. individually or in combination with  There are, however, a range of exemptions from the others, potential in-combination planning system. Use of land for agriculture, peat extraction effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. and afforestation, subject to certain thresholds, is generally Implementation of the Plan needs to exempt from the requirement to obtain planning permission. comply with all environmental  Additionally, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is legislation and align with and required for a range of classes and large scale projects. cumulatively contribute towards – in  Under planning legislation, Development Plans must include combination with other users and mandatory objectives for the conservation of the natural bodies and their plans etc. – the heritage and for the conservation of European sites and any achievement of the objectives of the other sites which may be prescribed. There are also regulatory framework for discretionary powers to set objectives for the conservation environmental protection and of a variety of other elements of the natural heritage. management. European Communities  The purpose of these Regulations is to transpose into  The Regulations cover plans and programmes in all of the Where new land use developments or (Environmental Assessment of Irish law Directive 2001/42/EC of 27 June 2001 (O.J. sectors listed in article 3(2) of the Directive except land-use activities occur as a result of this Certain Plans and Programmes No. L 197, 21 July 2001) on the assessment of the planning. legislation, plan, programme, etc., Regulations 2004 (S.I. 435 of effects of certain plans and programmes on the  These Regulations also amend certain provisions of the individually or in combination with 2004), as amended by S.I. 200 of environment — commonly known as the Strategic Planning and Development Act 2000 to provide the statutory others, potential in-combination 2011 Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive. basis for the transposition of the Directive in respect of land- effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. use planning. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 118 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  Transposition in respect of the land-use planning sector is legislation and align with and contained in the Planning and Development (Strategic cumulatively contribute towards – in Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 436 combination with other users and of 2004). bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. European Communities (Birds and  These Regulations provide a new for the  They provide, among other things, for: the appointment and Where new land use developments or Natural Habitats) Regulations implementation in Ireland of Council Directive functions of authorized officers; identification, classification activities occur as a result of this 2011 (S.I. 477of 2011, as 92/43/EEC on habitats and protection of wild fauna and other procedures relative to the designation of legislation, plan, programme, etc., amended) and flora (as amended) and for the implementation of Community sites. individually or in combination with Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and  The Regulations have been prepared to address several others, potential in-combination of the Council on the protection of wild birds. judgments of the CJEU against Ireland, notably cases C- effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. 418/04 and C-183/05, in respect of failure to transpose Implementation of the Plan needs to elements of the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive comply with all environmental into Irish law. legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Waste Management Act 1996, as  To make provision in relation to the prevention,  The Waste Management Act contains a number of key legal Where new land use developments or amended management and control of waste; to give effect to obligations, including requirements for waste management activities occur as a result of this provisions of certain acts adopted by institutions of the planning, waste collection and movement, the authorisation legislation, plan, programme, etc., European communities in respect of those matters; to of waste facilities, measures to reduce the production of individually or in combination with amend the Environmental Protection Agency Act, waste and/or promote its recovery. others, potential in-combination 1992, and to repeal certain enactments and to provide effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. for related matters. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. European Communities  The purpose of these Regulations is to support the Actions: Where new land use developments or Environmental Objectives (FPM) achievement of favourable conservation status for  Set environmental quality objectives for the habitats of the activities occur as a result of this Regulations 2009 (S.I 296 of freshwater pearl mussels freshwater pearl mussel populations named in the First legislation, plan, programme, etc., 2009) Schedule to these Regulations that are within the boundaries individually or in combination with of a site notified in a candidate list of European sites, or others, potential in-combination designated as a Special Area of Conservation, under the effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 Implementation of the Plan needs to (S.I. No. 94/1997). comply with all environmental  Require the production of sub-basin management plans with legislation and align with and programmes of measures to achieve these objectives. cumulatively contribute towards – in

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 119 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  Set out the duties of public authorities in respect of the sub- combination with other users and basin management plans and programmes of measure bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. European Communities  To amend the European Communities Environmental The substances and threshold values set out in Schedule 5 to S.I. Where new land use developments or Environmental Objectives Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. No. 9 of 2010 have been reviewed and amended where activities occur as a result of this (Groundwater) Regulations 2010 9 of 2010) to make further provision to implement necessary, based on existing monitoring information and legislation, plan, programme, etc., (S.I 9 of 2010), as amended (S.I. Commission Directive 2014/80/EU of 20 June 2014 international guidelines on appropriate threshold values. individually or in combination with No. 366 of 2016) amending Annex II to Directive 2006/118/EC of the  Part A of Schedule 6 has been amended to include changes others, potential in-combination European Parliament and of the Council on the to the rules governing the determination of background effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. protection of groundwater against pollution and levels for the purposes of establishing threshold values for Implementation of the Plan needs to deterioration. groundwater pollutants and indicators of pollution. comply with all environmental  Part B of Schedule 6 has been amended to include nitrites legislation and align with and and phosphorus (total) / phosphates among the minimum cumulatively contribute towards – in list of pollutants and their indicators which the Environmental combination with other users and Protection Agency (EPA) must consider when establishing bodies and their plans etc. – the threshold values achievement of the objectives of the  Part C of Schedule 6 amends the information to be provided regulatory framework for to the Minister by the EPA with regard to the pollutants and environmental protection and their indicators for which threshold values have been management. established European Communities (Good  These Regulations, which give effect to Irelands 3rd The Regulations include measures such as: Where new land use developments or Agricultural Practice for Protection Nitrates Action Programme, provide statutory support  Periods when land application of fertilisers is prohibited activities occur as a result of this of Waters) Regulations 2014 (S.I. for good agricultural practice to protect waters against  Limits on the land application of fertilisers legislation, plan, programme, etc., No. 31 of 2014) pollution from agricultural sources  Storage requirements for livestock manure; and individually or in combination with  Monitoring of the effectiveness of the measures in terms of others, potential in-combination agricultural practice and impact on water quality. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Climate Action and Low Carbon  An Act to provide for the approval of plans by the When considering a plan or framework, for approval, the Where new land use developments or Development Act 2015 Government in relation to climate change for the Government shall endeavour to achieve the national transition activities occur as a result of this purpose of pursuing the transition to a low carbon, objective within the legislation, plan, programme, etc., climate resilient and environmentally sustainable period to which the objective relates and shall, in endeavouring individually or in combination with economy. to achieve that objective, ensure that such objective is achieved others, potential in-combination by the implementation of measures that are cost effective and effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. shall, for that purpose, have regard to: Implementation of the Plan needs to  The ultimate objective specified in Article 2 of the United comply with all environmental Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change done at legislation and align with and New York on 9 May 1992 and any mitigation commitment cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 120 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan entered into by the European Union in response or otherwise bodies and their plans etc. – the in relation to that objective, achievement of the objectives of the  The policy of the Government on climate change, regulatory framework for  Climate justice, environmental protection and  Any existing obligation of the State under the law of the management. European Union or any international agreement referred to in section 2; and  The most recent national greenhouse gas emissions inventory and projection of future greenhouse gas emissions, prepared by the Agency. The Sustainable Development  National Implementation Plan 2018 - 2020 is in direct The Plan identifies four strategic priorities to guide Where new land use developments or Goals National Implementation response to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable implementation: activities occur as a result of this Plan (2018 – 2020) Development and provides a whole-of-government  Awareness: raise public awareness of the SDGs; legislation, plan, programme, etc., approach to implement the 17 Sustainable  Participation: provide stakeholders opportunities to engage individually or in combination with Development Goals (SDGs). and contribute to follow-up and review processes, and others, potential in-combination  The Plan provides a 'SDG Matrix' which identifies the further develop national implementation of the Goals; effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. responsible Government Departments for each of the  Support: encourage and support efforts of communities and Implementation of the Plan needs to 169 targets. It also includes a 'SDG Policy Map' organisations to contribute towards meeting the SDGs, and comply with all environmental indicating the relevant national policies for each of the foster public participation; and legislation and align with and targets.  Policy alignment: develop alignment of national policy with cumulatively contribute towards – in the SDGs and identify opportunities for policy coherence. combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Infrastructure and Capital  €27 billion multi-annual Exchequer Capital Investment  This Capital Plan reflects the Government’s commitment to Where new land use developments or Investment Plan (2016-2021) Plan, which is supported by a programme of capital supporting strong and sustainable economic growth and activities occur as a result of this investment in the wider State sector, and which over raising welfare and living standards for all. legislation, plan, programme, etc., the period 2016 to 2021 will help to lay the foundations  It includes allocations for new projects across a number of individually or in combination with for continued growth in Ireland. key areas and funding to ensure that the present stock of others, potential in-combination national infrastructure is refreshed and maintained. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Aquaculture Acts 1997 to 2006 : The Aquaculture and Foreshore Management Division The Strategic Objectives of the Aquaculture & Foreshore Where new land use developments or (Sea-Fisheries and Maritime ensures the efficient and effective management of Management Division are: activities occur as a result of this Jurisdiction Act 2006 (8/2006), s. Aquaculture licensing and Foreshore licensing in respect of legislation, plan, programme, etc., 1(3)) Aquaculture and Sea Fishery related activities.  to develop and manage an efficient and effective individually or in combination with regulatory framework in respect of Aquaculture others, potential in-combination • Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 licensing and Foreshore licensing of Aquaculture and effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. (23/1997) Sea Fishery related activities; Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 121 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan • Fisheries and Foreshore  to secure a fair financial return from the State's legislation and align with and (Amendment) Act 1998 foreshore estate in the context of Aquaculture licensing cumulatively contribute towards – in (54/1998), ss. 2, 3 and 4 and Foreshore licensing in respect of Aquaculture and combination with other users and Sea Fishery related activities; bodies and their plans etc. – the • Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2001  to progressively reduce arrears in the clearing of achievement of the objectives of the (40/2001) licence applications. regulatory framework for environmental protection and • Sea-Fisheries and Maritime management. Jurisdiction Act 2006 (8/2006), s. 101 Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2011 The Foreshore Acts require that a lease or licence must be  Developments on the foreshore require planning Where new land use developments or obtained from the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local permission in addition to a Foreshore activities occur as a result of this Government for the carrying out of works or placing Lease/Licence/Permission. All Foreshore Leases, legislation, plan, programme, etc., structures or material on, or for the occupation of or Licences and individually or in combination with removal of material from, State-owned foreshore, which  Permissions are without prejudice to the powers of the others, potential in-combination represents the greater part of the foreshore. Construction local planning authority. Applicants should, therefore, effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. of permanent structures on privately owned foreshore also consult initially with the local planning authority Implementation of the Plan needs to required the prior permission of the Minister under the regarding their proposal. comply with all environmental Foreshore Act.  In the case of developments on foreshore for, by or on legislation and align with and behalf of a Local Authority where an EIS is required, cumulatively contribute towards – in applications should be made to An Bord Pleanála under combination with other users and Part XV, Planning and Development Act 2000. bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. European Union (Birds and Natural These regulations have been drafted to implement the  Regulation 3 provides for the submission of a Fisheries Where new land use developments or Habitats) (Sea-Fisheries) responsibilities of the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Natura Plan in relation to planned fisheries; activities occur as a result of this Regulations 2013 (S.I. 290 of Marine in relation to sea fisheries in Natura 2000 sites, in  Regulation 4 provides for a screening of a Fisheries Natura legislation, plan, programme, etc., 2013) accordance with the Habitats and Birds Directives as Plan to determine whether or not an appropriate assessment individually or in combination with transposed by the European Communities (Birds and is required; others, potential in-combination Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477 of 2011).  Regulation 5 provides for an appropriate assessment of a effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Fisheries Natura Plan and also provides for public and Implementation of the Plan needs to statutory consultation; comply with all environmental  Regulation 6 provides for the Minister to make a legislation and align with and determination to adopt a Fisheries Natura Plan. The Minister cumulatively contribute towards – in may amend, withdraw or revoke a plan; combination with other users and  Regulation 7 provides for publication of the adopted bodies and their plans etc. – the Fisheries Natura Plan; achievement of the objectives of the  Regulation 8 provides for a Risk Assessment of unplanned regulatory framework for fisheries and also provides for public and statutory environmental protection and consultation on the assessment; management.  Regulation 9 provides for the issue of a Natura Declaration to prohibit, restrict including restricting by permit, control, etc. of sea fishing activities;  Regulation 10 provides for Natura Permits to be issued where required by Natura Declarations; and  Regulations 11 to 31 deal with functions of authorised officers and related matters, offences, etc.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 122 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan National Seafood Operational The Operational Programme (OP) supported by the he Irish OP is organised around the following priorities Where new land use developments or Programme (20104-2020) European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) in Ireland  Union Priority 1 (UP1): €67 million (28% of the total activities occur as a result of this aims at achieving key national development priorities along allocation) aim at assuring the sustainable development of legislation, plan, programme, etc., with the EU's "Europe 2020" objectives. The OP supports fishing activities, while protecting the marine environment individually or in combination with the general reform of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy  Union Priority 2 (UP2): €30 million (12% of the total others, potential in-combination (CFP) and the development of its Integrated Maritime Policy allocation) will support the Irish National Strategic Plan for effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. (IMP) in Ireland. Aquaculture that aims at boosting the competitiveness of Implementation of the Plan needs to the aquaculture sector. comply with all environmental The OP strategy is designed around the Irish national  Union Priority 3 (UP3): €84.8 million (35.4% of the total legislation and align with and priorities in the agri-food sector: 'Act Smart' by encouraging allocation) will go towards compliance with CFP rules cumulatively contribute towards – in knowledge and innovation, 'Think Green' through a regarding control and data collection. combination with other users and responsible and sustainable use of resources, 'Achieve  Union Priority 4 (UP4): €12 million (5% of the total bodies and their plans etc. – the Growth' in order to maintain and create jobs. allocation) will support local development initiatives — a achievement of the objectives of the substantial, eleven-fold increase compared to the 2007- regulatory framework for 2013 funding period. environmental protection and  Union Priority 5 (UP5): €33 million (13.8% of the total management. allocation) will go towards creating scale in the Irish marketing and processing sectors, starting from the base of very small-scale businesses.  Union Priority 6 (UP6): €10.6 million (4% of the total allocation) will be used on measures to improve the knowledge on the state of the marine environment and the level of protection of marine areas Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth: An Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth is an Integrated Marine Plan  Sustainable economic growth of marine/ maritime Where new land use developments or Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland (IMP), setting out a roadmap for the Government’s vision, sectors; activities occur as a result of this 2012 high-level goals and integrated actions across policy,  Increase the contribution to the national GDP; legislation, plan, programme, etc., governance and business to enable our marine potential to  Deliver a business friendly yet robust governance, individually or in combination with be realised. Implementation of this Plan will see Ireland policy and planning framework; others, potential in-combination evolve an integrated system of policy and programme  Protect and conserve our rich marine biodiversity and effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. planning for our marine affairs. ecosystems; Implementation of the Plan needs to  Manage our living and non-living resources in harmony comply with all environmental with the ecosystem; legislation and align with and  Implement and comply with environmental legislation; cumulatively contribute towards – in  Building on our maritime heritage, strengthen our combination with other users and maritime identity; bodies and their plans etc. – the  Increase our awareness of the value, opportunities and achievement of the objectives of the societal benefits; and regulatory framework for  Engagement and participation by all. environmental protection and management. Ireland’s National Renewable  The National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP)  The NREAP sets out the Member State’s national targets for Where new land use developments or Energy Action Plan 2010 (Irish sets out the Government’s strategic approach and the share of energy from renewable sources to be consumed activities occur as a result of this Government submission to the concrete measures to deliver on Ireland’s 16% target in transport, electricity and heating and cooling in 2020, and legislation, plan, programme, etc., European Commission) under Directive 2009/28/EC. demonstrates how the Member State will meet its overall individually or in combination with national target established under the Directive. others, potential in-combination effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 123 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Strategy for Renewable Energy  The Government’s overarching strategic objective is to This document sets out five strategic goals, reflecting the key Where new land use developments or (2012-2020) make renewable energy an increasingly significant dimensions of the renewable activities occur as a result of this component of Ireland’s energy supply by 2020, so that energy challenge to 2020: legislation, plan, programme, etc., at a minimum it will achieve its legally binding 2020  Increasing on and offshore wind, individually or in combination with target in the most cost efficient manner for consumers.  Building a sustainable bioenergy sector, others, potential in-combination  Of critical importance is the role which the renewable  Fostering R&D in renewables such as wave & tidal, effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. energy sector plays in job creation and economic  Growing sustainable transport; and Implementation of the Plan needs to activity as part of the Government’s action plan for  Building out robust and efficient networks. comply with all environmental jobs. legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Climate Mitigation Plan  The Plan represents an initial step to set Ireland on a The National Mitigation Plan focuses on the following issues: Where new land use developments or 2017 pathway to achieve the deep decarbonisation required  Climate Action Policy Framework activities occur as a result of this in Ireland by mid-century in line with the Government's  Decarbonising Electricity Generation legislation, plan, programme, etc., policy objectives.  Decarbonising the Built Environment individually or in combination with  Decarbonising Transport others, potential in-combination  An Approach to Carbon Neutrality for Agriculture, Forest and effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Land Use Sectors Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Policy Position on Climate  The National Policy Position provides a high-level National climate policy in Ireland: Where new land use developments or Action and Low Carbon policy direction for the adoption and implementation  Recognises the threat of climate change for humanity; activities occur as a result of this Development (2014) by Government of plans to enable the State to move  Anticipates and supports mobilisation of a comprehensive legislation, plan, programme, etc., to a low carbon economy by 2050. international response to climate change, and global individually or in combination with  Statutory authority for the plans is set out in the transition to a low-carbon future; others, potential in-combination Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act  Recognises the challenges and opportunities of the broad effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. 2015. transition agenda for society; and Implementation of the Plan needs to  Aims, as a fundamental national objective, to achieve comply with all environmental transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate-resilient and legislation and align with and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 124 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Clean Air Strategy [in  The Clean Air Strategy will provide the strategic policy  Having a National Strategy will provide a policy framework Where new land use developments or preparation] framework necessary to identify and promote by which Ireland can develop the necessary policies and activities occur as a result of this integrated measures across government policy that measures to comply with new and emerging EU legislation. legislation, plan, programme, etc., are required to reduce air pollution and promote  The Strategy should also help tackle climate change. individually or in combination with cleaner air while delivering on wider national  The Strategy will consider a wider range of national policies others, potential in-combination objectives. that are relevant to clean air policy such as transport, effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. energy, home heating and agriculture. Implementation of the Plan needs to  In any discussion relating to clean air policy, the issue of comply with all environmental people’s health is paramount and this will be a strong theme legislation and align with and of the Strategy. cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Eirgrid’s Grid25 Strategy and  Eirgrid’s mission is to develop, maintain and operate a  Grid25, EirGrid’s roadmap to uprate the electricity Where new land use developments or associated Grid25 Implementation safe, secure, reliable, economical and efficient transmission grid by 2025, continues to be implemented so activities occur as a result of this Programme 2011 -2016 transmission system for Ireland. as to increase the capacity of the grid, to satisfy future legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  “Our vision is of a grid developed to match future demand, and to help Ireland meet its target of 40 per cent individually or in combination with needs, so it can safely and reliably carry power all over of electricity from renewable energy by 2020. others, potential in-combination the country to the major towns and cities and onwards effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. to every home, farm and business where the electricity Implementation of the Plan needs to is consumed and so it can meet the needs of comply with all environmental consumers and generators in a sustainable way.” legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Strategy for the Future  The objective of this Strategy is to assist in the  A Strategic Greenway network of national and regional Where new land use developments or Development of National and strategic development of nationally and regionally routes, with a number of high capacity flagship routes that activities occur as a result of this Regional Greenways (2018) significant Greenways in appropriate locations can be extended and/or link with local Greenways and other legislation, plan, programme, etc., constructed to an appropriate standard in order to cycling and walking infrastructure; individually or in combination with deliver a quality experience for all Greenways users.  Greenways of scale and appropriate standard that have others, potential in-combination  It also aims to increase the number and geographical significant potential to deliver an increase in activity tourism effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. spread of Greenways of scale and quality around the to Ireland and are regularly used by overseas visitors, Implementation of the Plan needs to country over the next 10 years with a consequent domestic visitors and locals thereby contributing to a comply with all environmental significant increase in the number of people using healthier society through increased physical activity; legislation and align with and Greenways as a visitor experience and as a  Greenways that provide a substantially segregated offroad cumulatively contribute towards – in recreational amenity. experience linking places of interest, recreation and leisure combination with other users and in areas with beautiful scenery of different types with plenty bodies and their plans etc. – the to see and do; and achievement of the objectives of the  Greenways that provide opportunities for the development regulatory framework for of local businesses and economies, and

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 125 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  Greenways that are developed with all relevant stakeholders environmental protection and in line with an agreed code of practice. management. National Water Resources Plan [in  The NWRP is a plan on how to provide a safe, secure The key objectives of the plan are to: Where new land use developments or preparation] and reliable water supply to customers for the next 25  Identify areas where there are current and future potential activities occur as a result of this years, without causing adverse impact on the water supply shortfalls, taking into account normal and legislation, plan, programme, etc., environment. extreme weather conditions individually or in combination with  The objective of the NWRP is to set out how we intend  Assess the current and future water demand from homes, others, potential in-combination to maintain the supply and demand for drinking water businesses, farms, and industry effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. over the short, medium and long term whilst  Consider the impacts of climate change on Ireland’s water Implementation of the Plan needs to minimising the impact on the environment. resources comply with all environmental  Develop a drought plan advising measures to be taken legislation and align with and before and during drought events cumulatively contribute towards – in  Develop a plan detailing how we deal with the material that combination with other users and is produced as a result of treating drinking water bodies and their plans etc. – the  Identify, develop and assess options to help meet potential achievement of the objectives of the shortfalls in water supplies regulatory framework for  Assess the water resources available at a national level environmental protection and including lakes, rivers and groundwater management. National Strategic Plan Vision: “Aquaculture in RC is economically, socially and General development and growth objectives of marine and Where new land use developments or for Aquaculture ecologically sustainable, with a developed infrastructure, freshwater aquaculture (2014 – 2020): activities occur as a result of this Development (2014- strong human potentials and an organized market. The  Strengthen the social, business and administrative legislation, plan, programme, etc., 2020) consumption of aquaculture products is equal or above EU environment for aquaculture development individually or in combination with average, while the technological development of the sector  Increase in the total production to 24,050 tonnes while others, potential in-combination is among the best in the EU.” adhering to the principles of economic, social and ecological effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. sustainability Implementation of the Plan needs to  Improvement of the perception and increase in the national comply with all environmental consumption of National products legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Construction 2020, A Strategy for  Construction 2020 sets out a package of measures This Strategy therefore addresses issues including: Where new land use developments or a Renewed Construction Sector agreed by the Government and is aimed at stimulating  A strategic approach to the provision of housing, based on activities occur as a result of this activity in the building industry. real and measured needs, with mechanisms in place to legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  The Strategy aims both to increase the capacity of the detect and act when things are going wrong; individually or in combination with sector to create and maintain jobs, and to deliver a  Continuing improvement of the planning process, striking others, potential in-combination sustainable sector, operating at an appropriate level. the right balance between current and future requirements; effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. It seeks to learn the lessons of the past and to ensure  The availability of financing for viable and worthwhile Implementation of the Plan needs to that the right structures and mechanisms are in place projects; comply with all environmental so that they are not repeated.  Access to mortgage finance on reasonable and sustainable legislation and align with and terms; cumulatively contribute towards – in  Ensuring we have the tools we need to monitor and regulate combination with other users and the sector in a way that underpins public confidence and bodies and their plans etc. – the worker safety; achievement of the objectives of the  Ensuring a fit for purpose sector supported by a highly skilled regulatory framework for workforce achieving high quality and standards; and environmental protection and management. CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 126 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  Ensuring opportunities are provided to unemployed former construction workers to contribute to the recovery of the sector. Sustainable Development: A  The overall aim of this Strategy is to ensure that  The Strategy addresses all areas of Government policy, and Where new land use developments or Strategy for Ireland (1997) economy and society in Ireland can develop to their of economic and societal activity, which impact on the activities occur as a result of this full potential within a well-protected environment, environment. It seeks to re-orientate policies as necessary legislation, plan, programme, etc., without compromising the quality of that environment, to ensure that the strong growth Ireland enjoys and seeks individually or in combination with and with responsibility towards present and future to maintain will be environmentally sustainable. others, potential in-combination generations and the wider international community. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Landscape Strategy for  The National Landscape Strategy will be used to The objectives of the National Landscape Strategy are to: Where new land use developments or Ireland 2015-2025 and ensure compliance with the European Landscape  Implement the European Landscape Convention by activities occur as a result of this National Landscape Character Convention and to establish principles for protecting integrating landscape into the approach to sustainable legislation, plan, programme, etc., Assessment (pending preparation) and enhancing the landscape while positively development; individually or in combination with managing its change. It will provide a high level policy  Establish and embed a public process of gathering, sharing others, potential in-combination framework to achieve balance between the protection, and interpreting scientific, technical and cultural information effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. management and planning of the landscape by way of in order to carry out evidence-based identification and Implementation of the Plan needs to supporting actions. description of the character, resources and processes of the comply with all environmental  Landscape Strategy Vision: “Our landscape reflects landscape; legislation and align with and and embodies our cultural values and our shared  Provide a policy framework, which will put in place measures cumulatively contribute towards – in natural heritage and contributes to the well-being of at national, sectoral - including agriculture, tourism, energy, combination with other users and our society, environment and economy. We have an transport and marine - and local level, together with civil bodies and their plans etc. – the obligation to ourselves and to future generations to society, to protect, manage and properly plan through high achievement of the objectives of the promote its sustainable protection, management and quality design for the sustainable stewardship of the regulatory framework for planning.” landscape; environmental protection and  Ensure that we take advantage of opportunities to management. implement policies relating to landscape use that are complementary and mutually reinforcing and that conflicting policy objectives are avoided in as far as possible. National Hazardous Waste  This Plan sets out the priorities to be pursued over the The revised Plan makes 27 recommendations under the following Where new land use developments or Management Plan (EPA) 2014- next six years and beyond to improve the topics: activities occur as a result of this 2020 management of hazardous waste, taking into account  Prevention legislation, plan, programme, etc., the progress made since the previous plan and the  Collection individually or in combination with waste policy and legislative changes that have  Self-sufficiency others, potential in-combination occurred since the previous plan was published.  Regulation effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Section 26 of the Waste Management Act 1996 as  Legacy issues Implementation of the Plan needs to amended, sets out the overarching objectives for the  North-south cooperation comply with all environmental National Hazardous Waste Management Plan. In this  Guidance and awareness legislation and align with and context, the following objectives are included as priorities  Implementation cumulatively contribute towards – in for the revised Plan period: combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 127 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  To prevent and reduce the generation of hazardous achievement of the objectives of the waste by industry and society generally; regulatory framework for  To maximise the collection of hazardous waste with a environmental protection and view to reducing the environmental and health impacts management. of any unregulated waste;  To strive for increased self-sufficiency in the management of hazardous waste and to minimise hazardous waste export;  To minimise the environmental, health, social and economic impacts of hazardous waste generation and management. Ministerial Guidelines such as  The Department produces a range of guidelines  The Minister issues statutory guidelines under Section 28 of Where new land use developments or Sustainable Rural Housing designed to help planning authorities, An Bord the Act which planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála are activities occur as a result of this Guidelines and Flood Risk Pleanála, developers and the general public and cover obliged to have regard to in the performance of their legislation, plan, programme, etc., Management Guidelines a wide range of issues amongst others, architectural planning functions. individually or in combination with heritage, child care facilities, landscape, quarries and others, potential in-combination residential density. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. HSE Healthy Ireland Framework  The vision is: “A Healthy Ireland, where everyone can These four goals are interlinked, interdependent and mutually Where new land use developments or for Improved Health and enjoy physical and mental health and wellbeing to supportive: activities occur as a result of this Wellbeing 2013-2025 their full potential, where wellbeing is valued and  Goal 1: Increase the proportion of people who are healthy legislation, plan, programme, etc., supported at every level of society and is everyone’s at all stages of life individually or in combination with responsibility.”  Goal 2: Reduce health inequalities others, potential in-combination  Goal 3: Protect the public from threats to health and effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. wellbeing Implementation of the Plan needs to  Goal 4: Create an environment where every individual and comply with all environmental sector of society can play their part in achieving a healthy legislation and align with and Ireland cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Our Sustainable Future: A A medium to long term framework for advancing  Sets out the challenges facing us and how we might address Where new land use developments or framework for Sustainable sustainable development and the green economy in Ireland. them in making sure that quality of life and general wellbeing activities occur as a result of this Development for Ireland 2012 It identifies spatial planning as a key challenge for can be improved and sustained in the decades to come. legislation, plan, programme, etc., sustainable development and sets a series of measures to individually or in combination with address these challenges. others, potential in-combination effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 128 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Smarter Travel – A Sustainable  Outlines a policy for how a sustainable travel and  Others lower level aims include: Where new land use developments or Transport Future – A New transport system can be achieved. o reduce distance travelled by private car and activities occur as a result of this Transport Policy for Ireland 2009 –  Sets out five key goals: encourage smarter travel, including focusing legislation, plan, programme, etc., 2020 (2009) o To reduce overall travel demand. population growth in areas of employment and to individually or in combination with o To maximise the efficiency of the transport encourage people to live in close proximity to others, potential in-combination network. places of employment effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. o To reduce reliance on fossil fuels. o ensuring that alternatives to the car are more Implementation of the Plan needs to o To reduce transport emissions. widely available, mainly through a radically comply with all environmental o To improve accessibility to transport. improved public transport service and through legislation and align with and investment in cycling and walking cumulatively contribute towards – in o improving the fuel efficiency of motorised combination with other users and transport through improved fleet structure, energy bodies and their plans etc. – the efficient driving and alternative technologies achievement of the objectives of the o strengthening institutional arrangements to regulatory framework for deliver the targets environmental protection and management. Investing in our Future: A  SFILT sets out a set of priorities to guide the allocation The three priorities stated in SFILT are: Where new land use developments or Strategic Framework for of the State’s investment to best develop and manage • Priority 1: Achieve steady state maintenance (meaning that the activities occur as a result of this Investment in Land Transport Ireland’s land transport network over the coming maintenance and renewal of the existing transport system is at a legislation, plan, programme, etc., (SFILT) – Department of decades. sufficient level to maintain the system in an adequate condition); individually or in combination with Transport, Tourism And Sport • Priority 2: Address urban congestion; and others, potential in-combination • Priority 3: Maximise the value of the road network. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to In delivering on the steady state maintenance objective set out in comply with all environmental SFILT, the Plan includes for: legislation and align with and • Planned replacement programme for the bus fleet operated cumulatively contribute towards – in under Public Service Obligation (“PSO”) contracts; combination with other users and • Tram refurbishment and asset renewal in the case of light rail; bodies and their plans etc. – the and achievement of the objectives of the • To the extent within the Authority’ remit, support for the regulatory framework for operation of the existing rail network within the GDA. environmental protection and management. Delivering a Sustainable Energy  White paper setting out a framework for delivering a The underpinning Strategic Goals are: Where new land use developments or Future for Ireland – The Energy sustainable energy future in Ireland.  Ensuring that electricity supply consistently meets demand activities occur as a result of this Policy Framework 2007 – 2020  Outlines strategic Goals for:  Ensuring the physical security and reliability of gas supplies legislation, plan, programme, etc., (2007) o Security of Supply to Ireland individually or in combination with o Sustainability of Energy  Enhancing the diversity of fuels used for power generation others, potential in-combination o Competitiveness of Energy Supply  Delivering electricity and gas to homes and businesses over effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. efficient, reliable and secure networks Implementation of the Plan needs to  Creating a stable attractive environment for hydrocarbon comply with all environmental exploration and production legislation and align with and

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 129 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  Being prepared for energy supply disruptions cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Adaptation Framework  NAF specifies the national strategy for the application  Adaptation under this Framework should seek to minimise Where new land use developments or (NAF) 2018 and forthcoming of adaptation measures in different sectors and by local costs and maximise the opportunities arising from climate activities occur as a result of this regional, local and sectoral authorities in their administrative areas in order to change. legislation, plan, programme, etc., adaptation plans (including reduce the vulnerability of the State to the negative  Adaptation actions range from building adaptive capacity individually or in combination with marine) effects of climate change and to avail of any positive (e.g. increasing awareness, sharing information and others, potential in-combination effects that may occur targeted training) through to policy and finance based effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. actions. Implementation of the Plan needs to  Adaptation actions must be risk based, informed by existing comply with all environmental vulnerabilities of our society and systems and an legislation and align with and understanding of projected climate change. cumulatively contribute towards – in  Adaptation actions taken to increase climate resilience must combination with other users and also consider impacts on other sectors and levels of bodies and their plans etc. – the governance achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Governments White Paper The White Paper sets out a vision and a framework to guide 2030 will represent a significant milestone, meaning: Where new land use developments or ‘Ireland’s Transition to a Low Irish energy policy between now and 2030. A complete  Reduced GHG emissions from the energy sector by between activities occur as a result of this Carbon Energy Future’ (2015 – energy policy update informed by the vision to transform 80% and 95% legislation, plan, programme, etc., 2030) Ireland into a low carbon society and economy by 2050.  Ensuring that secure supplies of competitive and affordable individually or in combination with energy remain available to citizens and businesses. others, potential in-combination effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Renewable Energy Action  Sets out the Member State’s national targets for the Including Ireland’s 16% target of gross final consumption to come Where new land use developments or Plan (2010) share of energy from renewable sources to be from renewables by 2020. activities occur as a result of this consumed in transport, electricity and heating and legislation, plan, programme, etc., cooling in 2020, and demonstrates how the Member individually or in combination with State will meet its overall national target established others, potential in-combination under the Directive. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 130 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Energy Efficiency Action  This is the second National Energy Efficiency Action  The Plan reviews the original 90 actions outlined in the first Where new land use developments or Plan for Ireland (2009 – 2020) Plan for Ireland. Plan and updates/renews/removes them as appropriate. activities occur as a result of this legislation, plan, programme, etc., individually or in combination with others, potential in-combination effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Wildlife Act of 1976  The act provides protection and conservation of wild  Provides protection for certain species, their habitats and Where new land use developments or flora and fauna. important ecosystems activities occur as a result of this Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000  Give statutory protection to NHAs legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  Enhances wildlife species and their habitats individually or in combination with  Includes more species for protection others, potential in-combination effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Actions for Biodiversity (2017-  Sets out strategic objectives, targets and actions to  To mainstream biodiversity in the decision-making process Where new land use developments or 2021) Ireland’s National conserve and restore Ireland’s biodiversity and to across all sectors. activities occur as a result of this Biodiversity Plan prevent and reduce the loss of biodiversity in Ireland  To substantially strengthen the knowledge base for legislation, plan, programme, etc., and globally. conservation, management and sustainable use of individually or in combination with biodiversity. others, potential in-combination  To increase awareness and appreciation of biodiversity and effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. ecosystems services. Implementation of the Plan needs to  To conserve and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services comply with all environmental in the wider countryside. legislation and align with and  To conserve and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services cumulatively contribute towards – in in the marine environment. combination with other users and  To expand and improve on the management of protected bodies and their plans etc. – the areas and legally protected species. achievement of the objectives of the

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 131 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  To substantially strengthen the effectiveness of international regulatory framework for governance for biodiversity and ecosystem services. environmental protection and management. National Broadband Plan (2012)  Sets out the strategy to deliver high speed broadband The Plan sets out: Where new land use developments or throughout Ireland.  A clear statement of Government policy on the delivery of activities occur as a result of this High Speed Broadband. legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  Specific targets for the delivery and rollout of high speed individually or in combination with broadband and the speeds to be delivered. others, potential in-combination  The strategy and interventions that will underpin the effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. successful implementation of these targets. Implementation of the Plan needs to  A series of specific complementary measures to promote comply with all environmental implementation of Government policy in this area. legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. The Planning System and Flood  Sets out comprehensive mechanisms for the  Avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding. Where new land use developments or Risk Management – Guidelines for incorporation of flood risk identification, assessment  Avoid new developments increasing flood risk elsewhere, activities occur as a result of this Planning Authorities (2009) and management into the planning process. including that which may arise from surface water run-off. legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  Ensures flood risk is a key consideration in preparing  Ensure effective management of residual risks for individually or in combination with land use plans and in the assessment of planning development permitted in floodplains. others, potential in-combination applications.  Avoid unnecessary restriction of national, regional or local effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  Implementation of the Guidelines is through actions at economic and social growth. Implementation of the Plan needs to national, regional, local authority and site-specific  Improve the understanding of flood risk among relevant comply with all environmental levels. stakeholders. legislation and align with and  Planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála are required  Ensure that the requirements of EU and national law in cumulatively contribute towards – in to have regard to the Guidelines in carrying out their relation to the natural environment and nature conservation combination with other users and functions under the Planning Acts. are complied with at all stages of flood risk management. bodies and their plans etc. – the The 2009 Flood Risk Management Guidelines were amended by achievement of the objectives of the Circular PL 2/2014 (Department of the Environment, Community regulatory framework for and Local Government) that provides advice on the use of OPW environmental protection and flood mapping in assessing planning applications and clarifies management. some advice from the 2009 Guidelines. European Communities (Water  Transpose the Water Framework Directive into  Implements River basin districts and characterisation of Where new land use developments or Policy) Regulations of 2003 (SI legislation. RBDs and River Basin Management Plans. activities occur as a result of this 722 of 2003)  Outlines the general duty of public authorities in  Requires the public to be informed and consulted on the Plan legislation, plan, programme, etc., relation to water. and for progress reports to be published on RBDs. individually or in combination with European Communities (Water  Identifies the competent authorities in charge of water  Implements a Register of protected areas, Classification others, potential in-combination Policy) Regulations of 2003 (SI policy (amended to Irish Water in 2013) and gives EPA systems and Monitoring programmes for water bodies. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. 350 of 2014) and the CER the authority to regulate and supervise  Allows the competent authority to recover the cost of Implementation of the Plan needs to their actions. damage/destruction of status of water body. comply with all environmental European Communities  Outlines environmental objectives and programme of legislation and align with and Environmental Objectives (Surface measures and environmental quality standards for priority cumulatively contribute towards – in waters) Regulations of 2009 (SI substances. combination with other users and 272 of 2009)  Outlines criteria for assessment of groundwater. bodies and their plans etc. – the  Outlines environmental objectives to be achieved for surface achievement of the objectives of the water bodies. regulatory framework for

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 132 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  Outlines surface water quality standards. environmental protection and  Establishes threshold values for the classification and management. protection of surface waters against pollution and deterioration in quality. European Communities  Transpose the requirements of the Groundwater  Outlines environmental objectives to be achieved for Where new land use developments or Environmental Objectives Directive 2006/118/EC into Irish Legislation. groundwater bodies of groundwater against pollution and activities occur as a result of this (Groundwater) Regulations of deterioration in quality. legislation, plan, programme, etc., 2010 (SI 9 of 2010)  Sets groundwater quality standards. individually or in combination with  Outlines threshold values for the classification and protection others, potential in-combination of groundwater. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Water Pollution Acts 1977 to 1990  The Water Pollution Acts allow Local Authorities the The Water Pollution Acts enable local authorities to: Where new land use developments or authority regulate and supervise actions relating to  Prosecute for water pollution offences. activities occur as a result of this water in their division.  Attach appropriate pollution control conditions in the legislation, plan, programme, etc., licensing of effluent discharges from industry, etc., made to individually or in combination with waters. others, potential in-combination  Issue notices ("section 12 notices") to farmers, etc., effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. specifying measures to be taken within a prescribed period Implementation of the Plan needs to to prevent water pollution. comply with all environmental  issue notices requiring a person to cease the pollution of legislation and align with and waters and requiring the mitigation or remedying of any cumulatively contribute towards – in effects of the pollution in the manner and within the period combination with other users and specified in such notices; bodies and their plans etc. – the  Seek court orders, including High Court injunctions, to achievement of the objectives of the prevent, terminate, mitigate or remedy pollution/its effects. regulatory framework for  Prepare water quality management plans for any waters in environmental protection and or adjoining their functional areas. management.

Water Services Act 2007  Provides the water services infrastructure. Key strategic objectives include: Where new land use developments or  Outlines the responsibilities involved in delivering and activities occur as a result of this Water Services (Amendment) Act managing water services.  Ensuring Irish Water delivers infrastructural projects that legislation, plan, programme, etc., 2012  Identifies the authority in charge of provision of water meet key public health, environmental and economic individually or in combination with and wastewater supply. objectives in the water services sector. others, potential in-combination Water Services Act (No. 2) 2013  Irish Water was given the responsibility of the  Ensuring the provision of adequate water and sewerage effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. provision of water and wastewater services in the services in the gateways and hubs listed in the National Implementation of the Plan needs to amendment act during 2013, therefore these services Spatial Strategy, and in other locations where services need comply with all environmental are no longer the responsibility of the 34 Local to be enhanced. legislation and align with and Authorities in Ireland. cumulatively contribute towards – in

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 133 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  Ensuring good quality drinking water is available to all combination with other users and consumers of public and group water supplies, in compliance bodies and their plans etc. – the with national and EU drinking water standards achievement of the objectives of the  Ensuring the provision of the remaining infrastructure regulatory framework for needed to provide secondary wastewater treatment, for environmental protection and compliance with the requirements of the EU Urban management. Wastewater Treatment Directive.  Promoting water conservation through Irish Water’s Capital Investment Plan, the Rural Water Programme and other measures.  Monitoring the on-going implementation of septic tanks inspection regime and the National Inspection Plan for Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems.  Ensuring a fair funding model to deliver water services.  Overseeing the establishment of an economic regulation function under the CER. Irish Water’s Water Services  This Water Services Strategic Plan sets out strategic Six strategic objectives as follows: Where new land use developments or Strategic Plan 2015 and associated objectives for the delivery of water services over the activities occur as a result of this Proposed Capital Investment Plan next 25 years up to 2040. It details current and future  Meet Customer Expectations. legislation, plan, programme, etc., (2014-2016) challenges which affect the provision of water services  Ensure a Safe and Reliable Water Supply. individually or in combination with and identifies the priorities to be tackled in the short  Provide Effective Management of Wastewater. others, potential in-combination and medium term.  Protect and Enhance the Environment. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  Support Social and Economic Growth. Implementation of the Plan needs to  Invest in the Future. comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Raised Bog SAC Management Plan  Aims to meet nature conservation obligations while  Ensure that the implications of management choices for Where new land use developments or and Review of Raised Bog Natural having regard to national and local economic, social water levels, quantity and quality are fully explored, activities occur as a result of this Heritage Areas and cultural needs understood and factored into policy making and land use legislation, plan, programme, etc., planning. individually or in combination with  Review the current raised bog NHA network in terms of its others, potential in-combination contribution to the national conservation objective for raised effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. bog habitats and determine the most suitable sites to replace Implementation of the Plan needs to the losses of active raised bog habitat and high bog areas comply with all environmental within the SAC network and to enhance the national network legislation and align with and of NHAs. cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 134 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan Food Harvest 2020  Food Harvest 2020 is a roadmap for the Irish food  Seeks for the improvement of all agricultural sectors at all Where new land use developments or industry, as it seeks to innovate and expand in levels in terms of sustainability, environmental consideration activities occur as a result of this response to increased global demand for quality foods. and marketing development. legislation, plan, programme, etc., It sets out a vision for the potential growth in individually or in combination with agricultural output after the removal of milk quotas. others, potential in-combination effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Agri-vision 2015 Action Plan Outlines the vision for agricultural industry to improve not applicable Where new land use developments or competitiveness and response to market demand while activities occur as a result of this respecting and enhancing the environment legislation, plan, programme, etc., individually or in combination with others, potential in-combination effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Rural Environmental Protection  Agri-environmental funding schemes aimed at rural  Establish best practice farming methods and production Where new land use developments or Scheme (REPS) development for the environmental enhancement and methods in order to protect landscapes and maximise activities occur as a result of this protection. conservation. legislation, plan, programme, etc., Agri-Environmental Options  GLAS is the new replacement for REPS and AEOS  Protect biodiversity, endangered species of flora and fauna individually or in combination with Scheme (AEOS) which are both expiring. and wildlife habitats. others, potential in-combination  Ensure food is produced with the highest regard to the effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Green, Low-Carbon, Agri- environment. Implementation of the Plan needs to environment Scheme (GLAS)  Implement nutrient management plans and grassland comply with all environmental management plans. legislation and align with and  Protect and maintain water bodies, wetlands and cultural cumulatively contribute towards – in heritage. combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Rural Development  The National Rural Development Programme, At a more detailed level, the programme also: Where new land use developments or Programme prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries activities occur as a result of this

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 135 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan and Food, sets out a national programme based on the  Supports structural change at farm level including training legislation, plan, programme, etc., EU framework for rural development and prioritises young farmers and encouraging early retirement, support for individually or in combination with improving the competitiveness of agriculture, restructuring, development and innovation; others, potential in-combination improving the environment and improving the quality  Aims to improve the environment, biodiversity and the effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. of life in rural areas amenity value of the countryside by support for land Implementation of the Plan needs to management through funds such as Natura 2000 payments comply with all environmental etc.; and legislation and align with and  Aims to improve quality of life in rural areas and encouraging cumulatively contribute towards – in diversification of economic activity through the combination with other users and implementation of local development strategies such as non- bodies and their plans etc. – the agricultural activities achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Forestry Programme  Represents Ireland’s proposals for 100% State aid Measures include the following: Where new land use developments or (2014-2020) funding for a new Forestry Programme for the period activities occur as a result of this 2014 – 2020.  Afforestation and Creation of Woodland legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  NeighbourWood Scheme individually or in combination with  Forest Roads others, potential in-combination  Reconstitution Scheme effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  Woodland Improvement Scheme Implementation of the Plan needs to  Native Woodland Conservation Scheme comply with all environmental  Knowledge Transfer and Information Actions legislation and align with and  Producer Groups cumulatively contribute towards – in  Innovative Forest Technology combination with other users and  Forest Genetic Reproductive Material bodies and their plans etc. – the  Forest Management Plans achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. River Basin Management Plan  River Basin Management Plans set out the measures  Aim to protect and enhance all water bodies in the RBD and Where new land use developments or planned to maintain and improve the status of waters. meet the environmental objectives outlined in Article 4 of the activities occur as a result of this Water Framework Directive. legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  Identify and manages water bodies in the RBD. individually or in combination with  Establish a programme of measures for monitoring and others, potential in-combination improving water quality in the RBD. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  Involve the public through consultations. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Peatlands This Strategy aims to provide a long-term framework Objectives of the Strategy: Where new land use developments or Strategy (2015-2025) within which all of the peatlands within the State can  To give direction to Ireland’s approach to peatland activities occur as a result of this be managed responsibly in order to optimise their management. legislation, plan, programme, etc.,  To apply to all peatlands, including peat soils. individually or in combination with

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 136 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan social, environmental and economic contribution to the  To ensure that the relevant State authorities and state others, potential in-combination well-being of this and future generations. owned companies that influence such decisions effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. contribute to meeting cross-cutting objectives and Implementation of the Plan needs to obligations in their policies and actions. comply with all environmental  To ensure that Ireland’s peatlands are sustainably legislation and align with and managed so that their benefits can be enjoyed cumulatively contribute towards – in responsible. combination with other users and  To inform appropriate regulatory systems to facilitate bodies and their plans etc. – the good decision making in support of responsible use. achievement of the objectives of the  To inform the provision of appropriate incentives, regulatory framework for financial supports and disincentives where required. environmental protection and  To provide a framework for determining and ensuring management. the most appropriate future use of cutover and cutaway bogs. To ensure that specific actions necessary for the achievement of its objectives are clearly identified and delivered by those involved in or responsible for peatlands management or for decisions affecting their management. Flood Risk Management Plans  The national Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and CFRAM Studies have been undertaken for all River Basin Districts. Where new land use developments or arising from National Catchment Management (CFRAM) programme commenced in The studies are focusing on areas known to have experienced activities occur as a result of this Flood Risk Assessment and Ireland in 2011 and is being overseen by the Office of flooding in the past and areas that may be subject to flooding in legislation, plan, programme, etc., Management Programme Public Works. The CFRAM Programme is intended to the future either due to development pressures or climate change. individually or in combination with deliver on core components of the National Flood Flood Risk and Hazard mapping, including Flood Extent Mapping, others, potential in-combination Policy, adopted in 2004, and on the requirements of was finalised in 2017. The final outputs from the studies are the effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. the EU Floods Directive. CFRAM Plans, finalised in 2018. The Plans define the current and Implementation of the Plan needs to future flood risk in the River Basin Districts and set out how this comply with all environmental risk can be managed. legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Draft National Bioenergy Plan The Draft Bioenergy Plan sets out a vision as follows: Three high level goals, of equal importance, based on the concept Where new land use developments or 2014 - 2020 of sustainable development are identified: activities occur as a result of this  Bioenergy resources contributing to economic  To harness the market opportunities presented by bioenergy legislation, plan, programme, etc., development and sustainable growth, generating jobs in order to achieve economic development, growth and jobs. individually or in combination with for citizens, supported by coherent policy, planning  To increase awareness of the value, opportunities and others, potential in-combination and regulation, and managed in an integrated manner. societal benefits of developing bioenergy. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  To ensure that bioenergy developments do not adversely Implementation of the Plan needs to impact the environment and its living and non-living comply with all environmental resources. legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 137 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan Draft Renewable Electricity Policy Goal: To optimise the opportunities in Ireland for renewable Objective: To develop a Policy and Development Framework for Where new land use developments or and Development Framework electricity development on land at significant scale, to serve renewable electricity generation on land to serve both the All activities occur as a result of this (DCCAE) 2016 both the All Island Single Electricity Market and any future Island Single Electricity Market and any future regional market legislation, plan, programme, etc., regional market within the European Union, in accordance within the European Union, with particular focus on large scale individually or in combination with with European and Irish law, including Directive projects for indigenous renewable electricity generation. This will, others, potential in-combination 2009/28/EC: On the promotion of the use of energy from inter alia, provide guidance for planning authorities and An effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. renewable resources. Bord Pleanála. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Alternative Fuels This Framework sets targets to achieve an appropriate level Targets for alternative fuel infrastructure include the following: Where new land use developments or Infrastructure for the Transport of alternative fuels infrastructure for transport, which is  AFV forecasts activities occur as a result of this Sector (DTTAS) 2017- 2030 relative to national policy and Irish market needs. Non-  Electricity targets legislation, plan, programme, etc., infrastructure-based incentives to support the use of the  Natural gas (CNG, LNG) targets individually or in combination with infrastructure and the uptake of alternative fuels are also  Hydrogen targets others, potential in-combination included within the scope of the Framework.  Biofuels targets effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  LPG targets Implementation of the Plan needs to  Synthetic and paraffinic fuels targets comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Food Wise 2025 (DAFM) Food Wise 2025 sets out a ten year plan for the agri-food Food Wise 2025 identifies ambitious and challenging growth Where new land use developments or sector. It underlines the sector’s unique and special position projections for the industry over the next ten years including: activities occur as a result of this within the Irish economy, and it illustrates the potential  85% increase in exports to €19 billion. legislation, plan, programme, etc., which exists for this sector to grow even further.  70% increase in value added to €13 billion. individually or in combination with  60% increase in primary production to €10 billion. others, potential in-combination  The creation of 23,000 additional jobs all along the supply effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. chain from producer level to high end value added product Implementation of the Plan needs to development. comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Cycle Network Scoping  Outlines objectives and actions aimed at developing a  Sets a target where 10% of all journeys will be made by bike Where new land use developments or Study 2010 strong cycle network in Ireland by 2020 activities occur as a result of this

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 138 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan  Sets out 19 specific objectives, and details the 109  Proposes the planning, infrastructure, communication, legislation, plan, programme, etc., actions, aimed at ensuring that a cycling culture is education and stakeholder participations measures required individually or in combination with developed to implement the initiative others, potential in-combination effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. National Policy Framework  This National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels This policy set out to achieve five key goals in transport: Where new land use developments or for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport represents the fi rst step  Reduce overall travel demand activities occur as a result of this Infrastructure for Transport in in communicating our longer term national vision for  Maximise the effi ciency of the transport network legislation, plan, programme, etc., Ireland 2017 to 2030 decarbonising transport by 2050, the cornerstone of  Reduce reliance on fossil fuels individually or in combination with which is our ambition that by 2030 all new cars and  Reduce transport emissions others, potential in-combination vans sold in Ireland will be zero-emissions capable.  Improve accessibility to transport effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  By 2030 it is envisaged that the movement in Ireland Implementation of the Plan needs to to electrically-fuelled cars and commuter rail will be These goals remain the cornerstone of transport policy and are comply with all environmental well underway, with natural gas and biofuels fully aligned to the objectives of this National Policy Framework. legislation and align with and developing as major alternatives in the freight and bus cumulatively contribute towards – in sectors. combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Tourism Action Plan 2019-2021 The Tourism Action Plan 2019-2021 sets out actions that The Plan contains 27 actions focusing on the following areas: Where new land use developments or the Tourism Leadership Group has identified as priorities to  Policy Context activities occur as a result of this be progressed until 2021 in order to maintain sustainable  Marketing Ireland as a Visitor Destination legislation, plan, programme, etc., growth in overseas tourism revenue and employment. Each  Enhancing the Visitor Experience individually or in combination with action involves specific tourism stakeholders, both in the  Research in the Irish Tourism Sector others, potential in-combination public and private sectors, all of whom we expect to  Supporting Local Communities in Tourism effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. proactively work towards the completion of actions within  Wider Government Policy Implementation of the Plan needs to the specified timeframe.  International Context comply with all environmental  Co-ordination Structures legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 139 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan Tourism Policy Statement: People, The main goal of this policy statement is to have a vibrant, The Tourism Policy Statement sets three headline targets to be Where new land use developments or Place and Policy – Growing attractive tourism sector that makes a significant achieved by 2025: activities occur as a result of this Tourism to 2025 contribution to employment across the country; is  Overseas tourism revenue of €5 billion per year legislation, plan, programme, etc., economically, socially and environmentally sustainable;  net of inflation excluding carrier receipts; individually or in combination with helps promote a positive image of Ireland overseas, and is  250,000 people employed in tourism; and others, potential in-combination a sector in which people want to work.  10 million overseas visitors to Ireland per year. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Regional/ County/Local Level Regional Economic and Spatial Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) provide long-term  RPGs gave regional effect to the National Spatial Strategy. Where new land use developments or Strategies, replacing Regional strategic planning frameworks and will be replaced by  RSESs give regional effect to the National Planning activities occur as a result of this Planning Guidelines [in Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs). Framework. legislation, plan, programme, etc., preparation]  Account is being taken in the drafting of RSESs of the individually or in combination with The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies will provide a proposed spatial plans (i.e. Development Plans) and others, potential in-combination long-term regional level strategic planning and economic economic plans (i.e. Local, Economic, Community Plans) of effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. framework in support of the implementation of the National local authorities to ensure that the RSESs are informed by Implementation of the Plan needs to Planning Framework. identified local and regional needs. comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Integrated Implementation Plan The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016- The Implementation Plan identifies investment Where new land use developments or 2019-2024 2035, which established an overall framework for transport proposals for a number of areas including: activities occur as a result of this investment over the next two decades and was subject to • Bus; legislation, plan, programme, etc., full SEA and Stage 2 AA, is a key policy shaping the six-year • Light Rail; individually or in combination with Integrated Infrastructure Plan. The priorities in the • Heavy Rai; others, potential in-combination Integrated Infrastructure Plan align with the objectives and • Integration Measures and Sustainable effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. priorities set out in the Transport Strategy, focused on Transport Investment; Implementation of the Plan needs to improving public and sustainable transport. • Integrated Service Plan; and comply with all environmental • Integration and Accessibility. legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 140 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan NPWS Conservation Plans and/or Management planning for nature conservation sites has a  Conservation objectives for SACs and SPAs (i.e. sites within Where new land use developments or Conservation Objectives for SACs number of aims. These include: the Natura 2000 network) have to be set for the habitats and activities occur as a result of this and SPAs  To identify and evaluate the features of interest for a species for which the sites are selected. legislation, plan, programme, etc., site  These objectives are used when carrying out appropriate individually or in combination with  To set clear objectives for the conservation of the assessments for plans and projects that might impact on others, potential in-combination features of interest these sites. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise.  To describe the site and its management Implementation of the Plan needs to  To identify issues (both positive and negative) that comply with all environmental might influence the site legislation and align with and  To set out appropriate strategies/management actions cumulatively contribute towards – in to achieve the objectives combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Groundwater Protection Schemes  A Groundwater Protection Scheme provides guidelines  A Groundwater Protection Scheme aims to maintain the Where new land use developments or for the planning and licensing authorities in carrying quantity and quality of groundwater, and in some cases activities occur as a result of this out their functions, and a framework to assist in improve it, by applying a risk assessment-based approach to legislation, plan, programme, etc., decision-making on the location, nature and control of groundwater protection and sustainable development. individually or in combination with developments and activities in order to protect others, potential in-combination groundwater. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Local Economic and Community  The overarching vision for each LECP is: “to promote  The purpose of the LECP, as provided for in the Local Where new land use developments or Plans (LECP) the well-being and quality of life of citizens and Government Reform Act 2014, is to set out, for a six-year activities occur as a result of this communities” period, the objectives and actions needed to promote and legislation, plan, programme, etc., support the economic development and the local and individually or in combination with community development of the relevant local authority area, others, potential in-combination both by itself directly and in partnership with other economic effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. and community development stakeholders. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 141 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan Development Plans, including the  Outline planning objectives for land use development  Identify future infrastructure, development and zoning Where new land use developments or Mayo County Development Plan (including transport objectives). required. activities occur as a result of this 2014-2020  Strategic framework for planning and sustainable  Protect and enhances amenities and environment. legislation, plan, programme, etc., development including those set out in National  Guide planning authority in assessing proposals. individually or in combination with Local Area Plans, including the Planning Framework and Regional Economic and  Aim to guide development in the area and the amount of others, potential in-combination Westport Town and Environs Local Spatial Strategies. nature of the planned development. effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Area Plan 2005-2011  Set out the policies and proposals to guide  Aim to promote sustainable development. Implementation of the Plan needs to development in the specific Local Authority area.  Provide for economic development and protect natural comply with all environmental environmental, heritage. legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Green Infrastructure  Promotes the maintenance and improvement of green not applicable Where new land use developments or Plans/Strategies infrastructure in an area. activities occur as a result of this  Aims to protect and enhance biodiversity and habitats. legislation, plan, programme, etc., individually or in combination with others, potential in-combination effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Mayo County Council Biodiversity The County Mayo Biodiversity Action Plan aims to raise  Provides a framework for the conservation of biodiversity at Where new land use developments or Plan 2010-2015 awareness of and promote the conservation of the natural a local level. activities occur as a result of this heritage and biodiversity of the county.  Helps ensure that national & international targets for legislation, plan, programme, etc., biodiversity conservation can be achieved, while at same individually or in combination with time addressing local priorities. others, potential in-combination effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Connacht Ulster Regional Waste The plan gives effect to national and EU waste policy, and To manage wastes in a safe and compliant manner, a clear Where new land use developments or Management Plan 2015-2021 address waste prevention and management (including strategy, policies and actions are required. activities occur as a result of this

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 142 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan generation, collection and treatment) over the period 2015- legislation, plan, programme, etc., 2021. individually or in combination with others, potential in-combination effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Implementation of the Plan needs to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Mayo County Council Draft Noise The Noise Action Plans are prepared in accordance with the The purpose of this Action Plan is to endeavour to manage the Where new land use developments or Action Plan 2018-2023 requirements of the Environmental Noise Regulations 2006, existing noise environment and protect the future noise activities occur as a result of this Statutory Instrument 140 of 2006. These Regulations give environment within the action planning area. Management of the legislation, plan, programme, etc., effect to the EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the existing noise environment may be achieved by prioritising areas individually or in combination with assessment and management of environmental noise. This for which further assessment and possible noise mitigation may others, potential in-combination Directive sets out a process for managing environmental be required. Protection of the future noise environment may be effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. noise in a consistent manner across the EU and the Noise achieved by acoustical planning, which further incorporates noise Implementation of the Plan needs to Regulations set out the approach to meeting the into the planning process via measures such as land-use planning, comply with all environmental requirements of the Directive in Ireland. development planning, sound insulation measures, traffic legislation and align with and planning and control of environmental noise sources. cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Fáilte Ireland plans, strategies etc. Fáilte Ireland’s work includes preparing various plans and Some of Fáilte Ireland’s plans and strategies include various Where new land use developments or relating to the Wild Atlantic Way or strategies for the Wild Atlantic Way and other brands and projects relating to land use and infrastructural development, activities occur as a result of this other brands or initiatives, initiatives. These plans are subject to their own including those relating to development of land or on land and the legislation, plan, programme, etc., including the Wild Atlantic Way environmental assessment processes and any project carrying out of land use activities. Many of these projects exist individually or in combination with Operational Programme 2015- arising is required to be consistent with and conform with already while some are not currently in existence. others, potential in-combination 2019 the provisions of all adopted/approved Statutory Policies, effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. Strategies, Plans and Programmes, including provisions for The Statutory Policies, Strategies, Plans and Programmes that Implementation of the Plan needs to the protection and management of the environment. provide for different projects undergo a variety of environmental comply with all environmental assessments. These assessments ensure that environmental legislation and align with and The vision for the Wild Atlantic Way brand is: To create a effects are considered, including: those arising from new and cumulatively contribute towards – in world class, sustainable and un-missable experience brand intensified uses and activities; and those arising from various combination with other users and that engages and energises the visitor so that they become sectors such as tourism. bodies and their plans etc. – the powerful advocates and leaves them wanting to return for achievement of the objectives of the more. regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. Any other plans and projects, or Various other plans and projects which are subject to their Many of these projects exist already while some are not currently Where new land use developments or associated proposals, such as own environmental assessment processes and any project in existence. The Statutory Policies, Strategies, Plans and activities occur as a result of this those relating to: Croagh Patrick arising is required to be consistent with and conform with Programmes that provide for different projects undergo a variety legislation, plan, programme, etc., trails; Wild Nephin Ballycroy the provisions of all adopted/approved Statutory Policies, of environmental assessments. These assessments ensure that individually or in combination with

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 143 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Legislation, Plan, etc. Summary of high level aim/ purpose/ objective Summary of lower level objectives, actions etc. Relevance to the Plan National Park and trail network; Strategies, Plans and Programmes, including provisions for environmental effects are considered, including: those arising others, potential in-combination and Great Western Greenway the protection and management of the environment from new and intensified uses and activities; and those arising effects (see Section 7.3) may arise. including extensions to Louisburgh from various sectors such as tourism. Implementation of the Plan needs to and Keel comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies and their plans etc. – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management.

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 144 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan Appendix III Designated Sites

European Sites SACs Site Code Site Name Site Code Site Name 000278 Inishbofin And Inishshark SAC 000542 Slieve Fyagh Bog SAC 000297 Lough Corrib SAC 001228 Aughrusbeg Machair and Lake SAC 000330 Tully Mountain SAC 001309 Omey Island Machair SAC 000466 Bellacorick Iron Flush SAC 001311 Rusheenduff Lough SAC 000470 Mullet/Blacksod Bay Complex SAC 001482 Clew Bay Complex SAC 000471 Brackloon Woods SAC 001497 Doogort Machair/Lough Doo SAC 000476 Carrowmore Lake Complex SAC 001513 Keel Machair/Menaun Cliffs SAC 000484 Cross Lough (Killadoon) SAC 001529 Lough Cahasy, Lough Baun and Roonah Lough SAC 000485 Corraun Plateau SAC 001774 Lough Carra/Mask Complex SAC 000495 Duvillaun Islands SAC 001922 Bellacorick Bog Complex SAC 000500 Glenamoy Bog Complex SAC 001932 Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC 000507 Inishkea Islands SAC 001955 Croaghaun/Slievemore SAC 000522 Lough Gall Bog SAC 002005 Bellacragher Saltmarsh SAC 000527 Moore Hall (Lough Carra) SAC 002008 Maumturk Mountains SAC 000532 Oldhead Wood SAC 002031 The Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex SAC 000534 Owenduff/Nephin Complex SAC 002034 Connemara Bog Complex SAC 002179 Towerhill House SAC 002118 Barnahallia Lough SAC 002243 Clare Island Cliffs SAC 002130 Tully Lough SAC 002268 Achill Head SAC 002144 Newport River SAC 002298 River Moy SAC 002177 Lough Dahybaun SAC 002998 West Connacht Coast SAC SPAs Site Code Site Name Site Code Site Name 004004 Inishkea Islands SPA 004144 High Island, Inishshark and Davillaun SPA 004037 Blacksod Bay/Broad Haven SPA 004177 Bills Rocks SPA 004042 Lough Corrib SPA 004212 Cross Lough (Killadoon) SPA 004051 Lough Carra SPA 004221 Illaunnanoon SPA 004052 Carrowmore Lake SPA 004227 Mullet Peninsula SPA 004062 Lough Mask SPA 004228 Lough Conn and Lough Cullin SPA 004098 Owenduff/Nephin Complex SPA 004231 Inishbofin, Omey Island and Turbot Island SPA 004111 Duvillaun Islands SPA 004235 Doogort Machair SPA 004136 Clare Island SPA Other Connected Sites SACs SPAs Site Code Site Name Site Code Site Name 268 Galway Bay Complex SAC 4031 Inner Galway Bay SPA 458 Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SAC 4036 Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SPA Natural Heritage Areas Site Code Site Name Site Code Site Name 000548 Tawnymackan Bog NHA 001473 Bangor Erris Bog NHA 001566 Tristia Bog NHA 001567 Tullaghan Bay And Bog NHA 001570 Ummerantarry Bog NHA 002374 Cloon And Laghtanabba Bog NHA 002381 Doogort East Bog NHA 002383 Croaghmoyle Mountain NHA 002403 Sraheens Bog NHA 002419 Glenturk More Bog NHA 002420 Cunnagher More Bog NHA 002432 Forrew Bog NHA 002436 Tooreen Bog NHA 002446 Ederglen Bog NHA 002455 Lough Greney Bog NHA Proposed Natural Heritage Areas Site Code Site Name Site Code Site Name 000278 Inishbofin And Inishshark 000297 Lough Corrib 000330 Tully Mountain 000459 Altaconey Bog 000466 Bellacorick Iron Flush 000469 Bills Rocks 000470 Mullet/Blacksod Bay Complex 000471 Brackloon Woods 000476 Carrowmore Lake Complex 000477 Clare Island 000481 Coolbarreen Lough 000483 Croagh Patrick 000484 Cross Lough (Killadoon) 000485 Corraun Plateau 000495 Duvillaun Islands 000500 Glenamoy Bog Complex 000507 Inishkea Islands 000509 Inishturk 000519 Lough Conn And Lough Cullin 000522 Lough Gall Bog

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 145 SEA Environmental Report for the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan 000527 Moore Hall (Lough Carra) 000532 Oldhead Wood 000534 Owenduff/Nephin Complex 000542 Slieve Fyagh Bog 000735 Maumtrasna Mountain Complex 001228 Aughrusbeg Machair And Lake 001233 Ballynakill Bay and Lamb's Island 001253 Dernasliggaun Wood 001309 Omey Island Machair 001311 Rusheenduff Lough 001470 Ardogommon Wood 001482 Clew Bay Complex 001483 Cloghmoyle Dunes 001486 Cloonboorhy Lough 001488 Corraun Point Machair/Dooreel Creek 001491 Dambaduff Lough 001497 Doogort Machair/Lough Doo 001499 Drumleen Lough 001504 Frehill Island 001511 Inishdegil Islands 001513 Keel Machair/Menaun Cliffs 001518 Kinlooey Lough 001520 Knappagh Woods 001528 Lough Beg, Carrowmore 001529 Lough Cahasy, Lough Baun and Roonah Lough 001774 Lough Carra/Mask Complex 001917 Crump Island Complex 001922 Bellacorick Bog Complex 001932 Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex 001955 Croaghaun/Slievemore 001967 Inishgalloon 001968 Mweelaun Island 001969 Caher Island 001970 Ballybeg Island 001971 Inishdalla 001972 Friar Island 002005 Bellacragher Saltmarsh 002008 Maumturk Mountains 002031 The Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex 002034 Connemara Bog Complex 002062 Old Domestic Building, Heath Island, Tully Lough 002080 Letterfrack Hostel

CAAS for Fáilte Ireland 146