Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied)

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action to 9GW, solar energy to 8GW and offshore wind to at least 5GW. In addition, the plan outlines support for at least 500MW of local community-based renewable energy projects and increased levels of micro-generation and small-scale generation. It will put Ireland on a more sustainable path, cut emissions, create a cleaner, greener economy and society, and protect us from the devastating consequences of climate change. It is a huge opportunity to create new jobs and grow businesses in areas like offshore wind, cutting-edge agriculture and retrofitting, making our homes warmer and safer. National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (2014) This established the fundamental national objective of achieving a transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. This was given legislative effect by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Act 2015 which provided for the development of a national adaptation framework and required each local authority to adopt local adaptation strategies. Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030 The Irish Government’s Energy White Paper sets out a strategic vision to guide the direction of Irish energy policy to 2030 and to transform Ireland into a low carbon society and economy by 2050. This vision envisages a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the energy generation sector by 80-95% relative to 1990 levels by 2050. The White Paper also identifies the long-term strategic importance of diversifying Ireland's energy portfolio and largely decarbonising the energy sector by 2050. National Adaptation Framework: Planning for a Climate Resilient Ireland (2018) (NCCAF) The National Adaptation Framework, which was published in January 2018 as a requirement of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, set out the national strategy to reduce the vulnerability of Ireland to the negative effects of climate change and to benefit from positive impacts. It outlines a whole of government and society approach, in which local authorities share the responsibility for climate action and are key drivers of the energy transition and climate adaptation of communities to the impacts of climate change. The framework led to the requirement for all local authorities to secure the approval by their elected members of their individual climate change adaptation strategies. Programme for Government – Our Shared Future (2020) The Programme for Government 2020 states that climate change is the single greatest threat facing humanity and the Programme will react comprehensively and imaginatively to achieve a rapid reduction in and then reversal of our impact on the climate e.g. reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7% annually (on average) to 2030 and the full decarbonisation of the economy by 2050 at the latest. In relation to new transport infrastructure, the government is committed to a 2:1 ratio of expenditure between new public transport infrastructure and new roads over its lifetime.27

2. Page 32

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 This Act establishes a legally binding framework with targets and commitments set in law, and ensures the necessary structures and processes are embedded on a statutory basis to ensure we achieve our national, EU and international climate goals and obligations in the near and long term future. Project Ireland 2040 – National Planning Framework The National Strategic Outcomes set out in the National Planning Framework i.e. NSO1 Compact Growth, NSO4 Sustainable Mobility, NSO8 Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society, and NSO9 Waste and other Environmental Resources ensure that climate change is enshrined in spatial planning so as to address our national per capita carbon intensity which is higher than average and to achieve a transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy and society by 2050. In addition, National Strategic Outcome NSO54 is to ‘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’. To facilitate the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets, a government fund of at least €500 million to support such projects (up to 2027) is included in the National Development Plan. Climate Action Charter for Local Authorities (2019) Clare County Council is a signatory to the Climate Action Charter for Local Authorities, signed in 2019, which sets out a common understanding in relation to climate change, acknowledgement of the need for a whole of government approach to address climate change, and acknowledges specific local government supports of central government in28

3. Page 33

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action relation to climate change. The Charter sets out a list of 24 commitments that underlines the leadership role of local authorities in delivering effective climate action. The Charter requires local authorities to put in place a process for carbon-proofing major decisions, programmes and projects, including investments in transport and energy as well as in procurement. 2.3.4 Regional Context Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES) The RSES outlines the challenges of climate change in the Southern Region for agriculture, the marine environment, biodiversity, coastal zones (including coastal erosion) sea level rise, flooding, critical infrastructure, water management, human health, and wellbeing. Regional Policy Objectives are included in the RSES with regard to a low carbon energy future and energy efficiency, climate resilience, resource management, flood risk management, green infrastructure and biodiversity amongst others and climate action is at the heart of the strategy. In addition, climate change actions are listed as a strategic investment priority for the RSES. Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) – Atlantic Seaboard South There are 4 CARO’s in Ireland and these were established in 2018 in response to Action 8 of the National Adaptation Framework. The Atlantic Seaboard South CARO co-ordinates climate action at regional and local authority levels. In recognition of the significant obligation to develop and implement climate action measures, the four regional offices are mandated to assist engagement across the varying levels of government and help build on experience and expertise that exists in the area of climate change and climate action. The composition of the four Climate Action Regions has been determined by the geographical and topographical characteristics, vulnerabilities and shared climate risks across local authority areas. The Atlantic Seaboard South Region consists of the administrative areas of Clare County Council, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Kerry County Council and Limerick City and County Council. 2.3.5 County Clare Clare County Council Climate Commitments The statutory and planning context as previously outlined in this Chapter sets out the climate action parameters and requirements which Clare County Council must adhere to, and the Council is committed to the implementation of these actions.29

4. Page 34

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action Clare Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 The Clare Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 outlines the strategy of the Council to adapt to the effects of climate change and to safeguard the biophysical infrastructure and wellbeing of the people and communities of County Clare. The short, medium and long term objectives of this strategy have informed the county development plan and are incorporated in the development objectives throughout the plan. Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 The overall vision and objectives of the plan have been influenced by climate action and Table 2.1 below demonstrates how climate action provisions are integrated as a cross cutting theme throughout the plan. The table lists the objectives in each chapter which relate to climate action. Table 2.1: Climate Action Objectives County Development Plan Chapters Development Objectives 1 Introduction and Vision Table 1 - Five Strategic Development Plan Principles 2 Climate Action CDP 2.1 - 2.22 3 Core Strategy CDP 3.3 4 Urban and Rural Settlement Strategy CDP 4.1-4.8, 4.12 5 Housing CDP 5.1-5.6, 5.17 6 Economic Development and Enterprise CDP 6.1, 6.3, 6.7, 6.10, 6.12, 6.13, 6.15, 6.17, 6.18, 6.19, 6.20, 6.21, 6.22, 6.23 7 Retail CDP 7.2-7.12 8 Rural Development and Natural Resources CDP 8.1- 8.13 9 Tourism CDP 9.1- 9.10, 9.12, 9.13, 9.17, 9.20, 9.26 10 Sustainable Communities CDP 10.1-10.17, 10.19, 10.20 11 Physical Infrastructure, Environment and Energy CDP 11.2-11.10, 11.18, 11.23, 11.26, 11.27, 11.30, 11.31, 11.35, 11.36, 11.38, 11.40, 11.41, 11.43, 11.44. 11.46, 11.54 12 Shannon Estuary CDP 12.1, 12.4-12.10, 12.13-12.16. 13 Marine and Coastal Zone Management CDP 13.1-13.8, 13.10-13.4 14 Landscape 15 Biodiversity, Natural Heritage and Green Infrastructure CDP 15.1-15.3030

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action 16 Architectural, Archaeological & Cultural Heritage CDP 16.7, 16.12, 16.13 17 Towns and Villages CDP 17.1-17.3, 17.5-17.11 18 Design and Placemaking CDP 18.1- 18.6 19 Land Use and Zoning CDP 19.1, 19.2 20 Implementation and Monitoring Implementation and Monitoring Table 2.4 Climate Change To guide, support and facilitate County Clare’s transition to a low carbon and climate resilient county it is necessary to implement a wide array of measures during the plan period. Having regard to the county’s significant available renewable resources, Clare County Council will seek to take a lead role in respect of renewable energy technology to assist in meeting national, regional and county targets in energy consumption and CO2 reduction. Table 2.2 Renewable Energy Resource Targets for County Clare to 2030 Chapter Renewable Energy Resource County Clare Accessible – Planned GWh/y MW Thermal 8 Forest wood fuel & Wood Process by-product 128.3 29.3 8 Energy Crop (Short Rotation Coppice-Miscanthus) 175.0 39.9 12 Geothermal 34.0 15.0 10 Micro-Thermal 175.7 92.8 Sub Total 513.0 177.0 AD-CHP thermal 8, 14 Anaerobic Digestion - Grass Silage 20.1 2.5 8, 14 Anaerobic Digestion - Animal wastes 15.8 2.0 14 Municipal Organic MSW 25.1 3.2 10 Micro Combined Heat and Power 2.0 0.5 8, 12 Biomass Combined Heat and Power 460.0 58.3 Sub Total 523.0 66.6 Electric 6 Onshore wind 1,590.0 550.0 9 Offshore wind 7 Solar 2,260 300 11 Hydro 468.0 89.0 9 Wave 59.1 20.4 9 Tidal 66.1 20.0 10 Micro Generation – Electric 7.2 2.1 8, 10 Combined Heat and Power electric 261.5 29.231

6. Page 36

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action Sub Total 4,711.9 921.7 13 Transport 14.0 2.0 Overall Total Renewable Target 5,761.9 1,167.3 In addition to supporting advances in renewable energy generation, technologies and enterprises and the promotion of energy efficiency, the Council will also support a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through actions such as: • The promotion of climate change awareness and behavioural change; • The integration of climate change issues to the decision-making process; • The protection and enhancement of biodiversity; • The implementation of the 10 minute town concept; • The integration of transport planning and land use; • The facilitation of remote working; • Climate adaptation measures including the Wetlands Project within Ennis 2040: An Economic and Spatial Strategy. Development Plan Objective: Climate Action CDP 2.1 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support the implementation of the National Climate Action Plan 2023 and the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (and any subsequent versions thereof), and to work with the Regional Climate Action Offices to enable County Clare to transition to a low carbon and climate resilient county; b) To adopt sustainable planning strategies through integrating land use and transportation and by facilitating mixed use developments as a means of supporting national targets of climate policy mitigation and adaptation objectives, and reducing our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions; and c) To raise awareness and understanding of the impacts of climate change on both the local economy and communities in the county, and the ways communities can increase their response and grow their resilience to these impacts. 2.5 Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Resilience Climate mitigation refers to actions that will reduce current and future greenhouse gas emissions, including reductions in energy use, switching to renewable energy sources and development and maintenance of carbon sinks. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in 2014, defined climate adaptation as:32

7. Page 37

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action “The process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects. In human systems, adaptation seeks to moderate or avoid harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. In some natural systems, human intervention may facilitate adjustment to expected climate and its effects.” Adaptation refers to the adjustment or preparation of natural or human systems to a new or changing environment. The aim is to moderate harm and to exploit any potential beneficial opportunities. Climate change adaptation seeks to reduce vulnerability to the negative impacts of climate change. Climate change adaptation comprises all spontaneous responses and planned actions taken to cope with the impacts of changing climate conditions. Climate change adaptation works to anticipate possible future changes and to provide a cost-effective means of reducing risk and damage associated with current and predicted climate variability. Resilience to climate change is the capability to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from significant multi-hazard threats with minimum damage to social wellbeing, the economy and the environment. Building resilience requires not only recognising potential hazards like extreme weather events, but also understanding the underlying vulnerabilities that may affect recovery from them. Many adaptation measures that have taken place to date have been reactive, taken directly in response to extreme weather events that have occurred. While considerable uncertainties remain in relation to future climate conditions and the rate of climate change, the underlying trends are evident and projected to continue. By planning and anticipating climatic impacts, it is possible to reduce costs and maximise the effectiveness of adaptation actions. It is therefore necessary to put in place the policy framework for adaptation planning to respond to these challenges. Development Plan Objective: Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Resilience CDP 2.2 It is an objective of the Clare County Council: a) To support the implementation of the Clare Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 (and any subsequent versions); b) To promote measures that build resilience to climate change to address impact reduction, adaptive capacity, awareness raising, providing for nature-based solutions and emergency planning; c) To raise awareness of issues relating to climate change and climate change adaptation during the lifetime of this plan; d) To liaise, collaborate and work in partnership with the relevant government approved sectors in relation to initiatives and activities across the county; e) To support Ennis 2040: An Economic and Spatial Strategy and its aspiration for Ennis to become Ireland’s first climate adaptive town; and,33

8. Page 38

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action f) To facilitate and support the relevant stakeholders and enterprises in the progression of advancements in climate adaptation solutions and renewable energy generation and technologies. 2.6 Climate Adaptation Strategy Climate change mitigation and adaptation is a cross cutting theme throughout this development plan and has been incorporated into the related development objectives to ensure that it is integral to future decision making in the county. In conjunction with the Climate Action Regional Office (CARO), Clare County Council is committed to achieving the goals and actions as set out in the Clare Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 which relate to the following themes: • Local Adaptation Governance and Business Operations; • Infrastructure and Built Environment; • Land use and Development; • Drainage and Flood Management; • Natural Resources and Cultural Infrastructure; • Community Health and Wellbeing; and, • Economic Resilience. 2.6.1 Local Adaptation Governance and Business Operations The Clare Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 requires climate adaptation issues to be incorporated into all activities and operations of the Council and that the appropriate actions to address these issues are formulated and implemented. Examples of such actions include the establishment of an Adaptation Steering Group to oversee and monitor the implementation of the strategy, the preparation of a Council Business Continuity Plan for extreme weather events and collaborating and working in partnership with the sectors identified in the National Adaptation Framework on the delivery of the sectoral adaptation actions. Development Plan Objective: Severe Weather Emergency Response Plans CDP 2.3 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support the implementation of the Flood Emergency Plan for the county with specific flood response plans for identified areas and of a Business Continuity Plan which identifies, and addresses impacts associated with extreme weather events on all functions/services of the Local Authority.34

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action 2.6.2 Infrastructure and the Built Environment The strategy requires that the Council ensures the resilience to climate change of infrastructural assets and that all future investment decisions and development proposals are informed by climate change issues. This is to be achieved through the identification, quantification, and resolution of climate related risks so as to protect key assets from service disruption. Land use and transportation are intrinsically linked in planning for our town and village centres and the Council is committed to enabling more sustainable travel options in the county through actions such as the preparation of an integrated transport strategy that takes account of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy (2022) and A New Vision for Sustainable Mobility – A Review of Ireland’s Public Transport and Active Travel Policy (2019). The Smarter Travel document is currently under review and any new sustainable transport targets that may emerge will be translated to the Clare context. The Council in partnership with the National Transport Authority is also committed to the preparation and implementation of a sustainable urban mobility plan for Ennis and its environs, the implementation of an Active Travel Towns programme and of the 10 minute town concept arising from the Ennis 2040 Strategy, all of which support green infrastructure, active living and sustainable residential development. The development plan includes objectives to support land use policy, future development proposals and transportation strategies that ensure the viability of bus and rail services in the county. To assist in ensuring the viability of these services, the Council will support and facilitate the improvement and expansion of rail Infrastructure and the improvement of community-based transport schemes. The development plan also includes designated infrastructure safeguards to consolidate and facilitate the further expansion of these services. 2.6.3 Land Use and Development In accordance with the strategy which requires the integration of planning, land-use and transportation considerations in decision making the development plan has identified the optimum location for future developments in this regard and is also working with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the National Transport Authority and Limerick City and County Council to prepare the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. 2.6.4 Drainage and Flood Management The preparation of the development plan has been informed by a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SRFA) which identifies areas that are at risk of flooding so as to ensure that inappropriate development does not take place within these areas i.e. through land use zoning. The Council also maintains a Flood Emergency Plan which includes specific flood response plans for identified areas. The identification of areas at risk of flooding and flood35

10. Page 40

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    __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action risk issues will also inform future decisions regarding infrastructure requirements such as coastal defence systems, flood alleviation schemes and storm water management infrastructure. Future developments are required to provide separate foul and surface water drainage. Nature based systems and onsite attenuation systems and are encouraged to utilise green infrastructure solutions for sustainable surface water drainage systems where feasible. 2.6.5 Natural Resources and Cultural Infrastructure It is an objective of the Council to protect the natural and cultural heritage assets of the county from the impacts of climate change and to undertake a risk assessment of these assets so as to inform the measures required to build their resilience. In accordance with the Clare Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024, the development plan also includes objectives regarding the preparation and implementation of a tree planting programme in the county, the inclusion of natural buffer zones (where appropriate) along existing/proposed trails and amenity areas, effective biodiversity management, the harnessing of renewable energy sources (see Volume 5), the achievement of a low carbon county, the management and protection of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, the appropriate management of water resources and the expansion of the cultural infrastructure of the county. 2.6.6 Community Health and Wellbeing A key requirement of community health and wellbeing is the building of capacity and resilience to the impacts of climate change within communities and this is reflected in the plan objectives. This is achievable through raising awareness of climate change issues within communities, assessing the risks for vulnerable communities, and the preparation and implementation of programmes to respond to these risks. 2.7 Climate Action Strategy 2.7.1 Biodiversity Biodiversity is affected by the impacts of climate change, and it also contributes to climate change mitigation and adaptation measures through the role of ecosystems in the carbon cycle. It is an objective of the Council to ensure that all risks to biodiversity, habitats and natural resources from climate change impacts are identified and measures are employed to appropriately address these issues. The Council will also seek to protect and promote the sustainable management of the natural heritage, flora and fauna of the county both within protected areas and in the landscape through the protection of biodiversity, the conservation of natural habitats, the enhancement of new and existing habitats, and through the integration of Green Infrastructure (GI) and ecosystem services including landscape, heritage, biodiversity, and management of invasive and alien species into the plan.36

Source Clare County Council: Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied) (2023–2029) · 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.