4.12.3 Key issues: Land and Soils

On average, Ireland’s quality of soil is of excellent quality and the proportion of land estimated

to be contaminated is quite low. There is no European legislation which focuses on soil and

as a result there has been a continuous degradation of land and soils across Europe.

In Ireland, agriculture is the largest user of land in the country, with about 67% of total land

cover. Agriculture, land-use change, and development are key pressures on land and soils.

The following key land, soils and geology issues identified through the baseline review include:

The loss / damage of soil from the construction of greenfield sites for development,

including new cycle infrastructure.

Pressure on soil from land-use changes, including new cycle infrastructure.

Disturbance of contaminated soils during the construction of new cycle infrastructure,

could result in potential for water pollution and potential further land contamination.

Possibility of soil sealing, covering of ground by an impermeable material. Soil sealing

can potentially put biodiversity at risk, increase the risk of flooding and prevents natural

drainage.

Conversion of land / sites can release CO2 into the atmosphere and further reduce

areas of ‘carbon sinks’.

Prepared for: Transport Infrastructure Ireland AECOM

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

The need for the protection of sites of geological importance.