Environmental Assessment
Environmental Assessment
Environmental assessments of the Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028 are a crucial element of the process, assessing the potential environmental impacts of the implementation of policies and objectives. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) aims to provide a high level of protection to the environment and to promote sustainable development by contributing to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of the Development Plan. EU Directive 2001/42/EC sets out the provisions in relation to Strategic Environmental Assessment Appropriate Assessment is an assessment carried out in accordance with Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the EU Habitats Directive 92/43/ EEC of the implications of the plan, either individually or in combination with other plans and projects, on protected conservation sites (Natura 2000 sites). The Development Plan can only be adopted if it will not adversely affect the integrity of a Natura 2000 Site.
Limerick’s natural heritage is an integral part of our inheritance and forms part of our sense of identity, providing resources of social, educational, recreational and aesthetic value. Heritage doesn’t just include buildings, it includes our landscapes, rivers, woodlands, hedgerows, geology, plans and animals. The demands being placed on our environment, both natural and built, to satisfy the needs of farming, forestry, industry, housing, transport, leisure and urban growth are increasing. We must seek to maintain a high quality environment while satisfying economic and social need. Blue and Green Infrastructure can be described as the interconnected networks of land and water around us - nature conservation areas, parks, open space, rivers, floodplains, wetlands, farmland and coastal areas found throughout Limerick. The Limerick Development Plan will aim to identify what green networks/corridors require protection and where greenways may be considered for development.
Special areas of conservation
1 Askeaton Fen Complex SAC
2 Ballyhoura Mountains SA
3 Barrigone SAC
4 Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC
5 Carrigeenamronety Hill SAC
6 Clare Glen SAC
7 Curraghchase Woods SAC
8 Galtee Mountains SAC
9 Glen Bog SAC
10 Glenstal Wood SAC
11 Lower River Shannon SAC
12 Tory Hill SAC
Special Protection Areas
13 Stack’s to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA
14 River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA
15 Slievefelim to Silvermines Mountains SPA
Natural Heritage Areas
16 Carrigkerry Bogs NHA
17 Moyreen Bog NHA
18 Lough Gay Bog NHA
19 Grageen Fen and Bog NHA
Consider the following questions:
What do you consider to be the main environmental issues facing Limerick?
How can we ensure that Limerick’s environment is protected?
Can you identify other environmentally sensitive areas in Limerick?
What are the main threats to biodiversity in Limerick?
Links:
Background Paper:
- Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Document
- Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure