TRAP 5 th interregional meeting & Site Visits Limerick & Lough Derg, Ireland 9 th October 2013 CP3 GP6 Regional Planning Guidelines PP3 – Mid-West Regional Authority

Structure of Planning and Development Governance in Ireland EU Directives Irish Legislature State Departments State Agencies Nuts 2/3 Regional Assemblies(3) Regional Authorities County/Local Authorities Planning Legislation Regional Planning Local County/ Town Planning Implementation & Action Plans

RPG Framework 1. Regional Planning Guidelines (RPG’s) form the basis for the spatial, economic and environmental planning in Ireland. 2. The RPG’s are based on the Planning and Development Acts which links the RPGs to the implementation of the Irish National Spatial Strategy(NSS ) 3. RPGs provide clear regional policies, strategies, objectives and priorities to guide the development of County and Local Authority Development Plans in areas of: Settlement & Development Strategies Implementation of Environmental Policy Investment in Infrastructural provision

RPG’s provide a common vision to promote the effective integration & co-ordination of plans and policies across the region The RPG framework supports effective regional balanced and sustainable development through the provision of appropriate regional implementation structures

Composition of Regional Planning Guidelines The RPG’s comprise 2 main documents: 1.Written document * Containing the background, context, objectives and polices to be followed by the constituent local authorities in ensuring consistency of their plans in terms of the RPG Guidelines set for the Mid-West Region 2. Environmental Report and Habitat Directive Assessment This report provides the following: * A baseline assessment of the current physical environment of the Mid-West Region * Environmental objectives *Measures to prevent, reduce and offset significant adverse environmental effects

Strategic Focuses Population National targets Regional allocations Local decisions Environmental Protection Ground and Surface Water Climate Change Flood Risk Economic Opportunities Identify sectors where the region has natural advantages Create conditions in which those sectors can flourish Infrastructure Research and Education Land-use provision Critical economic mass

How do RPG’s address balanced regional development ? Address strategic planning issues across Local Authority and Agency administrative boundaries Facilitate joint action programmes between Planning Authorities, State and Semi-state agencies e.g. Environmental, Spatial & Economic to promote sustainable development and optimal use of resources Provide guidance to Local Authorities & agencies through collaborative initiatives Promote the creation of a framework for promoting the environmental sustainability of the region

Key Environmental issues addressed by the RPG’s: Maintenance of Surface and Ground Water Quality Water Conservation & Flood Risk Management (CFRAMs) Protection of Aquifers, lakes, river systems Climate Change and Global Warming Landscape and Heritage Conservation Implementation, Monitoring and Indicators

Examples of some successful initiatives in the Mid-West Region (planning in action) 1. Shannon and West River Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management (CFRAM) Studies The key elements and associated outputs are: To provide flood risk management plans which identify potential challenges, flood risk management options and solutions,which will minimise future risks to property, health, community,social amenity and infrastructure To develop CFRAMS which meet all EU and Irish Water Framework, River Basin Management Plans,and Environmental Directives and policies Provide a flood risk management strategy which addresses significant environmental issues e.g. protection of Natura 2000 and EU designated sites for the protection of birds, mammals, fish and habitats

Key CFRAM elements and associated outputs Identify lands which may be subject to existing or future significant flood risk flood risk, and develop mitigation measures to protect communities, infrastructure and the environment Promoting community and stakeholder engagement to identify any technical, social, economic or political barriers to flood risk management and the maintenance of good water quality, improved biodiversity and the cultural and built heritage of the region

Shannon River Basin Catchment Districts & AFA’s

Areas of significant flood risk in Lough Derg & Hinterland

What are CFRAM outputs telling us? 1.Historical perspective over a period of time 2.Impacts on navigation, hydro power generation, farming practices 3.Identifying areas for flood risk assessment 4.Why flooding occurs in particular areas Summer/ Winter 5.Value of water storage and water flow management 6.Need for hydrological modelling, siltation, environmental impact assessments 7.Land-use planning, settlement patterns, construction and services provision 8. Measures to be taken to reduce flood risk - Short/ Medium/ Long term

2. The Shannon Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) is another example of a current strategic development initiative which provides for inter regional/ authority spatial, economic, social and environmental planning and development The objective of this plan is to harness the resources of the Shannon River and Estuary through co-operative governance and adoption of inter- jurisdictional development and conservation strategies and polices

Thank You Contact John Bradley, RPG Officer Mid-West Regional Authority