Development plan · Limerick City and County Council
Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028 (as varied)
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Limerick City and County Council · 2022–2028 · 414 pages
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- 6Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028170 6.1 Introduction There is huge variety in the natural, built and cultural heritage of Limerick. The purpose of the Plan is to guide decisionmaking on what we choose to hand onto the next generation, through protection, management, sensitive enhancement or appropriate repurposing. It is recognised that the conservation and enhancement of and access to Limerick’s heritage has the potential to contribute to individual wellbeing, shared community identities, social cohesion and the liveability of our towns and villages as well as our visitor economy. This chapter presents various objectives for Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure having regard to the overall policies of the Council as follows: Policy EH P1 Protection of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity It is a policy of the Council to: a) Protect and conserve Limerick’s natural heritage and biodiversity, in particular, areas designated as part of the European Sites Natura 2000 network, such as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservations (SACs), in accordance with relevant EU Directives and national legislation and guidelines. b) Maintain the conservation value of all Natural Heritage Areas and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) for the benefit of existing and future generations. Policy EH P2 Sustainable Management and Conservation It is a policy of the Council to ensure the sustainable management and conservation of areas of natural environmental and geological value within Limerick and to protect, enhance, create and connect, where ecologically suitable, natural heritage, green spaces and high-quality amenity areas for the benefit of biodiversity. Policy EH P3 Climate Action and the Natural Environment It is a policy of the Council to take into account the contents of the National Biodiversity Action Plan and the Biodiversity Climate Adaptation Plan and any forthcoming guidance or legislation on climate action, whether adaptation or mitigation that will emerge during the course of the Plan. Policy EH P4 Compliance with Limerick’s Heritage Plan It is a policy of the Council to place ecological and environmental issues at the centre of planning policies and decisions and in doing so, will adhere to the objectives set out in Limerick’s Heritage Plan 2017-2030.
- Chapter 6: Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure171 Policy EH P5 Protection of the Built Environment It is a policy of the Council to promote high standards for conserving and restoring the built environment and promote its value in improving living standards and its benefits to the economy. Policy EH P6 Water and Air Quality It is a policy of the Council to ensure that water and air quality shall be of the highest standard, to ensure the long term economic, social and environmental well-being of Limerick’s resources. The World Health Organisation Air Quality Guidelines will be the basis for the air quality guidance in Limerick. Policy EH P7 Environmental Noise It is a policy of the Council to proactively manage environmental noise, where it may have a significant adverse impact on the health and quality of life of communities in Limerick and to support the aims of the Environmental Noise Regulations, through the development and implementation of Noise Action Plans. In order to ensure compliance with the above policies, there are a number of objectives set out in this chapter under the following sections: 1. Natural Heritage and Environment – Biodiversity, protected sites/species, blue and green infrastructure, naturebased solutions, invasive species, river basin management plan, wetlands and water/air quality and noise. 2. Landscape and Visual Amenity. 3. Archaeology and Built Heritage. 6.2 National and Regional Policy Context At national level Ireland has recognised the importance of its natural and built heritage through becoming a signatory to international conventions. These include the Florence Convention for the Protection of the European Landscape, the Valetta Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage and the Granada Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage. These international commitments are backed by appropriate legislation, which has implications at local level and the Planning Authority has cognisance of this while implementing planning functions. European Union Directives also have implications in regard to how the Planning Authority and those developing and using land in Limerick, conduct their business. As legislation is enacted, or Directives are translated into domestic law, the Planning Authority will respond to the evolving situation. The policies and objectives set out in this chapter were also prepared to ensure alignment with national and regional planning policy in the context of the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Southern Region. The National Policy Objectives (NPOs), which are of particular relevance to this chapter are: •• NPO 17: Enhance, integrate and protect the special physical, social, economic and cultural value of built heritage assets through appropriate and sensitive use now and for future generations. •• NPO 60: Conserve and enhance the rich qualities of natural and cultural heritage of Ireland in a manner appropriate to their significance. The RSES also recognises that cultural heritage is the fabric of our lives and societies, that it surrounds us in the buildings of our towns and cities, our landscapes, natural sites, monuments and archaeological sites and that it brings communities together and builds shared understandings of the places we live in. It contains a number of relevant objectives relating to strengthening and protecting our region’s diversity, language and culture, our recreational assets and our natural and built heritage.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028172 6.3 Natural Heritage and the Environment 6.3.1 Biodiversity The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 is a comprehensive, ambitious, long-term plan for protecting nature and reversing the degradation of ecosystems. It aims to put Europe’s biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030, with benefits for people, the climate and the planet. The natural heritage of Limerick includes our flora, fauna, geology and the landscape that surrounds us. Biodiversity also forms part of the overall blue and green infrastructure of Limerick. Within Limerick, there exists a wide range of habitats, some are natural but there are many others which have evolved and been maintained, as a result of management over long periods of time. An example of some of Limerick’s rich and diverse natural ecosystems includes the Shannon Estuary, the riverine habitats of Limerick’s rivers and their tributaries, including the Shannon, the Abbey, the Deel, the Feale, the Maigue and the Mulkear, the upland areas such as the Ballyhouras, Galtees, the hills of West Limerick, Sliabh Reagh and Sliabh Felim. The agricultural lowlands including the Golden Vale also contribute to the extensive biodiversity of Limerick, as do natural woodlands such as that found in Curragh Chase and the extensive natural hedgerows throughout Limerick. The condition of these natural habitats and species, affects how they can provide ecosystem services, including providing us with resilience to climate change. It affects the quality of life of the residents and visitors to Limerick and is important in supporting local businesses such as tourism and recreation, highlighting the importance of protecting and enhancing our natural habitats and species. Therefore, there is a need for policies which will conserve what is best in Limerick’s landscape, while at the same time successfully integrating suitable development. 6.3.2 Protected Sites and Species The Habitats Directive is one of the important pieces of legislation that exists for the protection of habitats and by extension species in the EU. The Habitats Directive includes Article 6 which is designed to ensure that European designated sites such as Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas are adequately protected from the adverse effects of development. The Natural Heritage Areas, proposed Natural Heritage Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas in Limerick are identified in Maps in Volume 3. One of the habitat types that is under the greatest threat in Limerick is wetland habitat of various types. This includes bog and peat habitats, ponds and springs. These face a range of threats, from drainage, afforestation, agricultural improvement and also the development of wind farms. In terms of protected species, one species in Limerick that is in danger of isolation is the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. Two regions populated by the lesser horseshoe bat, one in Clare and one in west Cork/ Kerry, are divided by a gap of marginally favourable habitat in Limerick and North Kerry. Although the land is currently marginally favourable for the species, its continued occurrence in this area could have important conservation implications for preventing further fragmentation of the larger populations in Cork, Kerry and Clare. In one sense it could be considered that Limerick could serve as a bridge between the populations of the different counties and to achieve this it would be necessary to ensure that there are sufficient corridors, along which the bat species can move. This concern could be broadened to many species, as developments can act as a barrier to wildlife movement, unless thought has been given at the design stage ensuring that they can allow species to pass through.
- Chapter 6: Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure173 Objective EH O1 Designated Sites and Habitats Directive It is an objective of the Council to ensure that projects/plans likely to have significant effects on European Sites (either individually or in combination with other plans or projects) are subject to an appropriate assessment and will not be permitted under the Plan unless they comply with Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. The Council, will through the planning enforcement process where applicable, seek to restore the ecological functions of designated sites, where they have been damaged through inappropriate development. Objective EH O2 Lesser Horseshoe Bat It is an objective of the Council to require all developments in areas where there may be Lesser Horseshoe Bats, to submit an ecological assessment of the effects of the development on the species. The assessment shall include mitigation measures to ensure that feeding, roosting or hibernation sites for the species are maintained. The assessment shall also include measures to ensure that landscape features are retained and that the development itself will not cause a barrier or deterrent effect on the species. 6.3.3 Conservation outside Protected Sites In addition to the formal designations for nature conservation, much of Limerick’s natural heritage resources lie outside such designated sites. Many areas that do not have formal protection under legislation still possess a level of natural heritage importance, which needs to be recognised and protected, where possible. These areas include woodlands, wetlands, seminatural grasslands, hedgerows, trees, rivers, streams, private gardens and other urban green spaces. Other areas of important biodiversity in Limerick can include graveyards, cemeteries and the green spaces associated with institutional lands. The Council recognises the importance of these areas as buffer zones and ‘linkages’, between formally designated ecological sites. The Council will require all new developments, where possible to identify, protect and where appropriate enhance ecological features by making provision for local biodiversity and providing linkages to wider habitats. Objective EH O3 Ecological Impact Assessment It is an objective of the Council to require all developments where there are species of conservation concern, to submit an ecological assessment of the effects of the development on the site and nearby designated sites, suggesting appropriate mitigation measures and establishing, in particular, the presence or absence of the following species: Otter, badger, bats, lamprey and protected plant species such as the Triangular Club Rush, Opposite Leaved Pond Weed and Flora Protection Order Species generally. Objective EH O4 Creation of New Habitats It is an objective of the Council to: a) Seek the creation of new habitats by encouraging wild green areas and new water features such as, pools and ponds in new developments. b) Encourage management plans for green areas to use the minimum of pesticides and herbicides.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028174 c) The creation of areas that are not subject to public access in order to promote wildlife use is strongly encouraged. Objective EH O5 New Infrastructure Projects It is an objective of the Council to require new infrastructure and linear developments in particular, to demonstrate at design stage sufficient measures to assist in the conservation of and dispersal of species and to demonstrate a high degree of permeability for wildlife, to allow the movement of species and to prevent the creation of barriers to wildlife and aquatic life in the wider countryside. Objective EH O6 Barn Owl Conservation It is an objective of the Council to require road developments to incorporate from the design stage, elements that will assist in the conservation of the Barn owl. Objective EH O7 All Ireland Pollinator Plan It is an objective of the Council to: a) Continue to actively support the aims and objectives of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021 – 2025, by encouraging measures to protect and increase the population of bees and other pollinating insects in Limerick. b) Support the aims of the National Bio- Diversity Action Plan and succeeding plans, in emphasising the importance of ecological issues in planning. Objective EH O8 Roosting Habitats It is an objective of the Council to require the provision of alternative roosting or settlement facilities for species, such as bird or bat boxes, swift boxes, artificial holts (for otters), or other artificially created habitats in proposed developments, where considered appropriate.
- Chapter 6: Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure175 6.3.4 Areas of Geological Interest There are several areas of geological interest within Limerick, such as Barrigone, which is located in the northern part of County Limerick, close to the estuary and shows some of the same characteristics as the Burren. A karst base layer is present in much of this part of Limerick and drainage features such as turloughs are also present. Individual sites such as Linfield Quarry, close to Pallasgrean in the east of the County, are also important parts of Limerick’s geological heritage. Linfield is noted for its basalt formations, which may well be unique in the region. Objective EH O9 Geological Sites It is an objective of the Council to: a) Protect from inappropriate development, the County Geological Sites contained in the Limerick Geological Heritage Survey 2021. b) Seek the conservation and protection of features of geological interest within Limerick, particularly those that would have been recognised in the past as Areas of Scientific Interest or by the Geological Survey of Ireland as being of particular value. c) Undertake a survey of such sites during the lifetime of the Plan. 6.3.5 Trees, Tree Preservation Orders and Hedgerows Trees, particularly native species, hedgerows and woodlands make an important contribution to the landscape of Limerick. They provide shelter and visual screening in addition to supporting a wide range of wildlife. Trees and in particular groups of trees can be locally important landscape features and when properly incorporated into development, can help to integrate them into the surrounding landscape. The retention of existing tree cover is a priority for the Council, not just for the amenity and ecological value, but also because of the carbon storage capacity of older trees. While planting trees can serve as part of climate mitigation, it should be noted that it is in its mature stage that a tree plays its greatest role in carbon storage. Where trees and groups of trees are of particular importance in a local area and may be at risk from surrounding activities, consideration will be given to the making of tree preservation orders. It is important that in making decisions concerning the planting of new trees, that the effect of these decisions should be to contribute both to tree regeneration generally and also to ensure there is sufficient stock at differing stages of growth. Trees at different stages of growth also provide different kinds of habitats for those creatures which depend on them. Landscaping plans often include elements for visual and ecological purposes. These needs may be fulfilled by different species, but any landscape plan submitted should outline the different purposes of its various elements e.g. such as a ground layer for pollinators and a tree or shrub layer for amenity or ecological purposes. The Council will promote Limerick’s hedgerows by increasing coverage, where possible, using native species and to develop an appropriate code of practice for road hedgerow maintenance.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028176 Refer to Chapter 11: Development Management Standards for further information on requirements relating to trees. Objective EH O10 Trees and Hedgerows It is an objective of the Council to: a) Retain and protect amenity and biodiversity value of the County and City by preserving as far as possible trees, woodlands and hedgerows, having regard to the significant role that trees and hedgerows play in local ecology, climate change and air quality and their contribution to quality place making and the associated health and wellbeing benefits. b) Require, in the event that mature trees or extensive mature hedgerow is proposed to be removed, that a comprehensive tree and hedgerow survey be carried out by a suitably qualified tree specialist to assess the condition, ecological and amenity value of the tree stock/ hedgerow proposed for removal and to include mitigation planting and a management scheme. The Council will seek in all cases to ensure when undertaking development, or when permitting development, that the loss of, or damage to, existing trees is minimised. c) Require the planting of native trees, hedgerows and vegetation and the creation of new habitats in all new developments and public realm projects. The Council will avail of tree planting schemes administered by the Forest Service, in ecologically suitable locations, where this is considered desirable. d) To identity and prepare TPO’s where trees of exceptional amenity, cultural or environmental value are identified which warrant a high level of protection. e) To implement the Limerick City and County Tree Policy when completed and review as appropriate. 6.3.6 Invasive species Invasive alien species can represent a major threat to national, regional and local biodiversity. They can negatively impact on native species, can transform habitats and threaten whole ecosystems causing serious problems to the environment and the economy. Objective EH O11 Invasive Species It is an objective of the Council to: a) Work with and facilitate the work of agencies addressing the issue of terrestrial and aquatic invasive alien species (IAS), by implementing biosecurity measures, selected control measures and surveys, where appropriate. b) Address the presence of invasive alien species on derelict sites under the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act through the preparation of a management and eradication plan for these species. c) Require the submission of a control and management program for the particular invasive species as part of the planning process, if developments are proposed on sites where invasive species are present. d) Employ biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of invasive alien species and disease and to insist that all such measures are employed on all development sites.
- Chapter 6: Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure177 6.3.7 Blue and Green Infrastructure Blue and Green Infrastructure (BGI) can be broadly defined as a strategically planned network of high quality natural and seminatural areas with other environmental features, which is designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services and protect biodiversity, in both rural and urban settings. It should be noted that while blue and green is mentioned in this chapter it is, similar to Climate Change, a cross cutting theme which will be mentioned throughout the Plan, addressing topics ranging from open space to sustainable urban drainage. BGI serves a wide variety of important functions, including but not limited to provision of habitat, increased biodiversity, provision of ecological corridors, climate change adaptation and mitigation, water treatment, water retention, local amenity provision, air quality improvement, cultural and heritage preservation, provision of a mentally restorative environment and flood mitigation. Within Limerick, BGI offers an opportunity to develop integrated strategies around economic development, urban placemaking and rural policy. Linking strategic natural assets with cultural and heritage assets further enhances the opportunities for BGI strategies to drive recreation and tourism benefits. This should be done with care where it is considered appropriate, in order to avoid any ecological damage or disturbance. The BGI approach for Limerick also guides and assists in developing a wide blue and green infrastructure network, to ensure the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystems, including the protection of European Sites. The Plan recognises the necessity of protecting such corridors and the necessity to encourage the management of features of the landscape, that support both the Natura 2000 network and other areas of ecological interest. Objective EH O12 Blue and Green Infrastructure It is an objective of the Council to: a) Promote a network of blue and green infrastructure throughout Limerick. b) Promote connecting corridors for the movement of species and encourage the retention and creation of features of biodiversity value, ecological corridors and networks that connect areas of high conservation value such as woodlands, hedgerows, earth banks, watercourses, wetlands and designated sites. In this regard, new infrastructural projects and linear developments in particular, will have to demonstrate at design stage, sufficient measures to assist in the conservation of and dispersal of species. Projects which would be detrimental to existing blue and green infrastructure features will not be permitted. c) Ensure the integration and strengthening of green infrastructure into the preparation of Local Area Plans. d) Where possible remove barriers to species movement, such as the removal of in-stream barriers to fish passage for example. e) Seek to advance the use of an ecosystem services approach and ecosystem services valuation as a decision-making tool in plans and projects, subject to appropriate ecological assessment. The Blue and Green Infrastructure (BGI) Strategy which is currently being prepared will inform the provision of blue and green infrastructure within the City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty. This document when completed will inform and guide the planning and management of a network of multi-functional blue and green spaces and identify opportunities to employ nature-based solutions (NBS) and help deliver a range of environmental, economic and societal benefits. The strategy will be cross-cutting and will provide strategic guidance,
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028178 recommendations and priority actions for GBI in Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty based on the wide variety of areas, including the following: •• Protection of important GBI assets; •• Conservation of European designated sites and their catchments; •• Conservation of other ecologically important sites and networks; •• Increasing the provision and improving management of wildlife habitats and biodiversity areas; •• Interconnecting GBI, including, but not limited to, sustainable transport, active travel corridors and ecological corridors; •• Nature-based solutions to address a range of issues for example: heat stress, air quality, surface water drainage (SuDS), flood alleviation etc.; •• Parks and greenspace provision; •• Integrating an Ecosystem services approach, including providing for no net loss of biodiversity, into GBI delivery, decision making and the planning process; •• Climate action mitigation and adaptation; •• GBI and NBS in public realm design; •• Local food production areas for example urban farming, community gardens, allotments etc. Based on the above, the strategy will also outline a prioritised set of GBI projects and investments for the City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty such as: protection and enhancement of biodiversity-rich areas; safeguarding valuable GBI assets; the delivery of a metropolitan park system; key sustainable urban drainage schemes and green and blue linkages associated with all of the above. Objective EH O13 Blue Green Infrastructure Strategy It is an objective of the Council to prepare and implement a Blue and Green Infrastructure Strategy for Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty. 6.3.8 Nature Based Solutions Nature Based Solutions (NBS) have a role not only to meet certain infrastructure related needs (e.g. flooding management) and development needs, but also to maintain or benefit the quality of ecosystems, habitats and species. Examples of NBS solutions include landscaping, SuDs, creating permeable green areas and providing green roofs, restoring habitats such as wetlands, woodlands and hedgerows. Creating and restoring wetlands also functions to protect against flooding and creating blue and green spaces in urban areas, can also combat urban heating and enhance human health. Objective EH O14 Nature Based Solutions It is an objective of the Council to increase the use of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) throughout Limerick. 6.3.9 Water Quality European directives such as the Water Framework Directive and the Nitrates Directive have implications for Limerick in dealing with issues associated with preserving water quality. The water framework directive deals with water quality in relation to all water bodies, including rivers, lakes, ground waters, coastal and estuarine waters and wetlands. Ireland is required to produce a River Basin Management Plan under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The current River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) 2018-21 differs from previous River Basin Management Plans, given that Ireland is now defined as a single River Basin District. The plan sets out the actions that Ireland will take to improve water quality and achieve ‘good’ ecological status in water bodies (rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters) by 2027. Ireland is currently in the latter stages of preparing the next River Basin Management Plan (RBMP). The Plan is required under the Water Framework Directive for the period 2022-2027. These plans, amongst other requirements, set out the environmental improvements to be delivered during a river basin planning
Source Limerick City and County Council: Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028 (as varied) (2022–2028) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.