Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary – Public Consultation

RPS Consulting Engineers have been appointed by Clare County Council acting on behalf of Kerry County Council, Limerick County Council, Limerick City Council, Shannon Foynes Port Company and Shannon Development to undertake the preparation of a Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary under the direction of a Steering Group comprising of the above and other stakeholders. Submissions or observations from interested parties and the general public in relation to the development of a SIFP for the lands adjoining the Shannon Estuary and the estuary itself are now being sought.

The aim of the SIFP is to identify the nature and location of future development, economic growth and employment that can be sustainably accommodated within the Shannon Estuary whilst ensuring that the habitat status of the Natura 2000 and other environmentally sensitive sites would not be reduced as a result of the short-term or long-term impact of such developments. Such developments may include, but are not limited to: port functions, shipment, aquaculture/mariculture, fisheries, eco-tourism, leisure, culture, tourism, heritage, industry, energy generation, fuel storage, aviation, minerals/aggregates, transportation and agriculture.

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the SIFP will be undertaken in accordance with EU Directive 2001/42/EC, which has been transposed into Irish Legislation through the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004, S.I No. 436 of 2004. In accordance with Article 6(3) of Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, better known as “The Habitats Directive” an Appropriate Assessment of the Plan will also be undertaken

All submissions / observations received will be taken into consideration during the development of the SIFP. The submissions / observations must be made in English or Irish, preferably in electronic format, and should be forwarded for the attention of:

Ms Sheila Downes,
RPS Consulting Engineers,
Mulkear House,
Newtown Centre,
Annacotty,
County Limerick
Telephone: 061 33 79 14
Email: Sheila.Downes@rpsgroup.com

N.B. The closing date for submissions / observations is on or before Friday the 28th October 2011.