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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- Chapter 6: Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure179 cycle. The plans contain water quality objectives and a programme of measures to achieve those objectives. One of the most effective ways of ensuring the protection of ground water is to use ground water protection schemes as part of land use planning. The Groundwater Protection Scheme is an essential tool in enabling Planning Authorities to take into account both geological and hydrogeological factors, in locating potentially polluting developments, so that the chances of ground water contamination is reduced to a minimum. There is a balance to be struck between ensuring that normal development needs are facilitated, while the water resource base upon which all land uses and habitats depend is protected. This balance is under strain in many places, posing a special challenge if the State is to meet the terms of the Water Framework Directive. Specifically with reference to Limerick, much of the north of the County’s plain is of poor status. This coincides with a regional aquifer where the bedrock is limestone and there are generally shallow soils. Extensive areas of surface water in Limerick are either of moderate or poor ‘ecological status’, suffering in particular from eutrophication, principally, but not exclusively, from diffuse sources of nitrate enrichment. 6.3.10 Wetlands Wetlands are an important part of the ecology of Limerick and play a part in the regulation of flood waters as well as providing a natural amenity, such as the following within Limerick City: Westfields, Park Canal, Lucas Lough Shannon Fields, Monabraher Longpavement and Ballinacurra Creek. Where wetlands or environmentally designated sites are located within zoned lands they will be protected and remain unaltered. It may be necessary to incorporate a suitable buffer zone in order to safeguard these sites. Objective EH O15 Ground Water, Surface Water Protection and River Basin Management Plans It is an objective of the Council to: a) Protect ground and surface water resources and to take into account the requirement of the Water Framework Directive when dealing with planning and land use issues. b) Implement the provisions of the River Basin Management Plan 2022 – 2028 and any succeeding plan. The filling of wetlands, surface water features and modifications and drainage of peatlands shall generally be prohibited. c) Implement the measures put forward in the Limerick Groundwater Protection Plan, in assessing planning applications and their consequences for ground water. d) The Blue Dot Catchments programme is a key action under the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022- 2028. The aim of the programme is to protect and restore high ecological status to a network of rivers and water bodies in Limerick. In Limerick, the following rivers and water bodies are Blue Dot Catchments, Bleach Lough, the Ogeen River and the Behanagh River. The Council will take a precautionary approach to development which might affect water quality in these areas in line with requirements of the Water Framework Directive. Objective EH O16 Septic Tanks and Proprietary Systems It is an objective of the Council to ensure that septic tanks/proprietary treatment systems, or other waste water treatment and storage systems which are required as part of a development, comply with the standards set out under EPA 2021 etc. and that they are constructed only where site conditions are appropriate. In respect of groundwater, it is a requirement that as part of the required site assessments the local groundwater conditions as identified in the groundwater protection scheme and the River Basin Management Plan 2022- 2028 are properly assessed in informing the Groundwater Protection Response.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028180 Objective EH O17 Water Quality It is an objective of the Council to support commitments to achieve and maintain ‘At Least Good’ status, except where more stringent obligations are required. There shall be no deterioration of status for all water bodies under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and its programme of measures, the Water Framework Directive and the River Basin Management Plan. Key challenges include, inter alia, the need to address significant deficits in urban waste-water treatment and water supply, addressing flooding and increased flood risks from extreme weather events and increased intense rainfall because of climate change. Objective EH O18 Riparian Buffers It is an objective of the Council to maintain riverbank vegetation along watercourses and ensure protection of a 20m riparian buffer zone on greenfield sites and sites are maintained free from development. Proposals shall have cognisance of the contents of the Inland Fisheries Ireland document Planning for Watercourses in Urban Environments. 6.3.11 Ecosystem Services Approach Ecosystem services are defined as the direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human wellbeing and have an impact on our survival and quality of life. This includes the ability of humans to obtain products from ecosystems, such as food, water and resources, benefits obtained from the natural processes such as climate regulation, pollination and water purification and the cultural services that benefit people, through recreation and appreciation of nature. Objective EH O19 Ecosystem Services Approach It is an objective of the Council to promote an Ecosystem Services Approach, subject to suitable assessment, in the preparation of lower-level plans, strategies and in the Development Management process. 6.3.12 Noise Emissions Noise can impact on the quality of life enjoyed by individuals and communities. The National Planning Framework supports the proactive management of environmental noise under National Policy Objective 65 – ‘Promote the pro-active management of noise where it is likely to have significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life and support the aims of the Environmental Noise Regulations through national planning guidance and Noise Action Plans’. The dominant source of noise in Limerick is traffic related. Policy and objectives related specifically to traffic and transport is dealt with in Section 7.12.1 Traffic Related Noise in Chapter 7: Sustainable Mobility and Transport. Additional noise emissions, including from construction, open extraction sites, events or commercial activities need to be managed. Quiet Areas, that offer a sense of tranquillity within communities, should be protected. Objective EH O20 Quiet Areas It is an objective of the Council to protect areas which are considered to be desirably quiet or which offer a sense of tranquillity through a process of identification and validation followed by formal designation of ‘Quiet Areas’ in accordance with the Environmental Noise Regulations 2018. 6.3.12.1 Noise and Vibration from Construction and Open Sites Noise from construction and demolition activities has the potential to cause significant nuisance for communities and individuals, living and working in the vicinity of a construction site. The effects of noise can include interference with speech communication, disturbance of work or leisure activities, disturbance of sleep, annoyance and possible effects on mental and physical health. Additionally, significant vibration levels arising from construction work activities/operations has the potential to effect buildings or structures. Noise and vibration from open sites (e.g. quarries, mines) can cause similar significant nuisance.
- Chapter 6: Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure181 Objective EH O21 Noise and Vibration during Construction and at Open Sites It is an objective of the Council to protect the quality of the environment against the effects of noise and vibration, by implementing site appropriate mitigation measures during the construction and demolition phases of development. 6.3.12.2 Commercial and Industrial Noise Commercial and industrial noise has the potential to have adverse impacts on the health and well-being of occupants of noise sensitive properties. The likelihood of adverse effects occurring due to such noise, depends on many factors including the margin by which it exceeds the background noise and the character of the noise (e.g. tones, impulsive nature). Objective EH O22 Commercial and Industrial Noise It is an objective of the Council to prevent members of the public being significantly adversely affected by environmental noise from commercial and industrial noise activities. 6.3.12.3 Entertainment Noise Noise from entertainment venues (e.g. recorded music, live bands) can be particularly annoying for local residents and businesses, if it is not adequately contained within the venue. There is a lack of consensus on an assessment method for noise levels within habitable rooms of noise sensitive properties with regard to entertainment noise. The design aim however, should be to design entertainment noise to be inaudible (not recognisable as emanating from the source in question. Planning applications for new entertainment venues shall demonstrate that music noise from the venue will be unlikely to cause an adverse effect for occupants of nearby residential properties. Where music events (e.g. concerts) are proposed, an appropriate balance should be achieved between the organiser(s) objectives, the participants’ enjoyment and the interests of the community at large, who may be affected by such functions. The applicant should actively engage with the planning authority at the earliest possible stage to ensure that the potential for noise disturbance is minimised. Objective EH O23 Entertainment Noise It is an objective of the Council to manage entertainment noise from venues and music events, so as not to have an adverse effect on the public.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028182 6.3.13 Light Emission In today’s modern world, particularly with the pace of development the nuisance factors associated with light have increased. In part, these can be minimised through appropriate design and by ensuring that developments are not making use of unnecessary lighting. Objective EH O24 Light Pollution It is an objective of the Council to ensure that the design of external lighting schemes minimise the incidence of light spillage or pollution in the immediate surrounding environment. In this regard, developers shall submit lighting elements as part of any design, with an emphasis on ensuring that any lighting is carefully directed, not excessive for its purpose and avoids light spill outside the development and where necessary will be wildlife friendly in design. 6.3.14 Dark Sky Initiatives Closely related to the issue of light emission is the idea of Dark Skies. To date there is one in the region, located in Kerry and such initiatives have much to offer not just as amenity but also as a specialist attraction in their own right. In essence it involves selection of areas that fall within certain thresholds of darkness. The International Dark-Sky Association works to protect the night skies for present and future generations. ‘Dark Sky’ parks and reserves are focused on areas ‘possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment’. Objective EH O25 ‘Dark Sky’ Parks and Reserves It is an objective of the Council to encourage measures to support Dark-Sky Reserve proposals and the establishment of ‘Dark Sky’ parks and reserves in Limerick, where appropriate. 6.3.15 Air Quality 6.3.15.1 Improvement of Air Quality Clean air is essential for our health and well-being. High levels of air pollution are known to effect cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Long-term exposure to particulate matter is highlighted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as one of the primary environmental risk factors contributing to cause of death in Europe. The air quality in Limerick is g ood and generally meets European Union and World Health limit values. However, localised problems occur with the burning of smoky fuels which can cause elevated levels of particulates. Another potentially significant source of air pollution is emissions from vehicles. The National Planning Framework supports measures that will improve air quality and the measures included within the Plan are aligned with national policy. Objective EH O26 Air Pollution It is an objective of the Council to implement the provisions of national and EU Directives on air pollution and other relevant legislative requirements in conjunction with other agencies as appropriate. Objective EH O27 Improvement of Air Quality It is an objective of the Council to improve air quality and help prevent people being exposed to unacceptable levels of pollution in Limerick, through the support of sustainable modes of transport, renewable energy, promotion of energy efficient buildings and homes and urban greening.
- Chapter 6: Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure183 6.3.15.2 Air Quality Monitoring The Environmental Protection Agency manages the national ambient air quality monitoring network. The pollutants of most concern to the EPA are those associated with traffic such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. The Council carries out its own indicative monitoring in Limerick City to assess emissions from traffic and industry, the pollutants assessed being particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone. Objective EH O28 Air Quality Monitoring It is an objective of the Council to monitor and provide access to the public on the air quality in Limerick and support the EPA in the expansion and management of the national air quality monitoring network. 6.3.15.3 Air Quality During Construction Construction and demolition activities can have a significant adverse impact on air quality. Dust and particle generation can be substantially reduced through carefully selected mitigation techniques and effective management. Objective EH O29 Air Quality during Construction It is an objective of the Council to protect environmental quality and implement site appropriate mitigation measures during construction and demolition phases of a development, with respect to air quality, including dust. 6.3.15.4 Odour Many activities may generate odours that can cause odour nuisance or more serious health issues for the public and air quality. Odour generating activities include intensive agriculture (e.g. piggeries, poultry units, rendering), industrial/ manufacturing processes, waste disposal, renewable energies such as anaerobic digestion, intensive composting, bio-gas processes, odours from food preparation (e.g. restaurants, cafes) and use of solvent materials in the course of business. Objective EH O30 Odour It is an objective of the Council to protect the public from odour nuisance issues through odour abatement solutions.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028184 6.4 Landscape and Visual Amenity 6.4.1 Landscape Assessment and Landscape Character Areas Limerick possesses a varied landscape which is important not just for its intrinsic value and beauty, but also because it provides for local residents and visitors, both in terms of a place to live and for recreational and tourism purposes. The importance of landscape and visual amenity in the role of planning is recognised in the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The Act require that Development Plans include objectives for the preservation of the landscape, views and prospects. It requires objectives for Landscape Conservation Areas, Areas of Special Amenity and also for the assessment of landscape character. This approach towards landscape issues based on the Draft Landscape Character Assessment Guidelines stresses the distinctiveness of differing kinds of landscape and how differing kinds of development can best be integrated within them. The landscape character areas have incorporated the scenic views and prospects of Limerick County Development Plan 2010-2016 (as extended), which will ensure continuity between and further development of, landscape policies for rural Limerick. For Limerick City, there are a number of Urban Character areas identified in Chapter 3: Spatial Strategy. The Landscape Character Areas are shown in Map 6.1. Policy EH P8 Landscape Character Areas It is a policy of the Council to promote the distinctiveness and where necessary safeguard the sensitivity of Limerick’s landscape types, through the landscape characterisation process in accordance with the Draft Guidelines for Landscape and Landscape Assessment (2000) as issued by the Department of Environment and Local Government, in accordance with the European Landscape Convention (Florence Convention) and with A National Landscape Strategy for Ireland – 2015- 2025. The Council shall implement any relevant recommendations contained in the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s National Landscape Strategy for Ireland, 2015 – 2025.
- Chapter 6: Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure185 Table 6.1 Rural Landscape Character Areas Character Area Description Specific Objectives LCA 01 Agricultural Lowlands This is the largest of the Landscape Character Areas in Limerick and comprises almost the entire central plain. This landscape is a farming landscape and is defined by a series of regular field boundaries, often allowed to grow to maturity. This welldeveloped hedgerow system is one of its main characteristics. In terms of topography, the landscape is generally rather flat with some locally prominent hills and ridges. The pastoral nature of the landscape is reinforced by the presence of farmyards. a) Encourage, where housing is permitted, design that reflects existing housing stock, such as the twostorey farmhouses which are a feature in the area. b) Encourage retention of existing landscape features such as hedgerows and trees and their incorporation into landscaping for new developments. c) Discourage development of locally prominent sites. d) Encourage the regular arrangement of turbines with equal spacing in proposed wind farm developments, which take field boundaries into account. e) Encourage development within existing settlements. LCA 02 Ballyhoura /Slieve Reagh This is a locally dominant range of hills running along the Cork boundary. The lowland component of this landscape character area is generally a farmed landscape, but the range of hills provides an upland backdrop. The lower reaches of Ballyhoura are pastoral in character, but this changes as altitude increases and the vegetation cover changes to commercial forestry, interspersed with upland grassland and the remnants of peat bogs. Much of the Ballyhoura’s are within a Special Area of Conservation. a) Where housing is permitted, encourage appropriate scale and high-quality design for this landscape area, combined with sensitive site location and landscaping. Respect traditional scale particularly on elevated or locally prominent sites. b) Strongly encourage retention of earth bank field boundaries, particularly in the more upland parts of this area, as the screening abilities of landscape features in this area are limited. c) Encourage use of species native to this particular area in landscaping proposals. Species native to the upland parts of this area could be used, such as mountain ash and birch. d) Ensure that forestry applications subject to planning are confined to infill and below 300m above sea level, as much of the Ballyhouras is a Special Area of Conservation. e) Encourage development within existing settlements. LCA O3 Galtee Uplands This is the most visually striking of all Limerick’s uplands. The foothills are generally a farmed landscape with an enclosed field pattern and scattered farmsteads, but as altitude increases open heath-land replaces the closed fields and forestry. The open upland terrain of the higher reaches of the Galtees, combined with with starker colours caused by the vegetation cover of heather, provides a strong visual contrast to the enclosed pastoral landscape below. Much of the Galtees are within a Special Area of Conservation. This is designated for upland habitats such as heath and upland bog amongst others. a) Only permit housing development above the 230m contour line in exceptional circumstances. Where housing is permitted, encourage appropriate scale and high-quality design for this landscape area, combined with sensitive site location and landscaping. Respect traditional scale particularly on elevated or locally prominent sites. b) Ensure that forestry developments, which are subject to planning, are confined to below 300m above sea level, following consultation with the Wildlife Service and National Parks. c) Encourage development within existing settlements.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028186 Character Area Description Specific Objectives LCA O4 Knockfierna This is one of the most dominant hills in the centre of Limerick. The vegetation cover of the hill is generally upland grassland with a well-developed field boundary system. The hill is important not just for its scenic value, but also because of the variety of archaeological and historical sites that exist on it. a) Housing development shall be confined to below 150m sea level in order to protect the scenic amenity of the area, except in exceptional circumstances. b) The use of high-quality site-specific designs, incorporating materials that assist the integration of the development into the landscape is encouraged. c) The breaking of ridgelines or selection of locally prominent sites, within the Knockfierna Landscape Character area is strongly discouraged. d) This area shall not be considered for forestry applications that are subject to planning requirements. e) This area is considered unsuitable for wind energy development. LCA O5 Lough Gur Lough Gur is one of the most significant archaeological site in Limerick. Topographically it is made up of a series of rolling hills surrounding the lake, which is the centre point of the area. The landscape is pastoral with a long history of human habitation. The presence of a wide variety of archaeological monuments is one of the characteristic features of the area. The area around Lough Gur, with its pleasant rural setting and views of the lake and its welldeveloped hedgerows, is also an attractive amenity and is widely used by locals and visitors alike. a) Safeguard the visual amenity of the area and to have regard to the views and prospects in and out of Lough Gur. b) Restrict development including residential development in the area of Special Development Control, shown on Map 6.3 except in exceptional circumstances. Appropriate tourism development and extensions to existing properties, which respect the special character of Lough Gur will be considered. c) To have regard to the archaeological importance and richness of the area indicated on Map 6.3 as a zone of archaeological amenity. Any developments within the zone will be required to provide for an archaeological examination during the course of excavations, or other ground disturbance. d) To safeguard the existence of Natural Heritage Areas and the Wildfowl sanctuary when assessing applications for development in the area.
- Chapter 6: Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure187 Character Area Description Specific Objectives LCA 06 Shannon Coastal Zone This zone comprises a large area of northern Limerick and is bounded on one side by the Shannon Estuary, while its southern boundary is defined by the gradually rising ground, which leads onto the agricultural zone and the western hills to the south west. The presence of the estuary is the defining characteristic of the region. The landscape itself is generally that of an enclosed agricultural type, essentially that of a hedgerow dominant landscape. This differs from the other agricultural landscapes of the County, in that the field patterns, particularly close to the Estuary, tend to be less regular than those elsewhere in Limerick. a) Where housing is permitted, encourage appropriate scale and high-quality design for this landscape area, combined with sensitive site location and landscaping. Respect traditional scale, particularly on elevated or locally prominent sites. b) To protect the views and prospects along the N69 (see Map 6.2), as a priority for the Planning Authority. Only in exceptional circumstances (e.g. domestic extensions and/or a suitably screened dwelling for an individual who is engaged in full time farming or other exceptional circumstances) will development be allowed between the road and the estuary. c) To encourage the use of site-specific designs with careful attention to landscaping. Finishes such as plaster finish, which will assist in integrating the development into the landscape, are encouraged. d) All of the above (a to c) does not apply within the settlements of the Shannon Coastal zone. e) To permit holiday homes only within existing settlements. f) To rigidly adhere to best practice in the installation and use of wastewater treatment systems, given the proximity of the Shannon and the importance of water-based habitats in the area, to ensure that no deterioration in water quality takes place. g) Where wind farms are permitted, it is recommended that single lines of equally spaced turbines shall be considered, in order to limit the visual and landscape impact. h) Development shall be encouraged within existing settlements. i) Development identified under the SIFP will adhere to the mitigation measures for landscape management as appropriate.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028188 Character Area Description Specific Objectives LCA 07 Southern Uplands The Mullaghareirk range of hills, which straddles the County Limerick, Cork and Kerry boundaries, is the principal defining feature of this landscape character area. This is a gently undulating range of hills, which rises to almost a plateau near the Cork border. Vegetation cover ranges from improved hill grassland, which tends to be wet in nature to disturbed peatland habitats, such as blanket bog, dry and wet heath. Few of these habitats are intact, occurring only in patches interrupted by commercial forestry and improved grassland. Commercial forestry, most of which is nearing maturity, is a dominant feature of this area. a) Where housing is permitted, encourage appropriate scale and high-quality design for this landscape area, combined with sensitive site location and landscaping. Respect traditional scale particularly on elevated or locally prominent sites. b) Strongly encourage use of landscaping plans, taking into account existing topography and landforms, in efforts to blend developments into the surrounding landscape. Retention of existing landscape features and their integration and use in helping development to blend into the landscape, is of great importance in any upland area. c) Not permit further forestry developments that are subject to planning permissions over 280m above sea level. d) Encourage development within existing settlements. e) This area is open to consideration for wind energy development. f) Where wind farms are permitted, a random spacing with random layout shall be considered in proposed wind farm developments, to limit the visual and landscape impact. LCA 08 Slieve Felim Uplands The Slieve Felim Hills located in the north east of the County are the most dominant feature in this part of Limerick. Though not particularly high (the most important peak is 395m), it is because of the low-lying surrounding landscape that they appear such a dominant feature. The hills themselves are rounded in shape, lacking the starkness that some of the Galtee range to the south possess and are generally pastoral in character, in that almost all the hills show evidence of enclosure for agricultural purposes, with a well-developed field boundary system in place. a) Not normally permit housing development at or above 220m elevation, in order to protect the scenic amenity of the hills, except in exceptional circumstances. b) Strongly encourage the use of designs based on the existing housing stock of the area and reuse of existing structures. c) Encourage the construction of new agricultural developments as part of existing agricultural complexes where possible.
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.