4.13 In this respect, the plan is likely to set the framework for subsequent plans and projects which

4.13 In this respect, the plan is likely to set the framework for subsequent plans and projects which have the potential for significant effects on the environment. This includes, potentially, plans requiring an SEA process or projects requiring an EIA process.

4.14 For this reason, it is concluded that a full SEA process is required to accompany the NCN Plan.

AECOM

Appendix G

SEA Environmental Report

National Cycle Network Plan

Figure from page 194

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

Environmental Report (Updated)

TransportInfrastructureIreland

Projectnumber: 60657618

July 2022

SEA of the National Cycle Network Plan SEA Environmental Report (Updated)

Quality information

Prepared by Checked by Verified by Approved by

Rebecca Dunlea Senior Environmental Consultant

Nick Chisholm-Batten Associate Director Environment

Ben Green Associate Director Transport

Derval Cummins Director of Planning

Elaine Keenan Environmental Consultant

Revision History

Revision Revision date Details Authorized Name Position

6th May 2022 Consultation version

6th May 2022 Nick Chisholm-Batten Associate Director

28th July 2022 Draft Final (Updated)

28th July 2022 Nick Chisholm-Batten Associate Director

Prepared for:

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)

Prepared by: AECOM Ireland Limited 4th Floor Adelphi Plaza Georges Street Upper Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin A96 T927 T: +353 1 238 3100 aecom.com

© 2022 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.

Prepared for: Transport Infrastructure Ireland AECOM

SEA of the National Cycle Network Plan

Table of Contents

1. Introduction … 1 1.1 Overview … 1 1.2 Background to the National Cycle Network (NCN) Plan … 1 1.3 Scope / Geographical Coverage of the NCN Plan … 2 1.4 Vision and Aims for the NCN Plan … 4 1.5 Development Process for the NCN Plan … 4 2. Approach to the SEA … 6 2.1 Introduction … 6 2.2 Hierarchy of Planning and Environmental Assessment … 7 2.3 Overview of SEA Process and Stages … 7 2.4 SEA Screening (Stage 1) … 9 2.5 SEA Scoping (Stage 2) … 10 2.6 SEA Environmental Report (Stage 3) … 11 2.7 SEA Adoption Statement (Stage 4, Final Stage) … 12 2.8 Appropriate Assessment (AA) … 12 2.9 SEA Guidance … 13 3. Review of Relevant Plans, Polices and Programmes … 17 3.1 Introduction … 17 3.2 EU and National Legislation … 18 3.3 Relevant National & Regional Plans, Programmes and Guidelines … 20 3.4 Transboundary Policies. Plans, Programmes and Guidelines … 21 4. Environmental Baseline … 23 4.1 Introduction … 23 4.2 List of Datasets for the SEA … 24 4.3 Biodiversity … 26 4.4 Population and Human Health … 32 4.5 Land, Soils and Geology … 36 4.6 Water … 43 4.7 Air Quality … 49 4.8 Climate Change … 53 4.9 Cultural Heritage … 56 4.10 Landscape and Visual … 60 4.11 Transboundary Effects … 62 4.12 Key Sustainability Issues … 65 5. Strategic Environmental Objectives … 70 5.1 SEA Framework of Objectives and Assessment Questions … 70 6. Assessment of Reasonable Alternatives for the NCN Plan … 72 6.1 Reasonable Alternatives … 72 6.2 Overview of Corridor Options Considered as Reasonable Alternatives … 72 6.3 Approach to the Appraisal of Corridor Options … 73 6.4 Appraisal Findings … 74 6.5 Preferred Approach for the NCN Plan … 80 7. Assessment of the NCN Plan … 83 7.1 Assessment of Preferred Corridor Options … 83 7.2 Cumulative Impacts … 89 7.3 Mitigation Measures … 90 8. Next Steps … 92 8.1 Updates to the NCN Plan and Assessment of Changes … 92