There are three key environmental assessments that will be undertaken during the preparation of the draft LAP. These are the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), the Appropriate Assessment (AA) and the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). Any comments in relation to the preparation of the SEA, AA and SFRA for the Draft LAP are welcome at this stage as well as when the draft LAP is put on display.

Strategic Environmental Assessment

SEA is a process allowing for the formal systematic evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a plan or programme before a decision is made to adopt the plan or programme. However, not all plans require SEA. If the potential environmental impacts of a plan or programme are identified as being very limited at the initial screening stage, SEA may not be required. IF SEA is required, there are a number of steps involved in this process, including the following:

• Preparation of an environmental report where the likely significant environmental effects are identified and evaluated;

• Consultation with the public, contiguous local authorities and environmental authorities;

• Incorporation of the findings of the report and the outcome of the consultations in deciding whether to adopt or modify the Draft Local Area Plan; and

• Publication of the decision on the adoption of the Plan and outline how SEA influenced the outcome.

Appropriate Assessment

AA is a process which comprises the assessment, based on scientific knowledge, of the potential impacts of the plan on the conservation objectives of any Natura 2000 site and the development, where necessary, of mitigation or avoidance measures to preclude negative effects. The impacts assessed must include the indirect and cumulative impacts of the Plan considered with any current or proposed activities, developments or policies which may impact on the site. It informs plans of the environmental impacts of alternative actions and contributes to the integration of environmental considerations into plan making. Given that the Sluice River runs through the village and onwards to the Mayne River catchment and Baldoyle Bay, possible effects from the development of Kinsaley must be examined. The Kinsaley LAP will be screened to determine if a full AA is required.

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

SFRA is a process that will identify whether there may be any flooding or surface water management issues related to the site lands that may warrant further investigation. The SFRA will inform the LAP with regard to the level of risk and potential conflict at particular locations, and evaluate the strategic development options for the LAP lands.