Amendments to Environmental Reports

Environmental Reports - Material Alterations

Submission No./ Elected Member Amendment No.

1

Amend Section 6.3 Stage 1 Flood Risk Identification, item 4 of the table on Page 16 of the Environmental Report as follows:

The CFRAM Maps show flood risk within areas outside the town Rathkeale and its hinterland.  Refer to the interactive tool on the OPWs national flood information portal (floodinfo.ie/floodmaps/CFRAM River Flood Extents).

10

2

Amend Section 6.3 Stage 1 Flood Risk Identification, item 4 of the table on Page 16 of the Environmental Report replacing the map of flood extents to include flood zones A and B.

7

3

Update/Insert flood justification tests 6.5.1 – 6.5.8 to address the extent of flooding in the Proposed LAP boundary as below.

1, 7

1

The urban settlements for growth under the National Planning Framework, Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy, statutory plans  under the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, relevant Directives and the Planning Guidelines.

Rathkeale is a Level 3 Settlement in the Settlement Hierarchy, identified in the Limerick Development Plan 2022 – 2028.  The Limerick Development Plan promotes Level 3 towns as development centers for population growth sustaining a wide range of functions, services and employment opportunities supporting Rathkeale’s hinterland.  Rathkeale requires investment in services, infrastructure, transport, employment and housing.  In line with National Policy 3c 30% of all new homes targeted within Level 3 settlements shall be within the existing built-up area of the town. The site is located adjacent to Main Street and has potential to support a broad range of employment, retail, community, residential and transport functions for the existing town centre, in addition to critical infrastructure creating a connection between Main Street and New Line, which will support pedestrian and cycle modes and create greater connectivity within the town.

2

The zoning or designation of the lands for the particular use or development type is required to achieve the proper planning and sustainable development of the town and in particular:

(i) Is essential to facilitate regeneration and/or expansion of the centre of the urban settlement

This brown-fill site is ideally located in the town centre and is of sufficient scale to offer opportunities, for connectivity between Main Street and community facilities at New Line, including public library, school and crèche.  It satisfies national planning policy in terms of compact growth, the re-development of vacant, under-used lands and applying the sequential approach to development by prioritising the development of lands adjacent to the town centre, in this case Main Street in Rathkeale.  Appropriate development of these lands supports the envisaged population growth of Rathkeale as per the Core Strategy and higher-level spatial plans within the lifetime of the Proposed LAP.

(ii) Comprises significant previously developed and/or under-utilised lands

This site was the location of the former Mart in Rathkeale Town. This site is vacant and the under-used structures have fallen into dereliction.

(iii) Is within or adjoining the core of an established or designated urban settlement

The lands are zoned town centre and located immediately adjoining the core of the town. A number of key services are within 150m of the site.  The site satisfies the 10 Minute Town Concept and redevelopment of the site would support/strengthen the town centre.

(iv) Will be essential in achieving compact or sustainable urban growth

The redevelopment on these lands will contribute to compact urban growth aligned to higher-level spatial policy.

(v) There are no suitable alternative lands for the particular use or development type, in areas at lower risk of flooding within or adjoining the core of the urban settlement

Lands are located on Main Street is the central and historic core of Rathkeale. The lands will assist in consolidation of the core of the town, provide connectivity within the town and support sustainable means of movement.

3

A flood risk assessment to an appropriate level of detail has been carried out as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment as part of the local area plan preparation process, which demonstrates that flood risk to the development can be adequately managed and the use or development of the lands will not cause unacceptable adverse impacts elsewhere.

Part of these lands are subject to flooding as indicated in the map above. The Planning Authority will require applications on these lands to be supported by a comprehensive flood risk assessment as per Flood Guidelines.  The Council continue to collaborate with the OPW regarding flood risk in Rathkeale.

4

Conclusion of the Justification Test

Given the measures above, the objectives of the Proposed LAP, the Planning Authority is satisfied that the proposed zoning of these lands as town centre for development is appropriate subject to more detailed site-specific flood risk assessment to be submitted as supplementary information with planning applications on these lands.

1

The urban settlements for growth under the National Planning Framework, Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy, statutory plans  under the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, relevant Directives and the Planning Guidelines.

Rathkeale is a Level 3 Settlement in the Settlement Hierarchy, identified in the Limerick Development Plan 2022 – 2028.  The Limerick Development Plan promotes Level 3 towns as secondary development centers for population growth sustaining a wide range of functions, services and employment opportunities which also supports its hinterland.  Rathkeale requires investment in services, infrastructure, transport, employment and housing.  In line with National Policy 3c 30% of all new homes targeted within Level 3 settlements shall be within the existing built-up area of the town.

2

The zoning or designation of the lands for the particular use or development type is required to achieve the proper planning and sustainable development of the town and in particular:

(i) Is essential to facilitate regeneration and/or expansion of the centre of the urban settlement

(ii) Comprises significant previously developed and/or under-utilised lands

(iii) Is within or adjoining the core of an established or designated urban settlement

No

(iv) Will be essential in achieving compact or sustainable urban growth

No

(v) There are no suitable alternative lands for the particular use or development type, in areas at lower risk of flooding within or adjoining the core of the urban settlement

As per item (i) above

3

A flood risk assessment to an appropriate level of detail has been carried out as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment as part of the local area plan preparation process, which demonstrates that flood risk to the development can be adequately managed and the use or development of the lands will not cause unacceptable adverse impacts elsewhere.

Part of these lands are subject to flooding as indicated in the map above. The Planning Authority will require applications on these lands to be supported by a comprehensive flood risk assessment as per Flood Guidelines.  The Council continue to collaborate with the OPW regarding flood risk in Rathkeale. Future development is generally limited to minor developments, where in areas liable to flooding or open space recreation facilities such as walkways. 

4

Conclusion of the Justification Test

Given the measures above, the objectives of the Proposed LAP, the Planning Authority is satisfied that the proposed zoning of these lands as Open Space and Recreation, and Existing Residential for development is appropriate subject to more detailed site-specific flood risk assessments as supplementary information with planning applications on these lands.

1

The urban settlements for growth under the National Planning Framework, Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy, statutory plans  under the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, relevant Directives and the Planning Guidelines.

Rathkeale is a Level 3 Settlement in the Settlement Hierarchy identified in the Limerick Development Plan 2022 – 2028.  The Limerick Development Plan promotes Level 3 towns as secondary development centers for population growth sustaining a wide range of functions, services and employment opportunities, which supports its hinterland.  Rathkeale requires investment in services, infrastructure, transport, employment and housing.  In line with National Policy 3c 30% of all new homes targeted within Level 3 settlements shall be within the existing built-up area of the town.  

2

The zoning or designation of the lands for the particular use or development type is required to achieve the proper planning and sustainable development of the town and in particular:

(i) Is essential to facilitate regeneration and/or expansion of the centre of the urban settlement

The lands zoned as liable to flooding are zoned Agriculture and Existing Residential.  Existing Residential reflects the occupied Cois Deel estate and residential properties on the R518.

(ii) Comprises significant previously developed and/or under-utilised lands

Circa 2.5 hectares of land is zoned Agriculture as this is a less vulnerable use of lands liable to flooding as advised by the Flood Guidelines.

(iii) Is within or adjoining the core of an established or designated urban settlement

The lands are zoned Existing Residential to the north and Agriculture to the south.  They are located 300m from town centre and a number of services are in the immediate vicinity of these lands.

(iv) Will be essential in achieving compact or sustainable urban growth

Development is restricted to agricultural use on the lands zoned Agricultural. In the Existing Residential zoned future development is generally limited to minor developments.

(v) There are no suitable alternative lands for the particular use or development type, in areas at lower risk of flooding within or adjoining the core of the urban settlement

Not applicable.  The Existing Residential zoning reflects existing use on site.  

3

A flood risk assessment to an appropriate level of detail has been carried out as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment as part of the local area plan preparation process, which demonstrates that flood risk to the development can be adequately managed and the use or development of the lands will not cause unacceptable adverse impacts elsewhere.

Part of these lands are subject to flooding as indicated in the map above. The Planning Authority will require applications on these lands to be supported by a comprehensive flood risk assessment as per Flood Guidelines.  The Council continue to collaborate with the OPW regarding flood risk in Rathkeale. Future development is generally limited to minor developments, where in areas liable to flooding or open space recreation facilities, such as walkways.

4

Conclusion of the Justification Test

Given the measures above, the objectives of the Proposed LAP, the Planning Authority is satisfied that the proposed zoning of these lands is appropriate, reflecting the existing uses on site and the measures identified in terms of limiting development on these lands.

1

The urban settlements for growth under the National Planning Framework, Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy, statutory plans  under the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, relevant Directives and the Planning Guidelines.

Rathkeale is a Level 3 Settlement in the Settlement Hierarchy identified in the Limerick Development Plan 2022 – 2028.  The Limerick Development Plan promotes Level 3 towns as secondary development centers for population growth sustaining a wide range of functions, services and employment opportunities which also supports its hinterland.  Rathkeale requires investment in services, infrastructure, transport, employment and housing.  In line with National Policy 3c 30% of all new homes targeted within Level 3 settlements shall be within the existing built-up area of the town.

2

The zoning or designation of the lands for the particular use or development type is required to achieve the proper planning and sustainable development of the town and in particular:

(i) Is essential to facilitate regeneration and/or expansion of the centre of the urban settlement

Lands zoned Enterprise and Employment and Education and Community Facilities and Open Space reflect existing uses as business, homes and a post-primary school. Similarly, lands zoned Open Space.

(ii) Comprises significant previously developed and/or under-utilised lands

Refer to item (i) above

(iii) Is within or adjoining the core of an established or designated urban settlement

The lands are within 700m of town centre and the zoning reflects existing use as per item (i) above.

(iv) Will be essential in achieving compact or sustainable urban growth

The zoning reflects existing use.

(v) There are no suitable alternative lands for the particular use or development type, in areas at lower risk of flooding within or adjoining the core of the urban settlement

No applicable, significant investment in the area for business, and post-primary school serving a wide hinterland.

3

A flood risk assessment to an appropriate level of detail has been carried out as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment as part of the local area plan preparation process, which demonstrates that flood risk to the development can be adequately managed and the use or development of the lands will not cause unacceptable adverse impacts elsewhere.

Part of these lands are subject to flooding as indicated in the map above. The Planning Authority will require applications on these lands to be supported by a comprehensive flood risk assessment as per Flood Guidelines.  The Council continue to collaborate with the OPW regarding flood risk in Rathkeale.  Future development is generally limited to minor developments, in areas liable to flooding or open space recreation facilities such as walkways.

4

Conclusion of the Justification Test

Given the measures above, the objectives of the Proposed LAP, the Planning Authority is satisfied that the proposed zoning of these lands is appropriate, reflecting the existing uses on site and the measures identified in terms of limiting development on these lands.

1

The urban settlements for growth under the National Planning Framework, Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy, statutory plans  under the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, relevant Directives and the Planning Guidelines.

Rathkeale is a Level 3 Settlement in the Settlement Hierarchy identified in the Limerick Development Plan 2022 – 2028.  The Limerick Development Plan promotes Level 3 towns as secondary development centers for population growth sustaining a wide range of functions, services and employment opportunities which also supports its hinterland.  Rathkeale requires investment in services, infrastructure, transport, employment and housing.  In line with National Policy 3c 30% of all new homes targeted within Level 3 settlements shall be within the existing built-up area of the town.

2

The zoning or designation of the lands for the particular use or development type is required to achieve the proper planning and sustainable development of the town and in particular:

(i) Is essential to facilitate regeneration and/or expansion of the centre of the urban settlement

These lands are zoned Town Centre, Existing Residential, Enterprise and Employment to reflect existing use, and Open Space and Recreation.                                                       They support the central core of the town with residences, and business.

(ii) Comprises significant previously developed and/or under-utilised lands

These land use zones reflect existing use. Land zoned Open Space and Recreation are not in use.

(iii) Is within or adjoining the core of an established or designated urban settlement

Part of these lands area zoned Town Centre.  Refer to item (i) above.

(iv) Will be essential in achieving compact or sustainable urban growth

The development on these lands in particular the residential backlands on Lower Main Street will contribute to compact urban growth aligned to higher-level spatial policy.

(v) There are no suitable alternative lands for the particular use or development type, in areas at lower risk of flooding within or adjoining the core of the urban settlement

The land use zones reflect existing use.  Refer to item (i) above.

3

A flood risk assessment to an appropriate level of detail has been carried out as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment as part of the local area plan preparation process, which demonstrates that flood risk to the development can be adequately managed and the use or development of the lands will not cause unacceptable adverse impacts elsewhere.

Part of these lands are subject to flooding as indicated in the map above. The Planning Authority will require applications on these lands to be supported by a comprehensive flood risk assessment as per Flood Guidelines.  The Council continue to collaborate with the OPW regarding flood risk in Rathkeale.  Future development is generally limited to minor developments, in areas liable to flooding or open space recreation facilities such as walkways.

4

Conclusion of the Justification Test

Given the measures above, the objectives of the Proposed LAP, the Planning Authority is satisfied that the proposed zoning of these lands is appropriate, reflecting the existing uses on site and the measures identified in terms of limiting development on these lands.

1

The urban settlements for growth under the National Planning Framework, Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy, statutory plans  under the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, relevant Directives and the Planning Guidelines.

Rathkeale is a Level 3 Settlement in the Settlement Hierarchy as identified in the Limerick Development Plan 2022 – 2028.  The Limerick Development Plan promotes Level 3 towns as secondary development centers for population growth sustaining a wide range of functions, services and employment opportunities which also supports its hinterland.  Rathkeale requires investment in services, infrastructure, transport, employment and housing.  In line with National Policy 3c 30% of all new homes targeted within Level 3 settlements shall be within the existing built-up area of the town.                                          

2

The zoning or designation of the lands for the particular use or development type is required to achieve the proper planning and sustainable development of the town and in particular:

(i) Is essential to facilitate regeneration and/or expansion of the centre of the urban settlement

This Business Park is critical for the economic sustainability and employment opportunities in Rathkeale and its hinterland. 

(ii) Comprises significant previously developed and/or under-utilised lands

At present these lands are near full occupancy for business activity.

(iii) Is within or adjoining the core of an established or designated urban settlement

The business park is within 400m walking distance of the Town Centre and adjacent zoning includes Existing Residential and Town Centre.

(iv) Will be essential in achieving compact or sustainable urban growth

The location is ideal in terms of employment opportunities within walking distance of the Town Centre and supports the 10 Minute Town Concept whereby residential areas are within walking distance of employment opportunities.

(v) There are no suitable alternative lands for the particular use or development type, in areas at lower risk of flooding within or adjoining the core of the urban settlement

The zoning as Enterprise and Employment reflects the established business located in this part of Rathkeale.

3

A flood risk assessment to an appropriate level of detail has been carried out as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment as part of the local area plan preparation process, which demonstrates that flood risk to the development can be adequately managed and the use or development of the lands will not cause unacceptable adverse impacts elsewhere.

Part of these lands are subject to flooding as indicated in the map above. The Planning Authority will require applications on these lands to be supported by a comprehensive flood risk assessment as per Flood Guidelines.  The Council continue to collaborate with the OPW regarding flood risk in Rathkeale.  Future development is generally limited to minor developments, in areas liable to flooding or open space recreation facilities such as walkways.

4

Conclusion of the Justification Test

Given the measures above, the objectives of the Proposed LAP, the Planning Authority is satisfied that the proposed zoning of these lands is appropriate, reflecting the existing uses on site and the measures identified in terms of limiting development on these lands.

1

The urban settlements for growth under the National Planning Framework, Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy, statutory plans  under the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, relevant Directives and the Planning Guidelines.

Rathkeale is a Level 3 Settlement in the Settlement Hierarchy identified in the Limerick Development Plan 2022 – 2028.  The Limerick Development Plan promotes Level 3 towns as secondary development centers for population growth sustaining a wide range of functions, services and employment opportunities, which also supports its hinterland.  Rathkeale requires investment in services, infrastructure, transport, employment and housing.  In line with National Policy 3c 30% of all new homes targeted within Level 3 settlements shall be within the existing built-up area of the town.

2

The zoning or designation of the lands for the particular use or development type is required to achieve the proper planning and sustainable development of the town and in particular:

(i) Is essential to facilitate regeneration and/or expansion of the centre of the urban settlement

These lands are located on the outskirts of the town.  There are sufficient lands zoned as New Residential and Serviced Sites to accommodate the future population growth in accordance with the Core Strategy are more suitable location in the town in terms of serviceability, and sequential location to the town centre.  As a less vulnerable use to the flooding agricultural use is deemed most appropriate to these lands

(ii) Comprises significant previously developed and/or under-utilised lands

Not applicable – presently used for grazing.

(iii) Is within or adjoining the core of an established or designated urban settlement

No.  There are more appropriate locations for residential, enterprise and employment, community facilities located sequentially to the Town Centre in the interest of compact urban growth as promoted by higher-level spatial policy.

(iv) Will be essential in achieving compact or sustainable urban growth

No.  These lands are located on the outskirts of the town. 

(v) There are no suitable alternative lands for the particular use or development type, in areas at lower risk of flooding within or adjoining the core of the urban settlement

Agricultural use is considered for appropriate for these lands as a less vulnerable use to flooding as per the Flood Guidelines.

3

A flood risk assessment to an appropriate level of detail has been carried out as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment as part of the local area plan preparation process, which demonstrates that flood risk to the development can be adequately managed and the use or development of the lands will not cause unacceptable adverse impacts elsewhere.

Part of these lands are subject to flooding as indicated in the map above. The Council continue to collaborate with the OPW regarding flood risk in Rathkeale. Development on these lands will be limited to uses associated with Agricultural uses.

4

Conclusion of the Justification Test

Given the measures above, the objectives of the Proposed LAP, the Planning Authority is satisfied that the proposed zoning of these lands is appropriate, reflecting the existing uses on site and the measures identified in terms of limiting development on these lands.

1

The urban settlements for growth under the National Planning Framework, Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy, statutory plans  under the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, relevant Directives and the Planning Guidelines.

Rathkeale is a Level 3 Settlement in the Settlement Hierarchy as identified in the Limerick Development Plan 2022 – 2028.  The Limerick Development Plan promotes Level 3 towns as secondary development centers for population growth sustaining a wide range of functions, services and employment opportunities which also supports its hinterland.  Rathkeale requires investment in services, infrastructure, transport, employment and housing.  In line with National Policy 3c 30% of all new homes targeted within Level 3 settlements shall be within the existing built-up area of the town.

2

The zoning or designation of the lands for the particular use or development type is required to achieve the proper planning and sustainable development of the town and in particular:

(i) Is essential to facilitate regeneration and/or expansion of the centre of the urban settlement

No. The proposed zoning reflects established uses.

(ii) Comprises significant previously developed and/or under-utilised lands

The proposed zoning reflects established uses.

(iii) Is within or adjoining the core of an established or designated urban settlement

These lands are adjacent to Church Street and within walking distance of Lower Main Street and the Town Centre.

(iv) Will be essential in achieving compact or sustainable urban growth

Zoning reflects existing uses.

(v) There are no suitable alternative lands for the particular use or development type, in areas at lower risk of flooding within or adjoining the core of the urban settlement

The proposed zoning is considered appropriate as it reflects existing uses.

3

A flood risk assessment to an appropriate level of detail has been carried out as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment as part of the local area plan preparation process, which demonstrates that flood risk to the development can be adequately managed and the use or development of the lands will not cause unacceptable adverse impacts elsewhere.

Part of these lands are subject to flooding as indicated in the map above. The Planning Authority will require applications on these lands to be supported by a comprehensive flood risk assessment as per Flood Guidelines.  The Council continue to collaborate with the OPW regarding flood risk in Rathkeale.  Future development is generally limited to minor developments in areas liable to flooding or open space recreation facilities such as walkways.

4

Conclusion of the Justification Test

Given the measures above, the objectives of the Proposed LAP, the Planning Authority is satisfied that the proposed zoning of these lands is appropriate, reflecting the existing uses on site and the measures identified in terms of limiting development on these lands.