Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 4: Biodiversity and Landscape

1. Page 51

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 153 infilling the quarry area where possible subject to health and safety considerations and the protection of the relevant conservation objectives, qualifying interests and integrity of Natura 2000 sites. Peatlands BLP-14 It is Council policy to protect the county’s designated peatland areas and landscapes, including any historical walkways through bogs and to conserve their ecological, archaeological and cultural heritage and to develop educational heritage. BLP-15 It is Council policy to work with adjacent local authorities and relevant stakeholders in promoting a National Park designation for the peatlands in the midlands and a ‘Regional Peatway’ connecting natural and cultural attractions. BLP-16 It is Council policy to support the provision of outdoor pursuits, walking and cycling routes through the county’s peatlands and network of industrial railways linking the River Shannon Blueway, Royal Canal, Grand Canal and Barrow Blueway across the midlands as outlined in the ‘Major Cycling Destination in the Midlands of Ireland –Feasibility Study 2016’, which is a priority of the ‘Outdoor Recreation Plan State Lands and Waters’ (2017). BLP-17 It is Council policy to support the National Parks and Wildlife Service in carrying out an EU LIFE fund supported raised bog restoration project in restoring the following Special Areas of Conservation sites in the county to favourable conservation status: • Clara Bog; • Ferbane Bog; • Mongan Bog; • Moyclare Bog; • Raheenmore Bog; and • Sharavogue Bog. BLP-18 It is Council policy to support collaboration between Offaly County Council, Regional Transition Team and relevant stakeholders of a partnership approach to integrated peatland management for a just transition that incorporates the management, rehabilitation and restoration / re-wetting of significant tracts of peatlands in conjunction with appropriate developed after uses. Waterways, Lakes and Wetland Landscapes BLP-19 It is Council policy to protect the landscape associated with the River Shannon, including the Callows and views of special interest, and also to encourage the development of Shannonbridge, Banagher and Shannon Harbour as focal points. It will also be Council policy to investigate the possibility of providing a Linear Park based on the River Shannon from Banagher to Meelick, which takes account of the sensitive ecological nature of the Callows area. BLP-20 It is Council policy to preserve riparian buffer strips free from development by reserving a minimum of 10 metres either side of all watercourses (measured from top of bank) with the full extent

2. Page 52

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 154 of the protection determined on a case by case basis by the Council, based on site specific characteristics and sensitivities. BLP-21 It is Council policy to promote clear span bridging structures as the preferred option for culverts Any development proposal requiring culverting should also document stream habitat lost and provide compensatory habitat where possible. Realignment of water courses should incorporate stream enhancement measures, as outlined in Office of Public Works Environmental Guidance. The Council will consult with Inland Fisheries Ireland in relation to riparian and instream works as appropriate. BLP-22 It is Council policy to promote the removal of historic culverts and infilling of watercourses. BLP-23 It is Council policy to consider the Waterways Corridor Study 2002 and protect the recreational, educational and amenity potential of navigational and non-navigational waterways within the county, such as the Grand Canal Corridor, towpaths and adjacent wetland landscapes, taking into account more recent heritage and environmental legislation (including the SEA Directive) and environmental policy commitments. Trees, Forestry and Hedgerows BLP-24 It is Council policy to support the protection and management of existing networks of woodlands, trees and hedgerows which are of amenity or biodiversity value and/or contribute to landscape character, and to strengthen local networks. BLP-25 It is Council policy to encourage the planting of native species in all new residential developments (individual and multiple units) and as part of landscaping for commercial and industrial developments. BLP-26 It is Council policy to require, where practical, the management of mature trees, such as tree surgery instead of felling particularly where the trees contribute to amenity. Green Infrastructure Strategy BLP-27 It is Council policy to recognise the economic, social, environmental and physical value of green infrastructure. BLP-28 It is Council policy to protect existing green infrastructure within the county, to provide additional green infrastructure where possible and to encourage green infrastructure to be spatially connected to facilitate the extension or establishment of ecological corridors. BLP-29 It is Council policy to seek to increase investment in green infrastructure provision and maintenance by accessing relevant EU funding mechanisms and national funding opportunities. BLP-30 It is Council policy to integrate the provision of green infrastructure with infrastructure provision and replacement, including walking and cycling routes, as appropriate, while protecting natural heritage. BLP-31 It is Council policy to support the use of green infrastructure for carbon sequestration to combat climate change.

3. Page 53

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 155 All Ireland Pollinator Plan BLP-32 It is Council policy to support the aims and objectives of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021- 2025 and any subsequent editions by delivering appropriate management actions as set out in their guidance documents. BLP-33 It is Council policy to support alternative landscape maintenance regimes which promote and work towards the reduction and ultimate elimination of use of herbicides in Parks and public land, while supporting the National Bee Pollinator Plan in promoting bee friendly habitats. Invasive Species BLP-34 It is Council policy to continue to deliver and support measures for the prevention, control and/or eradication of invasive species within the county, and to seek details of how these species will be managed and controlled where their presence is identified. Areas of High Amenity BLP-35 It is Council policy to protect and preserve the county’s Areas of High Amenity namely the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Clonmacnoise Heritage Zone, Durrow High Cross, Abbey and surrounding area, the River Shannon, Lough Boora Discovery Park, Grand Canal, Croghan Hill, Raheenmore Bog, Pallas Lake, Clara Bog, Clara eskers, Eiscir Riada and other eskers. Notwithstanding the location of certain settlements, or parts of, for which there are settlement plans (Towns, Villages, Sráids), within the Areas of High Amenity, it is not the intention of this policy to hinder appropriate sustainable levels of development (as set out in the plans and subject to proper planning). Further, it is policy to facilitate the sustainable extension and expansion of existing visitor, tourist related or other rural enterprises within the Areas of High Amenity, where such development is appropriate and where it can be demonstrated that it gives ‘added value’ to the extending activity and to the immediate area which is the subject of the ‘Area of High Amenity’ designation. BLP-36 It is Council policy, to ensure that issues of scale, siting, design and overall compatibility (including particular regard to environmental sensitivities) with a site’s location within an Area of High Amenity are of paramount importance when assessing any application for planning permission. The merits of each proposal will be examined on a case-by case basis. BLP-37 It is Council policy to support the preparation of a masterplan that conserves and protects the Clonmacnoise monastic site and will co-operate with the Office of Public Works and other stakeholders in its preparation and implementation. Landscape BLP-38 It is Council policy to protect and enhance the county’s landscape, by ensuring that development retains, protects and where necessary, enhances the appearance and character of the county’s existing landscape. BLP-39 It is Council policy to seek to ensure that local landscape features, including historic features and buildings, hedgerow, shelter belts and stone walls, are retained, protected and enhanced where

4. Page 54

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 156 appropriate, so as to preserve the local landscape and character of an area, whilst providing for future development. BLP-40 It is Council policy to ensure that consideration of landscape sensitivity is an important factor in determining development uses. BLP-41 It is Council policy to require a Landscape/Visual Impact Assessment to accompany significant proposals, located within or adjacent to sensitive landscapes. This assessment will provide details of proposed mitigation measures to address likely negative impacts. BLP-42 It is Council policy to control advertising structures and hoardings in the open countryside. The Council will use its enforcement powers under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) to secure the removal of unauthorised advertising signs and hoardings including those that are affixed to trailers, wheeled vehicles etc. Protection of Key Scenic Views and Prospects and Key Amenity Routes BLP-43 It is Council policy to require a Landscape/Visual Impact Assessment to accompany significant proposals that are likely to significantly affect Key Scenic Views and Prospects as listed in Table 4.21 and Key Amenity Routes as listed in Table 4.22. Rural houses and National Railway Network BLP-44 It is Council policy, to ensure that rural houses in close proximity to the national rail network are of an appropriate scale and design, and sited sensitively to ensure that attractive vistas of the county’s landscape are protected. High Nature Value (HNV) BLP-45 It is Council policy to support and promote High Nature Value (HNV) farming projects and schemes. Public Awareness BLP-46 It is Council policy to raise public awareness and understanding of the County’s natural heritage and biodiversity.

5. Page 55

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 157 4.17 Biodiversity and Landscape Objectives Natural Capital BLO-01 It is an objective of the Council that development occurs within environmental limits, having regard to the requirements of all relevant environmental legislation and the sustainable management of County Offaly’s natural capital. Designated and Non-Designated Sites BLO-02 It is an objective of the Council that no plans, programmes or projects giving rise to significant cumulative, direct, indirect or secondary impacts on European sites arising from their size or scale, land take, proximity, resource requirements, emissions (disposal to land, water or air), transportation requirements, duration of construction, operation, decommissioning or from any other effects shall be permitted on the basis of this Plan (either individually or in combination with other plans, programmes, etc. or projects6). BLO-03 It is an objective of the Council that all projects and plans arising from this Plan7 will be screened for the need to undertake Appropriate Assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. A plan or project will only be authorised after the competent authority has ascertained, based on scientific evidence, Screening for Appropriate Assessment, and subsequent Appropriate Assessment where necessary, that: 1. The plan or project will not give rise to significant adverse direct, indirect or secondary effects on the integrity of any European site (either individually or in combination with other plans or projects); or 2. The plan or project will have significant adverse effects on the integrity of any European site (that does not host a priority natural habitat type/and or a priority species) but there are no alternative solutions and the plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature. In this case, it will be a requirement to follow procedures set out in legislation and agree and undertake all compensatory measures necessary to ensure the protection of the overall coherence of Natura 2000; or 3. The plan or project will have a significant adverse effect on the integrity of any European site (that hosts a natural habitat type and/or a priority species) but there are no alternative solutions and the plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons for overriding public interest, restricted to reasons of human health or public safety, to beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment or, further to an opinion from the Commission, to other imperative reasons of overriding public interest. In this case, it will be a requirement to follow procedures set out in legislation and agree and undertake all compensatory measures necessary to ensure the protection of the overall coherence of Natura 2000. 6 Except as provided for in Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, viz. there must be: a) no alternative solution available, b) imperative reasons of overriding public interest for the project to proceed, and c) Adequate compensatory measures in place. 7 Such projects include but are not limited to those relating to: agriculture; amenity and recreation; contaminated sites; electricity transmission; flood alleviation and prevention; forestry; mineral extraction; renewable energy projects; roads; telecommunications; tourism; wastewater and discharges; and water supply and abstraction.

6. Page 56

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 158 BLO-04 It is an objective of the Council to ensure that the impact of development within or adjacent to national designated sites, Natural Heritage Areas, proposed Natural Heritage Areas, Ramsar Sites and Nature Reserves likely to result in significant adverse effects on the designated site is assessed by requiring the submission of an Ecological Impact Assessment prepared by a suitably qualified professional, which should accompany planning applications. BLO-05 It is an objective of the Council in accordance with Article 4(4) of the Birds Directive and Regulation 27(4) of the European Communities (Birds and Habitats) Regulations 2011-2015 to strive to avoid pollution or deterioration of bird habitats outside Special Protection Areas. BLO-06 It is an objective of the Council to take account of the objective and management practices proposed in any management or related plans for European Sites (SACs and SPAs) in and adjacent to the county published by the Department including the National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) Management Plan 2017-2022 and any subsequent editions. Geology, Eskers and Quarries BLO-07 It is an objective of the Council to protect county geological sites and mushroom stones identified in Table 4.11 Schedule of County Geological Sites identified by the Irish Geological Heritage Programme for Protection in County Offaly. BLO-08 It is an objective of the Council to increase pedestrian and cycling access to esker and geological sites in turn increasing appreciation of esker and geological heritage, where possible, subject to Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. BLO-09 It is an objective of the Council to consider, in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Westmeath County Council, the Geological Survey of Ireland and others, the potential designation of the north Offaly esker landscape as a UNESCO Geopark, to promote the unique geological heritage of the area. Peatlands BLO-10 It is an objective of the Council to require the preparation and submission of a Hydrological Report/Assessment for significant developments within and in close proximity to protected raised bogs and to take account of same in the assessment of impacts on the integrity of peatland ecosystems. BLO-11 It is an objective of the Council to work with relevant stakeholders on suitable peatland sites in order to demonstrate best practice in sustainable peatland conservation, management and restoration techniques to promote their heritage and educational value subject to ecological impact assessment and appropriate assessment screening. Waterways, Lakes and Wetland Landscapes BLO-12 It is an objective of the Council to maintain a riparian zone for larger and smaller river channels based on the Inland Fisheries Ireland updated guideline document, ‘Planning for Watercourses in the Urban Environment, a Guide to the Protection of Watercourses through the use of Buffer Zones, Sustainable Drainage Systems, Instream Rehabilitation, Climate / Flood Risk and Recreational Planning’.

7. Page 57

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 159 BLO-13 It is an objective of the Council to (a) investigate the feasibility of and cooperate with relevant agencies in providing a Linear Park based on the River Shannon from Banagher to Meelick, which takes account of the sensitive ecological nature of the Callows area and (b) to support the development of an overall vision/strategy for the Shannon Callows in co-operation with all stakeholders to ensure that the area is appropriately managed at a landscape scale. Trees, Forestry and Hedgerows BLO-14 It is an objective of the Council to preserve individual trees and groups of trees that are included in Table 4.13 and 4.14. BLO-15 It is an objective of the Council to consider the making of Tree Preservation Orders to protect trees and woodlands of high value. BLO-16 It is an objective of the Council to encourage the preservation and enhancement of native and semi-natural woodlands, groups of trees and individual trees, not listed in Table 4.13 and 4.14; (a) in particular, on the grounds of Country Houses, Gardens and Demesnes and on approaches to settlements in the county; and (b) as part of the development management process, require the planting of native, deciduous, pollinator friendly trees in all new developments where possible. BLO-17 It is an objective of the Council to encourage pursuant to Article 10 of the Habitats Directive, the management of features of the landscape, such as traditional field boundaries, important for the ecological coherence of the Natura 2000 network and essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species. BLO-18 It is an objective of the Council to encourage the retention, wherever possible, of hedgerows and other distinctive boundary treatment in the county. Where removal of a hedgerow, stone wall or other distinctive boundary treatment is unavoidable, provision of the same type of boundary will be required of similar length and set back within the site in advance of the commencement of construction works on the site (unless otherwise agreed by the Planning Authority). Green Infrastructure BLO-19 It is an objective of the Council to require all new developments to identify, protect and enhance ecological features by making provision for local biodiversity (for example, through provision of swift boxes or towers, bat roost sites, green roofs, etc.) and provide ecological links to the wider Green Infrastructure network as an essential part of the design process. Invasive Species BLO-20 It is an objective of the Council to require, as part of the planning application process, the appropriate eradication/control of invasive species when identified on site or in the vicinity of a site, in accordance with Regulation 49 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 to 2015.

8. Page 58

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 160 BLO-21 It is an objective of the Council to continue to maintain mapping identifying the location of invasive species in the county in conjunction with the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Areas of High Amenity BLO-22 It is an objective of the Council to ensure that new development, whether individually or cumulatively, does not impinge in any significant way on the character, integrity and distinctiveness of or the scenic value of the Areas of High Amenity listed in Table 4.17. New development in Areas of High Amenity shall not be permitted if it; • Causes unacceptable visual harm; • Introduces incongruous landscape elements; and • Causes the disturbance or loss of (i) landscape elements that contribute to local distinctiveness; (ii) historic elements that contribute significantly to landscape character and quality such as field or road patterns; (iii) vegetation which is a characteristic of that landscape type and (iv) the visual condition of landscape elements. Landscape BLO-23 It is an objective of the Council to prepare a County Landscape Character Assessment in accordance with all relevant legislation and guidance documents and following the forthcoming National and Regional Landscape Character Assessment. BLO-24 It is an objective of the Council to have regard to the Landscape Sensitivity Areas in Tables 4.18, 4.19 and 4.20 in the consideration of planning applications. BLO-25 It is an objective of the Council to protect skylines and ridgelines from development where such developments will create significant visual intrusion. Protection of Key Scenic Views, Key Prospects and Key Amenity Routes BLO-26 It is an objective of the Council to protect Key Scenic Views and Key Prospects contained in Table 4.21, and Key Amenity Routes as listed in Table 4.22 from inappropriate development. BLO-27 It is an objective of the Council to ensure that proposed developments take into consideration their effects on views from Key Scenic Views and Prospects and Key Amenity Routes and are designed and located to minimise their impact on this views and prospects. ‘Peatland and Nature Corridors’ BLO-28 It is an objective of the Council to protect the County’s ‘Peatland and Nature Corridors’ as shown in Figure 4.9(b) in such a manner that any future development therein is of an appropriate scale and design that does not give rise to significant adverse impacts on the environment, biodiversity & habitats, landscape character, or visual amenity and can integrate effectively into its surroundings; to strictly direct large scale energy production projects, most particularly wind farms, onto areas that are located outside of the ‘Peatland and Nature Corridors’, and to integrate routes identified in the Midlands Cycling Destination - Offaly Network Map and the National Cycle Network within the corridors.

Source Offaly County Council: Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 4: Biodiversity and Landscape (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.