SEA Screening Report. Louth County Core Strategy and Settlement Plans

SEA Screening Report Louth County Core Strategy and Settlement Plans Planning and Development Acts 2000 (as Amended) Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004

Sept 2011 Revision

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 SEA Legal Context 1 1.1 Purpose of the Screening Report 1 2.0 Louth County Core Strategy and Settlement Plans 3 2.1 Louth County Settlement Hierarchy 3 3.0 Environmental Background Data 7 3.1 Need for SEA 7 3.2 Natural 2000 sites located within a 20km radius of County Louth County Council 14 4.0 Assessment Criteria for Determining Whether a Plan is Likely to Have Significant Effects on the Environment 16 4.1 The Character of the plan. 16 4.1.1 Characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be affected 18 5.0 Initial Determination of Louth County Council 21 6.0 Statutory Consultation 21 6.1 Determination for an Appropriate Assessment. 21 7.0 Conclusion 22 8.0 Recommendation 22 LIST OF TABLES Page Table 2.1 County Settlement Hierarchy as set out in the Louth County Development Plan 2009 2015 3 Table 2.2 Population Targets for County Louth 5 Table 2.3 The Border Regional Population Breakdown Targets for 2016 & 2022 5 Table 2.4 Population Breakdown Targets for the Remaining Share 2016 & 2022 6 Table 3.1 Distribution of Existing and Projected Populations 7 Table 3.2 Potential Housing and Population Growth 8 within Settlements. Table 3.3 Residential Zoning in Category I Settlements 2010 2016 8 Table 3.4 Special Areas of Conservation in County Louth 10 Table 3.5 Special Protection Areas in County Louth 12 Table 3.5 Natura 2000 sites located within a 20km radius from Louth County 14

FIGURE Figure 2.1 County Louth Settlement Structure and Hierarchy 4 LIST OF MAPS Map 3.1 Special Areas of Conservation within County Louth 11 Map 3.2 Special Protection Area within County Louth 13 Map 3.3 Natura 2000 Sites to be considered beyond the County Core Strategy area 15

1.0 Legal Context The European Union Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive (2001/42/EC) requires an environmental assessment be carried out for all plans and programmes that are prepared for certain specified sectors, including land use planning. The following Regulations were introduced which transposed this Directive into Irish law: The European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 435 of 2004) and Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 436 of 2004). The SEA Regulations state that SEA is mandatory for certain plans while screening for SEA is required for other plans that fall below the specified thresholds. Where plans fall below or outside of the specified thresholds a screening report is required to be carried out to determine whether the making and implementation of a particular plan will or will not, lead to significant environmental consequences for the plan area. Article 14A (2) of Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 states under 13k Where a planning authority proposes to make a variation of a development plan under section 13 of the Act, it shall, before giving notice under section 13(2) of the Act, consider whether or not the proposed variation would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, taking into account of relevant criteria set out in Schedule 2 A. The criterion against which this is required to be measured and screened is set out in Schedule 2A of the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004. 1.1 Purpose of the Screening Report Screening is defined as the process for deciding whether a particular plan, other than those for which SEA is mandatory, would be likely to have significant environmental effects, and would thus warrant SEA (Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment, 2004, Guidelines for Regional & Planning Authorities, pg 12). The proposed variation of the Louth County Development Plan 2009-2015 is to ensure compliance with the Border Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022 which include population projections for a settlement hierarchy. The purpose of this screening report is to determine whether the Louth Core Strategy and Settlement Plans require a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on foot of this variation. Draft Settlement Plans have been prepared for the Category I Settlements - 13 villages in total. These will replace the local area plans for these settlements, all of which have expired. The settlements for which draft settlement plans have been prepared are Annagassan, 1

Castlebellingham/Kilsaran, Carlingford, Clogherhead, Collon, Dromiskin, Knockbridge, Louth Village, Omeath, Tallanstown, Tullyallen, Termonfeckin and Baltray. As already mentioned, the criteria for determining whether an SEA is required is set out in Schedule 2A of the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004. This report has been prepared in order to determine whether the preparation of the Draft Louth County Core Strategy and Settlement Plans which will or will not have any likely significant environmental effects in terms of the SEA requirements. 2

Section 2.0 Louth County Core Strategy and Settlement Plans The purpose of this Core Strategy is to demonstrate that the Louth County Development Plan 2009 2015 and its objectives are consistent, as far as practical, with the national and regional objectives set out in the National Spatial Strategy 2002 and the Regional Planning Guidelines for the Border Region 2010 2010. The Strategy also seeks to provide consistency as regards the role and function of Gateways, Hub towns, county towns and villages and rural areas in the Border Region and to detail allocation of populations and land for housing to give effect to the settlement hierarchy as set out in the Louth County Development Plan 2009-2015. Draft Settlement Plans have been prepared for the Category I Settlements - 13 villages in total. These will replace the local area plans for these settlements all of which have expired. The settlements for which draft settlement plans have been prepared are Annagassan, Baltray, Castlebellingham/Kilsaran, Carlingford, Clogherhead, Collon, Dromiskin, Knockbridge, Louth Village, Omeath, Tallanstown, Termonfeckin and Tullyallen 2.1 Louth County Settlement Strategy 2.1.1 Settlement Hierarchy The settlement hierarchy for County Louth as detailed in chapter 4 (Louth county Development Plan 2009-2015 and as set out in table 2.1 below, was prepared based on factors such as size of population, range of services, the extent and range of community and other facilities available. Table 2.1: County Settlement Hierarchy as set out in the Louth County Development Plan 2009 2015 Level Settlements 1 Dundalk and Drogheda 2 Ardee and Dunleer 3 Annagassan, Baltray, Castlebellingham/Kilsaran, Carlingford, Clogherhead, Collon, Dromiskin, Knockbridge, Louth Village, Omeath, Tallanstown, Termonfeckin, Tullyallen 4 Ballapousta, Darver, Grange, Gyles Quay, Kilcurry, Kilkerley, Lordship, Mountbagnal, Ravensdale 1, Sandpit, Stabannon. 5 Ballagan, Bellurgan, Benagh, Dillonstown, Dromin, Faughart Lower, Fieldstown/Brownstown 1, Fieldstown/ Brownstown II, Grange Irish, Grangebellew, Glenmore, Greenore, Mansfieldstown, Muchgrange, Mucklagh, Philipstown (Collon), Rathcor, Ravensdale II Reaghstown, Sheelagh, Tinure, Willeville. 3

The settlement strategy and hierarchy are illustrated below. Figure 2.1: County Louth Settlement Structure and Hierarchy * Settlement Plans are being prepared in respect of the Category I Settlements as illustrated by Figure 2.1 above. 4

Population Projections and Future Population Distribution The Planning and Development Act 2010 requires that the Core Strategy is in compliance with and establishes the county development plan population target / allocation as derived from the Regional Planning Guidelines 2010 2022. These are as illustrated in Table 2.2. Over the period of this Plan it is anticipated that the total population for the county will increase to 132,648. This represents an increase in the population of some 10,008 between 2010 and 2016. Table 2.2: Population Targets for County Louth Year Population/ projection Population increase 2006 111,267-2010 122,640 11,373 2016 132,648 10,008 2022 142,800 10,152 (Source: RPG 2010-2022) The Regional Planning Guidelines distributes this target growth in population between Dundalk, Drogheda and the Remaining Share (Table 2.3). Table 2.3: The Border Regional Population Breakdown Targets for 2016 and 2022 County Dundalk Drogheda* Remaining Share 2006 111,267 35,085 30,303 45,879 2010** 122,640 38,200 32,331 52,109 2016 132,648 42,300 35,373 54,975 2022 142,800 47,200 38,415 57,185 (Source: RPG 2010-2022) *Excludes population targets for the environ of Drogheda within County Meath **Estimates The remaining share relates to the area of the County Development Plan and all the towns and, villages to which it refers. The RPGs estimate that the population in the Remaining Share in 2010 was 52,109 and that by 2016 it will increase by 2,866 to 54,975. As illustrated by table 2.4 this represents an increase of 13.6% on the 2006 population and a lesser projected population growth of 5.5% between 2010 and 2016. 5

Table 2.4 Population Breakdown Targets for the Remaining Share 2016 and 2022 Remaining Increase in % increase Share pop. 2006 45,879 - - 2010** 52,109 6,230 13.6 2016 54,975 2,866 5.5 2022 57,185 2,210 4 (Source: RPG 2010-2022) The Census of Population Preliminary Results (June 2011) recorded the population in Louth in 2011 as 122,808. This figure is consistent with the Border Regional Authority Regional Planning Guidelines (2010-2011) estimated population for 2010 of 122,640. 6

Section 3: Environmental Background Data. 3.1 Need for SEA The criteria for determining whether an SEA is required are set out in Schedule 2A of the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004. With regard to Core Strategy and Settlement Plans the main topics considered are: Population: It is estimated that the population in the area covered by the County Development Plan 2009 2015 (the Remaining Share as set out in the Border Regional Population Breakdown Targets for 2016 and 2022 in 2010 was 52,109 and that by 2016 it will increase by 2,866 to 54,975. This Strategy develops a population growth model based on the figures supplied by DECLG and the Border Regional Authority and outlines resultant housing demand in the remaining share of the county and how this demand will be distributed. The distribution of existing and projected population growth is illustrated in table 3.1. Table 3.1: Distribution of Existing and Projected Populations in the Settlement Hierarchy Population 2010² Projected Pop 2016 Increase in Pop Equivalent Residential Units Louth 122,640 132,648 10,008 3,695 Dundalk and 38,200 42,300 4,100 1,507 Environs Drogheda and Northern Environs 32,331 35,373 3,042 1,086 Ardee 4,500 4,700 200 77 Dunleer 1,830 1,995 165 63 Category I 13,280 14,010 730 281 Settlements Category II 2,949 3,111 162 62 Settlements Rural Areas 29,550 31,160 1,610 619. Core Strategy Dundalk and its Environs and Drogheda and its northern environs are the subject of separate core strategies. To manage the sustainable development of Ardee and Dunleer, residential development has been phased in their respective local area plans for 2010 to 2016, in line with the target population growth of these settlements and the resultant housing land requirement. The respective local are plans were the subject of SEA screening reports. 7

Table 3.2 sets out target population allocations, resultant housing requirements, existing land zoned for residential purposes and proposed zoning provision for settlements in the County and rural areas. Table 3.2 Potential Housing and Population Growth within Settlements Settlement Target Population Allocation 2016 Household Allocation 2010-2016 Housing Land Required Aver Density Units/ ha Existing Land Zoned For Residential Use ² (Ha) It is an objective of the Strategy to facilitate orderly and sustainable development in Category I Settlements through the implementation of an overall phasing strategy as detailed in table 3.3. Excess (Ha) Dundalk and 4,100 1,507 54 42 904 850 Environs³ Drogheda and 3,042 1,086 42 40 287 245 Northern Environs Ardee 200 77 11 30 60 49 Dunleer 165 63 4.5 30 14.4 9.9 Category I 730 281 21 20 198 177 Settlements Category II 162 62 18.6 5 - - Settlements Rural Area 1,610 619 - - - - Total 10,009 3,850 151.1-1,463 1,331 Table 3.3 Residential Zoning in Category I Settlements 2010-2016 Settlement Target Population Allocation Household Allocation Allocated Housing Land (Ha) Aver Density Units/Ha Existing Land Zoned for Residential Use Excess (Ha) Annagassan 2 20 12 10 Baltray 1.96 20 10 8.04 Carlingford 3.93 20 20.5 16.57 Castlebellingham/ 6 20 31 25 Kilsaran Clogherhead 730 281 4 20 4 0 Collon 2 20 7 5 Dromiskin 6.2 20 36 29.8 Knockbridge 1.3 20 5 3.7 Louth Village 1.3 20 12 10.7 Omeath 4.62 20 27 22.38 Tallanstown 1.7 20 12 10.3 Termonfeckin 6.2 20 17 10.8 Tullyallen 2.7 20 4.5 1.8 Total 730 281 43.91 198 154.09 8

(i) Phase I residential comprises of residential development which forms part of mixed development in defined village centres (as zoned), additional residential land which facilitates the consolidation and organic growth of these settlements as identified in the land use maps contained within the Settlement Plans and infill development. (ii) Phase II (that is strategic reserve) land will be reserved to allow proper planning and sustainable development in the next plan period(s) Some 44 hectares has been identified as phase 1 residential land. The boundaries of the Category II Settlements are as set out in the Louth County Development Plan 2009 2015. The development envelopes can easily accommodate the projected level of housing provision. The Core Strategy will manage population growth in these settlements over the period of this Plan. Sites of National or International Importance: - The plan area includes 24 Proposed National Heritage Areas (pnhas). (Appendix 1 and 2). It is anticipated that a number of proposed NHAs will be given full designated status prior to 2016. - 34 candidate sites of Geological interest. (Appendix 3) Local Natural Assets: The Council has made 4 Tree Preservation Orders and has listed 32 groups of Trees and Woodlands of Special Amenity Value (Appendix 4 and 5 respectively) Local Assets Architectural and Archaeological: There are currently 659 buildings listed on the Record of Protected Structure (RPS) in the Louth County Development Plan 2009 2015 area. - 9 Architectural Conservation Areas have been designated (Appendix 6) - There are 11 Areas of Special Archaeological Interest (Appendix 7) Natura 2000 sites. The Natura 2000 sites are those which are afforded European protection under the Birds and Habitats Directive. County Louth contains six SAC s which are listed in table 3.3 and illustrated on map 3.1 and four SPA which are listed in table 3.4 and illustrated on map 3.2. 9

The Louth County Development Plan 2009 2015 includes policies to resist development that would be harmful or that would result in a deterioration of habitats or disturbance to species in an SAC / SPA and to ensure that that an appropriate assessment is carried out of the implications of any proposed development on a SAC or SPA or development likely to impact on a SAC or SPA that is outside the designated area or any other SAC or SPA identified during the period of the plan, is undertaken in view of the site s conservation objectives. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has provided generic Conservation Objectives for Natura 2000 Sites as follows: To maintain the bird species of special conservation interest for which the SPA has listed, at favourable conservation status. To maintain Annex I habitats and Annex II species for which the Special Area of Conservation has been selected at favourable conservation status. To maintain the extent species richness and biodiversity of the entire site. To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal users and relevant authorities. Table 3.4: Special Areas of Conservation in County Louth Site Site Name Site Characterisation Code 000455 Dundalk Bay Coastal/Estuarine 000453 Carlingford Mountain Mountain 002306 Carlingford shore Coastal 001459 Clogherhead Coastal 001957 Boyne Coast and Estuary Coastal 002299 River Boyne and River Blackwater Estuarine Map 3.1: Special Areas of Conservation within County Louth. 10

Table 3.5: Special Protection Areas in County Louth Site Site Name Site Characterisation 11

Code 004026 Dundalk Bay Coastal/Estuarine 004078 Carlingford Lough Coastal 004080 Boyne Estuary Coastal/ Estuarine 004091 Stabannan Braganstown Alluvial Plain Note; Detailed descriptions of the Natura 2000 Sites which lie within the boundary of the Louth County Council Plan area are set out in Annex 1. Map 3.2: Special Protection Areas within County Louth. 12

3.3 Natura 2000 sites located within a 20km radius from Louth County. 13

Detailed descriptions of the Natura 2000 Sites which lie beyond the boundary of Louth County Development Plan 2009-2015 are set out in Annex 1. Table 3.5: Natura 2000 Sites located within a 20km radius from Louth county. Site Code Site Name Site Characterisation UK0016615 Eastern Mournes Mountain UK0016620 Derrylackagh Bogs UK0030277 Slieve Gullion Heathland UK0030268 Rostrevor Wood Dry Heath/ Blanket bog UK9020161 Carlingford Lough (County Down) Foreshore 14

Map 3.3: Natura 2000 Sites to be considered beyond the Louth Core Strategy. Section 4 15

4.0 Assessment Criteria for Determining Whether a Plan is Likely to Have Significant Effects on the Environment An assessment of the proposed Draft Louth County Core Strategy and Settlement Plans in terms of the criteria set out in Schedule 2A of the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 is set out as below. The assessment has been carried out in the order in which the criteria have been laid out in the above mentioned Schedule 2 A. 4.1 The character of the plan having regard, in particular, to i) The degree to which the plan sets a framework for projects and other activities, either with regard to location, nature, size and operating conditions, or by allocating resources; The Louth Core Strategy and Settlements Plans will set out a development framework for the planned, co-ordinated and sustainable residential development of Louth County and for the conservation and enhancement of its natural and man made environment. The Core Strategy will seek to provide guidance in the form of policies and objectives for the development of social, physical and environmental infrastructure in a sustainable manner for Louth and its settlement hierarchy. It is not proposed to include additional polices or objectives which conflict with the existing Louth County Development Plan 2009-2015. ii) The degree to which the plan influences other plans, including those in a hierarchy; The strategy and settlement plans are set within the context of the Louth County Development Plan 2009-2016 and may influence all future housing growth patterns within the County of Louth. It is not anticipated that the strategy or settlement plans will have a significant environmental effect on any other plans as it does not propose the zoning or allocation of additional lands for development it will only influence any future planning applications that may be prepared for designated lands within the county. ii) The relevance of the plan for the integration of environmental considerations in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development; The Strategy and Settlement Plans, as per the Louth County Development Plan 2009-2015, will be in accordance with the provisions set out in the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and therefore related to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The Core Strategy will set out a spatial strategy based on a settlement hierarchy for Louth County with strategic locations which are essential to the delivery of the strategy. It will include a written statement on the appropriate development and settlement strategy for County Louth. 16

The Strategic Objectives of the Settlement Plans are as set out in table XX below. Strategic Objectives OBJ 1 Protect and support Category I settlements as local service centres in the rural area and facilitate limited development that is commensurate with the nature and extent of the existing settlement and the availability of public services and facilities OBJ 2 Provide an improved quality of life for all the citizens by promoting the village s economic potential and protecting its natural and built environment. OBJ 3 Provide a high quality of design in private and public development, increasing the quality of the public realm while maintaining the form, character and settlement pattern of the village. OBJ 4 Promote an attractive, safe and accessible village particularly for those on foot, bicycle and public transport. OBJ 5 Zone sufficient land within the settlement to cater for the demand for housing, employment uses, community facilities and amenity uses. OBJ 5 Ensure the identification, assessment and mitigation of environmental consequences of this plan and subsequent developments. The strategy and settlement plans will have due regard to the specific needs and attributes of the area while conforming with the relevant environmental provisions of the various plans, legislation and guidance documents which will inform the making of the plan. Examples of these documents include, but are not limited to: SEA Directives and Guidelines National Development Plan National Spatial Strategy Water Framework Directive 200/60/EC Making Ireland Sustainable National Biodiversity Plan Border Regional Planning Guidelines Development Management Guidelines -June 2007 Development Plans Guidelines - June 2007 Landscape and Landscape Assessment and Appendices 2000 Retail Planning Guidelines for County Louth 2009 Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive and Guidelines Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines 2005 Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for Apartments - Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2007 Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas 2008 & companion document Urban Design Manual A Best Practice Guide 2008. 17

The Government White Paper Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland 2007-2020 National Heritage Plan National Sustainable Development Strategy Flood Risk Guidelines for Local Authorities Louth Heritage Plan Biodiversity Plan for County Louth 2007-2012 Waste Management Plan for North East Region ii) Environmental problems relevant to the plan: The Strategy and Settlement Plans will not include any polices or objectives which will conflict with the Louth County Development Plan 2009-2016 with regard to environmental decisions. It may set out specific requirements for any site specific issues to be addressed through the planning application process by way of mandatory Environmental Impact Statements in order to ensure future developments do not result in significant negative environmental impacts. iii) The relevance of the plan for the implementation of European legislations on the environment (e.g. plans linked to waste-management or water protection); Issues relating to European Union Legislation on the environment are provided for in the Louth County Development Plan 2009-2015. This Core Strategy and Settlement Plans will be consistent with the policies and objectives of the Louth County Development Plan 2009-2015 which itself was the subject of a Strategic Environmental Assessment. The Core Strategy and Plans will therefore be guided and informed by the relevant European legislation on the environment including; waste management and water protection policies and objectives as set out in the Louth County Development 2009-2015 including the Neagh Bann River Basin Management Plan and the Eastern River Basin Management Plan. This Core Strategy and Settlement Plans will also be screened for an Appropriate Assessment at the draft plan stage, with the Environmental Authorities. 4.1.1 Characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be affected, having regard, in particular to i) The probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the effects; This Core Strategy, as detailed above, develops a population growth model based on the figures supplied by DoEHLG and the Border Regional Authority and outline resultant housing demand in the remaining share of the county and how this demand will be distributed in the remainder of the County. Within Category I Settlements, the subject of the Settlement Plans, it does not propose to zone additional lands. The land use assigned to existing zoning will be phased encompassing organic growth, projected population targets, availability of social and physical infrastructure and cognisance of the built and 18

natural environment. The Core Strategy and Settlement Plans will be supplementary documents and require a variation of the Louth County Development Plan. The lifetime of the strategy and Settlement Plans and will be that of the existing and will be reviewed in tandem with the Louth County Development 2009-2015. All developments on zoned lands will be subject to various development plan policies which may, depending on the extent of the zoned land identified, require the preparation of master plans, and where relevant, environmental impact statements. It is considered that there will be no significant negative effects arising from implementing this strategy and Settlement Plans and that the strategy and Settlement Plans will have a positive contribution on the plan area as it will control the release of residential lands. It is expected that the positive effects would, in the main, be permanent and therefore irreversible. ii) The cumulative nature of the effects; The limited anticipated growth will occur in a manner in compliance with the Settlement Strategy of Louth County Development Plan 2009 2015. It is considered that this strategic document will direct development in settlements in a sustainable manner. It is anticipated that the cumulative effects on the environment will be positive. Subsequently it is considered that there will not be any significant adverse cumulative effects on the environment. iii) The trans-boundary nature of effects; Likely significant trans-boundary effects have not been identified in relation to the Core Strategy for County Louth or the Settlement Plans. iv) The risks to human health or the environment (e.g. due to accidents); The County Development Plan includes a development strategy and mandatory objectives as stipulated in Part II, Section 10(2) (k) of the Planning and Development Act (as amended) in relation to the Seveso Agreement which mitigate impacts on human health and the environment caused by development. There are no SEVESO sites within the plan area and as such, possible risks to human health or the environment have not been identified. v) The magnitude and spatial extent of the effects (geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected): The Core Strategy and the Border Regional Planning Guidelines indicates that there is a requirement to accommodate an additional population of 2886 persons between 2010 and 2016 within the Core Strategy area. The Core Strategy table x details the resultant housing requirement and how these are to be distributed within the settlements and rural area in accordance with the Settlement Hierarchy as set out in the Louth County Development Plan 2009 19

2015. The settlement hierarchy seeks to guide the sympathetic development of Ardee, Dunleer and rural settlements in a fashion which will promote sustainable forms of development, that is, consistent with the proper and sustainable development of the county. In this regard, the core strategy and settlement plans promote development within the towns and villages which is commensurate with their existing populations and does not result in excessive or a disproportionate level of development. vi) The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to: a) Special natural characteristics or cultural heritage; There are 10 Natura Sites located within the county development boundary, 24 proposed Natural Heritage areas and 34 candidate sites of geological interest. The Plan area contains details on cultural heritage in the form of Recorded Monuments, Areas of Special Archaeological Interest, Protected Structures and architectural conservation areas, all of which are listed for protection in the Louth County Development Plan 2009-2015. It is the intention of the core strategy and settlement plans to preserve and/or enhance those buildings, structures, trees, open spaces, archaeological remains, views and other elements which contribute to the unique character of the area. All planning applications will be referred to the relevant bodies for comments as appropriate and will be dealt with to best practice standards. Policies and objectives to protect the area s cultural characteristics and the special natural characteristics will be included in the plan. b) Exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values; vii) It is anticipated that environmental quality standards will not be exceeded and that the value of the area will not be diminished as a result of the implementation of the core strategy. The policies and objectives contained within the Core Strategy and Settlement Plans will be set within the context of the Louth County Development Plan for which a full SEA was prepared and published. In assessing the suitability for development and recommending an optimal population for each settlement emphasis has been placed on the consolidation and organic growth of the villages in addition to Settlement function; capacity of environmental infrastructure (i.e. water supply, wastewater treatment, drainage); existing level of development and residential capacity of unoccupied dwellings; availability of community, social and commercial facilities, environmental constraints and accessibility. a) Intensive land-use; The Core Strategy and Settlement Plans do not propose the intensification of existing land uses in the development plan rather the implementation of a phasing regimen. It is considered appropriate that the Council provide policies which seek to reduce the potentially negative impact of increased land uses within the settlements which is achievable through appropriate phasing through the implementation of the Core Strategy and Settlement Plans. viii) The effects on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, European Union or international protection status 20

There are 10 sites within the strategy area which have European Union designation and it is not intended that any of the proposals within the strategy will have any impact on these. Section 5 5.0 Initial Determination of Louth County Council On the basis of the above assessment and consideration of the criteria as set out in Schedule 2A of the Regulations, it is the opinion of the planning authority that the proposed Louth Core Strategy and Settlement Plans will not have any significant likely effects on the environment and therefore do not require an SEA. The planning authority is satisfied that the Louth County Development Plan 2009-2015 was carried in accordance with the principles of sustainable development and the commitment to the enhancement and protection of the natural and man made environment of the area. The Core Strategy and Settlement Plans do not propose to introduce any additional polices or objectives which would have a negative impact on the environment nor should it propose to include additional zonings in the plan area. Section 6 6.0 Statutory Consultation The specified environmental authorities which are required to be consulted in accordance with Article 13A (4) of the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 are as follows: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCMNR). Northern Ireland Environment Agency Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland, Strategic Planning Division The above bodies are currently being consulted. 6.1 Determination for an Appropriate Assessment. The DoEHLG Circular Letter SEA 1/08 & NPWS 1/08 relates to the requirement to screen Land Use Plans for any potential impacts on areas designated as Natura 2000 sites (normally called Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas). It will still be a requirement for the draft Core Strategy and Settlement Plans to be screened for an appropriate assessment as necessary once this plan is in draft format. 21

The circular states that an appropriate assessment means an assessment, based on best scientific knowledge, by a person with ecological expertise, of the potential impacts of the plan on the conservation objectives of any Natura 2000 site (including Natura 2000 sites not situated in the area encompassed by the draft plan or scheme) and the development, where necessary, or mitigation or avoidance measures to preclude negative effects. The potential impacts of policies outside Natura 2000 sites, but potentially impacting upon them (known as ex site impacts) must also be included in the assessment according to the Circular. Section 7 7.0 Conclusion An SEA is not mandatory for the Louth County Core Strategy or the Settlement Plans as they are proposed as a variation of the Louth County Development Plan 2009-2015. They do not include additional land use zoning. Louth County Council has carried out an assessment in accordance with the criteria set out in Schedule 2A of the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 and have initially concluded that the environmental effects of implementing the Core Strategy and Settlement Plans are unlikely to be significant and therefore an SEA will not be required for the draft strategy and draft settlement plans. The Louth Core Strategy and Settlement Plans will be carried out in accordance with the principles of sustainable development and the commitment to the enhancement and protection of the natural and man made environment as set out in the Louth County Development Plan 2009-2015 which itself was the subject of an SEA. A final determination will not be made however until the specified environmental authorities have been consulted. Section 8 8.0 Recommendation It is recommended that the specified environmental authorities as referenced under Section 5 above be consulted and a copy of this report forwarded to them for their consideration. 22

Appendix Page Appendix 1 List of pnha table 2.2 CDP 24 Appendix 2 Map of pnha map CDP 25 Appendix 3 Candidate sites of Geological sites table 2.3 in CDP 26 Appendix 4 Tree Preservation Orders table 2.7 27 Appendix 5 Trees and Woodlands of Special amenity value 2.8 28 Appendix 6 Architectural Conservation Areas as listed on page 62 29 Appendix 7 Areas of special Archaeological Interest table 2.9 29 23

Appendix 1 List of pnha table Proposed Natural Heritage Areas Ref. NH1454 NH1801 NH1293 NH1957 NH1862 NH452 NH453 NH1458 NH1459 NH1461 NH1462 NH1856 NH 455 NH1806 NH1804 NH1451 NH1616 NH1464 NH1805 NH1828 NH456 NH1803 NH1468 NH1465 Location Ardee cutaway bog Barmeath Woods Blackhall Woods Boyne coast and estuary Boyne river islands Carlingford Lough Carlingford Mountains Castlecoo Hill Clogherhead Darver Castle woods Drumcah, Toprass and Cortial Loughs Dunany Point Dundalk Bay Kildemock Marsh King Williams Glen Liscarragh Marsh Louth Hall and Ardee Woods Mellifont Abbey Woods Ravensdale Plantation Reaghstown Marsh Stabannan- Braganstown Stephenstown Pond Trumpet Hill Woodland at Omeath Park 24

Appendix 2 Location and Extent of proposed Natural Heritage Areas 25

Appendix 3 Candidate sites of Geological Interest Ref. G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12 G13 G14 G15 G16 G17 G18 G19 G20 G21 G22 G23 G24 G25 G26 G27 G28 G29 G30 G31 G32 G33 G34 Location Oriel Brook, Collon Clogherhead Collon Quarry Tullyallen Quarry Mapastown Dunany Point Cooley Point Cloghmore Carlingford Port Lins Moraine, Dundalk Bay Rathmore Complex Drakestown Tullyallen Castlebellingham Shore Dundalk Bay Trumpet Hill Dromeena Quarry Salterstown Windy Gap at Carlingford Rampark Cooley Castle Quarry Clogher Head Lamprophyre Barnavave Hill Slieve Foy Barnavave Quarry Mullaghattin John s Castle Rosemount Quarry Templetown Raised Beach Greenore Ardee Moraine Ridges Castlebellingham Morainic Complex Bush Delta 26

Appendix 4 Trees and Woodlands of Special Amenity Value Ref. Location TP1 Townley Hall / King William s Glen TP2 Termonfeckin Village TP3 N1 at Aghnaskeagh TP4 N1 north of Greenore junction TP5 Trumpet Hill TP6 Monvallet east of ESB station TP7 Red House, Ardee TP8 Fox Covert, Ardee TP9 St. Joseph, Ardee TP10 Mullaghesh, Collon TP11 Barmeath Woods TP12 Blackhall Woods TP13 Darver Castle Woods TP14 Louth Hall TP15 Mellifont Abbey Woods TP16 Ravensdale Plantation TP17 Woodlands at Omeath Park TP18 Salterstown TP19 Drumcar TP20 Beaulieu TP21 Drogheda Baltray Road TP22 Newtown House TP23 Church at Milltown TP24 Lisrenny House, Tallanstown TP25 Rathbrist House, Tallanstown TP26 Corderry House, Readypenny TP27 Stephenstown Pond TP28 Ballymakenny Church TP29 South of Killineer TP30 Piperstown House TP31 North of Mount Oriel TP32 The Rectory, Ardee The locations of the above are illustrated on the below on map 2.7. 27

Appendix 5 Trees and Woodlands of Special Amenity Value 28

Appendix 6 The following ACAs were designated in the previous plan: 1. Salterstown 2. Whitestown 3. Newtown Monasterboice 4. Collon (part of) 5. Ardee (part of) 6. Monasterboice Monastic site 7. Carlingford (part of) 8. Castlebellingham 9. Greenore Appendix 7 Areas of Special Archaeological Interest Ref. Location AR1 Ardee AR2 Collon AR3 Carlingford AR4 Dunleer AR5 Louth Village AR6 Termonfeckin AR7 Dromiskin AR8 Grange AR9 Castlering AR10 Castleroche AR11 Newtown Monasterboice 29