2.1 - Environmental Protection Agency · 2.1.4.3 DEMOGRAPHY Receiving Environment 2.1.4.3.1 The...
Transcript of 2.1 - Environmental Protection Agency · 2.1.4.3 DEMOGRAPHY Receiving Environment 2.1.4.3.1 The...
Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement
Council are currently co-ordinating a review of the Castlebar
Development Plan. Indicative zoning objectives for the town and
environs have been prepared. The draft plan has not yet been
placed on public display, however the final document will state the
local authority's policies and objectives for land use and
development control and set out objectives for the sole or primary
use of particular areas, for infrastructural and road improvements
and for preserving, improving and extending amenities in
Castlebar. Furthermore, as set out in 2.1.2 above Castlebar has
been designated as a growth centre in the 'Border, Midlands and
Western Region Development Strategy, 2000-2006' and a key
location for inward foreign investment, . In this context, the
proposed expansion of the town's sewerage scheme is a very
significant and important development as it will improve the
drainage capacity of the town and facilitate the positive zoning
and sustainable development of industrial, light industrial,
residential and commercial lands within the town and its environs.
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2.1.4 Socio-Economic lmpact
2.1.4.1 STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
2.1.4.1.1 This section provides an assessment of the impact of the proposed
development on demography, employment and community aspects of the
catchment area of the scheme.
2.1.4.1.2 The content of this section of the Environmental lrnpact Statement has
been completed in accordance with the relevant provisions set out in the
European Communities (Environmental lmpact Assessment)
(Amendment) Regulations, 1999. These Regulations came into
operation on the 1st May, 1999 and are referred to as S.I. No. 93 of
1999. The purpose of the Regulations is to transpose into Irish law
Directive 971111EC of 3rd March 1997 (OJ No. 7315, 14th March 1997)
relating to environmental impact assessment. The Regulations contain
amendments to the European Communities (Environmental Impact
Assessment) Reguiations 1989-1998, and to provisions relating to
environmental impact assessment in a number of Acts including the Local
Government (Planning and Development) Acts, 1963-1 998.
2.1.4.1.3 This section of the EIS has also been prepared with regard to guidelines
on Environmental lmpact Statements prepared by the Environmental
Protection Agency, and outlined in "Guidelines on the Information to
be contained in Environmental lmpact Statements" and also "Advice
Notes on Current Practice in the Preparation o f Environmental
Impact Statements" both published in 1995. Specifically, this section
follows the "Grouped Format Structure" as indicated in these sources as
follows:
I) The Receiving Environment (Baseline Situation)
A description of the specific environment into which the proposal
will fit, taking account of other developments likely to occur. The
particular aspects of the environment are considered in terms of
their context, character, significance and sensitivity.
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2) The Characteristics of the Proposal
A projection of the specific 'Yoad" on the particular aspects of the
environment, specific to a particular topic, which the proposal would
be likely to generate.
3) The Potential lmpact of the Proposal
a) The potential impact of the proposal comprises a general
description of the possible types of impacts which proposals
of this kind would be likely to produce.
b) This includes a consideration of the "Do Nothing" scenario.
The do-nothing scenario describes the environment as it
would be in the future if no development of any kind was
carried out.
4) Remedial or Reductive Measures
A description of any specific remedial or reductive measures
considered necessary and practicable resulting from the
assessment of potential impacts described at (3a) above.
5) The Predicted lmpact of the Proposal
a) An assessment of the specific direct and indirect impacts of
the proposal arrived at by adding to the receiving environment
(as in (1) above), the loading of the proposal (as in (2) above)
and the remedial or reductive measures (as in (4) above).
The predicted impacts are discussed having regard to their
character, magnitude, duration, consequences and
significance.
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b) A "Worst Case" scenario is also considered. A Worst Case
scenario arises where a development, or its mitigation
measurels, substantially fails.
6) Monitoring
A description of any post development monitoring of effects on the
environment which might be necessary, covering the monitoring
methods, and the agencies responsible for their implementation.
7) Reinstatement
Where required, a description of reinstatement measures and the
agencies responsible for their implementation.
2.1.4.2 CATCHMENT AREA OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
2.1.4.2.1 The existing Castlebar Wastewater Treatment Plant is located at
Knockthomas adjoining the Castlebar River to the north-east of Castlebar
town centre. Due to population and industrial growth in Castlebar in recent
years, Mayo County Council proposes to upgrade and expand the existing
Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme. The Scheme is proposed to
provide adequate drainage capacity and wastewater treatment and
disposal for the town and environs for the medium and long term. The
primary demand for the proposed expanded and upgraded sewerage
scheme infrastructure will be from residential, industrial and commercial
land uses within the catchment area to be serviced by the scheme.
2.1.4.2.2 Drawings prepared by Patrick J. Tobin & Co. Ltd as part of the Castlebar
Environs Sewerage Scheme illustrate the extent and location of proposed
foul sewers and surface water pipelines. The existing Castlebar Sewerage
Scheme currently services and will continue to service lands within
Castlebar Urban District. It is proposed to repair and replace existing
sewers within this area as required. It is also proposed to construct foul
sewers and surface water pipelines on lands within the District Electoral
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Divisions of Castlebar Rural, Breaghwy and Turlough as defined by the
Central Statistics Office.
2.1.4.2.3 Therefore, for the purposes of this socio-economic impact assessment,
Castlebar Urban District, and the District Electoral Divisions of Castlebar
Rural. Breaghwy and Turlough form the catchment area of the proposed
development. County Mayo and State demographic and employment
statistics are also referred to in this section as appropriate for comparison
purposes.
2.1.4.2.4 The boundaries of Castlebar Urban District, Castlebar Rural District and
each DED within the subject catchment area are illustrated on a series of
figures appended to this document.
2.1.4.3 DEMOGRAPHY
Receiving Environment
2.1.4.3.1 The population within the primary catchment area has been determined
using 1986, 1991 and 1996 Census of Population Small Area statistics.
2.1.4.3.2 The existing Castlebar Sewerage Scheme was commissioned in 1976.
The 1979 census of population recorded a contributing population
(Castlebar Urban District) at that time of 6,489 persons. By 1991 this
figure had fallen to 6,073 persons.
2.1.4.3.3 However, recent population statistics reveal a significant turn-around in
these trends as Castlebar Urban District experienced an 8.4% growth in
population between 1991 and 1996 and Castlebar Rural District Electoral
Division (DEED) almost 18% during this same period reflecting the fact that
growth in Castlebar had been developing rapidly on the periphery of the
town between 1991 and 1996. These trends are also well in excess of the
comparable county growth of just 0.7% and the national population
average at 2.3% growth. The proposed development will therefore service
an area where population growth between 1991 and 1996 significantly
exceeded state and county averages. The rates of population change in
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each of these areas for the 1986, 1991 and 1996 census of population are
shown in Table 2.1.2
Table 2.1.2 Population Change at State, County and Local Level
1986-1996
Population Projections
Castlebar Rural
Castlebar Urban
2.1.4.3.4 The 1991 Castlebar Town Development Plan recognised that
approximately 20% of the Castlebar population at that time lived outside
the town boundary and almost all new industry would be located outside
the UDC area. Table 2 of the development plan projected the population
for Castlebar and Environs to grow to 8.089 persons in 1996 and to 8,311
persons in 2001.
Castlebar Rural DED
Breaghwy OED
Turlough DED
2.1.4.3.5 it was a strategic aim of the plan to accommodate a population of 8,500 in
the town and its environs in the year 2001. However, the council's
projected population for 2001 had already been exceeded by 1996 with a
recorded population for the town and its environs of 8,532 persons.
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(Source: Central Statistics Office, Census of Population 1986, 1991 and
2,615
1,106
908
2,905
1,177
873
3,420
1,215
909
+ 11 %
+6.4%
- 3.8 %
+ 17.7 %
+ 3.2%
+ 4%
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Projections made for 1991 therefore underestimated the level of
population growth in Castlebar and its surrounding area, reflecting
economic and demographic growth trends at a national level. This
diversion is quite understandable considering the relatively pessimistic
economic and demographic context of that period.
2.1.4.3.6 We have used the ESRl ~ e d i u m Term Review 1999-2005 to estimate
population growth in the catchment area of this development up to 2005.
The ESRI does not estimate population growth beyond this point. Section
5.8 of the ESRl's report provides a forecast of projected population
change for the western region at a rate of 1% per annum between 1995
and 2000, and 0.8% per annum in the period up to 2005. These growth
rates have been applied to the catchment population here. Table 2.1.3
shows the projected population growth for 2000 as the current year and
for 2005.
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Table 2.1.3 Projected Catchment Population
Catchment Area 1991
Castlebar Urban 6,073
District
Castlebar Rural DED 2,905
Breaghwy DED 1,177
Turlough DED 8 73
Total 11,028
(Source: ESRl Medium Term Review 1999-2005, Central Statistics
Office, Census of Population 1996)
With reference to Table 2.1.3 above, and particularly the growth
experienced over the previous five year inter-censal period, it is
cons~dered that the ESRl's population central forecast at 8% growth
between 1996 and 2005, may be quite conservative, particularly in light
of the designation of Castlebar as a "growth centre" and a key location for
inward foreign investment and also in light of almost 18% growth in the
population of the Castlebar Rural district electoral division between 1991
and 1996.
Notwithstanding this, the projections provide for a sustained level of
population growth in the greater Castlebar area up to 2005. The actual
extent of population growth will depend on numerous factors, including
the supply of houses and the expansion of employment generating land
uses within the urban district and environs areas.
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Age Profile
2.1.4.3.9 Table 2.1.4 below illustrates the age profiles for the catchment hinterland,
Castlebar Rural District and the State for 1996. In the Castlebar Urban
District, 0-14 year olds accounted for 23.3% of the population in 1991
falling to 21.9% in 1996. By comparison, within the Castlebar Rural DED,
0-14 year olds accounted for almost 29% of the population in 1996. This
is notably higher by comparison with the State average.
2.1.4.3.10 Overall, the age profile figures reveal a youthful population within the
immediate hinterland of the proposed development. This will have
implications for employment and residential considerations in the short to
medium term as more young people enter the labour market and also as
more women enter the child-bearing age groups.
Table 2.1.4 Age Profile at State and Local Level, 1996
Castlebar Rural
Castlebar Rural
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Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement
Households
2.1.4.3.11 During the period 1986-1996 there has been strong growth in the
formation of new households in Castlebar, reflecting national patterns,
where household formation is progressing at a rate far in excess of
population growth. It is particularly notable that growth in household
formation has been extremely strong within Castlebar Urban District
(34%) and within Castlebar Rural DED (44%) over the 10 year period
between 1986 and 1996. In common with state and county statistics,
average household size within Castlebar Urban D~strict decreased from
3.5 persons in 1991 to 3.2 persons in 1996.
Table 2.1.5 Number of Households at State, County and Local Level,
1986-1 996
Area
% Change Average
1991 1996 1991.1996 Size. 1996
State 1,029,084 1,127,318 + 9.5 % 3.2
Castlebar Rural District 3.883 4,161 + 7.1% 3.3
Castlebar Urban District 1703 2023 + 18.7 % 3.2
Castlebar Rural DED 833 I018 + 22.2 % 3.3
Breaghwy DED 300 334 +11.3% 3.6
Turiough DED 263 273 + 3.8 % 3.3
(Source Central Statistics Office, Small Area Population Statistics. 1986-1996)
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSAL
2.1.4.3.12 The characteristics of this proposal comprise the upgrading and
expansion of the existing Castlebar and Environs Wastewater Treatment
Scheme. The upgrading of this scheme is planned by Mayo County
Council to provide adequate drainage, wastewater treatment and
disposal for the town and environs for the medium to long term. The
proposed development incorporates the expansion of the current
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Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement
wastewater treatment works at Knockthomas, which is considered to be
at or beyond its original design capacity. Expansion of the existing
treatment works site is proposed in the first instance. Sewer extensions
are also planned as part of the sewerage scheme together with repairs
and replacement of existing sewers as required. Existing pumping
stations will be upgraded where required and new pumping stations may
also be constructed.
2.1.4.3.13 The works in question will be carried out as a 'Design/Build/Operate'
procurement approach. However several basic design concepts will
directly apply to the development, including :
The upgrading and expansion of the Castlebar Wastewater
Treatment Works will occur at the current Knockthomas site;
The height of individual units on the site will not greatly exceed the
height of standard treatment units which are commonplace on
comparable wastewater treatment works;
Discharge of treated final effluent will be to the Castlebar River at
Knockthomas.
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL
2.1.4.3.14 The proposed extension of the wastewater drainage and treatment
infrastructure will facilitate increased economic development within
Castlebar and Environs and within outlying hinterland areas. The
proposed development contains no residential components. Hence, no
potential direct impacts on the demography of the area are expected to
arise.
2.1.4.3.15 The construction phase of the proposed development should not have
any direct and significant impact on the demography of the hinterland of
the development. It is expected that the workforce required to carry out
the works in question will travel from existing places of residence to
construction areas for the duration of works. No potential direct or
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indirect impact on the structure of households and household size is
anticipated as a consequence of the construction phase of the sewerage
scheme
2.1.4.'3.16 The proposed development will provide additional infrastructural capacity
which will facilitate further residential development in the Castlebar area,
thereby affecting residential population statistics for the town and its
hinterland. The ability, (pursuant to the completion of the upgraded
treatment works) to plan and permit further sustainable residential
development on zoned land constitutes a significant positive impact.
REMEDIAL OR REDUCTIVE MEASURES
2.1.4.3.17 The proposed development is not expected to generate any potential
adverse impacts on population during the course of construction works.
No remedial or reductive measures are therefore required. Similarly, no
remedial or reductive measures are considered necessary once the
development becomes operational as the works will not give rise to any
adverse impacts on population during the operational phase of the
proposed expanded sewerage scheme.
PREDICTED IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL
2.1.4.3.18 During construction, the proposed development is not predicted to have
any likely or significant direct impacts on the demographic structure of the
area. The development in question does not involve the provision of
residential units. Hence, the proposed development is not predicted to
have any likely and significant direct adverse impacts on the
demographic structure of the area on completion.
2.1.4.3.19 The proposed development will facilitate the growth of Castlebar Town
and Environs which at present is restricted due to inadequate wastewater
treatment capacity. It is anticipated that the proposed development will
facilitate a population equivalent of 35.000 to be realised in the short-
term, with 45,000 realised in the long-term.
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Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement
2.1.4.3.20 The increases in the population of Castlebar which will be facilitated by
the expanded sewerage scheme will place pressures on existing
services, such that an expansion of community, educational and
commercial services will result. Demand will determine the rate of
increase in these services, and it is expected that they will develop
gradually along with new residential, commercial and industrial
developments.
2.1.4.3.21 The proposed development will also facilitate the growth of employment
opportunities in the town and environs. New employment opportunities
may be availed of by the resident population from the immediate environs
and surrounding hinterland as well as from a wider catchment area. In so
far as the proposed development enhances local employment
opportunities, and in conjunction with other infrastructural improvements,
this will add to the attractiveness of the area as a residential and working
location and contribute to grater economic and social confidence and
stability in the community.
MONITORING
2.1.4.3.22 The main effect of the proposed development will be the increase in
population and the construction of a sizeable number of new housing
units. This will be monitored by the planning authority in the course of
carrying out its normal planning responsibilities and functions. No further
monitoring measures will be required.
REINSTATEMENT
2.1.4.3.23 No reinstatement measures will be required.
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2.1.4.4 EMPLOYMENT
RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT
2.1.4:4.1 Reference to the Central Statistics Office's Statistical Volumes over the
past decade record that Persons on the Live Register at Castlebar are at
the lowest level since 1990. Persons signing on to the live register in
Castlebar as the regional centre for the region, has perceptively dropped
since a peak of just over 1200 persons in 1992, to a low of just over 900
persons at the end of 1999. Macro-economic indicators suggest that this
fall in unemployment and corresponding growth in employment is set to
continue in the medium term. With reference to the foregoing, it is clear
that Castlebar, as a key urban centre for Mayo, and the Western Region,
is at the centre of a catchment area experiencing ongoing demographic
change with growth in population and households and a fall in
unemployment. In order to ,best provide an overall picture of the
employment situation of an area, it is necessary to examine three sets of
relevant data, namely; trends in the number of persons at work, levels of
unemployment, and the sectoral composition of existing employment.
2.1.4.4.2 The 1986-1991 inter-censal period witnessed an increase in the total
number of persons at work in the state from 1,091,155 in 1986 to
1 ,I 25,100 persons in 1991, an increase of just over 3 percentage points.
A similar increase occurred within Castlebar Rural District. This growth
was greatly exceeded within the Castlebar Rural DED, Breaghwy DED
and Turlough DED. However, Castlebar Urban District experienced a
slight fall in the number of persons at work during this time of 0.9
percentage points.
2.1.4.4.3 As Table 2.1.6 below illustrates, all study areas recorded substantial
increases in the number of persons at work between 1991 and 1996. The
most significant increases occurred within Castlebar Rural DED which
recorded an increase of some 27.5% in the five year period. Castlebar
Urban District reversed the decline in the number of persons at work
between 1986 and 1991 to record an increase in the next five years of
25.7%.
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Table 2.1.6 Number of People At Work at State, County and Local
Level 1986,1991 and 1996
Area 1986
State (000) 1,091,155
Mayo County 33,287
Castlebar Rural District 4,322
Castlebar Urban District 1,886
Castlebar Rural DED 923
Breaghwy DED 342
Turlough DED 280
Source: Central Statistics Office, Small Area Population Statistics, 1986-1996
2.1.4.4.4 Table 2.1.7 below sets out the 1996 census data for the social class
composition of both the State and the hinterlands of the subject
development. The social classes encompassed within social classes 1
and 2 approximate to higher and lower professionallmanagerial
employment, including electronic and electrical engineering. According
to the 1996 census of population, 21.7% of the population of County
Mayo was categorised into these two classes. The equivalent
percentage for Castlebar Rural DED was significantly higher at 35.4%
while the percentage figure for the state was lower at 27.2%.
2.1.4.4.5 Typical employment within social classes 5 and 6 include semi-skilled
and un-skilled manual labour and services employment. The proportion
of the population of the state within these social classes was recorded at
21.3%. The equivalent percentage for Castlebar Rural DED was
considerably lower at 16.5%.
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Table 2.1.7 Social Class Composition at State, County and Local
Level, 1996
Area
State
I 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total Persons
% % % Y o % % %
5.3 21.9 18.4 20.4 12.8 8.5 12.4 3,626,087
Mayo County 3.1 18.6 17.0 22.5 16.0 9.0 13.5 111,524
Castlebar Rural District 3.6 23.5 19.1 22.8 13.6 8.2 8.8 13920
Castlebar Urban District 6.2 23.9 17.8 14.2 10.5 5.5 21.6 6585
Castlebar Rural OED 6.7 28.7 21.1 18.8 11.3 5.2 7.9 3420
Breaghwy DED 5 30.5 20.9 19.4 10.7 5.7 7.5 1215
Turlough OED 4.7 24.2 22.5 21.6 11.9 8.8 5.9 909
Source: Central Statistics Office, Smali Area Population Statistics, 1996
2.1.4.4.6 The level of unemployment in the vicinity of the proposed development is
notably lower than the county and state averages. An analysis of Census
data for the period 1991-1996 indicates a declining rate of unemployment
at State, County and local level. A possible explanation for this drop in
the unemployment rate is due to the high level of economic development
over the last decade, primarily centred in urban areas, as well as
improved access to education.
2.1.4.4.7 Table 2.1.8 below illustrates the proportion of the 1996 population aged
15 years and over classified as'unemployed within the catchment area of
the proposed development. All subject DED's within the catchment
record lower unemployment levels that the county and state averages of
just over 8%.
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Table 2.18 Proportion of the 1996 15+ Population Classified 'At
Work', 'Unemployed' or 'Student'
Area At Work % Unemployed %Students
State 1,307,236 8.1 % 12.2 %
Mayo County 84,086 8.4 % 11.5 %
Castlebar Rural District 5,058 5.5 % 13.3 %
Castlebar Urban District 2.351 6.3 % 10.5 %
Castlebar Rural DED 1,333 5.0 % 12.9 %
Breaghwy DED 447 4.2 % 16 %
Turlough DED 328 5.4 % 13.4 %
Source: Central Statistics Office, Small Area Population Statistics, 1996
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSAL
2.1.4.4.8 The proposed development comprises the upgrade and expansion of the
existing Castiebar Environs Sewerage Scheme. The works in question
will include the expansion of the existing wastewater treatment plant at
Knockthomas and the laying of foul sewers and surface water pipelines
within the Castlebar Environs area and in further outlying areas.
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL
2.1.4.4.9 The construction phase of the development will generate construction
employment as well as jobs in support industries such as building
suppliers and local retailers. Once operational, two or three additional
jobs will be created at the treatment works. The proposed development
will facilitate the development of employment generating enterprises
within the catchment area to be serviced by the upgraded treatment
works.
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Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement
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2.1.4.4.10 The proposed upgrade and expansion of the Castlebar Environs
Wastewater Treatment Works will increase drainage capacity in
Castlebar Town, its environs and additional hinterland areas. This will
facilitate industrial, light industrial and residential development within the
town and environs. New employment opportunities are likely to arise
from new industry and also from an increased demand for goods and
services generated by increased populations in Castlebar. The principal
economic benefit of this proposal relates to its function as a catalyst
enabling further developments to be commenced and completed.
REMEDIAL OR REDUCTIVE MEASURES
2.1.4.4.1 1 The proposed development, if allowed to proceed, would be beneficial in
employment terms and no remedial or reductive measures are therefore
necessary.
PREDICTED IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL
2.1.4.4.12 The increased capacity of the treatment works will encourage economic
development on zoned industrial land within Castlebar and Environs.
2.1.4.4.13 The increased population of the town and environs, which will also be
facilitated by the upgraded and expanded wastewater treatment
infrastructure, is likely to generate increased demand within the town for
goods and services, thereby creating a sustainable basis for new service
and retail jobs.
2.1.4.4.14 Thus, the proposed development will encourage the growth of a range of
job types to include managerial, professional and skilled manual labour in
new industrial development and retail and personal service sector
employment due to the increase in population likely to arise.
p~ -
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Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement
MONITORING
2.1.4.4.15 As the likely socio-economic impacts will be entirely beneficial, no
monitoring will be required.
REINSTATEMENT
2.1.4.4.16 No reinstatement measures will be required.
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Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement
2.1.4.5 COMMUNITY IMPACTS
RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT
2.1.4.5.1 The demographic and employment aspects of the local community in
Castlebar have been discussed above. However, other aspects of the
local community are also of relevance to this assessment. There are
three principal elements to the local community : the resident community.
the working community and the visiting community.
The Resident Community
2.1.4.5.2 As recorded above, the population of Castlebar Urban District grew by
8.4 %, while the population of the Castlebar Rural DED increased by
almost 18% between 1991 and 1996, demonstrating population growth
on the periphery of the town.
2.1.4.5.3 Almost 980h of the population of the Castlebar Rural DED in 1996 was
recorded as resident in a 'conventional house' as defined by the Central
Statistics Office, while the corresponding figure for Castlebar Urban
District was 80%.
2.1.4.5.4 Land use in the vicinity of the existing treatment works site to the north,
north-west and north-east is agricultural in nature. To the west and south-
west, the treatment works site is bounded generally by existing and under
construction residential development which takes the form of two-storey,
detached, semi-detached and terraced housing. To the south the site is
bounded immediately by the Castlebar River, which in turn, is also
overlooked by residential development.
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Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement
The Working Community
2.1.4.5.5 Castlebar is the second largest town in County Mayo and is the
administrative centre for the county. In the regional context, the 1991
town development plan records that Castlebar forms a second tier centre
in the regional settlement hierarchy to Galway City. The 1996 census of
population provides the most up to date data on the composition of the
working community within Castlebar and Environs and throughout
outlying district electoral divisions.
2.1.4.5.6 This source of information recorded that 9% of the working population of
Castlebar and Environs was employed within manufacturing industries in
1996 while some 57% of the working population was employed in the
categories of commerce, insurance, finance, business services, public
administration and professional services combined. Castlebar is also the
largest retailing centre within the county, all of which reflects the town's
primary function as the main services centre for County Mayo, as well as
the market, administrative and service centre for a large agricultural
hinterland.
The Visiting Community
2.1.4.5.7 The Castlebar Development Plan, 1991 records that the tourist trade in
Castlebar is under-developed with more than half of all tourists to the
town returning as emigrants to their place of origin.
2.1.4.5.8 Both the Central Statistics Office and Bord Failte compile statistics of
overseas visitors to Ireland on a regional and county basis. However,
there are no statistics available on a more local basis. Notwithstanding
this, it is fair to state that a substantial number of people travel into
Castlebar each day to access and visit commercial, retail, cultural, tourist
and leisure-related attractions and establishments within the area.
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Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSAL
2.1.4.5.9 The proposed development comprises the construction of the Castlebar
Environs Sewerage Scheme involving the expansion and upgrade of the
existing wastewater treatment works and the extension of drainage
pipelines throughout Castlebar Environs and outlying areas. The design of
the scheme envisages the construction of sewer lengths as illustrated on
Drawing No. 002040/11/.. 'Layout Plan' of the Castlebar Environs
Sewerage Scheme prepared by Patrick J. Tobin & Co. Ltd. and a
separate system of foul waste and stormlsurface water pipelines.
2.1.4.5.10 The works in question will be carried out as a 'DesignlBuiIdlOperate'
procurement approach. Several basic design concepts will directly apply
to the development. Those which are relevant to this section of the €IS
include the following :
. The upgrading and expansion of the Castlebar Wastewater
Treatment Works will occur at the current Knockthomas site; . The construction of foul sewers, surface water pipelines, foul rising
mains, pumping stations and associated infrastructure will occur
generally along public roadways adjoining single dwellings and within
existing housing estates, adjoining industrial, light industrial and
manufacturing facilities, and adjoining commercial, retail, tourism,
sports and leisure facilities leading to Castlebar town centre as well
as within the commercial core of the town.
2.1.4.5.1 1 Therefore in addition to works at the existing treatment works site, there
are elements of the subject development which can be characterised as
'linear' in nature. The construction of any linear project has different
characteristics to that of a contained site development in that work would
commence at one point and progress in stages along defined route
sections. In this way, as construction work progresses along the route.
different activities will occur at different places at different times. In order
to complete the sewerage wsrks scheme, construction activities may
commence simultaneously at a number of locations. A detailed
programme and schedule of works will be developed prior to the
commencement of work and is dependent on detailed design work and
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Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement
finalisation of work methodology with the appointed contractor.
Notwithstanding this, typical construction related activities which would be
undertaken along the routes of the proposed pipelines would include site
preparation and excavation, installation of pipelines and finishing to
surfaces.
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL
2.1.4.5.12 Temporary construction works for the sewerage scheme would have the
potential to generate temporary disturbance and inconvenience during
the construction phase for residents in the vicinity of construction areas,
for the working community situated within premises in the immediate
vicinity of construction sites, for people visiting Castlebar and for people
travelling close to construction sites on foot, bicycle, private vehicular or
public transport. Impacts will be limited to the temporary construction
period of the development.
2.1.4.5.13 Construction works would have the potential to impact on existing road
users, on people at work in close proximity to construction sites and on
visitors to the area. Disruption to existing traffic flows will potentially
impact upon private and public transport journeys by the resident,
working and visitor communities. The potential impact on traffic is dealt
with elsewhere in this EIS.
2.1.4.5.14 Temporary local impacts may also arise for the local resident, working
and visitor communities due to increased noise and increased dirt and
dust generated during the construction phase.
REMEDIAL OR REDUCTIVE MEASURES
2.1.4.5.15 The principal remedial measures required to minimise the potential
impacts on the local resident, working and visiting communities during
the construction phase relate to the application of appropriate methods of
construction and appropriate hours of operation. With respect to the
possible adverse impacts associated with dirt and dust generation arising
from the construction works generally, a number of measures would be
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Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement
implemented including where necessary, the spraying of exposed soil
with water in dry, windy weather to control dust. With respect to noise, it
is recommended that construction plant and equipment comply with
British standards and EU Regulations as appropriate.
2.1.4.5.16 Appropriate information and management procedures should also be put
in place before and during the construction phase to cater for the
resident, working and visitor communities. Traffic management
measures will be decided and implemented by Mayo County Council in
consultation with the relevant statutory agencies. Local residents and
business operators should be consulted with regard to the
implementation of necessary traffic management measures.
PREDICTED IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL
2.1.4.5.17 The construction phase of the proposed sewerage scheme will generally
result in inconvenience primarily for the residential and working
communities located along the routes of proposed sewer pipelines, in the
vicinity of proposed pumping stations and in the vicinity of the existing
sewerage treatment works at Knockthomas. The impacts would be
temporary and short-term in duration. It is not considered that these will
be significant.
2.1.4.5.18 The principal impacts will be an increase in daytime noise levels locally,
albeit within statutory limits, and the impacts of such factors as dirt and
dust generation and heavy vehicular construction traffic. However, the
implementation of appropriate mitigation measures and adherence to a
construction programme and associated management of works
procedures will ensure that this inconvenience is minimised. The
adverse impact of the construction of the scheme will be less acute for
residents located distant of works sites.
2.1.4.5.19 It is predicted that people who visit the town during the general
construction phase will experience inconvenience. This impact is not
predicted to be significant.
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Castlebar Environs Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement
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2.1.4.5.20 It is likely that during construction, additional congestion and time delays
will be incurred at certain periods. This impact will be mitigated somewhat
by the undertaking of appropriate management measures as proposed
under Remedial or Reductive Measures. The impact on traffic is dealt
with elsewhere in this E.I.S.
'Worst Case' Scenario
2.1.4.5.21 The worst case scenario for the residential, working and visiting
communities of the area would occur if the construction was unduly
lengthened. This would significantly increase the general disturbance and
inconvenience, delays etc. during this period and would substantially
increase the perceived adverse impact of inconvenience. The
implementation of remedial or reductive measures shall ensure that the
predicted impacts of the construction phase would not be exacerbated.
MONITORING
2.1.4.5.22 The application of appropriate information and management measures
during construction of the scheme will be undertaken and review of these
measures will occur.
REINSTATEMENT
2.1.4.5.23 No reinstatement measures are required.
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