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Project title

Determining environmental impacts on landscape - understanding landscape sensitivity in assessment of strategic plans and programmes

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Cork (UCC)

Lead Applicant

Karen Ray

Project Abstract

This desk study explores the scope for and logistics of creating a high-level but rich baseline evaluation and dataset classifying Irish landscape sensitivity and capacity for change (change driven by the EU Green Deal and our environmental commitments) at greater scales than that which currently exist, to better serve proactive, strategic assessment and decision-making in managing large-scale landscape change. It examines the development of a classification system that serves national, regional and local authorities first and foremost, so that proactive, strategic, politically neutral, firm calls on sensitivity can be made well in advance of projects on the ground, and thereby balancing the existing guidance on landscape that predominantly serves the private sector. It investigates the development of a system that would enable local authorities, consultants and developers to make better, consistent, more efficient and more informed decisions that reflect the varying sensitivities of our landscapes, while acknowledging the pressing need for strategic projects with potential to significantly alter landscape character. It seeks to relieve excessive responsibility at project-level to determine sensitivity of the receiving environment, while placing a greater role on decision-makers at regional and national level. Utilising planning expertise, it evaluates the governments Land Use Review to establish the current relationship between our general land use decisions for all development types (including rural housing), our landscape management and designations approaches, our consumption patterns as they manifest on the landscape, and the dynamics around our need to co-exist with a range of essential developments, including strategic projects. A defining aspect of this work is the addressing of landscape values, head-on, as an inevitable, unavoidable and critical component of people’s responses to change, connection with landscape, sense of place, and the true driver behind sensitivity and capacity levels. Furthermore, it demonstrates their instrumental role in achieving - not hindering - climate resilience, e.g. more values-informed decisions earlier on in the process to avoid unnecessary project delays or issues. Along with a comprehensive review of current best practice and European datasets, the study includes technical workshops with competent authorities for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and the National SEA Forum, as well as the engagement of a Landscape Values Panel comprising a range of users of the landscape. It is envisioned that this study will fill a critical gap as the unfulfilled objectives of the now expiring National Landscape Strategy are realised and assist the making of firm decisions in the rolling out of key infrastructure projects. It will conclude with a set of clear policy responses which can inform future national guidelines and/or a white paper by Government for public consultation.

Grant Approved

€139,409.10

Research Hub

Protecting and Restoring Our Natural Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

31/03/2026

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/09/2027