Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019–2031

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   Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) The European Directive on the Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment (the SEA Directive), sets out the requirements for an environmental assessment to be carried out for all plans and programmes prepared by authorities at a national, regional or local level. The SEA process of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) is informed by a Regional Flood Risk Appraisal (RFRA), which provides an assessment of all types of flood risk to inform the strategic planning and development of the region and to inform the location of development and growth areas. 151Environment and Climate

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   7.2 Integrated Land and Marine Planning The Key EU Directives underpinning integrated land and marine planning in Ireland are the Marine Strategy Framework (MSFD), Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and Water Framework Directives (WFD). Compliance with MSFD will play a key part in protecting mobile species and the marine environment from threats such as climate change, ocean warming, ocean acidification, overfishing, marine litter and pollution and to ensure sustainable use of shared resources particularly with regard to renewable energies of offshore wind, wave and tidal. While most of our coastal waters are of good or high status, there are particular pressures on estuaries as areas of intensive commercial and recreational activities. 41 The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is implementing MSP in Ireland, the Marine Institute provide technical and scientific advice. 42 http://www.celticseaspartnership.eu/Celtic-seas-partnership/dublin-bay/ Effective Integrated Land and Marine Planning is about planning when and where human activities take place at sea, ensuring these activities are as sustainable as possible and engaging stakeholders in the planning of maritime activities. At present, a National Maritime Spatial Plan is being prepared by government. This will be the marine counterpart of the National Planning Framework and will be at the top of the hierarchy of plans and sectoral policies such as offshore energy, port development and the marine environment. It will cover the entire maritime area; the coastal zone including landsea interactions, the Dublin Bay Biosphere, territorial seas, the Exclusive Economic Zone, and international co-ordination. More detailed regional maritime spatial plans may be required at a later date41, offering an opportunity for further stakeholder engagement and integration of marine and territorial plans over the lifetime of the RSES. As terrestrial and marine ecosystems are closely connected, the Regional Assemblies and the coastal local authorities have an important role in ensuring integration of land and marine planning within the Region and with Northern Ireland to ensure that management of coasts and marine waters is on an all-island basis. CASE STUDY: The Celtic Seas Partnership The Celtic Seas Partnership has developed a strategic management framework and stakeholder engagement model for Dublin Bay as part of the Celtic Seas partnership. The project built partnerships between people and organisations to support local level implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, promote better understanding of marine resources, common goals and adoption of an ecosystem-based approach. To aid marine management and monitoring, EMRA worked in collaboration with Maynooth University to develop a data dashboard for Dublin Bay42. See Chapter 8 Connectivity and Chapter 10 Infrastructure for additional ports and harbours policies. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Integrated Land and Marine Planning RPO 7.1: To ensure consistency and alignment between the upcoming National Maritime Spatial Plan (due in 2021) and regional approaches to marine spatial planning and to integrate the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Marine Spatial Planning implementation into future land use plans in the Region in recognition of the opportunity to harness Ireland’s ocean potential. RPO 7.2: To achieve and maintain ‘Good Environmental Status’ for marine waters and to ensure the sustainable use of shared marine resources in the Region, and to promote the development of a cross-boundary and cross-border strategic management and stakeholder engagement framework to protect the marine environment. 152 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

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   Coastal Dynamics The Region’s east coast is constantly changing due to a variety of natural and cultural processes such as coastal erosion, dune retreat and harbour sedimentation. These processes occur through the movement of sediment by wind or waves, storm impacts, the destabilising effect of vegetation removal, and human activity. Our coastal areas are a key driver for leisure and tourism however, and they need to be managed carefully to sustain coastal character and the quality of the environment. 43 The Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS), OPW Coastal erosion and flooding have the potential to seriously affect properties, businesses, transport infrastructure, coastal habitats and cultural heritage sites. Many areas are experiencing ‘coastal squeeze’ from increasing population and development pressures and the effects of climate change, with the east coast particularly vulnerable to sea level rise due to the large proportion of the population living in close proximity to the coast (See also Section 7.9 Climate Change). The development of strategic coastal flood and erosion hazard maps for the national coastline43, can be used by local authorities to inform assessment of potential hazards associated with future proposed development, to guide decisions on local coastal planning and development, and to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of coastlines including the identification, prioritisation and, subject to the availability of resources, the implementation of coastal protection works both of a structural and non-structural nature. The primary areas of potential coastal erosion risk for the north east coast and south east coast are: Shanganagh to Bray, Greystones, Ballygannon to Five Mile Point, Five Mile Point to Wicklow, Portrane, Skerries, Balbriggan, Bettystown to Laytown, Clogher Head to Baltray, Dunany Point to Cruisetown, Salterstown to Dunany Point, Annagassan and Greenore. Because intervention within a coastal area may cause problems further along the coast, any proposed intervention measures are best developed in conjunction with a coastal erosion risk management study, which will carefully investigate the problem and explore the full range of management options. The OPW has published guidelines for coastal erosion risk management measures and funding applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) approach can assist in meeting obligations under the WFD, MSFD, and Nature Directives. ICZM involves coastal stakeholders coming together to enable more joined-up thinking and coherent policy for the sustainable management of all aspects of the coastal zone including; improved governance, stakeholder engagement and participation, data collection and monitoring. The National Adaptation Framework (NAF) and the National Mitigation Plan (NMP) set out the national strategy to adapt to and reduce climate vulnerability. The combination of river flooding during storms and marine surges can create severe flood events in coastal areas. These effects are likely to increase over the lifetime of the RSES due to a greater frequency of climate driven extreme weather events. Coastal flooding is covered by the 2009 Guidelines on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management. See also Section 7.4 Flooding. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Coastal Dynamics RPO 7.3: EMRA will support the use of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) to enable collaborative and stakeholder engagement approaches to the management and protection of coastal resources against coastal erosion, flooding and other threats. RPO 7.4: Statutory land use plans shall take account of the risk of coastal erosion, whereby new development should be avoided in areas at risk of coastal erosion to the greatest extent practicable. 153Environment and Climate

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   Growing the Blue Economy As an island nation, we are highly dependent on our seas and Ireland’s marine sector or blue economy is an important and growing part of the national economy. Recent years have seen significant growth in the sector and increased spending on marine research. Harnessing our Ocean Wealth – An Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland (HOOW) targets a doubling of the value of the maritime economy by 2030 including; shipping, maritime transport, sea fisheries, aquaculture, tourism and energy. One of the future challenges will be to align ‘blue growth’ with conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem health, while adhering to the objectives of the MSFD, MSP and WFD. See Chapter 6 Economy and Employment for the marine economy. Fisheries and Aquaculture Fishing is a substantial sub-sector in the Region, with Howth being one of six national Fishery Harbour Centres and a number of small fisheries clusters along the eastern seaboard including Wicklow, Clogherhead and Dún Laoghaire. While the traditional fishing industry faces challenges in relation to seasonal employment, fish stocks and coastal hazards, there are also opportunities for diversification and development of bio resources including seafood, aquaculture and offshore renewables. MSP will play a key role in managing the environmental impacts of ‘blue growth’ on marine biodiversity, introduction and/ or spread of invasive species and increased pollution. See Chapter 8 Connectivity for additional policies on ports. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE: Fisheries and Aquaculture RPO 7.5: EMRA shall work with coastal stakeholders to support the sustainable development of the national Fishery Harbour Centre in Howth and the sustainable growth of the seafood and on-shore aquaculture sector in the Region, and to ensure that marine resources are sustainably managed and that planned activities on land do not adversely affect the marine economy and environment. Maritime Heritage Underwater cultural heritage can be found in many forms and in all underwater environments including the coastal waters and foreshore areas of the Region. Underwater cultural heritage is also found in the Region’s numerous lakes, rivers and canals. Submerged monuments can be identified from the Record of Monuments and Places and are subject to statutory protection established under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994. The UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage is the foremost international legal reference for the protection of underwater cultural heritage. It creates common criteria and best practice standards for the protection of underwater cultural heritage to promote its safeguarding. Ship wreck sites over 100 years old should be both protected and enhanced. To ensure the protection of historic wrecks from potential development impacts local authorities should seek to protect and promote the value of underwater cultural heritage and cultural tourism, which could include diving on wrecks, coastal wreck trails and maritime heritage tours. As such, maritime villages and towns represent a significant cultural heritage resource and are an integral part of the Region’s built and cultural maritime heritage. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Maritime Heritage RPO 7.6: Local authorities shall include in development plans, where relevant, policies for the protection and enhancement of ship wrecks and underwater cultural heritage and shall consult the Wreck Inventory of Ireland Database when assessing planning applications located in marine, riverine or lacustrine environments. 154 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

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   7.3 A Clean and Healthy Environment We depend on our natural resources to protect public health, the environment, amenities and to sustain employment in sectors such as agri-food and tourism, particularly in rural Ireland. The Region’s natural capital can be defined as our stock of renewable and non-renewable resources (e.g. plants, animals, air, water, soils, minerals) that combine to yield a flow of ecosystem services that provide benefits to people. These benefits include clean air and water, a stable climate, protection from floods, food to eat, the resources we use for fuel, building materials, clothes and medicines, recreation and a sense of peace and wonder, as well as habitat for wildlife. Managing natural capital so that it can continue to deliver the ecosystem services that give us these benefits is important in order to ensure sustainable development. Unmanaged natural capital risks the continued degradation and depletion of these assets, and in turn, of their capacity to provide the economy and society with the ecosystem benefits that they depend on. These services also regulate our climate, regulate our water flows (e.g. through wetlands and forests), sequester and store carbon in our peatlands and improve soil quality for our crops. Access to a clean and healthy natural environment is also shown to bring multiple associated health benefits while environmental pollution can have negative effects on human health, on animals and plants and on natural ecosystems. Most sources of environmental pollution are caused by human activities such as transportation, construction, industrial and agriculture activities and domestic waste. Air Quality Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental risks to human health leading to respiratory disease, asthma and lung cancer, and to the environment as sources of air pollution also produce climate pollutants. Particulate matter from the burning of fossil fuels for home heating and nitrogen dioxide from traffic is a leading cause of air pollution in the Region. The protection of air quality requires cross sectoral policy responses to address air pollution emissions including; integrated land use and transport; a shift to active and public transport modes of travel; use of alternative cleaner fuels for home heating and transport including the use of Compressed Natural Gas powered commercial vehicles, a transition to electric vehicles and electrification of public transport and local authority fleets; the promotion of energy efficient buildings and cleaner home heating; the development of Green Infrastructure in urban areas, as trees, hedgerows and bushes can remove pollutants from the air. The EPA’s ambient air quality monitoring network provides real time air quality data for urban areas within the Region. The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment are developing a National Clear Air Strategy. This will require local authorities to play a role in local data collection to support the EPA’s network and to facilitate air quality alerts and pollen counts. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE: Air Quality RPO 7.7: To reduce harmful emissions and achieve and maintain good air quality for all urban and rural areas in the Region and to work with local authorities and the relevant agencies to support local data collection in the development of air quality monitoring and to inform a regional air quality and greenhouse gas emissions inventory. Noise pollution Stress from living with noise can have chronic effects on human health including impacts on mental health and sleep disturbance. Excessive noise also has harmful effects on wildlife. The EU Environmental Noise Directive requires that local authorities prepare strategic noise maps and action plans, setting out mitigation measures to reduce the harmful effects, including long term exposure to environmental noise from roads, railways and airport traffic and the protection of ‘quiet areas’, which are shown to bring significant health and wellbeing benefits. The EPA has established an Ocean Noise Register for Ireland. See also Chapter 8 Connectivity in relation to airport noise. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE: Noise Pollution RPO 7.8: Local authorities shall incorporate the objectives of the EU Environmental Noise Directive in the preparation of strategic noise maps and action plans that support proactive measures to avoid, mitigate, and minimise noise, in cases where it is likely to have harmful effects. 155Environment and Climate

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   Light pollution Artificial light is important for businesses, homes, roads and recreational purposes, however the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light – especially blue light – can be harmful to wildlife, particularly nocturnal species and on human health due to sleep disruption. Light pollution can refer to skyglow (the brightening of the night sky over urban areas), light trespass (where light falls where it is not intended) or light glare (where light is excessively bright). Light pollution is increasing in the Region due to increasing development. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE: Light Pollution RPO 7.9: Local authorities shall consider measures to minimise the harmful effects of light pollution in the future provision of outdoor lighting, including improving their approach to street lighting and ensuring that new developments are lit appropriately and to ensure that environmentally sensitive areas are protected. Water Quality Most public water comes from surface water sources including rivers and lakes, groundwater and springs and it is vital that it does not contain pollutants that might endanger public health, aquatic systems and the amenity value of our waters. The Region has abundant water resources including major rivers, lakes and groundwater resources, see also Section 7.7 Green Infrastructure. The aim of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) is to maintain high and good ecological status waters where they exist, and prevent deterioration of status in all waters by identifying key threats to water quality on a catchment basis. Pollution from urban waste water is one of the key threats to water quality, due to inadequate urban waste water treatment (UWWT), storm water overflow or direct discharges into watercourses. Hydromorphology (the physical modification of water bodies due to water abstraction, channelisation and the building of embankments, dams and weirs) is also identified as a key pressure. Loss of wetlands, discharge of silt, drainage, run-off from farming, septic tanks, peat extraction, hedge removal and land improvements can all be significant to water and aquatic habitat quality. With regard to biodiversity, species considered to be most under threat are those linked to wetlands and that are sensitive to water pollution. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDs) (see also Chapter 10 Infrastructure – Guiding Principles for incorporation of SuDs) and Wetland and River Restoration initiatives can play a role in regulating the flow and water filtration. In addition, water conservation is increasingly important and sustainable water management practices such as rainwater harvesting and adopting circular economy systems can help in meeting our obligations under the Water Framework Directive and Climate adaptation. File Ref: MDR1402Arc0059F01 WFD Surface Water Ecological Status (2010-2015) Legend Ecological Status High Good Moderate Poor Bad Unassigned Regional Spatial & Economic Strategies SEA, AA & RFRA ²Data source: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) epa.ie. Ecological Status for 2010-2015 (updated May 2017). 1:950,000Scale: (A4) Figure 7.1 Status of Water Bodies 156 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

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   Integrated Catchment Management Compliance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) is achieved through River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) and a Programme of Measures that are reviewed every six years. For the second cycle of those plans from 2018–2021, a single national River Basin District has been defined. EU Water Policy Regulations also place new obligations on local authorities in coordinating the catchment management and public participation elements of the WFD and the development and implementation of River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs). The draft ‘Water Services Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ is being prepared by DHPLG to assist planning authorities in implementing the requirements of the WFD. Once finalised, the Guidelines will be issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The Guidelines are prepared in consultation with Irish Water and the local authority sector. The Local Authority Water and Communities Offices (LAWCO) has been set up to co-ordinate local authorities on water issues and to engage with local communities on water related projects. There are two regional committees supported by LAWCO in the Eastern and Midland Region which include the Border, and the Midlands and Eastern regions. The Regional Committees are developing a Regional Integrated Catchment Management Programme for the period of this RBMP (2018– 2021) to set out new evidencebased measures for mitigation of threats in water bodies identified as being ‘At Risk’ and prioritised Areas for Action under the RBMP. A key aim of Integrated Catchment management is to facilitate the movement and sharing of data and information between local authorities, the EPA and other relevant public authorities at the water-body scale. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Water Quality RPO 7.10: Support the implementation of the Water Framework Directive in achieving and maintaining at least good environmental status for all water bodies in the Region and to ensure alignment between the core objectives of the Water Framework Directive and other relevant Directives, River Basin Management plans and local authority land use plans. RPO 7.11: For water bodies with ‘high ecological status’ objectives in the Region, local authorities shall incorporate measures for both their continued protection and to restore those water bodies that have fallen below high ecological status and areas ‘At Risk’ into the development of local planning policy and decision making any measures for the continued protection of areas with high ecological status in the Region and for mitigation of threats to waterbodies identified as ‘At Risk’ as part of a catchmentbased approach in consultation with the relevant agencies. This shall include recognition of the need to deliver efficient wastewater facilities with sufficient capacity and thus contribute to improved water quality in the Region. 157Environment and Climate

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   7.4 Flood Risk Management Flooding is a natural process that plays a role in shaping the natural environment. Floods are a regular occurrence and the Region has experienced a number of severe flooding events in recent years, particularly on flood plains and in coastal areas, where flood risks will increase due to more frequent extreme weather events and sea level rise linked to climate change. Flooding can occur from a range of sources, individually or combined, including: coastal flooding (from the sea or estuaries); fluvial flooding (from rivers or streams); pluvial flooding (from intense rainfall events and overland flow); groundwater flooding (typically from Turloughs), and other sources, such as from blocked culverts. The long-term land use planning of the Region must also consider the likelihood of higher flood risks both inland and in coastal locations due to climate change. 44 Flood Risk Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2009, jointly developed by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG) and the OPW Water management is subject to two key EU directives, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) , which aims to improve our water quality; and the Floods Directive, which aims to reduce the risks associated with flooding. Flooding can be positive for the environment, such as where many wetland habitats and species depend on periodic flooding for their conservation. However it can also pose a potential threat or flood hazard to people and property, cause damage to the environment, such as pollution of habitats, and to our cultural heritage, such as monuments and historic buildings. Sustainable land use management and natural flood risk mitigation measures can slow down the water flow in catchments and rivers, for example by protection and/or rewetting of peatlands and bogs and by planting hedgerows across hillsides. Such measures may not be able to solve severe flood problems on their own, but can form part of the solution and can also help to achieve environmental goals, including improving water quality, nature conservation/ biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Flood Risk and the Planning System Flood risk prevention aims to avoid or remove a flood risk. The National Climate Change Adaptation Framework 2018 requires certain public bodies, including local authorities, to prepare local and sectoral adaptation plans. The planning system plays a major role in land use and flood management, integrated through the planning hierarchy at national, regional and local levels, and is central to the strategic flood risk management pillar of ‘Prevention’. The Guidelines on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management44 provide a systematic framework for the consideration of flood risk at all stages in the planning and development management processes. The Guidelines adopt a sequential approach when integrating flood risk assessment into the process of policy and plan making, based on avoidance, reduction and mitigation of risk. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) and the development of permeable surfaces can play a role in reducing and managing run-off from new developments to surface water drainage systems, reducing flood risk downstream, improving water quality and contributing to local amenities. Green Infrastructure should be recognised and preserved where possible as natural defences against flood risk in both urban and rural areas (See Section 7.7 in relation to Green Infrastructure and Chapter 10 Infrastructure for more detail including Guiding Principles for incorporation of SuDS). 158 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

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   Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) The national Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme is central to the medium to long-term strategy for the reduction and proactive management of flood risk in Ireland. The programme delivers on core components of the National Flood Policy and on the requirements of the EU Floods Directive and was undertaken in cooperation with local authorities and other public bodies, and was co-ordinated with the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). In 2011, the national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA) identified 300 communities at potentially significant flood risk (96 within the Eastern and Midland Region), referred to as the Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs), which were then the focus of the CFRAM Studies and the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs). AFA areas within the Region include Dublin (23), Kildare, (16) Laois (7), Longford (6), Louth (8), Meath (13), Offaly (9), Westmeath (3) and Wicklow (11). The OPW has published predictive fluvial and coastal flood maps prepared through the CFRAM programme for the AFAs, including Flood Zone maps developed in accordance with the definitions set out in the Flood Risk Management Guidelines. The predictive flood maps for the AFAs will inform the long term planning and development of the Eastern and Midland Region, as part of RSES45. See Appendix H for a list of new Flood Relief Schemes in the Region to be advanced in intial phase to detailed design and construction. Regional Flood Risk Assessment The Flood Risk Management Guidelines identify that regional flood risk appraisal and management policy recommendations are necessary to set a regional policy framework for local planning decisions and policy making. A Regional Flood Risk Assessment (RFRA) has been carried out in conjunction with a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to inform the preparation of the RSES, taking into account those areas that are vulnerable to two key sources of flooding – fluvial and coastal - and to ensure the effective management of flood risk coupled with wider environmental, sustainability and economic considerations and in line with national strategic outcomes that seek the consolidation of established settlements in the Region. 45 Flood maps are available to view at www.floodinfo.ie The integration of RFRA into the RSES ensures that all future zoning of strategic lands for development in areas at risk of flooding shall follow the sequential approach set out in the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines. Where the RSES recognises the need for development in areas at potentially significant flood risk, local planning policy and decision making shall take full account of existing and potential future flood risk to avoid and minimise the creation of new flood risks that could otherwise arise through inappropriate future development. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Flooding RPO 7.12: Future statutory land use plans shall include Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) and seek to avoid inappropriate land use zonings and development in areas at risk of flooding and to integrate sustainable water management solutions (such as SuDS, nonporous surfacing and green roofs) to create safe places in accordance with the Planning System and Flood Risk Assessment Guidelines for Local Authorities. RPO 7.13: EMRA will work with local authorities, the OPW and other relevant departments and agencies to implement the recommendations of the CFRAM programme to ensure that flood risk management policies and infrastructure are progressively implemented. RPO 7.14: Local authorities shall take account of and incorporate into the development of local planning policy and decision making the recommendations of the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs), including planned investment measures for managing and reducing flood risk. RPO 7.15: Local authorities shall take opportunities to enhance biodiversity and amenities and to ensure the protection of environmentally sensitive sites and habitats, including where flood risk management measures are planned. 159Environment and Climate

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    7.5 Biodiversity and Natural Heritage Biodiversity protection is core to the EU Birds and Habitats Directives but is also incorporated into the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Water Framework Directive (marine waters) the Nitrates Directive (agricultural run-off), the SEA Directive, EIA Directive and the Invasive Species Regulations. File Ref: MDR1402Arc0060F01 Designated Sites Legend Regional Assesmbly Boundary [r Refuge for Fauna [b Important Bird Area !Æ Wildfowl Sanctuary Special Protection Area (SPA) Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Natural Heritage Area (NHA) Proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) Areas of Special Scientific Interest (NI) UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Ramsar Site Regional Spatial & Economic Strategies SEA, AA & RFRA ²Data Source: NPWS (August 2018); MIDA; DAERA (March 2017); Ramsar.org. © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northern Ireland Environment Agency [2018]. 1:950,000Scale: (A4) Figure 7.2 Designated Sites in the Region Status of Designated Sites The condition and conservation of our natural and semi-natural habitats impacts on the quality of life of residents and visitors to the Region, as well as making significant contributions to the economy and agriculture. Potential environmental impacts of spatial planning policy on the status of designated sites and habitats include; habitat loss, deterioration and fragmentation, reduced soil nutrients, disturbance to breeding birds, species changes, reduced air and water quality, the spread of invasive species, land use change, impacts on natural processes of erosion and sedimentation and to ecosystem services such as drainage, flooding and water attenuation and carbon storage. Under the Habitats Directive, Ireland is obliged to report on the status of habitats and species every six years. Unfortunately assessments show that most of the 58 habitats assessed have unfavourable conservation status. Threats to the status of designated sites include development pressures, sub-optimal land management, agriculture, inappropriately sited forestry, waste water pollution, widespread pesticide use, introduction of non-native and invasive species, and climate change. The National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017 sets out targets to support the designation and management of conservation areas and address identified threats to biodiversity. See Appendix F which lists all designated sites in the Region. File Ref: MDR1402Arc0060F01 Legend Regional Assesmbly Boundary [r Refuge for Fauna [b Important Bird Area !Æ Wildfowl Sanctuary Special Protection Area (SPA) Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Natural Heritage Area (NHA) Proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) Areas of Special Scientific Interest (NI) UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Ramsar Site ²Data Source: NPWS (August 2018); MIDA; DAERA (March 2017); Ramsar.org. © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northern Ireland Environment Agency [2018]. 1:950,000Scale: (A4) 160 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

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