Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region

1. Page 141

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES141 RPO 111 Water Resources It is an objective to ensure the efficient and sustainable use and development of water resources and water services infrastructure to manage and conserve water resources in a manner that supports a healthy society, economic development requirements and a cleaner environment. RPO 112 Water Quality It is an objective to support commitments to achieve and maintain “At Least Good” status, except where more stringent obligations are required, and no deterioration of status for all water bodies under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and its programme of measures, the Water Framework Directive and the River Basin Management Plan. Key challenges include, inter alia, the need to address significant deficits in urban waste-water treatment and water supply, addressing flooding and increased flood risks from extreme weather events and increased intense rainfall because of climate change. Water Resource and Flooding National Policy Objective (NPO) 57 seeks to enhance water quality and resource management by: • Ensuring flood risk management informs placemaking by avoiding inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding in accordance with The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for planning authorities; • Ensuring that River Basin Management Plan objectives are fully considered throughout the physical planning process; • Integrating sustainable water management solutions, such as Sustainable Urban Drainage systems (SuDs), non-porous surfacing and green roofs, to create safer places. The OPW is responsible for coordinating and leading the implementation of the EU Floods Directive and for the preparation of predictive flood mapping and catchmentbased flood risk management plans. These plans are a 10 year, €1 billion programme of investment in flood relief measures and the OPW publication Implementing the National Flood Risk Policy will assist the sustainable growth of our Region. The national Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme is central to the reduction and management of flood risk in Ireland. The RSES is informed by a Regional Flood Risk Appraisal (RFRA), which will provide 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. If not carefully managed, a concentration of development, including regeneration and infill in areas already prone to or those at risk of becoming prone to flooding, could lead to a substantial increase in flood risk. This is due to increasing hazard of flooding from climate change (including sea level rise) and increasing potential damages within the flood prone areas. There is therefore a need for such risks to be minimised through the local authority level planning processes.

2. Page 142

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES142 Land Use and Flood Risk Management The planning system plays a major role in land use and flood management and is central to the strategic flood risk management pillar - Prevention. The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines 2009 sets out a framework for the assessment of flood risk at all stages in the planning process. The 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. The Flood Risk Management Guidelines adopt a sequential approach based on avoidance, reduction and mitigation of risk. The guiding principles are as follows: • Avoid development in areas of risk, particularly on floodplains unless it can be justified on wider sustainability grounds and where risk can be reduced or managed; • Substitute less vulnerable uses where avoidance is not possible; • Mitigate and manage the risk where avoidance and substitution are not possible. The Guidelines also highlight the need to consider the impacts of climate change and the potential for increased flood risk such as a potential rise in sea levels and increased rivers flows following intense rainfall events. The Guidelines recommend a precautionary approach in which climate change adaptation and future proofing is considered for new and existing infrastructure including flood defence structures and works. It is critical for the long-term sustainable management of flood risk that planning decisions take full account of existing and potential future flood risk to avoid or minimise the creation of new flood risks that could otherwise arise through inappropriate future development. Natural Flood Management Natural flood management is the alteration, restoration or use of landscape features to manage surface water in order to reduce flood risk. It can reduce erosion and benefit water quality, carbon storage and biodiversity. Planning can use natural flood management methods for development and redevelopment to reduce flood risk to communities. Natural flood risk management relies on one, or a combination, of the following underlying mechanisms: • Storing water by using and maintaining the capacity of wetlands, ponds, ditches, channels and embanked reservoirs; • Increasing soil infiltration, potentially reducing surface runoff. Transpiration from plants and evaporation from soil can also manage water at source to reduce runoff; • Slowing water by increasing resistance to its flow, e.g. by planting floodplain or riverside woods. RPO 113 Floods Directive It is an objective to support, at a regional level, the implementation of the Floods Directive to manage flood risks. It is an objective to encourage collaboration between local authorities, the OPW and other relevant Departments and agencies to implement the recommendations of the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme to ensure that flood risk management policies and infrastructure are progressively implemented. RPO 114 Flood Risk Management Objectives It is an objective to: a. Ensure that the flood risk management objectives of the Flood Risk Management Plans are fully considered in the development of planning policy and decision-making by local authorities so that flood risk is a key driver in the identification of suitable locations for new development, considering the CFRAM flood maps and other flood maps as available. b. Ensure that developments in upland areas, such as wind farm developments, roadway construction, peatland drainage and forestry proposals, provide sufficient storm water attenuation to avoid the occurrence of river erosion or flooding downstream subject to hydrological and ground/peat stability assessments.

3. Page 143

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES143 RPO 115 Flood Risk Management Plans Development and Local Area Plans in the Region should take account of and incorporate the recommendations of the Flood Risk Management Plans, including planned investment measures for managing and reducing flood risk. Natural Water Retention Measures should be incorporated where appropriate in consultation with the OPW and other relevant stakeholders. RPO 117 Flood Risk Management and Biodiversity It is an objective to avail of opportunities to enhance biodiversity and amenity and to ensure the protection of environmentally sensitive sites and habitats, including where flood risk management measures are planned. Plans and projects that have the potential to negatively impact on Natura 2000 sites are subject to the requirements of the Habitats Directive. RPO 118 Flood Risk Management and Capital Works It is an objective to supports investment in the sustainable development of capital works under the flood capital investment programme and Flood Risk Management Plans developed under the CFRAM process. RPO 120 Flooding and Coastal Erosion It is an objective to support measures (including Integrated Coastal Zone Management) for the management and protection of coastal resources and communities against coastal erosion, flooding and other threats. Statutory land use plans shall take account of the risk of coastal erosion. RPO 119 Flood Relief Schemes It is an objective to: a. Support investment in the sustainable development of Strategic Investment Priorities under the National Development Plan 2018-27 and to ensure that flood risk assessment for all strategic infrastructure developments is future-proofed to consider potential impacts of climate change; b. Support investment in subsequent projects by capital spending agencies to deliver flood relief schemes under the National Strategic Outcome, Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society. Such projects should be future proofed for adaptation to consider potential impacts of climate change. c. Ensure that all Infrastructure and energy providers/operators provide for adaptation measures to protect strategic infrastructure (including roads, railways, ports and energy infrastructure) from increased flood risk associated with climate change. RPO 116 Planning System and Flood Risk Management Consideration must be given to future appropriate land-use policies in accordance with the requirements of the Guidelines, The Planning System and Flood Risk Management 2009. Strategic and local flood risk assessments and plans should be prepared where appropriate, which should include consideration of potential impacts of flood risk arising from climate change. It is an objective to avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding and integrate sustainable water management solutions (such as SUDS, non-porous surfacing and green roofs) to create safe places in accordance with the Guidelines.

4. Page 144

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES144 River Basin Management Plan 2018-21 The second River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) 2018-21 is planned on the basis that Ireland is defined as a single River Basin District. With effective implementation of the Plan, Ireland can expect to see actions to improve water quality in over 700 water bodies. Changes in agricultural approaches and an increase in urban waste-water treatment should lead to reduced pollution pressures. Key measures include: • Planned investment by Irish Water of approximately €1.7bn in waste-water projects, programmes and asset maintenance; • The deployment of 43 local authority investigative assessment personnel, who will work in prioritised areas for action; • A new collaborative Sustainability and Advisory Support Programme between Government and the dairy industry; • Improved controls for the management of water abstractions; • The extension of the grant scheme for repairs, upgrade and replacement of domestic waste-water treatment systems, with priority given to high-status catchments; • The creation of a Community Water Development Fund to support community water initiatives; and • The development of a collaborative approach to protecting drinking-water sources. RPO 121 Effective Collaboration to Implement River Basin Management Plans and Water Framework Directive It is an objective to: a. Ensure a cross-agency collaborative approach to implementing the River Basin Management Plan. Planning authorities will be consistent with the Plan through their land use plans and strategies; b. Ensure effective co-ordination between the requirements of the Floods Directive and the Water Framework Directive; c. Promote a catchment-based approach to water management to facilitate cross boundary collaboration and shared responsibility at a regional level. The RSES supports bottom-up community initiatives through the integrated catchment management approach. The RSES recognises that there are opportunities for a collaborative regional approach to address issues such as invasive species. d. The RSES supports the work of the Local Authority Waters Programme in promoting an integrated approach to catchment management as part of the implementation of the RSES.

5. Page 145

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES145 Same Site 2013Before works 2012 Good Practice Example: Duhallow LIFE In 2009 the Kanturk Angling Club, IRD Duhallow Ltd, and the Southern Regional Fisheries Board (now Inland Fisheries Ireland), recognised the need for a broader holistic approach in order to protect the most sensitive species, the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, and other vulnerable species such as the Atlantic Salmon and Brown Trout. The Duhallow LIFE project took a people centred view by including the community at its core. Conservation actions were carried out on a large scale, sometimes spanning the farms of hundreds of landowners. For example, the invasive species Himalayan balsam was removed from almost 40km of river bank, fencing to protect against debris left by flooding and silt traps to prevent pollution were provided to protect the spawning beds of fish and Freshwater Pearl Mussel habitat. Education was a major element of the project with 41 schools visited in the area. Good Practice Example: Local Authority Waters Programme The Programme is a shared service working with local authorities and state agencies to develop and implement River Basin Management Plans in Ireland. The focus of this work is to protect and improve water quality in rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries and coastal waters. The Programme provides a necessary link between active communities and various funding streams, such as LEADER and Local Agenda 21. The Community Water Development Fund, managed by the Programme, also supports community-led projects. By looking at the experiences of the Rivers Trusts across Ireland and the UK, and the Rural Development Companies, the benefits of community stewardship in relation to water management are apparant. It will continue to require all stakeholders including local authorities, public authorities, Non- Government Organisations and communities to cooperate and work together for common goals.

6. Page 146

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES146 Planning policy and planning management has a significant role in achieving WFD objectives which notes: “Planning is critically important to the management of water resources. The planning system both directly and indirectly influences effective water management. This includes water service provision, river basin management, landscape, flood risk planning, coastal and marine management and climate change adaptation. Accordingly, statutory development plans must ensure the integration of sustainable water management considerations.” Spatial planning can play a significant role in ensuring that the design of developments prevent and reduce diffuse pollution, including the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). The Development Management process can also assist in reducing water use by encouraging rainwater harvesting (RWH) in new developments. Urban Blue Corridors can provide many benefits including: more effective management of urban flood risk; improved access, additional and more useable public open space, and improved biodiversity. The guidance document, Planning for Watercourses in the Urban Environment published by Inland Fisheries Ireland provides an integrated watercourse protection strategy. These guidelines provide planning authorities with a template for the protection and enhancement of rivers in urban areas which can bring the positive benefits of the “Wild River” to settlements. RPO 122 Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) It is an objective to: a. Promote the integration of sustainable water management solutions such as the use of SuDs. Future Development and Local Area Plans in the Region should include objectives and actions to encourage the integration of sustainable water management solutions such as the use of SuDS; b. Promote the diversion of surface water from combined sewers where possible. RPO 123 River Basin Management Plan and Spatial Planning a. The RSES recognises that planning is critically important to the management of water resources. It is an objective to encourage the better integration of water issues into Planning Authority land-use plans and strategies; b. It is an objective to encourage the integration of river corridors with green infrastructure in settlements. The guidance document “Planning for Watercourses in the Urban Environment” published by Inland Fisheries Ireland provides an integrated watercourse protection strategy.

7. Page 147

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES147 RPO 124 Green Infrastructure a. It is an objective to promote the concept of connecting corridors for the movement of wildlife and encourage the retention and creation of features of biodiversity value, ecological corridors and networks that connect areas of high conservation value such as woodlands, hedgerows, earth banks, watercourses and wetlands. The RSES recognises the necessity of protecting such corridors and the necessity to encourage the management of features of the landscape that support the Natura 2000 network; b. Green infrastructure will be integrated into the preparation of statutory land-use plans in the Region, which will include identifying Green infrastructure and strengthening this network; c. All Development Plans and Local Area Plans shall protect, enhance, provide and manage Green infrastructure in an integrated and coherent manner addressing the themes of biodiversity protection, water management and climate action; and should also have regard to the required targets in relation to the conservation of European sites, other nature conservation sites, ecological networks, and protected species; d. Any future development of greenways, blueways, peatways, cycleways or walkways will include an assessment by the relevant authorities of any impacts that may arise from increased visitor pressures, in particular, on sensitive European sites and the design of the network will consider the provision of protective measures on sites sensitive to disturbance/visitor pressure. Green Infrastructure Green infrastructure surrounds and threads through our cities, towns villages and rural areas. By strategically planning where to create, maintain and expand our green infrastructure multiple benefits can be delivered to our communities. The EPAs State of the Environment Report (2016) highlights that high-quality green and blue spaces are important not just for nature but for peoples’ health and wellbeing, particularly in the context of an increasingly urban society and increasing settlement densities. Common examples are habitat provision, amenity space, walking and cycling infrastructure, recreation areas, tourism attractions and flood control through the development of greenways, blueways and peatways. Management of these spaces can also provide wider benefits to the Region, including acting as wildlife corridors, pollinator-friendly areas, air, water and noise pollution barriers, and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. In 2013, the EU Commission adopted an EU-wide strategy promoting investments in green infrastructure. The strategy promotes the development of a Trans- European Network for Green Infrastructure in Europe (TEN-G) on the same level as existing transport, energy and ICT networks as an efficient and cost-effective way for countries to achieve the 2020 Biodiversity Strategy targets, to fulfil commitments under the Birds, Habitats, Water Framework and Marine Strategy Framework Directives, and contribute to the goals of the Floods and Nitrate Directives. Green infrastructure should be a key concept of a local authority’s Development Plan, informing actions and strategy around economic development, placemaking. Additionally, local authorities should work with their neighbouring authorities to coordinate the production of green infrastructure strategies across their boundaries. Local authorities should collaborate with appropriate stakeholders (e.g. NTA, TII, Gas Networks Ireland, Irish Water) to seek out opportunities to appropriately design, deliver and manage green infrastructure on lands containing strategic infrastructure. RPO 125 Green Infrastructure Corridors Transport infrastructure provides potential opportunities to act as Green infrastructure corridors. It is an objective to support local authorities acting together with relevant national infrastructure providers to codevelop infrastructural management plans to enhance biodiversity.

8. Page 148

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES148 Biodiversity Ireland’s biodiversity is unique and precious - it has intrinsic value and is part of what makes our country special. It also contributes at least €2.6 billion each year to the Irish economy through ecosystem services2. Biodiversity is a primary indicator of the health of our surroundings and provides for: • The food we eat - the provision of crop plants and their insect pollinators and other food items such as meat and fish; • Purifies our air, decomposes our wastes and forms part of important nutrient cycles; • Is a source of raw materials such as fuel and building materials; • Holds our water supplies in rivers, lakes and other waterways; • Provides important moderation of droughts, floods, temperature extremes and the forces of wind; • Provides a wealth of resources to the Irish tourism industry; • Provides the raw materials for traditional and modern medicines. The Region’s more sensitive habitats and species are protected by European or national legislation – including Special Area of Conservation (SAC’s), Special Protection Area (SPA’s) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHA’s). However, biodiversity is not restricted to rare or threatened species; it includes the whole of the natural world. Natural features such as waterways, trees and hedgerows play important roles in supporting biodiversity at a local level. The Region has various marine and coastal habitats, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Celtic Sea and the Irish Sea. Inland, the rivers and their valleys support a diversity of habitats and species, many rare and important. Habitats of the valleys and floodplains include woodlands, marshes, fens and grasslands while other lowland habitats form the agricultural and urban landscapes that have been shaped by human settlement. The Region also has many mountain ranges, which add to its biodiversity by supporting habitats such as blanket bog, heath and upland grasslands. Rural uses together with varying geological influences has created a diversity of agricultural landscapes. Initiatives such as Ireland’s European Innovation Partnerships (EIP) administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine in the Rural Development Programme 2014-20 have significant potential to bring innovative solutions and practical implementation of new ways to achieve viability in the agriculture and food sector and to improve biodiversity. Delivered by Operational Groups comprising farmers, researchers, advisors and businesses, EIP projects have the potential to provide innovative solutions to the challenges facing the rural economy. Projects such as the Duncannon Blue Flag Farming and Communities Scheme in Co. Wexford harnesses the creativity and resourcefulness of Ireland’s rural sector by addressing challenges such as biodiversity, profitability and sustainability. Participating in “citizen science” can increase understanding and engagement by the public with important biodiversity issues. The National Biodiversity Data Centre is one of the leaders in this area through initiatives such as the Citizen Science Portal, a facility for recorders to submit and store their biodiversity sightings online. A mobile phone application called ‘Report Invasive Plants’ was developed to inform people of problems regarding invasive species and to facilitate easy reporting. 2. National Biodiversity Data Centre. https://bit.ly/2EKUo71

9. Page 149

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES149 Good Practice Example: The Burren Programme The Burren Programme is a locally-led measure under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-20 and builds on the success and experience of the Burren Life Project (2005-10) and the Burren Farming for Conservation Programme (2010-15). It is an agri-environmental measure focussed specifically at the conservation of the unique farming landscape of the Burren in counties Clare and Galway. It aims to promote a particular farming model that couples traditional farming practices with scientific assessment of environmental health. The Burren Programme places farmers at the very centre of the conservation agenda and rewards them for their environmental performance. There are two main support mechanisms in the Burren Programme, one for the management of species-rich grasslands, and the other for any related capital works on the farm. The actions supported vary from farm to farm and from year to year, allowing the farmer the flexibility to tailor these actions to the needs of his/her farm at that point in time. This funding has contributed to a number of spin-offs such as increased work for local contractors, more custom for local shops and manufacturers (e.g. Burren gates), and new farm-based tourism enterprises.

10. Page 150

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    Southern Regional Assembly | RSES150 RPO 126 Biodiversity a. Promote biodiversity protection and habitat connectivity both within protected areas and in the landscape through promoting the integration of green infrastructure and ecosystem services, including landscape, heritage, biodiversity and management of invasive and alien species in the preparation of statutory and non-statutory land-use plans. The RSES recognises the role of the National Biodiversity Data Centre through its Citizen Science initiatives; b. Support local authorities acting together with relevant stakeholders in implementing measures designed to identify, conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the Region; seek and support the implementation of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, National Biodiversity Action Plan and National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan; c. Local Authorities are required to carry out required screening of proposed projects and any draft land-use plan or amendment/ variation to any such plan for any potential ecological impact on areas designated or proposed for inclusion as Natura 2000/ European Sites and shall decide if an Appropriate Assessment is necessary, of the potential impacts of the project or plan on the conservation objectives of any Natura 2000/European Site; d. Support local authorities to carry out, monitor and review biodiversity plans throughout the Region. Planning authorities should set objectives in their land use plans to implement and monitor the actions as set out in the National and County Biodiversity Plans, as the conservation of biodiversity is an essential component of sustainable development. Local authorities should address the issue of fisheries protection and invasive introduced species and encourage the use of native species for landscape planting in rural areas, in the review of their biodiversity plans; e. Support local authorities to work with all stakeholders to conserve, manage and where possible enhance the Regions natural heritage including all habitats, species, landscapes and geological heritage of conservation interest and to promote increased understanding and awareness of the natural heritage of the Region. Invasive Species Invasive non-native plant and animal species are cited as the second greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide after habitat destruction. They can negatively affect native species, transform habitats and threaten whole ecosystems, causing serious problems to the environment, agriculture and the economy. RPO 127 Invasive Species It is an objective to: a. Support coordination between the Region’s local authorities in terms of their measures to survey invasive species in their counties and coordinate regional responses; b. Encourage greater awareness of potential threats caused by invasive species and how they can be spread; c. Carefully consider and implement the management of invasive species where there is a corridor, such as hydrological connections to European Sites in order to prevent the spread of invasive to sensitive sites. All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020 Pollinators are a hugely important group facing widespread decline The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan states: “If we don’t protect our pollinators it will affect the food industry. Without the pollination service freely provided by our bees and hoverflies, it would be increasingly difficult and expensive for farmers to produce some crops at current scales and could result in a loss of consumer choice for Irish grown products. The beauty of the Irish landscape would also be affected without pollinators to maintain the diversity of our wild plants and support healthy ecosystems.” Of particular concern are Ireland’s bee species, one third of which are facing extinction. Pollinators face the twin threats of habitat loss and decline in wildflowers leading to pollinator starvation.

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