Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 411

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 11-13 11.4.1 Forestry Forests and woodlands provide important social, economic and environmental benefits. Forestry is an important natural and renewable resource with a major role to play in sustainable rural development. Forests also have a key role as pollution filters and carbon sinks and their contribution towards climate action. In addition to the direct benefits of planting, in terms of valuable crops and employment, forestry has an important impact on rural economies through the development of related industries, locally produced sustainable energy and rural tourism opportunities. In 2016, over 5,900 individuals were employed in both forestry and logging or manufacture of wood and wood products sector (CSO). In 2018, exports of forest products from the Republic of Ireland were valued at €450 million, an 8.7% increase on 2017. The national forest estate is an important carbon reservoir, amounting to 311.7 million tonnes of carbon in 2017. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is responsible for ensuring the development of forestry within Ireland in a manner and to a scale that maximises its contribution to national socio-economic well-being on a sustainable basis that is compatible with the protection of the environment. The Department published a forest policy in 2014, ‘Forests, Products and People - Ireland’s Forest Policy - A Renewed Vision’, which sets out Government policy in relation to this sector. This policy document sets out a strategic goal to develop an internationally competitive and sustainable forestry sector that provides a full range of economic, environmental and social benefits to society and which accords with the ‘Forest Europe’ definition of sustainable forest management. The DoAFM also published ‘Forest Statistics Ireland 2019’. This report indicates that County Louth’s land cover comprises approximately 2.9% of forest cover, which is significantly below the national average. The most significant of the forested areas under public ownership are in Ravensdale Forest and Slieve Foye Woods in the north of the County and Townley Hall in the south of the County. There is also significant privately owned forestry in the areas of Collon, Mullary and Jenkinstown. Ravensdale Forest is the most densely forested area in the County. Figure 11.2 illustrates the extent of forestry located within County Louth (2017). Forestry is encouraged in appropriate areas, where it will not significantly impact upon designated habitats, archaeology, interfering with high amenity areas, protected views or scenic routes, be obtrusive in the landscape or present a risk to sensitive ecosystems or water quality. The Plan aims to support the sustainable growth of forestry as an economic activity whilst affording maximum protection to the rural environment and landscape. This Plan acknowledges the tourism and amenity potential of forested lands. The Council will encourage the provision of public access to new forests through walking and bridle paths, recreational areas and other similar facilities.

2. Page 412

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-202711-14 Policy Objective ENV 31 To support National policy in relation to forestry in order to develop an internationally competitive and sustainable forest sector that provides a full range of economic, environmental and social benefits to society, subject to normal planning criteria. Policy Objective ENV 32 To encourage the development of a well-managed sustainable forestry sector, which is compatible with the protection of the environment including the avoidance of likely significant effects on European sites (SACs and SPAs) and is planted, managed and harvested in accordance with the Forest Service Guidelines for Landscape, Forest Harvesting and Environmental, Archaeology, Biodiversity and Water Quality’ and any subsequent guidelines.

3. Page 413

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 11-15 Figure 11.2 Forest Cover within County Louth

4. Page 414

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-202711-16 Policy Objective ENV 33 To encourage forestry and forestry related development, as a means of diversifying from traditional agriculture activity with a preference for native species. Policy Objective ENV 34 To encourage access to forestry and woodlands, including private forestry, in cooperation with stakeholders for walking routes, bridle paths, mountain biking, nature walks, orienteering, hiking, recreational areas and other similar facilities. Policy Objective ENV 35 To promote the avoidance of deforestation or commercial afforestation within European sites unless directly relating to the management of the site for its qualifying interests. Policy Objective ENV 36 To support the development of appropriate and sustainable tourism development within forestry locations, while retaining adequate tree cover in the general area. Policy Objective ENV 37 To consider the preservation of any tree, trees or groups of trees or woodland of special amenity or environmental value by use of Tree Preservation Orders. Policy Objective ENV 38 To retain and protect significant stands of existing trees/ hedgerows/woodlands, and seek increased planting of native trees, where appropriate, in new developments. Policy Objective ENV 39 Protect and preserve existing hedgerows in new developments, particularly species rich roadside and townland boundary hedgerows, and where their removal is necessary during the course of road works or other works seek their replacement with new hedgerows of native species indigenous to the area. 11.4.1.1 Carbon Sequestration The increase in greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere is considered to be one of the main causes of global warming. Human activity is releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide. Land-use changes such as the unsustainable exploitation and destruction of tropical forests are also having an impact. Trees and woodlands play an important role in the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Through the biochemical process of photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is taken in by trees and stored as carbon in the trunk, branches, leaves and roots. Carbon is also stored in the soil and indeed this is a major sink for carbon in the forest.

5. Page 415

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 11-17 Decay of the organic material eventually releases the CO2 back to the atmosphere, and providing the forests are sustainably managed, it is taken up by replacement trees, thereby maintaining a balance in the carbon budget. The release of CO2, however, can be delayed through the harvesting of trees as they mature if the wood is used for construction, furniture and other end uses that prolong its life. Sustainable forestry is positively contributing to carbon sequestration and is an important management tool in combating climate change. International agreements to regulate carbon emissions such as the Kyoto Protocol recognise the importance of forests as carbon sinks. Policy Objective ENV 40 In accordance with the National Climate Action Plan 2019 (or any subsequent Plan) Louth County Council shall promote sustainable forestry development of appropriate scale within the County in order to address climate action directly through carbon sequestration and indirectly through the displacement of fossil fuel. 11.4.2 Extractive Industry The National Planning Framework (NPF) notes that ‘aggregates and minerals extraction will continue to be enabled where this is compatible with the protection of the environment in terms of air and water quality, natural and cultural heritage, the quality of life of residents in the vicinity, and provides for appropriate site rehabilitation’. The NPF also states that the ‘planning process will play a key role in realising the potential of the extractive industries sector by identifying and protecting important reserves of aggregates and minerals from development that might prejudice their utilisation’. County Louth contains a variety of natural resources such as raw materials critical to the construction industry in the form of sand, gravel and stone reserves, with substantial building sand reserves in the Cooley area. The Council acknowledges the need for extractive industries in terms of supply of aggregate materials for the construction sector. The continual supply of aggregates, including recycled construction and demolition material is necessary for continual economic growth; which is an integral requirement for the implementation of the NPF and private sector development. Reserves of suitable material are finite and extraction can only take place where these reserves are found. However, the potential for conflict in the operation of these industries with wider environmental issues needs careful consideration.

6. Page 416

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-202711-18 Quarry extraction works and ancillary activities have the potential to impact on the environment (e.g. noise, dust, vibration, visual intrusion, hydrological disruption, water pollution, loss or fragmentation of habitat, traffic generation, adverse impact on road network and archaeological impacts). In certain instances quarries can also be beneficial to the environment, particularly at the decommissioning phase when opportunities for habitat creation and alternative uses can arise. Louth County Council acknowledges that a satisfactory balance is required between the needs of the building industry and the need to protect the environment. Section 261A of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), afforded Local Authorities an opportunity to regularise the quarry industry, with regard to compliance with Planning Legislation, Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and the Habitats Directives. A total of 12 quarries have been registered in County Louth. The suitability of any extraction enterprise shall be assessed on the basis of the sensitivity of the local environment to such impacts, the scale of the development proposed and the capacity of the road network in the area to accommodate associated traffic. It is Council policy to ensure that those extractions which would result in a reduction of the visual amenity of areas of high amenity or damage to areas of scientific importance or of geological, botanical, zoological and other natural significance including all designated European Sites shall not be permitted. The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) Aggregate Potential Mapping illustrates potential crushed rock and sand and gravel deposits. The areas of high to very high potential for crushed rock deposits are generally focused on the Cooley peninsula, however, an area from Collon to Clogherhead is also identified as having high potential. Louth County Council recognises the unique importance of these areas (particularly the Cooley Peninsula and Monasterboice) in terms of environmental, archaeological and historical value. Applications for mineral extraction will, therefore, be considered on their merits in terms of potential for impacts on the environment and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. As part of the assessment process, due regard will be given to the Department of Environment Heritage Local Government (DEHLG) publication “Quarry and Ancillary Activity Guidelines” (2004). In addition, proposals will be screened for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) in accordance with current best practice and guidance documents. Policy Objective ENV 41 To ensure that all existing and proposed quarries comply with the requirements of the document Quarry and Ancillary Facilities – Guidelines for Planning Authorities, (DECLG) 2004 or any replacement document and to promote a whole of life plan for an extractive location, including a post-closure remediation plan.

7. Page 417

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 11-19 Policy Objective ENV 42 To facilitate adequate supplies of aggregate resources to meet the future growth needs of the County and the wider region while addressing key environmental, traffic and social impacts and details of rehabilitation. Policy Objective ENV 43 To prevent development that would hinder the efficient or effective recovery of the County’s aggregate resources. Policy Objective ENV 44 To ensure that extractive developments do not adversely impact on environmental quality, including water quality, tourism value, existing infrastructure, residential amenity or the amenity value of neighbouring lands. Policy Objective ENV 45 To ensure that the extraction of stone and mineral materials is carried out in a manner that is sustainable and does not significantly impact on the following areas: • Existing and proposed European Sites; • Other areas of importance for the conservation of flora and fauna; • Areas of significant archaeological potential; • In the vicinity of a recorded monument; • County Geological Site (CGS); • Sensitive Landscapes; • World Heritage Sites; or • Tentative World Heritage Sites. Policy Objective ENV 46 To ensure that developments associated with the extractive industry minimise adverse impacts on the road network in the area and that the full cost of road improvements, including during operations and at time of closure which were necessary to facilitate such development are borne by the extractive industry. Policy Objective ENV 47 To refer any application for development to the Geological Survey of Ireland, where it relates to mineral extraction, quarrying developments/extensions and any development involving excavations greater than 50,000m³ in volume or one hectare in area.

8. Page 418

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-202711-20 11.5 THE COAST 11.5.1 Introduction County Louth’s coastline extends in excess of 70 kilometres from Drogheda Port in the south of the County to the coastline of Carlingford and Omeath along Carlingford Lough. In general, Ireland’s coastline is of great importance not only for its striking natural beauty, but also in terms of its scientific interest, its wildlife habitats and recreational opportunities. The coast is of great economic value and is the location of ports and many of our major urban areas and industries. Society continues to place considerable demands on coastal areas. In addition to man’s influence the coastline is also subject to continual change resulting from dynamic natural processes. Louth’s coastline is of high intrinsic and special amenity value and is home to a variety of natural habitats, with Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) designations covering much of the coastline. The Coastal Zone is generally defined as the area between Mean High Water Mark and the nearest continuous road. The natural assets of the coastline including beaches are important economic assets particularly for tourism. They are also valuable amenity resources with significant recreational importance and public health benefits. Port/Lurganboy, Clogherhead, and Shellinghill/Templetown are high value Blue Flag beaches, which have considerable tourism potential. Seapoint beach, Termonfeckin also achieved a Green Coast award in 2020 in recognition of its high environmental quality. The coastline also contains economically significant sites, which include the ports at Drogheda, Greenore, Dundalk and Clogherhead. Drogheda Port is one of Ireland’s premier multi modal ports strategically located on the east coast with direct motorway access to the country’s key industrial and commercial centres. The coastal waters off County Louth provide an important resource, supporting and generating employment and recreational activities. But this coastline is susceptible to pressure for development, which has the potential to encroach on sensitive sites and cause pollution. 11.5.2 Changing Coast & Coastal Protection In June 2019 the Government launched a draft Marine Planning Policy Statement (MPPS). The MPPS outlines a programme of legislative reform to modernise the Irish marine planning system. The aim of the legislative reform is to rationalise the planning process for the marine area and provide an appropriate planning system for the sustainable development of the marine environment.

9. Page 419

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   Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 11-21 The present planning process is quite convoluted and requires permissions from a number of different bodies. Much of the marine planning reform is being driven by the European Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (Directive 2014/89/EU) which sets March 2021 as the date by which member states must have in place a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP). As per Section 5.10 of this Plan, following the preparation of the Marine Spatial Plan the Council will ensure that there is alignment and consistency between land use and ocean based planning. The proposed programme for reform includes the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill 2019. The Marine Planning and Development Management Bill 2019 represents a significant change to the consenting process for marine based developments. The Bill will amend the existing Foreshore Act and create a new regulatory area and a new single state consent regime for the entire maritime area. The development management process will expand to cover the whole of Ireland's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. The Bill will also establish a legal basis for An Bord Pleanála and coastal local authorities to consent to development in the maritime area, while retaining existing foreshore and planning permission provisions for aquaculture and sea fisheries related development. The Bill provides for a single Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a single Appropriate Assessment (AA), where applicable. The 2019 Bill will: • Empower the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government to issue statutory marine planning guidelines (parallel to the statutory planning guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act (as amended)); • Provide an improved statutory basis for marine forward planning; introduce a single State consent system for the maritime area for certain types of projects; • Eliminate the duplication that presently occurs where some types of developments (e.g. wind farms) are assessed under both the foreshore and the planning systems; and • Introduce a single development management process for certain project types (including offshore renewable energy development). Policy Objective ENV 48 To implement the policies and objectives as set out within the National Maritime Spatial Plan to support the effective management of marine activities and more sustainable use of our marine resources. Policy Objective ENV 49 To support and accommodate any change to the marine spatial planning system which is proposed under the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill 2019 (or any subsequent Bill) once enacted into law.

10. Page 420

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    Chapter 11 – Environment, Natural Resources & The Coast Louth County Development Plan 2021-202711-22 11.5.2.1 - Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) ICZM provides a tool for the integrated management of all policy processes affecting the coastal zone, addressing the land-sea interactions of coastal activities in a coordinated way with a view to ensuring the sustainable development of coastal and marine areas. ICZM will address issues such as coastal tourism development, the fishing industry, coastal settlement patterns, transport, coastal erosion, habitat destruction, protection of coastal zone SACs and SPAs and prevention of pollution. 11.5.3 Coastal Protection and Flooding By its very nature, the coastal environment is dynamic and is subject to the continuous natural processes of erosion and deposition. While erosion is a normal occurrence in coastal areas, rates of erosion may be accelerated due to storm action, inappropriate development, pressures from leisure or recreational activities or the presence of man-made protection works. Shifting weather patterns along the Irish coastline have been compounding the issue of coastal erosion in recent times. The intensity and frequency of winter storms has been rapidly increasing. These storms not only erode the coastline, but cost millions of euro worth of structural damage, flooding, and damage to fishing vessels and operations. Coastline changes, based on satellite data, produced by the European Commission (Maritime Affairs) indicates that large strands of the Louth coastline have been experiencing coastal erosion. Figure 11.3 illustrates the areas along the Louth coastline suffering from the effects of coastal erosion and provides a useful insight into one of the most obvious climate-change effects. Flood management is a central theme within the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 for County Louth which has an overarching objective to manage the risk of flooding through a variety of responses. At a National level, the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS) was commissioned in 2003 by the OPW and has been updated on a number of occasions for the North-Eastern region. This study identifies locations along the north-east coast at risk of coastal flooding and coastal erosion. With the realisation of the threat coastal erosion is posing to society and the economy, several preventative measures have been put into place. These measures can be divided into two categories; hard and soft. Soft engineering generally utilises existing habitats and vegetation such as beaches, salt marshes, mudflats and sand-dunes to soften the land-sea interface while maintaining the integrity of the shoreline.

Source Louth County Council: Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · 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.