Monard Environmental Report

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Monard Environmental Report

Table of Contents 4 Planning Scheme 7.4 Alternatives / Options and their implications 1 Introduction 4.1 Strategic Development Zone Area 7.5 Environmental Assessment of Options 4.2 Background to Planning Scheme 7.6 Preferred Option – Reason for 1.1 SEA Process 4.3 Description of Planning Scheme Selection 1.2 SEA Directive and Legislation 4.4 Contents of Planning Scheme 7.7 Conclusion 1.3 Strategic Development Zones – Environmental Legislation 5 Characteristics of Baseline 8 Evaluation of Significant Environment Environmental Effects of 2 Methodology Planning Scheme 5.1 Introduction to Baseline 2.1 SEA Steps 5.2 Biodiversity 8.1 Methodology 2.2 Screening 5.3 Population and Human Health 8.2 Significance 2.3 Scoping 5.4 Water 8.3 Summary of Likely Significant effects 2.4 Environmental Baseline Data 5.5 Landscape 8.3.1 Landuse and Population 2.5 Environmental Protection Objectives 5.6 Material Assets and Transportation 8.3.2 Landscape and Visual Impact 2.6 Consideration of Alternatives 5.7 Soil, Geology, Hydrogeology 8.3.3 Transportation 2.7 Environmental Assessment of 5.8 Air, Noise, Climate , Sustainability 8.3.4 Natural Heritage and Open Space Planning Scheme 5.9 Archaeology, Architecture and Cultural 8.3.5 Infrastructural Services 2.8 Environmental Report and Public Heritage 8.3.6 Sustainable Development Proposals Consultation 8.3.7 Cultural Heritage 2.9 Environmental Statement 6 Environmental Protection 8.4 Conclusion 2.10 Difficulties Encountered in Compiling Objectives & Targets Required Information 9 Mitigation Measures 2.11 Legislative Conformance 6.1 Introduction to Environmental Protection Objectives 9.1 Population and Human Health 3 Relationship of Other Plans & 6.2 Targets and Indicators 9.2 Landscape and Visual Impact Programmes 9.3 Transportation 7 Assessment of Alternatives 9.4 Biodiversity and Water Resources 3.1 Hierarchy of Plans 9.5 Soil and Geology 3.2 Relationship with Existing Plans and 7.1 Consideration of Alternative Strategies 9.6 Archaeological, Architectural and Strategies 7.2 Limitations to Alternative Options Cultural Heritage 3.3 Habitats Directive Screening 7.3 Methodology

Monard Environmental Report

10 Monitoring Programme Table 5.9.2 Townland Translation Figure 5.5.7 Viewpoint H Table 5.9.3 Table of Cultural Heritage Figure 5.6.1 Existing Road Network 10.1 Monitoring Proposal Features within Monard Figure 5.6.2 Cycle and Pedestrian Routes Table 6.1 Environmental Protection Figure 5.7.1 EPA Subsoil Map Non Technical Summary Objectives and Targets Figure 5.7.2 Aquifer Vulnerability Map Table 7.1 Alternative Assessment of Figure 5.8.1 Exposure to Wind and Noise 11 Appendices options Figure 5.9.1 Potential Archaeological Table 8.1 Category of Effect Monuments A Summary Matrix of Environmental Table 8.2 Summary of Visual Impact Figure 5.9.2 Architectural Heritage within Assessment of Planning Scheme Table 8.3 Summary of Landscape Monard SDZ B Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Impact Figure 5.9.3 Cultural Heritage Features Table 9.1 Quantity of Screen Woodland within Monard SDZ Planting within each village Figure A1 Proposed System of Surface List of Tables area Water Conveyance Routes Table 10.1 Summary of Proposed Figure A2 Proposed Swales, Detention Table 2.1 Summary of Methodology for Monitoring Programme Ponds and Filter Strips Environmental Report Figure A3 Monard Flood Risk Map –Lee Table 2.2 Checklist of information to be List of Figures CFRAMS contained in the Figure A4 Monard Flood Risk Map- Environmental Report Figure 4.1 Site Context DPFRA Table 4.1 Planning History of Monard Figure 4.2 Site Area Table 5.1 Inter relationship between Figure 5.4.1 Proposed Route of pumped Environmental Receptors main from Monard to Table 5.2.1 Monard Habitat Map Carrigrennan. Table 5.2.2 Monard Site Relative to the Figure 5.4.2 Proposed Route of water main Harbour including designated from Churchfield Reservoir to Natural Heritage Areas. Monard Table 5.2.3 Monard Site Boundary and Figure 5.5.1 Topographical and built form pNatural Heritage Areas within 5 km of site. Table 5.4.1 Summary of Water Quality Figure 5.5.2 Landscape Character Types Table 5.5.1 Landscape Character Types Figure 5.5.3 Existing Vegetation Pattern Table 5.5.2 Viewpoints Figure 5.5.4 Zone of Potential Visibility Map Table 5.6.1 No of units per Phase Figure 5.5.5 Location of Viewpoints Table 5.9.1 Recorded Monuments Figure 5.5.6 Viewpoint G

Monard Environmental Report

1.0 Introduction 2001/42/EC) and with the provisions of the protection of the environment and to Planning and Development (Strategic contribute to the integration of environmental Monard was designated a Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 considerations into the preparation and Development Zone in May 2010 for the (SI No. 436 of 2004) as amended. This report adoption of plans and programmes with a view creation of a new rail based settlement should be read in conjunction with the to promoting sustainable development, by between Cork City and Blarney. Following Planning Scheme. ensuring that, in accordance with this designation, a Planning Scheme was prepared directive, an environmental assessment is and adopted by Cork County Council. Following 1.1 Strategic Environmental carried out if certain plans and programmes the adoption two appeals were subsequently Assessment Process which are likely to have significant effects on lodged and permission was refused by An Bord the environment”. Pleanala in September 2013. It was decided In essence, SEA is a formal systematic following careful consideration of other options evaluation of the likely significant The SEA Directive was transposed into Irish to address the reasons for refusal in a revised environmental effects of implementing the Law under the European Communities Planning Scheme. The 2010 government Planning Scheme. It should commence at the (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans designation of lands in Monard as a Strategic earliest opportunity and should facilitate the and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 435 Development Zone remains in place. identification of alternative strategies as well of 2004) and the Planning and Development as possible impacts from decisions to be made; (Strategic Environmental Assessment) This is the Environmental report to accompany it should also determine the use of appropriate Regulations 2004 (S.I. 436 of 2004) it became the Planning Scheme. An addendum to the measurable targets, indicators and mitigation operational on 21 July 2004. environment was prepared following the measures. amendments to the Draft scheme, this is a 1.3 Strategic Development Zones – separate document. The environmental report 1.2 SEA Directive and Legislation Environmental Legislation is the main output of the Strategic Environmental Assessment process which aims The European Community issued the Strategic The concept of Strategic Development Zones to integrate environmental and sustainability Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive was introduced in the Planning and considerations into strategic decision making. 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects Development Act 2000. Part IX of the Planning (Therivel, 2004) of certain plans and programmes on the and Development Act makes provision for the environment. It introduced the requirement government to designate a site or sites which The purpose of this report is to provide a clear that SEA be carried out on plans and are deemed in the opinion of the Government understanding of the likely environmental programmes, for a wide range of sectors to be of economic or social importance to the consequences of decisions regarding the including land use plans. State. Cork County Council has prepared a adoption of the Planning Scheme. This SEA Planning Scheme as the designated process has been undertaken to comply with Article 1 of the SEA Directive has a stated development agency under section 168 of the the SEA directive (European Directive objective “to provide for a high level of Planning and Development Act 2000.

Monard Environmental Report

Articles 11 of the Planning and Development planning authority/elected members are (Strategic Environmental Assessment) required to take account of this report during Regulations 2004 introduced the Articles 179A their consideration of the Planning Scheme. to 179J which are concerned with planning The Environmental Report assessed changes schemes and the environmental report. (This proposed to the Draft Planning Scheme on foot was introduced by way of amendment of Part of submissions made during the period of 14 of 2001 Regulations, Planning Schemes) public consultation in the form of the addendum to the environmental report. An Article 179A requires that a Planning Scheme SEA Statement has been prepared prepared under section 168 of the Planning summarising, inter alia, how environmental and Development Act 2000 - 2010 “shall be considerations have been integrated into the accompanied by or include an environmental Planning Scheme. report”.

Article 179C of the (SI No. 436 of 2004) sets out the content for the environmental report to accompany a Planning Scheme. An environmental report shall include;

(a) current knowledge and methods of assessment (b) the contents and level of detail in the planning scheme (c) the stage of planning scheme in the decision making process (d) the extent to which certain matters are more appropriately assessed at different levels in the decision making process in order to avoid duplication of environmental assessment.

The findings of the SEA process are expressed in this Environmental Report which accompanies the Planning Scheme. The

Monard Environmental Report

2.0 Methodology 2.1 SEA Steps 2.2 Screening

The methodology used in this Environmental • Screening – Not required in this It is a requirement under Article 179A of the Report is based on the SEA directive. The EPA instance, SEA is mandatory for Planning and Development (SEA) regulations guidelines and the Department of the Strategic Development Zones. 2004 (S.I. No 436 of 2004) that a Planning Environment, Heritage and Local Government Scheme shall be accompanied by or include an guidelines entitled “Guidelines to Regional • Scoping –The range of environmental environmental report. Therefore the initial Authorities and Planning Authorities on the issues and the level of detail to be process known as “screening” was not implementation of the SEA Directive” have included in the Environmental Report required, an environmental report is a informed the preparation of the environmental are decided upon, in consultation with mandatory requirement for Strategic report along with international and national the prescribed environmental Development Zones. guidelines and published documents. authorities. 2.3 Scoping The preparation of this Environmental Report • Environmental Report ‐ Publishing took place in tandem with the formulation of an environmental report on the plan The scoping process was carried out in the Planning Scheme. This allowed an including its significant environmental conjunction with the four environmental environmental awareness and consideration of effects, and consulting on it. authorities to determine the extent of the the environmental consequences particularly environmental issues and the level of detail to within the small in-house strategic • Adoption ‐ Providing information on be included in the environmental report. The development team. A number of experts within the adopted scheme including scoping process focused on the changes to the local authority were consulted throughout incorporation of the consultation address An Bord Pleanala’s reasons for refusal the process, in particular the Archaeologist and output and outlining the monitoring of the 2012 Planning Scheme. Appropriate Assessment Officer. framework. The scoping report was sent to the prescribed Finally preliminary reports were prepared by • Monitoring ‐ Monitoring significant Environmental Authorities namely: The external consultants in relation to Water environmental effects and taking Environmental Protection Agency, The Supply, Waste Water and Sustainable Urban appropriate remedial action for any Department of the Environment, Heritage & Drainage Systems. A Landscape Report and a unforeseen significant environmental Local Government, the Department of Transportation Assessment were also prepared effects. Communications, Energy and Natural in response to the identification of the Resources, the Department of Agriculture Food potential significant impacts both receptors are and Marine. The scoping report was also sent likely to have on the environment. to South Western Regional Fisheries Board having regard to the Blarney River which flows through the site. The responses were taken

Monard Environmental Report

into account during the formulation of the • Protection of areas of significant landscape notification of ground excavations for environmental report. within and adjacent to the Plan area. infrastructure to undertake recording or rock • The submission in relation to the Scheme sample gathering. The submission from the EPA outlined very acknowledged the incorporation of the Lee similar points to the 2012 Planning Scheme. CFRAMS, clarification if a detailed FRA was The Department of Agriculture, Food and carried out was sought, ensuring Marine made a submission in relation to The merit of including a review of the Scheme compliance with the Planning System and potential impact on sea fisheries. No has been highlighted again (potentially 5 years Flood Risk Management Guidelines for submission was received from the DEHLG. after adoption). The reason is to ensure the Planning Authorities. Planning Scheme takes account of the 2.4 Environmental Baseline Data prevailing policy, legislative requirements and An SFRA has been included in Appendix 2 of economic conditions of the time. The EPA this report. The SEA process is led by the baseline data, submission for 2012 Planning Scheme remains which provides an accurate description of the relevant, the points are summarised as existing environment. Baseline information was The Inland Fisheries Board submission follows; collated based on the information provided in highlighted the same points as the 2012 the scoping report. The environmental Planning Scheme following points. receptors identified during the scoping process • Provision of adequate and appropriate were: biodiversity, population and human infrastructure (drinking water, wastewater, • The most significant potential for negative health, soil and geology, water, landscape, waste etc) impacts is in relation to the Blarney River. transportation and material assets, • Reviewing service infrastructure and The Blarney River is a significant salmonid archaeological cultural heritage, air quality and assessing the potential impact of extreme habitat, a basis requirement is a 10 metre noise. The SEA directive requires the weather events riparian corridor on both banks of the river information to be provided on “any existing • Protection of biodiversity and designated in which no development should take environmental problems relevant to the plan or habitats and species. place. programme “to ensure the plan doesn’t result • Protection of nationally and internationally • Construction of further road crossings over in a deterioration of existing environmental designated conservation sites. the Blarney River should be avoided. problems. The Directive also requires baseline • Protection of Surface Water and Ground • No potential exists for disposal of foul information to focus on the environmental Water Quality sewage to the Blarney River. characteristics likely to be significantly • Inclusion of “green infrastructure” as affected, and disregard the less significant appropriate into developments. A submission was received from the ones. The baseline study consisted primarily of • Promotion and incorporation of energy and Geological Survey of Ireland. No site of existing available data from relevant water conservation measures. geological importance was identified within the environmental source in order to describe the • Incorporation of Flood Risk Assessment Monard area. The GSI have requested and SUDS. current state of the environment.

Monard Environmental Report

2.5 Environmental Protection preferred option is based on the minimisation display. Written submissions are invited on all Objectives of impacts on the environment and also the reports. most sustainable approach for the site. Environmental Protection Objectives were The SEA Directive requires that the formulated with regard to the National, 2.7 Environmental Assessment of Environmental Report must take account of European and International policies for the Planning Scheme the opinions expressed by the environmental environmental receptors considered to be the authorities and the public, during the most significant. These environmental This Environmental Report outlines the likely preparation of the Planning Scheme and objectives were used to evaluate the significant environmental effects of before its adoption. alternative options and select the preferred implementing the scheme (and alternatives) option. Along with environmental objectives having regard to the baseline situation 2.9 Environmental Statement targets were used to provide more detail and identified at the scoping stage. The evaluation As required by the SEA Directive and the SEA indicators were used as a measure to evaluate of the likely impacts and their significance is Regulations, an SEA Statement (DoEHLG, the achievement of the environmental the core of the SEA process. The Specific 2004) was produced and made available to the objectives. Development Proposals for Monard (identified public following adoption of the Planning during the formulation of the scheme) were Scheme. The SEA Statement detailed how The likely significant environmental effects evaluated against the Environmental Protection were identified using matrix and qualitative Objectives for the site to determine the environmental considerations have been analysis. Where conflicts were identified potential impacts of the Planning Scheme on integrated into the Planning Scheme. It opportunities to prevent, reduce or offset the the Environment. highlighted the main changes to the scheme adverse environmental impact were explored. which resulted from the SEA process; while also detailing how the preferred option was 2.8 Environmental Report and Public 2.6 Consideration of Alternatives selected. It introduces environmental Consultation responsibility and transparency into the The environmental report is required to This Environmental Report constitutes one strategic decision making process. identify, describe and evaluate reasonable stage of the SEA process, it will continue after

alternatives to the proposed scheme taking the period of public consultation for the account of the objectives and geographical Planning Scheme. The Environmental Report 2.10 Difficulties encountered in scope of the Planning Scheme. The options for will be circulated to the Elected Members and Compiling Required Information development within the site were identified at accompany the Planning Scheme on public a preliminary stage and their possible display. The Appropriate Assessment Screening The SEA guidelines state that no new major environmental consequences. The options research is required. The environmental report will accompany both documents on public were evaluated using a matrix and qualitative was prepared and informed by many available assessment of the Planning Scheme. The data sources. These included: CSO, EPA, WFD

Monard Environmental Report

River Basin Management Plans, GSI, internal reports etc. Difficulties encountered included the availability of data for human health, infrequent air quality monitoring and lack of legislation on soils, which unlike water is not protected under environmental legislation.

2.11 Legislative Conformance This Environmental 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 3.2 reproduces the checklist of information to be contained in the Environmental Report and includes the relevant sections of this report which ensure these requirements are met.

Monard Environmental Report

Table 2.1 Summary of Methodology for Environmental Report

1. Scoping brief Circulated informally to environmental authorities. 2. Informal Consultation with EPA Discussion regarding contents of the environmental report.

3. Scoping Scoping report prepared

4. Consultation with Environmental Report sent to:-

Authorities and local groups. • Environmental Protection Agency.

• Department. of Environment, Heritage & Local Government.

• Department. of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources.

• South West Fisheries board.

• Department of Agriculture Marine and food.

5. Comments received. Comments incorporated into preparation of environmental report.

6. Research into:-

• Legislation & Policies.

• Baseline information.

7. Produce Environmental Protection objectives from legislation & policies. 8. Feedback to the preparation of the planning scheme. 9. Produce Specific Development Proposals Produced from:- • Environmental baseline data, • Feedback from Public exhibition. • Feedback from preparation of Draft Planning scheme.

10. Test Environmental Protection Objectives Matrix and qualitative approach and Specific Development Proposals for compliance. 11. Assess development options for compliance Favoured option indicated. with Environmental Protection Objectives 12. Select preferred option Outline reason for not selecting others. 13. Mitigation Measures detailed. 14. Monitoring Measures detailed.

Monard Environmental Report

Table 2.2 Checklist of information to be contained in the Environmental Report

Information Required to be included in the Environmental Report Corresponding Section of this Report

(A) Outline of the content and main objectives of the Draft Planning Scheme, and its relationship with Chapter 3, 4 other relevant plans and programmes. (B) Description of relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the evolution of that Chapter 5 environment without implementation of the guidelines. (C) Description of the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected. Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8

(D) Identification of any existing environmental problems, which are relevant to the guidelines, Chapters 5,8 particularly those relating to European protected sites. (E) List environmental protection objectives, established at international, EU or national level, which are Chapters 6 ,10 relevant to the guidelines and describe how those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account when preparing the guidelines. (F) Describe the likely significant effects on the environment. Chapters 8

(G) Describe any measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant Chapter 9 adverse environmental effects of implementing the plan. (H) Give an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives considered, and a description of how the Chapter 7 assessment was undertaken (including any difficulties). (I) A description of proposed monitoring measures. Chapter 10

(J) A non-technical summary of the above information Non technical summary

Monard Environmental Report

3.0 Relationship of Other Plans and The NSS places emphasis on the creation of sustainable future development. The regional Programmes high quality living environments through urban plan identifies the metropolitan towns design and the integration of social and comprising the settlements along the suburban The planning context for the Planning Scheme community amenities. rail corridors including Midleton, Carrigtwohill, is set within a hierarchy of plans, these Monard, Blarney, and Cobh as the main include; The National Spatial Strategy, Smarter Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport gateway locations (outside Cork City) for Travel, Regional Planning Guidelines – South Future (2009) future population growth. This new rail line is a West 2010, Cork Area Strategic Plan, Cork considered a major step in providing County Development Plan 2014, Blarney- “Smarter Travel” is the Government’s action integrated public transport services to centres Kilbarry Special Local Area Plan 2005, Blarney plan to free towns and cities from traffic of high population growth. Local Area Plan 2011. The Scheme must congestion, substantially cut CO2 emissions, comply with higher level strategic actions and encourage car based commuters to leave their Cork Area Strategic Plan may, in turn, guide lower level strategic cars at home, and encourage a shift toward actions. walking, cycling and greater public transport Prepared jointly by the City and County usage. This philosophy is in keeping with the Councils in 2001 it set out a shared vision for 3.1 Hierarchy of Plans rationale for the creation of a rail based town the Cork area for the period up to the year at Monard. 2020, the plan was updated in 2008. The plan The policy context of Monard relevant to establishes the concept of ‘Metropolitan Cork’ hierarchy of plans is set out in the following Regional Planning Guidelines – South as an area embracing Cork City, its ‘environs’ sections. West 2010 (within the County) and the Metropolitan (or satellite) towns as an integrated unit where National Spatial Strategy The guidelines set out the strategic plan for there is a single market for jobs and housing growth and prosperity in the region in line with and where there is equality of access for all to This strategy set out the strategic planning the key principles of the national strategy. The shops and services, educational and cultural framework for the future development of the guidelines include specific policies and facilities. Country and proposed a more balanced objectives for the four spatial development pattern of spatial development for the state as areas within the region including population CASP proposed a balanced spatial a whole. The strategy emphasises the critical targets for the Region for 2010‐2022. development pattern which includes role of ‘Gateways’ and ‘Hubs’ in delivering developing the potential North of the City to future economic growth and designates Cork The priority for population growth in the region maximise the use of the existing rail as a ‘Gateway’ City. The creation of a new rail will be the “gateway” of Cork City. However infrastructure. The plan favoured Monard / based town in Monard will contribute to the planned growth in metropolitan towns is Rathpeacon as the location to accommodate critical mass needed for the population and intended to complement growth in the City, to some of the development between Blarney and employment targets set for the Gateway City. offer a broad choice of locations for Midleton subject to a detailed assessment. This

Monard Environmental Report

detailed assessment took place in the rail it’s core strategy for growth and development 3.2 Relationship with Existing Plans feasibility study and the Blarney- Kilbarry to the year 2020. It remains an objective of and Strategies Special Local Area Plan, adopted in 2005. The the plan to establish a new town at Monard on CASP Update (2008) revised population the basis of the Blarney – Kilbarry Special Monard is located on the edge of a large urban predictions for 2020. The updated population Local Plan 2005, including provision for on and centre, a number of projects and masterplans projections for Monard /Rathpeacon off site infrastructure necessary to service the are proposed within the metropolitan area. In /Whitechurch is a population of 11,153 by new town. The Joint Retail Strategy hierarchy terms of neighbouring projects, Stoneview 2020 with 4,628 households. These figures identifies Monard as fulfilling the role of a Blarney is the closest project located 1km East take account of the revised timescale for Metropolitan Town in this section of the rail of Monard. Stoneview is primarily a residential Monard. corridor and seeks provision of retailing as part development, permission has been granted by of the new settlement. An Bord Pleanala for a reduced housing Blarney- Kilbarry Special Local Area Plan development. In a Westwards direction 4km 2005. Blarney Local Area Plan 2011 away, the Blarney Local Area Plan contains a special policy area objective to facilitate The primary aim of the (SLAP) was to prepare The current Blarney Local Area Plan 2011 sets development of between 2,400 and up to an agreed development framework for the rail out the strategy for the proper planning and 3,600 dwellings at Ballyvolane, the preparation corridor between Blarney and edge of Cork sustainable development of the electoral area of a masterplan is required. This development City at Kilbarry. The SLAP established a for the next six years (2011- 2017). It also is further removed from Monard in terms of planning framework for the creation of a new includes the objective for a new town at location and possible in combination effects. In settlement at Monard. It identified the broad Monard as originated in the Blarney- Kilbarry recent times a masterplan has been prepared planning principles of the site including; Special Local Area Plan 2005. for the Cork Science and Innovation Park in numbers of housing units, number of primary Curragheen (2011). The Blarney Electoral Area and secondary schools, list of sports and The framework plan as outlined in the 2005 Local Area Plan 2011 sets out the supply of recreation facilities including the provision for a SLAP and the current LAP identifies the broad zoned land for future housing and employment county park. The process went through planning principles including the number of within the electoral area. extensive public consultation and was adopted housing units, schools and provision for a in 2005. county park. The Scheme has been guided by a hierarchy of plans and strategies at the EU, local, national Cork County Development Plan 2014 The Blarney SEA provides for an overarching and EU levels. These plans and strategies assessment of the environmental issues. This include:- The County Development Plan sets out the environmental report for the Scheme identifies Core Strategy for the growth and development the significant environmental issues which of County Cork to the year 2020. The proposed pertain to Monard at a much greater level of rail based town is an important component of detail for both present and future scenarios.

Monard Environmental Report

International Plans National Plans . Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for new apartments. . EU Directive 2001/42/EC, assessment of . National Development Plan 2007-2013. Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2007 effects of certain plans and programmes . National Spatial Strategy (2002-2020). . Sustainable Residential Development in on the environment. . Transport 21. Urban Areas –guidelines for planning . EU Habitats Directive (Council Directive . Smarter Travel – A Sustainable authorities 2009. 92/ 43/EEC). Transport Future (2009). . Landscape Assessment Guidelines 2000– . EU Birds Directive (Council Directive . Wildlife Act 1976. landscape character assessment. 79/409/EEC). . Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. . Childcare Facilities Guidelines for . EU Water Framework Directive (Council . Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002. Planning Authorities, 2001. Directive 2000/60/EC). . Ozone Regulations 2004. . Birds and Natural Habitats Regulations . EU floods directive. . Sustainable Development – A strategy 2011. . The Air Quality Framework Directive; for Ireland (1997). . National Biodiversity Plan Actions for (Council Directive 96/62/EC). . Housing Policy Framework-Building Biodiversity 2011-2016. . Soil Thematic Strategy. Sustainable Communities. (2007) . EU Drinking Water Directive. . Residential Density Guidelines (2000). Regional Plans . EU Ground Water directive. . National Heritage Plan (2002). . Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. . Architectural Heritage Protection, . South West Regional Planning Guidelines . European Union: 6th Environmental Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2010 Action Programme 2001-2010. ( Climate (2004) or 2005. . South West River Basin District Draft change, nature and biodiversity, natural . National Climate Change Strategy (2007- River Basin Management Plan. resources, health and quality of life) 2012). . European Biodiversity Strategy (1998) - . Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Local Plans Strategy aims to anticipate, prevent the Authorities (2005). . Cork Area Strategic Plan 2001-2020. reduction of biodiversity at source. . Government White Paper on Sustainable . Cork County Development Plan 2014. . UN convention on Biological Diversity. Energy Future for Ireland. Energy Policy . Blarney – Kilbarry Special Local Area . European Landscape convention 2000. Framework 2007-2020. Plan -2005. . European Convention on the protection . The Planning System and Flood Risk . Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan of Archaeological Heritage – Valletta Management Guidelines for Planning 2011. Convention. Authorities 2009. . Cork County Biodiversity Action Plan . Energy Performance buildings Directive . Guidelines on Habitat Directive 2009-2015. . Ramsar Convention. Assessment – Do EHLG. . Cork County Heritage Plan 2005-2010. . Architectural Heritage Protection: . Draft Lee Catchment Flood Risk Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2004. Assessment and Management Study.

Monard Environmental Report

3.3 Habitats Directive Screening issue. The Habitats Directive screening conclusions stated that the potential effects Appropriate Assessment Screening was can be screened out and that the effects are undertaken to assess, in view of best scientific not considered significant. The knowledge, if the Monard Planning Scheme recommendations of the Habitats Directive was individually or in combination with other Screening Statement have been included in the plans or projects likely to have a significant Planning Scheme. The Natura Impact effect on any “Natura 2000” site. The stage Screening Statement conclusions state that one screening for the Monard Planning Scheme potential effects can be screened out and that was completed by Cork County’s Appropriate the effects are not considered significant. Assessment Officer. In addition to the overall project screening, two other stage 1 screenings were completed for the Water Supply and Waste Water infrastructure required to facilitate Monard. Screening is the first stage within the overall process of Appropriate Assessment required by the European Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).

The Habitats Directive Screening Statement states that there are no Natura 2000 sites located either within or adjacent to the Strategic Development Zone. However elements of the Scheme associated with the provision of water and wastewater infrastructure could potentially give rise to impacts on a number of designated sites in Cork Harbour. The screening conclusion highlighted the requirement to assess trenchless technology at the Glashaboy River and its impact on Natura 2000 sites within Cork harbour. An addendum to the waste water preliminary report was prepared by Nicholas O’ Dwyer consultants to address this

Monard Environmental Report

4.0 Planning Scheme Maunsell Cork Suburban Rail Feasibility Study Table 4.1 Planning History of Monard endorsed the Cork rail project. The Blarney- 4.1 Strategic Development Zone Area Kilbarry Special Local Area Plan, adopted in Date Organisation Proposal/Conclusion 2005, established a framework for the creation /Plan /Action Monard is located North West of Cork City of a new settlement at Monard. 2001 CASP - Development to be approximately 3 km East of Blarney village. (2001-20) focused on Mallow-Cork- The N20 Cork to Limerick National Primary The concept of creating a new town at this Midleton/Cobh rail Route is located within the valley between location originated in 2001 prior to the corridor, to support/benefit from Blarney and Monard. The extent of the site is introduction of environmental legislation high frequency service including the SEA directive (July 2004). A 391 hectares /966 acres. The area is -Flagship development characterised by a rural setting with a strategic environmental appraisal of CASP was at Monard (subject to settlement pattern concentrated along the however carried out as contained in Appendix detailed assessment) poorly aligned local road network. The lands D of the Cork Area Strategic Plan (2001-2020). 2002 Cork Both endorse Cork are primarily engaged in agriculture with a The objective has subsequently been Suburban Rail Suburban Rail Project scattering of farm complexes throughout the incorporated into the CASP 2008 Update, the Feasibility site. Landownership within the site is held by 2009 County Development Plan and the 2014 Study a sizeable number of landowners (23), CDP all of which were subject to the SEA 2003 Dep’t of however some holdings are of considerable process. Transport Strategic Rail size. The main Cork to Dublin railway line Review In 2012 the Monard Planning Scheme was forms the Southern site boundary. Much of the 2003 Cork County Discussion Paper on subject lands are elevated and exposed with adopted by Cork County Council. Unlike other (July) Council – Proposals for Rail long slopes down to the Old Mallow road plans, SDZ Planning Schemes can be subject Public Corridor (former N20), the upper parts of the site form to appeal by An Bord Pleanala. Following 2003 Participation Exhibition. the backdrop to Cork City. adoption two appeals were lodged. The Bord (Nov) exercise on 108 submissions decided not to accept the inspector’s distribution of received, 39 relating to recommendation which was to seek further growth along Monard. 4.2 Background to Planning Scheme information. The Bord decided to refuse to rail corridor 2004 Minister for Approves Cork Rail approve the Planning Scheme in September 2013. Transport Project The vision for a new settlement at Monard 2004 Cork Local Adopt Supplementary

originated from the recommendations in the Authorities Rail Contribution Cork Area Strategic Plan 2001-2020. It The 2015 Planning Scheme was prepared in Schemes recommended the promotion of the suburban response to the Bord’s decision. This SEA 2005 Blarney- Public Consultation Draft rail line as a future location for development to process is broadly similar to the SEA process Kilbarry (Jan.) Adopted by the North and East of Cork City. The Faber undertaken for 2012 Planning Scheme. Special Local Council (Sept.)

Monard Environmental Report

Area Plan Proposes 5000 houses, 13,000 population for Monard 2008 CASP Update Monard seen as one of 4 main growth areas on rail line 2008 Cork County Seeks SDZ designation Council from Minister for the Environment 2009 Cork County Envisages population of Development 7,800 by 2020 Plan 2009 Iarnród Midleton Rail Line Éireann reopened 2010 Government Monard designated as (May) Strategic Development Zone 2012 Cork Co Co Draft Planning Scheme (Development adopted, with Agency) amendments 2013 An Bord Scheme appealed, Bord (May) Pleanála does not approve Planning Scheme for 4 reasons.

2014 Cork Co Co Systra Commissioned to (Development carry out Cork Northern Agency) Environs Transport Assessment

Monard Environmental Report

Fig 4.1 Site Context

Monard Environmental Report

4.3 Description of Planning Scheme 4.4 Contents of the Planning Scheme • Amenities, Facilities, Community Services Details regarding services Monard will be developed as a satellite town The Planning Scheme comprises a written and facilities to be provided. with an intended population of 12,500 -13,000 statement accompanied by maps. The +. The sluggish economic recovery allows for chapters and related themes within the • Minimising the effects on the the necessary lead time to prepare the Planning Scheme are as follows; environment Planning Scheme and associated Summarises measures used to infrastructure. This Planning Scheme allows for • Planning Framework- minimise adverse effects on the detailed design of the town, outlining the form, Location of major infrastructure and environment. scale and nature of development which will be facilities are outlined. Fixed elements permitted. create a framework for more detailed • Contributions & Equalisation- planning. Contribution scheme for Monard The town will be developed as a single entity providing infrastructure, transport connections, • Design, Layout and building • Phasing & Implementation- public and commercial services, in tandem with Issues General approach to design Describes the flexible form of phasing housing to create a balanced form of and layout. envisaged for the new town. sustainable development. • Development in Villages and Fig 4.2 Site Area Neighbourhoods Core of the The Planning Scheme now forms part of the Planning Scheme indicative layouts, Development Plan, it will remain part of the volumes and requirements for the four plan until such time as the Planning Scheme is villages. amended or revoked. Any development within it will require planning permission from Cork • Transportation County Council. Where development proposals Details of the transport infrastructure are consistent with the provisions of the are outlined. Planning Scheme they will be granted permission, inconsistent proposals will be • Infrastructural Services refused permission. There is no leave to Location of major infrastructure and appeal the decision made by Cork County facilities are outlined within the Council to An Bord Pleanála once the scheme constraints of the site. is in place.

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5.1 Introduction to Environmental Table 5.1 Inter relationship between Environmental Receptors Baseline Receptors Bio- Population Water Landscape Cultural Soil, Geology Air, Transportation The SEA process is led by the baseline data, diversity & Human Heritage Hydrogeology Noise & Material which provides an accurate description of the Health climate Assets Biodiversity No Yes No No Yes Yes Yes existing environment. Baseline information was collated during the scoping report. The Population & Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes environmental receptors identified during the Human scoping process are based on the legislative Health requirements and encompass the following; Water No No Yes No Yes biodiversity, population, soil & geology, water, landscape, transportation, cultural & archaeological heritage, air quality and material Landscape Yes No No Yes assets. The baseline study consisted primarily of existing available data. However a number of Cultural No No Yes internal and external reports were carried out, Heritage which informed the baseline description. The reports remain largely the same as those utilised Soil, No Yes in the preparation of the 2012 Planning Scheme, Geology with the exception of an additional Air Noise Yes Transpor tation Assessment. Climate

The interrelationship between the range of Transport & environmental receptors is an important Material consideration in the environmental assessment. Assets Table 5.1 outlines the interrelationships identified between the environmental components.

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5.2 Biodiversity European and National heritage designations. habitat have developed. The pNHA is The designations in Cork Harbour include two dependant to a large extent on the 5.2.1 Introduction Natura 2000 sites namely Cork Harbour Special hydrological inputs of the Blarney River, in Protection Area (SPA) site code 004030 and addition to the hydrogeological inputs from the Biodiversity in the simplest of terms is the the Great Island Channel Special Area of groundwater catchment. Maintaining and variety of life on earth. The concept of Conservation (SAC) site code 001058. It is also protecting the existing hydrological and biological diversity was recognised at the designated a Ramsar site for wetland hydrogeological flow regime of the Blarney Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) protection. The development at Monard and its River was paramount in the creation of the organised by the United Nations. It recognised impact on Cork Harbour can be considered an SUDS strategy, both to prevent flooding and to the “common concern for humankind” to halt ex situ impact. protect the integrity of the pNHA downstream. the loss of biodiversity. In 2009, Cork County Council produced the Cork County Biodiversity Natural Heritage Areas The other proposed Natural Heritage Areas Action Plan to foster awareness of heritage Natural Heritage Areas are a National within 4 km’s of the site include; Ardamadane issues and to conserve and enhance designation under the Wildlife Act 2000. Wood North of Blarney, Blarney Castle Wood biodiversity within the county. Blarney Bog located approximately 1 km South and Blarney Lake. The sites are well removed West of the site is a proposed NHA site code from the Planning Scheme. The Blarney River 5.2.2 Designated /Protected Sites 1857. The bog is an area of reed grass fen runs through Blarney bog, continues situated in the valley floor of the Blarney River. westwards where it is bounds the Blarney The SDZ area does not contain any sites or The main habitats are lowland wet grassland Castle Woods to the south. The River course is habitats designated under European or grazed and ungrazed and freshwater north of the artificially created Blarney Lake, National legislation within or directly adjacent marsh/fen. It is an important recreational which has a varied wetland community but is to the site boundary. amenity area within the locality. The habitat primarily used for recreational purposes. The mapping conducted by Atkins consultants on three sites compose a very caved area with Natura 2000 Sites behalf of the County Council considers Blarney interesting aquatic and terrestrial habitats1. Natura 2000 sites form part of a European bog an area of local biodiversity value with two Whilst there is a concentration of designations wide network of sites designated for nature artificially constructed pond habitats. around Blarney village, given the separation conservation. Cork harbour, approximately distance from the site and the topography it is 7.5km from the site has a concentration of The primary consideration is the protection of considered unlikely that the proposed Scheme natural heritage designations. Numerous bird the hydrology of this bog, this will be will have a significant impact on these three species and habitats are afforded protection particularly relevant in terms of flooding and sites. Fig 5.2.3 outlines the location of the under the EU Bird’s Directive and EU Habitats disposal of surface water run off. The Blarney pNHA’s in relation to Monard. There are also a Directive. Fig 5.2.2 outlines the context of River channel downstream of Monard drains into this lowland flood plain adjacent to Monard relative to Cork Harbour within its 1 Site synopsis Ardamadane wood PNHA site code: Blarney Town where wet grassland and fen 0017

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number of pNHA sites within Cork harbour trees on banks are scattered throughout the and broadleaf bankside vegetation. The which overlap with some of the boundaries of site and include ash and sycamore. There are Blarney River contains a population of brown the Natura 2000 designated sites. substantial sections of bank in relatively good trout; salmon and sea trout have not been repair, having retained their original height and recorded from this watercourse due to fish 5.2.3 Non Protected Sites stone facing, including one running along the passage issues in the lower reaches. The townland boundary between Monard and assessment concludes that the Blarney River is Biodiversity is not restricted to protected sites Kilcronan. Hedgerows, sod and stone banks evaluated as being of high value and locally but includes; rivers, trees, soil and hedgerows and town land boundaries are both important important, due to the presence of extensive supporting biodiversity at a local level. Habitat on-site features and wildlife habitats. salmonid habitat and populations of brown mapping was conducted by Atkins consultants Hedgerows provide a habitat for species and trout. The Kilcronan Stream is evaluated as for the entire Blarney electoral area as an function as a wildlife corridor. They should be being of low value and locally important. action of the Heritage Plan. Habitat and survey retained as far as practicable both for their mapping was carried out in Monard, no species aesthetic value and for the variety of life they of note were recorded in the survey. The support. Mammals & Birds predominance of mixed woodland and scrub The ecological survey included a survey for along the slopes of the Blarney River Valley 5.2.4 Ecological Surveys & Assessment mammals such as otters, badgers and bats. was identified. Fig 5.2.1 outlines the habitats The otter Lutra lutra is a legally protected identified within Monard. The mapping is a An ecological survey and assessment was species listed under Annex II of the EU valuable source of baseline information. carried out on the Blarney River corridor and Habitats Directive. The river corridor was the riparian corridor of the Kilcronan and checked for the presence of otter holts and The lands in Monard are in agricultural use Rathpeacon streams by Ecofact environmental signs of otter activity (spraints/droppings, with a mixture of tillage and pasture with consultants on behalf of the SuDS consultants slides, tracks). No evidence of otter holts was improved grasslands. This is confirmed by the T.J. O’ Connor and Associates. It provides very recorded from within the river corridor, Corine Landcover (CLC) map 2006. The useful baseline information by way of desktop however otter are expected to occur and have habitats are generally of low ecological value, and field surveys of the main watercourse and been recorded within the stretch of the river in having regard to the disturbed nature of the its tributaries. The field surveys included the vicinity of the mill ponds downstream of ground. Hedgerows have been removed from botanical, macroinvertebrate, birds, mammal the SDZ. Evidence of otter activity was two large farms, however most have been activity, and habitat surveys. recorded downstream of the bridge at the retained. private road south of Coolowen (W 63830 Watercourses 77344). Otter is identified as a key ecological Sod and stone banks are the dominant type of The Blarney River is part of the extensive River receptor for the SuDS scheme. The riparian field boundary. Some sections of bank have Lee Catchment which is designated salmonid zone is also an optimal habitat for the badger, few or no trees while others have sporadic water under the Freshwater Fish Directive. The however no badger sets were found. small trees such as hawthorn. The full sized sloping banks are populated with coniferous

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All bat species in Ireland are protected under 5.2.5 Related Baseline Receptors This Planning Scheme should not result in a the Wildlife Acts. The continuous woodland loss of habitat or deterioration in the quality of and treeline corridor of the Blarney River is The protection of biodiversity is inextricably the habitats within the harbour. The indirect or evaluated as being of importance for linked to water quality. The quality of the ex situ impacts on the biological systems of commuting and foraging bats, the railway surface and ground water has a symbiotic the harbour have been assessed in the bridge on the Blarney River corridor may be relationship with biological diversity. This is Habitats Directive Screening Assessment which used by bats (especially pipistrelle species) but particularly relevant for both the Blarney Bog accompanies this report. The screening report no evidence of this was recorded during the outside the site and the Blarney River which concluded that the proposed development recent survey. The water birds Mallard, Grey flows through the site. alone or in combination with other projects will Heron, Moorhen, Dipper and Grey Wagtail not have a significant impact on the Natura were all recorded within the riparian corridor of 2000 sites within the harbour. the Blarney River. Between the railway bridge 5.2.6 Key (Significant) Environmental and the bridge at Monard Glen, there are two Issues The agricultural landscape of Monard has weirs which create mill ponds. These held Grey generally a low level of biodiversity, the heavily Herons, Mallard and Moorhen. Peregrine Cork Harbour comprises habitats of grazed and cultivated grasslands support falcons have been previously recorded nesting international importance, particularly as a limited diversity. Accordingly, opportunities in the railway bridge upstream of the Monard feeding ground for wintering waterfowl. The have been incorporated within the Planning spade mills on the Blarney River. harbour is situated at the mouth of a number Scheme to create new ecological habitats, the of river estuaries in a mixed use environment integration of SUDS features will ensure the Invasive Species with competing uses of urban, rural, industrial, creation of an ecological corridor for the The issue of invasive species and its impact on recreation, agriculture etc. Therefore the movement of species for breeding or to search biodiversity has been highlighted recently in a myriad of run offs from urbanised areas, for food. Loss of hedgerows would lead to the UN report. The Japanese Knotweed plant agriculture, urban waste water discharge, fragmentation of habitat. The provision of (Fallopia japonica) is the number one invasive industrial /chemical, together with a busy green infrastructure through the creation of a species in Cork according to the National shipping channel need to be carefully balanced green network utilising existing water courses, Biodiversity Data Centre. The habitat mapping to protect the ecological equilibrium. woodlands etc will provide both social and recorded the presence of Japanese Knotweed environmental benefits protecting the natural located centrally within the site. Measures to The ultimate treatment and disposal of effluent systems. eradicate this fast growing invasive species will from the projected population at Monard be required. The ecological survey recorded cannot be considered in isolation. The effect The protection and maintenance of Blarney Giant rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria) and on the biological diversity of the harbour is bog’s fen hydrology will ensure the ecological Japanese knotweed along the riparian zone, complex. Not withstanding the ability of the equilibrium is maintained and the wet both are liable to spread, management of habitats to adapt, the piecemeal intensification grassland habitats which support the bird these species is recommended. of land use should and has been investigated.

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population remain largely unaffected by the proposed new town.

The layout of the 2015 Scheme includes the addition of the tree belt from East to West as part of the landscaping infrastructure. This will create a substantial wildlife corridor across the site itself, it will greatly enhance the biological diversity of the new town.

5.2.7 Impact in the absence of Planning Scheme

It is likely that the area would remain agriculturally productive with limited species and habitat variety, opportunities to enhance the biological diversity would be limited, the area would remain ecologically quite similar to the present scenario.

Fig 5.2.1 Monard Habitat Map

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Fig 5.2.2

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Fig 5.2.3

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5.3 Population and Human Health 5.3.3 Population – existing 5.3.4 Travel to Work

5.3.1 Introduction The existing rural population within Monard Travel to work and commuting patterns affect site is approximately2 150-200 persons. The a person’s quality of life. Sustainable The Planning Scheme proposes a new town population is low having regard to the rural commuting maps were formulated for the with a significant increase in the baseline and sporadic nature of the settlement pattern. Local Area Plan process which show the population, the quality of life for the existing Monard is located within the Whitechurch DED, percentage of people per DED who travel to and future population is the fundamental focus the population in the 2011 Census results was work by sustainable means e.g. walking, of this baseline assessment. 2813 persons. cycling, public transport or working at home from the 2006 census data. The Monard site is 5.3.2 Historical Trends In 2006 the population was 2477 persons, located within the Whitechurch DED. There is which represents a 13.6% change. The large only between 0 to 5% of the population The existing settlement pattern in Cork is increase is most likely attributed to the new commuting in a sustainable manner. concentrated to the South of the City. The residential developments in Whitechurch. CASP strategy for metropolitan Cork envisaged 5.3.5 Population – Proposed a major growth corridor extending from The surrounding area is also sparsely Blarney in the West to Midleton in the East, populated, with small settlements including The new settlement proposes a population served by a suburban rail network. An Rathpeacon and Killeens to the South, range of between 4750-5850 new housing important element of CASP is to redress the Whitechurch is the largest of the three units, this represents an increase of 5 to 10% imbalances in the historic pattern of settlements located North East of the site. in density when compared to the 2012 development around Cork by creating a There is a scattering of farm complexes and Planning Scheme. However the projected balanced spatial development pattern. stand alone commercial developments within population of approximately 13, 000 persons the site also. Agriculture is the predominant has not changed. The increased density will The CASP update adopted in 2008, prioritises source of employment within the area comprise smaller housing units including locations close to the City for population including both tillage and pasture. apartments which would generally have a growth along the railway line. The dispersal of smaller household size and therefore not add population along the rail corridor will ensure significantly to the population. The target sufficient carrying capacity for this sustainable population for the Blarney electoral area in mode of transport. 2020 is 64,934. Monard is one of three main settlements which are expected to

2 accommodate 62% of the target growth. Figure based on geo directory figure and average household size. The Blarney–Kilbarry Special Local Area Plan

adopted in 2005 outlined a framework for

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development in Monard including the scale and humans and their quality of life. The residents 5.3.7 Key (Significant) Environmental nature of development for the future new are visual receptors their proximity will dictate Issues- Population and Human Health town. The project will be developed as a single the likely effect. entity and will provide for infrastructure, • The key issues for population and human transport connections, public and commercial It is difficult to ascertain data for human health health are those linked with drinking water services in tandem with housing to create a particularly at the geographical scale of quality, waste water treatment and air balanced form of development. Monard (391 hectares). The present socio quality as they are all integral to human economic climate will have a direct impact on health. The framework plan envisaged a settlement quality of life for residents. The construction of with all necessary facilities these included; a Monard is dependant on an up turn in the • The protection of the residential amenity town centre, localised areas of employment property market, which will no doubt coincide for the existing population during and post with provision for office and industry, schools, with improved employment opportunities. The construction is a principal consideration, community facilities and a “Heritage Spine” or rail station will open up new opportunities for particularly having regard to rural context country park along the Blarney River. the existing and proposed population. of the site.

5.3.6 Human Health and Quality of Life The population within the area has remained • Quality of life is linked to commuting relatively unchanged due to the rural nature of patterns. The key to increasing sustainable There is a strong correlation between human the site. The increase in population will have a commuting and decreasing car health and environmental protection; humans substantial impact on the existing population. dependency is to focus targeted population are part of the environment. Therefore the The provision of facilities including schools and in areas well served by public transport. impacts from the Planning Scheme on the services in tandem with housing to support the The timing of the new rail station is critical environment will also affect human health and new population will be critical to reducing the to encouraging the use of the train as a their quality of life. The effects on human impact on existing facilities. The construction sustainable mode, before unsustainable health can be broad ranging, derived from any of new units is dependant on the recovery of commuting patterns become established. of the environmental receptors. The effects the market, the most ambitious rate of either direct or indirect will impact the quality construction would be 300-400 per annum. • The existing recreational and amenity of life for residents both positively and The impact of the Scheme on the existing provision within the area is low, sports negatively. The most likely direct effects population will extend outside of the site pitches and community facilities are include water quality, air quality, noise, waste boundary. The effects on the existing residents provided in Rathpeacon. The proposed management and quality of life. The latter can has been considered in the formulation of the Scheme is of a low density with generous be affected by issues including commuting scheme to reduce the negative impacts, this is open space provision to enhance the patterns and access to recreational facilities. discussed in a later section of the report. quality of life for future citizens and that of The physical changes and the magnitude of the existing population. the landscape change is also a direct effect on

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• The increase in the number of units from the 2012 Planning Scheme is approximately 200 – 500 extra units from that previously proposed. The projected population is not expected to increase in excess of 13,000 persons as Irish apartments generally comprise very small households.

5.3.8 Impact in the absence of Planning Scheme

The absence of the planning scheme would lead to an uncoordinated and unbalanced development pattern, resulting in pressure on infrastructure and services which would affect people’s quality of life. Maximising the use of the rail line will support more sustainable commuting patterns and lifestyle which will provide a greater quality of life.

Monard Environmental Report

Kilcronan stream is a first order tributary of the for 2009 is Moderate, (the status was good in 5.4 Water Resources & Infrastructure Blarney River. The ecological survey carried 2008). The macro invertebrate status of the out as part of site specific SUDS strategy Blarney River is ‘good’. 5.4.1 Introduction evaluated the stream as being of low value and locally important within the ecological Ecofact environmental consultants carried out This section is divided into two sections survey report carried out for the SUDs macro invertebrate sampling in June 2011 on namely; water resources and water strategy. The Rathpeacon stream is within the the three watercourses. Kick sampling of the infrastructure. The former examines water route corridor of the Northern Ring Road South Blarney River took place at the most northerly quality including surface water and ground of the site boundary. and Southerly points of the River within the water. The latter section deals with water site to ensure a comprehensive assessment of related infrastructure, including the source and There are a number of sources of baseline its water quality throughout the course of the supply of potable water and the treatment and information for biological water quality of the River within the site. The Blarney River was disposal of waste water. Blarney River these include; South Western rated as Q4 “good status” as was the Kilcronan River Basin Management Plan, Environmental stream. The Rathpeacon Stream (outside site 5.4.2 Water Framework Directive Protection Agency who and the “kick sampling“ boundary) was Q 3-4 “moderate status”. carried out by Ecofact as part of the ecological The EU Water Framework Directive promotes survey work for the SUDS strategy carried out The EPA monitor biological water quality in the the protection of surface water, groundwater, in 2011. Table 5.4.1 outlines the results for the Blarney River at the bridge Northwest of coastal and estuarine water resources. It sets three sources. Killeen’s Cross at the confluence with the out objectives and standards for waters via the Rathpeacon Stream. (EPA station code river basin districts plans. Cork is located The biological quality rating known as the Q 19B020500). This would be the closest within the South Western River Basin District value system has been used to measure river sampling point to the site. The river was also Plan. It is an objective of the Water quality since the 1970’s. The phosphorus rated as Q4 “good status” in 2005, an Framework Directive to achieve “good water regulations utilises the Q value rating index improvement on the historical Q3-4 which is an status” for all waters by 2015. which has a scale range from Q5-Q1. A Q unsatisfactory status at this monitoring value of 5 indicates unpolluted pristine waters; location. The Q value of 4 remains unchanged 5.4.3 Surface Water a Q value of 1 indicates grossly polluted to the present day. waters. The South Western River Basin The Blarney River is the most significant water Management Plan provides details on the Table 5.4.1 Summary of Water Quality body within the site. It runs along the entire water quality status of all water bodies within Western site boundary. It rises North East of the River Basin District. The quality of the Source Results Year the site and discharges to the Martin River Blarney River as outlined in the SWRBD WMU3 SWRBMP Moderate 2009 South East of Blarney town. It forms part of EPA Q4 ( good) 2004 to present the extensive River Lee Catchment. The 3 Lower Lee/Owenboy Water Management Unit Ecofact Q4 ( good) 2011

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Water Testing potable public water supply to serve the new entirely new service network will provide an town is required. The consultants RPS on opportunity to include metering and to Enva Ireland Ltd under took sampling surveys behalf of Cork County Council examined the conserve water loss during the construction of on a monthly basis over a six month period as sources, storage and route options for the site. the internal network. part of the site investigations for the SUDS An environmental assessment of the nine pipe strategy. Water samples were taken from the route options and reservoir locations were 5.4.6 Waste Water Blarney River, Kilcronan stream and conducted as part of the overall route and Rathpeacon Stream the samples were tested reservoir selection process. The preferred Monard is an un serviced rural area with a for an extensive list of parameters. The results water supply option is a connection to Cork reliance on individual septic tanks/ treatment show high levels of ammonia, ammonium and City WSS at Churchfield reservoir, with a trunk systems to serve a dispersed population. nitrates when compared to recommended main from Churchfield to serve Monard. The Development of new sewerage infrastructure guideline limits. The BOD and suspended solids option is recommended subject to completion for the collection, treatment and disposal of are within the guideline limits. The entire set of proposed strategic trunk link between Cork waste water is required to facilitate the of results can be found in the Environmental harbour & City WSS and the City Council’s Lee creation of the new town. The options for Report submitted with the SUDS strategy. The Road Water Treatment plant to allow water waste water provision were examined by data for surface water quality in Monard is from Iniscarra via the City’s water supply Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd consultants on behalf of quite extensive, it provides a valuable baseline infrastructure to a new trunk main feeding Cork County Council. All possible options were resource. Monard. investigated at length, the treatment and disposal of waste water for a large new town 5.4.4 Groundwater Quality An ecological Impact Assessment of the has the potential to cause the most significant preferred and alternative water supply and impact on the receiving environment. The The SWRBMP provides details on the quality of preferred route options was conducted to preferred option for treatment of Monard’s ground water bodies also. The assessment is assess the potential of negative impacts on the 20,000 population equivalent (p.e.) was at more complex but none the less very environment, namely designated sites for Carrigrennan WwTP. Carrigtohill WwTP was a important given the presence of existing wells nature conservation; or habitats, flora species secondary option proposed in the consultant’s within the site. The Monard area lies within the or fauna species of ecological value. The report. The conveyance of effluent via a Ballinhassig_1 groundwater body. The overall impacts are most likely to occur during the dedicated twin rising main to the wastewater status of the Ballinhassig_1 groundwater body construction phase and mitigation measures treatment plant at Carrigrennan, Little Island has been assessed as ‘good’. are recommended. with outfall to Lough Mahon was the preferred option from an environmental perspective. The 5.4.5 Water Supply The trunk main, pumping station and second option proposed treatment at reservoirs form part of extensive off site Carrigtohill WwTP, which currently discharges Monard is an unserviced rural area with a infrastructure to facilitate development at to Slatty water. The capacity at that facility is dependence on private supplies, provision of a Monard. The construction of a new main and currently being upgraded with a new relocated

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discharge point under construction. A A new source of baseline information related Assessment was prepared in parallel with the temporary proposal for the initial phase of to Cork Harbour has emerged since the 2012 SEA process , the SFRA is located in appendix development will be provided in Kileens until Planning Scheme. Bec consultants ltd carried B of this report. sufficient volumes are available to pump to out an assessment on the qualifying interests Carrigrennan. The Carrigrennan facility is of the Great Island Channel SAC (site code 5.4.8 Key Significant Environmental operated by Cork City Council, sufficient 001058). The aim was to determine the Issues capacity is available for the proposed new current conservation status of the habitats and town within its operating license. The Scheme to assess the likely impact on the SAC site of • Protection of water quality both has identified Carrigrennan as the preferred the population targets set out in the 2014 CDP surface water and ground water. The location for the treatment and disposal of and resultant waste water loadings. The report collection, treatment and disposal of waste water. concluded that the conservation status of the waste water to a WwTP with sufficient mudflats and sandflats will not be capacity will ensure protection of the An environmental assessment of the treatment compromised by the population targets on the existing baseline environment. options for Monard was produced including an once the upgrades of certain WWTPs are in Ecological Impact Assessment and place in advance of any population increase. • Flood Risk, this is particularly relevant Archaeological Impact Assessment. A Habitats The two plants identified were Carrigtohill and for settlements and lands downstream Directive Screening Assessment was carried Midleton. Work has since commenced on the of Monard. The implementation of the out in accordance with the Habitats Directive construction of a 30, 000 PE WWTP in site specific SUDS strategy is of 92/33/EEC (2000) for all options proposed by Carrigtohill, it’s due for completion at the end paramount importance for the consultants for water supply and waste water of 2015. prevention of downstream flood disposal. It is requirement that any plan or events. project that has the potential for a significant 5.4.7 Flood Risk effect on Natura 2000 sites i.e. a Special Area • Ensure sufficient capacity in Kileens of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protected The introduction of systematic flood risk WWTP to cater for the initial phase of Area (SPA)2 must be screened in order to assessment was an important development in development at Monard. determine whether an Appropriate Assessment land use planning, it ensures a more consistent is required. approach to flood risk assessment within all levels of the planning hierarchy. The The reports all concluded that there is not consequences of flooding can be profound with likely to be significant effects on Natura 2000 environmental, economic and social sites resulting from the proposed works, consequences as well as a threat to human accordingly a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment life. Consequently the potential impact could is deemed unnecessary. be significant to humans and the environment they inhabit. A Strategic Flood Risk

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5.4.9 Impact in the absence of Planning Scheme

The quality of surface and groundwater is considered moderate and good, the water quality in the area would largely remain the same in the absence of a plan. It is an objective of the WFD that the Blarney River achieves an overall “good” status by 2021. The area would remain unserviced in terms of public water and sewerage.

The pressure for uncoordinated development would most likely continue close to the City Fig 5.4.2 Proposed Route of water boundary which would lead to an incremental main from Churchfield rise of septic tanks which could threaten the Reservoir to Monard. quality of ground water in the area.

Fig 5.4.1 Proposed Route of pumped main from Monard to Carrigrennan.

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5.5 Landscape 5.5.2 Site Context some smaller streams within the site. The partially wooded steep slopes of the river 5.5.1 Introduction The physical environment of Monard is valley, (mixture of broadleaf and conifer characterised by hilly terrain defined by the plantation) forms part of the distinctive Landscape can be defined in a myriad of ways, River Lee valley to the South and by the character of the site, West of the Old Mallow the Department of Environment, Heritage and Boggeragh Mountain to the west and north. Road. Local Government states that landscape The topography is dissected by shallow river embraces all that is visible when one looks valleys running North South (River Martin and Fig 5.5.1 Topographical and built form across an area of land. Landscape is the Blarney River) towards the broad east-west within 5 km of site. context in which all changes take place. axis of the River Lee. The elongated interlocking hills form sinuous river valleys with This section of the environmental baseline was major roads such as the N20 Cork to Limerick prepared with inputs from the landscape road located within. The visual envelope of the report produced by Nicholas De Jong City is defined by prominent ridges to the Associates during the formulation of the North with a natural bowl containing much of Planning Scheme. The description of the the built up area of Cork City. Ridgeline baseline includes; a description of the development has taken place in Gurranabraher character, quality, value and sensitivity of the /Fairhill which has views over the Blackpool landscape resource and also the type and valley to Monard. potential sensitivity of visual receptors. The topography of the site itself is undulating Landscape impacts and visual impacts are within an active agricultural landscape. The considered separate, but related factors. site rises from levels of approximately 80 Landscape impacts are changes in the fabric, meters adjoining the railway line to a plateau- character and quality of the landscape as a type hilltop in the Monard townland (c 140m result of development. OD). Monard has circa 50 hectares of land with a gradient between 1 in 5 and 1 in 12. The Visual impacts are a subset of landscape upper slopes form part of the backdrop from impacts. They relate solely to changes in areas within Cork City. Away from the hilltop, available views of the landscape, and the level land is limited in Monard, with tree cover effects of those changes on people. concentrated in certain parts but otherwise 5.5.3 Landscape Policies sparse. This renders the site quite exposed to the elements and visually very open. The The 2014 County Development Plan has a Blarney River is the dominant watercourse with number of development objectives related to

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landscape, these remain unchanged since the Fig 5.5.2 Landscape Character Type 2009 County Development Plan. There are no Source: Draft Landscape Strategy 2007 scenic landscape designations within the site, the closest scenic landscape is south east of the site north of the N20 National Primary Route as identified in the County Development Plan. The Draft Landscape Strategy prepared as part of the Landscape Character Assessment of County Cork in 2007 remains in draft form. A total of 16 landscape types were identified, each of which cover a large geographical area. The Monard site is located at the juxtaposition of three landscape character types. The majority of the site is within the Broad Fertile Lowland Valley, the northern section is within the Fissured Fertile Middle-ground, and lastly the South Eastern corner is within the City Harbour and Estuary.

The following table from the Draft Landscape Strategy outlines the value and sensitivity of the landscape types that pertain to Monard.

Table 5.5.1 Landscape Character Types

Landscape LCT LCT LCT Character Value Sensitivity Importance Types Mainly Fissured Mediu High County Fertile Middle- m ground Broad Fertile High High County Lowlands Valleys City Harbour Very Very High National And Estuary High

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The City Harbour and Estuary has both a very areas of the landscape types, the Monard site 5.5.4 Vegetation Pattern high value and very high sensitivity rating (approximately 1000 acres) is located within attributed to it. Very high sensitivity three separate landscape types, highlighting The vegetation on site is characterised by landscapes are considered especially the topographical variations and challenges mature hedgerows that line the bordering vulnerable landscapes and are likely to be within the site. roads and define the largely regular field fragile and susceptible to change. The pattern. Hedgerows are often raised on low predominant landscape character type in The Blarney – Kilbarry Special Local Area Plan earthen banks and comprise whitethorn, elder Monard namely Broad Fertile describes the acknowledged the complex and undulating and blackthorn with an occasional upper Monard area as the following: The land cover topography of the area and the difficulties for canopy of ash and sycamore. The hedgerows in the vicinity of Monard generally comprises design during the site selection stage. The give form and definition to an otherwise open fertile, regularly shaped fields typically of lands south and west of the station overlook landscape structure. They can be identified as medium size and with mature broadleaf the Blarney River valley, with a steep fall to a landscape asset, the trees surrounding the hedgerows. Agricultural use primarily involves the N20 National Primary Route. Development farm complexes and vernacular houses are intensive dairying as well as tillage, with on these lands was considered visually also a landscape asset to be retained. farmsteads relatively well screened by the intrusive and prominent when viewed from hedgerows. long range views from the West. In places where hedgerows have been removed the visual sensitivity to development Given the hilly character of the landscape and The lands west of the station form part of the is increased. Lands exposed to winds from the the fertile soils, woodlands are scarce. Apart steeply sloping Blarney River Valley; the South West will require planting that is tolerant from the more steeply sloping river valleys topography lends itself to the creation of the to the wind, hardy and robust species will be where stands of mature trees remain, the “country park”. The Monard spade mills are required in groups. vegetation pattern tends to comprise mature located downstream of the proposed country hedgerows with occasional shelterbelts park. The lands east of the station are a It is intended to retain and enhance the providing punctuation across the landscape or further area of steep slopes near Rathpeacon hedgerow pattern as far as practical indicating the presence of farmsteads. with views of the City, the SLAP considered throughout the site to help integrate new this area had limited development potential. In development within its surroundings. The The uppermost parts of this area are located the area north of the proposed train station existing hedgerows will provide basis for on the main ridge that forms the backdrop to gradients are less steep with some open establishing a more robust structure for Cork City and is the boundary of the City and agricultural land. amenity, shelter, biodiversity and visual Harbour Landscape Character Area. It is screening purposes. recognised that care needs to be taken to ensure that any new development in this sensitive area does not impinge on the setting of the city itself. Despite the large geographical

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overhead cables. The overall appearance is the corridor together with the design of one of a managed and settled rural landscape. development in the vicinity of the corridor will be important. The physical constraints within A site appraisal was carried out based on the site combined with the elevated undulating guidance from the Design Guide produced by topography will have a significant influence on Cork County Council “Making Places a design the layout, design and visual impact of the guide for residential estate development”. It new town. identified a number of landmarks within the wider area. Due to the topographic influences, 5.5.6 Landscape & Visual Impact long distance views out from the site are Assessment largely restricted to views west and northwest towards the Boggeragh Mountains. The A detailed landscape and visual impact wooded hilltop of Garravagh Hill to the south assessment was prepared for the Planning west with over lapping ridges forms the middle Scheme. The identification of the potential distance views from the site. Furthermore, impacts and their magnitude was there are restricted outward views of the Lee incorporated into the preparation of the Valley and South Eastwards of Cork City down Planning Scheme. In order to help determine to Blackpool valley. the potential visibility or Zone of Potential Fig 5.5.3 Existing Vegetation Pattern Visibility (ZPV) of the site, a digital information The physical character of Monard within the model was undertaken. This determined the 5.5.5 Visual Characteristics wider context is of a recognisably rural visual sensitivity of the receiving landscape. It landscape in close proximity to the Northern is a tool used to understand the potential The visual character of the landscape is fringes of Cork City. The two hills at visual impact a site will have on the formed by the undulating topography and Rathpeacon and Killeens are prominent in surrounding area. The output from the analysis shallow river valleys, overlain with a generally most views and the combined topography was used to create a map of ’theoretical regular field pattern defined for the most part tends to physically and visually separate the visibility’. The term ‘theoretical visibility’ is used by mature hedgerows which, in parts, have built up area of the City from Monard. because the analysis does not take into become fragmented. Tree cover is limited, account any landscape features such as trees, apart from the steeper valley slopes and There is an existing 110kv ESB line which woodland or buildings, etc. The analysis is occasional shelterbelts around farmsteads. passes along the Eastern and Northern made on the basis of topography alone and, as From higher vantage points, therefore, views sections of the site. It has the potential to such, should be considered as ‘worst case of the landscape can be extensive. Human pose a visually unattractive corridor within the scenario’. influences are evident in all views, ranging new settlement. If the line remains insitu the from sporadic housing and farms to roads and retention of existing hedgerows contiguous to

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Also, the results are not intended to show the actual visibility, but instead to indicate where the site may be visible from. Conversely, the process does show where the parts of the site may not be seen from, which greatly assists in the identification of representative view points while reducing the need for extensive ’ground truth’ checks.

This process was carried out at a stage when no detailed proposals were available therefore the method adopted a Potential Visibility Index (PVI) across the whole study area. The results are presented as a colour map, informing the

overall visual sensitivity of the site. The Fig 5.5.4 Zone of Potential Visibility Map process is helpful in determining location of key viewpoints into the site from the 5.5.7 Views surrounding area. Fig 5.5.3 Outlines the Zone of Potential Visibility Map. The principal views into the site were identified from the initial ZVI combined with appraisal of The significance of landscape and visual mapping (OSI discovery series) and on site impact is a function of the sensitivity of the investigations. The locations were chosen to affected landscape, the visual receptors and represent potential vantage points from nearby the magnitude of change. Once the baseline communities or well known locations along conditions were fully established the with a range of distances and locations. The magnitude of change was judged which takes viewpoints were almost entirely taken from the account of whether change is temporary or public road. The field work reinforced the permanent. The proposed development was importance of the topography and the existing reviewed to identify aspects of development vegetation pattern in determining the extent of likely to cause landscape and visual effect. visual influence of the site. The location of the Mitigation measures were formulated to limit selected viewpoints is shown on the adjoining or modulate these effects and to develop a map. landscape framework plan.

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Location Viewpoint Name ID A Meadows Estate, Knocknaheeny B Clogheen C Fair Hill D Blarney Castle E Carhoo, Old Mallow Road

F Rathpeacon Lane

G Lower Coolowen

H Coolowen Cross Roads

I Tullig Cross Roads

J Whitechurch

K Killavarrig L Ballincrokig

Table 5.5.2 Viewpoints

Fig 5.5.5 Location of viewpoints

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Key ( Significant ) Environmental Issues accommodate the town centre will result in The Planning Scheme allows for the a significant impact on the landscape. management of change to the landscape and • Development on the South Eastern corner visual impact in a coordinated and sensitive of the site would impinge on the setting of • The avoidance of continuous linear manner. Cork City, views from the Northern residential development will reduce the suburbs up to the site should be protected. negative visual impact from the ESB line. (This area has both a very high value and sensitivity rating in the Draft Landscape • The overall layout and design will need to Character Assessment.) take account of the rural context, with particular attention to the periphery of the • The uppermost parts of the site are site. classified as Broad Fissured in the Draft Landscape Character Assessment, this is • The 2015 Draft Planning Scheme should the main ridge that forms the backdrop to be more explicit in terms of the layout and Cork City and is the boundary of the City how it will interact with the topography. and Harbour Landscape Character Area. This should be reflected in the revised This area is known as Upper Monard within layouts. the Planning Scheme. The potential visibility map concurs with the description 5.5.9 Impacts on landscape in the in the landscape character assessment. absence of Planning Scheme This area requires care and attention in design and landscaping to ensure that any In the absence of the Planning Scheme, it is new development in this sensitive area likely that the lands would continue in their does not impinge on the setting of the City existing agricultural use. However, having itself. regard to the location of these lands close to the City’s urban area, it is likely that • The depleted vegetation structure on the development pressures would arise in an exposed West facing slopes will reduce the uncoordinated fashion, thereby impacting capacity of the landscape to accommodate incrementally on the existing landscape development. character of the area. Over time such a piecemeal development pattern could impact • Lower Monard is quite prominent from significantly on the existing character. both short and long distance views from the South, loss of vegetation structure to

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Fig 5.5.6 Viewpoint G

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Fig 5.5.7 Viewpoint H

5.6 Material Assets and Transportation

5.6.1 Material Assets

Material assets are usually defined

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5.6 Material Assets and 5.6.2 Road Based Transport access to it via a suitably located junction will Transportation be important for Monard. A junction would The existing transport demand within the greatly improve currently poor transport 5.6.1 Material Assets locality is low. The traffic movements are connections from Monard to the major largely confined to peak times in the morning concentration of employment and regional Material assets are usually defined as and evening to locations such as the City, services in the South West of the City. The infrastructure and utilities. These include: rail, south west of City and further afield. The responsibility of the Northern Ring Road is road, water supply and wastewater treatment population is car dependant with little or no with the National Roads Authority, close facilities. It also includes economic assets such public transport provision in the area. The communication and cooperation with external as quarries and agricultural lands. Agriculture local road network is substandard with a authorities including the NRA is needed for the including dairy beef and tillage is the myriad of narrow roads in the area. The main future success of this rail based town. predominant land use within the site. The access road which links the site to Blackpool existing utilities are limited, which is and the City is the Old Mallow road representative of a rural area. There is a (downgraded N20) with two skew bridges strategic Bord Gáis gas line which traverses which cross over the rail way line. The the site in an East West direction close to the primary access roads within the site follow a proposed town centre. Also, strategic in nature North South orientation. There are two very is the existing 110kv ESB line (Kilbarry to poorly aligned tertiary roads which cross the Carrigdrohid) the route of which runs parallel site; however access in an East West direction to the Eastern site boundary, and crosses over is more difficult. the Northern section of the site. The route of the Old Mallow road follows the The site is not presently served by western site boundary, some improvements broadband; however the roll out of broadband are needed to cater for proposed traffic does extend to Blarney and along the main volumes. The back Whitechurch road is Dublin - Cork rail way line which forms the located along the Eastern site boundary. A Fig 5.6.1 Existing Road Network southern site boundary. The proximity of this very minor road links the site to Killeens due broadband line is a potential asset. There is no south, which requires a significant upgrade to public water or foul sewerage in the area. The facilitate development in Monard. Local 5.6.3 Traffic Assessment primary material asset that pertains to this site movements are concentrated on the periphery is the existing rail line, maximising the of the site. A transport assessment was prepared in capacity of this asset is the corner stone of the tandem with the 2012 Planning Scheme by the Planning Scheme. Transportation in all its The route of the proposed Northern Ring Road external consultants Arup. The aim was to forms is dealt with separately. forms the south eastern boundary of the site, identify the capacity of the existing road

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network and to determine the improvements and around the subject site is relatively light. second phase delivered post construction of necessary to facilitate development of the new However, as the roadway approaches Cork the same. Furthermore, the first phase was town without generating unacceptable levels City the level of traffic increases with the N20 divided into three sub phases, the provision or of congestion within the existing local road Cork to Mallow recorded as the busiest addition of road improvements increases with network. In addition to the more detailed roadway in the vicinity of the proposed the number of housing units. A brief account assessment a Strategic Transport Assessment development. The road network in the vicinity of the number of housing units associated with was prepared in response to An Bord of the proposed development is under each phase is included in Table 5.6.1 Pleanala’s refusal reasons. The primary refusal capacity, any queuing in the area is associated reason related to the uncertainty of the with the operation of the junctions closer to Table 5.6.1 No of units per Phase proposed Northern Ring Road and a junction Cork City. to serve the new town. There was also Phases No of Housing Units concern regarding operational rail links. The A traffic count/ speed survey was also carried 1 a 1,000 Cork Northern Environs Transport Assessment out in November 2010 at four locations close 1 b 3,000 was carried out by Systra in 2014. It to the South Eastern corner of the site and 1 c 3,800 concluded that the NRR would provide the along the Southern boundary. The survey was strategic function of long distance movements carried out over a two day period using The road improvements proposed in the Arup on the M8 whilst also facilitating existing and Sierzega Elektronik GmbH Traffic detection Traffic Assessment will provide for almost future residents on the Northern fringes of devices. The traffic count documented the 4,000 housing units. In excess of the 3,800 Cork City travelling to East or West of Cork existing travel patterns in the vicinity of the units phase two will require improved access avoiding the need to traverse the city. A total site. The highest volume of traffic was at the to the National Road Network. Further details of 16 scenarios were compared utilising the two survey locations closest to the City end. regarding the nature of the road SATURN model, two locations emerged as the These traffic counts were carried out for the improvements are contained in Planning best options for an intermediate junction to 2012 planning scheme however they remain Scheme. The need for further traffic serve the North of Cork City. relevant as the road infrastructure in the assessments was identified in the Arup report. vicinity of the site remains unchanged. This is discussed in the evaluation section of Baseline Traffic Counts the environmental report. Assessment & Recommendations As part of the Arup Transport Assessment Monard is located close to Blackpool which is traffic counts were carried out on the local The provision of public transport, services and at present close to capacity in terms of the road network to determine the current travel schools within the town have was factored into road and associated junctions as documented patterns in the vicinity of the site. The traffic the traffic generation model produced by in the Transport Assessment. Any counts were carried out on the 29th of March Arup. A phased approach was considered the development North of Blackpool will impact 2012 during both the morning and evening most appropriate, the first phase commencing this location. The congestion associated with peak period. The traffic on the road network in prior to the Northern Ring Road with the cities is partly due to increase in car use and

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historical design of cities and their constrained The sustainable commuting maps formulated challenge. The provision of pedestrian routes streetscape (particularly relevant in Cork for the Local Area Plan process document the to the town centre and public transport should context). Creating additional capacity is not very low proportion (0 to 5%) of the be an option for most people as the maximum always the correct solution. The population commuting in a sustainable manner distance to walk will be 2kms. The national implementation of CASP strategies should with this area. The key to increasing “smart travel” policy advocating a national reduce the need for car travel with the sustainable commuting and decreasing car cycle policy framework is being implemented promotion of bus priority and car parking dependency is to focus targeted population in through a number of funded projects in Cork restraint within the City centre. The Systra areas well served by public transport. The and elsewhere. The Cork Cycle Network Plan a report is discussed in the evaluation section, timing of the new rail station is critical to joint venture between City and County later in the environmental report. encouraging the use of the train as a Councils is being prepared at present, it will sustainable mode, before unsustainable identify the strategic cycle network existing 5.6.4 Public Transport & Opportunities commuting patterns become established. The and proposed within the metropolitan area. addition of the Monard rail station will provide The existing public transport provision is the critical mass for the success of the 5.6.6 Key (Significant) Environmental limited to an in frequent bus service. A suburban rail line designed to rebalance the Issues suburban bus line serves Cork City to Waterloo expansion of Cork. via Blarney, with a daily rural bus service to The primary provision of transport to serve the Whitechurch. The majority of the County’s 5.6.5 Slow Modes new town should be the rail line, with walking population travel to work by car, especially in and cycling for shorter journeys. The rural areas like Monard. The Suburban Rail This green field site represents the opportunity improvements to the road network should be Feasibility Study conducted by Faber Maunsell to provide public transport, pedestrian routes implemented on a phased basis as the identified Monard as the preferred location for and cycle ways in a manner that allows for settlement expands, otherwise the rail line will a new rail station along the rail corridor direct and attractive routes. The 2015 not succeed. The increase in congestion in between Blarney and Midleton. Subject to Planning Scheme identifies an increased Blackpool and close to Cork City will continue planned conditions being fully realised, the number of pedestrian and cycle routes from to grow if the suburban rail line is not Faber Maunsell Cork Suburban Feasibility that outlined in the 2012 Planning Scheme. successful. Increased energy costs and Study (2002) projected a shift in modal split in There are a number of pedestrian and cycle greenhouse gas emissions are both factors favour of rail of 24% in the Cork – Mallow flagship routes. These include a direct where the upward trend is likely to continue, corridor. This shift is dependent on Monard, as pedestrian route partially covered from upper the implementation of the rail corridor will help one third of rail passengers on this section are Monard to the train station. The scheme also address concerns regarding congestion and projected to board at the proposed station outlines a cycle route connecting Kilcronan to rising fuel costs. serving it. the station along a suitable gradient. The creation of useable cycle routes within the new town will be both a priority and a

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The significant environmental issue will be the project is separate to Monard, however its increased trip generation as a consequence of presence would greatly improve new town particularly as it expands. accessibility and reduce congestion within the City whilst also providing a strategic Important elements to influence the modal function if the number of junctions is choice include: limited. The recommendations contained within the Strategic Transport Assessment • Frequent good quality public transport by represent the optimal location for an rail and bus. The capacity and operation of intermediate junction to serve Monard and the railway line is very important in this proposed developments North of the City. regard. More definitive proposals on the route of bus services have been included . Transportation is also directly related to air in the 2015 Scheme. quality, noise and population. The provision of waste water and water supply . The provision of initial road improvements infrastructure is discussed in the Water in advance of development including the section. service corridor, with later road improvements implemented as the town 5.6.7 Impact in the absence of Planning develops. Scheme

. Car parking for the rail station, including In the absence of the Planning Scheme this provision for park and ride. rural area would remain car dependant. It is likely that development pressures would arise . The inclusion of additional cycling spurs in an uncoordinated fashion. The preparation and pedestrian route throughout the site and adoption of a Planning Scheme provides ensuring connectivity, also provision has for the creation of a sustainable new rail based been made for bike parking at the station. town to decrease our dependency on energy The site maybe challenging for cyclists in and reduce congestion close to the country’s certain parts, however the route selected second largest City. reflects the most suitable gradient.

• The Northern Ring Road is outside the remit of the County Council and therefore the Draft Scheme. This substantial road

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Fig 5.6.2 Cycle & Pedestrian Routes

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5.7 Soil, Geology, Hydrogeology 5.7.2 Bedrock subsoil is predominately sandstone till (Devonian), with several regions of exposed 5.7.1 Introduction The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) 6” drift bedrock along the west side of the site with maps c 1850 provides information on the smaller pockets South East of Boreen Dearg. Soil is defined as the top layer of the earth’s geology of rock outcrops, the regional geology, crust. It is formed by mineral particles, surface topography, general ground conditions Fig 5.7.1 EPA Subsoil Map organic matter, water, air and living and drainage features that have been mapped organisms. It is an extremely complex, in the area. variable and living medium. Soils are generally considered a non renewable resource. It The rock outcrops that occur generally consist performs many important functions including of Red Sandstones and Shales. The Monard food and biomass production, storage, SDZ is plotted on the 1:100,000 Geological filtration and transformation of substances Maps. The geological map shows the Planning that are introduced into the environment, this Scheme lies predominately on the Ballytrasna quality is crucial in producing and protecting Formation (BS) described by the GSI as water supplies and for regulating greenhouse sandstone with mudstones. A small region to gases. However, the value of soil is not always the northeast of the site and at the Southern appreciated. Soil degradation is accelerating, tip of the site lies on the Gyleen Formation with negative effects on human health, (GY). natural ecosystems and climate change, as well as on our economy. The functions of soil The GSI stated in their scoping submission are worthy of protection because of its socio that no sites of geological importance had economic and environmental importance. been identified in their database for Monard. Source: Teagasc, EPA, GSI

Different EU policies are contributing to soil The lands in Monard are in agricultural use protection however they are not sufficient to 5.7.3 Soil Cover and Soil Type with a mixture of tillage and pasture. Whilst ensure an adequate level of protection. The the quality of soils is generally good, these Commission adopted a Soil Thematic Strategy The predominant soil types within the site are productive soils would be of a disturbed with a proposal for a Soil Framework Directive. Acid Brown Earths Brown Podzolics. This soil nature. However at present there is no EU directive or type is a combination of two parent soil types, legislation relating to soils. Acid Brown Earths and Brown Podzolics. This 5.7.4 General Geological Characteristics soil type is a deep well drained productive This section was prepared with inputs from TJ mineral soil, commonly used for cultivation of Soils in Monard generally comprise glacial till O’ Connor & Associates. both crops and pasture production. The on top of sandstone, siltstone and

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conglomerate from the Upper Devonian Period. extreme (E). The regions of exposed bedrock structure following removal of soil for Soils are free draining with the water table in near the western boundary and on the development. the underlying bedrock. Overburden depths southern tip of the SDZ are noted as areas of are generally shallow ranging from 1.6m to extreme vulnerability (E) with the regions • Soil sealing occurs where the soil surface greater than 4.5 meters. surrounding the exposed rock classified as has been covered with impervious extreme also. A large region of extreme materials as a result of development and • The solid geology comprises mudstones vulnerability is recorded from the central to the construction of physical infrastructure and sandstones. eastern region of the SDZ. The Aquifer leading to impermeability. The ecological • Rock outcrops are to be found in the sides Vulnerability Map for the Monard SDZ is shown and infiltration functions of sealed areas of the river and would be expected to be in Fig 5.7.2 are impaired. at a relatively shallow depth over parts of the site. In 2002 the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) • Soil is recognised as a significant carbon • No karst features would be expected on prepared a report for Cork County Council reservoir by the Kyoto protocol and the this site, it does occur to the southwest called the ‘South Cork Groundwater Protection proposed EU Soil Directive. Soil and a karst feature is noted on the Scheme’. This report provided details on the disturbance should be kept to a minimum Geological Survey of Ireland database in groundwater vulnerability and the groundwater during construction and tree planting that area. protection zones for the South Cork region. should be encouraged. • The bedrock is a locally important aquifer. • The bedrock exposure and shallow depth The groundwater vulnerability in the Monard 5.7.7 Impacts on soil, geology & of overburden means that the aquifer area is divided into two categories - extreme hydrogeology in the absence of Planning vulnerability is high. vulnerability (E) and high vulnerability (H). Scheme The east of the Monard SDZ and the Blarney River valley is categorised as extreme In the absence of the Planning Scheme, it is 5.7.5 Hydrogeology vulnerability. The central area of the SDZ is likely that the lands would continue in their categorised as high vulnerability. current agricultural role. However, having The Geological Survey of Ireland has classified regard to the location of these lands close to Irish bedrock aquifers in terms of regional 5.7.6 Key (Significant) Environmental the City’s urban area, it is likely that importance and well productivity. The bedrock Issues development pressures would arise in an of the study area is classified as a locally uncoordinated fashion. The preparation and important aquifer (LI), which is generally • The change of use proposed within the adoption of a Planning Scheme towards a moderately productive in local zones. Planning Scheme will remove a quantum sustainable new town, allows for impacts to of lands in use for agricultural purposes; be minimised and beneficial opportunities to The bedrock aquifer vulnerability within the this will impact upon the existing soil be exploited. study area ranges between high (H) to

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Fig 5.7.2 Aqu Source: GSI 2011

Figure 5.7.2 Aquifer Vulnerability Map

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5.8 Air, Noise, Climate & locations are within Zone B. Monitoring has insulation will provide an additional layer of stopped at Blackpool however historical data protection to reduce energy loss. Sustainability suggests the air quality was very good. The other two monitoring locations are Heatherton Fig 5.8.1 Exposure to Wind and Noise 5.8.1 Air Quality Park (close to Turners cross) and Cork Harbour. The air quality in Cork is considered In order to protect human health and the generally good with a mild climate and almost health of our ecosystems air quality monitoring a continuous movement of air. All monitoring is carried out in Ireland and all EU members stations in Cork have reported very good air states. The EU directive on air quality sets out quality measurements with exception of the standards for a variety of pollutants, air Glashaboy which is reported as good. There quality monitoring is carried out to assess are no IPPC licensed activities in the vicinity of compliance with these standards. The directive the Monard site. introduced the principle of dividing the county into zones for the purposes of monitoring and assessment. The EPA is responsible for the 5.8.2 Micro Climate & Noise implementation of EU air quality legislation, it collaborates the results of air quality Monard is located in an exposed landscape, monitoring and measurements. the SDZ area includes most of Monard Hill, Noise

and the south west part of Rahanisky Hill. The The Cork Urban Area is zone B and the non prevailing winds are predominately from the The Environmental Noise Directive defines a urban area is Zone D. The Monard site is South, South West, West and North West. common approach intended to avoid, prevent located just within Zone D, which is an Development could be quite exposed to winds or reduce the effects of exposure to unrestricted coal area. The back Whitechurch and noise in addition to being visually environmental noise. The Environmental Noise road is the boundary of Zone B and Zone D, it prominent. The Planning Scheme has outlined Regulations transposed the EU directive into also forms the eastern boundary of the a variety of ways to lessen the impact of law. The directive does not set any limit Planning Scheme. Limit values are set for each development in this hilly location. The general values, Ireland does not have any statutory individual pollutant monitored which need to means of softening the visual impact and limit values. Monard is a rural agricultural area be met by a specific attainment date. There improving shelter includes grouping of apart from local traffic noise and distant traffic are five air quality monitoring stations in Cork buildings, landscaping and tree planting. The noise from the N20 the background noise City and County. The location closest to creation of wind breaks in areas exposed to levels are low. The intermittent noise levels Monard is Blackpool, Cork City Centre and south west winds is an integral part of the from the Cork to Dublin rail line would also be Glashaboy are short distance away. The latter design for the West Village. High quality house quite low. The greatest potential for traffic would be classified as Zone D. The other two noise is from the proposed Northern Ring

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Road, the route of which skirts the South the 2011 Local Area Plan Process. The Draft Agriculture is considered the largest Eastern boundary of site. A noise and vibration River Lee Catchment Flood Risk Assessment contributor to greenhouse gas emissions within assessment was conducted as part of the and Management Study (Lee CFRAMS) was Ireland’s overall emissions. The primary land Environmental Impact Assessment for the commissioned by the OPW as a pilot study, the use within Monard is agriculture, namely dairy, proposed route. Baseline noise levels were key output of the study was the creation of beef and cereal. However data for greenhouse recorded at Monard village and Rathpeacon flood mapping for both current and future gas emissions are aggregated on a national close to the Monard site. The background scenarios. The indicative flood extent maps level. Therefore, no baseline emissions data noise levels recorded in the area of Monard produced by Cork County Council represent exists for Monard or at Cork County level. Village were between 42 and 46 dB(A) which is the areas likely to be inundated at some point considered low. during a flood event The OPW have since 5.8.4 Sustainability and Energy commenced a National Catchment Flood Risk Conservation 5.8.3 Climate Change Assessment and Management (CFRAM). The South West CFRAMs is largest river basin The creation of sustainable neighbourhoods Climate change refers to any change in climate district within County Cork, the Lee /Cork has been the underlining philosophy in the over time, whether it’s natural variability or as Harbour is one of five management units of preparation of the Planning Scheme. The a result of human activity. Climate change management with the SWCFRAMS. Flood Risk challenges faced by climate change have been normally refers to changes in global is discussed separately in the SFRA contained acknowledged internationally. At a government temperature and long term trends in weather. in the appendix. policy level The National Climate Change It is widely accepted that the impacts of Strategy 2007-2012 includes energy efficiency climate change present significant challenges The greenhouse effect and the increase in measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas for water management in Ireland. It is likely green house gas emissions is a well emissions from residential development. that more extreme weather patterns will documented contributor to climate change. A Emissions from the residential sector emerge, with increased incidences of flooding total of six gases comprise the basket of green accounted for just over 10% of total emissions resulting in greater impacts. This is relevant to house gas emissions. The greenhouse effect in 2005, based on direct energy consumption Monard, in particular lands and settlements provides a natural warming which captures the for space and water heating4. downstream of Monard. suns radiated heat from the planet, the amplified warming caused by increased carbon At European level the EU adopted the Energy Flood Risk Assessment and mapping was into the atmosphere has a measurable impact Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/31/EU undertaken by Cork County Council in on the temperature. After carbon dioxide, in 2010. It is the main legislative instrument to conjunction with the OPW in response to the methane emissions are the second largest reduce the energy consumption of buildings. It EU Floods Directive and obligations under contributor to the green house effect, methane lays down a number of requirements to be section 28 of the Planning and Development gas is associated with agriculture and landfills. Act. A number of sources were utilised to 4 DoEHLG, 2009, Sustainable Residential create indicative flood maps which informed Development in Urban Area

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implemented by the Member States. The 5.8.5 Key (Significant) Environmental car. This future rail based settlement is a small Directive requires Member States to ensure Issues step in the right direction. that by 2021 all new buildings are so-called 'nearly zero-energy buildings'. This will have All sections of society contribute to greenhouse 5.8.6 Evolution of air quality, noise and direct implications for developments granted gas and carbon emissions, human activities climate in the absence of Planning permission within this decade. It will affect the affect our climate by land use change and Scheme future development of Monard and the burning of fossil fuels which contribute to planning applications seeking permission increased emissions and the amplified warming In the absence of the Planning Scheme within the SDZ site. Developers will be effect. Transport is the third largest contributor agriculture would remain the dominant land required to demonstrate their compliance with to emissions and the trend is growing due to use, the reliance on the car will continue to the directive and outline how energy the increase in car ownership. The reliance on contribute to green house gas emissions. The considerations have been addressed within the the car in Monard and surrounding areas is noise levels would remain akin to a rural area, scheme when submitting an application. The discussed in the section on Transport. It is until or unless the proposed Northern Ring is “Sustainable Residential Development in Urban now regarded by the EPA that road traffic is constructed. The South Westerly winds would Area” guidelines outline the suitability in considered the biggest threat to air quality in prevail as the dominant winds on the exposed particular for Strategic Development Zones to Ireland. A systematic shift in the way we live hillside. create sustainable neighbourhoods. into the future will reduce emissions and carbon output. Land use planning can directly On a broad scale, sustainable residential impact on the number and extent of journeys. development involves settlement patterns that The provision of this rail based settlement will help minimise transport-related energy provide for more sustainable levels of mobility, consumption and encourage energy-efficient noise, air emissions and energy consumption. housing layouts. The rationale for Monard was to create a new town with access to Ireland is among the top 10 global emitters of sustainable modes of transport. The creation carbon per capita, larger countries may have of sustainable neighbourhoods within the higher emissions but as individuals our carbon Scheme is achieved on a number of levels by footprint remains very high. An increase in the way of a multi facetted approach which is modal shift to public transport with a discussed in section 8 of this report. coordination of land use and transportation will greatly improve the quality of life for the population based on sustainable travel patterns. Public transport will lead to a reduction in journey times and an improved residential environment not dominated by the

Monard Environmental Report

5.9 Archaeological, Architectural . Ownership and Guardianship of National valley to the West and to North-East a narrow & Cultural Heritage Monuments 18th century or older Mallow Cork road . Register of Historic Monuments (pre- (L6965). The development area is crossed by Heritage by definition, encapsulates inherited dating 1700AD) two minor roads. The Cork Dublin railway line properties, artefacts, characteristics and . Licensing of archaeological excavations bounds the southern part of the site. There is intangible attributes. It is anything inherited . Licensing of Detection Devices a scatter of rural dwellings with some 19th and left on the landscape from past . Protection of archaeological objects. century houses but mainly late 20th century generations, maintained in the present and . Protection of wrecks and underwater houses, adjacent to the roads. bestowed for the benefit of future generations. heritage (more than 100 years old) Cultural heritage also includes our history, language, folklore, customs and traditions that 5.9.3 Archaeological Assessment make us feel connected to our home place, 5.9.2 The Existing Environment townlands, parishes, villages, towns and The preliminary archaeological assessment County. Our heritage is constantly evolving The entire Monard area is currently in private identified the archaeological, architectural and and being created by us the current ownership with the exception of the road cultural baseline within the SDZ site and generation. network and the Cork- Dublin rail line. The surrounding area. It also identified potential agricultural landscape consists of a network of impacts of the proposed development on the This section was prepared in conjunction with fields around the farmhouse divided by narrow existing environment and general mitigation the council’s archaeologist who carried out an connecting roads. It contains part of or all of measures in this broad context. The Archaeological, Architectural and Cultural the townlands: Monard; Kilcronan; methodology comprised of a detailed desk top Heritage assessment of the Planning Scheme Rathpeacon; Coolowen. The general aspect is assessment together with a site survey site. This document provided an excellent to the West and South West. The quality of the extending over a six month period. The desk source of baseline information. land varies from good well drained soil on the top assessment comprised a review of the higher ground to the east with wet marshy following documents and maps; 5.9.1 Archaeological Heritage rush covered ground on the lower slopes to Legislative Framework the south west. The townland name Monard – • Record of Monuments and Places as translates into English as Mon – turf, Ard - published 1998 (RMP) Archaeological heritage is protected primarily High to mean ‘high bog’, the name is indicative • Sites and Monuments Records (SMR) under the National Monuments Acts (1930- of the wet nature of this townland particularly (www.archaeology.ie) 2004) and provides a statutory basis for: on the lower South West slopes. • Archaeological Inventory for Mid Cork Vol3 st nd rd • 1 ,2 and 3 edition OS maps . Protection of sites and monuments (RMPs) It is bounded to the west by the down graded • Aerial photographs – OSI Ireland . Sites with Preservation Orders N20, the late 18th/early 19th century ‘New Cork • Cork Post Medieval Survey Mallow Road’. There is a natural Blarney River • Data base of excavation reports

Monard Environmental Report

• Topographical Files of the National 21 Kushan coins were discovered in 1998. 5.9.5 Recorded Monuments within 2km Museum According to the National Museum the coins of SDZ Boundary • Relevant Documentary Sources are copper alloy decorated on both sides and • Cork County Development Plan 2003-2009 similar to the coins of Vima Kadphises, A total of seventy six Recorded Monuments Emperor of Kushan (today’s countries of were identified within 2 kilometres of the study The Records of Monuments and Places (RMP) Afghanistan and Pakistan, among others). area. Blarney Castle and Blarney Woollen mills was established under the National are outside the 2km buffer. However there is Monuments Act 1994, any structures, features 5.9.4 Site Survey an inter visibility between the Monard site and or objects in this record are known as recorded Blarney Castle, an important cultural, monuments. All archaeological sites are shown A survey of the entire site was conducted in archaeological, architectural and internationally in the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) between the months of October 2008 and April famous tourist attraction. (www.archaeology.ie) including all newly 2009 by the Council’s archaeologist. The site identified archaeological sites discovered since was assessed in terms of landscape, landuse, There are two Recorded Monuments at the 1998. There are three recorded monuments vegetation cover, presence or lack of edge of the SDZ – Monard Spade Mills and within the site boundary. archaeological sites and potential for Monard Railway Bridge. Waterpower was the undetected archaeological sites/ features. main driving force for industrial process Table 5.9.1 Recorded Monuments Individual fields were numbered and detailed throughout the 18th and 19th century in recordings were taken, local knowledge was Ireland. The fast flowing Blarney River was Monument Number Location acquired from landowners. The field survey harnessed to power a succession of watermills Standing RMPCO063-050 West of work identified six potential archaeological at Monard Spade Mills CO063-052 just outside stone Blarney River sites. The sites are as follows; the SDZ to the South-West. The mills are the Fulacht fiadh RMPCO063-108 West of unique remains of a ‘succession of four self- Blarney River Site No 1 Levelled fulacht fiadh contained water powered spade, shovel and Railway bridge RMPCO063-097 Southern Site No 2 Possible fulacht fiadh general iron mill on an impounded and Boundary Site No 3 Standing Stone canalised section of the Blarney River on Site No 4 Linear features Monard Glen’ (Power et al 1994 Archaeological The topographical files of the National Museum Site No 5 Possible burial ground Inventory Vol. 2, East & South Cork). It was in were checked for a record of any finds Site No 6 Standing stone. the area of transport that steam power made a recovered from the townlands within the SDZ. substantial contribution and this can best be No finds were recorded in the townland of; A map outlining the location of new sites is seen in the extensive network railway lines Kilcronan, Rathpeacon, Coolowen, similarly no contained in Fig 5.9.1 The details of the built through out Ireland. One of the earliest to finds were recorded for Monard townland possible new sites are located in Table 5.9.1. be built, and still in use today, was the Dublin within the SDZ. However, there is a record in Cork line and today forms the southern the Glen of the Monard Spade Mills. A find of boundary of the SDZ. The railway line is

Monard Environmental Report

carried across the steep glen of Monard just and can only be assigned a potential above the Spade mills by a fine example of 7 5.9.7 Context of Archaeological Sites archaeological status, further archaeological arched railway bridge (RMP CO063-097) built investigations are required to determine its in 1849 for the Great Southern and Western Cork with its diverse range of environments status. Railway by William Dargan. has been an attractive place to live since prehistoric times. This is evident by the wide Standing stones on the other hand served 5.9.6 Archaeological Screening for range of archaeological monuments remaining many and varied functions through the ages; Infrastructure Projects in the Cork Landscape. The area around as prehistoric burial markers, commemorative Monard provides evidence of prehistoric and monuments, indicators of route ways or An Archaeological and Cultural Heritage later medieval settlement. These monuments boundaries and some were erected in the assessment was carried out on behalf of the are tangible physical remains of the past, they recent past as scratching posts for cattle. RPS consultants by Tobar Archaeological survived because of their physical make up Given that two similar standing stones occur in Services for the preferred and alternative and nature of the sites. reasonably close proximity may suggest a late water supply routes and reservoir sites to date for the stones. However, standing stones serve Monard. The route corridors were Prehistoric Period are strongly associated with the Bronze Age assessed for their archaeological landscape period, and the alignment of the two standing potential by way of a desktop and field survey, The Planning Scheme has a significant number stones in the SDZ is an important feature as it no new sites were located along the route of of Bronze Age sites, these are mainly fulacht is similar to other standing stones and ritual the proposed pipeline. The discovery of fiadhs, standing stones and standing stone monuments erected in the Bronze Age such potential monuments by the council’s pairs. The Bronze Age begins in Ireland circa as; stone rows, pairs and stone circles. These archaeologist close to the route of the water 2500BC when Irish society moved from the have been given the title of Potential main was also considered in the above Stone Age into the new revolution of Bronze archaeological site and await further assessment. technology to make bronze tools and weapons. investigations to determine their nature and One of the most frequent monuments of the date. The SDZ and surrounding area contained An Archaeological Assessment was carried out Bronze Age period is a site type known as a examples of Bronze Age monuments which on the proposed waste water pipeline route by fulacht fiadh. These archaeological features indicate a significant presence of Bronze Age Nicholas O’ Dwyer consulting engineers by way are most commonly interpreted as ancient Activity in the area and within the SDZ. of a desk top assessment. The route of cooking-sites, which usually survive as small proposed twin rising main is largely on the horseshoe-shaped mounds of charcoal- Medieval Period public road. The archaeological assessments enriched soil packed with fragments of heat- for the external infrastructure are supporting shattered stones. They are also frequently The second major phase of archaeological documentation to this environmental report, located close to a water source. Site No. 1 is a evidence in the area is during the medieval further details can be found within these fualacht fiadh and its monument designation is period. Although no known medieval reports. confirmed, however Site No. 2 was not located monuments were found within the SDZ itself,

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there is substantial evidence for occupation in The linear earthworks features identified in the during the excavation. As part of the same the early medieval and medieval period in the North East of the SDZ site adjacent to 19th pipeline Bord Gáis Éireann also carried out test surrounding area, with over 25 examples of century farm complex are likely to be trenching (99E0352) adjacent to the site of Early Christian Ringforts. The discovery of associated with it – however the nature and standing stone CO063-055 in Rathpeacon to Kushan coins in Monard Glen is intriguing date of these features is unclear and has been south of SDZ but no archaeological remains given the proximity of the large Monard Spade assigned Potential Archaeological status and were identified. Mills complex. It is likely that they were buried will require archaeological investigations to in recent times. The later medieval period is determine their nature and date. Summary of Previous Archaeological represented by moated sites and rectangular Fieldwork enclosures which provided protected settlement in the centre of the Norman manor 5.9.8 Previous Archaeological Fieldwork 04E0911 Adjacent to Ringfort, no from which the Anglo-Normans landowners Excavation Data base archaeological remains found controlled the feudal system of agriculture. 99E047 Excavation of a fulacht fiadh. No A review of the Excavations data base has archaeological remains found. 99E0352 Adjacent to standing stone. No Immediately outside the 2km study area but revealed that no archaeological investigations archaeological remains found. visible from Monard is Blarney Castle. Blarney were recorded within the SDZ site. However, Castle is a Recorded Monument CO062-177 three have been recorded in the study area, 5.9.9 Architectural Heritage and in the Record of Protected structures (RPS two occur immediately outside the boundary in No. 00382). The castle was the principal the townland of Monard. The architectural heritage of the site examines residence of MacCarthys, Lords of Muskerry the upstanding architectural structures of the and now an internationally famous tourist The first is adjacent to the ringfort (SMR SDZ which post date 1700. The desk top attraction. Blarney Castle is an interesting 63:54) where test-trenching by John Purcell in assessment comprised a review of the medieval complex dominated today by the 2004 (04E0911) was carried out in advance of following sources: tower house/s (two tower house one added to development, no features or finds of the other). archaeological significance were revealed. The second is an excavation (99E047) of a fulacht • 1st ,2nd and 3rd edition OS maps The final phase of activity from a heritage fiadh in the Monard Townland immediately • National Inventory of Architectural perspective is during the 18th and 19th outside the SDZ and identified in the SMR as heritage (NIAH) century when the entire country witnessed a CO063 113. The site was exposed during • Record of Protected Structures (RPS) major rebuilding period using new styles and monitoring of topsoil-stripping along the route technology. The buildings that survive from of a Bord Gáis Éireann pipeline that extended • Cork Archaeological Surveys Post-Medieval this period in the area are mostly rural from Caherlag to Ballincollig, Co. Cork. The Survey vernacular houses and associated farm spread was approximately 15mx10m, the • Cork County Development Plan 2009 buildings, formal houses, mills, bridges etc. trough and a possible hearth were identified

Monard Environmental Report

• Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) and Cultural Heritage assessment report. The Heritage Assessment report which forms a 1998 majority of the heritage buildings surviving supporting document to this environmental • Sites and Monuments Records (SMR) today are associated with farming, either report. (www.archaeology.ie) directly or indirectly. Vernacular architecture or local traditional architecture is usually simple in There are some heritage structures associated • Archaeological Inventory of County Cork form and symmetrical in design. The buildings with the roads network and the railway line. Vol. 3: Mid Cork that survive within the SDZ are part of the The building of the Dublin-Cork railway line in vernacular heritage and serve as an important the mid 19th century has left a legacy of good link to the people who lived and worked here architecture and industrial heritage within the Architectural heritage is provided for under the in the past. The existing dwelling houses can Monard SDZ. There are two railway structures Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and be divided into four main categories of house including the railway bridge carrying a farm Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) type namely; single-storey farmhouses, two- road on the south side of the SDZ and a Act, 1999 and the Planning and Development storey farmhouses, a formal country house substantial Viaduct over Monard Glen on the ‐ Acts (2000 2001). The acts provided a forum (Monard House) and finally late-19th/early southern boundary of the SDZ. The impressive for the creation of a National Inventory of 20th century labourer’s cottages. remains of the seven-arched railway viaduct Architectural Heritage (NIAH) which is used by over Monard Glen (No. 15) will form a Local Authorities for compiling the Record of Monard house is the only example of a more backdrop to the proposed new town. The Protected Structures (RPS), thus providing formally designed house within the SDZ (No6). Kilcronan Bridge (AH No. 17) is a three-arched protection for suitable structures. There are no It no longer survives and as such is a cultural road bridge over a tributary of the Blarney Protected Structures as listed in the Record of heritage feature, however its architectural style River, it is an 18th century structure and part Protected Structures in Cork County is important in the overall context of of the 18th century \turnpike road. Development Plan 2009 within the SDZ. The architectural heritage in the area. It is marked National Inventory of Architectural Heritage on 1842 OS map with small landscaped 5.9.10 Cultural Heritage (NIAH) has recently uploaded the survey for demesne. Monard house was a modest version this area, no buildings are included within the of formal houses built during the 18th /19th The cultural heritage features outlined in this townlands of the SDZ. century by wealthy landowners throughout section have no statutory protection. However, Ireland. The house, according to the owner policies with regard to protecting such features A field survey was undertaken to identify any was a two storey, 3 bay, weather slated gable are contained in the County Development Plan architectural or cultural features within the ended with chimneys on the gable. This house 2009. The desk top assessment comprised a SDZ. The survey identified 16 buildings of demolished in the early 1980’s and replaced review of the following sources: architectural importance, the locations of these with a modern house nearby. Some stone built buildings are outlined in Fig 5.9.2. The details farm buildings and walls remain. A detailed • 1st, 2nd and 3rd edition of the OS six-inch of the buildings of architectural importance are account of these house types can be found in maps contained in the Archaeological, Architectural Archaeological, Architectural and Cultural

Monard Environmental Report

• The Cork Archaeological Survey’s post- and may therefore be older. Townland names field, Pond field, Pump field. These names medieval survey can contain information relating to a wide should be incorporated into new • Relevant Cartographic Sources range of heritage such as archaeology, history, developments. • Cork County Development Plan 2003-2009 folklore, ownership, topography, social history. A translation of the townland within the SDZ is The SDZ site is dominated by a network of provided below. field systems. The enclosing of land by The cultural heritage of the SDZ is defined as permanent boundaries defined a landscape of those buildings and features which are not Table 5.9.2 Townland Translation dispersed farmsteads surrounded by fields. defined as archaeological heritage or as This is essentially the nature of the present architectural heritage. It is predominately Townland Name on Translation rural landscape in the SDZ. The fields are associated with agricultural activity and six inch OS Map predominately bounded by dry stone faced communication infrastructure. A field survey Coolowen Back-land or Hill of earthen bank with a variety of typical mature was carried out, a total of 10 cultural features Owen hedging. The fields are connected be some were identified these are outlined in Table Kilcronan Cronan’s church fine examples of stone gate piers of the North 5.9.3. The table describes the features in a Monard High bog Cork/South Limerick tradition. Few contained summarised form. A more detailed description Rathpeacon Fort of Peacon examples of wrought iron gates probably made of the cultural features is contained within the in the local forge as shown on 1902 OS map Archaeological, Architectural and Cultural Kilcronan townland name suggests that there such as the example near Monard house on Heritage assessment. The townlands and field was once a church in this townland of which the ‘Old Cork Mallow Road’ systems are discussed below. there is now no other record. This information in addition to the burial ground in the same The Monard Glen located with its cascading Irish townlands are one of the ten cultural townland increases the archaeological potential waterfalls and mill ponds, and the back drop of features identified in the list of features. of this area. There is a known fort in the spectacular Monard railway viaduct is a Townlands are a unique feature of the Irish Rathpeacon (CO063-061) from which the pretty place and a wonderful haven for wild landscape, one of the most ancient land townland name probably derives. The name of life. divisions in the County. They are the basic Monard – high bog- ties in with the boggy administrative unit and their origins date back nature of the higher ground in this townland. to the Early Christian times. There are four 5.9.11 Key Significant Environmental townlands in the SDZ: Monard, Kilcronan, Individual field names are another area of Issues Coolowen (western edge of) and Rathpeacon interest. The following is a list of those (northern edge of). The main townland collected from two local informants: John • The discovery of a number of potential boundary crossing the SDZ is that between Ahern’s, Pairce na nonirí, Quinn field, Quarry archaeological monuments could signify Monard and Kilcronan. It appears larger in field, Bottom field, Long field, Pet field, the presence of additional monuments; size than the other field boundaries in the area Humphries’, Sweeney’s field, Lawn field, Lodge further investigations will be required prior

Monard Environmental Report

to development including a combination of 5.9.12 Impacts on Archaeological, non intrusive geophysical survey and Architectural & Cultural Heritage licensed archaeological testing. The service in the absence of Planning corridor was rerouted following the Scheme discovery of a fulacht fiadh close to the town centre. In the absence of the Planning Scheme, it is likely that the lands would continue in their • A number of the dwellings of architectural current agricultural role. However, having importance are vacant within Monard and regard to the location of these lands close to therefore vulnerable and likely to fall into the City’s urban area, it is likely that disrepair. These buildings provide development pressures would arise in an important links to the past and should be uncoordinated fashion. The preparation of the retained and sympathetically restored. Planning Scheme allows for discovery of previously unknown links to the past to be • The cultural heritage features are recorded and also provides for any adverse important non structural elements of the impacts on the archaeological, architectural built heritage that have survived. Future and cultural heritage of the SDZ site to be planning applications should incorporate minimised. features such as; townland boundaries, piers, field names etc into the design of their schemes. The retention of the townland boundaries particularly between Monard and Kilcronan is of paramount Fig 5.9.1 Potential Archaeological importance. Monuments

• Monard Glen adjacent to the SDZ boundary is a valuable industrial heritage site as well as an ecological rich amenity area. It is a valuable asset immediately adjacent to the SDZ that could possibly be developed in the future.

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Fig 5.9.2 Architectural Heritage Within Monard

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Fig 5.9.3 Cultural Heritage Features within Monad SDZ

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Table 5.9.3 Cultural Heritage Features within Monard

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6.0 Environmental Protection 6.2 Targets and Indicators Objectives The use of targets for each of the 6.1 Introduction environmental objectives identifies a more detailed achievable objective (to assess the Environmental protection objectives are not a impact of the Planning Scheme). The EPO’s will statutory requirement, however they do fulfil be used to evaluate the environmental effects the obligations set out in Schedule 2B of the of the alternatives and to select the preferred Planning and Development (Strategic option. The indicators are a measure of Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004. variables over time, to evaluate the The establishment of environmental protection achievement of the environmental protection objectives (EPOs) for each environmental objective. They act as a benchmark against receptor identifies a desired direction primarily which the planning scheme’s performance can based on the results of the baseline study and be measured. The selection of indicators has the scoping process. The targets in particular been informed by the assessment of the reflect An Bord Pleanala’s decision regarding baseline environment and the scoping process. the 2012 Planning Scheme. The indicative list However, indicators are also influenced by the of environmental protection objectives as availability of information. The list of indicators contained in the SEA guidelines have been is outlined in section 10. compiled with regard to National, European and International policy documents. This is the Table 6.1 sets out a list of key environmental primary source used in formulating the EPOs, protection objectives and targets relevant for it has been amended to reflect those issues Monard. which are relevant and appropriate for Monard. The EPOs are grouped under the relevant environmental receptor. The environmental protection objectives are separate from the development proposals although they can influence each other and overlap.

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Table 6.1 Environmental Protection Objectives and Targets Environmental Objectives Targets B1 Protect and enhance the existing habitats and species 1. No significant adverse impact either direct, indirect or cumulative on species, habitats and their sustaining within Monard, in particular along the Blarney River resources within the Monard site. Conserve the diversity of habitats and species of non designated sites. Corridor. 2. Minimise loss of hedgerow habitats.

B2 Protect the integrity and hydrology of the proposed 1. Maintain the present surface water hydrological regime of the Blarney River flowing into Blarney bog. NHA at Blarney Bog, avoid adverse impact on the 2. No significant adverse impacts, (direct, cumulative and indirect impacts) to annexed habitats, species or designated Natura 2000 sites in Cork harbour (direct, their sustaining resources within Cork Harbour. indirect and cumulative impact)

B3 Protect all habitats from invasive species implement Removal of all alien species, ensure no new alien species. New planting to comprise native or naturalised programme for control and removal of invasive species. species.

W1 Maintain the ecological status and water quality of Improvement or at least no deterioration of water quality in the Blarney River, the streams and groundwater all on - site water courses and ground water during and within the site. post construction to comply with the Water Framework Directive. W2 Incorporate the objectives of the Floods Directive Appropriate management of zones vulnerable to flooding along the Blarney River corridor and lands into the development; manage the risk of flooding lands downstream of the Planning Scheme. and settlements downstream by utilising sustainable urban drainage systems to manage surface water drainage.

W3 Promote water conservation within the new water Provision for reuse, recycling and conservation of water within individual houses. infrastructure network and future water usage within the new development.

S1 Protect local soil integrity and quality. Soil management to inform detailed designs within the Planning Scheme and future planning applications.

A1 Maintain and protect good air quality standards, Air quality to remain within acceptable limits as provided by the air quality standards regulations. minimise emissions and promote use of public transport. T1 Promote a good quality of life for existing and future 1. Prioritise the train as the primary mode of transport for the proposed population. Ensure early provision of communities based on sustainable travel patterns. This the station as per the threshold framework. The projected target was set as 24% in favour of rail on the should include access to rail, bus, cycling and walking Cork – Mallow corridor in the Suburban Feasibility Study. with provision for park and ride facilities at the train 2. Ensure a frequent rail service to Kent Station. station. 3. Ensure provision of extensive cycling and walking routes with direct links to the train station, reducing the need for a car in Lower Monard. 4. Provide a bus service to serve in particular Kilcronan and the West Village. 62 Monard Environmental Report

T2 Protect and upgrade the local road network and provide access to 1.Ensure no additional congestion of local and surrounding road network and the strategic road network. junctions as result of new development. 2.Ensure provision of a junction to access the proposed Northern Ring Road from the new town at Monard. P1 Provide existing and new residents access to a range of services Ensure sufficient community services are provided including education, and community infrastructure including useable public open space childcare, primary health care, accessible open space including the provision of and amenity areas within the new town. a country park and sports pitches to support the future population.

P2 Protect the residential amenity of existing residents, ensure House designs contiguous to existing residents should be of an appropriate adequate buffers are provided adjacent to existing residents. scale to protect residential amenity of residents. P3 Minimise the impacts of construction on local residents, utilise Preserve the residential amenity of the existing community members, limit construction management plans disturbance and disruption to a minimum. C1 Protect the existing and newly discovered archaeological sites and No adverse impact on recorded monuments that are to be retained, careful their context within Monard and surrounding areas. recording of those to be removed or altered. C2 Protect the local cultural identity and associated cultural features Retain the townland boundaries within the Draft Planning Scheme in so far as within Monard. possible. L1 Preserve the natural and historic landscape features within Integrate natural landscape features and landscape assets into design of the Monard. villages and their neighbourhoods, retain good quality tree cover and hedgerows as per landscape framework. L2 Protect the most visually sensitive locations within Monard, 1. Limit development in locations which have been identified as sensitive in the minimise the visual impact of the development within and adjacent to potential zone of visibility analysis which forms part of the Landscape the Draft Planning Scheme. report. 2. Establish early on extensive screen planting in advance as per landscape framework to soften the overall visual impact and to ensure development does not detract from the character of Monard and surrounding area. E1 Reduce waste generation in the new town and promote the use of 1 Use waste management plans to promote reuse and recycling as an ethos sustainable energy sources. within the new town. 2 Implementation of energy efficiency at the level of the individual building accomplished through orientation, insulation and the use of water conservation measures. All homes should be of sustainable building design, compliant with the building regulations. District heating and geo thermal energy to be utilised within the town centre.

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7.0 Alternatives 7.1 Consideration of Alternative Strategy B: Similar to strategy A with focus Strategies on the City as main economic driver for the The development and assessment of region but with strong public private reasonable alternatives is a requirement un The site selection process for a new rail based partnership and major investment in local rail Article 5 of the SEA directive. The selection of town originated in CASP (Cork Area Strategic network. A large part of development would be the preferred option was based on the Plan 2001-2020) in 2001. Monard/Rathpeacon in a Northern arc along the line of the existing minimisation of environmental impacts. The was identified as the location for a new rail and then former rail line between Blarney and preferred option was also considered the most based town with further assessment required. Midleton. sustainable approach for the implementation of CASP also recognised that other locations Planning Scheme. within the catchment of the rail corridor from Strategy C: The focus of strategy C was on a Blarney to Midleton could accommodate the stronger role for ring towns with a lower rate Once again the potential options for the site planned growth for Monard /Rathpeacon, of growth for Cork City. are not presented as composite options, this possibly around existing development centres5. approach was not considered appropriate for However this would reduce the viability of the The strategies were evaluated against the the Scheme. The consideration of alternatives proposed rail service North of Cork. The project goals. In choosing between the should be realistic and at the level appropriate suburban rail network was endorsed by the dominant metropolitan Cork options of A and for the implementation within the planning Faber Maunsell Cork Suburban rail feasibility B, Strategy B was preferred for a number of hierarchy. The Strategic Development Zone study. reasons. The main reason was the spatial was framed within a policy context set by the distribution of households and jobs within the plans above it. The Cork Area Strategic Plan Alternative strategies for the direction and rail based public transport system which would 2001-2020 was the context in which the scale of growth in the Cork City region were lead to less congestion and car use. Other concept for Monard emerged. The examination examined during the preparation of CASP. All reasons included lesser impact on the green of alternatives during the formulation of CASP of the strategies were capable of belt and landscape constraints, promotion of is discussed in the next section. implementation. The following is a brief urban generation and social inclusion. A description of alternatives considered: balance between Strategies B and C was The potential options have been assessed considered the best option with the population against the environmental protection Strategy A: Maximising the potential of Cork for ring towns set mid way between the target objectives established for the key City as the main economic driver with a large of Strategies A and B. This set the basis for the environmental aspects of the environment part of development located in a Southern arc preferred alternative strategy. likely to be significantly affected. The reasons from Ballincollig to Carrigaline and Cobh. for selecting the preferred option have been documented, as are the reasons for eliminating the other alternatives/options. 5 CASP, pg 34

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7.2 Limitations to Alternative Options consider “reasonable alternatives taking into issues were identified and the alternatives account the objectives and geographical scope proposed. The potential options have been In 2003 extensive public participation was of the plan or programme”. The strategic assessed against the environmental protection undertaken in relation to the distribution of decision for a rail based town was taken in objectives in a matrix format. The environment growth along the CASP rail corridor. The 2001 and the scale of the town was decided in impacts are discussed and the preferred option suitability of the Monard /Rathpeacon site subsequent plans preceding the SDZ is selected. The reasons for selecting the together with the extent of the new town and designation, namely the Blarney- Kilbarry option are discussed. scale of development were under Special Local Area Plan. Therefore it would be consideration. The Blarney- Kilbarry Special unreasonable to include an alternative site 7.4 Alternatives /Options and their Local Area Plan emerged from the above outside of the designated SDZ boundary. The implications process and was adopted in 2005. The SLAP alternatives proposed are at project level, identified the broad planning principles of the within a defined geographical area and The following issues were considered of site including: numbers of housing units, represent the realistic options which the site primary importance in the formulation of the number of primary and secondary schools, list presented. revised Scheme: Transportation, Design and of sporting and recreation facilities including Density of development and Implementation of the provision for a county park. The pre An Bord Pleanalas refusal reasons relate to the Scheme. The categories were based on the determination of key components of the new specific issues which were addressed in the issues highlighted by the Bord’s decision. The town limits the scope for consideration of revised 2015 Scheme. Therefore the preferred alternative is a combination of alternatives within the site. reasonable alternatives are limited to the options. The evolution of Monard without the parameters of the revised scheme. The implementation of the Planning Scheme was Furthermore, the Planning framework as alternatives examined in the 2012 Planning considered for comparison purposes, namely outlined in section 2 of the Planning Scheme Scheme were broad ranging. The main issues the “Do Nothing” scenario. outlines the complexity of issues in Monard identified by An Bord Pleanala were; (challenging topography, fragmented Transportation, Density Implementation and The options under consideration were: ownership, existing housing, energy Urban Design. transmission way leaves, decisions taken for Density and Design of Residential the location of rail station and Northern Ring Development Road). This adds a further layer of difficulties, 7.3 Methodology these issues were addressed in the planning The Planning Scheme comprises four framework in a step by step manner. The options selected for the site must be interlinked villages namely; Lower Monard realistic and capable of implementation. (including town centre), Upper Monard, West Following analysis of the scoping report, Village and Kilcronan. The concept of The Strategic Environmental Assessment baseline environment, site constraints and the interlinked villages originated in the Blarney- Directive requires an environmental report to development proposals for the site, the key Kilbarry SLAP. The apportioning of the

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increased number of residential units within guidelines “Sustainable Residential concern to the Bord also. The Systra Transport the four villages, town centre and adjacent Development in Urban Areas.” assessment provided a detailed a strategic neighbourhoods was a significant decision transp ort assessment and offered some within the scheme. The Bord considered the The four villages each have differing alternatives to address the road transport approach to urban development unduly low in topographical characteristics which have been concerns. the 2012 Planning Scheme. There were three considered in the location of development, alternative approaches regarding density and section 3 of the Scheme outlines the approach The options considered to address these issues design of residential development within the to developing the steeper areas within the site. were; overall town. Mel Dunbar Associates produced a sample neighbourhood design, it included a house • Commence development at Monard with • Maintain the density of the 2012 Planning type which incorporated parking within the upgrades to the existing road scheme of approximately 5,000 units ( ground floor, the reduction of external parking infrastructure and junctions to facilitate max 5, 300) with higher densities closer to greatly increased the overall density. A large development within the thresholds the station. Predominately comprising proportion of the steeper land is located close identified in the Arup report. conventional housing with an average to the rail station therefore the terrain is more density of 28 per hectare. The suited to duplex units and the typologies of • Promote a two junction solution for the topographical constraints of the site as a street, urban and multi level. The decreased Northern Ring Road to serve lands North key determination in the selection of house densities in Upper Monard are more conducive West of Cork City and Monard. typologies or densities, the steeper ground to the hill top setting. The West village has was more suited to higher densities and steep slopes close to the Old Mallow road • Promote a single junction for the Northern duplex arrangements. Conventional which will increase the density. Ring Road to serve lands North West of housing was not suitable for steeper Cork City and Monard with a potential ground. Transportation Options location.

• Increase the range of densities across the The transportation proposals for the new town • Promote a single junction for the Northern Scheme. Densities of 50 -60 per hectare are multi modal. The existing rail line and new Ring Road to serve lands North West of within 0.5km of the station decreasing to station are the corner stone of the Cork City and Monard with alternative 35-50 per hectare as the distance from the development. However certainty regarding the location. station increases. Apartments would strategic road network, specifically the comprise a larger share of the houses type Northern Ring Road and access to it was the • Update the business plan in relation to approximately 37%. primary reason for refusal by An Bord 2002 Cork Suburban Rail Feasibility Study Pleanala. Furthermore lack of certainty on the conducted by Faber Maunsell. • Significantly increase densities in excess 40 operational rail links namely the provision of a to 50 per hectare across the site in line the train station and frequency to it was of

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The transport solutions for the site are which results in the provision of the agriculturally productive soils would remain complex. However the creation of the new necessary infrastructure and facilities. reasonably static. town close to a major urban centre is likely to take a considerable time with significant The implementation mechanism should ensure However, the Rathpeacon sidings along the rail transport proposals to cater for a population of that infrastructure, services, facilities and line would become redundant. The main 13,000 persons. The construction of the amenities are provided in tandem with disadvantage would be the failure to take Northern Ring Road and the provision of a residential and employment development in a advantage of the proximity of public transport. junction is not within the remit of Cork County coordinated manner. There is provision for Without Monard the critical mass required for Council, however discussions regarding access four development corridors running North from the success of the rail corridor may not be arrangements to a future ring road have the Services Corridor Road corridor, this is a realised. proved fruitful. new feature of the 2015 Scheme. The phasing of the local road improvements is defined by 7.5 Environmental Assessment of Implementation Options thresholds as set out in the Arup Transport Options Assessment rather than the provision of The implementation of the Scheme is complex. extensive road infrastructure. This will The three categories and multiple options Coordinating the provision of access, contribute towards the achievement of within those categories are assessed against infrastructure, community facilities with sustainable mobility. The principle of the environmental protection objectives in a multiple landowners will be complicated. A contiguous development (i.e. development matrix format in Table 7.1. The table provides conventional approach to phasing in terms of a must adjoin land already developed) will allow an over view or summary of the assessment. A set sequence of development was discounted for development to proceed in an orderly number of the options will have a potentially in the 2012 Environmental Report for the manner particularly if constructed over a long neutral effect on environmental protection above reasons. The possible options to time scale. objectives, however the matrix does also overcome the difficulties are as follows: highlight some positive and negative impacts. Do Nothing Scenario An overview of the matrix evaluation of the • Acquisition of land and provision of the site options is provided in a grouped format. main infrastructure and facilities by the This alternative is based on the evolution of local or public authority. Monard in the absence of a new town. The rural character and agricultural landscape • Agreement amongst the would remain largely unchanged. The addition landowners/developers, and between them of one off sporadic houses along the very poor and the local authority. local road network would most likely continue.

• Incentives and controls which encourage The current environmental resources such as developers and landowners to act in a way good water quality in the Blarney River and

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Biodiversity The matrix highlights the negative effect of a recorded monuments, newly discovered substantial increase in densities. The scale monuments and features of cultural heritage. Most of the options have a neutral impact on height and design of buildings would greatly the flora and fauna within and adjacent to the influence the impact on the landscape. The 7.6 Preferred Option – Reason for site. The transportation options have the phasing of the road infrastructure in line with Selection potential for a negative impact outside of the the development would reduce the scaring site boundary. effect on the rural landscape, particularly if The preferred option is as follows; construction occurs in stages. Population A medium density approach combined with Transportation one intermediate junction to provide access to The effects on the population are a the proposed Northern Ring Road. combination of positive, with neutral and some The overall impact of the options on the local Implementation will be based primarily on a negative. A substantial increase in densities road network will depend on the early system of incentives and control with some could have a potential negative impact on the provision of the train station. The phasing of land acquisition. The principle of contiguity will existing population given the dispersed road improvements will encourage use of apply (with exception of Southern part of the settlement pattern, the quantity of open space public transport. Accessibility to the strategic site). A system of thresholds will apply in the available would be reduced. road network will have a positive effect on the four villages with a requirement for facilities to town and the constrained road network be provided at neighbourhood level. The leading to the City Centre. The number of overall increase in density will be close to the Water junctions from the NRR is not as significant in station to deliver a more sustainable pattern of terms of the impact, once access to it is development. Topographical constraints are The overall effect on water resources is provided. most prevalent close to the rail station. neutral. Water quality should potentially be unaffected as collection, treatment and The preferred location of the intermediate disposal of waste water is proposed. No on site Air, Soil, Archaeology, Architecture and junction with the proposed NRR will have less treatment will take place. Site specific SUDS Cultural Heritage of an impact on biodiversity and landscape should manage surface water, increased then two junctions North of the City. The densities may potentially affect surface water All of the options proposed will have an overall appropriate assessment of potential disposal. neutral impact on air and soil. The higher environmental effects for any junctions is at densities close to the station will support project level. A Draft EIS has been carried out Landscape energy conservation measures including in relation to the proposed Northern Ring district heating. Mitigation measures will be Road. The approach to the sequence of The overall effect of the options on the required to ensure no adverse impact on development will be flexible requiring landscape is negative, with some positives. development to adjoin land already developed

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with a threshold system defining development required before proceeding to the next phase. The provision of four development corridors from the main service corridor will ensure development isn’t impeded by landownership issues. The incentive to development will be provided by the contribution scheme and the escalator clause.

Mitigation measures which attempt to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects of the environment of implementing the preferred alternative are identified in a later chapter.

7.7 Conclusion

The formulation of the land use proposals has been an iterative and systematic process which evaluated potential impacts. The site has complex inter related issues with some decisions obvious while others presented many options. Having regard to An Bord Pleanala’s decision the options examined concentrated on the reasons for refusal. The options presented are higher order components of the overall Scheme, with further decisions required within each of the critical areas at the lower end of the hierarchy. The comparison of options as outlined in Table 7.1 identifies the preferred option with the least impact on the environment. The option selected is considered to be the most sustainable approach for the development of the site.

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Table 7.1 Assessment of options for development within Monard EPOS Density of Development Transport Options Implementation Options Comments Maintain Moderate Substantial Two One Location Location Land Total Incentives

Density Increase Increase Junction Junction 1 2 Acquisition Agreement & Controls B1 o o - o o- o O o o o Potential reduction in ecological diversity with a substantial increase in density B2 o o o o o- o o o o o B3 o o o o o o o o o o W1 o o o o o o o o o o W2 o o -o o o o o + o o Reduction in open space could result in increased runoff W3 o + + o o o o o o o S1 o - - o o o o o o + A1 o + + - o o o o o o Higher densities will reduce reliance on car. T1 + + + - - - - o o o Junctions to the road network do not promote the rail service T2 - - + o + + o o o P1 - + - + P2 - o o o o + - +

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P3 o - - o o o o + - + Incentives to ensure contiguous phasing would minimise disturbance to residents C1 o o o- o- o- + - o - o C2 o o 0 0 - + - o + L1 - - - - - + - o + + The junctions and associated works could negatively impact on the landscape. L2 - - - - - + - 0 + + E1 o o + o o o o + 0 0 Opportunities through land acquisition for more sustainable options.

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8.0 Evaluation of Significant mitigated as contained in Table 8.1 The impact Monard. The EPO’s identify a desired direction Environment Effects of planning of significant effects (positive or negative) for Monard based on the baseline study and scheme have been categorised in terms of scale which scoping process. A matrix format is used to is relevant for monitoring. isolate the potentially significant environmental The core of the SEA process is the prediction, issues. The results of this exercise and the evaluation and mitigation of the impacts of a Table 8.1 Category of Effect comments arising from the matrix evaluation strategic action6. This section assesses the are discussed in section 8.3. The matrix is likely significant environmental effects from Type of Effect Description contained in appendix A. the implementation of the Planning Scheme. In Potential Positive Likely to have positive accordance with Annex 1 of the SEA Directive effect on environment 8.2 Significance information is provided on the effects on: Potential Potential Likely to Likely to biodiversity, population, human health, flora, Negative Negative have have In determining the significance of the fauna, soil, water, air, climate, cultural Mitigated Unmitigated negative negative environmental issue, regard was had to the heritage, landscape and transportation and the effect can effect SEA guidelines. The level of significance is be cant be inter relationship between the above7. Annex based on type or scale of development and the mitigated. mitigated. II of the directive requires the evaluation to No effect Neutral effect / No importance/ sensitivity of the receiving have regard to the cumulative nature of the effect environment. The level of significance can also effects in determining the likely significance. Uncertain Likely effect is be determined by the cumulative nature of The summary of the effects are presented in a uncertain. potential impact and the measures available to grouped format, the environmental receptors mitigate the impact. listed above are incorporated within the groups. The potential positive effects of the 8.1 Methodology 8.3 Summary of Likely Significant development are also highlighted. Effects The methodology used to identify the likely The likely effects are categorised into potential significant effects on the environment relies on The evaluation of the likely significant impacts positive, potential negative, no effect and the evaluation of the specific development on the environment is divided into groups. The uncertain. The potential negative effects are proposals for Monard against the relevant sections of the Planning Scheme are further disaggregated into negative and likely environmental protection objectives for the referred to in the environmental category. The to be mitigated and negative unlikely to be site. The specific development proposals specific development proposals are listed at the start of each section. consist of the main elements extracted from the scheme for the purposes of evaluation. 6 Therival ( 2004) 7 The environmental protection objectives were The environmental categories are: These effects include secondary, cumulative,

synergistic, short, medium and long term permanent derived from the list of environmental • Landuse and Population and temporary, positive and negative effects. receptors relevant to the development of

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• Landscape & Visual Impact commercial viability. A secondary school will be mixed, many of the potential impacts on the • Transport provided close to the rail station. environmental protection objectives can be • Natural Heritage and Open Space D Construct a new mixed use town centre mitigated. • Infrastructural services adjacent to the new rail station, it is envisaged • Sustainable Development Proposals that the town centre will support approximately The breakdown of development for each • Cultural Heritage 20,000 square meters of retail / commercial neighbourhood with an overall maximum of floor space. 5,850 units allows for evaluation of the likely 8.3.1 Landuse & Population E Employment uses will consist of local service significant impacts on the environment. The employment with some offices located represents a maximum of 10% increase on the A Create a detailed land use plan for the adjacent to the proposed Northern Ring Road, number of units permitted in the 2012 development of a flagship rail based new town the settlement will rely on adjacent Planning Scheme. However implementation of North East of Cork City whereby infrastructure, employment lands in Kilbarry and Blarney the Scheme including the quality of individual transport connections, public and commercial Business Park. building design and quality of local open services will be provided in tandem with the F Protect the residential amenity of existing spaces will require more detailed housing to create a balanced form of one off dwellings within and adjacent to environmental assessment in the form of an development. Monard, ensuring an adequate buffer to new E.I.S. B Create a sustainable new town to comprise a development is provided. town centre adjacent to a rail station with a Monard is an agriculturally productive further three village centres namely; Lower The principle aim of the new town is to landscape of tillage and pasture. The creation Monard, Upper Monard, West Village and maximise use of the suburban rail line and of the new settlement will result in a Kilcronan. It is proposed to accommodate a rebalance the historic pattern of development permanent loss of agricultural land which will range of approximately 4-750 – 5,850 new within the Cork area. The overall aim is impact negatively on the level of agricultural housing units, with a projected population of positive however the implementation of the productivity. However the loss of agricultural 13,000 persons, which includes generous development proposals could have a potential land is not significant given the extent of provision for open space. negative effect as highlighted in the matrix if farming in the wider area primarily North and C Create four village centres to serve the unmitigated. It is difficult to decipher the West of the site. This development will not adjoining neighbourhoods with the appropriate environmental impacts at this broad level, result in an uncontrolled and incremental loss quantum of dwellings within each therefore there is potential for negative of agricultural land as the site is defined. The neighbourhood, with provision for an impacts based on the precautionary principle. Mallow Road will form the natural boundary to appropriate range of retail, commercial, However the other environmental categories residential development, West of the Blarney community facilities, primary schools, crèche demonstrate how environmental River will remain undeveloped. and amenities to support the new population considerations have been incorporated into the and existing residents within Monard, while Planning Scheme in more detail. The impacts The Planning Scheme in section three outlines also maximising their accessibility and of the land use development proposals will be the design, layout and house typologies

Monard Environmental Report

appropriate for the sloping nature of Monard’s development proposals contribute to the help minimise construction related impacts and topography. A good mix of house types are promotion of the rail line as the most contribute to the environmental objective P1. proposed, (semi rural, village, estate, street, sustainable mode of transport. (T1). The effects will be short to medium term urban and multi level and retirement) together depending on the duration of construction. The with suitable density ranges. The addition of The appropriate provision of primary schools implementation of specific mitigation measures the retirement category in the Scheme caters and a secondary school has been discussed will ensure no contamination of soil, surface for all senior citizens within the population and with the Department of Education, 4 primary water and also minimise the impact of dust their respective housing needs. The house schools sites have been allocated with one and noise during the construction phases. The type proposed at the periphery of the site will secondary school. Adequate provision of effects on archaeology are unknown, there is reflect the rural nature of the site and the childcare facilities in close proximity to primary potential for discovery of additional scattered low density of the population. This schools has been incorporated into the layout archaeological monuments. approach should meet the objective of P2 and to reduce the number and distance of protect the residential amenity of existing journeys. The development proposals involve a The employment proposals within the site are residents. The new town centre, village centres comprehensive range of community facilities. largely confined to local service employment, and community facilities have the potential to The provision of the above facilities will help with provision for office development close to impact positively on existing residents with the achieve the environmental objective of P1. the proposed Northern Ring Road. There is a provision of accessible services and amenities. reliance on employment lands close to Monard This scheme is subject to outside influences which have capacity for growth, these include The four villages of Lower Monard, Upper including that of economic conditions which Kilbarry Industrial Park and the Blarney Monard, West Village and Kilcronan are are currently unfavourable. Flexibility within Business Park. The rail line will provide access described in section four of the Planning the phasing sequence is a feature of the to jobs in the City centre. The utilisation of Scheme. The location of the rail station and alternative option selected. The phasing and underused existing nearby industrial lands for Northern Ring Road were determined prior to thresholds of the new settlement are discussed the employment needs of the settlement is a the SDZ designation. The scale of in section 10 of the Planning Scheme. The more realistic and sustainable use of lands. development within each of the village centres contiguous nature of the sequencing will allow and adjacent 32 neighbourhoods is reflective for the roll out of on site infrastructure in an The likely significant impacts on the future of the characteristics of the site, the proximity orderly manner. Incentives will be provided to population of the new town, and the impact on to the rail station and concentration of services developers by way of the escalator clause in the existing local population and adjoining in the town centre. Kilcronan is located the the contribution scheme. Lands developed areas are very different. The overall effect on furthest away, consequently has the lowest earlier will be charged lower contributions. It the population is potentially negative, however quantum of development. The lands in Lower will also minimise the nuisance and potential the negative impacts can be ameliorated. Monard contain the higher densities in line negative impacts to existing residents by Landscape is discussed in a later section. The with government policy and topographical limiting the extent of the area affected. The range of purpose built community facilities, constraints of the site. The landuse use of construction management plans would provision of a county park and sports pitches

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will all contribute to a better quality of life for difference within the site to an advantage. Impact. In consideration of the extent and existing and future residents. The impact on D Building heights should be within the range nature of the Planning Scheme within a human health is multi facetted with links to of storeys identified for the eight categories of predominately rural landscape context, the water quality, infrastructure provision and air house type proposed within the Planning overall significance of landscape impact is quality which are dealt with in the following Scheme. The use of materials and finishes assessed as moderate subject to realisation of sections. should be appropriate for different parts of the substantial woodland screen planting to SDZ as indicated at village level, and in some mitigate the impact. The assessment concludes cases at neighbourhood level. that Upper Monard, West Village and Kilcronan 8.3.2 Landscape & Visual Impact will have a potential moderate impact, Lower The landscape and visual impacts were Monard including the town centre is A Minimise the visual impact of the Planning assessed separately for each village area on considered to have a major impact on the Scheme by avoiding development in sensitive the basis that the SDZ would be developed landscape. The lack of opportunities for viewpoints and locations as identified in the according to demand and not all at once. The substantial mitigation planting within the town Zone of Potential Visibility (ZPV). landscaping structure for the villages was Centre would result in permanent adverse B Retain a substantial proportion of existing prepared in tandem with the formulation of the impacts. The extension of green infrastructure landscape features including field banks, Planning Scheme. to include trails from East to West of the site hedgerows and tree lines. Provide a landscape will have a positive effect on the landscape. framework plan for each of the four villages Landscape Impact The network of planted green spaces has with landscape components including trails. increased when compared to the 2012 Provide for advanced mix planting of Landscape impact includes an assessment of Planning Scheme, this will help reduce the coniferous and broadleaf trees to ensure year the direct and indirect impacts of the proposed overall magnitude of impact. The design and round tree coverage and also create a development upon the landscape elements and layout of neighbourhoods in Upper Monard are sheltered microclimate on exposed lands. features as well as the effect upon general more focused on the zone of potential visibility C Residential development should be fine landscape character and quality of the map produced in the landscape report than in grained with houses of a particular type surrounding area. the 2012 Planning Scheme. clustered in quite small groups avoiding continuous rows of development. House The landscape report was prepared by Visual Impact designs and layouts should be responsive to Nicholas De Jong Associates for the 2012 localised variations in their environment – Planning Scheme. It documents the landscape Visual impacts relate solely to changes in including topography, orientation, retained impact of the four village development areas. available views of the landscape, and the features and recreational infrastructure. Avoid The landscape Report has not been updated effects of those changes on people. A total of use of conventional house design with for the 2015 Planning Scheme. The landscape twelve viewpoints were identified at varying substantial use of retaining walls on sloping Impact Significance is depicted on a sliding distances from the proposed development contours, house design should utilise the level scale from No Material Impact to Substantial through field visits and supported through the

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mapping of the Zone of Theoretical Visibility of exposure, orientation and specific views unique increased planting and extension of the linear the site. The viewpoints are representative of to the villages. The construction of park.) The overall residual visual impact will be where the development is most likely to be conventional housing with substantial use of high. experienced by a variety of visual receptors. retaining walls was not considered appropriate The method of assessing visual impacts is for steep slopes within the site. The proposed Cumulative Impact determined by identifying the sensitivity and layout and design of the blocks reflect the approximate numbers of receptors and the difficulties of the sloping contours and level The lands at Monard although in a likely magnitude of effect upon these differences within the site. These measures will predominantly rural setting are located in close receptors. reduce the visual impact however the proximity to the Northern suburbs of Cork City magnitude of the impact will depend on the and the emerging development corridor The highest magnitude of visual impact relates success of woodland planting and to a lesser focussed on the Cork-Mallow rail line. to Upper Monard, the lowest magnitude of extent the detail and design of the buildings. Prominent ridge lines have already been visual impact relates to Kilcronan. The number The extent of the landscaping structure for the encroached by recent large scale development of viewpoints with a high magnitude of effect four village areas is outlined the Planning at Fair Hill and Ballyvolane, diminishing the is greatest in Upper Monard. Table 8.3 Scheme. The 2015 Planning Scheme has made desired visual envelope of the City. New summarises the visual impact. The overall specific proposals in relation to advanced development is also prominent at Killeens and significance of visual impact will be high for planting with funds available to landowners Whitechurch from higher vantage points and much of the development, due to the prior to the commencement of development. extending eastwards from Blarney (including prominence of the sloping ground in views Planting in the field boundaries and dispersed the Blarney Business Park). Elsewhere in the from the South, West and North from both planting throughout the site will help soften northern environs of the City, sporadic housing long and short distance viewpoints. Substantial the visual impact over time and create shelter and farm complexes are common place. Other woodland planting would only be partly in an exposed location. urban influences include; the N20 National effective in reducing the visual impact in the Primary Road, the railway line and overhead long term. Furthermore the design and layout The visual and landscape impact of the transmission cables. of neighbourhoods in Upper Monard are more Planning scheme will result in a permanent focused on the zone of potential visibility map change to the appearance and character of the Change in all rural areas in close proximity to produced in the landscape report than in the site and its surroundings. The quality of urban centres is inevitable and can alter the 2012 Planning Scheme. individual spaces and the appearance of landscape character making it more or less individual buildings cannot be predicted at this typical of its landscape type or even changing The reduction of the visual and landscape level. However, on the basis of the Planning it to another landscape type altogether. The impact of the new town was a key Scheme as it is currently prepared it can be cumulative assessment of landscape and visual consideration during the preparation of the ascertained that the residual landscape impact impact should include the likely effects of Planning Scheme. The design of each village will be moderate with a major impact for combined development, in relation to the entailed the consideration of; topography, Lower Monard. (Lessened to an extent by the

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adopted strategic planning policies that aim to planning can ensure development is guide long term development. accommodated in a sensitive manner as possible, while respecting the separate In addition to the proposed development of identities of nearby settlements (Blarney, Monard, major infrastructure proposals Rathpeacon, Killeens and Whitechurch) and include: their visual relationship with the existing built- up area of Cork City. A wider planning strategy can offer opportunities for developing an • Additional housing provision at Blarney. improved landscape setting. A reinforced • Reconstruction of the road network around structure of hedgerows, woodlands, country Monard parks, amenity areas and linear wildlife • Provision of new infrastructure, including corridors interspersed with productive railway station, power supply, drinking farmland, would considerably enhance the water supply and waste/surface water overall landscape character and visual qualities disposal. for the benefit of the metropolitan area and its • Construction of the proposed Northern relationship with Cork City. Ring Road.

When considered in combination with these developments, it is clear that the character of the landscape will change, with a greater concentration of urban features within a setting that needs to remain essentially rural. Due to the surrounding ridgelines, many of the proposed developments will be visible from long distances, extending urban influences well beyond the existing built-up area of Cork City, partly impinging on the setting of the City itself and views out of its built-up area to the countryside beyond. The resultant cumulative impact on landscape resources is expected to be moderate (with the exception of the town centre which will be moderate) and the visual impact will be high. However, the proper

Monard Environmental Report

8.33 Transportation Table 8.2 Summary of Vsual Impact A Provide a rail station at Monard with provision for park and ride facilities. The station configuration should provide access for pedestrians, cyclists, bus users and users with limited mobility. The opening of the station 8.3.3 Transportation shall coincide with the first substantial block of development with a frequent train service to promote sustainable commuting patterns by rail. B Provide sustainable transport connections to complement the existing rail line and proposed rail station with non motorised modes such as walking and cycling with direct routes to the station and the City (via Blackpool) for shorter movements and a bus service internal to Monard as the town expands. C Construct a permeable built form with green routes to facilitate cycling and pedestrian movements within the site, with dedicated routes in locations with a shallower gradient. The route of the principal cycleway will be located along the western side of Monard hill serving the town centre, West Village and Kilcronan directly. The primary pedestrian link will be a covered route from the station to Upper Monard village centre, with additional cycling and pedestrian spurs. D Upgrade access routes to and from Monard in a phased approach with the provision of additional road improvements at thresholds identified in the transport assessment. These Table 8.3 Summary of Landscape Impact include the service corridor, strategic southern

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Link and strategic western Link roads which patterns in the new community (T1). This will developments to the North of Cork City. The will provide capacity in the local road network help to meet national targets for smarter report recommended the provision of an to cater for up to 3,800 residential units in travel. The Planning Scheme proposes to interchange at two possible locations that Monard. Improved access to the National implement an improved road network within would serve the North of Cork City (including Road Network is required to provide for the vicinity of the site to cater for increased proposed developments at Blarney, Monard additional housing units. traffic movements as a result of the and Ballyvolane) Following consultation with E Promote provision of a single junction North development. The upgrade of local roads will the NRA and further detailed design a location of Kilcully with the proposed Northern Ring be phased in line with the expansion of the North of Kilcully was selected as the preferred Road to serve Monard and the IDA Industrial town, the strategic links to connect with the location for a junction. Certainty regarding the Estate at Kilbarry. This would greatly improve N20 and Kileens will be provided at the construction of the proposed Northern Ring transport connections from Monard to the appropriate thresholds as outlined in the Road and the provision of a junction is not major concentrations of employment and Transport Assessment prepared by Arup for within the remit of the development agency. services South West of the City. the 2012 Planning Scheme. The delivery of the However provision of the Northern Ring Road full quantum of development i.e. in excess of would undoubtedly relieve congestion in The new town will have good rail access to 5,000 units is dependent on the Northern Ring Blackpool and close to the City centre. The Cork City Centre, thereby providing greater Road to avoid severe traffic congestion. This provision of national road infrastructure is the access to employment, services, amenities and was the primary reason of refusal highlighted responsibility of the national roads authority. a wider range of housing, achieving the critical by An Bord Pleanala when they decided not to Planning applications for development at mass for the new rail station. The reopening of accept the inspectors’ recommendation for Monard are unlikely to be submitted until such the Midleton line in July 2010 has significantly further information. Cork County Council time as the road is being constructed. In any enhanced the opportunities for those living in commissioned a fresh Transport Assessment to event provision of a Northern Ring Road and a East Cork to avail of services in the City centre address this issue. junction to access it is required to allow for the in a sustainable manner. settlement to expand to its maximum Transport modelling has become a significant projected units if not before. A location for a Section 5 outlines the transportation proposals feature of transport assessments. A junction has been selected and discussed with for a multi modal integrated transport system. hierarchical approach to transport modelling is the NRA, the IDA and the City Council. Further considered best practise. The National transport assessments were recommended in The suburban rail line is an existing asset Transport Authority are presently creating the 2012 Planning Scheme at certain intervals which will dictate the future growth of Cork National and Regional models which will inform in the process of developing Monard; with or from Midleton to Blarney. The early provision all future transport models at a smaller scale. without the Northern Ring Road and potential of a rail station with a frequent service will be The Cork Northern Environs Transport junction for Monard. The Scheme states that a the corner stone of the transport system. This Assessment was prepared by Systra in 2014. Transport Assessment is required at 3,800. A upfront provision of a rail station and park and This report provided a strategic Transport number of local road improvements are ride will establish sustainable commuting Assessment of the proposed residential required to facilitate development to the

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threshold 3,800 units. At that stage it is a on dedicated pedestrian route which will of green field land for absorption of run off. appropriate time to review both the transport provide the shortest and most pleasant route The road improvements outlined in the strategy and implementation of the scheme. to the train station. (A1, P1, T1, S1) The Transport Assessment are designed to upgrade The regional transport model currently being incorporation of cultural features including the existing road hierarchy in line with the prepared would provide a useful basis to archaeological sites and sections of the expansion of the settlement. The provision of assess Monard and the other developments townland boundaries into the routes will an integrated transport system based on the including Stoneview (Blarney) and Ballyvolane contribute to the protection of archaeological rail line will have a positive impact on air which are likely to interact with it and the and cultural heritage sites. (C1 C2) quality, noise and it will also contribute to the Northern Ring Road. The Systra report improvement in the quality of life for new and concludes that there is no single option which The main access road from the site to the City existing residents. (A1, P1) results in a congestion free environment on is via Blackpool, routes are likely to converge the Northern Fringes of Cork City. The regional at Blackpool as the major access road from The phased and sequential approach to road transport model when completed will inform the site. Additional congestion at junctions will improvements (southern and western strategic the review of the Cork Suburban Rail Network negatively impact on residents. The links) together with the use of reservations will Feasibility Study. This would be beneficial, introduction of smarter travel initiatives in the reduce the scale of impacts on the surrounding particularly in light of policy and demographic City Centre i.e. improved public transport environment, it will allow sustainable public changes that have occurred since its creation accessibility, bus priority, reduced car parking transport commuting patterns to establish e.g. the CASP update. More information on the supply, etc or the introduction of local whilst also ensuring no additional congestion commissioning of an economic appraisal in mitigation measures will improve conditions at on the roads and junctions into the City centre. relation to the Feasibility study of proposed rail junctions in the Blackpool area. The Scheme The above provision will directly contribute to stations is required. does include a number bus routes which the environmental objectives (T1 and T2). remain an important part of the public The internal movement framework will provide transport provision. An increase in the The overall scheme objectives for for green routes to facilitate cycling and projected public transport take up would transportation are positive with the exception walking, with provision for a bus route when reduced projected capacity constraints at of the up grade in the roads capacity within the appropriate quantum of development has junctions. Ultimately the provision of the the local area, which has potential to be been reached. Cycle routes will be Northern Ring Road will improve travel negative if unmitigated. The success of the predominately located along the Western and conditions in the Greater Cork Area. scheme is dependant on the timing and Southern parts of the site. However additional delivery of the transport infrastructure i.e. spurs have been included in the 2015 Scheme. The upgrade of access roads and the creation provision of the rail station, cycle routes, local The site poses topographical limitations for of new roads will have potentially a negative road up grades, junction with the proposed cycle routes; it’s not realistic for the entire site landscape and visual impact (L1 L2). The Northern Ring Road. The design of road to be directly accessible to a dedicated cycle creation of new hard surfaces will increase the upgrades including the provision of the route. The residents of Upper Monard will reply surface water runoff and reduce the quantity Southern and Western strategic links will be

Monard Environmental Report

subject to a separate consent process. The hierarchy to include the Country Park in the viaduct. The ecological corridors and the use design and detail of these roads will be more Blarney River valley down to the individual of green infrastructure will contribute towards appropriately addressed at an Environmental private garden. Create an ecological network the minimisation of impacts upon visual Impact Assessment stage. by linking green areas to allow for movement sensitivities, archaeological heritage, the of wildlife. All environmental resources should protection of groundwater status, protection of The provision of a train station will have a very be incorporated from waterways to woodlands species, habitats and finally maintain the positive permanent impact. The impact of the to adopt a green infrastructure approach integrity of the soil. (W1 S1 B1 C1 C2 L1 L2.) combined transportation proposals should within the site with links to the surrounding The Blarney River is one of the main landscape have positive long term impact. They will allow countryside. features of the site, it forms part of the for the creation of a sustainable development D Maintain the status of the qualifying extensive River Lee Catchment with coniferous pattern providing a choice in transportation interests including the annexed habitats and and broadleaf bank side vegetation. It is a with a minimisation of carbon emissions and species of the Natura 2000 sites within Cork valuable resource which provides a habitat for energy dependence in accordance with Harbour. flora and fauna, a future amenity area and the National Policy. The rail based town will main component for the drainage of the site. contribute to the achievement of critical mass The Planning Scheme in section 7 outlines the within the existing public transportation location and structure of the major and local The agricultural landscape of Monard has network as well as to a future integrated areas of open space within the overall site. generally a low level of biodiversity as a result transportation network to serve the The overall landscape structure has been of heavily grazed and cultivated grasslands. Metropolitan Cork Area, and thereby enhance developed with the intention of creating Opportunities to create new ecological habitats the quality of life for all citizens. connections between the areas of open space and enhance the biological diversity have been and wider rural area. A landscape framework incorporated through the use of green 8.3.4 Natural Heritage & Open Space plan has identified the types of planting and a infrastructure which will have a positive long range of appropriate species. The creation of a term impact on the ecological diversity of the A Protect the natural heritage and wildlife country park along the Blarney River valley will area. corridors along the Blarney River and streams form the pinnacle of passive open space throughout the site to ensure movement of hierarchy. It will provide primarily for a passive The Otter is protected mammal under the mammals within established ecological and visual amenity area with informal Wildlife act, protection of the potential holts corridors. recreational areas. The creation of a along the Blarney River has been identified in B Protect and maintain the current hydro pedestrian connection across the Old Mallow the specific development proposals. The geological regime of the proposed NHA at road using the viaduct will link the park to the millponds south of site are an area of high Blarney bog which supports the wet grassland main settlement. The green corridors including amenity value with the ponds acting as refuge habitats and the breeding bird population cycle ways within the villages will converge at for ducks, swans and other aquatic birds. The within the site. the main access point to the country park, integration of the SUDS features will promote C Develop a multifunctional open space creating a multi functional use of the existing the creation of new areas of biodiversity, in

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addition to the provision of advanced mix 8.3.5 Infrastructural Services Monard is an unserviced rural area remote planting of trees which will provide habitats for from services. The provision of a potable bats and birds. A Provide a service corridor in an East West public water supply and new sewerage direction with four development corridors infrastructure are required to facilitate the new The protection of Blarney bog proposed NHA running North to allow for flexibility in the town. The Planning Scheme details the is one of the key environmental protection implementation of the new town. The service infrastructural services required for the new objectives. The bog is the closest nationally corridor will include a new roadway within the town in section 6. The options for both water designated site to Monard, the main habitats site which will act as the primary route within supply and waste water disposal were are lowland wet grassland grazed and the internal road hierarchy. It will also provide examined in a separate process by external ungrazed and freshwater marsh/fen. for water supply, waste water and utilities to consultants. It is proposed to treat waste Maintaining and protecting the existing service the adjoining lands. The internal road water in Carrigreannan WwTP, which has hydrological flow regime of the Blarney River layout will facilitate a possible bus route when sufficient capacity to cater for the town. It is was paramount in the creation of the SUDS required. proposed to source water from Iniscarra via strategy. A continuation of the baseline B Provide a potable public water supply to the City’s water supply infrastructure to a new situation will protect integrity of the pNHA serve the new development. The preferred trunk main feeding Monard. An environmental downstream and the habitats and bird species options for source, supply and storage as assessment was carried out as part of it supports. outlined in preliminary report should be selection process for the pipe line options and implemented. A site has been reserved within reservoir locations for the water supply by RPS The protection of biodiversity in general is the SDZ boundary for a low level reservoir, a consultants. Similarly all possible options were dependant on the effective disposal of waste high level reservoir outside of the site is also investigated for the treatment and disposal of water. The creation of the new town will required. waste water including an environmental undoubtedly impact upon the existing flora C Development of new sewerage infrastructure analysis of the options by Nicholas O’ Dwyer and fauna, however opportunities for the for the collection, treatment and disposal of consultants. The location of the pumping creation of new areas of biodiversity have waste water. The preferred option is for the station required for the waste water been incorporated into the Planning Scheme. treatment of waste water at Carrigrennan with infrastructure was carefully selected within the The development proposals relating to natural discharge to Cork Harbour. site to protect the residential amenity of heritage, amenity and open space will have a D Design an integrated approach to surface existing residents. This will contribute to the potentially neutral /positive effect on the water management which considers land use, environmental objective P2. environment subject to appropriate mitigation water quality, amenity and habitat measures. enhancements. Thereby, replicating the The construction of a new water main and current greenfield rate of surface water runoff entirely new service network will provide an post development to prevent flooding of lands opportunity to include metering and conserve and settlements downstream. water loss during construction utilising a costly resource in a more sustainable manner. (W3)

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The potential negative impacts in relation to There is a history of flood events downstream 8.3.6 Sustainable Development water supply and waste water relate to the of the site; consequently the disposal of Proposals provision of external infrastructure to facilitate surface water for the new settlement is of Monard, there is potential to conflict with paramount importance. A site specific A Implement a minimum of two sustainable various aspects of the environment. However Sustainable Urban Drainage System's strategy urban drainage components within the an ecological and archaeological assessment was developed by the external consultants, Planning Scheme to protect the receiving was carried out for the source and route of the extensive site investigations were carried out waters of the Blarney River and promote proposed water supply and the route and across the entire site. The philosophy of this achievement of good status of all waters to outfall for the waste water infrastructure in system is to replicate as closely as possible, comply with Water Framework Directive. tandem with the preliminary reports. Mitigation the natural drainage from the lands prior to B Integrate the sustainable urban drainage measures have been outlined in the ecological development thereby minimising the impact of features into the landscaping structure and impacts assessments relating to any potential the development on water quality in the amenity areas to ensure SUDS features can be effects on the environment outside of the SDZ receiving waters and quantity of runoff in the facilitated within useable areas of open which boundary. The upfront provision of waste area and downstream of the site. The issue of will also enhance the potential for biodiversity. water infrastructure with sufficient capacity to surface water disposal is discussed further in C Provision for energy efficiency and cater for the proposed new town in the SFRA contained in appendix 2. The conservation measures into new development. Carrigrennan WwTP, will directly contribute protection of hydro geological regime of These will include specific water conservation towards the protection of the status of water Blarney bog pNHA is of paramount importance. measures, use of recycled cement, the use of bodies, soil function and ecology. (B1, B2, W1, The management of surface water run off will renewable energy sources and energy S1,) protect the recorded monument at the edge of efficiency in the layout and individual houses. SDZ boundary, namely Monard Spade Mills and Compliance with building regulations shall be The provision of dedicated water services ponds. The full implementation and demonstrated. infrastructure both internal and external will maintenance of the SUDS scheme will ensure ensure protection of the existing baseline no flooding of downstream settlements, this On a broad scale, sustainable residential conditions. The treatment of waste water off would ensure compliance with the floods development involves settlement patterns that site will dramatically reduce the threat to the directive and contribute to the environmental help minimise transport-related energy contamination of ground water. It will also objective (W2). consumption and encourage energy-efficient protect the Q value status of the Blarney river housing layouts. The rationale for Monard was ensuring protection of water quality and fish In conclusion the provision of new to create a new town with access to stocks including trout. The new infrastructure infrastructure internally and externally to sustainable modes of transport. The creation will contribute to the achievement of the provide a water supply, sewerage facilities and of sustainable neighbourhoods within the environmental protection objective W1, B1 and surface water management and disposal will Planning Scheme is demonstrated in a B2. have a positive long term impact on the multitude of ways as outlined in the following environment. paragraph.

Monard Environmental Report

The connections within the neighbourhoods Energy efficiency at the level of the individual help maintain the good air quality in Cork (A1). promote direct access to community services building can be accomplished through The Planning Scheme will result in increased and infrastructure through the use of green orientation, insulation and the use of water carbon emissions in excess of the baseline infrastructure. The overall design of the layout conservation measures. Houses with gardens agricultural emissions, however promotion and includes groups of buildings to create shelter can recycle rain water by utilising rain water establishment of the rail line will have a and to facilitate solar use. However for design butts with intensive green roofs suitable for positive long term impact on air quality within and visual reasons there is a need for street larger commercial buildings. The construction the Cork area. blocks which have buildings on all four sides, standards and energy technology will be this limits the proportion of South facing focused at the individual house, the Building The incorporation of SUDS is a departure from houses. This combined with increased Regulations are steadily enhancing the thermal the traditional management of surface water. insulation will minimise the energy loss from performance standards for new buildings. The conventional method utilised combined buildings and also create a more favourable Furthermore there is a requirement that sewers or large quantities of water stored in microclimate for residents (E1). The approach renewable form a component of the heating holding tanks, which often resulted in to surface water drainage management is to system. The Scheme incorporates the concept downstream flooding when large quantities of replicate as closely as possible natural of sustainability in many different aspects. water was discharged. The SUDS methodology drainage from the site by employing Measures that are easy to implement are more replicates natural drainage, flow rates and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems with a likely to succeed than an exhaustive list. The runoff can be managed. SUDS is an integrated menu of appropriate SUDS techniques at concept of this new town is based on the approach which considers land use, planning, neighbourhood level (W2). principle of sustainable land use planning, new water quality, amenity and habitat town served by a sustainable transport mode. enhancements. The area of energy efficiency within the The likely increase in traffic congestion and neighbourhoods is partly implemented by the energy prices will promote rail travel in urban The inspector recommended the inclusion of developer. The use of district heating systems areas as a more attractive alternative. The recycled or reused material to be used in the and geothermal heating systems within urban implementation of this Scheme will begin when development with particular reference to 40% areas is relatively new, the technologies are favourable economic conditions have been of cement in concrete to be a recycled still largely in their infancy in Ireland requiring restored. The development and ongoing product. This will be a more sustainable use of further development. The town centre area advancement of green technologies and materials particularly given the scale of with the increased density ranges and renewable energy, will allow for more development envisaged in Monard. contiguity of development would be most affordable and effective solutions to energy suited to the above systems (E1). The creation and conservation over the life time of The overall impact of the sustainable implementation of Monard will most likely be the scheme. development proposals will have very positive over a longer time frame when these long term effect, the benefits will not be technologies will be used in widespread These objectives will impact positively on apparent in the short term but will emerge practical application. carbon emissions and greenhouse gases and over the longer time.

Monard Environmental Report

8.3.7 Archaeological, Architectural and environmental objectives C1 and C2. The Cultural Heritage The architectural heritage of Monard is overall impact on archaeological heritage is primarily associated with farming directly or unknown but with effective and appropriate A Protect and integrate the built heritage; indirectly, with others connected with the mitigation the potential impact should be including archaeological monuments, newly roads network and railway. The vernacular neutral. The discovery of additional discovered monuments and buildings of architecture of Monard consists of dwelling monuments is tangible evidence of the past architectural merit in a sensitive manner to houses largely associated with farming in and is a positive outcome that has occurred ensure integration of the historic landscape private ownership. The vacant dwellings of from the preparation of Monard Planning within the new built form. architectural importance which provide Scheme. B Protect existing architectural and cultural important links to the past should be retained features within the site, retain where possible as highlighted in the assessment. The visual 8.4 Conclusion and record buildings of architectural merit impact from protected structures such as the particularly vacant dwelling houses. Retain important complex at Blarney Castle was The overall impacts remain broadly similar in where possible townland boundaries. considered in the landscape and visual this Scheme to the 2012 Planning Scheme. assessment, it was one of the viewpoints The impacts will be wide ranging and will A number of potential archaeological sites selected. The maintenance of the baseline include effects on all environmental receptors were discovered following a preliminary flows within the Blarney River through the from biodiversity to material assets. This archaeological assessment and survey of the implementation and maintenance of the SUDS process of evaluation included the use of a site by the council’s archaeologist. The SEA strategy will minimise any adverse impact on matrix and analysis of the baseline process has been operating in tandem with the Monard and Coolowen Iron/Spade Mills environment. It highlighted the potential preparation of the Planning Scheme, the located in Monard Glen. (C1 C2). negative effects on the environment most of potential monuments were incorporated into which can be ameliorated by the use of the layout during the design stage. The The identification of the cultural heritage mitigation measures and are not significant. discovery of potential monuments could signify features within Monard will help to minimise the presence of additional monuments within the impact of the development on cultural However, the significant negative impacts the site or hot spots for archaeological heritage features during this process. They highlighted though the SEA process are the monuments particularly sub surface largely relate to agricultural activity and same as the 2012 Planning Scheme. These archaeology. The potential monuments will communication infrastructure. Mitigation include landscape and visual impact and require further investigation to determine their measures relating to archaeological, Transportation. Landscape and visual impact is status. The impact on archaeological sites can architectural and cultural heritage are complex and in the case of visual impact more be kept to the minimum by further identified in the next chapter. The use of subjective. Also the need for access to the investigation and the implementation of effective buffers will ensure preservation of strategic road network is a priority to avoid appropriate mitigation measures as discussed houses of architectural merit C1. Retention of congestion at junctions close to the City in the next chapter. the identifiable cultural features will fulfil the centre. The proposed Northern Ring Road and

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a junction to access it is required to allow for the settlement to expand. The need for traffic assessments at certain intervals in the development of the scheme was highlighted in the 2012 Planning Scheme in order to minimise the impact on the environment. Ultimately an EIA of the road infrastructure will be required during the examine the impacts and appropriate mitigation measures if required.

Mitigation measures that address the likely significant impacts of implementing the Planning Scheme on the environment are discussed in section 9 of this environmental report.

Monard Environmental Report

9.0 Mitigation avoid effects altogether, reduce their based on the Draft Planning Scheme. A magnitude or extent as much as possible, number of the measures were integrated into This section outlines and reviews the measures probability of occurrence or severity of effects, the final Planning Scheme. The addendum to that have been adopted to address the likely or putting in place measures to remedy effects the environmental report and SEA statement significant impacts of implementing the after they have occurred, or to compensate for will provide further up to date information in Planning Scheme on the environment. them by providing environmental benefits relation to this issue. elsewhere. The SEA process has been an iterative one, 9.1 Population and Human Health which has informed the preparation of the The compatibility of EPO’s is dependant on the Planning Scheme. The environmental issues implementation of the Planning Scheme e.g. The specific development proposals as set out identified in the scoping process and baseline impacts to water quality, hydrology of Blarney under landuse and population (LU A, LU B, LU description (section 5) were incorporated into Bog, implementation and maintenance of C, LU D, LU LUE) are designed to minimise the Scheme. Therefore consideration has been SUDS to protect downstream lands, protection adverse impacts on the existing residents and given in the first instance to prevent negative of sensitive viewpoints etc promote a good quality of life for existing and effects on the environment. This reduces the future residents by providing a broad range of need for extensive mitigation measures. The The external infrastructure including water facilities. selection of the preferred alternative for the services, upgrades to the local road network site has further reduced the potential for and the implementation of sustainable urban The introduction of thresholds for the delivery significant environmental effects. The drainage systems have been incorporated into of transport and schools as outlined within the evaluation of the Planning Scheme against the the Planning Scheme to achieve the overall Planning Scheme will only allow for environmental protection objectives was aim of creating a rail based settlement in development to proceed if the road considered broadly compatible (chapter 8). Monard with the minimum impact on the infrastructure and school capacity can cater However, the evaluation revealed potential environment. The mitigation stage aims to for increased capacity. negative impacts if unmitigated, therefore minimise any negative impacts, optimise some mitigation measures are required to positive impacts, enhance sustainability in Mitigation Measure recommended: reduce the magnitude of certain impacts and other ways and also to ensure mitigation also to mitigate against potential adverse measures themselves do not impact The Planning Scheme should include: impacts on the environment. negatively. (Therivel, 2004). The inspector’s report for the 2012 Planning Mitigation involves ameliorating significant The mitigation measures are discussed under Scheme appeal recommended a number of negative effects via prevention and/or by each environmental heading with reference to points which should be incorporated into the reducing or offsetting such effects or the specific development objectives and the Draft Scheme. The points are as follows; enhancing the positive impacts. Mitigation relevant sections of the Planning Scheme. The measures can be described as those that; following list of recommended measures were

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• Consideration should be given to the and landscape impact through a multi facetted The Scheme has included a financial incentive development of existing residential plots in approach including design, layout, building for advanced planting. (contained in chapter a manner which is consistent with the height and avoidance of sensitive views. 7). A fund of €240,000 has been allocated for pattern and form of development Woodland screen planting is proposed as the this purpose (chapter 9 of the scheme). Screen proposed for adjoining lands within the principal mitigation measure for addressing the woodland planting remains the primary scheme. largely moderate impact on landscape and the mitigation measure. The incentive of planting high visual impact from key vantage points. and establishing the trees in advance of the • The inspector also recommended a revised The landscape report prepared for the 2012 development construction programme will table for the sequence of development Planning Scheme outlines the extent of ensure that the landscape and visual benefits which consolidated the phasing of woodland screen planting required for each of are fully realised. Fig 9.1 and 9.2 demonstrate infrastructure and development including the four villages, a substantial quantity of the benefit of screen woodland planting at two roads and transportation infrastructure. woodland screen planting is proposed for different intervals. This will ensure implementation of the Upper Monard. The highest magnitude of scheme assessment of planning visual impact relates to Upper Monard The following mitigation measure is proposed applications and monitoring of the same. consequently a substantial quantity of in relation to the screen planting woodland screen planting is proposed. The requirement for construction management • Provision should be made for the failure of plans outlined in chapter 6 will help to Other measures which were incorporated into some trees when considering the number minimise impacts on existing residents during the Planning Scheme to reduce the visual and of trees required per hectare, any trees construction. The need for project landscape impact include: that die should be replaced in the next implementation and community liaison during seasons planting. the development and implementation stage • Layout of the four village relative to their was highlighted during the oral hearing of the topography, landscape features and 9.3 Transportation 2012 Scheme a revised wording was agreed potential visibility and sensitivity. which has been incorporated into the Scheme. • Extensive Country Park along the Blarney The specific development objectives relating to This will be an important step in minimising River Valley. transportation (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE) provide for impacts on the existing and future populations. • Green linkages, extensive open space an integrated sustainable transport system provision and green fingers/corridors. primarily focused on the rail line. The public • Sports Pitches located along the back transport provision will offset to a large extent 9.2 Landscape Impact and Visual Whitechurch road. the potential negative impact on air quality. Impact • SUDS features – swales/attenuation basins. The upgrade of access routes outside the site The specific development objectives (LV A LV • Public Squares. boundary has potential to negatively impact on B LV C LV D) are designed to soften the visual landscape and visual impact (L1 L2). The

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provision of a reservation will reduce the visual outcome of such studies would be of benefit in of policy and demographic changes that has impact and allow for the provision of the local coordinating the transport strategy for Monard occurred since its preparation e.g. CASP infrastructure to be phased. Further transport within the context of the City and metropolitan update. The timeframe for the economic assessments were recommended at two points Cork. appraisal including the terms of reference and in the development of Monard in the local the bodies to be involved should be specified transport assessment, at approximately Mitigation Measures recommended: in the Scheme. halfway and at three quarters of the overall quantum of development. This has been The Planning scheme should include: • A review of the Planning Scheme should take discussed in the evaluation stage. place within 5-7 years of adoption. A formal • Revised wording stating that applications to amendment could be made at this stage to the The creation of an integrated transport system the North of the threshold will not be granted Planning Scheme if required. It would be for Cork City and Environs would greatly until the traffic assessments have been particularly useful in the evaluation of the improve mobility within and around the city. undertaken. transport proposals and any policy changes or This is not just a matter of providing a new additions to the transport infrastructure Northern Ring Route, but also the provision of • Reference to a threshold for the delivery the which may have emerged in the intervening the Bus Rapid Transit from Docklands to bus routes, it comprises a large proportion of years. Ballincollig which if connected to the Suburban the public transport element of the new town. rail line would offer a very realistic public The position of the bus routes should be linked 9.4 Biodiversity & Water Resources transport option for residents both for work to phases of development. and leisure. The logistics of coordinating time The proposed new town will no doubt impact tables to ensure an alternative to the car will • The requirement for a further traffic on biodiversity having regard to the rural be crucial to its overall success. assessment has been identified, the potential nature of the area. However the heavily grazed for cumulative effect of vehicular traffic on the and cultivated grasslands support limited The inspector recommended revised wording local and strategic road network should be diversity, the habitat mapping identified limited in relation to the threshold for transport assessed. variety in habitats other than along the Blarney assessments during the 2012 appeal which River corridor. The presence of alien species should be incorporated into the Scheme. As • Reference to the point in the development at was recorded. However opportunities have discussed in the evaluation section there are a which the flagship cycle and pedestrian routes been incorporated into the Planning Scheme, number of transport related studies or reviews will be substantially complete to be effective therefore implementation of the scheme will due in the coming year. They include the and useful. have a net benefit by creating new areas of regional transport model, the review of the biological diversity. Cork Suburban Rail Network Feasibility Study • Reference to the completion of the Regional and examination of the effectiveness of the Transport Model and review of the Cork The implementation of the natural heritage BRT and the suburban rail network. The Suburban Rail Network Feasibility Study in light and open space development proposals NH A,

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NH B, NH C, NH D, will minimise any adverse contained in their report are outlined as replanted trees will be sourced from native impact on and enhance the biodiversity of the follows: stock. new town. Furthermore the implementation of development proposal in relation to • Any replanting within the study area Any works within, adjacent to or draining to infrastructural services IA IB IC and ID will should take account of the soil conditions these watercourses must take account of the minimise any adverse impacts on water and existing vegetation within the affected following guideline documents ; resources in the Blarney River, the Blarney Bog areas. Species for replanting of drier pNHA, Natura 2000 sites in Cork harbour and ground above the riparian corridor will Kilfeather (2007) ‘Maintenance and also to minimise downstream flooding. A differ from species recommended for protection of the inland fisheries resource landscaping framework has been outlined in within the floodplain. during road construction and improvement the landscape report including the species works’; range and details appropriate for the site. • There should be no net loss of tree cover Murphy (2004) ‘Requirements for the or riparian habitat within the affected Protection of Fisheries Habitat during The ecological report carried out by Ecofact for areas required for the SuDS design. At Construction and Development Works at River the SUDS scheme concluded that the detailed design stage the trees scheduled Sites’; and hydrological and hydrogeological flow regime for removal will require enumeration and a NRA (2008) ‘Guidelines for the Crossing of of the Blarney River must be maintained in projected failure rate of 50% added to the Watercourses during the Construction of order to protect the integrity of the pNHA total number of trees to be replanted National Road Schemes’. downstream. The design of the proposed SuDS within the study area. scheme must reflect this. • For the protection of salmonids, no • Replanting must include for monitoring of instream works shall be undertaken in the Mitigation Measures recommended: the success of these compensation watercourses during the period October to measures and if necessary additional May. This timing of works will also avoid The Planning scheme should include: replanting may be required within the fish spawning times. identified habitat reinstatement sites. • Specific objectives to protect the hydrological • Under the provisions of the Wildlife Act regime of the Blarney Bog particularly in • Native tree species will be planted to (1976, amendment 2000), no removal of relation to the parts of the site that drain into compensate for the removal of native and trees, scrub or reed-bed habitat should be the Blarney River. non-native tree species in selected areas. carried out during the bird breeding e.g. grey willow, alder, pedunculate oak , season (1st March to 31st August); unless • The recommendations and mitigation hawthorn and ash. Understory species written permission is obtained from the measures outlined in the Ecological report including Elder, Hazel and Guelder rose are NPWS. prepared by Ecofact should form part of the also recommended for drier ground. All Scheme. A brief summary of the measures

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• The mature trees within the study area all receptors. Construction management plans are have potential as day roosts or summer beneficial to protect soil as a non renewable night roosts and a bat survey of the resource and also to protect the amenity of affected areas is recommended. Trees local residents. These have been included in identified for removal within the SuDS the Draft Planning Scheme. design are checked in advance for bats. Both the Kilcronan Bridge and the railway The Geological Survey of Ireland made a bridge on the Blarney River have bat submission to the scoping letter. It relates to potential; however, these are unlikely to the construction phase and development be affected by the proposed scheme. management.

• A Construction Method Statement for the Mitigation Measures recommended: proposed works should be prepared in liaison with a qualified ecologist and in The Planning scheme should include: consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Inland • The Geological Survey of Ireland have Fisheries Ireland (Macroom). The requested that Notification of ground statement will contain a Schedule of excavations for infrastructure to undertake Environmental Commitments for the recording or rock sample gathering should be protection of environmental and ecological sent to the Geological Survey of Ireland. constraints which have been identified as being of high local value or key ecological • Construction Management Plans should include receptors within the study area. This will soil management and waste minimisation require implementation on the site during plans. Furthermore engineering measures to the works phase and will be monitored and be put in place to ensure stability of slope audited. faces and surrounding subsoil is maintained this should form part of the management plan. Soil and Geology To minimise disturbance to residents city type noise suppressed rock breakers and “damping The change of use from an agriculturally down” should be used to mitigate any productive environment to a new settlement significant noise, dust and vibration will impact on ground formulation via generation. construction activities. The effects on soil are inter-related with other environmental

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9.6 Archaeological, Architectural and in concrete shall be a recycled industrial Cultural Heritage by- product or alternative acceptable to the planning authority. The specific development objectives relating to cultural heritage C1 and C2 are designed to protect the known and unknown Archaeological, Architectural and Cultural Heritage. Chapter 8 of the Draft Scheme includes cultural heritage measures that were recommended as mitigation measures in the 2012 environmental report. The measures largely relate to the development management stage and not directly related to the Scheme. The measures recommended are contained in chapter 8 of the Scheme.

. 9.7 Sustainable Development Proposals

The specific development objectives relating to sustainable development proposals (SA SB SC) promote sustainable development in a multitude of ways.

Mitigation Measure recommended:

The Planning scheme should include:

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Fig 9.1 Screen Planting after 10 years -West Village

Fig 9.2 Screen Planting after 25 years- West Village

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10.0 Monitoring Having regard to the scale of this project witihin the Cork context and to ensure the The SEA Directive requires that the significant effective implementaion of the Planning environmental effects of the implementation of Scheme over it’s life time a Monitoring and plans are monitored in order to identify at an Review Group is recommended. This group early stage unforeseen adverse effects and to should be established by Cork County Council be able to undertake appropriate remedial and should include the Environmental action. Monitoring can also be used to analyse Protection Agency and other relevant agencies whether the Planning Scheme is achieving its to ensure the implementation of the plan does environmental protection objectives and not compromise the environmental protection targets, whether such objectives need to be objectives identified for the area. re-examined and whether the proposed The collation of data to effectively monitor the mitigation measures are being implemented. development of the town will be the main focus of the group. It is the responsibility of Cork County Council Please refer to the SEA statement for the latest to monitor the significant environmental in terms of monitoring. effects arising from the implementation of the Planning Scheme. Indicators are used to measure change in the environment. The indicators identified in the following section will be used to monitor the predicted environmental impacts of implementing the Planning Scheme. Measurements for indicators should come from existing monitoring sources and no new monitoring should be required.

The following table shows the selected EPOs, targets and Indicators. These indicators allow quantitative measures of trends over time relating to the EPOs. The SEA statement introduced a new column which identified thresholds where appropriate. The threshold is defined in terms of time or quantity. The SEA statement clarfied the department responsible for data sources. Table 10.1 has been updated accordingly. 94 Monard Environmental Report

Table 10.1 Summary of Proposed Monitoring Programme

Environmental Target Monitoring Indicator Data Source Thresholds- Protection Objective Quantative /Chronological B1 Protect and enhance 1. No significant adverse impact either The quantity of hedgerows Landscape report prepared by Nicholas Ongoing, quantity to be the existing habitats and direct, indirect or cumulative on removed. De Jong Associates. (Hedgerows and recorded every 250 species within Monard, in species, habitats and their sustaining The quantity of trees removed. trees quantified in the landscape units. particular along the Blarney resources within the Monard site. Retain integrity of existing report). River Corridor. Conserve the diversity of habitats and habitats and species relative to species of non designated sites. the baseline and as identified in Habitat Mapping, Heritage Department the habitat mapping. of Cork County Council, (produced by 2. Minimise loss of hedgerow habitats. Atkins consultants).

B2 Protect the integrity and 1. Maintain the present surface water Monitor water levels within Department of the Environment, Record annually hydrology of the proposed hydrological regime of the Blarney Blarney Bog using hydro- Heritage and Local Government. regardless of rate of NHA at Blarney Bog, avoid River into input into Blarney bog. geological indicators. National Parks and Wildlife Service is progress of adverse impact on the 2. No significant adverse impacts, responsible for monitoring the development. designated Natura 2000 (direct, cumulative and indirect Retain integrity of annexed ecological status of the SAC and the sites in Cork harbour impacts) to annexed habitats, species habitats and species within Cork SPA. Environment Dept (direct, indirect and or their sustaining resources within Harbour. Irish Wetland Birds Survey and monitor /Project Implementation cumulative impact) Cork Harbour. bird populations on a monthly basis in Team. the winter. SWRBMP & EPA B3 Protect all habitats from 1. Removal of all alien species, ensure New types of invasive species or National Biodivesity Centre Every 2 years. invasive species implement no new alien species. New planting to increase in coverage of existing Habitat mapping programme for control and comprise native or naturalised species. invasive species Project Implement ation Team removal of invasive species 2.Prevention of invasive species Cork County Council.

W1 Maintain the ecological Improvement or at least no Monitor Water quality indicators Enva Ireland – water sampling Record annually status and water quality of deterioration of water quality in the and Q value of the Blarney South Western River Basin regardless of rate of all on site water courses Blarney River, the streams and River. Management Plans development and ground water during groundwater within the site. Water quality sampling for a 6 Environmental Protection Agency and post construction to month period. Project Implementation Team comply with the Water Achievement of the Objectives Framework Directive. of the RBMPs

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W2 Incorporate the Appropriate management of zones vulnerable Compliance with “The Planning Cork County Council Monitor flows in the objectives of the Floods to flooding along the Blarney River corridor System and Flood Risk Management Blarney river at 250 Directive into the and lands downstream of the Draft Planning Guidelines 2009”, amount of new Project Implementation housing unit intervals development; manage the Scheme. developments within flood plain. (No Team or annually whichever risk of flooding lands and development proposed in the Draft threshold is reached settlements downstream by Planning Scheme) first. utilising sustainable urban drainage systems to Monitor flows in the Blarney river at manage surface water 1000 housing unit intervals. drainage. W3 Promote water 1. Provision of a new water infrastructure The number of new houses that use Cork County Council Record every 2 years conservation within the with minimal loss of water from the network. water conservation methods and or when 250 houses new water infrastructure 2. Provision for reuse, recycling and recycling of rain water within the Project Implementation are occupied.

network and future water conservation of water within individual neighbourhoods. Team usage within the new houses. development.

S1 Protect local soil Soil management to inform detailed design The provision of soil management Cork County Council Soil management plans integrity and quality. for future planning applications. plans for large applications within the for applications in Protection of locally important aquifer Planning Scheme. Project Implementation excess of 250 units. Team

A1 Maintain and protect Air quality to remain within acceptable limits To remain within good air quality Environmental Protection good air quality standards, as provided by the air quality standards standards. Agency minimise emissions and regulations. promote use of public transport. T1 Promote a good quality 1. Prioritise the train as the primary mode of Percentage of population living Central Statistics Office Every 5 year intervals of life for existing and transport for the proposed population. within the Planning Scheme area Next census 2016, 2019 2016, 2021, 2027 etc future communities based Ensure early provision of the station as per travelling to work by public transport etc

on sustainable travel the threshold framework. The projected or on by a non motorised mode, to be patterns. This should target was set as 24% in favour of rail on recorded at 1000 housing unit P roject Implementation include access to rail, bus, the Cork – Mallow corridor in the Suburban interval. Team

cycling and walking with Feasibility Study. provision for park and ride 2. Ensure a frequent rail service to Kent facilities at the train station. Station.

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5. Provide a bus service to serve in particular Percentage of population living within Central Statistics Office Every 5 year Kilcronan and the West Village. the Planning Scheme area travelling to Next census 2016, 2021 intervals 2016, work by public transport or on by a non etc 2021, motorised mode, to be recorded at 1000 2026 housing unit interval. Project Implementation Team T2 Protect and upgrade the 1.Ensure no additional congestion of local and Provide road improvements in line with Cork County Council To be carried out local road network and surrounding road network and junctions as thresholds set out in the Draft Scheme. Transportation at specfifed provide access to the result of new development. Assessments to be carried thresholds. strategic road network. Record the number of units granted out by suitably qualified 2.Ensure provision of a junction to access the permission cumatively, no further units to person(s) proposed Northern Ring Road from the new be permitted in excess of 3,800 prior to Project Implementation town at Monard. Transport Assessment being carried out. Team. P1 Provide existing and 1.Ensure sufficient community services are The quanity of community facilities Cork County Council The quantity of new residents access to a provided including education, childcare, provided within the new town to be community range of services and primary health care, accessible open space catalogued at 1000 housing units Project Implementation facilities and area community infrastructure including the provision of a country park and intervals. Team of open space including useable public sports pitches to support the future within the new open space and amenity population. town to be areas within the new town. 2. Avoid the location of inappropriate quanitified and activities that impact on the quality of the recorded at 1000 town. housing units intervals P2 Protect the residential House designs contiguous to existing The design of house types within the Cork County Council amenity of existing residents should be of an appropriate scale to buffer areas should be carefully reviewed residents, ensure adequate protect residential amenity of residents. by development management during the Development Management buffers are provided planning application process. adjacent to existing residents. P3 Minimise the impacts of Preserve the residential amenity of the The number of construction Cork County Council construction on residents, existing community members, limit management plans submitted with utilise construction disturbance and disruption to a minimum. planning applications to minimise Development Management management plans adverse impacts during construction. C1 Protect the existing and No adverse impact on recorded monuments The quanity of existing and newly Cork County Council newly discovered that are to be retained, careful recording of discovered potential archaeological heritage section in archaeological sites and those removed or altered. monuments affected by the new town to consultation with DOEHLG. their context within Monard be reviewed at 100 housing unit and surrounding areas. intervals.

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C2 Protect the local cultural Retain the townland boundaries within the The quantity of towland Cork County Council Quantity of towland identity and associated cultural Draft Planning Scheme in so far as possible. boundary removed, to be Project Implementation boundary removed and features within Monard. reviewed at 1000 housing unit Team replaced with new intervals. hedgerows, to be reviewed at 1000 housing unit intervals L1 Preserve the natural and Integrate natural landscape features and Percentage of landscape assets Landscape report Ongoing, quantity to be historic landscape features landscape assets into design of the villages lost, hedgerows and trees as prepared by Nicholas De recorded every 250 within Monard. and their neighbourhoods, retain good quality quantifed in the landscape Jong Associates. units tree cover and hedgerows as per landscape report. Cork County Council framework. Project Implementation Team

L2 Protect the most visually 1. Limit development in locations which have The quantity of screen Cork County Council The quantity of screen sensitive locations within been identified as sensitive in the potential woodland and mixed tree woodland and mixed Monard, minimise the visual zone of visibility analysis which forms part of planting in place to be Project Implementation tree planting in place to impact of the development the Landscape report. reviewed at 1000 unit interval Team be reviewed at 1000 within and adjacent to the 2. Establish early on extensive screen planting or every 5 years whichever unit interval or every 5 Planning Scheme. in advance as per landscape framework to threshold is reached first. years whichever soften the overall visual impact and to ensure threshold is reached development does not detract from the first. character of Monard and surrounding area.

E1 Reduce waste generation in 1. Use waste management plans to promote The number of Waste Cork County Council Review at planning the new town and promote the reuse and recycling as an ethos within the Management Plans provided. applications. use of sustainable energy new town. Development Management sources. 2. Implementation of energy efficiency at the Compliance with the energy Recycling facilities to be level of the individual building accomplished directive demonstrated by the Environment Department reviewed every 1000 through orientation, insulation and the use of developer for each planning units water conservation measures. All homes application. should be of sustainable building design, compliant with the building regulations. The inclusion of energy District heating and geo thermal energy to be management regime for town utilised within the town centre. centre planning applications 3.Optimal building energy ratings to be including proposals for district achieved for residential and non residential. heating and geo thermal energy.

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Non Technical Summary Act 2000 - 2010 to be accompanied or include authorities. In addition to the environmental an Environmental Report. authorities the report was sent to the South 1 Introduction Western Regional Fisheries Board having The Environmental Report details the regard to the Blarney River which flows This is the non technical summary of the methodology involved in carrying out the SEA. through the site. The responses received are Environmental Report for the Planning Scheme It reviews the Scheme’s relationship with other documented in section 2 of the environmental 2015. The purpose of this summary is to plans at International, National, Regional and report. Their responses were taken into provide a clear synopsis of the overall findings Local level. It establishes an environmental account during the formulation of the of the SEA process and the information baseline identifying existing environmental Environmental Report. contained within the Environmental Report. problems and issues. It evaluates alternatives The primary aim of the summary is to provide to the Planning Scheme and details the 3 Relationship of Other Plans and a clear understanding of the likely environmental assessment of the Scheme. Programmes environmental consequences in relation to decisions taken to create a rail based The findings of the SEA process are expressed The planning context for the Scheme is set settlement on the Monard SDZ site. in the Environmental Report which within a hierarchy of plans. The Planning accompanies the Planning Scheme. An SEA Scheme must comply with higher level Strategic Environmental Assessment statement detailing how environmental strategic actions and may, in turn, guide lower considerations have been integrated into the level strategic actions. In essence, SEA is a systematic process of Planning Scheme will be produced and made predicting and evaluating the likely available to the public following adoption of National Spatial Strategy environmental effects of implementing the the Planning Scheme. Planning Scheme. It should commence at the It sets out the strategic planning framework earliest opportunity to inform the decision 2 Methodology for a more balanced pattern of spatial making process. The SEA process is also development for the state. The strategy intended to facilitate the identification and The methodology was based on the SEA emphasises the critical role of ‘Gateways’ and appraisal of alternative options, identify directive, EPA guidelines and the Department ‘Hubs’ in delivering future economic growth environmental impacts of the plan and of the Environment, Heritage and Local and designates Cork as a ‘Gateway’ City. The encourage the inclusion of measurable targets Government guidelines. Screening was not creation of a new rail based town in Monard and indicators. required in this instance, SEA is mandatory for will contribute to the critical mass needed for Strategic Development Zones. The scoping the population and employment targets set for The SEA is being carried out to comply with document identified the range of the Gateway City. the provisions of the SEA regulations, which environmental issues and the level of detail to require a Planning Scheme prepared under be included in the Environmental Report in section 168 of the Planning and Development consultation with the prescribed environmental

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Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Cork Area Strategic Plan county park. The process went through Future (2009) extensive public consultation and was adopted Prepared jointly by the City and County in 2005. “Smarter Travel” is the Government’s action Councils in 2001 it set out a shared vision for plan to free towns and cities from traffic the Cork area for the period up to the year Cork County Development Plan 2014 congestion, substantially cut CO2 emissions, 2020, the plan was updated in 2008. The plan encourage car based commuters to leave their establishes the concept of ‘Metropolitan Cork’ The proposed rail based town is an important cars at home, and encourage a shift toward as an area embracing Cork City, its ‘environs’ component of it’s core strategy for growth and walking, cycling and greater public transport (within the County) and the Metropolitan (or development to the year 2020. It remains an usage. This philosophy is in keeping with the satellite) towns as an integrated unit. objective of the plan to establish a new town rationale for creating sustainable transport at Monard on the basis of the Blarney – connections at Monard. CASP proposed a balanced spatial Kilbarry Special Local Plan 2005, including development pattern which includes provision for on and off site infrastructure Regional Planning Guidelines – South developing the potential North of the City to necessary to service the new town. The Joint West 2010 maximise the use of the existing rail Retail Strategy hierarchy identifies Monard as infrastructure. The plan favoured Monard / fulfilling the role of a Metropolitan Town in this The guidelines set out the strategic plan for Rathpeacon as the location to accommodate section of the rail corridor and seeks provision growth in the region in line with the key some of the development between Blarney and of retailing as part of the new settlement. principles of the National Spatial strategy. The Midleton subject to a detailed assessment. guidelines include specific policies and Blarney Local Area Plan 2011 objectives including population targets for the Blarney- Kilbarry Special Local Area Plan Region for 2010‐2022. The Regional Plan 2005. The current Blarney Local Area Plan 2011 sets identifies the metropolitan towns comprising out the strategy for the proper planning and the settlements along the suburban rail The primary aim of the Blarney- Kilbarry sustainable development of the electoral area corridors including Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Special Local Area Plan was to prepare an for the next six years (2011- 2017). It also Monard, Blarney and Cobh as the main agreed development framework for the rail includes the objective for a new town at gateway locations (outside Cork City) for corridor between Blarney and the edge of Cork Monard as originated in the Blarney- Kilbarry future population growth. This new rail line is City at Kilbarry. The SLAP established a Special Local Area Plan 2005. considered a major step in providing planning framework for the creation of a new integrated public transport services to centres settlement at Monard. It identified the broad Monard Planning Scheme 2012 of high population growth. planning principles of the site including: numbers of housing units, number of primary In 2012 the Monard Planning Scheme was and secondary schools, list of sports and adopted by Cork County Council. Unlike other recreation facilities including the provision for a plans, SDZ Planning Schemes are subject to

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appeal by An Bord Pleanala. Following elements of the scheme associated with the exposed with long slopes down to the Old adoption two appeals were lodged. The Bord provision of water and wastewater Mallow road, the upper parts of the site form decided not to accept the inspector’s infrastructure could potentially give rise to the backdrop to Cork City. recommendation which was to seek further impacts on a number of designated sites in information. The Bord decided to refuse to Cork Harbour. The screening conclusion The concept of creating a new town at this approve the Planning Scheme in September highlighted the requirement to assess location originated in 2001 prior to the 2013. The 2015 Planning Scheme was trenchless technology at the Glashaboy River introduction of environmental legislation prepared in response to the Bord’s decision. and its impact on Natura 2000 sites within including the SEA directive (July 2004). The This SEA process is broadly similar to the SEA Cork harbour. An addendum to the waste objective has subsequently been incorporated process for the 2012 Planning Scheme. water preliminary report was prepared by into the CASP 2008 Update, and the 2009 Nicholas O’ Dwyer consultants to address this County Development Plan, which were subject issue. The screening conclusions state that to the SEA process. The planning history for Habitats Directive Screening potential effects can be screened out and that the new town is outlined in section 4 of the Appropriate Assessment Screening was the effects are not considered significant. The environmental report. undertaken to assess, in view of best scientific Screening Statement including the knowledge, if the Draft Planning Scheme was requirements necessary to screen out any individually or in combination with other plans potential significant effects accompanies or projects likely to have a significant effect on Planning Scheme. any “Natura 2000” site. The stage one screening for the Monard Planning Scheme 4 Planning Scheme was completed by Cork County Council’s Appropriate Assessment Officer. In addition to Monard is located north west of Cork City the overall project screening, two other stage approximately 3 km East of Blarney village. 1 screenings were completed for the Water The extent of the site is 391 hectares /966 Supply and Waste Water infrastructure acres. The area is characterised by a rural required to facilitate Monard. Screening is the settlement pattern concentrated along the first stage within the overall process of poorly aligned local road network. The lands Appropriate Assessment required by the are primarily engaged in agriculture with a European Habitats directive (92/43/EEC). scattering of farm complexes. Landownership within the site is held by a sizeable number of The Habitats Directive Screening Statement landowners (23); however some holdings are states that there are no Natura 2000 sites of considerable size. The main Cork to Dublin Monard will be developed as a satellite town located either within or adjacent to the railway line forms the southern site boundary. with an intended population of 13,000 persons Strategic Development Zone. However Much of the subject lands are elevated and upon completion. This current period of

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unfavourable economic conditions allows for or directly adjacent to the site boundary. Cork recorded in the survey. The predominance of the necessary lead time to prepare the harbour is approximately 7.5km from the site, mixed woodland and scrub along the slopes of Planning Scheme and associated it has a concentration of natural heritage the Blarney River Valley was identified. The infrastructure. This Scheme allows for detailed designations including two Natura 2000 sites habitat mapping recorded the presence of design of the town, outlining the form, scale namely Cork Harbour Special Protection Area Japanese Knotweed, according to the National and nature of development which will be (SPA) site code 004030 and the Great Island Biodiversity Data Centre it is the number one permitted. The town will be developed as a Channel Special Area of Conservation (SAC) invasive species in Cork. single entity and will provide for infrastructure, site code 001058. Blarney Bog is located transport connections, public and commercial approximately 1 km South West of the site and Monard Habitat Map services, in tandem with housing to create a is designated a proposed NHA site code 1857. balanced form of sustainable development. Natural Heritage Areas are a national designation under the Wildlife Act 2000. The The Scheme comprises a written statement main habitats in Blarney Bog are lowland wet accompanied by maps. The chapters and grassland grazed and ungrazed and freshwater related themes are listed in section 4 of the marsh/fen. The pNHA is dependant to a large environmental report. extent on the hydrological inputs of the Blarney River, in addition to the hydro 5 Environmental Baseline geological inputs from the groundwater catchment. Maintaining and protecting the The SEA process is led by the baseline data, existing hydrological regime of the Blarney which establishes the current state of the River is of paramount importance to protect An ecological survey and assessment was environment and forms the basis to assess and the fen’s hydrology. predict potential impacts. The environmental carried out on the Blarney River corridor and baseline encompasses the components of The lands in Monard are in agricultural use the riparian corridor of the Kilcronan and biodiversity, population, human health, soil, with a mixture of tillage and pasture with Rathpeacon streams by Ecofact environmental geology, water, landscape, transportation and improved grasslands. The habitats are consultants on behalf of the SUDS consultants material assets, archaeological architectural generally of low ecological value, having T.J. O’ Connor and Associates. and cultural heritage, air quality, noise and regard to the disturbed nature of the ground. climatic factors. Hedgerows have been removed from two large The field surveys included botanical, macro farms, however most have been retained. Sod invertebrate, birds, mammal activity, and Biodiversity and stone banks are the dominant type of field habitat surveys. No mammals protected under boundary. The tree cover in Monard is the Wildlife Act, 1976 (and Wildlife There are no sites or habitats designated relatively low. Habitat and survey mapping was (Amendment) Act, 2000) were identified (i.e. under European or National legislation within carried out in Monard, no species of note were otters, badgers, bats). The Blarney River has

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populations of brown trout, and is also an employment within the area including both resources. Cork is located within the South extensive salmonid habitat. The water birds tillage and pasture. The existing recreational Western River Basin District Plan, one of eight Mallard, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Dipper and and sports provision serving the population is River Basin Districts in the Country. It is an Grey Wagtail were all recorded within the low. Quality of life is linked to commuting objective of the Water Framework Directive to riparian corridor of the Blarney River. patterns. The Monard site is located within the achieve “good water status” for all waters by Whitechurch DED, according to data from 2015. The Blarney River is the most significant Population and Human Health Census 2006, there is only between 0 to 5% of water body within the site, it runs along the the population commuting in a sustainable entire western site boundary. There are a The existing settlement pattern in Cork is manner. number of baseline sources for the biological concentrated to the South and West of the water quality of the Blarney River these City. An important element of CASP strategy is Humans are part of the environment, the include: the SWRBD, EPA and recent sampling to redress the imbalances in the historic effects on human health can be broad ranging. carried out by Ecofact Ltd as part of the site pattern of development by providing a major It is difficult to ascertain data for human health investigations for the SUDS strategy. growth corridor from Blarney in the West to particularly at the geographical scale of Midleton in the East, served by a suburban rail Monard (391 hectares). The most likely direct The South Western River Basin Management network. effects include water quality, air quality, noise, Plan provides details on the water quality waste management and quality of life. status of all water bodies within the River The existing rural population within Monard Basin District. The quality of the Blarney River site is approximately8 150-200 persons. The The effects either direct or indirect will impact as outlined in the SWRBD WMU9 for 2009 is population is low having regard to the rural the quality of life for existing residents both Moderate, (the status was good in 2008). The and sporadic nature of the settlement pattern. positively and negatively. The physical changes macro invertebrate status of the Blarney River Monard is located within the Whitechurch ED, and the magnitude of the landscape change is ‘good’. the population in the 2011 Census was 2813 are also a direct effect on humans and their persons based on 2006 ED. In 2006 the quality of life. The residents are visual Summary of Water Quality Results population was 2477, which represents a receptors their proximity to the site will dictate 13.7% change. The large increase is most the likely scale of effect. Source Results Year likely attributed to the new residential SWRBMP Moderate 2009 developments in Whitechurch. There is a Water EPA Q4 ( good) 2004 to scattering of farm complexes and stand alone present commercial developments within the site. The creation of a new settlement has the Ecofact Q4 ( good) 2011 Agriculture is the predominant source of potential to cause deterioration in water quality. The EU Water Framework Directive promotes the protection of surface water, 8 Figure based on geo directory figure and average groundwater, coastal and estuarine water 9 household size. Lower Lee/Owenboy Water Management Unit

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The SWRBMP provides details on the quality of A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment was site rises from levels of approximately 80 ground water bodies also. The Monard area prepared in parallel with the SEA process, the meters adjoining the railway line to a plateau- lies within the Ballinhassig_1 groundwater SFRA is located in appendix 2 of this report. type hilltop in the Monard townland (c 140m body. The overall status of the Ballinhassig_1 OD). Monard has circa 50 hectares of land with groundwater body has been assessed as The SFRA is required to comply with the EU a gradient between 1 in 5 and 1 in 12. The ‘good’. Directive on flood risk. Stage 1 consists of upper slopes form part of the backdrop from Flood Risk Identification, Stage 2 is the Initial areas within Cork City. Away from the hilltop, Monard is an unserviced rural area with a Flood Risk Assessment A number of sources of level land is limited in Monard. This renders reliance on individual septic tanks and wells to information were consulted. There are a the site quite exposed to the elements and serve a dispersed population. The provision of number of areas within the Blarney river valley visually very open. The Blarney River is the a public water supply to serve the new town is which have a high chance of flooding in any dominant watercourse with some smaller from a connection to Cork City WSS at given year. However, there are no residential streams within the site. The partially wooded Churchfield reservoir with water supplied from properties at risk from flooding within the SDZ steep slopes of the river valley, (mixture of Inniscarra. Furthermore the collection, boundary. The locations at risk from flooding broadleaf and conifer plantation) forms part of treatment and disposal of waste water to within the Planning Scheme are adjacent to the distinctive character of the site, West of Carrigrennan WwTP has been recommended the River which will not be developed for the Old Mallow Road. as the preferred option from an environmental housing. perspective. The treatment plant in Little island The Draft Landscape Strategy prepared as part has sufficient capacity to cater for the The draft Lee CFRAMS has identified locations of the Landscape Character Assessment of population equivalent of Monard. The options of extensive flooding downstream of the SDZ County Cork was published with the Draft for the proposed water supply together with lands. There is a history of flood events County Development in 2007. The Monard site options for waste water collection and disposal downstream of the site. Extensive site is located at the juxtaposition of three were examined by external consultants. investigations and modelling of the Blarney landscape character types. The majority of the River was conducted for the SDZ site which site is within the Broad Fertile Lowland Valley, Flood Risk has resulted in the formulation of a site the Northern section is within the Fissured specific Sustainable Urban Drainage Strategy Fertile Middle ground, and lastly the South The consequences of flooding can be profound for Monard. The SUDS strategy is considered Eastern corner is within the City Harbour and with environmental, economic and social the optimal solution for surface water Estuary. consequences as well as a threat to human management. life. The introduction of systematic flood risk The vegetation on site is characterised by assessment as a result of the EU Floods Landscape mature hedgerows that line the bordering Directive ensures a more consistent approach roads and define the largely regular field to flood risk assessment, in particular for land The topography of the site itself is undulating pattern. Hedgerows are often raised on low use planning. within an active agricultural landscape. The earthen banks, which give form and definition

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to an otherwise open landscape structure. There is an existing 110kv ESB line which The principal views into the site were identified They can be identified as a landscape asset, passes along the Eastern and Northern from the initial ZPV combined with appraisal of the trees surrounding the farm complexes and sections of the site. It has the potential to mapping (OSI discovery series) and on site vernacular houses are also a landscape asset pose a visually unattractive corridor within the investigations. The locations were chosen to to be retained. new settlement. represent potential vantage points from nearby communities or well known locations along In order to help determine the potential with a range of distances and locations. visibility or Zone of Potential Visibility (ZPV) of Monard a digital information model was The viewpoints were almost entirely taken undertaken. This determined the visual from the public road. The field work reinforced sensitivity of the receiving landscape. The the importance of the topography and the results are presented as a colour map, existing vegetation pattern in determining the informing the overall visual sensitivity of the extent of visual influence of the site. The site. The process is helpful in determining the location of the selected viewpoints is shown on location of key viewpoints into the site from the adjoining map: the surrounding area.

Vegetation Structure

The physical character of Monard within the wider context is of a recognisably rural landscape in close proximity to the Northern fringes of Cork City. The two hills at Rathpeacon and Killeens are prominent in most views and the combined topography tends to physically and visually separate the built up area of the City from Monard. Zone of Potential Visibility Map

Location of viewpoints

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Material Assets links the site to Blackpool and Cork City with to focus targeted population in areas well two skew bridges. served by public transport. The timing of the Material assets are usually defined as new rail station is critical to encouraging the infrastructure and utilities. These include: rail, The primary access roads within the site follow use of the train as a sustainable mode, before road, water supply and wastewater treatment a north south line with two very poorly aligned unsustainable commuting patterns become facilities. The existing utilities are limited, third class roads which cross the site. The established. which is representative of a rural area. There route of the Old Mallow road follows the is a strategic Bord Gáis gas line which Western site boundary. The route of the A Transport Assessment was prepared in traverses the site in an East West direction. proposed Northern Ring Road forms the South tandem with the 2012 Planning Scheme by the Also, strategic in nature is the existing 110kv East boundary of the site, access to it via a external consultants Arup. The aim was to ESB line. suitably located junction will be important for identify the capacity of the existing road Monard. The National Roads Authority is network and to determine the improvements The site is not presently served by broadband, responsible for the Northern Ring Road. necessary to facilitate development of the new the roll out of broadband does extend to town. Traffic counts were carried out as part Blarney and along the main Dublin Cork rail of the assessment. The level of traffic way line which forms the Southern site increases as it approaches Cork City, with the boundary. There is no public water or foul N20 Cork to Mallow Road recorded as the sewerage in the area as discussed in the busiest roadway in the vicinity of the site. previous section. The primary material asset that pertains to this site is the existing rail line, A number of thresholds have been identified in maximising the capacity of this asset is the the transport assessment for the provision of corner stone of the Scheme. road improvements in the locality. The provision or addition of road improvements Transportation increases with the number of housing units. In addition to local transport assessment a more The existing transport demand within the Existing Road Network detailed assessment a Strategic Transport locality is low. The traffic movements are Assessment was prepared in response to An largely confined to peak times in the morning The existing public transport provision is Bord Pleanala’s refusal reason. The primary and evenings to locations such as the City, limited to an in frequent bus service. A bus line refusal reason related to the uncertainty of the South West of City and further afield. serves Cork City to Waterloo via Blarney, with proposed Northern Ring Road and a junction a daily rural bus service to Whitechurch. The to serve the new town. The Cork Northern The local road network is poor with a myriad majority of the County’s population travel to Environs Transport Assessment was carried of narrow roads in the area. The Mallow road work by car. The key to increasing sustainable out by Systra in 2014. Two locations emerged (downgraded N20) is the main road which commuting and decreasing car dependency is as the best options for an intermediate

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junction to serve the North of Cork City. A productive mineral soil, commonly used for • The bedrock is a locally important aquifer. preferred location has been selected North of cultivation of both crops and pasture. The • The bedrock exposure and shallow depth Kilcully This green field site represents the subsoil is predominately sandstone till of overburden means that the aquifer opportunity to provide public transport, (Devonian), with several regions of exposed vulnerability is high. pedestrian routes and cycle ways in a manner bedrock along the west side of the site with that allows for direct and attractive routes. smaller pockets South East of Boreen Dearg. Hydrogeology The Scheme identifies an increased number of pedestrian and cycle routes from that outlined The bedrock of the study area is classified by in the 2012 Planning Scheme. the GSI as a locally important aquifer (LI). The bedrock aquifer vulnerability within the study area ranges between high (H) to extreme (E). The groundwater vulnerability in the Monard area is divided into two categories - extreme vulnerability (E) and high vulnerability (H). The change of use proposed within the Planning Scheme will remove a quantum of lands in use for agricultural purposes, this will impact upon the existing soil structure EPA Subsoil Map following removal of soil for development. General Geological Characteristics Air, Noise, Climate & Sustainability General Geological Characteristics In order to protect human health and the

Cycle & Pedestrian Routes • The solid geology comprises mudstones health of our ecosystems air quality monitoring Source: Framework Plan and sandstones. is carried out in Ireland. The EU Directive sets • Rock outcrops are to be found in the sides the standard for a variety of pollutants, air of the river and would be expected to be quality monitoring is carried out by the EPA to at a relatively shallow depth over parts of assess compliance with these standards. The Soil, Geology, Hydrogeology the site. county is divided into zones. The Cork Urban • No karst features would be expected on Area is zone B and the non urban area is Zone Soils are generally considered a non renewable this site, it does occur to the southwest D. The Monard site is located just within Zone resource. The predominant soil types within and a karst feature is noted on the D, which is an unrestricted coal area. the site are Acid Brown Earths Brown Geological Survey of Ireland database in Podzolics. This soil type is a deep well drained that area.

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There are five air quality monitoring stations in which skirts the South Eastern boundary of the from the residential sector accounted for just Cork City and County. The location closest to site. over 10% of total emissions in 2005, based on Monard is Blackpool, Cork City Centre and direct energy consumption for space and water Glashaboy are short distance away. The latter Climate change refers to any change in climate heating11. The EU Performance of Buildings would be classified as Zone D. The other two over time, whether it’s natural variability or as Directive 2010/31/EU in 2010 is the main locations are within Zone B. Historical data in a result of human activity. Climate change legislative instrument to reduce the energy Blackpool suggests the air quality was very normally refers to changes in global consumption of buildings. good. The air quality in Cork is considered temperature and long term trends in weather. generally good with a mild climate and almost It is widely accepted that the impacts of Transport is the third largest contributor to a continuous movement of air. There are no climate change present significant challenges emissions, it is also a source of noise and IPPC10 licensed activities in the vicinity of the for water management in Ireland. It is likely consumption of energy. A systematic shift in Monard site. that more extreme weather patterns will the way we live into the future will reduce emerge, with increased incidences of flooding emissions and carbon output. Land use Monard is located in an exposed landscape, resulting in greater impacts. This is relevant to planning can directly impact on the number the SDZ area includes most of Monard Hill, Monard, in particular lands and settlements and extent of journeys. The provision of the and the South West part of Rahanisky Hill. The downstream of Monard. rail based settlement will provide for more prevailing winds are predominately from the sustainable levels of mobility, noise, air South, South West, West and North West. The increase in green house gas emissions is a emissions and energy consumption. Development could be quite exposed to winds well documented contributor to climate and noise in addition to being visually change. After carbon dioxide, methane Archaeological, Architectural and prominent. The general means of softening the emissions are the second largest contributor to Cultural Heritage visual impact and improving shelter includes the green house effect, methane gas is grouping of buildings, landscaping and tree associated with agriculture and landfills. Cork County Council’s archaeologist carried out planting. Agriculture, which is the primary land use in an Archaeological, Architectural and Cultural Monard, is considered the largest contributor heritage assessment of the SDZ site. Monard is a rural agricultural area apart from to Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Archaeological heritage is protected primarily local traffic noise and distant traffic noise from However data for greenhouse gas emissions under the National Monuments Acts (1930- the N20 the background noise levels are low. are aggregated on a national level. Therefore, 2004) which provides a statutory basis for the The intermittent noise levels from the Cork to no baseline emissions data exists for Monard protection of sites and monuments (RMPs). Dublin rail line would be quite low. The or at Cork County level. The Records of Monuments and Places (RMP) greatest potential for traffic noise is from the was established under the National proposed Northern Ring Road, the route of The creation of sustainable neighbourhoods has been the underlining philosophy in the 11 DoEHLG, 2009, Sustainable Residential preparation of the Planning Scheme. Emissions 10 Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Development in Urban Area

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Monuments Act 1994, any structures features presence of additional monuments, further or objects in this record are known as recorded investigations will be required prior to monuments. All archaeological sites are shown development including a combination of non in the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) intrusive geophysical survey and licensed (www.archaeology.ie) including all newly archaeological testing. There are two Recorded identified archaeological sites discovered since Monuments at the edge of the SDZ – Monard 1998. There are three recorded monuments Spade Mills and Monard Railway Bridge. The within the site boundary. SDZ site has a significant number of Bronze Age sites, these are mainly fulacht fiadhs, Monument Number Location standing stones and standing stone pairs. The Standing RMPCO063-050 West of context of archaeological sites is outlined stone Blarney River within the environmental report. Fulacht fiadh RMPCO063-108 West of Blarney River An archaeological and cultural heritage Railway bridge RMPCO063-097 Southern assessment was carried out for the preferred Boundary and alternative water supply routes and

reservoir sites to serve Monard (by Tobar The topographical files of the National Museum Archaeological Services on behalf of RPS were checked, no record of any finds was ever consultants). The route corridors were recovered from the townlands within the SDZ. assessed for their archaeological landscape

potential by way of a desktop and field survey. A survey of the entire site was conducted in over a six month period. The field survey work An archaeological assessment was carried out identified six potential archaeological sites. The Potential Archaeological Monuments on the proposed waste water pipeline route sites are as follows; (by Nicholas O Dwyer consulting engineers). Architectural Heritage Site No 1 Levelled fulacht fiadh The route of proposed twin rising main is Site No 2 Possible fulacht fiadh largely on the public road. The archaeological The architectural heritage of the site examines Site No 3 Standing Stone assessments for the external infrastructure are the upstanding architectural structures of the Site No 4 Linear features supporting documentation to this SDZ which post date 1700. Architectural Site No 5 Possible burial ground environmental report, further details can be heritage is provided for under the Architectural Site No 6 Standing stone. found within these reports. Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, The discovery of a number of potential 1999 and the Planning and Development Acts archaeological monuments could signify the (2000-2001). The acts provided a forum for

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the creation of a National Inventory of provide important links to the past and should Monard and Kilcronan is of paramount Architectural Heritage (NIAH) which is used by be retained and sympathetically restored to importance. Local Authorities for compiling the Record of provide a new home for someone of this Protected Structures (RPS), thus providing generation. Maps outlining the architectural heritage and suitable protection for structures. There are no cultural heritage of the Planning Scheme area Protected Structures as listed in the Record of Cultural Heritage are contained within section 5 of the Protected Structures in Cork County environmental report. Development Plan 2009 within the SDZ. There The cultural heritage features outlined in this are no buildings listed in The National section have no statutory protection. However, Impact in the absence of the Scheme Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH). policies with regard to protecting such features are contained in the County Development Plan It is likely that the area would remain A field survey was undertaken to identify any 2009. The cultural heritage of the SDZ is agriculturally productive with limited species or architectural or cultural features within the defined as those buildings and features which habitat variety, opportunities to enhance the SDZ. The survey identified 16 buildings of are not defined as archaeological heritage or biological diversity would be limited. Surface architectural importance. The majority of the as architectural heritage. The features are and groundwater is considered moderate and heritage buildings surviving today are predominately associated with agricultural good in the area, which would remain largely associated with farming, either directly or activity and communication infrastructure. A the same. However the pressure for indirectly. Dwellings houses of vernacular field survey was carried out, a total of 10 uncoordinated development would most likely architecture or local traditional architecture are cultural features were identified. Irish continue close to the City boundary which the most common form of architectural within townlands are one of the ten cultural features would lead to an incremental rise of individual the site. identified in the list of features. septic tanks which could threaten the quality of ground water in the area. The There are some heritage structures associated Townland Name on Translation uncoordinated development pattern would with the roads network and the railway line. six inch OS Map impact incrementally on the existing landscape These include a railway bridge carrying a farm Coolowen Back-land or Hill of character of the area. The rail line asset would road on the south side of the SDZ and a Owen be underutilised; the rural area close to substantial Viaduct over Monard Glen on the Kilcronan Cronan’s church Blackpool would remain car dependant. Noise southern boundary of the SDZ. The impressive Monard High bog levels would remain akin to a rural area, until Rathpeacon Fort of Peacon remains of the seven-arched railway viaduct or unless the proposed Northern Ring is over Monard Glen will form a backdrop to the constructed. In the absence of the planning proposed new town. A number of the The cultural heritage features are important scheme it is likely that previously unknown dwellings of architectural importance are non structural elements of the built heritage links to the past would remain undiscovered vacant within Monard and therefore vulnerable that have survived. The retention of the and therefore not recorded. and likely to fall into disrepair. These buildings townland boundaries particularly between

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6 Environmental Protection 7 Alternatives The following issues were considered of Objectives primary importance in the formulation of the The development and assessment of Planning Scheme: Transportation, Design and The establishment of Environmental Protection reasonable alternatives is a requirement of the Density of development and Implementation of Objectives (EPO’s) for each environmental SEA process. The potential options for the site the Scheme. The categories were based on the receptor identified a desired direction primarily are not presented as composite options, this issues highlighted by the Bord’s decision. The based on the results of the baseline study and approach was not considered appropriate for preferred alternative is a combination of the scoping process. They were compiled with the site. The consideration of alternatives options. regard to the National, European and should be realistic and at the level appropriate International policy documents. They are used for the implementation of the Planning Scheme The above list is not exhaustive, however the as standard against which the contents of the within the planning hierarchy. The Strategic above higher order categories offered a Planning Scheme can be evaluated in order to Development Zone was framed within a policy number of options for the preparation and identify areas where potential significant context set by the plans above it. The context design of the Planning Scheme. The preferred adverse impacts might occur. The for Monard emerged from the Cork Area alternative is a combination of options. The environmental protection objectives are Strategic Plan 2001-2020. Alternative “do nothing scenario” was also examined. separate from the specific development strategies for the direction and scale of growth proposals although they can influence each in the Cork City region were examined during The four categories and options within those other and overlap. the preparation of CASP. These are discussed categories are assessed against the strategic in section 7 of the environmental report. environmental protection objectives in a matrix The use of targets for each of the format in Table 7.1 of the environmental environmental objectives identifies a more The evolution of the Monard concept since report. The table provides an over view or detailed achievable objective (to assess the 2001 placed limitations on the consideration of summary of the assessment. The impact of the planning scheme). Indicators are alternatives for Monard. The Blarney- Kilbarry environmental Assessment of options is a measure of variables over time, to evaluate Special Local Area Plan 2005, which emerged contained within section 7 of the the achievement of the environmental from a consultative process identified the environmental report. protection objective. broad planning principles of the site including; numbers of housing units, number of primary The final table of this non technical summary and secondary schools, list of sporting and documents the selected EPOs, targets and recreation facilities including the provision for a Indicators used within the SEA process. country park.

The pre determination of key components of the new town limits the scope for consideration of alternatives within the site.

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The preferred option selected for the site is as 8 Evaluation of Significant environmental categories demonstrate how follows; Environment Effects of planning scheme environmental considerations have been incorporated into the scheme in more detail. A medium density approach combined with In order to assess the impacts of the Planning The impacts of the land use development one intermediate junction to provide access to Scheme a set of specific development proposals will be mixed, many of the potential the proposed Northern Ring Road. proposals were identified from the Planning impacts on the environmental protection Implementation will be based primarily on a scheme itself. These specific development objectives can be mitigated. system of incentives and control with some proposals were evaluated against the land acquisition. A system of thresholds will environmental protection objectives for the The implementation of the Planning Scheme apply in the four villages with a requirement site. A matrix format was used to isolate the including the quality of individual building for facilities to be provided at neighbourhood potentially significant environmental issues, design and quality of local open spaces will level. The preferred location of the indicating the positive effect, negative effect require more detailed environmental intermediate junction with the proposed NRR and no effect on the environment. The matrix assessment in the form of E.I.S. will have less of an impact on biodiversity and results and the comments arising from the landscape then two junctions North of the City. matrix were discussed in detail in section 8 of The house type and buffers proposed at the The appropriate assessment of potential the environmental report. The summary of the periphery of the site will reflect the rural environmental effects for any junctions is at effects are presented in a grouped format, nature of the site to protect the residential project level. The approach to the sequence of amenity of local residents. The new town development will be flexible requiring The environmental categories are: centre, village centres and community facilities development to adjoin land already developed have the potential to impact positively on with a threshold system defining development • Landuse and Population existing residents with the provision of required before proceeding to the next phase. • Landscape & Visual Impact accessible services and amenities. The provision of four development corridors • Transportation from the main service corridor will ensure • Natural Heritage and Open Space The contiguous nature of the sequencing will development isn’t impeded by landownership • Infrastructural services allow for the roll out of on site infrastructure in issues. • Sustainable Development Proposals an orderly manner. It will also minimise the • Cultural Heritage nuisance and potential negative impacts to The option selected is considered to be the existing residents by limiting the extent of the most sustainable approach for the Landuse and Population area affected, construction management plans development of the site. would also minimise construction related It is difficult to decipher the environmental impacts and contribute to the environmental impacts at this broad level, therefore there is objective P1. potential for negative impacts based on the precautionary principle. However the other

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The likely significant impacts on the future opportunities for substantial mitigation planting However, on the basis of the Scheme as it is population of the new town, and the impact on within the town centre would result in prepared it can be ascertained that the the existing local population and adjoining permanent adverse impacts on the landscape residual landscape impact will be moderate areas are very different. The overall effect on within this area. However in the 2015 Scheme with a major impact for Lower Monard. The the population is potentially negative, however the design and layout of neighbourhoods in overall residual visual impact will be high. The the negative impacts can be ameliorated. Upper Monard is more focused on the zone of landscape impact and visual impact from the Landscape is discussed in a later section. The potential visibility map produced in the new town are likely to be a significant impact on human health is multifaceted with landscape report than in the 2012 Planning permanent effect on the environment. links to water quality, infrastructure provision Scheme. and air quality. The lands at Monard are located in close It will help to reduce the magnitude of impact proximity to the Northern suburbs of Cork City Landscape & Visual Impact on Lower Monard, the additional planting will and the emerging development corridor reduce the overall landscape impact. focussed on the Cork-Mallow rail line. Specific development proposals were Prominent ridge line developments have established for landscape and visual impact in The overall significance of visual impact will be already been encroached by recent large scale recognition of the likely significant impact of high for much of the development, due to the development at Fair Hill and Ballyvolane, the new town on this elevated undulating rural prominence of the sloping ground in views diminishing the desired visual envelope of the landscape. The landscape and visual impacts from the South, West and North from both City. New development is also prominent at were assessed separately for each village area. long and short distance viewpoints. The Killeens and Whitechurch from higher vantage Landscape and visual impact is a complex area highest magnitude of visual impact relates to points and extending eastwards from Blarney and in the case of visual impact is quite Upper Monard, the lowest relates to Kilcronan. (including the Blarney Business Park). subjective. Substantial mitigation woodland planting would only be partly effective in reducing the visual The cumulative assessment of landscape and In consideration of the extent and nature of impact in the long term. visual impact should include the likely effects the Scheme within a predominately rural of combined development, including long term landscape context, the overall significance of The reduction of the visual and landscape development projects e.g. reconstruction of landscape impact is assessed as moderate impact of the new town was a key the road network around Monard, construction subject to realisation of substantial woodland consideration during the preparation of the of the Northern Ring Road, provision of new screen planting to mitigate the impact. The Planning Scheme. The design of each village infrastructure, including railway station. When assessment concludes that Upper Monard, entailed the consideration of; topography, considered in combination with these West Village and Kilcronan will have a potential exposure, orientation and specific views unique developments, it is clear that the character of moderate impact, while Lower Monard to the villages. the landscape will change, with a greater including the town centre is considered to have concentration of urban features within a peri a major impact on the landscape. The lack of urban setting.

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Transportation Having regard to the indications in the traffic sufficiently in place. The design of road assessment prepared for the 2012 Planning upgrades including the provision of the The overall Scheme objectives for Scheme, further transport assessments are Southern and Western strategic links will be transportation are positive with the exception recommended in the Scheme at certain subject to a separate consent process. The of the up grade in the roads capacity within intervals in the process of development at design and detail of these roads will be more the local area, which has potential to be Monard. The Scheme states a further transport appropriately addressed at the Environmental negative if unmitigated. The public transport assessment is required at 3,800 houses. The Impact Assessment stage. A number of road objectives are likely to have a positive effect, delivery of the full quantum. i.e. in excess of improvements are required to facilitate objectives for road infrastructure which would 5,000 houses is dependant on the Northern development to the threshold of 3,800 units. promote the use of private transport would Ring Road to avoid serious traffic congestion. This would also be an appropriate time to have the potential for negative effects and will These thresholds still apply however a review both the transport strategy and require mitigation. The phased and sequential Strategic Transport Assessment was implementation of the scheme. The regional approach of the road improvements together commissioned to address this issue. The Cork transport model currently being prepared with the use of reservations will reduce the Northern Environs Transport Assessment would provide a useful basis to assess Monard scale of impacts on the surrounding recommended two possible locations for a and the other developments including environment, it will allow the establishment of junction that would serve the North of Cork Stoneview (Blarney) and Ballyvolane which are sustainable commuting patterns based on City (including Monard, Blarney and likely to interact with it and the Northern Ring public transport, provided the rail station is Ballyvolane). Road. operational early on. The potential negative impacts to existing residents will be limited by Following consultation with the NRA and The Systra report concludes that there is no the orderly roll of the road improvements. further detailed design a location North of single option which results in a congestion free Additional congestion at junctions would Kilcully was selected as the preferred location environment on the Northern Fringes of Cork negatively impact on residents. for a junction. The impact of the proposed City. The regional transport model when Northern Ring Road is subject to a separate completed will inform the review of the Cork The public transport provision combined with consent process, the NRA is the competent Suburban Rail Network Feasibility Study. This pedestrian and cycle routes will minimise authority. The NRR would improve transport would be beneficial, particularly in light of carbon emissions and reduce the impact on air connections within the wider Cork area and policy and demographic changes that have quality and energy dependence. Potential undoubtedly relieve congestion at junctions occurred since its creation e.g. the CASP negative impacts to existing residents will be close to the City. Discussions have been held update. More information on the reduced by limiting the extent of the area with the relevant stake holders in relation to a commissioning of an economic appraisal in affected, construction management plans junction with the NRR. The provision of the relation to the Feasibility study of proposed rail would also minimise construction related NRR is subject to funding similar to all large stations is required. impacts. infrastructure projects. Development will not commence until economic conditions are

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Natural Heritage and Open Space the existing baseline conditions and will have a help minimise transport-related energy positive long term impact on the environment. consumption and encourage energy-efficient The overall Scheme objectives for natural housing layouts. The rationale for Monard was heritage and the creation of open space are The potential negative impacts in relation to to create a new town with access to positive or neutral. The agricultural landscape water supply and waste water relate to the sustainable modes of transport. The creation of Monard has generally a low level of provision of external infrastructure to facilitate of sustainable neighbourhoods within the biodiversity as a result of heavily grazed and Monard, there is potential to conflict with Planning Scheme is demonstrated in a cultivated grasslands. Opportunities to create various aspects of the environment. However multitude of ways as detailed in chapter 8 of new ecological habitats to enhance the an ecological and archaeological assessment the this report. biological diversity have been incorporated was carried out for the source and route of the through the use of green infrastructure which proposed water supply and the route and Cultural Heritage will have a positive long term impact on the outfall for the waste water infrastructure in ecological diversity of the area. The protection tandem with the preliminary reports. The overall impact on archaeological heritage of Blarney bog proposed NHA is one of the key Also there is a history of flood events is unknown but with effective and appropriate environmental protection objectives. downstream of the site, consequently the mitigation the potential impact should be disposal of surface water for the new neutral. A number of potential archaeological Maintaining and protecting the existing settlement was of paramount importance. A sites were discovered following a preliminary hydrological flow regime of the Blarney River site specific Sustainable Urban Drainage archaeological assessment and survey of the was paramount in the creation of the SUDS System's strategy was developed by the site by the Council’s archaeologist. The strategy. The protection of biodiversity in external consultants with extensive site potential monuments have been incorporated general is dependant on the effective disposal investigations. The philosophy of this system is into the layout during the design stage. The of waste water. The upfront provision of waste to replicate as closely as possible, the natural potential monuments will require further water infrastructure with sufficient capacity to drainage from the lands prior to development. investigation to determine their status. The cater for the proposed new town in impact on archaeological sites can be kept to Carrigrennan WwTP, will directly contribute Sustainable Development Proposals the minimum by further investigation and the towards protecting the status of water bodies, implementation of appropriate mitigation soil function and ecological diversity. The overall impact of the sustainable measures. development proposals will have very positive Infrastructural services long term effect, the benefits will not be apparent in the short term but will emerge Monard is an unserviced rural area remote over the longer time. from services. The provision of dedicated water services infrastructure including both On a broad scale, sustainable residential internal and external will ensure protection of development involves settlement patterns that

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9 Mitigation this purpose (chapter 9 of the scheme). Screen • Consideration should be given to the woodland planting remains the primary The SEA process has been an iterative one, development of existing residential plots in mitigation measure. The incentive of planting which has informed the preparation of the a manner which is consistent with the and establishing the trees in advance of the Planning Scheme. Therefore, consideration has pattern and form of development development construction programme will been given in the first instance to prevent proposed for adjoining lands within the ensure that the landscape and visual benefits negative effects on the environment which scheme. are fully realised. Fig 9.1 and 9.2 demonstrate reduces the need for extensive mitigation the benefit of screen woodland planting at two measures. • The inspector also recommended a revised different intervals. table for the sequence of development However, the evaluation revealed potential which consolidated the phasing of The following mitigation measure is proposed negative impacts if unmitigated, therefore infrastructure and development including in relation to the screen planting some mitigation measures are required to roads and transportation infrastructure. reduce the magnitude of the certain impacts This will ensure implementation of the • Provision should be made for the failure of and also to mitigate against potential adverse scheme assessment of planning some trees when considering the number impacts on the environment. applications and monitoring of the same. of trees required per hectare, any trees that die should be replaced in the next The following is a list of recommended The requirement for construction management seasons planting. measures based on the Draft Planning plans outlined in chapter 6 will help to Scheme. A number of the measures were minimise impacts on existing residents during The primary mitigation measure is screen integrated into the final Planning Scheme. The construction. The need for project woodland planting. It is proposed that the addendum to the environmental report and implementation and community liaison during woodland screen should be planted well in SEA statement will provide further up to date the development and implementation stage advance of the development construction information in relation to this issue. was highlighted during the oral hearing of the programme to ensure that the landscape and 2012 Scheme a revised wording was agreed visual benefits are fully realised. Fig 9.1 in The Planning scheme should include the which has been incorporated into the Scheme. section nine of the environmental report following measures or proposals: This will be an important step in minimising demonstrates the benefit of screen woodland impacts on the existing and future populations. planting at two different intervals. Population and Human Health Landscape Transportation The inspector’s report for the 2012 Planning Scheme appeal recommended a number of The Scheme has included a financial incentive • Revised wording stating that applications to points which should be incorporated into the for advanced planting. (contained in chapter the North of the threshold will not be granted Scheme. The points are as follows; 7). A fund of €240,000 has been allocated for

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until the traffic assessments have been particularly useful in the evaluation of the measures and if necessary additional undertaken. transport proposals and any policy changes or replanting may be required within the new additions to the transport infrastructure identified habitat reinstatement sites. • Reference to a threshold for the delivery the which may have emerged in the intervening bus routes, it comprises a large proportion of years. • Native tree species will be planted to the public transport element of the new town. compensate for the removal of native and The position of the bus routes should be linked Biodiversity & Water Resources non-native tree species in selected areas. to phases of development. e.g. grey willow, alder, pedunculate oak , • The recommendations and mitigation hawthorn and ash. Understory species • The requirement for a further traffic measures outlined in the Ecological report including Elder, Hazel and Guelder rose are assessment has been identified, the potential prepared by Ecofact should form part of the also recommended for drier ground. All for cumulative effect of vehicular traffic on the Scheme. A brief summary of the measures replanted trees will be sourced from native local and strategic road network should be contained in their report are outlined as stock. assessed. follows: Any works within, adjacent to or draining to • Reference to the point in the development at • Any replanting within the study area these watercourses must take account of the which the flagship cycle and pedestrian routes should take account of the soil conditions following guideline documents ; will be substantially complete to be effective and existing vegetation within the affected and useful. areas. Species for replanting of drier 1. Kilfeather (2007) ‘Maintenance and ground above the riparian corridor will protection of the inland fisheries resource • Reference to the completion of the Regional differ from species recommended for during roadconstruction and Transport Model and review of the Cork within the floodplain. improvement works’; Suburban Rail Network Feasibility Study in light 2. Murphy (2004) ‘R equirements for the of policy and demographic changes that has • There should be no net loss of tree cover Protection of Fisheries Habitat during occurred since its preparation e.g. CASP or riparian habitat within the affected Construction and Development Works at update. The timeframe for the economic areas required for the SuDS design. At River Sites’; and appraisal including the terms of reference and detailed design stage the trees scheduled 3. NRA (2008) ‘Guidelines for the Crossing the bodies to be involved should be specified for removal will require enumeration and a of Watercourses during the Construction in the Scheme. projected failure rate of 50% added to the of National Road Schemes’. total number of trees to be replanted • A review of the Planning Scheme should take within the study area. • For the protection of salmonids, no place within 5-7 years of adoption. A formal instream works shall be undertaken in the amendment could be made at this stage to the • Replanting must include for monitoring of watercourses during the period October to Planning Scheme if required. It would be the success of these compensation

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May. This timing of works will also avoid faces and surrounding subsoil is maintained likely potential for unrecorded monuments, fish spawning times. this should form part of the management plan. should be included. To minimise disturbance to residents city type • Under the provisions of the Wildlife Act noise suppressed rock breakers and “damping • The colloquial field names used locally (1976, amendment 2000), no removal of down” should be used to mitigate any should be incorporated into new trees, scrub or reed-bed habitat should be significant noise, dust and vibration developments and utilised at the carried out during the bird breeding generation. development management stage. season (1st March to 31st August); unless written permission is obtained from the • The vernacular architecture of Monard NPWS. Cultural Heritage consists of dwelling houses largely associated with farming in private The mature trees within the study area all • At development management stage it will be ownership. The vacant dwellings of have potential as day roosts or summer night necessary to establish the nature and date of architectural importance which provide roosts and a bat survey of the affected areas is the sites identified as potential archaeological important links to the past should be recommended. Trees identified for removal sites through archaeological investigation such retained within the SuDS design are checked in advance as licensed testing and excavation. for bats. Sustainable Development Proposals

Chapter 8 contains environmental principles which • All archaeological sites (including potential The specific development objectives relating to address all other biodiversity concerns. archaeological sites) and buildings of sustainable development proposals (SA SB SC) architectural merit should be protected promote sustainable development in a Soil and Geology from any impact from the proposed multitude of ways. development. • The Geological Survey of Ireland have Mitigation Measure recommended: requested that Notification of ground • Detailed specific archaeological and excavations for infrastructure to undertake architectural assessments should be The Planning scheme should include: recording or rock sample gathering should be undertaken in advance of any future sent to the Geological Survey of Ireland. development. These should include non- • Reference to a menu of measures for intrusive surveys such as geophysical and energy conservation and efficiency to be • Construction management plans should include intrusive investigations such as incorporated into the new development. soil management and waste minimisation archaeological test trenching. The area All future planning applications for plans. Furthermore engineering measures to and extent of these techniques will be development should demonstrate their be put in place to ensure stability of slope determined by the nature and extent of compliance with the directive at the proposed development, areas with development management stage.

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• All Planning Applications shall be accompanied by a suitability statement, which shall identify the extent of recycled or reused material to be used in the development, in particular 40% of cement in concrete shall be a recycled industrial by- product or alternative acceptable to the planning authority.

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Appendix A Summary of Environmental Assessment of Planning Applications

Potential Positive Potential Potential Potential Neutral Uncertain Negative Negative Likely to be Unlikely to be Mitigated Unmitigated

LU A Create a detailed land use plan for the T1 P1 W2 L1 L2 S1 T2 P2 P3 L1 L2 A1 W3 E1 C1 development of a flagship rail based new B1 B2 W1 B3 C2 town North East of Cork City whereby infrastructure, transport connections, public and commercial services will be provided in tandem with the housing to create a balanced form of development. LU B Create a sustainable new town to T1 P1 W2 L1 L2 S1 T2 P2 P3 L1 L2 A1 W3 E1 C1 comprise a town centre adjacent to a rail B1 B2 W1 C2 B3 station with a further three village centres namely; Lower Monard, Upper Monard, West Village and Kilcronan. It is proposed to accommodate a range of approximately 4- 750 – 5,850 new housing units, with a projected population of 13,000 persons, which includes a generous provision of open space. LU C Create four village centres to serve the T1 P1 W2 L1 L2 S1 T2 P2 P3 L1 L2 A1 W3 E1 C1 adjoining neighbourhoods with the B1 B2 W1 C2 B3 appropriate quantum of dwellings within each neighbourhood, with provision for an appropriate range of retail, commercial, community facilities, primary schools, crèches and amenities to support the new population and existing residents within Monard, while also maximising their accessibility and commercial viability. A secondary school will be provided close to the rail station.

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LU D Construct a new mixed use town centre T1 P1 E1 W2 L1 L2 S1 T2 P2 L1 L2 A1 W3 adjacent to the new rail station, it is envisaged that P3 B1 B2 W1 the town centre will support approximately 20,000 square meters of retail / commercial floor space. LU E Employment uses will consist of local service P2 P3 B1 B2 B3 W1 S1 W3 T2 E1 W2 employment with some offices located adjacent to A1 T1 C2 L1 L2 proposed Northern Ring Road, the settlement will rely on adjacent employment lands in Kilbarry and Blarney Business Park. LU F Protect the residential amenity of existing one P2 P3 C1 C2 L1 B1 B2 B3 W1 W2 W3 off dwellings within and adjacent to the Monard, S1 T1 T2 P1 L2 E1 ensuring adequate buffer to new development is provided. LV A Minimise the visual impact of the Draft P2 C2 L1 L2, S1 L1 L2 C1, B1 B2 B3 W1 Planning Scheme by avoiding development in W2 W3, A1,T1,T2, sensitive viewpoints and locations as identified in P1, P3 E1 the Zone of Potential Visibility (ZPV). . LV B Retain existing landscape features including P2 , C1,C2, L1, L2, B1 B2 B3 W1 W2 field banks, hedgerows and tree lines. Provide a S1 W3 A1,T1,T2, landscape framework plan for each of the four P1,E1 P3 villages with landscape components outlined within. Provide for advanced mix planting of coniferous and broadleaf trees to ensure year round tree coverage and also create a sheltered microclimate on exposed lands. LV C Residential development should be fine P2 L1 L2 S1 E1 B1 B2 B3 W1 W2 grained with houses of a particular type clustered in W3 A1,T1,T2, P1 quite small groups avoiding continuous rows of ,C1,C2, P3 development. House designs and layouts should be responsive to localised variations in their environment – including topography, orientation, retained features and recreational infrastructure. Avoid use of conventional house design with substantial use of retaining walls on sloping contours, house design should utilise the level difference within the site to an advantage.

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LV D Building heights should be within the range of P2 L1 L2 B1 B2 B3 W1 W2 storeys identified for the seven categories of house W3 A1,T1,T2, type proposed within the Draft Planning Scheme. The P1,E1,C1,C2,S1 P3 use of materials and finishes should be appropriate for different parts of the SDZ as indicated at village level, and in some cases at neighbourhood level. T A Provide a rail station at Monard with provision for A1,T1,P1 B1 B2 B3 W1 W2 park and ride facilities. The station configuration W3 T2, should provide access for pedestrians, cyclists, bus E1,C1,C2,S1 P2 users and users with limited mobility. The opening of the station shall coincide with the first substantial block of development with a frequent train service to promote sustainable commuting patterns by rail. T B Provide sustainable transport connections to A1,T1,P1 C2 B1 B2 B3 W1 W2 complement the existing rail line and proposed rail W3 T2, E1,C1, ,S1 station with non motorised modes such as walking P2 P3 and cycling with direct routes to the station and the City ( via Blackpool) for shorter movements. and a bus service internal to Monard as the town expands. T C Construct a permeable built form with green A1,T1,P1 C1 C2 B1 B2 B3 W1 W2 routes to facilitate cycling and pedestrian movements L1 L2 S1 W3 T2, E1,P2 P3 within the site, with dedicated routes in locations with a shallower gradient. The route of the principal cycleway will be located along the western side of Monard hill serving the town centre, West Village and Kilcronan directly. The primary pedestrian link will be a covered route from the station to Upper Monard village centre. with additional cycling and pedestrian spurs. T D Upgrade access routes to and from Monard in a T2 A1 T1 P2 P3 L1 L2 B1 B2 B3 W1 W2 C1 C2 phased approach with the provision of additional W3 E1 P1 road improvements at thresholds identified in the transport assessment. These include the service corridor, strategic Southern Link and strategic Western Link roads which will provide capacity in the local road network to cater for up to 3,800 residential units in Monard. Improved access to the National Primary Route is required to provide for additional housing units.

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T E Promote provision of a single junction T2 L1 L2 P1 S1 A1 P3 T1 P2 B1 B2 B3 with the proposed Northern Ring Road to W1 W2 W3 E1 serve Monard and the IDA Industrial Estate at Kilbarry. This would greatly improve transport connections from Monard to the major concentrations of employment and services South West of the City. NH A Protect the natural heritage and wildlife B1 B2 W1 L1 C2 B3 W2 W3 S1 A1 corridors along the Blarney River and streams T1 T2 P1 P2 P3 throughout the site to ensure movement of C1 L2 E1 mammals within established ecological corridors. NH B Protect and maintain the current hydro B1 B2 W1 W2 B3 W3 S1 A1 T1 geological regime of the proposed NHA at T2 P1 P2 P3 C1 Blarney bog which supports the wet grassland C2 L1 L2 E1 habitats and the breeding bird population within the site. NH C Develop a multifunctional open space B1 A1 P1 P2 L1 L2 B2 B3 W1 W2 hierarchy to include the Country Park in the S1 W1 C2 W3 T1 T2 C1 E1 Blarney River valley down to the individual private garden. Create an ecological network utilising all environmental resources from waterways to woodlands to adopt a green infrastructure approach within the site and links to the surrounding countryside. NHD Maintain the status of the qualifying B2 B1 B3 W1 W2 interests including the annexed habitats and W3 S1 A1 T1 T2 species of the Nautura 2000 sites within Cork P1 P2 P3 C1 C2 Harbour. L1 L2 E1 I A Provide a service corridor in an East West T2 C1 B1 B2 B3 W1W2 direction four development corridors running North W3 S1 A1 T1 P1 P2 to allow for flexibility in the implementation of the P3 C2 L1 L2 E1 new town. The service corridor will include a new roadway within the site which will act as the primary route within the internal road hierarchy. It will also provide for water supply, waste water and utilities to service adjoining lands. The internal road layout will facilitate a bus route when required.

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I B Provide a potable public water supply to W3 B1 W1 E1 B2 B3 W2 S1 A1 T1 T2 serve the new development. The preferred P1 P2 P3 C1 C2 L1 L2 options for source, supply and storage as outlined in preliminary report should be implemented. A site has been reserved within the SDZ boundary for a low level reservoir, a high level reservoir outside of the site is also required. IC Development of new sewerage B1 W1 S1 B2 B3 W2 W3 A1 T1 infrastructure for the collection, treatment P1 P2 P3 C2 L1 L2 E1 and disposal of waste water. The preferred option for the treatment of waste water as outlined in the preliminary report with discharge to Cork Harbour should be implemented. I D Design an integrated approach to surface W1 W2 B1 B2 S1 W3 B3 A1 T1 T2 P1 P2 water management which considers land use, C1 C2 L1 L2 E1 water quality, amenity and habitat enhancements. Thereby, replicating the current greenfield rate of surface water runoff post development to prevent flooding of lands downstream settlements. S A Implement a minimum of two sustainable W1 W2 B1 B2 S1 W3 B3 A1 T1 T2 P1 P2 urban drainage components within the Draft C1 C2 L1 L2 E1 Planning scheme to protect the receiving waters of the Blarney River and promote achievement of good status of all waters to comply with Water Framework Directive. S B Integrate the sustainable urban drainage B1, W1 W2 S1 L1 B2 B3 W3 T1 T2 P1 P2 features into the landscaping structure and L2 E1 C1 C2 amenity areas to ensure SUDs features can be facilitated within useable areas of open space which will also enhance the potential for biodiversity.

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Appendix B Flood Risk Management Objectives actions and pluvial flooding from intense rainfall. The site measures. The OPW have overall responsibility is not at risk from coastal flooding.The Blarney Strategic Flood Risk Assessment for the implementation of the Floods Directive. River, the Kilcronan stream and the tributary Following adoption of EU Floods Directive and stream are the water courses within the site The EU Directive 2007/60/EC on the in line with the subsequent guidelines for itself. The Rathpeacon stream is located South assessment and management of flood risks Planning Authorities, Cork County Council of the site. requires Member States to carry out a prepared a flood risk assessment of the preliminary flood risk assessment by 2011 in Blarney Local Area Plan 2011 comprising a The flood risk information was collated from a order to identify the river basins and series of indicative flood maps. number of sources. The list of recommended associated coastal areas at risk of flooding. sources is contained in the technical The Directive requires the preparation of SFRA of Monard SDZ appendices of the flood guidelines. The catchment based Flood Risk Management following are the lost of sources relevant to Plans (FRMPs) by 2015. Flood Risk Assessment can be undertaken at a Monard. range of scales (regional, strategic and site Legislative Framework specific). The Monard Draft Planning Scheme – Draft River Lee Catchment Flood Risk involves the creation of a new town with a Assessment and Management Plan (Lee “The planning System and Flood Risk population of approximately 13,000 persons. It CFRAM) commissioned and published by the Management Guidelines” were issued by the could be considered equivalent to that of a Office of Public Works. The CFRAM is a DoEHLG and the Office of Public Works in Local Area Plan or masterplan. The following catchment based approach which uses ‘best November 2009. Local authorities are required SFRA involves a 2 stage approach as international practice’ for the assessment and to have regard to flood risk identification, recommended in the guidelines. The flood risk management of flood risks. One of the primary assessment and management processes when assessment prepared for the 2012 Planning outputs from the process was flood extent preparing or varying development plans and Scheme was based on the same information. maps for fluvial and tidal flooding for the local area plans and in consideration of present and future scenarios. (Tidal flooding is applications for planning permission. In Stage 1 – Flood Risk Identification not relevant to Monard) Climate change has general the guidelines state that it is only been factored into the future scenario. necessary to undertake a detailed flood risk The aim is to identify any flooding or surface assessment if it is intended to zone land for water management issues relating to the SDZ - Floodmaps.ie – The national flood hazard development or identify the location of area that may warrant further investigation. mapping website operated by the Office of strategic infrastructure within flood risk areas. Public Works, where information about past Sources of Flooding events is recorded and made available to the The EU Floods Directive 2007/60/EC requires public. The flood maps were consulted, there the preparation of catchment based Flood Risk The potential flood risk in the Monard area is are no flood reports recorded for the Blarney Management Plans by 2015 which will set out fluvial flooding from the Blarney River and River upstream of the Gothic bridge. Flooding

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was reported on the Martin River in Blarney in There have been a number of submissions on is not within the boundary of the Lower Lee February 1990 and November 200012. No the Draft Planning Scheme with regard to CFRAMS, other locations identified as having affected lands were shown within the SDZ existing periodic flooding near Killeens and potentially a significant flood risk will require area. Monard Glen. Both of these locations are additional mapping, Monard is not one of these south of the SDZ site. locations. - Draft Flood Hazard mapping for fluvial and tidal areas commissioned by Cork County -Preliminary Report for Sustainable Urban The site specific SUDS preliminary report is Council from the Consultants JBA Associates. Drainage System conducted by TJ O’ Connor & discussed in further detail in stage 2 and also These indicative flood extent maps provide Associates. in the appendices of the Planning Scheme. flood extent information for river catchments This is a valuable source of baseline where a more detailed CFRAMS study is not As the Blarney River is the main collector for information particular to the Monard site. The currently available. the existing run off within the Monard area, sources are considered adequate for the extensive on site investigations were carried purpose of flood risk identification. - The Draft Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment out for the SUDS scheme. Topographical maps are currently on public display, they are surveys were conducted for the channel and An appraisal of the relevant flood risk sources due for completion at the end of the 2015. The floodplains at approximately 50meter intervals for Monard has identified a very limited area of maps were been produced in collaboration and all bridges, weirs and culverts of the river. land within Flood Zone A. It is confined to the with the OPW, Matt Mc Donald and Cork A 2 dimensional model of the Blarney River Blarney River valley and a small section of the County Council. The locations with the highest and its tributaries was carried out using the Kilcronan stream. This linear strip of 100yr flood risk will be publicised first, then the HEC-RAS River Analysis System software. (1% AEP) indicative flood event is contiguous medium etc. The aim is to identify areas at to the Blarney River for the most part. There risk of significant flooding. The areas deemed Flow monitoring was conducted across the are also very small pockets of 100 yr (1% AEP) to be at risk require more detailed assessment entire site with the landowners consent to Pluvial Flood extent in Lower Monard as on the extent and degree of flood risk under evaluate groundwater flows in terms of identified in the DPFRAs. The area at risk of the CFRAM studies. Monard is located within direction, quantity and quality. Monitoring of fluvial flood follows the course of the Blarney the South West CFRAMs which covers most of groundwater levels within piezometers was River West of the Old Mallow Road. As per the the County. On completion of the CFRAM study conducted over a 6 month period. Fig xxx the widest part of the flood extent map and the FRMP these publications will is in Kilcronan towards the North West of the superseded all existing flood maps. Appraisal of Existing Information site. There is only one point at which the flood -Local Information extent map traverses the Old Mallow Road at Firstly, the flood risk sources in particular the Kilcronan stream. The 6 inch map illustrates Draft PFRAs, CFRAMS and JBA flood maps are that strips of land contiguous to the Blarney considered adequate for the identification of River are flood plains, no other area within 12TJ O Conor, Preliminary Report, Monard any potential flood risk within the site. The site Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems

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Monard has been outlined as liable to flood in range of approximately 80 meters. The highest Sequential Approach the 6 inch map. point is 138m OD Malin to level of 60m OD where the Blarney River passes beneath the The locations at risk from flooding within the The locations south of the Monard site as Cork Mallow rail line. The Blarney River rises 3 Planning Scheme are adjacent to the River. highlighted in the submissions are identified as km north of the site and flows through a steep This area comprises the natural flood plain of within Flood Zone A in the DPFRAs. sided river valley along the Western site the river. The river valley will not be boundary. It is characterised by a well defined developed for housing but will be reserved as Stage 2- Initial Flood Risk Assessment main channel. The overall river catchment is a country park with the level flood plain land 25km², with 13.km² relevant to the catchment suitable for informal recreational areas. This is The 2011 Blarney Local Area Plan sets out the for Monard. The majority of the elevated lands in keeping with the sequential approach which approach to flood risk management within the drain to the Blarney River in a westerly utilises flood risk assessment to direct settlement network. The aim was to avoid direction. The Blarney River joins the Martin development to lands with the lowest risk of development in areas at risk of flooding and River approximately 8.5km downstream before flooding. Recreational areas are consistent where development cannot be avoided to joining the Shournagh River and ultimately the with “water based development”. adopt the sequential approach to flood risk River Lee. The subsoil of the site is largely management. An indicative Flood Extent Map Sandstone Till Devonian with pockets of The pockets identified as at risk of pluvial was created for all the settlements including exposed rock. flooding within Lower Monard have been Monard. avoided and the curtilage of houses amended The two flood risk maps namely the LEE to avoid the risk. This is in keeping with the The flood guidelines describe the two main CFRAMS flood extent map in Fig A3 and the sequential approach as set out in the areas of flood risk, as Flood Zone A (High DPFRAs in Fig A4 outline the areas at risk of guidelines. probability of flooding) Flood Zone B flooding as contiguous to the Blarney River. (Moderate Probability of flooding). The fluvial The Draft Lee CFRAMS was the most detailed The site of the proposed post primary school flood risk identified in Monard is Flood Zone A source for flood risk, it produced fluvial flood is located West of the Old Mallow road close to similar to most areas within the County. extent maps for the catchment of Blarney the railway line. The site is not located with a Development in this location should be avoided River for both the current and future flood zone. The Blarney River valley is located /or only considered in exceptional scenarios. There are a number of areas within at a much lower level to the West of the site. circumstances. A justification test applies to the Blarney river valley which have a 1 in 10 The overall site is 12 acres, the area of the proposals in this zone as per the ministerial chance of flooding in any given year. school site is sufficiently large to allow guidelines. It is not proposed to locate any However, there are no residential properties at flexibility on selection of SUDs design features. development within Flood Zone A. risk from flooding within the SDZ boundary. A site specific SUDS assessment will be required, including specific proposals to cater The site of the new town is situated in a rural for run off within the site. The SUDs undulating countryside with a topographical preliminary report did not include the post

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primary school site. The location of the site embankments. These options were based on has been discussed with the Department of hydraulic modelling that was substantially The philosophy of this system is to replicate as Education. complete prior to the November 2009 flood closely as possible, the natural drainage from event. the lands prior to development thereby In relation to the existing problem caused by A comprehensive site specific SUDS strategy minimising the impact of the development on flooding of a stream at a road crossing near was developed in response to the existing water quality in the receiving waters and Killeens and Monard Glen, this will be flood risk identified downstream of Monard. quantity of runoff in the downstream of the addressed through the use of swales /filtration The system is designed to ensure that the rate site. drains, detention basins/ponds along the new of discharge from the urban area to the SW link road which will ensure no adverse receiving waters should be limited to the The site specific approach required detailed impact on current peak flows in the rivers equivalent greenfield run off rate and volume. modelling of the Blarney river channel to downstream of the SDZ. There is an existing This is discussed in more detail in the next establish the baseline situation and to predict flood risk identified at Rathpeacon stream section. water levels within the river channel for each South of the Monard SDZ. The catchment of flood event. Flood risk was considered from this stream will be reduced though the Sustainable Urban Drainage System the outset as an increase from 0% to 15% implementation of the Monard SUDS strategy, within the Blarney catchment as a result of the flows will be reduced proportionally. The aim of the strategy is to ensure a urban development unless addressed as part sustainable approach to surface water of the scheme. Climate change was factored The draft Lee CFRAMS has identified locations management from all development within the into the design calculations of rain fall by a of extensive flooding downstream of the SDZ SDZ lands and to ensure adequate land is factor of 10%. lands, including the weirs at the Monard spade available to accommodate its requirements. mills. There is a history of flood events The SUDs strategy is based on a hierarchy of downstream of the site, the existing problem The proposed SUDs strategy is a departure solutions based on treatment at source. A was identified in the scoping report at the start from the traditional approach of managing surface water management train approach of the SEA process. Having regard to the rainfall and the rate of runoff from larger was adopted in the design by utilising suitable topographical variations within the site, the storm events by using extensive pipes. SUDs mechanisms which provide source, site disposal of surface water for the new Conventional systems can lead to excessive and regional control. A minimum of two SUDS settlement is of paramount importance. The volumes of run-off discharging at uncontrolled components is required in the scheme to Lee CFRAMS final report has identified areas of rates resulting in flooding of areas further protect the receiving waters of the Blarney significant flood risk (ASPR), management downstream of development. The SuDs River. The SUDs features will be incorporated objectives have been set out for these areas in strategy incorporates objectives for water in every development proposal, a menu of Blarney and elsewhere. The potential option quality protection, flood risk, amenity benefits, appropriate SUDs techniques has been for Blarney and Tower is to be proactive in the habitat creation and future maintenance identified. It is proposed that 60% of surface maintenance of existing flood defence obligations. water attenuation would be provided within

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the neighbourhoods. The developers will have to accommodate the balance of surface water attenuation in their individual applications. The implementation, day to day management of the SUDS features is critical to its success.

In summary the SUDS strategy when implemented will ensure existing Greenfield run off rates and volumes are not exceeded.

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Recommendations for the Planning outlined in the preliminary report. The report which accompanies the Scheme site specific study should include the Planning Scheme. total predicted runoff rate and volume. These measures should be included in the Furthermore a breakdown of the • A review of the SFRA should be done Planning Scheme. attenuation measures required and the in tandem with the 5-7 year review location of same shall be outlined in recommended in the Environmental • A site specific flood assessment should the proposal. The SUDS strategy Report. A number of sources of flood be submitted for any planning should ensure that the current risk information are due to be finalised applications in Monard that is located greenfield run off rates and volume by the end of 2015. A review of the within Flood Zone A or B in the are replicated. All SUDs features shall SFRA will ensure that the most up to Blarney River valley and any other be accommodated within the overall date flood risk information is being locations identified as at risk of site. utilised. flooding. This is in keeping with the guidelines “The planning System and • The maintenance of the SUDs features Flood Risk Management” which require e.g. swales, debris removal etc should a site specific flood risk assessment for be carried out by an agreed body at development within a flood zone. Only regular intervals until such time as the water compatible development will be development is taken in charge by the permitted in such areas. council. This will ensure the features are working effectively and will not • All future planning applications should contribute to any downstream flood demonstrate compliance with the events in Killeens, Monard Glen and SUDS strategy. The “compliance with Blarney. the SUDS Strategy document” should clearly outline the specific measures, • Provision should be made for swales their design capacity and location of /filtration drains, detention such measures. The existing greenfield basins/ponds along the new SW link run off rates and volumes should not road, to ensure no adverse impact on be exceeded. current peak flows in the rivers and streams downstream of the SDZ. The • A separate site specific and detailed SUDS proposals for the link roads SUDs strategy will be required for the should be compatible with the SUDS post primary school site. This should strategy outlined in the preliminary be compatible with the SUDS strategy

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Fig A1 Proposed System of Fig A2 Proposed Swales, Detention Ponds Surface Water Conveyance and Filter Strips Routes