Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 11-3 Policy Objective ENV 4 To support the goals and objectives of the EU Green Deal, the Climate Action Plan 2019 and the Climate Action Charter in ensuring sustainable development across the County. Policy Objective ENV 5 To promote the future sustainable development of County Louth in such a manner as to support climate change mitigation and adaptation measures through the implementation of infrastructure in designated settlements. 11.1.3 Noise Emissions Environmental noise refers to noise emitted by means of road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic and noise in urban agglomerations over a specified size. Noise levels can intrude on the peace and quiet that residents and users of amenities should reasonably expect to enjoy. Louth County Council has produced a Noise Action Plan, in accordance with the European Noise Directive 2002/49/EC. The Noise Action Plan is a 5 year strategic plan covering the period 2018 - 2023. 11.1.3.1 Noise Action Plan 2018 - 2023 The overall aim of managing environmental noise within the framework of the regulations is to avoid, prevent and reduce the harmful effects due to long term exposure to environmental noise. This will in turn promote good health. The Noise Action Plan is therefore designed with the twin aims of: • Avoiding significant adverse health impacts from noise; and • Preserving environmental noise quality where good. In County Louth, the only noise source to be considered by the Noise Action Plan relates to major roads carrying in excess of 3 million vehicle passages per year, as defined in the Regulations. The designated noise mapping agency, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), has produced distinct noise maps for national and regional roads in Co Louth. The Noise Action Plan sets out a list of roads within the County that have exceeded the three million vehicles passages per year threshold. Figure 11.1 illustrates the extent of these routes. Policy Objective ENV 6 To implement the Louth County Council Noise Action Plan 2018-2023 (and any subsequent Plan) in order to avoid, prevent and reduce the harmful effects, including annoyance, due to environmental noise exposure. Policy Objective ENV 7 To require that where new development is proposed within the limits of the noise maps for the designated sections of roads in the County, appropriate mitigation measures are undertaken so as to prevent harmful effects from environmental noise.

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-202711-4 Figure 11.1: Noise Action Plan - Routes within County Louth

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 11-5 11.1.4 Light Pollution While artificial lighting is essential for a safe and secure night-time environment, the Council recognises the impacts light pollution, glare and spillage can have on the visual, wildlife and residential amenities of surrounding areas. Policy Objective ENV 8 To ensure that all external lighting whether free standing or attached to a building shall be designed and constructed so as not to cause excessive light spillage, glare, or dazzle motorists, and thereby limiting light pollution into the surrounding environment and protecting the amenities of nearby properties, traffic and wildlife. Policy Objective ENV 9 To require all details of on-site lighting associated with all future development are submitted to and agreed with the planning authority. Policy Objective ENV 10 To promote the use of low energy LED (or equivalent) lighting in support of Climate Action. Policy Objective ENV 11 To implement a hierarchy of light intensity zones as required in development schemes to ensure that environmental impact is minimised as far as possible particularly in areas proximate to ecological corridors. 11.1.5 Air Quality Poor air quality both in the urban and rural environment has the potential to lead to significant environmental problems. Similarly, poor air quality is directly linked to poor health amongst the general population. Air quality is monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Louth County Council. The Council recognise the need to ensure the highest standards of air quality within the County. The work of the EPA in monitoring air quality is noted and the Plan is supportive of new air quality real time monitoring stations within the County. Policy Objective ENV 12 To promote the preservation of best ambient air quality compatible with sustainable development in accordance with the EU Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe (CAFE) Directive (2008/50/EC) and ensure that all air emissions associated with new developments are within Environmental Quality Standards as out in the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2011 (SI No. 180 of 2011), or any updated/superseding documents. 11.1.6 Radon Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is formed by the radioactive decay of uranium. Uranium is usually found in igneous rocks and soil, which means that certain areas of the country are at a greater risk from radon. Radon is a colourless, odourless and tasteless radioactive gas. Exposure to radon accounts for over half the total radiation dose received by the Irish population.

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-202711-6 Radon problems only begin to arise when the gas is in a confined space such as your home or workplace. Policy Objective ENV 13 To ensure the implementation of the specific guidance on radon prevention measures for new homes as contained within the existing Building Regulations including any updated/ superseding regulations. 11.1.7 Soil Soil is a biologically active mixture of weathered minerals, organic matter, organisms and water which provides the foundation of life in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil supports natural ecosystems and human life by providing raw materials, food production and land for facilitating development. Soil also stores, filters, transforms and acts as a buffer to substances that are introduced to the environment which is particularly important in the production and protection of water supplies and for regulating greenhouse gases. The Plan recognises the key role that soil plays in many areas including food production, surface water, flooding management and providing the key ingredient for supporting a wide range of ecosystem habitats and enhancing biodiversity. The EPA’s publication Code of Practice: Environmental Risk Assessment for Unregulated Waste Disposal Sites (2007) shall be taken into account as relevant by proposals for development within or adjacent to old landfill sites. All undeveloped, contaminated sites shall be remediated to internationally accepted standards prior to redevelopment. All applications shall be accompanied by a report from a qualified, expert remediation consultant, incorporating international best practice and expertise on innovative ecological restoration techniques, including specialist planting and green initiatives that create aesthetically improved sites, healthy environments and contribute to the provision of new green open spaces as integral parts of newly created areas. The treatment/management of any contaminated material shall comply as appropriate with the Waste Management Act 1996 (waste licence, waste facility permit), as amended, and under the EPA Act 1992 (Industrial Emissions licensing, in particular the First Schedule, Class 11 Waste), as amended. These measures will ensure that contaminated material will be managed in a manner that removes any risk to human health and ensures that the end use will be compatible with any risk. Policy Objective ENV 14 To ensure that adequate soil protection measures are undertaken where appropriate. Adequate and appropriate investigations shall be carried out into the nature and extent of any soil and groundwater contamination and the risks associated with site development work, where brownfield development is proposed. 11.1.8 Water Quality The economic, social and environmental wellbeing of County Louth requires water quality to be of the highest possible standard. This includes surface water, ground water, estuarine and coastal waters all of which are vital to life and must, therefore, be managed accordingly.

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 11-7 The EPA Water Quality in Ireland report 2013-2018 published in 2019 indicates that of the 25 monitored river water bodies at the catchment level in Louth, 8 were classified as having ‘Good’ ecological status, 12 were ‘Moderate’ and 5 were ‘Poor’. 11.1.8.1 The Water Framework Directive The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is an initiative aimed at improving water quality throughout the European Union. The Directive was adopted in 2000 and requires governments to take a new approach to managing all their waters; rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, groundwater, protected areas (including wetlands and other water dependent ecosystems), estuaries (transitional) and coastal waters up to 1 nautical mile. The Directive requires the status of water bodies to be classified as high, good, moderate, poor or bad and the status is defined with respect to its biology, chemistry, quantity and morphology. The WFD brings water related directives under one framework, including those dealing with bathing water, waters used for the abstraction of drinking waters, wastewater disposal and the protection of economically significant aquatic species (shellfish and freshwater fish). The WFD requires an integrated approach to managing water quality on a river basin basis, with the aim of maintaining and improving water quality. It requires that management plans be prepared on a river basin basis in six year cycles and specifies a structured approach to developing those plans. Ireland is committed to managing all waters through a catchment based process, and the River Basin Management Plan is the mechanism for achieving this. The Council supports the development of Drinking Water Protection Plans in line with the requirements of the WFD and the current and future cycles of RBMP. In this regard, the Council supports mitigation and protection measures for all protected areas, including Drinking Water Protected Areas and associated Source Protection Plans. 11.1.8.2 River Basin Management The Government has published the River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for Ireland 2018-2021. This is the second RBMP (the first cycle covered the period 2009–2015) and it outlines the new approach that Ireland will take as it works to protect its rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters over the next four years. The Plan sets out the actions to improve water quality and achieve ‘good’ ecological status in water bodies (rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters) by 2027. Ireland is required to produce a river basin management plan under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The majority of the County (predominantly north and mid Louth) is within the Neagh Bann River Basin District, with south Louth being covered by the Ireland River Basin District (previously the Eastern River Basin District). Louth County Council acknowledges the importance of a collaborative approach to local catchment management, which will assist in the more effective implementation of the RBMPs.

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-202711-8 The water quality in County Louth, including surface waters and groundwater, represents an important ecological, recreational, economic, public health and aesthetic resource. The availability of a drinking water supply is essential for public health and the economic development of the County. However, the need to balance the increasing demand for water with the needs of the environment and those of existing users is crucial. Population growth and increasing pressures for new development will increase the overall demand for water. Louth County Council has responsibility for the protection of all waters in the County. The Council also has an important role to play in the protection, maintenance and improvement of water quality through the planning and management of future development. Policy Objective ENV 15 To implement the recommendations contained in the River Basin District Management Plans for Ireland 2018-2021 or any subsequent plan. Proposed plans, programmes and projects shall not have an unacceptable impact on the water environment, including surface waters, groundwater quality and quantity, river corridors and associated woodlands. Also, to have cognisance of, where relevant, the EU’s Common Implementation Strategy Guidance Document No. 20 and 36 which provide guidance on exemptions to the environmental objectives of the Water Framework Directive. Policy Objective ENV 16 To increase awareness through educational and other means so as to inform the public of the need and importance of maintaining the highest possible water quality standards. 11.1.8.3 Groundwater Groundwater is an important water source for use in a range of commercial activities. Good quality groundwater is a key natural resource, which directly and indirectly contributes to and sustains a variety of important ecosystems. The groundwater chemistry is continually being modified by the influence of human activity, whether that is through changes in groundwater flow, caused by groundwater abstraction, or the introduction of anthropogenic substances. The presence of purely anthropogenic substances, e.g. hydrocarbons or pesticides, clearly indicates departure from natural conditions. There are certain developments, such as agriculture, mining, solid waste disposal, industries, sewerage schemes, septic tanks, chemical and fuel storage depots, which can generate contaminants that pose a threat to groundwater. Contamination manifests itself in chemical and/or biological form. Approximately 6-8% of Louth’s water supply comes from groundwater sources. The protection of this resource is imperative for the Council. Groundwater protection schemes are County based projects that are undertaken jointly between the Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) and local authorities. The aim of a groundwater protection scheme is to ensure the sustainability of groundwater reserves in addition to meeting the requirements of the Groundwater Directives.

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 11-9 The EPA carry out ground water monitoring at a number of locations around the County. These are private group water schemes. Groundwater Source Protection Zones have been established at locations around the County. Policy Objective ENV 17 To implement the recommendations contained in any Groundwater Protection Scheme prepared under EU Ground Water Directives and to protect ground water resources in County Louth, nutrient sensitive areas and the designated shellfish growing areas within Carlingford Lough and Dundalk Bay. Policy Objective ENV 18 To protect fisheries in all rivers in the County, where appropriate, including relevant species as contained in Annex II of the Habitats Directive. Policy Objective ENV 19 To implement the requirements of the Groundwater Protection Scheme to protect known and potential ground water reserves. 11.1.8.4 Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Agricultural activities and waste generated from such activities has the potential if not appropriately managed, particularly in respect of storage and management of waste and phosphate control measures, to impact on the environment. S.I. No. 605 of 2017, EU Regulations on Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters (2017) gives effect to Ireland’s Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) for the protection of waters against pollution, caused by agricultural sources. The set of measures in these regulations provides a basic level of protection against possible adverse impacts to waters arising from the agricultural expansion targets. The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) has been in place since 1991 and it aims to protect water quality from pollution by agricultural sources and to promote the use of good farming practice. All EU Member States are required to prepare National Nitrates Action Programmes (NAP) that outline the rules for the management and application of livestock manures and other fertilisers. Ireland’s NAP is designed to prevent pollution of surface waters and ground water from agricultural sources and to protect and improve water quality. Ireland’s 4th NAP came into operation in 2017 and will be reviewed in 2021. Policy Objective ENV 20 To ensure compliance with and to implement the provisions of the Nitrates Directive in so far as it falls within the remit of the Council to do so. Policy Objective ENV 21 To assess agricultural developments and associated agricultural waste matters within the County in accordance with the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2017 for the purpose of preventing or eliminating the entry of polluting matters to waters.

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-202711-10 Policy Objective ENV 22 To encourage the use of catchment-sensitive farming practices, in order to meet Water Framework Directive targets and comply with the River Basin Management Plan. Policy Objective ENV 23 To implement the relevant provisions of the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011, and the European Communities (Amendment to Planning and Development) Regulations 2011, which require planning permission be sought where the area impacted by works relating to the drainage or reclamation of a wetland exceeds 0.1 hectares, or where such works may have a significant effect on the environment. 11.1.9 Waste Management 11.1.9.1 Regional Waste Management Plans The Eastern-Midlands Waste Management Region is one of Ireland’s three Waste Management Regions. The region comprises of 12 constituent local authorities, including Louth County Council. Dublin City Council is the lead authority within the Region acting on behalf of the other authorities and hosting the Eastern-Midlands Waste Regional Office (EMWRO). The Eastern Midlands Region Waste Management Plan is a statutory document, prepared by the local authorities of the Region. It covers the period from 2015 to 2021, after which time it will be revised or replaced. It is underpinned by National and European waste legislation and the work carried out will ensure the continued management of waste in a safe and sustainable manner. The plan includes eight Strategic Objectives and three overarching targets: • A 1% reduction per annum in the quality of household waste generated per capita; • Reduce to 0% the direct disposal of unprocessed municipal waste to of higher value pre-treatment processes and indigenous recovery practices; and • A recycling rate of 50% of managed municipal waste by 2020. The Plan states that the future role of local authorities in waste management will be focused on education, prevention, and resource efficiency activities as well as regulating householders, businesses and waste operators and enforcing waste legislation. Waste infrastructure provided by local authorities will mainly include bring banks and civic amenities.

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 11-11 Policy Objective ENV 26 To facilitate the provision of adequate waste recovery and disposal facilities in appropriate locations, as deemed necessary in accordance with the requirements of the current 'Eastern Midlands Region Waste Management Plan' and any subsequent plans. 11.2 MAJOR ACCIDENTS – SEVESO SITES The European Communities (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2006 transposes the SEVESO II Directive 96/82/EC (relating to the prevention of major accidents involving dangerous substances) into Irish Law. The Directive aims to prevent major accident hazards involving dangerous substances and limit their consequences for humans and the environment. This is achieved through the following: • The siting of new establishments; • Modifications to existing establishments; and • Development in the vicinity of an establishment which, by virtue of its type or siting is likely to increase the risk or consequence of a major accident. The Health & Safety Authority (HSA) provides advice to Planning Authorities in respect of planning applications for development within a certain distance of the perimeter of these sites. The document, entitled ‘Policy & Approach of the Health & Safety Authority to COMAH Risk-based Land-use Planning’, sets out the policy of the HSA on the land use planning requirements of the European ‘Seveso’ Directive on the control of major accident hazards. The SEVESO sites in County Louth are identified in Table 11.1 below (as of November 2019) including the advised consultation distances (with the HSA) to be applied in respect of these sites. Table 11.1 Notified Seveso Establishments Establishment Tier Consultation Distance Flogas Ireland Limited, Marsh Road, Drogheda Upper 600 metres BAK Bulk Services Red Barns, Drumcar Road, Dunleer Lower 400 metres Cooley Distillery, Riverstown, Cooley Lower 400 metres Policy Objective ENV 24 To implement and support the provisions of the Eastern-Midlands Region Waste Management Plan 2015-2021 or any subsequent plan and EU Directives/Policies. Policy Objective ENV 25 To support the development of an additional recycling centre in the Mid-Louth area.

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    Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-202711-12 Policy Objective ENV 27 To comply with the SEVESO II Directive in reducing the risk and limiting the potential consequences of major industrial accidents. Policy Objective ENV 28 To ensure that land use policies take account of the need to maintain appropriate distance between future major accident hazard establishments and residential areas, areas of substantial public use and of particular natural sensitivity or interest. 11.3 VETERINARY SERVICES The Veterinary Services Section carries out a range of duties involving veterinary public health as well as animal control & welfare. These duties are carried out in conjunction with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). Louth County Council provides food safety duties under a service contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The County Veterinary Officer and a ‘Temporary Veterinary Inspector’ (TVI) are responsible for the inspection and supervision of Louth’s abattoir (slaughter house) and small meat manufacturing plants. The animal control & welfare section operates an animal compound in Dromiskin, Co. Louth. The facility has indoor, individual, heated kennels from where it bases its activities under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, and also four stables for housing larger animals taken in under the Control of Horses Act 1996 or the Animals Act 1985. Policy Objective ENV 30 To support the implementation of the veterinary functions of the Council in partnership with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). 11.4 NATURAL RESOURCES There are a number of naturally occurring resources within the County that contribute to its social and economic fabric. The continued sustainable development of these resources at appropriate locations will serve to diversify and strengthen the economy of the County. A balanced approach is required with appropriate policies for the growth and development of these resources while ensuring that the adverse environmental impact is minimised. Policy Objective ENV 29 To have regard to the advice of the HSA when proposals for a new SEVESO site, modifications to an existing SEVESO site or when proposals for development within the consultation zone of a SEVESO site are being considered (including and as detailed in Table 11.1)

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