Seascape Assessment

This study was commissioned and prepared as a response to the exceptional change occurring around the coasts of Ireland and Wales. It was commissioned by the Marine Institute Ireland and completed in 2001. The guide was prepared and authored by

• Countryside Council for Wales
• Brady Shipman Martin
• University College Dublin

The study was funded by the Interreg II European Regional Aid, The Marine Institute, Fingal County Council, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Countryside Council for Wales, University College Dublin and Brady Shipman Martin

The study was developed by undertaking a number of pilot assessments at a number of locations around the Irish Sea using different landscape consultants and a variety of approaches. In addition to these studies, reports were prepared dealing with historic and cultural matters, public perception of seascape, and the extent of national seascape units.

The purpose of the guide is to be of assistance in the following instances:

• To identify the areas and elements that form the components of seascape.
• To assist in the strategic regional and local planning of coasts and the adjoining marine environment, and assist in coastal zone management.
• As a starting point to evaluate change and provide a basis for evaluating potential coastal development including those below the waterline, windfarms, aquaculture schemes, and coastal defence works.
• To provide a framework for the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements related to marine and coastal projects.
• To contribute to the design and planning process by identifying issues and potential problems which are amenable to mitigation and avoid abortive work.