12. Landscape and Visual

12.4 Detailed Landscape and Visual Constraints

The landscape constraints in the study area are considered in terms of the following categories:

• National Landscape Designations or Listings
• County Landscape Designations or Listings
• Other areas of significant landscape value not directly designated or listed.

National Landscape Designations or Listings

In many instances these areas are also designated under the various categories within the appropriate statutory County Development Plans.

Areas of Outstanding Landscape

The only national assessment of landscape quality published for Ireland is the 'Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in Ireland', prepared by An Foras Forbartha in 1977. Many of the areas highlighted in the Inventory were subsequently given protection within the statutory County Developments Plan and these plans in many instances designate additional areas. These areas are identified in Table 12.1.

Areas of Scientific Interest (ASI)

The term ASI usually refers to either an ecological, geological or a geomorphological feature rated as being of International, National Regional or Local Importance. However, as they often relate to areas, which are also of amenity or scenic importance, their listing in the Areas of Scientific Interest in Ireland is also considered under landscape. Table 12.2 lists areas of Scientific Interest in each of the counties.

County Landscape Designations or Listings

In terms of landscape and visual issues each local authority uses differing designation nomenclature and as such the areas are set out on a county by county basis. Tables 12.3 to 12.7 presents the designations listed for Counties Kildare, Laois, Carlow, Kilkenny and Wicklow respectively.

Other Areas of Significant Landscape Value

A number of important landscapes are associated with the setting and surrounding of national monuments, estates and other features where the wider setting is an important constraint. Tables 12.8 to 12.12 present other areas of significant landscape value for Counties Kildare, Laois, Carlow, Kilkenny and Wicklow respectively.