ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

OF THE

NORTH TIPPERARY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2010-2016

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

For: North Tipperary County Council Civic Offices Road

By: CAAS 2nd Floor, The Courtyard 25 Great Strand Street Dublin 1

AUGUST 2010

Includes Ordnance Survey data reproduced under OSi Licence Number AR 0001606 North Tipperary County Council. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Table of Contents

List of Figures ...... iii

List of Tables ...... iv

List of Abbreviations...... v

Glossary ...... vi

Section 1 SEA Introduction and Background...... 1

1.1 Introduction and Terms of Reference ...... 1 1.2 SEA Definition ...... 1 1.3 Legislative Context...... 1 1.4 Implications for the Council and the Elected Members...... 1

Section 2 SEA Methodology...... 2

2.1 Introduction ...... 2 2.2 Scoping ...... 3 2.3 Environmental Baseline Data and Other Strategic Actions...... 4 2.4 Alternatives...... 4 2.5 The SEA Environmental Report ...... 4 2.6 The SEA Statement...... 5 2.7 Legislative Conformance...... 5 2.8 Difficulties Encountered...... 5

Section 3 North Tipperary’s Baseline Environment ...... 7

3.1 Introduction ...... 7 3.2 Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna...... 8 3.3 Population and Human Health...... 23 3.4 Soil...... 27 3.5 Water ...... 34 3.6 Air and Climatic Factors...... 48 3.7 Material Assets ...... 53 3.8 Cultural Heritage ...... 62 3.9 Landscape ...... 69 3.10 Overlay Mapping of Environmental Sensitivities ...... 74

Section 4 Strategic Environmental Objectives...... 78

4.1 Introduction ...... 78 4.2 Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna...... 78 4.3 Population and Human Health...... 80 4.4 Soil...... 81 4.5 Water ...... 82 4.6 Air and Climatic Factors...... 84 4.7 Material Assets ...... 85 4.8 Cultural Heritage ...... 86 4.9 Landscape ...... 88

Section 5 Context for a County Development Plan for North Tipperary...... 89

5.1 Introduction ...... 89 5.2 Structure and Content...... 89

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5.3 Vision Statement ...... 89 5.4 Alternatives...... 89 5.5 Interactions with Relevant Planning Policy ...... 90 5.6 Environmental Protection Objectives...... 91

Section 6 Description of Alternative Plan Scenarios...... 92

6.1 Introduction ...... 92 6.2 Identification and Description of Alternative Scenarios ...... 92

Section 7 Evaluation of Alternative Plan Scenarios ...... 94

7.1 Introduction ...... 94 7.2 Methodology ...... 94 7.3 Evaluation of Alternative Scenarios...... 96

Section 8 Evaluation of Plan Provisions...... 103

8.1 Methodology ...... 103 8.2 Chapter 3: Population and Settlement ...... 105 8.3 Chapter 4: The Environment...... 107 8.4 Chapter 5: Housing...... 116 8.5 Chapter 6: Economy ...... 123 8.6 Chapter 7: Infrastructure and Services ...... 130 8.7 Chapter 8: Built and Natural Heritage ...... 137 8.8 Chapter 9: Monitoring and Implementation...... 142 8.9 Volume II: Settlement Plans ...... 143

Section 9 Mitigation Measures ...... 144

9.1 Introduction ...... 144 9.2 Mitigation through Consideration of Alternatives...... 144 9.3 Mitigation Measures ...... 144

Section 10 Monitoring Measures...... 146

10.1 Introduction ...... 146 10.2 Indicators and Targets ...... 146 10.3 Sources ...... 146 10.4 Excluded Indicators and Targets ...... 146 10.5 Reporting...... 146 10.6 Responsibility ...... 146 10.7 Thresholds ...... 147

Section 11 SEA Summary Table ...... 152

Appendix I Non Technical Summary..……..….…………………..……...Separately Bound

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List of Figures

Figure 2.1 Development Plan and SEA Stages ...... 2 Figure 3.1 Context of North Tipperary County in relation to the island of Ireland...... 7 Figure 3.2 CORINE Land Cover 2000...... 17 Figure 3.3 CORINE Land Cover 1990...... 18 Figure 3.4 CORINE Land Cover Changes 1990-2000 ...... 19 Figure 3.5 CORINE Land Cover Categories which indicate lands which are likely to be most valuable to biodiversity ...... 20 Figure 3.6 Tree Preservation Orders in the County ...... 21 Figure 3.7 Designated Ecological Sites...... 22 Figure 3.8 Census 2006 Population of Plan area...... 25 Figure 3.9 Census 2006 Population Density for the County...... 26 Figure 3.10 Soil Type...... 30 Figure 3.11 Subsoils ...... 31 Figure 3.12 Geology ...... 32 Figure 3.13 Registered Quarries...... 33 Figure 3.14 Q-Values (Biotic Index Ratings) at Points on Rivers...... 41 Figure 3.15 Risk Assessment of Surface Waters ...... 42 Figure 3.16 WFD Risk Assessment of Ground Waters...... 43 Figure 3.17 GSI Groundwater Vulnerability ...... 44 Figure 3.18 GSI Groundwater Productivity ...... 45 Figure 3.19 WFD Register of Protected Areas...... 46 Figure 3.20 Flood Related Risk Factors ...... 47 Figure 3.21 IPPC and Waste Licensed Facilities ...... 52 Figure 3.22 Drinking Water Quality in North Tipperary...... 56 Figure 3.23 Sewage Network...... 59 Figure 3.24 Water Supply Infrastructure...... 60 Figure 3.25 Road Network...... 61 Figure 3.26 Entries to the Record of Monuments and Places...... 66 Figure 3.27 Entries to the Record of Protected Structures and Architectural Conservation Areas ...... 67 Figure 3.28 National Inventory of Architectural Heritage ...... 68 Figure 3.29 Landscape Area, Amenity Area and Protected Views ...... 73 Figure 3.30 Overlay of Environmental Sensitivities...... 77 Figure 7.1 Environmental Sensitivity mapping compared to locations of Main Settlement Centres ...... 96 Figure 7.2 Settlement Hierarchy Map from the County Development Plan...... 102

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List of Tables

Table 2.1 Checklist of Information included in this Environmental Report ...... 6 Table.3.1 Population Change in the Plan area 1991 - 2006...... 24 Table.3.2 Waste Water Treatment Infrastructure - Assessment of Needs...... 53 Table.3.3 Public Water Supply Sources and Connections...... 54 Table 3.4 Overall Vulnerability Classes...... 74 Table 3.5 Total Vulnerability Values ...... 76 Table 7.1 Criteria for appraising the effect of Plan provisions on Strategic Environmental Objectives...... 95 Table 7.2 Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs)...... 95 Table 7.3 Qualitative Summary of the Relative Environmental Effects of each of the Alternative Development Plan Scenarios ...... 99 Table 7.4 Evaluation of Alternative Scenarios against SEOs ...... 100 Table 8.1 Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs)...... 104 Table 10.1 Selected Indicators, Targets and Monitoring Sources...... 151 Table 11.1 SEA Summary Table: Likely Significant Effects, Mitigation Measures and Indicators for Monitoring ...... 153

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List of Abbreviations

CDP County Development Plan CSO Central Statistics Office DEHLG Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EPA Environmental Protection Agency EU European Union GSI Geological Survey of Ireland NHA Natural Heritage Area NIAH National Inventory of Architectural Heritage NSS National Spatial Strategy RBD River Basin District RMP Record of Monuments and Places RPS Record of Protected Structures SAC Special Area of Conservation SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SEO Strategic Environmental Objective SI No. Statutory Instrument Number SPA Special Protection Area The Council North Tipperary County Council WFD Water Framework Directive

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Glossary

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

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

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

Biotic Index Values (Q Values) The Biotic Index Values, or Q values, are assigned to rivers in accordance with biological monitoring of surface waters - low Q ratings, as low as Q1, are indicative of low biodiversity and polluted waters, and high Q ratings, as high as Q5, are indicative of high biodiversity and unpolluted waters. Good status as defined by the Water Framework Directive equates to approximately Q4 in the national scheme of biological classification of rivers as set out by the Environmental Protection Agency.

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

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

Environmental Vectors Environmental vectors are environmental components, such as air, water or soil, through which contaminants or pollutants, which have the potential to cause harm, can be transported so that they come into contact with human beings.

Mitigate To make or become less severe or harsh

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

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Protected Structure Protected Structure is the term used in the Planning Act of 2000 to define a structure included by a planning authority in its Record of Protected Structures. Such a structure shall not be altered or demolished in whole or part without obtaining planning permission or confirmation from the planning authority that the part of the structure to be altered is not protected.

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

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

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

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

Strategic Environmental Objective (SEO) Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs) are methodological measures which are developed from international, national and regional policies which generally govern environmental protection objectives and against which the environmental effects of the County Development Plan can be tested. The SEOs are used as standards against which the objectives of the County Development Plan can be evaluated in order to help identify areas in which significant adverse impacts are likely to occur, if not mitigated.

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Section 1 SEA Introduction and Background

directing development towards more compatible 1.1 Introduction and Terms of and robust receiving environments real Reference improvements in environmental management and planning can occur in the County - the This is the Environmental Report of the North scope of any EIAs which may be required as Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 part of planning applications are likely to be Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The reduced; and, planning applications are more purpose of the report is to provide a clear likely to be granted permission. understanding of the likely environmental consequences of decisions regarding the future accommodation of development in North 1.3 Legislative Context Tipperary. The SEA is carried out in order to comply with the provisions of the Planning and Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Development (Strategic Environmental Parliament and of the Council of Ministers, of 27 Assessment) Regulations 2004 (SI No. 436 of June 2001, on the assessment of the effects of 2004) and in order to improve planning and certain plans and programmes on the environmental management of future environment, referred to hereafter as the SEA development in the County. This report should Directive, introduced the requirement that SEA be read in conjunction with the County be carried out on plans and programmes which Development Plan. are prepared for a number of sectors, including land use planning. The SEA Directive was transposed into Irish Law through the European 1.2 SEA Definition Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations Environmental assessment is a procedure that 2004 (Statutory Instrument Number (SI No.) ensures that the environmental implications of 435 of 2004) and the Planning and Development decisions are taken into account before the (Strategic Environmental Assessment) decisions are made. Environmental Impact Regulations 2004 (SI No. 436 of 2004). Both Assessment, or EIA, is generally used for sets of Regulations became operational on 21 describing the process of environmental July 2004. assessment which is limited to individual projects such as waste incinerators, housing developments or roads while Strategic 1.4 Implications for the Environmental Assessment, or SEA, is the term Council and the Elected which has been given to the environmental Members assessment of plans, and other strategic actions, which help determine what kind of individual The above legislation requires certain plans and projects take place. programmes which are prepared by North Tipperary County Council - including the County SEA is a systematic process of predicting and Development Plan - to undergo SEA. The evaluating the likely environmental effects of findings of the SEA are expressed in an implementing a proposed plan, or other Environmental Report which is submitted to the strategic action, in order to insure that these Elected Members alongside the County effects are appropriately addressed at the Development Plan. The Elected Members must earliest appropriate stage of decision-making on take account of the Environmental Report before a par with economic and social considerations. the adoption of the Plan. When the Plan is adopted a statement must be made public, The kind of development that occurs in North summarising, inter alia: how environmental Tipperary and where it occurs will be considerations have been integrated into the significantly determined by the implementation Plan; and, the reasons for choosing the Plan as of the County Development Plan. By anticipating adopted over other alternatives detailed in the the effects and avoiding areas in which growth Environmental Report. cannot be sustainably accommodated and by

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Section 2 SEA Methodology

process started in April 2009 and this report has 2.1 Introduction been produced in August 2010.

This section details how the SEA for the County Figure 2.1 lays out the main stages in the Development Plan has been undertaken County Development Plan SEA process. alongside the preparation of the Plan. The SEA

Figure 2.1 Development Plan and SEA Stages

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Resources (DCENR)2 were all sent SEA scoping notices indicating that submissions or 2.2 Scoping observations in relation to the scope and level of detail of the information to be included in the 2.2.1 Introduction environmental report could be made to North Tipperary County Council. A written submission In consultation with the relevant authorities, the was received on the scope of the SEA from the scope of environmental issues to be dealt with EPA. by the SEA together with the level of detail to which they are to be addressed was broadly In addition, the Council’s intention to carry out decided on after preliminary data collection. SEA as part of the review of the County Scoping of the SEA was continuous with certain Development Plan was identified during the issues being selected for further examination consultation process on the preparation of the after certain data was obtained. Scoping helped new Development Plan. the SEA to become focused upon the important issues, such as those relating to existing and The findings of the SEA were communicated to potential environmental issues and the plan making team on an ongoing basis from environmental problems1, thereby avoiding the outset in order to allow for their integration resources being wasted on unnecessary data into the County Development Plan thus collection. minimising the potential for significant negative environmental effects arising from Scoping facilitated the selection of issues implementation of the Plan. relevant to the environmental components which are specified under the SEA Directive - 2.2.2 Most Important Strategic biodiversity, fauna, flora, population, human Environmental Issues health, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural The principle environmental issues centre on and archaeological heritage, and landscape. water and water-related issues. This is because of the emergence of specific requirements from With regard to human health, impacts relevant the River Basin Management Plans and the to the SEA are those which arise as a result of challenges of meeting those requirements on interactions with environmental vectors (i.e. account of the existing condition and trends in environmental components such as air, water or both the surface and ground waters in the soil through which contaminants or pollutants, County. The following issues were among those which have the potential to cause harm, can be identified during the SEA scoping process. transported so that they come into contact with human beings). Impacts upon human beings Water Issues arising as a result of social and economic conditions are not considered by SEA. The growth of population [or population equivalent – due to economic activity] The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the will be limited by the assimilative Department of the Environment, Heritage and capacity of receiving waters and Local Government (DEHLG) and the Department associated wastewater treatment plants. of Communications, Energy and Natural Habitat Issues

1 Annex I of the SEA Directive requires that Water issues are likely to interact with information is provided on ‘any existing environmental habitat issues in major rivers, lakes and problems which are relevant to the plan or bog areas. programme’, thus, helping to ensure that the proposed strategic action does not make existing environmental problems worse. Environmental problems arise where there is a conflict between current environmental conditions and ideal targets. If environmental problems are identified at the offset 2 The Marine function of the Department of they can help focus attention on important issues and Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has geographical areas where environmental effects of been transferred to the Department of Agriculture the plan or programme may be likely. Food and Fisheries

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Bog rehabilitation proposals will need to duplication of the assessment whereby a take account of the limitations placed by strategic action forms part of a hierarchy. the Habitats Directive. Furthermore, if certain matters are more appropriately assessed at different levels of the Development will be limited in the hierarchy in which the Plan is positioned, or, if catchments identified as sensitive for certain matters have already been assessed by a Freshwater Pear Mussels. different level of the hierarchy then additional assessment is not needed. Settlement issues In order to describe the baseline (the current Non-urbanized settlement strategies will state of the environment) in North Tipperary, need to take account of the implications data was collated from currently available, of mobility patterns that create relevant environmental sources. additional energy use.

Non-urbanized settlement strategies will 2.4 Alternatives be subject to higher standards for private and group schemes. The SEA Directive requires that reasonable alternatives (taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or 2.3 Environmental Baseline programme) are identified described and Data and Other Strategic evaluated for their likely significant effects on the environment. Actions Taking into account the objectives and the The SEA process is informed by the geographical scope of the Plan, alternatives environmental baseline (i.e. the current state of were formulated by the plan-making team at the environment - flora and fauna, soil, water, North Tipperary County Council. cultural heritage etc.) to facilitate: the identification and evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of 2.5 The SEA Environmental implementing the Plan and the alternatives; and, Report the subsequent monitoring of the effects of the Plan as adopted. Data was collected to describe In this Environmental Report, which was placed the environmental baseline and its likely on public display alongside the Development evolution without implementation of the Plan. Plan, the likely environmental effects of the Plan

and the alternatives are predicted and their The SEA Directive requires that information is significance evaluated with regard to the provided on ‘any existing environmental environmental baseline. The Environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or Report provided the decision-makers, the programme’. Information is therefore provided Elected Members of the Council, who decided on existing environmental problems which are whether or not to adopt the Plan, as well as the relevant to the Plan, thus helping to ensure that public, with a clear understanding of the likely the Plan does not exacerbate any existing environmental consequences of decisions environmental problems within or surrounding regarding the future accommodation of growth the County. in North Tipperary. Mitigation measures to

prevent or reduce significant adverse effects The SEA Directive requires that information on posed by the Plan, or to maximise any benefits the baseline environment be focused upon the arising, were integrated into the Draft Plan. The relevant aspects of the environmental alternatives are also presented in this report, as characteristics of areas likely to be significantly are measures concerning monitoring. affected and the likely evolution of the current environment in the absence of the strategic The Environmental Report had to be updated in action i.e. the Plan. Any information that does order to take account of changes which were not focus upon this is surplus to requirements; made to the Draft Plan after it was put on public therefore the SEA focuses on the significant display and before it was adopted. issues, disregarding the less significant ones. In addition, the SEA Directive aims to avoid

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2.6 The SEA Statement

After the adoption of the Plan a document referred to as the SEA Statement is prepared and made public. The SEA Statement includes information on: how environmental considerations have been integrated into the Plan - highlighting the main changes to the Plan which resulted from the SEA process; how the Environmental Report and consultations have been taken into account - summarising the key issues raised in consultations and in the Environmental Report and indicating what action, if any, was taken in response; and, the reasons for choosing the Plan in the light of the other alternatives, identifying the other alternatives considered, commenting on their potential effects and explaining why the Plan was selected.

2.7 Legislative Conformance

This report complies with the provisions of the SEA Regulations and is written in accordance with Schedule 2B of the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (SI No. 436 of 2004). Table 2.1 (overleaf) is a reproduction of the checklist of information to be contained in the Environmental Report (DEHLG, 2004)3 and includes the relevant sections of this report which deal with these requirements.

2.8 Difficulties Encountered

2.8.1 Centralised Data Source

The lack of a centralised data source that could make all environmental baseline data for the County both readily available and in a consistent format posed a challenge to the SEA process. This difficulty is one which is encountered at local authorities across the Country and was overcome by investing time in the collection of data from various sources and through the use of Geographical Information Systems.

3 DEHLG (2004) Implementation of SEA Directive (2001/42/EC): Guidelines for Regional Authorities and Planning Authorities Dublin: Government of Ireland.

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

Table 2.1 Checklist of Information included in this Environmental Report

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Section 3 North Tipperary’s Baseline Environment

3.1 Introduction formed by rivers such as the Nenagh, Ollatrim and Ballintotty Rivers. The environmental baseline of North Tipperary is described in this section. This baseline Land uses within the County comprise mainly together with the Strategic Environmental agricultural uses. Objectives, which are outlined in Section 4, is used in order to identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the Development Plan and in order to determine appropriate monitoring measures.

The environmental baseline is described in line with the legislative requirements, encompassing the following components – biodiversity, flora and fauna, population, human health, soil, water, air and climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between these components.

North Tipperary is an inland county in the mid- west/midlands of Ireland (see red boundary on Figure 3.1). Due to its size, it was split into two ridings in 1838. North Tipperary covers an area of 202,430 ha or 500,000 acres (in extent).

The principal towns in the County are Nenagh, Thurles and Templemore which have their own statutory Development Plans and Roscrea for which a statutory Local Area Plan was adopted in 2006. Local Area Plans were also adopted for the towns of Newport in 2004, Holycross in 2006, for the Ballycurrane area of Thurles in 2006 and for the Western Area of the County in 2006.

North Tipperary comprises a mainly rural landscape interspersed with small towns and villages and the larger towns mentioned above. The area is characterised by an expanse of agricultural land traversed by the predominantly comprise agricultural lands with low density dwelling within the open countryside.

The rises to the north of Templemore and flows through the Thurles in a southerly direction. The western boundary of the County is dominated by . The western part of the County includes of the Nenagh plain, which is fringed by the Mountains to the south, the Arra Mountains to the southwest Figure 3.1 Context of North Tipperary and Devil’s Bit Mountain to the east, and is County in relation to the island of Ireland

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3.2.1.2 Peatlands 3.2 Biodiversity and Flora and Peatlands or bogs are unique habitats, rich in biodiversity. Bogs are a type of wetland that Fauna accumulates acidic peat, a deposit of dead plant material, usually mosses. Bogs occur where the 3.2.1 Overview of the Habitats water at the ground surface is acidic, either from acidic ground water, or where water is 3.2.1.1 Introduction derived entirely from precipitation.

North Tipperary supports a wide diversity of The most significant bogs within North Tipperary natural and semi-natural habitats and a wide are along the eastern boundary, in the range of plant and animal species which have and in the north of the come under threat due to development Plan area, as indicated by the CORINE 2000 pressures and increased demand for new data (see below) mapped on Figure 3.2. development land. 4 3.2.1.3 CORINE Land Cover Mapping Critical habitats in the County include raised bog, blanket bog, fens and turloughs, limestone The CORINE 2000 land cover mapping5 which pavement and juniper woodland. classifies land cover under various headings indicates that land cover in North Tipperary for Green space, which makes up a large portion of the year 2000 (see Figure 3.2) comprised mainly the Plan area, consists of a variety of habitats agricultural uses with Pastures being the including corridors which provide for the predominant land use. Areas of Complex movement of wildlife. Green space within North Cultivation Patterns and Non-Irrigated Arable Tipperary is comprised mainly of agricultural Lands are dispersed throughout the County. lands and woodlands and a number of open Areas of Continuous and Discontinuous Urban spaces within the urban areas. Open spaces and Fabric are apparent around the urban centres of ecological corridors within the Plan area are Nenagh, Thurlas, Templemore, Roscrea, discussed further in Section 3.2.2. Newport, Killaloe, , and . Some areas of Broad-Leaf and A number of rivers and lakes in the Plan area Mixed Forest exist throughout the County. Areas provide habitats for various species. The largest of Peat Bogs lie along the eastern boundary, in of these water bodies are the Suir River, the the Silvermine Mountains and in the north of the and Lough Derg. Plan area.

These waterbodies and their banks, grassy It is noted that the most recent CORINE data is verges, locally important mature hedgerows and the CORINE 2000 data, the 2006 update is due areas of adjoining habitat of conservation to be released in the coming months. interest are important in ecological terms.

Man-made habitats within the Plan area are also important biodiversity areas. Gardens provide 4 European Environment Agency Coordination of habitats for a range of wildlife including various Information on the Environment (2004) Ireland's bird species, invertebrates, such as bees and Corine Land Cover 2000 (CLC2000) Copenhagen: EEA butterflies and mammals, such as hedgehogs, 5 CORINE Land Cover (CLC) is a map of the European mice, rats and foxes. These species move environmental landscape based on interpretation of around between gardens using hedgerows and satellite images. Land cover is the observed physical vegetated areas. These urban green spaces, cover, as seen from the ground or through remote however small, are therefore of importance as sensing, including for example natural or planted they form part of a network of green spaces vegetation, water and human constructions which cover the earth's surface. Because of the scale of the across the urban parts of the Plan area including CORINE data and the method by which it was gardens, parks, graveyards, amenity walks and collected there are likely to be a number of patches of woodland and scrub within which inaccuracies at the local level. It is noted, however, animals and plants continue to thrive. that the land cover shown on the maps is generally accurate. The European Environment Agency, in conjunction with the European Space Agency, the European Commission and member countries is currently updating the CORINE land cover database.

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Differences in land cover (see Figure 3.4) 3.2.3 Designations between 1990 (see Figure 3.3) and 2000 (see Figure 3.2) show that Pastures have changed to 3.2.3.1 Introduction use to different agricultural uses such as Complex Cultivation Patterns, Non-Irrigated There are a number of ecologically designated Land, Coniferous Forests and Mixed Forests. sites within and surrounding North Tipperary. Some of the other changes in land use which North Tipperary has 4 Special Protection Areas, have occurred are changes from Pastures to 15 candidate Special Areas of Conservation, 11 Discontinuous Urban Fabric, Sports and Leisure Natural Heritage Areas and 45 proposed Natural Complexes, Mineral Extraction Sites and Heritage Areas. These sites are mapped in Industrial or Commercial Uses. Figure 3.7.

Land cover categories which indicate lands that 3.2.3.2 Special Protection Areas are likely to be most valuable to biodiversity are Special Protection Areas (SPAs) have been illustrated on Figure 3.5. These lands comprise selected for protection under the 1979 European areas of Peat Bogs, Moors and Heaths and Council Directive on the Conservation of Wild Natural Grassland. Birds (79/409/EEC) - referred to as the Birds Directive - by the DEHLG due to their 3.2.2 Ecological Networks conservation value for birds of importance in the European Union. Article 10 of the Habitats Directive recognises the importance of ecological networks as In Ireland to date, 110 SPAs have been corridors and stepping stones for wildlife, designated. A further 25 sites have been notified including for migration, dispersal and genetic to landowners. Approximately 25 SPAs are also exchange of species of flora and fauna. The designated cSACs. Directive requires that ecological connectivity and areas of ecological value outside the Natura There are four SPAs in North Tipperary, these 2000 network of designated ecological sites are are Lough Derg (Shannon) SPA (Site Code: maintained and it recognises the need for the 0004058), River Little Brosna Callows SPA (Site management of these areas through land use Code: 0004086), Middle SPA planning and development policies. Ecological (Site Code: 0004096) and Slievefelim to networks are important in connecting areas of Silvermines Mountains SPA (Site Code: local biodiversity with each other and with 0004165). nearby designated sites so as to prevent islands of habitat from being isolated entities. Ecological 3.2.3.3 Special Areas of Conservation networks are composed of linear features, such Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) have been as treelines, hedgerows, rivers and streams, selected for protection under the European which provide corridors or stepping stones for Council Directive on the conservation of natural wildlife species moving within their normal habitats and of wild fauna and flora (92/43/EEC) range. They are particularly important for - referred to as the Habitats Directive - by the mammals, especially bats and for small birds. DEHLG due to their conservation value for

habitats and species of importance in the Within and surrounding the County, the European Union. ecological networks are made up of components including the Suir, Nenagh, Ballyfinboy and Candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) Kilmastulla Rivers, amongst others, and their have been selected for protection under the tributaries and banks, the railway lines, the European Council Directive on the Conservation various woodlands, parks, gardens and of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora hedgerows within and surrounding the Plan area (92/43/EEC), referred to as the Habitats and lands used for agriculture. Directive, by the Department of the

Environment, Heritage and Local Government The agricultural lands in the Plan area provide due to their conservation value for habitats and for a range of habitats for various species and species of importance in the European Union. facilitate linkages for flora and fauna. The sites are candidate sites because they are currently under consideration by the Commission of the European Union.

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To date, Ireland has transmitted 420 sites to the R438 road. The site extends along both sides of European Commission as candidate Special the river. The River Little Brosna Callows SPA is Areas of Conservation. These cover an area of one of the top sites in the country for wintering approximately 10,000km2. waterfowl. It is of international importance on account of the total numbers of birds that use it, There are 15 cSACs in North Tipperary. The as well as for its Greenland White-fronted Goose Habitats Directive seeks to establish Natura and Black-tailed Godwit populations. In addition, 2000, a network of protected areas throughout there are a further seven species with nationally the EU. It is the responsibility of each member important populations, several of which are the state to designate SACs to protect habitats and largest in the country. Also of note is that three species, which, together with the SPAs of the species which occur regularly, i.e. designated under the 1979 Birds Directive, form Whooper Swan, Greenland Whitefronted Goose Natura 2000. and Golden Plover, are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. 3.2.3.4 Natural Heritage Areas • Middle Shannon Callows SPA Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) are designated Site Code: 004096 due to their national conservation value for ecological and/or geological/geomorphological The Middle Shannon Callows SPA is a long and heritage. They cover nationally important semi- diverse site which extends for approximately 50 natural and natural habitats, landforms or km from the town of (at southern point geomorphological features, wildlife plant and of Lough Ree) to the town of animal species or a diversity of these natural (northern point of Lough Derg). The Shannon attributes. NHAs are designated under the Callows has by far the largest area of lowland Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. semi-natural grassland and associated aquatic

habitats in Ireland and one in which there is Proposed NHAs (pNHAs) were published on a least disturbance of natural wetland processes. non-statutory basis in 1995, but have not since In winter the site is internationally important for been statutorily proposed or designated. the total numbers of birds (regularly exceed 20,000) and for Whooper Swan in particular. It 3.2.3.5 Designated Sites6 also holds nationally important populations of a The following designated ecological sites are further five species. Some of the wintering found within or adjacent to the Plan area and species are listed on Annex I of the EU Birds are mapped in Figure 3.7. Directive, including Whooper Swan, Greenland White-fronted Goose and Golden Plover. In • Lough Derg (Shannon) SPA summer the site supports important populations Site Code: 004048 of breeding waders. Perhaps the most important species which occurs in the site is Corncrake Lough Derg is the largest of the Shannon Lakes, (the site holds 40% of the national total), as this being some 40 km long. Lough Derg SPA is of is listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive and high ornithological importance as it supports is Ireland’s only globally endangered species. nationally important breeding populations of various species. The presence of Greenland • Slievefelim to Silvermines White-fronted Goose is of particular note as Mountains SPA these are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Site Code: 004165

• River Little Brosna Callows SPA The Slievefelim to Silvermines Mountains SPA is Site Code: 004086 an extensive upland site located in Counties Tipperary and Limerick. Much of the site is over The River Little Brosna Callows SPA follows the 200 m in altitude and rises to 694 m at Keeper from its confluence with the River Hill. Peregrine and Merlin have been recorded Shannon for approximately 9 km south- within the site both of these species are also eastwards to just beyond New Bridge on the listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. Red Grouse, a species that has declined in Ireland 6 Text in this section is taken from the National Parks and is now Red-listed, have been recorded and Wildlife Service’s Site Synopses. Full Site within the site. The site provides excellent Synopses for these designations can be found in nesting and foraging habitats for breeding Hen Appendix I

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Harrier and is among the top five sites in the • Clare Glen Country for the species. Site Code: 000930

• Callows cSAC Clare Glen lies on the Limerick - Tipperary Site Code: 000216 border, in the western foothills of the Slievefelim Mountains, about 10 km northwest of The River Shannon Callows is a long and diverse Cappamore. The glen is cut into the Old Red site which consists of seasonally flooded, semi- Sandstone, by the Clare River flowing in a north- natural, lowland wet grassland, along and westerly direction. The site comprises the beside the river between the towns of Athlone wooded river valley about 2 km above the Clare and Portumna. It is approximately 50 km long Bridge. The site is of further importance for the and averages about 0.75 km wide (reaching 1.5 presence of the rare and legally protected (Flora km wide in places). Protection Order (1987)) Killarney Fern (Trichomanes speciosum), a species that is Excellent examples of two habitats listed on listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive occur The woodland, although planted with many within the site – Molinia meadows and lowland exotic trees, is mature conforms to a type listed hay meadows with good examples of a further on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. The two Annex habitats (both with priority status). site is scenic and popular as an amenity area. In winter the site is internationally important for numbers and species of waterfowl. In spring it • Kilduff, Devisbit Mountain feeds large numbers of birds on migration. And Site Code: 000934 in summer it holds very large numbers of breeding waders, rare breeding birds and the This upland site is situated approximately 6 km endangered Corncrake, as well as a very wide north-west of Templemore. It comprises the variety of more common grassland and wetland summit of Devilsbit Mountain and much of the birds. The presence of Otter, an Annex II eastern side of the ridge which extends species, adds further importance to the site. northwards to Kilduff Mountain. Most of the site lies above 250 m and the highest point is 480 • Clonfinane/Ballyduff bog cSAC m. Peregrine, a species listed on Annex I of the Site Code: 000641 EU Birds Directive, breeds within the site.

Clonfinane and Ballyduff bogs lie some 6 km to • Silvermine Mountains the southwest of Birr, the two bogs are linked Site Code: 000939 and have been combined to form the present site. This small site is situated on the northern slopes of the Silvermine Mountains, 1 km southeast of Active raised bogs once characteristic of central Silvermines village. It slopes steeply uphill from Ireland, are now rare and vulnerable. They are 240 m in the north-west corner to 400 m at the recognised by the European Union as a habitat southern boundary. The site is of interest as it of international importance and Ireland has a supports species-rich Nardus grasslands on special responsibility to conserve the best of its siliceous substrates, an EU Habitats Directive remaining bogs. Annex I priority habitat. Red Grouse is known from the site, as well as the Irish Hare, Common • Kilcarren-Firville Bog Frog and Common Lizard. Site Code: 000647 The occurrence of the Small White Orchid Kilcarren - Firville Bog is situated approximately (Pseudorchis albida) at this site is of particular 2 km east of the village of arrigahorig in north note as it is a Red Data Book species which is Tipperary. It is a lowland raised bog complex legally protected under the Flora (Protection) which extends about 4.5 km from east to west Order 1999. and is bisected by a road. • Site Code: 001197

Keeper Hill, or Slievekimalta, is situated between the Silvermines and Slieve Felim Mountains, 13

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km south of Nenagh. The site is of interest the site lies between 210 and 270 m above sea mainly due to the presence of intact blanket bog level. Unimproved, species-rich upland grassland and species-rich Nardus grassland, both priority is the main habitat found. habitats under the EU Habitats Directive. Peregrine Falcon, a species listed in Annex I of Anglesey Road is a comparatively small site the EU Birds Directive, breeds within the site. which contains a range of habitat types and Red Grouse occur amongst the tall heather east species. It is of particular importance for the of the summit. good quality examples of speciesrich, unimproved upland grassland found. This • Liskeenan Fen habitat is becoming increasingly rare in Ireland Site Code: 001683 and Europe and is listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. Liskeenan Fen is a small turlough-like fen situated about 10 km north-west of Borrisokane • Lower River Suir and just 1 km from the village of Aglish, in north Site Code : 002137 Co. Tipperary. The site is a candidate SAC selected for Cladium fen, a habitat listed on This site consists of the freshwater stretches of Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. A small the River Suir immediately south of Thurles, the field of species-rich dry grassland with Green- tidal stretches as far as the confluence with the winged Orchid (Orchis morio) and Cowslip Barrow/Nore immediately east of Cheekpoint in (Primula veris), together with wet grassland and Co. Waterford and many tributaries including mixed woodland developing on the bog in the the Clodiagh in Co. Waterford, the Lingaun, east make Liskeenan Fen a very diverse site. Anner, Nier, Tar, Aherlow, Multeen and Clodiagh in Co. Tipperary. • Bolingbrook Hill Site Code: 002124 The site is a candidate SAC selected for the presence of the priority habitats on Annex I of Situated approximately 6 km south-east of the E.U. Habitats Directive - alluvial wet Silvermines Village, this upland site comprises woodlands and Yew Wood. The site is also Bolingbrook Hill and the nearby eastern slopes selected as a candidate SAC for floating river of Silvermine Mountains in Curryquin and vegetation, Atlantic salt meadows, Mucklin townlands. Most of the land is above Mediterranean salt meadows, old oak woodlands 270 m and the highest point is at 404 m. A good and eutrophic tall herbs, all habitats listed on diversity of animal species associated with Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site peatland habitats occurs, including Irish Hare, is also selected for the following species listed Red Grouse, Common Frog and Viviparous on Annex II of the same directive - Sea Lizard. Lamprey, River Lamprey, Brook Lamprey, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Crayfish, Twaite Shad, Bolingbrook Hill is a comparatively small site Atlantic Salmon and Otter. which contains a range of habitats, including three listed on the EU Habitats Directive, and The Lower River Suir contains excellent species. It is of particular importance for the examples of a number of Annex I habitats, good quality examples of species-rich, including the priority habitat Alluvial Forest. The unimproved upland grassland found. This site also supports populations of several Annex habitat is becoming increasingly rare in Ireland II animal species and a number of Red Data and Europe and is listed as a priority habitat on Book animal species. The presence of two Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. The legally protected plants (Flora (Protection) presence of good quality wet and dry heath, Order, 1999) and the ornithological importance which are also listed on this Annex, contributes of the river adds further to the ecological to the overall importance of the site. interest of this site.

• Anglesey Road • Lower River Shannon Site Code: 002125 Site Code : 002165

Anglesey Road is a steep-sided valley which This very large site stretches along the Shannon extends approximately 1.8 km along the Multeen valley from Killaloe to Loop Head/ Kerry Head, a River to the north of Hollyford village. Most of distance of some 120 km. The site thus

CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 12 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA encompasses the Shannon, Feale, Mulkear and interest, with six habitats listed on Annex I of Fergus Estuaries, the freshwater lower reaches the E.U. Habitats Directive. Four of these are of the River Shannon (between Killaloe and priority habitats - Cladium fen, alluvial Limerick), the freshwater stretches of much of woodland, limestone pavement and Yew the Feale and Mulkear catchments and the woodland. Other annexed habitats present marine area between Loop Head and Kerry include alkaline fen and Juniper scrub Head. The site is a candidate SAC selected for formations on heath and calcareous grasslands. lagoons and alluvial wet woodlands, both In addition, the lake itself is an SPA (Special habitats listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Protection Area) that supports important Directive. The site is also selected for floating numbers of wintering wildfowl, Greenland river vegetation, Molinia meadows, estuaries, White-fronted Goose, Common Tern and tidal mudflats, Atlantic salt meadows, Cormorant. Both the Greenland White-fronted Mediterranean salt meadows, Salicornia Geese and Common Tern are listed under Annex mudflats, sand banks, perennial vegetation of I of the EU Birds Directive. A Wildlife Sanctuary stony banks, sea cliffs, reefs and large shallow is located in the lake close to Portumna Forest inlets and bays all habitats listed on Annex I of Park. The priority Annex I habitat, Cladium fen the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is also occurs occasionally along the lake margins, selected for the following species listed on Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) also use the lake Annex II of the same directive – Bottle-nosed as a spawning ground. Although this species is Dolphin, Sea Lamprey, River Lamprey, Brook still fished commercially in Ireland, it is Lamprey, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Atlantic considered to be endangered or locally Salmon and Otter. threatened elsewhere in Europe and is listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. The Otter The Shannon and Fergus Estuaries form the and Badger have been recorded within the site. largest estuarine complex in Ireland. This site is Both of these species are listed in the Irish Red of great ecological interest as it contains a high Data Book and are legally protected by the number of habitats and species listed on Wildlife Act 1976. Annexes I and II of the E.U. Habitats Directive, including the priority habitat lagoon, the only • Silvermines Mountains West known resident population of Bottle-nosed Site Code: 002258 Dolphin in Ireland and all three Irish lamprey species. A good number of Red Data Book Silvermines Mountains West is situated to the species are also present, perhaps most notably north of Keeper Hill, about 10 km south of the thriving populations of Triangular Club-rush. Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Reaching an altitude of 489 m, this rather steep ridge of Old Red A number of species listed on Annex I of the Sandstone is visibly very prominent in the E.U. Birds Directive are also present, either landscape as viewed from the Nenagh to wintering or breeding. Indeed, the Shannon and Limerick road. Silvermines Mountains West is a Fergus Estuaries form the largest estuarine candidate SAC selected for wet heath, a habitat complex in Ireland and support more wintering listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. wildfowl and waders than any other site in the country. Most of the estuarine part of the site The site is of conservation importance for its has been designated a Special Protection Area heath and grassland vegetation, and as a (SPA), under the E.U. Birds Directive, primarily foraging area for Hen Harrier, and is one of the to protect the large numbers of migratory birds only extensive unplanted uplands remaining in present in winter. North Tipperary.

• Lough Derg, North-East Shore • Redwood Bog Site Code: 002241 Site Code: 002353

Lough Derg, the lowest order lake on the River Redwood Bog is located 7 km south west of Shannon, is one of the largest bodies of mainly in the townland of Redwood, freshwater in Ireland. The site, however, only Co. Tipperary. The site comprises a raised bog includes the northern shore of the lake from the that includes both areas of high bog and cutover mouth of the Cappagh River in the north-west to bog. The site is bounded by the Middle Shannon just below Black Lough at the north-eastern Callows Special Protection Area (SPA) to the shore. The site is of significant ecological

CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 13 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA north and the River Little Brosna SPA to the 3.2.3.7 Freshwater Pearl Mussels north-east. The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera

Margaritifera) is a bivalve, which is a type of The site is a candidate Special Area of mollusc or snail with a body that is almost Conservation selected for active raised bog, completely enclosed between a pair of shells. degraded raised bog and Rhynchosporion, The habitat of the freshwater pearl mussel in habitats that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Ireland is restricted to near natural, clean Habitats Directive. flowing waters, often downstream of ultra-

oligotrophic lakes. Part of the site is already a state-owned nature reserve and supports Greenland White-fronted The Department of the Environment, Heritage Geese, a bird listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds and Local Government has prepared 27 Draft Directive. Management Plans for Freshwater Pearl Mussel in accordance with Article 13 (5) of the Water 3.2.3.6 Register of Protected Areas Framework Directive as transposed in Ireland by In response to the requirements of the Water the European Communities (Water Policy) Framework Directive a number of water bodies Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 722 of 2003) and the or parts of water bodies which must have extra Habitats Directive as transposed in Ireland by controls on their quality by virtue of how their the European Communities (Natural Habitats) waters are used by people and by wildlife have Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997). The been listed on Register of Protected Areas objective of the plans is to restore the (RPAs). freshwater pearl mussel populations in 27 rivers, or stretches of rivers that are within the The RPA for Water Dependent Habitats includes boundaries of Special Areas of Conservation. habitats that are dependent on water: this includes areas already listed by the National The Freshwater Pearl Mussel Draft Nore Sub- Parks and Wildlife Service as Special Areas of Basin Management Plan includes a map of the Conservation and Special Protection Areas. catchments of the specified pearl mussel Rivers on which certain habitats are dependant populations. This map identifies an area in the are also listed on the RPA. Areas along the north north east of the Plan area. and west of the Plan areas boundary are listed on the RPA for water dependent habitats for 3.2.4 Existing Problems SPAs and SACs. Some rivers in the south of the Plan area and other locations around the County Many species of flora and fauna have been are also listed on the RPA for water Dependent introduced to Ireland and pose deleterious Habitats. threats to native vegetation, wildlife and their ecosystems. Of particular relevance in North Lough Derg is listed on the RPA for Recreational Tipperary are the Zebra Mussel, Nuttall's Waters. Recreational waters (bathing waters) pondweed, Japanese knotweed and blue green contain all the areas listed in the Bathing Water algae. Regulations (SI 155/1992). The lake is also listed on the RPA for Nutrient Sensitive Lakes The Site Synopses for certain designated sites and Estuaries. Nutrient Sensitive waters include identify threats to the conservation value of nitrate vulnerable zones and areas designated these sites. as sensitive areas under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). The Nenagh Lough Derg was classified as being strongly River, River Suir and the are eutrophic in the early 1990s. Since 1997, a also listed on the RPA for Nutrient Sensitive monitoring programme on the Shannon lakes Waters. has shown that the symptoms of eutrophication previously documented (i.e. high chlorophyll All groundwater underlying the Plan area is level and reduced water visibility) have been listed on the RPA for Drinking Water. ameliorated significantly. These reductions have coincided with the invasion of the Shannon Water bodies which are listed on the RPA are system by the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena mapped in Figure 3.19 and more information polymorpha), a species which feeds on can be found in Section 3.5.3.4. plankton, and also with measures to reduce phosphorus in sewage plants in the catchment.

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Enrichment of the lake, both by agricultural run- Landuse along the River Suir cSAC consists off and sewage, remains a threat and could mainly of agricultural activities including grazing, affect the bird populations, especially the diving silage production, fertilising and land duck. Whilst the presence of Zebra Mussel in reclamation. The grassland is intensively Lough Derg appears to have improved water managed and the rivers are therefore vulnerable quality in the lake, in the long-term this invasive to pollution from run-off of fertilisers and slurry. bivalve may threaten the ecology of the lake. Arable crops are also grown. Fishing is a Recreational activities presently cause some significant tourist attraction on stretches of the disturbance to the birds and an increase in such Suir. Several industrial developments, which activities would be of concern. discharge into the river, border the cSAC including three dairy related operations and a The site synopsis for the the Middle Shannon tannery. Callows SPA states that the river is used increasingly for recreational purposes with The Site Synopsis for the Little Brosna River coarse angling and boating accounting for much Callows identifies that the intensification of of the visitor numbers. There are problems with agriculture in recent years, with earlier mowing illegal fishing on the Shannon and possibly other and the replacement of hay with silage, is likely waters, this is monitored and acted upon by the to have caused the decline and eventual Fisheries Board. Intermittent and scattered absence of breeding Corncrake, and may be damage to the habitats has occurred due to affecting numbers of breeding waders, over-deepening of drains and peat silt especially Lapwing which formerly bred here. deposition, water-skiing, ploughing and neglect Any attempts at further drainage to reduce the of hay meadow (or reversion to pasture). extent of winter flooding could be damaging for However, none of these can as of yet be said to the birds. Some shooting occurs on the site. be serious. Threats to the quality of the site may come from the siting of boating marinas in areas The main threat to the long-term survival of Hen away from centres of population, fertilizing of Harriers within the Slievefelim to Silvermines botanically-rich fields, the use of herbicides, SPA, as identified in the Site Synopsis is further reversion of hay meadow to pasture, neglect of afforestation, which would reduce and fragment pasture and hay meadow, disturbance of birds the area of foraging habitat, resulting in possible by boaters, anglers, birdwatchers and the reductions in breeding density and productivity. general tourist. The site synopsis for the River Shannon Callows cSAC identifies the most One fifth of the Silvermines mountains cSAC was common use of the terrestrial parts is grazing by burned in 2003 and there is evidence of former cattle and some areas have been damaged burning in another fifth. Former peat-cutting has through overgrazing and poaching. Much of the occurred on the summit plateau and parts of the land adjacent to the rivers and estuaries has northern slopes. Afforestation, which is been improved or reclaimed and is protected by widespread to the east of the site, remains the embankments (especially along the Fergus greatest threat. Estuary). Further, reclamation continues to pose a threat as do flood relief works (e.g. dredging There are many indications that Redwood Bog of rivers). Gravel extraction poses a major threat has also been burnt on a regular basis. These on the Feale. In the past, Cord-grass (Spartina are all activities that have resulted in loss of sp.) was planted to assist in land reclamation. habitat and damage to the hydrological status of This has spread widely, and may oust less the site, and that pose a continuing threat to its vigorous colonisers of mud and may also reduce viability. the area of mudflat available to feeding birds. Domestic and industrial wastes are discharged A moss peat development has recently affected into the Shannon, but water quality is generally part of Clonfinane/Ballyduff bog cSAC. Despite satisfactory - except in the upper estuary, the recent damage to this site it is considered to reflecting the sewage load from Limerick City. be of international importance and restoration Analyses for trace metals suggest a relatively works are now being planned. Aerial clean estuary with no influences by industrial photographs from 1993 confirm that the site is discharges apparent. Further industrial largely unchanged since it was last described development along the Shannon and water although the western margin of Ballyduff bog polluting operations are potential threats. seems to have suffered serious drainage efforts.

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Land reclamation and mechanical peat cutting developments would result in the loss of are the main threats to Kilcarren-Firville Bog. An habitats or species of importance as well as the extensive peripheral drainage network is cumulative loss and fragmentation of habitats affecting peat hydrology and is causing the bog and species as a result of all greenfield edge to dry out. developments.

Landuse within the Keeper Hill cSAC consists of A Development Plan provides an opportunity to some peat cutting to the north-west of the integrate the ecological protection measures summit and some track development. Grazing is required by the Habitats Directive with the minimal and confined to the lower grassy slopes planning or development management of to the north of the site. The site is almost vulnerable areas, which might not be present in entirely surrounded by coniferous forest the absence of a Development Plan. plantations and this remains the greatest threat.

Recreational activities such as quad and off-road motor biking, are causing damage to some blanket peat in upland areas.

3.2.5 Evolution of Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna in the absence of a Development Plan

In the absence of a Development Plan for North Tipperary, development would have no guidance as to where it would occur and planning applications would be assessed on an individual basis with flora and fauna, habitats and ecological connectivity protected under a number of higher level strategic actions. The evolution of biodiversity and flora and fauna would be dependent on the rate and extent at which developments take place.

Development along or adjacent to the banks of rivers could result in a reduction in ecological connectivity within and between these and other habitats.

Pollution of water bodies as a result of any future development along river catchments would be likely to adversely impact aquatic biodiversity and flora and fauna.

Beneficial effects upon biodiversity and flora and fauna which would be likely to arise out of the specific policies and objectives included in the North Tipperary Development Plan would be unlikely to be achieved in the absence of the Plan.

Any greenfield development would adversely impact upon biodiversity and flora and fauna by replacing natural or semi natural habitats with artificial surfaces. The significance of such impacts would be dependent on whether such

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Figure 3.2 CORINE Land Cover 2000 CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 17 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.3 CORINE Land Cover 1990 CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 18 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.4 CORINE Land Cover Changes 1990-2000 CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 19 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.5 CORINE Land Cover Categories which indicate lands which are likely to be most valuable to biodiversity CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 20 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.6 Tree Preservation Orders in the County CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 21 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.7 Designated Ecological Sites CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 22 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Conversely, the 2002 to 2006 period saw significant increases in the populations of a 3.3 Population and Human number of key settlements in North Tipperary, Health with Nenagh Town and Environs increasing by 21.1%, Ballina increasing by 57% and Newport 3.3.1 Population7 by 45%.

21.57% of the County’s population is North Tipperary has been experiencing an concentrated in Thurles and Nenagh, with upward trend in population growth since 1991. 32.41% in the four main urban centres (Thurles, The most recent Census recorded a growth rate Nenagh, Roscrea and Templemore) up from of 8.2% for the period from 2002-2006, this was 32.3% in 2002. The County is rural in character the same as the national average rate of growth 8 with 54.4% of the population living in rural and is higher than the Mid-Western regional DEDs. The County has a low density, populated average of 5.8%. with an average population density of 32

persons per square kilometre. Nationally, the rate of growth for the same period was the highest on record and as Population figures from the 2006 Census are resulted from both natural increase and mapped on Figure 3.8 while population density significant net inward migration. The Census in the Plan area is mapped on Figure 3.9. 2006 shows that population figures for Ireland increased by 8.2% from 2002 to 2006, resulting in a total population of 4,239,848 in the Country 3.3.2 Human Health compared to 3,917,203 persons in 2002, representing an increase of 322,645 persons or Human health has the potential to be impacted 8.2% in six years. upon by environmental vectors. Environmental vectors are components such as air, water or According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), soil through which contaminants or pollutants the population of the Plan area stood at 66,023 which have the potential to cause harm, can be persons in 2006. The 2006 Census revealed a transported so that they come into contact with continued trend of increasing population, human beings. Hazards or nuisances to human experienced by the area since 1991 when it health can arise as a result of exposure to these stood at 57,854 persons. A small increase of 167 vectors arising from incompatible adjacent land persons or 0.3% was experienced over the uses, for example. These factors have been period 1991-1996. The growth continued over considered with regard to the description of: the the periods from 1996-2002 with an increase of baseline of each environmental component; and 2,989 persons or 5.3% and the period from the identification and evaluation of the likely 2002-2006 saw a growth of 5,013 persons or significant environmental effects of 8.2%. implementing the Plan and the alternatives.

The last two County Development Plans periods 3.3.3 Existing Problems have seen a decline in population in certain key settlement areas in the County, including the Certain environmental vectors within the Plan urban area of Thurles, and some of the larger area - such as air, water or soil - have the rural settlements such as Toomevara, potential to transport and deposit contaminants Cloghjordan, Holycross, Littleton, Puckaun and or pollutants, which have the potential to cause Upperchurch. Some of the rural areas in the harm and adversely impact upon the health of County have also suffered steady decline during the area’s population. this period, including the DEDs of Ballycahill, Ballymurreen, Foilnamon, Glenkeen, Redwood, IPPC and/or licensed facilities could be potential Lackagh, Templederry, and Upperchurch. polluters to the Plan area if the facilities do not comply with their licenses (see Section 3.6.2.1).

7 8 CSO (various) Census 2006 Volume 1 - Population ‘Rural’ as defined by the CSO categorisation of ‘rural’, Classified by Area; Census 2002 Volume 1 - includes ‘all settlements with a population of less than 1500 Population Classified by Area; Census 1996 Volume 1 and the open countryside’. - Population Classified by Area Cork: CSO.

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Failure to provide appropriate waste water resultant land uses can result in significant treatment infrastructure and capacity alongside adverse impacts on the environment. development could lead to the contamination of drinking water resources. In the absence of a Development Plan for the area there would be no framework for the 3.3.4 Evolution of Population provision of infrastructure to serve existing and future development and this would be likely to and Human Health in the delay or hinder the provision of infrastructure absence of a Development which would have the potential to result in Plan impacts on environmental vectors to which humans are exposed e.g. a lack of appropriate The occurrence of growth in areas not identified waste water treatment infrastructure could as having environments which are compatible to adversely impact upon drinking water quality and subsequently upon human health.

North Tipperary Census Year 1991 1996 2002 2006 Population 57,854 58,021 61,010 66,023 Population Change on --- 167 2989 5013 Previous Census % Population Change on --- 0.3 5.3 8.2 Previous Census

Table.3.1 Population Change in the Plan area 1991 - 2006

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Figure 3.8 Census 2006 Population of Plan area

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Figure 3.9 Census 2006 Population Density for the County

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the County. Fen, Blanket and cutaway peat exist in the north of the Plan area, along the eastern 3.4 Soil boundary and in the upland areas. Man-made cover occurs in the urban parts of the Plan area. 3.4.1 Introduction Mineral alluvium occurs along the route of waterbodies. Soil is the top layer of the earth’s crust. It is formed by mineral particles, organic matter, The distribution of subsoils in the County follows water, air and living organisms. Soil can be a similar pattern. Till is the main type of subsoil considered as a non-renewable natural resource occurring. The coverage of limestone till concurs because it develops over very long timescales. It with the presence of deep, well drained acidic is an extremely complex, variable and living mineral soils in the County. Similarly, the areas medium and performs many vital functions of sandstone and shale till overly the areas of including: food and other biomass production, deep, well drained basic mineral soils. storage, filtration and transformation of many substances including water, carbon, and Urban or Man-made soils are soils which have nitrogen. Soil has a role as a habitat and gene been disturbed, transported or manipulated by pool, serves as a platform for human activities, human activity in the urban environment and landscape and heritage and acts as a provider of are often overlain by a non-agricultural, man- raw materials. Such functions of soil are worthy made surface layer that has been produced by of protection because of their socio-economic as mixing, filling or by contamination of land well as environmental importance. surfaces in urban and suburban areas.

Soils in any area are the result of the interaction Urban soils have a combination of characteristics of various factors, such as parent material, that differ from natural soils. These climate, vegetation and human action. characteristics are due to alterations in both physical and chemical soil properties that cause To date, there is no legislation which is specific long term deviation from the natural state. to the protection of soil resources. However, there is currently an EU Thematic Strategy on Natural soil profiles generally tend to gradually the protection of soil which includes a proposal change from one horizon to the next; however, for a Soil Framework Directive which proposes urban soils show abrupt changes from one common principles for protecting soils across the horizon to another depending on the EU. construction history of the soil. Layers may drastically differ in structure, pH, texture, and North Tipperary is largely underlain by limestone properties important to plant growth such as with the higher terrain of the County composed aeration, drainage and water holding capacity. A of geological deposits dating from Silurian and soil’s aeration and water drainage capabilities Devonian periods. Over the centuries the valleys are negatively affected by compaction which and hills formed into rich peatlands, which occurs as a result of overlying conditions which occupy approximately 28,333 hectares (70,000 include traffic and building. acres) or 13% of the total area of the County. Alluvium is a post-glacial deposit and may 3.4.2 Soil Types9 consist of gravel, sand, silt or clay in a variety of mixes and usually consists of a fairly high percentage of organic carbon (10%-30%). Figure 3.10 shows the distribution of soil types Alluvium is mapped only on modern day river across the Plan area. The biodiversity, flora and floodplains. The alluvial deposits are usually fauna detailed under Section 3.2 are facilitated bedded, consisting of many complex strata of by these soils, as are various agricultural waterlain material left both by the flooding of activities. rivers over their floodplains and the meandering

of rivers across their valleys. The main soil type in the County is deep, well drained mineral soil. Areas of shallow, well Peat is also a post-glacial deposit, consisting drained mineral soils are dispersed throughout mostly of vegetation which has only partially decomposed. This vegetation fills and compacts 9 Teagasc, GSI, Forest Service & EPA (2006) Soils and in marshes, ponds and other lakes carved out Subsoils Class Dublin: DEHLG

CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 27 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA and left by Quaternary ice sheets. Thus, in which were laid down during and after the last Ireland, peat usually overlies badly drained ice age, supports a range of quarrying activities. glaciolacustrine silts and clays. In the last few centuries, much of Ireland’s peat has been cut North Tipperary contains extensive reserves of away for burning as solid fuel. On the maps sand and gravel, which are worked at many both cutover and intact bog are mapped, locations across the County. providing that the peat in both situations attains a thickness of 1 metre or more. Cutaway bog is Commercial mining which has been carried out the term used to describe the areas of peatland at Silvermines for over a thousand years ceased from which it is no longer possible to extract in 1992 with the closure of the Magcobar Ltd. peat economically. barite mine at Garryard West/Gortshanroe and the earlier closure of the Mogul of Ireland Ltd Till is a diamicton10 deposited by or from glacier mine in the area. ice. Glacial ice is the principal depositional agent, but gravity and, in some cases, water, Figure 3.12 shows the location of quarries in also play a part. Tills are often North Tipperary which have been registered in overconsolidated, or tightly packed, unsorted, order to comply with the requirements of unbedded, possessing many different particle Section 261 of the Planning and Development and clast (stone) sizes, and commonly have Act 200011. sharp, angular clasts. Tills are often termed ‘boulder clays’ by engineers. On the FIPS - IFS 3.4.5 Existing Problems relating 1:50,000 subsoil maps, tills are categorised according to their dominant lithological to Soil component. Examples are till derived from Greenfield development involves the building Lower Carboniferous limestone and till derived upon and thereby sealing off of soil thus from Lower Palaeozoic sandstones and shales. Grain size of the matrix, or the texture of the till, representing an environmental problem. is important, as this determines permeability, Soil has the potential to be polluted and which is important for soil development contaminated as a result of pollution from processes. Thus, tills may be described as development which is not serviced by gravelly till, sandy till, silty till or clayey till but this classification is not used in FIPS – IFS owing appropriate waste water infrastructure and from agricultural sources. to the difficulties in mapping out subsoil textures at the 1:50,000 scale. Soil erosion due mainly to surface erosion resulting from construction works and 3.4.3 Geology agricultural / forestry operations has major potential to impact on water quality and fishery The soils and habitats of North Tipperary have resources. been influenced by the area’s underlying geology (see Figure 3.11). As mentioned previously, recreational activities such as quad and off-road motor biking, are There are a number of limestone pavements in causing damage to some blanket peat in upland North Tipperary. areas.

3.4.4 Quarries Historic landfills, as listed in Section 1.1.1 have the potential to pollute soils. Decomposition of Quaternary geology comprises the study of soils materials in the landfill sites may pollute and which have been deposited or formed during the contaminate soils and groundwater. last 2 million years. The quaternary geology around North Tipperary, including the deposits The removal and disposal of landfilled material from the areas mentioned above could, if unmitigated, cause problems for water quality, ecology and human health. 10 Diamictons are nonlithified, nonsorted or poorly sorted sediments that contain a wide range of particle sizes (for example, coarse fragments contained within 11 This does not include quarries which have recent a fine earth matrix) and used when the genetic planning permission and therefore would have been context of the sediment is uncertain. outside the registration process.

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A list of issues associated with unauthorised waste disposal sites is contained in the EPA’s Code of Practice, Environmental Risk Assessment for Unregulated Waste Disposal Sites12.

The development of extractive industry at certain locations in North Tipperary has led to the depletion of both subsoil and topsoil, which has been removed in order to obtain the subsoil.

3.4.6 Evolution of Soil in the absence of the Development Plan

In the absence of a Development Plan for North Tipperary, the evolution of soil would be dependent on developments which take place.

The currently proposed Soil Directive suggests encouraging the rehabilitation of brownfield sites, thus reducing the depletion of greenfield sites. However, in the absence of a Development Plan there would be no framework for the direction of growth towards brownfield sites in North Tipperary, where such direction is appropriate. As a result greenfield development would be likely to occur on an ad hoc basis - both within and outside of the Plan area - and would result in the building upon and thereby sealing off of the non-renewable subsoil and soil resources.

In the absence of a Development Plan, there would be no framework for the provision of infrastructure - such as that relating to waste water treatment - to serve existing and future development and therefore soil would have the potential to be polluted and contaminated as a result of pollution from development which is not serviced by appropriate waste water infrastructure.

12 Code of Practice, Environmental Risk Assessment for Unregulated Waste Disposal Sites, EPA, 2007. http://www.epa.ie/downloads/advice/waste/waste/ep a_cop_waste_disposal_sites.pdf

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Figure 3.10 Soil Type

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Figure 3.11 Subsoils

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Figure 3.12 Geology CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 32 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.13 Registered Quarries

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support the natural ecology which would have existed prior to such modifications. These 3.5 Water pressures are also referred to as morphological pressures. 3.5.1 Introduction 3.5.3 The Water Framework Water within and surrounding North Tipperary Directive has many functions: it provides drinking water to the area’s population; it sustains the 3.5.3.1 Introduction and Requirements biodiversity and flora and fauna described under Section 3.2; and it is an integral part of the Since 2000, Water Management in the EU has landscape. been directed by the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (WFD). The WFD requires that all 3.5.2 Potential Pressures on Member States implement the necessary measures to prevent deterioration of the status Water Quality of all waters - surface, ground, estuarine and coastal - and protect, enhance and restore all Human activities, if not properly managed, can waters with the aim of achieving good status by cause deterioration in water quality. Pressures 2015. All public bodies, including North exerted by human activities include the Tipperary County Council are also required to following: coordinate their policies and operations so as to maintain the good status of water bodies which • sewage and other effluents discharged are currently unpolluted and improve polluted to waters from point sources, e.g. pipes water bodies to good status by 2015. from treatment plants; 3.5.3.2 River Basin Districts and Water • discharges arising from diffuse or Bodies dispersed activities on land; For the purpose of implementing the WFD, • abstractions from waters; and Ireland has been divided into eight river basin districts or areas of land that are drained by a • structural alterations to water bodies. large river or number of rivers and the adjacent estuarine / coastal areas. The management of A point source pressure has a recognisable and water resources will be based on these River specific location at which pollution may Basin Districts (RBDs). The Plan area is located originate. Examples of significant point source in two RBDs: the District pressures include direct discharges from waste (ShIRBD) and the South Eastern River Basin water treatment plants, licensed discharges from District (SERBD) which covers the Nore and the industrial activities, landfills and contaminated Suir catchments. lands (e.g. disused gas works). Within each river basin district - for the purpose A diffuse source pressure unlike a point source of assessment, reporting and management - is not restricted to an individual point or water has been divided into groundwater, rivers, location. The source of a diffuse pressure can be lakes, estuarine waters and coastal waters which quite extensive. Significant examples of diffuse are in turn divided into specific, clearly defined pressures include runoff from forestry and water bodies. agricultural lands. 3.5.3.3 WFD Risk Assessments Excessive abstractions from surface waters and In order to achieve the objectives of the WFD it groundwater for drinking and industrial purposes is necessary: can create pressures on the ability of a water body to maintain both chemical and ecological • to assess the risk that water bodies may status. not achieve good quality status;

Structural alterations such as river straightening; • to identify the pressures from human construction of embankments, weirs, dams, port activities causing this risk; and, facilities and dredging can create conditions such that a water body is no longer able to

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• to develop strategies and management nutrient sensitive; areas designated for the plans to minimise the risk. protection of habitats or species e.g. salmonid areas; Special Areas of Conservation (SACs); Risk assessment procedures were developed at and, Special Protection Areas (SPAs). national level and applied across all River Basin Districts in order to analyse the impact of the In Ireland, waters intended for human pressures referred to under Section 3.5.2. The consumption are protected under the Drinking risk assessments were predictive, i.e. they Water Regulations (S.I. 439/2000). The actual examined each pressure and predicted the protected areas for drinking water are not magnitude which would be likely to have a outlined within these Regulations, so the negative impact. protected area for drinking waters is represented by the water body from which the Each water body has been assessed, on the water is abstracted, be it groundwater, river or basis of human activity, whether it is at risk or lake. All groundwater underlying the Plan area is not at risk of failing to achieve the WFD’s listed on the RPA for Drinking Water. objectives by 2015. The classifications used for reporting this assessment are: The RPA for Water Dependent Habitats includes habitats that are dependent on water: this • (1a) At Significant Risk - water body is includes areas already listed by the National at risk of failing to meet good status in Parks and Wildlife Service as Special Areas of 2015; Conservation and Special Protection Areas. Rivers on which certain habitats are dependant • (1b) Probably at Significant Risk - water are also listed on the RPA. Areas along the north body is thought to be at risk of failing to and west of the Plan areas boundary are listed meet good status in 2015 pending on the RPA for water dependent habitats for further investigation; SPAs and SACs. Some rivers in the south of the Plan area and other locations around the County • (2a) Probably Not at Significant Risk - are also listed on the RPA for water Dependent the water body is expected to meet Habitats. good status in 2015; and, Lough Derg is listed on the RPA for Recreational • (2b) Not at Significant Risk - water body Waters. Recreational waters (bathing waters) is expected to meet good status in contain all the areas listed in the Bathing Water 2015, pending further investigation. Regulations (SI 155/1992). The lake is also listed on the RPA for Nutrient Sensitive Lakes Water bodies placed in the (1a) At Significant and Estuaries. Nutrient Sensitive waters include Risk category will need improvement to achieve nitrate vulnerable zones and areas designated the required status while water bodies in the as sensitive areas under the Urban Waste Water (1b) Probably at Significant Risk category are Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). The water likely to need improvement in order to achieve bodies shown are those lakes and the required status. estuarine/coastal waters listed in Ireland's Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (S.I. 3.5.3.4 WFD Registers of Protected Areas 254/2001). The WFD Code links them to the overall GIS Water body Map used for the Water In addition to the these assessments, the WFD Framework Directive. As a Nitrates Action requires that Registers of Protected Areas Program has been established, and applies to (RPAs) are compiled for a number water bodies the whole of the , no Nitrate or part of water bodies which must have extra Vulnerable Zones have been designated. The controls on their quality by virtue of how their Nenagh River, River Suir and the Little Brosna waters are used by people and by wildlife. River are also listed on the RPA for Nutrient

Sensitive Waters. The WFD requires that these RPAs contain: areas from which waters are taken for public or The waters listed on the RPA are mapped in private water supply schemes; designated Figure 3.19. shellfish production areas; bathing waters; areas which are affected by high levels of substances most commonly found in fertilizers, animal and human wastes - these areas are considered

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3.5.3.5 River Basin Management Plan mainly located in the uplands in the south of the County. 27 locations achieved Q4 “good status”, Local Authorities located in the ShIRBD and the 36 achieved Q3-4 “moderate status” and 20 SERBD, have prepared River Basin Management locations achieved Q2-3 or Q3 “poor status”. Plans which will be implemented in order to help These locations are found on the Ballifinboy and protect and improve waters in the RBDs. Draft Ollatrim Rivers and in the south east of the Plan Plans were published in December 2008 and a area, primarily along the Suir and Rossestown period of public consultation took place until 22 Rivers. There are no water quality sampling June 2009. Public comment was taken into points with Q1, Q1-2 or Q2 “bad status” in the consideration in preparing the final River Basin County. Management Plans. The Management Plans provide specific policies for individual river Lough Derg is the only lake in the Plan area basins in order to implement the requirements which is monitored by the EPA. It is classified as of the WFD. being oligotrophic/mesotrophic. Mesotrophic lakes are lakes with an intermediate level of 3.5.4 Surface Water productivity, greater than oligotrophic lakes, but less than eutrophic lakes. Eutrophication has 3.5.4.1 Introduction long been the principal pressure on lake water The main rivers within and surrounding the Plan quality in Ireland. It is caused by enrichment of area include the River Shannon, Suir, Drish, water by nutrients (especially phosphorous Clodiagh, Ballyfinboy, Nenagh, Cromogue and and/or nitrogen compounds) causing an Newtown Rivers and the Mulkear. With the accelerated growth in algae and other plant exception of Lough Derg, lakes are relatively forms, which causes an undesirable disturbance sparse within the County. Lakes in the Plan area to the balance of organisms present in the include Aran, Durr, Eorna, Nagelane, Claree, water, and the quality of the water. Mesotrophic Cornnalig, and Poulawee Loughs. These rivers lakes are commonly clear water lakes and ponds and lakes are mapped in Figure 3.14. with beds of submerged aquatic plants and 14 medium levels of nutrients . Drainage in the northern and western parts of the County is largely defined by the River 3.5.4.3 Risk Assessment Shannon, its tributaries and Lough Derg. Rivers Figure 3.15 maps the current risk assessments draining into Lough Derg include the Ballyfinboy, for the rivers in the Plan area. Nenagh, Newtown Rivers, whilst the Mulkear drains through the Slieve Felim and Silvermines In terms of achieving the WFD’s objectives by and enters the Shannon, near Annacotty in 2015, a number of rivers in the Plan area are Limerick. classified as being (1a) At Significant Risk. These include the Nenagh River and most of its The other principal river in the County is the tributaries, the Kilmastulla, Borrisoleigh, Suir, which rises near Benduff, in the Devil’s Bit Rossestown and the Suir including some of its mountains and runs south through Templemore, tributaries such as the Drish and Clover rivers. Thurles and thereafter flows easterly, entering the sea near Dunmore East in Waterford. The Rivers classified as being (1b) Probably at rivers Drish, Clodiagh and Cromogue are Significant Risk of failing to achieve the WFD’s tributaries of the Suir found within North objectives by 2015 include the Ardcroney, Tipperary. Newtown, Dolla, Farneybridge and Clodiagh Rivers. 3.5.4.2 EPA Monitoring

Water quality on the North Tipperary River is indicative of low biodiversity and polluted waters, and monitored by the EPA at a number of locations high Q ratings, as high as Q5, are indicative of high throughout the County. biodiversity and unpolluted waters. Good status as defined by the Water Framework Directive equates to There are approximately 17 locations achieving approximately Q4 in the national scheme of biological classification of rivers as set out by the EPA. Q4-5 or Q513 “high status”, these locations are 14 EPA (2008) State of lake water quality in Ireland including trends, legislation and actions required 13 The Biotic Index Values, or Q values, are assigned Wexford: EPA. to rivers in accordance with biological monitoring of surface waters - low Q ratings, as low as Q1, are

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The upper reaches of the Newport and Nenagh Lough Derg: Rivers and the Annagh River are classified as being (2a) Probably Not at Significant Risk. Assessment : Lake Assessment EPA/ESBI 1a Diffuse: Inflowing Waters 1b Lough Derg is classified as being (1a) At Morphology: Channelisation 2a Significant Risk. Point Source: Water treatment plants 1b Waste water treatment plants1b Reasons for these classifications are listed Section 4 (Local Authority below: licensed discharges) 1b

The Nenagh River 3.5.5 Groundwater (SH_Nenagh_NenaghMAIN_1Lower): 3.5.5.1 Introduction Diffuse: EPA diffuse sources model 1b Morphology: Channelisation 1b Groundwater is stored in the void spaces in Embankments 1b underground layers of rock, or aquifers. These Q Value: EPA Biological Q rating 1a aquifers are permeable, allowing both the infiltration of water from the soils above them Kilmastulla and the yielding of water to surface and coastal (SH_Kilmastulla_KilmastullaMAIN_2Mid): waters. Groundwater is the part of the subsurface water that is in the saturated zone - Diffuse: EPA diffuse sources model 1b the zone below the water table, the uppermost Un-sewered areas 2b level of saturation in an aquifer at which the Point Source: Water treatment plants and other pressure is atmospheric, in which all pores and pressures 1a fissures are full of water. Q Value: EPA Biological Q rating 1a North Tipperary public water schemes source Ballyfinboy River 55% of its water from groundwater sources (SH_Ballyfinboy_BallyfinboyMAIN_2Mid): reserves consequently particular attention must be paid to their protection from contamination. Diffuse: EPA diffuse sources model 1b These abstraction points can be seen in Figure Agricultural sources - arable 2a 3.23 and more information is contained in Un-sewered areas 2a Section 3.7.2. Morphology: Channelisation 1b Intensive landuse 2a 3.5.5.2 WFD Risk Assessment of Point Source: Water treatment plants 1a Groundwater Water treatment plants and Figure 3.16 maps the current risk assessment of other pressures 2a ground water underlying the Plan area. There Q Value: EPA Biological Q rating 1a are two areas of groundwater which are classified as being (1a) At Significant Risk. Areas Clodiagh River of groundwater classified as being (1b) Probably (SE_SuirClodiagh_Clodiagh_Lower): at Significant Risk generally lie in the north and south east of the Plan area. An area of Diffuse: EPA diffuse sources model 1b groundwater classified as being (2b) Not at Significant Risk traverses the Plan area from the River Suir (SE_SuirMain_Suir_3): south to the north east. The remaining groundwater is classified as being (2b) Probably Diffuse: EPA diffuse sources model 1b Not at Significant Risk. Groundwater underlying Point Source: Combined sewer and treatment the County is generally classified as being (2b) plant overflows 1b Probably not at Significant Risk. Water treatment plants and other pressures 1b Reasons for these classifications include:

Q Value: EPA Biological Q rating 1a Groundwater at risk in the east of the Plan area:

Abstraction: Groundwater balance 1a Diffuse: Mobile nutrients (NO3) 2a

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DWPADiffuse: Mobile nutrients (NO3) 2a The main classification occurring in the County GWDW abstraction : Water balance 1a is “Locally Important Sand/Gravel Aquifer”. This GWWDW Diffuse: Clustered onsite systems & leaking aquifer is capable of yielding enough water to urban sewerage systems (PO4) 2a boreholes or springs to supply domestic, commercial and industrial uses, depending on Groundwater at risk in the west of the Plan the nature and scale of the development. Some area: areas of “Locally Important Aquifers – Generally Moderately Productive” are dispersed GWDW: Point Mining 1a throughout the “Locally Important Sand/Gravel Point Source: Mining 1a Aquifer” areas. The second most common

classification is “Poor Bedrock Aquifers – Groundwater at probably at risk in the north of Generally unproductive except for local zones the Plan area: which occur in the west of the County and also

in an area of the south moving in a north Abstraction: Groundwater balance 2a Intrusion 2b easterly direction. Regionally Important Diffuse: Mobile chemicals 1b Karstified Aquifers lie to the east of the Plan Mobile nutrients (NO3) 2a area part of which is classified as being Clustered onsite systems & leaking “Dominated by diffuse flow”, these areas can urban sewerage systems 2b also be found in the north of the Plan area. DWPA Diffuse: Mobile chemicals 1b There are three areas within the County which Mobile nutrients (NO3) 2a are pending classification. GWDW Abstraction: Water balance 2a GWDW Diffuse: Mobile chemicals 1b Mobile nutrients (NO3) 3.5.6 Flooding Less mobile nutrients (PO4) 2a Point Source: Landfills 1b 3.5.6.1 Introduction

Groundwater at probably at risk in the north of Flooding is an environmental phenomenon the Plan area: which, as well have causing economic and social impacts, could in certain circumstances pose a Diffuse : Mobile nutrients (NO3) 2a risk to human health. DWPA Diffuse: Mobile nutrients (NO3) 2a GWDW Diffuse: Mobile nutrients (NO3) 1b 1b North Tipperary is vulnerable to adverse effects from changes in the occurrence of severe 3.5.5.3 Groundwater Vulnerability rainfall events and associated flooding of the area’s rivers. The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) rates aquifers according to their vulnerability to Much of the flooding in North Tipperary occurs pollution. Aquifer vulnerability refers to the ease during adverse weather conditions whereby with which pollutants of various kinds can enter heavy rainfall causes high river flows. Local underground water. conditions such as low-lying lands and

inadequate surface water drainage can also Figure 3.17 shows that only an interim study has increase the risk of flooding. taken place for most of the Plan area. The Plan area has a large number of areas rated as being The risk of flooding has been increased in the of extreme vulnerability (Rock Surface or Karst), past by human actions including the clearing of these areas are generally surrounded by areas vegetation to make way for agriculture, draining of extreme vulnerability. There is a small area in of bog and wetland areas and the development the east of the County which is classified as of settlements in the flood plains of rivers. being of moderate vulnerability.

Infrastructural development, culverting and 3.5.5.4 Groundwater Productivity forestry operations and all urban development in The GSI rates aquifers based on the the floodplain present ongoing flooding hazards. hydrogeological characteristics and on the value Increased surface water runoff due to of the groundwater resource. Ireland’s entire construction of new hard surfaced areas is now land surface is divided into nine aquifer generally not a problem in terms of its impact categories. Five of these occur in North on peak flows because of the implementation of Tipperary. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS).

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3.5.6.2 OPW’s National Flood Hazard The pressures which have been identified by the Mapping SIRBD and the SERBD in the characterisation of the water bodies within and surrounding the The locations of the most significant recent Plan area include: flooding events in the Plan area - accessible from the OPW’s National Flood Hazard Mapping • Diffuse source pressures such as the website - are identified in Figure 3.20. Flood EPA diffuse sources model and event locations are indicated by a point placed unsewered areas; in a position considered to represent as • Abstraction pressures including river accurately as possible the location of the flood water balance and groundwater as described in source documentation. balance; • Morphological pressures including 3.5.6.3 Soil mapping channelisation, and intensive landuse; Teagasc soil layers have also been mapped on and, Figure 3.20 to illustrate soils which may indicate • Point sources such as combined sewer flood plains of rivers. These soils are mineral and treatment plant overflows and alluvium, which occurs on river banks waste water treatment plants. throughout the County, marl type soils occurring near Castleconnell and lacustrine-type The above descriptions identify a number of (alluviums) soils. sensitivities with regard to the status of water bodies within the North Tipperary Plan area. By 3.5.6.4 Flood Risk Management virtue of how they are used by people and by Guidelines wildlife, a number of waterbodies including Lough Derg, the groundwater underlying the In November 2009 the DEHLG published The Plan area and a number of rivers in the County Planning System and Flood Risk Management are listed on the Registers of Protected Areas Guidelines for Planning Authorities. These are under the Water Framework Directive. aimed at ensuring a more consistent, rigorous and systematic approach which will fully The occurrence of severe rainfall events - and incorporate flood risk assessment and changes in the occurrence and magnitude of management into the planning system. Planning these events as a result of climate change - authorities are required to undertake flood risk have the potential to cause flooding which identification, assessment and management would be likely to result in a hazard to human processes as appropriate when preparing or health and damage and loss to built varying development plans and local area plans development, infrastructure and biodiversity. and in consideration of applications for planning permission. Historic landfills, a listed in Section 1.1.1 have

the potential to pollute soils. Decomposition of Regard to these Guidelines has been had when materials in the landfill sites may pollute and drawing up the mitigation measures included in contaminate soils and groundwater. Section 9.

3.5.7 Existing Problems 3.5.8 Evolution of Water in the absence of a Development There are environmental problems in North Plan Tipperary with regard to water quality which have the potential for significant adverse impact Based on the current risk assessments the upon human health, drinking water supplies and identified surface and ground water bodies are biodiversity and flora and fauna. Water quality either at significant risk or probably at significant of rivers in North Tipperary River varies from Q5 risk of failing to meet the objectives of the to Q2. Water Framework Directive by 2015.

Lough Derg and a number of rivers in the County are classified as being (1a) At Significant Risk. Some ground waters underlying the Plan area and rivers are probably at significant risk of failing to achieve the WFD’s objectives of good status by 2015.

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If new development was not accompanied by appropriate waste water infrastructure /capacity then it is likely that:

• Certain river and ground water bodies would fail to meet the objectives of the WFD by 2015; and,

• Significant adverse impacts upon the biodiversity and flora and fauna of North Tipperary could potentially arise.

The replacing of semi-natural land cover types with artificial, more impervious surfaces is likely to lead to cumulative increases in run-off and peak flow conditions in the area’s river bodies. These cumulative increases have the potential to - especially in combination with the occurrence of severe rainfall events - result in flooding.

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Figure 3.14 Q-Values (Biotic Index Ratings) at Points on Rivers CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 41 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.15 Risk Assessment of Surface Waters CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 42 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.16 WFD Risk Assessment of Ground Waters CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 43 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.17 GSI Groundwater Vulnerability CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 44 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.18 GSI Groundwater Productivity CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 45 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.19 WFD Register of Protected Areas CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 46 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.20 Flood Related Risk Factors CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 47 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Tipperary, Naas, Carlow, Tralee and Dundalk. 3.6 Air and Climatic Factors • Zone D: Rural Ireland, i.e. the 3.6.1 Ambient Air Quality remainder of the State - small towns and rural areas of the country - 3.6.1.1 Introduction and Legislation excluding Zones A, B and C.

In order to protect human health, vegetation North Tipperary falls into zone D. Current air and ecosystems, EU Directives set down air quality in Zone D is very good. The index is quality standards in Ireland and the other calculated based on the latest available Member States for a wide variety of pollutants. measurements of PM10, sulphur dioxide, These pollutants are generated through fuel nitrogen dioxide and ozone in Zone D. combustion, in space heating, traffic, electricity generation and industry and, in sufficient 3.6.1.2 Monitoring Sites amounts, could affect the well being of the area’s inhabitants. The EU Directives include There are no current air quality monitoring sites details regarding how ambient air quality should in North Tipperary. The nearest continuous air be monitored, assessed and managed. quality monitor is located on the Park Road in Limerick. The principles to this European approach are set out under the Air Quality Framework Directive 3.6.2 Potential Point Sources of 1996 as transposed into Irish law under the Emissions Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Ambient Air Quality Assessment and 3.6.2.1 IPPC Licensed Facilities Management) Regulations 1999 (SI No. 33 of 1999). The EPA has been licensing certain large-scale industrial and agriculture activities since 1994. Four daughter Directives lay down limits or Originally the licensing system was known as thresholds for specific pollutants. The first two Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licensing, of these directives cover: sulphur dioxide, governed by the Environmental Protection nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, Agency Act, 1992. The Act was amended in particulate matter and lead; and, carbon 2003 by the Protection of the Environment Act, monoxide and benzene. Two more daughter 2003 which gave effect to the Integrated directives deal with: ozone; and polyaromatic Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) Directive. hydrocarbons, arsenic, nickel, cadmium and Detailed procedures concerning the IPPC mercury in ambient air. licensing process are set out in the EPA Acts 1992 to 2007 and the associated licensing In order to comply with these directives, the regulations. EPA measures the levels of a number of atmospheric pollutants. For the purposes of IPPC licences aim to prevent or reduce monitoring in Ireland, four zones are defined in emissions to air, water and land, reduce waste the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 (SI and use energy/resources efficiently. An IPPC No. 271 of 2002) amended by the Arsenic, license is a single integrated license which Cadmium, Mercury, Nickel and Polycyclic covers all emissions from the facility and its Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Ambient Air environmental management. All related Regulations (2009). The main areas defined in operations that the license holder carries in each zone are: connection with the activity are controlled by this license. Before a license is granted, the EPA • Zone A: Dublin Conurbation. must be satisfied that emissions from the activity do not cause a significant adverse • Zone B: Cork Conurbation. environmental impact.

• Zone C: Other cities and large towns There are nine IPPC licensed facilities in the Plan comprising Galway, Limerick, Waterford, area. Figure 3.21 maps the location of these Clonmel, Kilkenny, Sligo, Drogheda, facilities. Two of these are in Roscrea, there is Wexford, Athlone, Ennis, North one each in Templetoughy, Toomevarra and in

CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 48 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA the north of the County, two in Nenagh and two The Seveso II Directive includes provisions in east of Nenagh. relation to land use planning. Article 12 of the Directive requires member states to ensure that 3.6.2.2 Waste Licensed Facilities the objectives of preventing major accidents and limiting the consequences of such accidents are In 1996 the EPA began licensing certain taken into account in land use policies and/or activities in the waste sector. These include other relevant policies. These objectives must be landfills, transfer stations, hazardous waste pursued through controls on the following: disposal and other significant waste disposal and recovery activities. • The siting of new establishments;

A waste license is a single integrated license • Modifications to existing establishments; dealing with emissions to all environmental media and the environmental management of • Development in the vicinity of an the facility. All related waste operations establishment which, by virtue of its connected to the activity are considered in type or siting, is likely to increase the determining a license application. The EPA must risk or consequences of a major be satisfied that the activity will not cause accident. environmental pollution when carried on in accordance with the license conditions. Detailed There is one Seveso establishment in North procedures on processing waste license Tipperary – Exsol Ltd, at Graigue Upper, applications are set out in the Waste Ballygibbon, Co Tipperary. It should be noted Management Act, 1996 which was amended by that there may be additional sites designated in the Protection of the Environment Act, 2003 and the future. There may also be sites in associated regulations. neighbouring counties that might impact on land

in North Tipperary. There is one licensed waste facility in the Plan area; it is mapped in Figure 3.21. Where appropriate, the Health and Safety

Authority provides advice in respect of planning Ballaghveny Landfill, waste licence number: applications within a certain distance of the W0078-03 is located in Ballymackey. It is the perimeter of Seveso sites. waste facility for the County and is licensed for the disposal of 47,000 tonnes per annum comprising municipal, commercial and 3.6.3 Noise construction and demolition waste and treated sludge Noise is unwanted sound. It can seriously harm human health and interfere with daily activities 3.6.2.3 Seveso Sites at school, at work, at home and during leisure time. The control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances Directive, also referred to Traffic noise alone is harming today the health as the Seveso II or COMAH Directive, aims to of almost every third European15. There are a ensure that, at locations where dangerous number of health risks associated with noise. substances are handled in quantities above specified thresholds; there will be a high level of The over-riding noise source in North Tipperary protection for people, property and the is from traffic. Streets that have high traffic environment. This is to be achieved by: counts as well as enclosing taller buildings are preventing or minimising the risk of a major likely to have elevated noise levels. accident; and, taking all the necessary measures to limit the consequences of such an accident, In addition, there are localised noise sources should it occur. The Directive is transposed into which include air conditioning equipment, train Irish law through the European Communities movements and night clubs. (control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 74 of 2006) implement Council Directive 2003/105/EC (amending Directive 96/82/EC). 15 World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (2003) Technical meeting on exposure- response relationships of noise on health 19-21 September 2002 Bonn, Germany Bonn: WHO

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3.6.4 Climatic Factors gases retain the radiation which is released from the earth as a result of heating by the sun. This 3.6.4.1 Greenhouse Gases retention maintains a global temperature which is suitable for ecosystems and life. In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions the internationally agreed Kyoto Protocol Climate change is not limited to changes in established emissions reduction targets for temperatures or weather - it can also mean developing countries. Ireland’s emission target changes in the occurrence of extreme and for greenhouse gases is to limit the increase in unstable weather conditions, storms and floods, their combined emissions during the five-year droughts and coastal erosion. period 2008-2012 to 13 per cent above 1990 levels. 3.6.4.3 Climate Model Predictions

16 The EPA’s ‘Climate Change: Regional Climate Based on the inventory figures for 2006 , the 17 EPA estimates that Ireland’s emissions in 2006 Model Predictions for Ireland’ (2005) report were 25.5 per cent higher than the baseline provides an analysis of future Irish climate estimate that underlies Ireland’s allowable conditions for the period 2021–2060 based on emissions for the period 2008-2012, as agreed the outputs from a new regional climate in the peer review of Ireland’s 2006 submission modelling facility located in Met Éireann. to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Predictions include general warming in the future with mean monthly temperatures With regard to overall emissions, Agriculture is increasing typically between 1.25 and 1.5°C and the single largest contributor, at 27.7% of the changes in precipitation, the most notable being total, followed by Energy (power generation & a decrease of about 10% for June and increases oil refining) at 22.3% and Transport at 19.7%. ranging between 10% in the south-east and The remaining 30% is made up by the 25% in the north-west for December values. Residential sector at 10.4%, Industry and Commercial at 17.2%, and Waste at 2.6%. The report identifies that although it is not possible to comment on changes in flood Transport continues to be the dominant growth magnitude and frequency, the increase in winter sector with emissions at 682,000 tonnes higher runoff indicated for many parts of the west, in 2006 than in 2005. This represents a 5.2% especially under the scenario for the period increase on 2005 levels and 165% increase on 2061–2090, is likely to have significant the 1990 transport emissions. Road transport implications. River flooding tends to be more accounts for 97% of the transport sector common during the wetter winter months when emissions. The increase in the GHG emissions soils are near saturation. Many of the rivers from the transport sector reflects sustained draining upland areas have a rapid or ‘flashy’ increases in fuel consumption with petrol usage response to rainfall enhanced by rising up 3.4% and diesel consumption up 7.9% from topography. the previous year. 3.6.5 Existing Problems 3.6.4.2 Climate Change Localised air pollution incidences in urban areas Climate change refers to any change in climate with regard to PM10 and PM2.5 and noise over time, whether due to natural variability or pollution are both likely to occur when as a result of human activity. demolition/construction takes place - especially

in relation to PM10 if suppression techniques are The release of greenhouse gases into the not introduced - and when traffic is queuing for atmosphere as a result of human activities adds long periods of time. to natural climate variability by increasing the naturally occurring greenhouse effect. This greenhouse effect occurs in the atmosphere and is caused by greenhouse gases which exist naturally in the atmosphere. The greenhouse 17 Community Climate Change Consortium for Ireland (2005) Environmental RTDI Programme 2000–2006 Climate Change: Regional Climate Model Predictions 16 EPA (2008) Ireland's Emissions of Greenhouse for Ireland (2001-CD-C4-M2) Final Report Wexford: Gases for the period 1990-2006 Wexford: EPA Environmental Protection Agency

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Ireland’s current emissions are exceeding prevent the generation of future transport targets agreed in the peer review of Ireland’s related greenhouse gas emissions would be 2006 submission to the United Nations missed. Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is unlikely that Ireland will meet these targets and it is likely therefore that financial penalties will be incurred. Transport related emissions continue to be the dominant growth sector.

Changes in the occurrence of severe rainfall events as a result of climate change could adversely impact upon the area’s human beings, its biodiversity and its economy (see also Section 3.5.6 Flooding).

3.6.6 Evolution of Air and Climatic Factors in the absence of a Development Plan

Increases in the use of catalytic converters, cleaner fuels, better engine technology and maintenance is generally reducing the pollution omitted per motor vehicle however this reduction is probably being offset by the increase in the number of cars as well as the increase in the volume and incidences of traffic congestion. Increases in the number of cars as well as the increase in the volume and incidences of traffic congestion may lead to increases in air and noise pollution in the future.

If new development or an intensification of existing land uses were to occur in the Plan area adverse impacts upon air quality and noise levels, and resultant impacts upon human health would be likely to arise, if unmitigated.

In the absence of a Development Plan, the realisation of objectives relating to energy efficiency, renewable energy and a reduction in transport related emissions contained within the Development Plan would be made more difficult.

The Development Plan provides an opportunity to regenerate certain areas within North Tipperary which are close to public transport linkages. This regeneration would provide for an increased population which would be less dependent upon private modes for transportation and would therefore be likely to generate less transport related greenhouse gas emissions than populations located further away from the urban areas. In the absence of a Development Plan, regeneration would be unlikely to be achieved and an opportunity to

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Figure 3.21 IPPC and Waste Licensed Facilities CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 52

Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Thurles. A further 10 villages have been identified in the 2010-2014 programme. 3.7 Material Assets In addition to new plants, a number of plants 3.7.1 Waste Water are identified for upgrading and improvement.

3.7.1.1 Relevant Legislation Table.3.2 shows the projects listed on the Waste Water Treatment Infrastructure Assessment of The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive Needs for the County. (91/271/EEC) (amended by Directive 98/15/EEC) aims to protect the environment Location Description from the adverse effects of the wastewater 2007-2009 RWSS Treatment Plant DBO, RWSS discharges by ensuring that wastewater is Thurles appropriately treated before it is discharged to Distribution System RWSS Treatment plant & distribution Newport the environment. Such treatment is essential in network upgrade order to meet the requirements of the Water Ballina Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade Framework Directive (see Section 3.5). Nenagh Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade Sewerage Treatment Plant & 3.7.1.2 Waste Water Treatment Newport Network Upgrade Available information on waste water treatment North West Regional Water Supply Scheme in North Tipperary is described in this section. Roscrea RWSS Upgrade Capacity Roscrea Sewerage Treatment Upgrade Public waste water treatment plants, their outfall Thurles Sewerage Treatment Upgrade Sewage Treatment Plant locations and their catchments are mapped on Borrisoleigh Figure 3.23. The main settlements within the Improvements County are served by waste water treatment Cloughjordan, , Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade plants. Figure 3.23 also maps the Water , Framework Directive Characterisation Report’s Silvermines risk assessment for surface water bodies; it can County Rural Water Program be seen that a number of waste water treatment Roscrea SLI – Whitepark Templemore SLI - Kiltillane plants dispose of treated waste water to surface waters which are at significant risk of failing to Templemore Templemore RWSS Upgrade Capacity meet the objectives of the Water Framework Ballina Extension to treatment plant Directive. 2010-2014 County Rural Water Program The CSO Census in 2006 showed that out of Thurles Town Sewerage treatment plant extension 22,866 houses 10,877 (47.5%) houses were Templemore Town Sewer Network upgrade connected to the public sewer and 10,990 Nenagh Town Sewer Network upgrade (48%) were connected to individual septic Ballina Sewer Network upgrade 10 No. Wastewater Treatment & tanks. Poorly functioning septic tanks have the Rural Villages potential to place pressure on surface and Collection Systems groundwaters. Puckane, Toomevara, Borrisokane, The Water Services Investment Programme - Holycross, Two- Upgrade Sewerage Treatment Plant Assessment of Needs (2006) for North Tipperary Mile-Borris, identified key projects for the improvement of Templetuohy, Littleton, Portroe, sewage treatment in towns and villages in the Newtown County from 2007 to 2014. This programme has County Telemetry identified 28 villages that have no sewerage Table.3.2 Waste Water Treatment treatment plant. During the lifetime of the last Infrastructure - Assessment of Needs Plan, 4 villages were the subject of a pilot project under the small rural village programme and new plants have been provided in the villages of Loughmore, Clonmore, Terryglass and Upperchurch. In addition a new plant is under construction in Templemore and major refurbishments have taken place at the plant in

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3.7.2 Drinking Water18 3.7.2.2 Drinking Water Quality Drinking water must be clean and wholesome. 3.7.2.1 Water Supply That means it must meet the relevant water Within North Tipperary drinking water is quality standards and must not contain any supplied from both public and private sources, other substance or micro-organism in with the majority being provided from ground concentrations or numbers that constitute a water sources. See Table.3.3 below which potential danger to human health. shows the public water supply sources in the County and the total number of connections to Compliance with the drinking water each scheme. requirements is determined by comparing the results of analyses submitted by water suppliers North Tipperary public water schemes sources to the standard for 48 parameters specified in 55% of its water from groundwater sources, the European Communities (Drinking Water) while the remainder comes from surface water Regulations (No. 2), 2007. To ensure that these sources. The Council currently supplies standards are met, each water supply must be 24,000m³ of water each day. This serves monitored on a regular basis. households as well as 3,800 businesses. Under Section 58 of the Environmental CSO figures from the 2006 Census showed that Protection Agency Act 1992 the EPA is required there were 4,319 private wells in the County. to collect and verify monitoring results for all water supplies in Ireland covered by the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations, 2000. The EPA publishes their results in annual reports. Scheme Total Connections

Thurles 4426 Information on drinking water quality for North Roscrea 2899 Tipperary County Council is shown on Figure Newport Ballina 2995 3.22 and is taken from the most recent available Nenagh Regional Scheme 6531 report. Templemore 1502 Lorrha Rathcabbin It is noted that the most recent EPA Remedial Riverstown 681 Action List contains the following drinking water Borrisokane/Ballingarry 976 supplies in North Tipperary: Borrisoleigh 1055 Clonakenny 42 • Lorrha/Riverstown (serving population Holycross 329 of 640 persons) due to “inadequate Horse & Jockey 146 treatment for cryptosporidium” Kilcommon 574 • Nenagh RWSS (Zone 1 serving population of 11 823 persons) due “to Littleton 324 elevated levels of TMHs above standard Templederry 137 in the Drinking Water Regulations” Templetuohy/Clonmore/ Loughmore 566 • Thurles (Zone 2 serving population of Terryglass 114 175 persons) due to “Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported Toomevara 317 Twomileborris 305 Cloughjordan 446 Tullaheady 42 Upperchurch 62 Total 24469 Table.3.3 Public Water Supply Sources and Connections

18 Ryan Hanley (2009) County Water Supply Outline Strategic Plan

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in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified.” • Two Mile Borris (serving population of 627 persons) due to “Elevated levels of Nitrate above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations”.

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Figure 3.22 Drinking Water Quality in North Tipperary

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North Tipperary is a rural county and travel is an 3.7.3 Waste Management essential part of the daily life of the County, for social, cultural, sporting and economic purposes. The Council operates a municipal waste landfill While the County is very reliant on its road site at Ballaghveny which is licensed for the infrastructure for intra and inter County disposal of 47,000 tonnes per annum comprising movement and access, the County also has the municipal, commercial and construction and benefit of two rail lines which traverse the demolition waste and treated sludge. County. These routes together constitute 80km of rail track. The main Dublin-Cork line serves In accordance with Section 22 (7)(h) of the the towns of Templemore and Thurles, which Waste Management Act, historic landfill sites have one of the best train services outside the have been identified for the purpose of main cities. A secondary rail link serves stations identifying what, if any, remedial measures are at Nenagh, Cloughjordan and Roscrea and joins required to be carried out at the sites. North the main Dublin–Cork line at Ballybrophy. A Tipperary has fifteen such sites located at: limited service is provided on this line. A commuter rail schedule between Nenagh and • Brittas Road, Thurles Limerick, stopping at , commenced in late • Shesheraghscanlan, Borrisokane 2008. • Glencrue, Portroe • Knockane, Toomevara Recent investments in the national primary road • Grange, Ballina network under the National Development Plan • Templeree, Templetuohy 2007, and Transport 21 has seen new stretches • Kiltillane, Templemore of motorway being provided within the County, • Annaholty, Newport bypassing villages and towns and providing • Clybanane, Roscrea increased connectivity between North Tipperary • Rathnaleen North, Nenagh and the Gateways and Hubs identified under the • Grange, Roscrea National Spatial Strategy. • Bawn, Nenagh • Cooleen, Silvermines North Tipperary is served reasonably well by rail • Knockanacree, Cloughjordan network. Thurles and Templemore are on the • Monanearla, Thurles national train network and avail of a frequent rail service. There are 65 No. daily services In North Tipperary there are currently three operating through Thurles and Templemore to Civic Amenity Sites at Ballaghveny landfill, and from Dublin either to or from Limerick or Nenagh and Roscrea which facilitate the Cork. In addition there are two daily services recycling of a wide range of waste material operating to Dublin serving Nenagh, including paper, cans, glass, timber, plastic Cloghjordan and Roscrea and four commuter bottles, cardboard etc. services to Limerick servicing Birdhill.

There are 12 No. Bus Éireann services operating 3.7.4 Vehicular Circulation in North Tipperary and these consist of 5 No. expressway routes and 7 No. local routes. The Vehicular circulation in North Tipperary is expressway services concentrate on the main provided through motorways, primary and routes through the County, such as the N7, from secondary routes, main streets and roads. The Limerick to Dublin, the N8 from Dublin to Cork Motorways and National Primary Roads: M8 and the N52 from Nenagh to Athlone. The N7 (Dublin to Cork) and N7/M7 (Dublin to Limerick) expressway services towns and villages on its traverse the County, as do the National route including Birdhill, Nenagh, Toomevara and Secondary Routes the N62 (Roscrea to Thurles), Roscrea. The N8 services Horse and Jockey. The the N65 (Borrisokane to Portumna), the N75 N52 expressway services Nenagh, Ardcroney, (Thurles to Turnpike) and the N52 (Birr to Borrisokane and Ballingarry. The N62 Nenagh). Two rail lines traverse the county; the expressway from Cork to Athlone services Cork-Dublin line serving Thurles and Thurles, Templemore and Roscrea. Templemore, and the single-line railway from Limerick and connecting to the Cork-Dublin line In addition to the Bus Éireann routes, there are serves Nenagh, Cloughjordan, Roscrea and also 9 privately operated licensed routes in Ballybrophy carrying passengers and freight. North Tipperary. Generally, Nenagh and Thurles

CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 57 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA are the focal point for the private operators and 3.7.6 Evolution of Material they service where there is a low level of Bus Éireann service e.g. there are daily services Assets in the absence of a operating from the following towns; Clonmel to Development Plan Nenagh, Clonmel to Thurles and Urlingford to Thurles. These services generally operate twice In the absence of a Development Plan, it is likely daily and at times that allow access to work and that dispersed development would occur. This training. There is also a weekend service would make it more difficult to provide the operating from Thurles to Galway and from necessary infrastructure such as waste water Urlingford to Roscrea. In addition, Nenagh and treatment plants and networks, water supply Borrisokane are connected by a private operator infrastructure, transport infrastructure and during school term. powerlines etc.

On the whole cycling remains a leisure activity Failure to provide sufficient infrastructure for within the County. CSO figures in 2006 shows development would be likely to result in that only 1% of people cycle to work regularly. significant adverse impacts. For example, failure This may reflect the dispersed nature of the to upgrade and provide new waste water population, with 10.65% of the population infrastructure would be likely to adversely travelling more than 2km to work. Increased impact upon water quality and indirectly support of cycling as a means of travelling to significantly adversely impact upon biodiversity work may see the figure of 1% increase during and flora and fauna, drinking water supplies and the life of this Plan. human health.

Figure 3.25 illustrates the County’s road network.

3.7.5 Existing Problems

There are a number of waste water treatment shortfalls in the County. The overloading of waste water treatment plants, low levels of treatment and discharge of outflow to water bodies at risk has significant potential to harm human health - through contamination and pollution of drinking water - and biodiversity and contribute to failing Water Framework Directive objectives if unmitigated.

If new development was not accompanied by appropriate waste water infrastructure /capacity then it is likely that adverse impacts upon a number of environmental components would arise.

In order to provide sufficient water supply to existing and new populations, water abstraction will need to increase. Projects providing for such increases could have adverse impacts upon the integrity of waterbodies and the life that they support.

There are a number of existing problems relating to drinking water treatment as identified on Figure 3.22. North Tipperary County Council is working to rectify these problems.

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Figure 3.23 Sewage Network CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 59 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.24 Water Supply Infrastructure CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 60 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.25 Road Network CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 61 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

archaeological deposits and features may survive beneath the surface. 3.8 Cultural Heritage North Tipperary contains various elements of 3.8.1 Introduction archaeological heritage which are protected as monuments. Heritage, by definition, means inherited properties, inherited characteristics and anything 3.8.2.2 Record of Monuments and Places transmitted by past ages and ancestors. It North Tipperary’s archaeological heritage is covers everything, from objects and buildings to protected under the National Monuments Acts the environment. Cultural heritage includes (1930-2004), Natural Cultural Institutions Act physical buildings, structures and objects, 1997 and the Planning Acts. complete or in part, which have been left on the landscape by previous and indeed current The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) is generations. an inventory, put on a statutory basis by amendment to the National Monuments Act The heritage of North Tipperary is a unique 1994, of sites and areas of archaeological resource which is fundamental to the cultural significance, numbered and mapped. identity of the area and the quality of life of its citizens - it is central to how we see ourselves The term ‘monument’ includes all man-made and to our identity as individuals and structures of whatever form or date except communities. Historic buildings can define buildings habitually used for ecclesiastical localities and communities within North purposes. All monuments in existence before Tipperary and can become a focus of community 1700 A.D. are automatically considered to be identity and pride. An historic church or park, for historic monuments within the meaning of the example, can help define a neighbourhood and Acts. Monuments of architectural and historical create a sense of local cohesion. interest also come within the scope of the Acts. Monuments include: any artificial or partly 3.8.2 Archaeological Heritage artificial building, structure or erection or group of such buildings, structures or erections; any 3.8.2.1 Introduction cave, stone or other natural product, whether or not forming part of the ground, that has been Archaeology is the study of past societies artificially carved, sculptured or worked upon or through the material remains left by those which (where it does not form part of the place societies and the evidence of their environment. where it is) appears to have been purposely put Archaeological heritage consists of such material or arranged in position; any, or any part of any, remains (whether in the form of sites and prehistoric or ancient tomb, grave or burial monuments or artefacts in the sense of deposit, or, ritual, industrial or habitation site; moveable objects) and environmental evidence. and any place comprising the remains or traces As archaeological heritage can be used to gain of any such building, structure or erection, any knowledge and understanding of the past it is of such cave, stone or natural product or any such great cultural and scientific importance. tomb, grave, burial deposit or ritual, industrial or

habitation site, situated on land or in the Archaeological sites and monuments vary territorial waters of the State’, but excludes ‘any greatly in form and date; examples include building or part of any building, that is habitually earthworks of different types and periods, (e.g. used for ecclesiastical purposes’. early historic ringforts and prehistoric burial mounds), megalithic tombs from the Prehistoric A recorded monument is a monument included period, medieval buildings, urban archaeological in the list and marked on the map which deposits and underwater features such as comprises the Record of Monuments and Places wrecks. (RMP) set out county by county under Section

12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Archaeological sites may have no visible surface Act, 1994 by the Archaeological Survey of features; the surface features of an Ireland. The definition includes Zones of archaeological site may have decayed Archaeological Potential in towns and all other completely or been deliberately removed but monuments of archaeological interest which have so far been identified.

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Figure 3.26 shows spatial distribution of entries century AD. The mills may be vertical-wheeled to the RMP across the Plan area. or horizontal-wheeled.

There are circa. 2000 entries including Bawns, Castles can date from the late 12th to the 16th Enclosures, Habitation Sites, Fulacht Fias, century AD. Castles in the Plan area include Ringforts, Water Mills and Castles, to mention a Anglo-Norman masonry castles, hall-houses and few. tower houses.

A Bawn is a walled courtyard of a medieval A number of new sites have been discovered house, tower house or fortified house (12th- since the publication of the Archaeological 17th centuries AD). There are some instances Inventory of the County in 2002 as a result of where the bawn survives but the building it was work on the M7 and M8 motorways. This has constructed to defend does not. not yet been published.

Enclosures include areas defined by an enclosing It has become apparent as a result of these element and occurring in a variety of shapes excavations and of the Discovery Programme’s and sizes, possessing no diagnostic features North Munster project that the area between which would allow classification within another Nenagh and Birdhill contains a number of monument category. These may date to any important late prehistoric sites (Neolithic to late period from prehistory onwards. Bronze Age) and that intervisibility between these sites, including the hillforts at Laghtea, A Habitation Site is a concentration of Knockadigeen and Knigh may have been archaeological features which are indicative of significant in the past. habitation, the remains being insufficient to allow a more specific classification. These may 3.8.3 Architectural heritage be of any date up to the medieval period (5th- 16th centuries AD). 3.8.3.1 Introduction

A Fulacht Fia is a horseshoe-shaped or kidney- The term architectural heritage is defined in the shaped mound consisting of fire-cracked stone Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and and charcoal-enriched soil built up around a Historic Monuments Act 1999 as meaning all: sunken trough located near or adjacent to a structures and buildings together with their water supply, such as a stream or spring, or in settings and attendant grounds, fixtures and wet marshy areas. The first recorded use of the fittings; groups of structures and buildings; and, Irish term 'fulacht fiadh/fia' (cooking pit of the sites which are of technical, historical, deer or of the wild) as relating to ancient archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social, cooking sites was in the 17th century. These are or technical interest. generally interpreted to have been associated with cooking and date primarily to the Bronze 3.8.3.2 Record of Protected Structures Age (c. 2400-500 BC). The Record of Protected Structures (RPS) included in the current Development Plan is Ringforts (cashel) are roughly circular or oval legislated for under Section 51 of the Planning areas surrounded by a stone wall or walls. They and Development Act 2000. functioned as residences and/or farmsteads and broadly date from 500 to 1000 AD. Raths are Protected Structures are defined as structures, the earthern equivalent. A roughly circular or or parts of structures that are of special interest oval area surrounded by an earthen bank with from an architectural, historical, archaeological, an external fosse. Some examples have two artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical (bivallate) or three (trivallate) banks and fosses, point of view. but these are less common and have been equated with higher status sites belonging to upper grades of society. They functioned as residences and/or farmsteads and broadly date from 500 to 1000 AD.

Water mills are, observably, mills powered by water. These date from the 7th to the 20th

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In relation to a protected structure or proposed This includes all of Main Street, northern part of protected structure, the following are Palace Street, part of Chapel Street and Lower encompassed: Street.

(i) the interior of the structure; • Cloughjordan Conservation Area: (ii) the land lying within the curtilage20 This includes most of Main Street, part of South of the structure; Main Street, part of Station Road. (iii) any other structures lying within that curtilage and their interiors; The Planning and Development Act, 2000 and, provides the legislative basis for the protection (iv) all fixtures and features which form of such areas, known as Architectural part of the interior or exterior of any Conservation Areas (ACAs). An ACA is a place, structure or structures referred to in area or group of structures or townscape which subparagraph (i) or (iii). is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social Entries to the RPS within the County are or technical interest or value, or contributes to mapped on Figure 3.27. the appreciation of protected structures, whose character it is an objective to preserve in a The NIAH is a state initiative under the development plan. The ACA designation requires administration of the DEHLG which was that planning permission must be obtained established on a statutory basis under the before significant works can be carried out to provisions of the Architectural Heritage (National the exterior of a structure in the ACA which Inventory) and Historic Monuments might alter the character of the structure or the (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999. Its purpose ACA. is to identify, record, and evaluate the post- 1700 architectural heritage of Ireland, uniformly ACAs enable the protection of the existing and consistently as an aid in the protection and character of areas within the settlements listed conservation of the built heritage. It is intended above throughout the County. This character is that the NIAH provides the basis for the a combination of the various layers of inclusion of particular structures in the RPS. development from earliest times to the present. Though often not individually very important, Structures listed on the NIAH are mapped on vernacular buildings contribute to the Figure 3.28. acknowledged distinctive character of many of the County’s built up areas. Collectively, if 3.8.3.3 Architectural Conservation Areas properly used and maintained, they can make a significant impact on the retention and Conservation areas are designated under this enhancement of that character which is Plan for the following: important in maintaining local distinctiveness for

both inhabitants and visitors. • Borrisokane Conservation Area

This includes all of Main Street, part of South A number of Conservation Areas are identified in Main Street, part of Mil Street and part tower the current County Development Plan 2004- Hill and Shannon Street. 2010. These areas will be assessed to determine

if they meet the requirements and criteria for re- • Borrisoleigh Conservation Area: designation as Architectural Conservation Areas as set out in the Planning and Development Act, 20 Curtilage is normally taken to be the parcel of 2000 and the Department of the Environment, ground immediately associated with the Protected Heritage and Local Government, “Architectural Structure, or in use for the purposes of the structure. Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Protection extends to the buildings and land lying Authorities”. within the curtilage. While the curtilage sometimes coincides with the present property boundary, it can Architectural Conservation Areas are mapped on originally have included lands, features or even buildings now in separate ownership, e.g. the lodge Figure 3.27. of a former country house, or the garden features located in land subsequently sold off. Such lands are described as being attendant grounds, and the protection extends to them just as if they were still within the curtilage of the Protected Structure.

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3.8.4 Existing Environmental Problems

The cumulative accommodation of large scale development in North Tipperary has the potential to cumulatively impact upon the cultural heritage of the Plan area.

Archaeology can be previously unknown but can be damaged through development causing ground disturbance.

Development which involves material alteration or additions to protected structures can detract from the special character of the structure and its setting, and have the potential to result in the loss of features of architectural or historic interest and the historic form and structural integrity of the structure are retained. Development on sites adjoining protected monuments, places or structures can also impact upon the setting of these cultural heritage items.

Encouraging and facilitating the accommodation of growth on brownfield sites will contribute to mitigating a number of the adverse impacts associated with greenfield development, however, brownfield development has the potential to significantly adversely impact upon cultural heritage - both archaeological and architectural - if unmitigated against.

3.8.5 Evolution of Cultural Heritage in the absence of a Development Plan

In the absence of Development Plan, the evolution of cultural heritage would be dependent on developments which take place. Such development would have no guidance as to where to be directed and planning applications would be assessed on an individual basis with cultural heritage protected under a number of strategic actions relating to archaeological and architectural protection.

Beneficial impacts upon the protection of cultural heritage which would be likely to arise as a result of the Plan provisions would not necessarily occur.

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Figure 3.26 Entries to the Record of Monuments and Places CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 66 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.27 Entries to the Record of Protected Structures and Architectural Conservation Areas CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 67 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Figure 3.28 National Inventory of Architectural Heritage CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 68 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

both a sensitive and vulnerable landscape, and has limited environmental capacity to 3.9 Landscape accommodate further development. I

3.9.1 Introduction The other sensitive Landscape Area within the centre of the County is made up of a number of Landscapes are areas which are made up of a landscape types (see below) including Farmed number of layers: landform, which results from Foothills of the Silvermine Mountains and Upland geological and geomorphological history; land Bog with Afforestation. cover, which includes vegetation, water, human settlements, and; human values which are a 3.9.3 Landscape result of historical, cultural, religious and other Characterisation21 understandings and interactions with landform and land cover. The importance of landscape and visual amenity and the role of its protection are recognised in North Tipperary comprises a mainly rural the Planning and Development Act 2000, which landscape. The upland areas concentrated in the requires that Development Plans include western and southern parts of the County objectives for the preservation of the landscape, provide a contrast with the remainder of the views and the amenities of places and features County which is mainly lowlands. The uplands in of natural beauty. this part of the County comprise the Silvermines, Arra Mountains, Devilsbit and Slieve Felim. In accordance with the DEHLG’s Landscape and Landscape Assessment Guidelines (2000), North Rivers of note in the county include the River Tipperary County Council have prepared a Shannon, Suir, Drish, Clodiagh, Ballyfinboy, Landscape Character Assessment for the County Nenagh, Cromogue, Newtown Rivers and the which classifies the different landscapes of the Mulkear. The River Shannon and Lough Derg County in relation to their different dominate the landscape in the west. North characteristics and values and their degree of Tipperary has the longest shoreline of Lough sensitivity to various kinds of development. Derg and provides views of the area from the Arra Mountains, east of the lake. Ballina is the This Landscape Classification identifies eighteen biggest settlement on the North Tipperary side distinct landscape types which have similar of the lake with a harbour, marina, a lakeshore character-contributing elements such as slope, hotel and expanding residential population. vegetation and land use. These are described Portroe is elevated above the lake and is highly below. visible on the surrounding landscape. Garrykennedy with its stone harbour and marina 3.9.3.1 Flood Meadows is a very scenic lakeside village. Dromineer has an excellent marina and slipway, and is a centre This landscape type has a topography which for boating and water sports activities. ranges from flat to gently rolling and is largely Terryglass is set back from the lakeshore but is given over to pastoral use. River edges feature in close proximity to the marina and harbour. marginal growth of reeds and further inland a combined woodland with scrub understorey in a 3.9.2 Key Landscape linear belt of vegetation follows the line of the river. The dominant species are birch and gorse Sensitivities and this wooded edge acts as a visual screen, generally permitting only short-range views of Figure 3.29 identifies the key landscape the river. Localised wet marshy areas are found sensitivities at County level in North Tipperary. in this character type and small areas of commercial coniferous forestry are dispersed These sensitivities include the Lough Derg High throughout. Amenity Area, another sensitive Landscape Area within the centre of the County and Protected Views.

The Lough Derg High Amenity Area is located in 21 Text in this section is taken from ERM (2005) the west of the County in close proximity to the “Landscape Character Assessment of County North lake and within clear visibility of the lake. This is Tipperary, Draft Technical Report”

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3.9.3.2 Raised Bogland enclosures defined by hedgerows in poor overall condition, with interruptions and gaps. This landscape type could be more accurately described as a specific habitat rather than a 3.9.3.6 Farmed Foothills landscape type per se. The undisturbed raised bog is peat based and supports a dense growth An incised landscape comprising rolling of birch scrub with gorse and heather as an prominent hills with localised valleys between. understorey. Manual turf cutting can have taken Tracts of commercial forestry are a frequent place in some areas and will have left a feature in this hilly terrain, the larger plantations somewhat untidy exposed peat surface, with generally being located on hilltops. In general, scarce vegetation. Commercially harvested the dominant landuse on the hills is pasture. peatland areas are completely devoid of The pastoral landscape is in good condition vegetation and present as an evenly exposed comprising fields at a medium to large scale surface of peat. Such a man made landscape bounded by deciduous hedgerows containing has a sterile and indeed industrial character. some mature trees. Rivers and watercourses are Large tracts of this acid soil type are given over a feature of this landscape albeit not usually to use for commercial coniferous forestry. The visually prominent. These are typically fringed scale of the planting is significant in the raised by deciduous vegetation. Pockets of woodland bog areas south of Roscrea. with scrub understorey can be found. These are generally at lower elevations and associated 3.9.3.3 Urban Fringe with the Rivers Bilboa and Owenboy. Dwellings are relatively sparse and comprise a mixture of The majority of the centres of population are traditional farmhouses and more modern located in a landscape context that is low lying dwelling houses. and within character types 3, 8, 9 and 10. In terms of urban fringe, the defining 3.9.3.7 Moorland Hills characteristics include the radiating road routes on which development has taken place in a This is a relatively open landscape featuring ‘ribbon’-type physical form. Individual house rolling moorland at the higher elevations. The developments are often somewhat suburban in dominant landcover is blanket bog. Localised landscaping design terms and their more formal wet depressions are found between gentle hills and sculptured character does not always sit and these tend to feature marshy scrub. The sympathetically in the overall landscape context. Rivers Clare and Mulkear are located at lower elevations and are largely screened from view 3.9.3.4 Upland Bogland with by the topography. Views can be gained of Afforrestation Mother mountain from many locations in this character type. In general, settlement is sparse The steep sided summits of these mountain and comprises single traditional dwellings, some areas are topped with blanket bog whilst on the accompanied by older rounded top barns (as lower slopes, are found the largest tracts of part of that farmstead). Some of these individual commercial coniferous afforestation found in the settlements lie derelict. Plantations of coniferous County. Field systems and the enclosures commercial forestry are also a feature of this associated with them (hedgerows etc) are landscape. generally absent in this landscape. Dwellings are very few and some comprise smaller, marginal 3.9.3.8 Mixed Arable and Pasture farmsteads which are now lying derelict. Lowlands 3.9.3.5 Upland Fringe This is generally a flat open landscape comprising both pastoral and tillage uses. Long This landscape is located typically downhill from range views can be gained towards the Arra the summit landscape associated with character mountains. Within the flat agricultural type 4. It is irregular and sharply undulating. In landscape, there are isolated pockets of marshy terms of landcover, this landscape comprises poorly drained areas and occasional small lakes largely gorse and bracken with isolated pockets are dispersed throughout. The Rivers Nenagh of coarse grazing. The gorse/bracken vegetative and Ballyfinboy are located within this character cover dominates. Occasionally smaller derelict type but are not visually conspicuous except at farms are found which can present a haphazard short range. Field patterns tend to be of a large and poorly maintained field pattern, with weak scale and are generally bounded by deciduous hedgerows containing mature trees. Road routes

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tend to be lined with earthen banks and cross 3.9.3.12 Lough Fringe Farmland roads tend to be defined by small settlements. Flat relatively open landscape with views out Farm buildings are visible throughout the towards Lough Derg. Principal landuse is given landscape and tend to be of variable age. The over to pastoral farmland which is in good older style cottages tend to be of stone condition and features smaller field sizes construction with boundary treatment arranged in geometric pattern. comprising dry stone walling. Occasional ecclesiastical ruins are found in this character 3.9.3.13 Farmed Ridges type. These ridgelines usually comprise a linear 3.9.3.9 Wetlands Farmlands sequence or chain of hills following a glacial direction across the landscape. These hills tend This comprises a flat open low lying pastoral to be visually prominent as they typically stand landscape with relatively long ranging views in the context of a surrounding lowland towards the farmed ridgelines described in Character type, usually types 8, 9 and 10. The character type 13. The pastoral landscape is dominant landcover is good quality pasture with characterised by fields of a larger scale bounded some smaller plantations of commercial forestry. by cut managed hedgerows. Evidence of Enclosure is defined by deciduous hedgerows. hedgerow removal is frequently apparent and the typical replacement boundary comprises a 3.9.3.14 Drumlin Farmland with Loughs stock proof fence. Small clumps of deciduous woodland are scattered throughout and the This landscape comprises a series of prominent species composition generally includes oak and drumlin hills on which arable and pastoral beech. Small parcels of coniferous forestry are farming is the principal landuse. Small parcels of located in this character type. coniferous forestry are located on the drained drumlin slopes. At lower elevations, poorly 3.9.3.10 Lowland Pastures drained areas are characterised by the presence of marsh and woodland scrub featuring birch A flat open pastoral landscape comprising larger and gorse species. Small lakes are a frequent scale fields bounded by hedgerows. This is a and consistent feature of this landscape but are relatively sparsely populated area in terms of largely concealed from view. Fields and evidence of settlements (dwellings) on the settlements are typically enclosed by either ground. Farm sizes are likely to be larger than earthen banks or thorn hedgerows with mature average. trees. Principal species include ash and beech. Field boundaries comprise managed hedgerows Other built characteristics of this landscape featuring hawthorn and ash as principal species. character type include the presence of ruined Dwellings are of the older more traditional style stone castles and churches. Thatched holiday and occasional castle ruins are located in this villages (Puckaun and Coolbaun) offer a scenic landscape. Parts of this landscape type offer attractive setting for visitors and are generally distant views to the Devils Bit Mountain well maintained. 3.9.3.11 Glacial Valley 3.9.3.15 Farmed Rolling Hills This Glacial valley is located in between the Complex landscape incorporating several Silvermine and Arra Mountains. This valley is elements within a rolling landform. Landcover overall a large scale glacial feature in the reflects this complexity with a variety of context of the entire County and is visually improved pasture, pockets of wetlands and dramatic, emphasised by the context of the raised bog, small coniferous plantations and mountain ranges by which it is framed. It is occasional deciduous copses. Varied enclosures smooth sided and has a broad valley floor. The include hedgerows with significant amounts of river Kilmastulla follows a course through the trees and some post and wire fencing. valley floor but is visually scarcely perceptible. Settlement is quite frequent though commonly Minor roads and a railway line criss cross this dispersed. Considerable evidence of new valley, which in general is farmed with well building in the vicinity of around Newport. defined field systems featuring hedgerows with mature trees. 3.9.3.16 Enclosed Valley This represents a flat pastoral landscape enclosed on either side by farmed foothills

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(character area 6). The landscape itself is gently Individual developments such as one-off houses incised with small watercourses which are have cumulatively changed the appearance of tributaries of the River Nenagh. Clumps of the landscape within the Plan area. deciduous woodland are found in this landscape at lower elevations with ash and oak as the 3.9.5 Evolution of Landscape in principal species. On higher ground, coniferous commercial plantations are common. the absence of a Development Plan 3.9.3.17 Gorge In the absence of a Development Plan all new This represents a relatively steep sided river developments would not be directed to the most valley which narrows to form a gorge like setting appropriate locations. at the combined towns of Ballina and Killaloe. This waterside setting features many It is likely that in the absence of a Development settlements and dwellings contained in a Plan there would be no framework directing landscape of gently rolling farmland which has a housing developments to appropriate locations smooth landform owing to the influences of or requiring certain mitigation measures for glaciation. This, indeed partly created the course developments located in sensitive landscapes. It of the River Shannon at this location. Much of is likely that one off housing applications would the adjacent land is used for pasture in which increase as would the potential that sensitive field boundaries are defined by mature and landscapes and sensitive landscape components somewhat overgrown thorn hedgerows. - such as views and prospects of special amenity Dwellings are plentiful in this area and are value or interest - would be impacted upon. As somewhat haphazardly dispersed and visible in outlined above, this would have cumulative this landscape. impacts on the landscape.

3.9.3.18 River Valley River valley landscape commonly associated with a middle-age to mature river system. Streams drain from higher slopes and hills. Generally the area is low lying. Landcover is principally pasture with riparian vegetation, composed of trees or shrubs found within the river corridor. Due to the meandering and frequently low lying nature of this LCT, seasonally flooding may occur though not to the extent found in LCT 1, Shannon Callows. Within North Tipperary, the is the principal LCT and is a good example of the progress of a river system, from its source in the Silvermines, flowing through a steep gorge created from glacial and fluvial erosion to its meandering progress along the gently undulating farmland around Newport. Its strategic importance is highlighted by location of Newport on the River itself.

3.9.4 Existing Environmental Problems

The development of pits for sand and gravel extraction has impacted upon the landscape of the Plan area and its various geomorphological, scientific, historical, recreational and amenity values.

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Figure 3.29 Landscape Area, Amenity Area and Protected Views

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• Moderate sensitivity factors are given half the weighting of the high 3.10 Overlay Mapping of sensitivity factors and include surface Environmental and groundwater bodies that are probably at significant risk as well as Sensitivities ‘Class 2: Moderate Sensitivity’ landscape areas. 3.10.1 Introduction The scale of sensitivity for each area of North In order to identify where most sensitivities Tipperary corresponds to the sensitivity within the Plan area occur, a number of the factors: 5 points corresponds to one moderate environmental sensitivities described above sensitivity factor; 10 points corresponds to two were weighted and mapped overlapping each moderate sensitivity factors or one high other. sensitivity factor; 20 points corresponds to four moderate sensitivity factors or two Environmental sensitivities are indicated by moderate sensitivity factors and one high colours which range from acute vulnerability sensitivity factor or two high sensitivity factors (black) to extreme vulnerability (red) to high (and so on). vulnerability (orange) to elevated vulnerability (light orange) to moderate vulnerability The scores for each area are added together (yellow) and low vulnerability (green). Where in order to determine overall vulnerability as is the mapping shows a concentration of shown on Table 3.4. environmental sensitivities there is an increased likelihood that development will Score Vulnerability Class conflict with these sensitivities and cause 5-15 Low environmental deterioration. This is 20-25 Moderate particularly the case where the cumulative development of small-scale projects, such as 30-35 Elevated rural housing, gradually causes a slow 40-45 High deterioration of a resource, such as water 50-55 Extreme quality. >60 Acute Table 3.4 Overall Vulnerability Classes Figure 3.30 shows the Overlay of environmental sensitivities for North Tipperary. 3.10.3 Use of the Overlay 3.10.2 Methodology Mapping

A weighting system applied through Although there are limitations and elements of Geographical Information System (GIS) subjectivity to the overlaying of sensitivities software was used in order to calculate the the overlay mapping was used in order to vulnerability of all areas in the Plan area. Equal speedily identify the areas where conflicts value is given to all environmental components between development within the Plan area (landscape, water, biodiversity etc.) although and environmental sensitivities would be likely a distinction made between the various to occur if unmitigated. sensitivity factors of each aspect: 3.10.4 Quantification of • High sensitivity factors are given a Sensitivities weighting of 10 points and include: ecological designations; surface and Table 3.5 quantifies the spatial area of North groundwater bodies at significant risk; Tipperary which falls under each of the entries to the Record of Monuments vulnerability area classifications when all and Places; entries to the Record of selected factors are given equal weighting. Protected Structures and National Inventory of Architectural Heritage; and ‘Class 3: High Sensitivity’ landscape areas.

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3.10.5 Limitations

It is noted that there are elements of subjectivity to the weighting systems used in this section. However, it is also noted that efforts were made to be as objective as possible – for each factor was given an equal weighting depending on whether it is a highly or a moderately sensitive factor.

3.10.6 Conclusions

Most of the Plan area is identified as being of Low Vulnerability. Areas of Moderate Vulnerability are evenly dispersed throughout.

The western boundary of the Plan area, along Lough Derg, and the uplands in the south appear to be the most vulnerable areas. This is due to the cumulative sensitivities intrinsic to these area’s environments. This is due to the areas ecological and landscape designations, and sensitive surface waters.

Other factors which heighten certain areas vulnerability include extreme aquifer vulnerability, areas listed on the Register of Protected Areas, flood extents and groundwater at significant risk of not achieving its Water Framework Directive objectives by 2015.

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Vulnerability Area Area (km²) % of County Vulnerability Class Total Low 924.76 45.20 Moderate 577.50 28.24 Elevated 281.70 13.77 High 145.14 7.09 Extreme 80.61 3.94 Acute 35.90 1.76 Total 2045.61 100% Table 3.5 Total Vulnerability Values

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Figure 3.30 Overlay of Environmental Sensitivities

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Section 4 Strategic Environmental Objectives

does fulfil obligations set out in Schedule 2B of 4.1 Introduction the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs) are (SI No. 436 of 2004). methodological measures against which the environmental effects of the Plan can be tested. If complied with in full, SEOs would result in an 4.2 Biodiversity, Flora and environmentally neutral impact from Fauna implementation of the plan. The SEOs are set out under a range of topics and are used as standards against which the provisions of the 4.2.1 International, European Plan can be evaluated in order to help identify and National Strategic areas in which significant adverse impacts are Actions likely to occur, if unmitigated. 4.2.1.1 UN Convention on Biological SEOs are distinct from the objectives of the Plan Diversity 1992 - although they will often overlap - and are developed from international, national and The United Nations Convention on Biological regional policies which generally govern Diversity 1992 requires the promotion of the environmental protection objectives. Such conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. policies include those of various European Directives which have been transposed into Irish 4.2.1.2 National Biodiversity Plan 2002 law, all of which are intended to be The preparation and implementation of Ireland’s implemented at County level in North Tipperary. National Biodiversity Plan 200223 complies with an obligation under the UN Convention on The SEA Directive requires that the evaluation of Biological Diversity. The overall goal of the Plan plans be focused upon the relevant aspects of is to secure the conservation, including where the environmental characteristics of areas likely possible the enhancement and sustainable use to be significantly affected. In compliance with of biological diversity in Ireland and to this requirement, the SEA has focused upon the contribute to conservation and sustainable use most relevant aspects of the environmental of biodiversity globally. Objectives following on characteristics within and surrounding the from this goal are to: County. SEOs relating to these environmental characteristics have been identified and • Conserve habitat diversity, including all developed for the SEA. Most attention has been sites of special biodiversity importance; given to environmental components which are likely to be impacted as a result of • Conserve species diversity; implementation of a Plan for the County. • Conserve genetic diversity, both wild A number of SEOs are linked to indicators which and domesticated; and can facilitate monitoring the implementation of the Plan when adopted, as well as to targets • Contribute to the conservation and which the Plan can help work towards. sustainable use of biodiversity and to advancing other obligations of the CBD The primary source used in formulating the in the EU, regionally and internationally. SEOs was Table 4B of the SEA Guidelines 22 (DEHLG, 2004) . This list has been amended to 4.2.1.3 Birds Directive 1979 give affect to objectives that are considered relevant to this Development Plan. The use of The 1979 European Council Directive on the SEOs, although not a statutory requirement, Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC),

22 DEHLG (2004) Implementation of SEA Directive 23 Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the (2001/42/EC): Guidelines for Regional Authorities and Islands (2002) National Biodiversity Plan Dublin: Planning Authorities Dublin: Government of Ireland. Government of Ireland

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referred to as the Birds Directive, - as well as its The Habitats Directive seeks to establish Natura amending acts - seeks to: protect, manage and 2000, a network of protected areas throughout regulate all bird species naturally living in the the EU. SACs together with SPAs - which are wild within the European territory of the designated under the 1979 Birds Directive - Member States, including the eggs of these form Natura 2000. birds, their nests and their habitats; and regulate the exploitation of these species. 4.2.1.5 Widlife Act 1976 and Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are provided The basic designation for wildlife is the Natural protection under the Directive and have been Heritage Area (NHA). They cover nationally designated by the DEHLG due to their important semi-natural and natural habitats, conservation value for birds of importance in the landforms or geomorphological features, wildlife European Union. plant and animal species or a diversity of these natural attributes. Under the Wildlife 4.2.1.4 Habitats Directive 1992 Amendment Act (2000), NHAs are legally The European Council Directive on the protected from damage from the date they are Conservation of natural habitats and of wild formally proposed for designation. fauna and flora (92/43/EEC), referred to as the Habitats Directive, aims to ensure the Proposed NHAs (pNHAs) were published on a conservation of certain natural habitats and non-statutory basis in 1995, but have not since species which are at favourable conservation been statutorily proposed or designated - status. Article 10 of the Habitats Directive designation will proceed on a phased basis over recognises the importance of ecological the coming years. networks as corridors and stepping stones for wildlife, including for migration, dispersal and Prior to statutory designation, pNHAs are genetic exchange of species of flora and fauna. subject to limited protection, in the form of: The Directive requires that ecological connectivity and areas of ecological value • Rural Environment Protection Scheme outside the network of designated ecological (REPS) plans which require conservation sites are maintained and it recognises the need of pNHAs and operate for a period of 5 for the management of these areas through land years; use planning and development policies. • Forest Service requirement for NPWS Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are approval before they will pay designated and protected under the Habitats afforestation grants on pNHA lands; Directive 1992 (92/43/EEC) due to their and/or, conservation value for habitats and species of importance in the European Union. In Ireland, • Recognition of the ecological value of the habitats and species occurring in both SACs pNHAs by Planning and Licensing and SPAs are protected from effects of Authorities. development occurring outside their boundaries under Section 18 “Prohibition of works on lands Statutory Nature Reserves are state-owned land, outside a European site” of the European inland waters or foreshore areas forming the Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations habitat of a species or community of flora and 1997. The Regulations require that where a fauna of scientific interest or forming part of an development is proposed to be carried out, on ecosystem of scientific interest, which would any land that is not within a protected site and benefit from protection measures, established is liable to have an adverse impacts on the under the Wildlife Act, 1976 and the Wildlife protected site in question, including direct, (Amendment) Act, 2000. Statutory Nature cumulative and indirect impacts, an appropriate Reserves are protected under Ministerial order. assessment, which conforms to an environmental impact assessment, of the likely 4.2.1.6 European Freshwater Directive effects of the proposed development on the site 1978 is undertaken. Depending on the conclusions of Salmonid Waters are designated and protected this assessment such development may be under the European Communities (Quality of refused planning permission. Salmonid Waters) Regulations 1998 (SI No. 293

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of 1988) which implements the European indirect impacts, to relevant Council Directive on the quality of fresh waters habitats, geological features, needing protection or improvement in order to species or their sustaining support fish life (78/659/EEC), referred to as the resources in designated European Freshwater Directive as amended and ecological sites by development codified. within or adjacent to these sites as a result of implementation of 4.2.2 SEOs, Indicators and the CDP Targets SEO B3: To sustain, enhance or - where The following SEOs, Indicators and Targets have relevant - prevent the loss of been identified and developed with regard to the ecological networks or parts objectives of the above strategic actions and the thereof which provide significant environmental baseline described in Section 3. connectivity between areas of local biodiversity

SEO B1: To avoid loss of relevant Indicator B3: Percentage loss of connectivity habitats, geological features, without remediation as a result species or their sustaining of implementation of the CDP – resources in designated as evidenced from a resurvey of ecological sites CORINE mapping

Indicator B1: Percentage of relevant habitats Target B3: No ecological networks or parts and designated ecological sites thereof to be lost without lost as a result of remediation as a result of implementation of the CDP implementation of the CDP

Target B1: No losses of relevant habitats, species or their sustaining Note: the impact of implementing the resources in designated Development Plan on aquatic biodiversity and ecological sites as a result of flora and fauna is also influenced by both implementation of the CDP impacts upon the quality of water bodies - which relates to SEOs W1 and W2 - and the provision of appropriate levels of waste water treatment

infrastructure - this relates to SEO M1. SEO B2: To avoid significant adverse impacts, including direct, cumulative and indirect impacts, 4.3 Population and Human to relevant habitats, geological features, species or their Health sustaining resources in designated ecological sites by 4.3.1 Population development within or adjacent to these sites In order to promote sustainable development and allow for public transport systems to Indicator B2: Number of significant adverse function more effectively - as promoted by the impacts, including direct, National Spatial Strategy and other high level cumulative and indirect impacts, land use strategic actions - it is essential to to relevant habitats, geological consolidate the physical growth of settlements features, species or their within the County. Within the Plan area this can sustaining resources in be achieved through the development of vacant, designated ecological sites by derelict and underutilised lands, in particular development within or adjacent where they are in close proximity to public to these sites as a result of transport routes. implementation of the CDP The DEHLG’s Residential Density Guidelines Target B2: No significant adverse impacts, 1999 and the DEHLG’s Sustainable Residential including direct, cumulative and Development in Urban Areas Guidelines 2008

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recommend planning authorities to promote SEA Regulations this section includes objectives, higher residential densities, particularly in indicators and targets for health. redeveloping ‘brownfield’ sites and in proximity to town centres and public transport corridors. 4.3.3 SEOs, Indicators and

The impacts of implementing the Development Targets Plan on both the spatial distribution of population and the nature of development (with The impacts of implementing the Development regard to greenfield and brownfield Plan on the spatial distribution of population development) within the County’s settlements relates to SEO S1 which aims to maximise and across the wider North Tipperary area sustainable brownfield development and relates to SEO S1 which aims to maximise minimise the loss of highly productive sustainable brownfield development and agricultural soils. minimise the loss of highly productive agricultural soils. SEO HH1: To protect human health from hazards or nuisances arising 4.3.2 Human Health from exposure to incompatible landuses

4.3.2.1 Introduction Indicator HH1: Occurrence (any) of a spatially The impact of implementing the County concentrated deterioration in Development Plan on human health is human health determined by the impacts which the Plan has upon environmental vectors. Impacts which the Target HH1: No spatial concentrations of Plan has upon these vectors are influenced by: health problems arising from environmental factors as a • The extent to which new development is result of implementing the CDP accompanied by appropriate infrastructure - this relates to SEOs M1 and M2; 4.4 Soil

• Impacts upon the quality of water 4.4.1 Proposal for a Soil bodies - this relates to SEOs W1 and Framework Directive W2;

To date, there is no legislation which is specific • The extent of development provided by to the protection of soil resources and soil the Plan which would increase flood risk protection is addressed indirectly and/or within - this relates to SEO W3; and, sectoral policies: water, waste, chemicals,

industrial pollution prevention, nature • The interaction between human beings protection, pesticides and agriculture. and the noise generated by the

landuses provided for by the Plan. However, there is currently an EU Thematic Strategy on the protection of soil which includes 4.3.2.2 Emission Limits a proposal for a Soil Framework Directive which Emission limits for discharges to air, soil and proposes common principles for protecting soils water are set with regards to internationally across the EU. recognised exposure limit values. These are generally set to be many times the safe Article 5 of the proposed Directive states that, exposure limit - in order to provide protection. for the purposes of preserving the various In the event that a land-use plan began to have functions of soil; sealing, the development of adverse health effects on surrounding artificial surfaces on top of soil resources, should populations it is likely that it would have been be limited. The proposed Directive suggests that identified as being in breach of such emission this may be achieved through rehabilitating standards at a very early stage - and long brownfield sites, thus reducing the depletion of before the manifestation of any adverse health greenfield sites. The proposed Directive also effects in the population. Nonetheless for the states soil should be used in a sustainable sake of consistency with the requirements of the manner which preserves its capacity to deliver

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ecological, economic and social services, while coastal - and protect, enhance and restore all maintaining its functions so that future waters with the aim of achieving good status by generations can meet their needs. 2015.

4.4.2 SEOs, Indicators and 4.5.1.2 Good Status for Surface Waters Targets Good status as defined by the WFD equates to approximately Q4 in the national scheme of The following SEO, Indicator and Target have biological classification of rivers and mesotrophic been identified and developed with regard to the in the trophic classification of lakes, as set out proposed Soil Directive, land use strategic by the EPA. actions detailed under Section 4.3.1 and the environmental baseline described in Section 3. 4.5.1.3 Quality Standards and Threshold Values for Ground Water SEO S1: Maximise the sustainable re-use Detailed provisions to achieve the aims of the of brownfield lands, and WFD for ground water have been presented in a maximise the use of the existing Groundwater Daughter Directive (Directive built environment rather than 2006/118/EC on the protection of groundwater 24 developing greenfield lands against pollution and deterioration).

Indicator S1: Area of brownfield land This Directive sets up environmental objectives developed over the plan period of good groundwater quantitative and chemical status, as well as ensuring a continuity to the Target S1: Reduced availability of 1980 Groundwater Directive (Directive brownfield land (subject to 80/68/EEC on the protection of groundwater availability on the open market, against pollution caused by dangerous the demand for such land and substances) which is due to be repealed under the ability for such lands to be the WFD by the end of 2013. sustainably re-used within the provisions of the CDP) at the Article 3 of the 2006 Directive required that the end of the CDP lifespan assessment of the chemical status of groundwater use both quality standards identified in Annex I of the Directive and Note: the impact of implementing the threshold values to be set by individual member Development Plan on soil quality is also states. influenced by impacts upon the quality of water bodies which relates to SEOs W1 and W2. Groundwater quality standards are environmental quality standards expressed as the concentration of a particular pollutant, group 4.5 Water of pollutants or indicator of pollution in groundwater, which should not be exceeded in 4.5.1 The Water Framework order to protect human health and the Directive 2000 environment. Annex I of the Directive sets standards for two pollutants: Nitrates - 50mg/l - 25 4.5.1.1 Introduction and; Active substances in pesticides , including their relevant metabolites, degradation and Since 2000, Water Management in the EU has reaction products - 0,1 μg/l and 0,5 μg/l been directed by the Water Framework Directive (total26). 2000/60/EC (WFD). The WFD has been transposed into Irish legislation by the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 25 (SI No. 722 of 2003). The WFD requires that all ‘Pesticides’ means plant protection products and member states implement the necessary biocidal products as defined in Article 2 of Directive 91/414/EEC and in Article 2 of Directive 98/8/EC, measures to prevent deterioration of the status respectively. of all waters - surface, ground, estuarine and 26 ‘Total’ means the sum of all individual pesticides detected and quantified in the monitoring procedure, 24 SEO S1 potentially conflicts with SEOs CH1 and including their relevant metabolites, degradation and CH2 reaction products.

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Irish groundwater threshold values27 are authorities are required to undertake flood risk currently in the process of being set by the EPA. identification, assessment and management processes as appropriate when preparing or 4.5.2 Flooding varying development plans and local area plans and in consideration of applications for planning 4.5.2.1 Introduction permission.

Flooding is an environmental phenomenon Regard to these Guidelines has been had when which, as well have causing economic and social drawing up the mitigation measures included in impacts, could in certain circumstances pose a Section 9. risk to human health. 4.5.3 SEOs, Indicators and 4.5.2.2 EU Floods Directive Targets European Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks aims The following SEOs, Indicators and Targets have to reduce and manage the risks that floods pose been identified and developed with regard to the to human health, the environment, cultural objectives of the above strategic actions and the heritage and economic activity. The Directive environmental baseline described in Section 3. applies to inland waters as well as all coastal waters across the whole territory of the EU. SEO W1: To maintain and improve, where

possible, the quality of rivers The Directive requires Member States to carry and lakes out a preliminary assessment by 2011 in order to identify the river basins and associated Indicator W1i: Biotic Quality Rating (Q Value) coastal areas at risk of flooding. For such zones for Rivers flood risk maps are required to be drawn up by

2013. By 2015 flood risk management plans Target W1i: To achieve, in line with the focused on prevention, protection and requirement to achieve good preparedness must be established by 2015. water status under the Water

Framework Directive by 2015, a The Directive is to be carried out in coordination biotic quality rating of Q4 and, with the Water Framework Directive and flood where possible, to Q5 risk management plans and river basin management plans should be coordinated. Indicator W1ii: Trophic Status of Lakes

4.5.2.3 DEHLG Flood Risk Management Target W1ii: To achieve, in line with the Guidelines requirement to achieve good In November 2009 the DEHLG published The water status under the Water Planning System and Flood Risk Management Framework Directive by 2015, a Guidelines for Planning Authorities. These are trophic status of mesotrophic aimed at ensuring a more consistent, rigorous and, where possible, and systematic approach which will fully oligotrophic incorporate flood risk assessment and management into the planning system. Planning SEO W2: To prevent pollution and 27 Threshold values are to be established by Member contamination of ground water States for all pollutants and indicators of pollution which characterise groundwater bodies classified as Indicator W2: Groundwater Quality Standards being at risk of failing to achieve good groundwater and Threshold Values under chemical status under the WFD. Threshold values are Directive 2006/118/EC required to be established in a way that, should the monitoring results at a representative monitoring point exceed the thresholds, this will indicate a risk Target W2: Compliance with Groundwater that one or more of the conditions for good Quality Standards and groundwater chemical status - with regard to the Threshold Values under ability of groundwater to support human uses and Directive 2006/118/EC with regard to waters used for the abstraction of drinking water - are not being met.

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SEO W3: To prevent development on amounts, could affect the well being of the lands which pose - or are likely area’s inhabitants. The EU Directives include to pose in the future - a details regarding how ambient air quality should significant flood risk be monitored, assessed and managed.

Indicator W3: Number of developments The principles to this European approach are set granted permission on lands out under the Air Quality Framework Directive which pose - or are likely to 1996 while four daughter Directives lay down pose in the future - a significant limits or thresholds for specific pollutants. flood risk 4.6.3 Climatic Factors Target W3: Minimise developments granted permission on lands which pose In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions - or are likely to pose in the the internationally agreed Kyoto Protocol future - a significant flood risk established emissions reduction targets for developing countries. Ireland’s emission target for greenhouse gases is to limit the increase in their combined emissions during the five-year 4.6 Air and Climatic Factors period 2008-2012 to 13 per cent above 1990 levels. 4.6.1 Introduction 4.6.4 Noise The impact of implementing the Plan on air quality and climatic factors will be determined Noise is unwanted sound. Traffic noise alone is by the impacts which the Plan has upon the harming today the health of almost one third of traffic levels which relate to SEOs C1 and C2. Europeans28.

Travel is the source of most: The Noise Directive - Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of • Noise; environmental noise - is part of an EU strategy • Air emissions; and, setting out to reduce the number of people • Energy use (41.4% oil equivalent of affected by noise in the longer term and to final energy consumption in 2006 was provide a framework for developing existing taken up by transport - sourced from Community policy on noise reduction from Sustainable Energy Ireland’s online source. Energy Statistics Data Bank). The Directive requires competent authorities in Land-use planning contributes to what number Member States to: and what extent of journeys occur. By addressing journey time through land use • Draw up strategic noise maps for major planning, increases in greenhouse gases can be roads, railways, airports and minimised. Furthermore, by concentrating agglomerations, using harmonised noise populations, greenfield development - and its indicators29 and use these maps to associated impacts - can be minimised and the assess the number of people which may cost of service provision can be reduced. be impacted upon as a result of excessive noise levels; 4.6.2 Air Quality and Noise Levels • Draw up action plans to reduce noise where necessary and maintain In order to protect human health, vegetation and ecosystems, EU Directives set down air quality standards in Ireland and the other 28 World Health Organization Regional Office for Member States for a wide variety of pollutants. Europe (2003) Technical meeting on exposure- These pollutants are generated through fuel response relationships of noise on health 19-21 combustion, in space heating, traffic, electricity September 2002 Bonn, Germany Bonn: WHO 29 generation and industry and, in sufficient [Lden (day-evening-night equivalent level) and Lnight (night equivalent level)]

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environmental noise quality where it is SEO C1: To minimise increases in travel good; and, related greenhouse emissions to air • Inform and consult the public about noise exposure, its effects, and the Indicator C1i30: Percentage of population within measures considered to address noise. the County travelling to work or school by public transport or The Directive does not set any limit value, nor non-mechanical means does it prescribe the measures to be used in the action plans, which remain at the discretion of Target C1i: An increase in the percentage of the competent authorities. the population travelling to work or school by public transport or 4.6.5 SEOs, Indicators and non-mechanical means Targets Indicator C1ii31: Average distance travelled to work or school by the The following SEOs, Indicators and Targets have population of the County been identified and developed with regard to the objectives of the above strategic actions and the Target C1ii: A decrease in the average environmental baseline described in Section 3. distance travelled to work or

school by the population of the It is noted that - in addition to being addressed County as part of this assessment - traffic issues will also be addressed at the level of individual projects by the development management SEO C2: To reduce car dependency process and, for certain projects, by EIA. within the County by way of, inter alia, encouraging modal change from car to more sustainable forms of public transport and encouraging development which will not be dependent on private transport

The use of the SEO C2 provides a qualitative directional measure which is used to evaluate the effects of implementing the Development Plan.

4.7 Material Assets

4.7.1 Waste Water

The treatment of wastewater is governed by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) (amended by Directive 98/15/EEC) transposed into Irish law by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations 2001 (SI 254 of 2001). The Directive aims to protect the environment from the adverse effects of the wastewater discharges by ensuring that wastewater is appropriately treated before it is discharged to the environment. The Regulations stipulate that sewage treatment facilities are in place in all towns by 2005.

30 As measured by the Central Statistics Office 31 As measured by the Central Statistics Office

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Appropriate treatment is essential in order to SEO M2: To serve development within meet the requirements of the Water Framework the County with drinking water Directive (see Section 4.5.1). that is both wholesome and clean 4.7.2 Drinking Water Indicator M2: Number of non-compliances The environmental baseline with regard to with the 48 parameters drinking water demand and supply is identified identified in the European in Section 3 and measures have been integrated Communities (Drinking Water) into the Plan in order to help ensure a clean and Regulations (No. 2) 2007 which wholesome water supply. present a potential danger to human health The European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations (No. 2) 2007 require the compliance Target M2: No non-compliances with the 48 of water intended for human consumption with parameters identified in the 48 parameters. European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 4.7.3 SEO, Indicator and Target (No. 2) 2007 which present a potential danger to human health as a result of The following SEOs, Indicators and Targets have implementing the Plan been identified and developed with regard to the objectives of the above strategic actions and the environmental baseline described in Section 3. 4.8 Cultural Heritage

SEO M1: To serve new development with appropriate waste water 4.8.1 Archaeological Heritage treatment 4.8.1.1 Valletta Convention 1992 Indicator M1: Number of new developments The European Convention on Protection of the granted permission which can Archaeological Heritage known as the Valletta be adequately served with Convention of 1992. This was ratified by Ireland waste water treatment over the in 1997 and requires that appropriate lifetime of the CDP consideration be given to archaeological issues at all stages of the planning and development Target M1: All new developments granted process. permission to be connected to and adequately served by waste 4.8.1.2 National Heritage Plan for Ireland water treatment over the 2002 lifetime of the CDP The core objective of the National Heritage Plan

for Ireland 200232 is to protect Ireland’s

heritage. In this regard the polluter pays

principle and the precautionary principle are operable.

4.8.1.3 National Monuments Acts Archaeology in Ireland is protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004.

Recorded monuments are protected by inclusion on the list and marked on the map which comprises the Record of Monuments and Places set out County by County under Section 12 of

32 Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (2002) National Heritage Plan for Ireland Dublin: Government of Ireland

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the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 4.8.3 SEOs, Indicators and 1994 by the Archaeological Survey of Ireland. The definition includes Zones of Archaeological Targets Potential in towns and all other monuments of archaeological interest which have so far been The following SEOs, Indicators and Targets have identified. been identified and developed with regard to the objectives of the above strategic actions and the Any works at or in relation to a recorded environmental baseline described in Section 3. monument requires two months notice to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and SEO CH1: To protect the archaeological Local Government under section 12 of the heritage of North Tipperary with National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. regard to entries to the Record of Monuments and Places - Direct impacts on national monuments in State including Zones of or Local Authority care or subject to a Archaeological Potential - and preservation order require the consent of the the context of the above within Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local the surrounding landscape Government under Section 14 of the National where relevant Monuments Act 1930 as amended by Section 5 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act Indicator CH1: Number of unauthorised 2004. developments occurring which result in full or partial loss to 4.8.2 Architectural Heritage entries to the Record of Monuments and Places - including Zones of 4.8.2.1 Planning and Development Act Archaeological Potential - and 2000 the context of the above within The Record of Protected Structures (RPS) the surrounding landscape included in the current Development Plan is where relevant legislated for under Section 51 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and includes Target CH1: No unauthorised developments structures which form part of the architectural occurring which result in full or heritage and which are of special architectural, partial loss to entries to the historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, Record of Monuments and scientific, social or technical interest. Places - including Zones of Archaeological Potential - and 4.8.2.2 Architectural Heritage and the context of the above within Historic Monuments Act 1999 the surrounding landscape where relevant The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage

(NIAH) is a state initiative under the administration of the DEHLG which was established on a statutory basis under the provisions of the Architectural Heritage (National

Inventory) and Historic Monuments

(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999. Its purpose is to identify, record, and evaluate the post-

1700 architectural heritage of Ireland, uniformly and consistently as an aid in the protection and conservation of the built heritage. It is intended that the NIAH provides the basis for the inclusion of particular structures in the RPS.

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SEO CH2: To preserve and protect the 4.9.2 SEOs, Indicators and special interest and character of Targets North Tipperary’s architectural heritage with regard to entries The following SEO, Indicator and Target have to the Record of Protected been identified and developed with regard to the Structures and their context objectives of the above strategic actions and the within the surrounding environmental baseline described in Section 3. landscape where relevant

Indicator CH2i: Number of unauthorised SEO L1: To avoid significant adverse developments occurring which impacts on the landscape, result in physical loss of entries especially with regard to to the Record of Protected Amenity Areas, Special Structures and/or their context Landscape Zones and protected within the surrounding views landscape where relevant Indicator L1: Number of complaints received Indicator CH2ii: Number of additions to the from statutory consultees Record of Protected Structures regarding avoidable impacts on and the number of additional the landscape - especially with ACAs regard to Amenity Areas, Special Landscape Zones and Target CH2i: No unauthorised developments protected views - resulting from occurring which result in development which is granted physical loss of entries to the permission under the CDP Record of Protected Structures and/or their context within the Target L1: No developments permitted surrounding landscape where which result in avoidable relevant impacts on the landscape - especially with regard to Target CH2ii: Make Additions to the Record of Amenity Areas, Special Protected Structures and make Landscape Zones and protected additional ACAs, where views - resulting from appropriate development which is granted permission under the CDP

4.9 Landscape

4.9.1 European Landscape Convention 2000

Ireland signed and ratified the European Landscape Convention (2000) in 2002 with the Convention entering into force in Ireland in 2004. The aims of the Convention include: to conserve and maintain the significant or characteristic features of a landscape, justified by its heritage value derived from its natural configuration and/or from human activity; to harmonise changes in the landscape which are brought about by social, economic and environmental processes, and to enhance landscapes.

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Section 5 Context for a County Development Plan for North Tipperary

5.1 Introduction 5.3 Vision Statement Under Section 9 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, every planning authority The Plan puts forward the following vision for must make a development plan, setting the the sustainable and balanced development of framework for all future development in the the County: planning authority’s area for the stated period, for the whole functional area of the authority • Sustainability every six years. Development Plans are required to set out an overall strategy for the proper To realise the economic, social and planning and sustainable development of the cultural potential of the County in a area in question. It is in this context in which manner that will not undermine such North Tipperary County Council - the planning aims for future generations. authority for North Tipperary - reviewed the

County Development Plan. • Competitiveness

The Plan will replaces the current 2004-2010 To promote Nenagh and Thurles as Plan and it is intended to provide for the proper regional growth centres, maximise our planning and sustainable development for North strategic location as a County on the Tipperary for a duration of six years from the N7, N8 and rail corridors, and seek date on which it is adopted, unless amended. improvement in the economy across the

County. The Plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements and the various provisions of • Quality of Life the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended and the Planning and Development To seek balanced communities in order (Strategic Environmental Assessment to promote social, environmental and Regulations) 2004. economic well being.

5.2 Structure and Content • Quality of Environment

The Plan is presented in 4 Volumes: To promote responsible guardianship of the natural and cultural environment so • Volume 1 contains the vision statement that current and future generations can for the Plan, the settlement strategy and enjoy a healthy environment. policies objectives. A designation map sets out the council’s heritage, amenity • Social Inclusion and rural designations in the County and identifies the settlement centres To seek to redress social inequalities throughout the County; and social polarisation, and engage the public at all possible times to seek • Volume 2 contains the settlement plans consensus on planning for the future. for small towns and villages; 5.4 Alternatives • Volume 3 contains the Record of Protected Structures for the County; Sections 6 and 7 of this report identify, describe

and evaluate different alternative scenarios for • Volume 4 contains the SEA the future development of the Plan area, taking Environmental Report (this document). into account the relevant land use strategic actions (see Section 5.5), the SEOs identified in

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Section 4 as well as the geographical scope of economies. The focus of the NSS is on fostering the County. a closer match between where people live with where they work. The NSS established a The evaluation of the alternatives results in the detailed sustainable planning framework for identification of potential impacts and leads to strategic spatial planning to ensure development the emergence of a preferred alternative for the is targeted at the most appropriate locations. Plan. The NSS places emphasis on the creation of high quality living environments through urban design and the integration of social and 5.5 Interactions with community amenities. Core messages from the Relevant Planning Policy NSS include:

5.5.1 Introduction • A wider range of work opportunities • A better quality of life for all • Effective urban and rural planning The Plan sits within a hierarchy of land use leading to an environment of the forward planning strategic actions. The Plan highest quality. must comply with higher level strategic actions and will, in turn, guide lower level strategic actions. 5.5.4 Sustainable Development: A Strategy for Ireland 5.5.2 National Development 1997 Plan 2007-2013 This Strategy provides a framework for the The National Development Plan 2007-2013 achievement of sustainable development at local (NDP) is designed to underpin the development level and calls on planning authorities to of a dynamic competitive economy over the incorporate the principles of sustainability into period 2007 - 2013. It envisages a total Development Plans. investment of €184 billion over 7 years to ‘secure the further transformation of our country 5.5.5 Mid West Regional socially and economically within an Planning Guidelines 2004- environmentally sustainable framework’. 2016 It identifies investment funding for significant projects in sectors such as health services, social Ireland is divided into eight regional forward housing, education, roads, public transport, rural planning regions, Dublin, Midlands, Mid East, development, industry, water and waste Mid West, South East, South West, West and services. The NDP is designed to strengthen and Border, each with its own regional planning improve the international competitiveness of the authority composed of Elected Members Country so as to support continued, but more selected by the constituent local government balanced, economic and social development in councils. Regional planning authorities are line with the National Spatial Strategy. required, under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2009, to draw up regional planning guidelines (RPGs), long term strategic 5.5.3 National Spatial Strategy planning frameworks, for their relevant region. 2000-2020 RPGs must have regard to the National Spatial Strategy. The National Spatial Strategy 2000-2020 (NSS) is a 20-year planning framework for the entire North Tipperary is located within the Mid West Country to guide policies, programmes and Regional Planning Authority area for which the investment. It seeks to promote a better Mid West RPGs 2004 have been prepared. The balance of social, economic and physical Guidelines were being reviewed during the development between the Regions. review of the County Development Plan.

The strategy is based on a hierarchy of Core issues with regard to consistency between settlement; Gateways, Hubs and county towns the RPGs and the Plan relate to: along with the need to support the role of smaller towns, villages and diverse rural

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• The allocation of the majority share of the forecast population growth for the County to Nenagh, Thurles, Roscrea and Templemore. The Zone 2 area which includes the towns of Ballina and Newport, is likely to see significant growth in population over the Plan period; • Restraint in relation to expansion along the Nenagh Limerick corridor and on the outskirts of the main towns within the County; • Protection of the rural countryside and the promotion of the rural villages; • Framing and outlining appropriate infrastructural needs with particular emphasis on public transport; • Cognisance of Climate Change and the need for the promotion and development of renewable energy and technologies. • Promotion of sustainable development within the County.

5.6 Environmental Protection Objectives

The Plan is subject to a number of high level national, international and regional environmental protection policies and objectives, including those which have been identified as Strategic Environmental Objectives in Section 4.

Examples of Environmental Protection Objectives include the aim of the EU Habitats Directive - which is to contribute towards ensuring biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora in the European territory of Member States - and the purpose of the Water Framework Directive - which is to establish a framework for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater which, among other things, prevents deterioration in the status of all water bodies and protects, enhances and restores all waters with the aim of achieving good status by 2015.

The County Development Plan must be consistent with these objectives and implement them at County level within North Tipperary.

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Section 6 Description of Alternative Plan Scenarios

6.1 Introduction environmental effects of each plan, which in turn serves the purpose of identifying which One of the critical roles of the SEA is to facilitate features of plans and policies are likely to be an evaluation of the likely environmental sensitive or robust over the widest range of consequences of a range of alternative circumstances. strategies for accommodating future development in North Tipperary. 6.2.2 Alternative Scenario 1: Do Nothing These alternative strategies must be realistic, capable of implementation, and should This Scenario foresees the County continuing to represent a range of different approaches within develop naturally, without planned intervention, statutory and operational requirements of the resulting in: particular plan. In some cases the preferred strategy will combine elements from the various • Strong pressure from the Limerick alternatives considered. housing market in villages such as Newport and Ballina; This section identifies and describes different plan scenarios, taking into account higher level • Strong pressure on rural areas around strategic actions as well as the geographical the larger towns and rural areas within scope of North Tipperary. commuting distance of Birr, , Kilkenny and Clonmel; The alternative scenarios are evaluated in Section 7 resulting in the identification of • Strong pressure for rural housing in the potential effects and informing the selection of a Limerick catchment and the immediate preferred alternative for the Development Plan. areas around the towns and large The policies and objectives which are required settlements; and, to realise the preferred alternative are evaluated in Section 8. • Strong pressure for housing in rural areas of the south-west, particularly in Mitigation measures which attempt to prevent, close proximity to the lake. reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment 6.2.3 Alternative Scenario 2: of implementing the preferred alternative which were recommended for integration into the Plan Promote the rural area are detailed in Section 9. and allow towns grow naturally 6.2 Identification and This Scenario foresees the rural parts of the Description of Alternative County continuing to be attractive places to live Scenarios for a significant sector of the population, resulting in: 6.2.1 Introduction • Continued population growth in Nenagh, Newport, Ballina; The following summarises a series of ‘Scenarios’ which provide alternative visions of how the • Continued reduction or stagnation of future development of North Tipperary might towns such as Thurles, Cloughjordan, occur. These are neither predictions nor Puckaun and Borrisokane; preferences - instead they offer a range of plausible and internally consistent narratives of • Continued loss of critical demographic the outcome of different planning and mass of all towns and villages in the development strategies. These provide the basis settlement hierarchy; for the comparative evaluation of the likely

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• Continued pressure for rural housing in and on rural areas within commuting rural around the County’s larger towns distance of Limerick, Birr, Tullamore, and on rural areas within commuting Kilkenny and Clonmel; and, distance of Limerick, Birr, Tullamore, Kilkenny and Clonmel; and, • Controlled pressure for housing in rural areas of the south-west, particularly in • Continued pressure for housing in rural close proximity to the lake. areas of the south-west, particularly in close proximity to the lake.

6.2.4 Alternative Scenario 3: Promote all settlement

centres equally

This Scenario foresees the continued plan-led provision of serviced land that is available, suitable, accessible and affordable in all main towns, resulting in:

• A concentration of settlement and economic activity around Nenagh, Thurles, Roscrea, Templemore, Bossisokane, Borrisoleigh, Ballina and Newport;

• Controlled pressure for rural housing in rural areas around the County’s larger towns and in rural areas within commuting distance of Limerick, Birr, Tullamore, Kilkenny and Clonmel; and,

• Controlled pressure for housing in rural areas of the south-west, particularly in close proximity to the lake.

6.2.5 Alternative Scenario 4: Create a hierarchy of growth nodes

This Scenario foresees a priority of Nenagh and Thurles as the primary service centres that can best attract and accommodate sustainable population growth. It foresees: Roscrea and Templemore as continuing to provide for their immediate catchments and local needs; the many villages as providing centres for rural communities; and, the open countryside continuing to provide for local need. This will result in:

• A concentration of settlement and economic activity around Nenagh, Thurles, Roscrea and Templemore;

• Controlled pressure for rural housing in rural around the County’s larger towns

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Section 7 Evaluation of Alternative Plan Scenarios

7.1 Introduction scenarios described in Section 6. The alternatives are evaluated using compatibility The objective of this section is to determine the criteria (see Table 7.1) in order to determine relative merits of a range of 4 alternative how they are likely to affect the status of these scenarios for the future development of North SEOs. Tipperary. This determination sought to understand whether each alternative was likely Table 7.2 brings together all the SEOs which to improve, conflict with or have a neutral have been developed from international, interaction with the environment within the national and regional policies which generally County. govern environmental protection objectives.

The SEOs and the alternative scenarios are 7.2 Methodology arrayed against each other to identify which interactions - if any - would cause impacts on Scenarios are evaluated in a succinct and specific components of the environment. focused way for both planning and environmental impacts against both the existing Where the appraisal identifies a likely conflict environment (provided within Section 3 and with the status of an SEO the relevant SEO code including the Overlay of Environmental is entered into the conflict column - e.g. B1 Sensitivities shown on Figure 3.29) and the which stands for SEO likely to be affected - in Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs). this instance ‘to avoid loss of relevant habitats, geological features, species or their sustaining In order to comply with the SEA Directive resources in designated ecological sites’. Strategic Environmental Objectives have been grouped under relevant parent components such as water and landscape.

Based on an understanding of the existing and emerging environmental conditions in North

Tipperary a series of SEOs were identified and developed in order to assess the likely environmental effects which would be caused by implementation of each of the 4 alternative

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Likely to Improve Probable Potential Conflict Uncertain Neutral No Likely status of SEOs Conflict with with status of interaction with Interaction with interaction with status of SEOs- SEOs- likely to be status of SEOs status of SEOs status of SEOs unlikely to be mitigated mitigated Table 7.1 Criteria for appraising the effect of Plan provisions on Strategic Environmental Objectives

SEO Code SEO B1 To avoid loss of relevant habitats, geological features, species or their sustaining resources in designated ecological sites B2 To avoid significant adverse impacts, including direct, cumulative and indirect impacts, to relevant habitats, geological features, species or their sustaining resources in designated ecological sites by development within or adjacent to these sites B3 To sustain, enhance or - where relevant - prevent the loss of ecological networks or parts thereof which provide significant connectivity between areas of local biodiversity HH1 To protect human health from hazards or nuisances arising from exposure to incompatible landuses S1 Maximise the sustainable re-use of brownfield lands, and maximise the use of the existing built environment rather than developing greenfield lands W1 To maintain and improve, where possible, the quality of rivers and lakes W2 To prevent pollution and contamination of ground water W3 To prevent development on lands which pose - or are likely to pose in the future - a significant flood risk C1 To minimise increases in travel related greenhouse emissions to air C2 To reduce car dependency within the County by way of, inter alia, encouraging modal change from car to more sustainable forms of public transport and encouraging development which will not be dependent on private transport M1 To serve new development with appropriate waste water treatment M2 To serve development within the County with drinking water that is both wholesome and clean CH1 To protect the archaeological heritage of North Tipperary with regard to entries to the Record of Monuments and Places - including Zones of Archaeological Potential - and the context of the above within the surrounding landscape where relevant CH2 To preserve and protect the special interest and character of North Tipperary’s architectural heritage with regard to entries to the Record of Protected Structures and their context within the surrounding landscape where relevant L1 To avoid significant adverse impacts on the landscape, especially with regard to Amenity Areas, Special Landscape Zones and protected views Table 7.2 Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs)33

33 Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs) are methodological measures which are developed from international, national and regional policies which generally govern environmental protection objectives and against which the environmental effects of the Plan can be tested. The SEOs are used as standards against which the provisions of the Plan can be evaluated in order to help identify areas in which significant adverse impacts are likely to occur, if unmitigated against.

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7.3 Evaluation of Alternative Scenarios

Figure 7.1 Environmental Sensitivity mapping compared to locations of Main Settlement Centres Note that all of the main settlement centres are located in extensive areas that are environmentally robust. Only rural housing along the lake and river are the types of settlement likely to adversely affect the environment.

7.3.1 Introduction

The sections below summarise where each development scenario is likely to give rise to concentrations of settlement. Such settlement will also give rise to associated economic activity that is likely to give rise to additional environmental pressures.

In general, the County is environmentally robust over much of its area – particularly in the areas where the majority of settlement and agricultural activity occur – except for receiving waters – see below.

However, the western margins of the County – along the Shannon’s banks, lakes and tributaries – are highly sensitive and subject to considerable pressure for settlement and development.

The other major areas of sensitivity – the bog and upland complexes of the southern and central part of the County – are sparsely populated and as a consequence are subject to relatively low levels of potential pressure – except from specialist developments, such as wind energy or forestry.

Notwithstanding the generally robust nature of the existing environment – including the current good quality of the water in most of the county –, it should be noted that all of the main settlement centres have their discharge points located on Rivers that are classified as being at ‘significant risk’ of not meeting Water Framework Directive Standards by 2015.

Having described where development might occur under Section 6, the following sections provide a more detailed analysis of the likely effects of each scenario.

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7.3.2 Alternative Scenario 1: Do Nothing

Likely Environmental Effects include -

• Flora & Fauna

Significant effects on water quality, together with habitat fragmentation and disturbance will continue to threaten rural habitats – particularly those which are dependant on water quality. The effects will be most pronounced in the western part of the County where significant adverse effects on the integrity of Designated Sites will be likely to occur.

• Water

Dispersed rural settlement will continue to significantly threaten groundwater and surface water quality.

• Landscape

Widespread rural housing, especially that sited for amenity reasons, will give rise to continued change of rural character from being classified as ‘agricultural’ to ‘settled’ – with strong associated perception of loss of amenity to areas that are valued for scenery and tourism.

• Air [Mobility]

Highly dispersed settlement patterns will lead to very high levels of private vehicle movements with associated effects on air, including noise, air emissions and climate change effects.

7.3.3 Alternative Scenario 2: Promote the rural area and allow towns grow naturally

Likely Environmental Effects include -

• Flora & Fauna

Effects on water quality, together with habitat fragmentation and disturbance will continue to threaten rural habitats – particularly those dependant on water quality. The effects will be most pronounced in the western part of the County where significant adverse effects on the integrity of Designated Sites will be likely to occur.

• Water

Dispersed rural settlement will continue to threaten groundwater and surface water quality.

• Landscape

Widespread rural housing, especially that sited for amenity reasons, will give rise to continued change of rural character from being classified as ‘agricultural’ to ‘settled’ – with an associated perception of loss of amenity to areas that are valued for scenery and tourism.

• Air [Mobility]

Dispersed settlement patterns will lead to high levels of private vehicle movements with associated effects on air, including noise, air emissions and climate change effects.

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7.3.4 Alternative Scenario 3: Promote all settlement centres equally

Likely Environmental Effects include -

• Flora & Fauna

Some effects on water quality, together with some habitat fragmentation and disturbance. The effects will be most pronounced in the western part of the county.

• Water

Dispersed rural settlement will continue to threaten groundwater and surface water quality. Future threats to water quality of rivers serving principle towns.

• Landscape

Continued change of rural character from being classified as ‘agricultural’ to ‘settled’ – with an associated perception of loss of amenity to areas that are valued for scenery and tourism – mainly in rural areas of the south-west, particularly in close proximity to the lake.

• Air [Mobility]

Dispersed settlement patterns will lead to high localised levels of private vehicle movements between many locations with associated effects on air, including noise, air emissions and climate change effects.

7.3.5 Alternative Scenario 4: Create a hierarchy of growth nodes

Likely Environmental Effects include -

• Flora & Fauna

Some habitat fragmentation and disturbance – mostly in the vicinity of main settlement centres with little potential to affect designated sites.

• Water

Future threats to water quality of rivers serving principle towns.

• Landscape

Little effect except in the vicinity of main settlement centres with no potential to affect designated landscapes.

• Air [Mobility]

Concentrated settlement patterns will lead to lower levels of private vehicle movements with associated minimisation of effects on air, including noise, air emissions and climate change effects.

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7.3.6 Qualitative Summary of Relative Likely Environmental Effects

The table below provides a qualitative summary of the relative environmental effects of implementing each of the alternative scenarios for the Development Plan.

Scenario 4 [the selected scenario] creates significantly less effects – including none on designated habitats.

Main Environmental Effects Scenario Flora & Fauna Water Landscape Air [Mobility]

Significant Significant, Significant, Significant Alternative Scenario 1: Do Nothing widespread widespread

Significant Significant, Some localised Significant Alternative Scenario 2: Promote the rural area widespread significant and allow towns grow naturally

Some localised Some localised Slight, localised Some localised Alternative Scenario 3: Promote all settlement significant significant significant centres equally

None/slight, Some localised None/slight, None/slight, Alternative Scenario 4: Create a hierarchy of localised significant localised localised growth nodes

Table 7.3 Qualitative Summary of the Relative Environmental Effects of each of the Alternative Development Plan Scenarios

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7.3.7 Evaluation against SEOs

The table below provides an evaluation of each of the alternative scenarios for the Development Plan against the Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs).

Scenario 4 [the selected scenario] creates significantly less effects – including none on designated habitats.

Likely to Probable Potential Uncertain Neutral No Likely Improve Conflict with Conflict with interaction with Interaction interaction status of SEOs status of SEOs status of status of SEOs with status of with status of - unlikely to SEOs - would SEOs SEOs be mitigated be mitigated

Alternative Scenario 1: CH1 B1 B2 B3 CH1 HH1 S1 W1 Do Nothing CH2 (short W2 W3 C1 term) C2 M1 M2 L1

CH2 (long term)

Alternative Scenario 2: CH1 CH2 B1 B2 B3 CH1 CH2 HH1 S1 W1 Promote the rural CH2 (short W2 W3 C1 area and allow term) C2 M1 M2 L1 towns grow naturally CH2 (long term)

Alternative Scenario 3: S1 B3 W1 W2 B1 B2 HH1 W3 C1 C2 Promote all CH2 (long M1 M2 CH1 settlement centres term) CH2 L1 equally

Alternative Scenario 4: B1 B2 S1 C1 B1 B2 B3 C2 L1 HH1 W1 W2 Create a hierarchy of W3 C1 C2 growth nodes CH2 (long M1 M2 CH1 term) CH2 L1

Table 7.4 Evaluation of Alternative Scenarios against SEOs

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7.3.8 The Selected Alternative Scenario

The Alternatives that were examined were produced and evaluated at an earlier - more embryonic - stage to facilitate the evaluation and selection of a plan - having regard, inter alia to environmental consequences.

The Alternative Scenario that was selected for the Development Plan is Scenario 4 – this is the Scenario with the least impact on the environment and the highest conformances with relevant national and regional planning objectives. The Settlement Hierarchy Map from the Development Plan (Scenario 4) is shown on Figure 7.2.

The assessment has shown that the Do Nothing and the Promote the rural area and allow towns grow naturally scenarios (Alternative Scenarios 1 and 2) have the potential to give rise to the most adverse environmental effects and these scenarios should be regarded as the least environmentally compatible versions. The Promote all settlement centres equally scenario (Alternative Scenario 3) would provide for dispersed rural settlement to an extent of which makes this scenario likely to give rise to more adverse environmental effects and non-conformances with relevant environmental objectives than the Create a hierarchy of growth nodes scenario (the selected Scenario).

7.3.9 Evaluation of Plan Provisions prepared to realise the Selected Scenario

Section 8 evaluates the individual policies and specific objectives which have been prepared to realise Scenario 4 (the selected Scenario).

Some of these Plan provisions are likely to have a range of beneficial effects with regard to the protection of the environment while some are likely to have a range of potential adverse effects which will be mitigated by other provisions within the Plan (including the measures integrated into the Plan as part of the SEA/Plan preparation process). Some provisions are likely to have a range of both beneficial effects and potential adverse effects which will be mitigated by other provisions within the Plan (including the measures integrated into the Plan as part of the SEA/Plan preparation process).

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Figure 7.2 Settlement Hierarchy Map from the County Development Plan

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Section 8 Evaluation of Plan Provisions

8.1 Methodology

This section evaluates the Plan’s policies and objectives. Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs) are used as outlined under Section 7.2 in order to evaluate the relevant measures of the Plan. Use has been made of the environmental baseline descriptions and the maps of the individual components provided in Section 3 for this purpose.

The interactions between the SEOs and the policies and objectives of the Plan determine the effects of implementing the Plan. These effects include secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long- term permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects.

Table 8.1 brings together all the SEOs which have been developed from international, national and regional policies which generally govern environmental protection objectives.

Note on uncertainty:

With regard to policies and objectives evaluated as having an uncertain interaction with the status of SEOs, the interaction, and environmental impacts, if any, which the implementation of these Plan measures would have would be determined by: the nature and extent of development arising from these Plan measures, and; site specific environmental factors. These impacts may be assessed as part of a lower tier SEA, as part of an EIA of a particular project and/or by the development management process.

Avoidance of conflict is dependent upon the development management process only granting permission for individual projects arising from these measures which do not conflict with the status of SEOs. Providing other Plan measures, including the measures recommended by this report, and measures arising out of lower tier assessments are complied with, conflicts with SEOs would be likely to be avoided.

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SEO Code SEO B1 To avoid loss of relevant habitats, geological features, species or their sustaining resources in designated ecological sites B2 To avoid significant adverse impacts, including direct, cumulative and indirect impacts, to relevant habitats, geological features, species or their sustaining resources in designated ecological sites by development within or adjacent to these sites B3 To sustain, enhance or - where relevant - prevent the loss of ecological networks or parts thereof which provide significant connectivity between areas of local biodiversity HH1 To protect human health from hazards or nuisances arising from exposure to incompatible landuses S1 Maximise the sustainable re-use of brownfield lands, and maximise the use of the existing built environment rather than developing greenfield lands W1 To maintain and improve, where possible, the quality of rivers and lakes W2 To prevent pollution and contamination of ground water W3 To prevent development on lands which pose - or are likely to pose in the future - a significant flood risk C1 To minimise increases in travel related greenhouse emissions to air C2 To reduce car dependency within the County by way of, inter alia, encouraging modal change from car to more sustainable forms of public transport and encouraging development which will not be dependent on private transport M1 To serve new development with appropriate waste water treatment M2 To serve development within the County with drinking water that is both wholesome and clean CH1 To protect the archaeological heritage of North Tipperary with regard to entries to the Record of Monuments and Places - including Zones of Archaeological Potential - and the context of the above within the surrounding landscape where relevant CH2 To preserve and protect the special interest and character of North Tipperary’s architectural heritage with regard to entries to the Record of Protected Structures and their context within the surrounding landscape where relevant L1 To avoid significant adverse impacts on the landscape, especially with regard to Amenity Areas, Special Landscape Zones and protected views Table 8.1 Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs)34

34 Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs) are methodological measures which are developed from international, national and regional policies which generally govern environmental protection objectives and against which the environmental effects of the Plan can be tested. The SEOs are used as standards against which the provisions of the Plan can be evaluated in order to help identify areas in which significant adverse impacts are likely to occur, if unmitigated against.

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8.2 Chapter 3: Population and Settlement

Likely to Probable Potential Uncertain Neutral No Likely Improve Conflict Conflict interaction Interaction interaction status of with status with status with status with status with status SEOs of SEOs- of SEOs- of SEOs of SEOs of SEOs unlikely to likely to be be mitigated mitigated Policy S1: Limerick/Shannon Gateway C1 C2 9 It is the policy of the Council to support the Limerick/Shannon Gateway as identified in the National Spatial Strategy 2002. Policy S2: Settlement Strategy B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to support the settlement strategy as outlined in this Plan, and to direct future development HH1 S1 in the following ways: W1 W2 • Prioritise the allocation of funding towards the improvement of environmental, community and infrastructural W3 C1 C2 facilities, where appropriate, in settlements, to ensure that they become attractive settlement centres and assist M1 M2 in the long term vitality and viability of rural North Tipperary. CH1 CH2 • To seek to provide resources to consolidate settlements and facilitate appropriate amenity, commercial and L1 service infrastructure within these settlements so as to build sustainable communities and improve the physical and social fabric of settlements as places to live and work. • To encourage residential development to locate within the development envelope of towns and villages where infrastructure and facilities are available. • To implement the aims and recommendations of the National Spatial Strategy 2002, and the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines 2005 in considering applications for one off rural housing. • To implement the aims and recommendations of the Sustainable Urban Housing Guidelines 2008 and accompanying Design Manual within all settlements. Policy S3: Primary Service Areas B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to secure the sustainable growth of the primary service areas of the County to become self- HH1 S1 sufficient settlements and to act as service centres for the inhabitants of their rural hinterlands. The Council will seek to W1 W2 underpin the role of these settlements as drivers of social and economic growth and prosperity within the County. W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy S4: Secondary Service Areas/Market Towns B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to ensure that population growth within these settlements is appropriate in pace, scale and HH1 W1 HH1 S1 diversity of uses and services within their identified role in the settlement hierarchy. The Council will apply appropriate W2 C1 C2 W1 W2 management measures in ensuring that such growth and/or pace of growth is appropriate and in compliance with the M1 M2 W3 C1 C2 strategy. CH2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy S5: District Service Centres B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to enhance, strengthen and conserve the District Service Centres within the County, while HH1 W1 HH1 S1 ensuring that the appropriate, sustainable scale of growth is supported. It is generally in favour of increased population W2 C1 C2 W1 W2 growth, however, the Council will apply appropriate management measures to ensure that such growth and/or pace of M1 M2 W3 C1 C2 growth is appropriate and in compliance with the envisage role of the District Services Centres in this Plan and in the Mid- CH2 M1 M2 West RPGs. CH1 CH2 L1

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Policy S6: Local Service Centres B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to seek the expansion of Local Service Centres in a planned manner and in line with HH1 W1 HH1 S1 infrastructural capacity. Development may also be permitted where it will facilitate the provision of the necessary W2 C1 C2 W1 W2 infrastructure provided that it is in accordance with policy, in particular concerning scale, sustainability, design and in M1 M2 W3 C1 C2 accordance with the established character of the Local Service Centre and in compliance with the envisage role of the CH2 M1 M2 Local Services Centres in this Plan and in the Mid-West RPGs. CH1 CH2 L1 Policy S7: Villages S1 CH2 C1 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to enhance, strengthen and conserve villages within the County, in accordance with their C2 HH1 S1 existing size and character W1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy S7a: Villages S1 C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to promote the consolidation of the village structure throughout the County. HH1 W1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy S8: Rural Countryside B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to support the development of the rural countryside in a balanced, sustainable manner, HH1 S1 having regard to the social, economic and environmental characteristics of the area, and its residents and in accordance W1 W2 with the relevant policies and objectives set out elsewhere in this Plan, relevant Government Guidelines and the proper W3 C1 C2 planning and sustainable development of the area. M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy S9: Social Inclusion 9 It is the policy of the Council to ensure that land use and other objectives of this Plan are in accordance with the National Anti-Poverty Strategy. Policy S10: Universal Access: C1 C2 CH2 It is the policy of the Council to seek universal access within buildings and in the external environment, through its own work programme and through the development management policies set out in statutory development plans Specific Objectives PS1 It is an objective of the Council to participate in the review of the three Town Development Plans, where appropriate, 9 and to review the five Local Area Plans, for Roscrea, Newport, Holycross, Ballycurrane and the Western Area, during the lifetime of this Plan. PS2 It is an objective of the Council to implement, where feasible and where resources permit, the North Tipperary Social 9 Inclusion Measures Action Plan 2009-2012.

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8.3 Chapter 4: The Environment

Likely to Probable Potential Uncertain Neutral No Likely Improve Conflict Conflict interaction Interaction interaction status of with status with status with status with status with status SEOs of SEOs- of SEOs- of SEOs of SEOs of SEOs unlikely to likely to be be mitigated mitigated Policy ENV 1: General Policy B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council that where relevant, projects and Masterplans arising from this plan will be screened by the W1 W2 Council, in co-operation with the applicant for the need to undertake a Habitats Directive Assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. Policy ENV 2: Landscape Protection B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council in assessing applications for development that would impact on landscape to balance the HH1 S1 C1 need to protect landscape character against the requirement for socio-economic development in accordance with value C2 CH1 assessment and sensitivity as identified in the County Landscape Character Assessment 2009. CH2 L1 W1 W2 M1 M2 Policy ENV 3 Vulnerable Landscapes B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to resist development that would: HH1 S1 C1 (a) materially interfere with the view of the water/mountains from any point within a visually vulnerable area; or C2 CH1 (b) materially interfere with detract the view to or from the lake or lakeshore; CH2 L1 (c) break the skyline or W1 W2 (d) materially impact upon the character, integrity or uniformity of a vulnerable landscape or scenic area when viewed M1 M2 from scenic routes and the environs of archaeological or historic sites. Policy ENV 4: Views and Prospects B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to protect views and prospects of special amenity value or special interest, as set out in CH2 L1 Appendices and the Designations map. Policy ENV 5: Water Framework Directive B1 B2 B3 It is Council policy to implement the provisions of the River Management Plans, and any other water quality management HH1 W1 plans prepared at a national, regional or local level. W2 W3 M1 M2 Policy ENV 6: Source Protection Zones B1 B2 B3 It is the Council’s policy to only consider application for one-off housing within Source Protection Zones in the following HH1 S1 C1 circumstances: C2 CH1 For established residents, or members of their immediate family, for a permanent dwelling for their own use where it can CH2 L1 be demonstrated that: W1 W2 (a) There is no reasonable alternative within the remainder of the family landholding which lies outside the Source W3 M1 M2 Protection Zones; and (b) The applicant does not already own a dwelling in the rural area; and (c) The applicant complies with the terms of policies HSG8, HSG9, HSG10, HSG12 and HSG13. Policy ENV 7: Groundwater Protection B1 B2 B3 It is the Council’s policy to protect groundwater resources and drinking water catchments having regard to European HH1 W1 Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations, SI376 of 2006, and the ‘Groundwater W2 M1 M2 Protection Plan and any amendment/review thereof and Environmental Protection Agency guidelines applicable at the time.

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Specific Objective EV1. It is an objective of the Council to protect and preserve the quality of surface water, gound water B1 B2 B3 and drinking water in the County through the relevant legislative provisions. The Council will seek to prepare a dedicated HH1 W1 Ground water Protection Scheme during the lifetime of the Plan, subject to resources and staffing. W2 M1 M2 Specific Objective EV2. It is an objective of the Council to work with the EPA, and the relevant River Basin Management B1 B2 B3 Authorities in relation to the implementation of the River Basin Management Plans for the two River Basin District HH1 W1 Authorities which relate to North Tipperary. The Council will also seek to work with appropriate bodies in the promotion of W2 W3 greater awareness of the Water Framework Directive, the Nitrates Directive and the Water Pollution Acts 1977-2007 (as M1 M2 amended). Specific Objective EV3. It is an objective of the Council to continue its programme of monitoring water quality of the B1 B2 B3 Council’s rivers, streams and lakes, to ensure that the objectives under the Water Framework Directive 2000 are met. HH1 W1 W2 M1 M2 Policy ENV 8: Single dwelling WWT Systems B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to strictly control the siting, construction and on-site layout of proposed Septic (primary HH1 W1 standard) Systems and Advanced (min. secondary standard) Wastewater Treatment Systems associated with one-off W2 M1 M2 housing development. Where the public sewer network is upgraded in future years, it is the policy of the Council that these properties should connect into the public infrastructure, where feasible. Policy ENV8a Wastewater Treatment Systems on Un-Sewered Properties. B1 B2 B3 All site assessments for all on-site treatment systems or septic tanks shall be carried out in accordance with relevant HH1 W1 Environmental Protection Agency guidance (EPA), and any subsequent Codes of Practice super-ceding or updating these, W2 M1 M2 and endorsed by the Department of Environment for this purpose. Policy ENV 9: Single dwelling WWT Discharges. B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council that treated effluent from on-site systems discharge to ground. Discharge to surface waters HH1 W1 will only be considered in exceptional environmental circumstances. W2 M1 M2 Policy ENV 10: On-site Wastewater Treatment systems close to Water Bodies B1 B2 B3 It is the Council’s policy to only consider application for one-off housing within 200m of sensitive lakes or within sensitive HH1 S1 C1 rivers catchments in the following circumstances: C2 CH1 For established residents, or members of their immediate family, for a permanent dwelling for their own use where it can CH2 L1 be demonstrated that: W1 W2 (a) There is no reasonable alternative within the remainder of the family landholding which lies outside the 200m W3 M1 M2 from the rivers and lakes; and (b) The applicant does not already own a dwelling in the rural area; and (c) The applicant complies with the terms of policies HSG8, HSG8a, HSG9, HSG10 and HSG11. In certain circumstances the assessment of developments within these areas will require the applicant to submit a Hydrogeological Impact Study based on risk analysis and borehole data. Policy ENV 11: Surface Water B1 B2 B3 The Council will seek the implementation of rainwater harvesting, re-use of grey water, SUDS and best practice guidance HH1 W1 for the collection, reuse or disposal and treatment of surface water. Such systems will be required to conserve water, W2 W3 protect water quality and regulate the rate of surface water runoff so as not to cause or exacerbate flooding on the M2 relevant site or elsewhere. Policy ENV 12: Surface Water Retention W3 HH1 It is the policy of the Council to promote sustainable urban drainage through storm water retention facilities for new developments and to incorporate design solutions that provide for collection and recycling of surface water.

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EV4 It is an objective of the Council to examine the manner in which trial hole and percolation tests are carried out in the B1 B2 B3 County and the qualifications of those carrying them out and to prepare a guidance document on this issue. HH1 W1 Specific Objective EV5 It is an objective of the Council to work with appropriate bodies to increase awareness of soils W2 W3 within the County and to continue to work on updating soil vulnerability maps for North Tipperary. M1 M2 Specific Objective EV6 It is an objective of the Council to achieve the water quality targets set out under the water framework directive as documented in the South East and Shannon River Basin Management Plans where feasible and where resources permit. Specific Objective EV7 It is an objective of the Council to carry out farm inspections to minimise the agricultural contribution to surface and ground water pollution Specific Objective EV8 It is an objective of the Council to monitor existing licensed discharges to waters and enforce license conditions. Specific Objective EV9 It is an objective of the Council to work towards ensuring that all on-site waste water treatment systems for single dwellings are appropriate installed and maintained in accordance with Best Practice. Specific Objective EV10 It is an objective of the Council to accurately delineate source protection zones (inner, outer/zone of contribution) for existing public drinking water supplies Specific Objective EV11 It is an objective of the Council to develop site suitability assessment protocol for on-site treatment systems. Specific Objective EV12 It is an objective of the Council to seek to implement the findings of the Water Corridor Study 2006 subject to resources and staff availability. Policy ENV 13: Invasive Species B1 B2 B3 The Council will, where appropriate and where resources permit, work with other agencies to address the issue of invasive species within water courses in the County. Policy ENV 14: Water Corridors B1 B2 B3 It is a policy of the Council to preserve an undisturbed edge or buffer adjacent to watercourses and to maintain the natural W1 W3 L1 functions of existing ecosystems. In respect of Lough Derg, developments such as private harbours or jetties will be resisted within areas identified as being Special Areas of Conservation (or candidate), Special Protection Areas (or candidate) or Natural Heritage Areas (or proposed). Policy ENV 15: Water Corridor Amenity B1 B2 B3 It is a policy of the Council to conserve and enhance the amenity of the shoreline and County river corridors, while W1 L1 avoiding adverse impacts on the integrity of designated sites, including the landscape, water environment and wildlife habitats and, where consistent with this, to encourage increased public access and water-related recreation opportunities. Policy ENV 16: Riparian Zones B1 B2 B3 It is Council policy to provide riparian corridors and/or buffer zones by reserving land of minimum width of 30m along W1 W3 L1 banks of rivers and streams for the purposes of, inter alia, providing habitat, river maintenance, access for anglers, walkers, recreational area and pollution buffer zone and to maintain such corridors free from inappropriate development. Regard will also be had to Policies ENV18 and ENV19 and to the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines. Policy ENV17 Water Protection B1 B2 B3 Landuses shall not give rise to the pollution of ground or surface waters during the construction or operation of HH1 W1 developments. This shall be achieved through the adherence to best practice in the design, installation and management W2 of systems for the interception, collection and appropriate disposal or treatment of all surface waters and effluents. Specific Objective EV13 It is an objective of the Council to develop Guidelines for Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) discharge 9 licenses. Policy ENV 18: Flooding W3 HH1 It is the policy of the Council to implement the recommendations of the DoEHLG Guidelines entitled ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management’ in the management of development within the County.

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Policy ENV 19: Protection of the Flood Plain W3 HH1 W3 HH1 It is the policy of the Council to operate a sequential approach to the assessment of proposed developments on established flood plains. No development shall be permitted on such lands, in the absence of a justification test which demonstrates that the proposals comply with the DoEHLG guidelines on Flooding entitled ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management’. Where development is considered appropriate adjacent to an existing flood plain and would result in alteration of natural drainage systems, the Council will require mitigation measures to minimise the risk of flooding. Policy ENV 19a: Flood Alleviation Measures W3 HH1 It is the policy of the Council to ensure that development does not increase the risk of flooding, and development in low- lying areas or known flood plains will be required to produce a Site Specific Flood Risk Assessment and a Justification Test to demonstrate that the development will not contribute to flooding within the immediate or wider catchment area. Regard will also be had to Policies ENV18 and ENV19 and to the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines. Specific Objectives EV14 It is on objective of the Council to prepare a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment for the County, in M2 W1 line with the DoEHLG Guideline document entitled, “The Planning System and Flood Risk Management” during the lifetime W2 W3 of this Plan, subject to resources and staffing. HH1 Specific Objective EV15 To encourage the use of recycled waters through rain water harvesting and other measures so as to reduce demand on drinking water resources Specific Objective EV16 To encourage the use of permeable surfaces e.g. gravel drives porous pavements, ponds, swales, filter drains etc, to reduce surface water run-off. Specific Objective EV17 To encourage the use of SUDS techniques, constructed wetland and other natural solutions to reduce the impact of surface water runoff on river and ground waters in terms of quality, quantity and rate of discharge. Policy ENV 20: Agriculture S1 It is the policy of the Council to protect the viability of farms and best quality land for agriculture and related uses. Proposals that are considered to have a negative impact on the viability of existing farms will not be favourably considered Policy ENV 21: Agricultural Buildings L1 M1 W1 It is the policy of the Council to require agricultural buildings to be designed, located and orientated in a manner that will W2 HH1 minimise their environmental impact. All agricultural buildings should be constructed in accordance with current M2 Department of Agricultural Specifications Policy ENV 22: Rural Diversification L1 HH1 B1 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to encourage the sustainable development of alternative rural based enterprises, where the B2 B3 S1 HH1 S1 C1 following criteria are met: C1 C2 CH1 C2 CH1 a) buildings/works shall be designed, located and screened such that they will not take from the rural character and CH2 W1 CH2 W1 appearance of the area; W2 W3 W2 W3 b) the activity will not take from the amenities of the residents living in the area; and M1 M2 M1 M2 c) the activity will not result in the creation of a significant traffic hazard. d) ensure that buildings in visually sensitive areas address the surroundings; e) The development is in line with national policy on access onto national primary and secondary roads. Policy ENV 22a: Expansion of the Agricultural Sector L1 S1 B1 B2 B3 It is the Policy of the Council to; HH1 S1 C1 • Encourage expansion and employment in the agricultural sector and the agricultural related industries such as C2 CH1 forestry, peatlands, agri-tourism etc; CH2 W1 • Liaise and work with the other agencies such as Leader, County Enterprise Group, Farming organizations, W2 W3 Voluntary Groups and Community Forum to develop economic social and physical benefits for the rural M1 M2 community and its service base; • Ensure that buildings in visually sensitive areas address the surroundings; • Ensure that the development would not prejudice the future agricultural operation of the farm.

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Policy ENV 22b: Farm Shops L1 HH1 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to encourage that proposals for retail development on a farm where it can be clearly HH1 S1 C1 demonstrated that: C2 CH1 a) the products to be sold are primarily produce grown of the farm holding CH2 W1 b) the scale and scope of the retailing proposed will not harm the viability or retail facilities in any nearby town or village; W2 W3 and M1 M2 c) the proposed use will be ancillary and relevant to the farm business; d) the scale and nature of the accommodation proposed for retailing and the size, design, materials and siting of any new building or extension conforms with the existing buildings of the farm; and e)the proposal does not harm the rural character of the landscape and amenities of the locality and f) the development will not result in the creation of a traffic hazard. Developments of this nature within Special Landscape Zones, High Amenity Areas and Protected Views will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. g) The development is in line with national policy on access onto national primary and secondary roads. Specific Objective EV18 To support agricultural development and encourage the continuation of agriculture as a B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 contributory means of maintaining population in the rural area. HH1 S1 HH1 S1 C1 Specific Objective EV19 The Council will seek to support those families wishing to remain on the land and accordingly the CH1 CH2 C2 CH1 Council will favourably consider rural diversification intended to supplement farm income such as L1 W1 W2 CH2 L1 • specialist farming practices, e.g. flower growing, equine facilities, poultry, mushroom growing, specialised animal M1 M2 W1 W2 breeding. W3 M1 M2 • farm enterprises such as processing, co-ops, farm supply stores and agri-business in accordance with the development control policies of the Plan. • the production of organic and specialty foods to meet the increase in demand for such products. • the conversion of redundant farm buildings of vernacular importance for appropriate owner-run enterprises, as a way of supporting a viable rural community subject to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Specific Objective EV20 To encourage the development of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, to ensure that development does not impinge on the visual amenity of the countryside and that watercourses, wildlife habitats and areas of ecological importance are protected from the threat of pollution. Specific Objective EV21 To ensure that all agricultural activities adhere to any legislation on water quality, such as the Water Pollution Acts, Phosphorous Regulations, Water Framework Directive and Nitrate Directive. Specific Objective EV22 To require buildings and structures in visually sensitive areas: - to be sited as unobtrusively as possible; - to be clustered to form a distinct and unified feature in the landscape; - to utilise suitable materials and colours; and - to utilise native species in screen planting in order to integrate development into the landscape. Specific Objective EV23 To support agricultural activities which encourage bio-diversity and the National Biodiversity Plan. Policy ENV 22c: Re-Use of Derelict Sites or Buildings CH2 HH1 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate and encourage the re-use of redundant farm buildings of vernacular importance B3 for appropriate owner-run agri-tourism enterprises subject to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The development shall be in line with national policy on access onto national primary and secondary roads except in exceptional circumstances and should have due regard for the protection of bat roosts and other listed species.

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Policy ENV 22d: Adaptation of agricultural buildings/abandoned commercial sites B1 B2 B3 The Planning Authority will promote and encourage employment generating uses which involve the re-use or adaptation of HH1 S1 agricultural buildings/abandoned commercial sites in the countryside where W1 W2 a) They do not harm the character or amenity of surrounding areas; and W3 C1 C2 b) They development is of a scale and nature which is sympathetic towards the character of the building and its M1 M2 surroundings; CH1 CH2 c) The use and the scale of use proposed to be carried out in the building is appropriate to the rural area; L1 d) The proposal will not give rise to significant adverse environmental and transport effects or be prejudicial to residential amenity; and e) The development does not result in the creation of a significant traffic hazard. f) Ensure that developments in visually sensitive areas address the surroundings; g) The development is in line with national policy on access onto national primary and secondary roads. (h) The development provides for the protection of bat roosts and other listed species. Policy ENV 23: Agricultural Waste B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to seek improvement in the management of livestock slurries. The Council will seek HH1 W1 improvement in existing storage facilities where possible, and require high quality facilities for storage as part of new W2 W3 development. Applicants shall demonstrate the crop nutrient management requirement for the slurry. Applicants shall be M1 M2 required to comply with European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006- 2009 and Agricultural Bye-laws as they apply to North Tipperary. Policy ENV 24: Recovery of Agricultural Waste B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to require adequate handling, storage, recovery of all effluent produced in and by agricultural HH1 W1 rural based developments. The Council will have regard to the Sludge Management Plan for North Tipperary, Measures W2 W3 Report under the Phosphorous Regulations (SI No. 258 of 1998), European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for M1 M2 the Protection of Waters) Regulations (SI No. 101 of 2009) as well as any national guidance in deciding upon such developments. Policy ENV 25: Nutrient Management B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to utilise the legislation governing nutrient management planning and where necessary to HH1 W1 require the preparation and submission of nutrient management plans for the approval of the Authority. W2 W3 M1 M2 Policy ENV 26: Forestry 9 It is the policy of the Council to monitor forestry against impacts on the following: a) scenic areas and elevated landscapes in primary amenity areas; b) areas of best agricultural land; c) environmentally designated sites; d) marginal land with high biodiversity e) areas identified in the County Landscape Character Assessment. f) existing rights of way; g) the recreational and tourism value of the land; Specific Objective EV24 The Council will seek to improve river, lake and ground water quality in the County in association B1 B2 B3 with the farm organisations and key interest groups. HH1 W1 W2 M1 Specific Objective EV25 It is an objective of the Council to encourage the sustainable use of natural resources for the B3 B1 B2 B3 planting of forestry. HH1 W1 W2 L1 Specific Objective EV26 It is an objective of the Council to implement the Indicative Forest Strategy to encourage the B3 B1 B2 B3 development of forestry and forestry related industries in locations identified in the strategy having regard to local HH1 W1 considerations and relevant national forestry guidelines as provided in the local area plans. W2 L1 Specific Objective EV27 It is an objective of the Council to consult with Coillte, landowners, and local interest groups in C1 C2 order to encourage local access to forestry, including private forestry, for walking routes, mountain bike trails, bridle paths and other non-noise generating activities. CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 112 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Policy ENV 27: Fishing B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to continue to take measures to protect streams and rivers from pollution and will encourage HH1 W1 appropriate angling-related tourism, fish farming and aquaculture in the County’s waters. Protection of water quality will W2 M1 be a primary consideration to assessing development proposals. Specific Objective EV28 It is an objective of the Council to liaise with the Fisheries Board and Angling groups and to 9 facilitate the Board within the limits of its powers as Planning Authority in its Development Programme. Specific Objective EV29 It is an objective of the Council to encourage and support initiatives to embrace traditional fishing B1 B2 B3 practices and investigate and sustainably improve the fisheries in co-operation with the Department of Marine, Fisheries W1 Board, community organisations and other relevant bodies. Specific Objective EV30 It is an objective of the Council to require that adequate provisions are made to accommodate free B1 B2 B3 upstream and downstream migration of all fish in development proposals Policy ENV 28: Quarries B3 L1 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council that in assessing applications for new quarries or extensions to existing quarries the following HH1 CH1 will be considered: CH2 L1 a) the impact of the proposed development on the quality of the landscape, particularly sensitive landscape and protected views; b) the impact of the proposed development on the archaeological and architectural heritage; c) the impact of the proposed development on NHAs (pNHAs), SPAs (cSPAs) and SACs (cSACs); d) the suitability of the local road infrastructure and impact of the increased traffic on road safety; e) impact on the amenities of the surrounding residents; f) the current land/quarry resource of the applicant and the necessity for the current proposal. The Council will seek that current quarries are worked out and restored before new sites are allowed; g) require that development is phased and that each phase is rehabilitated before the next phase is developed/commenced; h) applicants shall submit a restoration programme with their application on the manner and timing of restoration; i) in open cast workings the direction of operation shall be hidden from public view and, if necessary, boundaries of working areas adjusted to preserve trees and hedgerows for screening. j) It is the policy of the Council to have old disused quarries, sand and gravel pits restored to sustainable beneficial use and landscaped to integrate with the surrounding area Policy ENV 29: Supply of Quarries B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to promote an environmentally sustainable approach to minerals planning, in particular by: HH1 CH1 preventing the wasteful use or sterilisation of mineral resources; CH2 L1 encouraging the use of secondary and recycled aggregates; and seeking to secure future levels of mineral production that respect the nature and scale of the environmental constraints in the County. Policy ENV 30: Polluter Pays B1 B2 B3 It is Council policy to ensure the provision of quality cost effective waste infrastructure and services, which reflect and HH1 W1 meet the needs of the community and to ensure that the ‘polluter pays principle’ is adhered to in all waste management W2 M1 M2 activities. Policy ENV 31: Environmental Awareness C1 C2 HH1 9 It is Council policy to increase environmental awareness in relation to waste management. Specific Objective EV32 It is an objective of the Council to implement the provisions of the Waste Management Hierarchy C1 C2 HH1 9 and the current Waste Management Plan for the Midlands Region. As a result, developments in the county will be expected to take account of the provisions of the Waste Management Plan for the Midlands Region and adhere to those elements of it that relate to waste prevention and minimisation, waste recycling facilities, and the capacity for source segregation. Specific Objective EV33 It is an objective of the Council to continue to expand environmental awareness initiatives designed to create increased public awareness of waste prevention, minimisation and reuse. Particular emphasis should be placed on the commercial and industrial sector.

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Policy ENV 32: Waste Disposal B1 B2 B3 It is Council policy to ensure that all waste disposal shall be undertaken in compliance with the requirements of the HH1 W1 Environmental Protection Agency and relevant Waste Management Legislation. W2 L1 Specific Objective: EV34 It is an objective of the Council to implement the Waste Management (Certification of Historic B1 B2 B3 Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations (2008), or any subsequent appropriate legislative provisions in relation HH1 W1 to historic landfill sites in the county and to undertake risk assessments where required and any subsequent remedial W2 measures where necessary subject to resources. Policy ENV 33: Recycling Facilities C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 It is Council policy to provide infrastructure for re-use, re-cycling and disposal of residual waste through different HH1 W1 arrangements throughout the County where feasible and where resources permit. W2 L1 Policy 34: Waste Management Assessment C1 C2 HH1 It is the policy of the Council to seek a Waste Management Assessment for projects that will exceed the following thresholds: (a) residential developments in excess of 10 houses or more (b) other developments with an aggregate floor area in excess of 1,250m2 ; (c) demolition/renovation/refurbishment projects generating in excess of 100m3 in volume of construction and demolition waste; (d) civil engineering projects producing in excess of 500m3 of waste, excluding waste materials used for development works on the site Specific Objective EV35 It is an objective of the Council to provide bring centres in villages and towns within the County. B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 Specific Objective EV36 It is an objective of the Council to implement the National Waste Prevention Programme at Local HH1 W1 HH1 W1 Authority level. W2 L1 C1 W2 L1 M1 Specific Objective EV37 It is an objective of the Council to provide as a matter of priority organic waste separation as a C2 M1 M2 M2 requirement for waste management in the County. Specific Objective EV38 It is an objective of the Council to support the provision of facilities for the proper recovery and disposal of household waste Specific Objective EV39 It is an objective of the Council to support the implementation of an integrated waste management system for the household sector through segregated waste collection and the provision of bring banks and recycling centres Specific Objective EV40 It is an objective of the Council to encourage the private sector to provide appropriately sited and designed facilities for the transfer, sorting and recovery of waste streams. Specific Objective EV41 It is an objective of the Council to support the provision of infrastructure for composting and other forms of bio waste. Specific Objective EV42 It is an objective of the Council to support and encourage the private sector in the provision of appropriately sited and designed facilities for end of life car re-cycling facilities to comply with the European Parliament and Council Directive 2000/53/EC Specific Objective EV43 It is an objective of the Council to establish a Civic Amenity Centre in Thurles. Specific Objective EV44 It is an objective of the Council to implement and support the provisions of the Midlands Waste Management Plan and in particular, to promote the development of facilities for the prevention, minimisation, re-use/re- cycling or disposal with energy recovery of waste material. Specific Objective EV45 It is an objective of the Council to use statutory powers to prohibit the illegal deposit and disposal of waste materials, refuse and litter, and to authorise and regulate waste disposal within the county in an environmentally sustainable manner.

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Policy ENV 35: Construction and Demolition Waste C1 C2 HH1 It is Council policy to require Waste Management Plans to be prepared for Construction and Demolition Projects of a particular scale in accordance with Best Practice Guidelines issued by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in July 2006. It is further the Council’s policy to require developers of projects with significant potential for the generation of construction and demolition waste to prepare a Project Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan where the project exceeds any of the following thresholds: 1. New residential developments of 10 houses or more. 2. New residential developments other than 1. above, including institutional, educational, health and other public facilities, with an aggregate floor area in excess of 1,250m2. 3. Demolition/renovation / refurbishment projects generating in excess of 100m3 in volume of construction and demolition waste. 4. Civil engineering projects in excess of 500m3 of waste, excluding waste materials used for development works on the site. Policy ENV 36: Environmental Nuisance B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to resist developments that give rise to unacceptable levels of noise, smell, dust, fumes, light HH1 W1 or noxious emissions affecting areas beyond the site boundary, or to air or water pollution. Such restrictions will W2 M1 M2 particularly apply to uses sensitive to disturbances such as housing, schools and hospitals, etc. Policy ENV 37: Silvermines B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to support the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the HH1 W1 completion of the Silvermines Rehabilitation Plan and acting as agent to the Minister to assist as far as possible in the W2 L1 execution and the works in accordance with the SRK Consulting Phase IV Conceptual Design.” Policy ENV 37a: Silvermines B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council that all development undertaken in Silvermines shall be carried out taking into account the HH1 W1 advice and guidance provided in the “Final Report of Expert Group for Silvermines County Tipperary (EPA 2004)” W2 L1 Policy ENV 38 : Cemeteries 9 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate the provision of burial grounds at appropriate locations throughout the County in consultation with local communities Policy ENV 39: Crematoria HH1 CH1 It is the policy of the Council to consider the development of crematoria, where the following criteria are met: CH2 L1 a) buildings/works shall be in an appropriate location, and are designed and screened such that they will not take from the character and appearance of the area; b) the activity will not take from the amenities of the residents living in the area; and c) the activity will not result in the creation of a significant traffic hazard. d) ensure that buildings in visually sensitive areas address the surroundings; e) The development is in line with national policy on access onto national primary and secondary roads. f) The development complies with appropriate guidelines in place at the time Policy ENV 40: Development of Seveso Establishments B1 B2 B3 In order to reduce risk and limit consequences of major industrial accidents, it is the policy of the council to seek technical HH1 W1 advice from the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health in respect of the siting of new Seveso W2 M2 establishments or where developments are proposed in the vicinity of an existing Seveso establishment. Policy ENV 41: Development of Contaminated Lands 9 It is the policy of the council to require the applicant to engage an environmental consultant to investigate and assess the possibility and extent of contamination and to recommend remediation measures for agreement within the Council in relation to proposals for developments on land which is or may be contaminated. Policy ENV 42: Air Quality C1 C2 HH1 It is the policy of the Council to support public transport and non-motorised transport as a means of reducing locally B3 generated air emissions and to encourage landscaping and tree planting as a means of purification and filtering of the air. Specific Objective EV46 It is an objective of the Council to implement the provisions of national policy and air pollution HH1 legislation in conjunction with other agencies as appropriate. CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 115 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Specific Objective EV47 It is an objective of the Council to ensure that the developments which are subject to the requirement of the Air Pollution Act 1987 and Air Pollution Act 1987 and Air Pollution (Licensing of Industrial Plant) Regulations 1988 or any subsequent regulations meet appropriate emission standards and any other relevant national and international standards. Policy ENV 43: Noise and Dust HH1 It is the policy of the council to seek to minimise the noise and dust through the planning process by ensuring that the design of future developments incorporates measures to prevent or mitigate the transmission of dust, noise and vibration where appropriate. Specific Objective EV48 To implement the provisions of National legislation and EU Directives on noise pollution in HH1 conjunction with other agencies as appropriate. Policy ENV 44: Light Pollution HH1 L1 B3 It is the policy of the council to require that the design of external lighting minimises the incidence of light spillage or pollution into the surrounding environment.

8.4 Chapter 5: Housing

Likely to Probable Potential Uncertain Neutral No Likely Improve Conflict Conflict interaction Interaction interaction status of with status with status with status with status with status SEOs of SEOs- of SEOs- of SEOs of SEOs of SEOs unlikely to likely to be be mitigated mitigated Policy HSG 1: Sustainability Matrix B3 S1 HH1 It is the policy of the Council to seek to implement and to have all developments assessed against the Sustainability Matrix S1 W1 W2 contained in Appendix 8 of this Plan. C1 C2 Policy HSG 2: Housing in Urban Areas and on the Urban Fringe B3 S1 C1 B1 B2 W1 It is the policy of the Council to encourage/support new housing on land zoned for residential development or for a C2 CH1 W2 W3 mixture of residential and other uses in towns and villages based on the neighbourhood concept, as follows: CH2 L1 M1 M2 a) to ensure the provision of a wide range of house types and sizes to meet the needs of different sections of the population; b) to conform with the DoEHLG ‘Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ and the accompanying Urban Design Manual c) to provide suitable and supervised amenity areas for children, teenagers and adults; d) to retain, where possible, man-made and natural heritage features within their boundaries or environs, and are designed in a manner which is sympathetic to the natural or heritage aspect concerned (e.g. attractive stands of trees, mature hedgerows, stone walls, protected structures, archaeological sites, street furniture, recorded monuments, etc.); and e) to provide high quality residential layouts that are traffic calmed by design.

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Policy HSG 3: Village Land Zoning S1 C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to identify village boundaries as set out in Volume 2 (Settlement Plans), and lands within HH1 S1 these boundaries are zoned for both: W1 W2 • Residential use; and W3 C1 C2 • a mixture of residential and other uses M1 M2 Within all villages the Council will consider parcels of land for residential development in accordance with the sequential CH1 CH2 test approach with village centres sites given priority. Where land, which is zoned for residential development under this L1 Plan, is not developed for that purpose during the lifetime of this Plan, the Council will consider de-zoning it under the review of the Plan in 2016. All lands within villages apart from Social and Public, Amenity and Educationally zoned lands will be open for consideration for business and employment purposes subject to normal sustainable planning and development criteria. Policy HSG 4: Village Housing S1 C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to strengthen and consolidate existing settlement centres where services and community HH1 S1 facilities already exist. Housing developments will be designed to accord with policy HSG 3. Where a village boundary W1 W2 exists, the Council will seek to ensure that all multiple house developments take place on a suitably phased basis, and W3 C1 C2 within the boundary, and that residential developments of a multiple house nature are restricted outside of these village M1 M2 boundaries. CH1 CH2 L1 Policy HSG 4a: Village Housing CH2 All applications for developments in villages comprising 5 or more dwellings, shall be accompanied by a design statement, prepared by a suitably qualified professional (belonging to a recognised Chartered organisation). Such statements should indicate the reasons for choosing the design(s), the design cues from which ideas were taken and how it is considered that the design(s) chosen are compatible with their immediate environs. Regards should be had to the context and cues provided by the existing development and to the Council’s policy to maintain attractive, appropriately scaled and well designed rural settlements. Policy HSG 5: Village Facilities C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to seek improved village facilities as part of new housing development, including: HH1 S1 • Overlooked open space/village green W1 W2 • Crèche W3 M1 M2 • Shop where deemed necessary CH1 CH2 • Streetscape improvement L1 • Landscape planting, particularly on village edges • Adequate provision of community and social infrastructure • Footpaths and lighting. Policy HSG 6: Serviced Sites in Villages C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council that in appropriate locations within villages, proposals for dwellings on large sites will HH1 S1 normally be accommodated. This is to create a viable alternative to one-off houses in the rural countryside, and may be W1 W2 achieved by the provision of single dwellings, groups of fully serviced sites as stand alone developments or as constituent W3 C1 C2 part of other developments. M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy HSG7: School Capacity C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to require applicants for housing developments to demonstrate as part of planning applications, that adequate school places exist within a sustainable driving distance from the proposed development to cater for school going children, in line in with the DoEHLG and DoES Guideline Document, ‘The provision of Schools and the Planning System’.

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Specific Objectives: B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 H1 The Council will seek financial and other incentives, including developer contributions, towards improving village HH1 W1 HH1 S1 services that are required to enhance the viability of village life. W2 M1 M2 W1 W2 H2 The Council intends to acquire lands in villages in order to provide serviced land for sites and cluster housing in order C1 C2 W3 C1 C2 to stimulate growth in villages and to meet the rural housing requirements of the County where resources permit. M1 M2 H3 The Council will seek streetscape and roadside improvements as part of new development that contribute to traffic CH1 CH2 calming and improvement in the visual appearance of villages. L1 H4 The Council will support the sustainable expansion and improvement of existing recreation and community facilities in villages, through the Development Contribution Scheme and through the Tidy Towns programme. Policy HSG 8: Rural Housing on the Open Countryside B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to permit new houses in the open countryside where: HH1 S1 a) The application is being made by a person whose primary employment is in agriculture, horticulture, forestry or W1 W2 bloodstock industry; or W3 C1 C2 b) Persons who were born within 10km of the proposed location or lived in a rural area within 10km of the proposed M1 M2 location for any 10 year period of that person’s life or; CH1 CH2 c) Direct family members seeking to live on the family farm where the primary residence is part of the farm holding; or L1 d) A person engaged in a small agricultural/rural business based on established need and demonstrating a history of such business activity; and e) The house is for that person’s own use; and the applicant can demonstrate that he/she is eligible under the above criteria. Policy HSG 9: Rural Housing in Special Landscape Zones: L1 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy to permit housing in special landscape zones provided that the following criteria are met: HH1 S1 (a) the location, siting and orientation of the house, including natural surrounding vegetation, would integrate the house W1 W2 successfully into the landscape; and W3 C1 C2 (b) the design of the house accords with the Rural Housing Guidelines 2009 prepared by the Council in 2009. M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy HSG 10: Housing Policy – Structurally Weak Areas B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to provide for new housing in areas subject to significant decline, provided that: HH1 S1 a) New housing shall, where practicable, share existing entrances and access roads W1 W2 b) The proposed site area shall conform to guidelines set out in Section 8.4.1 on plot sizes; W3 C1 C2 c) Existing hedge rows shall be maintained where practicable; and M1 M2 d) The design and siting of the dwelling shall conform to the guidelines set out in Section 8.0 and Rural Housing Design CH1 CH2 Guide 2009. L1 Policy HSG 11: Rural Cluster C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate cluster housing within Structurally Weak Areas, Open Countryside and Pressure HH1 S1 Areas. Such housing will be accommodated in the following circumstances: W1 W2 a) Adjacent to existing villages and rural clusters; W3 C1 C2 b) Adjacent to existing rural landmarks such as school, church, or pub; M1 M2 c) Within or adjacent to a formal farmyard or courtyard not in active use; and CH1 CH2 d) Where the natural landform provides for safe access, good screening, suitable ground conditions in accordance with the L1 ‘Guidelines for Rural Housing’; and e) The development will provide a minimum of one unit for affordable housing.

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Policy HSG 12: Rural Housing in Pressure Areas B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to resist one-off houses in the following pressure areas: HH1 S1 HH1 S1 a) Areas of Primary Amenity or identified as unsuitable for houses in the County Landscape Character Assessment; W1 W2 C1 W1 W2 b) Motorways, National Primary, National Secondary, Class 1A and Class 1 Regional Roads (Refer to Policy TRANS 7) C2 M1 M2 W3 C1 C2 c) Pressure Areas around Limerick, and CH2 L1 M1 M2 d) The radial routes around the urban centres of Nenagh, Thurles, and Newport and the Radial Routes CH1 CH2 around Roscrea, Templemore, Borrisokane, Cloughjordan and Birr Environs as identified on the County Designations Map. L1 Policy HSG 12 will be strictly enforced in pressure areas, however, exceptions (E) may be made to Policy HSG 12 as follows: E1 The applicant’s primary employment is working the family farm The application is for an individual house, is made by a direct descendant of the landowner, it is not possible to locate the house within the family landholding and outside the pressure area, and the design, siting and orientation of the house is in accordance with the guidelines in Chapter 9 and Rural House Design Guide prepared by the Council in 2009; E2 On Class 1A Regional Roads outside of (d) above where the applicant’s primary employment is working the family farm The application is for an individual house, is made by a direct descendant of the landowner, it is not possible to locate the house within the family landholding and outside the pressure area, and the design, siting and orientation of the house is in accordance with the guidelines in Chapter 9 and Rural House Design Guide prepared by the Council in 2009; E3 On Class 1 Regional Roads outside of (d) above (Section 7.5.2 Table 7.4), the Council will permit houses for a son or daughter, provided that such development can be accommodated via the existing entrance or via a maximum of one additional entrance on to the Regional Road. E4 In the Pressure Area around Limerick and the non-radial routes in the pressure areas around towns, the Council will permit houses in the following circumstances: E4.1 The application is being made by a person whose primary employment is in agriculture, horticulture, forestry or bloodstock industry; or E4.2 Persons who were born in the pressure area and within 10km of the proposed location or lived in the pressure area within 10km of the proposed location for any 10 year period of that person’s life or; E4.3 Direct family members seeking to live on the family farm where the primary residence is part of the farm holding; or E4.4 A person engaged in a small agricultural/rural business based on established need and demonstrating a history of such business activity; and E4.5 The house is for that person’s own use; and E4.6 The applicant can demonstrate that he/she is eligible under the above criteria. E5 On radial routes outside of (b) above (Section 7.5.2 Table 7.3 and 7.4), the Council will permit a house for a direct family member of the landowner who has derived some farming income from the landholding since 2000, provided that such development can be accommodated via the existing entrance or via a maximum of one additional entrance. Onto the Class 1 Regional Road the Council may consider one additional entrance onto a radial route where no other opportunity exists to provide an access. Policy HSG 13: Housing in the High Amenity Area: B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to resist houses in the High Amenity Area except for the following: HH1 S1 HH1 S1 (i) Persons who were born in the rural High Amenity Area and within 5km of the proposed location or lived in the rural W1 W2 C1 W1 W2 High Amenity Area within 5km of the proposed location for any 10 year period of that person’s life or; C2 M1 M2 W3 C1 C2 (ii) Direct family members seeking to live on the family farm where the primary residence is part of the farm holding; L1 M1 M2 (iii) The proposed development does not interfere with views to or from the lake; and CH1 CH2 (iv) The siting, design and layout will not take from the character or uniformity of the landscape; L1 (v) The house is for that person’s own use; and (vi) The applicant can demonstrate that he/she is eligible under the above criteria.

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Policy HSG 14: Replacement of Existing Dwellings in the Countryside B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council that in considering the replacement of existing dwellings in the rural countryside the Council HH1 S1 HH1 W1 will have to be satisfied that: W1 W2 W2 W3 C1 a) The existing structure was last used and/or is suitable as a dwelling; M1 M2 M1 M2 C2 b) The roof, external and internal walls are substantially intact but the building is unsuitable for modern use; CH2 L1 CH1 L1 c) The proposed dwelling will be designed strictly in accordance with the guidelines contained in Chapter 9 and Rural House Design Guidelines prepared by the Council in 2009; d) The proposed floor area shall accord with guidelines on plot sizes as set out in Chapter 9; e) The development will not result in the creation of a serious traffic hazard. f) For application within Pressure Areas or High Amenity Areas, that the applicant(s) comply with the local need criteria set out in Policies HSG12 and HSG13. Policy HSG 14(a): Reuse of or Extension to Existing Dwellings in the Countryside B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council that in considering the reuse / extension of existing dwellings in the countryside the Council HH1 S1 HH1 W1 will have to be satisfied that: W1 W2 W2 W3 C1 a) The existing structure was last used and/or is suitable as a dwelling; M1 M2 M1 M2 C2 b) The development will not result in the creation of a serious traffic hazard; CH2 L1 CH1 L1 c) The roof, external and internal walls are substantially intact but the building is unsuitable for modern use; d) The proposed extension will be designed strictly in accordance with the guidelines contained in Chapter 9 and in the Rural Housing Design Guidelines prepared by the Council in 2009; e) The proposed floor area shall accord with guidelines on plot sizes as set out in Section 8 and in any case be not greater than 240sqm or twice the existing floor area (which ever is greater). Policy HSG 15: Commercial Uses on or adjacent to Residential Sites in Rural Areas B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council that proposals for new small scale rural enterprises or extensions to existing small scale rural HH1 W1 S1 W3 C1 enterprises will be permitted only where it can be clearly demonstrated that: W2 M1 M2 C2 CH1 a) they are of a scale in terms of number of employees, site area and building size, which is suitable for the location; L1 CH2 L1 b) the use proposed is appropriate to the area and that it will not have a negative on the surrounding area in terms of nuisance, noise, odours or other pollutants; c) they would not result in adverse transport effects; d) they would not have a detrimental effect on the surrounding area or on the amenity of adjacent nearby occupiers nor result in the loss of actively managed agricultural land; e) the proposed development is not for a type of use for which land is allocated elsewhere in the plan area and there is no reasonably alternative available for development in such an area; f) developments in visually sensitive areas address their surroundings; g) the site is suitable in size such that the housing and commercial activity can be separated, serviced and landscaped accordingly; and h) the development does not exceed the plot size ratio for commercial uses on or adjacent to residential sites as set out in Chapter 9 . i) the development is in line with national policy on access onto national primary and secondary roads. The applicant should be aware that in granting new development up to the maximum plot size ratio set out in Chapter 9, that the Planning Authority will be indicating that any subsequent expansion of the development will not be encouraged. Policy HSG 16: Social/Affordable Housing B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate the implementation of the County Housing Strategy 2009-2016. To address the HH1 S1 current imbalance between housing demand and housing supply, the following shall be required by agreement under Part W1 W2 V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended: 20% social and affordable housing will be required on all sites W3 C1 C2 that are zoned for residential or a mixture of residential and other uses. M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1

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Policy HSG17: Reservation of Land for the Provision of Social and Affordable Housing 9 It is the policy of the Council, as required under Section 95 of the Planning and Development Acts, 2000-2006, that 20% of all land zoned for residential use and/or residential and other uses, shall be reserved for the provisions of housing for the purposes of either or both of the following: • Housing for persons referred to in Section 9(2) of the Housing Act, 1988; • Affordable housing (as defined in Section 93 of the Planning and Development Acts, 2000-2006) Policy HSG18: Social Housing B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to provide, subject to availability, social houses through a combination of mechanisms HH1 S1 including direct build, ‘Part V’, turnkey and the acquisition of housing through purchase and / or leasing in accordance with W1 W2 the Council’s settlement hierarchy to meet identified needs. Social housing will be allocated on the basis of the Council’s W3 C1 C2 adopted scheme of letting priorities. M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy HSG19: Affordable Housing 9 It is the policy of the Council to appropriately manage the provision of affordable housing and sites provided by the Council within the County. Policy HSG 20: Accommodation of the Travelling Community B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate the provision of accommodation for the travelling community in accordance with HH1 S1 the North Tipperary County Council Traveller Accommodation Plan, including all Social and Affordable housing options W1 W2 available under the Housing Acts. W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy HSG21: Homeless People 9 It is the policy of the Council to actively promote and facilitate, integrated solutions to address the issue of homelessness within North Tipperary. The Council will continue to work in partnership with the statutory and voluntary agencies to address the accommodation needs of homeless persons who are an intrinsic part of the community in which they are to be housed, or as set out in the North Tipperary Homeless Strategy and Action Plan 2007 – 2009, and the DoEHLG policy document ‘The Way Home’ – A Strategy to Address Adult Homelessness in Ireland 2008 – 2013. Policy HSG 22: Community Facilities C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council that in assessing new applications for housing the Council will seek, where necessary, HH1 S1 services that are required to meet the needs of the community, and/or to impose levies to assist in the provision of W1 W2 community facilities. Where housing is allowed outside principal locations the Council will seek community levies towards W3 M1 M2 the provision of community facilities at the nearest centre. CH1 CH2 L1 Policy HSG 23: Childcare Facilities C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to encourage the provision of nurseries, crèches or other childcare facilities in association HH1 S1 with housing, commercial and industrial development. The council will give due regard to assessment of need for such W1 W2 services at time of development. The council will encourage developers to consult with the county childcare committee and W3 M1 M2 HSE to ensure compliancy particularly in relation to space ratios and outdoor space. Furthermore it is the policy of the CH1 CH2 Council to have regard and to implement the Guidelines on Childcare Facilities (2001) DoEHLG. L1 Policy HSG24: Childcare C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to assist the County Childcare Committee in the implementation of the North Tipperary HH1 S1 Childcare Strategy 2007/2010.The Council will also assist the county childcare committee to identify priority areas within W1 W2 the County for the provision of childcare facilities. W3 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1

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Policy HSG 25: Nursing Homes/Elderly Accommodation: C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to encourage applications for new nursing homes and retirement homes in villages and towns HH1 S1 in the County. Nursing homes in rural areas may also be considered. Where separate dwelling units are proposed adjacent W1 W2 to and within the curtilage of a nursing home, such development should, where possible, be located such that there is W3 M1 M2 access to local services such as church, shop as well as nursing and security facilities. Such units shall be managed in CH1 CH2 perpetuity as rented accommodation for the elderly and special needs and as part of the overall complex of the nursing L1 home. Policy HSG 26: Granny Flat and Special Needs Accommodation: 9 It is the policy of the Council in assessing proposal for granny flats and special needs accommodation to discourage the provision of separate dwelling units. Such units shall be designed so that it may be absorbed into the main dwelling at a later date. Separate units will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and on landholdings in excess of 0.5 ha where it can be demonstrated that both dwellings will be retained as one-planning unit. Policy HSG27: Libraries 9 It is the policy of the Council to support the libraries service within North Tipperary and to work towards contributing to the knowledge society, social inclusion, E-Government, local studies and learning, archives and life-long children services to rural communities, the housebound and homes for the elderly. Policy HSG 28: Subdivision of an existing cottage plot. B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to permit the single subdivision of an existing cottage plot provided that the following criteria HH1 S1 are met: W1 W2 a) The applicant is direct family member of the current owner, who owns the cottage plot since 2000. W3 C1 C2 b) The new dwelling will be accessed from the existing vehicular entrance to the dwelling, except in exceptional M1 M2 circumstances, which may require the existing vehicular entrance to be permanently and effectively closed up. CH1 CH2 c) The development complies with the ribbon development criteria as set out in Section 5.2.3 (as amended by L1 Variation No. 1). d) The existing dwelling and the new dwelling complies with the plot ratio criteria as set out in Chapter 9: Design Guidelines and General Standards Section 8.4.1 (as amended by Variation No. 1). e) Both wastewater effluent treatment systems shall be designed in accordance with the EPA Wastewater Treatment Manual (2000) for ‘Single Houses’. Specific Objectives C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 H5 It is an objective of the Council to seek the development of social and affordable units on a case by case basis, in HH1 S1 accordance with existing local needs and special need requirements of the population of the area. W1 W2 H6 It is an objective of the Council to seek to provide adequate accommodation for Travellers in accordance with the need W3 C1 C2 as identified in the Traveller Accommodation Plan and on-going assessments. M1 M2 H7 It is an objective of the Council to ensure that an appropriate mix of housing types, designs and sizes are provided CH1 CH2 within each housing or mixed use development as part of Part V proposals. L1 H8 It is an objective of the Council that the allocation between social and affordable housing is made on a case by case basis depending on the identified social and affordable needs of the area within which the development is taking place. H9 It is an objective of the Council to reserve land within settlements and alongside existing educational facilities to allow for the provision of and expansion to education facilities. Furthermore it is and objective of the Council that the provision of new education facilities are location within existing settlements and to only allow out of town locations in exceptional circumstances.

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8.5 Chapter 6: Economy

Likely to Probable Potential Uncertain Neutral No Likely Improve Conflict Conflict interaction Interaction interaction status of with status with status with status with status with status SEOs of SEOs- of SEOs- of SEOs of SEOs of SEOs unlikely to likely to be be mitigated mitigated Policy ECON 1: Employment Growth and Promotion B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to promote, encourage and facilitate enterprise and employment throughout the County, and HH1 S1 to co-operate with other agencies including the private sector in order to provide employment opportunities. W1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy ECON 2: Strategic Employment 9 It is the policy of the Council to identify land in key strategic locations that is suitable for different employment and economic activity. These lands will be protected from inappropriate development that would undermine the future development of economic and employment activity. Policy ECON 3: Other Plans B1 B2 B3 9 It is the policy of the Council to promote the development of strategic land banks in the Primary Service Centres as HH1 S1 identified in Table 3.7, in accordance with the policy objectives set out in the Town and Environ Development Plans and W1 W2 Local Area Plans, including, an integrated development that will achieve: W3 C1 C2 a) a high-quality, sustainable development; M1 M2 b) attract education, research and clean technology based industries; CH1 CH2 c) provide significant amenities, including a designed parkland; and L1 d) all new buildings shall be of exceptional architectural quality. Policy ECON 3(a) Masterplan for Archerstown, Thurles: B1 B2 B3 9 It is a policy of the Council to co-operate with Shannon Development in the promotion and the development of lands HH1 S1 situated at Archerstown to provide for proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The Council will promote W1 W2 sustainable development which will provide for the following: W3 C1 C2 (a) the infrastructural requirements to service current and planned development in the area; M1 M2 (b) the improvement and expansion of employment uses on existing sites and adjacent lands; CH1 CH2 (c) use of suitable lands for low-intensity, affordable commercial development, including vehicle parking, SME's and start- L1 up employment activity; (d) the consolidation of existing residential development and; (e) the provision of limited new residential development.

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Policy ECON 4: Masteplan for Lisheen Mine Site B1 B2 B3 9 Moyne Templetuohy, Thurles: HH1 S1 It is a policy of the Council to co-operate with the owners/operators of the Lisheen Mine site in the promotion and the W1 W2 development of lands situated at Moyne Templetuohy to provide for proper planning and sustainable development of the W3 C1 C2 area. The Council will promote development which will provide for the following: M1 M2 (a) promote the use / development / production of renewable technologies or their by-product; CH1 CH2 (b) use of suitable lands to provide for industries / employment / clean technology based idustries not currently provided L1 for within the County. (c) a high quality sustainable development (d) provide significant amenities, including a designed parkland, (e) reuse of existing infrastructure within the mine complex wherever possible. Policy ECON 5: E-Towns C1 C2 9 It is the policy of the Council to work with other statutory bodies to identify sites for E-Town developments and to facilitate and encourage such developments within the County. Policy ECON 6: Community Enterprise Centres B1 B2 B3 9 It is the policy of the Council to support the provision of Community Enterprise Centres in Cloughjordon, Roscrea, HH1 S1 Rearscross, Thurles, and at other locations in the County as they are identified, subject to the proper planning and W1 W2 sustainable development of the area. W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy ECON 7: Economic Development Lands B1 B2 B3 9 It is the policy of the Council to seek to promote and diversify the local economy as prescribed under the National Spatial HH1 S1 Strategy, Mid West Regional Planning Guidelines and in accordance with the County’s agreed settlement hierarchy which W1 W2 provides for balanced development. W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy ECON 7(a): Economic Development Lands 9 It is the policy of the Council that future economic development throughout the County be largely based on the County’s settlement hierarchy having regard to the following: • each towns/areas role within the hierarchy; • its existing size; • its function within the hierarchy; • its capacity for sustainable growth. However, there is a positive presumption throughout the County in terms of employment creation and growth, and consequently the Council will examine all proposals within other locations on a case by case basis. Policy ECON 8: Environmental Improvement of Employment Areas C1 C2 CH1 It is the policy of the Council to improve the environment of the employment / commercial areas of the County (including CH2 the town centre) through one or more of the following: • Streetscape improvement in the town centre; • Landscaping where employment development borders other uses; • Improved access for pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities; • Enhancement of protected structures, areas of archaeological interest or Architectural Conservation Areas. Policy ECON 9: Streetscape CH1 CH2 It is the policy of the Council to ensure that new commercial developments provide a visually interesting street frontage in line with policy objectives in the Development Plan.

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Policy ECON 10: Non-Conforming Uses HH1 L1 9 Where authorised commercial or employment undertakings exist as non-conforming but long-established uses, it is the policy of the Council to facilitate their continued operation and sustainable expansion, provided they do not seriously take from the zoning objective for the area, be visually intrusive on the landscape or result in the creation of a traffic hazard. Where such uses have ceased the Council will seek their redevelopment for new use that conforms to the zoning pattern in the area. Policy ECON 11: Rural Employment HH1 CH2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate the development of small-scale rural enterprises or the proportional expansion L1 HH1 S1 and/or diversification of existing authorised rural enterprises provided that such development: W1 W2 a) is a conversion of an existing building or a new building that protects rural character of the area; W3 C1 C2 b) does not take from the rural character of the landscape; M1 M2 c) the proposed building design/site works do not take from the rural character of the landscape; CH1 CH2 d) the development does not result in the creation of a significant traffic hazard. L1 e) ensure that developments in visually sensitive areas address the surroundings; f) the development is in line with national policy on access onto national primary and secondary roads; g) the proposal is compatible with the neighbouring landuses; h) the development does not exceed the plot size ratio for commercial uses in the countryside as set out in Chapter 9; (i) conforms to the requirements of sustainable development as set out in this Plan. Policy ECON 12: Commercial Uses in Rural Areas C1 C2 HH1 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council not to encourage commercial or industrial development in the open countryside, which would CH2 L1 HH1 S1 be inappropriate by virtue of size, scale, and hours of operation, traffic congestion or nature of use. However, the Council W1 W2 will support proposals for commercial/industrial activity in the open countryside where: W3 C1 C2 a) the proposed building design/site works do not take from the rural character of the landscape; M1 M2 b) the proposal is compatible with the neighbouring landuses; CH1 CH2 c) the development does not result in the creation of a significant traffic hazard; L1 d) ensure that developments in visually sensitive areas address the surroundings; and e) the development does not exceed the plot size ratio for commercial uses in the countryside as set out in Chapter 9 . f) The development is in line with national policy on access onto national primary and secondary roads. g) The development conforms to the requirements of sustainable development as set out in this Plan. The applicant should be aware that in granting new development up to the maximum plot size ratio set out in Chapter 9, that the Planning Authority will be indicating that any subsequent expansion of the development will not be encouraged. Policy ECON 13: Tourism around Lough Derg. B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to support the sustainable development and improvement of activities and infrastructure HH1 W1 HH1 W1 supporting water and marine based activities as well as shore side activities including jetties and marinas provided that W2 C1 C2 W2 C1 C2 such development accords with policies ECON 14, 15 and 17. M1 M2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 CH1 CH2 L1 L1 Policy ECON 14: Tourist Accommodation B1 B2 B3 S1 W3 M2 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate the sustainable development of tourist accommodation, provided that such HH1 W1 development: W2 C1 C2 a) is sited in or adjacent to a marketable tourist product; M1 M2 b) protects and enhances the amenities of the area; CH1 CH2 c) preserves and enhances the safety and free flow of public roads; and L1 d) is compatible with the relevant land uses for the area in nature and extent. Policy ECON 15: Rural Tourism S1 C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to support rural tourism at existing locations such as farmyards, pubs, and hotels. Such HH1 W1 development may provide an extension to the exiting building or new accommodation. Such accommodation must be part W2 C1 C2 of an integrated tourism plan and be available for short-term letting only. M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1

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Policy ECON 16: Location of Tourist Facilities S1 C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to ensure that new tourist facilities, including sport and recreation facilities, are located in B1 B2 B3 HH1 W1 existing settlement centres where they can be supported by, and provide support for, existing services. HH1 W1 W2 W3 W2 M1 M2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy ECON 17: Large-scale Integrated Tourism-Leisure-Recreational Complex B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to encourage the sustainable development of major integrated Tourism-Leisure-Recreational HH1 W1 HH1 S1 complexes on large land holdings provided that a full planning application is submitted, and includes an ‘Integrated W2 M1 L1 W1 W2 Tourism Plan that provides for: W3 C1 C2 a) the preservation of the rural character of the landscape, M1 M2 b) the integration of the development into the open countryside, CH1 CH2 c) significant and intensive landscaping of the site and L1 d) traffic impact assessment e) adequate treatment of effluent. Such development will not generally be considered in areas considered unsuitable in the County Landscape Character Assessment. Policy ECON 18 Eco-Tourism B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to encourage and support eco-tourism projects or tourism projects with a strong HH1 S1 environmentally sustainable design and operational ethos. W1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1

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Specific Objectives: S1 B1 B2 B3 9 E1 It is an objective of the Council to undertake an Employment Land Survey during the lifetime of the Development Plan HH1 S1 to identify likely enterprise and employment trends within the County and the optimal location and quantum of zoned land W1 W2 to achieve a sustainable employment, subject to resources. W3 C1 C2 E2 To examine the feasibility of implementing the Lough Derg Marina Study in compliance with the provisions of the M1 M2 Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). This will be done in cooperation with Clare County Council, Galway County Council and CH1 CH2 Shannon Development. L1 E3 To examine the feasibility of implementing of the Lough Derg Tourism Strategy and Lough Derg Tourism Cluster programme in compliance with the provisions of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). E4 The Council will co-operate with appropriate agencies in promoting tourism and securing the development of tourism- based enterprises in suitable locations; E5 Support the development of a lookout facility overlooking the lake with parking on the R493 between Coolbawn and Kilgarvan; E6 It is an objective of the Council to seek an overall provision of bed spaces in the County in the life of the Plan and to work closely with all interest groups to seek this end. E7 To review the requirement for additional commercial and employment land in and around the towns of Nenagh, Templemore, Roscrea and Thurles and provide additional land for such uses where required. E8 It is an objective of the Council to encourage and support, in co-operation with Enterprise Ireland, the North Tipperary County Enterprise Board, Shannon Development and other local development bodies, the development of further small to medium scale indigenous industries and services. Further to promote the establishment of a number of small incubator units within designated area to accommodate new business start-ups. E9 It is an objective of the Council to co-operate and seek to facilitate local community based development groups in development industrial clusters as appropriate. E10 It is an objective of the Council to seek the appropriate re-use of brownfield sites in towns and villages around the County. E11 It is an objective of the Council to seek to further develop Nenagh as a cycling hub and as a centre for tourism within the County. E12 It is an objective of the Council to support, encourage and promote sports tourism within the County and to work with sporting clubs and tourism organisations throughout the County to seek this end. E13 It is an objective of the Council to seek ways of promoting North Tipperary as a gateway to the Slieve Bloom Mountains and to work closely with all interest groups to seek this end. E14 It is an objective of the Council to support, encourage and promote heritage tourism and festivals within the County and to work with heritage groups, tourism organisations and other interest groups throughout the County to seek this end. E15 It is an objective of the Council to support the sharing of community facilities, including school facilities, throughout the County, for use by all community organisations, in order to maximise the investment which has been made in them. E16 It is an objective of the Council to support tourist attractions in the County which are listed in the North Tipperary Tourism Company publications. E17 It is an objective of the Council to co-operate with appropriate bodies in working towards providing an understanding to communities and visitors of, waterway corridors and wetlands where feasible and appropriate. E18 It is an objective of the Council to further develop Roscrea as a Heritage Town within the County and the Region and to examine the feasibility of developing the concept of the Ely O’Carroll Tourism, linking Roscrea and Birr, subject to resources. E19 It is an objective of the Council to support and facilitate the continued development and expansion of third level institutions in North Tipperary including the Tipperary Institute the Garda Training College in Templemore, Gurteen Agricultural College, St. Patrick’s College in Thurles and the Civil Defence Training Facility in Roscrea, and to work with these and other agencies to development and grow a spirit of enterprise and innovation in Secondary Schools in the County.

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Policy ECON 19: Shopping C1 C2 S1 9 It is the policy of the Council to improve and strengthen retail provision in the County in order to reduce leakage to other CH2 counties and to protect the vitality and viability of centres in North Tipperary. Policy ECON 19a: Regional Shopping C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to support the position of Limerick City as the key retail centre in the Mid West Region. Policy ECON 20: Retail in the Town Centre C1 C2 CH2 It is the policy of the Council in the consideration of planning applications for retail development, to have regard to the HH1 B3 S1 following: W1 W2 • The Settlement Hierarchy outlined in Chapter 3 of this Plan. • The proposal, either by itself, or cumulatively with other such proposals, should not have a significant detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of the town centre; • The application should not have a negative impact on the existing uses of the surrounding lands by reason of noise, smell or visual impact; • The development should be easily accessed from the main road, with adequate parking facilities without having a negative impact on the safety of local roads; • The development should be in line with the sustainability matrix as set out in this Plan and have a balanced modal split. • The development should be assessed against the sequential approach. Specific Objective 9 E20 It is an objective of the Council to review the County Retail Strategy during the lifetime of the County Development Plan. Policy ECON 21: Settlement Centre C1 C2 CH1 CH2 It is a policy of the Council to retain retail uses and services in villages and small towns and to direct new retail development into existing settlements. Policy ECON 22: Retail Strategy C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to have regard to the retail hierarchy and other criteria as set out in the North Tipperary Retail Strategy and any subsequent document. Policy ECON 23: Retail Planning Guidelines C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to have regard to and implement the recommendations of the Retail Planning Guidelines (DoEHLG) in the carrying out of its development management functions with regard to retail developments. Policy ECON 24: Townscape Improvement B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to seek improvements to the quality of the settlement centres as part of new development in HH1 S1 accordance with the standards set out in the Chapter 9. W1 W2 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH2 L1 Policy ECON 25: Shop-Fronts CH2 It is the policy of the Council to encourage the retention of shop-fronts of high quality. The replacement or repair of shop- fronts should be completed with standards set out in the Development Management Chapter (Chapter 9). Policy ECON 26: Advertising CH2 HH1 It is the policy of the Council to resist advertising if: by reason of size, siting, design, materials or illumination it would harm the appearance of a building or the visual amenities of the area; it would adversely affect public or traffic safety. Policy ECON 27: Take-Away Outlets 9 It is the policy of the Council to only consider further development of take-away food outlets in urban areas when the amenity and character of the town and village centres and residential areas will not be negatively impacted upon.

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Policy ECON 28: Filling Stations HH1 It is the policy of the Council to resist new filling stations or redevelopment of stations that increase the intensity of existing stations except where they can meet the following criteria: • The proposal is within a settlement boundary or the 30 mph or 40 mph where none exists; • It is in accordance with the zoning requirement for the area; • The floorspace of the retail unit does not take from the viability of the centre and conforms with the Retail Planning Guidelines; and • The siting and layout design is in accordance with the standards set out in Section 8.8 of the Plan Policy 28(a): On-Line Service Areas 9 It is the policy of the Council to have regard to NRA policy on the provision of on-line service areas within the County. Policy ECON 29: Home Based Economic Activity B1 B2 B3 L1 The Planning Authority will support the conversion of part of a dwelling to a home based economic activity, where the HH1 S1 dwelling remains as the main residence of the practitioner and where a local need has been demonstrated and where W1 W2 a) the proposal is of appropriate scale for its location; and W3 C1 C2 b) the proposal does not harm the character or amenity of surrounding areas; and M1 M2 c) the proposal is of a scale and nature which is sympathetic towards the character of the building and its surroundings; CH1 CH2 and L1 d) the proposal will not give rise to adverse environmental and transport effects or be prejudicial to residential amenity. Developments of this nature within Special Landscape Zones, High Amenity Areas and Protected Views will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. Policy ECON 30: Large Scale Industrial / Commercial Uses in the Open Countryside 9 It is the policy of the Council to consider large scale industrial/ commercial uses in the open countryside, on sites identified by the Council for these uses. Policy ECON 31: Small Industrial uses in Rural Villages B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate small scale light industrial development and rural enterprises in rural villages HH1 S1 throughout the County on industrial, commercial and residentially zoned land, provided that such development; W1 W2 (a) does not impact negatively on the residential amenity of adjoining properties, W3 C1 C2 (b) the development does not result in the creation of a significant traffic hazard; M1 M2 (c) the development does not impact negatively on the environment CH1 CH2 (d) the development does not take from the character of the village. L1 Policy ECON 32 Bio-Energy and Bio-Technology B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate the sustainable development of Bio-Energy and Bio-Technology Enterprises within HH1 W1 the County subject to normal sustainable planning and development criteria. W2 W3 CH1 CH2 L1 Specific Objective 9 E21 A Guidance document, or a number of guidance documents, identifying land, or the criteria against which land will be assessed, for appropriate large scale industrial uses within the County under Policy ECON 30, may be prepared in advance of consideration of any such uses. E22 It is an objective of the Council to accommodate and support new Bio-Energy, Bio-Technology and similar ancillary B1 B2 B3 developments throughout the County. An example of such lands would include land at Garravalley, Ballymackey, Nenagh, HH1 W1 County Tipperary north of new M7 (Castletown to Nenagh route), east of Ballymackey Road, should these lands be W2 W3 deemed appropriate. CH1 CH2 L1

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8.6 Chapter 7: Infrastructure and Services

Likely to Probable Potential Uncertain Neutral No Likely Improve Conflict Conflict interaction Interaction interaction status of with status with status with status with status with status SEOs of SEOs- of SEOs- of SEOs of SEOs of SEOs unlikely to likely to be be mitigated mitigated Policy TRANS 1: Mid-West Area Strategic Plan 9 It is the policy of the Council to support and facilitate the findings and recommendations of the Mid-West Area Strategic Plan and to co-operate with other local authorities in achieving these findings and recommendations as appropriate. Policy TRANS 2: Transport and Land-Use C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to seek development that makes efficient use of transport infrastructure, and which facilitates alternative transport modes to the private car. Policy TRANS 3: Transport Investment 9 It is the policy of the Council to encourage and facilitate transport investment within the County, the Mid-West, and other Regions, in order to create effective links and to reduce travel times between the main towns and to maximise the cohesion and critical mass of the region and improve intra and inter-regional connectivity. In this regard, it is also the policy of the Council to co-operate with the adjoining local authorities to achieve these effective and improved links. Policy TRANS 4: National Policies 9 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate development of transport policies, as they relate to North Tipperary, in accordance with “Ireland, National Development Plan 2007-2013, Transport 21 and with Government Policy. The Council will also support the relevant agencies and bodies involved in achieving such development including the National Roads Authority and the Department of Transport. Policy TRANS 5: Route Corridors 9 It is the policy of the Council to support improvements in infrastructure by reserving land in suitable locations, and/or protecting corridors free from development that would undermine the implementation of a future infrastructure project. Policy TRANS 6: Access onto Motorways, National Primary and National Secondary Routes C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to restrict all development accessing out on National route corridors which is likely to compromise the capacity and efficiency of national routes and lead to the premature reduction of the carrying capacity of the road. Policy TRANS 6(a) Motorway Set Back 9 It is the policy of the Council to ensure that new developments are set back a minimum of 90m from motorways within the County, except in exceptional circumstances. Policy TRANS 7: Preserving Road Capacity HH1 C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to resist development along strategic route corridors, as identified on Tables 7.3 and 7.4, which would reduce traffic, safety or carrying capacity except in exceptional circumstances where the development is strategic in nature and a regionally significant employment generator. Policy TRANS 8: Transport Interchanges C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to resist development along all strategic route corridor interchanges, except where development can be accommodated in accordance with employment policies and in particular Policy ECON 2. Development proposals shall be designed to protect the carrying capacity of the roads, and contain significant improvements in amenities in accordance with the requirements of policies contained in the Employment Section of the Plan. Policy TRANS 9: Local Road Network 9 It is the policy of the Council to improve the local road network within the County in line with its Roads Programme and as resources allow. CAAS for North Tipperary County Council 130 Environmental Report of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016 SEA

Policy TRANS 10: Road and Pavement Improvements in Settlement Centres CH2 It is the policy of the Council that future environmental improvements, traffic calming and parking provision will respect and enhance the urban form of towns and villages, including those which have been by-passed. Policy TRANS 11: Contributions toward Improvement Works 9 It is the policy of the Council to seek financial contributions toward the costs of improving infrastructure that is associated with development. Policy TRANS 12: Rural Transport Programme C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to support the continued development and improvement of the Rural Transport Programme throughout the County and to seek to increase the viability of the RTP through the implementation of the settlement policies set out in Chapter 3. Policy TRANS 13: Rail Transport C1 C2 S1 It is the policy of the Council to support the improvement of rail services, and to protect lands adjacent to rail stations against encroachment by inappropriate uses that could compromise the long-term development of the rail facility. Policy TRANS 13(a) Rail Transport C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to encourage and support the development of freight traffic and associated infrastructure, on the rail network within the County and to work with Iarnroad Eireann and other bodies in the promotion of rail freight. Policy TRANS 13(b) Ballybrophy Rail Line C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to support the improvement and continued development of the Ballybrophy Rail Line and the stations along it and to resist any proposals to downgrade or abandon the rail line. Policy TRANS 14: Bus Transport C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to co-operate with relevant public and private companies and authorities to secure improvements in inter and intra-County public transport service to operate throughout the County and to improve connectivity with neighbouring Counties. Policy TRANS 15: Bicycle Parking C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to require that adequate covered parking facilities be provided for the secure parking of bicycles. Policy TRANS 16: Pedestrian Rights C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to improve facilities for pedestrians and access facilities for people with special mobility needs in line with Part M of the Building Regulations.

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Specific Objectives: INF1 It is an objective of the Council to prepare County Transport Plans in line with the C1 C2 HH1 9 recommendations of the Department of Transport publication “Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future 2009-2020”. INF2 To seek improvements in road quality between growth centres in the County as identified on Table 7.2. INF3 To priortise measures in seeking a reduction in traffic accidents. INF4 To promote and encourage the use and the availability of alternative modes of transport to the car. INF5 To work towards reducing emissions and improving air quality. INF6 To work with appropriate agencies and bodies, towards improving access for mobility impaired people. INF7 To provide cycle lanes where appropriate and where resources are available. INF8 The incorporation of pedestrian routes into the design of schemes for residential, educational and recreational developments INF9 To continue to pursue the provision of a new bridge over the lower Shannon at Ballina and to seek to provide for the widening, upgrading and possible local realignment over some sections of the R494 regional Road from Birdhill to the junction with the RR496 Ruaille junction. INF10 To pursue the provision of a southern by-pass of Newport Town allowing traffic on the Limerick/Thurles Road (R503) to bypass the town INF11 To improve the alignment and pavement of the busier sections of the regional road network under the specific Improvement Grants (EU Co-finances) scheme INF12 To strengthen the pavements on regional road network under the Restoration Improvement Grants Scheme INF13 To provide traffic calming schemes as deemed necessary INF14 To strengthen pavements on the local road network under the Restoration Improvement Grants Scheme INF15 Carry out improvements to Regional and County Roads on sections that are deficient in respect of structural conditions or alignment INF16 To preserve the character of rural roads INF17 Control advertising on all roads and particularly on approach roads to settlements INF18 Strictly control ribbon development along all routes to avoid the creation of additional significant traffic hazards INF19 Strictly control commercial / industrial development in rural areas to avoid the creation of additional significant traffic hazards arising from new development. INF20 To seek sustainable improvement of the Lough Derg Way as part of the Western Area Plan INF21 It is an objective of the Council to carry out a review of speed limits currently in force on local roads within the County, subject to resources and staff availability. INF 22 It is an objective of the Council to carry out an audit of directional signage within the County, subject to resources and staff availability. INF 23 It is an objective of the Council to continue to pursue the provision of a new link road between the N7 (Roscrea / Nenagh Road) and the N62 (Birr Road). INF24 It is an objective of the Council to seek the provision and use of signs throughout North Tipperary. INF25 Support the Rural Transport Initiative and to seek to have it extended through the County during the lifetime of the Plan. INF26 Reduce the congestion on public roads caused by existing commuting movements, by consolidating existing towns and villages and thus facilitating a more rational and quality public transport system. INF27 Support the provision of new bus shelters at appropriate locations in settlement centres and at key rural locations to facilitate and complement the rural transport initiative, Bus Eireann coaches and private operators of public transport. INF28 To provide car parks at appropriate locations throughout the County for the control of on street and off-street car parking adequate to meet short term shopping and business requirements and for the needs of local residents, and for walkers and cyclists at appropriate access points to amenities, as resources allow. INF29 Promote the development of safe and convenient cycling facilities in towns and villages to minimise the dependence on private motor vehicles and to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle. INF30 To work with Failte Ireland, Shannon Development, Nenagh Town Council and the North Tipperary Sports Partnership, in the further development of the North Tipp Cycle Routes initiative, throughout the County. INF31 It is an objective of the Council to examine roads within the County so as to establish their potential for the provision of cycle lanes, subject to resources.

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Policy SERV 1: General Policy B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to ensure that the capacity of the water services infrastructure i.e. water supply and HH1 W1 wastewater treatment, are adequate for any development proposal. The Council may require developers, where it is W2 M1 M2 considered necessary and appropriate, to provide adequate water services infrastructure with capacities equal or in excess of those required by the proposed development, if the Council considers this to be in the interests of the future development of the area or settlement. Policy SERV 2: General Policy B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council provide, maintain or expand water services in towns and villages as resources permit. HH1 W1 Particular regard will be paid to those settlements which are targeted for strategic expansion in the Settlement Strategy W2 M1 M2 outlined in Chapter 3 of this Plan. Policy SERV 3: General Policy B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to ensure that the provision of water and wastewater facilities is undertaken in accordance HH1 W1 with EU policies and directives, national legislation and national/regional policies. W2 M1 M2 Policy SERV 4: General Policy S1 C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to ensure that the provision and maintenance of water services infrastructure and facilities is undertaken for environmental purposes and for economic, regional and rural development purposes. Where limited capacity exists, priority will be given to community or social projects together with small infill developments. Policy SERV 5: Water Supply HH1 M2 It is the policy of the Council that in granting permission for new development the development shall be connected to the Council water supply, and only in exceptional circumstances will the Council consider group water or single borehole wells. Policy SERV 6: Water Abstraction HH1 M2 9 It is the policy of the Council to endeavour to facilitate developments, by allowing the potential water resources of the County to be utilised, where possible, subject to appropriate safeguards. Policy SERV 6(a): Water Abstraction B1 B2 B3 9 It is the policy of the Council to work with Statutory Water Authorities, where abstraction is proposed from surface or ground water supplies within North Tipperary, subject to compliance with environmental and ecological legislative requirements. Policy SERV 7: Water Conservation W1 W2 It is the policy of the Council to strive to continuously reduce water wasteage and water demand in the public water supply HH1 M2 networks to ensure sustainable management of finite resources by facilitating, encouraging and complying with best practice methods in water conservation methods throughout the County. Policy SERV 8: Storm Water Retention HH1 W3 S1 It is the policy of the Council to require storm water retention facilities for all new developments and to incorporate design solutions that provide for collection and recycling of surface water in accordance with Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDs) in line with the recommendations of the Planning System and Flood Risk Guidelines for Planning Authorities as published by the DoEHLG in 2009 and the Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study. Regard should also be had to Policies ENV18 and ENV19. Policy SERV 9: Flood Risk Assessment HH1 W3 The Council will require a comprehensive Flood Risk Assessment for proposals in an area at risk of flooding, adjoining same or where cumulative impacts may result in a flood risk elsewhere. Regard will also be had to Policies ENV18 and ENV19 and to the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines. Policy SERV 10: Wastewater treatment plants B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to consider the provision of improved and additional wastewater services in appropriate HH1 W1 locations based on its current Assessment of Needs 2007-2014, and the DoEHLG current Water Services Investment W2 M1 M2 Programme, and having regard to the need to control the impact of wastewater on receiving waters.

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Policy SERV 11: Treatment Plants in Villages B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council, in considering planning applications for housing in villages, where sewage treatment facilities HH1 W1 are inadequate, to require an applicant, following on the adoption of a Supplementary Contribution Scheme by the Council W2 M1 M2 under Section 49 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, to provide a wastewater treatment system of a scale and design which is equal or in excess of the immediate needs of the proposed development, so the spare capacity can then be used to accommodate future development. The scale of the development should comply with the requirements of the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published by the DoEHLG in 2008. Policy SERV 12: Cluster Developments B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council in considering planning applications for cluster developments under Policy HSG 11 to provide, HH1 W1 HH1 W1 where a common wastewater treatment plant is not appropriate, adequate individual treatments plants to appropriate EPA W2 W2 M1 M2 Standards for each dwelling on a minimum site of ¾ acre. Policy SERV 13: Pumping Stations B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to discourage the use of communal/shared sewerage pumping stations in residential HH1 W1 development proposals. Development proposals involving gravity based drainage systems will be the preferred solution. In W2 M1 M2 exceptional circumstances, such as those that will be of strategic benefit, proposals involving conventional pumping systems may be considered. Specific Objectives B1 B2 B3 9 INF32 To seek a reduction of unaccounted-for water from the present level. HH1 W1 INF33 To carry out the capital works as set out in the current Assessment of Needs Programme and the DoEHLG current W2 M1 M2 Water Services Investment Programme with respect to both water supply and wastewater facilities as respources allow. INF34 To implement the objectives of the Sludge Management Plan, particularly in respect of hub centres, transport of sludge and storage facilities. INF35 To examine the feasibility of providing constructed wetland as part of tertiary treatment at some of the existing treatment plants. INF36 To develop a plan to reduce energy demand in water services, to implement strategies to implement national energy action plan targets and establish infrastructure and management systems to monitor effectiveness of the strategies. INF37 It is an objective of the Council to prepare, during the lifetime of the Plan, a guidance document, for the installation, maintenance and operation of septic tank effluent treatment systems Policy SERV 14: Tipperary Energy Agency 9 It is the policy of the Council to continue to support the Tipperary Energy Agency to support and encourage the development of sustainable energy within the County subject to resources. Policy SERV 15: Climate Change C1 C2 9 It is Council policy to minimise emissions to the air of greenhouse gases in order to contribute to a reduction and avoidance of human induced climate change in accordance with the Kyoto agreement. The Council supports and is committed to the National Climate Change Strategy and in general to facilitating measures which seek to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Policy SERV 16: Climate Change C1 C2 9 It is the policy of the Council to have regard to the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 and the Mid-West Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, in its decision making process Policy SERV 17: Energy Efficiency CH2 It is the policy of the Council to promote energy conservation and efficiency measures and to facilitate innovative building design that promotes energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources in accordance with national policy and guidelines. Policy SERV 18: Sustainability Matrix 9 It is a policy of the Council that the Sustainability Matrix contained in Appendix XX is completed as part of all planning applications submitted.

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Policy SERV 21: Renewables C1 C2 9 It is the policy of the Council to support regional, national and international initiatives for limiting emissions of greenhouse gases and to encourage the development of renewable energy sources. Policy SERV 22: Renewable Energy Sources 9 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate the continual development of renewable energy sources having regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned, having particular regard to amenities, landscape sensitivities and the protection of habitats and heritage. Policy SERV 23: Wind Energy 9 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate the exploitation of the natural wind energy resource available, provided that it can be demonstrated that such development, and associated infrastructure, is in accordance with the guidelines set out in the County Landscape Character Assessment and other development plan policies in respect of the protection of the environment, and complies with Wind Energy Development Guidelines, 2007, published by the DoEHLG or any future amendments to this document and the development conforms to the requirements of sustainable development as set out in this Plan. Policy SERV 24: Biomass 9 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate the development of projects that convert biomass to energy. Policy SERV 24a: Biomass 9 It is the policy of the Council to encourage the location of biomass installations in areas that do not affect residential or visual amenity and which are served by public roads with sufficient capacity to absorb increased traffic flows. Policy SERV 25: Solar Energy 9 It is the policy of the Council that Solar Energy Technology will be facilitated through recognition of the need for particular orientations as part of house design. Policy SERV 26: Waste to Energy Projects 9 It is the policy of the Council to seek to respond positively to applications for waste to energy projects in the context of a sustainable energy policy and the Waste Management Plan. Policy SERV 27: Small-Scale Renewable Energy and Micro-renewables HH1 L1 It is the policy of the Council to promote, encourage and facilitate the provision of micro-renewable energy. CH2 Policy SERV 28: Electricity Supply Lines B1 B2 B3 CH1 CH2 It is the policy of the Council to seek the undergrounding of electricity lines as appropriate and having regard to national CH1 CH2 B3 W1 W2 guidance. Where over ground lines are proposed, they shall be designed to have regard to the following: L1 • Possible interference with or damage to heritage items, protected structures, sites and areas of archaeological importance; • Possible interference with or damage to pNHAs or cSACs or SPAs or sites of nature conservation; • They shall be designed so as not to cause to or to minimise as far as practicable, detrimental harm to areas of scenic or designated as vulnerable landscapes; • They shall be designed so as not to cause to or to minimise as far as practicable detrimental harm to amenity or scenic routes. Policy SERV 29: Telecommunications Apparatus CH1 CH2 9 The Council recognises the national and local importance of a high quality ICT network. It is the policy of the Council to L1 HH1 achieve a balance between facilitating the provision of telecommunications services and sustaining residential amenities and environmental quality. In the consideration of proposals for telecommunications masts, antennae and ancillary equipment, the Council will have regard to the following: the visual impact of the proposed equipment on the natural or built environment, particularly in areas of sensitive landscape or historic importance; the potential for co-location of equipment on existing masts; and DoEHLG Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, July 1996. The distance between the ICT infrastructure and schools, hospitals and residential areas. The infrastructure conforms to the requirements of sustainable development as set out in this Plan.

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Policy SERV 30: Broadband CH1 CH2 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate the delivery of a high capacity ICT infrastructure and broadband network L1 HH1 throughout the County.

Policy SERV 31: E-Towns C1 C2 9 The Council will support and encourage the E-Town initiative of Shannon Development at suitable locations within the County. Policy SERV 32: Satellite Dishes CH2 L1 It is the policy of the Council to permit satellite dishes except: on Protected Structures where the special character would be harmed; or on the front or side of buildings in a Conservation Area; or in other areas where they would cause unacceptable harm to the visual amenities of the area. Specific Service Objectives C1 C2 9 INF38 To prepare a County Climate Change Action Plan over the course of this Development Plan. INF39 It is an objective of the Council to be a leader in the action against climate change and will strive to reduce energy consumption and increase the use of renewable energy in line with international targets. Related initiatives will help to sustain local communities and present opportunities for local enterprise. INF40 It is an objective of the Council to development and implement an Energy Efficiency Guidelines for the promotion of energy efficiency initiatives within the County. INF41 All housing, commercial and other developments which have a floor area of greater than 1000m2 the Council shall seek that a minimum of 25% of all of the buildings energy requirements is supplied by local renewable energy supply. INF42 It is an objective of the Council to work with developers/operators of industrial/commercial buildings in the use and installation of renewable technologies in order to achieve energy savings. INF43 Where development is being undertaken which lends itself to the use of district heating, that an analysis of the potential for district heating should be undertaken. INF44 It is an objective of the Council to work with both European, National, Regional and Local organisations in the promotion of the grants available to improve energy efficiency within both domestic and commercial properties throughout the County INF45 It is an objective of the Council to implement the Mid-West Regional Biomass Strategy on its completion. INF46 It is the policy of the Council to examine the feasibility of recovering energy from the landfill gas at Ballaghveny. INF47 To actively encourage the integration of micro renewable energy sources into the design and construction of single and multiple housing developments throughout the County. INF48 To investigate the potential for the installation of micro generation technologies at halting sites and facilities for the travelling community together with other LA housing schemes. INF49 To give favourable consideration to small scale renewable energy schemes such as wind, hydro and biomass, of less than 5MW where grid connection is possible without large scale infrastructural investment in line with national guidelines for sustainable development. INF50 To facilitate and promote the extension of the natural gas network within the County. INF51 It is an objective of the Council to support and facilitate the generation of electrical power within the county and the provision of high-voltage electricity infrastructure to cater for natural growth, new and existing large customers. Further, it is an objective of the Council to ensure, insofar as is possible, that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the existing and future economy in North Tipperary, to support economic development and to attract investment. INF52 Develop a service audit system which priorities local service provision (energy, health, shops etc.) and supports local development and enterprise

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8.7 Chapter 8: Built and Natural Heritage

Likely to Probable Potential Uncertain Neutral No Likely Improve Conflict Conflict interaction Interaction interaction status of with status with status with status with status with status SEOs of SEOs- of SEOs- of SEOs of SEOs of SEOs unlikely to likely to be be mitigated mitigated Specific Objectives: 9 BNH1 Review LAPs for the following areas: • Newport – to review the Newport LAP in 2009 to provide for the controlled expansion of the town. • Holycross – The Holycross LAP was jointly prepared between North and South Tipperary County Council’s in 2006. It is an objective to review this LAP in 2011. • Western Area Local Area Plan – to review the Westerns Area LAP in 2011. • Roscrea - to review the Roscrea LAP in 2011. • Ballycarrane and the Commons – The Ballycurrane LAP was adopted in 2007 by the County Council and Thurles Town Council. It is an objective to review this LAP in 2012. BNH2 Templemore Town and Environs Development Plan – This Plan was adopted in 2007. It is an objective to co- operate with Templemore Town Council in the review of this Plan in 2011. BNH3 Nenagh Town and Environs Development Plan – This Plan was adopted in 2008. It is an objective to co-operate with Nenagh Town Council in the review of this Plan in 2012. BNH4 Thurles Town and Environs Development Plan - This Plan was adopted in 2009. It is an objective to co-operate with Thurles Town Council in the review of this Plan in 2013. Policy HERT 1: Settlement Fringe B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to maintain definable development boundaries for towns and villages, to prohibit ribbon HH1 S1 development and other urban related development, and to maintain a clear distinction between urban areas and the W1 W2 C1 countryside. C2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy HERT 2: Approach Roads B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to seek infrastructure and visual improvements as part of new developments within HH1 W1 settlement boundaries and adjacent to approach roads to settlements. W2 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 L1 Policy HERT 3: Towns/village Improvements B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to seek improvements to the quality of town and village centres as part of new development. Existing tree cover and important areas of vegetation and wildlife habitat will be conserved, and additions to them required. Policy HERT 4: Sustainable Residential Development C1 C2 S1 It is the policy of the Council to implement the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Area Guidelines, issued by CH1 CH2 the DoEHLG in December 2008. L1 Policy HERT 5: Village Renewal C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to seek an improvement in visual character and opportunities for social interaction within settlements, by enhancing the overall attractiveness of settlements as places to live, work and visit, in a manner that encourages and reinforces community pride.

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Policy HERT 6: Derelict Sites HH1 It is the policy of the Council to implement the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act, 1990, the Sanitary Services Act 1964 and the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) to prevent or remove injury to amenity arising from dereliction. Policy HERT 7: Obsolete Areas C1 C2 S1 CH1 CH2 It is the policy of the Council to identify and secure the sustainable redevelopment of obsolete areas. Included are areas CH1 CH2 of backland, derelict sites and incidental open spaces, which are or will be identified as opportunity sites for development. Policy HERT 8: Brown Field Sites C1 C2 S1 CH1 CH2 It is the policy of the Council to seek the appropriate re-use/redevelopment of these sites. Development will be facilitated in accordance with the zoning and/or the guidelines set out in Chapter 8. Specific Objectives: C1 C2 S1 CH1 CH2 BHN5 To encourage the sympathetic refurbishment, redevelopment and re-use of derelict, redundant and ruined buildings HH1 and the appropriate development of infill or backland sites within the built up areas of towns, having regard to Village Design Statements / Development Frameworks, where prepared. BHN6 It is an objective of the Council to identify areas of dereliction, which are suitable for redevelopment, in accordance with the Council’s Derelict Sites Register. BHN7 It is an objective of the Council to continue to maintain its Derelict Sites Register and encourage and facilitate the redevelopment of identified derelict sites under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 and, where appropriate, to require owners of derelict property to carry our suitable improvements and to implement the provisions of the Act to prevent or remove injury to amenity arising from derelict sites. BNH8 The Council will prepare a more detailed list of brown field sites within the County and will prepare development briefs where necessary during the lifetime of this Plan. Policy HERT 9: Amenity C1 C2 S1 It is the policy of the Council to ensure that adequate amenity and recreational open space and facilities, including community facilities and centres, are available for all groups of the population at a convenient distance from their homes and place of work. Policy HERT 10: Large Scale Parks and Amenity C1 C2 S1 It is the policy of the Council to encourage developers to pool land in order to satisfy open space requirements to allow the provision of large multi-purpose amenity areas (e.g. parkland and playing pitches) as well as small incidental open spaces within housing areas. Policy HERT 11: Public Playgrounds C1 C2 S1 It is the policy of the Council to promote the provision of public playgrounds and parks in all settlement centres and to implement the Draft Play and Recreation Strategy 2009. Policy HERT 12: Neighbourhood Amenity C1 C2 S1 It is the policy of the Council to seek the provision and suitable management of LAPS and LEAPS in new housing estates and to implement measures to find suitable sites for their provision in existing residential areas (see Chapter 8). Policy HERT 13: Residential Amenity C1 C2 S1 It is the policy of the Council to seek the provision of a minimum standard of open space in all housing developments as per the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Area Guidelines from the DoEHLG. To meet this standard, suitable areas of land will be identified and reserved for the provision of public open space. Policy HERT 14: Passive Amenity B3 S1 It is the policy of Council to seek to retain and incorporate key landscape features such as trees, stone walls, streams, etc. into open space and landscape plans for new developments in order to create distinctiveness of landscape and a sense of identity. Policy HERT 15: Contributions towards Recreational Needs 9 It is the policy of the Council to use its powers, under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 to impose development levies on development proposals, through the Development Contribution Scheme, in order to provide for new or enhanced recreational open spaces and associated facilities. The imposition of such a levy will also be considered where there is a loss of an existing facility to another land use in order to facilitate the possible replacement of the facility.

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Policy HERT 16: Lough Derg L1 W1 W2 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to facilitate improvements in tourist facilities around the lake, provided that such facilities: M1 M2 W3 HH1 (a) protect and enhance the visual amenities of the lake and foreshore; HH1 B1 B2 C1 C2 S1 (b) do not lead to an increase in traffic or access problems; and B3 (c) can be serviced through existing or proposed services and infrastructure. (d) do not have an adverse effect on designated or proposed ecological sites Policy HERT 16(a) Lough Derg Way B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to support, promote and facilitate the sustainable development and use of the Lough Derg Way as a tourism and amenity resource within the County and to protect the route from encroachment by inappropriate uses which could compromise the long-term viability of the route. Policy HERT 17: Private Marinas and Jetties: B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council in the consideration of planning applications for private marinas and jetties to resist these W1 W3 L1 developments within areas identified as being Special Areas of Conservation (or candidate), Special Protection Areas (or candidate) or Natural Heritage Areas (or proposed). Policy HERT 18: Rights of Way C1 C2 It is the policy of Council to preserve and protect existing rights of way and create new rights-of-way in the interest of amenity as the opportunity or need arises. Policy HERT 19: Access to Rights of Way C1 C2 It is the policy of the Council to encourage the provision of access routes to amenity areas in co-operation with landowners and to protect amenity areas from infringement by inappropriate development. Specific Objective 9 BNH9 The Council will carry out a ‘Recreational Needs Study’ and include specific objectives for infrastructure and facilities, including ‘amenity schemes’. Where a need has been identified for a new or improved facility it is an objective of the council to provide the facility, or to support the community in the provision of the facility on behalf of the council. Details in respect of eligibility criteria will be set out in the ‘Development Contributions Scheme’ and the ‘Community Sports and Cultural Grants Scheme. Policy HERT 20: Protected Structures CH2 S1 It is the policy of the Council to seek the protection of all structures (or, where appropriate, parts of structures) within the county which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. Accordingly, a Record of Protected Structures has been established (See Appendix I). Going forward, the policy in relation to future additions to the Record will have regard to available resources and in accordance with the criteria set out in the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities . Policy HERT 21: Re-use/Rehabilitation of Protected Structures CH2 S1 It is the policy of the Council to encourage the sympathetic re-use / rehabilitation of Protected Structures while recognising that such a policy will require adaptation and modifications of the building, including the construction of extensions. However, the Planning Authority will require the maintenance of essential architectural character, retention of features of special interest and respect for the structure’s setting. Developments in proximity to a Protected Structure, which would seriously affect its character, will not normally be permitted. Policy HERT 22: Monitoring and Performance 9 It is the policy of the Council to seek to manage the protection and enhancement of the natural, archaeological and architectural heritage of the County as part of the overall monitoring of the implementation of North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010-2016

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Policy HERT 23: Architectural Conservation Areas CH2 S1 It is the policy of the Council to designate areas of the County as Architectural Conservation Areas, because of their particular architectural and environmental qualities, which derive from their unique layout, design, unity of character and the mellowing of time. Within the Architectural Conservation Areas the Council will have regard to: a) the impact of proposed development on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area in terms of compatibility of design, colour and finishes, and massing of built form; b) the impact of proposed development on the existing amenities, character and heritage of these areas; and c) the need to retain important architectural and townscape elements, such as shopfronts, sash windows, gutters and down pipes, decorative plasterwork, etc. Policy HERT 24: Vernacular Architecture CH2 S1 The Council will encourage the protection, retention, appreciation and appropriate revitalisation and use of the vernacular heritage in both the urban and rural areas of the County. Policy HERT 25: Historically Important Sites CH1 CH2 S1 It is the policy of the Council to: I. Conserve and protect historic graveyards and churches within North Tipperary and to encourage their maintenance in accordance with conservation principles and as resources allow. II. Continue to support and assist communities in the care and conservation of historic graveyards through the Historic Graveyards Grants Scheme, and III. Preserve, protect and where necessary enhance, significant heritage objects such as mass rocks and holy wells and/or other significant cultural features that form part of the cultural heritage of the County. Policy HERT 26: Archaeology CH1 L1 S1 It is the policy of the Council to protect (in-situ where practicable or as a minimum, preservation by record) all monuments included in the Record of Monuments and Places. The Council will also seek to protect, where practicable, the setting of and access to sites, views and prospects of the sites and will and ensure sympathetic development adjoining and in the vicinity of sites. The Council will have regard to advice and recommendations of the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government, and the Office of Public Works. Policy HERT 27: Tree Preservation B3 L1 S1 It is the policy of the Council to seek the protection of mature trees and hedgerows that contribute to amenities of the area (See Appendix 4). Development that requires the felling of such trees or removal of hedgerows will be discouraged. Where felling or removal is permitted, the Planning Authority will require suitable and substantial replanting during the next planting season. Policy HERT 28: Arts and Culture C1 C2 CH2 It is the policy of the Council to seek the provision of arts, cultural and entertainment facilities, new works of art or performing space in association with new development proposals, where appropriate. Specific Objectives: C1 C2 CH2 CH2 S1 BNH10 It is an objective of the County to work with local communities in the provision of locations for the purposes of allotments within developments and urban areas. BHN11 It is an objective of the Council to continue to improve its guidance document on Protected Structures and to make it available for all owners and occupiers whose property has been identified for protection in this Plan. BHN12 It is an objective of the Council to review and update the Record of Protected Structures within 2 years of the Adoption of the County Development Plan 2010-2016, subject to resources and staff availability. BHN13 It is an objective of the Council to continue to improve its guidance document on Architectural Conservation Areas and to make it available for all owners and occupiers whose property has been identified as being within an ACA in this Plan. BHN14 It is an objective of the Council to review and update the Architectural Conservation Areas within 2 years of the Adoption of the County Development Plan 2010-2016, subject to resources and staff availability. BNH15 To operate the Per Cent for Art Scheme in supporting the development and provision of public art projects in association with nationally funded capital projects. BNH16 To support the provision of public art as part of all large scale commercial development.

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Policy HERT 29: Designated Environmental Sites B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to maintain the quality and conservation value of designated environmental sites, including HH1 W1 SACs, cSACs, SPAs, cSPAs, NHAs and pNHAs, and when assessing development proposals to provide for the protection, W2 M1 M2 conservation and enhancement of wildlife habitats and designated sites. L1 Policy HERT 29a: Protection of Designated Environmental Sites B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to restrict any development which would be harmful to or that would result in a significant HH1 W1 deterioration of habitats and/or disturbance of species in a SAC, cSAC, SPA, cSPAs, NHA or pNHA. W2 M1 M2 L1 Policy HERT 30 Protection of Areas of Nature Conservation B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council in Areas of Nature Conservation that proposals for development will only be permitted where HH1 W1 it can be clearly demonstrated there is no direct or indirect adverse affect on: W2 M1 M2 I. areas designated as sites or candidate or potential sites of national or international importance for wildlife; and L1 II. protected species and their habitats; and III. features of major importance to wild flora and fauna; and IV. important features of geological or geomorphological importance; and V. local biodiversity or recognised wildlife corridors. Policy HERT 31: Lakes and Inland Waterways B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to seek to protect lakes, rivers, streams and other watercourses, wherever possible and HH1 W1 ecologically appropriate, to maintain and protect the riparian zones in an open state capable of providing suitable habitat W2 M1 M2 for flora and fauna. L1 Policy HERT 31a: Access to Lakes and Inland Waterways B1 B2 B3 B1 B2 B3 It is the policy of the Council to seek to have protected access in a sustainable manner to lakes and inland waterways, and W1 W2 L1 W1 W2 L1 to seek to provide appropriate access to lakes and inland waterways. Policy HERT 32 Irish Language 9 It is the policy of the Council to support, encourage and promote the Irish language and its use within North Tipperary Specific objectives B1 B2 B3 BNH17 It is an objective of the Council to seek the redevelopment of the old ‘miners cottages’ at Portroe in a manner HH1 W1 that provides continuity to the use of the site as a terrace of rural cottages, provides new dwellings in keeping with the W2 M1 M2 previous terrace and rural location, and provides for the reuse of some of the buildings and the stone on site. L1 CH1 BNH18 It is an objective of the Council, as opportunities arise, to continue to implement the key aims and actions as CH2 identified in the North Tipperary Heritage Plan 2004-2008. BNH19 It is an objective of the Council to preserve the conservation value of all European Sites (SACs, cSACs, SPAs, pSPAs), and to ensure that appropriate assessments are carried out where development projects are likely to have significant effects on these sites; to preserve the conservation value of all designated or proposed Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), to encourage biodiversity protection, including the management of features of the landscape which are of major importance for wild fauna and flora; to protect species of plants listed in the Flora Protection Order (S.I. No. 94 of 1999) and their habitats; to protect species and the habitats of species that require strict protection under the Habitats Regulations and the Wildlife Acts.

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8.8 Chapter 9: Monitoring and Implementation

Likely to Probable Potential Uncertain Neutral No Likely Improve Conflict Conflict interaction Interaction interaction status of with status with status with status with status with status SEOs of SEOs- of SEOs- of SEOs of SEOs of SEOs unlikely to likely to be be mitigated mitigated Policy MI: Monitoring the Plan 9 The Planning Authority will continue to monitor the effectiveness of policies and objectives in the Plan and will take account of the changing circumstances in the physical, social and economic environment in order to review and update the Plan.

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8.9 Volume II: Settlement Plans

Likely to Improve Probable Conflict with status of Potential Conflict with status of SEOs- likely to be Uncertain interaction Neutral Interaction No Likely interaction status of SEOs SEOs- unlikely to be mitigated mitigated with status of SEOs with status of SEOs with status of SEOs Aglish B2 B3 HH1 S1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Ardcroney B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Ballinahinch B2 B3 HH1 S1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Ballingarry B2 B3 HH1 S1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Ballycahill B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Ballycommon B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 Ballymackey/Ballinree B2 B3 HH1 S1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Ballynaclough B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Borrisokane B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Borrisoleigh B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 L1 Carrig B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Castleleiny B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 Clonakenny B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Clonmore (Templemore) B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH2 Cloghjordan B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Dolla B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Drom B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Drumbane (Thurles) B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 Gortagarry B1 B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 Horse & Jockey B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 Kilcommon B1 B2 B3 HH1 S1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 L1 Kileen B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 CH2 Kilkarey B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Kiloscully B1 B2 B3 HH1 S1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 L1 Knock B2 B3 HH1 S1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH2 Lelagh B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 Littleton B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Lorrha B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Loughmore B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Moycarkey B2 B3 HH1 S1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Moyne B2 B3 HH1 S1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 L1 Rathcabbin B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 L1 Rearcross B1 B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Riverstown/Killeen (Birr) B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Silvermines B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 L1 Templederry B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Templetouhy B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 The Ragg (Bouladuff) B2 B3 HH1 S1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 Toomevara B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W2 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 L1 Two Mile Borris B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 Upperchurch B2 B3 HH1 S1 W1 W3 C1 C2 M1 M2 CH1 L1

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Section 9 Mitigation Measures

choice as to which alternative was to be put 9.1 Introduction before the Members of the Council.

Mitigation measures are measures envisaged to Communication of this evaluation to the prevent, reduce and, as fully as possible, offset Members of the Council through this report any significant adverse impacts on the helped the Members to make an informed environment of implementing the Plan. choice with regard to the making of the Plan.

Mitigation involves ameliorating significant negative effects. Where there are significant 9.3 Mitigation Measures negative effects, consideration is given in the first instance to preventing such effects or, The following sections list measures which have where this is not possible for stated reasons, to been integrated into the Plan which are lessening or offsetting those effects. Mitigation envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as measures can be roughly divided into those possible offset any significant adverse effects on that: avoid effects; reduce the magnitude or the environment of implementing the Plan. extent, probability and/or severity of effects; repair effects after they have occurred, and; Mitigation measures generally benefit multiple compensate for effects, balancing out negative environmental components i.e. a measure impacts with other positive ones. providing for the ‘protection of surface water resources’ could beneficially impact upon the The mitigation measures may be incorporated protection of biodiversity, flora and fauna, into the briefing of design teams as well as the drinking water resources, human health and subsequent design, specification and provision of appropriate waste water treatment development management of the landuses to be infrastructure. accommodated within North Tipperary. The reference codes are those which accompany Additional more detailed mitigation measures to the relevant measures in Section 8 of this report those identified below which have been and in the Plan. integrated into the Plan would be likely to be required by the development management and 9.3.1 Biodiversity and Flora and EIA processes of individual projects. Fauna (Protected Sites and Species) 9.2 Mitigation through Consideration of Policies ENV 1, HERT 29, HERT 29a & HERT 30

Alternatives Specific Objective BNH19

A range of potential alternative development 9.3.2 Biodiversity and Flora and scenarios for the Development Plan were identified at an early stage in the process and Fauna (Ecological evaluated for their likely significant Connectivity and Non environmental effects (see Sections 6 and 7). Protected Sites)

The environmental baseline and the Strategic Policies ENV 14, ENV 15, ENV 16, HERT 30 & Environmental Objectives (see Sections 3 and 4) HERT 31 were used in order to predict and evaluate the environmental effects of implementing the Specific Objective BNH18 alternatives.

Communication of the findings of this evaluation helped the Planning team make an informed

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9.3.3 Human Health 22, SERV 23, SERV 24, SERV 24a, SERV 25, SERV 26 & SERV 27 Policies ENV 40, ENV 41, ENV 42 & ENV 43 Specific Objectives INF1, INF4, INF5, INF7, Specific Objectives EV46, EV47 & EV48 INF25, INF26, INF38, INF39 INF40, INF41, INF42, INF44 & INF43 Also see measures related to water quality, flooding, waste water treatment and drinking 9.3.10 Archaeological Heritage water supply and quality. Policies HERT 26, HERT 22 & HERT 25 9.3.4 Sustainable Reuse of Brownfield Lands 9.3.11 Architectural Heritage

Policies HERT 1, HERT 6 & HERT 7 Policies HERT 20, HERT 21, HERT 22, HERT 23, HERT 24 & HERT 25 Specific Objectives BHN5, BHN6, BHN7, BNH8 & E10 Specific Objectives BHN11, BHN12, BHN13 & BHN14 9.3.5 Water Quality Protection 9.3.12 Landscape Policies ENV 5, ENV 6 & ENV 7 Policies ENV 2, ENV 3 & ENV 4 Specific Objectives EV1, EV2 EV3 & EV6

9.3.6 Flooding

Policies ENV 11, ENV 12, ENV 18, ENV 19, ENV 19a, SERV 8 & SERV 9

Specific Objectives EV14, EV16 & EV17

9.3.7 Waste Water

Policies ENV 8, ENV8a, ENV 9, ENV 10, SERV 1, SERV 2, SERV 3, SERV 4, SERV 10, SERV 11, SERV 12 & SERV 13

Specific Objectives EV11, INF33, INF34, INF35 & INF37

9.3.8 Drinking Water Supply and Quality

Policies SERV 1, SERV 2, SERV 3, SERV 4, SERV 5, SERV 6, SERV 6(a) & SERV 7

Specific Objectives INF32 & INF33

9.3.9 Greenhouse Gas Emissions/ Car Dependency

Policies TRANS 2, TRANS 14, TRANS 15, TRANS 16, SERV 15, SERV 16, SERV 17, SERV 21, SERV

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Section 10 Monitoring Measures

Parks and Wildlife Service and the Central 10.1 Introduction Statistics Office.

The SEA Directive requires that the significant Where significant adverse effects - including environmental effects of the implementation of positive, negative, cumulative and indirect - are plans and programmes are monitored. This likely to occur upon, for example, entries to the Environmental Report puts forward proposals for RMP, entries to the RPS or ecological networks monitoring the likely significant effects of as a result of the undertaking of individual implementing the County Development Plan. projects or multiple individual projects such instances should be identified and recorded and Monitoring enables, at an early stage, the should feed into the monitoring evaluation. identification of unforeseen adverse effects and the undertaking of appropriate remedial action. In addition to this, monitoring can also play an 10.4 Excluded Indicators important role in assessing whether the Plan is and Targets achieving its environmental objectives and targets - measures which the Plan can help work As noted on Table 10.1 below, monitoring data towards - whether these need to be reexamined on Indicator W2 (Groundwater Quality and whether the proposed mitigation measures Standards and Threshold Values under Directive are being implemented. 2006/118/EC) may not be available for the preliminary monitoring evaluation as the 10.2 Indicators and Targets groundwater threshold values to which this indicator relates have not yet been identified by the EPA. Monitoring is based around the indicators which were chosen earlier in the process. These indicators allow quantitative measures of trends 10.5 Reporting and progress over time relating to the Strategic Environmental Objectives used in the evaluation. A preliminary monitoring evaluation report on Focus is given to indicators which are relevant to the effects of implementing the County the likely significant environmental effects of Development Plan will be prepared to coincide implementing the County Development Plan and with the Manager's report to the elected existing monitoring arrangements will be used in members on the progress achieved in securing order to monitor the selected indicators. Each Development Plan objectives within two years of indicator to be monitored will be accompanied the making of the Plan (this Manager’s report is by the relevant target(s) which were identified required under section 15 of the 2000 Planning with regard to the relevant legislation (see Act). Section 4).

Table 10.1 below shows the indicators and 10.6 Responsibility targets which have been selected with regard to the monitoring of the Plan. The Council is responsible for collating existing relevant monitored data, the preparation of a monitoring report, the publication of this report 10.3 Sources and, if necessary, the carrying out of corrective action. Measurements for indicators should come from existing monitoring sources and no new It is recommended that a Steering Committee monitoring should be required to take place. be established to oversee the monitoring Existing monitoring sources exist for each of the process. indicators and include those maintained by the Council and the relevant authorities e.g. the Environmental Protection Agency, the National

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10.7 Thresholds

Thresholds at which corrective action will be considered are as follows:

• boil notices on drinking water;

• fish kills;

• court cases taken by the DEHLG regarding impacts upon archaeological heritage including entries to the Record of Monuments and Places; and,

• complaints received from statutory consultees regarding avoidable environmental impacts resulting from development which is granted permission under the County Development Plan.

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Environmental Selected Indicator(s) Selected Target(s) Source Component

Biodiversity, Flora B1: Percentage of relevant B1: No losses of relevant CORINE Mapping, and Fauna habitats and designated habitats, species or their DEHLG Records & ecological sites lost as a sustaining resources in Development result of implementation of designated ecological sites Management Process the CDP as a result of in the Council implementation of the CDP

B2: Number of significant B2: No significant adverse Development adverse impacts, including impacts, including direct, Management Process direct, cumulative and cumulative and indirect in the Council & indirect impacts, to impacts, to relevant Consultation with the relevant habitats, habitats, geological National Parks and geological features, species features, species or their Wildlife Service or their sustaining sustaining resources in resources in designated designated ecological sites ecological sites by by development within or development within or adjacent to these sites as a adjacent to these sites as a result of implementation of result of implementation of the CDP the CDP

B3: Percentage loss of B3: No ecological networks CORINE mapping connectivity without or parts thereof to be lost and possibly new remediation as a result of without remediation as a habitat mapping for implementation of the CDP result of implementation of the County – as evidenced from a the CDP resurvey of CORINE mapping

Population and HH1: Occurrence (any) of a HH1: No spatial The Council, EPA, Human Health spatially concentrated concentrations of health Health and Safety deterioration in human problems arising from Authority and Health health environmental factors as a Service Executive result of implementing the CDP

Soil S1: Area of brownfield land S1: Reduced availability of Development developed over the plan brownfield land (subject to Management Process period availability on the open the Council market, the demand for such land and the ability for such lands to be sustainably re-used within the provisions of the CDP) at the end of the CDP lifespan

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Environmental Selected Indicator(s) Selected Target(s) Sources Component

Water W1i: Biotic Quality Rating W1i: To achieve, in line EPA (Q Value) for Rivers with the requirement to achieve good water status under the Water Framework Directive by 2015, a biotic quality rating of Q4 and, where possible, to Q5

W1ii: Trophic Status of W1ii: To achieve, in line EPA Lakes with the requirement to achieve good water status under the Water Framework Directive by 2015, a trophic status of mesotrophic and, where possible, oligotrophic

W2: Groundwater Quality W2: Compliance with As noted under Standards and Threshold Groundwater Quality Section 10.4, Values under Directive Standards and Threshold monitoring data may 2006/118/EC Values under Directive not be available for 2006/118/EC this indicator when the monitoring evaluation is being prepared.

W3: Number of W3: Minimise developments Development developments granted granted permission on Management Process permission on lands which lands which pose - or are in the Council pose - or are likely to pose likely to pose in the future - in the future - a significant a significant flood risk flood risk

Air and Climatic C1i: Percentage of C1i: An increase in the Central Statistics Factors population within the percentage of the Office: County travelling to work population travelling to or school by public work or school by public As noted under transport or non- transport or non- Section 10.4, future mechanical means mechanical means monitoring data may not be available for C1ii: A decrease in the these indicators until C1ii: Average distance average distance travelled results from the next travelled to work or school to work or school by the Census are made by the population of the population of the County available. County

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Environmental Selected Indicator(s) Selected Target(s) Sources Component

Material Assets M1: Number of new M1: All new developments Development developments granted granted permission to be Management Process permission which can be connected to and in the Council adequately served with adequately served by waste waste water treatment water treatment over the over the lifetime of the lifetime of the CDP CDP

M2: Number of non- M2: No non-compliances The Council and EPA compliances with the 48 with the 48 parameters parameters identified in the identified in the European European Communities Communities (Drinking (Drinking Water) Water) Regulations (No. 2) Regulations (No. 2) 2007 2007 which present a which present a potential potential danger to human danger to human health health as a result of implementing the Plan

Cultural Heritage CH1: Number of CH1: No unauthorised Development unauthorised developments developments occurring Management Process occurring which result in which result in full or partial in the Council; full or partial loss to entries loss to entries to the Record Complaints from to the Record of of Monuments and Places - statutory consultees Monuments and Places - including Zones of including Zones of Archaeological Potential - Archaeological Potential - and the context of the and the context of the above within the above within the surrounding landscape surrounding landscape where relevant where relevant

CH2i: Number of CH2i: No unauthorised Development unauthorised developments developments occurring Management Process occurring which result in which result in physical loss in the Council; physical loss of entries to of entries to the Record of Complaints from the Record of Protected Protected Structures and/or statutory consultees Structures and/or their their context within the context within the surrounding landscape surrounding landscape where relevant where relevant

CH2ii: Number of CH2ii: Make Additions to The Council additions to the Record of the Record of Protected Protected Structures and Structures and make the number of additional additional ACAs, where ACAs appropriate

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Environmental Selected Indicator(s) Selected Target(s) Sources Component

Landscape L1: Number of complaints L1: No developments Development received from statutory permitted which result in Management Process consultees regarding avoidable impacts on the in the Council; avoidable impacts on the landscape - especially with Complaints from landscape - especially with regard to Amenity Areas, statutory consultees regard to Amenity Areas, Special Landscape Zones Special Landscape Zones and protected views - and protected views - resulting from development resulting from development which is granted permission which is granted under the CDP permission under the CDP

Table 10.1 Selected Indicators, Targets and Monitoring Sources

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Section 11 SEA Summary Table

Below is a summary table outlining how likely significant effects (if unmitigated) are linked to relevant mitigation measure(s) - which have been integrated into the Plan - and indicator(s) which will be used for monitoring.

Likely Significant Effect, if Mitigation Measure Primary Indicator(s) for unmitigated Reference(s) from Plan Monitoring Loss of biodiversity with regard to Policies ENV 1, HERT 29, HERT B1: Percentage of relevant habitats Natura 2000 Sites and habitats and 29a & HERT 30 and designated ecological sites lost as species listed under Annexes I and II of a result of implementation of the CDP the Directive Specific Objective BNH19 B2: Number of significant adverse impacts, including direct, cumulative and indirect impacts, to relevant habitats, geological features, species or their sustaining resources in designated ecological sites by development within or adjacent to these sites as a result of implementation of the CDP Loss of biodiversity with regard to Policies ENV 14, ENV 15, ENV 16, B3: Percentage loss of connectivity ecological connectivity and stepping HERT 30 & HERT 31 without remediation as a result of stones implementation of the CDP – as Specific Objective BNH18 evidenced from a resurvey of CORINE mapping Spatially concentrated deterioration in Policies ENV 40, ENV 41, ENV 42 HH1: Occurrence (any) of a spatially human health arising from exposure to & ENV 43 concentrated deterioration in human incompatible land uses health Specific Objectives EV46, EV47 & EV48

Also see measures related to water quality, flooding, waste water treatment and drinking water supply and quality.

Failure to maximise the sustainable Policies HERT 1, HERT 6 & HERT S1: Area of brownfield land developed reuse of brownfield lands 7 over the plan period

Specific Objectives BHN5, BHN6, BHN7, BNH8 & E10

Adverse impacts upon the quality of Policies ENV 5, ENV 6 & ENV 7 W1: Biotic Quality Rating (Q water bodies (rivers, lakes, ground Value) for Rivers waters) Specific Objectives EV1, EV2 EV3 & EV6 W1ii: Trophic Status of Lakes

W2: Groundwater Quality Standards and Threshold Values under Directive 2006/118/EC Flooding Policies ENV 11, ENV 12, ENV 18, W3: Number of developments granted ENV 19, ENV 19a, SERV 8 & SERV permission on lands which pose - or 9 are likely to pose in the future - a significant flood risk Specific Objectives EV14, EV16 & EV17

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Likely Significant Effect, if Mitigation Measure Primary Indicator(s) for unmitigated Reference(s) from Plan Monitoring Inadequate waste water treatment for Policies ENV 8, ENV8a, ENV 9, M1: Number of new developments new populations ENV 10, SERV 1, SERV 2, SERV 3, granted permission which can be SERV 4, SERV 10, SERV 11, SERV adequately served with waste water 12 & SERV 13 treatment over the lifetime of the CDP

Specific Objectives EV11, INF33, INF34, INF35 & INF37 Inadequate drinking water supply for Policies SERV 1, SERV 2, SERV 3, M2: Number of non-compliances with new populations & Reduction in water SERV 4, SERV 5, SERV 6, SERV the 48 parameters identified in the quality which would present a potential 6(a) & SERV 7 European Communities (Drinking danger to human health Water) Regulations (No. 2) 2007 Specific Objectives INF32 & INF33 which present a potential danger to human health Increases in travel related greenhouse Policies TRANS 2, TRANS 14, C1i: Percentage of population within gas emissions and increases in car TRANS 15, TRANS 16, SERV 15, the County travelling to work or school dependency SERV 16, SERV 17, SERV 21, by public transport or non-mechanical SERV 22, SERV 23, SERV 24, means SERV 24a, SERV 25, SERV 26 & SERV 27 C1ii: Average distance travelled to

work or school by the population of Specific Objectives INF1, INF4, the County INF5, INF7, INF25, INF26, INF38, INF39 INF40, INF41, INF42, INF44 & INF43 Effects on archaeological heritage Policies HERT 26, HERT 22 & CH1: Number of unauthorised including entries to the Record of HERT 25 developments occurring which result Monuments and Places in full or partial loss to entries to the Record of Monuments and Places - including Zones of Archaeological Potential - and the context of the above within the surrounding landscape where relevant Effects on architectural heritage Policies HERT 20, HERT 21, HERT CH2i: Number of unauthorised including entries to the Records of 22, HERT 23, HERT 24 & HERT 25 developments occurring which result Protected Structures and Architectural in physical loss of entries to the Conservation Areas Record of Protected Structures and/or Specific Objectives BHN11, their context within the surrounding BHN12, BHN13 & BHN14 landscape where relevant

CH2ii: Number of additions to the Record of Protected Structures and the number of additional ACAs Visual impacts to sensitive landscapes Policies ENV 2, ENV 3 & ENV 4 L1: Number of complaints received and designated scenic views from statutory consultees regarding avoidable impacts on the landscape - especially with regard to Amenity Areas, Special Landscape Zones and protected views - resulting from development which is granted permission under the CDP Table 11.1 SEA Summary Table: Likely Significant Effects, Mitigation Measures and Indicators for Monitoring

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