6.5 Collaboration

6.4 Environmental Assessments

As part of the preparation of NR2040 a number of environmental assessments have been undertaken in tandem with the development of the Strategy. Assessments include a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), an Appropriate Assessment (AA) and a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). The assessments identify, at a strategic level, potential effects on the environment as a result of the strategy commitments/ actions and these assessments have helped inform the high-level of protection of the environment with a view to promoting sustainable development.

NR2040 sits within the overall hierarchy of policy documents. Any future projects requiring planning consent arising from NR2040 are subject to the relevant project level environmental assessment requirements including and the requirements of environmental directives including but not limited to: SEA Directive (2001/42/EC), EIA Directive (2011/92/EU as amended by 2014/52/EU) and Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and Floods Directive (2007/60/EC) and associated national legislation, as appropriate.

This strategy should be read in conjunction with the following environmental assessment reports: SEA Statement, AANatura Impact Statement and SFRA and the mitigation included within them.

A summary of how the SEA process, including consultation from environmental authorities, has influenced the strategy is included in the SEA Statement published in conjunction to the Strategy.

6.5 Collaboration

National Roads have a multi-modal, integrated future that must be delivered by TII in collaboration with other government agencies and transport stakeholders. Early collaboration with third parties is vital to deliver on current and future policy.

Some of TII’s key collaborators are: Local Authorities; Department of Transport; Road Safety Authority; National Transport Authority; Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and other government departments (e.g. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage).

Considering the new types of projects envisioned, TII recogniszes the need for a wide variety of skills and multi-disciplinary teams to ensure successful development and achievement of goals and objectives. A strong supply chain of land use and transport planners, engineers, contractors, technical advisors, public communication and engagement specialists, suppliers and operators is of vital importance, with an increasing emphasis on technology suppliers.

In addition, it is important that future transport investment is coordinated and integrated with other sectors, including land-use planning and policy to support compact sustainable development of our cities and towns, and supports regional and rural development. Cooperation with state agencies will continue to allow National Roads to be used for services of national importance, such as access to international ports.

The success of both ‘Movement of People and Goods in Urban Areas’ and ‘Decarbonisation’ portfolios is particularly dependent on a strong collaboration with a range of stakeholders.