DUBLIN DOCKLANDS AREA

Strategic EnvironmentalAssessment of theDraft Master Plan2003

DUBLIN DOCKLANDS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Document1 30/5/03 13:14 Page 1

DUBLIN DOCKLANDS AREA

Strategic EnvironmentalAssessment of theDraft Master Plan2003

Terry Prendergast, Dip.Env. Econs., BSc.(Surv.), M. Phil UDRP, MSc. SD, M.I.P.I., M.R.T.P.I.

Intro (final) 3/6/03 14:51 Page i

ii Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

Intro (final) 3/6/03 14:51 Page ii

iii

CONTENTS

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY iv

1 INTRODUCTION 11.1 EU Directive on SEA (Directive 2001/42/EC) 11.2 Dublin Docklands Area Master Plan Review 2003 1

2 METHODOLOGY 32.1 Scoping 32.2 Baseline Study 32.3 Consideration of Alternatives 32.4 Environmental Assessment of Master Plan Review 3

3 CONSISTENCY WITH NATIONAL/ REGIONAL/ 4LOCAL POLICY

3.1 Sustainable Development- A Strategy for 4Ireland, 1997

3.2 National Climate Change Strategy, 2000 43.3 Strategic Planning Guidelines for the 4

Greater Dublin Area, 19993.4 Residential Density Guidelines for Planning 4

Authorities, 19993.5 A Platform for Change, Strategy 2000 to 2016 43.6 Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning 5

Authorities, 20003.7 Dublin City Development Plan, 1999 5

4 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EXISTING 7ENVIRONMENT IN THE DOCKLANDS AREA

4.1 Biodiversity/ Flora and Fauna 74.2 Population 84.3 Soil 94.4 Water 94.5 Air Quality 104.6 Climatic Factors 114.7 Noise 114.8 Material Assets/ Cultural Heritage 11

5 CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES 14

6 SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIA 15

7 ASSESSMENT OF MASTER PLAN REVIEW 167.1 Compatibility of Strategic Objectives 167.2 Compatibility of Strategic Objectives with 16

Sustainability Criteria7.3 Compatibility of Master Plan Review with 18

Sustainability Criteria

8 MITIGATION 26

9 MONITORING 27

10 OVERALL FINDINGS FROM THE ASSESSMENT 28

APPENDIX I 29APPENDIX II 30BIBLIOGRAPHY 31

CO

NTE

NTS

Intro (final) 3/6/03 14:51 Page iii

iv Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

BACKGROUND

The EU Directive on Strategic Environmental Assessment or SEA

(Directive 2001/42/EC) came into force in July 2001 and requires

Member States to assess the likely significant environmental

effects of plans and programmes prior to their adoption, providing

for the assessment of strategic environmental considerations at an

early stage of the decision-making process. Each Member State

has until July 2004 to transpose the Directive into national law.

The Department of the Environment and Local Government

considers the Docklands Area to be an appropriate area to pilot

test SEA on a non-statutory basis in tandem with the review of

the 1997 Master Plan. It is anticipated that the experience

gained by the Authority in piloting SEA will provide an input to

proposed guidelines for planning authorities on SEA which the

Department intends drawing up as part of the process of the

general implementation of the Directive.

The EU Directive on SEA requires the carrying out of an

environmental assessment of plans and programmes which are

likely to have significant environmental effects and which set the

framework for future development consent of projects which

are subject to EIA or where an assessment is necessary due to

the likely effect on sites governed by the Habitats Directive

(Directive 92/43/EEC).

This document reports on the environmental assessment which

was carried out of the Master Plan Review. The report describes

the existing baseline environment in the Docklands Area and the

scoping exercise carried out. It also discusses the relationship

between the Master Plan Review with other plans and policies

and assesses the impact of its objectives and policies.

Both the Draft Master Plan Review and the accompanying SEA

Report are being made available to relevant authorities and to

the public.

DUBLIN DOCKLANDS AREA MASTER PLANREVIEW 2003

The Dublin Docklands Area Master Plan Review, prepared by the

Dublin Docklands Development Authority following public

consultation, outlines a strategy for “the sustainable social and

economic regeneration of the Area, with improvements to the

physical area being a vital ingredient”. The Review represents an

updating of the 1997 Master Plan and establishes the social and

economic framework for the redevelopment of the area,

identifying key strategic objectives and a range of policies.

Land use policies in the Review seek to achieve sustainable

development objectives with the Authority “pursuing a policy of

mixed-use development in the Docklands Area which would

achieve a sustainable environment integrating living, working

and leisure”. The aims of the Master Plan 1997 and the 2003

Review are ambitious; it is an overall objective that the

population of the Area increase by 25,000 and the number of

residential units increase by 8,000-11,000.

The Master Plan Review seeks to promote the development of an

integrated public transport system and imposes strict limitations

on car parking for new development. The provision of cycleways

and pedestrian routes is promoted.

The Review sets out design criteria for new development, seeking

to achieve high quality buildings and urban spaces. At the same

time, the Review seeks to conserve essential elements of the

built environment which contribute to the character of the area.

METHODOLOGY

The methodology devised to carry out the SEA of the Master

Plan Review reflected the requirements of the SEA Directive

while drawing on UK experience of environmental appraisal

of Development Plans.

The main steps taken in the process involved scoping, the

carrying out of a baseline study, the consideration of alternatives,

the environmental assessment of the objectives and policies of

the Master Plan Review and the formulation of mitigation and

monitoring measures.

1. Scoping

Scoping is a process which helps determine the direction and

focus of the SEA. Scoping for the SEA exercise in respect of the

Master Plan Review involved three stages. Firstly the Master Plan

Review was assessed for compatibility with relevant plans and

guidance documents at national, regional and local level, with

which it was found to be consistent.

Various organisations/government departments/statutory agencies

also were consulted in order to determine their opinion on the

issues which it is considered the SEA should cover. Details were

also sought on any information held by the relevant organisation

which would be relevant in the assessment of such issues. A list

of those consulted is included in Appendix I of this Report.

Responses were received from 9 of the 25 organisations/agencies/

departments contacted, with acknowledgements received from

a further two.

The third element of the scoping process involved drawing upon

the results of a public consultation exercise carried out as part of

the Master Plan Review by Mercator Marketing Research in

NO

N T

ECH

NIC

AL

SUM

MA

RY

Non Technical Summary (final) 3/6/03 14:54 Page iv

v

association with Kelleher Associates. The outcome of the exercise

formed an important input into the drawing up of Sustainability

Criteria which formed the basis of the SEA assessment process.

2. Baseline Study

Baseline data was collected based on indicators described in the

SEA Directive ie biodiversity, population, human health, fauna,

flora, soil, water, air, climate factors, material assets, cultural

heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage and

landscape. It was found necessary to combine some indicators in

order to avoid unnecessary duplication. In addition human health

was not considered separately but arises under a variety of

indicators – population, water, air. As required by the SEA

Directive, the report also comments on the likely evolution of the

various indicators in the absence of the implementation of the

Master Plan Review.

Key findings of the baseline study are described below.

Biodiversity/Flora and Fauna

The Docklands Area possesses areas of diverse character

including existing built up areas, former industrial/port lands,

waterbodies, formally laid out open space areas and wildlife

areas. Much of the Docklands Area is not of significance in terms

of biodiversity of flora and fauna. Dúchas reports that there are

likely to be bats in the Area and that there may also be the

occasional visiting otter in the River Liffey and River Dodder.

Although the Royal and Grand Canals (including the Grand

Canal Basin) are included as proposed National Heritage Areas

(pNHA’s), the stretches of the canals located in the Docklands

Area, due to their proximity to built up areas and former industrial

railway and port lands, do not act as prominent wildlife channels.

In contrast, the adjoining South Dublin Bay is of significance in this

regard and is of international importance for nature conservation.

It is covered by three separate, but related, designations and is a

proposed National Heritage Area (pNHA), a candidate Special

Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA).

Population

The Docklands Area has traditionally been made up of five

residential communities, centred loosely in villages within the

area. With the development of significant additional residential

units in IFSCI and II, the residential profile of the Area has been

strengthened considerably. The Docklands Area is continuing to

exhibit population increase. Over the period 1991-2000, the

population of the Area grew by c. 16%. The most vibrant area

of growth is evidenced in the 25-44 age cohort, with other age-

cohorts experiencing population decline. The increase in

population has been reflected in the increase in household units

in the Area, with the overall number of households increasing

from 6,042 in 1991 to 6,735 in 1996.

Reflecting the national economic growth of recent years and

increased participation in employment, a total of 42.2% of

Docklands residents were engaged in employment in 1996,

representing an increase of 5% since 1991. The ESRI estimates

that the labour force residing in the Docklands Area in 2000 was

in the order of 8,950 persons and that unemployment rates were

in the order of 10%.

The most important sector to the structure of employment in the

Area is commerce, which accounted for 20.4% of employment

among Docklands residents in 1996. The Professional Services

and Manufacturing sectors accounted for employment among

18.2% and 15.8% of Docklands residents respectively in 1996.

Community activity in Docklands is thriving with over 100

community groups and organisations in the Area.

Soil

Much of the Docklands Area is made up of reclaimed land. A

desktop study of former land uses within the Docklands Area,

together with site investigation data arising from development

proposals within the Area, indicates a variety of soil conditions

and that some sites have been contaminated by former

industrial uses or by the use of contaminated materials as part

of land reclamation.

Water

Waterbodies play an important role in defining the unique

character of the Docklands Area. Available data indicates that

the water quality of the waterbodies in the Area is generally

acceptable. The upgrading of the sewerage treatment plant at

Poolbeg, the Dublin Bay Project, will result in an improvement in

water quality in the River Liffey.

The Grand Canal Basin has been the most vulnerable of the water

bodies within the Area. Section 25 certification has issued to

Dublin City Council to extend an existing outfall through the

Grand Canal Basin and Authority’s lands to the north, to discharge

into the River Liffey, where its impact will not be significant.

Water Supply

To date, water supply in the Area has been catered for by the

existing pipe network. In order to cater for anticipated

development in the Area, particularly in the Docklands North

Lotts Area, the provision of new watermains to supply water

demand will be necessary.

Groundwater

A desktop study of former land uses within the Docklands Area

suggests that some contamination of the groundwater may have

occurred in the past. The extent of contamination will only

become evident on the carrying out of site-specific surveys.

Air Quality

Air quality levels for the Area for the most part fall within EU

guide levels. Nitrogen Oxide pollution however occurs at

individual hot spots or streets with very high traffic volumes.

Decreases in air pollution are anticipated arising from emission

NO

N T

ECH

NIC

AL

SUM

MA

RY

Non Technical Summary (final) 3/6/03 14:54 Page v

vi Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

controls and stringent traffic management in Dublin City Centre

and the reduction in port traffic in the Area on the construction

of the Dublin Port Tunnel.

Noise

Environmental noise levels are high in those parts of the Area

located adjacent to heavily trafficked routes. A reduction in noise

values in the North Docklands Area is anticipated on the opening

of the Dublin Port Tunnel, with the expected decrease in HGV

traffic through the Area.

Material Assets/Cultural Heritage

The waterside location of the Docklands Area, in close proximity

to the city centre provides an area of unique character and

opportunity.

The Dublin City Development Plan, 1999, includes two Zones of

Archaeological Interest in the Area. Because the Area is made up

of land reclaimed from the inter-tidal estuary of the River Liffey

and the sea, any archaeological remains are likely to relate to

activities in the river estuary prior to reclamation. Industrial

archaeological features are dispersed throughout the Area as are

remnant features of the railway era.

The transport, maritime and industrial past of the Area has left a

legacy of buildings and other features, many of which are

Protected Structures, which contribute to the Area’s unique

character. Protected Structures are widely dispersed throughout

Docklands, some of which are of national/international

significance. A wide diversity exists in the range of Protected

Structures in the Area reflecting its maritime, transport and

docklands history. In addition, the Dublin City Development Plan,

1999, identifies six Conservation Areas in Docklands.

The waterbodies in Docklands play an important role in defining

the character of the Area in addition to providing a valuable

amenity and recreational resource. Whereas the River Liffey is the

great ‘form giver’ of the city, it also acts as a divide between

north and south river banks. The challenge exists to provide for

improved linkages while facilitating river regeneration. The other

key waterbodies in the Area are Grand Canal Dock, George’s

Dock, the Inner Dock, Spencer Dock and the River Dodder and

River Tolka. The former docks represent a unique architectural

and engineering achievement and act as a reminder of the

former port and industrial use of the Area.

The Docklands Area includes open space areas of diverse

character ranging from the formally set out Pearse Square to the

wilderness areas of Poolbeg. The Poolbeg Peninsula

accommodates amenity areas of city-wide significance. Indeed

few areas of the city exhibit the same variety of open spaces

which include parks, playgrounds, riverside, dockside and coastal

public amenity areas and walkways. Whereas the Area displays a

wide variety of open space areas, the the full potential of such

spaces may not be fully realised due to lack of public accessibility,

poor layout or public awareness.

Extensive views are available of the city from the Docklands Area

and of the Docklands Area from the city. The most significant

view corridor in this regard is the River Liffey. Views from Dublin

Bay and the south city are dominated by the Poolbeg Peninsula,

which forms a significant landmark feature but is unsightly when

viewed from the Beach Road area. Other views of Docklands are

available from a variety of vantage points and view corridors in

the city.

Non-implementation of Master Plan Review

Were the Master Plan Review not implemented, the

redevelopment of the Docklands Area would take place at a

slower pace than that envisaged in the 1997 Master Plan and

2003 Review. The traditional population of the Docklands Area

would naturally decline over time, with the profile of the

population (particularly in the traditional village communities)

gradually becoming older. The decline in population and older

age profile would have implications in terms of the provision of

infrastructure and services in the Area. Existing contaminated

sites would remain contaminated pending redevelopment. The

current situation regarding the waterbodies, water supply and

groundwater would remain largely unchanged. Current trends

regarding air quality and noise levels would be likely to continue.

The status quo would be likely to prevail in respect of Protected

Structures, Conservation Areas and sites/artefacts of archaeological

interest. The improvement of public access to the waterbodies,

the redevelopment of the Campshires, the provision of additional

amenity/open spaces including the redevelopment of areas

adjoining the waterbodies and river regeneration would stall.

3. Consideration of Alternatives

Two alternative options are available for consideration as part of

the SEA process:

• The ‘do nothing’ option.

• The option of not reviewing the 1997 Master Plan.

Under the ‘do nothing’ option, the Area would maintain its

current physical and socio-economic characteristics. Development

would be market dependant and would occur at a slower pace

and in a less co-ordinated manner. Investment by the Authority

would be absent. Adopting the ‘do nothing’ option would mean

that parts of the Area would remain derelict and under-utilised

with little physical, social or economic enhancement. This

alternative is not considered a viable option.

The second alternative is not to review the Master Plan 1997.

The Master Plan catered for the redevelopment/regeneration for

the Area for a 15 year timescale to 2012. Whereas the broad

thrust of the Master Plan is as valid today as in 1997,

background circumstances have in some instances changed. It is

considered necessary to reflect these changing circumstances,

which result in a shift in policy focus or emphasis. Thus the

alternative of not reviewing the 1997 Master Plan is likewise not

considered a viable option.

NO

N T

ECH

NIC

AL

SUM

MA

RY

Non Technical Summary (final) 3/6/03 14:54 Page vi

vii

4. Environmental Assessment of the Master Plan Review

The environmental assessment of the objectives and policies of

the Master Plan Review forms a major focus of this report. The

methodology used in the carrying out of the assessment employs

a series of matrices, the filling in of which led to a refinement

and refocusing of the objectives and policies of the Master Plan

Review. The objectives and policies were assessed against a set of

Sustainability Criteria. The Sustainability Criteria are listed in

Figure 1 of the main report and consist of a set of strategic

objectives, with a strong environmental/sustainable focus. The

Sustainability Criteria were devised taking into consideration the

findings of the community consultation process carried out to

date as part of the Master Plan Review and the scoping exercise

carried out as part of the SEA process.

In the filling out of the matrices, the impact, if any of the

Strategic Objectives or of selected policies of the Review, was

recorded. The matrices record the following; no link/effect,

beneficial effect/likely beneficial effect, deterioration of

environmental quality/conflict or uncertain effect, depending on

the nature of the matrix.

As part of the assessment the following were tested:

1. The internal compatibility of the Strategic Objectives of the

Master Plan Review were tested against each other, in order

to ensure that no tensions existed between the objectives

that could give rise to conflict. The assessment indicated no

conflicting objectives.

2. The Sustainability Criteria which had been devised were also

tested for compatibility to ensure that any tensions which

may exist between criteria were identified. No such conflicts

were identified.

3. The Strategic Objectives of the Master Plan Review were

tested against the Sustainability Criteria, with which they

were found to be largely compatible. The filling in of the

matrix indicated that:

a) additional noise will inevitable be a short term

consequence of the redevelopment of the Area;

b) new developments in the Area will impact in some small

way on greenhouse gas emissions. This is more than

counterbalanced by the fact that the area being

developed is a brownfield, former dockland area; and

c) the development of increased opportunities for local

employment in existing enterprises may result in a conflict

with some of the Sustainability Criteria. This is considered

inevitable.

4. Selected policies of the Master Plan Review were tested

against the Sustainability Criteria. Not every policy was tested.

Key policies were selected relevant to each section of the

Review for assessment. The filling in of the matrices

indicated that:

a) with a Plan of this nature, which covers a centrally

located, former dockland area with a wide variety of uses

and amenity areas, tensions are thrown up by some of

the proposed policies. In particular these tensions arise in

relation to policies which seek to consolidate/ expand

existing industrial or port use. There are valid socio-

economic reasons for the inclusion of such policies. Such

tensions cannot be avoided and are mitigated by the

requirement to avoid any adverse environmental impacts;

b) the need to incorporate sustainable design into modern

office developments, in order to reduce energy demand

and also contribute to meeting Ireland’s obligations to

greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, is

also evident from the assessment. This is a wider issue,

with market forces playing a dominant role, but is one

which the Authority may bear in mind in assessing

proposals for development.

5. Mitigation Measures

The mitigation measures or key recommendations arising from

the SEA exercise comprise the inclusion in the Master Plan

Review of one additional Strategic Objective and two additional

policies and the refinement, combining, refocusing or simply the

shifting of policies from one section or another.

6. Monitoring

As part of the monitoring process, it is proposed to prepare an

annual monitoring report on the implementation of the Master

Plan. As indicated in the Master Plan Review, some indicators do

not lend themselves to annual monitoring. These would be more

appropriately dealt with on a five year basis. The Authority will

also co-operate with the relevant agencies in monitoring the

environmental impacts of the Master Plan. The Review also

incorporates two additional policies in respect of monitoring.

OVERALL FINDINGS FROM THE ASSESSMENT

It is clear from the assessment of the Strategic Objectives and

Policies of the Master Plan Review that the Review has a strong

sustainable thrust and focus. Almost all objectives and policies

were found to be either compatible or not in conflict with the

Sustainability Criteria devised for the assessment exercise. No

conflicting objectives or policies were evident. The mitigation

measures arising from the exercise can only be described as

minor in nature. The mitigation measures essentially remove

some duplication, clarify a number of policies and make good a

few policy omissions.

The exercise confirms that the Master Plan Review is a robust,

focussed and clearly thought out document that will continue to

provide a positive strategic framework for the development of

the Docklands Area.

NO

N T

ECH

NIC

AL

SUM

MA

RY

Non Technical Summary (final) 3/6/03 14:54 Page vii

1 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

1 INTRODUCTION

The EU Directive on Strategic Environmental Assessment or SEA

(Directive 2001/42/EC) came into force in July 2001 and requires

Member States to assess the likely significant environmental

effects of plans and programmes prior to their adoption,

providing for the assessment of strategic environmental

considerations at an early stage of the decision-making process.

Each Member State has until July 2004 to transpose the Directive

into national law. The Department of the Environment and Local

Government considers the Docklands Area to be an appropriate

area to pilot test SEA on a non-statutory basis in tandem with

the review of the 1997 Master Plan. It is anticipated that the

experience gained by the Dublin Docklands Development

Authority – “the Authority” – in piloting SEA will provide an

input to proposed guidelines for planning authorities on SEA

which the Department intends drawing up as part of the process

of the general implementation of the Directive.

The assessment was carried out by Terry Prendergast, Dip. Env.

Econs., BSc (Surv), M. Phil UDRP, MSc SD, School of Real Estate

and Construction Economics, Dublin Institute of Technology, in

consultation with the Authority.

The report should be read in conjunction with the Master Plan

Review.

1.1 EU DIRECTIVE ON SEA (DIRECTIVE 2001/42/EC)

The EU Directive on SEA requires the carrying out of an

environmental assessment of plans and programmes which are

likely to have significant environmental effects and which set the

framework for future development consent of projects which are

subject to EIA or where an assessment is necessary due to the

likely effect on sites governed by the Habitats Directive (Directive

92/43/EEC).

Article 2 of the Directive defines environmental assessment as

“The preparation of an environmental report, the carrying out of

consultations, the taking into account of the environmental

report and the results of consultations in decision-making and

the provision of information on the decision……”.

The environmental report must identify, describe and evaluate

the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing

the plan and reasonable alternatives. Annex 1 of the Directive

details the information to be included in the environmental

report which can be summarised as follows:

• an outline of the contents and objectives of the

plan/programme and its relationship with other

plans/programmes;

• current environmental characteristics/conditions, including any

existing environmental problems, and the likely evolution

thereof without the implementation of the plan/programme;

• likely significant effects on the environment including on

issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna,

flora, soil, water, air, climate factors, material assets, cultural

heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage,

landscape and the interrelationship between these factors;

• mitigation measures;

• reasons for selection of alternatives considered;

• description of monitoring measures; and

• non-technical summary.

In terms of consultation, the draft plan and environmental report

must be made available to relevant authorities and the public (as

identified by the Member State).

The environmental report and the outcome of the consultation

process must be taken into account during the preparation of

the plan, before its adoption. A statement is required which

summarises how environmental considerations have been

integrated into the plan and how the environmental report and

the results of the consultations carried out have been taken

into account.

The Directive obliges Member States to monitor the significant

environmental effects of the implementation of

plans/programmes. Existing monitoring arrangements may

be used, if appropriate.

1.2 DUBLIN DOCKLANDS AREA MASTER PLAN REVIEW 2003

The Dublin Docklands Area Master Plan Review, prepared by the

Authority following public consultation, outlines a strategy for

“the sustainable social and economic regeneration of the Area,

with improvements to the physical area being a vital ingredient”.

The Review represents an updating of the 1997 Master Plan for

the Area, which is generally recognised as a robust, integrated

and comprehensive document.

The Review seeks to integrate the social, economic and physical

development of the area, consistent with the objectives of the

Authority as set out in Section 18 of the Dublin Docklands

Development Authority Act, 1997. It is the duty of the Authority

to secure:

(i) the social and economic regeneration of the Dublin

Docklands Area, on a sustainable basis;

1

INTR

OD

UC

TIO

N

Part 1 (Final) 30/5/03 12:45 Page 1

2

(ii) improvements in the physical environment of the Dublin

Docklands Area; and

(iii) the continued development in the Custom House Docks Area

of services of, for and in support of, or ancillary to, the

financial sector of the economy.

The Review thus establishes the social and economic framework

for the redevelopment of the area, identifying key strategic

objectives and a range of policies.

Land use policies contained in the Review seek to achieve

sustainable development objectives with the Authority “pursuing

a policy of mixed-use development in the Docklands Area which

would achieve a sustainable environment integrating living,

working and leisure”. The aims of the Master Plan 1997 and the

2003 Review are ambitious; it is an overall objective that the

population of the Area increase by 25,000 and the number of

residential units increase by 8,000-11,000.

The Master Plan Review seeks to promote the development of an

integrated public transport system and imposes strict limitations

on car parking for new development. The provision of cycleways

and pedestrian routes is promoted.

The Review sets out design criteria for new development, seeking

to achieve high quality buildings and urban spaces. At the same

time, the Review seeks to conserve essential elements of the

built environment which contribute to the character of the Area.

1

INTR

OD

UC

TIO

N

Part 1 (Final) 30/5/03 12:45 Page 2

3 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

2 METHODOLOGY

The methodology devised to carry out the SEA of the Master

Plan Review reflected the requirements of the SEA Directive while

drawing on UK experience of environmental appraisal of

Development Plans. The recently published UK Draft Guidance

on SEA formed a useful input in the devising of the methodology

employed.

The main steps taken in the process are detailed below.

2.1 SCOPING

Scoping for the SEA process involved three stages.

(i) Relevant plans and guidance documents at national, regional

and local level were identified and their relationship with the

Master Plan Review identified and described. The Master Plan

Review was assessed for compatibility with the plans/guidance.

(ii) Various organisations/government departments/statutory

agencies were consulted in order to determine their opinion

on the issues which the SEA should cover. Details were also

sought on any information held by the relevant organisation

which would be of use in the assessment of such issues. A list

of those consulted is included in Appendix 1 of this Report.

Responses were received from 9 of the organisations/agencies/

departments contacted, with acknowledgements received from

a further two. Various issues were raised in the responses,

some of which were more relevant in terms of the Master

Plan Review rather than the SEA process. This reflects the

novelty of the SEA process and the lack of familiarity with

its characteristics.

(iii) As part of the Master Plan Review, Mercator Marketing

Research, in association with Kelleher Associates, were

engaged by the Authority to conduct a consultation exercise

with residents of the Docklands. The outcome of the research

conducted by Mercator Marketing Research/Kelleher

Associates formed an important input into the drawing up

of Sustainability Criteria which formed the basis of the SEA

assessment process (see Section 6.0).

2.2 BASELINE STUDY

Baseline data was collected, broadly based on indicators

described in the SEA Directive ie biodiversity, population, human

health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climate factors, material

assets, cultural heritage including architectural and

archaeological heritage and landscape. It was decided to conduct

the baseline study based on the indicators as detailed in the

Directive as the SEA exercise was being carried out at the request

of the DOELG in order to pilot test the Directive prior to its coming

into force. It was found necessary to combine some indicators in

order to avoid unnecessary duplication. In addition human health

came under a variety of indicators e.g. population, water, air.

No primary research was carried out in the collection of baseline

data. Existing data sources were used. The Environmental Impact

Statements carried out for the Grand Canal Dock Area and

Docklands North Lotts Area Planning Schemes formed important

data sources. The data on South Dublin Bay was largely extracted

from a consultant’s report prepared by Richard Webb, Natural

Environment Consultants Ltd., for the Authority in relation to the

Poolbeg Peninsula. EPA monitoring data was used in respect of

air quality in the Area. An ESRI report, The Employment and

Socio-Economic Profile of the Dublin Docklands Area, 2000,

provided, in the absence of up-to-date Census figures, the most

up-to-date data on the socio-economic characteristics of the

population of the Area.

The likely evolution of each of the indicators without the

implementation of the Master Plan Review was also described,

as required under the Directive.

2.3 CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES

Two alternative development options were available for

consideration as part of the SEA process:

• The ‘do nothing’ option.

• The option of not reviewing the Master Plan 1997.

These are dealt with in Section 5.0 of the report.

2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THEMASTER PLAN REVIEW

The environmental assessment of the objectives and policies of

the Master Plan Review forms a major component of this report.

The methodology used in the carrying out of the assessment

employs a series of matrices, the filling in of which led to a

refinement and refocusing of the objectives and policies of the

Master Plan Review. As recommended in the UK Draft Guidance

on SEA, the objectives and policies were assessed against a set of

Sustainability Criteria. Although not required under the SEA

Directive, the formulation of Sustainability Criteria are “the key

way in which environmental and sustainability effects can be

identified, described, analysed, compared and monitored”

(ODPM, 2002, p.21). The Sustainability Criteria form a yardstick

against which the objectives and policies of the Master Plan

Review were tested. The criteria were devised taking into

consideration the findings of the community consultation process

carried out as part of the Master Plan Review and the scoping

exercise carried out as part of the SEA process.

2

MET

HO

DO

LOG

Y

Part 2 (Final) 3/6/03 15:13 Page 3

4

As part of the assessment the following were tested:

1. The internal compatibility of the Strategic Objectives of the

Master Plan Review were tested against each other, in order

to ensure that no tensions existed between the objectives

that could give rise to conflict.

2. The Sustainability Criteria which had been devised were also

tested for compatibility to ensure that any tensions which

may exist between criteria were identified. No such tensions

were identified and the exercise is included in Appendix II of

the report.

3. The Strategic Objectives of the Master Plan Review were

tested against the Sustainability Criteria.

4. Selected policies of the Master Plan Review were tested

against the Sustainability Criteria. In line with UK Draft

Guidance on SEA, not every policy was tested. Key policies

were selected relevant to each section of the Review

for assessment.

In the filling out of the matrices, the impact, if any, was recorded

indicating no link/effect, beneficial effect/likely beneficial effect,

some deterioration in environmental quality/conflict or uncertain

effect, depending on the nature of the matrix.

2

MET

HO

DO

LOG

Y

Part 2 (Final) 3/6/03 15:13 Page 4

5 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

3 CONSISTENCY WITH NATIONAL/REGIONAL/LOCAL POLICY

Since 1997 when the original Master Plan was adopted, a number

of strategic policy instruments have been introduced at national

and regional level with which the 2003 Master Plan Review is

required to be consistent with. These are detailed below. In

addition the Dublin City Development Plan was reviewed in 1999.

3.1 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – A STRATEGY FOR IRELAND, 1997

The central aim of the Strategy is to apply principles of

sustainability systematically to policy-making and to integrate

them into the decision-making process.

The Strategy provides a comprehensive framework for the

promotion of sustainability across all strategic sectors. In terms of

urban regeneration, it seeks to bring redundant and derelict land

and buildings back into active use thus meeting key sustainable

objectives of reusing available resources, contributing to energy

efficiency, sustaining the urban fabric, reducing the need to develop

greenfield sites and protecting the countryside. The Master Plan

Review 2003 is consistent with the Strategy.

3.2 NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY, 2000

The National Climate Change Strategy provides a framework for

the achievement of reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as an

essential step in achieving the targets agreed under the Kyoto

Protocol. The Strategy is relevant to the Master Plan Review in

terms of both energy usage and transportation. The original

Master Plan and the Review aim to provide high quality buildings

and urban spaces in accordance with the principles of

sustainable development. The focus has been on the provision of

an efficient, flexible public transport system, in addition to

providing safe and attractive walking and cycling routes

throughout the entire Docklands Area. The Master Plan Review

2003 is consistent with the Strategy.

3.3 STRATEGIC PLANNING GUIDELINES FORTHE GREATER DUBLIN AREA, 1999

The Strategic Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area

were produced on behalf of the Dublin and Mid-East Regional

Authorities in 1997. A Review and Update was published in

2002. The Guidelines seek to put in place a strategic planning

framework for Development Plans and for future investment in

transport, sanitary services and other infrastructure in the overall

area. The Strategy distinguishes between the Metropolitan Area

and the Hinterland Area. The Strategy for the Metropolitan Area

is to follow a development path that will:

• consolidate development within the area;

• increase overall densities of development; and

• facilitate the provision of a considerably enhanced public

transport system and encourage a shift to public transport.

The Strategy seeks the maximum possible redevelopment of

brownfield sites and of infill development in the Metropolitan

Area. The Guidelines note that the greatest extent of brownfield

land occurs in the Docklands Area and state that the Strategy

should clearly incorporate the 1997 Master Plan objective to

accommodate an additional population of 25,000 in Docklands.

The Master Plan Review 2003 is consistent with the strategic

planning framework advanced in the Guidelines.

3.4 RESIDENTIAL DENSITY GUIDELINES FORPLANNING AUTHORITIES, 1999

The Residential Density Guidelines published by the Department

of the Environment and Local Government (DOELG) promote

increased residential densities in appropriate locations in town

and city centres, brownfield sites, inner suburban/infill and outer

suburban/greenfield sites, institutional lands and towns/villages.

The Guidelines note that in the case of significant brownfield sites,

proximate to existing or future transport corridors, the opportunity

exists for redevelopment to higher densities, subject to safeguards.

Firm emphasis is placed on the importance of qualitative standards

in achieving high quality design and layout; the objective should

be the achievement of an efficient use of land appropriate to its

context, while avoiding problems of over-development.

It is considered that the residential density standards adopted in

the Master Plan Review 2003 reflect and are consistent with the

Guidelines.

3.5 A PLATFORM FOR CHANGE, STRATEGY 2000 TO 2016

A Platform for Change, Strategy 2000 to 2016, published by the

DTO, promotes an integrated public transport network, strategic

but limited road network improvements, traffic and parking

policies, freight management policies, cycle and pedestrian

networks, demand management policy and guidance on

complementary land use policies.

The transportation policy of the Master Plan Review is consistent

with DTO policy.

3

POLI

CY

CO

NSI

STEN

CY

Part 3 (Final) 30/5/03 13:01 Page 5

6

3.6 RETAIL PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING AUTHORITIES, 2000 AND RETAIL PLANNING STRATEGY FOR THE GREATER DUBLIN AREA, 2001

The Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published

by the DOELG, provide a framework to guide the preparation of

Development Plans and to assess planning applications for retail

development. An objective of the framework is to support the

continuing role of town and district centres. The Guidelines

impose a convenience floorspace cap of 3,500 sq metres for

development within the Greater Dublin Area.

The Retail Planning Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area,

prepared for the local authorities in the GDA and the DOELG in

conjunction with the Dublin and Mid-East Regional Authorities,

was undertaken to ensure that Development Plans provide for

sufficient retail floorspace reflecting population and expenditure

growth, and that retail development is appropriately located.

The Strategy indicates Docklands as the location for the possible

development of a town/district centre.

The retail strategy proposed in the Master Plan Review is

consistent with current strategic retail policy.

3.7 DUBLIN CITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN, 1999

In accordance with Section 24 of the Dublin Docklands

Development Authority Act, 1997, Dublin City Council is required,

on the adoption by the Authority of a Master Plan, to consider

the need for consistency between the Dublin City Development

Plan and the Master Plan. The Dublin City Development Plan

1999 was adopted two years after the adoption of the Master

Plan 1997. While both plans broadly adopted a similar approach

to the planning and development of the Docklands Area, some

inconsistencies existed. The Master Plan Review updates and

reviews the 1997 Master Plan. As part of the review process,

consultations were held with Dublin City Council. In the

implementation of the Master Plan Review it will be important to

ensure that a consistent approach exists between both

authorities to the overall redevelopment of the Docklands Area.

3

POLI

CY

CO

NSI

STEN

CY

Part 3 (Final) 30/5/03 13:01 Page 6

7 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

4 CHARACTERISTICS OF THEEXISTING ENVIRONMENT IN THE DOCKLANDS AREA

This section of the report describes the current state of the

environment in the Dublin Docklands Area – “the Area”, broadly

adopting the environmental indicators included in the SEA

Directive. Some indicators have been combined for the purpose

of clarity and to avoid duplication of information. Human health

was not considered separately but was considered to be either

directly or indirectly relevant to many of the indicators i.e. air,

water, material assets/cultural heritage, biodiversity.

The characteristics of the existing environment are described

under the following headings:

• Biodiversity/Flora and Fauna

• Population

• Soil

• Water

• Air

• Climate

• Material Assets/Cultural Heritage.

The Master Plan Review provides additional data describing the

existing environment.

As required by the SEA Directive, commentary is also included on

the likely evolution of the various indicators in the absence of the

implementation of the Master Plan Review.

4.1 BIODIVERSITY/FLORA AND FAUNA

The Docklands Area possesses areas of diverse character including

existing built up areas, former industrial/port lands, waterbodies,

formally laid out open space areas and wildlife areas. Much of

the Docklands Area is not of significance in terms of biodiversity

of flora and fauna. In contrast the adjoining South Dublin Bay is

of significance in this regard.

The Environmental Impact Statements prepared for the Grand

Canal Dock Area and Docklands North Lotts Area Planning

Schemes reported that flora on vacant and under-used sites in

both areas was dominated by species with the ability to tolerate

the unfavourable conditions that are found on such urban sites.

These include attributes such as:

• The ability to colonise the site by means of wind-borne seed;

• A life cycle that can contend with the stresses (particularly

drought) associated with the shallow soils that have

developed on concrete surfaces; and

• A life cycle and growth pattern that can tolerate varying

levels of trampling and disturbance.

At the time of the carrying out of the EISs no evidence existed in

either area of species registered for protection under the Wildlife

Act, 1976, the Flora Protection Order, 1999 or the annexes to

the Habitats Directive. Very little wildlife was evident in either

area. It was considered that pigeons and house sparrows were

present, but apart from the presence of brown rats and feral

cats, no evidence of mammals existed.

Although the Royal and Grand Canals (including the Grand

Canal Basin) are included as proposed National Heritage Areas

(pNHA’s), the stretches of the canals located in the Docklands

Area, due to their proximity to built up areas and former

industrial railway and port lands, do not act as prominent

wildlife channels.

Since the carrying out of the EIS’s however, Dúchas reports that

there are likely to be bats in the Area and that there may also be

the occasional visiting otter in the River Liffey and River Dodder.

South Dublin Bay

South Dublin Bay is of international importance for nature

conservation. The southern half of Dublin Bay is a large

triangular area stretching from the Poolbeg Peninsula to the

West Pier of Dun Laoghaire Harbour. It is a shallow estuarine

area which dries at low tide to expose over 800 hectares of sand,

bisected by several deep channels. Beneath the surface of the

sand there are huge numbers of a few key invertebrates such as

the cockle, ragworm and a tiny marine snail called hydrobia

which can occur at densities of greater than 16,000 per square

metre. These invertebrates provide food resources for large flocks

of birds, especially in winter when they migrate south from arctic

breeding grounds. The birds move freely between different parts

of Dublin Bay with many feeding on Sandymount and Merrion

Strands at low tide and roosting at the North Bull Island at high

tide. There are also a number of smaller high tide roosts around

South Dublin Bay, including the shoreline near Poolbeg

Generating Station.

The average peak winter population in the whole of Dublin Bay

was over 31,000 in the period from 1994 to 1998. Four species

– brent goose, knot, bar-tailed godwit and redshank – occur in

internationally important numbers with a further 14 species

present in nationally important numbers. Among the most

obvious of the waders are oystercatchers with their black and

white plumage and bright red bills. The most significant wildfowl

are the brent geese which often form large flocks on coastal

grassland. There are also large numbers of gulls, especially the

black-headed gull, attracted by the wastewater treatment works

at Poolbeg. In late summer the shoreline of South Dublin Bay is

used by large flocks of terns for night-time roostings.

4

ENV

IRO

NM

ENT

CH

ARA

CTE

RIST

ICS

Part 4 (Final) 3/6/03 14:59 Page 7

8

A number of studies of the birds of Dublin Bay have been carried

out including ongoing monitoring for the Dublin Bay Project by

Dublin City Council. Findings show that the strand between

Merrion Gates and Seapoint is the preferred area for the majority

of birds, but, at certain stages of the tide, large numbers also

occur in the northern sectors, close to the Poolbeg Peninsula. In

late winter, brent geese switch from feeding in the intertidal area

to grazing on costal grassland. A number of sites are used on the

peninsula including Sean Moore Park and Ringsend Park.

South Dublin Bay is covered by three separate, but related,

designations:

Proposed National Heritage Area. The primary importance of the

pNHA is as an internationally important site for waterbirds. The

boundary of the pNHA follows the high water mark. In addition,

there is a very small pNHA which covers two mooring dolphins in

the River Liffey near Pigeon House Harbour as these are used by

nesting terns.

Candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This statutory

designation recognises the importance of the bay as a prime

wildlife conservation area of European significance. The

boundary of the SAC coincides with that of the pNHA.

Special Protection Area (SPA). This statutory designation

recognises the importance of the bay to birds and requires the

prevention of pollution, or deterioration of habitats or any

disturbance to birds which use the SPA.

Non-implementation of Master Plan Review

Were the Master Plan Review not implemented, the

redevelopment of the Docklands Area would take place at a

slower pace than that envisaged in the Master Plan 1997 and

Review. Any proposed development adjacent to the South Dublin

Bay Area would be required to reflect its significance in terms of

nature designation.

4.2 POPULATION

The Docklands Area has traditionally been made up of five

residential communities, centred loosely in villages within the

area, three on the north side and two on the south side. These

are East Wall, North Strand, Sheriff Street/North Wall, City Quay/

Westland Row and Ringsend/Irishtown. With the development of

significant additional residential units in IFSCI and II, the residential

profile of the Area has been strengthened considerably.

The socio-economic profile of the Area is outlined in Chapter 2

of the Master Plan Review. Key indicators are as follows:

• The Docklands Area is continuing to exhibit population

increase, with the overall population increasing from 16,713

persons in 1991 to 17,425 in 1996 and 19,467 persons in

2002. Over the period 1991-2002, the population of the

Area grew by c. 16%.

• The most vibrant area of growth is evidenced in the 25-44

age cohort, with other age-cohorts experiencing population

decline. This has had consequences in terms of the provision

of services in the Area. For example, the decline in the 0-14

age cohort has resulted in declining school numbers

throughout the Area. It is also reflected in the characteristics

of household units in the Area.

• The increase in population has been reflected in the increase

in household units in the Area, with the overall number of

households increasing from 6,042 in 1991 to 6,735 in 1996

representing an absolute growth of 693 households over the

period or 11.5%. Data on the number of household units

currently in existence in the Area will become available on the

full publication of the results of the 2002 Census.

• Reflecting the population profile of the Area, the number of

one-person households is greater than in Dublin City and

County.

• Reflecting the national economic growth of recent years and

increased participation in employment, a total of 42.2% of

Docklands residents were engaged in employment in 1996.

Although still below the comparable percentage for the GDA

of 49.6%, it represented an increase of 5% since 1991. It is

anticipated that labour force participation rates will show

further increases when the full results of the 2002 Census

become available. The ESRI estimates that the labour force

residing in the Docklands Area in 2000 was in the order of

8,950 persons and that unemployment rates were in the

order of 10%, with the number of unemployed estimated to

have fallen substantially since 1996.

• Reflecting the proximity of the Area to the city centre and the

growth of office development in the Docklands Area, the most

important sector to the structure of employment in the Area

is commerce, which accounted for 20.4% of employment

among Docklands residents in 1996, representing a 4.3%

increase since 1991. The importance of the sector is expected

to have strengthened since that time. The Professional Services

and Manufacturing sectors accounted for employment

among 18.2% and 15.8% of Docklands residents respectively

in 1996. The latter had fallen by 4.6% from 1991, illustrating

the replacement of manufacturing with office use in the Area.

• Community activity in Docklands is thriving with over 100

community groups and organisations in the Area. The groups/

organisations cater for a wide range of activities and interests

including educational assistance, community development

and training, crèches and playgroups, parish work, sports and

youth activity, support for the elderly, enterprise /

employment advice and training etc.

4

ENV

IRO

NM

ENT

CH

ARA

CTE

RIST

ICS

Part 4 (Final) 3/6/03 14:59 Page 8

9 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

Non-implementation of Master Plan Review

Were the Master Plan Review not implemented, the

redevelopment and renewal of the Area would take place at a

much reduced pace. The rate of growth of the residential

population would not take place at the rate anticipated in the

Master Plan. Meanwhile the traditional population of the

Docklands Area would naturally decline over time, with the

profile of the population gradually becoming older. The decline

in population and older age profile would have implications in

terms of the provision of infrastructure and services in the Area.

4.3 SOIL

Much of the Docklands Area is made up of reclaimed land.

The geology underneath the layers of fill comprise alluvial

deposits including interbedded silts, sands and gravels underlain

with glacially deposited boulder clay with sands and gravels over

a limestone bedrock. Information obtained from previous site

investigations in the general area of the proposed development

indicates the following typical geo-technical characteristics of the

various layers. See Table 1

A desktop study of former land uses within the Docklands Area,

together with site investigation data from development proposals

within the Area, indicates a variety of soil conditions and that

some sites have been contaminated by former industrial uses or

by the use of contaminated materials as part of land reclamation.

This is consistent with Dockland areas internationally, reflecting

the nature and character of such areas. One heavily

contaminated site, the former gasworks site on Sir John

Rogerson’s Quay, representing an area of 24 acres, has been

recently decontaminated by the Authority.

To date no national survey has been carried out to identify and

register contaminated sites. The detailed extent of contamination

in the Area is beyond the scope of this report and will need to

be determined by site-specific surveys.

Non-implementation of Master Plan Review

Were the policies and objectives of the Master Plan Review not

to be implemented, the likelihood is that, in the absence of

redevelopment of the Area, existing contaminated sites would

remain contaminated pending redevelopment.

4.4 WATER

Waterbodies play an important role in defining the unique

character of the Docklands Area. The water quality of those

waterbodies for which data is available is as follows:

River Liffey

Water quality in the river is that of a typical lowland, urban river.

Previous studies have revealed that the river has moderate

pollution levels. The quality of the water deteriorates as the river

becomes tidal. The part of the river near the Docklands Area is

affected by the tide and there is a discernible increase of salinity

and pollutants such as suspended solids, ammonia and heavy

metals at this location. This is due to the sediments being

disturbed and the plug effects of the tide, which have pushed

materials from the sewage outfall at Poolbeg back up the river.

The upgrading of the treatment plant, to include forms of

secondary and tertiary treatment, will result in an improvement

in water quality in the river.

River Dodder

The water quality of the Lower Dodder is similar to that of the

Liffey. It is high in ammonia and heavy metals. The biological

oxygen demand (BOD) is however acceptable. The river is

polluted at the Grand Canal Dock end despite the tidal

influences.

Grand Canal Basin/Grand Canal

The Grand Canal Basin has been the most vulnerable of the

water bodies within the Area. The long retention time and low

throughput of water makes it similar to a small lake and is

4

ENV

IRO

NM

ENT

CH

ARA

CTE

RIST

ICS

Layer Description Layer Characteristics Probable Depths of Layer

Filled Ground Gravelly clay filled with fragements of From existing ground to 5 metresglass, clay, brick, plastics, metal, timber, ash and ceramics

Soft Black Silty Clay Alluvial deposits ranging from 1 to 2 1 to 2 metresmetres thick and generall soft flow sheer strength

Glacial Boulder Clay Stiff to hard with occassional inerbedded 3 to 10 metresgravel layers

Limestone Varies from weak to moderately strong 7 to 20 metresand strong to very strong

Table 1

Part 4 (Final) 3/6/03 14:59 Page 9

10

particularly susceptible to pollution through leaching or direct

discharge of both solid and liquid material from the sites around it.

The Grand Canal is a freshwater waterbody and not affected by

the tide. It is free from heavy metals and as it passes through

the centre of the Basin the canal has a good biological status

with a low BOD and chemical oxygen demand (COD). As it

enters the Basin the suspended solids concentration falls as

expected due to enhanced settlement and flocculation in the

large enclosed area. A significant increase in BOD formerly

existed in the Basin adjacent to the contaminated former Dublin

Gas production site. This site has since been decontaminated by

the Authority.

Water quality within the Grand Canal Basin has been adversely

affected in recent years by an outfall, which, although primarily

consisting of surface water, can contain some foul sewage and

discharges directly into the southern end of the inner basin

during periods of heavy rainfall. Section 25 certification has

issued to Dublin City Council to extend the outfall through the

Grand Canal Basin and Authority’s lands to the north, to discharge

into the River Liffey, where its impact will not be significant.

George’s Dock/Inner Dock

The water quality in both George’s Dock and the Inner Dock has

improved through the actions of the Authority. Aeration has

been introduced into both docks and water quality is satisfactory.

Spencer Dock/Royal Canal

The long retention time and low throughput of water makes this

waterbody somewhat similar to a small lake and hence it is

susceptible to pollution through leachate or discharges from

adjoining lands.

Water Supply

To date, water supply in the Area has been catered for by the

existing pipe network. This has proved adequate to meet

demands, although water pressure has been relatively low. In

order to cater for anticipated development in the Area, in

particular in the Docklands North Lotts Area, the provision of

new watermains to supply water demand will be necessary.

Groundwater

A desktop study of former land uses within the Docklands Area

suggests that some contamination of the groundwater may have

occurred in the past. The extent of contamination will only

become evident on the carrying out of site-specific surveys. No

data exists at national level of groundwater conditions in the Area.

Non-implementation of Master Plan Review

In the event of non-implementation of the Master Plan Review,

the situation regarding the waterbodies, water supply and

groundwater would remain unchanged. In particular, river

regeneration would be stalled.

4.5 AIR QUALITY

Data on the levels of the main air pollutants monitored in Ireland

in 2000 are available from the Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA, 2000). As noted by the Agency, air quality monitoring in

Ireland remains concentrated mainly on smoke and sulphur

dioxide (SO2), with less comprehensive data available for other

pollutants.

Smoke and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2),

Dublin City Council maintains one fixed monitoring station for

these two pollutants in the Docklands Area, which is located at

Ringsend. The air quality standards currently in force for smoke

and SO2 are based on EC Directive 80/779/EEC. The annual

mean guide values for smoke and SO2 are 40 to 60 ug/m3

respectively. Maximum daily mean values are 100 to 150 ug/m3.

(i) Smoke

The annual mean level recorded at Ringsend in the 2000/2001

monitoring period was 7ug/m3, well below guide levels. The

ban on the sale of bituminous coal in Dublin since October

1990 has resulted in a dramatic reduction in smoke levels.

(ii) Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

The mean SO2 concentration values recorded in Dublin City

for 2000/2001 were very low, with an annual mean value of

6 ug/m3 recorded at Ringsend. The EPA notes that this reflects

the occurrence of alkaline levels in the titration process

(EPA, 2000).

Particulate Matter

Concentration of PM10 are monitored at four sites in Dublin

City; College Street, Coleraine Street, Rathmines and the Phoenix

Park. Recorded levels of PM10 have exceeded recommended

levels at College Street, which the EPA notes are clearly due to

traffic impacts. The Agency also notes that the location of the

kerbside monitoring site is not in compliance with the EU Directive.

In addition, in 2000 the EPA deployed mobile monitoring units to

record levels of PM10 in selected locations. One such location was

Pearse Street, Dublin 2. The Agency stresses that the temporal

coverage of the selected sites is insufficient to allow for a full

assessment. The average PM10 value recorded for the site was

33 ug/m3 which was within the relevant Directive (Directive

1999/30/EC) limit value.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx and NO2)

The EPA reports data for nitrogen oxides for five fixed sites, in

addition to results from five mobile units. One of the mobile

units is again located at Pearse Street, Dublin 2. In general, levels

of NO2 measured at the monitoring stations did not exceed limit

values set in the relevant EC Directives (Directives 85/203/EEC

and 1999/30/EC). The EPA however notes that the levels

measured at Pearse Street were significantly higher than those

4

ENV

IRO

NM

ENT

CH

ARA

CTE

RIST

ICS

Part 4 (Final) 3/6/03 14:59 Page 10

11 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

measured at other sites, reflecting the high levels of traffic and

traffic congestion occurring on the street. The EPA concludes

that NO2 pollution is likely to be confined to hot-spot areas or

individual streets with very high traffic volumes.

Lead

Emissions from petrol motor vehicles are the main source of lead

in the atmosphere. With the introduction of unleaded petrol,

concentrations of this pollutant have decreased significantly.

Levels recorded at monitoring sites in Dublin City (including

Pearse Street) are well below EU limit values.

Carbon Monoxide/Benzene

Engine exhausts and space heating flues using certain fuels

provide the main source of carbon monoxide (CO), while benzene

is a constituent of crude oil and exists in petrol. Data on carbon

monoxide and benzene levels for Dublin is available for one fixed

monitoring site located at Wood Quay and indicates that levels

comply with the EU limit values. Data recorded by the EPA mobile

unit at Pearse Street recorded levels well below EU limit values.

Non-implementation of Master Plan Review

At present, air pollution occurs in the vicinity of heavily trafficked

routes, arising from emissions from vehicles. Decreases in air

pollution are anticipated arising from emission controls and

stringent traffic management in Dublin City Centre and the

reduction in port traffic in the Area on the construction of the

Dublin Port Tunnel. In the absence of the implementation of the

Master Plan Review, current trends in this regard would continue.

4.6 CLIMATIC FACTORS

Ireland ratified the UN Framework Convention on Climate

Change in 1994 and the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. Under the

latter, Ireland has agreed to limit the net growth of greenhouse

gases to 13% above the 1990 level by the period 2008-2012.

Achievement of this growth level is giving rise to and will

continue to pose a real challenge.

Dublin’s climate is classified as temperate with monthly

temperatures ranging from 5-15ºC. Rainfall within the city is

50mm per annum (with wetter weather between November-

January). South-westerly winds predominate. The annual

precipitation (30 year average) recorded in Merrion Square is

710mm. Records show that there have been 21 periods of

absolute drought (15 or more consecutive days with <0.2mm of

precipitation) over a 25 year period (1960-1984).

The climate and micro-climate of the Area is characteristic of a

site adjacent to a river. The effect of the coastal breeze (on-shore

during the day, off-shore at night time) is particularly significant

at the mouth of the River Liffey, resulting in a low level easterly

wind during the day, especially during the summer months. In

addition, light on-shore winds along the Liffey Valley may also

develop during the daytime on relatively calm winter days. This

can significantly effect the dispersion of low level air pollution

emissions in Dublin and result in a more rapid break up of fog

conditions than would occur further inland.

Micro climatic changes will occur arising from the development

of the Docklands Area. These changes will be particularly evident

in the Grand Canal Dock and Docklands North Lotts Areas,

which at present lack shelter and are windswept. Such local

climatic changes will be relatively minor in nature.

Non-implementation of Master Plan Review

In the event of either the implementation or the

non-implementation of the Master Plan Review, climatic conditions

in the Docklands Area will remain largely unchanged. Micro

climatic changes will occur at a slower pace in the event of

non-implementation.

4.7 NOISE

No independent data on noise levels in the Docklands Area is

available at national or local level. From the Authority’s

observations and from noise surveys carried out as part of

development proposals in the Area, it is clear that environmental

noise levels are high in those parts of the Area located adjacent

to heavily trafficked routes.

Non-implementation of Master Plan Review

In the absence of the implementation of the Master Plan Review

current trends are likely to continue in this regard. Some

reduction in noise levels in the North Docklands Area is likely to

arise on the opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel, with the

anticipated resultant decrease in HGV traffic through the Area.

4.8 MATERIAL ASSETS/CULTURAL HERITAGE

The waterside location of the Docklands Area, in close proximity

to the city centre provides an area of unique character and

opportunity. The Area is not homogenous in nature and is

characterised by a mix of high quality redeveloped areas,

traditional village communities, major utility and amenity uses,

industrial land, wildlife areas and underutilised/derelict sites. The

material assets/cultural heritage of the Area are outlined under

the categories detailed below:

(i) Archaeology

(ii) Protected Structures/Conservation Areas

(iii) Waterbodies

(iv) Open spaces

(v) Views

(i) Archaeology

Because the Area is made up of land reclaimed from the

inter-tidal estuary of the River Liffey and the sea, any

4

ENV

IRO

NM

ENT

CH

ARA

CTE

RIST

ICS

Part 4 (Final) 3/6/03 14:59 Page 11

12

archaeological remains are likely to relate to activities in the

river estuary prior to reclamation. The Dublin City

Development Plan, 1999, includes two Zones of

Archaeological Interest in the Area; one centred on

Thorncastle Street, Ringsend and the other centred around

the junction of Irishtown Road and Bath Street, Irishtown.

Recent archaeological investigations of a site located at

Thorncastle Street in the Zone of Archaeological Interest

yielded no archaeological remains.

Visible remains relate to industrial archaeology, remnants of

which are dispersed throughout the Area. These include the

former docks, campshires, mooring rings, bollards, steps,

machinery etc. Other remnant features of the railway era are

also evidenced in the Area and include rails, viaduct,

footbridges etc.

Parts of the Docklands Area are included as recorded

archaeological monuments under Section 12 of the National

Monument (Amendment) Act, 1994. These include:

• Custom House Quay/North Wall Quay

• City Quay/Sir John Rogerson’s Quay

• The sea wall at York Road/Pigeon House Road/South Wall

(ii) Protected Structures/Conservation Areas

As noted in the Master Plan Review, the transport, maritime

and industrial past of the Area has left a legacy of buildings

and other features, many of which are Protected Structures,

which contribute to the Area’s unique character.

Protected Structures are widely dispersed throughout the

Area, some of which are of national/international significance.

These include Gandon’s eighteenth century masterpiece, the

Custom House; one of the most extensive and finest early

nineteenth century cast-iron roof systems in Europe at Stack

A and the outstanding achievement of the South Wall. In

general however the number of Protected Structures in the

Area is relatively low, reflecting the fact that the Area

comprises reclaimed land, a large proportion of which was

subsequently used for port and industrial use. This is

evidenced in the Docklands North Lotts Area, one of the main

redevelopment areas in Docklands, which contains relatively

few Protected Structures. A wide diversity however exists in

the range of Protected Structures in the Area reflecting its

maritime, transport and docklands history. Protected

Structures include former gasometer support structures,

railway viaducts, a former power station, docks, bridges and

warehouses.

The Dublin City Development Plan, 1999, identifies a number

of Conservation Areas in Docklands at the following

locations:

• The River Liffey including quaysides

• Grand Canal Dock/Grand Canal

• George’s Dock

• Spencer Dock/Royal Canal

• The Custom House

• The River Dodder

Whereas the number of Protected Structures in the Area may

be relatively low, the high proportion of the Area covered by

Conservation Area status reflects the unique character and

environmental quality of parts of the Area.

Non-implementation of Master Plan Review

In the event that the Master Plan is not implemented, the

status quo is likely to prevail. Redevelopment and renewal

would be likely to occur in a piecemeal fashion, rather than in

the comprehensive manner envisaged. Against this

background, the opportunities for introducing new uses for

Protected Structures would be more limited. The character of

the existing Conservation Areas would remain largely

unaltered in the shorter term. Sites/artefacts of archaeological

interest would be largely unaffected.

(iii) Waterbodies

The waterbodies in Docklands play an important role in

defining the character of the Area in addition to providing a

valuable amenity and recreational resource. As noted in the

Master Plan, the River Liffey is the great ‘form giver’ of the

city and the Docklands Area. The containment of the river to

create a channel for shipping resulted in land reclamation on

either bank, giving the Docklands Area the form it has today,

deriving from the simple orthogonal grid pattern of streets

and development blocks which were laid out in the early

eighteenth century. Reflecting the critical role of the river, the

Liffey Quays from Spencer Dock eastwards are designated as a

Conservation Area in the Dublin City Development Plan, 1999.

In terms of recreational use, the river is used for cruise

ship/visiting ship or boat berthage, canoeing and boat racing.

The Liffey Swim and Liffey Descent are annual events. Secure

visitor moorings are available at the Authority’s offices. The

redevelopment of the campshires for public amenity use is

ongoing. Whereas the Liffey is the great ‘form giver’ of the

city, it also acts as a divide between north and south river

banks. East of Matt Talbot Bridge linkage across the river is

particularly weak. The development of the Macken Street and

Lombard Street Bridges will address this and improve

accessibility significantly. The challenge exists to provide for

improved linkages while facilitating river regeneration.

The other key waterbodies in the Area are Grand Canal Dock,

George’s Dock, the Inner Dock, Spencer Dock and the River

Dodder and River Tolka. The former docks represent a unique

architectural and engineering achievement and act as a

reminder of the former port and industrial use of the Area.

Public access is available to George’s Dock, the Inner Dock

and parts of Grand Canal Dock. The public will have access

4

ENV

IRO

NM

ENT

CH

ARA

CTE

RIST

ICS

Part 4 (Final) 3/6/03 14:59 Page 12

13 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

to Spencer Dock on redevelopment of the adjoining lands to

the east. Another waterbody in the Area at Poolbeg Harbour

is in the ownership of the ESB. Public access is not available

to the harbour.

Watersports activities take place on Grand Canal Dock. The

recently constructed pontoon at George’s Dock allows for the

mooring of barges for restaurant/retail use alongside. The

Inner Dock acts as a key amenity space in the Area.

Reflecting the contribution played by the waterbodies in

defining the character of the Docklands Area, Grand Canal

Dock, George’s Dock, Spencer Dock and those sections of the

River Dodder and River Tolka located within the Docklands

Area are included as Conservation Areas in the Dublin City

Development Plan, 1999. Poolbeg Harbour is also included as

a Conservation Area in the Plan. In conjunction with their

Conservation Area status, George’s Dock, the Inner Dock and

Grand Canal Dock are designated as Protected Structures.

Non-implementation of Master Plan Review

In the absence of the implementation of the Master Plan

Review, the status quo would remain. The improvement of

public access to the waterbodies, the redevelopment of the

Campshires, the redevelopment of areas adjoining the

waterbodies and river regeneration would stall.

(iv) Open Spaces

The Docklands Area includes open space areas of diverse

character ranging from the formally set out Pearse Square to

the wilderness areas of Poolbeg. Indeed few areas of the city

exhibit the same variety of open spaces which include parks,

playgrounds, riverside/dockside walkways and coastal public

amenity areas.

Whereas the Area displays a wide variety of open space areas,

the Master Plan Review acknowledges that the full potential

of such spaces is frequently not fully realised due to lack of

public accessibility, poor layout or public awareness.

Open space provision is generous in the South Docklands

Area and will be augmented by further development of the

Campshires along their full extent and the development of

amenity areas alongside Grand Canal Dock, in addition to the

development of Grand Canal Square and smaller urban

squares. A total of over 30 hectares of open space is available

in Ringsend Park, Sean Moore Park, Irishtown Park and

smaller spaces such as Pearse Square.

The North Docklands Area is less well provided for in terms of

parkland. Fairview Park adjoins the Area and is in easy proximity

of the East Wall and North Strand communities. Development

of the Campshires is ongoing along North Wall Quay.

The Poolbeg Peninsula accommodates amenity areas of city-

wide significance. These comprise the coastal walkway, the

Irishtown Nature Park and the South Wall. The latter is

designated both as a Conservation Area and a Protected

Structure in the Dublin City Development Plan, 1999.

Non-implementation of Master Plan Review

In the event of non-implementation of the Master Plan

Review, the status quo would prevail, with the provision of

additional amenity/open spaces in the Area stalled.

(v) Views

Extensive views are available of the city from the Docklands

Area and of the Docklands Area from the city. The most

significant view corridor in this regard is the River Liffey.

Views eastwards from Dublin City of the river are however

disrupted by the prevalence of vacant and underutilised sites,

the lack of a coherent urban form and the presence of former

warehouse buildings on the Campshires.

Views from Dublin Bay and the south city are dominated by

the Poolbeg Peninsula, which forms a significant landmark

feature with its low rise land mass punctuated by high power

generating chimneys, piled containers and a variety of utility

and industrial buildings.

Other views of Docklands are available from a variety of

vantage points and view corridors in the city. Of particularly

significance is the Fitzwilliam Street View Corridor which runs

in a northerly direction from Fitzwilliam Street and which

impacts on development in the western section of the

Docklands North Lotts Area.

Non-implementation of Master Plan Review

In the event that the Master Plan Review were not

implemented, views of the Area would undergo change at

a slower pace than would arise on implementation of

the Review.

4

ENV

IRO

NM

ENT

CH

ARA

CTE

RIST

ICS

Part 4 (Final) 3/6/03 14:59 Page 13

14

5 CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES

As noted in Section 2.3, two alternative options were considered

to be available for assessment as part of the SEA process:

• The ‘do-nothing’ option

• The option of not reviewing the existing Master Plan 1997.

Under the ‘do nothing’ option, the Area would maintain its

current physical and socio-economic characteristics. Development

would be market dependant and would occur at a slower pace

and in a less co-ordinated manner. Investment by the Authority

would be absent. Adopting the ‘do-nothing’ option would mean

that parts of the Area would remain derelict and under-utilised

with little physical, social or economic enhancement. In this

context the establishment by Government of the Authority under

the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act, 1997, with

the remit of the social, economic and physical enhancement of

the Area, presupposes that the Area is in need of regeneration,

and that the ‘do-nothing’ alternative is not a viable option.

The second alternative is not to review the Master Plan 1997.

The Master Plan catered for the redevelopment/regeneration for

the Area for a 15 year timescale to 2012. The Master Plan has a

wide level of acceptance and recognition, and not conducting a

review of the Plan would be a viable alternative. However,

whereas the broad thrust of the Master Plan is as valid today as

in 1997, background circumstances have in some instances

changed. It is considered necessary to reflect these changing

circumstances, which can result in a shift in policy focus or

emphasis. Thus the alternative of not reviewing the Master Plan

1997 is likewise not considered an appropriate option.

5

ALT

ERN

ATI

VE

CO

NSI

DER

ATI

ON

S

Part 5 (Final) 3/6/03 10:58 Page 14

15 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

6 SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIAAs noted earlier, the Master Plan Review outlines a strategy for

“the sustainable social and economic regeneration of the Area,

with improvements to the physical environment being a vital

ingredient.” This section of the report sets out a set of

Sustainability Criteria which form the basis for an appraisal of

the objectives and policies contained in the Review. The criteria

are listed in Figure 1 overleaf. The findings of the community

consultation process, carried out as part of the Master Plan

Review, formed an important input in the drawing up of the

Sustainability Criteria. The Sustainability Criteria are broadly

categorised in terms of the indicators outlined in the SEA

Directive. Again, some indicators are combined to avoid

repetition. Human health is not dealt with under a separate

category but arises under a variety of categories below e.g.

population, air and water. In the course of the carrying out of the

appraisal, the Sustainability Criteria were refined, combined and

clarified in order to avoid duplication and ensure a clear, focused

set of criteria against which to measure the Master Plan Review.

The Sustainability Criteria were also checked against the objectives

formulated in “Sustainable Development – a Strategy for Ireland”

(DOE, 1997), with which they were found to be consistent.

FIGURE 1 - SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIA

Bio diversity/Flora and Fauna

B1 - safeguard designated areas/ areas of nature

conservation importance while increasing potential for

wildlife/flora and fauna, where appropriate.

Population

P1 - promote the creation of a safe, healthy and high

quality environment in which to live and work.

P2 - promote the strengthening and diversification of the

local economy.

P3 - promote local employment opportunities.

P4 - promote access to education and training.

P5 - promote the meeting of local housing needs.

P5 - involve local communities in the

redevelopment/renewal of the Area.

P7 - promote community cohesion.

Soil

S1 - promote decontamination to international standards

of contaminated soil.

Water

W1 - ensure adequate good quality water supply.

W2 - maintain/improve water quality of waterbodies.

Air/Climate/Noise

C1 - maintain/promote improvement of air quality.

C2 - promote minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions to

the atmosphere.

C3 - reduce trip generation, trip length and the need for

motorised transport.

C4 - promote public transport and attraction of

walking/cycling.

C5 - promote sustainable energy use/generation

C6 - minimise noise pollution.

Cultural Heritage/Material Assets

H1 - safeguard Protected Structures and sites of

archaeological value and maintain environmental

quality of Conservation Areas.

H2 - enhance townscape and general

landscape/environmental quality.

H3 - ensure adequate provision of open space/maintain

and improve access to open space areas.

6

SUST

AIN

ABI

LITY

CRI

TERI

A

Part 6 (Final) 3/6/03 11:00 Page 15

16

7 ASSESSMENT OF MASTER PLAN REVIEW

As noted in Section 2.4, the assessment involved testing for the

following:

(i) The internal compatibility of the Strategic Objectives of the

Master Plan Review were tested against each other, in order

to ensure that no tensions existed between the objectives

that could give rise to conflict.

(ii) The Sustainability Criteria which had been devised were also

tested for compatibility. No tensions were identified and the

exercise is included in Appendix 2 of the report.

(iii) The Strategic Objectives of the Master Plan Review were

tested for compatibility against the Sustainability Criteria.

(iv) Selected policies of the Master Plan Review were tested

against the Sustainability Criteria.

7.1 COMPATIBILITY OF STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

A set of 14 strategic objectives in Section 1.6 of the Master Plan

Review repeat key socio-economic objectives included in the

1997 Master Plan.

As part of the SEA, the Strategic Objectives were tested for

compatibility with each other (Figure 2). The Objectives were

found to be compatible with a possible uncertain effect between

Objective f (the provision of a wide range of new housing in the

Area in order to achieve a good social mix) and Objective b (the

development of increased opportunities for local employment in

existing and new enterprises in the Area). A modification to the

1997 Master Plan recognised a need for flexibility in the provision

of residential development in areas zoned for industrial use. The

evidence from the land use survey carried out as part of the

Master Plan Review indicates a continual decline in industrial and

warehouse use and its replacement with residential or office use.

Objective i (the improvement of the infrastructure and amenities

of the Area concurrently with or in advance of residential,

commercial and industrial development) and Objective m (the

realisation of the potential of Docklands youth) were found to be

fully compatible. It is envisaged that the latter will be involved in

the proposed Community Greening Initiative.

A key outcome of the carrying out of the compatibility matrix

was the recommendation that an additional Strategic Objective

be included relating to the physical improvement and renewal of

the Area which promotes the physical renewal of the Area to a

high environmental standard, reflecting high quality urban design

and architecture, combined with sustainable energy use.

7.2 COMPATIBILITY OF STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES WITH SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIA

The Strategic Objectives devised as part of the Master Plan

Review were tested for compatibility with the Sustainability

Criteria and were found to be largely compatible (Figure 3).

Some deterioration in environmental quality in terms of

additional noise impacts (Sustainability Criteria C6) will arise in

the course of the improvement of infrastructure in the Area

(Strategy Objective (i)). Additional noise will inevitably be

generated at the construction stage of utility/infrastructure

developments. Equally the expansion of existing opportunities for

local employment (Strategic Objective (b)) could lead to the

generation of additional noise levels. This however is balanced by

the requirement of Strategic Objective (a) to develop a wide

range of sustainable employment opportunities in the Area.

A number of the Strategic Objectives (a, b and d), by virtue of

the fact that they promote development, albeit sustainable

development, are likely to impact in some small way on

greenhouse gas emissions and thus on Sustainability Criteria C2

(promote minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions to the

atmosphere).

The development of increased opportunities for local

employment in existing enterprises (part of Strategic Objective

(b)) creates a possible tension with Sustainability Criteria C5

(promotion of sustainable energy use/generation) and C6

(minimise noise pollution) due to the nature of some existing

local enterprises, particularly those long established workshop and

industrial uses. Such tension is inevitable with some desirable

socio-economic objectives unavoidably having a less than ideal

physical impact, and is balanced by Strategic Objective (a).

Sustainability Criteria C3 (reduce trip generation, trip length and

the need for motorised transport) and C4 (promote public

transport and attraction of walking/cycling) performed well in

the matrix, reflecting the sustainability of redeveloping

brownfield dockland areas. In addition Sustainability Criteria P1

(promote the creation of a safe, healthy and high quality

environment in which to live and work) and P2 (promote the

strengthening and diversification of the local economy) were

found to be fully compatible with all Strategic Objectives.

7

ASS

ESSM

ENT

OF

MA

STER

PLA

N R

EVIE

W

Part 7 (Final) 3/6/03 15:01 Page 16

17 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

7

ASS

ESSM

ENT

OF

MA

STER

PLA

N R

EVIE

W

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES COMPATIBILITY

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

A. The development of a wide range of sustainable employment opportunities in the Area.

B. The development of increased opportunities for local employment in existing and new enterprisesin the Area.

C. The development of an environment which will attract increased investment and employment intothe Area.

D. The continued development and expansion of the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) inDocklands.

E. The development of sustainable neighbourhoods with sufficient ‘critical mass’ which will supportservices such as quality public transport, improved retail facilities and other new amenities.

F. The provision of a wide range of new housing in the Area in order to achieve a good social mix.

G. The integration of new residential communities with existing local communities in the Area.

H. The development of sustainable transportation for the Area, the promotion of public transport,walking and cycling (as alternatives to the private car) and improved circulation within the Area.

I. The improvement of the infrastructure and amenities in the Area concurrently with or in advance ofresidential, commercial and industrial development.

J. The development of the amenity, tourism and employment potential of the water bodies in theArea.

K. The identification and development of anchor activities and landmark developments which wouldassist in the regeneration of the Area over the period of the Master Plan.

L. The promotion of increased access to education and training for all residents in the Area.

M. The realisation of the potential of Docklands youth.

N. The renewal of Dublin city as a whole by linking the city centre to Dublin Bay and, in turn, connecting the Docklands Area to the life of the city.

KEY

✓ Compatible

0 No Effect

? Uncertain Effect

X May Conflict

A

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

B

✓

✓

✓

?

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

C

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

D

✓

0

0

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

E

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

0

✓

✓

✓

F

✓

0

✓

0

0

0

0

✓

G

0

0

0

0

✓

✓

✓

H

✓

✓

0

0

0

✓

I

✓

✓

0

✓

✓

J

✓

0

✓

✓

K

0

0

✓

L

✓

✓

M

✓ N

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVESSustainability Criteria

A. The development of a wide range of sustainable employment opportunities in the Area.

B. The development of increased opportunities for local employment in existing and new enterprisesin the Area.

C. The development of an environment which will attract increased investment and employment intothe Area.

D. The continued development and expansion of the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) inDocklands.

E. The development of sustainable neighbourhoods with sufficient ‘critical mass’ which will supportservices such as quality public transport, improved retail facilities and other new amenities.

F. The provision of a wide range of new housing in the Area in order to achieve a good social mix.

G. The integration of new residential communities with existing local communities in the Area.

H. The development of sustainable transportation for the Area, the promotion of public transport,walking and cycling (as alternatives to the private car) and improved circulation within the Area.

I. The improvement of the infrastructure and amenities in the Area concurrently with or in advanceof residential, commercial and industrial development.

J. The development of the amenity, tourism and employment potential of the water bodies in theArea.

K. The identification and development of anchor activities and landmark developments which wouldassist in the regeneration of the Area over the period of the Master Plan.

L. The promotion of increased access to education and training for all residents in the Area.

M. The realisation of the potential of Docklands youth.

N. The renewal of Dublin city as a whole by linking the city centre to Dublin Bay and, in turn, connecting the Docklands Area to the life of the city.

0 No Significant Effect ? Uncertainty of prediction or knowledge

✓ Beneficial Effect/Likely Beneficial Effect X Some deterioration in environmental quality

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ X ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ X ✓ ✓ ? ? 0 0 0

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓ ✓ ? ✓ 0 ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0

APPRAISAL OF STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Part 7 (Final) 3/6/03 11:11 Page 17

18

7.3 COMPATIBILITY OF MASTER PLAN REVIEW POLICIES WITH SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIA

As stated earlier, the policies contained in the Master Plan

Review were tested against the devised Sustainability Criteria by

means of matrices. The completed matrices are illustrated in

Figures 4 to 15. Only the most relevant and important policies

were tested for compatibility. The findings of the exercise are

summarised below.

Social and Community Development Policies (Part 2.2)

Policy Nos. 1, 2 and 3 were tested for compatibility with the

Sustainability Criteria and were found to be compatible (Figure 4).

The development of public transport, as part of the provision of

necessary physical infrastructure infrastructure in the Area will

have a positive impact on a range of Sustainability Criteria

including Criteria C1, C2, C3 and C5.

Economic Development and Employment Policies (Part 2.3)

Policy Nos. 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19 and 20 tested

and found to be generally compatible with the Sustainability

Criteria (Figure 5). The matrix points to the need to ensure, in

relation to Policy No. 14 (which seeks to support current

employers in the Area with a view to increasing growth), that

any such growth does not give rise to adverse environmental

impacts.

The continued development and expansion of Dublin Port is

likely to have an impact on air quality/trip generation and will

require assessment (Policy 9). Likewise the possible development

of a sports/leisure stadium at Poolbeg would require the

provision of high quality public transport, to ensure that adverse

environmental impacts are avoided. The noise impacts of any

stadium development would also require assessment (Policy 11).

Education and Training Policies (Part 2.4)

Policy Nos. 1, 6 and 8 were tested. All were found to be

compatible with the Sustainability Criteria (Figure 6).

International Financial Services Policies (Part 3)

Policy Nos. 2 and 5 were tested (Figure 7). The matrix points to

the need to promote sustainable energy use in modern office

developments in order to reduce impact in terms of Sustainability

Criteria C1, C2 and C5. The development of brownfield sites is

fully compatible with Sustainability Criteria C3 and C4.

Introduction – Policy on Mixed Use (Part 4.1)

The Authority’s overarching policy on achieving mixed use

development in the Docklands Area tested very positively against

all Sustainability Criteria (Figure 8), confirming the

appropriateness of pursuing such a policy.

Residential Policies (Part 4.2)

Policy Nos. 1, 3, 4, 8 and 9 were tested and were found to be

compatible with the Sustainability Criteria (Figure 8).

Commuity Facilities Policies (Part 4.3)

Policy Nos. 3 and 4 were tested and were found to be

compatible with the Sustainability Criteria (Figure 8).

Education and Training Policies (Part 4.4)

Policy No. 1 was tested (Figure 9) and was found to be

compatible with the Sustainability Criteria.

Commercial Offices and IFSC Policies (Part 4.5)

Policy Nos. 1 and 3 were tested and pointed to the need to

promote sustainable energy use in modern office buildings

(Figure 9). On the other hand, the development of commercial

offices on brownfield sites performed well in terms of

Sustainability Criteria C3 (reduce trip generation, trip length and

the need for motorised transport) and C4 (promote public

transport and attraction of walking/cycling).

Enterprise, Industry and Utilities Policies (Part 4.6)

Policy Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 were tested (Figure 9). Policy No. 2

refers to the retention of suitable areas for small industry and

workshops. The importance of the application of the second

element in the policy, which requires the application of strong

environmental policies, comes through in the matrix. The

environmental impact of any major new projects for heavy

industry on the Poolbeg Peninsula will require careful assessment

(Policy No. 7)

Policy No. 3 encourages the development of facilities which

straddle the description of offices or industry. Again the matrix

points to the need for the promotion of sustainable energy use

in new buildings.

Tourism and Leisure Policies (Part 4.7)

Policy Nos. 1, 6, 9 and 10 were tested and were found to be

compatible with the Sustainability Criteria (Figure 10).

Cultural Uses Policies (Part 4.8)

Policy Nos. 2 and 3 were tested and were found to be

compatible with the Sustainability Criteria (Figure 10).

Retail Policies (Part 4.9)

Policy No. 1 was tested and found to be generally compatible

with the Sustainability Criteria (Figure 10). A possible tension is

indicated with Sustainability Criteria C3 and C5 as the proposed

retail development at The Point may attract additional car traffic

into the Area. This is mitigated by the restriction on the size of

the proposed car park to 700 spaces, including any operational

parking required by The Point Depot.

7

ASS

ESSM

ENT

OF

MA

STER

PLA

N R

EVIE

W

Part 7 (Final) 3/6/03 11:11 Page 18

19 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

Transportation Framework Policies (Part 5.1 )

Policy Nos. 1, 2, 3, 8, 11, 12, 15, 23 and 28 were tested (Figure

11). Policy No. 11, which promotes the provision of public car

parks at key strategic locations including the Point Village, may

have an uncertain impact on Sustainability Criteria C1, C2, C3,

C4, C5 and C6. Any impacts will be mitigated by the size

restriction on the car park at The Point referred to above and the

fact that that car park will cater for short-term parking. The

necessity to have some provision for car parking throughout the

Area in order for renewal/redevelopment to proceed is also

recognised.

Policy No. 23 promotes, in collaboration with Dublin City

Council, the completion of the Environmental Traffic Cell (ETC)

network. Such networks can have very positive impacts on an

area, depending on the boundaries of the ETC. It will be

necessary that ETC boundaries do not split residential

communities to ensure consistency with Sustainability Criteria P7.

Infrastructure Framework Policies (Part 5.2)

Policy Nos. 4 and 5 were tested (Figure 12) and were found to

be compatible with the Sustainability Criteria. A positive impact

on C5 (the promotion of sustainable energy use/generation)

would arise if the Area were to benefit from a Combined Heat

and Power system.

Urban Design and Architecture Policies (Part 6.1)

Policy Nos. 2, 12, 15, 19, 20 and 23 were tested and were found

to be compatible with the Sustainability Criteria (Figure 13).

The need to promote sustainable building design is again an

outcome of the matrix.

Conservation Policies (Part 6.2)

Policy Nos. 6, 7, 9 and 10 were tested and were found to be

compatible with the Sustainability Criteria (Figure 13).

Open Space, Landscaping and Amenity Policies (Part 6.3)

Policy Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 and 20 were tested and were found to

be compatible with the Sustainability Criteria (Figure 14). Policy

No. 20 requires the Authority to keep under review the potential

to provide a major sporting facility on the Poolbeg Peninsula. The

policy performs very well from a strategic viewpoint in the

matrix, indicating the advantages of a central location for this

type of development.

Financial Requirement Policies (Part 7.2)

Policy Nos. 1, 4 and 5 tested and found to be compatible with

the Sustainability Criteria (Figure 15).

Marketing Docklands (Part 7.3)

Policy No. 2 was tested and found to be compatible with the

Sustainability Criteria (Figure 15).

7

ASS

ESSM

ENT

OF

MA

STER

PLA

N R

EVIE

W

Part 7 (Final) 3/6/03 11:11 Page 19

20

7

ASS

ESSM

ENT

OF

MA

STER

PLA

N R

EVIE

W

FIGURE 4 POLICY APPRAISAL

PART 2.2 SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

POLICY NO.

Sustainability Criteria

1. forge a partnership with local communities and with the private sector. A high level of participationfrom the local communities is critical to the preparation and implementation of the Master Plan.The Dublin Docklands Development Authority has therefore established a Community LiaisonCommittee (CLC), whose functions are: to maximise the involvement of the communities in thelocal areas in the redevelopment of Docklands; to provide a forum for direct communicationsbetween the Authority, developers and representatives of the local communities and vice versa;and to maximise suitable employment and training opportunities for people from the local areawho are unemployed.

2. promote the development of new housing which will reflect the diversity of needs in anycommunity, including housing for couples with children, housing for single parent families,sheltered housing, and housing for people with disabilities.

3. as a priority, seek to implement the provision of the necessary physical infrastructure in order topromote economic and social development. Such infrastructure is an essential component inattracting investment and in changing the perception of the Area.

0 No Significant Effect ? Uncertainty of prediction or knowledge

✓ Beneficial Effect/Likely Beneficial Effect X Some deterioration in environmental quality

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓

FIGURE 5 POLICY APPRAISAL

PART 2.3ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT

Sustainability Criteria

5. work with the IDA and other state agencies in attracting international services to the Area.6. continue the development of financial services and related business in the

Docklands.8. encourage research and development operations at a number of strategic sites, in co-operation

with the city's universities and third level colleges.9. co-operate with Dublin Port to ensure that the port continues to play its vital national economic

role.

10. promote the clustering of tourism, culture and leisure to develop a significant presence in theDocklands.

11. promote the development of major visitor attractions and leisure initiatives which will generatesignificant movements of Dublin’s citizens into the area.

13. promote community employment projects which create sustainable employment.14. support current employers in the Area with a view to increasing growth.15. identify, with the aid of local communities, job opportunities in small business.17. facilitate the growth of enterprise and business start up in the Area particularly by local residents

through networking and by the provision of advisory services and direction to formal enterpriseservices and resources existing within the city and the state.

19. continue to implement its Local Employment Initiative / Charter through its eleven point actionplan (see Appendix D).

20. priortise the early redevelopment of neglected land areas and amenity schemes to improvethe general perceptions of the Area.

0 No Significant Effect ? Uncertainty of prediction or knowledge

✓ Beneficial Effect/Likely Beneficial Effect X Some deterioration in environmental quality

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ? ? ? ? 0 0 X 0 ? 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 ? ? 0 ? ✓ ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 ? ? ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

Part 7 (Final) 3/6/03 11:11 Page 20

21 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

7

ASS

ESSM

ENT

OF

MA

STER

PLA

N R

EVIE

W

FIGURE 6 POLICY APPRAISAL

PART 2.4EDUCATION AND TRAINING

POLICY NO.

Sustainability Criteria

1. encourage and support initiatives designed to reduce educational disadvantage in theDocklands.

6. provide, with the co-operation of FAS,CERT and local schools, job specific training andeducation programmes as the need is identified.

8. seek to ensure that pupils in the Docklands achieve educational success on a par with otherpupils in the Dublin city area by

i) continuing with its educational programmes supplementing existing schools provision, andii) auditing school resources

0 No Significant Effect ? Uncertainty of prediction or knowledge

✓ Beneficial Effect/Likely Beneficial Effect X Some deterioration in environmental quality

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FIGURE 7 POLICY APPRAISAL

PART 3INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES

POLICY NO.

Sustainability Criteria

2. promote the development of office accommodation within the Docklands Area in accordance withthe Master Plan to:

" secure the IFSC as a world class city quarter," ensure the long term provision of office/service/housing accommodation to permit sustained

organic growth of the financial services industry within the Docklands. 5. promote the education and training for residents of the Docklands to ensure that job opportunities

in the IFSC are open and accessible to local residents.

0 No Significant Effect ? Uncertainty of prediction or knowledge

✓ Beneficial Effect/Likely Beneficial Effect X Some deterioration in environmental quality

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 ? ? ✓ ✓ ? 0 0 ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Part 7 (Final) 3/6/03 11:11 Page 21

22

7

ASS

ESSM

ENT

OF

MA

STER

PLA

N R

EVIE

W

FIGURE 8 POLICY APPRAISAL

PART 4.2RESIDENTIAL

Sustainability Criteria

1. promote a significant expansion of the residential base of the Area.3. allocate residential use to all parts of the Area, save those where shared use would be

incompatible with other uses.4. as part of its commitment to the regeneration of the local economy, cater for the development of

social and affordable housing to meet the foreseeable need in this Area, and locate it throughoutthe areas allocated for residential use at a minimum ratio of 20% of all new units.

8. monitor the contemporaneous development or implementation of supporting social and economicfacilities.

9. promote the design of residential complexes which do not articulate social differences.

0 No Significant Effect ? Uncertainty of prediction or knowledge

✓ Beneficial Effect/Likely Beneficial Effect X Some deterioration in environmental quality

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓

0 ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0

PART 4.3COMMUNITY FACILITIES

PART 4.1INTRODUCTION

POLICY NO.

3. seek to identify shortfalls and stimulate initiatives in relation to community infrastructure inconsultation with local communities and fund projects where appropriate through the communityDevelopment Project Initiative.

4. progress the implementation of the Plot 8 community facility in Grand Canal Dock in associationwith community groups and Waterways Ireland.

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

1. pursue a policy of mixed use development in the Docklands area which would achieve asustainable environment integrating living, working and leisure.

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

FIGURE 9 POLICY APPRAISAL

PART 4.4EDUCATION AND TRAINING

POLICY NO.

Sustainability Criteria

1. promote the consolidation and renewal of existing primary and secondary level schools in theArea.

0 No Significant Effect ? Uncertainty of prediction or knowledge

✓ Beneficial Effect/Likely Beneficial Effect X Some deterioration in environmental quality

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

PART 4.5COMMERCIAL OFFICES AND IFSC

1. provide for the expansion initially of high-quality office building zones from the existing centralbusiness district and locate new office areas around major transport nodes.

3. seek the provision of offices in the Area of different specifications in order to meet marketdemand.

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ? ? ✓ ✓ ? 0 0 ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ? ? ✓ ✓ ? 0 0 ✓ 0

PART 4.6ENTERPRISE, INDUSTRY AND UTILITIES

1. encourage the consolidation and expansion of existing small, medium and large businesseswhere such businesses wish to remain within the Area and are appropriate to the Area.

2. retain suitable areas for small industry and workshop use whilst applying strong environmentalmanagement policies to alleviate any disamenity to neighbouring residential uses.

3. encourage the development of emerging new facilities which straddle the description of offices orindustry in the Docklands and, through its land use strategy, target appropriate lands for suchdevelopment.

4. seek the development of light industry in place of heavy or general industry in appropriatelocations, particularly close to residential and commercial areas.

6. facilitate the consolidation of Dublin Port as a major economic and employment force affectingthe Area.

7. seek to ensure that all future major projects for heavy industry in the Poolbeg Peninsula arecarefully assessed for environmental impacts, particularly as regards emissions and traffic.

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 ? 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ? ? ✓ ✓ ? ✓ 0 ✓ 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ? ? ? ? 0 0 X 0 ? 0

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ 0

Part 7 (Final) 3/6/03 11:11 Page 22

23 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

7

ASS

ESSM

ENT

OF

MA

STER

PLA

N R

EVIE

W

FIGURE 10 POLICY APPRAISAL

Sustainability Criteria

1. provide for the development of any major building initiatives by Government which would actas significant tourist entertainment destinations.

6. continue to review the feasibility of providing suitable terminal for cruise liners with DublinPort as the number of visiting ships increases.

9. explore the development of specific tourism projects which will encourage a more substantialtourism footfall in the Docklands.

10. promote leisure and tourism in the water bodies in accordance with the River RegenerationStrategy.

0 No Significant Effect ? Uncertainty of prediction or knowledge

✓ Beneficial Effect/Likely Beneficial Effect X Some deterioration in environmental quality

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

PART 4.8CULTURAL USES

2. encourage the consolidation or expansion as appropriate of existing cultural facilities.

3. facilitate any Government initiative to locate major cultural centres or buildings in a waterfrontarea of the Docklands as part of a cultural corridor along the Liffey from the IMMA to ThePoint.

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0

1. allocate an area for the development of a district centre, the "Point Village", as the easternend of the study area at the East Wall Road close to The Point with suitable off-street carparking.

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ? ✓ ? 0 0 ✓ ✓

PART 4.9RETAIL

PART 4.7TOURISM AND LEISURE

POLICY NO.

FIGURE 11 POLICY APPRAISAL

Sustainability Criteria

1. seek the extension of LUAS from Connolly Station to the Point Depot by 2006 and fromHarcourt Street to Guild Street by 2010, in accordance with the timescale outlined in theDTO Strategy 2000-2016.

2. promote the development of the underground Interconnector and Docklands Station withinthe timescale outlined in the DTO Strategy 2000-2016.

3. promote the penetration of commuter bus services into the Area through the extension of theQuality Bus Corridor network on North Wall and Pearse Street with services linking acrossthe Macken Street Bridge, in addition to the extension of city radial routes to the Area, inconsultation with bus operators and the DTO.

8. support the tolling of the Dublin Port Tunnel and the Eastern By-Pass as a trafficmanagement measure and to deter car commuting during the peak period, while facilitatingHGV traffic.

11. promote the provision of public car parks at key strategic locations, including the PointVillage, for short term shopping, leisure and business use with a pricing structure to detercommuter use.

12. appraise, in conjunction with the Dublin Transportation Office, the feasibility of 'park and ride'at strategic locations where the Dublin Port Tunnel/Eastern By-Pass intersects with thequality public transport network, at the edge of the congestion zone.

15. support the provision of a dedicated network of routes for cyclists and pedestriansthroughout the Area.

23. promote, in collaboration with Dublin City Council, a programme of traffic-calming measuresin residential areas and the completion of the network of environmental traffic cells.

28. collaborate with Dublin Port to promote the provision of adequate boating and on-shorefacilities for cruise liners and promote a water bus service.

0 No Significant Effect ? Uncertainty of prediction or knowledge

✓ Beneficial Effect/Likely Beneficial Effect X Some deterioration in environmental quality

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ? ? ? ? ? ? 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ? ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0

0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 ? 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ ✓

PART 5.1TRANSPORTATION FRAMEWORK

POLICY NO.

Part 7 (Final) 3/6/03 11:11 Page 23

24

7

ASS

ESSM

ENT

OF

MA

STER

PLA

N R

EVIE

W

FIGURE 12 POLICY APPRAISAL

Sustainability Criteria

4. keep under review, in co-operation with the ESB and Dublin City Council, the potential ofrecovery and distribution of waste heat from the Poolbeg Power Station and any Waste toEnergy Plant which may be developed and consider the possibilities for Combined Heat andPower facilities, as part of an overall energy conservation programme for the Area.

5. review community needs and promote a range of environmental and physical improvements inconsultation with local communities.

0 No Significant Effect ? Uncertainty of prediction or knowledge

✓ Beneficial Effect/Likely Beneficial Effect X Some deterioration in environmental quality

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

PART 5.2INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK

POLICY NO.

FIGURE 13 POLICY APPRAISAL

Sustainability Criteria

2. seek to maintain the variety and diversity in the environmental character of the many areasthat make up the Docklands.

12. seek to encourage closer links north and south, both psychologically and physically, byencouraging further bridge links.

15. seek to conserve the existing street pattern where appropriate.

19. reinforce the pattern of existing pedestrian movement throughout the Area in both the east-west and north-south direction, with improved north-south movements through the provisionof the aforementioned cross-river links.

20. promote high standards of design and construction in building works for which it is directlyresponsible and where control can be exercised through the Authority's planning powers inareas selected under Section 25 of the Act.

23. promote the enhancement of streetscapes to create safe streets and secure environments.

0 No Significant Effect ? Uncertainty of prediction or knowledge

✓ Beneficial Effect/Likely Beneficial Effect X Some deterioration in environmental quality

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0

0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0

0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

PART 6.1URBAN DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE

POLICY NO.

6. preserve protected structures and sites of historical architectural or artistic interest whichcontribute to the character of the Area.

7. encourage the rehabilitation, renovation and re-use of older buildings where appropriate andin line with its policy on sustainability.

9. encourage, where appropriate, the retention of buildings, features or structures which aresignificant in terms of local character or community identity.

10. ensure the sites identified as being of possible interest in the Zone of Archaeological Interestand in the Inventory of Industrial Archaeology are fully investigated and recorded, whereappropriate, before development is undertaken.

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0

0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0

0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0

0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0

PART 6.2CONSERVATION

Part 7 (Final) 3/6/03 11:11 Page 24

25 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

7

ASS

ESSM

ENT

OF

MA

STER

PLA

N R

EVIE

W

FIGURE 14 POLICY APPRAISAL

Sustainability Criteria

1. seek to establish the Eco Park on the Poolbeg Peninsula.

2. seek to incorporate a major new public open space at the confluence of the Royal Canaland the Liffey while facilitating any Government initiative to locate the National ConferenceCentre or a major cultural building on the site.

3. develop the entire of the Liffey campshires as public promenades and cycle ways.

4. seek the development of a significant linear park suitable for active and passive recreationand incorporating cycle and pedestrian routes along the Royal Canal.

8. maximise the amenity potential of the water bodies, in accordance with the Authority's 'RiverLiffey Regeneration Strategy'.

20. keep under review the potential to provide a major sporting facility on the PoolbegPeninsula.

0 No Significant Effect ? Uncertainty of prediction or knowledge

✓ Beneficial Effect/Likely Beneficial Effect X Some deterioration in environmental quality

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓

0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓

0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓

PART 6.3OPEN SPACE, LANDSCAPING AND AMENITY

POLICY NO.

FIGURE 15 POLICY APPRAISAL

PART 7.2FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS

POLICY NO.

Sustainability Criteria

1. reinvest gains in the Area.

4. examine the potential for new sources and methods of funding including Public PrivatePartnerships.

5. seek to maximise the allocation of EU funding to the Area.

0 No Significant Effect ? Uncertainty of prediction or knowledge

✓ Beneficial Effect/Likely Beneficial Effect X Some deterioration in environmental quality

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

PART 7.4MARKETING

2. seek the support and involvement of the community in promoting its marketing strategy.

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Part 7 (Final) 3/6/03 11:11 Page 25

26

8 MITIGATION

The mitigation measures or key recommendations arising from

the SEA exercise are as follows:

1. Include an additional Strategic Objective relating to the

physical improvement/renewal of the Area. This is not covered

by existing objectives and is an important remit of the

Authority. A suggested wording would be that the Authority

will “promote the sustainable physical renewal of the Area to

a high environmental standard, reflecting high quality urban

design and architecture, combined with efficient energy use”.

2. Include additional policies as follows in the appropriate

sections of the Master Plan Review:

(i) A policy on Seveso 11 activities. Directive 96/82/EC relates

to the control of major accidents involving dangerous

substances. Some activities covered by the Directive are

located in the Docklands Area. It is considered that the

Master Plan Review should include a policy in relation to

the location and control of such activities.

(ii) A policy on catering for rising flood levels arising from

global warming. This has implications in terms of minimum

ground floor levels for new development in the Area.

3. Policy No. 14 of Part 2.3 Economic Development and

Employment states that the Authority will support current

employers in the area with a view to increasing growth. It is

recommended that the policy be qualified by the addition of

the wording “while applying strong environmental

management policies to alleviate any disamenities which

could arise”.

4. There are two separate, but related, policies in the Master

Plan Review regarding Dublin Port (Policy No.9, Economic

Development and Employment and Policy No. 6, Enterprise,

Industry and Utilities). It is recommended that they be

combined in one policy for the purpose of clarity.

5. It is recommended that Policy No. 8, IFSC, which seeks seek

the provision of offices in the Area of different specifications

in order to meet market demand, be moved to the policy

section on Commercial Offices, which is considered more

suitable.

6. Residential Policy No.10 states that the Authority will

“promote conditions and formulate incentives that will render

Docklands an attractive location in which to start and/or raise

a family”. It may be that the Authority will be in a position to

promote rather than to formulate incentives. Consideration

should be given to rewording the policy.

7. It is recommended that Policy Nos. 15 and 16, Transportation

Framework be rearranged and that the first part of Policy No.

16, which refers to the creation of a safe environment for

pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, be incorporated into Policy

No 15. leaving a distinct separate policy relating to the

Sandycove to Sutton proposal.

8. It is considered that Policy No. 5, Infrastructure Framework,

which seek to review community needs and promote a range

of environmental and physical improvements in consultation

with local communities, should be moved to Policies on Social

and Community Development.

9. It is recommended that Policy No. 20, Urban Design and

Architecture, be expanded to make reference to sustainable

design and that the revised policy, in order to stress its

importance, become Policy No. 1.

10.There is an overlap between Policy Nos. 17 and 23, Urban

Design and Architecture. These policies could be combined.

11.Policy No. 7, Conservation refers to the Authority’s policy on

sustainability. It is recommended that the policy refer instead

to the proposed additional Strategic Objective referred to

above.

12.Policy No.11, Conservation may require clarification. It is

unclear whether the Authority itself intends using fiscal

incentives to achieve conservation and environmental

objectives or whether it will promote the use of such

incentives. Consideration should be given to the substitution

of the wording ‘promote the use of’ for ‘use’ in the policy.

8

MIT

IGA

TIO

N

Part 8 (Final) 30/5/03 13:07 Page 26

27 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

9 MONITORING

Article 10 of the SEA Directive requires Member States to monitor

the significant environmental effects of the implementation of

plans and programmes in order to identify at an early stage

unforeseen adverse effects, and to be able to undertake

appropriate remedial action. Section 7.1 of the Master Plan

Review sets out the Authority’s proposals for monitoring. As part

of the monitoring process, it is proposed to prepare an annual

monitoring report on the implementation of the Master Plan.

As indicated in the Master Plan Review, some indicators do not

lend themselves to annual monitoring. The Authority will also

co-operate with the relevant agencies in monitoring the

environmental impacts of the Master Plan. The Review

incorporates two additional policies in respect of

monitoring which require the Authority to:

(iii) undertake appropriate survey work and collection of data to

ensure effective ongoing monitoring of the implementation

of the Plan; and

(iv) co-operate with Dublin City Council, the Environmental

Protection Agency and other agencies, to ensure that the

environmental impacts of the Plan are monitored in

accordance with Department of the Environment and Local

Government guidelines and/or Strategic Environmental

Assessment (SEA) Regulations.

9

MO

NIT

ORI

NG

Part 9 (Final) 3/6/03 15:04 Page 27

28

10 OVERALL FINDINGS FROM THE ASSESSMENT

It is clear from the assessment of the Strategic Objectives and

Policies of the Master Plan Review that the Review has a strong

sustainable thrust and focus. Almost all objectives and policies

were found to be either compatible or not in conflict with the

Sustainability Criteria devised for the assessment exercise. No

conflicting objectives or policies were evident. The exercise

confirms that the Master Plan Review is a robust, focussed and

clearly thought out document that will continue to provide a

positive strategic framework for the development of the

Docklands Area. This is borne out by the mitigation measures

arising from the exercise in Section 8.0 above, which can only be

described as minor in nature. The mitigation measures essentially

remove some duplication, clarify a number of policies and make

good a few policy omissions.

Inevitably with a Plan of this nature, which covers a centrally

located, former dockland area with a wide variety of uses and

amenity areas, tensions are thrown up by some of the proposed

policies. In particular these tensions arise in relation to policies

which seek to consolidate/ expand existing industrial or port use.

There are valid socio-economic reasons for the inclusion of such

policies. Such tensions cannot be avoided and are mitigated by

the requirement to avoid any adverse environmental impacts.

The possibility of the development of a major sports facility on

the Poolbeg Peninsula performs well in the assessment, pointing

to the suitability of a central location for such a facility. It would

be essential to provide high quality public transport to serve a

development of this nature in order to avoid a negative impact

on the area.

The need to incorporate sustainable design into modern office

developments, in order to reduce energy demand and also

contribute to meeting Ireland’s obligations to greenhouse gas

emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, is also evident from the

assessment. This is a wider issue, with market forces playing a

dominant role, but is one which the Authority may bear in mind

in assessing proposals for development.

10

OV

ERA

LL F

IND

ING

SFR

OM

TH

E A

SSES

SMEN

T

Part 10 (Final) 30/5/03 13:08 Page 28

29 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

APPENDIX I

Consultees on the Issues to be Covered by the SEA

Department of the Environment and Local Government

Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands

Department of Marine, Communications & Natural Resources

Department of Education and Science

Dúchas

Dublin City Council

Dublin Port Company

Railway Procurement Agency

National Roads Authority

Bord Failte

Environmental Protection Agency

The Heritage Council

The Arts Council

Forfás

Dublin Transportation Office

Electricity Supply Board

Bord Gais

Waterways Ireland

Office of the Strategic Planning Guidelines for

the Greater Dublin Area

An Taisce

Irish Planning Institute

Royal Town Planning Institute

RIAI

Institute of Engineers of Ireland

Society of Chartered Surveyors

APP

END

IX I

xAppendix 1 (Final) 30/5/03 13:09 Page 29

30

APP

END

IX II

APPENDIX 2 POLICY APPRAISAL

SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIA Sustainability Criteria

Bio diversity/Flora and Fauna

B1 - safeguard designated areas / areas of nature conservation importance while increasing potential for wildlife/flora and fauna, where appropriate.

Population

P1 - promote the creation of a safe, healthy and high quality environment in which to live and work.

P2 - promote the strengthening and diversification of the local economy.

P3 - promote local employment opportunities.

P4 - promote access to education and training

P5 - promote the meeting of local housing needs

P6 - involve local communities in the redevelopment/renewal of the Area

P7 - promote community cohesion.

Soil

S1 - promote decontamination to international standards of contaminated soil.

Water

W1 - ensure adequate good quality water supply

W2 - maintain/improve water quality of waterbodies.

0 No Link ? Compatibility uncertain

✓ Compatible X May conflict

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓

0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

POLICY APPRAISAL

SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIA Sustainability Criteria

Air/Climate/Noise

C1 - maintain/promote improvement of air quality

C2 - promote minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere

C3 - reduce trip generation, trip length and the need for motorised transport

C4 - promote public transport and attraction of walking/cycling

C5 - promote sustainable energy use/generation

C6 - minimise noise pollution

Cultural Heritage/Material Assets

H1 - safeguard Protected Structures and sites of archaeological value and maintainenvironmental quality of Conservation Areas

H2 - enhance townscape and general landscape/environmental quality

H3 - ensure adequate provision of open space/maintain and improve access to open space areas.

0 No Link ? Compatibility uncertain

✓ Compatible X May conflict

KEY

B1 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 S1 W1 W2 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 H1 H2 H3

0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 00 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 00 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓

0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 00 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0

0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓

APPENDIX II

xAppendix 1 (Final) 30/5/03 13:09 Page 30

31 Dublin Docklands Area Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Master Plan 2003

BIBLIOGRAPHYBrady Shipman Martin et. al., 1999, Strategic Planning

Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area.

Department of the Environment, 1997, Sustainable Development

– A Strategy for Ireland.

Department of the Environment, 2000, National Climate Change

Strategy.

Department of the Environment and Local Government, 1999,

Residential Density Guidelines for Planning Authorities.

Department of the Environment and Local Government, 2000,

Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities.

DTZ Pieda Consulting et al, 2001, Retail Planning Strategy for the

Greater Dublin Area.

Dublin Corporation, 1999, Dublin City Development Plan.

Dublin Docklands Development Authority, 1997, Dublin

Docklands Area Master Plan.

Dublin Docklands Development Authority, 2000, Environmental

Impact Statement of Development Proposals contained in the

Planning Scheme for the Grand Canal Dock Area.

Dublin Docklands Development Authority, 2001, Environmental

Impact Statement of Development Proposals contained in the

Planning Scheme for Docklands North Lotts.

Dublin Transportation Office, 2002, A Platform for Change,

Strategy 2000 to 2016.

Environmental Protection Agency, 2000, The Water Quality of

Rivers and Streams.

Environmental Protection Agency, 2000, Air Quality and

Monitoring, Annual Report 2000.

Natural Environment Consultants Ltd., 2000, Report to the

Authority on Nature Conservation and the Poolbeg Peninsula.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2002, Draft Guidance on

the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive.

The Economic and Social Research Institute, 2000, The

Employment and Socio-Demographic Profile of the Dublin

Docklands Area.

BIBL

IOG

RAPH

Y

xxBibliography (Final) 30/5/03 13:10 Page 31

Údarás Forbartha Dugthailte Baile Átha CliathDublin Docklands Development Authority

Cé Theach an Chustaim, Baile Átha Cliath 1Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland

t: +353 1 818 3300 f: +353 1 818 3399 e: info@ddda.ie w: www.ddda.ie

Document1 30/5/03 13:19 Page 1