CLIMATE CHANGE

Irish Cement Limited Page 8 - 1

8.0 CLIMATE CHANGE

Introduction 8.1 The impact of the proposed development on climate change has been considered in relation to

Ireland’s obligations under the Kyoto Protocol (Framework Convention On Climate Change, 1997; Framework Convention On Climate Change Ireland, 1999).

Methodology 8.2 The potential impact of the proposed scheme on climate has been assessed based on the

following: o Kyoto Protocol, 1997; o EU Proposed Climate Agreement, 2007; o EU Climate Action and Renewable Energy Package, 2008; o EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

Kyoto Protocol, 1997 8.3 Ireland ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in April

1994 and the Kyoto Protocol in principle in 1997 and formally in May 2002. For the purpose of the EU burden sharing agreement under Article 4 of the Kyoto Protocol, in June 1998 Ireland agreed to limit the net growth of the six Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) under the Kyoto Protocol to 13% above the 1990 levels over the period 2008 to 2012. In order to meet the ultimate objective of the Convention to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference in the climate system, cuts of up to 70% in this century are expected to be required.

8.4 The National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) 2007-2012, published in April 2007, includes

existing measures put in place on foot of the 2000 National Climate Change Strategy and, subsequently, through the National Development Plan 2007-2013, Transport 21, the Energy White Paper and the Bioenergy Action Plan. It also includes a series of additional measures to deliver the overall objective of putting Ireland on a pathway towards a low-carbon economy.

EU Proposed Climate Agreement, 2007 8.5 The European Commission in February 2007 proposed a comprehensive package of measures to

establish a new Energy Policy for Europe to combat climate change and boost the EU's energy security and competitiveness.

EU Climate Action and Renewable Energy Package, 2008 8.6 The EU (2008) has proposed that Member States reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to meet

the Community’s greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments up to 2020 (the so-called "Effort Sharing" Decision).

8.7 The package of proposals sets a series of targets for greenhouse gas emissions and renewable

energy. It also aims to create an internal market for energy and to strengthen effective regulation. The Commission proposes that the European Union commits now to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% by 2020 on 1990 emissions, in particular through energy measures.

8.8 The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a part of this EU strategy with cuts of 21% required on

2005 emissions.

EU Emissions Trading Scheme 8.9 Towards compliance with Ireland’s emission reduction obligations, the EC Greenhouse Gas

Emissions Trading Regulations (S.I. No. 437 of 2004) establishes procedures for participation in the

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EU emissions trading scheme (ETS) for the trading of GHG allowances (1 GHG allowance = 1 tonne CO2e).

8.10 The initial National Allocation Plan (NAP1, 2005-2007) has now been superseded by NAP2 (2008-

2012).

Characteristics of the Development Construction phase 8.11 Construction vehicles and generators, for example, may give rise to CO2 emissions; due to the

limited scale of the proposed development however, the quantities will be insignificant in terms of Ireland’s commitment under the Kyoto Protocol.

Operational Phase 8.12 The generation of carbon dioxide (CO2) due to increases in operational traffic volume as a result of

the proposed development is not considered significant in terms of Ireland’s commitment under the Kyoto Protocol.

8.13 The generation of CO2 from combustion of alternative fuels, such as SRF, Chipped Used Tyres and

MBM, is less than if petcoke were burned. This is because pet coke has a much higher carbon content than the alternative fuels.

8.14 In addition, the reduction in the use of petcoke, by substitution of alternative fuels achieves the

diversion of these from landfill and from dedicated thermal treatment plants, with the following advantages:

• Landfilling results in emissions of potent greenhouse gases such as methane, which has Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 21 compared with 1 for CO2.

• Thermal treatment primarily uses the energy but not the material, and still results in landfilling.

• The efficiency of conversion to useful energy in a cement kiln is much greater than in a thermal treatment plant.

• Energy harnessed from thermal treatment plants generally requires transmission to off-site users resulting in losses and reduced efficiency, whereas combustion in a cement kiln allows for immediate use of energy without losses.

• The benefits of diverting “wastes” for use as alternative fuels are optimised by cement kiln combustion.

8.15 The proposed development forms part of Irish Cement Limited’s overall strategy for reduction of

CO2 emissions from the Platin facility. This has included the following:

• Irish Cement Limited has introduced CEM II cement production at Platin which results in, depending on the product, a 10% to 15% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to CEM I cement.

• Irish Cement Limited has invested in the commissioning of the new Kiln 3 and the decommissioning of the old Kiln 1. The increase in the energy efficiency of kiln operations and the reduction in fuel consumption will equate to an additional 9% reduction in CO2 per tonne of clinker. Kiln 3 will be one of the most modern and energy efficient kilns in Europe.

• The use of 120,000 tonnes per annum of alternative fuels has a potential, depending on the biomass content, to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 100,000 tonnes per annum.

8.16 Indirect emission reductions also occur due to the elimination of the need for landfill or dedicated

thermal treatment plants. 8.17 The reduction in the quantity of waste being landfilled also reduces the potential for ground water

contamination.

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Mitigation Measures Construction phase 8.18 No significant adverse impacts on climate change are envisaged as a result of the proposed

development, during construction, hence no mitigation measures are required. Operational phase 8.19 The proposed development will reduce the specific emission of CO2 per tonne of clinker. This is a

beneficial impact and therefore no mitigation is required.

Residual Impacts 8.20 The potential for emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and methane from thermal treatment

(with or without energy recovery) and from landfilling would be reduced by the diversion of these alternative fuels.

8.21 The proposed development is designed to reduce CO2 emissions and forms part of Irish Cement

Limited’s strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from the Platin facility.

References

DoEHLG Department of the Environment and Local Government (2000) “National Climate Change Strategy Ireland”. EPA (2005) “EPA Emissions Trading Final Allocation Decision pursuant to Article 11.1 of S.I. 437 of 2004”. EU (2008) “Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the effort of Member States to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Community’s greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments up to 2020 (the so-called "Effort Sharing" Decision)”. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/home_en.htm and http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/climate_action.htm (viewed viii.2008). Framework Convention on Climate Change (1997) “Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”. Framework Convention on Climate Change Ireland (1999) “Report on the In Depth Review of the Second National Communication of Ireland”. SEI Sustainable Energy Ireland (2007) “Ireland and the Kyoto Protocol” (viewed 24.ix.2007) http://www.sei.ie/uploadedfiles/RenewableEnergy/IrelandandtheKyotoProtocol.ppt#323,26,Ireland and the Kyoto Protocol

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CLIMATE

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9.0 CLIMATE

Introduction 9.1 The potential micro-climatic impacts of the proposed development were assessed. Existing micro-

climatic conditions, the size of the proposed development and the nature of use of the surrounding environment were considered in the assessment detailed in this chapter of the EIS.

Receiving Environment 9.2 The nearest representative Met Éireann meteorological station is at Dublin Airport (Met Éireann,

2008), which is approximately 8km from the coast, at 71m above mean sea level. The site at Platin is approximately 50km North Northwest of Dublin Airport and at approximately 50m above Ordnance Datum (aOD). All climate data cited are taken from the 30 year averages reported for Dublin Airport.

Temperature 9.3 The annual mean temperature is 9.6ºC. The annual mean of daily maxima is 12.8ºC and of daily

minima is 6.4ºC. Sunshine 9.4 The mean daily duration of sunshine is 3.9 hours. Rainfall 9.5 The mean annual rainfall is 733mm, and the annual mean number of days with more than 1 mm of

rainfall is 128 days. Wind

9.6 The annual mean wind speed is 5.1m/s (9.9 knots, Beaufort Scale Force 3: "Gentle Breeze"). The prevailing winds come from the west and southwest.

Characteristics and Potential Impacts of the Proposed Development Construction phase 9.7 The scale of construction activities is extremely small, and no impact on micro-climate is predicted. Operational phase

Modification of atmospheric composition 9.8 Apart from carbon dioxide (CO2) the emissions to atmosphere from the Platin facility will not change

to any material extent as a result of the proposed development, and no impact is predicted. The impact of the reduction in CO2 emissions on the local climatic environment is not material, but the impact in climate change is considered in Chapter 8 “Climate Change”.

Moisture 9.9 The proposed development is unlikely to result in any significant change in evaporation, since the

site of the proposed development is already built upon and has an existing surface water drainage system.

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Modification of heat balance 9.10 The impact on heat balance by urban buildings, known as the heat island effect, can in extreme

cases raise temperatures by as much as 6 to 8ºC in the early hours of calm, clear nights in large cities. Due to the location - outside the Drogheda urban area and on the site of an existing facility – the proposed development will not have a significant effect on the heat balance.

Modification of surface roughness and composition 9.11 Due to the spacing of the buildings on the site, the height of existing buildings and the height of the

proposed structures, no significant change in wind impact is expected due to the development.

Mitigation Measures 9.12 No significant impacts on micro-climate are envisaged as a result of the proposed development,

during construction or operation, hence no mitigation measures are required.

Residual Impacts

9.13 No significant residual impacts are expected as a result of the proposed development.

References

Met Éireann (2008) (viewed viii.2008) http://www.met.ie/climate/dublinairport.asp.

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MATERIAL ASSETS - TRAFFIC

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10.0 MATERIAL ASSETS - TRAFFIC

Introduction 10.1 Irish Cement Limited commissioned Arup Consulting Engineers (Arup) to prepare a traffic report to

accompany the planning application for a change in production methods at their plant in Platin, County Meath.

10.2 The traffic report comprises the following main elements:

• The receiving environment;

• Characteristics of the proposed development;

• The predicted impact of the proposed development; and

• Remedial and mitigation measures. 10.3 This report has been prepared taking into account the following documentation:

• “Guidelines for Traffic Impact Assessment”, Institution of Highways and Transportation;

• “Platin Cement Works Extension TIA”, Brady Shipman Martin 2005

Receiving Environment Site Location 10.4 The subject site is located in the townland of Platin approximately 3km south of Drogheda. The site

is bounded to the south by the R152 and various country roads including CR319 to the north. Existing Development and Access 10.5 Irish Cement Ltd currently operates a cement production works at the site. There are currently five

access points to the plant. These accesses are:

• Customer collection and cement work administrative staff access directly off the R152

• Three raw materials/production staff access points located off country road CR319. The CR319 connects to the R152 nearby

• Access to adjacent quarry site directly off the R152. Existing Road Network 10.6 The subject site is situated adjacent to the R152 Drogheda to Duleek Regional Road, approximately

3km south of Drogheda Town Centre and 4km northeast of Duleek. Various country roads surround the site, with the CR319 providing access to the three raw material entrances.

Existing Traffic Patterns 10.7 The R152 carries a reasonable level of traffic (two-way AADT of 11,439 vehicles) but is sufficiently

catered for on the existing road infrastructure. The CR319 is a lightly trafficked country road. Junction assessments carried out for the extension works TIA in 2005 showed that all access junctions were operating well within capacity. While the extension works TIA does not take account of the revised Indaver Waste Management Facility EIS (2006), the peak hour traffic generation estimates made in the 2001 EIS are greater than those in the 2006 EIS. As such the extension works TIA provides a robust, conservative assessment of the road network. The extension works TIA is attached in Appendix 3.

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Characteristics of the Development 10.8 Irish Cement Limited are proposing a change in production methods at their plant in Platin. The

proposed changes involve the use of alternative fuels reducing the amount of pet coke used. The proposed changes will result in a slight overall increase in traffic movements associated with the plant. Details of the increased traffic movements are shown in Table 10.1.

Trip Generation 10.9 The proposed changes will result in an overall minor increase in traffic movements associated with

the plant. Irish Cement Limited has confirmed the additional traffic movements which would be generated by the proposed changes. This is based on the maximum estimated quantities of each alternative fuel required on a yearly basis, independent of the actual mix and proportions of each fuel to be used. In reality, the combination of alternative fuels to be used will result in fewer truck movements. For example, using the maximum SRF (4500 yearly movements) and the maximum chipped used tyres (1667 yearly movements), results in no MBM being required. Therefore using the maximum quantity of each fuel, independent of the likely operational mix ensures a robust assessment. Details of the increased traffic movements are shown in Table 10.1 below.

Table 10.1: Maximum Number of Alternative Fuels Trucks

SRF Chipped

Used Tyres MBM

Yearly 4500 1667 2000

Weekly 87 32 38

Daily 14 5 6

Peak Hour 2 1 1

- Calculations based on 52 weeks of deliveries, 6 days a week over 8 hours per day - MBM = Meat and Bone Meal, SRF = Solid Recovered Fuel

10.10 The plant currently operates 24 hours a day 365 days a year. However to ensure a robust

assessment, deliveries of alternative fuels were assumed to occur 6 days a week over 8 hours a day. Deliveries were assumed to arrive steadily throughout the day.

10.11 The critical period for a road network is during the morning and evening peak hour periods. It is

expected that a maximum of 4 HGVs into and out of the plant during any particular peak hour. However the new production methods will also result in a reduction of pet coke deliveries. Table 10.2 shows the net increase in plant related traffic.

Table 10.2: Net Increase in HGVs per Peak Hour (In and Out)

HGVs

AF Deliveries 4 Reduction in pet coke -1 Net Increase in deliveries 3

10.12 The Guidelines for Traffic Impact Assessments (The Institution of Highways and Transportation)

states that a Traffic Impact Assessment (including junction assessment) should be produced where “traffic to and from the development exceeds 5% of the existing two-way traffic flow on the adjoining highway”. Table 10.2 shows there will be a net increase of 3 HGVs into and out of the factory during the peak hour. The greatest percentage increase (3.2%) occurs at the development access on the CR319, which is below the 5% threshold. As such, no junction assessment has been carried out.

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Access Arrangements 10.13 The development access will remain as existing. As can be seen in section 10.12, the traffic

generated by the proposed development will result in minimal additional traffic. Junction assessments carried out for the extension works Traffic Impact Assessment in 2005 showed that all access junctions were operating well within capacity. Given the minimal increase in traffic as a result of the production changes, no capacity issues are expected at any of the existing access points.

Mitigation Measures 10.14 The proposed change in production will result in a peak hour increase of 3 HGVs into and out of the

cement works. This minor increase will have no impact on the operation of the existing access points. Accordingly no mitigation measures are required.

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LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT

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11.0 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT

Introduction 11.1 This report assesses the landscape and visual impact of the proposal to expand the range of

fuels used in the cement production process at Platin Cement Works, near Duleek, County Meath. The proposed development comprises the installation of two silos, a chipped tyre store and a SRF materials store, associated conveyors and mechanical equipment as detailed in Chapter 2.

11.2 The assessment was carried out during the autumn of 2008 and involved reviewing plans of the

existing site, together with plans, elevations and sections of the proposed development; reviewing various statutory and other publications and visits to the site and its environs.

11.3 A series of photoviews and photomontages are provided illustrating the physical nature of the

existing cement works and the proposed development. The existing plant is characterised by significant bulk and height and is the dominant feature within the existing landscape and visual setting. The scale and nature of the proposal, in the context of the existing facility, will have a negligible or imperceptible visual impact. There will be no appreciable change to existing views.

Methodology 11.4 The assessment is made with regard to the sensitivity of the landscape and its vulnerability to

change, taking consideration of the location of visual receptors relative to the proposed development.

11.5 The methodology used is based on “Guidelines on Information to be Contained in Environmental

Impact Statements” (2002) and “Advice Notes on Current Practice in the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements” (2003).

11.6 Landscape has two separate but closely related aspects. The first is visual impact, i.e. the

extent to which a new development can be seen in the landscape. The second is impact on landscape character, i.e. impact on responses that are felt towards the landscape, drawing on the appearance of the land, including shape, form and colour, and the interaction of these elements to create specific patterns and pictures that are distinctive to particular localities.

11.7 Visual impacts are defined under visual intrusion and/or visual obstruction where:

• visual intrusion involves impact on a view but avoiding blocking thereof, and

• visual obstruction involves impact on a view with at least some degree of blocking. 11.8 The character of the existing landscape setting is evaluated taking account of the various natural

and man-made features, such as topography, landform, land-use, vegetation, built environment, etc. together with the visibility of and the views to and from the landscape. In addition aspects relating to the landscape planning environment are considered on a national, regional and local basis.

Significance Assessment Criteria

11.9 The significance criteria used for the landscape (and visual) impact assessment are based on those given in “Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements” (2002), as set out in Table 11.1 Significance Criteria.

11.10 The impact of the proposed development is assessed at two distinct stages:

• Construction Stage: impact arising during the period of initial site setup works up to the opening of the facility to normal operation, and

• Operation Stage: impact arising during the period of normal operation of the facility. 11.11 The ratings may have negative, neutral or positive applications where:

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• Positive impact – A change that improves the quality of the environment.

• Neutral impact – A change that does not affect the quality of the environment.

• Negative impact – A change that reduces the quality of the environment. Terms relating to the duration of impacts are as described in the EPA Guidelines as:

• Temporary Impact - lasting one year or less.

• Short-term Impact - lasting one to seven years.

• Medium-term Impact - lasting seven to fifteen years.

• Long-term Impact - lasting fifteen to sixty years.

• Permanent Impact - lasting over sixty years.

Table 11.1: Significance Criteria

Impact Level Definition

Imperceptible An impact capable of measurement but without noticeable consequences.

Slight An impact which causes noticeable changes in the character of the environment without affecting its sensitivities.

Moderate An impact that alters the character of the environment in a manner that is consistent with the existing and emerging trends.

Significant An impact which, by its character, magnitude, duration or intensity alters a sensitive aspect of the environment.

Profound An impact which obliterates sensitive characteristics.

References 11.12 Together with various landscape publications and information relating to the locality, the

following lists the main texts reviewed in the course of the study.

• CAAS Environmental Agency (2003) Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation

of Environmental Impact Statements), Environmental Protection Agency, Wexford.

• CAAS Environmental Agency (2002) Guidelines on Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Protection Agency, Wexford.

• Meath County Development Plan, 2007-2013

• Draft Meath County Development Plan 2007-2013 Landscape Character Assessment Appendix (VI) Maps.

Receiving Environment

11.13 Platin Cement Works is situated immediately west of the Duleek-Drogheda R152 Road, some

2km north of Duleek and 3km southwest of Drogheda (Figure 11.1 Site Context). Cement manufacture has taken place on this site since 1972 and over the intervening years the plant has been continually expanded to meet on-going market demands and to take on board improvements in technology.

11.14 The existing facility comprises various buildings and structures related to cement production as

well as an associated limestone rock quarry. While many tall structures exist on the site, the tallest features are the existing stacks rising to 145m and 153m and the Cyclone Preheating Tower at 168m, all above ordnance datum (AOD). The quarry is located to the west, while the principal buildings and structures are clustered alongside the Duleek-Drogheda R152 Road to the east and northeast of the overall landholding.

11.15 The site for the proposed works is located within the existing Plant area on the western side and

is bounded by the Drogheda-Navan railway to the south with the R152 further south. The Platin local road is located to the north and there is an existing limestone quarry to the west.

11.16 The landscape surrounding the cement works is typically rural and pastoral; agricultural land-

uses predominate. Within this landscape the vertical ‘solid’ mass of the existing cement works

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facility is a prominent visual feature and more immediately it forms the dominant visual element within the landscape, particularly when viewed from the east and from elevated lands to the south.

11.17 While visually prominent, the facility tends to move in and out of views along local roads. This

‘glimpsing effect’ is particularly evident travelling either north or south along the Duleek-Drogheda Road outside of the immediate zone of primary visibility. However, the facility is particularly dominant from local roads east of the site and remains in view for longer from these areas.

11.18 The landscape immediately surrounding the facility is gently rolling, typically between 50m and

70m (AOD). However in a wider context, visually significant ridges include Bellewstown Ridge (140m+ (AOD)) to the south and southeast, Red Mountain (121m AOD) and Donore Hill (104m AOD) to the northwest. Red Mountain and Donore Hill are important in screening or limiting views from the Boyne Valley, including the sites of Newgrange, Dowth and Knowth which are all over 3km to the northwest of Platin.

11.19 Residential development is typically clustered along local roads and is also notably expanding

around Drogheda, and the smaller settlements of Donore and Duleek. Such development is particularly prominent along the Donore to Duleek local road, west / southwest of the site and along the R152 Duleek to Drogheda Road, south of the site. Scattered residential development also occurs along the local road linking the R152 to the R150, east of Platin.

11.20 Over the past 20 years, extensive landscaping has been carried out in and around the cement

works. As it continues to mature, the planting has gradually ‘softened’ the appearance of the facility and has assisted in visually distancing the structures from the R152 Duleek-Drogheda Road. The effect is more noticeable at proximity and assisted where the planting is viewed in combination with intervening tree-lined hedgerows.

Landscape Planning Context – National

11.21 No part of the facility or its immediate surrounds is listed in the An Foras Forbartha, Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in Ireland, 1977. The nearest such listing is No. 79 Lower Boyne Valley, located some 2 to 3km north / northwest of Platin.

Landscape Planning Context – County

11.22 The Meath County Development Plan, 2007-2013 identifies four landscape character types within the county (Figure 11.2). The objective of the landscape character assessment is to identify the value, importance and sensitivity of each landscape character type and the potential capacity to accommodate development.

Figure 11.2 Landscape Character Types (Source: Meath County Development Plan 2007-2013, Landscape Character Assessment (Appendix VI, Map 1)

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11.23 The western part of Platin, comprising the quarry, is located within a lowland landscape

described as the ‘Central Lowlands’ (Character Area 6). The landscape character assessment places a value on each landscape character area ranging from exceptional to low. The ‘Central Lowlands’ has a high value, is of regional importance and medium sensitivity. The Platin Works facility located to the east of the proposed quarry, is within a ‘Coastal Landscape’ (Character Area 7) described as the “Coastal Plains”. This landscape has a moderate value, high sensitivity and is of regional importance.

11.24 More sensitive landscape areas are located at some distance from the site. The Boyne Valley

(Character Area 5), located some 3km to the northwest, is shown as a landscape of Exceptional Value, of International Importance and high sensitivity. Bellewstown Ridge, 2km to the southeast of the site, is located within Landscape Character Area 9 ‘Hills and Upland Areas.’ This area comprises the East Meath Farmland and is described as Very High Value, Regional Importance and medium sensitivity.(Refer Table 26 Landscape Summary Matrix – page 347 – Meath County Development Plan 2007-2013).

Landscape Amenity

11.25 The Meath County Development Plan, 2007-2013 identifies 41 separate Views and Prospects within the county. The views and prospects relevant to the Platin area are listed in Table 11.2.

Table 11.2: Views and Prospects View Ref. Townland in which view is located VP3 Crewbane, Knowth, Newgrange, Proudsfoot, Dowth

VP4 Oldbridge

VP5 Oldbridge & Rathmullan

VP6 Oldhouse, Sheephouse & Donore

VP7 Stalleen, Red Mountain, Cruicerath & Roughgrange

VP8 Stalleen, Dowth, Newgrange, Giltown & Rosnaree

VP16

Kennetstown; Lagganhall; Hollymount; Hilltown Great; Collierstown; Caulstown; Ongenstown; Carnes East; Carnes West; Lunderstown; Prioryland; Bellewstown; Hilltown Little

Source: Extract from Section 8 Views and Prospects Table 27, Meath County Development Plan, 2007-2013.

11.26 Views VP3 to VP8 to the northwest of the site all focus on the River Boyne and its valley

including features such as Dowth, Knowth and Newgrange. 11.27 View VP16 is from the elevated vantage of Bellewstown Ridge over 3km to the southeast of the

site. The expansive view north / northwest is long ranging and panoramic in nature taking in the sweep of the River Boyne and its agricultural surrounds, extending westwards from Drogheda in the east. Platin Cement Works is prominent within the near middle-ground of views from the western end of the ridge.

Other Landscape Planning Aspects

11.28 There are no trees or woodlands identified for Tree Preservation on or surrounding the site.

11.29 Map 18 ‘Tourist Attractions’ of the County Development Plan identifies a number of walking, cycling and driving routes and tourist attractions within the vicinity of the site. The nearest cycle track runs some 1.5-2km to the south of Platin, along the R150 from Duleek to the coast. There is a driving route to the northwest around Donore and a way marked route along the River Boyne. There are two tourist attractions on Bellewstown Ridge. Newgrange, Dowth and the site of the Battle of the Boyne are major tourist attractions in the area.

Summary

11.30 The existing cement works at Platin comprise many large-scale structures of significant bulk and height with a large associated limestone rock quarry located immediately to the west. The principal structures are all clustered within the north-eastern corner of the holding with the tallest features centrally located within the overall built environment of the works. The existing facility is a prominent feature within its local context and forms the dominant visual reference, especially when viewed from the east.

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11.31 Extensive landscaping undertaken around the facility is notably more effective at proximity and where viewed in combination with surrounding tree-lined hedgerows and undulating topography. By comparison, the landscaping is less effective in screening when viewed within more open, panoramic views from the east. However, in general the ever maturing planting is providing valuable ‘softening’ and integration of the facility within its surrounds.

Characteristics of the Proposed Development

11.32 In visual terms the main features of the proposal include: a) 1 storage facility for Solid Recovered Fuel with unloading/intake bay (maximum height

16.7 m); b) 1 storage facility for Chipped Used Tyres with unloading/intake bay (maximum height

19.35 m); c) 2 Meat and Bone Meal silos (height 25.13 m, 5.5 m in diameter); d) 2 Fire Water Tanks (4.6 m high), e) 1 Fire Pump House (maximum height of 3.65m); f) 1 transfer Station (maximum height above ground 37.6 m); and g) Associated conveyors.

Impact of Development 11.33 Given the existing built context and the many structures that comprise the existing facility,

including the existing stacks which rise to 145m and 153m and the Cyclone Preheater Tower at 168m (AOD), the additional structures proposed will be visually insignificant.

11.34 The proposed materials stores will be located within the southern portion of the facility adjoining

the homogeniser and primary crusher. The building to be used to store SRF materials will be approximately 17m high at the apex of the roof. The chipped tyre store will be located to the north of the SRF store and will be 20m high. Two conveyors will connect the two stores with the Cyclone Preheater Tower. The height and scale of the proposed SRF materials store will be a relatively low horizontal structure to the southwest of the pre-heater tower, while the chipped tyre store will be slightly higher. Given the context of the existing facility, the proposed structures will have no landscape or visual relevance outside of the actual site.

11.35 The proposed silos at a height of approximately 25m AOD will be visually insignificant, located

adjacent to the preheater tower and, like the storage shed and conveyors, will also have no landscape or visual relevance outside the site.

11.36 In all views the proposed development will be seen within the confines of the existing built

environment of Platin Cement Works. 11.37 The visual impact from surrounding areas will be minimal. The existing facility already presents

a significant and prominent built form within the landscape. The most open views of the existing facility are from the local road east between the R152 and the M1 Motorway overbridge. A typical view from this location is shown in Photo 1, Figure 11.3. In this view the existing storage silos screen a large proportion of the Cyclone Preheater Tower and consequently the SRF material store, tyre chipping store, conveyors and silos would not be visible.

11.38 There are also glimpsed views from the R152 south of Platin Cement Works, as shown in Photo

2, Figure 11.4. The most dominant feature within the views is the upper portion of the Cyclone Preheating Tower and silos. The proposed additional stores will be at a lower elevation and will be screened by roadside vegetation. Consequently there will be an imperceptible, neutral visual impact.

11.39 From Bellewstown ridge the addition of the proposed structures will not be significant within the

context of the existing facility, which is openly visible from certain vantage points along the local road. Photo 3, Figure 11.5 illustrates a typical view. While the existing plant is openly visible, the proposed additions to the facility would be imperceptible and consequently there would be a neutral visual impact.

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LANDSCAPE & VISUAL ASSESSMENT

Irish Cement Limited Page 11 - 6

Impact on Landscape Planning Context 11.40 The proposed development will have a neutral impact on landscape planning aspects. The

existing and proposed development site is located within a landscape defined as ‘Coastal’ in the County Development Plan. This landscape has a moderate value, high sensitivity and is of regional importance. However the proposed development will have no landscape impact.

11.41 The proposed development will have no impact on preservation objectives for trees and

woodland. 11.42 The proposed development will have no negative impact on views and prospects (VP3; VP4:

VP5; VP6; VP7; and VP8) of the River Boyne and its associated features. Donore Hill / Red Mountain ridge provides for significant screening of all but the upper aspects of the existing stacks and Cyclone Preheater Tower. From this location, and from Newgrange and Dowth, the proposed additions to the facility will not be visible.

11.43 The development will not be significant from Bellewstown Ridge. The existing facility and its

associated quarry are already prominent features within the middle-ground of views from the northern slopes of the ridge. In this context the additional elements will not result in further intrusion or negative impact. Photomontage 1, Figure 11.6 illustrates the view from the top of the ridge. The view demonstrates the prominent nature of the existing facility and the additional structures associated with the proposed development. However, no appreciable change occurs in either the view of the existing plant or more importantly, the expansive and panoramic nature of the existing view from the ridge. There is consequently no significant additional impact on the listed view. Similarly there will be no perceptible change to the view, as shown in Photomontage 1, Figure 11.6, from the local road that ascends to Bellewstown Ridge.

Summary

11.44 In summary, the proposed development will not give rise to significant additional landscape or visual impact. The scale and nature of the change will be relatively small and, within the overall context of the existing facility, will have a negligible or imperceptible visual impact.

11.45 In the medium and longer-term, given the presence of the existing facility and other proposed

developments there will be no appreciable change within existing views. It is considered that negative landscape or visual impact will not arise from the proposed development.

Mitigation Measures 11.46 Over the course of the last twenty years, Irish Cement has undertaken extensive landscape and

planting works, particularly around the Plant area and more recently around the quarry. These landscaping works have increasingly given the facility a ‘strongly landscaped’ perspective.

11.47 Landscape works to date at Platin Cement Works have included the planting of over 65,000

trees and shrubs on some 12.6 hectares. Along with these works some smaller scale landscape works were also undertaken at the entrances and associated with the new offices. As part of its on-going environmental management programme Irish Cement continues to review and wherever possible augment and enhance the landscape and planting at the site.

11.48 The continuing establishment of the existing planting will have an increasingly more pronounced

effect in the screening and softening of the mass of the facility. All of the landscape areas are managed and maintained under on-going landscape maintenance contracts first established in the 1980s. The landscape and general plantings will continue to be managed so as to maximise this effect. No other measures are required.

Residual Impact 11.49 The construction of the proposed silos, two materials stores and associated conveyors and

mechanical equipment will have an imperceptible landscape and visual impact. Given the nature and mass of existing structures on the site, the proposed development, representing relatively small scale additions, will not result in any residual adverse landscape or visual impacts.

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0 0.5km 1km

SiteOrdnance Survey Ireland Licence No: AR0001308© Ordnance Survey Ireland / Government of Ireland

PLATIN CEMENT WORKS - EIS

Date: Nov. 2008 Status: Planning

Drn: PM Checked: RE

Job No: 5437

Figure 11.1 Site Context

COUNTYMEATH

COUNTYLOUTH

DROGHEDA

BellewstownRidge

DonoreHill

RedMountain

Dowth

Duleek

PlatinCement Works

SITE

M1Motorway

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PLATIN CEMENT WORKS - EIS

Date: Nov.2008 Status: Planning

Drn: PM Checked: RE

Job No: 5437

Figure 11.3 Photograph 1

Photo 1 - View Southwest from Local Road to East of Cement Works. Materials Store and silos will be located behind existing storage silos.

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