- The Regional Assembly notes the conclusion of the SEA that some variation provisions would be likely to resultin significant positive effects such as contribution towards achieving sustainable mobility and protection of ecology,archaeological heritage and the status of waters.
It is also noted that the SEA concludes that some variation provisions have the potential to result in significant negative environmental effects but that these effects can be mitigated by mitigation measures integrated into the variation.
- It is noted that in the context of flood risk, that the SEA finds that recommendations from the Flood Risk Assessment process have been integrated into both the Variation and the Abbey Creative Quarter
Master Plan which relates to the variation. The SEA findings are that the approach to managing flood risk ls consistent with the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on 'The Planning System and Flood Risk Management'.
Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening.
- The Regional Assembly notes the conclusion of the AA Screeningthat no further assessment is required in respect of the variation on the basis that the proposed variation has been formulated to ensure that uses, developments and effects risingfrom developments and permissions based upon the variation (either individually or in combination with other plans and projects) shall not give rise to significant effects on the integrity of any Natura 2000 sites.
Conclusion
The Regional Assembly is satisfied that proposed Variation No. 1to the Kilkenny City & Environs Development Plan 2014-2020 is consistent with and would assist in the implementation the Strategic Goals identified above and Planning Policy Objectives contained in the South-East Regional Planning Guidelines 2010 -2022.