Appendix 1 Draft Tipperary Renewable Energy Strategy
Volume 2
STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
AND
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
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Contents
1.0 SEA Introduction and Background ............................................................................... ...................4
1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 The Tipperary Renewable Energy Strategy 2016 ............................................................................. 5
1.3 Relationship with other plans or programmes ................................................................................. 6
2.0 SEA Methodology .............................................................................................................................. 6
3.0 Summary of the Baseline Environment .......................................................................................... 8
3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Likely evolution of the environment in the absence of a new Strategy ........................................... 8
3.3 Biodiversity, Flora & Fauna ............................................................................................................. 8
3.3.1 Natura 2000 sites..................................................................................................................... 9
3.3.2 Natural Heritage Areas ............................................................................................................ 9
3.3.3 Landcover mapping ............................................................................................................... 10
3.3.4 Existing Problems .................................................................................................................. 10
3.4 Geology & Soils ............................................................................................................................. 14
3.4.1 Geology ................................................................................................................................. 14
3.4.2 Soils ....................................................................................................................................... 14
3.4.3 Existing Problems .................................................................................................................. 15
3.5 Material Assets .............................................................................................................................. 17
3.5.1 Existing Problems .................................................................................................................. 17
3.6 Cultural Heritage ............................................................................................................................ 17
3.6.1 Existing Problems .................................................................................................................. 17
3.7 Population & Human Health .......................................................................................................... 19
3.8 Air/Climate Factors ........................................................................................................................ 19
3.9 Landscape ..................................................................................................................................... 20
3.9.1 Existing Problems .................................................................................................................. 22
3.10 Water ............................................................................................................................................. 23
3.10.1 Water Framework Directive .................................................................................................. 23
3.10.2 Status of Surface Waters ....................................................................................................... 24
3.10.3 Status of Ground Waters ....................................................................................................... 24
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3.10.4 Registers of Protected Areas ................................................................................................. 24
3.10.5 Flooding ................................................................................................................................. 25
3.10.6 Existing Problems .................................................................................................................. 25
4.0 SEA Objectives and Indicators ...................................................................................................... 26
4.1 Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs) .................................................................................. 26
4.2 Development Objectives ................................................................................................................ 27
4.3 Consultation with Statutory Environmental Authorities. ................................................................ 28
4.3.1 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 30
5.0 Alternatives ..................................................................................................................................... 31
5.1 Evaluation of Alternatives .............................................................................................................. 32
5.2 Selected Alternative ....................................................................................................................... 32
6.0 Potential for Impact on the SEO’s ................................................................................................ 34
7.0 Incorporation of mitigation measures .......................................................................................... 39
8.0 Monitoring Proposals ..................................................................................................................... 44
8.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 44
8.2 Monitoring for the Renewable Energy Strategy ............................................................................. 44
Appendix 1: Non-Technical Summary ....................................................................................................... 51
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1.0 SEA Introduction and Background
1.1 Introduction
The Draft Renewable Energy Strategy for Tipperary has been prepared to provide a county-wide planning
framework for Renewable Energy Development in County Tipperary. The Renewable Energy Strategy will
be incorporated by way of two variation processes:
Variation No. 3 of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010 (as varied)
Variation No. 3 of the South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009 (as varied)
The County Development Plan areas are illustrated below.
Figure 1: Plan areas of the Tipperary County Development Plans (as varied)
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Pursuant to the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Council is required to undertake a
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), to determine the likely significant environmental effects of
implementing a plan or programme before a decision is made to adopt the plan or programme. This
Environmental Report and SEA has been prepared in respect of Variation no. 3 in compliance with the
requirements set out under the Act. In this regard, it should be noted, that given the county-wide scope
and nature of the Renewable Energy Strategy, the Council has considered collectively and individually (as
appropriate) the impacts of the proposed Variations to both Development Plans. Therefore, this SEA will
provide a consistent assessment across the existing Development Plan areas. For clarity, all maps and
illustrations contained in the report, defines both Development Plan areas. This approach has been taken
for the SEA prepared in respect to of the Wind Energy Strategy - Appendix 2 and the Appropriate
Assessment prepared for the Renewable Energy Strategy and Wind Energy Strategy - Appendix 3 and 4.
The Renewable Energy Strategy sets out a vision for the positive development of renewable energy in
Tipperary, the vision is set out in Section 1.2 of the Renewable Energy Strategy.
The Renewable Energy Strategy was underpinned by an independent review of the wind energy polices of
the County Development Plan (as varied). This was carried out by CAAS Ltd with the support of Fehily and
Timoney and associates. The Wind Energy Strategy was supported by a SEA and Habitats Directive
Assessment (HDA) and the Environmental Report and Natura Impact Report (NIR) of both of these
assessments are set out in Volume 2, as Appendix 2 and 4. Therefore, for detailed analysis for the impact
of wind energy on the environment, reference should also be made to the Environmental Report prepared
for the SEA, and NIR prepared for the HDA as part of the Wind Energy Strategy.
1.2 The Tipperary Renewable Energy Strategy 2016
The vision for the Renewable Energy Strategy is set out in Section 1.2 of Volume 1 and the objective of the
Renewable Energy Strategy is as follows:
‘The Council will seek to support and facilitate the development of the renewable energy sector in
line with the strategic goals set out by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources whilst balancing the need for new development with the protection of the environmental,
cultural and heritage assets of the county’.
The Renewable Energy Strategy is a planning framework to guide and facilitate the development of
renewable energy resources in Tipperary in order to comply with the objectives and targets of the
Governments National Renewable Energy Action Plan 2010. Guidance is given on the renewable energy
resources of the county, including solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydro and planning policy is set
out. It may be reviewed again as necessary after assessment of compliance with the national 2020 targets
and the contribution of Tipperary to these targets.
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1.3 Relationship with other plans or programmes
The Renewable Energy Strategy sits within a hierarchy of strategic plans and programmes that are set out
at an International, European, National, Regional and County level. This hierarchy is illustrated in detail in
Chapter 2 of Volume 2. The Renewable Energy Strategy follows the methodology of the SEAI regarding
the preparation of Local Authority Renewable Energy Strategies 2013.
2.0 SEA Methodology
Schedule 2A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, (as amended) sets out two main types of
criteria for determining whether a plan would be likely to have significant environmental effects:
(1) Characteristics of the plan
(2) Characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be affected.
The Section 28 Guidelines for Regional Authorities and Planning Authorities, on the ‘Assessment of the
Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment’ sets out a methodology for the preparation
of SEA having consideration to the requirement of the Directive. The SEA Guidelines set out a checklist of
information to be included in the environmental report, (see below). This checklist has been a useful tool in
the preparation of the environmental report. In addition, SEA and Habitats Directive Assessment (HDA)
have been carried out concurrently during the preparation of the Renewable Energy Strategy and Wind
Energy Strategy. Pre-Draft SEA Scoping was prepared and consultation was carried out with stakeholders
and the Environmental Authorities. The findings of the SEA and HDA are now for the comment of the
environmental authorities as part of variation no. 3 of the County Development Plan (as varied).
1) Outline of the contents and main objectives of the plan, and of its relationship with
other relevant plans and programmes
2) Description of relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the
evolution of that environment without implementation of the plan
3) Description of the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly
affected
4) Identification of any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan,
particularly those relating to European protected sites
5) List environmental protection objectives, established at international, EU or national
level, which are relevant to the plan and describe how those objectives and any
environmental considerations have been taken into account when preparing the plan
6) Describe the likely significant effects (1) on the environment (biodiversity, human
health, fauna, etc.)
7) Describe measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any
significant adverse environmental effects of implementing the plan
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8) Give an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives considered, and a
description of how the assessment was undertaken (including any difficulties)
9) A description of proposed monitoring measures
10) SEA Statement
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3.0 Summary of the Baseline Environment
3.1 Introduction
This section sets out to:
Describe the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the evolution of that
environment without implementation of the plan
Describe of the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected.
Identify any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan, particularly those
relating to European protected sites.
The following environmental aspects are identified in this section: Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna, Population
and Human Health, Soil, Water, Air and Climate, Material Assets, Cultural Heritage, Landscape and the
interrelationship between the above.
3.2 Likely evolution of the environment in the absence of a new Strategy
The Renewable Energy Strategy has been prepared to inform renewable energy policy of the County
Development Plan (as varied) and in particular updates existing policy on wind energy. In the absence of a
dedicated Renewable Energy Strategy, the existing policy for renewable energy would remain in force, as
set out in both County Development Plans., In this respect current planning policy and the provisions of
environmental relevant legislation would facilitate the management and protection of the environment.
However, the Renewable Energy Strategy provides additional provisions that will contribute towards the
management and protection of the environment on a consistent countywide basis, and will also support the
achievement of the binding renewable energy targets as set out. In the absence of the Renewable Energy
Strategy, such additional protection and management would not be provided and it is likely that energy
targets would not be achieved.
3.3 Biodiversity, Flora & Fauna
There is a variety of sensitive and designated areas in Tipperary on account of the species and habitats
which they contain. Such areas include the Silvermine Mountains (in the west of the County), the Galtee
Mountains (in the south), the Knockmealdown Mountains (in the south) and Slievenamon (in the south
west); Lough Derg (in the north east) and the County’s drainage network including the River Shannon and
River Suir which rises in the north of the County and exits at Carrick-on-Suir in the south west. Sensitive
habitats include peatlands, broad-leaved forests and rivers and streams while sensitive species include
fish, otters, birds and bats.
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Relevant ecological designations in Tipperary include:
Candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs);
Salmonid Waters;
Freshwater Pearl Mussel catchments9;
Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs);
Article 10 of the Habitats Directive recognises the importance of ecological networks as corridors and
stepping stones for wildlife, including for migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of species of flora and
fauna. The Directive requires that ecological connectivity and areas of ecological value outside the Natura
2000 network of designated ecological sites are maintained.
3.3.1 Natura 2000 sites
The Habitats Directive seeks to establish Natura 2000, a network of protected areas throughout the EU. It
is the responsibility of each member state to designate SACs to protect habitats and species, which,
together with the SPAs designated under the 1979 Birds Directive, form Natura 2000.
SACs have been selected for protection under the European Council Directive on the conservation of
natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (92/43/EEC) by the DECLG due to their conservation value for
habitats and species of importance in the European Union. Candidate sites are also protected because
they are currently under consideration by the Commission of the European Union.
SPAs have been selected for protection under the 1979 European Council Directive on the Conservation of
Wild Birds (79/409/EEC) - referred to as the Birds Directive – by the DECLG due to their conservation
value for birds of importance in the European Union.
Salmonid waters are designated and protected as under the European Communities (Quality of Salmonid
Waters) Regulations 1988 (SI No. 293 of 1988). Designated Salmonid Waters are capable of supporting
salmon (Salmo salar), trout (Salmo trutta), char (Salvelinus) and whitefish (Coregonus).
Freshwater pearl mussel is a globally threatened, longlived and extremely sensitive species that can be
impacted by many forms of pollution, particularly sediment and nutrient pollution and by hydrological and
morphological changes, which may arise from developments, activities or changes in any part of the
catchment.
The Renewable Energy Strategy is subject to HDA in accordance with the Habitats Directive to address the
protection of Natura 2000 sites. Natura 2000 sites are set out below.
3.3.2 Natural Heritage Areas
Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) proposed NHAs and Margaritifera Sensitive Areas are illustrated on Figure
2.
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3.3.3 Landcover mapping
Figure 3 illustrates the 2012 CORINE classification of landcover under various headings. Land cover
categories in Tipperary which indicate lands that are likely to be most valuable to biodiversity include
broad-leaved forests, natural grassland, moors and heathlands, transitional woodland scrub, peat bogs,
stream courses and water bodies.
3.3.4 Existing Problems
Tipperary is a county with a wide range of land uses and significant urbanisation in a dispersed settlement
network and it is notable that use of land in the county is constantly in transition excepted in isolated upland
areas. Changes in land uses arising from human development can result in a loss of biodiversity and flora
and fauna, however, it is considered that there are not many significant existing problems in the county that
impact on biodiversity flora and fauna. The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s Article 17
report on the Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland (2013) identifies many Irish habitats to
be of unfavourable status and many to be still declining, although it also identifies that a range of positive
actions are underway. The report identifies that the majority of EU protected species are, however, in
“Favourable” status in Ireland, and stable, although a small number are considered to be in “Bad” status
and continue to require concerted efforts to protect them.
It is noted in the Wind Energy Strategy review and the SEA prepared in respect to it that that there has
been significant wind energy development in parts of the county that is designated as an SPA1. This has
been examined in greater detail in the HDA for the Wind Energy Strategy (Appendix 4)
1 Slievephelims/Hollyford Hills
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Figure 2: Natura 2000 sites within 10Km of County Tipperary
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Figure 3: NHAs and other ecological Sites
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Figure 4: Corine Landcover mapping 2012
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3.4 Geology & Soils
3.4.1 Geology
There are three ages of rock formation represented widely in the region. Youngest of all are the
Carboniferous rocks (limestones) that are most widespread in Ireland, constituting most of the island’s low-
lying midlands. The limestones are in-turn stratified into Westphalian and Namurian (Upper Carboniferous -
the youngest rocks, underlying the Slieveardagh), and Dinantian (Lower Carboniferous - comprising the
remainder of the County’s plains and valleys). Beneath and occasionally protruding through the limestones
are the Old Red Sandstones of the Devonian Age. These mostly hard resistant quartzites, sandstones and
conglomerates. They now form the County’s uplands. At the crests of the Galtees, Slievenamon and the
Hollyford Hills, Silurian Age rocks, the oldest encountered in the County, have been exposed by erosion of
the Old Red Sandstones. These highly compacted slates, shales and greywackes formed between 400 and
435 million years ago. The major geological divisions within the County are those between the Lower
Carboniferous rocks and the Old Red Sandstones. The more substantial areas of Upper Carboniferous and
Silurian rocks have also been delineated.
3.4.2 Soils
The soils of Tipperary are a complex product of the bedrock geology and the various geomorphological
processes that have subsequently acted on the region, such as the spread and retreat of the ice sheet and
glaciers. This is reflected in the subsoil geology, which is dominated by limestone till (glacial deposits) on
the plains and shallow rock in the uplands. The principal soils of the uplands are Peaty Podzols, with low
nutrient status and peaty surface. Outcropping rock is common and the soils are poorly drained. These
characteristics limit the land capability to marginal grazing and forestry.
On the lower slopes of the uplands, Gleys are common. Being poorly drained, intermittently waterlogged,
sticky and hard to work, the land use capability here is similarly limited, although the material is deeper. In
the Slieveardagh hills and the western and eastern extents of the southern lowland plains (between the
major uplands) and in the areas north of Nenagh, there is widespread coverage of Acid Brown Earths.
These soils are similar in nature to the Brown and Grey Podzols that cover the northern and central plains.
They are deep, free draining and medium textured with a good moisture holding capacity, making the
majority of the county’s plains of wide land capability, suitable for high quality grassland and tillage. The
agricultural and equine resources of the county are to a large extend dependant on the quality of the soils
of the central plain.
To the north west of the Slieveardagh, there are extensive patches of Basin Peat, naturally very limited in
terms of land capability. Whilst this peatland is limited in its productive capacity, it is a unique lowland
resource in the county and offers a diverse peatland habitat that should be recognised. Peat and peaty
soils are most sensitive to wind energy development due to potential effects upon soil stability (and
consequent landslides or bogbursts) and ecology, refer to the SEA for the Wind Energy Strategy for more
detail on this.
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The major soils divisions within the County are therefore those between the high quality soils of the lowland
plains and the shallow, nutrient poor and poorly drained soils of the uplands and the peatland area in the
north east
3.4.3 Existing Problems
In terms of baseline environment, the quality soils of the lowlands are highly productive and intensively
managed as an agricultural resource. The ability of this land to maintain it’s productively is vital to the
economy of the county. The soils of the uplands and the peat lands are less intensively managed and have
a lower economic productively, however, as a result of this have a greater diversity and this also enhances
the environmental and visual quality of the county.
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Figure 5: Soils of Tipperary
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3.5 Material Assets
Tipperary has a wealth of material assets including but not limited to private housing, transport and public
service infrastructure, commercial and industrial enterprises, the agricultural and equine industries, amenity
and recreational facilities, quarries and agricultural land (cultural assets dealt with below). The material
assets of the county that may be relevant for the production of renewable energy include natural resources
such as areas of uplands suitable for wind energy production, land banks suitable for the production of
crops and forests, water bodies etc, and man-made resources such as the county’s infrastructure including
road network, water supply network, wastewater network, electricity supply network, gas network etc. it will
be a function of the SEA to ensure that the sustainable development of renewable energy will not have a
detrimental impact on the important material assets of the county.
3.5.1 Existing Problems
It was found that there has been no significant problems related to material assets related to renewable
energy development in the County.
3.6 Cultural Heritage
Tipperary has a wealth of architectural and cultural heritage and this is vital to the character of the county
and to its tourism industry. Protected structures are set out in the relevant Development Plans and are
given statutory protection in the Planning and Development Acts 2000, (as amended). Sites and
Monuments are protected by the National Monuments Act and identified in the relevant Development
Plans. There are 6 medieval walled towns in Tipperary, four of these are in the Irish Walled Towns
Network, and these are Cashel, Fethard, Clonmel and Carrick on Suir. The Heritage Plans prepared for
North and South Tipperary address cultural and natural heritage in general and sets out actions and
measures for its protection and maintenance.
3.6.1 Existing Problems
There is often a perceived conflict between renewable energy developments and culture. Impact on cultural
heritage is often a concern of local communities who recognise the value of their local heritage and are
concerned with the potential for impact as a result of large industrial type developments. Impact on cultural
heritage as a result of wind energy development was raised as a concern at pre-draft consultation phase.
Impacts that could arise as a result on renewable energy development are related to the visual intrusion of
development i.e. wind turbines and solar panels on historic settings, and physical intrusion i.e. disturbance
of sub-surface remains as a result of excavations for geothermal heat, wind turbines, solar farms etc.
The preparation of the Renewable Energy Strategy has been carried out with careful consideration to the
cultural heritage of the county, including historic landscapes, protected structures, national and recorded
monuments and historic town centres. It has been found that there has been to date no significant conflicts
with legislative objectives governing archaeological and architectural heritage.
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Figure 6: Cultural Assets in the County.
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3.7 Population & Human Health
3.7.1 Population
Tipperary has a strong settlement structure based around its county town of Clonmel, its larger towns of
Nenagh and Thurles and its strong network of supporting towns and villages. There is also a well dispersed
rural population, and the county is populated over much of its area with the exception of the higher upland
areas and bogland areas to the extreme north of the county. The county traditionally has had a strong
agricultural and equine industry with population living on the land near their place of work.
3.7.2 Human Health
Tipperary is considered to be a quality place to live and its natural and cultural amenities and facilities
contribute to a high quality of life. It is envisaged that the reduction in the use of fossil fuels as proposed will
contribute to a higher quality of life through the lowering of the production of GHG emissions. However, it
will be a function of this SEA to ensure that the sustainable development of renewable energy will not have
a negative impact on human health.
Wind energy developments have resulted in concerns from members of the public in relation to potential
impact on human heath as a result of noise and shadow flicker in the vicinity of wind turbines. The
Department of Environment, Community and Local Government is currently carrying out a technical update
of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006 with respect to noise (including separation distance) and
shadow flicker from wind energy developments. This update is intended to ensure that the Wind Energy
Guidelines are supported by a robust and up to date evidence base on these issues to support wind energy
development in a manner which safeguards residential amenity consistent with EU and National Policy.
Please refer to the SEA prepared for the Wind Energy Strategy for greater detail.
To date commercial scale renewable energy installation in Tipperary has been mostly for wind energy. It is
likely that over the lifetime of the Renewable Energy Strategy that there will be significant investment in
other resources such as energy from biomass, hydro and solar resources. Each of these have potential to
impact on humans in the absence of appropriate mitigation.
3.7.3 Existing Problems
It is considered that there are no significant existing problems associated with the renewable energy
development and population and human health in the county.
3.8 Air/Climate Factors
A suite of new EU Directives setting out a completely new approach to the monitoring, assessment and
management of air quality has been adopted in recent years. The objectives include avoiding, preventing
and reducing the impact of harmful air emissions on human health and the environment. Ireland does not
have serious outdoor air quality problems. This is largely due to the eradication of the burning of coal in
many urban areas during the 1980s and the early 1990s. The biggest threat now facing our air quality is
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emissions from road traffic. Air pollution can affect the health and well-being of sensitive population groups
and eco-systems.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has overall responsibility for the co-ordination of ambient air
quality monitoring in Ireland in accordance with these EU Directives. The EPA and local authorities operate
monitoring stations. Tipperary is located within Air Quality Zone C and the current air quality in this zone is
of good status (taken from the monitoring point at the Limerick City Council laboratories on Park Road,
Reebogue, Limerick). It is likely that the implementation of the RES will have long-term benefits with
respect to air quality and climate change. However, any localised potential for adverse effects will be
managed through the appropriate procedures and controls such as EIA, IPC Licencing etc.
3.9 Landscape
The importance of landscape and visual amenity and the role of its protection are recognised in the
Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), which requires that Development Plans include
objectives for the preservation of the landscape, views and the amenities of places and features of natural
beauty. The importance of the landscape is also acknowledged by the Council and in view of this as part of
the Renewable Energy Strategy process, a review2 of the landscapes within County Tipperary was carried
out. The results of this landscape sensitivity analysis are shown on Figure 6. In addition, landscape
sensitivities in Tipperary and sensitivities in adjacent areas of the seven counties with which County
Tipperary shares its county boundary with (including those for counties Clare, Galway, Offaly, Laois,
Kilkenny, Waterford and Limerick) were considered during the preparation of the Renewable Energy
Strategy and the LCA.
In classifying the landscape of county Tipperary it was found that there are 4 landscape archetypes in the
County Illustrated on Figure 6:
A The Plains
B The Lakelands
C The Foothills
D The Uplands
These areas can then be subdivided and described in a set out 23 distinctive landscape character areas in
the county. Sensitive areas in the county include the uplands and foothills of the Silvermines Mountains,
Arra Mountains and the Devils Bit in the north of the County, the Slieveardagh Hills and Slievenamon in the
east and southeast of the County and the Galtee and Knockmealdown Mountains in the west and south of
the County. These areas are sensitive due to their elevation, slope, vegetation and soils. Other sensitive
areas include Lough Derg and those which contain peatlands and other semi-natural habitats in lowland
areas, including in the north and east of the county and urban and semi urban areas. Views listed and
2 Tipperary Landscape Character Assessment review 2016
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protected in Tipperary through the County Development Plans (as varied) include views of key heritage
sites and along scenic tourism routes. Such listed views will inform lower tier project assessments and
design.
The assessment of the landscape allows for guidance to be set out on the capacity of the landscape for
change having consideration to its sensitivity. Detailed guidance is set out in the Landscape Character
Assessment for Tipperary 2016; this has informed the Renewable Energy Strategy.
Figure 7: landscape Archetypes
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Figure 8: Range of Sensitivities including the dominant sensitivity in each LCA
3.9.1 Existing Problems
Primary and subsequent ecological succession and new developments have resulted in changes to the
visual appearance of landscapes within County Tipperary overtime and it is considered that this is a natural
process of landscape change, however legislative objectives governing landscape and visual appearance
were not identified as being conflicted with. It is noted that adjoining counties sometimes take a different
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approach to designation of landscape sensitivity and capacity for change and this may result in conflicting
policy for development in the landscape i.e. wind energy designations. In view of this, the Wind Energy
Strategy and LCA were mindful of landscape designations in adjoining counties up to 5km from the county
boundary. This process ensures that there are no significant conflicts in planning policy for new
development across the county boundaries.
3.10 Water
3.10.1 Water Framework Directive
Since 2000, Water Management in the EU has been directed by the Water Framework Directive
2000/60/EC (WFD). The WFD requires that all Member States implement the necessary measures to
prevent deterioration of the status of all waters - surface, ground,estuarine and coastal - and protect,
enhance and restore all waters with the aim of achieving “good status”. All public bodies are required to
coordinate their policies and operations so as to maintain the good status of water bodies which are
currently unpolluted and improve polluted water bodies to good status.
Article 4 of the WFD sets out various exemptions for deterioration in status caused as a result of certain
physical modifications to water bodies. This is provided: all practicable mitigation measures are taken;
there are reasons of overriding public interest or the benefits to human health, safety or sustainable
development outweigh the benefits in achieving the WFD objective; there are no better alternatives; and
the reasons for the physical modification are explained in the relevant catchment management plan.
A new national river basin plan3 will be supported by sub plans at sub-regional scales. The country will be
divided into 46 catchment management units. The units are, in the main, based on the hydrometric areas
already in use, with the River Shannon being subdivided on the basis of the catchments of its major
tributaries. Within each of these catchments, assessments will be done at a sub-catchment scale to inform
and assist with targeting of actions to address the issues identified. The units relevant to Tipperary are:
15 Nore
16 Suir
25A Brosna
25B Lower Shannon
25C Lough Derg
25D Lower Shannon
WFD Monitoring Programmes are undertaken in Ireland by the EPA. Overviews of the status for monitored
waterbodies are published on an ongoing basis and are made available online. Up-to-date, detailed
3 Significant Water Management Issues in Ireland - Consultation Document (June 2015)
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information with respect to relevant water bodies will, as is normal practice, inform lower tier project
assessments and design.
3.10.2 Status of Surface Waters
For surface water, the WFD defines ‘status’ as the general expression of the status of a body of surface
water, determined by the poorer of its ecological status and its chemical status. Thus, to achieve ‘good
surface water status’ both the ecological status and the chemical status of a surface water body need to be
at least ‘good’.
Ecological status is an expression of the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems associated with
surface waters. Such waters are classified as of ‘good ecological status’ when they meet Directive
requirements.
Chemical Status is a pass/fail assignment with a failure defined by a face-value exceedance of an
Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) for one or more Priority Action Substances (PAS) listed in Annex X
of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The EQS values for individual PAS substances are set at
European level. Good surface water chemical status means that concentrations of pollutants in the water
body do not exceed the environmental limit values specified in the Directive.
The most recent available information from the EPA (for the years 2010-2012) generally classifies surface
waters in County Tipperary as being of good or high status, however there are stretches of rivers and
streams which are classified as being of moderate and, to a lesser extent, poor status.
3.10.3 Status of Ground Waters
For groundwater bodies, the approach to classification is different from that for surface water. For each
body of groundwater, both the chemical status and the quantitative must be determined. Both have to be
classed as either good or poor. The WFD sets out a series of criteria that must be met for a body to be
classed as good chemical and quantitative status. The most recent available information from the EPA (for
the years 2007-2012) generally classifies ground waters in County Tipperary as being of good status.
3.10.4 Registers of Protected Areas
The WFD requires that Registers of Protected Areas (RPAs) are compiled for a number of water bodies or
part of water bodies which must have extra controls on their quality by virtue of how their waters are used
by people and by wildlife. The WFD requires that these RPAs contain: areas from which waters are taken
for public or private water supply schemes; designated shellfish production areas; bathing waters; areas
which are affected by high levels of substances most commonly found in fertilizers, animal and human
wastes - these areas are considered nutrient sensitive; areas designated for the protection of habitats or
species e.g. Salmonid areas; Special Areas of Conservation (SACs); and, Special Protection Areas
(SPAs).
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Entries to the RPAs in County Tipperary include:
The water bodies within and surrounding the County supporting Special Areas of Conservation
(SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs);
Lough Derg, all of the groundwater underlying the County and stretches of certain stretches of
rivers, by virtue of the abstractions of drinking water taken from them;
Nutrient sensitive rivers (a stretch of the Nenagh River from Nenagh to Lough Derg, a stretch of the
River Suir downstream of Thurles and a stretch of the River Suir downstream of Clonmel);
Salmonid rivers, including stretches of the Rivers Aherlow and River Nore.
3.10.5 Flooding
It is a critical element of the SEA to consider the potential for flood risk as a result of development and to
ensure that the potential impact of flooding on new development is a careful consideration of the planning
process. It is also important to consider the impact of Climate Change on flood risk in the long-term.
Flooding is a multi-functional natural process which performs important ecological roles and which always
has and always will occur. In assessing planning applications, the Council has consideration to
classification of lands within Flood Zone A and Flood Zone B (as per JBA Flood Mapping for South
Tipperary purchased by the Council in 2010), the 1:100 and 1:1000 Year Preliminary Flood Risk Mapping
(PFRA) produced by the OPW in 2012 and draft flood risk maps produced by the OPW in 2015.
The OPW are currently preparing a South East Catchment Flood Risk Management Plan (CFRMP), A
Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Management Plan (SFRMP) and a River Suir CFRAM, these will identify
areas for flood management (generally based around urban areas) and will be important management tools
for flood risk areas in the future. Tipperary is primarily located in the Shannon and Suir River Catchments.
The OPW have identified Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) and draft flood Maps were published in late
2015. Any new development proposed in the county will be required to demonstrate that it will not
contribute to flood risk in accordance with the Flood Risk Guidelines and having consideration to available
Flood Risk Mapping, including flood risk mapping from the OPW/RPS Suir CFRAMs and the relevant
CRFRAMs due to be published in 2016. Where appropriate the council will request the preparation of a
flood risk management plan to accompany planning applications.
3.10.6 Existing Problems
It is noted that most of Tipperary’s surface waters and ground waters are classified as being of ‘good’
status, where waters are found to be less than ‘good’ in their status, the council in conjunction with the EPA
is seeking to improve these water bodies to at least ‘good’ status. It is noted that there is historic and
predictive evidence of flooding in various locations in County Tipperary.
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4.0 SEA Objectives and Indicators
4.1 Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs)
The focus of the Renewable Energy Strategy is on the production and use of renewable energy in the
county as an alternative to the use of fossil fuels; therefore, it ultimately will assist in meeting environment
protection targets through the decrease in the use of fossil fuels and consequent reduced Green House
Gas (GHG) Emissions. However, notwithstanding this overall environmental benefit, SEA scoping was
carried out to determine the key environmental impact areas, and how these areas may be affected
(positive or negative) through the implementation of the Renewable Energy Strategy. The key Strategic
Environmental Objectives (SEOs) of the County Development Plan (as varied) are set out below:
TABLE 1: SEOS RELEVANT TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN
Environmental
categories
SEOs
Biodiversity, Flora &
Fauna
1 Conserve the diversity of habitats and protected species
Water Quality and
Flooding
2
3
Promote sustainable water use based on long-term protection of available
water resources.
Protect and enhance the status of aquatic ecosystems and, with regard to
their water needs, terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands directly depending on
the aquatic ecosystems.
Landscape and
Visual Amenity
4 Conserve and enhance valued natural and historic landscapes and features
within them.
Air & Climatic Factors 5
6
7
8
Reduce all forms of air pollution.
Minimise emissions of greenhouse gases to contribute to a reduction and
avoidance of human-induced global climate change.
Reduce waste of energy, and maximise use of renewable energy resources.
Assess, plan and manage adaptation to climate change impacts.
Material Assets 9
10
Maximise the use of the existing built environment.
Avoid flood risk and / or coastal erosion in selecting sites for development.
Cultural Heritage 11 Promote the protection and conservation of the cultural, including
architectural and archaeological, heritage.
Population and
human health
12 Minimise noise, vibration and emissions from traffic, industrial processes and
extractive industry.
Soils & Geology 13
14
15
16
Maintain the quality of soils
Give preference to the use of brown field lands, rather than developing
greenfield lands.
Minimise the consumption of non-renewable sand, gravel and rock deposits.
Minimise the amount of waste to landfill.
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4.2 Development Objectives
Chapter 4 of the Renewable Energy Strategy describes the energy resources and the likely forms of
installations that may occur in Tipperary. A distinction is made between small scale (Micro), auto-producers
and large scale/commercial development types. The infrastructure required for these developments are
already in place, however, it is likely that this will be supplemented as projects are developed. It is likely
that the implementation of the Renewable Energy Strategy may lead to and facilitate the following key
areas of development:
TABLE 2: ENVISAGED RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
All forms of Auto production/Micro renewable energy installations – Wind turbines, solar panels, private
combined heat and power units, small scale anaerobic digestion etc.
Large scale/Commercial Renewable Energy Installations
Commercial Hydropower – Development of upland hydropower facilities to generate electricity from stored
water, development of lowland water resources through impoundment or diversion.
Commercial Bio-Energy – Anaerobic digestion (AD) fermentation facilities at the medium to large scale
(using biomass or bio-waste products), bio fuel production facilities, wood processing facilities etc
Commercial Wind Energy – Wind turbines on upland areas and individual turbines developed on sites to
provide for the energy needs of enterprise and industry.
Commercial Geothermal Units – Large scale geothermal collectors
Commercial Solar Units – large scale photovoltaic or solar collectors (roof or ground mounted)
Other technologies such as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and District Heating (DH)
In the context of development that may arise as a result of the Renewable Energy Strategy there is
potential for interaction between the SEOs set out above and the development objectives. It is important to
note that many of the inter-relationships may be positive or neutral. There may also be potential for
negative interactions in the absence of appropriate mitigation measures and therefore it is important that all
interrelationships are properly considered through the SEA process.
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4.3 Consultation with Statutory Environmental Authorities.
In April 2015, the Council submitted a detailed Renewable Energy Strategy Scoping Report to the statutory
Environmental Authorities in order to gain their input into the SEA Scoping Process for the RES. The
following were consulted:
1) Environmental Protection Agency
2) Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government
3) Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
4) Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
5) Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
6) Adjoining Planning Authorities
Responses are set out below:
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, dated 28th
April 2015.
Wind energy developments have the potential to impact on SPAs, Planning for wind energy areas within
several lm of SPAs should be fully assessed for their potential to impact of such designated sites. (Habitats
Directive Scoping). Wind energy development also has the potential to impact on freshwater (candidate)
SACs, such as the River Mulkear and River Suir and their tributaries. It is recommended that any wind
energy development zones should be fully assessed with respect to their potential to impact on such
designated sites. Commercial Hydropower developments within or near SACs or NHAs also have the
potential to impact on such sites and careful consideration should be given to zoning within such sites.
Birdwatch Ireland has produced a Bird Sensitivity Map for Ireland and consideration should be given to this
as part of the RES. All commercial developments should also be considered in the context of any
powerlines or serviced that they require. The SEA should contain a detailed section on Cultural Heritage
that looks at all aspects of this resource, including both underwater archaeology and terrestrial heritage that
may be affected. The Sites and Monuments Record should be considered along with the Department’s
published policy in relation to the archaeological assessment of large-scale developments on sites where
there is no record of archaeological monuments. (Framework and Principles for the Protection of the
archaeological heritage) Duchas the Heritage Service. Archaeological Heritage Includes:
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Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, 2nd
June 2015
Geology should be assessed as part of the SEA for the RES as it is part of the Heritage and Environment
of the County. Geology should be considered under the heading – Soils and Geology. The SEA should
provide information on Soils and Geology. The Department also recommends that consideration be given
to Irish Geological and Geomorphological sites in the county as addressed by the IGH programmed of the
GSI, which identifies 16 categories of site. County Geological sites are identified under the national
heritage Plan and should be considered. Detailed data sources are referenced in the submission and
include references to: Land mapping, landslides and groundwater.
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, 1st
May 2015
Reference is mainly made to potential impacts on a marine environment, this has no direct relevance to
Tipperary outside of limited estuarial waters at Carrick on Suir. Reference is also made to freshwater
aquaculture and freshwater quality, of relevance to the water environment of Tipperary. A detailed list of
references is set out.
EPA, 6th
May 2015
Specific comments on the RES are outlined under the following headings:
SEAI LARES Guidance
Water related considerations
Biodiversity
Landscape
Relationship with other plans and programmes
In combination - Cumulative effects
Cumulative sensitivity mapping
Consideration of alternatives
Phasing of RE developments
Regional authority Considerations
Consideration of adjacent Local Authorities
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Services provisions
Overhead Powerlines
The RES should include a statement regarding what is the function of the RES and what it can and cannot
do. Where other plans and programme are responsible for implementing policies, objective and initiatives
these should be fully referenced. The submissions sets out the appropriate legislative framework and
matters to be considered in the preparation of the RES under the following headings:
Water
Slope stability and land susceptibility
Biodiversity
Air, noise and climatic considerations
Landscape Character Assessment
Geology
Infrastructure
Waste Management
Environmental Impact assessment
Strategic Environmental Assessment
EPA report - Irelands Environment 2012, main environmental challenges.
A schedule of environmental resources is set out with the submission.
Waterford County Council 11th
May 2015
Reference is made to a number of matters already addressed; the following additional measures are
outlined: The SEA should have required to the wind energy strategies and LCA of adjoining counties. A
regional perspective should also be considered in assessing cumulative impact of wind energy
development. SEA should have consideration to the Joint Waste Management Plan for the region.
Cultural assessment should also include demesne landscapes, historic gardens and industrial heritage.
Appropriate Information sources are outlined.
4.3.1 Conclusion
The submissions, comments and references to appropriate sources of data and baseline information as set
out in the submissions received will be very useful in the preparation of the Renewable Energy Strategy.
The SEA process will give due consideration to the submissions received.
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5.0 Alternatives
The SEA Directive, requires that reasonable alternatives are considered, taking into account the overall
objectives of the strategy and the geographical study area. In producing the Renewable Energy Strategy
two alternatives based on growth scenarios for renewable energy where considered. In setting out
alternatives it is acknowledged that it is not possible to disregard growth scenarios for renewable energy
development without consideration to the legally binding 2020 targets as set out in the National Renewable
Energy Action plan (NREAP). Further detail related to this is set out in Chapter 3.0 of the Renewable
Energy Strategy.
In addition, it was decided that consideration of alternatives based on a focus on individual energy
resources i.e. wind, hydro, solar etc with limitations on others was not appropriate as such a limited
approach to energy would not meet 2020 targets and restrict innovation and most efficient use of
supporting infrastructure and opportunities. Furthermore, the lack of county targets for renewable energy
production resulted in difficulty in setting out specific alternatives based on energy production in Tipperary.
For the reasons set out above, it was decided to consider the two renewable energy alternative approaches
that could be taken by Tipperary County Council relating to energy policy.
Spatial alternatives in the form of zoning, have been considered for the Wind Energy Strategy. However,
given the range of renewable energy technologies and the county-wide renewable energy resource
potential available, it is considered reasonable to consider non-spatial alteratives for the overall Strategy,
with a focus on written policy, having consideration to the overiding need to support and facilitate
renewable energy development on a county-wide basis accross a wide range of technology potentials. The
alternatives below have been considered on the basis of a strategy for growth for renewable energy.
(a) BASELINE SCENARIO – ‘Business as usual’, where all policy measures currently legislated for up
to the end of 20144 are maintained. This could be a future in which no further policy actions or
measures are taken and where renewable energy strategies are not prepared. This would result in
a slow increase in the production of renewable energy however, would fail to meet national 2020
renewable energy targets and would not put in place the economic and societal frameworks
needed to continue renewable energy production to 2030 requirements. Failure to meet legally
binding targets would result in monetary fines and ultimately contribute to unsubstantial reductions
in GHG emissions and poor response to climate change mitigation measures.
(b) NREAP SCENARIO - This scenario is to occur in line with the implementation of the baseline
measures described above and in addition to these, the implementation of the NREAP and White
Paper for Energy 2015 targets and objectives. In addition, the implementation of the National
Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2022 (NEEAP) will achieve lower energy consumption overall due to
energy efficiency measures. This scenario sets out a vision for Tipperary to adopt a planning
4 Before publication of the White Paper for Energy 2015
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framework for renewable energy that facilitates high levels investment across all the renewable
resources including wind, biomass, solar, hydro and geothermal where it can be demonstrated that
environmental impacts are not significant. This scenario is underpinned by Tipperary County
Councils commitment to renewable energy through its membership of the Covenant of Mayors.
5.1 Evaluation of Alternatives
This section set out a comparative evaluation of the environmental effects of implementing each alterative.
The alternatives are evaluations using compatibility critieria in order to determine how they would be likely
to affect the SEOs identified in Table 1.
Table 3: Criteria for appraising the effect of Alternatives on SEOs
Likely to
Improve
status of
SEOs to the
greatest
degree
Likely to
Improve
status of
SEOs to a
greater
degree
Likely to
Improve
status of
SEOs to a
lesser
degree
Least
Potential
Conflict with
status of
SEOs- likely
to be
mitigated
Most
Potential
Conflict with
status of
SEOs- likely
to be
mitigated
Probable
Conflict with
status of
SEOs-
unlikely to be
fully
mitigated
No
significant
interaction
with status of
SEOs
Table 4: Comparative Evaluation of Tier 1 Alternatives: Type of Strategy
Option
Likely to
Improve
status of
SEOs to the
greatest
degree
Likely to
Improve
status of
SEOs to a
greater
degree
Likely to
Improve
status of
SEOs to a
lesser
degree
Least
Potential
Conflict
with status
of SEOs-
likely to be
mitigated
Most
Potential
Conflict
with status
of SEOs-
likely to be
mitigated
Probable
Conflict
with status
of SEOs-
unlikely to
be fully
mitigated
No
significant
interaction
with status
of SEOs
BASELINE
SCENARIO
5, 6, 7, 8,
9, 16
1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12,
13, 14, 15,
NREAP
SCENARIO
5, 6, 7, 8,
9, 16,
1, 2, 3, 4,
10, 11, 12,
13, 14, 15,
5.2 Selected Alternative
The alternative selected for the development of the Strategy is Alternative B NREAP Scenario. This
alternative will have the following affects as a result of its implementation and will result in more
environmental benefits than the other alternative examined.
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Will reduce all forms of air pollution.
Will minimise emissions of greenhouse gases to contribute to a reduction and avoidance of human-
induced global climate change.
Will reduce waste of energy, and maximise use of renewable energy resources.
Will assist in the planning and management of adaptation to climate change impacts.
Will maximise the use of the existing built environment, and,
Minimise the amount of waste to landfill.
At the same time, when compared with the other alternative this option will facilitate the protection and
management of the environment to a greater degree; and resulting in a reduced amount of potential
conflicts. By complying with appropriate mitigation measures - including those which have been integrated
into the Renewable Energy Strategy – potentially significant adverse environmental effects which could
arise as a result of implementing the Strategy would be likely to be avoided, reduced or offset.
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6.0 Potential for Impact on the SEO’s
The Matrix below assesses the areas where the development likely to occur as a result of the Renewable
Energy Strategy may interact with the SEOs set out in this environmental report. Where it is identified that
there is potential for a significant adverse impact on an SEO, mitigation measures are proposed for
incorporation into the Renewable Energy Strategy.
Potential effects on SEOs are categorised as follows:
Significant beneficial impact
? Uncertain Impact
X Significant adverse impact
O No relationship, or insignificant impact.
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TABLE 5: MATRIX OF INTERACTION OF EPO’S WITH DEVELOPMENT LIKELY TO OCCUR
Environmental
categories
EPOs Potential
Impact
(, ?, X, O)
Consideration of Development likely to occur in the context of the EPOs
Biodiversity,
Flora & Fauna
1. Conserve the
diversity of habitats and
protected species
? The development of renewable energy sources especially that element of the industry that relates to processing could
potentially have wide- ranging and localised adverse impacts on biodiversity through the construction and operation phases
of development.
The types of renewable energy development that could impact on Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna are generally the larger
scale or commercial systems such as biofuel/biomass processing, hydro-energy installations, large-scale wind energy
installations etc. More localised impacts could arise as a result of domestic scale installations such as small scale
hydropower installations, on-farm AD plants, wood chipping facilities etc. The greatest level of impacts could typically arise
at the construction phase particularly for wind energy and solar energy installations; however, for many of the
developments identified above the on-going operating of the facilities could result in environmental impacts. In addition the
decommissioning phase should be considered as part of any development. Appropriate planning policy for environmental
protection and mitigation measures should be incorporated into the Renewable Energy Strategy in support of the County
Development Plan Policy, to avoid conflict with the EPO for Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna. Where appropriate planning
conditions relating to decommissioning may be required for renewable energy installations to ensure site remediation at
end of life developments.
It has been established in the HDA prepared for this Renewable Energy Strategy, that there is potential an impact on SPAs
as result of wind energy development in the county, the cumulative impacts of high wind energy areas has also been
considered. This approach has resulted in a precautionary approach to wind energy areas zoning.
The demand for Biomass in Tipperary is likely to continue to increase as people move away from fossil fuels to more
sustainable and locally produced energy sources. The Renewable Energy Strategy has identified typical resources, and key
ones relate to agriculture and food by-products, energy crops, bio-waste and forestry. Forestry plantations and bio-energy
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cropping do not normally require planning permission and therefore are not addressed in the planning framework of the
RES. Forestry in Ireland operates within a legal and regulatory framework. This is necessary in order to protect forests and
also to ensure that forestry operations and activities are carried out in compliance with the principles of sustainable forest
management. While most forestry operations are exempt from the requirement to obtain planning permission, some forestry
activities require, by law, a license or approval (consent) from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It is a
condition of grant-aid, under the 2007-2013 Programme that development be compatible with the protection of the
environment. Environmental considerations at the time of application include water quality, designated habitats,
archaeology, landscape and size of area. Public agencies and the general public are consulted in relation to applications for
forestry grants in areas of special environmental sensitivity.
Water Quality
and Flooding
2. Promote sustainable
water use based on
long-term protection of
available water
resources.
3. Protect and enhance
the status of aquatic
ecosystems and, with
regard to their water
needs, terrestrial
ecosystems and
wetlands directly
depending on the
aquatic ecosystems.
? The protection of water quality in Tipperary is influenced by the extensive designation of water courses as Special Areas of
Conservation associated with the River Suir catchment and the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. The types
of renewable energy development that could impact on water quality (as a result of disturbance or abstraction/discharge)
are generally the larger scale or commercial systems such as biofuel/biomass processing, hydro-energy installations, bio-
energy/forestry cropping, large-scale wind energy installations etc. More localised impacts could arise as a result of
domestic scale installations such as small scale hydropower installations, on-farm AD plants, wood chipping facilities etc.
The greatest level of impacts could typically arise at the construction phase related to ground disturbance for installations
and associated infrastructure. However, for many of the developments identified above the on-going operating of the
facilities could result in environmental impacts. In addition the decommissioning phase should be considered as part of any
development.
Appropriate planning policy for environmental protection and mitigation measures should be incorporated into the
Renewable Energy Strategy in support of the County Development Plan (as varied) Policy, to avoid conflict with the EPO
for Water quality and flooding. The avoidance of flood risk or the exacerbation of existing flood risk should also be
considered in the county and consideration of flood risk areas and flood risk management plans (after publication of the
Shannon and South East CFRAMs) will be required as part of any planning proposal.
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Landscape and
Visual Amenity
4. Conserve and
enhance valued natural
and historic landscapes
and features within
them.
? Certain aspects of the renewable energy sector can alter views and prospects, i.e. wind turbines, intensive forestry,
processing facilities, solar harvesting. There is also potential for localised visual impacts as a result of the development of
micro-renewables.
It is acknowledged that the greatest potential for impact on the character of the landscape (both urban and rural) will arise
as a result of solar and wind energy commercial scale installations. In addition, auto-producer and micro producers for solar
and wind have the potential to alter the character of the urban landscape.
In view of the potential for landscape change, an independent review of the current Tipperary Landscape Character
Assessments (LCA) was commissioned and this new review dated 2016 characterises the landscape, identifies sensitivity
areas and also set out guidelines on the capacity of the landscape of the county to accommodate change. Particular
consideration was given to land use types set out across the following categories: Agriculture and Forestry, Housing,
Urbanisation, Infrastructure, Extraction and energy. Consideration under the energy category was given to solar energy and
wind energy. The Renewable Energy Strategy acknowledges the role of Visual Impact Assessment as a tool to assist in the
assessment of visual impact on the urban and rural environment. Appropriate planning policy for protection and mitigation
measures should be incorporated into the Renewable Energy Strategy in support of the County Development Plan Policy,
to avoid conflict with the EPO for protection of natural and historic landscapes.
Air & Climatic
Factors
5. Reduce all forms of
air pollution.
6. Minimise emissions
of greenhouse gases to
contribute to a
reduction and
avoidance of human-
induced global climate
change.
It is envisaged that the increased focus on the production of energy from clean and renewable resources such as wind,
water and sunlight will over the long turn improve air quality and have a positive impact on climate change due to the
reduction in reliance on the burning of fossil fuels.
Adverse impact on air quality is likely to be most associated with biomass processing and burning. Domestic burning of
wood fuel is becoming more efficient and produces lower rates of emissions due to better quality stoves and technology.
Emissions may occur at the large scale in the event of the location of a large scale bio fuel processing facility in the county
i.e. wood pellet manufacturing or bio-fuel processing.
The greatest level of impacts could typically arise at the construction phase; however, for many of the developments
identified above the on-going operating of the facilities could result in environmental impacts. In addition the
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7. Reduce waste of
energy, and maximise
use of renewable
energy resources.
8. Assess, plan and
manage adaptation to
climate change
impacts.
decommissioning phase should be considered as part of any development. Appropriate planning policy for environmental
protection and mitigation measures should be incorporated into the RES in support of the County Development Plan Policy,
to avoid conflict with the EPO for Air Quality and Climate Change.
Material Assets 9. Maximise the use of
the existing built
environment.
10. Avoid flood risk and
/ or coastal erosion in
selecting sites for
development.
?, It is acknowledged in the Renewable Energy Strategy that sustainable use must be made of material assets in place in
Tipperary that facilitate the renewable energy sector. Such assets include: the national road and rail network, the national
grid, the gas network etc. Eirgrid and ESB Networks and Bord Gáis Ireland manage and operate the national energy
networks and connection to these networks is controlled by a grid connection application process. In assessing proposals
for renewable energy developments, particular consideration will be given to the impact on the county road network. This is
particularly relevant in the case of bioenergy developments where the raw material along with the by-product may require
transportation to and from the processing site.
The potential for impacts on certain material assets could arise as a result of significant changes in agricultural practices i.e.
through bio-energy cropping and the erection of on-site AD plants. However, it is considered appropriate that on-farm AD
process should be become part of normal farming practices and will not result in any change to material assets subject to
normal planning controls.
It is accepted that innovation will be required with respect to renewable energy and it can be expected that new
technologies, designs and materials and finishes to the built environment will be proposed in the county over the lifetime of
the Renewable Energy Strategy. Therefore, flexibility will be required to accommodate these necessary innovations. The
Renewable Energy Strategy and the County Development Plan (as varied) is clear on what aspect of material assets are of
value and should not be subject to material; change and the implementation of normal planning criteria will ensure this.
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The use of CHP technologies will result in a positive impact on material assets through the recovery and use of waste heat.
Localised impacts on the assets of the county in general i.e. infrastructure, could arise as a result of individual proposals for
development, however, the application of normal development management standards will ensure that impacts are
mitigated.
Cultural
Heritage
11. Promote the
protection and
conservation of the
cultural, including
architectural and
archaeological,
heritage.
O In general, there is no direct conflict between cultural heritage and renewable energy where appropriate mitigation
measures considered and applied. Potential for impacts may arsier as a result if solar energy and in energy installations
sited and designated in an appropriate manner in sensitive urban locations, however, normal planning controls will avoid
this conflict. There is also potential for disturbance of sub-surface remains as a result of certain installations where
significant ground clearance is required, particularly at construction phase in geothermal, solar and wind energy
developments. Planning controls such as archaeological monitoring will be required in such instances.
It is accepted that innovation will be required with respect to renewable energy and it can be expected that new
technologies, designs and materials and finishes to the built and man-made environment will be proposed in the county
over the lifetime of the Renewable Energy Strategy, for example, typical house designs may change to accommodate solar
and geothermal technologies. Therefore, flexibility will be required to accommodate these necessary design innovations.
The Renewable Energy Strategy and the County Development Plan (as varied) is clear on what aspect of material assets
and natural and cultural assets are of value and should not be subject to material; change and the implementation of
normal planning criteria will ensure this.
It is considered that the implementation of the Renewable Energy Strategy will not have significant negative impacts on the
cultural heritage of the plan area. Local impacts that may arise may be mitigated through the normal planning process.
Population and
human health
12. Minimise noise,
vibration and emissions
from traffic, industrial
processes and
extractive industry.
O It is considered that the implementation of the Renewable Energy Strategy will not have significant negative impacts on the
human health of the population of the plan area. Local impacts that may arise may be mitigated through the planning
process.
Soils & Geology 13. Maintain the quality O, It is considered that the implementation of the Renewable Energy Strategy will not have significant negative impacts on the
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of soils
14. Give preference to
the use of brown field
lands, rather than
developing Greenfield
lands.
15. Minimise the
consumption of non-
renewable sand, gravel
and rock deposits.
16. Minimise the
amount of waste to
landfill.
soils and geology of the plan area. Impacts are generally localised and associated with ground disturbance as result of
development in upland or peatland areas, these include landslides or bog bursts, such impacts may be mitigated through
the planning process.
The Renewable Energy Strategy acknowledges the potential for municipal waste to contrite to renewable energy production
and specially sees a role for Biowaste in the biomass industry as a feedstock along with agricultural waste. This alternative
waste disposal method will support the SEO relating to minimising the amount of waste to landfill.
[APPENDIX 1] Volume 2
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7.0 Incorporation of mitigation measures
This SEA process is concerned with ensuring that the implementation of the Strategy will have the
minimum impact on the environment having consideration to alternatives. It has been determined that the
implementation of the Renewable Energy Strategy will have in certain cases an impact on the environment
(SEOs), therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the Renewable Energy Strategy incorporates measures to
mitigate and minimise any adverse impact on the environment. The recommended mitigation measures
are addressed below:
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TABLE 6: MITIGATION MEASURES
Environmental
categories
Environmental
Protection Objectives
(EPOs)
Mitigation measure proposed
Biodiversity, Flora &
Fauna
1. Conserve the
diversity of habitats and
protected species
All renewable energy projects proposed will individually be assessed against the requirements of the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) Guidelines and Habitats Directive and through the EIA and Appropriate Assessment process will be
required to demonstrate that they will not have an adverse impact on any Natura 2000 sites or site otherwise designated
before they will be permitted to proceed. In this respect all new development in the County must comply with the provisions
of the County Development Plan (as varied) as they relate to Biodiversity, Flora & Fauna . This provision is explicitly
supported by policy RE 1: Protection of the Environment.
In view of the potential for conflict between wind energy development and Natura 2000 sites a detailed SEA and HDA
process has been carried out for the Wind Energy Strategy review. As a precautionary approach and result mitigation
measures are incorporated in the Wind Energy Policy set out in this Renewable Energy Strategy.
Water Quality and
Flooding
2. Promote sustainable
water use based on
long-term protection of
available water
resources.
3. Protect and enhance
the status of aquatic
ecosystems and, with
regard to their water
needs, terrestrial
ecosystems and
wetlands directly
depending on the
Large scale proposals for processing and energy infrastructure will be subject to the planning process. Key to this process
will be an assessment of the environmental suitably of any site for the development proposed. The Planning Authority will
consult with the EPA and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government along with the other
statutory bodies to ascertain whether a development would have an acceptable impact on the environment.
This Environmental Report has examined the full range of environmental parameters applicable to the development of
renewables and in Section 6.0 of the Renewable Energy Strategy sets out the policy of the Council with respect the
development of renewable energy projects, this policy will guide and inform the general public and developers alike with
respect the suitability of any site for renewable energy development in Tipperary.
In this respect all new development in the County must comply with the provisions of the County Development Plan (as
varied) as they relate to water quality and flooding. This provision is explicitly supported by Policy RE 1: Protection of the
Environment.
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aquatic ecosystems.
Landscape and
Visual Amenity
4. Conserve and
enhance valued natural
and historic landscapes
and features within
them.
In view of the potential for landscape change, an independent review of the current Tipperary Landscape Character
Assessments (LCA) was commissioned and this new review dated 2016 characterises the landscape, identifies sensitivity
areas and also set out guidelines on the capacity of the landscape of the county to accommodate change. Particular
consideration was given to land use types set out across the following categories: Agriculture and Forestry, Housing,
Urbanisation, Infrastructure, Extraction and energy. Consideration under the energy category was given to solar energy and
wind energy. The RES acknowledges the role of Visual Impact Assessment as a tool to assist in the assessment of visual
impact on the urban and rural environment. Appropriate planning policy for protection and mitigation measures are
incorporated into the RES in support of the County Development Plan Policy, to avoid conflict with the EPO for protection of
natural and historic landscapes. This is set out in Policy RE2: Landscape Capacity and Renewable Energy Development.
In applying the Wind Energy policy of the County Development Plan, the Council will actively encourage developers and
investors to engage with local communities to ascertain their concerns with respect new development, to undertake to
address these concerns where feasible and to consider the setting up of appropriate community investment funds or
schemes that will help to confer a gain to the local community in areas where it is proposed to install large-scale renewable
energy developments. In this respect, reference should be made to policy RE3: Community Investment in Local Renewable
Energy
In applying the Wind Energy policy of the County Development Plan, the Council will actively encourage developers and
investors to consider the cumulative impact of wind energy development in areas where wind developments have already
been permitted. Reference in this respect may be made to the Wind Energy Guidelines 2006 and to the Scottish Natural
Heritage Guidelines - Assessing the Cumulative Impact of on-Shore Wind Energy Developments 2012.
Air & Climatic
Factors
5. Reduce all forms of
air pollution.
6. Minimise emissions of
greenhouse gases to
contribute to a reduction
All renewable energy projects proposed will be individually assessed against the requirements of the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) Guidelines and the Birds and Habitats Directive and through the EIA and Appropriate Assessment
process will be required to demonstrate that they will not have an adverse impact on air and climate before they will be
permitted to proceed.
In this respect all new development in the County must comply with the provisions of the County Development Plan (as
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and avoidance of
human-induced global
climate change.
7. Reduce waste of
energy, and maximise
use of renewable
energy resources.
8. Assess, plan and
manage adaptation to
climate change impacts.
varied) as they relate to Air and Climatic factors. This provision is explicitly supported by Policy RE 1: Protection of the
Environment.
The Renewable Energy Strategy is in itself instrumental as part of the process of climate change adaption as it will facilitate
a move away from fossil fuel use with resultant GHG emissions. This is dealt with in detail in section 1.3 of the Renewable
Energy Strategy.
The Renewable Energy Strategy acknowledges the potential for municipal waste to contribute to renewable energy
production and specially sees a role for Biowaste in the biomass industry as a feedstock along with agricultural waste. This
alternative waste disposal method will support the SEO relating to minimising the amount of waste to landfill. In this respect,
reference should be made to Policy RE8: Waste to Energy.
Material Assets 9. Maximise the use of
the existing built
environment.
10. Avoid flood risk and
/ or coastal erosion in
selecting sites for
development.
It is recognised that renewable energy infrastructure cannot always be located on lands that is zoned for industry and
employment and in certain cases i.e. in the case of the development of farm based anaerobic digestion facilities will be
appropriately located on farms and the development of wood chipping facilities will required to be located close to both
wood supplies and to the end-users. This is recognised. However, for very large scale processing facilities the council will
give careful consideration to the ability of the site to accommodate new development, important considerations will be
impact on infrastructure, water quality, human health etc. Traffic Impact Assessment may be required as appropriate. In
addition to this, the council will also give consideration to the use of waste heat from energy processes through the use of
CHP technologies and District Heating. In this respect, the location of energy facilities in urban areas where waste heat can
be used in heating systems will be encouraged. Reference should be made to Section 6.6.1 Bioenergy Development in
Tipperary.
The minimisation of flood risk continues to be an important consideration of the Council and in assessing any planning
application the planning authority will have consideration to flood risk potential. Flood risk mapping as currently available
and that will be available through the OPW CFRMPS will be applied. Flood Risk Assessment may be required where
appropriate
Cultural Heritage 11. Promote the In respect to this SEO all new development in the County must comply with the provisions of the County Development Plan
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protection and
conservation of cultural
assets, including
architectural,
archaeological and
heritage.
(as varied) as they relate to Cultural Heritage. New development proposals will be assessed for compliance with the polices
and objectives of the County Development Plan as set out in Chapter 7. Particular reference should be made to the
following policies:
Policy LH13: Protected Structures
Policy LH14: Architectural Conservation Areas
Policy LH15: Architectural Heritage of Local Interest
Policy6 LH16: Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
Population and
Human Health
12. Minimise noise,
vibration and emissions
from traffic, industrial
processes and
extractive industry.
In respect to this SEO, all new development in the County must comply with the provisions of the County Development Plan
(as varied) as they relate to Development Management Standards for new development. New development proposals will
be assessed for compliance with the policies and objectives of the County Development Plan as set out in Chapter 10. In
addition, the appropriate government guidance will be applied to all new development.
Soils and Geology 13. Maintain the quality
of soils
14. Give preference to
the use of brown field
lands, rather than
developing Greenfield
lands.
15. Minimise the
consumption of non-
renewable sand, gravel
and rock deposits.
16. Minimise the amount
of waste to landfill.
In respect to this SEO, all new development in the County must comply with the provisions of the County Development Plan
(as varied) as they relate to Development Management Standards for new development. New development proposals will
be assessed for compliance with the policies and objectives of the County Development Plan as set out in Chapter 10. In
addition, the appropriate government guidance will be applied to all new development.
In addition, this Strategy notes the potential for waste material such as organic waste to contribute as a feed stock to
energy recovery process such as anaerobic digestion. Reference should be made to Policy RE8: Waste to Energy.
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8.0 Monitoring Proposals
8.1 Introduction
The SEA Directive requires that the significant environmental effects of the implementation of plans and
programmes are monitored. This section details the measures which will be used in order to monitor the
likely significant effects of implementing the Renewable Energy Strategy. Monitoring can enable, at an
early stage, the identification of unforeseen adverse effects and the undertaking of appropriate remedial
action.
Monitoring is based around indicators which allow quantitative measures of trends and progress over time
relating to the SEOs used in the evaluation. Each indicator to be monitored is accompanied by the target(s)
which were identified with regard to the relevant strategic actions. The table overleaf shows the indicators
and targets which have been selected for monitoring the likely significant environmental effects of
implementing the Renewable Energy Strategy, if unmitigated.
The Monitoring Programme may be updated to deal with specific environmental issues - including
unforeseen effects - as they arise. Such issues may be identified by the Council or identified to the Council
by other agencies.
The Council has set out a consolidated environmental monitoring programme for each of its existing
Development Plans. Monitoring is already carried out in accordance with the SEA directive for the following
Environmental Categories:
1. Flora and Fauna/Biodiversity/Protected Species
2. Population/Human Health/Quality of Life
3. Soil
4. Water quality and flooding
5. Climate Change
6. Material Assets
7. Cultural Heritage
8. Landscape views and Visual Amenity
The monitoring carried out for this Strategy will supplement the existing monitoring programme in place.
8.2 Monitoring for the Renewable Energy Strategy
In view of the specific effects associated with renewable energy development likely to occur it is proposed
that in addition to the existing monitoring targets of the County Development Plan (as varied), that
additional monitoring objectives that relate to the development of the renewable energy industry should be
incorporated into the County Development Plan monitoring programme. The monitoring programme as set
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out in the Wind Energy Strategy5 will be carried out concurrently with the Renewable Energy Strategy
monitoring programme set out below.
Article 10 of the SEA Directive requires Member States to monitor the significant environmental effects of
the implementation of plans “in order, inter alia, to identify at an early stage unforeseen adverse effects and
to be able to undertake appropriate remedial action.” Existing monitoring arrangements may be used if
appropriate, to avoid duplication of monitoring [Source: Chapter 7 Implementation of SEA Directive
(2001/42/EC): Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment Guidelines
for Regional Authorities and Planning Authorities. DoEHLG 2004].
A stand-alone Monitoring Report on the significant environmental effects of implementing the County
Development Plan (including the Renewable Energy Strategy) will be prepared in advance of the review of
the County Development Plan.
The monitoring programme for the Renewable Energy Strategy is set out below in Table 7.
5 Refer to Section 10 of Environmental report prepared for the Wind Energy Strategy for details of the monitoring programme for wind
energy development
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TABLE 7: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SPECIFIC TO RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
Environmental
Component
Strategic Environmental
Objective
Selected Indicator(s) Selected Target(s) Data Source
Biodiversity,
Flora and
Fauna
1. Conserve the diversity of
habitats and protected
species
Conservation status of habitats
and species under Arcticle 17 of
the Habitats Direcitve,.
Maintenance of favourable
conservation status for all
habitats and species protected
under National and
International legislation to be
unaffected by implementation
of the Strategy.
Internal monitoring of likely significant
environmental effects of grants of permission
(grant by grant).
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
report of the implementation of the measures
contained in the Habitats Directive - as required by
Article 17 of the Directive
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht:
National Monitoring Report for the Birds Directive
under Article12. Consultations with the NPWS.
Percentage loss of function
connectivity without remediation
reseutling from the development
provided by the Strategy
No signficant ecological network
or parts thereof with provide
functional connectivesly to be lose
without remedicastion resulting
from the development provided in
the Strategy.
Number of significant impacts on
relevant habitats, species,
environmental features or other
sustaining resources in
designated sites including
Wildlife Sites resulting from
development provided for by the
Strategy
Avoid significant impacts on
relevant habitats, species,
environmental features or other
sustaining resources in
designated sites including Wildlife
Sites resulting from development
provided for by the Strategy
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Number of significant impacts on
the protection of listed species
No significant impacts on the
protection of listed species
Water Quality
and Flooding
2. Promote sustainable
water use based on long-
term protection of available
water resources.
3. Protect and enhance the
status of aquatic
ecosystems and, with
regard to their water
needs, terrestrial
ecosystems and wetlands
directly depending on the
aquatic ecosystems.
Classification of Overall Status
(comprised of ecological and
chemical status) under the
European Communities
Environmental Objectives
(Surface Waters) Regulations
2009 (SI No. 272 of 2009)
Not to cause deterioration in the
status of any surface water or
affect the ability of any surface
water to achieve ‘good status’6
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
report of the implementation of the measures
contained in the Habitats Directive - as required by
Article 17 of the Directive.
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s
National Monitoring Report for the Birds Directive
under Article12. Consultations with the NPWS. Groundwater Quality Standards
and Threshold Values under
Directive 2006/118/EC
Not to affect the ability of
groundwaters to comply with
Groundwater Quality Standards
and Threshold Values under
Directive 2006/118/EC
Number of incompatible
developments granted
permission on lands which pose
- or are likely to pose in the
future - a significant flood risk
Minimise developments granted
permission on lands which pose -
or are likely to pose in the future -
a significant flood risk in
compliance with The Planning
System and Flood Risk
Management Guidelines for
Planning Authorities
6 Good status as defined by the WFD equates to approximately the following in the current national schemes of classification as set out by the EPA:
Q4 in the biological classification of rivers; and Unpolluted status in the Assessment of Trophic Status of Estuaries and Bays in Ireland (ATSEBI).
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Landscape
and Visual
Amenity
4. Conserve and enhance
valued natural and historic
landscapes and features
within them.
Number of complaints received
from statutory consultees
regarding avoidable adverse
visual impacts on the landscape
resulting from development
which is granted permission
under the Strategy
No developments permitted which
result in avoidable adverse visual
impacts on the landscape
resulting from development which
is granted permission under the
Strategy
Internal monitoring of likely significant
environmental effects of grants of permission
(grant by grant).
Air and
Climatic
factors
5. Reduce all forms of air
pollution.
6. Minimise emissions of
greenhouse gases to
contribute to a reduction
and avoidance of human-
induced global climate
change.
7. Reduce waste of energy,
and maximise use of
renewable energy
resources.
8. Assess, plan and
manage adaptation to
climate change impacts.
Percentage electricity
consumption from renewable
heat.
Percentage Heat Consumption
from renewable energy.
Contribute towards an increase in
electricity consumption from
renewable energy
Contribute towards an increase in
electricity consumption from
renewable energy.
SEAI and TEA
Percentage Transport Energy
from renewable energy.
Contribute towards an increase in
electricity consumption from
renewable energy.
Number of CHP facilities
permitted in Tipperary.
Increased investment in CHP
technologies in installations that
produce waste heat.
The contribution of Tipperary
towards 2020 renewable energy
targets.
Reduction in use of fossil fuels.
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Material
Assets
9. Maximise the use of the
existing built environment.
10. Avoid flood risk and / or
coastal erosion in selecting
sites for development.
Proportion of new renewable
energy developments located in
areas which already
accommodate sub-stations and
power lines.
Proportion of new biomass
facilities located in close
proximity to the source of
feedstock and final markets in
order to avoid excessive
transportation of feedstock and
products.
No commercial renewable
energy development to be
located in a flood plain.
New energy developments to be
located in areas that already
accommodate substations and
power lines until these areas
reach capacity.
New biomass processing facilities
to be located close to source of
feedstock and final markets for
heat, biomass ort soil
conditioner/fertiliser whichever is
relevant.
New developments to be
assessed in accordance with the
Flood Risk Guidelines 2009.
Internal monitoring of likely significant
environmental effects of grants of permission.
Cultural
Heritage
11. Promote the protection
and conservation of
cultural assets, including
architectural,
archaeological and
heritage.
Percentage of entries to the
Record of Monuments and
Places - including Zones of
Archaeological Potential (and
the context of the above within
the surrounding landscape
where relevant) - protected from
significant adverse effects
arising from new development
granted permission under the
Strategy
Protect entries to the Record of
Monuments and Places - including
Zones of Archaeological Potential
(and their context of the above
within the surrounding landscape
where relevant) from significant
adverse effects arising from new
development granted permission
under the Strategy
Internal monitoring of likely significant
environmental effects of grants of permission
(grant by grant).
Consultation with Department of Arts, Heritage
and the Gaeltacht
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Percentage of entries to the
Record of Protected Structures
and Architectural Conservation
Areas and their context
protected from significant
adverse effects arising from new
development granted permission
under the Strategy
Protect entries to the Record of
Protected Structures and
Architectural Conservation Areas
and their context from significant
adverse effects arising from new
development granted permission
under the Strategy
Population and
Human Health
12. Minimise noise,
vibration and emissions
from traffic, industrial
processes and extractive
industry.
Occurrence (any) of a
spatially concentrated
deterioration in human health
arising from environmental
factors resulting from renewable
energy development, as
identified by the Health Service
Executive and Environmental
Protection Agency
No spatial concentrations of
health problems arising from
environmental factors as a result
of implementing the Renewable
Energy Strategy
Internal monitoring of likely significant
environmental effects of grants of permission.
Reports on environmental complaints received by
the Council.
Consultations with EPA and Health Service
Executive.
Soils and
Geology
13. Maintain the quality of
soils
14. Give preference to the
use of brown field lands,
rather than developing
Greenfield lands.
15. Minimise the
Where soil is disturbed or where
groundwork’s occur as a result
of new development, ensure that
appropriate remediation and
management measures are
applied.
Consider susceptibility of
All renewable energy
developments, particularly, wind
and solar, shall be assessed to
ensure that they set out
appropriate methodologies and
will be subject to conditions
requiring site management and
maintenance of soil during
construction and after installation
Internal monitoring of likely significant
environmental effects of grants of permission.
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consumption of non-
renewable sand, gravel
and rock deposits.
16. Minimise the amount of
waste to landfill.
landslide/bogbursts as part of
the development management
process.
of infrastructure.
For all grants of planning
permission consider the findings
of landside/bogbursts
susceptibility assessments.
No landslides or bogbursts
occurring as a result of new wind
energy or associated development
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Appendix 1: Non-Technical Summary
Section 1 Introduction and Terms of Reference
Introduction and Plan area
This is the Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Report of the Draft Tipperary Renewable Energy
Strategy 2016 - Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The purpose of the report is to provide a clear
understanding of the likely environmental consequences of the implementation of the policy and objectives
of the Tipperary Renewable Energy Strategy as part of the overall planning framework of the County
Development Plan (as varied).
The Draft Renewable Energy Strategy for Tipperary has been prepared to provide a county-wide planning
framework for Renewable Energy Development in County Tipperary. The Renewable Energy Strategy will
be incorporated by way of Variation No. 3 of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010 (as
varied) and Variation No. 3 of the South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009 (as varied).
Development Plan Areas
The County Development Plan areas are illustrated below. This Environmental Report and SEA has been
prepared in respect of Variation no. 3 in compliance with the requirements set out under the Act. In this
[APPENDIX 1] Volume 2
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regard, it should be noted, that given the county-wide scope and nature of the Renewable Energy Strategy,
the Council has considered collectively and individually (as appropriate) the impacts of the proposed
Variations to both Development Plans. Therefore, this SEA will provide a consistent assessment across the
existing Development Plan areas. For clarity, all maps and illustrations contained in the report, defines both
Development Plan areas.
What is an SEA?
SEA is a systematic process of predicting and evaluating the likely environmental effects of implementing a
proposed plan, or other strategic action, in order to ensure that these effects are appropriately addressed at
the earliest appropriate stage of decision-making on a par with economic and social considerations. The
SEA is being carried out in order to comply with the provisions of the SEA Regulations and in respect to the
implementation of the Renewable Energy Strategy.
How does it work?
The main environmental issues of county Tipperary are assembled and presented to the team who are
preparing the new Plan. This helps them to devise a plan that protects whatever is sensitive in the
environment. It also helps to identify wherever there are environmental problems in the area - so that these
won’t get any worse - and ideally the plan tries to improve these. To decide how best to make a plan that
protects the environment as much as possible the planners examine alternative versions of the plan. This
helps to highlight the type of plans that are least likely to harm the environment.
Section 2: The Tipperary Renewable Energy Strategy
Why prepare Renewable Energy Strategy?
Ireland currently imports approximately 85% of the energy it consumes every year in the form of fossil
fuels, this comes at a high economic price (almost 6 billion a year) and has long-term consequences for the
environment as a result of the greenhouse gas emissions that result from the burning of fossil fuels.
Tipperary has committed to the reduction in the use of fossil fuels and wishes to continue to be a leader in
investment in sustainable renewable energy. In order to facilitate this vision, it has prepared a draft
Renewable Energy Strategy to put in place a county wide planning policy framework to give clarity to
investors and communities alike.
Spatial and written planning framework for Wind Energy
The Renewable Energy Strategy is set out over seven chapters and is supported by a Wind Energy
Strategy set out in Appendix 1. The Strategy was also informed by the preparation of a Landscape
Character Assessment for the county. The Strategy sets out planning policies and objectives for the
sustainable development of renewable energy in the county across the energy resources of wind, biomass,
solar, hydro, geothermal etc and provides clarity for communities and investors.
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Section 3: Environment of Tipperary
Chapter 3 of the SEA examines in the detail the baseline status of the environment of Tipperary. The
environment is assessed under the following headings:
Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna
Geology and Soils
Materials Assets
Cultural Heritage
Population Human Health
Air/Climate
Landscape
Water
It was found that the environment of Tipperary is complied of a wide variety of elements and is influenced
by the landscape, geology and water environment of the county. In addition, the overall environmental
character is influenced significantly by mans own activities and by the dispersed form of settlement in
evidence in the county. Further detail on landscape Character can be found in the Landscape Character
Assessment for Tipperary 2016. It was found that there are no significant environmental problems in
evidence in Tipperary.
Section 4: Alternative Plan Scenarios
It is envisaged that the implementation of the Strategy will result in the forms of development set out below:
Table 2: Envisaged Renewable Energy Development
All forms of Auto production/Micro renewable energy installations – Wind turbines, solar panels, private
combined heat and power units, small scale anaerobic digestion etc.
Large scale/Commercial Renewable Energy Installations
Commercial Hydropower – Development of upland hydropower facilities to generate electricity from stored
water, development of lowland water resources through impoundment or diversion.
Commercial Bio-Energy – Anaerobic digestion (AD) fermentation facilities at the medium to large scale
(using biomass or bio-waste products), bio fuel production facilities, wood processing facilities etc
Commercial Wind Energy – Wind turbines on upland areas and individual turbines developed on sites to
provide for the energy needs of enterprise and industry.
Commercial Geothermal Units – Large scale geothermal collectors
Commercial Solar Units – large scale photovoltaic or solar collectors (roof or ground mounted)
Other technologies such as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and District Heating (DH)
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In order to determine the impact of these forms of development on the baseline environment, strategic
environmental protection objectives (SEOs) were prepared based on the evaluation of the baseline
environment. In total 16 SEOs were identified and are set out below.
SEOs relevant to the implementation of the Plan
Environmental
categories
SEOs
Biodiversity, Flora &
Fauna
1 Conserve the diversity of habitats and protected species
Water Quality and
Flooding
2
3
Promote sustainable water use based on long-term protection of available
water resources.
Protect and enhance the status of aquatic ecosystems and, with regard to
their water needs, terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands directly depending on
the aquatic ecosystems.
Landscape and
Visual Amenity
4 Conserve and enhance valued natural and historic landscapes and features
within them.
Air & Climatic Factors 5
6
7
8
Reduce all forms of air pollution.
Minimise emissions of greenhouse gases to contribute to a reduction and
avoidance of human-induced global climate change.
Reduce waste of energy, and maximise use of renewable energy resources.
Assess, plan and manage adaptation to climate change impacts.
Material Assets 9
10
Maximise the use of the existing built environment.
Avoid flood risk and / or coastal erosion in selecting sites for development.
Cultural Heritage 11 Promote the protection and conservation of the cultural, including
architectural and archaeological, heritage.
Population and
human health
12 Minimise noise, vibration and emissions from traffic, industrial processes and
extractive industry.
Soils & Geology 13
14
15
16
Maintain the quality of soils
Give preference to the use of brown field lands, rather than developing
greenfield lands.
Minimise the consumption of non-renewable sand, gravel and rock deposits.
Minimise the amount of waste to landfill.
Spatial alternatives in the form of zoning, have been considered for the Wind Energy Strategy. However,
given the range of renewable energy technologies and the county-wide renewable energy resource
potential available, it is considered reasonable to consider non-spatial alteratives for the overall Strategy,
with a focus on written policy, having consideration to the overiding need to support and facilitate
renewable energy development on a county-wide basis accross a wide range of technology potentials. The
alternatives below have been considered on the basis of a strategy for growth for renewable energy.
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(a) BASELINE SCENARIO – ‘Business as usual’, where all policy measures currently legislated for up
to the end of 20147 are maintained. This could be a future in which no further policy actions or
measures are taken and where renewable energy strategies are not prepared. This would result in
a slow increase in the production of renewable energy however, would fail to meet national 2020
renewable energy targets and would not put in place the economic and societal frameworks
needed to continue renewable energy production to 2030 requirements. Failure to meet legally
binding targets would result in monetary fines and ultimately contribute to unsubstantial reductions
in GHG emissions and poor response to climate change mitigation measures.
(b) NREAP SCENARIO - This scenario is to occur in line with the implementation of the baseline
measures described above and in addition to these, the implementation of the NREAP and White
Paper for Energy 2015 targets and objectives. In addition, the implementation of the National
Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2022 (NEEAP) will achieve lower energy consumption overall due to
energy efficiency measures. This scenario sets out a vision for Tipperary to adopt a planning
framework for renewable energy that facilitates high levels investment across all the renewable
resources including wind, biomass, solar, hydro and geothermal where it can be demonstrated that
environmental impacts are not significant. This scenario is underpinned by Tipperary County
Councils commitment to renewable energy through its membership of the Covenant of Mayors.
Section 5: Evaluation of Alternative Scenarios
The alternatives were assessed against their likely impact on the environment, seven options relating to the
nature of impact envisaged were considered, the options ranged from an ability of the alternative to
improve the environment, to conflict with the environment and to having no significant interaction with the
environment.
Option
Likely to
Improve
status of
SEOs to the
greatest
degree
Likely to
Improve
status of
SEOs to a
greater
degree
Likely to
Improve
status of
SEOs to a
lesser
degree
Least
Potential
Conflict
with status
of SEOs-
likely to be
mitigated
Most
Potential
Conflict
with status
of SEOs-
likely to be
mitigated
Probable
Conflict
with status
of SEOs-
unlikely to
be fully
mitigated
No
significant
interaction
with status
of SEOs
BASELINE
SCENARIO
5, 6, 7, 8,
9, 16
1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12,
13, 14, 15,
NREAP
SCENARIO
5, 6, 7, 8,
9, 16,
1, 2, 3, 4,
10, 11, 12,
13, 14, 15,
7 Before publication of the White Paper for Energy 2015
[APPENDIX 1] Volume 2
56
5.1 Selected Alternative
The alternative selected for the development of the Strategy is Alternative B NREAP Scenario. This
alternative will have the following affects as a result of its implementation and will result in more
environmental benefits than the other alternative examined.
Will reduce all forms of air pollution.
Will minimise emissions of greenhouse gases to contribute to a reduction and avoidance of human-
induced global climate change.
Will reduce waste of energy, and maximise use of renewable energy resources.
Will assist in the planning and management of adaptation to climate change impacts.
Will maximise the use of the existing built environment, and,
Minimise the amount of waste to landfill.
At the same time, when compared with the other alternative this option will facilitate the protection and
management of the environment to a greater degree; and resulting in a reduced amount of potential
conflicts. By complying with appropriate mitigation measures - including those which have been integrated
into the Renewable Energy Strategy – potentially significant adverse environmental effects which could
arise as a result of implementing the Strategy would be likely to be avoided, reduced or offset.
Section 6: Mitigation and Monitoring
It was found that the alternative chosen would result in an improvement in certain SEOs and that it also
would have so significant interaction with the environment. Mitigation measures to maintain this finding and
to ensure that the implementation of the Strategy would not result in an impact on the environment are as
follows:
Environmental Protection
Objectives (EPOs)
Mitigation measure proposed
1. Conserve the diversity of
habitats and protected
species
All renewable energy projects proposed will individually be assessed against the
requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guidelines and Habitats
Directive and through the EIA and Appropriate Assessment process will be required to
demonstrate that they will not have an adverse impact on any Natura 2000 sites or site
otherwise designated before they will be permitted to proceed. In this respect all new
development in the County must comply with the provisions of the County Development
Plan (as varied) as they relate to Biodiversity, Flora & Fauna . This provision is explicitly
supported by policy RE 1: Protection of the Environment.
In view of the potential for conflict between wind energy development and Natura 2000
sites a detailed SEA and HDA process has been carried out for the Wind Energy
Strategy review. As a precautionary approach and result mitigation measures are
incorporated in the Wind Energy Policy set out in this Renewable Energy Strategy.
[APPENDIX 1] Volume 2
57
2. Promote sustainable
water use based on long-
term protection of available
water resources.
3. Protect and enhance the
status of aquatic
ecosystems and, with regard
to their water needs,
terrestrial ecosystems and
wetlands directly depending
on the aquatic ecosystems.
Large scale proposals for processing and energy infrastructure will be subject to the
planning process. Key to this process will be an assessment of the environmental
suitably of any site for the development proposed. The Planning Authority will consult
with the EPA and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local
Government along with the other statutory bodies to ascertain whether a development
would have an acceptable impact on the environment.
This Environmental Report has examined the full range of environmental parameters
applicable to the development of renewables and in Section 6.0 of the Renewable
Energy Strategy sets out the policy of the Council with respect the development of
renewable energy projects, this policy will guide and inform the general public and
developers alike with respect the suitability of any site for renewable energy
development in Tipperary.
In this respect all new development in the County must comply with the provisions of
the County Development Plan (as varied) as they relate to water quality and flooding.
This provision is explicitly supported by Policy RE 1: Protection of the Environment.
4. Conserve and enhance
valued natural and historic
landscapes and features
within them.
In view of the potential for landscape change, an independent review of the current
Tipperary Landscape Character Assessments (LCA) was commissioned and this new
review dated 2016 characterises the landscape, identifies sensitivity areas and also set
out guidelines on the capacity of the landscape of the county to accommodate change.
Particular consideration was given to land use types set out across the following
categories: Agriculture and Forestry, Housing, Urbanisation, Infrastructure, Extraction
and energy. Consideration under the energy category was given to solar energy and
wind energy. The RES acknowledges the role of Visual Impact Assessment as a tool to
assist in the assessment of visual impact on the urban and rural environment.
Appropriate planning policy for protection and mitigation measures are incorporated into
the RES in support of the County Development Plan Policy, to avoid conflict with the
EPO for protection of natural and historic landscapes. This is set out in Policy RE2:
Landscape Capacity and Renewable Energy Development.
In applying the Wind Energy policy of the County Development Plan, the Council will
actively encourage developers and investors to engage with local communities to
ascertain their concerns with respect new development, to undertake to address these
concerns where feasible and to consider the setting up of appropriate community
investment funds or schemes that will help to confer a gain to the local community in
areas where it is proposed to install large-scale renewable energy developments. In this
respect, reference should be made to policy RE3: Community Investment in Local
Renewable Energy
In applying the Wind Energy policy of the County Development Plan, the Council will
actively encourage developers and investors to consider the cumulative impact of wind
energy development in areas where wind developments have already been permitted.
[APPENDIX 1] Volume 2
58
Reference in this respect may be made to the Wind Energy Guidelines 2006 and to the
Scottish Natural Heritage Guidelines - Assessing the Cumulative Impact of on-Shore
Wind Energy Developments 2012.
5. Reduce all forms of air
pollution.
6. Minimise emissions of
greenhouse gases to
contribute to a reduction and
avoidance of human-
induced global climate
change.
7. Reduce waste of energy,
and maximise use of
renewable energy
resources.
8. Assess, plan and manage
adaptation to climate change
impacts.
All renewable energy projects proposed will be individually assessed against the
requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guidelines and the Birds
and Habitats Directive and through the EIA and Appropriate Assessment process will be
required to demonstrate that they will not have an adverse impact on air and climate
before they will be permitted to proceed.
In this respect all new development in the County must comply with the provisions of
the County Development Plan (as varied) as they relate to Air and Climatic factors. This
provision is explicitly supported by Policy RE 1: Protection of the Environment.
The Renewable Energy Strategy is in itself instrumental as part of the process of
climate change adaption as it will facilitate a move away from fossil fuel use with
resultant GHG emissions. This is dealt with in detail in section 1.3 of the Renewable
Energy Strategy.
The Renewable Energy Strategy acknowledges the potential for municipal waste to
contribute to renewable energy production and specially sees a role for Biowaste in the
biomass industry as a feedstock along with agricultural waste. This alternative waste
disposal method will support the SEO relating to minimising the amount of waste to
landfill. In this respect, reference should be made to Policy RE8: Waste to Energy.
9. Maximise the use of the
existing built environment.
10. Avoid flood risk and / or
coastal erosion in selecting
sites for development.
It is recognised that renewable energy infrastructure cannot always be located on lands
that is zoned for industry and employment and in certain cases i.e. in the case of the
development of farm based anaerobic digestion facilities will be appropriately located on
farms and the development of wood chipping facilities will required to be located close
to both wood supplies and to the end-users. This is recognised. However, for very large
scale processing facilities the council will give careful consideration to the ability of the
site to accommodate new development, important considerations will be impact on
infrastructure, water quality, human health etc. Traffic Impact Assessment may be
required as appropriate. In addition to this, the council will also give consideration to the
use of waste heat from energy processes through the use of CHP technologies and
District Heating. In this respect, the location of energy facilities in urban areas where
waste heat can be used in heating systems will be encouraged. Reference should be
made to Section 6.6.1 Bioenergy Development in Tipperary.
The minimisation of flood risk continues to be an important consideration of the Council
and in assessing any planning application the planning authority will have consideration
to flood risk potential. Flood risk mapping as currently available and that will be
available through the OPW CFRMPS will be applied. Flood Risk Assessment may be
required where appropriate
11. Promote the protection In respect to this SEO all new development in the County must comply with the
[APPENDIX 1] Volume 2
59
and conservation of cultural
assets, including
architectural, archaeological
and heritage.
provisions of the County Development Plan (as varied) as they relate to Cultural
Heritage. New development proposals will be assessed for compliance with the polices
and objectives of the County Development Plan as set out in Chapter 7. Particular
reference should be made to the following policies:
Policy LH13: Protected Structures
Policy LH14: Architectural Conservation Areas
Policy LH15: Architectural Heritage of Local Interest
Policy6 LH16: Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
12. Minimise noise, vibration
and emissions from traffic,
industrial processes and
extractive industry.
In respect to this SEO, all new development in the County must comply with the
provisions of the County Development Plan (as varied) as they relate to Development
Management Standards for new development. New development proposals will be
assessed for compliance with the policies and objectives of the County Development
Plan as set out in Chapter 10. In addition, the appropriate government guidance will be
applied to all new development.
13. Maintain the quality of
soils
14. Give preference to the
use of brown field lands,
rather than developing
Greenfield lands.
15. Minimise the
consumption of non-
renewable sand, gravel and
rock deposits.
16. Minimise the amount of
waste to landfill.
In respect to this SEO, all new development in the County must comply with the
provisions of the County Development Plan (as varied) as they relate to Development
Management Standards for new development. New development proposals will be
assessed for compliance with the policies and objectives of the County Development
Plan as set out in Chapter 10. In addition, the appropriate government guidance will be
applied to all new development.
In addition, this Strategy notes the potential for waste material such as organic waste to
contribute as a feed stock to energy recovery process such as anaerobic digestion.
Reference should be made to Policy RE8: Waste to Energy.
Article 10 of the SEA Directive requires Member States to monitor the significant environmental effects of
the implementation of plans “in order, inter alia, to identify at an early stage unforeseen adverse effects and
to be able to undertake appropriate remedial action.”
The monitoring programme for the Renewable Energy Strategy is set out, and in respect of each SEO
indicators of environmental change are identified and targets are thereafter set out. The success of the
implementation of the Strategy will be based on whether or not these targets have been achieved.
A stand-alone Monitoring Report on the significant environmental effects of implementing the County
Development Plan (including the Renewable Energy Strategy) will be prepared in advance of the review of
the County Development Plan.