elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council

Chapter 1: Introduction
The Draft LAP goes on display for a minimum period of 6 weeks during which submissions and
observations are invited from the public and interested parties.
4. Preparation of Manager’s Report on submissions/observations
A report summarising the issues raised in the submissions and the manager’s recommendation is presented
to the elected members of the County Council not later than 12 weeks after publication of the notice in the
national newspaper. The elected members have 6 weeks to consider the report and adopt, amend, or reject
the plan.
5. Display of proposed amendments
Any material amendment to the plan must go on display for a period of not less than 4 weeks.
6. Preparation on Manager’s Report on submissions on Proposed Amendments
A manager’s report summarising the issues raised in the submissions and the recommendation of the
manager is presented to the elected members of the County Council. This takes places not later than 8
weeks after publication of the notice in the national newspaper. The elected members have a maximum of
6 weeks to consider the report and adopt, amend, or reject the plan.
1.5 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the formal systematic evaluation of the likely significant
environmental effects of implementing the Local Area Plan before a decision is made to adopt the plan.
The procedures for this evaluation are set out in the Planning and Development (SEA) Regulations, 2004.
The preparation of a full SEA is not mandatory for Local Area Plans for an area with a population of less
than 10,000 persons, such as the Elphin. However, in accordance with the SEA Regulations, the Planning
Authority must establish whether or not the implementation of such a proposed plan would be likely to
have significant effects on the environment, and therefore require an SEA.
In making this determination, the planning authority is required to consult with the prescribed
Environmental Authorities i.e. the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of
Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG), and the Department of Communications,
Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR), and to measure the effects against applicable criteria set out in
Schedule 2A of the SEA Regulations 2004. This is known as a ‘screening process’. A ‘Screening Report’
outlining the relevant considerations for the proposed Elphin LAP was prepared and issued to the
prescribed authorities for their consideration.
Following the required consultation period; having regard to any responses received from the prescribed
authorities and to all of the relevant criteria set out in Schedule 2A of the Regulations; the Planning
Authority determined that a full Strategic Environmental Assessment of the proposed LAP would not be
necessary. This ‘screening decision; and the reasons for it, have been made available for public inspection
and the prescribed authorities were notified as required in accordance with Article 14A (6) of the
abovementioned legislation.
1.6 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT
An Appropriate Assessment Screening of the Elphin Local Area Plan 2009-2015 was undertaken in
accordance with the requirements of Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC).
This Directive requires an Appropriate Assessment of land use plans with respect to the ecological
implications of any plan or project, whether within or outside a designated site, which does not directly
Elphin Local Area Plan 2009-2015 Page 4