Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath - Environmental Impact Assessment Report to Inform Screening Meath County Council
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Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath Environmental Impact Assessment Report to Inform Screening Meath County Council October 2019 Updated February 2021
Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath, February 2021
Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening
Quality information
Prepared by Checked by Verified by Approved by
Elaine Keenan BSc, MSc, Rosalind Finney Niamh O Connell BA (Mod) Eoin O’Mahony
PhD, MIEnvSc Principal Environmental Env, H dip Env Eng, MSc Regional Director
Environmental Consultant Consultant PM, MIEnvSc
Principal Environmental
Consultant
Revision History
Revision Revision date Details Authorized Name Position
00 October 2019 Draft Issue Yes Niamh O Connell Principal
Environmental
Consultant
01 09-01-20 Client Comments Yes Niamh O Connell Principal
Environmental
Consultant
02 17/02/21 Client Comments Yes Niamh O Connell Principal
Environmental
Consultant
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# Hard Copies PDF Required Association / Company Name
Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath, February 2021 Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening Prepared for: Meath County Council Prepared by: Environmental Consultant AECOM Ireland Limited 4th Floor Adelphi Plaza Georges Street Upper Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin A96 T927 Ireland T: +353 1 238 3100 aecom.com © 2021 AECOM Ireland Limited. All Rights Reserved. This document has been prepared by AECOM Ireland Limited (“AECOM”) for sole use of our client (the “Client”) in accordance with generally accepted consultancy principles, the budget for fees and the terms of reference agreed between AECOM and the Client. Any information provided by third parties and referred to herein has not been checked or verified by AECOM, unless otherwise expressly stated in the document. No third party may rely upon this document without the prior and express written agreement of AECOM. About AECOM Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited AECOM is a global provider of professional services to a broad range of markets. With approximately 87,000 employees, we have a community of over 9000 environmental consultants sharing expertise, leading-edge technology and best practice to deliver excellent project solutions for our clients. We work alongside clients to integrate environmental concerns into decision making to protect the environment, enhancing it for future generations. Air management AECOM’s Air Quality practice provide a complete range of services including: emissions/GHG inventories; emissions modelling; ambient monitoring; dispersion modelling; odour, dust & bioaerosol assessment; construction management plans; environmental permitting; BREEAM; indoor air quality; occupational exposure; and expert witness. Our clients include oil and gas, energy, industrial, government, utilities, waste, mining, transportation and real-estate. Archaeology AECOMs integrated heritage teams’ offers specialist consultancy services in archaeology, historic landscape and townscape, built heritage and conservation. From site selection, planning and expert witness to mitigation design and site management, AECOM is involved in many of the highest profile infrastructure and development projects in the country. Ecology/land management AECOMs teams of in-house ecologists cover terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments, supporting our clients through planning, design, asset management, monitoring and research. We provide expert, pragmatic and proportionate advice across all development project stages from site selection and acquisition, through planning applications and EIA, detailed design of mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures, and operational site management. Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath, February 2021 Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening Geotechnical investigation AECOM provides comprehensive ground engineering solutions. Our geotechnical specialists work in a multi- disciplinary environment to help our clients manage ground risks through robust geological modelling & appropriate investigation and analysis, allowing us to produce efficient designs for retaining walls, foundations and earthworks. We have particular strengths in ground improvement & materials re-use by conditioning thereby saving cost, time and enhancing sustainability. Our work routinely includes desk studies, site investigations, field testing and analysis, interpretation and reporting. Landscape management AECOM provides specialist, integrated consultancy and delivery of landscape management services. We operate at all scales from single sites to major land holdings, including audits, strategies and plans for long-term management, contract administration and monitoring. We develop and deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions to complex problems through our teams of specialists, including bespoke database and mapping systems, Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) and re-vegetation strategies and remote sensing technologies Noise/vibration AECOM’s Acoustics and Vibration consultants provide sound, noise and vibration support to our clients across the life cycle, from project concept, through planning and design and throughout operation such as for compliance, site expansion and decommissioning. Work includes strategic noise mapping, auralisation, impact assessment, prediction and measurement / monitoring, occupational noise and vibration assessment; building and architectural acoustics. Software/GIS AECOM’s Geospatial and software development team support clients from a range of sectors. We use all major industry leading GIS software, including open source applications. The key services we offer include application development (WebGIS, analytical & reporting systems (desktop and web), mobile applications & ETL tool creation), mapping and analysis (mapping and cartography, spatial analysis and modelling, earth observation/ remote sensing and 3D/ visualisation) and data acquisition and processing (database design and development for desktop, web and GIS, data management and data capture). Stakeholder relations/partnerships AECOM successfully delivers communication, engagement and relationship management services for a number of high-profile policy initiatives, infrastructure projects and environmental initiatives. Our role is to build understanding of proposals with all stakeholders, seek their views in a timely manner and, where possible, develop consensus. We engage and build effective working relationships with local authorities, land/property owners, technical stakeholders as well as businesses, local communities, locally elected representatives, specialist interest groups and the media. Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment - Quality Mark. AECOM is one of the eight founding members of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment’s Quality Mark. We are a global leader in EIA with one of the strongest track records in the management and delivery of complex EIA projects. We provide solutions to ensure our clients get their projects consented, built and operated according to all environmental, social and business requirements. Those clients come from a range of sectors including oil and gas, energy, industrial, utilities, mining, transportation and real-estate. In terms of quality, AECOM is an EIA Quality Mark Registrant, which is a scheme operated by the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) that allows organisations (both developers and consultancies) that lead the co-ordination of statutory EIAs in the UK to make a commitment to excellence in their EIA activities and have this commitment independently reviewed. EIA Quality Mark registrants must adhere to seven key commitments of this scheme which underpin and maintain its high standards. These are: Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath, February 2021
Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening
· EIA Management – commitment to using effective project control and management processes to deliver
quality in EIA and the ES’s produced;
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undertake regular and relevant continuing professional development;
· EIA Regulatory Compliance – commitment to delivering Environmental Statements that meet the
requirements established within the appropriate UK EIA Regulations;
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that it is transparently indicated how the EIA process, and any consultation undertaken, influenced the
development proposed and any alternatives considered;
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baseline; assessment and transparent evaluation of impact significance; and an effective description of
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and understandable manner; and
· Improving EIA practice – commitment to enhance the profile of good quality EIA by working with IEMA
to deliver a mutually agreed set of activities, on an annual basis, and by making appropriate examples of
our work available to the wider EIA community.
Elaine Keenan is an Environmental Consultant and a full member of The Institute of Environmental Sciences,
who provides technical support to the environment and planning team across a range of multidisciplinary
projects. Elaine has produced documents such as EIA Screening Reports and has inputted into chapters for both
EIA Scoping Reports and EIAR. Elaine also co-ordinates aspects of EIA as part of EIAR deliverables and carries
out environmental site inspections.
Niamh O Connell is a Principal Environmental Consultant within the Infrastructure and Environment Ireland
Group in the AECOM Dublin Office. She graduated with an honours degree in Environmental Sciences from
Trinity College (2000) and has since earned two post graduate diplomas in Environmental Eng (TCD, 2004) and
Bus Studies (UCD, 2001) and a Masters in Project Management (UCD, 2010).
Niamh has 14 years’ experience of major infrastructural highway and light rail schemes having worked with both
public and private sector clients. Her experience relates to planning, design, assessment, review, construction
and site supervision of all the environmental elements on highway schemes. Niamh has also undertaken the lead
role on environmental risk feasibility for major expansion work and is now taking that project through to the
preparation of EIAR as EIAR co-ordinator. Niamh has been a senior member of the project team on the design
and construction phases of over 190km of motorway network in Ireland under D&B, PPP and ECI contracts
including the N8 Dunkettle Interchange, N9/N10 phase 4, M3 Clonee to Kells, N8 Cashel to Mitchelstown ECI, N8
Fermoy to Mitchelstown and N7 Castletown to Nenagh. In addition, she has experience though the construction
phase Construction Environmental Co-ordinator on the ECI Luas Cross City rail project.
Rosalind Finney is a Principal Environmental Consultant within the Infrastructure and Environment Ireland
Group in the AECOM Galway Office. She has over 19 years international experience in a variety of impact
assessment related projects, such as Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA’s); contaminated land
assessments; and due diligence assessments. Of note for this project is Rosalind’s experience project managing
highway development and construction EIA’s for the Land Transport Authority of Singapore. These studies
involved adherence to the International Finance Corporation and included detailed acoustic, water, geology and
hydrogeological, air quality and cultural heritage assessments to feed into robust environmental management
and monitoring plans.
Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath, February 2021
Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening
Table of Contents
1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1
2 EIAR Screening Process ................................................................................. 2
2.1 Legislation .......................................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Sub Threshold Assessment ................................................................................................................. 3
2.3 Outcome of the Above Relating to the Subject Proposed Development ................................................. 5
3 Proposed Development ................................................................................... 5
3.1 Location and Footprint ......................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Key Design Features ........................................................................................................................... 7
3.2.1 Design Standards and Road Type........................................................................................................ 7
3.3 Other Existing and/or Proposed Developments .................................................................................... 7
3.4 Natural Resources ............................................................................................................................ 10
3.5 Waste ............................................................................................................................................... 11
3.6 Pollution and Nuisances .................................................................................................................... 11
3.6.1 Utilities.............................................................................................................................................. 11
4 Environmental Site Setting .............................................................................11
4.1 Surrounding Land Use....................................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Existing Natural Environment ............................................................................................................. 13
4.2.1 Wetlands, Riparian Areas and River Mouths....................................................................................... 13
4.2.2 Coastal Zones and the Marine Environment ....................................................................................... 13
4.2.3 Mountain and Forest Parks................................................................................................................ 13
4.2.4 Areas Classified or Protected under Legislation.................................................................................. 13
4.2.5 Biodiversity ....................................................................................................................................... 14
4.2.6 Population and Human Health ........................................................................................................... 15
4.2.7 Cultural Heritage ............................................................................................................................... 15
4.2.8 Landscape Character and Visual Amenity .......................................................................................... 17
4.2.9 Land, Soils and, Groundwater............................................................................................................ 19
4.2.10 Air Quality and Climate...................................................................................................................... 20
4.2.11 Noise and Vibration ........................................................................................................................... 20
5 Potential Impacts ........................................................................................... 22
5.1 Nature of the Effect ........................................................................................................................... 22
5.1.1 Biodiversity ....................................................................................................................................... 22
5.1.2 Population and Human Health ........................................................................................................... 22
5.1.3 Cultural Heritage ............................................................................................................................... 23
5.1.4 Landscape Character and Visual Amenity .......................................................................................... 23
5.1.5 Land, Soils, and Groundwater............................................................................................................ 24
5.1.6 Water................................................................................................................................................ 24
5.1.7 Air Quality and Climate...................................................................................................................... 24
5.1.8 Noise and Vibration ........................................................................................................................... 25
5.1.9 Waste ............................................................................................................................................... 26
5.1.10 Risk of Accidents and/or Disasters ..................................................................................................... 27
5.1.11 Land Use, Use of Natural Resources and Other Existing and Proposed Developments ....................... 27
5.2 Control Measures .............................................................................................................................. 27
6 Screening Conclusions and Recommendations ............................................ 30
6.1 Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 31
Appendix A Planning Search ...................................................................................... 1
Appendix B Natura Impact Assessment ..................................................................... 1
Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath, February 2021 Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening Figures Figure 3-1: Julianstown Traffic Calming Scheme - Site Location ......................................................................... 6 Figure 4-1 Julianstown Land Use Zoning Objectives Map (as per Meath County Council Development Plan 2013- 2019).............................................................................................................................................................. 13 Figure 4-2 River Nanny Estuary and Shore Special Protection Area (site code 004158) .................................... 14 Figure 4-3 Julianstown Village Design Concept (as per Meath County Council Development Plan 2013-2019) .. 18 Figure 4-4 Irish Geological Heritage Site Laytown to Gormanstown (as per the Geological Survey Ireland Spatial Resources) ..................................................................................................................................................... 19 Figure 4-5 Groundwater vulnerability and subsoil permeability within the Proposed Development Site (as per the Geological Survey Ireland Spatial Resources)5 ................................................................................................ 20 Figure 4-6 Strategic Noise Mapping of the Major Roads within the environ of the Proposed Development (as per the EPA Online Mapper) .................................................................................................................................. 21 Tables Table 2-1: Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment Criteria Established Under the Planning and Development Regulations ................................................................................................................................. 3 Table 2-2: Summary of the Mandatory Legislative Requirements for Environmental Impact Assessment Impact Screening under the Roads Act ......................................................................................................................... 3 Table 2-3: Summary of the Sub-threshold Legislative Requirements for Environmental Impact Assessment Screening ......................................................................................................................................................... 4 Table 3-1: Planning Applications in Proximity to Proposed Development Site ...................................................... 8 Table 4-1: Protected Structures within 100 m of the Proposed Development Site .............................................. 16 Table 4-2: Recorded Monuments within 100 m of the Proposed Development Site ........................................... 17 Table 5-1: Maximum Permissible Noise Levels at the Façade of Dwellings during Construction ......................... 25 Table 5-2: Typical Allowable Vibration during Road Construction to Minimise Risk of Building Damage .............. 26 Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath,
Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening February 2021
1 Introduction
This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Report has been prepared on behalf of Meath County
Council (hereafter referred to as the ‘Applicant’) to accompany their planning application for a traffic calming
scheme in Julianstown County Meath. This Screening Report sets out the screening methodology; the scope of
the calming scheme (hereafter referred to as the ‘Proposed Development’); the Proposed Developments potential
to interact with the environment; sets out whether an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is
required; and provides recommendations on further assessments that may be required. Both the construction
and operational phases of the Proposed Development are considered.
The Meath County Council Plan 2013-2019 Town and Village Statement for Julianstown1 looks to improve and
encourage sustainable modes of transport including pedestrian and cyclist facilities while also improving traffic
movement within the village. This plan is currently in the process of being updated and as such the draft plan has
also been considered. The Draft Meath County Development Plan 2021-20272 Julianstown written statement
highlights an opportunity to enhance the pedestrian environment. The written statement also highlights the main
access road through the village is characterised by a large volume of traffic and traffic calming measures, public
lighting and continuous footpaths could contribute to an improved pedestrian environment.
The Applicant is proposing to upgrade circa 2.08 km (circa 0.208 ha) of the existing road network in Julianstown
village. The Proposed Development would aim to reduce traffic speeds and alleviate pressure within Julianstown
village leading to an improvement in road safety through the introduction of traffic calming features which will
reduce vehicle speeds and in turn provide better facilities for pedestrians.
The developer and appointed contractor have a duty of care to the environment, it is assumed the Proposed
Development will comply with best practice and will incorporate integrated controls into the design of the
Proposed Development and the site Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). The implementation
of inherent controls has been assumed when identifying potential impacts. With these controls in place, and
subject to further studies required by landscape and visual and cultural heritage (as outlined below), no EIAR will
be required for the Proposed Development.
1
https://countydevelopmentplan.meath.ie/adoptedplan/
2
https://consult.meath.ie/en/consultation/meath-draft-county-development-plan/chapter/julianstown
Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
1
Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath,
Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening February 2021
2 EIAR Screening Process
This section of the report outlines the legislative basis for “Screening” in order to decide whether a road
development requires the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR).
The European Communities Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 85/337/EC, codified by Directive
2014/52/EU, lists those projects that require an EIAR (Annex I) and those projects for which an assessment must
be undertaken to determine if they are likely to result in likely significant effects (Annex II). For Annex II projects,
individual Member States can choose to institute specific thresholds or project specific considerations, or a
combination of both of these approaches to arrive at a decision regarding the requirement for an EIAR.
In Ireland, the process of ascertaining whether a development requires an EIAR is determined by the Planning
and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended).
For road developments specifically, the requirements are outlined in the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
Annex II developments that do not exceed the thresholds for the mandatory requirement to prepare an EIAR are
categorised as sub-threshold and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether or not they
are likely to have significant impacts on the existing environment. The likelihood of a significant environmental
effect is the principal matter around which consideration of the requirement for an EIAR is based.
A significant environmental effect has the potential to occur as a result of the nature of the Proposed
Development, the scale, massing or magnitude of the Proposed Development and the intended location of the
development in relation to a particular environments’ sensitivity to the development.
The screening is subsequently undertaken in line with Section 3.2 of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
2017 ‘Draft Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Report’.
2.1 Legislation
The EIA Directive (Directive 85/337/EEC) requires an environmental assessment to be carried out prior to
development consent being granted for projects considered likely to have a significant effect on the environment.
The newly amended Directive 2014/52/EU improves the level of environmental protection for the environment,
and pays greater attention to emerging threats and challenges such as resource efficiency, climate change and
disaster prevention.
The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as
amended) and the Roads Act 1993 (as amended); provide guidance as to the specific requirements for both
public and private projects to assess their potential effects on the environment and the steps to be undertaken in
relation to whether an EIAR is required3. Tables 2-1 and 2-2 outline the mandatory criteria considered under
legislation during this EIAR screening assessment.
3
Insert reference to section176 of the P&D act
Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
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Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath,
Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening February 2021
Table 2-1: Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment Criteria Established Under the Planning and
Development Regulations
Mandatory Regulatory Mandatory
Reference Criteria
Met?
Part 2 (10) (b) (iv) Urban development which would involve an area greater than 2 Planning and
hectares in the case of a business district, 10 hectares in the case of other parts of a Development
built-up area and 20 hectares elsewhere4. Regulations 2001 (as
amended) No
Table 2-2: Summary of the Mandatory Legislative Requirements for Environmental Impact Assessment
Impact Screening under the Roads Act
Mandatory Regulatory Reference Mandatory
Criteria Met?
1. Construction of a motorway S. 50.- (1) (a)(i) of the Roads Act,
No
1993 (as amended)
2. Construction of a busway S. 50.- (1) (a)(ii) of the Roads Act, No
1993 (as amended)
3. Construction of a service area S. 50.- (1) (a)(iii) of the Roads Act No
1993 (as amended)
The construction of a new road of four or Article 8 of the Roads Regulations,
4. Any prescribed type more lanes, or the realignment or widening 1994 (Road development prescribed
of Proposed of an existing road so as to provide four or for the purposes of S. 50(1)(a) of the
Development more lanes, where such new, realigned or Roads Act 1993 (as amended) No
consisting of the widened road would be eight kilometres or
construction of a more in length in a rural area, or 500
proposed public road metres or more in length in an urban area;
or the improvement of
The construction of a new bridge or tunnel Article 8 of the Roads Regulations,
an existing public
which would be 100 metres or more in 1994 (Road development prescribed
road, namely: No
length. for the purposes of S. 50(1)(a) of the
Roads Act, 1993 (as amended)
Source: National Roads Authority (NRA) Environmental Impact Assessment of National Road Schemes- A Practical Guide
(NRA 2008)
As the mandatory criteria for both a road development under the Roads Act and the Planning and Development
Act have not been met for the Proposed Development, this application is therefore subject to Sub Threshold
assessment, where the likely significant effects on the environment must be determined in order to ascertain if an
EIAR is required.
2.2 Sub Threshold Assessment
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government published a Guidance document in August
20035, entitled “Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guidance for Consent Authorities regarding Sub-
threshold Development”. The publication intended to assist planning and other consenting authorities in deciding
if significant effects on the environment are likely to arise in the case of works that are below the national
mandatory EIAR thresholds.
Where the Proposed Development does not meet, or exceed, the applicable threshold (as outlined above), the
likelihood of the Proposed Development having significant effects on the environment needs to be considered.
The discretionary (or sub-threshold) requirements are based on an assessment of the likely significant
environmental effects of the Proposed Development.
5
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-
files/en/Publications/Environment/Miscellaneous/FileDownLoad%2C1804%2Cen.pdf
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3Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath,
Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening February 2021
The Roads Act, 1993 (as amended), outlines circumstances under which an EIAR for a sub-threshold road
project may be required; these are summarised in Table 2-3.
Table 2-3: Summary of the Sub-threshold Legislative Requirements for Environmental Impact
Assessment Screening
Sub-threshold Requirements Regulatory Reference
If An Bord Pleanála considers that any road development proposed (other than development to S. 50(1)(b) of the Roads
which paragraph (a) applies) consisting of the construction of a proposed public road or the Act, 1993 (as amended)
improvement of an existing public road would be likely to have significant effects on the
environment it shall direct that the development be subject to an environmental impact
assessment.
Where a road authority or, as the case may be, the Authority considers that a road development S. 50(1)(c) of the Roads
that it proposes (other than development to which paragraph (a) applies) consisting of the Act, 1993 (as amended)
construction of a proposed public road or the improvement of an existing public road would be
likely to have significant effects on the environment, it shall inform An Bord Pleanála in writing
prior to making any application to the Bord for an approval referred to in section 51(1) in respect
of the development.
In particular, where a proposed development (i) a European Site within the meaning of S. 50(1)(d)(i-vi) of the
(other than development to which paragraph Regulation 2 of the European Communities (Birds Roads 1993 (as amended)
(a) applies) consisting of the construction of and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 ( S.I. No.
a proposed public road or the improvement 477 of 2011 )
of an existing public road would be located
on — (ii) land established or recognised as a nature
reserve within the meaning of section 15 or 16 of
the Wildlife Act 1976 (No. 39 of 1976)
(iii) land designated as a refuge for fauna or flora
under section 17 of the Wildlife Act 1976 (No. 39
of 1976)
(iv) land designated a natural heritage area under
section 18 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000
(v) A Nature Reserve within the meaning of
sections 15 or 16 of the Wildlife Act, 1976. (vi)
Refuge for Fauna
(vi) Refuge for Fauna under section 17 of the
Wildlife Act, 1976.
The road authority or the Authority, as the case may be, proposing the development shall decide whether or not the proposed
development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.
Where a decision is being made pursuant to this subsection on whether a road development that S. 50(1)(e) of the Roads
is proposed would or would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment, An Bord Act, 1993 (as amended)
Pleanála, or the road authority or the Authority concerned (as the case may be), shall take into
account the relevant selection criteria specified in Annex III.
Where a road authority or the Authority, as (i) make the decision available for inspection by S. 50(1)(f) of the Roads
the case may be, makes a decision under members of the public, and Act, 1993 (as amended)
paragraph (d) it shall —
(ii) make an electronic version of the decision
available on its website.
Roads Act 1993, as amended
In considering whether a project is likely to have significant environmental effects, the Planning Authority, must
have regard to the criteria set out in Annex III of the EIA Directive, as amended, which under Irish law is outlined
in Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended).
The criteria are grouped under three headings:
1. Characteristics of Proposed Development;
2. Location of Proposed Development; and
3. Type and Characteristics of Potential Impacts.
Consent authorities must have regard to these criteria in forming an opinion as to whether or not a sub-threshold
development such as the proposed works at the Proposed Development site, are likely to have significant effects
on the environment.
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4Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath,
Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening February 2021
2.3 Outcome of the Above Relating to the Subject
Proposed Development
An EIAR is not a mandatory requirement for the subject Proposed Development as it does not fall under the
criteria outlined in the Roads Act, 1993 (as amended) (
Table 2-2) nor the criteria set on in Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 ( as
amended).
Giving consideration to Schedule 7 and Schedule 7(a) of the Planning Regulations 2001 (as amended), and
being cognisant of updated criteria set out in Annex III of the EIA Directive, as amended, the assessment below
was undertaken in order to determine if the Proposed Development is likely to have significant effects on the
environment due to its proximity to sites of European importance and its location within an Architectural
Conservation Area.
3 Proposed Development
3.1 Location and Footprint
The Proposed Development is located in the semi-urban Julianstown Village (53.6665574,-6.2798574). The
environs surrounding the Proposed Development include residential areas, one off housing, local amenities such
as Julianstown Golf and Pitch and Putt Course and Whitecross Primary School, agricultural lands, the River
Nanny and the Mosney Stream. Terrestrial habitats are dominated by grass verges, scattered trees, treelines and
hedgerows.
The Proposed Development comprises traffic calming features along the R132, the main road through
Julianstown. The upgrade would extend from Glebe in Julianstown West to Keenoge Julianstown South (Figure
1-1) and includes reduced road widths, pedestrian footpaths, shared surfaces, pedestrian crossings, raised
junctions and landscaping.
Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
5Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath,
Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening February 2021
Figure 3-1: Julianstown Traffic Calming Scheme - Site Location
Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
6Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath,
Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening February 2021
3.2 Key Design Features
3.2.1 Design Standards and Road Type
The Proposed Development includes road alignment to include:
· Sections of shared surfaces for pedestrians and cyclists;
· Areas of landscaping;
· Bus stop and bus shelters;
· Signalised pedestrian crossings and raised pedestrian crossings;
· The widening of sections of existing footpaths;
· Raised junctions;
· Traffic islands;
· Dished kerbs; and
· Signage.
The footprint of Julianstown Bridge, a recorded structure, will not be altered by the Proposed Development. The
preliminary design of the scheme involves works on the bridge including widening of the footway into the
carriageway. A pedestrian barrier will be added to the bridge parapet.
The existing drainage is a closed pipe surface water drainage system. It is intended that the proposed system will
reuse the current system and include petrol interceptors. At present it is not clear where the outfall of this system
is, however a drainage survey will be carried out as part of the detailed design and appropriate mitigation in line
with design industry standards will be employed within the design. The outfall should not go into or affect any
areas of European significance.
The design standards considered during the design phase of the Proposed Development include the Design
Manual for Roads and Bridges, the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets and the Traffic Management
Guidelines.
Removal of the stub wall outside 1-6 Main street Julianstown South is proposed. The wall would be removed and
relocated closer to the entrance to the cottages.
3.3 Other Existing and/or Proposed Developments
A desktop search of proposed and existing planning applications was undertaken on the 15 February 2021. The
search used publicly available data from MyPlan.ie ‘National Planning Application’ database, and An Bord
Pleanála’s (ABP) online database.
The purpose of the search is to assess the cumulation with other existing and/or proposed developments. The
scope of the search was based on a 4 km radius taken from the approximate centre point of the Proposed
Development. The initial search flagged planning applications within a period dating back to 2012. A specified
criteria informed the search and omitted any refused, invalid and withdrawn applications. The criteria then
focused on foreseeable developments to be considered in line with the Proposed Development. In respect of this,
any small scale residential type developments, such as; extensions and modifications, minor amendments to
existing dwellings and changes of use were omitted from the search.
The relevant planning application search is listed in Table 3-1 and in Appendix A. The findings show small,
medium to large-scale developments within the 4 km scope that have been approved. In addition, an extended
search was undertaken for Part 8 applications from the Meath County Council online database, the relevant
approved Part 8 applications are highlighted in Table 3-1 and in Appendix A.
Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
7Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath,
Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening February 2021
Table 3-1: Planning Applications in Proximity to Proposed Development Site
App. Ref. Summary of Development Final Grant Date *Distance
No.
SH308116 Strategic housing development application , 357 residential units, childcare Live SHD c.4km north
facilities and associated site works. Application
Received
08/09/2020
AA201837 The development will consist of construction of 3 no. new warehouse buildings Live Application c.4km
with a cumulative gross floor area (GFA) of 23,380sq.m. Vehicular access to Received south
the site will utilize the existing City North Business Campus estate roads and
01/12/2020
include construction of new internal roads and accessways to serve the
proposed development. A total of 302 no. car parking spaces will be provided.
A temporary wastewater treatment plant is to be provided adjacent to the
south-east site boundary to serve all 3 no. warehouse buildings for the
treatment of foul effluent before discharge to the existing network.1 no, ESB
substation is proposed (c.21.8sq.m and 2.715m in height) to serve the 3 no.
buildings. The proposal also consists of ancillary site works to facilitate the
development including drainage, landscaping and external lighting to roads
and main circulation routes
Extension of duration of planning permission AA160519 - A solar PV energy 08/01/2021 c.4km
development of maximum export capacity 4MW, to include one ESB networks south
substation building with a height of up to 4m, three electrical transformer
stations with a height of up to 3.2m, site access roads and solar PV panels
mounted on steel support structures 2.5m in height, other ancillary equipment
and associated cabling, ducting, fencing and CCTV
LB191761 The development will consist of permission for a mixed use retail commercial 12/08/2020 c.4km north
and residential development that includes demolition of a vacant cottage, a
vacant beauty salon, a derelict cottage and outbuildings. Restoration of an
existing 70 sq.m derelict single-storey cottage and change of its use from
residential to retail/coffee shop. Construction of 3 no. buildings and residential
units. Alterations to proposed vehicular entrance and footpath previously
approved under planning ref: LB160454. 5. Car parking, bicycle parking, bin
stores, public lighting, private and public open spaces, landscaping proposals
and all associated site development works.
LB190816 The construction of 63 no. dwellings. The proposed development will also 18/06/2020 c.3.9km
include the provision of car parking, private open space, public open space, northeast
foul and surface water drainage, street lighting, boundary treatments and all
ancillary site development works necessary to facilitate the development.
LB191772 The construction of two additional buildings one for the purpose of tyre storage 03/04/2020 c.1.8km
and one for tyre fitting, wheel alignment and balancing south
LB191154 The proposed development will consist of the construction of 4 no. four 11/03/2020 c.3km
bedroom semi-detached two storey houses and 14 no. three bedroom semi- northeast
detached two storey houses, new entry to public road, public open space, new
pedestrian path and cycle path to perimeter of site and all associated site
works
LB190753 The proposed development will consist of 12 No. of two bed bungalows for the 28/02/2020 c.4km north
elderly. The bungalows will comprise of a terrace of 8 units and a terrace of 4
units along with 12 No. parking spaces and all associated site works
LB190812 The construction of a total of 67no. dwellings together with all associated site 22/01/2020 c.4km north
development works including a pumping station, landscaping and boundary
treatment, public lighting, roads, footpaths and cycle paths and regrading of
the site and construction of retaining walls/structures. The application site falls
within lands previously granted planning permission for development under
ABP Ref. PL17.235104 (P.A. Ref. SA/900673) and will be accessed via the
permitted and partially constructed roadway off the R150 through the
residential development known as Glen Boann under construction as
permitted under ABP Ref. PL17.235104 (P.A. Ref. SA/900673) (as extended
by LB/150160 and further extended by LB/181265 and amended by
LB/180738 & LB/180982).
LB190215 38 no. residential units, with 78 no. car parking spaces and all associated 07/11/2019 c.100m
ancillary infrastructure and site works on a Site of 0.945 Ha. north
AA181555 A new stable yard comprising of 110 stables and all ancillary accommodation 17/10/2019 c.4km
including WC's, storage, parking etc, along with the construction of a southwest
Veterinary Stable Block, Security Office & General Storage Shed and all
ancillary works.
Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
8Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath,
Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening February 2021
App. Ref. Summary of Development Final Grant Date *Distance
No.
LB190739 The provision of a temporary post primary school by way of construction of 16/09/2019 c.4km north
3no. prefabricated buildings (c 190 sqm 239 sqm& 469 sqm) on a defined site
area (c. 0.643Ha) to be enclosed within a 2mtrs high welded mesh fencing
and access gates with associated site works including provision of new site
entrance onto new road as granted planning permission under Planning Ref
LB 180620, short term temporary entrance onto Mill Road, car parking, drop
off area and hard surface play area, wastewater treatment system and
associated percolation area. Temporary permission for a period no longer than
5 years is being sought
LB181079 Completion of partially constructed 16 no. two storey dwellings. The 21/12/2018 c.3.4km
development also includes services, landscaped public open space; foul and northeast
surface water drainage; site development works; ESB substation; traffic
calming measures; bicycle lanes and pedestrian crossings; footpaths;
boundary treatments; and street lighting. The development also includes for
the connection of all services including water, sewage, drainage and roads to
those granted under Reg. Ref. SA/802128 and SA/120620. The proposed
development would supersede the development approved under Reg. Ref.
SA/802128 and (once implemented) would concede all development rights
conferred under Reg. Ref. SA/802128
LB180242 Construction of 49 no. houses, the provision of a road network connected to 30/10/2018 c.4km north
Regional Road No: R150 via the access road authorised by the grant of
permission for Planning Register Reference No. LB/150417; provision of
public open spaces and all associated site development works.
LB180661 The recontouring of agricultural land and associated site works using imported 25/09/2018 c.2.9km
clean inert soil and stones within a farm holding of 2.135 hectares for the southwest
consequential benefit to agriculture. A 5 year planning permission is requested
and during this period 83,982 tonnes of inert soil and stones will be imported
for the purposes of land reclamation
LB180620 The proposed development will consist of the demolition of the existing 14/09/2018 c.3.8km
habitable house and construction of 1 no. 4 storey office building consisting of north
2 no. blocks with a shared corner entrance/reception area and a screened
plant area, solar panels and equipment at roof level. The proposed road
infrastructure includes a link street, including 3 no. roundabout junctions, and it
is also proposed to extend a spur of the link street to the east to facilitate a
connection to the existing school on Mill Road (Gaelscoil an Bhradain Feasa).
The road infrastructure includes the realignment of a section of Colpe Road
and the realignment of the southern section of Mill Road, and includes
proposed cycle lanes/paths access road to the commercial development and
associated car park, footpaths, grass verge, public lighting and the provision of
a footpath and cycle path/cycle lane on Colpe Road to tie-in with the existing
shared footpath/cycle path, to the south-west of the railway line.
LB180159 Extension of duration of planning permission ref. no. SA/130628 - part 09/04/2018 c.700m
demolition of existing school buildings and retention of 1 no. existing prefab south
building, construction of a single and two storey extension to existing
Whitecross National School to create a 16 no. classroom primary school with
general purpose hall and ancillary facilities, 32 no. car parking spaces, new
vehicular entrance and exit, part boundary wall to road, two bus set down
areas, a new 3.0 metre wide pavement 97.2m long along the front of the site
on the R132, a pedestrian crossing point at the junction of Ballygarth Manor
Road and R132, new surface water drainage connection to west of site on
R132, hard play areas, fencing and gates and landscape planting
LB170889 Extension of duration of planning permission ref. no. SA/110743 - 21 no 09/11/2017 c.50m north
residential units, the provision of 55 no. car parking spaces, vehicular and
pedestrian access and egress via Old Laytown Road, provision of a boardwalk
to the side (pedestrian access/egress only) provision of internal routes for
vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, signage, hard and soft landscaping works
(including changes in level and lighting), boundary treatments, diversion of
services, and all other side excavation and development works above and
below ground
LB170287 For the following: Medical Health Centre at first floor of Block G1 with access 11/10/2017 c.3.8km
from ground floor consisting of twenty one consulting rooms.. Fifty car parking northeast
spaces will be allocated for the Medical Health Centre at ground floor level.
(This planning application is a variation of the approved development at first
floor level on site, i.e. mixed use four storey block with roof terrace over
basement car park and storage (Reg. Ref. FS7190), all at
LB170312 The application site forms part of a site with planning permission for 13 27/09/2017 c.4km
dwellings permitted under P.A. Ref. No. SA/100361 (extended under P.A. Ref. northeast
No. LB/160136). Vehicular access is from the R150 (Bettystown Road) via an
Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
9Julianstown Village Traffic Calming Scheme, Co. Meath,
Environmental Impact Assessment –Report to Inform Screening February 2021
App. Ref. Summary of Development Final Grant Date *Distance
No.
access permitted under P.A. Ref. No. SA/100361 (extended under P.A. Ref.
No. LB/160136). The proposed development will consist of the construction of
a total of 12 no. residential dwellings on the application site. The development
also provides, car parking, footpaths, open space, public lighting, landscaping
and boundary treatments. The development also provides for a shared
footpath/cycle path at the site frontage.
LB170428 Construction of 65 no. two-storey dwellings. The application site is 'Site A' of 14/09/2017 c.3.9km
the development approved under Reg. Ref. SA802128 (extended under Reg. north
Ref. SA130733 to 16th December 2018). The development included the
construction of a section of distributor road including associated junctions to
connect to the section of distributor road as part of 'Site C'('Cois Na Mara'
currently under construction on foot of Reg. Refs. SA802128, SA 120620,
LB160183, LB160582, LB160647and LB170020) as per the East Meath Local
Area Plan 2014-2020 to Castlemartin Drive to the west. The development also
includes landscaped open space including pedestrian footbridge over
Mornington Stream, roadways, car parking, foul and surface water drainage,
ESB substations, boundary treatments, street lighting and all ancillary site
development works necessary to facilitate the development.
AA160519 A Solar PV energy development of maximum export capacity 4MW, to include 14/09/2016 c.4km
one ESB networks substation building, three electrical transformer stations, south
site access roads and solar PV panels mounted on steel support structures,
other ancillary equipment and associated cabling, ducting, fencing and CCTV.
AA160168 The development will consist of construction of a Warehouse/Food Processing 24/05/2016 c.4km north
building with ancillary two storey office and staff facilities, vehicle access from
existing access, new HGV access & yard, parking for 57 no. cars & 11 no.
HGV's, ESB Sub-Station and all associated site and development works and
landscaping.
LB150417 The development will consist of the demolition of existing gate lodge, entrance 15/12/2015 c.4km north
and associated gates, construction of new entrance, realignment of the public
road R150, the construction of 21 no. houses the provision of storm water
attenuation, connection to the public sewer, provision of public open spaces
and all associated site works.
AA150729 Construction of a Vehicle Testing Centre with the creation of one new 07/10/2015 c.4km north
vehicular access point at the south western boundary onto the existing road
serving the industrial estate, all ancillary and associated site development
works. Will be served by 53 no. car parking spaces and 4 no. Bicycle spaces.
LB180242 Construction of 49 no. houses comprising, the provision of a road network 30/10/2018 c.4km
connected to Regional Road No: R150 via the access road authorised by the northeast
grant of permission for Planning Register Reference No. LB/150417; provision
of public open spaces and all associated site development works
P8/18001 The development will consist of a development of 15 housing units in total, 24/04/2018 c.3km east
including all site development works and construction of a new access off the
Narroways Road. The proposed housing units will comprise: 2 no. 2 bed
apartments, 4 no. 1 bed apartments, 8 no. 3 bed 2 storey houses and 1 no. 2
bed 2 storey house. This proposed development supersedes the previously
approved development P807006 for this site
In regard to the Proposed Development it is anticipated there will be temporary and transient impacts from noise,
traffic and dust associated with construction of the Proposed Development in combination with the surrounding
developments should a number of development occur at the same time. However, these impacts are considered
to be temporary.
3.4 Natural Resources
Aggregates such as asphalt for the road/cycle surfacing, concrete for foundations and footpaths and paving
flags/setts would be imported to the Proposed Development site for use during the construction phase from
licensed quarries; however, volumes of materials to be imported to site will be determined at the detailed design
stage. Where possible materials would be re-used on site and where imported materials are required, they would
be sourced locally where possible and from a licensed supplier/source.
It is assumed a water supply will be required during the construction phase. Should the water mains be utilised,
all relevant permissions should be sought prior to construction, such as written agreement from Irish Water and
relevant stakeholders. At no point will water be abstracted from rivers or streams.
Prepared for: Meath County Council AECOM
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