Development plan · Cavan County Council
Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 5
One part of the council's development plan written statement, which the council publishes in parts.
Cavan County Council · 2022–2028 · 22 pages
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 5, each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- and transport planning and the achievement of the NPF’s objective of ‘compact smart growth’. RPO 6.28 Policies, objectives and measures which emerge from Local Transport Plans shall be incorporated into Development Plans, Local Area Plans and Urban Area Plans. RPO 6.29 The management of space in town and village centres should deliver a high level of priority and permeability for walking, cycling and public transport modes to create accessible, attractive, vibrant and safe, places to work, live, shop and engage in community life. RPO 6.30 Planning at the local level should promote walking, cycling and public transport by maximising the number of people living within walking and cycling distance of their neighbourhood or district centres, public transport services, and other services at the local level such as schools. Flood risk management, sustainable water management solutions and adaptive infrastructure are to be progressively implemented. This will assist climate change mitigation and adaptation. RPO 3.10 Ensure flood risk management informs development by avoiding inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding and integrate sustainable water management solutions (such as SUDS, non-porous surfacing and green roofs) to create safe places. Development plans should assess flood risk by implementing the recommendations of the Planning System and Flood Risk Assessment Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2009) and Circular PL02/2014 (August 2014). RPO 3.11 Local Authorities, DHPLG, OPW, and other relevant Departments and agencies to work together to implement the recommendation of the CFRAM programme to ensure that flood risk management policies and infrastructure are progressively implemented. RPO 8.22 Prioritising investment to improve stormwater infrastructure to improve sustainable drainage and reduce the risk of flooding in the urban and rural environment. The RSES emphasises the potential of the bioeconomy to produce energy. Carbon capture from biomass can be converted to energy such as electricity, heat and biofuels, thereby removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Agriculture has a significant contribution to make in biomass energy production. Bio-refining, bio-clusters and the need to strategically plan for growth in the bioeconomy, are to be facilitated. RPO 4.20 Support and encourage the development of the bio-economy sector, and facilitate its development for energy production, heat, and storage distribution, in particular advocating Combined Heat and Power Units integrated into District Heating networks, in combination with Pyrogenic, Carbon Capture and Storage (PyCCS) or Bio-Energy Carbon capture and storage (BECCS).Core Strategy 237Climate Change
- RPO 4.27 It is an objective to support the National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy (2018), and the exploration of opportunities in the circular resource-efficient economy, including undertaking a bioeconomy feasibility study for this Region. This feasibility study will aim to identify (and map) areas of potential growth to inform the National Transition Agenda, enabling a Low Carbon, resilient Nation. RPO 4.28 To support the potential creation of 28 scaled local multi-feedstock bio-refining hubs across the region as well as potential creation of bio-districts/clusters. RPO 4.29 The Assembly supports the future-proofing of infrastructure planning to allow for the potential upgrading of existing industrial sites to bio-refining plants while also supporting the use of bio-renewable energy for the sustainable production of bio-based products. RPO 8.11 The Assembly supports the move towards regional and national self-sufficiency in terms of waste management infrastructure in accordance with the proximity principle and with the circular green economy. Habitats are recognised in the RSES in having a contribution to make in terms of climate change (GHG emissions) and biodiversity targets (EU Habitats Directive and the National Biodiversity Action Plan). The re-wetting and development of new wetland habitats will also in time form new carbon sinks. RPO 5.22 To protect and conserve our designated peatlands and bogs for reasons of biodiversity, ecosystem services, carbon sinks, areas of habitat importance, amenity and landscape value. The National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland 2017 to 2030 sets a target that by 2030 all new cars and vans sold in Ireland will be zero emissions (or zero emissions capable). This, and the supporting infrastructure required, is reflected in the RSES: RPO 6.33 Reduce dependency on the fossil-fuel powered vehicles and have regard to the National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport. RPO 6.34 Promote deployment of targeted, convenient and safe recharging infrastructure across the region to meet the changing needs of the electric vehicle with particular emphasis in public parking areas and employment locations. 5.2.11 Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) Cavan County Council is one of 17 local authorities cooperating under the Eastern and Midland Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) set up in 2018 in response to Action 8 of the 2018 National Adaptation Framework (NAF) – Planning for a Climate Resilient Ireland to drive climate action at both regional and local levels. The CARO has assisted Cavan County Council in the development of its climate change adaptation strategy. The 17 authorities are grouped together based on shared climate change risk characteristics. The risks in this region includes fluvial, rural pluvial and groundwater flooding. The CARO in this region is operated by Kildare County Council and Kilkenny County Council, and co-ordinates climate change expertise and engagement across government in the area. Under the NAF, the Government is to develop sectoral adaptation plans that will affect the work of local authorities. The Midlands and Eastern CARO will liaise with the respective government departments to align local government actions with the sectoral plans. 5.2.12 Cavan County Council Climate Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy was adopted by Cavan County Council in September 2019 and represents a proactive step by the Council to ensure that climate change resilience is built into all functions of the Council. The Strategy is also to ensure the Council fulfils its role in contributing to and meeting the national targets on climate change. The National Adaptation Framework (NAF) requires local authorities to develop their own adaptation plans.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 238Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028
- Within the Strategy, adaptation goals and objectives were formed following an assessment of local climate change risks, using baseline information and climate change projections. A Climate Risk Register was established for the county. Adaptation actions were then formed to address the priority risks and vulnerabilities identified. The Adaptation Strategy recognises that the most robust and cost-effective climate change responses involve both mitigation and adaptation measures. The Adaptation Strategy notes the following for County Cavan: M The county is affected by the following Extreme Weather Events (EWEs): Strong Wind, Extreme Rainfall, Heavy Snowfall / Low Temperatures, Low Rainfall / Drought, and High Temperatures. These are also the 5 Hazards listed in the Strategy’s Climate Risk Register. M 11 EWEs occurred from 2006 to 2018. M Operational areas most affected are Roads, Emergency Services, Housing, Environment, and Water Services. It also characterises the environment of the county as follows: M Agriculture is the biggest industry in the county. 144,269 hectares are farmed, mainly dairy, pig and beef farming. M The primary sector (agriculture, forestry and fishing) employs 11.32% of the population. M The county is rich with ecosystems, including many European and nationally protected sites. M From its risk assessment, the strategy targets 6 thematic areas for climate adaptation goals and objectives: Local Adaptation Governance and Business Operations, Infrastructure and Built Environment, Land Use and Development, Drainage and Flood Management, Natural Resources and Cultural Infrastructure, and Community Health and Wellbeing. Of particular relevance to the Development Plan are the following goals actions:Core Strategy 239Climate Change
- Theme 2: Infrastructure and Built Environment Goal: Increased capacity for climate resilient structural infrastructure is centred around the effective management of climate risk, informed investment decisions and positive contribution towards a low carbon society. Supporting objectives and actions include climate resilient infrastructure design and planning, energy efficiency including retrofits, and supporting waste reduction and the circular economy. Theme 3: Land Use and Development Goal: Sustainable policies and measures are devised and implemented influencing positive behavioural changes, supporting climate actions and endorsing approaches for successful transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society. Supporting objectives and actions include incorporating climate change as a critical and guiding principle for the core strategy, strategic objectives and development management standards. Theme 4: Drainage and Flood Management Goal: To create an understanding of the risks and consequences of flooding and therefore progress the management of a coordinated approach to drainage and flooding. Supporting objectives and actions including detailed flood risk mapping, future proofing for projected flood levels, infrastructure upgrades, and the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) where appropriate. Theme 5: Natural Resources and Cultural Infrastructure Goal: Fostering and implementing meaningful approaches to protecting natural and key cultural assets through an appreciation for the adaptive capacity of the natural environment to absorb the impacts of climate change. In addition to building the resilience of cultural assets and our natural environment to withstand the impacts of climate change. Supporting objectives and actions include the review of Heritage Plan (incorporating Biodiversity Plan) to assess the climate change vulnerability of the natural and built heritage, integrate biodiversity and habitat considerations into municipal works and amenities, increase native tree planting. All the actions listed under the above 4 goals are scheduled for short-term delivery, but some are continuous from short to long term. All actions are to be monitored. Evaluation will occur to ensure effectiveness.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 240Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028
- 100 75 50 25 0 & of total 1990-1994 1995-1999 2000-2004 2005-2009 2010-22014 2015 2016 2017 5.3 Climate Change Climate change encompasses not only rising average temperatures but also extreme weather events, shifting wildlife populations and habitats, rising seas, and a range of other impacts. The impacts of climate change have already been felt in Ireland and within the County including the following: M Increases in average temperatures M Fewer colder days M Wetter winters M Increase in summer droughts M More intense and prolonged rainfall M More flooding M Damage to existing ecosystems and Biodiversity 5.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions In 2017, Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions were 60.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. This was a reduction compared with the peak average annual emissions of 68.8 million tonnes in 2000-2004 but was 7.9% higher than the 1990- 1994 average of 56.3 million tonnes (see Figure 5.1). At State level, the data shows that Agriculture is the largest emitter of greenhouse gasses accounting for 33% of the total. Transportation levels doubled over the period 1990 (10%) to 2017 (20%). Energy emissions also remained stable over the period 1990 to 2017, at 19% (see Figure 5.2). Figure 5.1: Ireland Total greenhouse gas emissions 1990 - 2017 (Source: CSO using data from the Environmental Protection Agency) Figure 5.2: Irelands emissions by sector 1990 – 2017 (Source: CSO using data from the Environmental Protection Agency) 80 60 40 20 0 Million tonnes CO2 equivalent n Total national emissions n Agriculture n Transport n Energy n Industry, commercial and public services n Residential n Waste and F gases 1990-1994 1995-1999 2000-2004 2005-2009 2021 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017Core Strategy 241Climate Change
- A Climate and Biodiversity Emergency was declared by Dáil Eireann in May 2019 highlighting the immediate need for urgent action. Ireland became only the second country in the world to pass such declaration after the UK (1st May 2019). 5.5 Decarbonising Zone A Decarbonising Zone (DZ) is a spatial area identified by the local authority, in which a range of climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity measures and action owners are identified to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate needs to contribute to national climate action targets. A Decarbonising Zone incorporating Cavan Town and surrounding areas, as identified by Cavan County Council, will be progressed, subject to departmental approval. Decarbonising Zone Development Objective It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support a decarbonising zone incorporating Cavan Town and surrounding areas, subject to Departmental approval. DZ 01 5.5.1 Climate Action Plan: Action 165 Action 165 specifically requires identification of one location or area in each local authority that would be subject to a plan for a Decarbonising Zone. Thereafter, follow-on steps could include: M Harnessing those plans to develop low carbon town projects for future calls under the Climate Action Fund; and M Early progression of demonstrator projects harnessing a range of technologies and initiatives and which would be subject to a mid-project review by the Local Authority The concept of decarbonising zones will provide a very important test - bed in which we can: M understand the scale of the challenge in decarbonising the economy and wider society, and M map out the various key stakeholders and enablers. Each Local Authority are requested to identify, by 30 April 2021, a potential area suitable for a decarbonising zone. In order that local authority decarbonising zones can act as effective demonstrators in varying settings, such zones could be in either urban or rural settings. However, to achieve effective learnings from the exercise, such zones should either cover (i) urban areas and agglomerations with a population not less than 5000 persons, or (ii) rural areas with an area of not less than 4km2. Candidate DZs that do not meet these criteria could be considered where they show demonstrated decarbonisation at a replicable scale. The main projects that could be implementable in the zone include: M electricity sourcing M heat management M reducing needs for travel and shifting travel modes towards active and public transport M enhanced building energy efficiency M carbon sequestration M energy storage and management systems The potential outcomes deliverable in terms of reductions in carbon emissions are significant and precise details will be included in the forthcoming Climate Action Plan. At a minimum, it is expected that these outcomes will be capable of meeting the Government’s targets for carbon emissions reductions set out below, specifically an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030 (a 51% reduction over the decade). The details of the zone identifying the location and key measures proposed were submitted to the DHLGH. Cavan County Council is tasked with developing DZ implementation plans by the end of Q4 2021 and those plans will be included in their published Climate Action Plans, as required by the Climate Action Bill. The development of decarbonising zones should, result in a learning from that experience, to advance a wider roll-out of the decarbonising zone concept across wider local authority system, in line with evolving climate policy and legislative requirements. The implementation of this action will be led by the DHLGH, in close cooperation with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications together with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and local authorities supported by the Climate Action Regional Offices. The further integration of climate action policy and spatial planning is required to enable holistic andCavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 242Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028
- replicable Decarbonising Zones to develop. Such policy areas include energy efficiency measures, renewable and low carbon electricity sources, district heating, energy storage, agricultural practices, rural land management and carbon sequestration measures. A Decarbonising Zone should also address the wider co-benefits of air quality, improved health, biodiversity, embodied carbon, agricultural practices, sustainable land management, lower noise levels, waste, water, circular economy etc., and should integrate with smart data and ‘smart cities’ initiatives (as relevant). A Decarbonising Zone can also explore the cobenefits of climate adaptation and examine a range of local measures such as climate proofing, afforestation, green and blue infrastructure, reducing heat island effects, citizen awareness and behavioural change. Decarbonising Zones can be test beds and have synergies with other sustainability measures such as promoting the circular economy, waste management, the potential for sustainable employment using remote working opportunities, active and sustainable land management. 5.5.2 Summary of Potential Content of Plans for Decarbonising Zone Set out below is a list of key sectoral headings that could form a basis for planning for a Local Authority Decarbonising Zone: With regard to the evolving role of spatial planning and climate action, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) and the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) will have an important leadership role, in providing continued guidance and support to local authorities. The role of Energy Agencies is also important to include work undertaken in local authority areas that could be considered as Decarbonising Zones. In the zero-carbon transition, integrated urban planning and cross-sectoral governance is crucial.Core Strategy 243Climate Change Transport Transport should be developed in accordance with the CO2 emissions hierarchy. Buildings Energy efficient buildings which limit energy demand. Green spaces Providing carbon sequestration, reduce heat island effects. Energy planning and policy Dwelling density to support more energy efficient use of infrastructure in the areas of energy, transport, water etc. Trial site for certain policy mechanisms. Maintaining accurate and detailed data sets (GIS etc.) which can be represented spatially is vital for energy planning; it is also important that a list of these data sets be maintained to allow planners and policy makers to understand the information that is at their disposal. Complementary infrastructure Facilitate high proportions of renewable generation. (e.g., providing transmission, grid balancing, frequency control) Land value Economic (contaminated land, cutaway bog land, land with low agricultural or development potential etc.) or environmental (such as SPAs, SACs, NHAs). Air quality Implementation of a range of measures, including low emissions methodology should overlap with air quality monitoring and improvement. Gap to Target contribution Delivery and overall monitoring and upscaling / replication of these zones should include gap to target contributions on thematic climate targets at EU, national level etc. Biodiversity Complete Biodiversity Strategy. Waste Management Leadership role regarding waste management, the circular economy and green procurement. Examples of policies include, but are not limited to, the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, the National Circular Economy Strategy (due to be published in 2021) and associated National Waste Prevention Programme.
- 5.6 Cavan County Development Plan Climate Strategy Progressing climate action is a priority for this County Development Plan which will be done through a Climate Strategy which incorporates national and regional policy through an approach which includes mitigation and adaptation. The two components of climate action are critical in order to build resilience and adapt to the changing climate in a planned and structured way. Climate mitigation describes actions to reduce the likelihood of climate change occurring or to reduce the impact if it does occur. This can include reducing the causes of climate change (e.g. emissions of greenhouse gases) as well as reducing future risks associated with climate change. Climate adaptation is a change in natural or human systems in response to the impacts of climate change. These changes moderate harm or exploit beneficial opportunities and can be in response to actual or expected impacts. One of the key issues relating to the Plan in the context of climate adaptation is flooding. A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) has been undertaken alongside the preparation of the Plan that has helped to facilitate the appropriate zoning of areas that are at elevated risk of flooding. The policies and objectives in this plan seek to mitigate and reduce the severity of future climate change and adaptation to manage the risks and impacts associated with existing or anticipated impacts of climate change. Table 5.1 and Table 5.2 respectively identify the climate mitigation and adaptation measures proposed in this Plan.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 244Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 Table 5.1: Climate Mitigation Measures Topic Climate Mitigation Measures Buildings M Support energy-efficient building design and emission reduction measures M Promote building of energy efficient homes/density appropriate to demographics and with greatest infrastructure provision M Promote renewable and low carbon energy M Create or enhance carbon sinks Agriculture, Land Management and Forestry M Encourage the Agriculture Sector and our farming communities to adapt and change to produce more of our food locally in order to facilitate us all to shop local. M Encourage local food markets and shops to stock and sell local food produce. This will increase local employment and wealth generation as opposed to exporting it abroad. M Establish new community woodlands in urban/urban fringe areas M Support production of sustainable biofuels (farm contributions to localised energy supplies – biofuels/wind energy production) M Implement higher level Plan recommendations/objectives/ policies Transport M Support construction of green routes/cycleways/pedestrian routes, subject to normal environmental considerations M Support low-car developments in suitable locations and car sharing M Strengthen public transportation linkages and encourage their use M Support localisation of jobs/ shops/services to minimise needs for most common travel patterns M Support electric vehicle charging points and electrification of Council fleet Energy Production M Promote energy-efficient building design M Promote links between developments and renewable energy resources, for instance by sourcing energy on-site (renewable or from low-carbon fuel sources) M Consider public lighting upgrades M Facilitate building retrofits Minerals M Locate developments strategically (e.g. waste materials) to minimise need to travel, subject to health aspects/business needs. Resource Management M Support waste prevention and water conservation measures
- Core Strategy245Climate Change Table 5.2: Climate Adaptation Measures Topic Climate Adaption Measures Buildings M Land use zoning to be informed by flood risk. M Promote the use of green roofs and natural ventilation. M Enhance flood resilience of buildings, e.g. elevated work surfaces and storage facilities, raised sockets and electrical infrastructure, enhanced flood boards. M Promote the use of permeable surfaces to decrease runoff rates. M Institute grey-water recycling schemes to decrease abstraction of potable surface water resources, thus reducing water stress during periods of low rainfall. M Maximise water conservation. M Plant drought-resistant plants/ trees in public amenity areas to provide shade and increase green infrastructure linkages. M Integrate climate adaptation measures for Protected Structures at risk directly or indirectly as a result of climate change. Agriculture, Land Management and Forestry M Support diversification of rural economy to promote crop viability options etc. M Encourage afforestation (where environmentally appropriate) to enhance interception and infiltration of precipitation. M Support restoration of peat bogs when turf cutting has ceased. M Support the recommendations of the National Peatlands Strategy. Water Management M Increase resilience to flooding through Sustainable Drainage Systems. M Harvest rainwater/grey water. M Ensure adequate/appropriate water supply and drainage. M Support Water Conservation Strategies. Infrastructure, including flood defences M Ensure critical infrastructure and services (particularly emergency services) are resilient to new climatic conditions. M Facilitate flood defences and flood resilient urban design. M Coordinate emergency response plans. Wildlife and biodiversity M Create/enhance ecological linkages and buffer zones from development. M Create/protect ecologically resilient and varied landscapes to help support a wide range of species. M Carry out a review of the Wetland Survey undertaken in 2008 to include measures for climate adaptation in the Council. Economy and Tourism M Support opportunities for increased tourism as a result of warmer summers, within limits of existing infrastructure and sensitive habitats Human Health, Risk and Insurance M Provide green infrastructure to provide shade in urban areas M Provide building methods and materials to reduce the impacts of heat stress M Appropriate maintenance of surface water drainage infrastructure to avoid flood risk M Land use zoning to be informed by flood risk Cavan County Council is committed to making the transition to becoming a low carbon and climate resilient County, promoting the economic, social and environmental benefits of low carbon development, with an emphasis on the reduction in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. This includes a combination of effective mitigation and adaptation responses to climate change. In addition, supporting the relevant policy area, specific Climate Change Actions are set out at the end of each chapter of this County Development Plan.
- CC 01 CC 02 CC 03 CC 04 CC 05 CC 06 CC 07 CC 08 CC 09 CC 10 CC 11Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 246Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 Climate Change Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the implementation and achievement of European, national, regional and local objectives for climate adaptation and mitigation as detailed in the following documents, taking into account other provisions of the Plan (including those relating to land use planning, energy, sustainable mobility, flood risk management and drainage) and having regard to the Climate mitigation and adaptation measures which have been outlined through the policy objectives in this Development Plan: M Climate Action Plan (2019 and any subsequent versions). M National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (2018 and any subsequent versions). M Any Regional Decarbonisation Plan prepared on foot of commitments included in the NWRA RSES; M Relevant provisions of any Sectoral Adaptation Plans prepared to comply the requirements of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, including those seeking to contribute towards the National Transition Objective, to pursue, and achieve, the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by the end of the year 2050; and M Cavan County Council Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024. Consider a variation of the development plan within a reasonable period of time, or to include such other mechanism, as may be appropriate, to ensure the development plan will be consistent with the approach to climate action recommended in the revised Development Plan Guidelines as adopted or any other relevant guidelines. Support and facilitate European and national objectives for climate adaptation and mitigation having regard to the measures detailed in Table 5.1 and Table 5.2 (these have been informed by available guidance on Climate Action and Mitigation, including that from the EPA). Support the implementation of the Cavan County Council Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and promote the County as a key driver of the transition to a low carbon economy within the Region. Contribute towards climate mitigation and adaptation, taking into account other provisions of the Plan (including those relating to land use planning, energy, sustainable mobility, flood risk management and drainage). Promote the benefits to quality of life, public health and biodiversity arising from implementation of policies promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation. Provide for a reduction in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions by providing for consolidated future development which supports sustainable travel patterns in line with the County Core Strategy. Encourage innovation and facilitate the development of pilot schemes that support climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, especially in the energy and agriculture sectors. Support the delivery of sustainable development projects under the European Green Deal. Support collaboration between local authorities and relevant stakeholders regarding integrated peatland management and support for rehabilitation and/or re-wetting of suitable peatland habitats, in particular the Geopark and Cuilcagh Carbon sequestration potential. Work in collaboration with the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland and relevant stakeholders to deliver a number of sustainable energy communities throughout the County.
Source Cavan County Council: Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 5 (2022–2028) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.