Chapter 2: Core Strategy.
The Department would like to acknowledge the proposed amendment of CH 2.11, “The Core Strategy sets out a vision for Westmeath and strategic aims required to deliver an ecosystem services approach. In this regard, the Policy Objectives of the Core Strategy relevant to this vision include CPO 2.12, 2.13 and 2.17.”
Chapter 10:
Proposed Amendment CH 10.39
The Department does not recommend the proposed material amendment wording in CPO 10.135 on Wind Energy locations on cutaway peatland areas, “To strictly direct”. “To strictly direct” does not allow alternative locations to be considered during the environmental assessment process and therefore the Department recommends that the original wording “Encourage” is retained in CPO 10.135.
Chapter 12: Natural Heritage and Green Infrastructure:
The Department acknowledges the inclusion of its recommendations in CPO 12.21, on lighting fixtures and the inclusion of a new CPO under proposed material amendment CH12.4, after CPO 12.21 of the plan: “Require, in special circumstances, that an ‘Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)’ prepared by a suitably qualified and indemnified person be undertaken for a proposed development which may potentially have a significant impact on rare and threatened species.” The Department would recommend that this new CPO, in line with the regime of strict protection for Annex IV species under the Habitats Directive and protection afforded to species under the Wildlife Act 1976-2018, is worded to ensure clarity in this regard, as follows:
“Require, that an ‘Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)’ prepared by a suitably qualified and indemnified person be undertaken for a proposed development which may potentially have a significant impact on rare and protected species and their habitats.”
The Department acknowledges the new CPO after 12.24, “Investigate a protocol in relation to the application of an ecosystems services scoring approach to inform the assessment of planning applications.” However, the Department would recommend that ‘Investigate’ is replaced with ‘Develop’, to ensure that that this new CPO is aligned correctly with the Core Strategy, as outlined already, to deliver ecosystem services approaches in the Plan.
Volume 2 Book of Maps:
Proposed Amendment BOM 21, Tyrrellspass Zoning Map N. 19
The Department acknowledges the inclusion of the new CPO, following our recommendations, after CPO 8.249:
“Any proposal for development at these lands shall be accompanied by an Ecological Impact Assessment that considers ecological sensitivities, including those relating to the nearby Cloncrow Bog NHA, and the proposed design of any development. The Ecological Impact Assessment shall demonstrate the compliance of the proposal with the provisions of the Plan relating to biodiversity and flora and fauna; and that the NHA will not be adversely affected by the proposed development (See Map 19 MBLO TP 1).”
Appropriate Assessment:
The Department also acknowledges the proposed amendment NIR 1, Volume 4, Section 4.3.1.5 page 27, “Seek to avoid significant effects on European Sites that might occur as a result of increases in visitor numbers. This will be done by, for example, ensuring that any new projects, such as greenways, are a suitable distance from ecological sensitivities, such as riparian zones.”