Published: 2022
Pages: 19
Filesize: 412 KB
Format: pdf
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Summary: This document forms part of submissions we make on Local Authority land-use plans undergoing strategic environmental assessments (SEA). It includes: key environmental recommendations to consider; information on recently published relevant EPA reports; and links to useful environmental resources for Local Authorities carrying out SEA of land-use plans. It is updated regularly and was last updated on the 6th October 2022. |
SEA of Local Authority Land Use Plans - EPA Recommendations and Resources
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Published: 2022
Pages: 78
Filesize: 5,055 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This guidance note aims to provide good practice guidance and ideas on how to carry out strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of water sector plans in Ireland. |
Good Practice Guidance Note on SEA in Water Sector
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Published: 2022
Pages: 90
Filesize: 2,151 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR) are available for download below. The Guidelines are primarily intended to be an authoritative reference to those preparing Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs) for projects covered by the EIA Directive.
Section 72 of the EPA Act 1992 as amended, provides for the preparation by the Agency of guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports. Originally published in 2002, and subsequently revised and in draft since August 2017, these Guidelines are now formally adopted and published replacing all previous versions and take account of the transposition of the amending EIA Directive (2014/52/EU). They also include lessons learned and experience gained from EU and Irish case law.
The preparation of these Guidelines has involved extensive consultation commencing in 2014. A Technical Working Group with membership drawn from a broad range of external stakeholders was established to monitor, progress and guide the different phases of the work on these Guidelines. A public consultation process took place between September and October 2015.
The Guidelines are a statutory document that should be regarded by those preparing EIARs and the decision makers considering the EIARs as part of the EIA process.
The existing Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements) dated 2003 will be updated to follow the Guidelines |
Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR)
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Published: 2022
ISBN: 978-1-80009-044-6
Pages: 54
Filesize: 19,247 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Ireland's Environment: Maps and Charts is a supplement to the EPA’s most recent State of the Environment report, Ireland's Environment: An Integrated Assessment 2020. It has been developed to visually present up-to-date data and assessment. |
Ireland's Environment: Maps and Charts
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Published: 2022
Pages: 84
Filesize: 1,101 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: We have compiled this 'pack' to help planning authorities when carrying out strategic environmental assessments (SEAs). It is based on our experience to date, as a statutory SEA Environmental Authority under the SEA Regulations. It takes account of current 'best' practice in the SEA process. We update this pack regularly and we also refer to it during SEA Scoping consultations. It has been last updated on the 28th January 2022. |
SEA Pack
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Published: 2022
Pages: 1
Filesize: 599 KB
Format: excel |
Summary: acan be used to help in preparing SEA Environmental Reports and the associated environmental assessments with up to date environmental information. Data sources/links include air quality, climate, biodiversity, flora, fauna, geology, soils, hydrology and water quality. This inventory was last updated in November 2022 and may not be exhaustive. (See Disclaimer below for terms of use).
This inventory of spatial information sources can be used to inform the preparation of SEA Environmental Reports and the associated environmental assessments. Data sources include the following environmental topics - Air Quality, Climate, Biodiversity, Flora, Fauna, Geology, Soils, Hydrology, Water Quality, Flooding, Socio-Economic, Material Assets, Planning Data, other Sectoral Datasets. This inventory was initially compiled in March 2014 and updated most recently in November 2022. The inventory will be updated at regular intervals, subject to resources. It is a matter for the user to ensure the most recent relevant environmental data has been consulted in undertaking SEA.
Disclaimer: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material contained in this spatial dataset, complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Additionally this list of data sources refers to datasets compiled / updated in November 2022 and may not be exhaustive. Please consult with data providers to verify any data updates or identify newly generated data. Neither the Environmental Protection Agency nor the authors accept any responsibility whatsoever for loss or damage occasioned or claimed to have been occasioned, in part or in full, as a consequence of any person acting, or refraining from acting, as a result of a matter contained in this dataset. |
SEA Spatial Information Sources Inventory
EPA Spatial Data Inventory
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Published: 2021
Pages: 60
Filesize: 1,736 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Good Practice Guidance for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Screening, which provides specific stand-alone guidance to assist plan/programme makers and SEA practitioners. The Guidance Note is focused primarily on plans/programmes in the non-land use sector in Ireland. It includes an elaboration of the steps needed for screening, the legislative landscape underpinning SEA screening, and step-by-step process and templates to assist in preparing the required documentation. |
SEA Screening Good Practice 2021
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Published: 2021
Pages: 1
Filesize: 20 KB
Format: word |
Summary: Cover sheet template for inclusion with submissions on the Call for Expert Evidence - Land Use. This call will close on 24 January 2022. |
Call for Expert Evidence – Land Use - Submission Template
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Published: 2021
Pages: 36
Filesize: 3,672 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Ireland’s Environment: An Integrated Assessment 2020 outlines the state of Ireland’s environment at a strategic and national level. This summary booklet presents the following information from the report: key messages; chapter highlights; current assessment and outlook; actions for a cleaner greener environment. |
Ireland's Environment: An Integrated Assessment 2020- Key Messages Booklet
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Published: 2021
Pages: 1
Filesize: 82 KB
Format: pdf |
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SEA Process Flow
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Published: 2021
Pages: 82
Filesize: 4,871 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This note provides good practice guidance on how to carry out strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of energy strategies/plans. It does not constitute statutory guidance and is intended to promote a good practice approach to the application of SEA in the energy sector. |
Good practice note on SEA for the Energy Sector
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Published: 2021
Pages: 14
Filesize: 1,666 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Through the National SEA Forum the SEA statutory environmental authorities in Ireland have jointly developed an SEA Action Plan to implement the key priority recommendations of the second SEA Effectiveness Review. The implementation of this Action Plan will be dependent on a shared responsibility in delivering the key priority recommendations. |
SEA Action Plan 2021 - 2025
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Published: 2021
Pages: 14
Filesize: 1,687 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The EPA, in association with the other SEA environmental authorities, carried out a review of the progress made to date in the delivery of the various actions and recommendations in the 'SEA Effectiveness Review in Ireland Action Plan 2018–2020'. This Progress Update summarises the findings of this review. |
SEA Action Plan 2018-2020 - Progress Update 2021
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Published: 2020
Pages: 16
Filesize: 1,931 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This document provides a summary of the second SEA Effectiveness Review training event, held in Portlaoise on the 3rd March 2020. It captures some of the knowledge of the participants and some of the learning outcomes from the event, to assist further shared learning. |
Second SEA Effectiveness Review Training Event Summary
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Published: 2020
ISBN: 978-1-84095-881-2
Pages: 36
Filesize: 3,131 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Cumulative effects result from a combination of individual effects on a receptor. They can occur as a result of plans, programmes, projects and other actions in the past, present and the reasonably foreseeable future. They can result from impacts that may be individually insignificant, but collectively significant. Cumulative effects assessment (CEA) is the process of identifying, assessing and mitigating cumulative effects. |
Good practice guidance on Cumulative Effects Assessment in SEA
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Published: 2020
ISBN: 978-1-84095-883-6
Pages: 32
Filesize: 2,081 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This report provides stand-alone guidance on SEA Statements and monitoring. It is included as part of the EPA-funded project Second Review of SEA Effectiveness in Ireland (González et al., 2020). It is specific to the Irish context but has wider international applicability. The monitoring recommendations include guidance on indicators to facilitate a more consistent and coherent approach at this SEA stage. |
Guidance on SEA Statements and Monitoring
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Published: 2020
ISBN: ISBN: 978-1-84095-883-6
Pages: 86
Filesize: 4,978 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The key findings and recommendations from the second review of SEA effectiveness in Ireland are presented in this report. Recommendations are included to address issues relating to guidance, training & awareness, data collection, provision & sharing and governance and legislation.
This report presents the findings of the second review of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) effectiveness in Ireland. It examines SEA performance on the basis of seven effectiveness dimensions identified in the international literature: context, procedural, pluralist, normative, substantive,knowledge and learning, and transactive.
The findings of the review indicate that, broadly speaking, recent practice in Ireland seems to be more procedurally effective than reported for the case studies in the first SEA effectiveness study of 2012. Overall, SEA seems to be fulfilling its role. More governmental bodies and sectors have engaged in the SEA process and there is, generally, a greater openness to the process. This may be, in part, driven by increasing legal challenges on project consent and refusals through the Irish and European Union courts, placing more of a focus on the earlier stages of decision-making than ever before.
However, although considerable progress has been demonstrated in applying SEA in Ireland, and the SEA process is now well “bedded in”, challenges remain. The key procedural challenges identified in this review are similar to those experienced in the earlier review (EPA, 2012), notably the consideration of alternatives and monitoring.
In Ireland, monitoring remains the most significant gap in the procedure, and it is clear from the review that plan-makers and SEA practitioners are in need of clear guidance on how to develop and implement effective monitoring. SEA statement and monitoring guidance has been developed as part of this review (see Appendix 1). However, guidance, although valuable, will not be enough to address current monitoring limitations in Ireland. Plan-makers must commit to implementing monitoring programmes if future plan/programme cycles are to benefit from properly understanding environmental pressures.
Opportunities exist for better public engagement in both plan-making and the SEA process, as the statutory minimum level of consultation has not been found to be effective at engaging the public. Nevertheless, SEA is leading to changes in plans/ programmes through both direct and indirect pathways. One of the key pathways that has proved difficult to record is education and awareness raising. This intangible influence can be highly effective at refocusing planning teams to consider environmental matters. Although the Environmental Reports generally fail to capture how the policy context shapes a plan or programme, the case studies are illustrative of the generally positive and proactive approach to environmental integration in Ireland, which often results in good procedural performance and good substantive outcomes.
Based on the above findings, and additional considerations identified throughout the review, a number of strategic recommendations are put forward at the end of this report to further enhance SEA performance in Ireland over time.
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Second Review of SEA Effectiveness in Ireland
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Published: 2019
ISBN: 978-1-84095-859-1
Pages: 84
Filesize: 2,059 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This document is a good practice note on how to practically incorporate climatic factors into plans and programmes, which come under the scope of the SEA Directive. It provides updated climate-related information and supersedes an earlier version published in 2015. It also acknowledges recent plan and programme-related developments that have occurred since then.
This document is a good practice guidance note on how to practically incorporate climatic factors into plans and programmes, falling under the remit of the SEA Directive. It is aimed at plan-making authorities and SEA practitioners who, in implementing the requirements of the SEA Directive, need to consider that plans and programmes may be directly or indirectly affected by climate change, or may affect climate change directly or indirectly. It provides updated climate-related information and supersedes an earlier version published in 2015. It also acknowledges recent plan and programme-related developments that have occurred since then.
This document should also be useful to anyone involved in preparing or reviewing SEAs. It presents information on the causes and consequences of climate change; how they can be described, evaluated and incorporated into the SEA; and where appropriate information can be found. |
Integrating Climatic Factors into Strategic Environmental Assessment in Ireland - A Guidance Note
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Published: 2019
Pages: 10
Filesize: 464 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The ESM Webtool is designed to facilitate multiple data interaction. Its purpose is to enable geographical exploration of environmental considerations onshore, and to combine relevant environmental datasets to produce environmental sensitivity maps in support of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). |
Environmental Sensitivity Mapping (ESM) - User Manual
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Published: 2019
Pages: 1
Filesize: 381 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The second review of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) effectiveness in Ireland, funded by the EPA, started on the 31st of March 2018. The project goal is to update the progress made in implementing SEA in Ireland and to guide future actions. This fourth and final Newsletter outlines some of the key research findings and outputs from the project. |
Second Review of SEA Effectiveness in Ireland - Newsletter 4. June 2018
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Published: 2019
ISBN: ISBN 978-1-84095-830-0
Pages: 48
Filesize: 4,814 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This note provides guidance on how to carry out Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of waste management plans, including Regional Waste Management Plans. It does not constitute statutory guidance and is intended to promote a good practice approach to the application of SEA in the waste sector. |
Good practice note on SEA for the Waste Sector
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Published: 2019
ISBN: ISBN 978-1-84095-836-2
Pages: 57
Filesize: 9,725 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This note provides good practice guidance on how to carry out strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of forestry strategies/plans. It does not constitute statutory guidance and is intended to promote a good practice approach to the application of SEA in the forestry sector. |
Good practice note on SEA for the Forestry Sector
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Published: 2019
Pages: 1
Filesize: 293 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The second review of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) effectiveness in Ireland, funded by the EPA, started on the 31st of March 2018. The project goal is to update the progress made in implementing SEA in Ireland and to guide future actions. This is the third Newsletter relating to the project, published in February 2019. |
Second Review of SEA Effectiveness in Ireland - Newsletter 3. February 2019
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Published: 2018
Pages: 1
Filesize: 120 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The second review of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) effectiveness in Ireland, funded by the EPA, started on the 31st of March 2018. The project goal is to update the progress made in implementing SEA in Ireland and to guide future actions. This is the second Newsletter relating to the project, published in October 2018. |
Second Review of SEA Effectiveness in Ireland - Newsletter 2. October 2018
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Published: 2018
Pages: 1
Filesize: 123 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The second review of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) effectiveness in Ireland, funded by the EPA, started on the 31st of March 2018. The project goal is to update the progress made in implementing SEA in Ireland and to guide future actions. This is the first Newsletter relating to the project, published in June 2018. |
Second Review of SEA Effectiveness in Ireland - Newsletter 1. June 2018
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Published: 2018
ISBN: 978-1-94095-778-5
Pages: 12
Filesize: 1,202 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: In 2017, the EPA, in association with the other four environmental authorities, initiated a review of the progress made to date in the delivery of the various actions and recommendations in the SEA Effectiveness Review in Ireland Action Plan 2012–2016. The updated and extended SEA Action Plan has been prepared with a view to progressing the implementation of those actions which are still outstanding or only partially delivered. |
SEA Effectiveness Review in Ireland - Action Plan 2018-2020
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Published: 2018
ISBN: 978-1-84095-777-8
Pages: 14
Filesize: 1,602 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: In 2017 the EPA, in association with the other four SEA environmental authorities, initiated a review of the progress made to date in the delivery of the various actions and recommendations in the 'SEA Effectiveness Review in Ireland Action Plan 2012–2016'. This Progress Update summarises the findings of this review. |
SEA Action Plan 2012-2016 - Progress Update 2018
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Published: 2017
Pages: 56
Filesize: 4,425 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The aim of this manual is to provide a useful guide on how Geographic Information Systems can be used to enhance environmental assessments being carried out. |
GISEA Manual - Improving the Evidence Base in SEA
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Published: 2015
ISBN: 978-1-84095-603-0
Pages: 68
Filesize: 4,365 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Alternatives are fundamental to the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. This research report makes recommendations for how to incorporate good practice when considering alternatives in the plan and SEA making process. It also sets out a methodology for how to develop and assess alternatives when carrying out SEA.
Alternatives are fundamental to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and are required to be considered under the SEA Directive ( Directive 2001/42/EC). Consideration of alternatives in SEA provides the opportunity to identify and explore different ways to deliver a plan's or programmes's objectives while addressing environmental issues. In order to improve this aspect of the SEA process, this research report reviews current practice, both nationally and internationally, makes recommendations for good practice and sets out a methodology for the development and consideration of alternatives in SEA.
See also Research 157: MOLAND Lite - Land use modelling for SEA alternatives development and assessment
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Developing and Assessing Alternatives in Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
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Published: 2015
Pages: 238
Filesize: 9,816 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The Manual provides a step by step guide to the SEA and plan-making process with a view to promoting integration between the key stages of both processes. It has been prepared for Local and Regional Authorities by the Western Regional Authority (WRA) in association with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Note: This version was reviewed/updated in 2015.
The draft SEA Resource Manual for Local and Regional Planning Authorities reflects the need for guidance for planner on the integration of the SEA and the plan-making processes. This need for guidance was identified in the 2012 SEA Effectiveness Review and was one of the priority Actions in the SEA Action Plan 2012-2016. The Manual also addresses integration of Appropriate Assessment and Flood Risk Assessment with SEA and Plan making, though the focus is primarily on the integration of SEA. While the Manual is targeted at those preparing landuse plans, Parts I and II are applicable to other sectors which must conduct SEA.
Note: This version was reviewed and updated in 2015 |
SEA Resource Manual for Local and Regional Planning Authorities
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Published: 2015
Pages: 2
Filesize: 746 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: CORINE 2012 has been released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this is an update in the CORINE data series. It is produced by the EPA for the European Environment Agency. This is a national landuse landcover dataset for 2012 produced at a 25 hectare resolution. |
CORINE 2012 Infosheet
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Published: 2014
Pages: 1
Filesize: 73 KB
Format: excel |
Summary: Raw data for dioxins 2014 - see 2014 Annual Air Quality Report for full report on dioxin survey 2014. |
Dioxin Levels in the Irish Environment 2014 - raw data
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Published: 2013
ISBN: 1-84095-067-6
Pages: 212
Filesize: 2,760 KB |
Summary: The five-volume report (plus a Summary document) gives an account of the investigations into animal health problems in the Askeaton area of Co. Limerick, carried out in the period 1995—1998. The volumes are as follows: Main Report (and Summary); Animal Health; Soil, Herbage, Feed & Water; Human Health; Environmental Quality. |
Investigations of Animal Health Problems at Askeaton, County Limerick
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The five-volume report on the investigations of animal health problems in the Askeaton area of Co. Limerick, carried out in the period 1995 —1998.
The five volumes are as follows:
- Main Report (and Summary)
- Animal Health
- Soil, Herbage, Feed, and Water
- Human Health
- Environmental Quality
The investigations were prompted by reports of severe animal health problems on two farms in the Askeaton area, which first came to notice in the early 1990s. In February 1995, following preliminary investigations by Limerick County Council, the Environmental Protection Agency was requested by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to coordinate a wider study of the situation. This was considered necessary, as there were local concerns that human health was also being affected in the area and that environmental pollution was involved.
Arrangements for the undertaking of the investigative work were put in place in late February 1995, this being assigned to the Veterinary Research Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (animal health), Teagasc (soils, herbage, and related aspects), the Mid Western Health Board (human health) and the Environmental Protection Agency (environmental quality aspects). Subsidiary studies were carried out by Coillte and the Mid Western Health Board, respectively, on tree health and the levels of metals and other substances in vegetable production.
Field measurements and observations took place between March 1995 and December 1998. Interim reports were published in December 1995, June 1997, and August 1998.
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The five-volume report on the investigations of animal health problems
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Published: 2013
ISBN: 978-1-84095-439-5
Pages: 156
Filesize: 14,782 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Ireland's Environment 2012 provides an integrated assessment of the overall quality of Ireland's environment, the pressures being placed on it and the societal responses to current and emerging environmental issues. |
Ireland's Environment 2012 - An Assessment
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Published: 2013
Pages: 7
Filesize: 51 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The protocol outlines details of a system for investigating serious animal and human health problems which may arise and for which explanations are not readily obvious.
The protocol has been agreed between the Departments of Agriculture and Food, Health, Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the EPA. The most important aspect of this system is early reporting of the problems to the State Agencies so that intervention can take place as soon as possible. |
Protocol for the Investigative Approach to Serious Animal/Human Health Problems
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Published: 2013
Pages: 8
Filesize: 406 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This leaflet explains how climate change issues can be considered in strategic environmental assessment (SEA), with particular reference to the requirements of European Directive 2001/42/EC (the "SEA Directive"). It explains what climate change impacts are and how they can be described, predicted and addressed.
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Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) And Climate Change: Guidance For Practitioners
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Published: 2013
ISBN: 1-84095-124-9
Pages: 52
Filesize: 740 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: To successfully implement the SEA Directive requirements, plan-makers need to apply best practice techniques where possible. This should be part of an overall approach that makes it easy to comply with the SEA Directive and which also promotes sustainable development. This project aims to develop an SEA methodology that meets these goals. |
Synthesis Report On Developing A Strategic Environmental Assessment (Sea) Methodologies For Plans And Programmes In Ireland
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This Report has been prepared by ERM Environmental Resources Management Ireland Ltd and provides the findings of the research project entitled “Development of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) methodologies for plans and programmes in Ireland”, funded under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Research, Technological Development and Innovation Programme (Phase 2), 2000–2006 (Ref 2001-EEP/DS-2/5).
Section 1 presents the purpose of the study and the structure of the Synthesis Report.
Section 2 provides a brief background to Strategic Environmental Assessment, using the SEA Directive as the basis for the discussion of SEA principles.
It includes a brief discussion of the procedural and documentation requirements. The implications of the forthcoming transposition of the directive for those who will have to undertake and analyse SEA are discussed in this section. A summary is also provided on what works and what does not work in SEA, based upon the review of international literature on SEA experiences in a range of countries.
Section 3 presents the SEA process as a series of procedural “stages” within which tried-and-tested “tasks” will deliver the required outputs at each stage.
Sections 4 and 5 deal with two elements of SEA that will prove particularly challenging in Ireland: how to effectively include stakeholders at all stages of the SEA process and how to ensure that the SEA documentation is of “sufficient quality”. The use of an SEA Report Checklist is discussed.
Section 6 sets out the overall conclusions of the research project and provides pro-active recommendations to stimulate the development and uptake of SEA in Ireland.
Appendix A lists several potential sources of environmental data that may be consulted during the SEA process.
Appendix B presents the SEA Checklist, which may be used by SEA practitioners to monitor progress during the SEA process or to review draft SEA Reports. |
Executive Summary
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Published: 2013
Pages: 57
Filesize: 728 KB
Format: pdf |
Consultation Draft of the EPA's SEA Process Checklist to assist in undertaking a full SEA
Summary: Consultation Draft of the Environmental Protection Agency's SEA Process Checklist to assist in undertaking a full SEA |
SEA Process Checklist - Consultation Draft
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Published: 2012
ISBN: 978-1-84095-472-2
Pages: 22
Filesize: 766 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Executive summary of the findings of the national study to determine the effectiveness of SEA in Ireland related to the Regional Planning Guidelines. Recommendations are put forward in relation to guidance, training & awareness, data collection/provision & sharing and governance and legislation.
Eleven years after the Directive (2001/42/EC) came into force and nearly eight years after the passing of Irish SEA Regulations 2004 (S.I. 435 and 436), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated this review to examine how effective the SEA process was in the preparation of the Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) 2010–2022 in Ireland.
This Study is part of a national study entitled ‘Review of Effectiveness of SEA in Ireland’ prepared on behalf of the EPA by RPS Consultants. The results of this RPG Study were incorporated into the national study, though it also has specific recommendations for the next review of the Regional Planning Guidelines. SEA effectiveness can be direct: it can lead to changes in a plan that reduce the plan’s negative impacts and increase its benefits. It can also be indirect, for instance through better understanding of the environment and planning by planners and the public and improved participation in plan-making by the public. |
Review of the Effectiveness of SEA in Ireland - Regional Planning Guidelines Executive Summary
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Published: 2012
ISBN: 978-1-84095-474-6
Pages: 136
Filesize: 1,590 KB
Format: pdf |
This is the report of the review of effectiveness review of SEA in Ireland in relation to the Regional Planning Guidelines.
Summary: Findings of the review of the effectiveness of SEA in Ireland in relation to the Regional Planning Guidelines |
Review of the Effectiveness of SEA - Regional Planning Guidelines
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Published: 2012
ISBN: 978-1-84095-468-5
Pages: 12
Filesize: 726 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Through the National SEA (Environmental Authority) Technical Forum the 5 SEA statutory environmental authorities in Ireland have jointly developed an SEA Action Plan to implement the key priority recommendations of the SEA Effectiveness Review. The implementation of this Action Plan will be dependent on a shared responsibility in delivering the key priority recommendations. |
SEA Effectiveness Review in Ireland - Action Plan 2012-16
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Published: 2012
ISBN: 978-1-84095-458-6
Pages: 108
Filesize: 1,558 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The key findings and recommendations from the 'Effectiveness Review of SEA in Ireland' are presented in this report. Recommendations are included to address issues relating to guidance, training & awareness, data collection, provision & sharing and governance and legislation. |
Review of Effectiveness of SEA in Ireland
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Published: 2012
ISBN: 978-1-84095-459-3
Pages: 20
Filesize: 917 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This document summarises the key findings and recommendations of the 'Review of Effectiveness of SEA in Ireland' main report. |
Review of Effectiveness of SEA in Ireland - Executive Summary
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Published: 2009
Pages: 125
Filesize: 5,202 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Register of former mine sites and tailings ponds (1996) |
Register of former mine sites and tailings ponds (1996)
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Published: 2009
ISBN: 1-84095-318-3
Pages: 170
Filesize: 149 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This joint project created an inventory of Irelands Historic Mine Sites. The investigations assess the potential risk posed by these sites to humans, animal health and the surrounding environment.
Historic Mine Sites Report :: Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland
The Historic Mine Sites - Inventory and Risk Classification (HMS-IRC) Project is a joint project of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR).
To obtain full details on the Mines report please visit Mines section under the GIS section of our website http://gis.epa.ie/GetData/Download.
The objectives of this work were:
- to identify any significant risks to the environment, including human and animal health risks, at these historic mine sites so that these risks ultimately can be managed and the sites made safe.
- to plan for the forthcoming EU Directive 2006/21/EC on the Management of Wastes from the Extractive Industries.
This Directive will, among other things, require EU Member States to prepare an inventory of closed waste facilities within their jurisdictions by 1st May 2012. The HMS-IRC project assists Ireland to comply with Article 20 of the European Directive. The inventory does not include closed stone, sand and gravel quarries, which also require management under the Directive.
Volume I of the HMS-IRC project addresses the Geochemical Characteristics and Environmental Matters of Ireland's historic mines. A total of 32 mine sites and districts were investigated. Of these 27 mine sites/districts (encompassing 82 individual sites) were scored relative to each other. It is important to note that this is not a risk assessment, but rather the sites have been ranked on a risk basis so as to determine a relative ranking for possible future actions.
The project has resulted in the most comprehensive inventory of historic mines in Ireland that includes a detailed geochemical analysis. It gathers together all the existing information on historic mine sites in Ireland along with significant new information derived from site investigations that will point the way towards future rehabilitation work on mines in Ireland.
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Historic Mine Sites - Inventory and Risk Classification Volume 1
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Published: 2008
ISBN: 1-84095-274-1
Pages: 294
Filesize: 38,910 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This fourth state of the environment report evaluates the state of the environment across a number of themes including, climate change, water quality, air quality and emissions, waste, chemicals, land, soil, biodiversity and environmental noise. |
2008 - State of the Environment Report
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Published: 2006
ISBN: 1-84095-201-6
Pages: 128
Filesize: 2,960 KB
Format: pdf |
Environmental Indicators for Ireland
Summary: This is the third indicator report prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency that sets out, using key indicators, the current state of the environment, trends over time and the underlying causes of environmental damage. It also examines the main environmental challenges for the key economic sectors in Ireland. |
Environment In Focus 2006
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Published: 2005
Pages: 13
Filesize: 96 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The EPA, the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Exploration & Mining Division of the Department of Communication, Marine & Natural Resources are undertaking a joint project. The project will carry out detailed site investigations and characterisaton on priority historic mine sites in Ireland. The attached doucment is the project proposal associated with the project. |
Characterisation of Historic Mine Sites in Ireland and their Environmental Risks
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Published: 2004
ISBN: 1-84095-128-1
Pages: 68
Filesize: 4,454 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Cattle deaths from lead poisoning in 1999 on a farm in Silvermines, Co Tipperary, triggered a comprehensive investigation. This report presents the expert group’s final recommendations for guideline values for lead in the environment and provids guidance on human health, animal health and the environment. The report also set out additional work and research needs. |
Final Report of Expert Group for Silvermines County Tipperary: Lead and Other Relevant Metals
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The Expert Group for Silvermines, County Tipperary, was established in June 2001 as a result of a recommendation contained in the Inter Agency Group Report of the investigation into the presence and influence of lead in the Silvermines area of County Tipperary.
The recommendation specified that an Expert Group, to include international experts, be established to formulate guidelines applicable to Ireland on the management of lead in the environment.
An interim report was published in April 2002 by the Environmental Protection Agency, which chairs the Expert Group, entitled Expert Group on Lead in Silvermines County Tipperary. During the course of its work, the Expert Group recognised the need to consider guideline values and guidance in relation to other relevant metals associated with lead in the Silvermines area. The metals, which were considered and discussed during the course of the group’s deliberations, were lead, cadmium, arsenic, zinc, copper and mercury.
This final report of the Expert Group presents the overall findings and recommendations of the group in relation to these metals. |
Executive Summary
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Published: 2004
ISBN: 1-84095-134-6
Pages: 335
Filesize: 48,518 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Ireland's environment 2004 |
Ireland's environment 2004
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Published: 2003
ISBN: 1-84095-125-7
Pages: 41
Filesize: 5,612 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Report by EPA on an investigation of the Tynagh Mine site including recommendations in relation to ongoing management of the site. The report does not deal with the ultimate remediation and rehabilitation of the site.
Land :: Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland
Executive Summary
In response to local health and environmental concerns and recent site development works, Galway County Council established the Tynagh Mines Liaison Group in October 2002 to deal with environmental concerns in relation to the mine site.
The purpose of the group was to facilitate the exchange of information and the promotion of best practice in the Tynagh area, which has high levels of naturally occurring metals and a previous mining history and to apply this information and best practice to protect human health, animal health and the environment.
The EPA was represented on the liaision group and organised a site investigation and prepared this investigation report.
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Report Of The Investigation Into The Presence Of Lead And Other Heavy Metals In The Tynagh Mines Area, Co Galway
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Published: 2003
ISBN: 1-84095-089-7
Pages: 88
Filesize: 1,677 KB
Format: pdf |
Key Environmental Indicators for Ireland
Summary: This is the second indicator report prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency that sets out, using key indicators, the current state of the environment, trends over time and the underlying causes of environmental damage. It also examines the main environmental challenges for the key economic sectors in Ireland. |
Environment in Focus 2002
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Published: 2003
Pages: 149
Filesize: 435 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: These Advice Notes, available for download below, are designed to accompany the Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements (published in 2002). They will be updated to follow the publication of the updated Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR) published in May 2022. |
Advice Notes on current practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements
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Published: 2002
ISBN: 1-84095-082-X
Pages: 52
Filesize: 3,994 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The EPA published an interim report in 2002 of an expert group established to formulate guidelines on the management of lead in the environment. This interim report considered guideline values and guidance in relation to protection of human health, animal health and the environment in the Silvermines area. |
Expert Group On Lead In Silvermines Co Tipperary Interim Report
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Published: 2002
Pages: 56
Filesize: 1,406 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This discussion document assembles existing information on soil in Ireland and the pressures on this valuable resource. A key recommendation in the report is the need for the development of a soil protection strategy for Ireland, including the development of a national soil quality monitoring programme and the selection of a set of indicators which are representative of soil quality. |
Developing A Soil Protection Strategy For Ireland – A Discussion Document
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Published: 2001
ISBN: 1 84095 055 2
Pages: 36
Filesize: 186 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This discussion document aimed to establish the total amount of phosphorous (organic and chemical) applied to agricultural land in 1998 and the contribution from various farming and agri-industry activities. |
Developing a National Phosphorus Balance for Agriculture in Ireland
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Published: 2000
ISBN: 1-84095-016-1
Pages: 186
Filesize: 47,997 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: EPA Ireland's environment - a millennium Report 2000 |
Ireland's environment - a millennium report 2000 part 1
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Published: 2000
ISBN: 1-84095-016-1
Pages: 100
Filesize: 28,034 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Ireland's environment - a millennium report 2000 part 2 |
Ireland's environment - a millennium report 2000 part 2
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Published: 1996
ISBN: 1-899965-25-4
Pages: 183
Filesize: 40,909 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: EPA state of environment report for Ireland |
State of the environment in Ireland 1996 part 1
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Published: 1996
ISBN: 1-899965-25-4
Pages: 100
Filesize: 25,153 KB
Format: pdf
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Summary: EPA state of the environment in Ireland report 1996 part 2 |
State of the environment in Ireland 1996 part 2
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Published: 2021
ISBN: 978-1-80009-019-7
Pages: 53
Filesize: 2,031 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Ainhoa González Del Campo, Riki Thérivel and Keletso Malepe
Summary: Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) aim to identify and mitigate environmental impacts resulting from the implementation of plans and programmes before they are adopted. This research was based on a literature review, interviews with 28 international and Irish experts, and a review of 19 Irish case studies. The research identified a range of good practice approaches to impact assessment tiering, which can be summarised as better communication between SEA and EIA practitioners.
Identifying Pressures
Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) aim to identify and mitigate environmental impacts resulting from the implementation of plans and programmes (e.g. county development plans, wind energy strategies) before they are adopted. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) aim to do the same for projects (e.g. residential or windfarm developments) before planning permission is given. In theory, SEAs should set the context for, and inform, EIAs so that environmental considerations trickle down for environmental protection on the ground. EIAs could also provide data for SEAs, enhancing the evidence-base for strategic assessments and decisions. However, in practice, the lack of communication and links between SEA and EIA impede achieving the benefits of tiering.
This research was based on a literature review, interviews with 28 international and Irish experts, and a review of 19 Irish case studies. It found that SEA data are rarely used in EIAs; SEA alternatives are sometimes referred to in EIAs but could set a clearer structure; SEA mitigation measures are generally not written with EIAs in mind; and EIA monitoring does not feedback to SEAs. This reduces the effectiveness and efficiency of both SEAs and EIAs.
Informing Policy
Improving impact assessment tiering involves better communication: writing SEAs with EIAs in mind and referring to SEAs in EIA Reports. This allows strategic-level alternatives and public concerns to be addressed at the strategic scale, so that these issues do not need to be revisited for each subsequent project. It allows urgent issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss, which require a strategic response, to be better considered in individual projects. It can allow strategic decisions for large-scale development to be made early on – for instance protecting strategic development sites from inappropriate development. SEA may also be able to define the scope of subsequent EIAs, saving time and resources. Although this all involves more work at the SEA stage, it can reduce the workload at the EIA stage, and help to ensure that plans and environmental objectives are better implemented. However, some institutional issues can set a context that restricts tiering, including ‘silo assessment’ and lack of training.
Developing Solutions
This research has identified a range of good practice approaches to impact assessment tiering, which can be summarised as better communication between SEA and EIA practitioners. Data can be better shared, for instance by using GIS. Planners and SEA practitioners should undertake their SEAs and write their plans and SEA reports with lower-tier assessments in mind, and provide clearer guidance, mitigation and data acquisition/monitoring recommendations for lower tiers, including projects and their EIAs. EIAs should align with higher-tier SEAs by checking that all key issues are addressed, data gaps are filled, proposed alternatives take into account strategic choices, and relevant SEA mitigation measures are integrated into the EIA process, the project and associated documentation.
Related Publications
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Research 391: Tiering of Environmental Assessment – The Influence of Strategic Environmental Assessment on Project-level Environmental Impact Assessment
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Published: 2003
Pages: 149
Filesize: 435 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: These Advice Notes, available for download below, are designed to accompany the Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements (published in 2002). They will be updated to follow the publication of the updated Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR) published in May 2022.
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Advice Notes on current practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements
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Published: 2021
ISBN: 978-1-80009-019-4
Pages: 31
Filesize: 2,035 KB
Format: pdf
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Authors: Riki Thérivel and Ainhoa González Del Campo
Summary: This Guidance on SEA-EIA Tiering aims to improve the links between SEA and EIA, using a range of good practice examples. It focuses on improving communication between SEA and EIA: getting SEA practitioners to write SEAs with EIAs in mind, and EIA practitioners to refer to SEAs in their EIA Reports. It also identifies institutional issues that can set a context which restricts tiering, including ‘silo assessment’, lack of training, and restrictive legal requirements.
Identifying Pressures
Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) aim to identify and mitigate environmental impacts resulting from the implementation of plans and programmes (e.g. county development plans, wind energy strategies). Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) aim to do the same for projects (e.g. residential or windfarm projects) before planning permission is given. In theory, SEAs should set the context for, and inform, EIAs so that environmental considerations trickle down for environmental protection on the ground. EIAs could also provide data for SEAs, enhancing the evidence-base for strategic assessments and decisions. However, in practice, the lack of communication and links between SEA and EIA impede achieving the benefits of tiering. SEA data are rarely used in EIAs; SEA alternatives are sometimes referred to in EIAs but could set a clearer structure; SEA mitigation measures are generally not written with EIAs in mind and are rarely referred to in EIA Reports; and EIA monitoring rarely feeds back to SEAs. This reduces the effectiveness and efficiency of both SEAs and EIAs.
Informing Policy
Better tiering allows strategic-level alternatives and public concerns to be better addressed at the strategic scale, so that these issues do not need to be revisited for each subsequent project. It allows urgent issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss, which require a strategic response, to be better considered in individual projects. It can allow strategic decisions for large-scale development to be made early on – for instance protecting strategic development sites from inappropriate development. SEA may also be able to restrict the scope of subsequent EIAs, saving time and resources. Although this all involves more work at the SEA stage, it can reduce the workload at the EIA stage, and help to ensure that plans and environmental objectives are better implemented.
Developing Solutions
This Guidance on SEA-EIA Tiering aims to improve the links between SEA and EIA, using a range of good practice examples. It focuses on improving communication between SEA and EIA: getting SEA practitioners to write SEAs with EIAs in mind, and EIA practitioners to refer to SEAs in their EIA Reports. It shows how:
- data can be better shared between SEA and EIA, for instance by using GIS;
- SEA alternatives can better set a context for EIAs, and reduce the need for EIAs to consider strategic-level alternatives;
- SEAs can set mitigation measures for strategic level and cumulative issues like climate change, which are more difficult to set on a project-by-project basis;
- SEAs can help to determine what issues the EIAs should cover; and
- project-level monitoring can feed back to future SEAs, improving the next round of plan-making.
It also identifies institutional issues that can set a context which restricts tiering, including ‘silo assessment’, lack of training, and restrictive legal requirements.
Related Publications
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Research 392: Guidance on Strategic Environmental Assessment–Environmental Impact Assessment Tiering
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Published: 2017
ISBN: 978-1-84095-696-2
Pages: 36
Filesize: 1,804 KB
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Authors: Craig Bullock and Robert O’Shea
Summary: ECORISK had the objective of exploring methods whereby the valuation of social and economic impacts could be used to supplement established methods of environmental damage assessment for the purposes of remediation.
The Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC) (ELD) applies a common liability approach to instances of environmental damage to land, water and protected species and habitats throughout the European Union. It aims to prevent and remedy environmental damage by holding those responsible financially liable for remediation. The objective of ECORISK has been to explore methods whereby the valuation of ecosystem services can be used to supplement established methods of environmental damage assessment.
Identifying Pressures
As well as adverse impacts on the natural environment, environmental damage can also have an impact on human health and well-being. This report takes the concept of ecosystem services and focuses specifically on water and the importance of functioning aquatic ecosystems for economic and social well-being, the assimilation of waste, and the provision of water that is safe for recreation and human or animal consumption.
Informing Policy
The ELD allows for primary restoration, complementary remediation, and compensatory remediation. Primary restoration is the first priority, but there may be a need to consider complementary remediation with replacement habitat where this is not possible, and/or compensatory remediation to account for interim losses, including services to human beings who may depend on, or value, aspects of the impacted environment. The report introduces the concept of resource equivalency using resource-to-resource, service-to-service and value-to-value approaches. It discusses the economic methods that are available to value the loss of ecosystem services due to adverse environmental impacts. These are relevant to determining the extent of liability and the resources that need to be invested in remediation of the environment to a level equivalent to the full social value of the resource and services that have been lost. It can be expected that there will be a distinction between the value of the original and remediated environment that implies that remediation should extend beyond simple replacement.
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Research 206: ECORISK Ecosystem Services Valuation for Environmental Risk and Damage Assessment
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Published: 2019
ISBN: 978-1-84095-833-1
Pages: 86
Filesize: 3,048 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Ainhoa González Del Campo, Christina Kelly, Justin Gleeson and Eoghan McCarthy
Summary: Environmental sensitivity is a critical consideration in natural resource management. In the context of the legislative requirements for impact assessment, environmental sensitivity (or vulnerability) assessments present a framework for systematically determining the potential for significant adverse impacts.
This report and the associated Environmental Sensitivity Mapping (ESM) webtool, developed by the research team, are a response to the need to enhance consistency and transparency in Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) practice. For SEA to effectively inform planning processes, a systematic and accessible approach that provides clear information and ensures comparability between assessments is key. Development pressures on the landscape need to be efficiently examined and the potential for cumulative effects on the environment need to be considered. The output of this research enables the creation of environmental sensitivity maps that capture the accumulated concentration of sensitive environmental features on the landscape, which help to address some of these challenges and direct development to suitable locations. Tight assessment time frames, the need to consider disparate and multiple data sources, and engaging stakeholders and the general public require significant effort by consultants and plan makers. The developed ESM webtool addresses some of these time and resource pressures and provides an opportunity to streamline assessments by centralising information, facilitating public participation, enabling creation of plan-specific maps and providing a robust evidence base to inform spatial planning.
Informing Policy
This research informs policy through the ESM webtool, as it can serve as an empirical and systematic approach and as a more objective critical foundation to promote informed impact assessment and planning. The research outputs promote best practice in the implementation of EU directives and reinforce consideration of their obligations. More specifically, the outputs contribute to improving the effectiveness of SEA, Environmental Impact Assessment and appropriate assessment through the provision of a systematic and evidence-enabling online tool. This results in improved compliance with national sustainability objectives through better, more transparent and evidence-based assessment of plans and programmes that set the basis for projects. In addition, it inculcates a culture of excellence among plan and programme makers and SEA teams, encouraging more than legal compliance (through the incorporation of environmental sensitivity analysis, for example), and contributes to the implementation of the INSPIRE Directive through data exchange and sharing, as well as to the Aarhus Convention and e-governance strategies on access to environmental information.
Developing Solutions
The webtool provides an invaluable resource for SEA by facilitating access to multiple spatial datasets in a single interface (datasets that, prior to the publication of the webtool, were accessible through multiple sources and websites). This saves SEA consultants, local authorities and governmental departments, among others, a lot of time and effort in SEA and planning processes. It also provides a platform for the general public and stakeholders to explore environmental and planning considerations, and it can serve as an educational tool. The webtool contains novel functionality: it is the first online geoprocessing tool that enables the creation of context-specific
maps by anyone, without the need for any technical geographic information system skills. This tool allows the user to combine datasets and incorporate public perceptions in a participatory way, creating plan-specific environmental sensitivity maps. These maps graphically and meaningfully highlight potential sensitivities, pointing to where development would need to be carefully considered and sensitively planned. In this way, the maps can inform sectoral planning discussions and decisions for developing alternatives that avoid or minimise potentially incompatible or unsustainable zonings. The webtool has been tested by the research team in a number of case studies, including real-life settings, namely as part of live SEAs of the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies. This piloting has verified the usability of the webtool and the veracity of the output maps. Users have confirmed that it contributes to assessment consistency and transparency.
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Research 278: Developing and Testing an Environmental Sensitivity Mapping Webtool to Support Strategic Environmental Assessment in Ireland
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Published: 2013
ISBN: 1-84095-226-1
Pages: 97
Filesize: 1,430 KB
Format: pdf |
Code of Practice to ensure a consistent approach by local authorities to deal with unregulated historic disposal sites.
Summary: The Code of Practice has been produced to ensure a consistent approach to environmental risk assessment by local authorities when assessing the environmental impact and remediation options for historic unregulated waste disposal sites. It also provides guidance on how to deal with illegal landfills that have come into being since the introduction of the waste licensing regime. |
Code of Practice: Environmental Risk Assessment for Unregulated Waste Disposal Sites
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Published: 2022
ISBN: 978-1-80009-055-2
Pages: 45
Filesize: 2,598 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Máiréad Harding, Timothy Sullivan, Hannah Binner, Naghmeh Kamali and Martina Hayes
Summary: The United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international regulatory framework that aims to protect human health and the global environment from the harmful effects of mercury. This research identified that very little literature exists on the environmental and health impacts of mercury-free dental restorative materials. It identified small particles from the mercury-free dental restorative materials in dental wastewater (DWW) and says it is essential to consider enhanced capture of small particles from DWW as a priority.
Identifying Pressures
The United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international regulatory framework that aims to protect human health and the global environment from the harmful effects of mercury. The Convention addresses the use of mercury-containing dental restorative materials (fillings) and their phaseout in dental practice. The Convention has been transposed into legislation in the EU through Regulation (EU) 2017/852 and in Ireland through S.I. No. 533/2018. Dental fillings are used to replace lost tooth tissue. Prior to the Minamata Convention there had already been a downward trend in the use of mercury-containing dental filling materials (amalgam fillings). Controls present in dental practices have minimised the environmental impacts of mercury-containing dental filling materials. Less is known about the newer mercury-free dental restorative materials and their environmental impact. This project was designed to assess potential environmental and health impacts arising from mercury-free dental restorative materials.
Informing Policy
The Minamata Convention has a direct impact on dentistry in Ireland with respect to policy, society and commerce. Since July 2018, amalgam fillings are no longer permitted for use in patients under 15 years of age and in pregnant or breastfeeding women, except when deemed strictly necessary by the dental practitioner based on the patient’s specific medical needs. This research was necessary because of the wide-reaching impacts of the Minamata Convention on dentistry and the subsequent move to alternative filling materials. We identified that particles from the filling materials were present in dental wastewater (DWW) streams, the largest being 1.2 to 5 µm2 in size, suggesting the presence of many small particles in DWW. Ecotoxicity testing of DWW from participating dental practices with the planktonic crustacean Daphnia magna demonstrated a deleterious effect on the crustacean. This suggests that more extensive ecotoxicity testing should be undertaken.
Developing Solutions
The research identified that very little literature exists on the environmental and health impacts of mercury-free dental restorative materials. The research did identify small particles from the mercury-free dental restorative materials in DWW. Given the move away from mercury-containing dental filling materials, it will be essential to consider enhanced capture of small particles from DWW as a priority. Further work with respect to the chemical components of mercury-free dental filling materials should be conducted in future studies to comprehend both the inorganic and organic components of mercury-free dental restorative materials and their environmental impacts.
Given the challenges and absence of evidence with respect to dental restorative filling materials, an emphasis on health promotion, prevention and expansion of primary oral healthcare services for the public for all ages should be embraced as part of the solution.
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Research 417: Assessment of the Environmental and Health Impacts Arising from Mercury-free Dental Restorative Materials
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Published: 2017
Pages: 123
Filesize: 2,297 KB
Format: pdf |
Report commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency
Summary: In 2013, the EPA commissioned Golder Associates to undertake a study into how human health impacts are dealt with throughout the European Union (EU) by environmental regulators with an emphasis on the role of health impact assessment (HIA) at the planning / environment interface. |
Investigation into the Assessment of Health Impacts within National Environmental Regulation Processes
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Published: 2022
ISBN: 978-1-80009-055-2
Pages: 45
Filesize: 2,598 KB
Format: pdf
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Authors: Máiréad Harding, Timothy Sullivan, Hannah Binner, Naghmeh Kamali and Martina Hayes
Summary: The United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international regulatory framework that aims to protect human health and the global environment from the harmful effects of mercury. This research identified that very little literature exists on the environmental and health impacts of mercury-free dental restorative materials. It identified small particles from the mercury-free dental restorative materials in dental wastewater (DWW) and says it is essential to consider enhanced capture of small particles from DWW as a priority.
Identifying Pressures
The United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international regulatory framework that aims to protect human health and the global environment from the harmful effects of mercury. The Convention addresses the use of mercury-containing dental restorative materials (fillings) and their phaseout in dental practice. The Convention has been transposed into legislation in the EU through Regulation (EU) 2017/852 and in Ireland through S.I. No. 533/2018. Dental fillings are used to replace lost tooth tissue. Prior to the Minamata Convention there had already been a downward trend in the use of mercury-containing dental filling materials (amalgam fillings). Controls present in dental practices have minimised the environmental impacts of mercury-containing dental filling materials. Less is known about the newer mercury-free dental restorative materials and their environmental impact. This project was designed to assess potential environmental and health impacts arising from mercury-free dental restorative materials.
Informing Policy
The Minamata Convention has a direct impact on dentistry in Ireland with respect to policy, society and commerce. Since July 2018, amalgam fillings are no longer permitted for use in patients under 15 years of age and in pregnant or breastfeeding women, except when deemed strictly necessary by the dental practitioner based on the patient’s specific medical needs. This research was necessary because of the wide-reaching impacts of the Minamata Convention on dentistry and the subsequent move to alternative filling materials. We identified that particles from the filling materials were present in dental wastewater (DWW) streams, the largest being 1.2 to 5 µm2 in size, suggesting the presence of many small particles in DWW. Ecotoxicity testing of DWW from participating dental practices with the planktonic crustacean Daphnia magna demonstrated a deleterious effect on the crustacean. This suggests that more extensive ecotoxicity testing should be undertaken.
Developing Solutions
The research identified that very little literature exists on the environmental and health impacts of mercury-free dental restorative materials. The research did identify small particles from the mercury-free dental restorative materials in DWW. Given the move away from mercury-containing dental filling materials, it will be essential to consider enhanced capture of small particles from DWW as a priority. Further work with respect to the chemical components of mercury-free dental filling materials should be conducted in future studies to comprehend both the inorganic and organic components of mercury-free dental restorative materials and their environmental impacts.
Given the challenges and absence of evidence with respect to dental restorative filling materials, an emphasis on health promotion, prevention and expansion of primary oral healthcare services for the public for all ages should be embraced as part of the solution.
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Research 417: Assessment of the Environmental and Health Impacts Arising from Mercury-free Dental Restorative Materials
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Published: 2012
Pages: 48
Filesize: 1,187 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This report presents the results of environmental monitoring carried out in 2011 following the accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (NPP) in Japan and subsequent releases of radioactivity. |
Assessment of the Impact on Ireland of the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Accident
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Published: 2018
ISBN: 978-1-84095-796-9
Pages: 52
Filesize: 2,041 KB
Format: pdf
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Authors: Eoin McGillicuddy, Iain Murray, David Shevlin, Liam Morrison, Martin Cormican, Andrew Fogarty, Enda Cummins, Peter Dockery, Patrick Dunlop, Neil Rowan and Dearbháile Morris
Summary: Nanotechnology is an emerging technology that has the potential to impact on all aspects of life and the economy and is expected to form the basis of several technological innovations and advances in the 21st century.
Identifying Pressures
This report demonstrates that, to date, the concentrations of silver nanoparticles in the aquatic environment have primarily been estimated through modelling, largely because of a dearth of appropriate detection methods, with predicted environmental concentrations in the ng/l range. This report also identifies that research is urgently required to determine the full extent of nanomaterial use and production in Ireland across all sectors in order to develop appropriate risk assessment and risk management policies and guidelines.
Informing Policy
This research informs the development of policies on the regulation and standardisation of nanomaterials by building capacity in the area of the environment and health. It informs the following national regulations and EU directives with regard to engineered nanomaterials: the Water Framework Directive (2000), the Groundwater Directive (2006), Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters (2010), the Environmental Quality Standards Directive (2008), the Floods Directive (2007), the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008), the Urban Waste Water Directive (1991), the Nitrates Directive (1991), the Bathing Water Directive (2006), the Drinking Water Directive (1998), the Biocidal Products Directive
(1998), the Biocidal Products Regulation (2012), the framework regulation on food contact materials and articles (FCM Regulation) (2004), the regulation on active and intelligent food contact materials (AIM Regulation) (2009) and the regulation on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food (PIM Regulation) (2011).
Developing Solutions
This research demonstrates that activated charcoal represents a cost-effective material for the remediation of waters impacted by silver nanoparticles or other nano-waste. It provides valuable evidence that EDTA-free media should be used to improve toxicity test sensitivities. This research reveals that the concentrations of silver nanoparticles used in the model developed were at levels deemed unlikely to have toxicity concerns to aquatic organisms and, for the scenarios considered, there is no existing risk from silver nanoparticle residues following the consumption of drinking water.
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Research 259: Detection, Toxicology, Environmental Fate and Risk Assessment of Nanoparticles in the Aquatic Environment (DeTER)
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Published: 2013
Pages: 272
Filesize: 4,330 KB
Format: pdf |
Final Report (2000-MS-13-M2)- Bruen et al
Summary: Assesses the environmental impacts of road run-off, including a review of existing practice in road drainage design and maintenance for rural dual carriageways and motorways in Ireland, and the assessment of any environmental impacts of such run-off. |
Impact Assessment Of Highway Drainage On Surface Water Quality - Final Report
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Published: 2014
Pages: 41
Filesize: 1,995 KB
Format: xlsm |
Air Quality Assessment for the Oxigen Fire Incident
Summary: Fire at Oxigen Environmental Waste Facility, Merrywell Industrial Estate, Ballymount Road Lower, Dublin 22, Waste Licence W0208-02 Incident Update April 7th 2014: Air quality impact The EPA has assessed the impacts on air quality of the fire which occurred at the Oxigen Environmental facility in Ballymount over the period Saturday, January 25th to Wednesday, January 29th 2014. |
Report on Air Quality Assessment for the Oxigen Fire Incident
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Published: 2008
ISBN: 978-1-84095-132-5
Pages: 53
Filesize: 1,006 KB
Format: pdf
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Final Report for the ERTDI-funded project: 2004-LA-FS-21-M2
Summary: STRIVE Report 18 - Margaret Desmond
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Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA): Alternatives Development for Household Waste Management
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Published: 2012
Pages: 7
Filesize: 1,919 KB
Format: pdf |
Executive Summary - Ainhoa González, Tamara Hochstrasser, John Fry, Paul Scott,Peter Carvill, Mike Jones, Berna Grist.
Summary: The IBIA guidance aims at informing practitioners, plan/project proponents and consent authorities in integrating the requirements of SEA, EIA and AA in order to streamline biodiversity considerations. IBIA should not be seen as a replacement of existing processes but rather as a framework for coordinating them and for promoting best practice in biodiversity impact assessment.
Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment (IBIA) can be defined as a practical and systematic methodological framework for biodiversity impact assessment that integrates SEA requirements with AA for plans and programmes and EIA with AA for projects. Where relevant, IBIA also addresses biodiversityrelevant requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Flood Risk Directive (FRD) and the Environmental Liability Directive (ELD). The framework amalgamates assessment processes to enhance the congruence and efficiency of legal, administrative and operational processes. It is envisaged to coordinate efforts; optimise time and resources; reduce/avoid duplication of efforts by improving communication channels and data sharing and enhance cumulative effects assessment. As such this guidance is complementary to other guidance on approaches and specific requirements associated with SEA, EIA and AA. An integration and improvement of procedures is needed to achieve best results for the protection and conservation of biodiversity. The IBIA guidance aims at informing practitioners, plan/project proponents and consent authorities in integrating the requirements of SEA, EIA and AA in order to streamline biodiversity considerations. IBIA should not be seen as a replacement of existing processes but rather as a framework for coordinating them and for promoting best practice in biodiversity impact assessment.
The full technical final report can be downloaded here. |
Executive Summary - Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment, Streamlining AA, SEA and EIA Processes, Best Practice Guidance.
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Published: 2020
ISBN: 978-1-84095-883-6
Pages: 32
Filesize: 2,525 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Ainhoa González, Riki Therivel, Antonia Gaughran and Craig Bullock
Summary: This publication is the stand-alone guidance document associated with Research 306: Second Review of the Effectiveness of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Ireland.
Guidance Document
This guidance is an output of the EPA-funded project ’Second Review of the Effectiveness of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Ireland’ (Research Report No. 306). It builds on the learnings from the international review and consultation carried out as part of that review and seeks to address the shortcomings identified in Irish SEA practice with regards to SEA Statements and monitoring. More detail on the Second SEA Effectiveness Review, including the methodological framework applied, findings and recommendations, can be found in Research 306. This stand-alone guidance provides recommendations on SEA Statements and monitoring, which are specific to the Irish context but have wider applicability.
Related Publications
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Research 306: Guidance on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Statements and Monitoring
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Published: 2013
Pages: 86
Filesize: 3,912 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This practitioner’s manual provides step-by-step guidance on integrating processes for biodiversity impact assessment.
Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment
Biodiversity is one of the environmental topics of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), is captured by the topics of flora and fauna in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and is pivotal to Appropriate Assessment (AA) but in the focused context of an assessment of the likely significant effects on European sites in view of their conservation objectives. Acknowledging the overlaps and the increasing burden for authorities and individuals, this practitioner’s manual provides step-bystep guidance on integrating processes for biodiversity impact assessment. The Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment (IBIA) methodology presented seeks to ensure that legal requirements are fulfilled
while, at the same time, effectively and efficiently connecting relevant procedures, allowing the sharing and reuse of biodiversity data and scientific knowledge supported by a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) framework, and integrating biodiversity considerations with a variety of other concerns during planning and design processes.
It does not replace any of the existing requirements but rather promotes a framework for maximising the co-ordination and integration of processes and outcomes. Its objective is to inform the scope and outcomes of the different processes in a timely manner and promote best practice. Where appropriate, a distinction is made between integrating SEA with AA at plan level, and EIA with AA at project level. This guidance is complementary to other
guidance on approaches and specific requirements associated with SEA, EIA and AA. |
Integrated Biodoversity Impact Assessment - Streamlining AA, SEA and EIA Processes - Practicioner's Manual
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Published: 2019
ISBN: 978-1-84095-858-4
Pages: 64
Filesize: 2,354 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Bernadette O’Regan, Richard Moles, Yvonne Ryan-Fogarty and Rachel Shawe
Summary: Substantial environmental costs result from infant feeding decisions, not only regarding milks, foods and equipment purchased, but also regarding disposal of plastics, packaging and food waste. Existing infant feeding policies and waste management guidance do not address the disposal and waste aspects.
Identifying Pressures
Healthcare institutions, in an important way, are especially complex settings for taking action to reduce waste. Healthcare employees have many responsibilities; core to this are the health and welfare of patients. This research conducted a study of two Irish maternity units to estimate the range and amount of waste products produced. Parents decided on the initial diet for their new-born infants: breast milk alone, bottled breast milk substitute alone or a combination of both. Bottled milk created waste in maternity units, for example through the disposal of packaging (predominantly plastic) and unused milk (with a high biological oxygen demand). Breast milk created waste streams, for example waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) through the disposal of breast pumps and energy used in the refrigeration of stored milk. A Review Tool, in the form of a set of questions, was developed in order to facilitate the speedy collection of key data in maternity units and identify key personnel who could supply the answers to the Review Tool questions.
Informing Policy
The medical implications of parental decisions regarding the feeding of infants fall outside the scope of this study. The aims of the National Waste Prevention Programme: Towards a Resource Efficient Ireland. A National Strategy to 2020 are supported in this study through evaluation and mitigation of wasteful consumption. The National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2014–2020 is supported through the identification of a previously unreported source of WEEE. Waste management best practice, as set out in A Resource Opportunity: Waste Management Policy in Ireland, is supported through identifying feasible resource efficiency measures. Food procurement is one of eight priorities identified within Green Tenders: An Action Plan on Green Procurement. This report identifies actions that are designed to mitigate impacts associated with the procurement of ready-to-use breast milk substitutes. The report explores ways of mainstreaming mitigation measures identified in maternity ward case studies, thus supporting a wider agenda for sustainable development, as set out in Our Sustainable Future: A Framework for Sustainable Development in Ireland. The study exemplifies the need for, and constraints on, close ties between environmental protection and healthcare provision.
Developing Solutions
Five recommendations within the report identify key issues and, for each, solutions are identified and explained. It was noted that data on waste arising in maternity units were not recorded systematically. Measuring future progress will require better record keeping. The findings suggest that awareness across healthcare personnel and parents about the environmental impacts of infant feeding decisions was often poor. Renewed awareness-raising campaigns are suggested. Procurement policy must reflect the need to maintain the highest standards in healthcare, allied to waste reduction as a priority. Actions to reduce the disposal of unwanted milk to mains drainage are explored. This study found that efficient recycling of plastic bottles that are often used for ready-to-use breast milk substitutes is made difficult as the packaging contains a variety of materials, some of which do not allow identification of the polymer type. The recommendations will have more general relevance for reducing plastic waste. From an environmental perspective, increasing numbers of parents opting for breastfeeding will result in a reduction in the use of plastic bottles, and all reductions in WEEE are to be welcomed. Confining actions to individual maternity units only is unlikely to be fully effective in minimising wastes. This report presents a case study in the adoption of a whole-hospital approach to waste management.
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Research 292: Developing Frameworks for Evaluation and Mitigation of Environmental Impact of Infant Feeding Decisions on Healthcare and Society
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Published: 2021
ISBN: 978-1-80009-016-3
Pages: 45
Filesize: 2,924 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Julian Aherne, Kayla Wilkins and Hazel Cathcart
Summary: Air pollution can have unacceptable impacts on the natural environment. In particular, elevated atmospheric nitrogen deposition can result in changes to the plant communities of natural and seminatural ecosystems, resulting in decreases in plant biodiversity. This project developed empirical critical loads of nutrient nitrogen for 17 Annex I habitats. The project analysis suggests that habitats within the Atlantic biogeographic region have critical loads at the low end or lower than existing UNECE recommended ranges for European habitats.
The Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (the Air Convention) under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) was the first international legally binding instrument to deal with the problems of air pollution on a broad regional scale. The Air Convention established six International Cooperative Programmes (ICPs) on Forests, Waters, Materials, Vegetation, Integrated Monitoring, and Modelling and Mapping to identify the most endangered areas, ecosystems and other receptors by considering the damage that has been caused to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and materials.
Identifying Pressures
Air pollution can have unacceptable impacts on the natural environment; pollutants, such as sulfur and nitrogen oxides, can travel several hundreds or even thousands of kilometres before damage, for example acidification and eutrophication, occurs. Initial efforts to reduce the extent of environmental damage led to national and international legislation aimed at controlling emissions of long-range transboundary air pollution. The work of the Air Convention has underpinned scientific research on the impacts of air pollution during the last three decades. Emphasis on a cost-effective abatement strategy, based on scientific criteria, led to the development of the critical loads concept. In simple terms, this concept indicates how much pollutant deposition an ecosystem can tolerate without unacceptable long-term damage.
Informing Policy
Critical loads are widely used as a tool for assessing the sensitivity of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Exceedance, whereby atmospheric pollutant deposition is greater than the habitat critical load, is used as an indicator of unacceptable effects. The critical loads approach underpins emissions reduction policies under the UNECE’s Air Convention. In addition, critical loads are widely used by European Union (EU) Member States to assess the impacts of national policies on the level of exceedance, evaluate the permitting and licensing of emissions from industrial and agricultural facilities, and support Appropriate Assessments under Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).
Developing Solutions
We developed empirical critical loads of nutrient nitrogen specific to Annex I habitats. Our analysis suggests that plant species in blanket bogs and heathlands are the most sensitive to total nitrogen deposition; we recommend an empirical critical load of 5 kg N ha−1 y−1. In addition, we modelled the deposition velocities for gaseous and particulate nitrogen species to provide a comprehensive assessment of observation-based total nitrogen deposition. We observed a statistically significant increase in the dry deposition of gaseous and particulate nitrogen at Valentia Observatory during 2006–2015. National critical load data have made an important contribution to the abatement of long-range transboundary air pollution; however, critical loads have been virtually ignored under national policy assessments. It is recommended that national participation in the well-established network of ICPs should be formalised and strengthened. The long-standing network provides an obvious framework for national monitoring activities, such as the required ecosystem monitoring under the EU National Emissions Ceiling Directive.
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Research 390: Nitrogen–Sulfur Critical Loads: Assessment of the Impacts of Air Pollution on Habitats
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Published: 2017
ISBN: 978-1-84095-693-1
Pages: 203
Filesize: 6,204 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Katherine E. Webster, Katie Tedd, Catherine Coxon and Ian Donohue
Summary: The overarching goal of this project was to review state of the art EFlow methodology to identify alternatives most suited to the Irish context and for developing flow standards
Environmental flow assessment is a comprehensive approach to river management that considers multiple aspects of water flows required to protect river ecosystems and the valuable services that they provide (such as fisheries, drinking water, flood protection, etc.). Metrics of environmental flow include measurements of flow magnitude compiled at different temporal scales from daily to annual, frequency and duration of high and low flow periods, timing of events, and rates of change, all of which influence the structure and functioning of river ecosystems. River flow regime is determined by factors such as climate and catchment configuration (topography, geology, landcover) and is modified by pressures such as abstraction, catchment land use and channel modification. Thus, key first steps in applying environmental flow assessment approaches to management and policy are (1) development of a classification system that groups similar rivers by flow regime; (2) an understanding of the landscape features distinguishing groups; and (3) evaluation of the response of flow regime to current and projected abstraction pressures.
Identify pressures
The overarching goal of this research was to evaluate state-of-the-art environmental flow methodologies to provide recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the establishment of a landscape-based framework for setting environmental flow standards. The research used long-term (10+ year) records of daily flow from 166 river hydrometric stations to characterise five flow regime classes that differed in flow regime from flashy to stable and in landscape features such as subsurface permeability, soil drainage, precipitation and elevation. A national abstraction geodatabase was compiled to assess current abstraction pressures in relation to available water resources as measured by catchment annual effective rainfall (i.e. rainfall not evaporated or transpired) and low flow of the study rivers. Results of the study provide insights into how abstraction pressures differentially influence the flow regime of Irish rivers depending upon landscape setting and the presence of interacting pressures such as altered channel hydromorphology and land drainage.
Inform policy
The research identified future research needs for robust regulations such as development of ecology-flow relationships, improved understanding of flow modification as one of many interacting pressures influencing rivers, and investigation of flow regimes of under-monitored headwater streams not well-represented in our study rivers. Hydrometric monitoring data from the range of river hydrologic types found in Ireland are critical for evaluating effects of increased abstraction combined with expected climate change.
The research provides a river classification framework applicable to setting future abstraction standards for rivers in Ireland as well as for refinement of risk assessments required under the Water Framework Directive and River Basin Planning. The results highlight the difficulty in defining natural flow regime in the cultural landscape of Ireland where multiple pressures from land and channel modification, land use and abstraction interact to influence river flow. Development of an integrated national database of both abstraction and discharge with adequate temporal resolution and accurate designations of water sources was identified as a critical data need. Outputs from the research and from a stakeholder workshop provide recommendations for future research and a summary of alternative approaches to setting abstraction standards..
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Research 203: Environmental Flow Assessment for Irish Rivers
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Published: 2016
ISBN: 978-1-84095-631-3
Pages: 64
Filesize: 2,424 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Mary Kelly-Quinn, Michael Bruen, Simon Harrison, Mark Healy, John Clarke, Tom Drinan, Hugh B. Feeley, Joanne Finnegan, Conor Graham, John Regan, Sean Blacklocke
Summary: HYDROFOR is an EPA and DAFM-supported multi-sector co-operative project to investigate the impacts of forestry operations on Ireland's aquatic ecology.
Identifying Pressures
Implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires identification and quantification of anthropogenic pressures on water resources and the implementation of Programmes of Measures (POMs) to prevent further deterioration in water quality and achieve least good status for all waters. The 2005 “National Characterisation Report for Ireland” produced during the first WFD management cycle, identified forestry as one of the land-use activities posing potential risk in terms of diffuse pollution due to increased acidification from conifer plantations in acid-sensitive catchments, sedimentation from clear felling, harvesting, new plantations, road construction and erosion on steep catchments, and eutrophication from fertilisation on steep catchments and forest harvesting on peat soils. The Hydrofor project identified windrowing as an additional potential source of sediment and nutrients in streams. The potential for impact depends on the magnitude ofthe pressure and susceptibility of the pathway as well as the sensitivity of the receptor.
Informing Policy
The Water Framework Directive is the key EU legislation requiring Member States to improve and sustainably manage and protect water resources. The research presented in this report will inform forest policy review, environmental considerations in the development of forestry programmes, the refinement of forest and water quality guidelines, and guidance on best practice in relation to forest operations aimed at reducing pollutant inputs. The latter is especially relevant in the development of measures to protect endangered species such as the pearl mussel. The research also has relevance to water quality monitoring and reporting by theEnvironmental Protection Agency and overall land-use planning.
Developing Solutions
Solutions to water quality problems must be underpinned by sound knowledge of the sources and drivers of pollution and the pathways that deliver pollutants to water courses. Hydrofor addressed several key information needs by investigating pollutant inputs from forest operations through the entire forest cycle. The key drivers of the episodic acidity were shown to be organic acidity together with base cation dilution. Higher losses of organic acidity from forests planted on peat were highlighted as a concern. Elevated sediment andphosphorus release to water courses was detected during felling, windrowing and replanting. A small numberof potential mitigation measures (aquatic buffer zones and sediment traps) to address these problems were investigated in this study and the research evidence highlighted their ability to reduce some pollutant inputs. For example sediment pollution may be reduced by careful onsite management of felling and windrowing operations, installation of silt traps and greater application and oversight of best practice guidelines. Mitigation of phosphorus inputs is more challenging on peat soils and depends on the presence of mineral content inriparian soils or installation of mineral barriers.
Link to associated documentation on SAFER
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Research 169: HYDROFOR: Assessment of the Impacts of Forest Operations on the Ecological Quality of Water
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Published: 2014
Pages: 9
Filesize: 169 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Environmental Risk Assessment for Modified recombinant virus vaccine AdCh3NSmut1 |
Environmental Risk Assessment for AdCh3NSmut1
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Published: 2022
ISBN: 978-1-80009-066-8
Pages: 89
Filesize: 5,035 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Mary Kelly-Quinn, Michael Bruen, Jonathan N. Turner, John O’Sullivan, Jens Carlsson, Craig Bullock, Siobhan Atkinson and Colm M. Casserly
Summary: The Reconnect project advanced knowledge on the impact of low-head barriers on connectivity in Irish rivers in terms of sediment dynamics and ecology (fish, macroinvertebrates and macrophytes) through studies undertaken from 2016 to 2020 in four core study areas on the Duag, Dalligan and Burren rivers and Browns Beck Brook and at 35 other locations across 12 river/stream systems. The project also developed a methodology for prioritising barriers for modification or removal to improve hydromorphology and connectivity.
Identifying Pressures
Barriers to freshwater connectivity can impact aquatic fauna and ecological water quality as well as Water Framework Directive (WFD) status, either directly or through their effects on hydrological and morphological elements. It is estimated that there are at least 1.2 million instream barriers in Europe, 68% of which are low-head structures such as weirs, fords and culverts. The Reconnect project contributed to efforts to identify the extent of low-head barriers in Ireland by refining a desk study methodology. The desk study largely eliminated the need to walk entire river catchments to locate barriers, allowing more focused site visits, especially in remote locations, where walkover surveys may be especially difficult and time-consuming. This work was followed by surveys of the nature, extent and characteristics of barriers in 10 catchments. The mapped barriers have been added to the national barriers database held by Inland Fisheries Ireland and to the European Atlas of Barriers. Investigations on fish, macroinvertebrates and sediment dynamics in relation to barriers and their removal have highlighted how their presence may impact these elements through restricted movement or declining habitat quality.
Informing Policy
The WFD requires Member States to achieve at least good ecological and chemical status in all surface water bodies. It recognises that physical habitat is critical in terms of aquatic community structure and functioning, and ecological status rating. The key elements of hydromorphological quality supporting the biological elements include hydrological regime, condition of geomorphic elements (e.g. channel morphology, substrate composition, bank condition and sediment transport) and river connectivity. Barriers to freshwater connectivity impact ecological quality through restricted movement of aquatic organisms, best described for fish. They also impact habitat quality due to the creation of ponded areas behind these structures and altered sediment storage and conveyance. The Reconnect project provided an evidence base on the extent and potential impacts of low-head barriers in Irish rivers that will inform policy relating to their potential removal or modification. The results and recommendations will be particularly important in the 2021–2027 river basin planning cycle and policy development to address alterations to hydromorphological conditions.
Developing Solutions
The Reconnect project produced an evidence base on the extent and potential impact of low-head barriers in Irish rivers that can support identification and justification of appropriate, context-dependent solutions to mitigate their impact. Information on the extent and characteristics of low-head barriers have been provided for 10 river catchments. The project also tested and refined a number of tools that can help prioritisation of barriers for removal or modification to improve connectivity and habitat quality. The species-specific environmental DNA (eDNA) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays that were developed during the project for Atlantic salmon, white-clawed crayfish and shad (allis and twaite) and previously for sea lamprey and pearl mussel proved to be highly effective in assessing the distribution of these target species. They provide a valuable, non-invasive solution for determining the effect of barriers on the species. Finally, a multi-criteria framework that included seven key criteria (cost, flow regulation, heritage value, recreation benefits, sediment, angling/connectivity and river rewilding) for ranking barriers for removal or modification was developed with stakeholder involvement.
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Research 421: Assessment of the Extent and Impact of Barriers on Freshwater Hydromorphology and Connectivity in Ireland (Reconnect)
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Published: 2013
Pages: 6
Filesize: 518 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Guidance on Conducting an Assessment of the Impact of Discharges from a Waste Water Work on the Microbiological Quality of Shellfish in Adjacent Designated Shellfish Waters. |
Shellfish Impact Assessment Guidance
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Published: 2018
ISBN: 978-1-84095-800-3
Pages: 65
Filesize: 1,976 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Florence Renou-Wilson and David Wilson
Summary: The climate changes predicted for Ireland by the end of the 21st century will have significant impacts on drained, rewetted and natural peatland systems. The VAPOR project was established to inform a transition to a climate-resilient Ireland by providing science-based information on the vulnerability of peatlands to climate change, including extreme weather events.
Identifying pressures
Peatlands have played an important role in climate regulation over the past 10,000 years and the rewetting and restoration of peatlands has been demonstrated to offer considerable climate change mitigation opportunities. However, peatlands and organic soils in general are also vulnerable to climate change impacts and understanding and preparing for the effects of climate change – i.e. adaptation – is now seen as the overarching framework for conservation and land use management. The VAPOR project was established to inform a transition to a climate-resilient Ireland by providing science-based information on the vulnerability of peatlands to climate change, including extreme weather events. Long-term greenhouse gas monitoring studies over the last two decades have shown that Irish peatlands have been impacted by a wide range of environmental conditions. These studies provide robust greenhouse gas baseline data that can be used to better understand the effects of climate change on peatland ecosystems.
Informing policy
The results of the climate change simulation scenarios in this study highlight the extreme vulnerability of degraded (drained and rewetted) Irish peatlands to even modest changes in climate (i.e. 1–2°C increase in temperature, reduced summer precipitation). However, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from rewetted areas were lower than those from their drained counterparts, with some rewetted vegetation communities likely to remain sinks of atmospheric CO2 even with moderate climate changes. Drained agricultural peat soils are projected to become even greater hotspots of CO2 emissions.
It is likely that climate change will have significant impacts on all aspects of peatlands, but currently degraded peatlands are most at risk of desiccation, cracking and decomposition, leading to more carbon being released to the atmosphere and to waterways.
Rewetting was found to be a climate-proof, effective mitigation strategy, provided that extreme drying events like summer drought are not a more frequent occurrence. Importantly, the longer that a rewetted peatland is established, the more resilient it will be to climate change. A cost-effectiveness analysis supports early rewetting actions as an effective, low-cost
mitigation measure.
Developing solutions
With the observations highlighted by this research, it is strongly recommended that a national management plan is established to ensure that a sufficient range of natural and rewetted peatlands are properly managed to maintain the necessary water table levels that will sustain as many ecosystem services as possible. Secondly, drained peatlands used for agriculture and peat extraction should be targeted for rewetting as a climate change mitigation strategy to prevent increased greenhouse gas emissions in the future. Rewetting projects on cutover and cutaway sites (public-owned land) should be identified as a “low hanging fruit” mitigation measure.
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Research 250: Vulnerability Assessment of Peatlands: Exploration of Impacts and Adaptation Options in Relation to Climate Change and Extreme Events (VAPOR)
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Published: 2012
ISBN: 978-1-84095-441-8
Pages: 100
Filesize: 2,113 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: The IBIA guidance aims at informing practitioners, plan/project proponents and consent authorities in integrating the requirements of SEA, EIA and AA in order to streamline biodiversity considerations. IBIA should not be seen as a replacement of existing processes but rather as a framework for coordinating them and for promoting best practice in biodiversity impact assessment.
Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment (IBIA) can be defined as a practical and systematic methodological framework for biodiversity impact assessment that integrates SEA requirements with AA for plans and programmes and EIA with AA for projects. Where relevant, IBIA also addresses biodiversityrelevant requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Flood Risk Directive (FRD) and the Environmental Liability Directive (ELD). The framework amalgamates assessment processes to enhance the congruence and efficiency of legal, administrative and operational processes. It is envisaged to coordinate efforts; optimise time and resources; reduce/avoid duplication of efforts by improving communication channels and data sharing and enhance cumulative effects assessment. As such this guidance is complementary to other guidance on approaches and specific requirements associated with SEA, EIA and AA. An integration and improvement of procedures is needed to achieve best results for the protection and conservation of biodiversity.
The IBIA guidance aims at informing practitioners, plan/project proponents and consent authorities in integrating the requirements of SEA, EIA and AA in order to streamline biodiversity considerations. IBIA should not be seen as a replacement of existing processes but rather as a framework for coordinating them and for promoting best practice in biodiversity impact assessment.
The high resolution print file will be available shortly. If you need this urgently please contact n.connolly@epa.ie and it can be sent via email to you. |
Final Report for project 2010-B-DS-4 |
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Published: 2012
Pages: 5
Filesize: 33 KB
Format: excel |
Summary: Excel spreadsheet for Urban Waste Water Treatment Plants for Enviornmental Liabilities Risk Assessment |
Environmental Liabilities Risk Assessment spreadsheet
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Published: 2020
ISBN: 978-1-84095-922-2
Pages: 53
Filesize: 3,883 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Daire Ó hUallacháin, Eleanor Jennings, Patricia Antunes, Stuart Green, Paul Kilgarriff, Suzanne Linnane, Paul O’Callaghan, Matt O’Sullivan, Fiona Regan, Mary Ryan and Mary Kelly-Quinn
Summary: Loss of pollutants from grassland systems to water bodies is a significant threat to water quality and represents one of the main environmental problems facing agri-ecosystems in Ireland. This project evaluated existing literature and generated temporal and spatial data on the environmental impact of cattle exclusion measures.
Identifying Pressures
The COSAINT project highlights that cattle access to watercourses can significantly impact on a number of environmental variables associated with water quality. The negative impact of cattle access to watercourses on sedimentation and bacterial parameters was particularly strong, whereas the impact on nutrient and ecological parameters was more variable and site specific. Increased sediment deposition is increasingly being identified as a key stressor in watercourses. Cattle access points resulted in significant increases in the deposition of fine bed sediment and the infiltration of sediment into stream bed habitats. Increased stream sediment acted as a reservoir for faecal bacteria and phosphorus, which persisted when cattle were removed periodically from the field, but did not persist after cattle access pressures were fully removed. Increased sediment deposition was also a dominant driver of macroinvertebrate community change, although the results here were more variable and site specific. Significant reductions in sediment-sensitive taxa were encountered downstream of cattle access points at several study sites, whereas abundances of sediment-tolerant groups increased. Near real-time monitoring also showed increases in turbidity and suspended sediment and Escherichia coli when cattle were in the stream.
Informing Policy
Fenced riparian buffer measures have been included in most European agri-environment schemes and are among the most common mitigation measures to prevent cattle access to watercourse. However, fencing and cattle exclusion alone may not be sufficient to restore the ecological condition of impacted watercourses. Future policy should consider multiple mitigation measures that interact with one another. For example, fencing to exclude cattle could be coupled with the provision of alternative water supplies and targeted riparian buffer management to yield multiple environmental benefits (including biodiversity and carbon sequestration), thereby achieving maximum environmental improvements. Such an approach could be facilitated under revisions of the Common Agricultural Policy, whereby the quantity of a mitigation measure could be incentivised under Pillar 1 payments, but the performance (linked with targeting and management) of associated measures could be incentivised under Pillar 2 payments (i.e. results-based approaches).
Developing Solutions
The COSAINT project indicates that fencing/exclusion of cattle from watercourses can help improve the quality of environmental indicators over the short and long term. It is therefore important to provide greater knowledge to farmers on the environmental impact of cattle exclusion, coupled with information on appropriate, cost-effective approaches to prevent livestock access to watercourses. Providing greater knowledge to farmers improves confidence in their own ability to undertake water protection measures, such as fencing off watercourses. Encouraging or incentivising farmers to join group learning environments can also improve the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
Future projects and schemes could also develop multiple targeted novel mitigation measures. This could take the form of treatment scenarios. The geographic information system (GIS) framework developed in the COSAINT project could be coupled with available datasets on water quality, hydrology and stocking density and these combined datasets could be used to model the likely response to different treatments (in isolation or integrated), based on the best available spatial data.
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Research 330: COSAINT: Cattle Exclusion from Watercourses: Environmental and Socio-economic Implications
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Published: 2015
ISBN: 978-1-84095-603-0
Pages: 68
Filesize: 4,365 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Alternatives are fundamental to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and are required under the SEA Directive (Directive 2001/42/EC).1. Research Report 157 contains recommendations for the development of these alternatives
Alternatives are fundamental to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and are required under the SEA Directive (Directive 2001/42/EC).1 Consideration of alternatives in SEA provides the opportunity to identify and explore different ways to deliver a plan’s or programme’s objectives while addressing environmental issues. In order to improve this aspect of the SEA process, this research report reviews current practice, both nationally and internationally, makes recommendations for good practice and sets out a methodology for the development and consideration of SEA alternatives.
See also Research 157: MOLAND Lite - Land use modelling for SEA alternatives development and assessment |
Research 157: Developing and Assessing Alternatives in Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
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Published: 2020
ISBN: 978-1-84095-894-2
Pages: 58
Filesize: 3,129 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Philip M. Perrin, Stephen Waldren, Marcin R. Penk and Fionnuala H. O’Neill
Summary: Coastal saltmarshes provide a range of important ecosystem services but face increasing challenges because of human activities. Ecological assessments of saltmarshes are required to inform reporting in compliance with the European Union (EU) Habitats Directive (HD) (92/43/EEC) and Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/EC).
Identifying Pressures
Saltmarshes are intertidal habitats that provide a broad range of high-value ecosystem services, such as carbon storage, dissipation of wave energy and nutrient cycling, and are also recognised as important for biodiversity. However, Irish saltmarshes are subject to a number of pressures that need to be addressed if these habitats and their services are to be maintained or improved. The SAMFHIRES project (1) investigated the effects of nutrient enrichment on saltmarsh soils, plant communities and plant biomass allocation; (2) studied the effects of livestock grazing on the structure, diversity and composition of saltmarsh plant communities; (3) modelled the impacts of different sea level rise scenarios on saltmarsh extent, zonation and functions; and (4) reviewed how the effects of sea level rise could be mitigated through the managed realignment of coastal defences. In the face of these pressures, regular and informative monitoring and assessments of saltmarshes are required. This project sought to assist these processes by reviewing and amending field survey protocols, developing and applying species rarity indices, and examining the classification of less common saltmarsh communities.
Informing Policy
Weak relationships were found between nutrient conditions within saltmarsh soils and those within associated water bodies, indicating that saltmarsh soils may be poor sentinels of eutrophication in those systems. This has repercussions for assessment procedures under the Water Framework Directive and the integrated management of these coastal and transitional water bodies. Changes in above- and below-ground biomass allocation and the abundance of key saltmarsh species with increasing nutrient enrichment are likely to have implications for ecosystem services. Overall, heavy grazing on saltmarshes results in retrogressive succession. Tall, dense vegetation resulting from a lack of livestock grazing benefits some taxa but has negative effects on others; therefore, a policy to provide a range of grazing intensities on larger sites is recommended. Losses of saltmarsh habitat and consequently some functions that provide ecosystem services occurred under a majority of plausible sea level rise simulations that did not incorporate some measure of managed realignment. However, Ireland, which lacks a national coastal defence strategy, is lagging far behind many other countries in Europe in the adoption of managed realignment as a coastal management tool.
Developing Solutions
Developed by this project, MARGOT (Marshes Governed by Tides) is a reduced-complexity, spatially explicit model in R that forecasts the impacts of different sea level rise scenarios, accretion rates and managed realignment strategies on saltmarsh habitats. Based on national plant distribution data, a “Rarity Co-efficient” and related indices were developed to incorporate taxonomic rarity into conservation evaluations that are often based solely on species richness. Community zonation is a key characteristic of Irish saltmarshes but has not been accurately mapped by past surveys because of the coarseness of the available classification systems. The mapping procedures used by field surveys that inform the European Union Habitats Directive Article 17 reporting on Annex I saltmarsh habitats have therefore been amended to incorporate more detailed categories from the Irish Vegetation Classification (IVC). Recommendations have also been made on how to incorporate less common saltmarsh communities into the IVC. Assessment criteria for Annex I habitats and metrics for assessing saltmarshes for the purposes of the Water Framework Directive have both been updated to reflect our improved understanding of saltmarsh ecology
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Research 313: Saltmarsh Function and Human Impacts in Relation to Ecological Status (SAMFHIRES)
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Published: 2006
ISBN: 1-84095-208-3
Pages: 35
Filesize: 1,015 KB
Format: pdf |
Environmental Research Centre - ERC Report 4 - J.A. Kelly
Summary: Examines the Regional Air Pollution Information and Simulation model, a European-scale integrated assessment model dealing with air quality and associated effects. The model outputs are used in the negotiation, setting and assessment of emission ceiling targets for 2020 under the Gothenburg Protocol and the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive - Author: J.A. Kelly |
An Overview of the RAINS Model
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Published: 2008
ISBN: 978-1-84095-005-2
Pages: 62
Filesize: 2,833 KB
Format: pdf |
Environmental Research Centre (Final Report of project 2005-W-FS-5)
Summary: ERC Report 12 - Garrett Kilroy et al.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established this project to develop a decision-making framework for the management of groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems (GWDTEs) at risk of ‘significant damage’, as required by the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), in collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
The principal aims of this project were:
- To identify the locations of groundwater-dependent habitats and species within a selection of candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) by undertaking a desk survey of available data and subsequently to generate a GIS map of the location of GWDTEs in SACs.
- To support the WFD Groundwater Working Group and NPWS staff in their attempts to assess groundwater dependency, sensitivity and significant damage to GWDTEs by developing a framework for their assessment and integration into river basin management plans.
Also available for download:
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A framework for the assessment of groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems under the Water Framework Directive
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Published: 2021
ISBN: 978-1-84095-997-0
Pages: 102
Filesize: 3,412 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Eugene Farrell, Mary Bourke, Tiernan Henry, Gesche Kindermann, Kevin Lynch, Terry Morley, Barry O’Dwyer, John O’Sullivan and Jonathan Turner
Summary: This research is a series of field experiments that measured patterns in the sediment and water pathways in the Golden Strand catchment, Achill Island, County Mayo. The results show that climate changes (storminess, temperature, precipitation) impacts are site specific and require long-term, multi-disciplinary field monitoring programmes (geomorphology; ecology; hydrology) to capture local specificity and environmental variability.
Identifying Pressures
One of the key challenges facing Ireland in the coming decades is the need to increase our resilience to extreme weather events that are impacting, in many cases in devastating ways, our natural and built environments. Concurrently, humaninduced pressures such as grazing, poor farming practices, recreation, urbanisation, sand and gravel mining, pollution, invasive species and erosion are impacting critical ecosystem services (e.g. regulation of flooding and erosion). A fundamental scientific requirement to build landscape resilience is having extensive regional monitoring programmes that measure the forcing and system response (via states, triggers, thresholds and feedback mechanisms). Field studies tracing the movement of sediment between sources (catchment) and sinks (offshore) are important to identify transport pathways and predict regional and localised seabed mobility to changing ocean climates. This research project fills a knowledge gap by implementing a set of integrated, cross-disciplinary field experiments to measure patterns in the sediment and water pathways in Golden Strand catchment, Achill Island, County Mayo. The results highlight (1) the variability in behaviour of different earth systems within catchments and (2) the urgent need to conduct long-term field-based monitoring programmes.
Informing Policy
Climate action to “build capacity” and “increase climate resilience” is now implemented in Irish policy via the Climate Action Plan 2019 and the National Adaptation Framework. The challenge for coastal communities, scientists and managers is to design adaptation measures that are attainable and sustainable so that they can work together to protect and conserve ecosystems and the goods and services they provide (erosion and flood control, habitat, water, amenities, etc.). The results from this study illustrate that (1) many parts of our coastline are attuned to high-energy wave conditions and require extreme storms to cause significant change; (2) existing agricultural practices along coasts are unsustainable and adversely impacting ecosystems; and (3) peatland-dominated catchments have unique hydrological characteristics that require monitoring programmes (of at least 10 years) to effectively capture inherent environmental variability. These results are critical to direct local authority sectors to apply climate policy objectives in different types of catchments and mobilise communities to identify solutions for the pressure points so that future opportunities are not lost.
Developing Solutions
The increase in frequency of extreme weather events and sea level rise is now locked in for Ireland on account of human-induced climate changes over the past century. There is an urgent need to build better regional-scale landscape models and forecasting and alert systems. Building large-scale, reduced-complexity models of the evolution of Irish landscapes to changing climates requires accurate and confirmable predictions of local-scale changes in very specific environments. The results from this project highlight the need for substantial investment to support longitudinal (years to decades) and multi-disciplinary (geomorphology, ecology, hydrology, climatology, oceanography) monitoring programmes to build an inventory of case studies. The most efficient way to do this is to install a dense nationwide network of low-cost field sensors to continuously collect data that can provide the necessary input for environmental management and planning decisions. In Ireland the loss and/or degradation of ecosystems needs to be framed within new climate policy and planning guidelines as a loss of an integral element of local and regional natural heritage that is of considerable scientific, conservation and recreational value.
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Research 376: From Source to Sink: Responses of a Coastal Catchment to Large-scale Changes (Golden Strand Catchment, Achill Island, County Mayo)
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Published: 2006
ISBN: 1-84095-194-X
Pages: 64
Filesize: 2,481 KB
Format: pdf |
Environmental Research Centre - ERC Report 2 - Cleary et al.
Summary: Two issues addressed in this preliminary data validation study are: how do most recent emissions in RAINS (for the year 2000) compare with the relevant estimates for Ireland, and how the emissions projected for 2005 and 2010 compare with independent estimates based on available data. |
National Data for Integrated Assessment Modelling under the Clean Air For Europe
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Published: 2021
ISBN: 978-1-80009-016-3
Pages: 45
Filesize: 2,924 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Julian Aherne, Kayla Wilkins and Hazel Cathcart
Summary: Air pollution can have unacceptable impacts on the natural environment. In particular, elevated atmospheric nitrogen deposition can result in changes to the plant communities of natural and seminatural ecosystems, resulting in decreases in plant biodiversity. This project developed empirical critical loads of nutrient nitrogen for 17 Annex I habitats. The project analysis suggests that habitats within the Atlantic biogeographic region have critical loads at the low end or lower than existing UNECE recommended ranges for European habitats.
The Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (the Air Convention) under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) was the first international legally binding instrument to deal with the problems of air pollution on a broad regional scale. The Air Convention established six International Cooperative Programmes (ICPs) on Forests, Waters, Materials, Vegetation, Integrated Monitoring, and Modelling and Mapping to identify the most endangered areas, ecosystems and other receptors by considering the damage that has been caused to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and materials.
Identifying Pressures
Air pollution can have unacceptable impacts on the natural environment; pollutants, such as sulfur and nitrogen oxides, can travel several hundreds or even thousands of kilometres before damage, for example acidification and eutrophication, occurs. Initial efforts to reduce the extent of environmental damage led to national and international legislation aimed at controlling emissions of long-range transboundary air pollution. The work of the Air Convention has underpinned scientific research on the impacts of air pollution during the last three decades. Emphasis on a cost-effective abatement strategy, based on scientific criteria, led to the development of the critical loads concept. In simple terms, this concept indicates how much pollutant deposition an ecosystem can tolerate without unacceptable long-term damage.
Informing Policy
Critical loads are widely used as a tool for assessing the sensitivity of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Exceedance, whereby atmospheric pollutant deposition is greater than the habitat critical load, is used as an indicator of unacceptable effects. The critical loads approach underpins emissions reduction policies under the UNECE’s Air Convention. In addition, critical loads are widely used by European Union (EU) Member States to assess the impacts of national policies on the level of exceedance, evaluate the permitting and licensing of emissions from industrial and agricultural facilities, and support Appropriate Assessments under Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).
Developing Solutions
We developed empirical critical loads of nutrient nitrogen specific to Annex I habitats. Our analysis suggests that plant species in blanket bogs and heathlands are the most sensitive to total nitrogen deposition; we recommend an empirical critical load of 5 kg N ha−1 y−1. In addition, we modelled the deposition velocities for gaseous and particulate nitrogen species to provide a comprehensive assessment of observation-based total nitrogen deposition. We observed a statistically significant increase in the dry deposition of gaseous and particulate nitrogen at Valentia Observatory during 2006–2015. National critical load data have made an important contribution to the abatement of long-range transboundary air pollution; however, critical loads have been virtually ignored under national policy assessments. It is recommended that national participation in the well-established network of ICPs should be formalised and strengthened. The long-standing network provides an obvious framework for national monitoring activities, such as the required ecosystem monitoring under the EU National Emissions Ceiling Directive.
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Research 390: Nitrogen–Sulfur Critical Loads: Assessment of the Impacts of Air Pollution on Habitats
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Published: 2013
Pages: 57
Filesize: 908 KB
Format: pdf |
Invitation to Tender - Research on Environmental Impacts of Unconventional Gas Exploration & Extraction
Summary: Invitation to Tender - Research on Environmental Impacts of Unconventional Gas Exploration & Extraction
The EPA has invited tenders for a two-year research programme to further our understanding of the potential impacts on the environment and human health from UGEE projects/operations (including construction, operation and aftercare). This research will involve an extensive desk-based literature review of UGEE practices worldwide and some baseline-monitoring. It has been designed to produce outputs, which will assist regulators (North and South) in fulfilling their statutory roles regarding this activity. This research programme is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The research programme will be managed by a steering committee comprising the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government; DCENR; the Geological Survey of Ireland; Commission for Energy Regulation; An Bord Pleanála; Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and the Health Services Executive (nominated, following the Public Consultation).
Important Dates:
· 22nd November 2013: Invitation to Tender advertised via e-Tenders and OJEU
· 9th January 2014 at 5pm: Deadline for queries (to be submitted via e-Tenders website only)
· 17th January 2014 at 12pm: Deadline for submission of Tenders
Documentation:
· View the EPA Press Release (22/11/2013)
· View all the Tender Documentation on E-Tender (Go to E-Tenders) |
Invitation to Tender - Research on Environmental Impacts of Unconventional Gas Exploration & Extraction
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Published: 2022
ISBN: 978-1-80009-066-8
Pages: 89
Filesize: 5,035 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Mary Kelly-Quinn, Michael Bruen, Jonathan N. Turner, John O’Sullivan, Jens Carlsson, Craig Bullock, Siobhan Atkinson and Colm M. Casserly
Summary: The Reconnect project advanced knowledge on the impact of low-head barriers on connectivity in Irish rivers in terms of sediment dynamics and ecology (fish, macroinvertebrates and macrophytes) through studies undertaken from 2016 to 2020 in four core study areas on the Duag, Dalligan and Burren rivers and Browns Beck Brook and at 35 other locations across 12 river/stream systems. The project also developed a methodology for prioritising barriers for modification or removal to improve hydromorphology and connectivity.
Identifying Pressures
Barriers to freshwater connectivity can impact aquatic fauna and ecological water quality as well as Water Framework Directive (WFD) status, either directly or through their effects on hydrological and morphological elements. It is estimated that there are at least 1.2 million instream barriers in Europe, 68% of which are low-head structures such as weirs, fords and culverts. The Reconnect project contributed to efforts to identify the extent of low-head barriers in Ireland by refining a desk study methodology. The desk study largely eliminated the need to walk entire river catchments to locate barriers, allowing more focused site visits, especially in remote locations, where walkover surveys may be especially difficult and time-consuming. This work was followed by surveys of the nature, extent and characteristics of barriers in 10 catchments. The mapped barriers have been added to the national barriers database held by Inland Fisheries Ireland and to the European Atlas of Barriers. Investigations on fish, macroinvertebrates and sediment dynamics in relation to barriers and their removal have highlighted how their presence may impact these elements through restricted movement or declining habitat quality.
Informing Policy
The WFD requires Member States to achieve at least good ecological and chemical status in all surface water bodies. It recognises that physical habitat is critical in terms of aquatic community structure and functioning, and ecological status rating. The key elements of hydromorphological quality supporting the biological elements include hydrological regime, condition of geomorphic elements (e.g. channel morphology, substrate composition, bank condition and sediment transport) and river connectivity. Barriers to freshwater connectivity impact ecological quality through restricted movement of aquatic organisms, best described for fish. They also impact habitat quality due to the creation of ponded areas behind these structures and altered sediment storage and conveyance. The Reconnect project provided an evidence base on the extent and potential impacts of low-head barriers in Irish rivers that will inform policy relating to their potential removal or modification. The results and recommendations will be particularly important in the 2021–2027 river basin planning cycle and policy development to address alterations to hydromorphological conditions.
Developing Solutions
The Reconnect project produced an evidence base on the extent and potential impact of low-head barriers in Irish rivers that can support identification and justification of appropriate, context-dependent solutions to mitigate their impact. Information on the extent and characteristics of low-head barriers have been provided for 10 river catchments. The project also tested and refined a number of tools that can help prioritisation of barriers for removal or modification to improve connectivity and habitat quality. The species-specific environmental DNA (eDNA) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays that were developed during the project for Atlantic salmon, white-clawed crayfish and shad (allis and twaite) and previously for sea lamprey and pearl mussel proved to be highly effective in assessing the distribution of these target species. They provide a valuable, non-invasive solution for determining the effect of barriers on the species. Finally, a multi-criteria framework that included seven key criteria (cost, flow regulation, heritage value, recreation benefits, sediment, angling/connectivity and river rewilding) for ranking barriers for removal or modification was developed with stakeholder involvement.
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Research 421: Assessment of the Extent and Impact of Barriers on Freshwater Hydromorphology and Connectivity in Ireland (Reconnect)
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Published: 2014
Pages: 10
Filesize: 133 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Environmental Risk Assessment for Modified recombinant virus vaccine MVA-NSmut |
Environmental Risk Assessment for MVA-NSmut
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Published: 2021
ISBN: 978-1-80009-000-2
Pages: 108
Filesize: 4,896 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Stephen Flood, Ned Dwyer and Jeremy Gault
Summary: Adaptation action is now urgently needed to reduce the social, economic and environmental impacts of present and future climate change to ensure resilience to both extreme and slow-onset events under a changing climate. This project combines an analysis of international best practice and approaches to the development of climate adaptation indicators, co-designed by key stakeholder representatives from relevant state agencies and regional and national government, to identify a tailored suite of Ireland-relevant climate adaptation indicators. The co-design process identified a suite of 127 recommended indicators – 15 are climatological indicators, 23 are impact indicators, 32 are implementation indicators and 21 are outcome indicators. Ninety-one of these indicators were identified as priority.
Identifying Pressures
Adaptation action is now urgently needed to reduce the social, economic and environmental impacts of present and future climate change to ensure resilience to both extreme and slow-onset events under a changing climate. The need for action necessitates a systematic understanding and measurement of key indicators of climate resilience. Indicators are needed that measure, monitor, track and communicate climate resilience by demonstrating the state or trend of certain environmental or societal conditions in a given area and over a specified period of time. These indicators need to address local and national strategic priorities and hazards. They need to be scalable from a local to a national context and they need to be appropriate for reporting at national and EU levels as well as for international agreements. This should ensure that progress on adaptation to climate change can be reviewed and updated regularly and systematically, as well as being delivered in a format that is understandable and usable by decision-makers.
Informing Policy
The National Adaptation Framework (NAF), published in 2018, provides a strategic policy focus to ensure that adaptation measures are taken across all sectors and levels of governance to increase Ireland’s preparedness for, and reduce vulnerability to, impacts of climate change. To track progress in implementing adaptation actions and, more importantly, to evaluate the outcomes of such actions, it is necessary to ensure that a monitoring, reporting and evaluation (MRE) system is in place. Climate adaptation indicators, when properly designed and implemented, are valuable measures to incorporate into any MRE system and can provide information on the level of resilience of the system. Therefore, indicators have a potential role in reporting progress in relation to implementation of the sectoral adaptation plans and local authority adaptation strategies. There is a strong potential policy alignment of climate change adaptation monitoring and evaluation with emergency management planning, and sustainable development, in the context of developing green infrastructure and sustainable planning.
Developing Solutions
This project combines an analysis of international best practice and approaches to the development of climate adaptation indicators, co-designed by key stakeholder representatives from relevant state agencies and regional and national government, to identify a tailored suite of Ireland-relevant climate adaptation indicators. A literature analysis focused on both European and international approaches to understand the criteria that should be applied to the identification and selection of climate adaptation indicators. Priority climate hazards were identified, through a process of review and stakeholder consultation, as relating to sea level rise and coastal storms, pluvial and fluvial flooding, and extreme events (extreme heat, extreme wind, wildfires, drought and frost). The outcome of the co-design process was the identification of a suite of 127 recommended indicators – 15 are climatological indicators, 23 are impact indicators, 32 are implementation indicators and 21 are outcome indicators. Ninety-one of these indicators were identified as priority. A full list of indicators is tabulated in the report, with a description of each indicator, its sectoral relevance, potential data source, data availability and priority.
Related Publications
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Research 379: Policy Coherence in Adaptation Studies: Selecting and Using Indicators of Climate Resilience
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Published: 2021
ISBN: 978-1-80009-004-0
Pages: 87
Filesize: 6,316 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Jon-Paul Faulkner, Enda Murphy, Henry J. Rice and John Kennedy
Summary: This guide addresses noise pollution from transport as a significant environmental pressure and public health concern. The guide is primarily targeted at practitioners charged with implementing the 5-yearly strategic noise mapping requirements of the Environmental Noise Directive (END). The guide also supports relevant authorities by providing robust analysis and instruction on how to implement strategic noise mapping under CNOSSOS-EU.
Identifying Pressures
In the European Union (EU), 113 million people are estimated to be exposed to noise pollution from transport sources and that is detrimental to their health and quality of life. Internationally, there is a growing evidence base that links noise from transport sources to health issues, including sleep disturbance, annoyance, heart disease, cognitive impairment, quality of life and mental health and wellbeing. This report addresses noise pollution from transport as a significant environmental pressure and public health concern by providing guidance that assists with the practical implementation of recent revisions to the Environmental Noise Directive (END; 2002/49/EC). Given that Ireland has a statutory obligation to meet the requirements of the END, this is a strategic national environmental priority. This guide outlines research conducted to assist with the objective of implementing regulations set out in the END and, in doing so, assists with developing future national capacity that contributes towards meeting Ireland’s legislative obligations under EU law.
Informing Policy
Internationally, this guide contributes to improving the implementation of the END and utilises the new CNOSSOS-EU (Common Noise Assessment Methods in Europe) methodology from 2019 onwards. This document provides a comprehensive good practice guide for implementing CNOSSOS-EU in Ireland. The aim of the guide is to support the fourth round of noise mapping guidance for implementation of the END using the CNOSSOS-EU methodology. The guide is primarily targeted at practitioners charged with implementing the 5-yearly strategic noise mapping requirements of the END. Thus, the guide supports relevant authorities by providing robust analysis and instruction on how to implement strategic noise mapping under CNOSSOS-EU. The guide is based on research carried out from February 2018 to May 2020. Therefore, it does not reflect some policy developments relevant to the fourth round of strategic noise mapping, such as the anticipated revisions to CNOSSOS-EU by means of a delegated directive amending Annex II of Directive 2002/49/ EC, and the revised European Environment Agency (EEA) Reportnet 3 reporting mechanism as a result of Regulation (EU) 2019/1010, introduced in November 2020.
Developing Solutions
The development of strong guidance for implementing environmental legislation has the potential to assist with transitioning to more sustainable environmental practices, which can benefit the health and wellbeing of the wider population. The current shift towards the CNOSSOS-EU methodology for strategic noise mapping provides Irish authorities with the opportunity for a “reset moment” with respect to implementation of the END. In this sense, Ireland has the potential to be a European policy leader in the area. This guide outlines solutions and advice on how to implement the new CNOSSOS-EU noise modelling and mapping methodology from 2019 onwards. It utilises practical examples and explanatory visuals that can be referred to at each step of the process. In this respect, the guide provides instruction regarding road and rail source calculation using commercial software, the generation of strategic noise maps using data interpolation and the estimation of population exposure under CNOSSOS-EU.
Related Publications
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Research 383: Towards a Good Practice Guide for Implementing CNOSSOS-EU (Common Noise Assessment Methods in Europe) in Ireland
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Published: 2017
Pages: 7
Filesize: 122 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This download will bring you to the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) (Enviromental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2016 |
Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) (Enviromental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2016
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Published: 2013
ISBN: 1-84095-124-9
Pages: 51
Filesize: 586 KB
Format: pdf
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Synthesis Report - ERTDI report 18 - Scott et al
Summary: This research project aimed to develop an SEA (Strategic Environmental Assessment) methodology for the successful implementation of the SEA Directive. |
Development Of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Methodologies For Plans And Programmes In Ireland |
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Published: 2012
Pages: 45
Filesize: 389 KB
Format: pdf
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Summary: A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) was carried out on the Plan during its preparation. |
Strategic Environmental Assessment on the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan
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Published: 2013
Pages: 46
Filesize: 478 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Environmental Risk Assessment Dossier for Clinical Trial G0498-01 |
Environmental Risk Assessment Dossier
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Published: 2018
ISBN: 978-1-84095-797-6
Pages: 60
Filesize: 1,719 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Paul O’Callaghan, Mary Kelly-Quinn, Eleanor Jennings, Patricia Antunes, Matt O’Sullivan, Owen Fenton and Daire Ó hUallacháin.
Summary: The primary objective of this literature review was to collate and assess the available literature on the environmental impact of cattle access to watercourses, with an emphasis on empirical research that is directly relevant to the environmental effects.
Identifying Pressures
This review found variable results within and between studies in relation to the impact of cattle access and exclusion on a variety of water quality parameters. The evidence for the benefits of excluding cattle from watercourses seems particularly strong in relation to hydromorphology, sedimentation and bacterial parameters. Conclusions in relation to the impact of cattle access on nutrient parameters are particularly variable, with several studies finding nutrient impacts related to cattle access/exclusion and others observing only minimal or insignificant results.
It should be noted that, although there was variability in relation to the results that were reported, the review did not find any literature indicating that cattle access to watercourses had a positive impact on the majority of the parameters assessed. Thus, the studies included in this review reported that cattle access resulted in a negative impact on stream parameters at worst or in no significant difference at best. Similarly, cattle exclusion studies reported that cattle exclusion had either a positive impact on stream parameters at best or no significant impact at worst.
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Research 260: Impact of Cattle Access to Watercourses: Literature Review on Behalf of the COSAINT Project
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Published: 2022
ISBN: 978-1-80009-029-3
Pages: 60
Filesize: 2,302 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Karen Deignan, Aideen O’Hora, Orlaith Delargy, Laura Heuston and Conor Morrow
Summary: Climate change is already affecting Irish businesses and these impacts are likely to increase in severity. Our research identified material climate risks (pressures) for Ireland’s private sector. By raising awareness of climate risks and opportunities, this research can help the private sector identify and develop solutions to address the environmental and economic challenges that they face. This project can also inform the development of solutions to develop business-level (rather than sector-level) resilience and adaptation plans.
Identifying Pressures
Climate change is already affecting Irish businesses and these impacts are likely to increase in severity. Our research identified material climate risks (pressures) for Ireland’s private sector. Many businesses focus on climate mitigation; they may be taking steps to reduce their energy use or increase recycling to improve efficiencies and reduce costs. However, awareness and understanding of climate adaptation is low. Mobilising action is challenging because of limited in-house specialist knowledge, time/resource constraints and the tendency to focus mainly on near-term risks. The direct engagement approach taken in this project aimed to create greater awareness among businesses of the financial impact of climate change, obtain feedback on the challenges that sectors face and discuss practices or regulation that would enable each sector to do more on climate adaptation.
Informing Policy
The National Adaptation Framework notes that “the Government acknowledges the importance of complementary private sector action to address the impacts of climate change.” It furthermore states that “Each Minister and Agency, where appropriate, should seek to engage with private sector representatives for their respective sector/area in shaping and developing their adaptation plans.” This project has identified climate risks and opportunities at the sectoral level, and the work can inform policies to engage these sectors further to develop solutions and seize opportunities. For example, Enterprise Ireland and Industrial Development Agency Ireland (IDA Ireland) can use the findings to guide their sectoral policies.
Developing Solutions
By raising awareness of climate risks and opportunities, this research can help the private sector identify and develop solutions to address the environmental and economic challenges that they face. Some solutions, e.g. controlling flood risk, may need to be developed with the public sector. This project can also inform the development of solutions to develop business-level (rather than sector-level) resilience and adaptation plans. One potential solution is a practical, scalable workshop-based solution that can be rolled out nationally across the Irish private sector. Furthermore, the examples highlighted in this project can inspire other businesses to develop solutions.
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Research 402: Climate Change Adaptation: Risks and Opportunities for Irish Businesses
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Published: 2013
Pages: 26
Filesize: 697 KB
Format: pdf
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Revised Terms of Reference (Appendix 1 of the Invitation to Tender)for a Programme of Research on Environmental Impacts of Unconventional Gas Exploration & Extraction
Summary: Revised Terms of Reference (Appendix 1 of the Invitation to Tender)
The EPA has invited tenders for a two-year research programme to further our understanding of the potential impacts on the environment and human health from UGEE projects/operations (including construction, operation and aftercare). This research will involve an extensive desk-based literature review of UGEE practices worldwide and some baseline-monitoring. It has been designed to produce outputs, which will assist regulators (North and South) in fulfilling their statutory roles regarding this activity. This research programme is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The research programme will be managed by a steering committee comprising the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government; DCENR; the Geological Survey of Ireland; Commission for Energy Regulation; An Bord Pleanála; Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and the Health Services Executive (nominated, following the Public Consultation).
The EPA launched a public consultation on the draft Terms of Reference on the 11th January 2013, which closed on the 8th March 2013. 1,356 submissions were received. The EPA and the Steering Committee have now reviewed the submissions. The draft Terms of Reference were amended and strengthened after this public consultation.
Submissions:
All valid submissions are available for download at the following link: View the submissions.
View the Draft Terms of Reference |
Revised Terms of Reference for a Programme of Research on Environmental Impacts of Unconventional Gas Exploration & Extraction
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Published: 2017
Pages: 18
Filesize: 611 KB
Format: pdf |
Revised Section 10: Mapping Methodology for Exposure Assessment - Post Processing and Analysis (October 2017)
Summary: The objective of the original Guidance note (version 2, August 2011) was to provide practical information, advice and guidance to designated Noise Mapping Bodies on the development of strategic noise maps under the Environmental Noise Regulations, and reporting of results to the EPA.
This updated methodology for the exposure assessment, based upon the noise mapping results, has been issued as a revised Section 10 (October 2017) of the original EPA Guidance document (2011).
The approach for Round 3 is based on the Small Areas Population Statistics (SAPS) published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), GeoDirectory delivery point data from Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) and An Post, and PRIME2 building data from OSi.
The most recent Census was held on 24 April 2016, and published by CSO at various resolution levels, including Province or County, Province County or City, Regional Authority, Constituency, Electoral Division and Small Areas. Data is not made available at Census Output Area level; rather these are merged up to the Small Area Population Statistics (SAPS) level which provides for the highest level of resolution available to the location of the population. There are 18,641 SAPS covering Ireland in the 2016 Census output data1.
The GeoDirectory data products are developed by OSi and An Post to provide a single point location object for each building in Ireland. The complete dataset is available with the “GeoAddress Locator” product, and each point location has a number of attributes which may be useful in identifying both vacant and occupied dwellings.
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1http://www.cso.ie/en/census/census2016reports/census2016smallareapopulationstatistics/ [Accessed September 2017] |
EPA Guidance Note for Strategic Noise Mapping for the Environmental Noise Regulations 2006 (Version 2 – August 2011)
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Published: 2015
ISBN: 978-1-84095-597-2
Pages: 52
Filesize: 2,260 KB
Format: pdf |
EPA Licence Reg. No. WO184-01
Summary: This interim status report outlines the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) review of air emissions from the ENVA Ireland Ltd. facility in Portlaoise.
This report has been produced in response to concerns raised about the quality, associated impact and risk posed by air emissions from ENVA Ireland Ltd., Portlaoise and the EPA’s associated approach to environmental regulation and enforcement including its dealing with complaints from members of the public. The main emissions of concern are hydrocarbons3, which can result in odour impact as well as specific human health impact if present in the atmosphere in sufficient concentrations. |
Interim status report on the Assessment of Emissions to Air at ENVA Ireland Limited, Portlaoise
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Published: 2013
Pages: 8
Filesize: 597 KB
Format: pdf |
Document for Public Consultation
Summary: Draft Terms of Reference for a Research Programme on the Environmental Impacts of UGEE
EPA/DCENR/NIEA Research Programme on the Environmental Impacts of UGEE
Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction is an emerging issue in Ireland, in particular with regard to the use of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) technology. Recognising the need for detailed scientific information, the EPA initially commissioned preliminary desk research which was published in May 2012 which is available here.
This information has been used, along with other sources such as European Commission reports, to assist in a scoping exercise for a more extensive and comprehensive study of the process. A steering committee has developed proposed Terms of Reference for an extensive and comprehensive programme of research to be funded by the EPA, Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DECNR) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).
The Research Programme will be administered by the EPA on behalf of the funding agencies and steered by a committee with representatives from DCENR, Department of Environment, Community & Local Government (DECLG), the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), An Bord Pleanála (ABP), the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI).
Public Consultation on the DRAFT Terms of Reference
The public consultation on the draft Terms of Reference for a Research Programme on the Environmental Impacts of Unconventional Gas Exploration & Extraction which is in line with the EPA’s policy of openness and transparency, closed on the 8th March 2013.
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Draft Terms of Reference for a Research Programme on the Environmental Impacts of UGEE
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Published: 2013
Pages: 148
Filesize: 720 KB
Format: pdf |
Final Report - ERTDI report 18 - Scott et al
Summary: Developing a suitable methodology in SEAs of development plans and programmes in Ireland |
Development Of Strategic Environmental Assessment Methodologies For Plans And Programmes In Ireland
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Published: 2003
ISBN: 1-84095-120-6
Pages: 17
Filesize: 184 KB
Format: pdf |
Synthesis Report - ERTDI Report 16 - Moran et al
Summary: Developing a methodology for identifying and undertaking risk assessments of sites where waste disposal or recovery activities have been carried on and implementing the necessary measures to prevent or limit any associated environmental pollution. |
Methodology For Assessment Of Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites
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Published: 2013
ISBN: 1-84095-124-9
Pages: 52
Filesize: 740 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: To successfully implement the SEA Directive requirements, plan-makers need to apply best practice techniques where possible. This should be part of an overall approach that makes it easy to comply with the SEA Directive and which also promotes sustainable development. This project aims to develop an SEA methodology that meets these goals.
Executive Summary
This Report has been prepared by ERM Environmental Resources Management Ireland Ltd and provides the findings of the research project entitled “Development of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) methodologies for plans and programmes in Ireland”, funded under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Research, Technological Development and Innovation Programme (Phase 2), 2000–2006 (Ref 2001-EEP/DS-2/5).
Section 1 presents the purpose of the study and the structure of the Synthesis Report.
Section 2 provides a brief background to Strategic Environmental Assessment, using the SEA Directive as the basis for the discussion of SEA principles.
It includes a brief discussion of the procedural and documentation requirements. The implications of the forthcoming transposition of the directive for those who will have to undertake and analyse SEA are discussed in this section. A summary is also provided on what works and what does not work in SEA, based upon the review of international literature on SEA experiences in a range of countries.
Section 3 presents the SEA process as a series of procedural “stages” within which tried-and-tested “tasks” will deliver the required outputs at each stage.
Sections 4 and 5 deal with two elements of SEA that will prove particularly challenging in Ireland: how to effectively include stakeholders at all stages of the SEA process and how to ensure that the SEA documentation is of “sufficient quality”. The use of an SEA Report Checklist is discussed.
Section 6 sets out the overall conclusions of the research project and provides pro-active recommendations to stimulate the development and uptake of SEA in Ireland.
Appendix A lists several potential sources of environmental data that may be consulted during the SEA process.
Appendix B presents the SEA Checklist, which may be used by SEA practitioners to monitor progress during the SEA process or to review draft SEA Reports.
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Synthesis Report On Developing A Strategic Environmental Assessment (Sea) Methodologies For Plans And Programmes In Ireland
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Published: 2002
ISBN: 1-84095-100-1
Pages: 37
Filesize: 287 KB
Format: pdf |
Final report - ERTDI report 8 - Ozdemiroglu et al
Summary: Economic and non-economic approaches to assessing environmental effects. |
Environmental Impacts And Parameters For Inclusion In The Economic Valuation Of Road Schemes
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Published: 2020
ISBN: 978-1-84095-948-2
Pages: 78
Filesize: 5,131 KB
Format: pdf |
Authors: Stephen Flood, Shona Paterson, Ellen O’Connor, Barry O’Dwyer, Hester Whyte, Martin LeTissier and Jeremy Gault
Summary: Ireland’s climate is changing in line with global trends and this trend is expected to continue. This report presents its findings according to the NAF’s four themes: natural and cultural capital, critical infrastructure, water resources and flood risk management, and public health. The impacts of climate change will have direct relevance to the achievement of planning and development objectives and priorities within these themes.
Identifying Pressures
Ireland’s climate is changing in line with global trends and this trend is expected to continue and intensify into the future. Climate change will have wide-ranging effects on all aspects of Ireland’s society, environment and economy. The likely future impacts of climate change in Ireland in terms of physical changes relate to temperature, precipitation and sea level rise, with the most prominent risks associated with projected increases in extreme weather conditions and an increased likelihood of river and coastal flooding. Preliminary economic assessment of these risks has highlighted those risks with the potential to cause substantial disruptions to economic activity. These include the costs of flooding, disruptions to essential services (including threats to critical infrastructure), climate impacts outside Ireland, and effects of climate change on Irish society.
Informing Policy
A clear message to the international community emerging from the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris was the need for accelerated action to build climate resilience through risk-sensitive planning, and to advance risk assessment and management at local, national, sub-regional and regional levels. This recommendation is echoed in Ireland’s National Adaptation Framework (NAF), which identified risk assessment as a prerequisite for strategic planning for climate change, and in how Ireland is preparing to respond to climate change. Reflecting the requirements of Ireland’s NAF, the Climate Action Plan requires consideration of climate change impacts. Such information supports decision-making in relation to appropriate mitigation and adaptation actions for existing planning for future development by highlighting potential future impacts, vulnerabilities and risks.
Developing Solutions
Adapting Ireland to existing and future climate change impacts requires information not only on exposure to climate change and impacts but also on the vulnerability of people and communities to these impacts. Climate risk results from the interaction of hazards, exposure and vulnerability. While hazards are related to the physical aspect of risks (natural variability and anthropogenic climate change), exposure and vulnerability encompass socio-economic processes This national Climate Change Risk Assessment adopts a tiered assessment approach to capture the range of climate-driven risks across Irish society. This tiered approach provides a methodology to carry out an effective climate risk screening process in the face of a range of constraints linked with finances, personnel, time and data availability. In order to facilitate policy cohesion and alignment with Ireland’s NAF, this report presents its findings according to the NAF’s four themes: natural and cultural capital, critical infrastructure, water resources and flood risk management, and public health. The impacts of climate change will have direct relevance to the achievement of planning and development objectives and priorities within these themes.
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Research 346: National Risk Assessment of Impacts of Climate Change: Bridging the Gap to Adaptation Action
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Published: 2002
ISBN: 1-84095-105-2
Pages: 47
Filesize: 900 KB
Format: pdf |
Final Report - ERTDI report 9 - O’Mahony et al
Summary: Review of recent international literature on environmental impacts of the transport sector and on the integration of environmental considerations into transport planning and operations |
Scope Of Transport Impacts On The Environment
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Published: 2005
ISBN: 1-84095-174-5
Pages: 25
Filesize: 334 KB
Format: pdf |
ERTDI Report 38 - Final Report - Daly et al
Summary: An examination of the impact of soil chemical properties on P sorption and desorption, so that a risk assessment of P loss from soil types could be developed using identifiable soil chemical characteristics. |
Eutrophication From Agricultural Sources: Phosphorus Chemistry Of Mineral And Peat Soils In Ireland
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Published: 2018
Pages: 6
Filesize: 539 KB
Format: pdf
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National Implementation Plan on Persistent Organic Pollutants SEA Pre-Screening Statement and Determination
Summary: Strategic Environmental Assessment Pre-Screening Statement and Determination in relation to the 2018 update on the National Implementation Plan on Persistent Organic Pollutants |
National Implementation Plan on POPs SEA Pre-Screening Statement and Determination
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Published: 2020
ISBN: 978-1-84095-953-6
Pages: 460
Filesize: 48,461 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: Ireland's Environment 2020 provides an update on the environmental challenges that we face both nationally and globally. The report adds to a range of thematic and research reports available from the EPA that cover many of the issues reported on in more detail. |
Ireland's Environment 2020 - An Assessment - Report
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Published: 2020
Pages: 80
Filesize: 2,239 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This guidance note seeks to present general principles and suitable methods that may be used to assess and report on the impact of air emissions from EPA licensed industrial installations. The original version of this guidance note was published by the EPA in 2010. This document is a revision of that original that has been prepared to reflect the changes in regulatory and modelling practices that have occurred in the interim. The document is aimed at practitioners, and as such, assumes a general understanding of the theory of air dispersion modelling and the tools available to undertake an assessment. |
EPA Air Dispersion Modelling Guidance Note (AG4) 2020
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Published: 2018
Pages: 12
Filesize: 416 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This is the submission made by the EPA on the Regional and Spatial Economic Strategy (the RSES) for the Northern and Western Region and the associated Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) scoping process which issued in February 2018. |
EPA submission on SEA scoping for the Regional and Spatial Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Northern and Western Region
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Published: 2019
Pages: 12
Filesize: 601 KB
Format: pdf |
Summary: This is the submission made by the EPA on 16th February 2018 on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) scoping for the Regional and Spatial Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern and Midlands Region and the associated Issues Paper consultation document. |
EPA submission on the SEA scoping for the Regional & Spatial Economic Strategy for the Eastern & Midlands Region
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