Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 5

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   Vision To transition to a low carbon, competitive, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable County, with an emphasis on reduction in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, through a combination of effective mitigation and adaptation responses to climate change.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 228Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   Policy CCP 01 Support the implementation and achievement of European, national, regional and local objectives for climate adaptation and mitigation. 5.1 Introduction This chapter relates to climate change adaptation and mitigation. The Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, requires the Development Plan to include measures to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, and adapt to climate change. Climate change, or global warming, arises from the emission of excessive greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. It is occurring faster than nature’s ability to adapt to it. Some of the effects will be disruptive, affecting whole ecosystems, our biodiversity and food systems, with consequences for human welfare and health. Changing weather patterns and more extreme weather events will put property and livelihoods at risk and place new demands on our infrastructure, our water supplies, and how we manage our urban and rural environments. The expected climate change impacts for Ireland are: M Average annual temperature to increase, milder winters, and a longer growing season. M Average spring and summer rainfall to reduce, with extended dry periods. M More frequent heavy rainfall in autumn and winter. M A changed biodiversity: Some plant and animal species may not adapt in time. Decarbonising our society is now a challenge for the planning system. The way we generate and use energy in terms of our carbon footprint, how we manage waste and emissions, and protect our biosphere, are now sharply in focus. In all these areas, both mitigating and adapting to climate change is necessary. All development is therefore required, by a variety of means, to both mitigate its own impact on climate change and adapt to the effects of climate change. This requires a crosscutting approach across a range of policy areas of the Development Plan. Mitigating and adapting to climate change must be an overarching principle of the Core Strategy.Core Strategy 229Climate Change Mitigation Seeks to prevent Climate Change Climate Action Adaptation Seeks to respond to the impacts of climate change Adaptation refers to efforts to manage the risks and impacts associated with existing or anticipated impacts of climate change. Mitigation refers to the efforts to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and reduces the severity of future climate change impacts

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   The national policy position for Climate Change establishes a vision for Ireland of low-carbon by 2050 (80% reduction on 1990 emissions) across the electricity generation, built environment and transport sectors; and in parallel, an approach to carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land use sectors, including forestry. Monitoring and evaluation is required to ensure measurable progress at county level linked to the Government’s Climate Action Plan 2019 – To Tackle Climate Breakdown which includes 183 actions across 12 sectors of Irish society. This Cavan County Development Plan in accordance with the NWRA RSES contains a Climate Strategy, which in conjunction with the Cavan County Council Climate Adaptation Strategy 2019 sets out a vision for the future and key actions towards climate change and sustainable development. 5.2 Policy Context 5.2.1 Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Section 10 (2)(n) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requires the Development Plan to include objectives to promote sustainable settlement and transportation strategies in urban and rural areas. These should include measures to: M reduce energy demand, M reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and M adapt to climate change; in particular, having regard to location, layout and design of new development. It is also a statutory requirement for local authorities to incorporate the promotion of sustainable settlement and transportation strategies in urban and rural areas. 5.2.2 International Legislative and Policy Context Ireland is committed at International and European levels to play its part in limiting global temperature rise. This requires us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and phase out fossil fuel energy sources. Ireland is committed to the following agreements and policy frameworks: M UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 1992 M The Paris Agreement 2015, setting binding commitments within UNFCCC M The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG13 relates to climate change. M The 2013 EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change. M European “Green Deal” 2019 M EU 2020 and 2030 climate and energy targets as well as longer term 2040 and 2050 milestones and targets 5.2.3 National Policy Context for Climate Change The 2012 National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (NCCAF) was Ireland’s first step in developing a national policy on adaptation actions to combat the impacts of climate change. Action 17: Ensure that ESB Networks and EirGrid plan network and deliver on connecting renewable energy sources to meet the 2030 70% RES-E target”. Greenhouse gas mitigation and adaption to the impacts of climate change were to be addressed in parallel national plans under an evolving climate policy to 2050. The Irish government has since published the following: M Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 M National Mitigation Plan 2017, arising from the above Act M National Adaptation Framework 2018, arising from the above Act M Project Ireland 2040 (the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan) M Climate Action Plan – To Tackle Climate Breakdown 2019 To provide local authorities with support in developing Climate Change Action Plans (CCAPs), the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) has developed the Local Authority Adaptation Strategy Development Guidelines 2018. Also, four Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) were established to coordinate local government response.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 230Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   5.2.4 Climate Action Plan – To Tackle Climate Breakdown 2019 The Government’s Climate Action Plan 2019 - To Tackle Climate Breakdown, published on 17th June 2019, reflects the central priority for climate change to be embedded within Ireland’s political and administrative systems, setting out governance arrangements including the carbon-proofing of government policies, the establishment of carbon budgets, the strengthening of the Climate Change Advisory Council and providing greater accountability to the Oireachtas. The Action Plan sets out 183 individual actions across 12 sectors and charts an ambitious course towards decarbonisation. Action 15 relates to the implementation of the National Planning Framework and those parts of it that can reduce carbon emissions. Under this action, Government is to issue a methodology to local authorities on calculating and reporting on the carbon impact of Development Plan strategies. Integral to Action 15 is the delivery of compact urban development, regeneration, sustainable transportation, regional development and area-based measures and targets to accelerate to a low carbon and climate resilient society. Within the 12 Sectors described in the Action Plan, the Public Sector is identified as having a significant role in ‘Leading by Example’ to not only just reduce its own emissions but to inspire climate action across the community. The Climate Action Regional Offices (CARO) are to assist local authorities in building capacity to promote effective engagement on climate change. There are a range of actions that are specific to and/or relate to local authorities as well as the CAROs. Local authorities will be required to undertake an annual programme with measurable impact particularly with actions to focus on, inter alia. M Reducing emissions by 30% and Improve energy efficiency of local authority buildings by 50% under the guidance of a new Public Sector Decarbonisation Strategy. M Setting a target to demonstrate leadership in the adoption of low emission transport options. M Developing and implementing a Climate Action charter. M Public buildings (all) to reach BER ‘B’ Rating M Building capacity through upskilling and knowledge dissemination. M Supporting and delivering projects that include strong ambition on climate action through funding resources from Project Ireland 2040. M Developing robust community engagement on climate action by linking to existing and new networks and clustering initiatives using the National Dialogue on Climate Action and local authority structures. M Working with communities to expand Sustainable Energy Communities. M Continue to implement Adaptation Planning with emphasis on building Climate Resilience and delivering the objectives of the National Adaptation Framework. 5.2.5 Climate Action Charter 2019 The Climate Action Charter followed the publication of the Climate Action Plan and represented a collective agreement on the part of Local Government across the State, with all 31 no. local authorities signing an agreement to commit to actions delivering climate action in their communities, through the actions set out in the Climate Action Plan. The Charter commits local authorities to several actions that will ensure that they play a key leadership role, both locally and nationally in delivering effective climate action. Among other commitments, all local authorities will: M Put in place a process for carbon proofing major decisions, programmes and projects on a systematic basis, including investments in transport and energy infrastructure; M Deliver a 50% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030; M Ensure all suppliers provide information on their carbon footprint and steps they plan to reduce its impact; M Build local citizen engagement, particularly with young people; M Partner and collaborate on climate action initiatives with local community groups, local enterprise and local schools and higher-level institutions; M Monitor, evaluate and report annually on the implementation of activities under the Charter.Core Strategy 231Climate Change

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   The Chief Executive signed the Climate Action Charter for Cavan County Council in 2019. This Climate Action Charter demonstrates Cavan County Council’s commitment to work in partnership with the Department of Communications Climate Action and Environment in responding to climate change, while also providing local leadership in the area of Climate Action and support to communities in addressing such an important challenge. 5.2.6 National Mitigation Plan 2017 (NMP) Ireland’s first National Mitigation Plan (NMP) was published in July 2017 by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. It sets out, on a whole-of-government basis, over 100 actions to examine the most effective pathways for Ireland to arrive at a low carbon and climate resilient economy by 2050. It is a living document and demonstrates work in progress. Each respective Minister is directly accountable and must, by the 2015 Act, report on progress. The Plan is constructed across four major sectoral areas of Government, with key Ministers responsible for each – Electricity Generation, the Built Environment, Transport and Agriculture, as well as drawing on the perspectives and responsibilities of a range of other Government Departments. 5.2.7 National Adaptation Framework 2018 (NAF) Ireland’s first National Adaptation Framework (NAF) with statutory footing was published in January 2018 and complements the mitigation approach. This national framework mandates all local authorities and key Government sectors to prepare their own adaptation strategies to reduce the vulnerability of the State to the impacts of climate change. The strategies are to identify the main risks and vulnerabilities associated with climate change to enable resilience actions to be mainstreamed into all local, regional and national policymaking.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 232Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   5.2.8 Project Ireland 2040 - National Planning Framework The National Planning Framework is built on 10 Strategic Investment Priorities up to 2040 and is accompanied by a Roadmap and the National Development Plan. It envisages a population increase by then of 1 million, and a need for 550,000 more homes and 660,000 more jobs. Half of this growth is to occur outside the 5 main cities and in accordance with the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs). Ten Strategic National Outcomes (NSOs) are formed around these investment priorities. NSO8 is Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society. Other NSOs are linked to Climate Change directly or indirectly and include NSO1: Compact Growth, NSO4: Sustainable Mobility and NSO9: Sustainable Management of Water and other Environmental Resources. A number of key objectives in the NPF with regard to the location of new development and travel patterns can impact on climate change. They are: M Planning for, and implementing, a better distribution of regional growth, in terms of jobs and prosperity M Enabling people to live closer to where they work, moving away from the current unsustainable trends of increased commuting M Transforming settlements of all sizes through imaginative urban regeneration and bringing life and jobs back into cities, towns and villages M Regenerating rural Ireland by promoting environmentally sustainable growth patterns. National Policy Objectives 3c, 21, 53 and 54 also relate directly to Climate Change. NPO 3c Deliver at least 30% of all new homes that are targeted in settlements other than the five Cities and their suburbs, within their existing built-up footprints. [This includes Cavan town. Existing footprint is based on CSO 2016]. NPO 21 Enhance the competitiveness of rural areas by supporting innovation in rural economic development and enterprise through the diversification of the rural economy into new sectors and services, including ICT based industries and those addressing climate change and sustainability. National Planning Framework and its National Strategic Outcomes and Priorities of the National Development Plan National Strategic Outcomes 6. High-Quality International Connectivity 8. Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society 10. Access to Quality Childcare, Education and Health Services 9. Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources 5. A Strong Economy supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills 4. Sustainable Mobility 1. Compact Growth 2. Enhanced Regional Accessibility 3. Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities 7. Enhanced Amenity and Heritage Housing and Sustainable Urban Development Rural Development Environmentally Sustainable Public Transport Airports and Ports Water Infrastructure National Road Network Enterprise, Skills and Innovation Capacity Culture, Heritage and Sport Climate Action Education, Health and Childcare 2 1 3 8 5 7 10 9 4 6 Strategic Investment PrioritiesCore Strategy 233Climate Change

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   Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028234Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 NPO 53 Support the circular and bio economy including in particular through greater efficiency in land management, greater use of renewable resources and by reducing the rate of land use change from urban sprawl and new development. NPO 54 Reduce our carbon footprint by integrating climate action into the planning system in support of national targets for climate policy mitigation and adaptation objectives, as well as targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The NFP supports compact growth of all settlements and 30% of new development to occur within or close to their existing built footprints. This, coupled with a new emphasis on regenerating urban core areas and the unlocking of vacant or under-used sites, represents a clear gravitational shift towards urban development in the county to 2040. Consolidating our urban areas reduces resource consumption and energy requirements. Indirect benefits include building a critical mass of population to sustain more services and jobs locally. NSO8 advocates resource efficiency in the transition to a low carbon economy. This not just relates to the location of new development, but in all the processes involved in our society and economy. The Circular Economy is promoted by the NPF in our use of natural resources and assets; this is aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources. This regenerative approach contrasts with the traditional linear economy, which is the “take, make, dispose” model of production. The planning system is to support a low carbon, circular model of resource use, and other measures to accelerate climate change transition including renewable energy projects and sustainable mobility (including transport electrification). 5.2.9 Climate Action Fund The Climate Action Fund was established under the National Development Plan 2018- 2027 as part of Project Ireland 2040. The fund (totalling €500 million over the period to 2027) will support initiatives that contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets in a cost-effective manner. It offers the potential for innovative interventions which, in the absence of support from the Fund, would not otherwise be developed. The Fund will also seek to facilitate projects that contribute to other Government policy priorities including: M Supporting innovation and capacity building towards the development of climate change solutions capable of being scaled and delivering benefits beyond a once - off impact; Sustainable Land Management and Resource Efficiency Adopting the principles of the circular economy to enable more sustainable planning and land use management of our natural resources and assets. Low Carbon Economy Our need to accelerate action on climate change. Renewable Energy Our transition to a low carbon energy future. Managing Waste Adequate capacity and systems to manage waste in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner. Resource Efficiency and Transition to a Low Carbon Economy

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   Core Strategy235Climate Change M Generating wider socio-economic benefits such as job creation, air quality improvements, reduction in fuel poverty, bio - diversity and community resilience and development. 5.2.10 Northern and Western Regional Assembly - Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020 (RSES) The RSES is an essential part of climate change strategy as a bridge between the national and local tiers of the planning system. The Government has also established four Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) to coordinate local authorities at the regional level. Local Climate Strategies and prioritised actions have since been developed by CARO and the local authorities. RPO 5.1 Local Climate Strategies will be prepared by the Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) and Local Authorities to address local vulnerabilities to climate risk and provide prioritised actions according to the principles of the National Adaptation Framework. The RSES identifies the following features of the region, with direct or indirect impacts for Climate Change: M The region has less CO2 emissions than the two other regions of the State, and the biggest proportion of carbon sinks such as bogs and forest cover. M The region has a considerable carbon-neutral energy resource, and is a forerunner in related technical ability and services. A regional Energy Hub is suggested to integrate research and investment. M Land-use and transport across the region is poorly integrated, leading to unsustainable transport choices and excess greenhouse emissions. The region is highly dependent on the private car to access work and education. M Many of our urban areas have poor permeability and connectivity for non-car users. M Almost 80% of the region’s population lives in rural areas i.e. all areas outside Galway city, the 3 regional growth centres and 8 key towns which includes Cavan town. M Charging infrastructure for Electrical Vehicles (EV) meets current demand in towns, but only because current use of EVs is low. The availability of charging infrastructure has a direct link to the rate of new electric vehicles. M Potential for biomass energy production as part of circular economy and to assist the national objective of attaining carbon neutrality. M About 25% of the land area is either wetland or bogland, all with some biodiversity value if not already designated as Natura 2000 sites. Peatland acts as a carbon sink and retains water. Spent bogs have potential for renewable energy projects in partnership with Bord na Mona, and subject to biodiversity safeguards. M A significant potential for ‘green infrastructure’ across the region. The RSES anticipates the Government’s Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework which will aim to identify strategic areas for the sustainable development of renewable electricity projects of scale, in a sustainable manner, compatible with environmental and cultural heritage, landscape and amenity considerations. Regional Policy Objectives RPO 17 and 18 support the continued investment and delivery of renewable energy in the region. The RSES recognises a significant risk in not having the right policies and mechanisms in place to support greener energy supply. The region should strategically prepare for locally - based energy production and grid connections. RPO 4.16 The NWRA shall co-ordinate the identification of potential renewable energy sites of scale in collaboration with Local Authorities and other stakeholders within 3 years of the adoption of the RSES. The identification of such sites (which may extend to include energy storage solutions) will be based on numerous site selection criteria including environmental matters, and potential grid connections. RPO 4.17 To position the region to avail of the emerging global market in renewable energy by: M Stimulating the development and deployment of the most advantageous renewable energy systems. M Supporting research and innovation. M Encouraging skills development and transferability.

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    M Raising awareness and public understanding of renewable energy. Encourage market opportunities for the renewable energy industry to promote the development and growth of renewable energy businesses. Encourage the development of the transmission and distribution grids to facilitate the development of renewable energy projects and the effective utilisation of the energy generated from renewable sources having regard to the future potential of the region over the lifetime of the Strategy and beyond. RPO 4.18 Support the development of secure, reliable and safe supplies of renewable energy, to maximise their value, maintain the inward investment, support indigenous industry and create jobs. The principle of compact growth is a central tenet to the RSES, which is to be delivered through the Development Plans and Local Area Plans. The regional planning objectives are to achieve smart, compact growth, the regeneration of our towns and villages, and a greater focus on brownfield sites for rural housing. The design and layout of new housing is to be energy efficient. RPO 3.2(c) Deliver at least 30% of all new homes that are targeted in settlements with a population of at least 1,500 (other than the Galway MASP and the Regional Growth Centres), within the existing built-up footprints (built-up footprints also defined by CSO 2016). RPO 3.3 Deliver at least 20% of all new housing in rural areas on brownfield sites. RPO 3.4 To support the regeneration and renewal of small towns and villages in rural areas. RPO 3.5 Identify and develop quality green infrastructure, within and adjacent to City, Regional Growth Centres and Key Towns. RPO 3.8 Support the design of new/replacement/ refurbished dwellings to high energy efficiency standards that fully avail of renewable technologies, maximise solar gain, utilising modern materials and design practices. RPO 4.21 Promote innovative new building design and retrofitting of existing buildings, both private properties, and publicly owned, to improve building energy efficiency, energy conservation and the use of renewable energy sources following National Regulations, and Policy. RPO 7.20 Increase population living within settlements, through a range of measures including reductions in vacancy, re-use of existing buildings, infill development schemes, area or site-based regeneration, service site provision and increased building heights appropriate to the settlement, together with infrastructure provision. A Key Challenge stated in the RSES is to provide transport options both within and between the urban/rural centres. Local Transport Plans (LTPs) are to form the basis for land use planning representing the lowest tier of the NPF’s framework for the integration of land use and transport. Facilitating modal shift to more sustainable transport options, including walking and cycling will promote healthier lifestyles, better traffic management and mitigate climate change. Residential design is to transition from traditional density led residential development as an indicator to one where integration with other land uses is given weight. RPO 6.26 The walking and cycling offer within the region shall be improved to encourage more people to walk and cycle, through: (a) Preparation and implementation of Local Transport Plans for Galway Metropolitan Area Regional Growth Centres and Key Towns, which shall encourage a travel mode shift from private vehicular use towards sustainable travel modes of walking, cycling and use of public transport. The LTP will inform the Urban Area Plans, development and local area plans and other planning framework documents. Local Transport Plans (LTP) will represent the lowest tier of the NPF’s framework for the integration of land useCavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 236Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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