Environmental Assessments

In accordance with regulatory requirements and good practice, environmental and social assessments are being undertaken alongside the development of the CycleConnects cycle network plans. These comprise the following:

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to assess potential environmental effects in accordance with European Communities (EC) (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2003, as amended by the EC (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) (Amendments) Regulations 2011 (known as the ‘SEA Regulations’).

Appropriate Assessment (AA) to identify if proposals could have a significant adverse effect on a European Site, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, in accordance with EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and transposing regulations (European Communities (EC) (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.

Equality Impact assessment (EqIA) to consider the impact of proposals on persons or groups of persons who share characteristics that are protected under the Equal Status

Acts 2000-2018 and under Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 and consider other vulnerable groups within society such as those on a low-income. This is undertaken in line with NTA good practice.

These assessments will cover the cycle networks proposed for the 22 counties and will aim to:

Identify where proposals have potential for significant environmental effects either directly or indirectly so that amendments could be considered.

Identify potential for additional benefits or opportunities for environmental enhancement or for improved access and inclusion.

Identify mitigation and management measures that will support proposals in meeting environmental and social objectives.

The assessments will address the draft cycle networks as presented in the September 2022 Consultation and take account of amendments following the initial public consultation in autumn 2022. The assessment reports will be provided for statutory public consultation alongside the publication of the draft County CNP in Quarter 1 2023.