Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied)

1. Page 41

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action 2.7.2 Core Strategy The Core Strategy of the development plan as set out in Chapter 3 outlines the parameters for the settlement strategy in Clare in terms of the consolidation and planned growth of existing settlements and the sustainable development of rural areas and communities. The Core Strategy also facilitates the further reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through compact growth and the acceleration of the shift to sustainable mobility. The chapters and objectives of the development plan outline the methods through which the targets set out in the Core Strategy will be achieved, to facilitate the continued evolution of County Clare towards an inclusive, competitive, low carbon and climate resilient county. Development Plan Objective: Smart Growth Initiatives CDP 2.4 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support smart growth initiatives that develop new solutions to existing and future urban challenges, including climate risks in the county and to seek climate and smart technology funding in this regard. 2.7.3 Decarbonisation Zone A decarbonisation zone 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 in order to contribute to national climate action targets. The Council will work with the Climate Action Regional Offices to implement and monitor the actions in the forthcoming Regional Decarbonisation Plan across all sectors and is committed to researching and mapping area(s) considered beneficial for use as local carbon offsets through carbon sequestration in line with the . Development Plan Objective: Decarbonisation Zone CDP 2.5 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support and facilitate the sustainable development of a decarbonisation zone in County Clare in accordance with the Climate Action Plan 2023; and, b) To prepare an implementation plan for the decarbonisation zone. 2.7.4 Design and Placemaking In conjunction with the compact growth of our towns and villages the development plan includes objectives to support town centre renewal, to successfully redevelop designated opportunity sites, to address vacancy issues, to remove barriers to revitalisation and achieve positive growth, to require both public and private developments to make a positive37

2. Page 42

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action contribution to the public realm, to enhance civic spaces and streetscapes, to adhere to the principles of universal access and permeability, to implement the 10 minute town concept and to ensure active travel and integration of public transport and land use. 2.7.5 Economic Development Chapter 6 Economic Development and Enterprise and associated objectives outline the requirement for all future developments to assist in the transition of County Clare to a competitive, low carbon and circular economy whilst also addressing issues such as shifting demographics and technological change. 2.7.6 Energy Generation and Use Through the Renewable Energy Strategy, the Wind Energy Strategy, and the related objectives of the development plan the Council will support and facilitate renewable energy use and sustainable generation at appropriate locations within both the county and its offshore waters to meet national objectives towards achieving a low carbon economy by 2050. 2.7.7 Residential Development To address the issues of climate change in accordance with the requirements of the National Planning Framework, the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region, and Circular Letter NRUP 02/2021 Residential Densities in Towns and Villages, as set out in Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas, the delivery of compact residential growth and appropriate densities is critical to transition to a lower carbon society and the tackling of climate change. In addition to the application of tiered residential densities and the compact growth requirements as determined by the National Planning Frameworks and Circular Letter NRUP 02/2021 the plan also includes objectives with regard to design and placemaking and the Council will seek funding through sources such as the Rural and Urban Regeneration and Development Funds in this regard. 2.7.8 Resource Management Chapter 8 of the development plan ‘Rural Development and Natural Resources’ sets out the objectives of the Council to facilitate, encourage and appropriately manage the development of the natural resources of the county and to ensure that this is done in a sensitive way, eliminating any significant adverse effects on the natural and built environment and in compliance with all relevant legislation and planning requirements (including climate action requirements). With regard to water management, the impacts of climate change may have considerable impacts on the reliable availability of water sources arising from lower water levels during extended dry periods. In addition, an increase in the regularity and severity of flood events would increase the pressure on existing water services infrastructure. Chapter 11 Physical Infrastructure, Environment and Energy sets out how future water services infrastructure38

3. Page 43

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action proposals must ensure resilience to the impacts of climate change. Also, it requires that where nature-based solutions are feasible, these options should be fully explored and progressed where appropriate. 2.7.9 Settlement Strategy The Settlement Strategy for the urban and rural areas of the county is set out in Chapter 4 of the development plan. The settlement hierarchy, the settlement statements, land use plans and rural housing requirements of the plan support the compact growth of our towns and villages, the appropriate development of serviced lands, the consolidation and enhancement of the vibrancy of communities and places across the county and improved connectivity between where people live and work i.e. alteration of commuter patterns to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. 2.7.10 Transport The transport sector is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland i.e. behind agriculture and in 2019 greenhouse gas emissions from transport accounted for 20.3% of the total national emissions. In addition, increases in transport emissions have been recorded in 5 out of the last 7 years. This development plan facilitates and supports climate change mitigation measures such as the electrification of mobility systems, the promotion of a modal shift to active travel and use of public transport, the integration of land use planning and public transport, and effective land use management to address the issues currently arising from the transport sector. 2.8 Flood Risk Management The impact of climate change in County Clare is visible through increased rainfall days per year, more intense rainfall events, sea level rises, increased river flows and surface water flooding. Management of flood-related issues is therefore of critical importance to the future sustainable development of the county. The Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, introduced flood risk assessment into the planning process. This was subsequently augmented by ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management (and Technical Appendices) – Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (DoEHLG/OPW 2009) and by Circular PL2/2014 (2014). The aim of the Guidelines is to enable the future sustainable development of areas by ensuring that development proposals are considered and assessed against the risk of flooding. This will avoid development taking place in areas identified as being at risk of flooding, with the consequent potential damage to property and the economy. The Council has had regard to these Guidelines in the preparation of the development plan and also considers them when assessing proposals for future development, including redevelopment, or the extension or intensification of existing uses. The development plan contains settlement statements and plans for all towns and villages in the county (excluding Shannon town, which has its own local area plan), with a consequent39

4. Page 44

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action requirement to prepare a flood risk assessment appropriate to each settlement and zoning. In order to fulfil all requirements of The Planning System and Flood Risk Management - Guidelines for Planning Authorities, the zonings and objectives in this development plan were informed by a strategic flood risk assessment. The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SRFA) is included as Volume 10 of this development plan. The Council has sought to proactively manage flood risk in the county in accordance with DoEHLG Planning Guidelines by strategically mapping the extent of predicted flooding in County Clare by defining flood risk in the county by zonal classification. Flood risk is generally accepted to be a combination of the likelihood of flooding and the potential consequences arising, which are shown as Flood Zones. These classifications indicate a high (A), moderate (B) or low (C) risk of flooding. The flood designations shown on maps in Volume 2 are used to indicate the likelihood of a flood event occurring. The zones indicate a high, moderate or low risk of flooding from fluvial or tidal sources. They assume that no flood defences are in place and are also based on the best currently available technology and information and may be subject to future amendment. As well as providing one of the criteria for the allocation of land use zoning within the development plan, it is intended that these maps would be used as a screening tool to alert the Council to potential risk to future development proposals. The OPW’s first cycle of Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plans drew to a close in 2016, culminating in a Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP) for each River Basin District (RBD), with County Clare spanning the Shannon and Western RBDs. Detailed flood risk and hazard mapping for a number of towns within Clare was also produced, along with a Preliminary Options Report which outlined where investment in flood management measures would be beneficial. Work on the implementation of the FRMPs and design of a number of Flood Relief Schemes is now underway or planned for the coming number of years. Flood Relief Schemes progressed ahead of the CFRAM Study, such as Ennis South, are also nearing completion. In County Clare the following areas were identified as Areas for Further Assessment under the CFRAM and were subject to detailed flood risk analysis: • Bunratty • Ennis • Kilkee • Killaloe • Kilrush • O’Briensbridge and Montpelier • Quin • Shannon • Shannon Airport • Sixmilebridge • Springfield For issues relating to Coastal Flooding, please see Chapter 13 Marine, Coastal and Island Management. Development Plan Objective: Flood Risk Assessment and Management CDP 2.6 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To ensure development proposals have regard to the requirements of the SFRA and Flood Risk Management40

5. Page 45

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action Guidelines, and where required are supported by an appropriately detailed hydrological assessment/flood risk assessment. b) To ensure that flood risk assessments include consideration of potential impacts of flooding arising from climate change including sea level rise and coastal erosion; c) To integrate sustainable water management solutions, prioritising nature based solutions (such as SUDS, nonporous surfacing and green roofs) into development proposals; d) To include Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRMS) where appropriate in consultation with the Office of Public Works (OPW) and other relevant stakeholders: e) To support investment in the sustainable development of capital works under the Flood Capital Investment Programme and Flood Risk Management Plans developed under the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) process; and, f) To ensure that potential future flood information obtained/generated through the development management process is used to inform suitable adaptation requirements in line with the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Flood Risk Management (DoECLG & OPW, 2009). Development Plan Objective: Coastal Erosion and Flooding CDP 2.7 It is an objective of Clare County Council to: a) To support measures (including Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)) for the management and protection of coastal resources and communities against sea level rise, coastal erosion, flooding and other threats and the implementation of adaptation responses in vulnerable areas; and, b) To monitor the impact of climate change on the potential shock flows of surface water on to Clare’s beaches during severe weather events, and how increased surface water flows will impact on bathing water quality and erosion of the beach infrastructure.41

6. Page 46

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action Development Plan Objective: Floods Directive and CFRAMS CDP 2.8 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support the implementation of the EU Floods Directive 2007/60/EC to manage flood risks; and, b) To implement the recommendations of the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study programme as it relates to County Clare and to ensure that flood risk management policies and infrastructure are progressively implemented. Development Plan Objective: Effective Collaboration to Implement River Basin Management Plans and the Water Framework Directive CDP 2.9 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To ensure a cross-agency collaborative approach to implementing the River Basin Management Plan; b) To ensure effective co-ordination between the requirements of the Flood Directive and the Water Framework Directive; c) To promote a catchment-based approach to water management to facilitate cross boundary collaboration and shared responsibility; d) To support bottom-up community initiatives through the integrated catchment management approach; and, e) To support the work of the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) in promoting an integrated approach to catchment management. Development Plan Objective: Flood Relief Schemes CDP 2.10 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support investment in subsequent projects by capital spending agencies to deliver flood relief schemes under the National Strategic Outcome 8 - Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society. Such projects should be future proofed for adaptation to consider potential impacts of climate change; and, b) To require that all infrastructure and energy providers/operators provide for adaptation measures to protect strategic infrastructure (including roads, railways,42

7. Page 47

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action ports and energy infrastructure) from increased flood risk associated with climate change. 2.8.1 Storm Water Management Sustainable urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) are effective technologies which aim to reduce flood risk, improve water quality and enhance biodiversity and amenity. They mimic the natural drainage of a site to ensure that the development does not increase the risk of flooding or pollution of rivers/watercourses. No additional surface water will be allowed to discharge to foul sewers or combined sewers in such an approach. Surface water drainage systems for new developments will be designed in accordance with the principles of attenuation and controlled discharges, SuDS and with any storm water policy documents which may be produced by the Council. The full suite of SuDS measures should be considered, as appropriate, in any drainage scheme. Development Plan Objective: Storm Water Management CDP 2.11 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To ensure that adequate storm water infrastructure is in place to accommodate the planned level of growth in the plan area; b) To require all new developments to provide a separate foul and surface water drainage system; c) To ensure the implementation of Sustainable urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) and in particular, to ensure that all storm water generated in a new development is disposed of on-site or is attenuated and treated prior to discharge to an approved storm water system; and. d) To request the submission of details regarding Surface Water Attenuation Systems that take account of the potential future impact of climate change for multi-unit development applications in the plan area. Development will only be permitted in areas where sufficient surface water capacity exists. 2.8.2 Green Infrastructure and Flood Management There are increasing moves towards working with more natural processes and use of green infrastructure rather than using traditional ‘grey infrastructure’ such as embankments and dykes to manage flood events. Green infrastructure uses nature’s own capacity to absorb excess waters and can play a major role in sustainable flood risk management. By reducing stormwater runoff and protecting floodplains, green infrastructure can help manage both localised and riverine floods. In areas impacted by localised flooding, green infrastructure practices absorb rainfall, preventing water from overwhelming pipe networks and pooling in streets or basements.43

8. Page 48

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action Green infrastructure practices that enhance infiltration include rain gardens, bioswales and permeable pavements. In areas impacted by riverine flooding, green infrastructure, open space preservation and floodplain management can all complement grey infrastructure approaches. These practices reduce the volume of stormwater that flows into streams and rivers, protecting the natural function of floodplains and reducing the damage to infrastructure and property. Development Plan Objective: Flood Risk Management, Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity CDP 2.12 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To facilitate and implement green infrastructure developments as a means of managing flood risk and enhancing the natural environment in the plan area in compliance with Objective CDP 3.3; and. b) To avail of opportunities to enhance biodiversity and amenity and to ensure the protection of environmentally sensitive sites and habitats where flood risk management measures are planned subject to the requirements of the Habitats Directive. 2.8.3 Maintenance of Rivers and Waterways Blockage of rivers and waterways, particularly in urban areas, has the potential to obstruct the natural drainage regime in an area. Addressing these issues is a key element of flood risk management in the towns and villages of County Clare. Development Plan Objective: Maintenance of Rivers CDP 2.13 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To encourage and facilitate the maintenance of rivers and waterways by statutory authorities and the cleaning of drains in urban areas where appropriate, subject to the requirements of Objective CDP 3.3, the OPW Best Practice Guidelines and the Wildlife Act. 2.9 Energy Decarbonisation, Efficiency and Conservation Across the world, the response to climate change has focussed efforts on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector. There are two key elements in achieving this target. Firstly, an economy must have access to substantial quantities of renewable resources. County Clare is well positioned to become self-sufficient in renewable energy, as set out in the Clare Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) 2023-2030. Secondly, there must be a significant increase in energy efficiency and conservation.44

9. Page 49

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action The creation of a low carbon economy is essential to ensure that County Clare remains an attractive place in which to live and do business. Low carbon centres for commerce will enable the county to attract high value businesses that are actively seeking a location where sustainable low carbon energy security can be guaranteed. New, ambitious renewable energy and emission reduction targets are being set at EU and National level. The RES sets a path for County Clare to the year 2030 and revises the original RES in relation to policy, targets and new technology options. The RES is included in Volume 5 of this plan whilst the Clare Wind Energy Strategy (WES) is included in Volume 6. These outline the renewable energy resources of the county and seek to position County Clare as a national leader in renewable energy generation. The RES also supports energy efficiency and conservation and the achievement of balanced social and economic development to deliver on Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2023. The RES outlines the strategy for renewable energy developments including solar energy, bioenergy, marine renewables, hydroelectric power and renewable heat. The RES also outlines the strategy with regard to issues such as micro generation, micro hydroelectric power, renewable transport, energy storage and community energy. The development plan objectives relating to the implementation of the Clare Renewable Energy and the Clare Wind Energy Strategy are set out in Sections 11.8.5 to 11.8.7 of Chapter 11 of this plan. Figure 2.1 County Clare Total Energy Consumption by Sector 2020 2.9.1 Transition to a Low Carbon Economy and Society Agriculture 5% Commercial 13% Industry 22% Residential 21% Transport 39% Agriculture Commercial Industry Residential Transport45

10. Page 50

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    __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action Clare County Council recognises the importance of resource efficiency and waste minimisation. In order for County Clare to establish a low carbon society and economy it is important that all businesses are supported in establishing energy efficient systems, technologies and practices. The Council will facilitate measures to accelerate this transition including supporting the development of enterprises that create and employ green technologies and the implementation of the provisions of Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015- 2030 as they relate to County Clare. Development Plan Objective: Transition to a Low Carbon Economy and Society CDP 2.14 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To facilitate measures which will accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy and a circular economy through mechanisms such as the Climate Action Competitive Fund; b) To support the development of enterprises that create and employ green technologies and to promote County Clare as a low carbon county as a means of attracting inward investment to the county and to the wider Southern Region; c) To support the Ennis 2040 Strategic Objective to establish Ennis as Ireland’s first climate adaptive town; d) To support and facilitate the implementation of the Clare Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024; e) To ensure that the development of green industry and technologies incorporates careful consideration of potential environmental impacts at project level including the capacity of the receiving environment and existing infrastructure to serve these new industries; f) To facilitate the development of energy sources which will achieve low carbon output; g) To support sustainable modes of transport such as walking and cycling through promotional strategies and the provision of active travel infrastructure where required; h) To work to implement the provisions of Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030 as they relate to County Clare; i) To require the submission of an Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Adaptation Design Statements for large scale commercial and residential applications; j) To promote climate change issues across business, public and residential sectors and to target measures and support initiatives to achieve reduced greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with current and future national targets,46

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.