Section 4 Environmental Baseline

4.1 Introduction

The SEA Directive requires that the information on the baseline environment is focused upon the relevant aspects of the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected and the likely evolution of the current environment in the absence of the Plan. Being consistent with the strategic provisions of the Plan, this section provides a strategic description of aspects of environmental components which have the greatest potential to be affected by implementation of the Plan, if unmitigated.

 

Article 5 of the SEA Directive states that the report shall include the information that may reasonably be required taking into account:

• Current knowledge and methods of assessment;
• The contents and level of detail in the plan or programme and its stage in the decision-making process; and
• The extent to which certain matters are more appropriately assessed at different levels in that process in order to avoid duplication of the assessment.

What this means in practice is, inter alia, that SEA involves collating currently available, relevant environmental data; it does not require major new research. Where data deficiencies or gaps exist, this should be acknowledged in the report.

With respect to the likely evolution of the environment in the absence of the Plan:

1.     The 2009-2020 Callan Local Area Plan contains provisions which contribute towards environmental protection and sustainable development within Callan town.

2.     Higher level environmental protection objectives are also included in the County Development Plan 2014-2020 and various EU Directives and transposing Irish Regulations. 

Cumulative effects occur as a result of the addition of many small impacts to create one larger, more significant, impact.

Such adverse effects could include:

• Loss of biodiversity with regard to Natura 2000 Sites and Annexed habitats and species;
• Loss of biodiversity with regard to ecological connectivity and stepping stones;
• Loss of biodiversity with regard to designated sites including Wildlife Sites and species listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act 1976;
• Spatially concentrated deterioration in human health;
• Adverse impacts on the hydrogeological and ecological function of the soil resource;
• Adverse impacts upon the status of water bodies arising from changes in quality, flow and/or morphology;
• Increase in the risk of flooding;
• Failure to provide adequate and appropriate waste water treatment;
• Failure to comply with drinking water regulations and serve new development with adequate drinking water that is both wholesome and clean;
• Increases in waste levels;
• Failure to contribute towards sustainable transport and associated impacts;
• Effects on entries to the Record of Monuments and Places and other archaeological heritage;
• Effects on entries to the Records of Protected Structures and other architectural heritage; and
• Occurrence of adverse visual impacts.

4.2      Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna

4.2.1     Natura 2000

Candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) have been selected for protection under the European Council Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (92/43/EEC) by the (former) Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government due to their conservation value for habitats and species of importance in the European Union.

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) have been selected for protection under the 1979 European Council Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC) due to their conservation value for birds of importance in the European Union.

SPAs, along with SACs, comprise Ireland’s Natura 2000 network – part of an EU-wide network of protected areas established under the Habitats Directive.

The River Barrow and River Nore candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) (code 002162) is located immediately beside the plan area (King’s River).  The River Nore SPA (code 004233) is approx. 2.1km to the east of the amendment site.  These Natura 2000 sites in the vicinity of the Plan area are shown on Figure 4.1. These are also listed on Table 4.1.

Table 4.1 Natura 2000 sites within 15km of the Plan area

Site Code	Site Name	Qualifying Feature	Threats to Site Integrity
002162	River Barrow and River Nore cSAC	Annex I Habitats [1130] Estuaries [1140] Tidal Mudflats and Sandflats [1310] Salicornia mud [1320] Spartina Swards [1330] Atlantic Salt Meadows [1410] Mediterranean Salt Meadows [3260] Floating River Vegetation [4030] Dry heath [6430] Hydrophilous Tall Herb [7220] Petrifying springs* [91A0] Old Oak Woodlands [91E0] Residual Alluvial Forests* Annex II Species [1016] Desmoulin’s whirl snail (Vertigo moulinsiana) [1029] Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) [1092] White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) [1095] Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) [1096] Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) [1099] River lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) [1102] Allis shad (Alosa alosa) [1103] Twaite shad (Alosa fallax fallax) [1106] Salmon (Salmo salar) [1355] Otter (Lutra lutra) [1421] Killarney fern (Trichomanes speciosum) [1990] Pearl mussel (Margaritifera durrovensis)	The principle threats to the River Barrow and River Nore cSAC are pollution caused by increased fertiliser application, sewage and industrial waste. Species such as Freshwater Pearl Mussel are highly susceptible to siltation of water course and proposed developments in the vicinity of the cSAC may give rise to siltation and run-off of pollutants. The river has also been designated for its population of otter, a species vulnerable to the felling of mixed wood and scrub. Otters may become displaced due to disturbance during the development of unmitigated residential areas in proximity to the cSAC.
002137	Lower River Suir cSAC	Annex I Habitats [1330] Atlantic Salt Meadows [1410] Mediterranean Salt Meadows [3260] Floating River Vegetation [6430] Hydrophilous Tall Herb [91A0] Old Oak Woodlands [91E0] Residual Alluvial Forests* [91J0] Yew Woodlands* Annex II Species [1029] Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) [1092] White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) [1095] Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) [1096] Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) [1099] River lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) [1102] Allis shad (Alosa alosa) [1103] Twaite shad (Alosa fallax fallax) [1106] Salmon (Salmo salar) [1355] Otter (Lutra lutra)	Water quality of this site is vulnerable to enrichment from surrounding agricultural activities and commercial and private developments near the river edge. Infilling and drainage threatens the continued presence of the rare plant species Hordeum secalinum and Groenlandia densa. Drainage in the catchment results in flash floods which can have a negative impact on the many Annex II species present. Any further planting or spread of exotic species would be damaging to the existing woodland habitats.
004233	River Nore SPA	[A229] Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)	There are no reported threats to this SPA. Kingfisher would be vulnerable to disturbance during the breeding season. They nest within burrows on river banks.

A Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment was undertaken on the Plan as a result of potential impacts arising.

4.2.2     Proposed Natural Heritage Area

Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) are designated due to their national conservation value for ecological and/or geological/geomorphological heritage. They cover nationally important semi-natural and natural habitats, landforms or geomorphological features, wildlife plant and animal species or a diversity of these natural attributes. NHAs are designated under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. Proposed NHAs (pNHA) were published on a non-statutory basis in 1995, but have not since been statutorily proposed or designated.

There are no NHA’s or pNHA’s occurring inside the Plan boundary. The nearest NHA’s are Kyleadohir Wood Nature Reserve (code 000405), located approx. 3.6km to the south west, and Ballykeeffe Woodland (code 000400), located approx. X km to the north east: both are listed in Table 4.2 and mapped on Figure 4.1. 

Table 4.2 NHAs and pNHAs in the vicinity of the Plan area

Natural Heritage Areas
Designation	Code	Site Name
NHA	405	Kyleadohir Wood Nature Reserve
pNHA	400	Ballykeeffe Woodland

Figure 4.1 cSACs, SPAs and pNHA’s in the vicinity of the Amendment area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.5      Water

4.5.1     Potential Pressures on Water Quality

Human activities, if not properly managed, can cause deterioration in water quality. Pressures exerted by human activities include the following:

·       Sewage and other effluents discharged to waters from point sources, e.g. pipes from treatment plants;

·       Discharges arising from diffuse or dispersed activities on land;

·       Abstractions from waters; and

·       Structural alterations to water bodies.

A point source pressure has a recognisable and specific location at which pollution may originate. Examples of significant point source pressures include direct discharges from waste water treatment plants, licensed discharges from industrial activities, landfills, contaminated lands (e.g. disused gas works) and mines.

4.5.2     The Water Framework Directive

4.5.2.1   Introduction and Requirements

Since 2000, Water Management in the EU has been directed by the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (WFD). The WFD requires that all Member States implement the necessary measures to prevent deterioration of the status of all waters - surface, ground, estuarine and coastal - and protect, enhance and restore all waters with the aim of achieving “good status” by 2015. All public bodies are required to coordinate their policies and operations so as to maintain the good status of water bodies which are currently unpolluted and improve polluted water bodies to good status by 2015.

4.5.2.2   River Basin Districts and Water Bodies

For the purpose of implementing the WFD, Ireland has been divided into eight River Basin Districts (RBDs) or areas of land that are drained by a large river or number of rivers and the adjacent estuarine/coastal areas. The management of water resources is on these river basin districts.

Callan falls within the South Eastern RBD.

Within each river basin district - for the purpose of assessment, reporting and management - water has been divided into groundwater, rivers, lakes, estuarine waters and coastal waters which are in turn divided into specific, clearly defined water bodies.

4.5.2.3   River Basin Management Plans

Local Authorities, including Kilkenny County Council, have prepared the South Eastern River Basin Management Plan 2009-2015 which is implemented in order to help protect and improve the status of waters. The Management Plans provide specific policies for individual river basins in order to implement the requirements of the WFD.

4.5.3     Surface Water

4.5.3.1     WFD Surface Water Status

The WFD defines ‘surface water status’ as the general expression of the status of a body of surface water, determined by the poorer of its ecological status and its chemical status. Thus, to achieve ‘good surface water status’ both the ecological status and the chemical status of a surface water body need to be at least ‘good’.

Ecological status is an expression of the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems associated with surface waters. Such waters are classified as of “good ecological status” when they meet Directive requirements.

Chemical Status is a pass/fail assignment with a failure defined by a face-value exceedance of an Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) for one or more Priority Action Substances (PAS) listed in Annex X of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The EQS values for individual PAS substances are set at European level. Good surface water chemical status means that concentrations of pollutants in the water body do not exceed the environmental limit values specified in the Directive.

Figure 4.5 illustrates the surface water quality in the area of the proposed amendment, which is ‘good status’. 

4.5.3.2   Quality of Rivers

River water quality is monitored by the EPA at a number of locations. The most recent data from the EPA identify the King’s River as ‘moderate’.

4.5.4     Ground Water

4.5.4.1   Introduction

Groundwater is stored in the void spaces in underground layers of rock, or aquifers. These aquifers are permeable, allowing both the infiltration of water from the soils above them and the yielding of water to surface and coastal waters. Groundwater is the part of the subsurface water that is in the saturated zone - the zone below the water table, the uppermost level of saturation in an aquifer at which the pressure is atmospheric, in which all pores and fissures are full of water.

4.5.4.2   WFD Groundwater Status

For groundwater bodies, the approach to classification is different from that for surface water. For each body of groundwater, both the chemical status and the quantitative must be determined. Both have to be classed as either good or poor. The WFD sets out a series of criteria that must be met for a body to be classed as good chemical and quantitative status.

The status of the groundwater underlying Callan is identified as being of ‘good’ status (Source: EPA). 

4.5.4.3   Aquifer Productivity, Vulnerability and Protection

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) databases illustrate that a National Gravel Aquifer (Draft Mao) underlies the site, and this is illustrated in Figure 4.4 below. 

Figure 4.4 National Draft Gravel Aquifer Map, Source GSI. 

4.5.5     Register of Protected Areas

The groundwater underlying both the town and surrounding area is listed on the RPA for Drinking Water (Groundwater) (Source EPA).   

4.5.6     Flooding

4.5.6.1   Introduction

Flooding is an environmental phenomenon which, as well have causing economic and social impacts, could in certain circumstances pose a risk to human health.

4.5.6.2   EU Floods Directive

European Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks requires Member States to carry out a preliminary assessment by 2011 in order to identify the river basins and associated coastal areas at risk of flooding. For such zones, flood risk maps currently being finalised. Flood risk management plans focused on prevention, protection and preparedness will be finalised in 2016. The Office of Public Works has prepared Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA) maps which identify areas where the risks associated with flooding might be significant. These areas, Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs), including Callan, are where more detailed assessment is required to more accurately assess the extent and degree of flood risk. Flood hazard and flood risk maps for AFAs will be finalised in 2015 and Flood Risk Management Plans will be finalised in 2016.

4.5.6.3   DEHLG Flood Risk Management Guidelines

In 2009 the DEHLG published The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities.  These are aimed at ensuring a more consistent, rigorous and systematic approach which will fully incorporate flood risk assessment and management into the planning system. Planning authorities are required to undertake flood risk identification, assessment and management processes as appropriate when preparing land use plans and in the consideration of applications for planning permission.

4.5.6.4   Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) has been undertaken alongside the preparation of the Plan.  The requirement for SFRA is provided under ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (DEHLG and OPW, 2009).   The preparation of the Plan, SEA and SFRA has taken place concurrently and the findings of the SFRA have informed both thePlan and the SEA. The SFRA has facilitated the integration of flood risk management considerations into the Plan.

Further detail on lands that are at elevated levels of flood risk within the Plan area can be found within the SFRA which accompanies the Plan.  The indicative Flood Zone B from that SFRA is reproduced in the Figure 4.10 overleaf. 

4.5.7     Existing Problems

The SFRA has identified lands that are at elevated levels of flood risk within the Plan area and has facilitated the integration of flood risk management considerations into the Plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.7      Material Assets

4.7.1     Water Services

4.7.1.1     Irish Water

Since January 2014 the delivery, integration and implementation of strategic water and waste water projects and infrastructural improvements are now the responsibility of the newly established State body ‘Irish Water’. 

Kilkenny County Council no longer has a direct role in this area; however the Local Authority will work with Irish Water to ensure that the Local Area Plan and any water services investment plan will align with both the National Spatial Strategy and the Regional Planning Guidelines and that the provision of water/waste water services will not be a limiting factor in terms of forecasted growth.

The function and role of Irish Water includes:

• Abstracting and treating water;
• Delivering water and waste water services to homes and businesses;
• Installing water meters and billing domestic and business customers;
• Raising finance to fund improvements and repairs in the water system; and
• Maintaining and operating the water system.

The upgrading of the infrastructure will contribute towards compliance with the Water Framework Directive, EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and Drinking Water Regulations and will help to protect human health and maintain the quality of coastal waters.

The responsibility for the provision of these services now lies with Irish Water, supported by Kilkenny County Council, as appropriate.

4.7.1.2  Waste Water Performance

In 2015, the Callan Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) passed  water quality standards set down under requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (D0159-01 EPA Licence 09/03/2015).   

4.7.1.3     Waste Water Capacity and Demand

The current WWTP has capacity for approximately 4,000 Population Equivalent (PE) and has sufficient capacity to meet the demands of the proposed amendment. The current Urban Area (PE) using the WWTP is 2876 – See Table 4.4 below (Source: Sanitary Services Department of Kilkenny County Council, as of 2016).

Table 4.4 WWTPs in Plan Area

WWTP	Urban Area (p.e.)	WWTP (p.e.)	Treatment Level	2015 Status
Callan – D0159-01	2,876	4,000	Secondary	Pass

4.7.1.4     Drinking Water Performance

Drinking water must be clean and wholesome. That means it must meet the relevant water quality standards and must not contain any other substance or micro-organism in concentrations or numbers that constitute a potential danger to human health.

Compliance with the drinking water requirements is determined by comparing the results of analyses submitted by water suppliers to the standard for 48 parameters specified in the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations (No. 2), 2007. To ensure that these standards are met, each water supply must be monitored on a regular basis.

Under Section 58 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 the EPA is required to collect and verify monitoring results for all water supplies in Ireland covered by the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations, 2000. The EPA publishes their results in annual reports which are supported by Remedial Action Lists (RALs). The RAL identifies water supplies which are not in compliance with the Regulations mentioned above.

The Callan Water Supply Scheme is not listed on the EPA’s most recent (Q3 2015) Remedial Action List (a list of public water supplies where remedial action is required to ensure compliance with drinking water standards).

4.7.1.5     Capacity and Demand

The current water supply is considered to be sufficient to meet commercial, industrial, residential and agricultural water needs during the LAP period. 

4.7.2     Waste Management

EU and National waste management policy can be summarised by the waste hierarchy of prevention, recycling, energy recovery and disposal.

For the purposes of waste management planning, Ireland is now divided into three regions: Southern, Eastern-Midlands and Connacht-Ulster.  Callan is located within the Southern Region. The Southern Region Waste Management Plan, adopted on the 14^th of May 2015, covers 10 local authorities in the Region and sets out a number of key targets in relation to waste prevention activities. 

Callan currently has a number of waste management facilities located in or close to the town including a local civic amenity site and bring bank facilities. These are administered by Kilkenny County Council.

4.7.3     Transport

The N76 is the National Road that bypasses the centre of Callan. It connects to the ring road at Kilkenny to the North-East and to Clonmel to the South-West. The main road to the West of the N76 heads out to Mullinahone. The South road heads through Courtnabooly West in the direction of Carrick-on-Suir.  Callan is approximately 45 minutes by bus from Clonmel and 20 minutes from Kilkenny, both of which are served by train from Dublin.

Callan is served by the JJ Kavanagh service which operates services from Monday to Saturday leaving from Clonmel and finishing in Dublin Airport. All buses stop in Kilkenny and Dublin city centre. Callan is also served by Bus Eireann Expressway 007, Dublin-Kilkenny-Clonmel-Cork. There are nine services heading to Cork Monday to Saturday that pick up at Glennons

The Department of Education runs a school bus service for Primary and Secondary School children. The scheme is administered by Bus Eireann with help from Kilkenny VEC.

4.7.4     Existing Problems

It is an objective of the Council, Irish Water and the LAP to protect the water source and wastewater management of the town into the future.

4.8      Cultural Heritage

4.8.1    Introduction

Heritage, by definition, means inherited properties, inherited characteristics and anything transmitted by past ages and ancestors. It covers everything, from objects and buildings to the environment. Cultural heritage includes physical buildings, structures and objects, complete or in part, which have been left on the landscape by previous and indeed current generations.

Callan is a medieval town and its earliest surviving developments include an Anglo-Norman motte and the Augustine Abbey which are located to the north of the King’s River. The majority of the town’s physical fabric is evidence of its early development and this is recognised by its designation as a zone of potential archaeological interest. 

4.8.2    Archaeological Heritage

4.8.2.1   Introduction

Archaeology is the study of past societies through the material remains left by those societies and the evidence of their environment. Archaeological heritage consists of such material remains (whether in the form of sites and monuments or artefacts in the sense of moveable objects) and environmental evidence. As archaeological heritage can be used to gain knowledge and understanding of the past it is of great cultural and scientific importance.

4.8.2.2   Record of Monuments and Places

Callan’s archaeological heritage is protected under the National Monuments Acts (1930-2004), Natural Cultural Institutions Act 1997 and the Planning Acts. The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) is an inventory, established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, of sites and areas of archaeological significance, numbered and mapped. The RMP includes all known monuments and sites of archaeological importance dating to before 1700 AD, and some sites which date from after 1700 AD. There is a Recorded Monument within the amended area, ref. KK026-002 ‘Castle’ located in Westcourt Demesne (shown in figure 4.10 below) and Callan town is a zone of archaeological potential.   

According to Colín O Drisceoil’s report[8], c.1940 there was a catastrophic fire at West Court house and the house was abandoned and later knocked. The rubble heap to the west of the walled garden marks the location of the house. Its foundations, perhaps cellars, and related structures probably survive below ground level. 

4.8.3    Architectural Heritage

4.8.3.1   Introduction

The term architectural heritage is defined in the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments Act 1999 as meaning all: structures and buildings together with their settings and attendant grounds, fixtures and fittings; groups of structures and buildings; and, sites which are of technical, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social, or technical interest.

4.8.3.2   Record of Protected Structures

The Record of Protected Structures (RPS) included in the County Development Plan is legislated for under the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended.  There is one Protected Structure within the Amendment area.  This is the ‘Ruin of a seven bay, two storey house, c18th’.  The photograph below illustrate that there is no above ground structure visible on the site, with the exception of the walled garden (foreground).  The walled garden of West Court house measures 111m x 42m and was situated to the west of the house complex.

Current entries to the RPS for the surrounding area are mapped on Figure 4.7.   There are no entries to the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) in the Amendment area.

4.8.3.3     Architectural Conservation Area

An Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) is a place, area, group of structures or townscape, which is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or contributes to the appreciation of a Protected Structure. In an ACA, protection is placed on the external appearance of such areas or structures. Planning permission must be obtained before significant works can be carried out to the exterior of a structure in an ACA, which might alter the character of the structure, or of the ACA.

The Callan ACA is mapped on Figure 4.7.  The area to which the Amendment refers is located outside of the ACA. 

4.8.4    Existing Problems

The context of archaeological and architectural heritage has changed over time within the Plan area however no existing conflicts with legislative objectives governing archaeological and architectural heritage have been identified.

Figure 4.6 Archaeological Heritage - Entries to the Record of Monuments and Places and Zone of Archaeological Importance

Source: Kilkenny County Council (2015)

 

Figure 4.7 Architectural Heritage - Entries to the Record of Protected Structures and Architectural Conservation Area

Source: Kilkenny County Council (2015)