Ordú Boird Board Order

02.VA0017

FORBAIRT BHONNEAGAIR STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE STRAITÉISIGH DEVELOPMENT

Na hAchtanna um Pleanáil agus Planning and Development Acts Forbairt 2000 go 2015 2000 to 2015

Údaráis Phleanála: Comhairle Planning Authorities: Monaghan Contae Mhuineacháin, Comhairle , County Contae an Chabháin, Comhairle Council, Contae na Mí

Iarratas faoi alt 182A(1) 51 d’Acht um Application by for approval under Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000, arna section 182A(1) of the Planning and leasú, de réir pleananna agus sonraí a Development Act, 2000, as amended, taisceadh leis an mBord Pleanála ar an in accordance with plans and 9 Meitheamh, 2015, ráiteas tionchair particulars, lodged with An Bord timpeallachta agus ráiteas tionchair Pleanála, including an environmental Natura san áireamh a rinne EirGrid plc impact statement and a Natura impact ó The Oval, 160 Bóthar Shíol Bhroin, statement, on the 9th day of June, Droichead na Dothra, Baile Átha Cliath. 2015, by EirGrid plc of The Oval, 160 Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin.

An Fhorbairt Bheartaithe: Proposed Development: Leis an idirnascaire iomlán (thart ar 138 The overall interconnector km ar fad, lena mbeidh thart ar 34 km (approximately 138 kilometres long de lonnaithe i dTuaisceart Éireann), inclusive of approximately 34

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 1 de / of 35 nascfar gréasáin tarchuir leictreachais kilometres located in Northern Ireland) reatha Thuaisceart Éireann agus na will link the existing electricity hÉireann idir Turleenan, Contae Thír transmission networks of Northern Eoghain agus Fearann na Coille, láimh Ireland and Ireland between le Baile an Bhóthair, Contae na Mí. Turleenan, County Tyrone and Sainaithníodh an t-idirnascaire seo mar Woodland, near Batterstown, County Thionscadal Comhleasa de bhun Meath. This interconnector has been fhorálacha Rialachán (AE) Uimh. designated as a Project of Common 347/2013 ó Pharlaimint na hEorpa agus Interest (PCI) pursuant to the ón gComhairle an 17 Aibreán 2013 provisions of Regulation (EU) No. maidir le treoirlínte le haghaidh 347/2013 of the European Parliament bonneagair tras-Eorpaigh fuinnimh. and of the Council of 17th April 2013 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure. An Fhorbairt Idirnasctha Thuaidh- The proposed North-South 400 Theas 400 kV a bheartaítear, atá suite i kilovolt Interconnection Development gcontaetha Mhuineacháin, an located in Counties Monaghan, Cavan Chabháin agus na Mí, a bheidh ina and Meath, which will be the subject hábhar don iarratas ar cheadú, tá sí of the application for approval, is thart ar 103.35 km ar fad agus approximately 103.35 kilometres long cuimsítear léi na príomhghnéithe seo a and consists of the following principal leanas: elements:

(i) Líne tharchuir lasnairde 400 kV (i) A new single circuit 400-kilovolt nua ciorcaid shingil (a chlúdóidh thart overhead transmission line (covering ar 100.5 km ar fad i gContae a distance of approximately 100.5 Mhuineacháin, i gContae an Chabháin kilometres in the counties of agus i gContae na Mí) a shínfidh ó Monaghan, Cavan and Meath) dheas den chuid is mó ag an teorainn extending in a generally southerly dlínse le Tuaisceart Éireann (idir baile alignment from the jurisdictional fearainn Doohat nó Crossreagh, border with Northern Ireland (between Contae Ard Mhacha, agus baile the townland of Doohat or fearainn na Léime Giorra, Contae Crossreagh, County Armagh, and the Mhuineacháin) go baile fearainn townland of Lemgare, County

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Bogganstown (Toghroinn Chúil Monaghan) to the townland of Mhaoilín), Contae na Mí. Ina theannta Bogganstown (Electoral District (ED) sin, trasnaíonn an líne tharchuir a Culmullin), County Meath. In addition, bheartaítear an teorainn dlínse le the proposed transmission line Tuaisceart Éireann in dhá áit – ó bhaile crosses the jurisdictional border with fearainn na Léime Giorra, Contae Northern Ireland at two points - from Mhuineacháin, isteach i mbaile fearainn the townland of Lemgare, County na Croise Báine, Contae Ard Mhacha, Monaghan into the townland of agus ar ais go baile fearainn na Léime Crossbane, County Armagh and back Giorra, Contae Mhuineacháin. into the townland of Lemgare, County Cuimseoidh an líne tharchuir sin 299 Monaghan. This transmission line struchtúr tacaíochta cruach laitíse nua comprises 299 number new lattice (atá idir thart ar 26 m agus 51 m os steel support structures (ranging in cionn leibhéal na talún), mar aon leis height from approximately 26 metres na seoltóirí, na hinslitheoirí agus gairis to 51 metres over ground level), with eile lena mbaineann. associated conductors, insulators, and other apparatus. Leathnóidh an líne nua tharchuir a The proposed new transmission line bheartaítear ar fud na mbailte fearainn extends across the following seo a leanas i gContae Mhuineacháin, i townlands of County Monaghan, gContae an Chabháin agus i gContae and County Meath: na Mí: Contae Mhuineacháin: An Léim County Monaghan: Lemgare, Ghearr, Lios Dúin Ghormaíle, Achadh Lisdrumgormly, Annaglogh, na gCloch, Leacht na Caillí, an tEasán, Latnakelly, Tassan, Cashel, Annagh an Caiseal, an tEanach (Barúntacht (Cremorne Barony (By)), Chríoch Mhúrn), Carraig an Iúir, Clár Carrickanure, Clarderry, Doire, Corr na Muclach Thuaidh, Doire Cornamucklagh North, Derryhallagh Shalach (Barúntacht Mhuineacháin), (Monaghan By), Drumroosk, Droim Rúisc, an Charraigeach Ramhar, Cargaghramer, Cornanure (Monaghan Corr na nIúr (Barúntacht By), Rausker, Terrygreeghan, Mhuineacháin), Gamhscair, Tír Uí Cornamucklagh South, Crinkill, Ghréacháin, Corr na Muclach Theas, Clogher, Drumguillew Lower,

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 3 de / of 35 Críonchoill, an Clochar, Droim gColbha Drumhawan, Greagh (Cremorne By), Íochtarach, Droim Thamhain, an Brackly (Cremorne By), Ghréach (Barúntacht Chríoch Mhúrn), Tullynahinnera, Cooltrimegish, an Bhreaclaigh (Barúntacht Chríoch Boraghy, Aghmakerr, Drumillard Mhúrn), Tulaigh na hInneora, Cúil (Cremorne By), Tooa, Tullyglass, Troim Éigis, Barrachadh, Achadh Mhic Cornasassonagh, Corrinenty, Céir, Droim Iolaird (Barúntacht Chríoch Ummerafree, Sreenty, Ardragh, Mhúrn), Tuath, Tulaigh Ghlais, Corr na Corvally (Farney By), Raferagh, Sasanach, Corr an Fheannta, an Cornalaragh, Doagh, Corlea (ED tIomaire Fraoigh, na Srianta, Ardráth, Drumcarrow), Scalkill and Corr an Bhealaigh (Barúntacht Ballaghnagearn. Fhearnaí), Ráth Fiachrach, Corr na Láithreach, an Dumha, an Chorr Liath (Toghroinn Dhroim Chora), Scallchoill agus Bealach na gCeithearn. Contae an Chabháin: Lios Uí County Cavan: Lisagoan, Drumiller, Ghabhann, Drumiller, an Chorr Liath Corlea (Clankee By), Cornamagh, (Barúntacht Chlann Chaoich), Corr na Corglass (ED Lisagoan), Collops, mBeach, an Chorr Ghlas (Toghroinn Dingin, Corrycholman, Leiter (ED Lios Uí Ghabhann), Collops, Dingin, Lisagoan), Cordoagh (ED Enniskeen), Corrycholman, Leitir (Toghroinn Lios Uí Laragh, Corraneary (ED Enniskeen), Ghabhann), an Chorr Dhúch Carrowreagh, Clonturkan and (Toghroinn Inis Caoin), Laragh, Corr an Balloughly. Aoire (Toghroinn Inis Caoin), Carrowreagh, Clonturkan agus Balloughly. Contae na Mí: Bóthar Liath, Moorlagh, County Meath: Boherlea, Moorlagh, Tullyweel, Lislea, Achadh Mór, Tullyweel, Lislea, Aghamore, Shancor, Shancor, Towas, an tÉadan, Buíonach Towas, Eden, Boynagh (ED (Toghroinn Chill Mhaighneann), Allt Kilmainham), Altmush (ED Maise (Toghroinn Bhaile Chrúis), Baile Cruicetown), Cruicetown (ED Chrúis (Toghroinn Bhaile Chrúis), Cruicetown), Brittas, Rahood, Raffin, Brittas, Ráth Úd, Raffin, Clooney, Baile Clooney, Drakerath, Mountainstown,

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an Drácaigh, Mountainstown, Dústún Dowdstown (ED Castletown), (Toghroinn Bhaile an Chaisleáin), Fletcherstown, Cluain an Ghaill Fletcherstown, Cluain an Ghaill, Baile (Clongill), Baile Órthaí (Oristown), Órthaí, Diméin Bhaile Ghib, Tailtin, Diméin Bhaile Ghib (Gibstown Caisleán Mháirtín, Tankardstown Demesne), Tailtin (Teltown), (Toghroinn Ard Breacáin), Grange Castlemartin, Tankardstown (ED (Toghroinn Ard Breacáin), Ardbraccan), Grange (ED Durhamstown, Neillstown (Toghroinn Ardbraccan), Durhamstown, Ard Breacáin), Baile an Bhiataigh Neillstown (ED Ardbraccan), (Toghroinn Ard Breacáin), Ongenstown Betaghstown (ED Ardbraccan), (Toghroinn Ard Breacáin), Baile na Ongenstown (ED Ardbraccan), nGael (Toghroinn Ard Breacáin), Irishtown (ED Ardbraccan), Halltown, Halltown, Baile an Teampaill, Churchtown, Philpotstown (ED Philpotstown (Toghroinn Bheigthí), Bective), Rataine, Dunlough, Balbrigh, Rataine, Dunlough, Balbrigh, Dunganny, Rathnally, Trubley, Dunganny, Ráth an Eallaigh, Trubley, Knockstown (ED Kilcooly), Knockstown (Toghroinn Chill Chúile), Knockstown (ED Kilmessan), Creroge, Knockstown (Toghroinn Chill Crumpstown or Marshallstown (ED Mheasáin), Creroge, Crumpstown nó Galtrim), Branganstown, Boycetown, Marshallstown (Toghroinn Ghalltroma), Galtrim, Martinstown (ED Galtrim), Branganstown, Boycetown, Galltroim, Derrypatrick, Culmullin, Woodtown Baile Mháirtín (Toghroinn Ghalltroma), (ED Culmullin), Curraghtown (ED Derrypatrick, Cúil Mhaoilín, Baile na Culmullin) and Bogganstown (ED Coille (Toghroinn Chúil Mhaoilín), Culmullin). Curraghtown (Toghroinn Chúil Mhaoilín), agus Bogganstown (Toghroinn Chúil Mhaoilín). Áirítear leis an bhforbairt a bheartaítear The proposed development includes forbairt i gceantar Gaeltachta, lonnaithe development in a Gaeltacht area, sna bailte fearainn seo a leanas: Cluain located in the townlands of Cluain an an Ghaill, Baile Órthaí, Diméin Bhaile Ghaill (Clongill), Baile Órthaí Ghib agus Tailtin (atá go léir i gContae (Oristown), Diméin Bhaile Ghib na Mí). (Gibstown Demesne) and Tailtin

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 5 de / of 35 (Teltown), all in County Meath. (ii) Is gá mionathruithe a dhéanamh (ii) Modifications are required to ar thrí líne lasnairde 110 kV reatha. I three number existing 110 kV measc na mionathruithe, cuirfear overhead lines. The modifications sraitheanna cuaillí breise isteach agus / comprise the insertion of additional nó cuirfear sraitheanna cuaillí níos ísle polesets and/or replacement of (idir 11.5 m agus 19 m ar airde os cionn existing structures with polesets of leibhéal na talún) in ionad struchtúir shorter height (ranging in height from reatha sna láithreacha seo a leanas: approximately 11.5 m to 19 m over ground level) in the following locations: • Cóngaracht an áit a dtrasnaíonn • The vicinity of where the an líne tharchuir lasnairde 400 proposed 400 kV overhead kV a bheartaítear leis an líne transmission line intersects with tharchuir 110 kV Lisdrum-Lú i the Lisdrum Louth 110 kV nDroim Rúisc, Contae transmission line, in Drumroosk, Mhuineacháin. County Monaghan. • Cóngaracht an áit a dtrasnaíonn • The vicinity of where the an líne tharchuir lasnairde 400 proposed 400 kV overhead kV a bheartaítear leis an líne transmission line intersects with tharchuir 110 kV Lú-Rathrussan i the Louth-Rathrussan 110 kV gCorr an Fheannta agus sa transmission line, in Corrinenty Chorr Bhán, Contae and Corbane, County Mhuineacháin. Monaghan. • Cóngaracht an áit a dtrasnaíonn • The vicinity of where the an líne tharchuir lasnairde 400 proposed 400 kV overhead kV a bheartaítear leis an líne transmission line intersects with tharchuir 110 kV Ármhach-na the Arva-Navan 110 kV hUaimhe i nDiméin Bhaile Ghib transmission line, in Diméin agus Tailtin, Contae na Mí. Bhaile Ghib (Gibstown Demesne and Tailtin (Teltown), County Meath. (iii) Ciorcad 400 kV nua a shínfidh (iii) The addition of a new 400-kilovolt

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thart ar 2.85km feadh an taoibh thuaidh circuit for approximately 2.85 nach bhfuil á úsáid faoi láthair den líne kilometres along the currently unused tharchuir 400 kV atá ann cheana idir an northern side of the existing Oldstreet tSeansráid agus Fearann na Coille, a to Woodland 400-kilovolt transmission shínfear soir ó bhaile fearainn line, extending eastwards from the Bogganstown (Toghroinn Chúil townland of Bogganstown (ED Mhaoilín) a fhad le Fostáisiún Fhearann Culmullin) to the existing ESB na Coille 400 kV de chuid BSL atá ann Woodland 400-kilovolt substation, in cheana i mbaile fearainn Fhearann na the townland of Woodland, County Coille, Contae na Mí, agus a thrasnóidh Meath, and crossing the following na bailte fearainn seo a leanas i townlands in County Meath: gContae na Mí: Bogganstown Bogganstown (ED Culmullin), (Toghroinn Chúil Mhaoilín), Curraghtown (ED Culmullin), Curraghtown (Toghroinn Chúil Gaulstown (ED Culmullin), Mhaoilín), Gaulstown (Toghroinn Chúil Hayestown, Creemore and Woodland. Mhaoilín), Hayestown, Creemore agus The existing double circuit lattice steel Fearann na Coille. Na struchtúir support structures along this existing thacaíochta cruach laitíse chiorcaid line range in height from dhúbailte atá feadh na líne sin atá ann approximately 52 metres to 61 metres cheana, tá siad éagsúil ó thaobh airde over ground level. de, idir thart ar 52 m go 61 m os cionn leibhéal na talún. (iv) Oibreacha gaolmhara ar shuíomh (iv) Associated works on a site of atá thart ar 0.544 ha ar achar laistigh approximately 0.544 ha within and d’Fhostáisiún Fhearann na Coille 400 immediately adjacent to the existing kV de chuid BSL atá ann cheana agus ESB Woodland 400 kV substation, in fíorchóngarach dó i mbaile fearainn the townland of Woodland, County Fhearann na Coille, Contae na Mí, lena Meath to include: a western extension n-áirítear: síneadh an bhábhúin atá ann of the existing compound (of cheana siar (thart ar 0.231 ha), lena n- approximately 0.231 ha) including áirítear mionathruithe gaolmhara ar an associated modifications to the gclaí pailise 2.6 m ar airde atá ann existing 2.6 metre high palisade cheana; trealamh leictreach agus boundary fence; the addition of

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 7 de / of 35 gaireas leictreach a chur leis, lena n- electrical equipment and apparatus áirítear scoradán ciorcaid, claochladáin including circuit breaker, current srutha, claochladáin phoitéinsil transformers, inductive voltage ionduchtacha, dínascairí, lasca transformers, disconnectors, dínasctha pantagraif, coscairí borrtha, pantograph disconnecting switches, inslitheoirí tacaíochta agus barraí surge arresters, support insulators inslitheora tacaíochta (a bheidh idir and support insulator bars (all ranging thart ar 7.4 m agus 13.7 m ar airde); in height from approximately 7.4 m to struchtúir dhroichid (thart ar 28 m); 13.7 m); gantry structures aeróg aonpholach thintrí (thart ar 28 m) (approximately 28 m); and a lightning agus na hoibreacha gaolmhara agus monopole (approximately 28 m); and coimhdeacha tógála agus forbartha all associated ancillary construction suímh uile. and site development works. (v) Clós stórála sealadach gaolmhar (v) An associated temporary le haghaidh ábhar tógála a bheidh suite construction material storage yard to i mbailte fearainn Mhuinilte Dubh agus be located in the townlands of Mhuinilte Bán, Carraig Mhachaire Rois, Monaltyduff and Monaltybane, Contae Mhuineacháin, ar láithreán atá Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, thart ar 1.4 ha ar achar, lena n-áirítear on a site of approximately 1.4 oibreacha gaolmhara suímh, bealach hectares, including associated site isteach nua chuig an láithreán ar works, new site entrance onto the Bhóthar Áitiúil an L4700, fálú gaolmhar L4700 Local Road, associated 2.6- pailise teorann a bheidh 2.6 m ar airde metre high boundary palisade fencing (agus bacainn torainn air) agus (with noise barrier affixed) and áiseanna gaolmhara coimhdeacha associated ancillary staff facilities and agus spásanna gaolmhara parking. coimhdeacha páirceála don fhoireann. (vi) An fhorbairt ghaolmhar agus (vi) All associated and ancillary choimhdeach ar fad lena n-áirítear development including works oibreacha a chuimsíonn nó a comprising or relating to permanent bhaineann le tógáil agus le tochailt and temporary construction and bhuan agus shealadach. excavation. Cuireadh Ráiteas Tionchair Both an environmental impact

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Timpeallachta (EIS) agus Ráiteas statement and a Natura impact Tionchair Natura (NIS) araon i dtoll a statement have been prepared in chéile i leith na forbartha a respect of the proposed development. bheartaítear. Chomh maith leis sin, In addition, a Joint Environmental d’ullmhaigh EirGrid cpt agus SONI Ltd Report has been prepared by EirGrid Comhthuarascáil Chomhshaoil (JER) i plc and SONI Ltd in respect of the leith an idirnascaire fhoriomláin ó overall interconnector from County Chontae Thír Eoghain go Contae na Tyrone to County Meath, having had Mí, agus tugadh aird chuí ann ar an regard to the European Commission Treoir maidir le Feidhmiú an Nóis Guidance on the Application of the Imeachta um Measúnacht Tionchair Environmental Impact Assessment Timpeallachta do Thionscadail Procedure for Large-Scale Mhórscála Trasteorann) ón gCoimisiún Transboundary Projects (May 2013). Eorpach (Bealtaine 2013). Is dócha go mbeidh tionchar suntasach The proposed development is likely to ag an bhforbairt a bheartaítear ar an have significant effects on the gcomhshaol i dTuaisceart Éireann, environment of Northern Ireland, an ceantar i mBallstát den Aontas Eorpach area of a Member State of the (i.e. Ríocht Aontaithe na Breataine European Union (i.e. United Kingdom agus Thuaisceart Éireann). of Great Britain and Northern Ireland). An Cinneadh Decision

CEADÚ a thabhairt don fhorbairt APPROVE the proposed development bheartaithe thuasluaite faoi alt 182B under section 182B of the Planning den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, and Development Act, 2000, as 2000, arna leasú, de réir pleananna amended, in accordance with the said agus sonraí atá ráite, bunaithe ar na plans and particulars based on the cúiseanna agus tuisceana thíos, agus reasons and considerations under and faoi réir na gcoinníollacha leagtha subject to the conditions set out amach thíos. below. An méid suime a n-íocfaidh an t- DETERMINE under section 182B, as iarratasóir a SHOCRÚ faoi alt 182B, amended, the sum to be paid by the arna leasú, mar atá sé leagtha amach i applicant in respect of costs Sceideal na gCostas thíos a bhaineann associated with the application as set

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 9 de / of 35 le costais an iarratais. out in the Schedule of Costs below.

Na hÁbhair a cuireadh san Áireamh Matters Considered Ag déanamh a chinnidh, thug an Bord In making its decision, the Board had aird ar na nithe áirithe atá dualgas air, regard to those matters to which, by de bhua na n-Achtanna um Pleanáil virtue of the Planning and agus Forbairt agus na Rialachán arna Development Acts and Regulations ndéanamh fúthu, aird a thabhairt dóibh. made thereunder, it was required to San áireamh bhí aon aighneacht agus have regard. Such matters included tuairim a fuair an Bord faoi réir the submissions and observations forálacha reachtúla. received by it in accordance with statutory provisions.

Cúiseanna agus Cúinsí Reasons and Considerations

Ag déanamh a chinnidh dó thug an In coming to its decision, the Board Bord aird ar na nithe seo a leanas: had regard to the following:

(a) na buntáistí a ghlactar leo ar (a) the benefits of integration of leibhéal an AE a thagann ó national electricity grids recognised at chomhcheangal eangacha leictreachais European Union level and reflected in mar atá léirithe leis an bhforbairt atá the designation of the proposed beartaithe a ainmniú mar Thionscadal development as a Project of Common Leasa Choitinn (TLC), Interest (PCI), (b) forálacha Straitéise Spáis (b) the provisions of the National Náisiúnta 2002-2020 na hÉireann ina Spatial Strategy for Ireland 2002- gcuireadh béim ar neartú na ngréasán 2020, which seeks to strengthen fuinnimh sna réigiúin. energy networks in the regions, (c) forálacha Pháipéar Bán an Rialtais (c) the provisions of the Government ‘Athrú sa todhchaí i gcás na hÉireann White Paper ‘Ireland’s Transition to a go geilleagar ísealcharbóin 2015-2030’, Low Carbon Energy Future 2015- 2030’, (d) forálacha sa pholasaí an Rialtais (d) the provisions of the ‘Government mar gheall ar an tábhacht straitéiseach Policy Statement on the Strategic

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a bhaineann leis an gcóras tarchurtha Importance of Transmission and Other agus le bonneagar fuinnimh eile (2012), Energy Infrastructure’ (2012), (e) forálacha i straitéis fhorbairt (e) the provisions of EirGrid’s grid ghréasáin EirGrid ‘Do Ghréasán, Do development strategy ‘Your Grid, Your Thuairimí, Do Thodhchaí’ (2015), Views, Your Tomorrow’ (2015), (f) forálacha i ‘Grid 25’, straitéis (f) the provisions of Grid 25, EirGrid mar gheall ar fhorbairt na EirGrid’s transmission network ngréasán tarchurtha, development strategy, (g) forálacha sna treoirlínte d’Údarás (g) the provisions of the Border Réigiúnach na Teorann 2010-2022, Regional Authority Planning agus forálacha sna Treoirlínte Pleanála Guidelines 2010-2022, and the Réigiúnacha do Mhórcheantar Bhaile provisions of the Regional Planning Átha Cliath 2010-2022, Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area 2010-2022, (h) na forálacha i bPlean Forbartha (h) the provisions of the Monaghan Contae Mhuineacháin 2013-2019; na County Development Plan 2013-2019; forálacha i bPlean Forbartha Contae an the provisions of the Cavan County Chabháin 2014-2020 agus na forálacha Development Plan 2014-2020 and the bPlean Forbartha Contae na Mí 2013- provisions of the Meath County 2019, Development Plan 2013-2019, (i) na cáipéisí ar an gcomhad, san (i) all documentation on file including: áireamh: (a) The environment impact (a) An ráiteas tionchair statement, timpeallachta, (b) The Natura impact statement, (b) An ráiteas tionchair Natura, (c) The Joint Environmental (c) An Tuarascáil Timpeallachta Report, Chomhpháirteach, (d) The submissions and (d) Na haighneachtaí agus na observations made in respect tuairimí a rinneadh leis an of the application, including at iarratas chomh maith leis na the oral hearing, cinn a rinneadh ag an (e) The applicant’s response to the éisteacht ó bhéal, submissions received, and (e) Freagra an iarratasóra ar

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(j) tuarascáil agus moladh an Chigire (j) the report and recommendation Pleanála Shinsearaigh. of the Senior Planning Inspector.

Scagadh le haghaidh Measúnacht Appropriate Assessment Screening Chuí (Céim 1) (Stage 1): Thug an Bord faoi deara nach raibh an The Board noted that the proposed fhorbairt bainteach go díreach le haon development is not directly connected láithreán Eorpach suíomh nó nach with or necessary for the management raibh aon ghá leis ó thaobh bhainistiú of a European site. láithreán Eorpach. Thug an Bord aird ar na nithe seo a The Board had regard to: leanas: • an ráiteas tionchair Natura a • the Natura impact statement seoladh leis an iarratas agus na submitted with the planning cáipéisí ar an gcomhad, application and the • na haighneachtaí ó na húdaráis documentation on file, phleanála, ó na comhlachtaí • the submissions from the forordaithe agus ó na breathnóirí planning authorities, prescribed san áireamh na cinn ón Roinn bodies and from the observers, Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus including from the Department of Gaeltachta a rinneadh le linn an Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht iarratais agus le linn na (DAHG), in the course of the héisteachta ó bhéal, application and at oral hearing • Freagra an iarratasóra ar na stage, haighneachtaí a fuarthas san • the applicant’s response to the áireamh an tuarascáil scagtha submissions received including breise, the supplementary screening • tuarascáil agus moladh an Chigire report, Shinsearaigh Pleanála dar dáta • the Senior Planning Inspector’s 14 Samhain, 2016, agus report and recommendation • nóta an Chigire Shinsearaigh dated the 14th day of November, Pleanála dar dáta 5 Nollaig, 2016 2016, and

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a seoladh chuig an mBord faoin • the Senior Planning Inspector’s mbotún clóghrafach ar leathanach note to the Board dated the 5th 601 dá tuarascáil pleanála. day of December, 2016, pointing out the typographical error on page 601 of her planning report. Rinne an Bord scagadh le haghaidh The Board completed a screening for measúnacht. Thug an Bord faoi deara appropriate assessment. The Board go raibh measúnú déanta sa ráiteas noted that the Natura impact tionchair Natura ar na láithreáin statement considered European sites Eorpacha laistigh de raon 30 km, san within a 30 kilometre radius, including áireamh measadh na láithreáin relevant European sites in Northern ábhartha Eorpacha atá lonnaithe i Ireland due to the presence of mobile dTuaisceart na hÉireann de bharr species such as wintering birds. The speicis gluaiseachta a bheith ann ar Natura impact statement also took into nós éan geimhrithe. Rinneadh sa account several Special Protection ráiteas tionchair Natura chomh maith Areas located at distances greater measúnú ar na Limistéir faoi Chosaint than 30 kilometres from the study area Spesialta atá lonnaithe lasmuigh de (i.e. Lough Oughter and Associated raon 30km ón ón láithreáin staidéir (.i. Loughs Special Protection Area, Loch Uachtair agus Lochanna lena Lough Swilly Special Protection Area, mBaineann Limisteir faoi Chosaint Lough Foyle Special Protection Area Spesialta, Loch Súilí LCS, Loch and Lough Neagh and Lough Beg Feabhail LCS agus Loch nEathach Special Protection Area) as the agus Loch Beag LCS) mar tá an eala Whooper Swan is a qualifying interest ghlórach ina speiceas cáilitheach sna for these sites. suíomhanna seo. D’aontaigh agus ghlac an Bord leis an The Board accepted and adopted the scagadh le haghaidh measúnacht chuí screening assessment carried out by a rinne an Cigire Sinsearach Pleanála the Senior Planning Inspector in le haghaidh láithreáin Eorpacha a respect of the identification of the shainaithint a d’fhéadfadh tionchair a European sites which could potentially bheith orthu, agus na tionchair be affected, and the identification and shuntasacha a d’fhéadfadh a bheith assessment of the potential likely

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 13 de / of 35 ann de bharr na forbartha beartaithe, significant effects of the proposed ina haonar nó i gcomhcheangal le development, either individually or in pleananna nó le forbairtí eile, ar na combination with other plans or láithreáin Eorpacha seo ó thaobh projects, on these European sites in spriocanna caomhnaithe na láithreán view of the sites’ conservation de. Tá an Bord sásta nach mbeidh objectives. The Board was satisfied tionchar suntasach ag an bhforbairt atá that the proposed development, either beartaithe, ina haonar nó i individually or in combination with gcomhcheangal le pleananna nó le other plans or projects, would not be forbairtí eile, ar ocht gcinn de na likely to have a significant effect on láithreáin Eorpacha seo a leanas: the following eight European sites: • LCS Phortach Choillidh Chonnaidh • Killyconny Bog (Cloghbally) SAC (Cloch Bhaile Bhig) (Cód an (site code 000006); Láithreáin: 000006); • Rye Water Valley/Carton Special • LCS na Rí agus Chartún (Cód an Area of Conservation (site code Láithreáin: 001398); 001398); • LCS Chósta & Inbhear na Bóinne • Boyne Coast and Estuary Special (Cód an Láithreáin: 001957); Area of Conservation (site code • LCS Chuan Dhún Dealgan (Cód an 001957); Láithreáin: 000455); • Dundalk Bay Special Area of • LCS Strabannan-Bhaile Uí Conservation (site code 000455); Bhragáin (Cód an Láithreáin: • Stabannan-Braganstown Special 004091); Protection Area (site code • LCS Chósta agus Inbhear na 004091); Bóinne (Cód an Láithreáin: • Boyne Estuary Special Protection 004080); Area (site code 004080); • LCS Shliabh na Beithí (Cód an • Slieve Beagh Special Protection Láithreáin: 004167); Area (site code 004167); and • LCS Shliabh na Beithí-an Mhullaigh • Slieve Beagh-Mullaghfad- Fhada-Lios na Scéithe (Cód an Lisnaskea Special Protection Area Láithreáin: UK902302) (EU code UK902302). Mar atá leagtha amach i dtuarascáil an As set out in the Senior Planning Chigire Shinsearaigh Pleanála mheas Inspector’s report the Board also

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 14 de / of 35

an Bord an tuarascáil scagtha breise a considered the supplementary rinne an t-iarratasóir mar fheagra ar na screening report prepared by the haighneachtaí a fuarthas agus faoi imní applicant in response to submissions léirithe ag an Roinn Ealaíon, received and the Department of Arts Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta faoi Heritage and Gaeltacht concerns in thionchar ex situ a d’fhéadfadh a bheith respect of potential ex-situ impacts on ann ar na speicis imirceacha a migratory species associated with bhaineann le Limistéir faoi Chosaint Special Protection Areas in the east Speisialta in oirthear agus in and south east of Ireland located oirdheisceart na tíre atá lonnaithe idir between 40 and 115 kilometres from 40 agus 115 km ón limistéir staidéir. the study area. The Board noted the Thug an Bord faoi deara conclúid an conclusion in the applicant’s iarratasóra sa thuarascáil scagtha supplementary screening report that breise nach bhfuil aon fhéidearthacht there is no possibility of significant ann tionchar suntasach a bheith ann de effects arising from the proposed bharr na forbartha beartaithe ar na development that would impact speiceis cháilitheacha sna láithreáin significantly on the qualifying interests Eorpacha atá luaite cheana féin (ealaí (migratory swans and geese) of the agus géanna imirceacha). D’aontaigh referenced European sites. The Board an Bord le moladh an Chigire concurred with the Senior Planning Shinsearaigh Pleanála a mheas go Inspector who considered the raibh conclúid an iarratasóra réasúnta applicant’s conclusion to be de bharr achar agus easpa ceangail atá “reasonable on the basis of distance ann idir na specis atá le fáil go comónta and the absence of connectivity sa limistéir staidéir agus na Limisteir between species that are common to faoi Chosaint Spesialta araon (féach ar both the study area and the relevant lch 601 Tuarascáil an Chigire Special Protection Areas” (ref. Senior Shinsearaigh Pleanála). Planning Inspector’s Report, page 601). Ina theannta sin d’aontaigh agus ghlac The Board further accepted and an Bord leis an scagadh le haghaidh adopted the screening assessment measúnacht chuí a rinne an Cigire carried out by the Board’s Senior Sinsearach Pleanála go raibh seans Planning Inspector, which concluded

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 15 de / of 35 ann tionchair shuntasacha a bheith ann that there are eight European sites for ar ocht gcinn de na láithreáin Eorpacha which there is a possibility of seo: significant effects: • LCS na Bóinne agus na hAbhann • River Boyne and River Blackwater Duibhe (Cód an Láithreáin: 002299) Special Area of Conservation (site • LCS na Bóinne agus na hAbhann code 002299); Duibhe (Cód an Láithreáin: • River Boyne and River Blackwater 004232) Special Protection Area (site code • LCS Loch Éirne Uachtarach (Cód 004232); an Láithreáin: UK9020071) • Upper Lough Erne Special • LCS Loch Uachtair agus Lochanna Protection Area (EU code Lena mBaineann (Cód an UK9020071); Láithreáin: 004049) • Lough Oughter and Associated • LCS Loch nEathach agus Loch Loughs SPA (site code 004049); Beag (Cód an Láithreáin:) • Lough Neagh and Lough Beg UK9020091) Special Protection Area (EU code • LCS Loch Súilí (Cód an Láithreáin: UK9020091); 004075) • Lough Swilly Special Protection • LCS Loch Feabhail (Cód an Area (site code 004075); Láithreáin: 004087) • Lough Foyle Special Protection • LCS Chuan Dhún Dealgan (Cód an Area (site code 004087); and Láithreáin: 004026) • Dundalk Bay Special Protection Area (site code 004026). Measúnacht Chuí (Céim II) Appropriate Assessment (Stage II): Rinne an Bord machnamh ar an eolas The Board considered all of the ar fad a bhí le fáil sa mheasúnacht information referred to in the above scagtha agus a bhí le fáil sna cáipéisí screening assessment and all of the ábhartha atá luaite sna cúiseanna agus relevant documentation referred to in sna cúinsí thuas agus bhí an Bord den the reasons and considerations, tuairim go raibh an t-eolas a bhí os a above, and concluded that the chomhair leordhóthanach gur féidir information before it was adequate to measúnacht chuí a dhéanamh. Ag allow the carrying out of an tabhairt airde ar na cáipéisí thuasluaite appropriate assessment. Having

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 16 de / of 35

agus ar mheasúnacht an Chigire regard to all the documentation Shinsearaigh Pleanála, rinne an Bord referred to and the Senior Planning measúnacht chuí ar thionchair na Inspector’s assessment, the Board forbartha beartaithe a d’fhéadfadh a completed an appropriate assessment bheith ar na hocht gcinn de na of the impacts of the proposed láithreáin Eorpacha seo a leanas: development on the following eight European sites: • Limistéar faoi Chaomhnú Speisialta • River Boyne and River Blackwater na Bóinne agus na hAbhann Special Area of Conservation (site Duibhe (Cód Láithreáin: 002299) code 002299); • Limistéar faoi Chosaint Spesialta • River Boyne and River Blackwater na Bóinne agus na hAbhann Special Protection Area (site code Duibhe (Cód Láithreáin: 004232) 004232); • Limistéar faoi Chosaint Spesialta • Upper Lough Erne Special Loch Éirne Uachtarach (Cód Protection Area (EU code Láithreáin: UK9020071) UK9020071); • Loch Uachtair agus Lochanna Lena • Lough Oughter & Associated mBaineann (Cód Láithreáin: Loughs Special Protection Area 004049) (site code 004049); • Limistéar faoi Chosaint Spesialta • Lough Neagh and Lough Beg Loch nEathach agus Loch Beag Special Protection Area (EU code (Cód Láithreáin UK9020091) UK9020091); • Limistéar faoi Chosaint Spesialta • Lough Swilly Special Protection Loch Súilí (Cód Láithreáin: 004075) Area (site code 004075); • LCS Loch Feabhail (Cód • Lough Foyle Special Protection Láithreáin: 004087) Area (site code 004087); and • LCS Chuan Dhún Dealgan (Cód • Dundalk Bay Special Protection Láithreáin: 004026) Area (site code 004026). Cheap an Bord go raibh sé réasúnach The Board considered that it was a mheas bunaithe ar eolas an reasonable to conclude on the basis chomhaid, agus mheas an Bord go of the information on the file, which raibh an t-eolas seo leordhóthanach the Board considered to be adequate gur féidir Measúnacht Chuí (Céim 2) a to carry out Appropriate Assessment

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 17 de / of 35 dhéanamh, nach ndéanfadh an (Stage 2), that the proposed fhorbairt atá beartaithe, ina haonar nó i development, individually or in gcomhcheangal le pleananna nó le combination with other plans or forbairtí eile dochar do shláine d’aon projects would not adversely affect the láithreán Eorpacha ó thaobh integrity of any European site, in spriocanna caomhnaithe na láithreán particular the River Boyne and River de, go háirithe an Limistéar faoi Blackwater Special Area of Chaomhnú Speisialta na Bóinne agus Conservation (site code 002299) or na hAbhann Duibhe (Cód an Láithreáin: the River Boyne and River Blackwater 002299) nó don Limistéar faoi Chosaint Special Protection Area (site code Spesialta na Bóinne agus na hAbhann 004232), in view of the sites’ Duibhe (Cód an Láithreáin: 004232). conservation objectives. In doing so, Agus sin á dhéanamh ghlac an Bord le the Board adopted the report of the tuarascáil an Chigire Shinsearaigh Senior Planning Inspector. Pleanála. Ráiteas Tionchair Timpeallachta Environmental Impact Assessment: Rinne an Bord ráiteas tionchair The Board completed an timpeallachta ar an bhforbairt environmental impact assessment of bheartaithe, agus mar chuid den sin á the proposed development, taking into gcur san áireamh: account: • nádúr, scála, méid agus bealach • the nature, scale, extent and na forbartha beartaithe; route of the proposed • ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a development; seoladh leis an iarratas; • the environmental impact • na haighneachtaí ó na húdaráis statement submitted with the phleanála, ó na comhlachtaí application; forordaithe agus ó na breathnóirí • the submissions from the san áireamh na cinn a rinneadh planning authorities, prescribed le linn an iarratais agus le linn na bodies and from the observers héisteachta ó bhéal, in the course of the application, • freagra an iarratasóra ar na including submissions made to haighneachtaí a fuarthas, the oral hearing; • tuarascáil agus moladh an • the applicant’s response to the

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 18 de / of 35

Chigire Shinsearaigh Pleanála submissions received; dar dáta 14 Samhain, 2016, • the Senior Planning Inspector’s agus report and recommendation dated the 14th day of November, 2016; Mheas an Bord an ráiteas tionchair The Board considered that the timpeallachta i dtaca leis an bhFreagra environmental impact statement, faoi na hÁbhair a bhí dúisithe sa supported by the “Response to the cháipéis Aighneachtaí/Tuairimí agus as Issues Raised in the na cáipéisí seo meastar go raibh na Submissions/Observations” héifeachtaí díreacha agus indíreacha a document, identifies and describes bhaineann leis an bhforbairt aitheanta adequately the direct and indirect go sásúil agus cur síos déanta fúthu go effects of the proposed development cuí. on the environment.

Rinne an Bord ráiteas tionchair The Board completed an timpeallachta maidir leis an bhforbairt environmental impact assessment in bheartaithe agus chinn an Bord, agus relation to the proposed development an fhorbairt curtha i gcríoch de réir na and concluded, subject to compliance gcoinníollacha atá leagtha amach thíos, with the conditions set out below, san áireamh curtha i gcríoch de réir na including compliance with the mbeart maolaithe go mbeadh tionchar mitigation measures proposed, that na forbartha beartaithe ar an the impact of the proposed timpeallacht inghlactha. Agus sin á development on the environment dhéanamh ghlac an Bord le tuarascáil would be acceptable. In doing so the an Chigire Shinsearaigh Pleanála. Board adopted the report of the Senior Planning Inspector.

Conclúidí maidir le Pleanáil Chuí Conclusions in relation to Proper agus le Forbairt Inbhuanaithe Planning and Sustainable Development: It is considered that the proposed Meastar, i gcás na forbartha beartaithe: development:

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 19 de / of 35 • go mbeadh tacaíocht ann le príomhchuspóirí bheartas • would support the core fuinnimh an AE agus na tíre ó objectives of European and thaobh inbhuanaitheachta agus national energy policy of iomaíochta de agus le haghaidh sustainability, security of supply slándáil an tsoláthair a chinntiú, and competitiveness, • go mbeadh dul i ngleic leis na • would address existing srianta reatha a chuireann cosc restrictions that limit cross ar shruth an leictreachais idir border electricity flows between Éire agus Tuaisceart na Ireland and Northern Ireland, hÉireann, rud a fhágann go which would enhance security mbeadh feabhas ar shlándáil an of supply and facilitate the tsoláthair agus go mbeidh more efficient operation of the gréasán leictreachais níos single electricity market on an éifeachtúla ann ar bhonn uile- all-island basis and a wider oileáin agus cuirfidh sé le integrated European electricity comhcheangal ghréasán na network, hEorpa chomh maith, • would facilitate greater • go gcabhródh sé le leathanú penetration of renewable úsáid fhoinsí in-athnuaite energy allowing both Ireland fuinnimh rud a fhágann i gcás na and Northern Ireland to meet hÉireann agus Thuaisceart na legally binding greenhouse gas hÉireann go mbeadh sé níos emission targets, and provide éasca spriocanna dlíthiúla ó benefits to the economies of thaobh astaíochtaí gás ceaptha both Ireland and Northern teasa a chomhlíonadh. Bheadh Ireland and for individual buntáistí ann dá bharr d’Éirinn, consumers, do Thuaisceart na hÉireann agus do thomhaltóirí dá gcuid, • go mbeadh sé ina réiteach is cuí • would be the most appropriate agus is éifeachtaí ó thaobh and cost effective solution to costais de chuid dul i ngleic leis satisfy the current requirements na riachtanais reatha a of the proposed North-South

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 20 de / of 35

bhaineann leis an Idirnascaire Interconnector development, Thuaidh-Theas, • go mbeadh sé ar aon dul leis na • would be in accordance with polasaithe náisiúnta, leis na national policies and guidance, treoracha náisiúnta, leis na and with regional and local polasaithe réigiúnacha agus development policies, forbartha áitiúla araon, • nach mbeadh tionchar • would not seriously injure the díobhálach ar áiseanna amenities of, or properties in, tírdhreacha nó radhairc na háite the wider area through which it sna ceantair ina mbeidh bealach is routed, na forbartha suite, • nach gcuirfeadh an fhorbairt • would not seriously detract isteach go dona ar charachtar nó from the character or setting of ar thréithe a bhaineann leis an features of architectural or oidhreacht ailtireachta nó archaeological heritage, tíreolaíochta, • nach mbeadh tionchar do- • would not have unacceptable ghlactha i gceist ar áiseanna impacts on the visual or tírdhreacha nó radhairc na háite landscape amenities in the sa chomharsanacht ina mbeidh wider area through which it is bealach na forbartha, routed, • nach mbeadh tionchar • would not seriously injure the díobhálach ar éiceolaíocht na ecology of the area, including háite, san áireamh ar shaol na n- bird life, protected species and éan, ar speicis chosanta agus ar habitats, and areas designated ghnáthóga cosanta agus ar na for environmental protection, limistéir atá faoi chosaint • would not adversely affect the timpeallachta, hydrology or hydrogeology of • nach mbeadh dochar ann do the area, hidreolaíocht na do • would not give rise to the risk hidrigeolaíocht na háite, of, or exacerbation of, flooding, • nach mbeadh baol tuilte nó nach • would be acceptable in terms of

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 21 de / of 35 mbeadh an baol sin níos measa, traffic safety and convenience, • go mbeadh sé inghlactha maidir • would not be prejudicial to le sábháilteacht agus le public health or safety, and háisiúlacht tráchta, agus • would not result in significant • nach mbeadh tionchair transboundary impacts. thrasteorann shuntasacha dá bharr. Meastar dá bhrí sin gur go mbeadh an In conclusion, it is considered that, bhforbairt bheartaithe agus í curtha i subject to compliance with the gcríoch de réir na gcoinníollacha atá conditions set out below, including leagtha amach thíos, san áireamh compliance with the mitigation curtha i gcríoch de réir na mbearta measures set out in the environmental maolaithe mar atá leagtha amach sa impact statement, the Natura impact ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta, ráiteas statement and the ‘Response to the tionchair Natura agus sa bhFreagra faoi Issues Raised in the na hÁbhair a bhí dúisithe sa cháipéis Submissions/Observations’ document, Aighneachtaí/Tuairimí ar aon dul le the proposed development would be pleanáil chuí agus le forbairt in accordance with the proper inchothaithe an limistéir. planning and sustainable development of the area. COINNÍOLLACHA CONDITIONS 1. a) Cuirfear i bhfeidhm agus críochnófar 1. a) The proposed development shall be an fhorbairt bheartaithe de réir na carried out and completed in bpleananna agus na sonraí a cuireadh accordance with the plans and isteach leis an iarratas le haghaidh particulars lodged with the application ceadú a fháil ar an 9 Meitheamh 2015, for approval to An Bord Pleanála on agus de réir an eolais bhreise a the 9th day of June 2015, and the seoladh mar chuid den bhFreagra faoi further information, received by An na hÁbhair a bhí dúisithe sa cháipéis Bord Pleanála by way of the Aighneachtaí/Tuairimí a taisceadh ar ‘Response to the Issues Raised in an 19 Deireadh Fómhair 2015, ach Submissions/Observations’ document amháin faoi mar a d’fhéadfadh a bheith lodged on the 19th day of October riachtanach chun na coinníollacha seo 2015, except as may otherwise be

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 22 de / of 35

a leanas a chomhlíonadh. I gcás gur gá required in order to comply with the sonraí a bhaineann leis na following conditions. Where such coinníollacha a aontú leis an údarás conditions require details to be agreed pleanála, aontóidh an gnóthaire na with the relevant planning authority, sonraí sin i scríbhinn leis an údarás the undertaker shall agree such pleanála sin sula gcuirfear tús leis an details in writing with the planning bhforbairt agus déanfar an fhorbairt authority prior to commencement of agus tabharfar chun críche í de réir na development and the development sonraí aontaithe. shall be carried out and completed in accordance with the agreed particulars. b) Cuirfear i bhfeidhm go hiomlán na b) All environmental mitigation bearta maolaithe timpeallachta atá measures set out in the Environmental leagtha amach sa Ráiteas Tionchair Impact Statement, Natura impact Timpeallachta agus sa Ráiteas statement, and associated Tionchair Natura agus sna cáipéisí a documentation submitted by the chuir an gnóthaire leis an iarratas agus undertaker with the application and de réir an eolais bhreise a fuair an Bord the further information received by An Pleanála a seoladh mar chuid den Bord Pleanála by way of the bhFreagra faoi na hÁbhair a bhí ‘Response to the Issues Raised in dúisithe sa cháipéis Submissions/Observations’ document Aighneachtaí/Tuairimí a taisceadh ar lodged on the 19th day of October an 19 Deireadh Fómhair 2015, ach 2015, shall be implemented in full, amháin faoi mar a d’fhéadfadh a bheith except as may otherwise be required riachtanach chun na coinníollacha seo in order to comply with the conditions a leanas a chomhlíonadh. of this order. Cúis: Ar mhaithe le soiléireacht agus le Reason: In the interest of clarity and cosaint timpeallachta. environmental protection. 2. Sula gcuirfear tús leis an bhforbairt 2. Prior to the commencement of ceapfar Oifigigh ná Oifigeach development, an Agricultural Liaison Teagmhála Pobail Talmhaíochta agus Officer or Officers shall be appointed beidh freagracht ar an duine/na daoine and shall be responsible for liaison sin dul i dteagmháil le húinéirí talún with landowners, prior to and during

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 23 de / of 35 roimh agus i rith thréimhse na tógála, the construction phase of the project, chun saincheisteanna a bhaineann leis to identify and address issues of an tógáil agus a bhaineann le húinéirí, concern to individual landowners a aithint, san áireamh prótacail a including disease protocols, if bhaineann le galar, más ábhartha, de relevant, in accordance with the réir na mbeart atá leagtha amach san measures set out in the application for iarratas le haghaidh ceadú, agus ina approval, and thereafter for the dhiaidh le linn thréimhse oibríochta na operational phase of the development. forbartha. Reason: To ensure the satisfactory Cúis: Chun a chinntiú go mbeidh an completion and operation of the fhorbairt curtha i gcríoch agus i development in the context of bhfeidhm go sásúil ó thaobh agricultural activities. gníomhaíochtaí talmhaíochta de.

3. Sula gcuirfear tús leis an bhforbairt, 3. Prior to the commencement of seolfar plean bainistíochta tógála agus development, a construction and timpeallachta, plean bainistíochta environmental management plan, a tráchta agus plean bainistíochta traffic management plan and a waste dramhaíola chuig an údarás pleanála management plan shall be submitted ábhartha agus aontófar é leis an to, and agreed in writing with, the údarás i scríbhinn tar éis dul i relevant planning authority following gcomhairle leis na gníomhaireachtaí consultations with relevant statutory ábhartha reachtúla san áireamh agencies, including Inland Fisheries Iascaigh Intíre Éireann agus an Roinn Ireland and the Department of Arts, Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Heritage, Regional, Rural and Réigiúnacha Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta, Gaeltacht Affairs, and Irish Water. agus Uisce Éireann. Sa phlean beidh This plan shall incorporate the na bearta maolaithe atá leagtha amach mitigation measures indicated in the sa ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta agus environmental impact statement and aon bheart eile más gá ann dó. Ina shall provide details of intended theannta sin beidh sonraí ann maidir construction practice for the proposed leis an gcleachtas tógála a bheidh i development, including:

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 24 de / of 35

bhfeidhm agus san áireamh beidh sonraí mar gheall ar: (a) sonraí maidir le suirbhé chuí (a) details of appropriate geoifisiceach faoi shuíomhanna geophysical survey in respect tógála i gcomharsanacht na of construction sites in the dtúr 103 go 118, vicinity of towers 103 to 118,

(b) bearta leagtha amach ionas gur (b) measures to demonstrate féidir comhlíonadh le pleananna compliance with the relevant ábhartha bainistithe dramhaíola regional waste management a thaispeáint, plans,

(c) sonraí chun rochtain (c) site specific arrangements for shealadach a fháil i gcás gach each temporary access route, suíomh, san áireamh más gá to include, where necessary: beidh

(i) arrangements for (i) socruithe ar mhéid na stepping down vehicle bhfeithiclí íoschéimnithe, size, (ii) socruithe chun ábhair a (ii) arrangements for off- dhíluchtú, loading of materials, (iii) socruithe i dtaobh bóithre (iii) short term road a dhúnadh go sealadach, closures, (iv) na céimithe i gcás (iv) the phasing of oibreacha tógála nuair construction works atá rochtain orthu trí which are accessed by charrbhealaigh lána single lane amháin, agus carriageways, and (v) na socruithe iompair and (v) the arrangements for bainistíochta chun the transfer and déileáil le coincréit, san management of áireamh sonraí mar concrete, including gheall ar shocruithe wash out facilities, glanta,

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(d) socruithe le haghaidh suirbhé (d) arrangements for the bóithre a dhéanamh roimh completion of pre and post- thógáil na mbóithre agus ina construction road surveys. ndiaidh. Críochnófar na cinn The pre-construction survey roimh an tógáil trí mhí sula shall be completed three gcuirfear tús leis an months prior to the bhforbairt, commencement of the development, (e) Sonraí faoi na háiteanna chun monatóireacht a (e) details of the locations for dhéanamh ar chaighdeán water quality monitoring and uisce agus na prótacail atá the proposed water quality beartaithe i leith léinseach monitoring protocols in uisce dromchla, respect of surface water bodies, (f) Sonraí monatóireachta faoi chaighdeán uisce agus (f) details of monitoring of water leibhéal uisce sna toibreacha levels and water quality in laistigh de 100 méadar den wells within 100 metres of the ailíniú atá beartaithe, proposed alignment,

(g) sonraí chun smacht a (g) means to control dust at choinneáil ar dheannach ag construction sites, and suíomhanna tógála, agus (h) sonraí faoin nós imeachta (h) details of liaison procedures chun réiteach a fháil ar to resolve any issues or ábhair nó ar imní an phobail. community concerns.

I rith tréimhse thógáil na forbartha Monitoring of the construction déanfaidh duine oiriúnach atá cáilithe phase of the development shall be i gceart monatóireacht ar na tógáil carried out by a suitably qualified ionas go gcloífear leis na bearta person to ensure that all mitigation

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maolaithe atá leagtha amach sa measures contained in the ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta agus environmental impact statement sa bhFreagra faoi na hÁbhair a bhí and the Response to the Issues dúisithe sa cháipéis Raised in Submissions/ Aighneachtaí/Tuairimí. Beidh Observations document are taifeadadh laethúil á dhéanamh implemented. A record of daily maidir le comhlíonadh na checks that works are being gcoinníollacha atá leagtha amach sa undertaken in accordance with the phlean bainistíochta tógála agus construction environmental timpeallachta agus beidh an taifead management plan shall be available seo ar fáil ionas gur féidir leis an for inspection by the relevant údarás pleanála ábhartha é a scrúdú. planning authority. Monitoring Seolfar tuairiscí monatóireachta don reports shall be submitted to the údarás pleanála ábhartha agus d’aon relevant planning authority and eagrais reachtúla ábhartha eile i other relevant statutory bodies in gcomhréir le ceanglais an údaráis accordance with the requirements phleanála ábhartha. of the relevant planning authority.

Cúis: Ar mhaithe le háiseanna na háite Reason: In the interest of protecting a chosaint, le bainistíocht inbhuanaithe the amenities of the area, sustainable dramhaíola, uisce dromchla a chosaint waste management, preventing ó thruailliú, cosaint a thabhairt do pollution of surface waters, protection ghnáthóga reatha agus ar mhaithe le of existing habitats, and traffic safety. sábháilteacht tráchta. 4. Sula gcuirfear tús leis an bhforbairt 4. Prior to the commencement of aontóidh an gnóthaire prótacail faoi development, the undertaker shall shuirbhéanna deimhniúcháin leis na agree with the relevant planning húdaráis phleanála ábhartha agus authorities, following consultation with déanfar iad tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis the National Parks and Wildlife an tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Service, a protocol for pre- Fiadhúlra. I gcás de bharr na construction verification surveys. In suirbhéanna go n-aithneofar speicis a the event of these surveys identifying mbeidh stádas caomhantais ag baint species of conservation interest,

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 27 de / of 35 leo, cuirfear bearta lena gcosaint sa measures for their protection shall be phlean bainistíochta tógála agus incorporated into the construction timpeallachta. environmental management plan.

Cúis: Chun cosaint a thabhairt do Reason: In the interest of protecting ghnáthóga na speiceas cosanta. the ecology of the area.

5. Éascóidh an gnóthaire measúnú 5. The undertaker shall facilitate the seandálaíochta a dhéanamh ar an archaeological appraisal of the site suíomh le haghaidh caomhnú, and shall provide for the preservation, taifeadadh agus cosaint a dhéanamh recording and protection of d’aon ábhar nó do ghné archaeological materials or features sheandálaíochta a d’fhéadfadh a bheith which may exist within the site. In this laistigh den láithreán. Chuige sin, regard, the undertaker shall: caithfidh an gnóthaire: (a) notify the relevant planning (a) cur in iúl don údarás pleanála authority in writing at least ábhartha i scríbhinn ar a four weeks prior to the laghad ceithre seachtaine commencement of any site roimh thús aon oibríochta operation (including láithreáin (lena n-áirítear hydrological and geotechnical imscrúduithe hidreolaíochta investigations) relating to the agus geotheicniúlachta) a proposed development, and bhaineann leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe, agus (b) employ a suitably-qualified (b) fostóidh an gnóthaire seandálaí archaeologist prior to the cáilithe go cuí sula gcuirfear tús commencement of leis an bhforbairt. Déanfaidh an development who shall seandálaí meastóireacht ar an assess the site and monitor suíomh agus faireachán ar na all site development works. hoibreacha forbartha láithreáin. The assessment shall address the Mar chuid den mheasúnacht tabharfar following issues:

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aghaidh ar na nithe seo a leanas: i. the nature and location of i. nádúr agus suíomh na n- archaeological material on the ábhar seandálaíochta ar an site, and láithreán, agus ii. the impact of the proposed ii. tionchar na forbartha development on such beartaithe ar ábhar archaeological material. seandálaíochta de shórt sin. A report, containing the results of the Seolfar tuarascáil ina mbeidh na torthaí assessment, shall be submitted to the measúnaithe chuig an údarás pleanála relevant planning authority and, ábhartha agus de bharr na arising from this assessment, the measúnaithe aontóidh an gnóthaire undertaker shall agree in writing with sonraí leis an údarás pleanála mar the planning authority details gheall ar aon cheanglas breise a regarding any further archaeological d’fhéadfadh a bheith ag teastáil (san requirements (including, if necessary, áireamh, más gá, tochailt archaeological excavation) prior to seandálaíochta) sula gcuirfear tús leis commencement of construction works. na hoibreacha tógála. In default of agreement on any of Cheal comhaontaithe ar aon cheann de these requirements, the matter shall na riachtanais sin, tarchuirfear an t- be referred to An Bord Pleanála for ábhar go dtí an Bord Pleanála lena determination. chinneadh. Reason: In order to conserve the Cúis: D’fhonn oidhreacht archaeological heritage of the area seandálaíochta na háite a chaomhnú and to secure the preservation (in-situ agus i dtreo is gur féidir aon iarsmaí or by record) and protection of any seandálaíochta a d’fhéadfadh a bheith archaeological remains that may exist ar an suíomh a chaomhnú agus a within the site. chosaint (in situ nó trí thaifead).

6. Sula gcuirfear tús leis an bhforbairt 6. Prior to commencement of aontóidh an gnóthaire clár development, the undertaker shall

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 29 de / of 35 monatóireachta faoin Eala Ghlórach agree a monitoring programme for the leis an údaráis pleanála ábhartha tar Whooper Swan, with the relevant éis dul i gcomhairle leis an tSeirbhís planning authority, following Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra. consultation with the National Parks Beidh an clár monatóireachta bunaithe and Wildlife Service. The monitoring ar chaighdeán dheachleachtais agus programme shall be based on beidh sonraí mar chuid den chlár faoi standard good practice and shall shuíomhanna, mhinicíocht, thréimhsí include details in respect of location, ama agus mhodheolaíocht. Seolfar cóip frequency, duration and methodology. de thorthaí faoin gclár monatóireachta A copy of the results of the monitoring chuig an údarás pleanála agus chuig programme shall be submitted to the an tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus relevant planning authority and to the Fiadhúlra. National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Cúis: Chun a chinntiú go gcuirfear Reason: To ensure appropriate monatóireacht chuí i bhfeidhm ar monitoring of the impact of the thionchar na forbartha ar an Eala development on Whooper Swans. Ghlórach.

7. Seolfar bailchríocha seachtracha maidir 7. Prior to the commencement of leis an gclós stórála ina gcuirfear na development, details of the external hábhair tógála chuig an údarás appearance of the construction pleanála ábhartha chun aontú a fháil materials storage yard, and also the agus seolfar sonraí mar gheall ar an restoration of the site, including a time suíomh a athchóiriú agus an clár ama a scale for implementation, shall be bhaineann leis. submitted to, and agreed with, the relevant planning authority. Cúis: Ar mhaithe le taitneamhach Reason: In the interest of visual amhairc. amenity.

8. Cosnófar na dromchlaí bóthair, na 8. All road surfaces, culverts, huiscebhealaí, tóchair, ciumhaiseanna watercourses, verges and public lands agus tailte poiblí i rith thréimhse na shall be protected during construction

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tógála agus i gcás aon damáiste and, in the case of any damage caithfear iad a athbhunú chun sástacht occurring, shall be reinstated to the an údaráis phleanála ábhartha. satisfaction of the relevant planning Aontófar na sonraí le haghaidh sin leis authority. Details in this regard, an údarás pleanála ábhartha sula including a survey prior to construction gcuirfear tús leis an bhforbairt agus and post construction, shall be agreed déanfar suirbhé sula gcuirfear tús leis with the relevant planning authority an bhforbairt agus nuair a bheidh an prior to commencement of tógáil críochnaithe ina diaidh. development.

Cúis: Chun a chinntiú go mbeidh an Reason: In order to ensure a fhorbairt curtha i gcríoch go sásúil. satisfactory standard of development.

9. Sula gcuirfear tús leis an bhforbairt, 9. Prior to the commencement of caithfidh an gnóthaire suim airgid, development, the undertaker shall banna ó chuideachta árachais, nó urrús lodge with the relevant planning eile a bheith sásúil don údarás authority a cash deposit, a bond of an pleanála, a thabhairt don údarás insurance company, or other security pleanála ionas go ndeiseofar aon to secure the satisfactory bhóthar poiblí i gcás ina ndéantar reinstatement of all public roads damáiste dóibh de bharr damaged as a result of activities gníomhaíochtaí a bhaineann le tógáil related to construction of the proposed na forbartha, nasctha le comhaontú ag development, coupled with an tabhairt an chumhacht don údarás agreement empowering the relevant pleanála ábhartha an t-urrús seo, nó planning authority to apply such aon chuid de, a úsáid chun aon chuid security or part thereof to the den fhorbairt a athchóiriú. Bíodh foirm reinstatement of such roads. The form agus méid an urrúis mar a aontófar idir and amount of the security shall be as an údarás pleanála ábhartha agus an agreed between the relevant planning gnóthaire, nó ceal aontú, seolfar iad authority and the undertaker or, in chuig An Bord Pleanála chun iad a default of agreement the details shall shocrú. be referred to An Bord Pleanála for determination.

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 31 de / of 35 Cúis: Chun a chinntiú go n-athbhunófar an gréasán bóithre go sásúil. Reason: To ensure a satisfactory reinstatement of the road network.

NÓTAÍ NOTES 1. Rialachán (AE) Uimh. 347/2013 faoi 1. Project of Common Interest (PCI) - Thionscadal Leasa Choitinn (TLC). Regulation (EU) No. 347/2013.

Ghlac an Bord go raibh ceist mar gheall The Board acknowledged that the ar an TLC dúisithe mar ábhar ag na matter of PCI was raised by observers breathnóirí agus rinneadh tagairt dó i and was referred to in the Inspector’s dtuarascáil an Chigire. report.

Mheas an Bord, in ainneoin nach raibh The Board considered that, even in stádas TLC ag baint leis, gur léiríodh the absence of PCI status, the need an gá leis an bhforbairt agus go raibh for the project and the need to an gá chaighdeán chóras fuinnimh ar improve the quality of energy hoileán na hÉireann a fheabhsú léirithe transmission in the island of Ireland go soiléir, mar atá leagtha amach sna has been clearly established, as set cúiseanna agus sna cúinsí. out in the reasons and considerations.

Ag déanamh a chinnidh sa chás seo In reaching the decision in this case níor mheas an Rannóg Bonneagair the Strategic Infrastructure Division of Straitéisigh i mBord Pleanála ach An Bord Pleanala confined its decision amháin na hábhair a bhaineann leis an to the matters pertinent to the SID iarratas Fhorbairt Bonneagair application and in particular issues Straitéisigh agus go háirithe leis na arising in respect of Appropriate hábhair a tháinig chun cinn maidir le Assessment, Environmental Impact Measúnacht Chuí, Measúnacht Assessment and the consideration of Tionchair Timpeallachta agus abháir a the proper planning and sustainable bhaineann le pleanáil chuí agus le development. The Board did not forbairt inchothaithe. Níor mheas an consider that it was conflicted in any Bord go raibh aon deacracht i gceist ó way by the separate administrative

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thaobh an ról riaracháin faoi leith atá ag role fulfilled by An Bord Pleanala as an mBord mar Údarás Inniúil i gcás the Competent Authority for Projects Tionscadail Leasa Choitinn. of Common Interest.

2. Leas don Phobal 2. Community Gain

Thug an Bord faoi deara bearta an The Board noted the applicant’s iarratasóra ar mhaithe le leas an proposals in respect of community phobail mar atá leagtha amach in Alt gain as set out under Section 5.5.3 of 5.5.3 i dTuarascáil Pleanála. Mheas an the Planning Report. The Board Bord go raibh an méid seo soiléir, ach considered that the approach was amháin go raibh gá mionsonraí a clearly stated, with only minor details chinntiú agus mheas an Bord chomh to be finalised, and did not consider it maith nach raibh gá bearta an necessary to modify the applicant’s iarratasóra a athrú nó iad a threisiú le proposal or to re-inforce the haghaidh sin trí choinníoll pleanála. applicant’s commitment in this regard by means of a planning condition. Maidir leis an gcoinníoll uimhir 3 atá leagtha amach i dtuarascáil an Chigire In respect of Condition No. 3 attached ní raibh an Bord sásta go raibh gá leis to the Inspector’s report the Board an gcoinníoll agus dá bhrí sin cuireadh was not satisfied regarding the need ar leataobh an coinníoll molta sin. for the condition and, therefore, decided to the remove recommended 3. Thug an Bord faoi deara dearcadh condition number 3. am Chigire nach mbeifeá ag súil le haon damáiste struchtúrach do mhaoin 3. The Board noted the Inspector’s a eascróidh as creathadh a bhaineann view that she would not anticipate any leis an tógáil. D’aontaigh an Bord go structural damage to properties arising ginearálta leis na dearcadh seo agus as a consequence of ground vibration dá bhrí sin ní raibh aon ghá coinníoll during construction. The Board uimhir 5(g) a bhí molta a chur leis an generally concurred with this view and gcoinníoll. decided that it was not necessary to attach recommended condition

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 33 de / of 35 4. Mar gheall ar an Eastát Bhriotáis number 5(g). agus tar éis machnamh cúramach a dhéanamh ar an ábhar mheas an Bord 4. In relation to the Brittas Estate, and go raibh an líne lasnairge inghlactha in following careful consideration, the ainneoin na ndrochthionchar ar an Board concluded that the selected eastát. Ag déanamh an chinnidh seo overhead line route was acceptable, níor thug an Bord aird faoi leith an raibh notwithstanding the negative impacts nó nach raibh fáil ag an bpobal ar an on the estate. In reaching this diméin. conclusion, the Board did not give particular weight to whether, or not, the demesne was accessible to the public.

SCEIDEAL NA gCOSTAS SCHEDULE OF COSTS De réir alt 182B den Acht um Pleanáil In accordance with section 182B of agus Forbairt 2000, arna leasú, éilíonn the Planning and Development Act an Bord go n-íocfaidh an t-iarratasóir 2000, as amended, the Board requires na costais seo a leanas: the following costs to be paid by the applicant:

Íocfar do Chomhairle Contae an To Cavan County Council, being Chabháin, costais réasúnta tabhaithe reasonable costs incurred: €2,958 seo: €2,958 In consideration of the application Maidir le cinneadh an iarratais Íocfar do Chomhairle Contae na Mí, To Meath County Council, being costais réasúnta tabhaithe seo: reasonable costs incurred: €29,127 €29,127 Maidir le cinneadh an iarratais In consideration of the application

Íocfar do Chomhairle Contae To , being Mhuineacháin, costais réasúnta reasonable costs incurred: €24,312 tabhaithe seo: €24,312. Maidir le In consideration of the application cinneadh an iarratais

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De réir alt 182B den Acht um Pleanáil In accordance with the provisions of agus Forbairt 2000, arna leasú, section 182B of the Planning and aisíocfaidh An Bord Pleanála an méid Development Act 2000, as amended, seo táillí leis an ngnóthaire: Is é an the reimbursement of fees by An Bord méid seo ná €505,128. Pleanála to the undertaker amounts to: €505,128. Nóta: Tá míniú ar an méid atá Note: An explanation of the above thuasluaite ar fáil san Aguisín 1 i is set out in the attached Appendix gceangal leis seo. 1.

Ball den Bhord Pleanála a Member of An Bord Pleanála bhfuil údarás aige/aici duly authorised to

séala an Bhord a authenticate the seal of the fhíordheimhniú Board.

Dátaithe ar an lá seo de 2016

VA0017 Ordú an Bhoird/Board Order 35 de / of 35