Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan

VOLUME TWO 21st August 2017 Environmental Reports 2 2 Cork County Council Volume 2

Environmental Reports Table of Contents

Section Page No. 1. Strategic Environmental Assessment Statement 5 2. Habitats Directive Screening Report 63

21st August 2017 3 4 Cork County Council Volume 2

Strategic Environmental Assessment Statement Table of Contents

Sub-Section Page No.

1. Introduction 6 Summary of the SEA Process 6 Content of the SEA Statement 7

2. How Environmental Considerations were Integrated into the Plan 8 Introduction 8 Environmental Report and Baseline Data Collection 8 Statutory Consultation 10 Alternatives Considered 10 Proposed Mitigation 11 Compliance with EU Habitats Directive – Appropriate Assessment 11

3. Submissions and Observations 16 Introduction 16 Pre Draft consultations 16 Draft Plan and Environmental Report Consultation 18 Proposed Amendments to the Draft Plan 25

4. Reasons for Choosing the Plan as Adopted 36 Introduction 36 Context for Considering Alternatives 36 Description of Alternatives 38 Assessment of Alternatives against the EPOs 44 Preferred Scenario 49

5. Monitoring 50 Scope of SEA Monitoring 50 Monitoring of the Local Area Plan 57

Appendix A 59

21st August 2017 5

Table 1.1 Summary of the SEA Process

1 Introduction SEA Stage Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan

1.1 Introduction Environmental Local Area and Plan the preparation of the Environmental Report. The Report. Environmental Report went out on public display with the Local Draft Area 1.1.1 This is the SEA Statement the for Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan, adopted on th Plan on 16 November 2016. Submissions received were considered and 24 July 2017. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a process for evaluating, at the earliest amendments were recommended by the Chief Executive. The appropriate stage, the likely environmental effects of implementing a Plan or other strategic action amendments were screened for the requirement for further assessment in order to ensure that environmental considerations are appropriately -­‐ addressed in the decision under the SEA and AA processes. An Addendum to the Environmental making process both during the preparation ior and pr to adoption of a Plan. Report was later published with the proposed amendments to the Draft 1.1.2 The European Directive (2001/42/EC) on the Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Local Area Plan (in May 2017), reflecting issues raised in the submissions Programmes on the Environment (the SEA Directive) was transposed into national legislation by the and the screening of the A amendments. further 20 submissions were European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations received on foot of this third round a of consultation and minor – non 2004 (S.I. 435/2004) and the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) material modification to the amendments were recommended by the Chief Regulations 2004 (S.I. 436/2004). These regulations were subsequently amended by the European Executive. These modifications were again screened for SEA / AA prior to Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) (Amendment) adoption of the final n Pla . Regulations, 2011(S.I. No. 200 of 2011) and the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental 4-­‐ SEA Statement Preparation and publication of the SEA Statement identifying how Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 2011 (S.I. No. 201 of 2011). environmental considerations and consultation have been integrated into the Final Plan. This document is the SEA Statement. 1.1.3 The legislation requires that the Plan-­‐making authority must make available an SEA Statement summarising how the SEA and consultations have been taken into account in the making of Plan. This document comprises the SEA Statement. 1.3 Content of the SEA Statement 1.2 Summary of the SEA process 1.3.1 The SEA Statement is described in Article 9 of the SEA Directive as a statutory requirement and 1.2.1 The SEA Process is summarised in Table 1.1. below should be made available with the adopted plan. This statement is required to be issued the environmental authorities that were previously consulted, o with a view t presenting a record of the key elements of the SEA process and illustrating how environmental considerations have been Table 1.1 Summary of the SEA Process integrated into the plan and the key decisions taken in the plan as a consequence of the SEA. 1.3.2 The SEA Statement is required under Article 13I, SI No 436 of 2004 (as amended), to include SEA Stage Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan information on:

1 – Screening Decision on whether or not an SEA of the Plan is required. a) How environmental considerations have been integrated into the Plan; There is a mandatory requirement under the Planning and Development b) How the Environmental Report, submissions and observations made to the planning (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2004 (as amended) to authority on the Draft Plan and Environmental Report, and any transboundary undertake a strategic environmental assessment in respect of Local Area consultations (where relevant) have been taken into account during the preparation of Plans for areas with a population of 5,000 or more, so in this instance, Plan; screening was not required and the SEA process proceeded to the next stage. c) The reasons for choosing the Plan, as adopted, in the light of the other reasonable alternatives dealt with; and 2 – Scoping Consultation with defined statutory bodies on the scope and level of detail to be considered Environmental in the Report. Scoping for the SEA for this d) The measures decided upon to monitor the significant environmental effects of Local Area Plan was commenced with the circulation of a Draft Scoping implementation of the Plan. Report to all the environmental authorities on the 22nd April 2016. A total of two (2) submissions were -­‐ received from the EPA and Irish Water. The Scoping Report was finalised on the 31st May 2016 and issues raised were considered further during the preparation of the Draft Local Area Plan and the SEA Environmental Report.

3 – Environmental The next stage of the SEA process comprised an assessment of the likely Assessment and significant impacts on the environment as a result of implementing the

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Table 1.1 Summary of the SEA Process

SEA Stage Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan

Environmental Local Area and Plan the preparation of the Environmental Report. The Report. Environmental Report went out on public display with the Local Draft Area Plan on 16th November 2016. Submissions received were considered and amendments were recommended by the Chief Executive. The amendments were screened for the requirement for further assessment under the SEA and AA processes. An Addendum to the Environmental Report was later published with the proposed amendments to the Draft Local Area Plan (in May 2017), reflecting issues raised in the submissions and the screening of the A amendments. further 20 submissions were received on foot of this third round a of consultation and minor – non material modification to the amendments were recommended by the Chief Executive. These modifications were again screened for SEA / AA prior to adoption of the final n Pla . 4-­‐ SEA Statement Preparation and publication of the SEA Statement identifying how environmental considerations and consultation have been integrated into the Final Plan. This document is the SEA Statement.

1.3 Content of the SEA Statement 1.3.1 The SEA Statement is described in Article 9 of the SEA Directive as a statutory requirement and should be made available with the adopted plan. This statement is required to be issued the environmental authorities that were previously consulted, o with a view t presenting a record of the key elements of the SEA process and illustrating how environmental considerations have been integrated into the plan and the key decisions taken in the plan as a consequence of the SEA. 1.3.2 The SEA Statement is required under Article 13I, SI No 436 of 2004 (as amended), to include information on: a) How environmental considerations have been integrated into the Plan; b) How the Environmental Report, submissions and observations made to the planning authority on the Draft Plan and Environmental Report, and any transboundary consultations (where relevant) have been taken into account during the preparation of Plan; c) The reasons for choosing the Plan, as adopted, in the light of the other reasonable alternatives dealt with; and d) The measures decided upon to monitor the significant environmental effects of implementation of the Plan.

21st August 2017 7 2 How Environmental Considerations were Integrated into the Plan 2.2.4 Furthermore, the County Development Plan 2014 includes many protective objectives in relation to issues such as Development Management and Protection of Amenities, Sustainable Residential 2.1 Introduction Development, Natural, Built and Cultural Heritage, Biodiversity, uality, Landscape, Water Q Pollution Control, protecting Air Quality, managing Noise and Light emissions, flood risk 2.1.1 This section deals with how environmental considerations as presented in the Environmental management, sustainable energy etc. All proposals for development under the Local Area Plan, Report were taken into account during the Blarney preparation of the Macroom Municipal District must comply in the first instance, with all the the provisions of County Development Plan. Local Area Plan. 2.2.5 All of the objectives of the Draft Local Area Plan were assessed for possible impacts within the 2.1.2 The protection and conservation of the environment has been a key consideration throughout the context of these existing mitigation measures. As these mitigation measures negate or mitigate preparation of the Plan. Environmental considerations were integrated into the plan in a number of any significant negative impacts that could otherwise have been expected, the Environmental ways through : Report on Blarney the Macroom Municipal District Draft Plan no made recommend ed changes. a) Preparation of the Environmental Report including baseline data collection and evaluation 2.2.6 Due to the late availability of the updated flood risk mapping, this issue came to light late in the of potential impacts. process, and it was therefore decided to publish the Draft without Plan giving effect to the Recommendation of the Environmental , Report and to address it at the amendments stage. b) Consultation Submissions on the Draft Plan and Environmental Report c) Consideration of alternatives 2.2.7 One hundred nine and submissions were received during the public consultation period on the d) Mitigation measures Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan and Environmental Thirty Report. -­‐two of the submissions focused on general issues facing the County and the Municipal District as a whole, e) Compliance with the Habitats ive Direct – Appropriate Assessment. with a further seventy seven site specific submissions. Submissions from the EPA and the Southern 2.2 Environmental Report and Baseline Data Collection Regional Assembly referenced the Environmental Report in their submissions. 2.2.1 In order to assess kely the li significant impacts of this Municipal District Plan, Local Area baseline 2.2.8 Having considered these submissions, and the recommendations the of environmental report, data on the current state of the environment was collected and evaluated. This was done with further amendments to the Draft Plan, and the preparation of an Addendum to the Environmental reference to existing databases held by the Council and other organisations such as the EPA, Report, were recommended by the Chief Executive t in his report o Members March in 2017. An National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), South West River Basin District (SWRBD), Geological addendum to the Environmental Report epared was pr and published with the Proposed Survey of Ireland (GSI) In etc. many ases c the maps and information were only available at a County Amendments to the Plan in May 2017. The Addendum recommends some minor changes to the Level. In accordance with legislation and guidance, the existing environment was described with Environmental Report in response to issues raised in the submissions, and also included a screening respect to biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, matic cli factors, report of the proposed amendments. material assets, cultural heritage (including architectural and archaeological heritage), landscape Submissions on Proposed Amendments to the Draft Plan and Addendum to the SEA and the interrelationships between these factors as appropriate. Collection and analysis of this Environment Report information has allowed the identification of key resources and sensitivities or and allowed f the identification of potential threats to the environment, thus allowing for the inclusion of mitigation 2.2.9 A total of 20 submissions were received on the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Plan. Details of measures to ensure that the Plan does not exacerbate existing problems. all the submissions received were detailed in the Chief Executive’s Report to Members in June 2017. Only one submission, from the Environmental Protection Agency, referenced the Addendum 2.2.2 As the data was complied and plan policies evolved, the likely significant effects of implementing to the SEA Environment Report. Having considered the submissions received in response to the the plan were identified, described and evaluated, as appropriate. This process formed a core publication of the amendments proposed for the Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local element of the Environmental Report. The potential effects of the plan were then considered using Area Plan, no further modifications to the published amendments were recommended by the Chief a system of Environmental Protection Objectives, Targets and Indicators which were formulated Executive having regard to the issues emerging from the baseline assessment and internal consultation with other departments within the Council. The assessment of the baseline environment also enabled 2.2.10 There was minor a modification in response to the submission from TII, where it is proposed to those preparing the plan to consider how the environment might evolve in the absence of insert some additional non material text into Section One of each plan under the heading of ‘Traffic proposed plan. and Transport’ as follows: 2.2.3 Section 6.2 of the Environmental Report details the evaluation of the potential effects on 2.2.11 ‘The Council, in consultation with the Transport Infrastructure Ireland, will protect proposed environment of implementing the provisions e of th Draft Plan and notes that the Draft Plan has national road route corridors where the route selection process has been completed/approved and been prepared by undertaking a review of the existing Local Area Plan for the area, which was itself where preferred route corridors have been identified. The line of these Route Protection Corridors is subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment, Habitats Directive Assessment, and Flood Risk shown in Volume 3 LAP Map Browser which is accessible through www.corkcoco.ie’. Assessment, prior to adoption. The reality is that many of the provisions of the current local area plan have been carried forward, unchanged, into the new Draft Plan 2016, and there are therefore few issues arising that need to ‘ be assessed de novo’.

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2.2.4 Furthermore, the County Development Plan 2014 includes many protective objectives in relation to issues such as Development Management and Protection of Amenities, Sustainable Residential Development, Natural, Built and Cultural Heritage, Biodiversity, uality, Landscape, Water Q Pollution Control, protecting Air Quality, managing Noise and Light emissions, flood risk management, sustainable energy etc. All proposals for development under the Local Area Plan, must comply in the first instance, with all the the provisions of County Development Plan. 2.2.5 All of the objectives of the Draft Local Area Plan were assessed for possible impacts within the context of these existing mitigation measures. As these mitigation measures negate or mitigate any significant negative impacts that could otherwise have been expected, the Environmental Report on Blarney the Macroom Municipal District Draft Plan no made recommend ed changes. 2.2.6 Due to the late availability of the updated flood risk mapping, this issue came to light late in the process, and it was therefore decided to publish the Draft without Plan giving effect to the Recommendation of the Environmental , Report and to address it at the amendments stage. Submissions on the Draft Plan and Environmental Report 2.2.7 One hundred nine and submissions were received during the public consultation period on the Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan and Environmental Thirty Report. -­‐two of the submissions focused on general issues facing the County and the Municipal District as a whole, with a further seventy seven site specific submissions. Submissions from the EPA and the Southern Regional Assembly referenced the Environmental Report in their submissions. 2.2.8 Having considered these submissions, and the recommendations the of environmental report, further amendments to the Draft Plan, and the preparation of an Addendum to the Environmental Report, were recommended by the Chief Executive t in his report o Members March in 2017. An addendum to the Environmental Report epared was pr and published with the Proposed Amendments to the Plan in May 2017. The Addendum recommends some minor changes to the Environmental Report in response to issues raised in the submissions, and also included a screening report of the proposed amendments. Submissions on Proposed Amendments to the Draft Plan and Addendum to the SEA Environment Report 2.2.9 A total of 20 submissions were received on the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Plan. Details of all the submissions received were detailed in the Chief Executive’s Report to Members in June 2017. Only one submission, from the Environmental Protection Agency, referenced the Addendum to the SEA Environment Report. Having considered the submissions received in response to the publication of the amendments proposed for the Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan, no further modifications to the published amendments were recommended by the Chief Executive 2.2.10 There was minor a modification in response to the submission from TII, where it is proposed to insert some additional non material text into Section One of each plan under the heading of ‘Traffic and Transport’ as follows: 2.2.11 ‘The Council, in consultation with the Transport Infrastructure Ireland, will protect proposed national road route corridors where the route selection process has been completed/approved and where preferred route corridors have been identified. The line of these Route Protection Corridors is shown in Volume 3 LAP Map Browser which is accessible through www.corkcoco.ie’.

21st August 2017 9 2.2.12 In response to submissions from the Department of Environment, al Community and Loc 2.4.2 In Cork, uccessive s County Development Plan strategies have sought to encourage balanced growth Government and the South West Regional Authority, further Modifications to the Proposed across the county to sustain the economies and service levels of the main towns and villages. The Amendments were recommended in the Chief Executive’s Report. The full text of the proposed Regional Planning Guidelines support this balanced approach to development in order to maintain modifications and the justification for same is set e out in Volume I of th Section 12(8) Chief vibrant rural communities with an equal level of urban In and rural growth. this context the key Executives Report. aims of the Local Area Plan support the continuation of this approach, seeking sustainable patterns of growth in urban and rural areas. 2.2.13 This issue is considered MINOR in nature and the full text of the proposed modifications and justification for same is set out in the Chief Executives Report prepared under section 20(3)(k) of 2.4.3 Blarney Macroom Municipal District has an extensive urban structure Blarney and the Macroom the Planning and Development Acts th (16 June, 2017). Municipal District Local Area Plan provides for the development of the 2 Main Towns, 7 Key Village, 15 Villages, 25 Village Nuclei and 7 Other Locations. The overall population target of the District 2.2.14 An SEA Screening Report on the proposed further modifications was prepared which found the has already been set by the County The Development Plan. scenarios considered in preparing the modifications would have a neutral or positive impact. A copy of this screening report in included Plan have therefore been prepared in this context. The overall level of growth allocated the to in Appendix this A of Statement. Municipal District is the same for each scenario, in line with the Core Strategy in County Development Plan. The scenarios look at options the for development within MD. Scenarios which would be inconsistent this with approach, increasing by or reducing the overall growth level of 2.3 Statutory Consultation within the MD for example, have not been considered. 2.3.1 In terms of the SEA and the AA, there have been three periods of consultation over the course 2.4.4 The Scenarios considered for the Blarney Macroom Municipal District were as follows: the preparation of Blarney the Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan 2017. (a) Scenario 1 Public Transport 2.3.2 The first public consultation, for the pre-­‐draft stage, was held between in December 2015 and (b) Scenario 2 Employment Towns January 2016. Additional consultation on the Scoping stage for SEA was held in May 2016, when the statutory consultees for SEA in were Ireland contacted with Preliminary the Consultation (c) Scenario 3 Balanced Growth Document and the SEA Scoping Document. 2.4.5 These three alternatives specifically focus on alternate means of achieving the aims of new 2.3.3 The second period of consultation included a public display of the Blarney Macroom Municipal Plan. Strengths and weaknesses of the various alternatives were evaluated in the SEA taking into District Local Area Plan 2017 alongside the SEA Environmental Report and associated Appropriate account both planning and environmental impacts. Assessment. This took place between November 2016 and January 2017. A total of 61 submissions were received on this suite of documents in relation to the Blarney Macroom Municipal District 2.4.6 The consideration of alternatives was part of the information presented to Elected Members and at while at further 23 address issues relevant to the county . as a whole public consultation to help make an informed choice with regards to the evolution of Plan. Further details on the alternative preferred and reasons for its selection t in ligh of the other 2.3.4 A further period of public onsultation c on the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Plan took place alternatives are provided in Chapter 4 of this document. during May 2017. An Addendum to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report was also available for public consultation time. during this A further 20 submissions were received 2.5 Proposed Mitigation in response to these consultations. 2.5.1 Avoidance and Mitigation of impacts was addressed where possible at all stages of the formulation 2.3.5 At all stages of consultation, the content of the submissions received have been considered by the of the plan f itsel as part of the SEA process local and the draft area plan was drafted to minimise staff preparing the plan and by Members, and amendments have been the made to Draft Plan in adverse impacts where possible. As part of the preparation of the Environmental Report and response to these, where considered appropriate. Further detail on the submissions is provided in assessment of the potential impacts of the Plan against tion the Environmental Protec Objectives, Section 3. recommendations for changes to the plan where were made necessary address to remaining issues and in order to avoid, reduce and mitigate – potential impacts see Table 2.1 above which sets out 2.4 Alternatives Considered the recommendations of the Environmental Report and the Actions taken in response to these recommendations. 2.4.1 The SEA Environmental Report has documented the reasonable alternatives considered as part of the Local Area Plan making process. As a Local Area Plan is at the lower end of the statutory plan 2.6 Compliance with EU Habitats Directive – Appropriate Assessment. hierarchy, and the Planning Acts require a Local Area to Plan be consistent with the objectives of the development plan, its core strategy and any regional spatial and economic strategy that applies 2.6.1 A further aspect of the assessment of the Plan was the undertaking of an Appropriate Assessment to the area, the scope for considering at alternatives the Local Area is Plan level very limited the as under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). This parallel process ensured that environmental key parameters have already been determined by the higher level . plans Given the detailed and considerations, specifically focused on Natura 2000 tegrated sites, were in into the Plan as it was binding nature of Core the Strategy in particular, it is clear that the strategic alternative scenarios developed. can only be fully considered and environmentally assessed tion as part of the prepara of the higher 2.6.2 Under the EU Habitats Directive, any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the level plans i.e. the County Development Plan and the Regional conomic Spatial and E Strategy. management of a Natura 2000 site, e.g. Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA), but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with

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2.4.2 In Cork, uccessive s County Development Plan strategies have sought to encourage balanced growth across the county to sustain the economies and service levels of the main towns and villages. The Regional Planning Guidelines support this balanced approach to development in order to maintain vibrant rural communities with an equal level of urban In and rural growth. this context the key aims of the Local Area Plan support the continuation of this approach, seeking sustainable patterns of growth in urban and rural areas. 2.4.3 Blarney Macroom Municipal District has an extensive urban structure Blarney and the Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan provides for the development of the 2 Main Towns, 7 Key Village, 15 Villages, 25 Village Nuclei and 7 Other Locations. The overall population target of the District has already been set by the County The Development Plan. scenarios considered in preparing the Plan have therefore been prepared in this context. The overall level of growth allocated the to Municipal District is the same for each scenario, in line with the Core Strategy in County Development Plan. The scenarios look at options the for development within MD. Scenarios which would be inconsistent this with approach, increasing by or reducing the overall growth level of within the MD for example, have not been considered. 2.4.4 The Scenarios considered for the Blarney Macroom Municipal District were as follows:

(a) Scenario 1 Public Transport

(b) Scenario 2 Employment Towns

(c) Scenario 3 Balanced Growth 2.4.5 These three alternatives specifically focus on alternate means of achieving the aims of new Plan. Strengths and weaknesses of the various alternatives were evaluated in the SEA taking into account both planning and environmental impacts. 2.4.6 The consideration of alternatives was part of the information presented to Elected Members and at public consultation to help make an informed choice with regards to the evolution of Plan. Further details on the alternative preferred and reasons for its selection t in ligh of the other alternatives are provided in Chapter 4 of this document. 2.5 Proposed Mitigation 2.5.1 Avoidance and Mitigation of impacts was addressed where possible at all stages of the formulation of the plan f itsel as part of the SEA process local and the draft area plan was drafted to minimise adverse impacts where possible. As part of the preparation of the Environmental Report and assessment of the potential impacts of the Plan against tion the Environmental Protec Objectives, recommendations for changes to the plan where were made necessary address to remaining issues and in order to avoid, reduce and mitigate – potential impacts see Table 2.1 above which sets out the recommendations of the Environmental Report and the Actions taken in response to these recommendations. 2.6 Compliance with EU Habitats Directive – Appropriate Assessment. 2.6.1 A further aspect of the assessment of the Plan was the undertaking of an Appropriate Assessment under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). This parallel process ensured that environmental considerations, specifically focused on Natura 2000 tegrated sites, were in into the Plan as it was developed. 2.6.2 Under the EU Habitats Directive, any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a Natura 2000 site, e.g. Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA), but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with

21st August 2017 11 other plans or projects, shall be subjected to an appropriate assessment of its implications for the Table 2.2: Summary of Habitats Directive Screening Process for the Draft Blarney Macroom site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. There are a number of Natura 2000 sites within Municipal District Local Area Plan. and adjacent to Blarney the Macroom Municipal District, which could be impacted by the new Development Plan. Therefore, the s AA proces was applied to the Draft Local Area Plan, Proposed Changes incorporated into Amendments and the Modifications to the Amendment to determine if it would have significant Section of Plan Issue / Recommendation Proposed Amendments / effects on any of these European designated sites. Final Plan within the area described to be 2.6.3 The Habitats Directive Assessment Screening prepare Report d on the Local Draft Area Plan existing built up . area This recommended a number of changes to the Draft Plan as detailed in Table 2.2 below. Where description of SAC land could possible these issues were dealt with in formulating the Draft Plan. Where this was not possible, the issues were addressed amen at the dments stage, as detailed the in following table. result in land within the SAC coming under pressure to be developed. It was recommended that SAC Table 2.2: Summary of Habitats Directive Screening Process for the Draft Blarney Macroom lands would be designated as Municipal District Local Area Plan. Open Space, not suitable for Changes incorporated into development. Section of Plan Issue / Recommendation Proposed Amendments / Section 4 Key Villages The Gearagh SAC and the BM.02.07.03 Amendment to Final Plan & Gearagh SPA LAS-­‐01(a) to clarify and Section Two, Four, Five The Gearagh SPA The plan has been amended Section 5 Villages, There are a number of small standardise policy relating to Concerned about water quality to address this issue in Village Nuclei and settlements located within the surface and wastewater and the ecology of the area. accordance with proposed Other Locations catchment of the . Gearagh management applying to all amendment Responsible management of settlements within the plan BM.02.07.03, surface waters will be important area. BM.04.03.02 to ensuring that new BM.05.01.08 development in these BM.05.02.03 settlements will not result in

increased levels of surface water Section 3 Blarney Insert additional text into The plan has been amended run off to rivers and streams Paragraph 3.2.41 relating to to address this issue in flowing into the Gearagh. It was Killowen River to address issue accordance with proposed considered on assessment that identified in SEA of proposed amendment objectives relating to villages and amendments as follows; BM.03.02.08 other settlements was not The area of woodland along the sufficiently clear in relation to Killowen River Valley should be this issue. protected and form part of any

future green infrastructure The settlements of Ballingeary network. and Inchigeelagh are serviced by Section 4 Key Villages St. Gobnet’s Wood Special Area The plan has been amended public wastewater treatment to address this issue in of Conservation -­‐ systems which discharge to the accordance with proposed A significant portion of St. River Lee. e Ther are issues amendment BM.04.04.03 Gobnet’s Wood lies within the relating to license compliance

associated with the Ballingeary settlement boundary of Ballymakeery/Ballyvourney. plant and waste water is being discharged untreated from the Most of the area is zoned as Inchigeelagh settlement. Both Open Space and the objective for plants are observed to be having this zone is to protect the unique negative effects on water quality heritage and amenity value of in the Lee which d coul have the the woodland. However, small potential to have negative sections of SAC woodland lie consequences on water quality in

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Table 2.2: Summary of Habitats Directive Screening Process for the Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan. Changes incorporated into Section of Plan Issue / Recommendation Proposed Amendments / Final Plan within the area described to be existing built up . area This description of SAC land could result in land within the SAC coming under pressure to be developed. It was recommended that SAC lands would be designated as Open Space, not suitable for development. Section 4 Key Villages The Gearagh SAC and the BM.02.07.03 Amendment to & Gearagh SPA LAS-­‐01(a) to clarify and Section 5 Villages, There are a number of small standardise policy relating to Village Nuclei and settlements located within the surface and wastewater Other Locations catchment of the . Gearagh management applying to all Responsible management of settlements within the plan surface waters will be important area. to ensuring that new development in these settlements will not result in increased levels of surface water run off to rivers and streams flowing into the Gearagh. It was considered on assessment that objectives relating to villages and other settlements was not sufficiently clear in relation to this issue.

The settlements of Ballingeary and Inchigeelagh are serviced by public wastewater treatment systems which discharge to the River Lee. e Ther are issues relating to license compliance associated with the Ballingeary plant and waste water is being discharged untreated from the Inchigeelagh settlement. Both plants are observed to be having negative effects on water quality in the Lee which d coul have the potential to have negative consequences on water quality in

21st August 2017 13 Table 2.2: Summary of Habitats Directive Screening Process for the Draft Blarney Macroom Table 2.2: Summary of Habitats Directive Screening Process for the Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan. Municipal District Local Area Plan. Changes incorporated into Changes incorporated into Section of Plan Issue / Recommendation Proposed Amendments / Section of Plan Issue / Recommendation Proposed Amendments / Final Plan Final Plan the Gearagh. where it can be shown that they will not have significant negative It was recommended that policy impact on the SPA and nearby relating to surface water SAC. management for key villages A buffer zone will be required would be strengthened. between any development proposed for this zone and the It was recommended that policy SPA. The size of the buffer zone relating to wastewater and will be determined at project protection of this site would be level. clarified in the plan to ensure The boundary of Toon Bridge that it is made clear that issues overlaps with the Gearagh relating to compliance with Special Protection Area. license conditions and protection Development in Toon Bridge will of water quality must be only be permitted where it is addresses (as well as capacity shown that it is compatible with issues) to ensure that new the requirements of the Birds development in settlements Directive and the protection of linked to the Gearagh catchment this site. do not have a negative impact on the SAC or on the SPA.

Section Five The Gearagh SPA The plan has been amended Toon Bridge Village Concerned about water quality to address this issue in Nuclei and the ecology of the area. accordance with proposed Revise zoning Objective O-­‐01 as amendment follows; Open Space. This area is BM.05.02.03 within the floodplain of the Toon River. Lands to remain predominantly open and rural in character, with some opportunities for recreation or amenity type uses. Parts of the zone are within the Gearagh Special Protection Area. These parts of the zone are not suitable for development. Development in other parts of this zone is likely to require the provision of an ecological impact assessment report (Natura Impact Statement) in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive and may only proceed

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Table 2.2: Summary of Habitats Directive Screening Process for the Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan. Changes incorporated into Section of Plan Issue / Recommendation Proposed Amendments / Final Plan where it can be shown that they will not have significant negative impact on the SPA and nearby SAC. A buffer zone will be required between any development proposed for this zone and the SPA. The size of the buffer zone will be determined at project level. The boundary of Toon Bridge overlaps with the Gearagh Special Protection Area. Development in Toon Bridge will only be permitted where it is shown that it is compatible with the requirements of the Birds Directive and the protection of this site.

21st August 2017 15 3 Submissions and Observations Table 3.1 Summary of the issues Raised at SEA Scoping Stage.

3.1 Introduction Name of Summary of Issues Raised Response Submitter 3.1.1 This section deals with how submissions and observations from environmental authorities and members of the public, received throughout the process of preparing , the local area plan and Irish Water Observations relate to the potential environmental Comments noted and relevant to the SEA process, were taken into account in the preparation of the final document. effects associated with the provision of issues raised will be There have been three periods of consultation: -­‐ -­‐ sustainable, cost effective water services and the considered further in a) Pre – Draft: Preliminary Consultation under Section 20 at the pre-­‐draft plan stage was protection of water sources used for public supply. the preparation of the undertaken in Dec ember 2015 . Draft Local Area Plan Need to be aware that due to the limited funding and the SEA b) Consultation on the Draft Plan, Environmental Report, Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, available and the legacy issue ed inherit by Irish Environment Report. Habitats Directive Assessment Screening Report in November 2016. Water in relation to available capacity and compliance, they will upgrade infrastructure as the The Draft LAP intends c) Consultation on the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Plan, SEA Addendum Report and need arises on a priority basis in line with national to deal in a Natural / AA Screening Report in May 2017. and regional planning policy and the County comprehensive 3.1.2 At all stages of consultation, the content of the submissions received have been considered by the settlement hierarchy, subject to available funding manner with all team preparing the plan. and environmental constraints. infrastructure requirements and the 3.2 Pre Draft Consultation It cannot be assumed that because the Council sets most appropriate a population target for a settlement that water mechanisms to deliver 3.2.1 The first stage in the preparation of the Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan started services will be made available for that target in that infrastructure. in December 2015 with publication the of Section the 20 Preliminary Consultation . Document A advance. Draft SEA Scoping Report was sent to all environmental authorities on the 22nd April 2016. The SEA Scoping Report provided an overview of the Municipal District, the suggested strategy for the Many of the larger settlements identified in the proposed new local area plan, the alternatives considered, and the likely output of the new local County’s settlement hierarchy are located adjacent area plan. The R Scoping eport also examined the environmental baseline of the District and the to sensitive/designated waters to which treated existing environmental sensitivities of the area. In response this pre-­‐ draft consultation stage, wastewater from these settlements must be submissions relevant to the SEA process were received from the EPA and Irish Water. These are discharged. outlined in Table 3.1 below. Suggest that need to test the compatibility of settlement strategy with the SEA objectives EPO3 Table 3.1 Summary of the issues Raised at SEA Scoping Stage. (BFF), EPO , 5 (W) EPO6 (AQ/C) and EPO 10(MA).

Name of Summary of Issues Raised Response Locating large settlements in sensitive areas is not Submitter necessarily sustainable and achieving the objectives of EPO3 & EPO5 would impact on st EPA State that previous submission dated 21 January The issues raised will achieving the objective EPO Climate Change by 2016 in response to Preliminary Consultation be addressed as part of expending significant energy to achieve the Document should be taken into account in the the Strategic required standards and EPO10 by expending scarce preparation of the SEA Environment Report and Environmental monetary resources that could be better utilised in lists the other Environmental Authorities that the Assessment and alternative settlement locations where receiving Draft Scoping Report should be sent to. Habitats Directive waters are not as sensitive. Assessment of the Draft Local Area Plans. Ensure that the requirement for an available sustainable potable drinking water supply source Draft Scoping Report to serve target populations is considered. was sent to all the Environmental The medium to long-­‐term strategy of building Authorities (See resilience into the water supply networks will Appendix 3). result in the decommissioning of smaller, unreliable water sources and increased

16 Cork County Council Volume 2

Table 3.1 Summary of the issues Raised at SEA Scoping Stage.

Name of Summary of Issues Raised Response Submitter

Irish Water Observations relate to the potential environmental Comments noted and effects associated with the provision of issues raised will be sustainable, cost effective water services and the considered further in protection of water sources used for public supply. the preparation of the Draft Local Area Plan Need to be aware that due to the limited funding and the SEA available and the legacy issue ed inherit by Irish Environment Report. Water in relation to available capacity and compliance, they will upgrade infrastructure as the The Draft LAP intends need arises on a priority basis in line with national to deal in a and regional planning policy and the County comprehensive settlement hierarchy, subject to available funding manner with all and environmental constraints. infrastructure requirements and the It cannot be assumed that because the Council sets most appropriate a population target for a settlement that water mechanisms to deliver services will be made available for that target in that infrastructure. advance.

Many of the larger settlements identified in the County’s settlement hierarchy are located adjacent to sensitive/designated waters to which treated wastewater from these settlements must be discharged.

Suggest that need to test the compatibility of settlement strategy with the SEA objectives EPO3 (BFF), EPO , 5 (W) EPO6 (AQ/C) and EPO 10(MA).

Locating large settlements in sensitive areas is not necessarily sustainable and achieving the objectives of EPO3 & EPO5 would impact on achieving the objective EPO Climate Change by expending significant energy to achieve the required standards and EPO10 by expending scarce monetary resources that could be better utilised in alternative settlement locations where receiving waters are not as sensitive.

Ensure that the requirement for an available sustainable potable drinking water supply source to serve target populations is considered.

The medium to long-­‐term strategy of building resilience into the water supply networks will result in the decommissioning of smaller, unreliable water sources and increased

21st August 2017 17 (e) The availability / timing of delivery of Water Services Infrastructure. Table 3.1 Summary of the issues Raised at SEA Scoping Stage. (f) Amount of land zoned for economic development. Name of Summary of Issues Raised Response Submitter (g) Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. interconnection of pply su networks to ensure that (h) Protection of Natural and Built Heritage, including Archaeology. supply taken from sustainable water resources can be utilised throughout our supply networks. (i) Reservation of lands for schools.

Note the tables included in scoping reports in (j) Strategic Environmental Assessment and the integration of the process into plan making. relation to the status of water services relative to (k) Protection of natural heritage, ecology and biodiversity. the suggested scale of development at settlement level but without the background to this (l) Issues in relation to transportation, sustainable travel, access to zoned lands, public assessment find it difficult to determine its transport etc. accuracy. (m) Proposals for zoning additional land and extension of village boundaries. development Note that a water treatment plant and water 3.3.4 Two of one the hundred and nine submissions received made reference to the Environmental supply zone may serve a number of settlements Report – these were from Environmental the Protection Agency (EPA) and the Southern Regional and surrounding environs and the overall demand Assembly. These submissions were summarised and responded to in Chief Executive’s Report to on he t water treatment plant/supply zone is the Members under S20 of the Act. more appropriate level to consider available capacity than settlement level. 3.3.5 The submission from the Southern Regional Assembly noted various elements of the Environmental Report but did not raise any issues requiring further clarification or make any recommendations in relation to the SEA process. No further action is considered necessary in relation to the 3.2.2 The Scoping Report was finalised on the 31st May 2016 and issues raised were considered further Environmental Report, in response to the submission from the SRA submission. the preparation of the Draft Local Area Plan and the SEA Environment Report. 3.3.6 The main issues raised by the EPA are detailed in Table 3.1 for ease of reference. These issues have 3.3 Draft Plan and Environmental Report Consultation also been discussed and responded to in the Chief Executive’s Report to Members. Where changes are proposed these are detailed in the final able. column of the T For the text of the amendment 3.3.1 The Environmental Report prepared to document the assessment of the environmental effects of please see the ‘Proposed Amendments to the Draft Blarney Plan’ document for the Macroom implementing the aims and objectives Local of the Draft Area Plan made just one recommendation Municipal District, published 2 on May, 2017, available on www.corklocalareaplans.com . for change to the Draft Plan as detailed in Section 2.2. of this report. The full assessment and background to the recommendations is discussed in Chapter 6, Section of 6.3 the Environmental Report. As it was too late in the process to implement this recommendation, the Draft Plan was

published without giving effect he to t Recommendation of the Environmental Report, with the Table 3.1: Issues raised by the EPA in response to the Draft Local Area Plans. intention of addressing the issue amendment at the stage he of t plan.

3.3.2 Following the publication of the Draft Plan and associated , environmental reports one hundred and EPA Issue CEO Response Change proposed to Blarney nine submissions were received during the public consultation period. Thirty two of the Macroom LAP submissions focused on general issues facing the wider County and the Municipal District as a 1. Development This issue is already addressed by Proposed Amendment No whole, with a further 77 site specific . submissions should be linked to the objectives of each LAP which BM.02.07.03. the ability to require that appropriate and 3.3.3 Details of all the submissions received led were detai in the Chief Executive’s Report to Members in provide water sustainable water and waste water For the text of the June 2017. The Chief Executive’s Report highlighted the key issues arising from the submissions services infrastructure, capable of meeting amendment please see the received as follows: infrastructure in legal requirements and other ‘Proposed Amendments to (a) Issues in relation to Town Councils and the review of Town Development Plans. advance of relevant environmental objectives the Draft Plan’ document for permission being in relation to water y qualit / the Blarney Macroom (b) Active Land Management and bringing land forward for . development granted. habitat protection, must be Municipal District, published (c) Strategic Land Reserves issues in Metropolitan Cork. provided and be operational in on 02 May, 2017 and advance of the commencement of available on (d) Alignment of the Plans with the Core Strategy of the County Development Plan and the any discharges from a www.corklocalareaplans.com quantum of land being zoned for development. development. Adequate provision for storm water disposal is also

18 Cork County Council Volume 2

(e) The availability / timing of delivery of Water Services Infrastructure.

(f) Amount of land zoned for economic development.

(g) Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.

(h) Protection of Natural and Built Heritage, including Archaeology.

(i) Reservation of lands for schools.

(j) Strategic Environmental Assessment and the integration of the process into plan making.

(k) Protection of natural heritage, ecology and biodiversity.

(l) Issues in relation to transportation, sustainable travel, access to zoned lands, public transport etc.

(m) Proposals for zoning additional land and extension of village boundaries. development 3.3.4 Two of one the hundred and nine submissions received made reference to the Environmental Report – these were from Environmental the Protection Agency (EPA) and the Southern Regional Assembly. These submissions were summarised and responded to in Chief Executive’s Report to Members under S20 of the Act. 3.3.5 The submission from the Southern Regional Assembly noted various elements of the Environmental Report but did not raise any issues requiring further clarification or make any recommendations in relation to the SEA process. No further action is considered necessary in relation to the Environmental Report, in response to the submission from the SRA submission. 3.3.6 The main issues raised by the EPA are detailed in Table 3.1 for ease of reference. These issues have also been discussed and responded to in the Chief Executive’s Report to Members. Where changes are proposed these are detailed in the final able. column of the T For the text of the amendment please see the ‘Proposed Amendments to the Draft Blarney Plan’ document for the Macroom Municipal District, published 2 on May, 2017, available on www.corklocalareaplans.com .

Table 3.1: Issues raised by the EPA in response to the Draft Local Area Plans.

EPA Issue CEO Response Change proposed to Blarney Macroom LAP 1. Development This issue is already addressed by Proposed Amendment No should be linked to the objectives of each LAP which BM.02.07.03. the ability to require that appropriate and provide water sustainable water and waste water For the text of the services infrastructure, capable of meeting amendment please see the infrastructure in legal requirements and other ‘Proposed Amendments to advance of relevant environmental objectives the Draft Plan’ document for permission being in relation to water y qualit / the Blarney Macroom granted. habitat protection, must be Municipal District, published provided and be operational in on 02 May, 2017 and advance of the commencement of available on any discharges from a www.corklocalareaplans.com development. Adequate provision for storm water disposal is also

21st August 2017 19 Table 3.1: Issues raised by the EPA in response to the Draft Local Area Plans. Table 3.1: Issues raised by the EPA in response to the Draft Local Area Plans.

EPA Issue CEO Response Change proposed to Blarney EPA Issue CEO Response Change proposed to Blarney Macroom LAP Macroom LAP required. of critical water as outlined at item 1 above further services strengthen the link between Nonetheless, in response to a infrastructure in development, water services number of different submissions t i particular. In terms provisions and environmental is proposed to amend and expand of impacts on protection. objective LAS-­‐01 in Section 2 of the receiving water, for Local Area Plan to further address example, the the following: significant
water services/ water quality deficiencies in issues, WWT
SUDs issues, infrastructure
relevant Objectives in the should be a key County Development Plan2014, consideration.
Developer provided water 4. Need for priority Prioritisation of the delivery of No amendment proposed on services infrastructure ( not secondary WWT in secondary waste water treatment this issue. allowed unless agreed with Irish key settlements facilities is a matter for Irish Water. See changes proposed under Water) should be item 1 above. 2. Plans should Plans will be amended to include a Proposed Amendment no addressed as a include a reference reference to the National Planning BM.02.07.04. priority. to the National Framework and the Regional For the text of the Planning Spatial and Economic Strategy. amendment please see the 5. Commitment to With regard to the preparation of No amendment proposed Framework and the ‘Proposed Amendments to implementing the a Climate Change Adaptation Regional Spatial the Draft Plan’ document for National Strategy, it is recognised that this and Economic the Blarney Macroom Broadband Plan falls within the remit of the Council Strategy Municipal District, published and preparing a to prepare, but it is beyond the on 02 May, 2017 and Climate Change scope of the Local Area Plan available on Adaptation process. www.corklocalareaplans.com Strategy should be Similarly implementation of the included in each National Broadband Plan is not a 3. In order to show Issues in relation to the See proposed amendment plan matter for the Local Area Plan. how the SEA environmental sensitivity of each process has been area, cumulative impacts and the BM.02.03.01 and 6. Clarification is Habitat mapping for parts of the See Proposed Amendment integrated into the compliance status of water services BM.02.04.01 (Table 2.2) required on Blarney, Carrigaline and Midleton BM.02.04.03, plans, the plans infrastructure has already been whether habitat Electoral Areas was completed BM.01.08.01, should clarify how addressed, as far as it is mapping has some years ago and has informed BM.03.02.02, the issues raised at practicable, in the Environmental informed the plans. the preparation of the plans. It is BM.02.07.03, the scoping stage Report and the objectives of the For the text of the Plans should has not been possible to complete BM.03.02.06, have been Draft Plan. amendment please see the include habitat mapping for the other main BM.05.02.03, in response to addressed. In ‘Proposed Amendments to recommendations towns of the county in time to submissions and in particular addition the plans Further clarification on the status the Draft Plan’ document for regarding the inform the LAP process, but the the Habitat Directive should provide of drinking water and waste water the Blarney Macroom protection of key projects outputs will be able to Assessment Screening information on the treatment infrastructure, as given Municipal District, published ecological corridors inform the Councils wider planning Report. environmental in Table 2.3 of the Draft Plan will on nd 2 May, 2017 and and linkages within functions. sensitivities of each be included where appropriate. available on each plan area. For the text of the area and the www.corklocalareaplans.com Objectives for the protection of amendment please see the compliance status Proposed amendments to LAS-­‐01 natural heritage have already been ‘Proposed Amendments to

20 Cork County Council Volume 2

Table 3.1: Issues raised by the EPA in response to the Draft Local Area Plans.

EPA Issue CEO Response Change proposed to Blarney Macroom LAP of critical water as outlined at item 1 above further services strengthen the link between infrastructure in development, water services particular. In terms provisions and environmental of impacts on protection. receiving water, for example, the significant deficiencies in WWT infrastructure should be a key consideration. 4. Need for priority Prioritisation of the delivery of No amendment proposed on secondary WWT in secondary waste water treatment this issue. key settlements facilities is a matter for Irish Water. See changes proposed under should be item 1 above. addressed as a priority.

5. Commitment to With regard to the preparation of No amendment proposed implementing the a Climate Change Adaptation National Strategy, it is recognised that this Broadband Plan falls within the remit of the Council and preparing a to prepare, but it is beyond the Climate Change scope of the Local Area Plan Adaptation process. Strategy should be Similarly implementation of the included in each National Broadband Plan is not a plan matter for the Local Area Plan.

6. Clarification is Habitat mapping for parts of the See Proposed Amendment required on Blarney, Carrigaline and Midleton BM.02.04.03, whether habitat Electoral Areas was completed BM.01.08.01, mapping has some years ago and has informed BM.03.02.02, informed the plans. the preparation of the plans. It is BM.02.07.03, Plans should has not been possible to complete BM.03.02.06, include habitat mapping for the other main BM.05.02.03, in response to recommendations towns of the county in time to submissions and in particular regarding the inform the LAP process, but the the Habitat Directive protection of key projects outputs will be able to Assessment Screening ecological corridors inform the Councils wider planning Report. and linkages within functions. each plan area. For the text of the Objectives for the protection of amendment please see the natural heritage have already been ‘Proposed Amendments to

21st August 2017 21 Table 3.1: Issues raised by the EPA in response to the Draft Local Area Plans. Table 3.1: Issues raised by the EPA in response to the Draft Local Area Plans.

EPA Issue CEO Response Change proposed to Blarney EPA Issue CEO Response Change proposed to Blarney Macroom LAP Macroom LAP included in the See plan. LAS-­‐01 for the Draft Plan’ document for EPO1, EPO5 and indicators which have no ready EPO1 to replace the word example in Section 2 of the Plan the Blarney Macroom EPO8 and source of data at a local level. ‘increase’ with ‘change’ as which provides for the protection Municipal District, published clarification is With regard to the consideration of follows: of Natura sites, the biodiversity of on 02 May, 2017 and required on how alternatives, this process relates to Significant increase change the area. available on the alternatives the review of the local area plans, in the population of the main Objective LAS-­‐01 also references www.corklocalareaplans.com have been where the plan being reviewed has towns. Distance and mode of relevant Heritage related assessed. already been subject to the SEA transport to work / school. objectives of the County process. In additional the Local Development Plan 2014 including, Area plans are about giving effect In relation to EPO 5 it is HE 2-­‐1, and HE2-­‐2. at the local level to the strategy of proposed to amend the LAS -­‐ 01 (d) further references the the County Development Plan, wording of the first Target to protection of landscape features, which has itself been subject to include the additional words ecological corridors and areas of SEA. “as follows”, as shown local biodiversity value, wetlands below: and features of geological value within this planning area in To achieve at least ‘good’ accordance with County status in all bodies of surface Development Plan 2014 objectives waters ( lakes, rivers, HE 2-­‐3, HE 2-­‐4, HE 2-­‐5, HE 2-­‐6 and transitional and coastal HE 2-­‐7. waters).

7. Potential for These issues have already been No further changes proposed See Appendix A for full text. cumulative and in addressed, as far as it is 9. Clarification is Mitigation measures are built into No further changes proposed combination practicable, in the Environmental required on what the objectives of each Local Area effects should be Report . mitigation Plan e.g. objectives re water assessed in more measures are services, SUDS, protection of detail and The Draft Blarney Macroom Plan proposed to Natura Sites, biodiversity, clarification is has been prepared by undertaking address identified ecological corridors as mentioned required on how a review of the existing statutory environmental at item 1 above. Monitoring will the preferred plans for the -­‐ area the Blarney sensitivities and on be addressed further in the development Electoral Area Local Area Plan 2011 proposed Environmental Statement. scenarios were and the Macroom Local Area Plan monitoring informed by the 2011 (as amended), which were programmes In addition the County environmental themselves subject to Strategic Development Plan 2014 includes sensitivities of an Environmental Assessment, many protective objectives in area. Habitats Directive Assessment, and relation to issues such as Flood Risk Assessment, prior to Development Management and adoption. The reality is that many Protection of Amenities, of the provisions of the current Sustainable Residential LAP’s have been carried forward, Development, Natural, Built and unchanged, into the new Draft Plan Cultural Heritage, Biodiversity, 2016. Landscape, Water Quality, Pollution Control, protecting Air 8. Chang es Suggested changes to EPO1 and As suggested by the EPA Quality, managing Noise and Light recommended to EPO5 will be implemented. submission it is proposed to emissions, flood risk management, the wording of Changes to EPO8 require additional amend the Indicator for sustainable energy etc. All

22 Cork County Council Volume 2

Table 3.1: Issues raised by the EPA in response to the Draft Local Area Plans.

EPA Issue CEO Response Change proposed to Blarney Macroom LAP EPO1, EPO5 and indicators which have no ready EPO1 to replace the word EPO8 and source of data at a local level. ‘increase’ with ‘change’ as clarification is With regard to the consideration of follows: required on how alternatives, this process relates to Significant increase change the alternatives the review of the local area plans, in the population of the main have been where the plan being reviewed has towns. Distance and mode of assessed. already been subject to the SEA transport to work / school. process. In additional the Local Area plans are about giving effect In relation to EPO 5 it is at the local level to the strategy of proposed to amend the the County Development Plan, wording of the first Target to which has itself been subject to include the additional words SEA. “as follows”, as shown below:

To achieve at least ‘good’ status in all bodies of surface waters ( lakes, rivers, transitional and coastal waters).

See Appendix A for full text. 9. Clarification is Mitigation measures are built into No further changes proposed required on what the objectives of each Local Area mitigation Plan e.g. objectives re water measures are services, SUDS, protection of proposed to Natura Sites, biodiversity, address identified ecological corridors as mentioned environmental at item 1 above. Monitoring will sensitivities and on be addressed further in the proposed Environmental Statement. monitoring programmes In addition the County Development Plan 2014 includes many protective objectives in relation to issues such as Development Management and Protection of Amenities, Sustainable Residential Development, Natural, Built and Cultural Heritage, Biodiversity, Landscape, Water Quality, Pollution Control, protecting Air Quality, managing Noise and Light emissions, flood risk management, sustainable energy etc. All

21st August 2017 23 Table 3.1: Issues raised by the EPA in response to the Draft Local Area Plans. 3.4 Proposed Amendments to the Draft Plan.

nd EPA Issue CEO Response Change proposed to Blarney 3.4.1 On the 2 of May 2017, the proposed amendments Draft to the Blarney Macroom Municipal Macroom LAP District Local Area Plan were published for public consultation. proposals for development under 3.4.2 These proposed amendments were screened for the need for full SEA in order to determine if the Local Area Plan, must comply in significant impacts would arise as a result of their inclusion. The screening process comprised the first instance, with the all the assessing each proposed amendment against the Environmental n Protectio Objectives to provisions of the County determine if they would have a potentially positive, negative, uncertain or neutral impact. The Development Plan. Environmental Protection objectives are detailed in Table 3.1 while the summary results of the assessment of each proposed amendment d is detaile in Table 3-­‐2 below.

Table 3.1: List of Environmental Protection Objectives, Targets and Indicators

3.3.7 Following the consideration by Members of the Chief Executive’s report further meetings of Council EPO 1 Population (P) were held March 2017 to discuss the to proposed amendments the Plan. At the Council Meeting of To ensure the sustainable development of the area so people have the opportunity to live 27 March 2017, Members of Council agreed to make 73 amendments to the Draft Blarney in communities with high quality residential, working and recreational environments with Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan. These amendments were published for consultation sustainable travel patterns. on 2 May 2017. EPO 2 Human Health (HH) To protect and enhance human health and manage hazards or nuisances arising from traffic & incompatible land uses. EPO 3 Biodiversity, Flora Fauna and (BFF) Throughout the county, conserve and restore ecosystems, habitats and species in their natural surroundings, and ensure their sustainable management, including the ecological corridors between them. EPO 4 Soil (S) Protect the function lity and qua of the soil resource in the Fermoy Municipal District EPO 5 Water (W) Maintain and improve the quality of water resources and improve the management and sustainable use of these resources to comply with the requirements of the WFD.

Air Quality and Climate Factors (AQ/C) EPO 6 Protect and improve air quality. EPO 7 Contribute to mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change.

EPO 8 Cultural Heritage (CH) Protect and, where appropriate, enhance the character, diversity and special qualities of architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage (including Gaeltachtaí) in County Cork.

EPO 9 Landscape (L) Protect and, where appropriate, enhance character, the diversity and special qualities of landscapes in County Cork.

EPO 10 Material Assets (MA) Make best use of the material assets of the area and promote the sustainable development of new infrastructure to provide for the s current and future need of the

population. EPO 11 Flooding (F) Protect flood plains and areas at risk of flooding from inappropriate development.

3.4.3 Many of the proposed amendments include additional background information on an issue while not affecting the policies ives or object of the plan, or relate to the provision of factual information or clarification. Where such changes were considered unlikely to result in any significant

24 Cork County Council Volume 2

3.4 Proposed Amendments to the Draft Plan. 3.4.1 On the 2nd of May 2017, the proposed amendments Draft to the Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan were published for public consultation. 3.4.2 These proposed amendments were screened for the need for full SEA in order to determine if significant impacts would arise as a result of their inclusion. The screening process comprised assessing each proposed amendment against the Environmental n Protectio Objectives to determine if they would have a potentially positive, negative, uncertain or neutral impact. The Environmental Protection objectives are detailed in Table 3.1 while the summary results of the assessment of each proposed amendment d is detaile in Table 3-­‐2 below.

Table 3.1: List of Environmental Protection Objectives, Targets and Indicators

EPO 1 Population (P) To ensure the sustainable development of the area so people have the opportunity to live in communities with high quality residential, working and recreational environments with sustainable travel patterns. EPO 2 Human Health (HH) To protect and enhance human health and manage hazards or nuisances arising from traffic & incompatible land uses. EPO 3 Biodiversity, Flora Fauna and (BFF) Throughout the county, conserve and restore ecosystems, habitats and species in their natural surroundings, and ensure their sustainable management, including the ecological corridors between them. EPO 4 Soil (S) Protect the function lity and qua of the soil resource in the Fermoy Municipal District EPO 5 Water (W) Maintain and improve the quality of water resources and improve the management and sustainable use of these resources to comply with the requirements of the WFD. Air Quality and Climate Factors (AQ/C) EPO 6 Protect and improve air quality. EPO 7 Contribute to mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change. EPO 8 Cultural Heritage (CH) Protect and, where appropriate, enhance the character, diversity and special qualities of architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage (including Gaeltachtaí) in County Cork. EPO 9 Landscape (L) Protect and, where appropriate, enhance character, the diversity and special qualities of landscapes in County Cork. EPO 10 Material Assets (MA) Make best use of the material assets of the area and promote the sustainable development of new infrastructure to provide for the s current and future need of the population. EPO 11 Flooding (F) Protect flood plains and areas at risk of flooding from inappropriate development.

3.4.3 Many of the proposed amendments include additional background information on an issue while not affecting the policies ives or object of the plan, or relate to the provision of factual information or clarification. Where such changes were considered unlikely to result in any significant

21st August 2017 25 environmental impact, they have been judged to be ‘neutral’. Other changes were considered Table 3.2 Summary of the outcome of the SEA Assessment of the Proposed either most likely to be neutral or most likely to have positive impacts. In the case of both neutral Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom MD LAP and positive impacts the proposed amendments were screened out on the basis of having no potential for significant negative impacts. Impact of EPO’s

Amendment Ref No. Conclusion NE + _ ? Table 3.2 Summary of the outcome of the SEA Assessment of the Proposed Neutral Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom MD LAP BM.02.03.01 EPO 1 Screened out

Impact of EPO’s to 11 Amendment Ref No. Conclusion BM.02.04.01 Screened out + _ ? NE EPO 1 Neutral to 11 Section 1 Introduction BM.02.04.02 EPO 1 Screened out BM.01.01.01 EPO 1 Screened out to 11 to 11

Screened out BM.01.07.01 EPO 1 Screened out BM.02.04.03 EPO 1

to 11 to 11

BM.01.07.02 EPO 1 Screened out BM.02.05.04 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11 to 11 EPO 11 BM.01.07.03 EPO 1 to Screened out BM.02.06.01 EPO 1 Screened out EPO 10 to 11 EPO 2 to BM.01.07.04 EPO 1 Screened out EPO 11 BM.02.06.02 EPO 1 Screened out

BM.01.07.05 EPO 1 Screened out to 11

to 11 EPO 10, EPO 1 -­‐ BM.02.07.01 Screened out EPO 9, BM.01.07.06 EPO 1 Screened out EPO 11

to 11 EPO 10, EPO 1 -­‐ BM.02.07.02 Screened out EPO 9, BM.01.07.07 EPO 1 Screened out EPO 11

to 11 Screened out BM.01.07.08 EPO 1 Screened out BM.02.07.03 EPO 1 -­‐

EPO 7, to 11 EPO 5, EPO 9, EPO 3 to EPO 8, BM.01.08.01 EPO 1 to Screened out EPO 10, EPO 11 EPO 11 EPO 2, BM .02.07.04 EPO 1 Screened out Section 2 Local Area Strategy to 11

26 Cork County Council Volume 2

Table 3.2 Summary of the outcome of the SEA Assessment of the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom MD LAP

Impact of EPO’s Amendment Ref No. Conclusion NE + _ ? Neutral

BM.02.03.01 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11

BM.02.04.01 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11

BM.02.04.02 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11

Screened out BM.02.04.03 EPO 1

to 11

BM.02.05.04 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11

BM.02.06.01 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11

BM.02.06.02 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11 EPO 10, EPO 1 -­‐ BM.02.07.01 Screened out EPO 9, EPO 11 EPO 10, EPO 1 -­‐ BM.02.07.02 Screened out EPO 9, EPO 11

Screened out BM.02.07.03 EPO 1 -­‐ EPO 7, EPO 5, EPO 9, EPO 8, EPO 10, EPO 11

BM .02.07.04 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11

21st August 2017 27 Table 3.2 Summary of the outcome of the SEA Assessment of the Proposed Table 3.2 Summary of the outcome of the SEA Assessment of the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom MD LAP Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom MD LAP

Impact of EPO’s Impact of EPO’s Amendment Ref No. Conclusion Amendment Ref No. Conclusion NE NE + _ ? + _ ? Neutral Neutral

should be protected Section 3 Main Towns and form part of any future green BM .03.01.01 EPO 1 Screened out infrastructure

to 11 network.

Blarney Screened out

BM .03.02.01 EPO 1 Screened out BM .03.02.07 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 to 11 11 EPO1, BM .03.02.02 Screened out EPO2, EPO Macroom EPO4, 3, BM.03.03.01 EPO 1 Screened out EPO5, EPO EPO7, 6, to 11 EPO9 -­‐ EPO 8 EPO11 BM.03.03.02 EPO 1 Screened out EPO1, BM .03.02.03 Screened out to 11 EPO2, EPO4, EPO 3, BM.03.03.03 EPO 1 Screened out EPO5, EPO6, EPO7, EPO8 to 11 EPO9 -­‐ EPO11 Section 4 Key Villages BM .03.02.04 EPO 1 Screened out BM.04.01.01 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11 to 11

BM .03.02.05 EPO 1 Screened out Ballineen/Enniskeane

to 11 BM.04.02.01 EPO 1 Screened out Insert additional text BM .03.02.06 into Paragraph to 11 EPO1, 3.2.41 relating to Ballingeary EPO2, Killowen River to EPO 3, EPO4, address issue EPO 5, identified in SEA of BM.04.03.01 EPO 1 – EPO Screened out EPO6, EPO 6 EPO8, proposed 5, EPO EPO7, EPO 9, amendments as 7,9,10,11 EPO 8 EPO10, follows; BM.04.03.02 EPO 11 The area of EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 woodland along the 11 Killowen River Valley

28 Cork County Council Volume 2

Table 3.2 Summary of the outcome of the SEA Assessment of the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom MD LAP

Impact of EPO’s Amendment Ref No. Conclusion NE + _ ? Neutral

should be protected and form part of any future green infrastructure network.

Screened out

BM .03.02.07 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 11

Macroom

BM.03.03.01 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11

BM.03.03.02 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11

BM.03.03.03 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11

Section 4 Key Villages

BM.04.01.01 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11

Ballineen/Enniskeane

BM.04.02.01 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11

Ballingeary

BM.04.03.01 EPO 1 – EPO EPO 6 Screened out 5, EPO 7,9,10,11 EPO 8 BM.04.03.02 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 11

21st August 2017 29 Table 3.2 Summary of the outcome of the SEA Assessment of the Proposed Table 3.2 Summary of the outcome of the SEA Assessment of the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom MD LAP Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom MD LAP

Impact of EPO’s Impact of EPO’s Amendment Ref No. Conclusion Amendment Ref No. Conclusion NE NE + _ ? + _ ? Neutral Neutral BM.04.03.03 EPO 1 Screened out BM.04.07.02 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 11 to 11

BM.04.07.03 EPO 1 to Screened out Ballymakeery/Ballyvourney 11 BM.04.04.01 EPO EPO 6 Screened out 1,2,3,4,5,7,9, BM.04.07.04 EPO 1 to Screened out

10,11 EPO 8 11 EPO 1, EPO 2 to BM.04.04.02 Screened out BM.04.07.05 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 11 EPO 1 11 EPO1, BM.04.04.03 Screened out EPO2, EPO3, Tower EPO4 -­‐ EPO11 BM.04.08.01 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 BM.04.04.04 EPO 1 Screened out 11

to 11 BM.04.08.02 EPO 1 EPO 2 Screened out

Coachford to 11

BM.04.05.01 EPO 2 to Screened out BM.04.08.03 EPO 1 Screened out EPO 1 11 to 11 BM.04.05.02 EPO Screened out EPO 6 BM.04.08.04 EPO EPO 6 Screened out 1,2,3,4,5,7,9, EPO 8 1,2,3,4,5,7,9, 10,11 10,11 EPO 8 BM.04.05.03 EPO 1 Screened out BM.04.08.05 EPO 1 to Screened out

to 11 11

Grenagh BM.04.08.06 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 11 BM.04.06.01 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11 Section 5 Villages, Village Nuclei and Other Locations

Killumney/Ovens BM.05.01.13 EPO 1 to Screened out

11

Screened out BM.04.07.01 EPO 1 Aherla to 11

BM.05.01.01 EPO 1 EPO 2 to Screened out

30 Cork County Council Volume 2

Table 3.2 Summary of the outcome of the SEA Assessment of the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom MD LAP

Impact of EPO’s Amendment Ref No. Conclusion NE + _ ? Neutral

BM.04.07.02 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 11

BM.04.07.03 EPO 1 to Screened out

11

BM.04.07.04 EPO 1 to Screened out

11

BM.04.07.05 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 11

Tower

BM.04.08.01 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 11

BM.04.08.02 EPO 1 EPO 2 Screened out

to 11

BM.04.08.03 EPO 1 Screened out

to 11

BM.04.08.04 EPO EPO 6 Screened out 1,2,3,4,5,7,9, 10,11 EPO 8

BM.04.08.05 EPO 1 to Screened out

11

BM.04.08.06 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 11

Section 5 Villages, Village Nuclei and Other Locations

BM.05.01.13 EPO 1 to Screened out

11

Aherla

BM.05.01.01 EPO 1 EPO 2 to Screened out

21st August 2017 31 Table 3.2 Summary of the outcome of the SEA Assessment of the Proposed Table 3.2 Summary of the outcome of the SEA Assessment of the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom MD LAP Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom MD LAP

Impact of EPO’s Impact of EPO’s Amendment Ref No. Conclusion Amendment Ref No. Conclusion NE NE + _ ? + _ ? Neutral Neutral 11 BM.05.01.12 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 11 Cloughduv Upper Dripsey BM.05.01.02 EPO 1 to Screened out

11 BM.05.01.09 EPO 1 – EPO Screened out EPO 6 and 5 , EPO Clondrohid 8 7,9,10,11 BM.05.01.03 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 11 Village Nuclei BM.05.02.04 EPO 1 to Screened out Courtbrack 11 BM.05.01.04 EPO 1 – EPO Screened out EPO 6 and Ballinagree 5 , EPO 8 7,9,10,11 BM.05.02.01 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 Crookstown 11 Carrigadrohid / Killinardrish BM.05.01.05 EPO 1 to Screened out

11 BM.05.02.02 EPO 1 – Screened out BM.05.01.06 EPO5, EPO 6 and Screened out EPO 8 7,9,10,11 BM.05.01.07 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 11 Toon Bridge Crossbarry Will include BM.05.02.03 revised text as BM.05.01.11 EPO 1 to Screened out follows; 11 “The boundary of Toon Bridge Inchigeelagh overlaps with the Gearagh Special EPO 1 to BM.05.01.08 EPO 1 TO EPO 6 Screened out Protection Area. 11 EPO 5, EPO 8 Development in EPO 7 to EPO 11. Toon Bridge will only be permitted BM.05.01.10 EPO 1 to Screened out where it is shown 11 that it is compatible with Kilmurry the requirements

32 Cork County Council Volume 2

Table 3.2 Summary of the outcome of the SEA Assessment of the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom MD LAP

Impact of EPO’s Amendment Ref No. Conclusion NE + _ ? Neutral

BM.05.01.12 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 11

Upper Dripsey

BM.05.01.09 EPO 1 – EPO Screened out EPO 6 and 5 , EPO 8 7,9,10,11

Village Nuclei

BM.05.02.04 EPO 1 to Screened out

11

Ballinagree

BM.05.02.01 EPO 2 to Screened out EPO 1 11

Carrigadrohid / Killinardrish

BM.05.02.02 EPO 1 – Screened out EPO5, EPO 6 and

EPO 8 7,9,10,11

Toon Bridge Will include BM.05.02.03 revised text as follows; “The boundary of Toon Bridge overlaps with the Gearagh Special EPO 1 to Protection Area. 11 Development in Toon Bridge will only be permitted where it is shown that it is compatible with the requirements

21st August 2017 33 Table 3.2 Summary of the outcome of the SEA Assessment of the Proposed in relation to a proposal for a new hospital within the Science Park and proposals in relation to Cork Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom MD LAP Airport. No changes were proposed to the published amendments in response to this submission. 3.4.9 The submission from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) made a number of points about the Impact of EPO’s protection of lands associated with the Projects, National Road and the need to protect existing national routes from inappropriate development. TII also recommend omission of the amendments Amendment Ref No. Conclusion NE in relation to the Strategic Land Reserve, Outlet Centres and Large Scale Retail Warehousing and + _ ? Neutral sought further clarity in relation to proposals for the funding of upgrades to the national road network that will be needed to facility private development as TII will not be responsible for same of the Birds i.e. the development contribution No scheme. changes were proposed to the published Directive and the amendments in response to this submission, although it is proposed to include additional non protection of this material text in Section One of the Plan regarding the protection of national route corridors. site.*” 3.4.10 The submission from the EPA acknowledges the Council’s position with regard to the SEA of the amendments to the plan and comments on the amendments proposed in relation to the flood risk Screened out management, the core strategy, infrastructure led development, transport planning, protection of water quality and reminds l the Counci of the need to assess any future amendments to the plan and prepare the final SEA Statement. No changes were proposed to the published amendments in response to this submission Public Consultation on the Proposed Amendments 3.4.11 Please see the Chief Executives Report to Members dated 16th June 2017 for further details of the individual submissions and the Chief Executive’s recommendations. The report is available on 3.4.4 The amendments were placed on public display for a further period of public consultation with the addendum to the Environmental Report and the supporting environmental assessments during the www.corklocalareaplans.com month of May 2017. 3.4.5 A total of 20 submissions were received on the proposed amendments. These included Modifications to amendments as recommended by the Chief Executive submissions from members of the public and statutory consultees. Details of all the submissions received were detailed in the Chief Executive’s Report to Members in June 2017. All submissions 3.4.12 Having considered the submissions received in response to the publication of the amendments were summarised n i this report and responded to by the Chief Executive. In general the proposed for the Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District non Local Area Plan, one material submissions fell in the following categories: minor modifications to the published amendments were recommended by the Chief Executive.

a. Submissions in support of the specific amendments or proposed new zonings. 3.4.13 Firstly, arising from the TII submission [AMD20993186], it is proposed to insert some additional non material text into Section One of each plan under the heading of ‘Traffic and Transport’ as follows: b. Submissions opposed to specific amendments. ‘The Council, in consultation with the Transport Infrastructure Ireland, will protect proposed c. Submissions requesting additional new zonings or changes to the published national road route corridors where the route selection process has been completed/approved and amendments. where preferred route corridors have been identified. The line of these Route Protection Corridors is d. Some of the submissions did not refer to the amendments and were therefore outside shown in Volume 3 LAP Map Browser which is accessible through www.corkcoco.ie’. of the scope of this part of the process. 3.4.14 This change is considered MINOR (Non material) in nature. 3.4.6 In terms of the submissions tory from the Statu Bodies, the submission from the Environmental Protection Agency was the only one to specifically reference the SEA process. SEA Assessment of the Proposed Modification: 3.4.7 The submissions from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, the Southern Regional Assembly and Department of Education and Skills were generally positive 3.4.15 The SEA screening of the proposed further modifications to the Material Amendments to the and supportive of the approach taken in the amendments. No changes were proposed to the Blarney Macroom Cork MD Draft Local Area Plan are set out in Appendix A of this report, where it is published amendments in response to these submissions. concluded that roposed the p further minor (non material) modifications will both have neutral a 3.4.8 The submission from the National Transport Agency sought to ensure that plans are modified to impact. reflect the outcome of transport studies which are currently underway / will be completed in the future and to ensure they are consulted in relation to the development strategies for the Urban Expansion areas. The NTA recommend omission of amendments in relation to the Strategic Land Reserve, Outlet Centres and Large Scale Retail Warehousing and seek further detailed consultation

34 Cork County Council Volume 2

in relation to a proposal for a new hospital within the Science Park and proposals in relation to Cork Airport. No changes were proposed to the published amendments in response to this submission. 3.4.9 The submission from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) made a number of points about the protection of lands associated with the Projects, National Road and the need to protect existing national routes from inappropriate development. TII also recommend omission of the amendments in relation to the Strategic Land Reserve, Outlet Centres and Large Scale Retail Warehousing and sought further clarity in relation to proposals for the funding of upgrades to the national road network that will be needed to facility private development as TII will not be responsible for same i.e. the development contribution No scheme. changes were proposed to the published amendments in response to this submission, although it is proposed to include additional non material text in Section One of the Plan regarding the protection of national route corridors. 3.4.10 The submission from the EPA acknowledges the Council’s position with regard to the SEA of the amendments to the plan and comments on the amendments proposed in relation to the flood risk management, the core strategy, infrastructure led development, transport planning, protection of water quality and reminds l the Counci of the need to assess any future amendments to the plan and prepare the final SEA Statement. No changes were proposed to the published amendments in response to this submission 3.4.11 Please see the Chief Executives Report to Members dated 16th June 2017 for further details of the individual submissions and the Chief Executive’s recommendations. The report is available on www.corklocalareaplans.com

Modifications to amendments as recommended by the Chief Executive

3.4.12 Having considered the submissions received in response to the publication of the amendments proposed for the Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District non Local Area Plan, one material minor modifications to the published amendments were recommended by the Chief Executive. 3.4.13 Firstly, arising from the TII submission [AMD20993186], it is proposed to insert some additional non material text into Section One of each plan under the heading of ‘Traffic and Transport’ as follows: ‘The Council, in consultation with the Transport Infrastructure Ireland, will protect proposed national road route corridors where the route selection process has been completed/approved and where preferred route corridors have been identified. The line of these Route Protection Corridors is shown in Volume 3 LAP Map Browser which is accessible through www.corkcoco.ie’.

3.4.14 This change is considered MINOR (Non material) in nature.

SEA Assessment of the Proposed Modification:

3.4.15 The SEA screening of the proposed further modifications to the Material Amendments to the Blarney Macroom Cork MD Draft Local Area Plan are set out in Appendix A of this report, where it is concluded that roposed the p further minor (non material) modifications will both have neutral a impact.

21st August 2017 35 4 Reasons for choosing the Plan as adopted. significant aspects of sustainability). Each settlement was assessed and awarded a score out of 100, enabling settlements to be ranked in terms of relative sustainability. The Sustainable 4.1 Introduction Development Index (SDI) scores for the 26 main settlements ed in Cork are detail in Table -­‐ 5 1 and are organised into 3 categories. It can be observed that in general, larger settlements are more 4.1.1 This section of the Environmental Statement describes the different scenarios that were consider sustainable and as distance from Cork city increases, settlement sustainability decreases: by the Council as part of the preparation Draft of the Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local • Category 1: settlements have the highest SDI results, Area Plan, and the SEA process, and the reasons for choosing the plan as adopted, in the light of the reasonable alternatives dealt with in accordance with Article 9 of the Directive. • Category 2: have intermediate SDI results, and 4.2 Context for considering Alternatives • Category 3: has the lowest SDI results. 4.2.1 Three alternative scenarios were considered as part of the preparation of the Draft Local Area plan. As a Local Area Plan is at the lower end of the statutory plan hierarchy, and the Planning Acts

require a Local Area to Plan be consistent with the objectives of the development plan, its core Table 2 5. : Settlement Sustainable Development Table 1 5. : Main Towns Sustainable Settlement Ranking strategy and any regional spatial and economic strategy that applies to the area, the scope for SDI Score Population Indicators Settlement Category considering alternatives is very the limited as key parameters have already been determined by the Infrastructure and location 2013 2011 Ballincollig 62.8 1 17,368 higher level plans. Infrastructural capacity for settlement expansion** Blarney 61.5 1 2,437 Connected to gas distribution network 4.2.2 In Cork, uccessive s County Development Plan strategies have sought to encourage balanced growth Carrigaline 57.2 1 14,775 Index of recycling facilities across the county to sustain the economies and service levels of the main towns and villages. The Carrigtwohill 56.8 1 4,551 Regional Planning Guidelines support this balanced approach to development in order to maintain Proportion of households with broadband internet Midleton 54.9 1 12,001 vibrant rural communities with an equal level of urban In and rural growth. this context the key Presence of farmers markets Cobh 54.8 1 12,347 Water and wastewater Bandon 54.5 1 6,640 aims of the Local Area Plan support the continuation of this approach, seeking sustainable patterns of growth in urban and rural areas. Water quality of water bodies Mallow 53.6 1 11,605 Wastewater treatment spare capacity Glanmire 53.5 1 8,924 4.2.3 Blarney Macroom Municipal District has an extensive urban structure and the Blarney Macroom Unaccounted for water Bantry 53.1 1 3,348 Municipal District Local Area Plan provides for the 2 development of the Main Towns, 7 Key Village, Clonakilty 50.3 2 4,721 Populated area at risk of flooding** 16 Villages, 25 Village Nuclei and 7 Other Locations. The overall population target of the District Kinsale 50.3 2 4,893 Urban wastewater treatment status has already been set by the County Development Plan. The scenarios considered in preparing the Fermoy 49.6 2 6,489 Population and urban form Plan have therefore been prepared in this context. The overall level of growth allocated to the Passage West 48.6 2 5,709 Municipal District is the same for each scenario, in line with the Core Strategy in County Planned population density ** Macroom 46.7 2 3,879 Development Plan. The scenarios look at options for development ich within the MD. Scenarios wh Proportion of population unemployed Buttevant 46.1 2 945 Proportion of population rd with 3 level education Schull 43.8 2 658 would be inconsistent with this approach, by increasing or reducing the overall level of growth within the MD for example, have not been considered. Housing vacancy rate Mitchelstown 42.8 2 3,677 Distance to nearest largest retail centre Charleville 41.1 3 3,646 4.2.4 The Scenarios considered for the Blarney Macroom Municipal District were as follows: Transport and energy Newmarket 41.0 3 988 Skibbereen 39.2 3 2,670 Average transport CO2 (d) Scenario Public 1 Transport Youghal 38.2 3 7,794 Settlement walkability Dunmanway 37.8 3 1,585 (e) Scenario Employment 2 Towns Number of public transport services/1000 population** Castletownbere 37.7 3 912 Average household heating CO (f) Scenario Balanced 3 Growth. 2 Millstreet 36.7 3 1,574 Proportion of population travelling to work by private car Kanturk 35.3 3 2,263 4.2.5 The scenarios are discussed further below. Livability

Distance to nearest acute hospital** Tidy Towns points score SEMPRe SAC, SPA, HA within 5km of settlement

Distance to nearest park, nature reserve or wildlife park 4.2.6 The assessment of the alternative scenarios was also informed by the SEMPRe Settlement Sustainability project for Cork which was completed in 2013. The study involved a detailed analysis Presence of 24 hour Garda station of the sustainability of the 26 main towns in County Cork using Sustainability Evaluation Metric for ** key performance indicators

Policy Evaluation (SEMPRe) which is an indicator based method of sustainability measurement. The study identified the relative sustainability of the 26 main towns using a series of 25 sustainable indicators, (Table 5-­‐2) of which 5 were identified as key performance indicators (measure

36 Cork County Council Volume 2

significant aspects of sustainability). Each settlement was assessed and awarded a score out of 100, enabling settlements to be ranked in terms of relative sustainability. The Sustainable Development Index (SDI) scores for the 26 main settlements ed in Cork are detail in Table -­‐ 5 1 and are organised into 3 categories. It can be observed that in general, larger settlements are more sustainable and as distance from Cork city increases, settlement sustainability decreases:

• Category 1: settlements have the highest SDI results, • Category 2: have intermediate SDI results, and • Category 3: has the lowest SDI results.

Table 2 5. : Settlement Sustainable Development Table 1 5. : Main Towns Sustainable Settlement Ranking SDI Score Population Indicators Settlement Category Infrastructure and location 2013 2011 Ballincollig 62.8 1 17,368 Infrastructural capacity for settlement expansion** Blarney 61.5 1 2,437 Connected to gas distribution network Carrigaline 57.2 1 14,775 Index of recycling facilities Carrigtwohill 56.8 1 4,551 Proportion of households with broadband internet Midleton 54.9 1 12,001 Presence of farmers markets Cobh 54.8 1 12,347 Water and wastewater Bandon 54.5 1 6,640

Water quality of water bodies Mallow 53.6 1 11,605 Wastewater treatment spare capacity Glanmire 53.5 1 8,924 Unaccounted for water Bantry 53.1 1 3,348 Clonakilty 50.3 2 4,721 Populated area at risk of flooding** Kinsale 50.3 2 4,893 Urban wastewater treatment status Fermoy 49.6 2 6,489 Population and urban form Passage West 48.6 2 5,709 Planned population density ** Macroom 46.7 2 3,879 Proportion of population unemployed Buttevant 46.1 2 945 Proportion of population rd with 3 level education Schull 43.8 2 658

Housing vacancy rate Mitchelstown 42.8 2 3,677 Distance to nearest largest retail centre Charleville 41.1 3 3,646 Transport and energy Newmarket 41.0 3 988 Skibbereen 39.2 3 2,670 Average transport CO2 Youghal 38.2 3 7,794 Settlement walkability Dunmanway 37.8 3 1,585 Number of public transport services/1000 population** Castletownbere 37.7 3 912 Average household heating CO2 Millstreet 36.7 3 1,574 Proportion of population travelling to work by private car Kanturk 35.3 3 2,263 Livability Distance to nearest acute hospital** Tidy Towns points score SAC, SPA, HA within 5km of settlement Distance to nearest park, nature reserve or wildlife park Presence of 24 hour Garda station ** key performance indicators

21st August 2017 37 4.2.7 In general Category 1 settlements are relatively large in terms of population size and are located in 4.3.4 The second phase of growth would concentrate development increasingly along a west east relatively close proximity to Cork city. Category 1 settlements benefit from economies of scale in corridor, from Ballincollig -­‐ Cork City – Blarney. High density development, both residential and terms of infrastructure and services. All settlements in the County Metropolitan Strategic Planning employment related would be encouraged along the route corridor, on brownfield and greenfield lands. Area are Category 1 settlements with the exception of Passage West which falls into Category 2. 4.3.5 Very little growth has been allocated to the rural area under this scenario. It is anticipated that the Category 1 settlements outside of the Metropolitan SPA are: Mallow, Bandon and Bantry. reduced growth targets for the rural areas a combined with revised approach to managing rural 4.2.8 Category 2 settlements generally have smaller population sizes and are more peripheral relative to housing, would serve to further consolidate growth in those areas along the preferred public transport Cork City. Certain settlements such as Schull and Buttevant have population sizes of less than 1,000 corridors. persons and peripheral locations yet fall into the intermediate sustainability category. 4.3.6 In the Greater Cork Ri ng, this scenario concentrates growth in fewer settlements. 4.2.9 Category 3 settlements are the least sustainable (with an average SDI of 38.4) and range in 4.3.7 In summary, within the -­‐ Blarney Macroom Municipal District, this scenario concentrates growth in population size from Castletownbere (912 persons) to Youghal (7,794 persons) with an average of fewer settlements, with most of the growth directed towards Blarney and Macroom with the aim of 2,682 persons. In general category 3 settlements are smaller settlements sited in more peripheral delivering a sufficient critical mass of population in these towns so as to justify further investments in locations relative to Cork city, and are mainly located in the North and West Strategic Planning primarily rail and bus based public transport around the county and growth in rural areas is curtailed. areas. 4.2.10 The score each town receives is determined by how the town measures up in relation to the Environmental Impacts of Scenario 1 indicators used in tudy the s which were arrived at following consultation with a range of 4.3.8 Scenario One allocates some growth to every settlement in the network and to villages rural stakeholders. Indicators chosen were limited by data availability and applicability at the spatial areas, while seeking to concentrate a greater proportion of the growth in a smaller number of scale of individual towns and it is acknowledged that the use of different indicators may yield settlements. Many of these settlements have inadequate drinking water supply and/or waste water different results. The lack of public transport provision and the high reliance on the private car as a treatment infrastructure, and significant public investment in infrastructure will be required to enable means of travelling to work means that most settlements score poorly in terms of transportation such development to take place. Such investment is essential to accommodate the growth and mitigate while those with an older housing stock score poorly in terms of energy due to higher household impacts on water quality, human health etc. This dispersed pattern of growth will generally give rise to heating CO2 emissions. Proximity to the city influenced two indicators (proximity to large retail some cumulative impacts on ground and surface water quality, heritage, landscape and biodiversity centre and an acute hospital) so for some towns their sustainability automatically decreases with will lead to increased levels of fects environmental ef associated with additional commuting such as distance from the city. The results of the Study have informed the consideration of alternative increased energy consumption, emissions to air, road traffic noise etc. scenarios for development in the formulation of the local area plan. 4.3.9 In those areas where more intense levels of growth are promoted, there is greater potential for negative environmental impacts on soil, air quality, biodiversity and landscape. Such impacts can 4.3 Description of Alternatives Plan Scenarios however be managed by adherence to good practice guidance and procedures in development management. Intense development in some areas would also be balanced with lower development 4.3.1 The Scenarios considered for the Blarney Macroom Municip al District were as follows: pressures in other areas, particularly the villages and rural areas which will lead to less pressure on biodiversity, groundwater resources, flora and fauna etc. and the general rural amenities of the county.

Scenario 1: Public Transport 4.3.10 Investment in infrastructure in the main growth centres can be more targeted, potentially leading to better quality provision/ design solutions/ economies of scale. 4.3.2 This scenario seeks to focus development within Metropolitan Cork within the city suburbs in 4.3.11 Within the main owth gr areas, the correlation between population growth and public transport first instance and then along a north/ south public transport corridor between Blarney /Cork infrastructure will have a neutral to positive environmental impact particularly on air quality, climatic City/Ballincollig to facilitate greater use of public transport infrastructure and underpin additional factors and human health due to the reduction in the need to travel and road traffic emissions. The investment in public transport services. In the Greater Cork Ring, Strategic Planning Area the scenario concentration of population within the built up area of the city and its environs might also encourage a focuses a greater proportion of development in a smaller number of settlements to enhance the greater proportion of people to consider a move to other modes of transport such as walking and viability of bus based -­‐ inter urban public transport services. Under this scenario the potential for growth cycling with positive benefits on human health, air quality etc. is still dispersed over the entire settlement network but a greater proportion of the growth is focused on a smaller number of locations. Planning Effects of Scenario 1 4.3.3 Within Metropolitan Cork hi t s scenario looks at directing higher levels of growth to the environs of 4.3.12 While the settlement pattern for the county remains dispersed, overall commuting should decrease the City and the towns along the Midleton-­‐ Cork City – Ballincollig transport corridor. Growth would as a greater proportion of population growth is accommodated in the main settlements where public involve development of brownfield and greenfield areas and would need a proactive planning approach transport is available, reducing commuting distances and car dependency with associated positive to secure its delivery. This strategy would also ensure that more people are able to live closer the benefits for the population. employment opportunities offered by the metropolitan rategy area. This st would also give rise to increased demand for supporting infrastructure es and servic within the metropolitan area, supporting 4.3.13 The concentration of growth in the manner proposed by this strategy may lead to reduced levels of the strategy for growth in the city. investment in the other areas which may have negative impacts on quality of life and the quality of urban environment if there are higher levels of vacancy. The reduced population targets for towns

38 Cork County Council Volume 2

4.3.4 The second phase of growth would concentrate development increasingly along a west east corridor, from Ballincollig -­‐ Cork City – Blarney. High density development, both residential and employment related would be encouraged along the route corridor, on brownfield and greenfield lands. 4.3.5 Very little growth has been allocated to the rural area under this scenario. It is anticipated that the reduced growth targets for the rural areas a combined with revised approach to managing rural housing, would serve to further consolidate growth in those areas along the preferred public transport corridors. 4.3.6 In the Greater Cork Ri ng, this scenario concentrates growth in fewer settlements. 4.3.7 In summary, within the -­‐ Blarney Macroom Municipal District, this scenario concentrates growth in fewer settlements, with most of the growth directed towards Blarney and Macroom with the aim of delivering a sufficient critical mass of population in these towns so as to justify further investments in primarily rail and bus based public transport around the county and growth in rural areas is curtailed. Environmental Impacts of Scenario 1 4.3.8 Scenario One allocates some growth to every settlement in the network and to villages rural areas, while seeking to concentrate a greater proportion of the growth in a smaller number of settlements. Many of these settlements have inadequate drinking water supply and/or waste water treatment infrastructure, and significant public investment in infrastructure will be required to enable such development to take place. Such investment is essential to accommodate the growth and mitigate impacts on water quality, human health etc. This dispersed pattern of growth will generally give rise to some cumulative impacts on ground and surface water quality, heritage, landscape and biodiversity will lead to increased levels of fects environmental ef associated with additional commuting such as increased energy consumption, emissions to air, road traffic noise etc. 4.3.9 In those areas where more intense levels of growth are promoted, there is greater potential for negative environmental impacts on soil, air quality, biodiversity and landscape. Such impacts can however be managed by adherence to good practice guidance and procedures in development management. Intense development in some areas would also be balanced with lower development pressures in other areas, particularly the villages and rural areas which will lead to less pressure on biodiversity, groundwater resources, flora and fauna etc. and the general rural amenities of the county. 4.3.10 Investment in infrastructure in the main growth centres can be more targeted, potentially leading to better quality provision/ design solutions/ economies of scale. 4.3.11 Within the main owth gr areas, the correlation between population growth and public transport infrastructure will have a neutral to positive environmental impact particularly on air quality, climatic factors and human health due to the reduction in the need to travel and road traffic emissions. The concentration of population within the built up area of the city and its environs might also encourage a greater proportion of people to consider a move to other modes of transport such as walking and cycling with positive benefits on human health, air quality etc. Planning Effects of Scenario 1 4.3.12 While the settlement pattern for the county remains dispersed, overall commuting should decrease as a greater proportion of population growth is accommodated in the main settlements where public transport is available, reducing commuting distances and car dependency with associated positive benefits for the population. 4.3.13 The concentration of growth in the manner proposed by this strategy may lead to reduced levels of investment in the other areas which may have negative impacts on quality of life and the quality of urban environment if there are higher levels of vacancy. The reduced population targets for towns

21st August 2017 39 outside the corridor may also hinder their ability to secure investment in waste water infrastructure in and/or waste water treatment infrastructure, and significant public investment in infrastructure will be the future if there are lower levels of population and employment growth. required to enable such development to take place. Such investment is essential to accommodate the growth and mitigate impacts on water quality, human health etc. This dispersed pattern of growth will 4.3.14 Dispersed settlement pattern means limited resources for infrastructural investment have to be generally give rise to some cumulative impacts on ground and surface water quality, heritage, landscape spread over a large number of settlements, leading to deficiencies in the level of service provided with and biodiversity and will lead to increased levels l of environmenta effects associated with additional potential for negative impacts on the environment (most likely in the area of waste water treatment commuting such as increased energy consumption, emissions to air, road traffic noise etc. and water quality). The reduced population targets for towns outside the corridor may also hinder their ability to secure investment in waste water infrastructure in the future if there are lower levels of 4.3.20 This scenario concentrates economic growth and employment growth in a smaller number of population and employment growth. settlements, making them more self sufficient. This could potentially have negative impacts on soil, air quality, biodiversity and landscape but these impacts can be mitigated by implementing good proactive Table 5.3: Scenario 1: Public Transport -­‐ Population Targets in development management and would be balanced with lower development r pressures in othe areas, particularly the villages and rural areas with less pressure on the water quality, biodiversity, landscape Scenario 1 Census CDP 2014 Scenario 1 etc. in these areas. In addition more people will have the opportunity to work locally and possible Population Population 2022 Target Population switch to walking or cycling modes, thus reducing travel distances, traffic volumes and traffic emissions Growth 2011 -­‐ 2011 Population Target 2022 within positive benefits to air quality, climatic factors and human health. 2022 Blarney Macroom MD 4.3.21 The concentration of growth in the manner proposed by this strategy may lead to reduced levels of investment in the other areas which may have negative impacts on quality of life and the quality of Blarney 2,437 7,533 8,000 5563 urban environment if there are higher levels of vacancy and reduced employment opportunities at Macroom 3,879 4,536 4,536 657 these locations. The reduced population targets for towns outside the designated employment nodes Total Main Towns 6,316 12,069 12,536 6220 may also hinder their ability to secure investment in waste water infrastructure in the future if there are Villages and Rural 37,082 37,904 37,437 355 lower levels of population and employment growth. Total Blarney

Macroom 43,398 49,973 49,973 6575 Planning Impacts Scenario Two

4.3.22 The concentration of growth in the manner proposed by this strategy will strengthen the economic Scenario 2: Employment Towns position of these towns chosen as the main growth centres, underpinning further investment and making them more attractive places to live. The strategy may also ent lead to reduced levels of investm 4.3.15 This strategy continues to focus the greatest proportion of population growth to the Metropolitan in the other areas which may have negative impacts on quality of life and the quality of urban Area which is the employment focus for the Cork City Gateway. This approach is similar to the planning environment of those areas if there are higher levels of vacancy and reduced employment opportunities strategy adopted in the previous County Development Plan. at these locations. The reduced population targets for some towns may also hinder their ability to secure investment in waste water infrastructure in the future if there are lower levels of population and 4.3.16 Within the Cork Ring the growth strategy is adjusted to focus higher levels of growth in a fewer employment growth. number of settlements where accessibility to good roads infrastructure is available and these towns can perform an important sub-­‐regional focus. This set is off by lower levels of growth in the remaining Ring 4.3.23 Lower levels of development in the rural areas will help conserve the landscape and amenity of Towns. those areas, potentially making it more attractive for visitors. 4.3.17 This Scenario looks at employment-­‐led growth which focuses development in key locations where employment growth is more likely to be delivered and differs from previous Plan strategies which Table 5.4: Scenario : 2 Employment Towns -­‐ Population Targets spread growth more evenly across all the Main Settlements. CDP 2014 Scenario 2 Census Scenario 2 4.3.18 In summary, within the Blarney Macroom MD this scenario focuses growth in Blarney with reduced 2022 Target Population Population Population growth targets in Macroom. This takes account of the proposed employment policies of the Plan. This Population Growth 2011 -­‐ 2011 Target 2022 approach reinforces the important regional employment focus allocated to Blarney as part of the 2022 Metropolitan Gateway in the CDP and acknowledges the existing role Macroom plays as an employment Blarney Macroom MD centre serving a wider hinterland area. Blarney 2,437 7,533 8,500 6463 Macroom 3,879 4,536 4,200 321 Environmental Impacts Scenario Two Total Main Towns 6,316 12,069 12,700 6784 Villages and Rural 37,082 37,904 37,273 191 4.3.19 Scenario Two allocates growth across the full settlement network, while seeking to concentrate a Total East 43,398 49,973 49,973 6975 greater proportion of the growth in a smaller number of settlements where economic/employment growth may be more easily achieved. Many of these settlements have inadequate drinking water supply

40 Cork County Council Volume 2

and/or waste water treatment infrastructure, and significant public investment in infrastructure will be required to enable such development to take place. Such investment is essential to accommodate the growth and mitigate impacts on water quality, human health etc. This dispersed pattern of growth will generally give rise to some cumulative impacts on ground and surface water quality, heritage, landscape and biodiversity and will lead to increased levels l of environmenta effects associated with additional commuting such as increased energy consumption, emissions to air, road traffic noise etc. 4.3.20 This scenario concentrates economic growth and employment growth in a smaller number of settlements, making them more self sufficient. This could potentially have negative impacts on soil, air quality, biodiversity and landscape but these impacts can be mitigated by implementing good proactive in development management and would be balanced with lower development r pressures in othe areas, particularly the villages and rural areas with less pressure on the water quality, biodiversity, landscape etc. in these areas. In addition more people will have the opportunity to work locally and possible switch to walking or cycling modes, thus reducing travel distances, traffic volumes and traffic emissions within positive benefits to air quality, climatic factors and human health. 4.3.21 The concentration of growth in the manner proposed by this strategy may lead to reduced levels of investment in the other areas which may have negative impacts on quality of life and the quality of urban environment if there are higher levels of vacancy and reduced employment opportunities at these locations. The reduced population targets for towns outside the designated employment nodes may also hinder their ability to secure investment in waste water infrastructure in the future if there are lower levels of population and employment growth.

Planning Impacts Scenario Two 4.3.22 The concentration of growth in the manner proposed by this strategy will strengthen the economic position of these towns chosen as the main growth centres, underpinning further investment and making them more attractive places to live. The strategy may also ent lead to reduced levels of investm in the other areas which may have negative impacts on quality of life and the quality of urban environment of those areas if there are higher levels of vacancy and reduced employment opportunities at these locations. The reduced population targets for some towns may also hinder their ability to secure investment in waste water infrastructure in the future if there are lower levels of population and employment growth. 4.3.23 Lower levels of development in the rural areas will help conserve the landscape and amenity of those areas, potentially making it more attractive for visitors.

Table 5.4: Scenario : 2 Employment Towns -­‐ Population Targets CDP 2014 Scenario 2 Census Scenario 2 2022 Target Population Population Population Population Growth 2011 -­‐ 2011 Target 2022 2022 Blarney Macroom MD Blarney 2,437 7,533 8,500 6463 Macroom 3,879 4,536 4,200 321 Total Main Towns 6,316 12,069 12,700 6784 Villages and Rural 37,082 37,904 37,273 191 Total East 43,398 49,973 49,973 6975

21st August 2017 41 Scenario 3: Balanced Growth Table 5.5: Scenario : 3 Balanced Growth -­‐ Population Targets Scenario 3 4.3.24 In this scenario, significant growth is allocated across the main settlements with lower levels of Census CDP 2014 Scenario 3 growth in the villages and rural areas. The principle strength of this scenario lies in the balanced Population Population 2022 Target Population approach allowing for the majority rowth of g to take place in the main settlements but at the same time Growth 2011 -­‐ 2011 Population Target 2022 allowing for continued, more modest growth in the villages and rural areas, continuing to support the 2022 economies of these areas to underpin local services and quality population of life. The pattern Blarney Macroom MD distribution in this scenario is more dispersed than in the other scenarios as it seeks to support all the Blarney 2,437 7,533 7,533 5,096 main towns. However this is balanced with an employment strategy which seeks to bring people and Macroom 3,879 4,536 4,536 657 jobs closer together either in ettlement the same s or by high quality transport links connecting settlements together. Total Main Towns 6,316 12,069 12,069 5,753 Villages and Rural 37,082 37,904 37,904 822 4.3.25 In summary, within the Blarney Macroom MD, the majority of the growth is assigned to Blarney Total East 43,398 49,973 49,973 6575 with more modest growth in the other main town of Macroom. Additional growth is also allocated to

the villages and rural areas.

Environmental Impacts Scenario 3

4.3.26 The concentration of both population and employment growth in the main urban areas of the County would serve to reduce commuting patterns as more people would be afforded greater opportunities to live closer to their places of employment and/or travel using high quality public transport links. Such an approach would have a positive environmental effect by serving to reduce CO2 emissions and would enhance people’s quality . of life

4.3.27 Focusing population growth across the settlement network will necessitate significant investment

in water services infrastructure.

4.3.28 While allowing for growth in rural areas, this scenario will result in some negative impacts on the environment. It unlikely is that developments in rural area will be connected to public wastewater treatment networks. While not as significant on their own, the cumulative impact of rural development could have significant negative impacts both on biodiversity arly and particul on water quality. 4.3.29 This scenario would still give rise to the growth of rural housing outside the settlement network which would contribute to further unsustainable commuting patterns and increased car dependency.

Planning Impacts Scenario 3

4.3.30 In common with the other scenarios, this scenario has a strong urban influence. It sets out population targets for the main settlements that, while ambitious, will ultimately help them perform

their function as the primary growth centres in the county.

4.3.31 The scenario also recognises that there is a demand for growth in rural areas and provides for some additional growth in the key villages and lower order settlements in rural areas. Facilitating population growth in these areas would in turn encourage the retention of services in these locations. The scale of growth envisaged however is not of a scale that would serve to undermine the growth of main urban centres in the county.

42 Cork County Council Volume 2

Table 5.5: Scenario : 3 Balanced Growth -­‐ Population Targets Scenario 3 Census CDP 2014 Scenario 3 Population Population 2022 Target Population Growth 2011 -­‐ 2011 Population Target 2022 2022 Blarney Macroom MD Blarney 2,437 7,533 7,533 5,096 Macroom 3,879 4,536 4,536 657 Total Main Towns 6,316 12,069 12,069 5,753 Villages and Rural 37,082 37,904 37,904 822 Total East 43,398 49,973 49,973 6575

21st August 2017 43 4.4 Assessment of alternatives against the EPOs. Table 4.1: List of Environmental Protection Objectives, Targets and Indicators Environmental Protection 4.4.1 The evaluation of the three proposed alternatives scenarios for their respective impacts on the Targets Indicators environment was undertaken utilising the Environmental Protection , Objectives ( EPOs) which are Objective detailed below.
Amount of (Km) new cycle ways provided.

Table 4.1: List of Environmental Protection Objectives, Targets and Indicators Environmental Protection Targets Indicators Objective Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
Maintain the favourable
Number of developments (BFF) conservation status of all receiving planning Population (P) habitats and species, permission within
Deliver on the
Significant change in EPO 3: Throughout the especially those protected designated sites or within EPO 1: To ensure the population target for the population of the county, conserve and restore under national and the consultation distance of sustainable development of the Municipal District, main towns. ecosystems, habitats and international legislation. designated sites where the area so people have the especially in the main species in their natural
Implement the actions of HDA process identified opportunity to live in towns.
Distance and mode of surroundings, and ensure their the Cork County potential for impacts. communities with high quality
Promote the transport to work/ sustainable management, Biodiversity Action Plan.
Reduction in the quantum residential, working and economic school. including the ecological
Establishment of a Green of greenfield land in the recreational environments development of the corridors between them. Infrastructure Strategy for county as measured by the with sustainable travel area. the County increase in the amount of patterns.
Co-­‐ordinate new
Protect habitats from brownfield land associated housing development invasive species with each settlement and and the delivery of the no. of one off houses social and community being built in the infrastructure countryside.
Decrease journey time
Number of actions achieved and distance travelled in Biodiversity Action Plan to work during the
Progress on Green lifetime of the plan. Infrastructure strategy
All large scale housing development to be accompanied by a Soil (S)
Reduce the use of
Number of brownfield Design Statement. greenfield land by sites that have been EPO 4: Protect the function encouraging the reuse redeveloped. and quality of the soil of brownfield sites. Human Health (HH) resource in the Fermoy
Encourage sustainable
Volume of
Avoid incompatible
No of planning Municipal District extraction of non-­‐ construction and EPO 2: To protect and development nears permissions granted renewable sand, demolition waste enhance human health and SEVESO sites or IPPC within the gravel and rock recycled. manage hazards or nuisances licensed sites consultation distance deposits and the reuse arising from traffic &
Ensure new of Seveso sites/IPPC and recycling of
Reduction in number incompatible land uses. development is well facilities. construction and of vacant and derelict served with demolition waste. buildings. community facilities
No of new primary and facilitates health including walking and care/schools/crèches/ Water (W) cycling routes. community facilities
To achieve at least
Trends in classification provided. EPO 5: Maintain and improve ‘good’ status in all of overall status of the quality of water resources bodies of surface surface water under

44 Cork County Council Volume 2

Table 4.1: List of Environmental Protection Objectives, Targets and Indicators Environmental Protection Targets Indicators Objective
Amount of (Km) new cycle ways provided.

Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
Maintain the favourable
Number of developments (BFF) conservation status of all receiving planning habitats and species, permission within EPO 3: Throughout the especially those protected designated sites or within county, conserve and restore under national and the consultation distance of ecosystems, habitats and international legislation. designated sites where the species in their natural
Implement the actions of HDA process identified surroundings, and ensure their the Cork County potential for impacts. sustainable management, Biodiversity Action Plan.
Reduction in the quantum including the ecological
Establishment of a Green of greenfield land in the corridors between them. Infrastructure Strategy for county as measured by the the County increase in the amount of
Protect habitats from brownfield land associated invasive species with each settlement and the no. of one off houses being built in the countryside.
Number of actions achieved in Biodiversity Action Plan
Progress on Green Infrastructure strategy

Soil (S)
Reduce the use of
Number of brownfield greenfield land by sites that have been EPO 4: Protect the function encouraging the reuse redeveloped. and quality of the soil of brownfield sites. resource in the Fermoy
Encourage sustainable
Volume of Municipal District extraction of non-­‐ construction and renewable sand, demolition waste gravel and rock recycled. deposits and the reuse and recycling of
Reduction in number construction and of vacant and derelict demolition waste. buildings.

Water (W)
To achieve at least
Trends in classification EPO 5: Maintain and improve ‘good’ status in all of overall status of the quality of water resources bodies of surface surface water under

21st August 2017 45 Table 4.1: List of Environmental Protection Objectives, Targets and Indicators Table 4.1: List of Environmental Protection Objectives, Targets and Indicators Environmental Protection Environmental Protection Targets Indicators Targets Indicators Objective Objective and improve the management waters (lakes rivers, Surface Water construction. and sustainable use of these transitional and Regulations 2009 (SI
Provide flood resources to comply with the coastal waters). No 272 of 2009) protection measures requirements of the WFD.
Achieve compliance
Trends in where appropriate. with Groundwater Classification of
Avoid inappropriate Quality Standards and Bathing Waters as set development in areas Threshold Values by Directive of flood risk. under Directive 2006/7/EC. Cultural Heritage (CH) 2006/118/EC
No loss of or adverse
Loss of or adverse (protection of
Groundwater Quality EPO 8: Protect and, where impact on the fabric impact on monuments groundwater). Standards and appropriate, enhance the or setting of on the Record of
Not to permit Threshold Values character, diversity and monuments on the Monuments (RMP). development where it under Directive special qualities of Record of Monuments would result in a 2006/118/EC. architectural, archaeological (RMP).
Loss of or adverse WWTP exceeding the and cultural heritage impact on protected terms of its discharge
No of households (including Gaeltachtaí) in
No loss of or adverse structures included on license. served by urban waste County Cork. impact on the the RPS or structures
Encourage future water treatment architectural heritage included on the NIAH. population growth in plants/ septic tanks/ value or setting of areas served by urban individual WWTP or protected structures. waste water other systems. treatment plants and
No loss of or adverse public water supplies.
No of households impact on structures served by public water recorded on the supplies. National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.
Percentage of water unaccounted for.
Implement the Cork County Heritage Plan. Air Quality and Climate
Ensure air quality
Trends in Air Quality Factors (AQ/C) monitoring results are monitoring data. Landscape (L)
No large scale
Number of large scale maintained within development developments EPO 6: Protect and improve appropriate emission
Percentage of EPO 9: Protect and, where permitted in areas of permitted in areas of air quality. limits. population travelling appropriate, enhance the high landscape value. high landscape value. to work by public character, diversity and
Increase modal shift in transport, walking or special qualities of landscapes favour of public cycling. in County Cork. EPO 7: Contribute to transport, walking and mitigation of, and adaptation cycling.
Number of wind to, climate change. turbines permitted. Material Assets (MA)
Encourage production
Develop the road, rail
New critical and use of renewal
Number of EPO : 10 Make best use of the and public transport infrastructural energy. developments material assets of the area and infrastructure of the projects completed permitted within promote the sustainable county to facilitate (projects identified by
Encourage energy areas at risk of development of new sustainable growth the CDP). efficiency in building flooding. infrastructure to provide for and travel patterns. design and the current future and needs

46 Cork County Council Volume 2

Table 4.1: List of Environmental Protection Objectives, Targets and Indicators Environmental Protection Targets Indicators Objective construction.
Provide flood protection measures where appropriate.
Avoid inappropriate development in areas of flood risk. Cultural Heritage (CH)
No loss of or adverse
Loss of or adverse EPO 8: Protect and, where impact on the fabric impact on monuments appropriate, enhance the or setting of on the Record of character, diversity and monuments on the Monuments (RMP). special qualities of Record of Monuments architectural, archaeological (RMP).
Loss of or adverse and cultural heritage impact on protected (including Gaeltachtaí) in
No loss of or adverse structures included on County Cork. impact on the the RPS or structures architectural heritage included on the NIAH. value or setting of protected structures.

No loss of or adverse impact on structures recorded on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.

Implement the Cork County Heritage Plan.

Landscape (L)
No large scale
Number of large scale development developments EPO 9: Protect and, where permitted in areas of permitted in areas of appropriate, enhance the high landscape value. high landscape value. character, diversity and special qualities of landscapes in County Cork.

Material Assets (MA)
Develop the road, rail
New critical EPO : 10 Make best use of the and public transport infrastructural material assets of the area and infrastructure of the projects completed promote the sustainable county to facilitate (projects identified by development of new sustainable growth the CDP). infrastructure to provide for and travel patterns. the current future and needs

21st August 2017 47 Table 4.1: List of Environmental Protection Objectives, Targets and Indicators 4.4.2 The findings of the assessment of the alternatives against the ab EPOs are set out in T le 4.2 below. Environmental Protection Targets Indicators Objective Table 4.2. Alternative Scenarios interaction with Environmental Protection Objectives of the population.
Ensure appropriate water services Positive Negative Uncertain Neutral infrastructure is Interaction with Interaction Interaction Interaction with status of delivered in areas status of EPOs with status with status of EPOs targeted for of EPOs EPOs population growth. Scenario 1 EPO 2, 6, 7, 10 EPO 1, 3, 5 -­‐-­‐ EPO 4, 8, 9, 11
Protect and optimise Scenario 2 EPO 2, 6, 7, 10 EPO 1, 3, 5 -­‐-­‐ EPO 4, 8, 9, 11 the use of the existing Scenario 3 EPO 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 -­‐-­‐ -­‐-­‐ EPO 4, 8, 9, 11 building stock.

Facilitate the 4.5 Preferred scenario. sustainable expansion of production facilities 4.5.1 Scenario was 3 the preferred scenario it as was the one that places the most emphasis on building to enable economic on what has already been achieved within the county in terms of supporting the network growth and create settlements, the established employment areas while continuing to support the development of new employment villages and rural areas and it is therefore the preferred scenario, giving the most positive opportunities. interaction for most of the population with EPO 1.
Protect and enhance green infrastructure. 4.5.2 Scenarios 1 and 2 in promoting a more focused development pattern would inevitability lead to the decline and contraction of some of the other towns, villages and rural areas resulting in the loss of
Protect existing economic opportunities in those areas, reduced investment and an overall reduction in the quality recreational facilities of life for the people living in those areas. and green infrastructure. Flooding (F) EPO 11: Protect flood plains
No inappropriate
Number and nature of and areas at risk of flooding development developments from inappropriate permitted in areas at permitted in areas at development. risk of flooding. risk

All applications in areas at risk to be accompanied by detailed a flood risk assessment.

48 Cork County Council Volume 2

4.4.2 The findings of the assessment of the alternatives against the ab EPOs are set out in T le 4.2 below.

Table 4.2. Alternative Scenarios interaction with Environmental Protection Objectives

Positive Negative Uncertain Neutral Interaction with Interaction Interaction Interaction with status of status of EPOs with status with status of EPOs of EPOs EPOs Scenario 1 EPO 2, 6, 7, 10 EPO 1, 3, 5 -­‐-­‐ EPO 4, 8, 9, 11 Scenario 2 EPO 2, 6, 7, 10 EPO 1, 3, 5 -­‐-­‐ EPO 4, 8, 9, 11 Scenario 3 EPO 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 -­‐-­‐ -­‐-­‐ EPO 4, 8, 9, 11

4.5 Preferred scenario. 4.5.1 Scenario was 3 the preferred scenario it as was the one that places the most emphasis on building on what has already been achieved within the county in terms of supporting the network settlements, the established employment areas while continuing to support the development of villages and rural areas and it is therefore the preferred scenario, giving the most positive interaction for most of the population with EPO 1. 4.5.2 Scenarios 1 and 2 in promoting a more focused development pattern would inevitability lead to the decline and contraction of some of the other towns, villages and rural areas resulting in the loss of economic opportunities in those areas, reduced investment and an overall reduction in the quality of life for the people living in those areas.

21st August 2017 49 5 Monitoring Table 5.1: Monitoring of the Significant Environmental effects. Environmental Monitoring Provision -­‐ 5.1 Scope of SEA Monitoring Protection Targets Indicators Objective 5.1.1 The SEA Directive requires that the significant environmental effects of the implementation
All large scale number of jobs plans are monitored in order to identify, at an early stage, unforeseen adverse effects and to be housing in an area. able to undertake appropriate remedial action. Monitoring also allows cross for the checking of the development significant environmental effects which arise during the implementation stage, against those to be
Scale of predicted during the Plan Preparation Stage. In addition, monitoring can also play an important accompanied development role in assessing whether the Local Area Plan onmental is achieving its envir objectives and targets, by a Design permitted in whether these need to be re-­‐examined, and whether the proposed mitigation measures are being Statement. villages. implemented.

5.1.2 Table 5.1 details the environmental protection objectives, targets and indictors included in the Environmental Report, which will form the basis for the monitoring of any significant environmental effects, and likely the source of information the for monitoring data. Human Health
Avoid
Number of
This (HH) incompatible planning information is

development permissions capable of EPO 2: To protect nears SEVESO granted within being Table 5.1: Monitoring of the Significant Environmental effects. and enhance sites or IPPC the consultation abstracted from Environmental Monitoring Provision -­‐ human health licensed sites. distance of the planning Protection Targets Indicators and manage
Ensure new Seveso sites/IPPC register. Objective hazards or development facilities.
This nuisances arising is well served information is Population (P)
Deliver on the
Significant change
Changes in from traffic & with capable of population in the population population incompatible community
Number of new being EPO 1: To ensure target for the of the main levels. land uses. facilities and primary health abstracted from the sustainable Municipal towns. facilitates care/schools/crèc the anning pl development of District,
Number of including hes/ community register. Blarney Maroom especially in houses built walking and facilities
This Municipal District the main
Distance and across the cycling routes. provided. information so people have towns. mode of settlement would need to the opportunity
Promote the transport to network in / be collated to live in economic work/ school. rural areas .
Amount of (Km) from other communities development new cycle ways departments with high quality of the area.
The change in provided. within the residential,
Co-­‐ordinate modal share / Council. working and new housing distanced recreational development travelled to Biodiversity,
Maintain the
Number of
This environments and the work over the Flora and Fauna favourable developments information is with sustainable delivery of Plan period. (BFF) conservation receiving planning capable of travel patterns. social and status of all permission within being

community
The change in EPO 3: habitats and designated sites or abstracted from

infrastructure. the level and Throughout the species, especially within the consultation the planning

Decrease frequency of county, conserve those protected distance of designated register /

journey time public transport and restore under national and sites where the HDA odyssey system.

and distance services at a ecosystems, international process identified

travelled to settlement level habitats and legislation. potential for impacts.

work during . species in their
Implement the
This

the lifetime of natural actions of the Cork
Reduction in the information the plan.
Change in the surroundings, County Biodiversity quantum of greenfield may be

50 Cork County Council Volume 2

Table 5.1: Monitoring of the Significant Environmental effects. Environmental Monitoring Provision -­‐ Protection Targets Indicators Objective
All large scale number of jobs housing in an area. development to be
Scale of accompanied development by a Design permitted in Statement. villages.

Human Health
Avoid
Number of
This (HH) incompatible planning information is development permissions capable of EPO 2: To protect nears SEVESO granted within being and enhance sites or IPPC the consultation abstracted from human health licensed sites. distance of the planning and manage
Ensure new Seveso sites/IPPC register. hazards or development facilities.
This nuisances arising is well served information is from traffic & with capable of incompatible community
Number of new being land uses. facilities and primary health abstracted from facilitates care/schools/crèc the anning pl including hes/ community register. walking and facilities
This cycling routes. provided. information would need to be collated
Amount of (Km) from other new cycle ways departments provided. within the Council.

Biodiversity,
Maintain the
Number of
This Flora and Fauna favourable developments information is (BFF) conservation receiving planning capable of status of all permission within being EPO 3: habitats and designated sites or abstracted from Throughout the species, especially within the consultation the planning county, conserve those protected distance of designated register / and restore under national and sites where the HDA odyssey system. ecosystems, international process identified habitats and legislation. potential for impacts. species in their
Implement the
This natural actions of the Cork
Reduction in the information surroundings, County Biodiversity quantum of greenfield may be

21st August 2017 51 Table 5.1: Monitoring of the Significant Environmental effects. Table 5.1: Monitoring of the Significant Environmental effects. Environmental Monitoring Provision -­‐ Environmental Monitoring Provision -­‐ Protection Targets Indicators Protection Targets Indicators Objective Objective and ensure their Action Plan. land in the county as available from and improve the status in all overall status of not readily sustainable
Establishment of a measured by the the planning quality of water bodies of surface water available but management, Green increase in the amount register/ resources and surface waters under Surface may be including the Infrastructure of brownfield land odyssey system. improve the (lakes rivers, Water available from ecological Strategy for the associated with each management and transitional Regulations 2009 EPA. corridors County settlement and the no. sustainable use and coastal (SI No 272 of between them.
Protect habitats of one off houses being
This of these waters). 2009).
This from invasive built in the information is resources to
Achieve information is species countryside. available from comply with the compliance
Trends in not readily the Council’s requirements of with Classification of available but Heritage the WFD. Groundwater Bathing Waters as may be
Number of actions Officer. Quality set by Directive available from achieved in Standards and 2006/7/EC. EPA. Biodiversity Action
This Threshold Plan. information will Values under
Groundwater be available Directive Quality Standards
This
Progress on Green from within the 2006/118/EC and Threshold information is Infrastructure strategy. Council. (protection of Values under not readily groundwater). Directive available but
Not to permit 2006/118/EC. may be Soil (S)
Reduce the
No of brownfield
This information is development available from use of sites that have not currently readily where it
No of households EPA. EPO 4: Protect greenfield been available but may be would result in served by urban the function and land by redeveloped. available from a WWTP waste water quality of the soil encouraging Odyssey in the future. exceeding the treatment plants/
Available from resource in the the reuse of
Volume of terms of its septic tanks/ the CSO. Fermoy brownfield construction and
This information may discharge individual WWTP Municipal District sites. demolition waste be available from the license. or other systems.
Encourage recycled. Environment Section.
Encourage
Available from sustainable future
No of households the CSO. extraction of
Reduction in
This information is population served by public non-­‐ number of vacant not currently readily growth in water supplies.
This renewable and derelict available but could be areas served information sand, gravel buildings. obtained via survey by urban
% of water may be and rock work. waste water unaccounted for. available from deposits and treatment Irish Water. the reuse and plants and recycling of public water construction supplies. and demolition Air Quality and
Ensure air
Trends in Air
Information waste. Climate Factors quality Quality may be (AQ/C) monitoring monitoring data. available from Water (W) results are EPA.
To achieve at
Trends in
This EPO 6: Protect maintained
Percentage of EPO 5: Maintain least ‘good’ classification of information is and improve air within population

52 Cork County Council Volume 2

Table 5.1: Monitoring of the Significant Environmental effects. Environmental Monitoring Provision -­‐ Protection Targets Indicators Objective and improve the status in all overall status of not readily quality of water bodies of surface water available but resources and surface waters under Surface may be improve the (lakes rivers, Water available from management and transitional Regulations 2009 EPA. sustainable use and coastal (SI No 272 of of these waters). 2009).
This resources to
Achieve information is comply with the compliance
Trends in not readily requirements of with Classification of available but the WFD. Groundwater Bathing Waters as may be Quality set by Directive available from Standards and 2006/7/EC. EPA. Threshold Values under
Groundwater Directive Quality Standards
This 2006/118/EC and Threshold information is (protection of Values under not readily groundwater). Directive available but
Not to permit 2006/118/EC. may be development available from where it
No of households EPA. would result in served by urban a WWTP waste water exceeding the treatment plants/
Available from terms of its septic tanks/ the CSO. discharge individual WWTP license. or other systems.
Encourage
Available from future
No of households the CSO. population served by public growth in water supplies.
This areas served information by urban
% of water may be waste water unaccounted for. available from treatment Irish Water. plants and public water supplies.

Air Quality and
Ensure air
Trends in Air
Information Climate Factors quality Quality may be (AQ/C) monitoring monitoring data. available from results are EPA. EPO 6: Protect maintained
Percentage of and improve air within population

21st August 2017 53 Table 5.1: Monitoring of the Significant Environmental effects. Table 5.1: Monitoring of the Significant Environmental effects. Environmental Monitoring Provision -­‐ Environmental Monitoring Provision -­‐ Protection Targets Indicators Protection Targets Indicators Objective Objective quality. appropriate travelling to work
Data can be (including heritage value included on the emission by public extracted from Gaeltachtaí) in or setting of NIAH. limits. transport, walking the Census . County Cork. protected
Increase or cycling. structures. EPO 7: modal shift in
This
No loss of or Contribute to favour of information adverse mitigation of, public
No of wind may be impact on and adaptation transport, turbines available from structures to, climate walking and permitted. the planning recorded on change. cycling. register/ the National
Encourage odyssey system. Inventory of production
No of Architectural and use of developments
This Heritage. renewal permitted within information
Implement the energy. areas at risk of may be Cork County
Encourage flooding. available from Heritage Plan. energy the planning efficiency in register/ Landscape (L)
No large scale
Number of large
This information is building odyssey system development scale capable of being design and EPO 9: Protect permitted in developments abstracted from the construction. and, where areas of high permitted in planning register.
Provide flood appropriate, landscape areas of high protection enhance the value. landscape value. measures character, where diversity and appropriate. special qualities
Avoid of landscapes in inappropriate County Cork. development in areas of flood risk. Material Assets
Develop the
New critical
Delivery of the (MA) road, rail and infrastructural Critical Cultural Heritage public projects Infrastructure (CH)
No loss of or
Loss of or adverse
This EPO : 10 Make transport completed required as adverse impact on information best use of the infrastructure (projects identified in the EPO 8: Protect impact on the monuments on may be material assets of of the y count identified by the County and, where fabric or the Record of available from the area and to facilitate CDP). Development appropriate, setting of Monuments the Odyssey promote the sustainable Plan (Table 15.1 enhance the monuments (RMP). system. sustainable growth and and 15.2 will be character, on the Record development of travel monitored diversity and of Monuments
Loss of or adverse
This new patterns. under the special qualities (RMP). impact on information infrastructure to
Ensure monitoring of architectural,
No loss of or protected may be provide for the appropriate process for the archaeological adverse structures available from current and water services County and cultural impact on the included on the the Odyssey future needs of infrastructure Development heritage architectural RPS or structures system. the population. is delivered in Plan.

54 Cork County Council Volume 2

Table 5.1: Monitoring of the Significant Environmental effects. Environmental Monitoring Provision -­‐ Protection Targets Indicators Objective (including heritage value included on the Gaeltachtaí) in or setting of NIAH. County Cork. protected structures.
No loss of or adverse impact on structures recorded on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.
Implement the Cork County Heritage Plan.

Landscape (L)
No large scale
Number of large
This information is development scale capable of being EPO 9: Protect permitted in developments abstracted from the and, where areas of high permitted in planning register. appropriate, landscape areas of high enhance the value. landscape value. character, diversity and special qualities of landscapes in County Cork.

Material Assets
Develop the
New critical
Delivery of the (MA) road, rail and infrastructural Critical public projects Infrastructure EPO : 10 Make transport completed required as best use of the infrastructure (projects identified in the material assets of of the y count identified by the County the area and to facilitate CDP). Development promote the sustainable Plan (Table 15.1 sustainable growth and and 15.2 will be development of travel monitored new patterns. under the infrastructure to
Ensure monitoring provide for the appropriate process for the current and water services County future needs of infrastructure Development the population. is delivered in Plan.

21st August 2017 55 Table 5.1: Monitoring of the Significant Environmental effects. Environmental Monitoring Provision -­‐ 5.2 Monitoring of the Local Area Plan Protection Targets Indicators Objective 5.2.1 While the Planning Acts require Planning Authorities to “ take such steps within its powers as may areas targeted be necessary for securing ectives the obj of the Development ” Plan , and Chief the Executive of the for population planning authority is required, not more than 2 years after the making of a Development Plan, to growth. give a report to the elected members of the planning authority on the progress achieved in
Protect and securing the objectives of the Development Plan, there are no such requirements in relation to a optimise the local area plan. use of the 5.2.2 Nonetheless, given that the Local Area Plans is a key instrument for the implementation of the existing County Development Plan objectives, in particular the Core Strategy, it is very important that building stock. progress in the implementation of the Local monitored Area Plans is to facilitate the identification
Facilitate the of any issues concerning implementation. sustainable expansion of 5.2.3 The Planning Directorate of Cork County Council is primarily responsible for monitoring and production implementing the Local Area Plans, mainly through the development I management function. t is facilities to important to note however, that implementation of local the ea ar plan objectives also requires enable inputs from other key departments within the local authority, such as Economic Development, economic Roads, Environment, Housing and Community Development. In some cases, the body responsible growth and for the implementation of certain objectives plan may be external, such as Transport Infrastructure create new Ireland, the National Transport Authority or Irish Water etc. employment opportunities. 5.2.4 A possible list of key indicators for Monitoring was set out Appendix F of the Cork County Development Plan. Some or all dicators of these in will be to used monitor the local area plans,
Protect and subject to adequate resources being available. Sources of data from other organisations (TII, NTA, enhance green IW, ESRI, NESC and the CSO etc) which is readily available will also be used where appropriate to infrastructure. assess progress in implementing Some the plan. of the data required for monitoring will be
Protect obtained from other departments within the Council. existing recreational 5.2.5 A monitoring strategy based on the Odyssey Planning Application Management System is currently facilities and being developed and it is intended that this will provide the main source of data along with other in green house initiatives such as a Housing Land Availability Study, to monitor the plan. In addition to the infrastructure. indicators being monitored for oses SEA purp the other key areas for monitoring include the pace of Flooding (F) development across all settlements / rural areas and sectors (residential, business/ industrial, retail, EPO 11: Protect
No
Number and
Number and community etc.) and the associated rate of take up of zoned housing land, the density of permitted flood plains and inappropriate nature of nature of developments and the location and type of houses being built etc., as outlined in Appendix F of the areas at risk of development developments development County Development Plan. flooding from permitted in permitted in permitted in inappropriate areas at risk of areas at . risk areas at risk of development. flooding. flooding.
All applications in areas at risk to be accompanied

by detailed a flood risk assessment.

56 Cork County Council Volume 2

5.2 Monitoring of the Local Area Plan 5.2.1 While the Planning Acts require Planning Authorities to “ take such steps within its powers as may be necessary for securing ectives the obj of the Development ” Plan , and Chief the Executive of the planning authority is required, not more than 2 years after the making of a Development Plan, to give a report to the elected members of the planning authority on the progress achieved in securing the objectives of the Development Plan, there are no such requirements in relation to a local area plan. 5.2.2 Nonetheless, given that the Local Area Plans is a key instrument for the implementation of the County Development Plan objectives, in particular the Core Strategy, it is very important that progress in the implementation of the Local monitored Area Plans is to facilitate the identification of any issues concerning implementation. 5.2.3 The Planning Directorate of Cork County Council is primarily responsible for monitoring and implementing the Local Area Plans, mainly through the development I management function. t is important to note however, that implementation of local the ea ar plan objectives also requires inputs from other key departments within the local authority, such as Economic Development, Roads, Environment, Housing and Community Development. In some cases, the body responsible for the implementation of certain objectives plan may be external, such as Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the National Transport Authority or Irish Water etc. 5.2.4 A possible list of key indicators for Monitoring was set out Appendix F of the Cork County Development Plan. Some or all dicators of these in will be to used monitor the local area plans, subject to adequate resources being available. Sources of data from other organisations (TII, NTA, IW, ESRI, NESC and the CSO etc) which is readily available will also be used where appropriate to assess progress in implementing Some the plan. of the data required for monitoring will be obtained from other departments within the Council. 5.2.5 A monitoring strategy based on the Odyssey Planning Application Management System is currently being developed and it is intended that this will provide the main source of data along with other in house initiatives such as a Housing Land Availability Study, to monitor the plan. In addition to the indicators being monitored for oses SEA purp the other key areas for monitoring include the pace of development across all settlements / rural areas and sectors (residential, business/ industrial, retail, community etc.) and the associated rate of take up of zoned housing land, the density of permitted developments and the location and type of houses being built etc., as outlined in Appendix F of the County Development Plan.

21st August 2017 57

Appendix A

SEA Screening of the Proposed Further Modifications to the Material Amendments to the Draft Local Area Plan

58 Cork County Council Volume 2

Appendix A

SEA Screening of the Proposed Further Modifications to the Material Amendments to the Draft Local Area Plan

21st August 2017 59

SEA Screening of the Proposed Further Modifications to the Material Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan

The Proposed Material Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom Local Area Plan were placed on public display for a period of public consultation with the addendum to the Environmental Report and the supporting environmental assessments from the 2nd to the 30th of May, 2017.

A total of 20 submissions were received on the Material Amendments. These included submissions from members of the public and statutory consultees. Details of all the submissions received were detailed in the Chief Executive’s Report to Members in June 2017. All submissions were summarised in that report and responded to by the Chief Executive.

That report also proposed non a material minor modifications as follows: 1. The submission from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) [AMD20993186] requested that all national roads projects be correctly and clearly illustrated on the plan maps to ensure the routes are safeguarded and to assist the public in knowing the location and extent of the routes.

It is proposed therefore sert to in some additional non material text into Section One of each plan under the heading of ‘Traffic and Transport’ as follows:

‘The Council, in consultation with the Transport Infrastructure Ireland, will protect proposed national road route corridors re whe the route selection process has been completed/approved and where preferred route corridors have been identified. The line of these Route Protection Corridors is shown in Volume 3 LAP Map Browser which is accessible www.corkcoco.ie through ’.

SEA Screening Conclusion: Proposed further minor modifications will have a neutral impact as it does not involve any new material and is partly a restatement TM of objective 3-­‐1 (National Road Network) from the Cork County Development Plan 2014 which was also subject to its own environmental assessments.

60 Cork County Council Volume 2

SEA Screening of the Proposed Further Modifications to the Material Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan

The Proposed Material Amendments to the Draft Blarney Macroom Local Area Plan were placed on public display for a period of public consultation with the addendum to the Environmental Report and the supporting environmental assessments from the 2nd to the 30th of May, 2017.

A total of 20 submissions were received on the Material Amendments. These included submissions from members of the public and statutory consultees. Details of all the submissions received were detailed in the Chief Executive’s Report to Members in June 2017. All submissions were summarised in that report and responded to by the Chief Executive.

That report also proposed non a material minor modifications as follows: 1. The submission from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) [AMD20993186] requested that all national roads projects be correctly and clearly illustrated on the plan maps to ensure the routes are safeguarded and to assist the public in knowing the location and extent of the routes.

It is proposed therefore sert to in some additional non material text into Section One of each plan under the heading of ‘Traffic and Transport’ as follows:

‘The Council, in consultation with the Transport Infrastructure Ireland, will protect proposed national road route corridors re whe the route selection process has been completed/approved and where preferred route corridors have been identified. The line of these Route Protection Corridors is shown in Volume 3 LAP Map Browser which is accessible www.corkcoco.ie through ’.

SEA Screening Conclusion: Proposed further minor modifications will have a neutral impact as it does not involve any new material and is partly a restatement TM of objective 3-­‐1 (National Road Network) from the Cork County Development Plan 2014 which was also subject to its own environmental assessments.

21st August 2017 61 62 Cork County Council Volume 2

Habitats Directive Screening Report Table of Contents

Sub-Section Page No.

1 INTRODUCTION 64 1.1 CONTEXT 64 1.2 SUMMARY OF THE HABITATS DIRECTIVE ASSESSMENT PROCESS 65 1.3 HOW THIS REPORT WAS PREPARED 66 1.4 DATA SOURCES, GAPS AND LIMITATIONS 67 1.5 SCREENING METHODOLOGY 67

2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN AREA AND PLAN 67 2.1 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 68 2.2 SECTION 2 LOCAL AREA STRATEGY 69 2.3 SECTION 3 MAIN TOWNS 69 2.4 SECTION 4 KEY VILLAGES 69 2.5 SECTION 5 VILLAGES, VILLAGE NUCLEI AND OTHER LOCATIONS 69 2.6 SECTION 6 PUTTING THE PLAN INTO PRACTICE 70

3 IDENTIFICATION OF NATURA 2000 SITES SUBJECT TO SCREENING 80

4 SUMMARY OF SCREENING ASSESSMENT 81 4.1 DRAFT PLAN STAGE 84 4.2 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS STAGE 86 4.3 FINAL CHANGES TO PLAN 88

5 HABITATS DIRECTIVE SCREENING CONCLUSION STATEMENT 89

6 REFERENCES 93 6.1 CORK COUNTY COUNCIL DOCUMENTS 93 6.2 NPWS SITE DATA 94 6.3 OTHER REFERENCES 94

21st August 2017 63 Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan

Strategic Environmental Assessment Statement for the Blarney Macroom Municipal District 1 Introduction Local Area Plan (July 2017). 1.1 Context This is the Habitats Directive Screening Report for the Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local A full list of all relevant planning documents is set out in the reference section of this document. Area Plan as adopted on 24th July 2017. In accordance with requirements of Articles 6(3) of the Habitats Directive as transposed into Part XAB of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 1.2 Summary of the Habitats Directive Assessment Process 2010 (and subsequent amendments), the impacts of the policies and objectives of all statutory land Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive identifies what is required in terms of assessment plans and use plans on certain sites that are designated for the protection of nature (known as Natura 2000 projects. sites or European 1 sites ), must be assessed as an integral part of the process of drafting the plan. This is to determine whether or not the implementation of plan policies could have negative Habitats Directive Article 6(3) consequences for the habitats or plant and animal species for which these sites are designated. This Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely assessment process is called a Habitats Directive nd Assessment (HDA) a must be carried out at all to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, stages of the plan making process. shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for Habitats Directive Assessment is an iterative process which is intended to run parallel to and inform site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan making process. It involves analysis and review of draft policies as they emerge during each the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of stage of plan making, to ensure that their implementation will not impact on sites designated for site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public. nature conservation, nor on the habitats or species for which they are designated. Within this process, regard is had to the icies potential for pol to contribute to impacts which on their own may EU and National Guidance sets out two main stages to the assessment process which are as follows: be acceptable, but which could be significant when considered in combination with the impacts arising from the implementation of other plans or policies. Stage One: Screening The process which identifies what might be the likely impacts arising from a plan on a Natura 2000 The process may result in the development of new policy areas and/or the modification or removal site, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, and considers whether these of certain policies to be presented in the final plan. The results of this analysis and review are impacts are likely to be significant. No further assessment is required if no significant impacts on presented in reports which are produced for each stage of the plan making process. Natura 2000 sites are identified during the screening stage. The findings of the screening assessment are normally contained in a Habitats Directive Screening Report. This report represents the final stage of the Habitats Directive Screening Assessment for the Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area . Plan It summarises how ecological considerations relating to Stage Two: Appropriate Assessment the Natura 2000 network were integrated into phase each of the plan ng maki process and contains a Where the possibility of significant impacts has not been discounted by the screening process, a Habitats Directive Screening Conclusion . Statement This report should be read in conjunction with more detailed assessment is required. This is called an Appropriate Assessment and involves the the Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan, 2017 as adopted on 24th July 2017. Regard compilation of a Natura Impact Report by y the Planning Authorit which is a report of scientific should also be had to evidence and data relating to European sites for which significant negative impacts have not been previously screened out. This is used to identify and classify any implications of the plan for these
the Habitats Directive Screening Report for the Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District sites in view of their conservation objectives. The Appropriate Assessment must include a Local Area ( Plan November 2016); and to determination as to whether or not the plan or its proposed amendments would adversely affect the
the Habitats Directive Assessment Report for the Proposed Amendments to the Blarney integrity of any European site or sites. The plan may be the adopted if adverse effects on integrity of Macroom Municipal District Local Area ( Plan May 2017); European sites can be ruled out during the appropriate assessment process. The plan may not be
Environmental Report for the draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan adopted on foot of an Appropriate Assessment, if it is found that it will give rise to adverse impacts (November 2016);and on one or more European sites, ertainty or if unc remains in relation to potential impacts on one or more European sites. N= k~íìê~= OMMM= ëáíÉë= áåÅäìÇÉ= péÉÅá~ä= ^êÉ~ë= çÑ= `çåëÉêî~íáçå= ÇÉëáÖå~íÉÇ= ìåÇÉê= íÜÉ= e~Äáí~íë= aáêÉÅíáîÉ= ~åÇ= péÉÅá~ä= mêçíÉÅíáçå= ^êÉ~ë= ÇÉëáÖå~íÉÇ= ìåÇÉê= íÜÉ= _áêÇë= aáêÉÅíáîÉK= = péÉÅá~ä= ^êÉ~ë= çÑ= `çåëÉêî~íáçå= ~êÉ= ëáíÉë= íÜ~í= ~êÉ= éêçíÉÅíÉÇ= ÄÉÅ~ìëÉ= íÜÉó= ëìééçêí= é~êíáÅìä~ê= Ü~Äáí~íë=~åÇLçê=éä~åí=~åÇ=~åáã~ä=ëéÉÅáÉë=íÜ~í=Ü~îÉ=ÄÉÉå=áÇÉåíáÑáÉÇ=íç=ÄÉ=íÜêÉ~íÉåÉÇ=~í=br=Åçããìåáíó=äÉîÉäK==péÉÅá~ä=mêçíÉÅíáçå=^êÉ~ë= Article 6(4) of the Directive sets out procedures to allow the adoption and implementation of plans ~êÉ=ëáíÉë=íÜ~í=~êÉ=éêçíÉÅíÉÇ=Ñçê=íÜÉ=ÅçåëÉêî~íáçå=çÑ=ëéÉÅáÉë=çÑ=ÄáêÇë=íÜ~í=~êÉ=áå=Ç~åÖÉê=çÑ=ÉñíáåÅíáçåI=çê=~êÉ=ê~êÉ=çê=îìäåÉê~ÄäÉK==péÉÅá~ä= despite a finding of adverse effects on one or more European sites. mêçíÉÅíáçå= ^êÉ~ë= ã~ó= ~äëç= ÄÉ= ëáíÉë= íÜ~í= ~êÉ= é~êíáÅìä~êäó= áãéçêí~åí= Ñçê= ãáÖê~íçêó= ÄáêÇëK= = pìÅÜ= ëáíÉë= áåÅäìÇÉ= áåíÉêå~íáçå~ääó= áãéçêí~åí= ïÉíä~åÇëK==

64 Cork County Council Volume Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan 2

Strategic Environmental Assessment Statement for the Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan (July 2017).

A full list of all relevant planning documents is set out in the reference section of this document.

1.2 Summary of the Habitats Directive Assessment Process Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive identifies what is required in terms of assessment plans and projects.

Habitats Directive Article 6(3) Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public.

EU and National Guidance sets out two main stages to the assessment process which are as follows:

Stage One: Screening The process which identifies what might be the likely impacts arising from a plan on a Natura 2000 site, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, and considers whether these impacts are likely to be significant. No further assessment is required if no significant impacts on Natura 2000 sites are identified during the screening stage. The findings of the screening assessment are normally contained in a Habitats Directive Screening Report.

Stage Two: Appropriate Assessment Where the possibility of significant impacts has not been discounted by the screening process, a more detailed assessment is required. This is called an Appropriate Assessment and involves the compilation of a Natura Impact Report by y the Planning Authorit which is a report of scientific evidence and data relating to European sites for which significant negative impacts have not been previously screened out. This is used to identify and classify any implications of the plan for these sites in view of their conservation objectives. The Appropriate Assessment must include a determination as to whether or not the plan or its proposed amendments would adversely affect the integrity of any European site or sites. The plan may be the adopted if adverse effects on integrity of European sites can be ruled out during the appropriate assessment process. The plan may not be adopted on foot of an Appropriate Assessment, if it is found that it will give rise to adverse impacts on one or more European sites, ertainty or if unc remains in relation to potential impacts on one or more European sites.

Article 6(4) of the Directive sets out procedures to allow the adoption and implementation of plans despite a finding of adverse effects on one or more European sites.

21st August 2017 65 Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan

Habitats Directive Article 6(4) 1.4 Data Sources, Gaps and Limitations If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the absence of alternative The information contained in this report is based on a desktop review of information relating to solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding these sites and to the habitats and species that they support. References and data used are cited in public interest, ding inclu those of a social or economic nature, the Member State shall take all the back of this report. compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected.

It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted. 1.5 Screening Methodology

EU and National Guidance identifies two further assessment stages which must be completed if it is EU Guidelines (2001) set out a process for screening landuse plans, which involves four main steps as determined that a plan must proceed for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, despite a follows: finding that it will have adverse effects on the integrity of one or more European sites. These procedures can only been invoked where it has been shown that there are no alternative ways to
Provide a description of the proposed plan. implement the plan which avoid adverse effects on the integrity of one or more European sites.
Identify relevant Natura 2000 sites, and compile information on their qualifying They are set out below. interests and conservation objectives.

Identify the potential effects of the plan on the identified Natura 2000 sites. Stage Three: Assessment of alternative solutions
Assess the significance of any effects on identified Natura 2000 sites, having regard to In circumstances where the potential for a plan to give rise to adverse effects on the integrity of a potential for ‘in ion’ combinat effects. European site or sites has not been ruled out during the appropriate assessment process, it can only

be considered for authorisation where it is demonstrated that there are no alternative solutions and This process is applied to all proposed plans or projects except those which are directly connected that there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest which can allow the plan or project to with the necessary management of a Natura 2000 site or sites. This report follows the steps set out proceed. Stage three of a Habitats Directive Assessment involves the assessment of alternative above. solutions.

Stage Four: Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain 2 Description of the Plan Area and Plan In circumstances where it has been demonstrated that a plan must proceed for imperative reasons The Blarney Macroom Municipal District covers an area of land in mid Cork extending to the Kerry of overriding public interest (IROPI), and where it has been shown that there are no alternatives, border from just west of Ballincollig. It encompasses the main towns of Blarney and Macroom as compensatory measures must be put in place in advance of the implementation of the plan/project well as fifty five smaller settlements including key villages, smaller villages and other settlements. which ensure the coherence of the Natura 2000 network. Compensatory measures must The boundaries of the Municipal District are shown in Figure 1. compensate for the expected impact on the site. The fourth stage of the Habitats Directive Assessment process involves demonstrating that imperative reasons of overriding public interest exist, and the assessment of the compensatory measures which are proposed to be implemented. In every case in which a local authority envisages approving or proceeding with a plan or project on grounds of IROPI, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs must be consulted.

1.3 How this Report Was Prepared The approach taken in the making of this assessment follows European Communities, Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites, Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, 2002, and on Local Government and Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland, Guidance for Planning Authorities, 2009.

66 Cork County Council Volume Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan 2

1.4 Data Sources, Gaps and Limitations The information contained in this report is based on a desktop review of information relating to these sites and to the habitats and species that they support. References and data used are cited in the back of this report.

1.5 Screening Methodology EU Guidelines (2001) set out a process for screening landuse plans, which involves four main steps as follows:

Provide a description of the proposed plan.
Identify relevant Natura 2000 sites, and compile information on their qualifying interests and conservation objectives.
Identify the potential effects of the plan on the identified Natura 2000 sites.
Assess the significance of any effects on identified Natura 2000 sites, having regard to potential for ‘in ion’ combinat effects.

This process is applied to all proposed plans or projects except those which are directly connected with the necessary management of a Natura 2000 site or sites. This report follows the steps set out above.

2 Description of the Plan Area and Plan The Blarney Macroom Municipal District covers an area of land in mid Cork extending to the Kerry border from just west of Ballincollig. It encompasses the main towns of Blarney and Macroom as well as fifty five smaller settlements including key villages, smaller villages and other settlements. The boundaries of the Municipal District are shown in Figure 1.

21st August 2017 67 Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan

Figure 1: Cork Municipal District Areas
Green Belts around Towns
Strategic Land Reserve and Active Land Management
Environmental Assessments including:

o Strategic Environmental Assessment, o Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and o Habitats Directive Assessment

2.2 Section 2 Local Area Strategy This section sets out the overall strategy for the Blarney Macroom Municipal District. It sets out the housing requirements and zoned housing land supply for each of the main towns Macroom Environs and Blarney, and sets out the appropriate scale of growth within the village network and the current infrastructure position for all the main towns sand smaller settlement within the settlement network. It describes the current employment position in the Municipal District and includes a description of nvironment e and heritage assets within the area. The main message of this section of the plan is that sufficient land has been provided to meet population targets but that infrastructure remains a constraint to ing deliver on those targets.

2.3 Section 3 Main Towns The purpose of this section is to set out the policies and objectives including land use zoning maps for the two main towns of Blarney and Macroom in the Blarney Macroom Municipal District. Where

appropriate, Regeneration Areas have also been identified. This section of the plan sets out

proposals for population growth and other development objectives for the main towns. 2.1 Section 1 Introduction The Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan is a strategic plan identifying where 2.4 Section 4 Key Villages development is to be directed and how/where supporting infrastructure is to be provided within the There are seven large key villages in the Blarney Macroom Municipal District Ballineen/Enniskeane, plan area. The population targets for settlements within the district follow those set in the County Development Plan (2014). dentifies The plan i where development is proposed to be located through Ballingeary, Ballymakeery/Ballyvourney, Coachford, Grenagh, Kilumney/Ovens and Tower. its zoning maps and corresponding policy objectives. This section of the plan sets out proposed scale of growth and other development objectives for each of these main villages r ove the lifetime of the plan.

Section 1 of the plan sets out the overall plan context and the overall approach/key policies that will influence the preparation of the plan namely the: 2.5 Section 5 Villages, Village Nuclei and Other Locations

There are fifteen smaller villages, twenty five village nuclei and seven other locations in the Blarney
Role of the Cork County Development Plan 2014 Macroom Municipal District. The villages are Aghabullogue, Aherla, Cloghduv, Clondrohid,
Approach to Town Development Plans Courtbrack, Crookstown, Crossbarry, Inchigeelagh, Kilnamatyra, Kilmurry, Model Village (Dripsey),
Special Policy Area Framework Masterplans Newcestown, Rylane/Seiscne and Stuake/Donoughmore and Upper Dripsey.
Settlement Network The village nuclei are Ballinacurra/Brinny, Ballinagree, Bealnamorive, Berrings, Canovee,
Infrastructure Carrigadrohid/ Killinardrish, Carriganimmy, Cloghroe, Coolea, Farnanes, Farnivane, Firmount,
Water Services Fornaght, Kilbarry, Knockavilla/ Old Chapel Cross, Lissarda, Lower Dripsey, Matehy, Murragh, New
Development Contributions Tipperary, Reananerree, Rusheen, Tooms, Toon Bridge and Upton.
Regeneration Areas The other locations are Bealnablath, Farran/Farran Lower, Gougane Barra, Gurranes, Inniscarra,
Flood Risk sessment As and Management Shrelane Cross and Waterloo. This section of the plan sets out proposed scale of growth and other
Quality in Urban Design development objectives for each lements of sett over the lifetime of the plan.

68 Cork County Council Volume Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan 2

Green Belts around Towns
Strategic Land Reserve and Active Land Management
Environmental Assessments including:

o Strategic Environmental Assessment, o Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and o Habitats Directive Assessment

2.2 Section 2 Local Area Strategy This section sets out the overall strategy for the Blarney Macroom Municipal District. It sets out the housing requirements and zoned housing land supply for each of the main towns Macroom Environs and Blarney, and sets out the appropriate scale of growth within the village network and the current infrastructure position for all the main towns sand smaller settlement within the settlement network. It describes the current employment position in the Municipal District and includes a description of nvironment e and heritage assets within the area. The main message of this section of the plan is that sufficient land has been provided to meet population targets but that infrastructure remains a constraint to ing deliver on those targets.

2.3 Section 3 Main Towns The purpose of this section is to set out the policies and objectives including land use zoning maps for the two main towns of Blarney and Macroom in the Blarney Macroom Municipal District. Where appropriate, Regeneration Areas have also been identified. This section of the plan sets out proposals for population growth and other development objectives for the main towns.

2.4 Section 4 Key Villages There are seven large key villages in the Blarney Macroom Municipal District Ballineen/Enniskeane, Ballingeary, Ballymakeery/Ballyvourney, Coachford, Grenagh, Kilumney/Ovens and Tower. This section of the plan sets out proposed scale of growth and other development objectives for each of these main villages r ove the lifetime of the plan.

2.5 Section 5 Villages, Village Nuclei and Other Locations There are fifteen smaller villages, twenty five village nuclei and seven other locations in the Blarney Macroom Municipal District. The villages are Aghabullogue, Aherla, Cloghduv, Clondrohid, Courtbrack, Crookstown, Crossbarry, Inchigeelagh, Kilnamatyra, Kilmurry, Model Village (Dripsey), Newcestown, Rylane/Seiscne and Stuake/Donoughmore and Upper Dripsey. The village nuclei are Ballinacurra/Brinny, Ballinagree, Bealnamorive, Berrings, Canovee, Carrigadrohid/ Killinardrish, Carriganimmy, Cloghroe, Coolea, Farnanes, Farnivane, Firmount, Fornaght, Kilbarry, Knockavilla/ Old Chapel Cross, Lissarda, Lower Dripsey, Matehy, Murragh, New Tipperary, Reananerree, Rusheen, Tooms, Toon Bridge and Upton. The other locations are Bealnablath, Farran/Farran Lower, Gougane Barra, Gurranes, Inniscarra, Shrelane Cross and Waterloo. This section of the plan sets out proposed scale of growth and other development objectives for each lements of sett over the lifetime of the plan.

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2.6 Section 6 Putting the Plan into Practice Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject This section of the plan assigns responsibility for the implementation of the plan policies to various to screening agencies including the Local Authority. It also sets out the meframes expected ti for the delivery of Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives physical and social infrastructure, including the assignment of plan priorities and funding streams Code necessary to secure key development objectives. It also outlines the approach to monitoring and 0091 Clonakilty Bay
Mudflats and sandflats To maintain the favourable conservation how the p lan will inform Plans other within its functional area. SAC not covered by seawater condition of the following habitats for which at low tide [1140] the Clonakilty Bay SAC is designated:
Annual vegetation of drift 3 Identification of Natura 2000 Sites Subject to Screening lines [1210]
Mudflats and sandflats not covered
Embryonic shifting dunes by seawater at low tide [1140]; Table 1 below sets out the Natura 2000 sites which are subject to screening in this report. It [2110]
Annual vegetation of drift lines includes all Natura 2000 sites within the plan boundary ura area and Nat 2000 sites within 15km of
Shifting dunes along the [1210]; the plan boundary. The habitats and species for which these sites are designated also listed. shoreline with
Embryonic shifting dunes [2110]; Ammophila arenaria
Shifting dunes along the shoreline The potential for Natura 2000 sites that are >15km from the plan boundary area to be affected by (white dunes) [2120] with Ammophila arenaria (white policies set out in the plan was also considered. This could include sites which are hydrologically
Fixed coastal dunes with dunes) [2120]; connected to watercourses or water bodies within the plan boundary area. No such sites were herbaceous getation ve
Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes identified. All relevant sites are identified in Figure 2. (grey dunes) [2130] (Calluno-­‐Ulicetea) [2150];
Atlantic decalcified fixed
and to restore the favourable dunes (Calluno-­‐Ulicetea) conservation condition of [2150]
Fixed coastal dunes with Figure 2 Natura Sites Subject to Screening herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes) [2130]

which are defined by attributes and targets set out in NPWS Conservation Objectives for Clonakilty Bay SAC (May 2014) available at www.NPWS.ie

0106 St. Gobnet’s
Old sessile oak woods To maintain or restore the favourable Wood SAC with Ilex and Blechnum in conservation condition of the Annex I the British Isles [91A0] habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which this SAC has been selected:

Old sessile oak woods Ilex with and Blechnum in the British Isles [91A0]

as set out Conservation in Objectives for St. Gobnet’s Wood SAC (August 2016) available at www.NPWS.ie

0108 The Gearagh SAC
Water courses of plain to To maintain the favourable conservation montane levels with the condition of the following habitat and Ranunculion fluitantis species: and Callitricho-­‐ Batrachion vegetation
Water courses of plain to montane levels [3260] with the Ranunculion fluitantis and
Rivers with muddy banks Callitricho-­‐Batrachion vegetation [3260] with Chenopodion rubric
Rivers with muddy banks with p.p. and Biention p.p. Chenopodion rubric p.p. and Biention p.p. vegetation [3270] vegetation [3270]
Old sessile oak woods
Old sessile oak woods Ilex with and with Ilex and Blechnum in Blechnum in the British Isles [91A0] the British Isles [91A0]
Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and

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Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject to screening

Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Code

0091 Clonakilty Bay
Mudflats and sandflats To maintain the favourable conservation SAC not covered by seawater condition of the following habitats for which at low tide [1140] the Clonakilty Bay SAC is designated:
Annual vegetation of drift lines [1210]
Mudflats and sandflats not covered
Embryonic shifting dunes by seawater at low tide [1140]; [2110]
Annual vegetation of drift lines
Shifting dunes along the [1210]; shoreline with
Embryonic shifting dunes [2110]; Ammophila arenaria
Shifting dunes along the shoreline (white dunes) [2120] with Ammophila arenaria (white
Fixed coastal dunes with dunes) [2120]; herbaceous getation ve
Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (grey dunes) [2130] (Calluno-­‐Ulicetea) [2150];
Atlantic decalcified fixed
and to restore the favourable dunes (Calluno-­‐Ulicetea) conservation condition of [2150]
Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes) [2130]

which are defined by attributes and targets set out in NPWS Conservation Objectives for Clonakilty Bay SAC (May 2014) available at www.NPWS.ie

0106 St. Gobnet’s
Old sessile oak woods To maintain or restore the favourable Wood SAC with Ilex and Blechnum in conservation condition of the Annex I the British Isles [91A0] habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which this SAC has been selected:

Old sessile oak woods Ilex with and Blechnum in the British Isles [91A0]

as set out Conservation in Objectives for St. Gobnet’s Wood SAC (August 2016) available at www.NPWS.ie

0108 The Gearagh SAC
Water courses of plain to To maintain the favourable conservation montane levels with the condition of the following habitat and Ranunculion fluitantis species: and Callitricho-­‐ Batrachion vegetation
Water courses of plain to montane levels [3260] with the Ranunculion fluitantis and
Rivers with muddy banks Callitricho-­‐Batrachion vegetation [3260] with Chenopodion rubric
Rivers with muddy banks with p.p. and Biention p.p. Chenopodion rubric p.p. and Biention p.p. vegetation [3270] vegetation [3270]
Old sessile oak woods
Old sessile oak woods Ilex with and with Ilex and Blechnum in Blechnum in the British Isles [91A0] the British Isles [91A0]
Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and

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Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject to screening to screening

Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Code Code

Alluvial forests with Alnus Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-­‐Padion, Alnion calaminariae [6130]
Depressions on peat substrates of glutinosa and Fraxinus incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0]
Molinia meadows on the Rhynchosporion [7150] excelsior (Alno-­‐Padion,
Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355] calcareous, peaty or
Old sessile oak woods Ilex with and Alnion incanae, Salicion clayey-­‐silt-­‐laden soils Blechnum in the British Isles [91A0] albae) [91E0] which are defined by attributes and targets (Molinion caeruleae)
Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa
Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355] as set out Conservation in Objectives for the [6410] and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-­‐Padion, Gearagh SAC (September 2016) available at
Blanket bogs (* if active Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) www.NPWS.ie bog) [7130] [91E0]
Depressions on peat
Taxus baccata woods of the British 0364 Kilgarvan Ice
Rhinolophus hipposideros To maintain or restore the favourable substrates of the Isles [91J0] House SAC (Lesser Horseshoe Bat) conservation condition of the Annex I Rhynchosporion [7150]
Geomalacus maculosus (Kerry Slug) [1303] habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for
Old sessile oak woods [1024] which this SAC has been selected: with Ilex and Blechnum in
Margaritifera margaritifera the British Isles [91A0] (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) [1029]
Rhinolophus hipposideros (Lesser
Alluvial forests with Alnus
Euphydryas aurinia (Marsh Horseshoe Bat) [1303] glutinosa and Fraxinus Fritillary) [1065] excelsior (Alno-­‐Padion,
Petromyzon marinus (Sea Lamprey) as set out Conservation in Objectives Alnion incanae, Salicion [1095] Kilgarvan Ice House SAC August 2016 albae) [91E0]
Lampetra planeri (Brook Lamprey) available at www.NPWS.ie
Taxus baccata woods of [1096] the British Isles [91J0]
Lampetra fluviatilis (River Lamprey) 0365 Killarney
Oligotrophic waters To maintain or restore the favourable
Geomalacus maculosus [1099] National Park, containing very few conservation condition of the Annex I (Kerry Slug) [1024]
Salmo salar (Salmon) [1106] Macgillycuddy minerals of sandy plains habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for
Margaritifera
Rhinolophus hipposideros (Lesser Reeks and (Littorelletalia uniflorae) which this SAC has been selected: margaritifera (Freshwater Horseshoe Bat) [1303] Caragh River [3110] Pearl Mussel) [1029]
Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355] Catchment SAC
Oligotrophic waters containing very
Oligotrophic to
Euphydryas aurinia
Trichomanes speciosum (Killarney few minerals of sandy plains mesotrophic standing (Marsh Fritillary) [1065] Fern) [1421] waters with vegetation of (Littorelletalia uniflorae) [3110]
Petromyzon marinus (Sea
Najas flexilis (Slender Naiad) [1833] the Littorelletea uniflorae
Oligotrophic to mesotrophic Lamprey) [1095]
Alosa fallax killarnensis (Killarney and/or Isoeto-­‐ standing waters with vegetation of
Lampetra planeri (Brook Shad) [5046] Nanojuncetea [3130] the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or Lamprey) [1096] Isoeto-­‐Nanojuncetea [3130]
Water courses of plain to
Lampetra fluviatilis (River as set out Killarney in National Park, montane levels with the
Water courses of plain to montane Lamprey) [1099] Magillycuddy Reeks and Caragh River Ranunculion fluitantis and levels with the Ranunculion
Salmo salar (Salmon) Catchment SAC Conservation Objectives Callitricho-­‐Batrachion fluitantis and Callitricho-­‐Batrachion [1106] (August 2016) available at www.NPWS.ie vegetation [3260] vegetation [3260]
Rhinolophus hipposideros
Northern Atlantic wet
Northern Atlantic wet heaths with (Lesser Horseshoe Bat) heaths with Erica tetralix Erica tetralix [4010] [1303] [4010]
European dry heaths [4030]
Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355]
European dry heaths
Alpine and Boreal heaths [4060]
Trichomanes speciosum [4030]
Juniperus communis formations on (Killarney Fern) [1421]
Alpine and Boreal heaths heaths or calcareous grasslands
Najas flexilis (Slender [4060] [5130] Naiad) [1833]
Juniperus communis
Calaminarian grasslands of the
Alosa fallax killarnensis formations on heaths or Violetalia calaminariae [6130] (Killarney Shad) [5046] calcareous grasslands
Molinia meadows on alcareous, c [5130] peaty or clayey-­‐silt-­‐laden soils 1058 Great Island
Mudflats and sandflats To maintain the favourable conservation
Calaminarian grasslands (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] Channel SAC not covered by seawater condition of the following habitats for which of the Violetalia
Blanket bogs (* if active bog) [7130] at low tide [1140] the Barley Cove to Ballyrisode SAC is

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Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject to screening

Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Code

calaminariae [6130]
Depressions on peat substrates of
Molinia meadows on the Rhynchosporion [7150] calcareous, peaty or
Old sessile oak woods Ilex with and clayey-­‐silt-­‐laden soils Blechnum in the British Isles [91A0] (Molinion caeruleae)
Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa [6410] and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-­‐Padion,
Blanket bogs (* if active Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) bog) [7130] [91E0]
Depressions on peat
Taxus baccata woods of the British substrates of the Isles [91J0] Rhynchosporion [7150]
Geomalacus maculosus (Kerry Slug)
Old sessile oak woods [1024] with Ilex and Blechnum in
Margaritifera margaritifera the British Isles [91A0] (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) [1029]
Alluvial forests with Alnus
Euphydryas aurinia (Marsh glutinosa and Fraxinus Fritillary) [1065] excelsior (Alno-­‐Padion,
Petromyzon marinus (Sea Lamprey) Alnion incanae, Salicion [1095] albae) [91E0]
Lampetra planeri (Brook Lamprey)
Taxus baccata woods of [1096] the British Isles [91J0]
Lampetra fluviatilis (River Lamprey)
Geomalacus maculosus [1099] (Kerry Slug) [1024]
Salmo salar (Salmon) [1106]
Margaritifera
Rhinolophus hipposideros (Lesser margaritifera (Freshwater Horseshoe Bat) [1303] Pearl Mussel) [1029]
Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355]
Euphydryas aurinia
Trichomanes speciosum (Killarney (Marsh Fritillary) [1065] Fern) [1421]
Petromyzon marinus (Sea
Najas flexilis (Slender Naiad) [1833] Lamprey) [1095]
Alosa fallax killarnensis (Killarney
Lampetra planeri (Brook Shad) [5046] Lamprey) [1096]
Lampetra fluviatilis (River as set out Killarney in National Park, Lamprey) [1099] Magillycuddy Reeks and Caragh River
Salmo salar (Salmon) Catchment SAC Conservation Objectives [1106] (August 2016) available at www.NPWS.ie
Rhinolophus hipposideros (Lesser Horseshoe Bat) [1303]
Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355]
Trichomanes speciosum (Killarney Fern) [1421]
Najas flexilis (Slender Naiad) [1833]
Alosa fallax killarnensis (Killarney Shad) [5046]

1058 Great Island
Mudflats and sandflats To maintain the favourable conservation Channel SAC not covered by seawater condition of the following habitats for which at low tide [1140] the Barley Cove to Ballyrisode SAC is

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Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject to screening to screening

Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Code Code

Atlantic salt meadows designated: 1873 Derryclogher
Blanket bogs (* if active To maintain or restore the favourable (Glauco-­‐Puccinellietalia (Knockboy) Bog bog) [7130] conservation condition of the Annex I maritimae) [1330]
Mudflats and sandflats not covered SAC habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for by seawater at low tide [1140] which this SAC has been selected:

and to restore the favourable conservation
Blanket bogs (* if active bog) [7130] condition of as set out Conservation in the Objectives for
Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-­‐ Derryclogher (Knockboy) Bog SAC August Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] 2016 available at www.NPWS.ie

which are defined by attributes and targets 1890 Mullaghanish
Blanket bogs (* if active To maintain or restore the favourable set out in Conservation Objectives for the Bog SAC bog) [7130] conservation condition of the Annex I Great Island Channel SAC June 2014 habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for available at www.NPWS.ie which this SAC has been selected:

1230 Courtmacsherry
Estuaries [1130] To maintain the favourable conservation
Blanket bogs (* if active bog) [7130] Estuary SAC
Mudflats and sandflats condition of the following habitats for which not covered by seawater the Barley Cove to Ballyrisode SAC is as set out Conservation in the Objectives for at low tide [1140] designated: Mullaghanish Bog SAC August 2016 available
Annual vegetation of drift at www.NPWS.ie lines [1210]
Estuaries [1130]
Perennial vegetation of
Mudflats and sandflats not covered 2041 Old Domestic
Rhinolophus hipposideros To maintain or restore the favourable stony banks [1220] by seawater at low tide [1140] Building, (Lesser Horseshoe Bat) conservation condition of the Annex I
Salicornia and other
Annual vegetation of drift lines Curraglass Wood [1303] habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for annuals colonising mud [1210] SAC which this SAC has been selected: and sand [1310]
Perennial vegetation of stony banks
Atlantic salt meadows [1220]
Rhinolophus hipposideros (Lesser (Glauco-­‐Puccinellietalia
Mediterranean salt meadows Horseshoe Bat) [1303] maritimae) [1330] (Juncetaliaaritime) [1410]
Mediterranean salt
Embryonic shifting dunes [2110] as set out Conservation in the Objectives for meadows
Shifting dunes along the shoreline Old Domestic Building, Curraglass Wood SAC (Juncetaliaaritime) [1410] with Ammophila arenaria (white August 2016 available at www.NPWS.ie
Embryonic shifting dunes dunes) [2120] [2110]
Fixed coastal dunes h wit 2170 Blackwater River
Estuaries [1130] To maintain the favourable conservation
Shifting dunes along the herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes) (Cork/Waterford)
Mudflats and sandflats condition of the following habitats and shoreline with [2130] SAC not covered by seawater species for which the Blackwater River SAC is Ammophila arenaria at low tide [1140] designated: (white dunes) [2120] and to restore the favourable conservation
Perennial vegetation of
Fixed coastal dunes with condition of stony banks [1220]
Austropotamobius pallipes (White-­‐ herbaceous vegetation
Salicornia and other clawed Crayfish) [1092] (grey dunes) [2130]
Salicornia and other annuals annuals colonising mud
Lampetra planeri (Brook Lamprey) colonising mud and sand [1310] and sand [1310] [1096]
Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-­‐
Atlantic salt meadows
Lampetra fluviatilis (River Lamprey) Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] (Glauco-­‐Puccinellietalia [1099] maritimae) [1330]
Salmo salar (Salmon) [1106] which are defined by attributes and targets
Mediterranean salt
Estuaries [1130] set out in Conservation Objectives for meadows (Juncetalia
Mudflats and sandflats not covered Courtmacsherry Estuary SAC July 2014 maritimi) [1410] by seawater at low tide [1140] available at www.NPWS.ie
Water courses of plain to
Perennial vegetation of stony banks

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Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject to screening

Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Code

1873 Derryclogher
Blanket bogs (* if active To maintain or restore the favourable (Knockboy) Bog bog) [7130] conservation condition of the Annex I SAC habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which this SAC has been selected:

Blanket bogs (* if active bog) [7130]

as set out Conservation in the Objectives for Derryclogher (Knockboy) Bog SAC August 2016 available at www.NPWS.ie

1890 Mullaghanish
Blanket bogs (* if active To maintain or restore the favourable Bog SAC bog) [7130] conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which this SAC has been selected:

Blanket bogs (* if active bog) [7130]

as set out Conservation in the Objectives for Mullaghanish Bog SAC August 2016 available at www.NPWS.ie

2041 Old Domestic
Rhinolophus hipposideros To maintain or restore the favourable Building, (Lesser Horseshoe Bat) conservation condition of the Annex I Curraglass Wood [1303] habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for SAC which this SAC has been selected:

Rhinolophus hipposideros (Lesser Horseshoe Bat) [1303]

as set out Conservation in the Objectives for Old Domestic Building, Curraglass Wood SAC August 2016 available at www.NPWS.ie

2170 Blackwater River
Estuaries [1130] To maintain the favourable conservation (Cork/Waterford)
Mudflats and sandflats condition of the following habitats and SAC not covered by seawater species for which the Blackwater River SAC is at low tide [1140] designated:
Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220]
Austropotamobius pallipes (White-­‐
Salicornia and other clawed Crayfish) [1092] annuals colonising mud
Lampetra planeri (Brook Lamprey) and sand [1310] [1096]
Atlantic salt meadows
Lampetra fluviatilis (River Lamprey) (Glauco-­‐Puccinellietalia [1099] maritimae) [1330]
Salmo salar (Salmon) [1106]
Mediterranean salt
Estuaries [1130] meadows (Juncetalia
Mudflats and sandflats not covered maritimi) [1410] by seawater at low tide [1140]
Water courses of plain to
Perennial vegetation of stony banks

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Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject to screening to screening

Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Code Code

montane levels with the [1220]
Margaritifera and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-­‐Padion, Ranunculion fluitantis and
Salicornia and other annuals margaritifera (Freshwater Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) Callitricho-­‐Batrachion colonising mud and sand [1310] Pearl Mussel) [1029] [91E0] vegetation [3260]
Mediterranean salt meadows
Lampetra planeri (Brook
Margaritifera margaritifera
Old sessile oak woods (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] Lamprey) [1096] (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) [1029] with Ilex and Blechnum in
Trichomanes speciosum (Killarney
Lampetra planeri (Brook Lamprey) the British Isles [91A0] Fern) [1421] [1096]
Alluvial forests with Alnus
Water courses of plain to montane glutinosa and Fraxinus levels with the Ranunculion as set out Conservation in the Objectives for excelsior (Alno-­‐Padion, fluitantis and Callitricho-­‐Batrachion the Bandon River SAC August 2016 available Alnion incanae, Salicion vegetation [3260] at www.NPWS.ie albae) [91E0]
Taxus baccata woods of and to restore the favourable conservation 2315 Glanlough
Rhinolophus hipposideros To maintain or restore the favourable the British Isles [91J0] condition of Woods SAC (Lesser Horseshoe Bat) conservation condition of the Annex I
Margaritifera [1303] habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for margaritifera (Freshwater
Margaritifera margaritifera which this SAC has been selected: Pearl Mussel) [1029] (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) [1029]
Austropotamobius
Petromyzon marinus (Sea Lamprey)
Rhinolophus hipposideros (Lesser pallipes (White -­‐clawed [1095] Horseshoe Bat) [1303] Crayfish) [1092]
Alosa fallax fallax (Twaite Shad)
Petromyzon marinus (Sea [1103] as set out Conservation in the Objectives Lamprey) [1095]
Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-­‐ Glanlough Woods SAC August 2016 which
Lampetra planeri (Brook Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] are available www.NPWS.ie at Lamprey) [1096]
Old sessile oak woods Ilex with and
Lampetra fluviatilis (River Blechnum in the British Isles [91A0] 4030 Cork Harbour
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus To maintain the favourable conservation Lamprey) [1099]
Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa SPA ruficollis) [A004] condition of the following bird species in
Alosa fallax fallax (Twaite and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-­‐Padion,
Great Crested Grebe Cork Harbour SPA: Shad) [1103] Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) (Podiceps cristatus)
Salmo salar (Salmon) [91E0] [A005]
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) [1106]
Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355]
Cormorant [A004]
Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355] (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps
Trichomanes speciosum which are defined by attributes and targets [A017] cristatus) [A005] (Killarney Fern) [1421] set out in Conservation Objectives for
Grey Heron (Ardea
Cormorant Phalacrocorax ( carbo) Blackwater River SAC July 2012 available at cinerea) [A028] [A017] www.NPWS.ie
Shelduck Tadorna (
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) [A028] tadorna) [A048]
Shelduck Tadorna ( tadorna) [A048] *status of Taxus baccata woods of the
Wigeon (Anas penelope )
Wigeon (Anas penelope ) [A050] British Isles as a qualifying feature for this [A050]
Teal (Anas crecca) [A052] SAC is currently under review.
Teal (Anas crecca) [A052]
Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054]
Pintail (Anas acuta)
Shoveler Anas ( clypeata) [A056] 2171 Bandon River
Water courses of plain to To maintain or restore the favourable [A054]
Red-­‐breasted Merganser Mergus ( SAC montane levels with the conservation condition of the Annex I
Shoveler Anas ( clypeata) serrator) [A069] Ranunculion fluitantis and habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for [A056]
Oystercatcher (Haematopus Callitricho-­‐Batrachion which this SAC has been selected:
Red-­‐breasted Merganser ostralegus) [A130] vegetation [3260] (Mergus serrator) [A069]
Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)
Alluvial forests with Alnus
Water courses of plain to montane
Oystercatcher [A140] glutinosa and Fraxinus levels with the Ranunculion (Haematopus ostralegus)
Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) excelsior (Alno-­‐Padion, fluitantis and Callitricho-­‐Batrachion [A130] [A141] Alnion incanae, Salicion vegetation [3260]
Golden Plover (Pluvialis
Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142] albae) [91E0]
Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa apricaria) [A140]
Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149]

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Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject to screening

Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Code

Margaritifera and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-­‐Padion, margaritifera (Freshwater Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) Pearl Mussel) [1029] [91E0]
Lampetra planeri (Brook
Margaritifera margaritifera Lamprey) [1096] (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) [1029]
Lampetra planeri (Brook Lamprey) [1096]

as set out Conservation in the Objectives for the Bandon River SAC August 2016 available at www.NPWS.ie

2315 Glanlough
Rhinolophus hipposideros To maintain or restore the favourable Woods SAC (Lesser Horseshoe Bat) conservation condition of the Annex I [1303] habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which this SAC has been selected:

Rhinolophus hipposideros (Lesser Horseshoe Bat) [1303]

as set out Conservation in the Objectives Glanlough Woods SAC August 2016 which are available www.NPWS.ie at

4030 Cork Harbour
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus To maintain the favourable conservation SPA ruficollis) [A004] condition of the following bird species in
Great Crested Grebe Cork Harbour SPA: (Podiceps cristatus) [A005]
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
Cormorant [A004] (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps [A017] cristatus) [A005]
Grey Heron (Ardea
Cormorant Phalacrocorax ( carbo) cinerea) [A028] [A017]
Shelduck Tadorna (
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) [A028] tadorna) [A048]
Shelduck Tadorna ( tadorna) [A048]
Wigeon (Anas penelope )
Wigeon (Anas penelope ) [A050] [A050]
Teal (Anas crecca) [A052]
Teal (Anas crecca) [A052]
Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054]
Pintail (Anas acuta)
Shoveler Anas ( clypeata) [A056] [A054]
Red-­‐breasted Merganser Mergus (
Shoveler Anas ( clypeata) serrator) [A069] [A056]
Oystercatcher (Haematopus
Red-­‐breasted Merganser ostralegus) [A130] (Mergus serrator) [A069]
Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)
Oystercatcher [A140] (Haematopus ostralegus)
Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [A130] [A141]
Golden Plover (Pluvialis
Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142] apricaria) [A140]
Dunlin Calidris ( alpina) [A149]

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Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject to screening to screening

Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Code Code

Grey Plover (Pluvialis
Black-­‐tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A999] squatarola) [A141] [A156] and
Lapwing (Vanellus
Bar-­‐tailed Godwit (Limosa vanellus) [A142] lapponica) [A157]
to maintain the favourable
Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
Curlew (Numenius arquata) [A160] conservation condition of the [A149]
Redshank Tringa ( totanus) [A162] wetland habitat in Clonakilty Bay
Black-­‐tailed Godwit
Black-­‐headed Gull (Chroicocephalus SPA as a resource for the regularly-­‐ (Limosa limosa) [A156] ridibundus) [A179] occurring migratory birds that
Bar-­‐tailed Godwit (Limosa
Common Gull Larus ( canus) [A182] utilise it lapponica) [A157]
Lesser Black-­‐backed Gull (Larus
Curlew (Numenius fuscus) [A183] as defined by attributes and targets set out arquata) [A160]
Common Tern Sterna ( hirundo) in Conservation Objectives Clonakilty Bay
Redshank Tringa ( [A193] SPA Oct 2014 which are available at totanus) [A162] www.NPWS.ie
Black-­‐headed Gull and (Chroicocephalus 4109 The Gearagh SPA
Wigeon (Anas penelope) To maintain or restore the favourable ridibundus) [A179]
to maintain the favourable [A050] conservation condition of bird species listed
Common Gull Larus ( conservation condition of the
Teal (Anas crecca) [A052] as Special Conservation Interests for this canus) [A182] wetland habitat in Cork Harbour
Mallard (Anas SPA:
Lesser Black-­‐backed Gull SPA as a resources for the regularly-­‐ platyrhynchos) [A053] (Larus fuscus) [A183] occurring migratory birds that
Coot Fulica ( atra) [A125]
Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050]
Common Tern Sterna ( utilise it
Wetland and Waterbirds
Teal (Anas crecca) [A052] hirundo) [A193] [A999]
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Wetland and Waterbirds as defined by attributes and targets set out [A053] [A999] in Conservation Objectives Cork Harbour
Coot Fulica ( atra) [A125] SPA (Dec 2014) which are available at www.NPWS.ie and

4038 Killarney
Merlin (Falco To maintain or restore the favourable
to maintain or restore the National Park columbarius) [A098] conservation condition of bird species listed favourable condition of the wetland SPA
Greenland White-­‐fronted as Special Conservation Interests for this habitat at the Gearagh as a Goose Anser ( albifrons SPA: resource for the regularly-­‐occurring flavirostris) [A395] migratory waterbirds that utilise it
Merlin (Falco columbarius) [A098]
Greenland White-­‐fronted Goose as set out Conservation in the Objectives for (Anser albifrons flavirostris) [A395 the Gearagh SPA (August 2016) which are available at www.NPWS.ie as set out Conservation in the Objectives for Killarney National Park SPA August 2016 are 4162 Mullaghanish to
Hen Harrier (Circus To maintain or restore the favourable available at www.NPWS.ie Musheramore cyaneus) [A082] conservation condition of bird species listed Mountains SPA as Special Conservation Interests for this 4081 Clonakilty Bay
Shelduck Tadorna ( To maintain the favourable conservation SPA: SPA tadorna) [A048] condition of the following bird species in
Dunlin (Calidris alpina) Clonakilty Bay SPA: Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) [A082]as set [A149] out in Conservation the Objectives for the
Black-­‐tailed Godwit
Shelduck Tadorna ( tadorna) [A048] Mullaghanish to Musheramore Mountains (Limosa limosa) [A156]
Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149] SPA (August 2016) which are available at www.NPWS.ie
Curlew (Numenius
Black-­‐tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) arquata) [A160] [A156]
Wetland and Waterbirds
Curlew (Numenius arquata) [A160]

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Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject to screening

Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Code

[A999] and

to maintain the favourable conservation condition of the wetland habitat in Clonakilty Bay SPA as a resource for the regularly-­‐ occurring migratory birds that utilise it

as defined by attributes and targets set out in Conservation Objectives Clonakilty Bay SPA Oct 2014 which are available at www.NPWS.ie

4109 The Gearagh SPA
Wigeon (Anas penelope) To maintain or restore the favourable [A050] conservation condition of bird species listed
Teal (Anas crecca) [A052] as Special Conservation Interests for this
Mallard (Anas SPA: platyrhynchos) [A053]
Coot Fulica ( atra) [A125]
Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050]
Wetland and Waterbirds
Teal (Anas crecca) [A052] [A999]
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) [A053]
Coot Fulica ( atra) [A125]

and

to maintain or restore the favourable condition of the wetland habitat at the Gearagh as a resource for the regularly-­‐occurring migratory waterbirds that utilise it

as set out Conservation in the Objectives for the Gearagh SPA (August 2016) which are available at www.NPWS.ie

4162 Mullaghanish to
Hen Harrier (Circus To maintain or restore the favourable Musheramore cyaneus) [A082] conservation condition of bird species listed Mountains SPA as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA:

Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) [A082]as set out in Conservation the Objectives for the Mullaghanish to Musheramore Mountains SPA (August 2016) which available are at www.NPWS.ie

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Table 1 All Natura Sites Within the Blarney-­‐Macroom MD or otherwise identified as requiring to be subject to screening Site Site Name Qualifying Interests Conservation Objectives Table 2: Summary of Plan Making Process Incorporating Habitats Directive Assessment Code Date Stage How issues relating to biodiversity and 4219 Courtmacsherry
Great Northern Diver To maintain the favourable conservation the protection of the Natura 2000 Bay SPA (Gavia immer) [A003] condition of the following bird species in
Shelduck Tadorna ( Courtmacsherry Bay SPA: network were considered. tadorna) [A048]
Wigeon (Anas penelope)
Great Northern Diver (Gavia immer) 2015 Council prepared a Consultation document [A050] [A003] (Section 20(1) Consultation Document) which
Red-­‐breasted Merganser
Shelduck Tadorna ( tadorna) [A048] identified the critical planning issues and (Mergus serrator) [A069]
Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050] choices to be made to facilitate the future
Golden Plover (Pluvialis
Red-­‐breasted Merganser Mergus ( development of the main settlements within apricaria) [A140] serrator) [A069] the Municipal District.
Lapwing (Vanellus
Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) vanellus) [A142] [A140]
Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142] This document identifie d key planning issues [A149]
Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149] within the Municipal District and proposed
Black-­‐tailed Godwit
Black-­‐tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) specific approaches to zoning and rezoning (Limosa limosa) [A156] [A156] and provision of required infrastructure to
Bar-­‐tailed Godwit (Limosa
Bar-­‐tailed Godwit (Limosa support development within the main towns lapponica) [A157] lapponica) [A157] and other settlements.
Curlew (Numenius
Curlew (Numenius arquata) [A160]

arquata) [A160]
Black-­‐headed Gull (Chroicocephalus
Black-­‐headed Gull ridibundus) [A179] December Council published first consultation document A number of the submissions raised (Chroicocephalus
Common Gull Larus ( canus) [A182] 2015-­‐ January (Section 20(1) Consulta tion Document). issues relating to the protection of ridibundus) [A179] 2016 Natura 2000 sites and biodiversity
Common Gull Larus ( and Submissions on this document were invited generally at county level. There were no canus) [A182] from the public between th 14 December to submissions which raised plan area
Wetland and Waterbirds
to maintain the favourable Monday th 25 January 2016. specific issues relating to biodiversity or [A999] conservation condition of the Habitats Directive Assessment. wetland habitat in Courtmacsherry Bay SPA as a resources for the A total of 61 submissions were made in regularly-­‐occurring migratory birds respect of the preliminary consultation document including a number which raised that utilise it as defined by attributes and issues in relation to the protection of natural targets set out in Conservation Objectives heritage resources generally at a county wide Courtmacsherry Bay SPA Oct 2014 which are level. available at www.NPWS.ie

January – Council prepared draft the Blarney Macroom Prior to publication, the draft plan was 4 Summary of Plan Making and Screening Assessment November 2016 MD Local Area taking Plan account of the screened to determine whether its A summary of the plan making process including the timelines which were followed is set out in public submissions made during the first objectives could have the potential to Table 2 below. Details of the Habitats Directive screening assessments and outcomes completed at public consultation process. give rise to significant impacts on the Natura 2000 network. The results of the each stage of the plan making process are set out in sections 4.1-­‐4.3. assessment were compiled into the

Habitats Directive Screening Report for the draft Plan (November 2016).

The Habitats Directive Screening Report included recommendations that a number of modifications to be made to

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Table 2: Summary of Plan Making Process Incorporating Habitats Directive Assessment

Date Stage How issues relating to biodiversity and the protection of the Natura 2000 network were considered.

2015 Council prepared a Consultation document (Section 20(1) Consultation Document) which identified the critical planning issues and choices to be made to facilitate the future development of the main settlements within the Municipal District.

This document identifie d key planning issues within the Municipal District and proposed specific approaches to zoning and rezoning and provision of required infrastructure to support development within the main towns and other settlements.

December Council published first consultation document A number of the submissions raised 2015-­‐ January (Section 20(1) Consulta tion Document). issues relating to the protection of 2016 Natura 2000 sites and biodiversity Submissions on this document were invited generally at county level. There were no from the public between th 14 December to submissions which raised plan area Monday th 25 January 2016. specific issues relating to biodiversity or Habitats Directive Assessment. A total of 61 submissions were made in respect of the preliminary consultation document including a number which raised issues in relation to the protection of natural heritage resources generally at a county wide level.

January – Council prepared draft the Blarney Macroom Prior to publication, the draft plan was November 2016 MD Local Area taking Plan account of the screened to determine whether its public submissions made during the first objectives could have the potential to public consultation process. give rise to significant impacts on the Natura 2000 network. The results of the assessment were compiled into the Habitats Directive Screening Report for the draft Plan (November 2016).

The Habitats Directive Screening Report included recommendations that a number of modifications to be made to

21st August 2017 81 Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan

Table 2: Summary of Plan Making Process Incorporating Habitats Directive Assessment Table 2: Summary of Plan Making Process Incorporating Habitats Directive Assessment

Date Stage How issues relating to biodiversity and Date Stage How issues relating to biodiversity and the protection of the Natura 2000 the protection of the Natura 2000 network were considered. network were considered.

the plan to ensure compliance with the published. for the proposed amendments was Habitats and Birds Directives. published and made available for public Submissions were invited to be made on the consultation during this period. November 2016 The draft plan was published and put on The Habitats Directive Screening Report proposed amendments between nd 2 and th 30 – January 2017 public display on the th 16 November 2016. was also published and made available May 2017. for public consultation during this period. Submissions were invited to be made on the June – July 2017 A total of 20 submissions were received in The modifications which were proposed draft plan extending 1 to 6th January 2017. relation to the proposed am endments. to be made to the amendments were screened to determine whether these January-­‐April A total of 109 submissions were received in The proposed amendments as agreed by Issues raised in the submissions received in had implications for the Natura 2000 2017 relation to the draft plan including a number Council members following consideration relation to the proposed amendments were network. In addition, consideration was made n i respect of HDA or ity biodivers issues of the Chief Executive’s , Report were summarised in the Chief Executives (Section given to the amendments recommended generally at a County wide level. subject to Habitats Directive screening Report (published June th 16 ) with to be excluded, to determine whether assessment process. A Habitats Directive recommendations in relation to same. None their omission from the plan could have All submissions were reviewed and Screening Report was prepared in of these raised issues relating to Natura 2000 negative consequences for any Natura considered by the planning policy team. The respect of same. sites or to Habitats Directive Assessment. 2000 site. submissions were summarised in the Chief Executive’s Report (published th 6 March). None of the proposed amendments as A minor modification was recommended to No implications for the Natura 2000 There were no submissions which raised published were identified to be likely to be made to amendments of the plan arising network were identified n i relation to issues of concern in relation to any particular pose a possible risk of impact on any from a review of the submissions. It was also any of the recommendations which were Natura 2000 site, or to plan specific Habitats Natura 2000 site. recommended by the CE that one contained in the Chief Executives Report Directive Assessment issues. amendment would be would be excluded of June th 16 . from the plan. The Chief Executive’s Report included recommendations to Council members as to 24th July 2017 All proposed amendments as published in Final changes to be made ( to the plan the what amendments should be made to the May 2017 were agreed to be made by the minor modifications to amendments) plan. These recommendations related to Council. These included the amendment were screened to determine whether amendments arising from consideration of which was recommended by the Chief these might have negative implications submissions made by members of the public Executive to be excluded from the plan. for the Natura 2000 network. No and statutory authorities, amendments implications for the Natura 2000 network arising from the SEA and Habitats Directive Members agreed on th (24 July date) to make were identified to be likely to arise from screening of the draft plan, as well the minor modifications to the proposed the final changes agreed to be made to amendments proposed to correct errors or amendments as recommended in the Chief the plan. omissions identified following publication of Executives Report. the draft plan. 21st August The Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local A final Habitats Directive Screening Council members proposed the making of 73 Area Plan was published. Report (this report) which contains a amendments to the plan following summary of each phase of the Habitats consideration of the Chief ’ Executive s Report. Directive screening process and a Habitats Directive Screening Conclusion May 2017 Proposed amendments to the Draft Plan were The Habitats Directive Screening Report Statement in respect of the plan as

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Table 2: Summary of Plan Making Process Incorporating Habitats Directive Assessment

Date Stage How issues relating to biodiversity and the protection of the Natura 2000 network were considered.

published. for the proposed amendments was published and made available for public Submissions were invited to be made on the consultation during this period. proposed amendments between nd 2 and th 30 May 2017.

June – July 2017 A total of 20 submissions were received in The modifications which were proposed relation to the proposed am endments. to be made to the amendments were screened to determine whether these Issues raised in the submissions received in had implications for the Natura 2000 relation to the proposed amendments were network. In addition, consideration was summarised in the Chief Executives (Section given to the amendments recommended Report (published June th 16 ) with to be excluded, to determine whether recommendations in relation to same. None their omission from the plan could have of these raised issues relating to Natura 2000 negative consequences for any Natura sites or to Habitats Directive Assessment. 2000 site.

A minor modification was recommended to No implications for the Natura 2000 be made to amendments of the plan arising network were identified n i relation to from a review of the submissions. It was also any of the recommendations which were recommended by the CE that one contained in the Chief Executives Report amendment would be would be excluded of June th 16 . from the plan.

24th July 2017 All proposed amendments as published in Final changes to be made ( to the plan the May 2017 were agreed to be made by the minor modifications to amendments) Council. These included the amendment were screened to determine whether which was recommended by the Chief these might have negative implications Executive to be excluded from the plan. for the Natura 2000 network. No implications for the Natura 2000 network Members agreed on th (24 July date) to make were identified to be likely to arise from the minor modifications to the proposed the final changes agreed to be made to amendments as recommended in the Chief the plan. Executives Report.

21st August The Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local A final Habitats Directive Screening Area Plan was published. Report (this report) which contains a summary of each phase of the Habitats Directive screening process and a Habitats Directive Screening Conclusion Statement in respect of the plan as

21st August 2017 83 Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan

hydrological linkages between Natura 2000 sites and certain towns and villages, or where Natura Table 2: Summary of Plan Making Process Incorporating Habitats Directive Assessment 2000 sites were considered to be sufficiently close to expanding urban centres and where the possibility of increased creational re or other pressure was identified to be a potential risk. Having Date Stage How issues relating to biodiversity and regard to this connectivity, it was considered appropriate to carry out a more detailed screening the protection of the Natura 2000 assessment in respect of these sites. Objectives were examined having regard hese to t sites to see network were considered. whether they could have the potential to give rise

adopted was published with the Local Area Plan.
direct loss of habitat within any Natura 2000 site;

indirect impacts on any Natura 2000 site which could affect quality of habitats within any Natura 2000 site;
disturbance to species for which any Natura 2000 site is designated; 4.1 Draft Plan Stage
a reduction in richness or density of species for which any Natura 2000 site is designated; A preliminary screening assessment of the draft plan was completed in respect of all the sites
negative changes in indicators of conservation value (eg water quality) in any Natura 2000 identified in Table 1 above. That assessment explored whether there might be possible pathways site. for impact between the identified Natura sites, and the towns, villages and other settlements of the Municipal District for which policy was proposed in the draft plan. This assessment looked at settlement specific policies and considered whether these were compatible with the protection the of identified sites. The preliminary assessment resulted in the ‘screening out’ of a number of Natura 2000 sites set out On foot of this assessment potential implications for two further Natura 2000 sites were ruled out. below. No ecological or hydrological linkages connecting towns or settlements within the Municipal These were the Cork Harbour SPA and the Mullaghanish to Musheramore SPA. Full details of the District to these Natura 2000 sites was identified. Furthermore, these sites were considered to be screenings for these sites are included in the screening report completed for the draft plan. sufficiently distant from any towns or other settlements to ensure that they were unlikely to suffer increased recreational or other pressure arising from policies contained in the plan. Consequently it Recommendations were made in ng the screeni report for modifications to be made to the draft plan was considered that there was no potential for policies in the plan to affect these sites. in order to minimise risk of impact on three identified Natura sites – St. Gobnet’s Wood SAC (0106), the Gearagh SAC (0108) and the Gearagh SPA (4109). The recommendations are summarised in Code Site Name Table 3 below.

0091 Clonakilty Bay SAC Table 3 : Summary of recommendations arising from screening assessment of draft plan 0364 Kilgarvan Ice House SAC

0365 Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC 1058 Great Island Channel SAC Site Details Recommendation 1230 Courtmacsherry Estuary SAC 1873 Derryclogher (Knockboy) Bog SAC St. Gobnet’s Wood A significant portion of St. Gobnet’s Wood lies It was recommended SAC that lands 1890 Mullaghanish Bog SAC SAC within the settlement boundary of would be designated as Open 2041 Old Domestic Building, Curraglass Wood SAC Ballymakeery/Ballyvourney. Most of the area is Space, not suitable for

2170 Blackwater River SAC zoned as Open Space and the objective for this development. 2171 Bandon River SAC zone is to protect the unique heritage and 2315 Glanlough Woods SAC amenity value of the woodland. However, 4038 Killarney National Park SPA small sections of SAC woodland lie within the 4081 Clonakilty Bay SPA area described to be existing . built up area This 4219 Courtmacsherry Bay SPA description of SAC land could result in land within the SAC coming under pressure to be developed. The preliminary assessment identified possible pathways for impact between the remaining Natura sites as listed in Table 1 and towns, villages and other settlements for which policy was proposed in the draft plan. Pathways for possible impact were identified where there were direct physical or

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hydrological linkages between Natura 2000 sites and certain towns and villages, or where Natura 2000 sites were considered to be sufficiently close to expanding urban centres and where the possibility of increased creational re or other pressure was identified to be a potential risk. Having regard to this connectivity, it was considered appropriate to carry out a more detailed screening assessment in respect of these sites. Objectives were examined having regard hese to t sites to see whether they could have the potential to give rise

direct loss of habitat within any Natura 2000 site;
indirect impacts on any Natura 2000 site which could affect quality of habitats within any Natura 2000 site;
disturbance to species for which any Natura 2000 site is designated;
a reduction in richness or density of species for which any Natura 2000 site is designated;
negative changes in indicators of conservation value (eg water quality) in any Natura 2000 site. This assessment looked at settlement specific policies and considered whether these were compatible with the protection the of identified sites. On foot of this assessment potential implications for two further Natura 2000 sites were ruled out. These were the Cork Harbour SPA and the Mullaghanish to Musheramore SPA. Full details of the screenings for these sites are included in the screening report completed for the draft plan. Recommendations were made in ng the screeni report for modifications to be made to the draft plan in order to minimise risk of impact on three identified Natura sites – St. Gobnet’s Wood SAC (0106), the Gearagh SAC (0108) and the Gearagh SPA (4109). The recommendations are summarised in Table 3 below.

Table 3 : Summary of recommendations arising from screening assessment of draft plan

Site Details Recommendation

St. Gobnet’s Wood A significant portion of St. Gobnet’s Wood lies It was recommended SAC that lands SAC within the settlement boundary of would be designated as Open Ballymakeery/Ballyvourney. Most of the area is Space, not suitable for

zoned as Open Space and the objective for this development. zone is to protect the unique heritage and amenity value of the woodland. However, small sections of SAC woodland lie within the area described to be existing . built up area This description of SAC land could result in land within the SAC coming under pressure to be developed.

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Table 3 : Summary of recommendations arising from screening assessment of draft plan in respect of the Habitats Directive Assessment process. A full listing of the submissions and proposed amendments is available in the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Local Area Plan Report

(May 2017). Site Details Recommendation

Table 4: Proposed amendments esponding r to recommendations of the Habitats Directive Screening The Gearagh SAC There are a number of small settlements It was recommended that policy Assessment of the Draft Plan and to Public Submissions on draft Plan and the Gearagh located within the catchment of the Gearagh. relating to surface water SPA Responsible management of surface waters will management for key villages would be important to ensuring that new BM.04.04.03. Change to amend the boundary of the settlement of Ballyvourney to exclude areas of the SAC be strengthened. development in these settlements will not from occurring within the settlement. Change to incorporate areas of SAC retained within the settlement result in increased levels of surface water run boundary of Ballyvourney into -­‐ the O 01 zone. off to rivers and streams flowing into the Gearagh. It was considered on assessment that BM.02.07.03 Amendment to LAS-­‐01(a) to clarify and standardise policy relating to surface and wastewater objectives relating to villages and other management applying to all settlements within the plan area. settlements was not sufficiently clear in relation to this issue. All of the proposed amendments were subject to screening to determine whether any of these had The settlements of Ballingeary and Inchigeelagh It was recommended that policy potential to give rise to negative impacts on any Natura 2000 site. The screening assessment was are serviced by public wastewater treatment relating to wastewater and made taking account of the Natura 2000 sites identified Table and described in 1. The main focus of systems which discharge to the River Lee. protection of this te si would be the assessment was to identify whether the proposed amendments might There are issues relating to license compliance clarified in the plan to ensure that it associated with the Ballingeary plant and waste is made clear that issues relating to water is being discharged untreated from the
increase pressure for development r within o near these sites; compliance with license conditions Inchigeelagh settlement. Both plants are
encourage or facilitate increased levels of human activity within or near these sites; observed to v be ha ing negative effects on and protection of water quality
increase pressure on key resources such as water quality within these sites. water quality in the Lee which could have the must be addresses (as well as potential to have negative consequences on capacity issues) to ensure that new water quality in the Gearagh. development in settlements linked Table 5 below summarises the findings of the assessment of the proposed amendments as to the Gearagh catchment do not published. Full details of the assessment process can be reviewed in the Habitats Directive have a negative impact on the SAC Screening Report for the Proposed Amendments. or on the SPA. All of these recommendations were included in the ’ Chief Executive s Report to Council Members Table 5 : Summary of Outcome of Screening of Proposed Amendments (March 6th), were accepted by Council, and amendments were proposed to be made the plan deal with same (see Table 4 below). Issues Examined y/n Amendment Relevant EU site Details of Potential Ref. No Settlement which may proposed Impact

4.2 Proposed Amendments Stage be amendment A total of 109 submissions were received in respect of the draft plan. Following consideration of all impacted submissions and deliberations of Council Members, 73 a total of amendments were proposed to be Proposed new None n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a made to the Local Area Plan. These amendments responded to zonings within Natura 2000 sites.
observations made in public consultation submissions; Proposed new None n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
the recommendations made arising from the Habitats Directive Screening Assessment of the zonings adjacent to Draft Plan (see Table ; 4) and Natura 2000 sites.
were proposed to be made to correct errors identified following publication of the draft Proposed None n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a plan. amendments facilitating None of the submissions raised issues of concern in respect of any plan specific N atura 2000 site or increased

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in respect of the Habitats Directive Assessment process. A full listing of the submissions and proposed amendments is available in the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Local Area Plan Report (May 2017).

Table 4: Proposed amendments esponding r to recommendations of the Habitats Directive Screening Assessment of the Draft Plan and to Public Submissions on draft Plan

BM.04.04.03. Change to amend the boundary of the settlement of Ballyvourney to exclude areas of the SAC from occurring within the settlement. Change to incorporate areas of SAC retained within the settlement boundary of Ballyvourney into -­‐ the O 01 zone.

BM.02.07.03 Amendment to LAS-­‐01(a) to clarify and standardise policy relating to surface and wastewater management applying to all settlements within the plan area.

All of the proposed amendments were subject to screening to determine whether any of these had potential to give rise to negative impacts on any Natura 2000 site. The screening assessment was made taking account of the Natura 2000 sites identified Table and described in 1. The main focus of the assessment was to identify whether the proposed amendments might

increase pressure for development r within o near these sites;
encourage or facilitate increased levels of human activity within or near these sites;
increase pressure on key resources such as water quality within these sites.

Table 5 below summarises the findings of the assessment of the proposed amendments as published. Full details of the assessment process can be reviewed in the Habitats Directive Screening Report for the Proposed Amendments.

Table 5 : Summary of Outcome of Screening of Proposed Amendments

Issues Examined y/n Amendment Relevant EU site Details of Potential Ref. No Settlement which may proposed Impact

be amendment impacted

Proposed new None n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a zonings within Natura 2000 sites.

Proposed new None n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a zonings adjacent to Natura 2000 sites.

Proposed None n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a amendments facilitating increased

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Amendment Ref BM.04.08.06 – Include lands -­‐ North west of Tower within the development Table 5 : Summary of Outcome of Screening of Proposed Amendments boundary of Tower.

Issues Examined y/n Amendment Relevant EU site Details of Potential was rejected by Council Members, and this amendment was agreed to be made to the plan. All Ref. No Settlement which may proposed Impact other amendments as published in May 2017 were also agreed to be made the plan. This

be amendment amendment had been screened prior to publication of the n consultation document o the proposed impacted amendments. No implications for the Natura 2000 network had been identified during that population targets screening process. within sensitive

Natura catchments. 5 Habitats Directive Screening Conclusion Statement Proposed None n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a amendments which could increase levels Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan of human activity within or near Name And Location Of 0091 Clonakilty Bay SAC Natura 2000 sites. Natura 2000 Sites Subject 0106 St. Gobnet’s Wood SAC Other amendments None n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a To Screening For 0108 The Gearagh SAC that may give rise to Appropriate Assessment 0364 Kilgarvan Ice House SAC impacts on Natura 0365 Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddys Reeks and Caragh River 2000 sites. Catchment SAC

1058 Great Island Channel SAC No issues of concern were identified at this stage of the process. 1230 Courtmacsherry Estuary SAC 1873 Derryclogher (Knockboy) Bog 1890 Mullaghanish Bog 4.3 Final Changes to Plan 2041 Old Domestic Building, Curraglass Wood SAC A total of 20 submissions were made in respect of the proposed amendments to the draft plan. A 2170 Blackwater River SAC summary of the submissions was compiled into the Chief Executives Report (published 16th June), 2171 Bandon River SAC which also included recommendations as to how these should be dealt with. 2315 Glanlough Wood SAC 4030 Cork Harbour SPA None of the submissions raised issues of concern in relation to any Natura 2000 site or in relation to 4038 Killarney National Park SPA the Habitats Directive Assessment process. 4081 Clonakilty Bay SPA 4109 The Gearagh SPA Two modifications were recommended to be made to respond to submissions, and these 4162 Mullaghanish to Musheramore SPA recommendations were accepted by Council Members. Modifications were made as follows: 4219 Courtmacsherry Bay SPA

Insertion of non material text into Section One of the plan under the heading of Traffic and Description Of The Plan The Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan is a strategic Transport highlighting the fact that Route Protection Corridors will be shown on the Map plan identifying where development is to be directed and how/where supporting infrastructure is to be provided within the plan area from Browser – (Amendment Ref BM 01.07.08) 2017 to 2023. The plan proposes population targets for settlements
Modification to Table 3.6 involves the removal of a reference to the ‘developer’ being within the district and identifies where that development is proposed responsible for delivery for a new road linking the Blarney Link Road to Station Road, to be located through its zoning maps and corresponding policy ensure consistency with other similar n policies i the plan (Amendment ref BM.03.02.03). objectives. See Section 2 of this report for a more detailed summary of the plan. The recommendation of the Chief Executive to exclude one amendment Is The Plan Directly No

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Amendment Ref BM.04.08.06 – Include lands -­‐ North west of Tower within the development boundary of Tower.

was rejected by Council Members, and this amendment was agreed to be made to the plan. All other amendments as published in May 2017 were also agreed to be made the plan. This amendment had been screened prior to publication of the n consultation document o the proposed amendments. No implications for the Natura 2000 network had been identified during that screening process.

5 Habitats Directive Screening Conclusion Statement

Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan

Name And Location Of 0091 Clonakilty Bay SAC Natura 2000 Sites Subject 0106 St. Gobnet’s Wood SAC To Screening For 0108 The Gearagh SAC Appropriate Assessment 0364 Kilgarvan Ice House SAC 0365 Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddys Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC 1058 Great Island Channel SAC 1230 Courtmacsherry Estuary SAC 1873 Derryclogher (Knockboy) Bog 1890 Mullaghanish Bog 2041 Old Domestic Building, Curraglass Wood SAC 2170 Blackwater River SAC 2171 Bandon River SAC 2315 Glanlough Wood SAC 4030 Cork Harbour SPA 4038 Killarney National Park SPA 4081 Clonakilty Bay SPA 4109 The Gearagh SPA 4162 Mullaghanish to Musheramore SPA 4219 Courtmacsherry Bay SPA

Description Of The Plan The Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan is a strategic plan identifying where development is to be directed and how/where supporting infrastructure is to be provided within the plan area from 2017 to 2023. The plan proposes population targets for settlements within the district and identifies where that development is proposed to be located through its zoning maps and corresponding policy objectives. See Section 2 of this report for a more detailed summary of the plan.

Is The Plan Directly No

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Connected With Or Necessary To The St. Gobnet’s Wood Management Of The
No other plans identified. Natura 2000 Sites Identified Above The Gearagh SAC and the Gearagh SPA

Are There Other Projects Possible risks of impact were identified in respect of three sites:
LEE CFRAMS – Or Plans That Together o Lower Lee Cork City Flood Relief Scheme With This Plan Could Give
St. Gobnet’s Wood
Regulations and Guidelines for Control of the River Lee, ESB Rise To Cumulative
The Gearagh SAC Impacts On Any Of The
The Gearagh SPA Assessment Of Significant Effects Above Listed Sites. Other plans that set land use policy, policies relating to agriculture, Describe How The Plan The key issues which were identified through the HDA screening renewable energy and activity forestry within the catchments of (Alone Or In Combination process at the draft plan screening stage to have the potential to give these sites could act ‘in combination’ with policies set out in the Is Likely To Affect Natura rise to negative effects on Natura 2000 sites were as follows: Blarney Macroom MD LAP to give rise to negative impacts on these 2000 Sites) sites. These include inter alia: Parts of St. Gobnet’s Wood SAC lie within the settlement boundary of Ballyvourney. Some these of areas were described to be within All Three Sites existing built ea. up ar
National Spatial Strategy (Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government) 2002-­‐2020 Wastewater infrastructure in some of the settlements within the
National Development Plan (Department of Environment, catchment of the Gearagh is not of a sufficient standard to support Heritage and Local Government) -­‐ 2007 2013 proposed growth, without posing a risk of impact on water quality in
National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (2012) the catchment and potentially within the SAC and SPA.
A Resource Opportunity – Waste Management Policy in Ireland (2012)
Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future 2009-­‐2020 Increased levels of development in settlements within the catchment
National Cycle Policy Framework 2009 of the Gearagh, could result in increased levels of surface water run
People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025 off and possibly result in increased pressure on natural hydrological
Tourism Development and Innovation -­‐ A Strategy for patterns in rivers feeding the Gearagh It system. was considered that Investment 2016-­‐2022 the policies requiring surface water attenuation for some of these
Realising our Rural Potential Action Plan for Rural settlements were insufficiently clear. Development 2016
National Renewable Energy Action Plan 2010 Changes To The Draft Plan The settlement boundary of Ballyvourney was altered to omit some
Harvest 2020 – A Vision for Irish Agri-­‐Food and Fisheries To Prevent These Impacts areas of St. Gobnet’s Wood from within the town boundary. The
Forests, Products and -­‐ People Irelands forest policy a open space zoning was extended to incorporate other parts of the renewed vision 2014 SAC which could not be omitted from the town boundary.
Regional Planning Guidelines (South West Regional Authority) 2010-­‐2022
Cork County Development Plan (Cork County Council) 2014 Wastewater and surfacewater management policies were clarified
Cork County Local Economic and Community Plan 2016 and strengthened.
Growing Tourism in Cork -­‐ A Collective Strategy 2016-­‐2020

Trails for Tourism – A Policy to Maximise the Economic Benefit to Cork County 2015

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St. Gobnet’s Wood
No other plans identified.

The Gearagh SAC and the Gearagh SPA

LEE CFRAMS – o Lower Lee Cork City Flood Relief Scheme
Regulations and Guidelines for Control of the River Lee, ESB

Assessment Of Significant Effects

Describe How The Plan The key issues which were identified through the HDA screening (Alone Or In Combination process at the draft plan screening stage to have the potential to give Is Likely To Affect Natura rise to negative effects on Natura 2000 sites were as follows: 2000 Sites) Parts of St. Gobnet’s Wood SAC lie within the settlement boundary of Ballyvourney. Some these of areas were described to be within existing built ea. up ar

Wastewater infrastructure in some of the settlements within the catchment of the Gearagh is not of a sufficient standard to support proposed growth, without posing a risk of impact on water quality in the catchment and potentially within the SAC and SPA.

Increased levels of development in settlements within the catchment of the Gearagh, could result in increased levels of surface water run off and possibly result in increased pressure on natural hydrological patterns in rivers feeding the Gearagh It system. was considered that the policies requiring surface water attenuation for some of these settlements were insufficiently clear.

Changes To The Draft Plan The settlement boundary of Ballyvourney was altered to omit some To Prevent These Impacts areas of St. Gobnet’s Wood from within the town boundary. The open space zoning was extended to incorporate other parts of the SAC which could not be omitted from the town boundary.

Wastewater and surfacewater management policies were clarified and strengthened.

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Proposed Amendments To No issues of concern for the Natura 2000 network were identified in 6 References Draft Plan respect of proposed amendments to be made to the draft plan. No 6.1 Cork County Council Documents modifications to any of the proposed amendments were required. The following is a list of the main documents which were prepared during the making of Blarney Final Changes To Draft Modifications were made to two proposed amendments to on foot Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan. All of these documents are available at Plan of the consultation phase for the proposed amendments. These www.corkcoco.ie/planning. Background documents and other reports including the reports of the modifications were minor in nature and no implications for the Chief Executive of Cork County Council which was also prepared as part of the plan making process Natura 2000 network were identified to be likely to arise on foot of are also available on this website. them being made. All other amendments were adopted as published Cork County Council Blarn ey Macroom MD Local Area Plan Documents in May 2017. These had been previously screened to determine Publication Date Document Title whether they could have negative impacts on any Natura 2000 site. th No issues of concern were identified. No other modifications or 14 December 2015 Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan Review Public Consultation changes were made to the plan at this stage of the process. Document 15th April 2016 Proposed Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan 2017, Chief List Of Agencies Consulted The draft plan and proposed amendments to same were referred to Executive’s Report on Preliminary Public Consultation Process

all of the relevant Statutory Authorities and were available for th 16 November 2016 Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan consideration by the general public at a number of different stages th during the plan making process. Submissions made by Statutory 16 November 2016 Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Environmental Reports Authorities, groups and members of the public which related to
Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report impacts on the Natura 2000 network were considered at every stage
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment of the plan s a described in this report. Amendments were made to
Habitats Directive Screening Report the plan to address all of the substantive issues raised in these 6th March 2017 Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan Public Consultation Draft, submissions. Chief Executive’s Opinion on the Issues Raised by Submissions & Recommended Amendments

Screening Conclusion On the s basi of the screening assessments which were completed at th 15 April 2016 Proposed Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan 2017, Chief each stage of the plan making process and which are in this Executives Report on Preliminary Public Consultation Process document, it is concluded that the Blarney Macroom MD Local Area 2nd May 2017 Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan Proposed Amendments Plan does not have he t potential to give rise to significant negative to the Draft Plan impacts on any of the Natura 2000 sites listed in this document. nd 2 May 2017 Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan Proposed Amendments to the Data Collected To Carry Out The Assessment Draft Plan Environmental Reports
Addendum to Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Environmental Report Who Carried Out The Planning Policy Unit Cork County Council
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Assessment
Changes to Blarney the Macroom Environmental Report
Habitats Directive Screening Report Sources Of Data See references 16th June 2017 Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan 2017, Chief Executives report on Proposed Amendments Public Consultation Process

Level Of Assessment Screening for Appropriate Assessment st 21 August 2017 Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan, 2017 Completed Volume One – Main Policy Material

Where Can The Full The full Habitats Directive screening process may be tracked through Volume Two – Environmental Reports Results Of The Assessment this report and through the references set out below. All documents
Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Statement Be Accessed And Viewed are available www.corkcoco.ie/planning at
Habitats Directive Screening Report

Volume Three – Map Browser

92 Cork County Council Volume Habitats Directive Screening Report, Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan 2

6 References 6.1 Cork County Council Documents The following is a list of the main documents which were prepared during the making of Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan. All of these documents are available at www.corkcoco.ie/planning. Background documents and other reports including the reports of the Chief Executive of Cork County Council which was also prepared as part of the plan making process are also available on this website.

Cork County Council Blarn ey Macroom MD Local Area Plan Documents

Publication Date Document Title

14th December 2015 Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan Review Public Consultation Document

15th April 2016 Proposed Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan 2017, Chief Executive’s Report on Preliminary Public Consultation Process

16th November 2016 Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan

16th November 2016 Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Environmental Reports

Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment
Habitats Directive Screening Report

6th March 2017 Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan Public Consultation Draft, Chief Executive’s Opinion on the Issues Raised by Submissions & Recommended Amendments

15th April 2016 Proposed Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan 2017, Chief Executives Report on Preliminary Public Consultation Process

2nd May 2017 Draft Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan Proposed Amendments to the Draft Plan

2nd May 2017 Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan Proposed Amendments to the Draft Plan Environmental Reports

Addendum to Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Environmental Report
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment
Changes to Blarney the Macroom Environmental Report
Habitats Directive Screening Report

16th June 2017 Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan 2017, Chief Executives report on Proposed Amendments Public Consultation Process

21st August 2017 Blarney Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan, 2017 Volume One – Main Policy Material

Volume Two – Environmental Reports

Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Statement
Habitats Directive Screening Report

Volume Three – Map Browser

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6.2 NPWS Site Data Information relating to individual Natura 2000 sites including Article 17 Conservation Assessment Reports for Habitats and Species In Ireland (2013), individual site synopses, Natura 2000 data forms, and information relating to the qualifying features and conservation es objectives of individual sit was sourced from the NPWS database (www.NPWS.ie).

6.3 Other References Guidance used in the preparation of this report included the following:

European Communities, Managing Natura 2000 sites. The provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. European Communities, 2000.

European Communities, Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites. Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and ive (4) of the Habitats Direct 92/43/EEC. European Communities, 2001.

Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning Authorities. 2009.

94 Cork County Council