Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied)

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy sources across the key sectors of electricity supply, heating, transport and agriculture; k) To support investments in the energy efficiency of existing commercial and public building stock with a target of all public buildings and at least one-third of total commercial premises upgraded to BER Rating ‘B’; and, l) To report annually on energy usage in all public buildings and to achieve a target of 33% improvement in energy efficiency in all buildings in accordance with the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP). 2.9.2 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Energy efficiency, which is typically improved through technological advancements, involves using less energy to perform the same task. Although less energy is consumed, the same standard of product or service is achieved, thus it is the energy waste that is reduced. Ireland has a target of 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030 and a more ambitious target of 33% in the public sector alone. Energy conservation is behaviour that results in the use of less energy. Conservation is usually reliant on changes in human behaviour and increased awareness or smart monitoring and control technology. All citizens are energy citizens, interacting with the energy system as consumers, employees, transport users, householders and landowners. Every person has a role to play in the energy transition. Consumer choices in the home, in the community, at work and when travelling are an important aspect of an energy citizen’s role and responsibility. Energy citizens can play an active role in the transition to a low carbon energy future. There are measures that can be taken to conserve energy whilst maintaining a satisfactory standard of living. For example, installing timers or smart heating controls, turning the temperature down by 1°C, switching off lights, appliances, and devices when not in use and maximising natural daylight. Once implemented, these measures can provide financial savings on the next energy bill, while also contributing to Clare’s and Ireland’s targets. The Council will support and encourage the implementation of programmes to enhance energy efficiency and conservation including the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) ‘Better Energy Homes Programme’ and the ‘Better Energy Communities Programme’. In addition, the Council will facilitate and support the capture and conversion of ‘waste’ energy sources and the conversion of such energy to a usable resource for local consumption. Objective CDP 11.52 Energy Efficiency and Conservation as set out in Chapter 11 outlines the support of Clare County Council for the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the implementation of the Clare Renewable Energy Strategy (Volume 5 of this plan) county-level strategies to reduce energy demand in the county.47

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action 2.9.3 Renewable Transport It is estimated that 39% of total energy consumption in County Clare in 2020 related to transport and this sector is accountable for the greatest increase in emissions in Clare since 1990 (with a 143% increase to 2005). By adopting a range of energy efficiency and conservation measures outlined in the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and policy in Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future: A new Transport Policy for Ireland 2009- 2020, County Clare endeavoured to reduce energy associated with the transport sector by 129 GWh from 2010 to 2020. Clare exceeded this target and made reductions of 179 GWh. County Clare aimed for reductions of CO2 emission by 32,900 tonnes and made reductions of 42,750 tonnes over the same period. The National Climate Action Plan 2023 commits to a target of 936,000 electric vehicles on Irish roads by 2030 and the ban on sales of fossil-fuel cars is planned from 2030 onwards. Clare County Council acknowledges that ensuring there is the necessary infrastructure in place to support this change is crucial to the success of the required transition. Development Plan Objective: Renewable Transport CDP 2.15 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To seek initiatives that will achieve the decarbonisation of the transport sector, moving to the use of clean generated electricity biogas hydrogen and other non-fossil fuels for private and public transportation and the provision of clean energy and low carbon fuelling stations by 2030; b) To reduce reliance on private cars and achieve modal shift to sustainable transportation in conjunction with policies to achieve compact growth and reduce congestion; c) To seek the development of clean energy and lower carbon fuelling and electric vehicle charging stations and infrastructure at appropriate locations in the county which take into consideration electric, hydrogen, CNG/biogas inter alia; and, d) To support actions to transition the movement of freight, ports and airports to a low carbon future. In addition to the above objective CDP 11.10 EV and CNG Infrastructure and Smart Mobility (a) supports investment in the sustainable development of electric vehicle charging facilities aligned with the county's transportation networks whilst CDP 11.10(c) requires the inclusion of electric vehicle charging point infrastructure within residential, commercial and mixed-use developments in accordance with the standards set out in Appendix 1 Development Management Guidelines.48

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action 2.9.4 Community Energy Community energy is a broad term to describe citizen and local ownership and participation in renewable energy generation, distribution and efficiency. Interest in this form of energy generation is growing as more people become energy aware, motivated to respond to climate change, and seek to engage more with sustainability. Community renewable energy projects present the opportunity to create a regular income stream which can be used to fund local improvements to enhance and strengthen communities. They can generate wider benefits such as investment in local communities, local job creation and raising local awareness and interest in other types of renewable energy. The objectives relating to the development of renewable energy generation in the county are set out in Chapter 11 of this plan (CDP 11.47 and CDP 11.48). Development Plan Objective: Community Energy CDP 2.16 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support and encourage the development of community owned energy initiatives at appropriate locations across the county; b) To support communities seeking designation as ‘Sustainable Energy Communities’; and, c) To explore the potential of designating Shannon town centre as a ‘Sustainable Energy Community’ during the lifetime of the plan. 2.9.5 Renewable Heat Clare County Council considers that there is the opportunity to develop a number of combined heat and power (CHP) plants and associated district heating in the county and particularly in areas of high heat demand. In the Shannon Municipal District, Shannon town has been the subject of a detailed energy needs study and energy modelling which has identified an existing energy use breakdown of 57% thermal and 43% electric (industrial, commercial and residential sectors) which is a good match for combined heat and power. The creation of efficient district heating systems would facilitate the development of the indigenous biomass industry, maximise and encourage agricultural diversification and reduce the CO2 emissions associated with heating buildings. Development Plan Objective: Renewable Heat CDP 2.17 It is an objective of Clare County Council : To support and encourage the development of District Heating, in compliance with the objectives set out in Chapter 15, as a means of facilitating:49

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action a) The increased use of heat generated from indigenous, low carbon, renewable resources e.g. bioenergy, solar and geothermal; b) The utilisation and distribution of useful waste heat from large thermal processes; and, c) The utilisation and distribution of useful heat from a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, where such a plant’s primary energy is met by indigenous, low carbon, renewable resources e.g. bioenergy, solar and geothermal. 2.9.6 Solar Energy Solar energy technology harnesses the energy radiated from the sun that reaches the earth as visible light. This light can be categorised as direct and indirect depending on cloud cover and location. Solar energy can be used to produce electricity, heat or hot water. There are two main categories of technologies that are suitable for installation in Ireland, solar thermal and solar photovoltaic (PV). The National Climate Action Plan 2023 target to meet 80% renewable electricity generation in Ireland by 2030 includes a target of up to 8 GW of solar energy. The following solar energy guidance documents have been published by SEAI. More information in relation to solar energy can be found in Volume 5 Clare Renewable Energy Strategy. • Planning and Development Guidance Recommendations for Utility Scale Solar PV Schemes in Ireland; • SEAI Best Practice Guide Photovoltaics (PV); and, • SEAI Domestic Solar Photovoltaic Code of Practice for Installers (2021). Development Plan Objective: Solar Energy CDP 2.18 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To facilitate and support the development of solar farms in appropriate locations throughout the county including on agricultural lands and brownfield sites subject to normal planning considerations; and, b) To encourage the use of solar thermal or solar PV installations as part of the design and planning process for new developments and refurbishments. 2.9.7 Bioenergy Bioenergy is energy derived from biological sources, typically organic matter from plants and animals and their by-products. It can be categorised as biomass, biogas, and biofuels. Biomass refers to land and aquatic vegetation, organic waste, and photosynthetic organisms. Biogas, formed from biomass, can be combusted in boilers to produce heat, or in combined heat and power plants, typically gas engines, to provide both heat and electricity.50

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action Development Plan Objective: Bioenergy CDP 2.19 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To facilitate and support the development of bioenergy opportunities, facilities, and associated enterprises throughout the county including on brownfield sites subject to normal planning considerations. 2.9.8 Micro-Generation Micro-generation of electricity may be from a variety of sources including wind, solar, CHP, and heat pumps and the Council will facilitate and support such developments subject to normal considerations. There are also a number of exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission for micro-generation apparatus included in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended. Development Plan Objective: Micro-Generation CDP 2.20 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To facilitate and support the development of microrenewable energy installations and technologies at appropriate locations throughout the county and to encourage the use of micro-renewable technologies throughout the county for all redevelopment/extension /expansion projects subject to normal planning considerations. 2.9.9 Micro Hydroelectric Generation County Clare has the potential to accommodate micro hydroelectric schemes and where a suitable resource exists, with access to the grid and/or a corresponding local electricity demand, a micro hydroelectric generation site can contribute to a reduction in carbon use as a renewable energy source. Development Plan Objective: Micro Hydroelectric Generation CDP 2.21 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To facilitate the development of micro hydro power developments on a case by case basis, where proposals comply with requirements of the Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, the relevant River Basin District Management Plan, the Guidelines on the Planning, Design, Construction and Operation of small scale hydroelectric schemes and Fisheries51

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 2 | Climate Action (DoCENR and Inland Fisheries Ireland) and other related legislation/guidance that is available, in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development. 2.9.10 Ardnacrusha Hydroelectric Power Station The ‘Shannon Scheme’ at Ardnacrusha was the first electricity generating station operated by the ESB. It was developed by the Irish government between 1925 and 1929. The construction of this ground-breaking scheme played a pivotal role in the development of Ireland in the 20th Century and beyond. It also generated huge employment throughout the period, paving the way for the social, economic, and industrial development of Ireland. At the time, the 86 MW capacity was enough to meet the electricity needs of the whole country. Today, Ardnacrusha represents around 2% of our installed capacity and supplies electricity to more than 46,000 homes. Development Plan Objective: Ardnacrusha Hydroelectric Power Station CDP 2.22 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support the utilisation of all of the existing infrastructure at Ardnacrusha Hydroelectric Power Station, to increase its power input to the National Energy Grid.52

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 3 | Core Strategy Chapter 3 Core Strategy Goal II: A county that drives local and regional sustainable growth by harnessing the potential of its unique location, quality of life, natural resources and other competitive advantages. Chapter 3 Table of Contents 3.0 Introduction 3.1 Core Strategy 3.2 Strategic Aims 3.3 Relevant Plans, Policies and Strategies 3.3.1 The National Planning Framework (NPF) 3.3.2 National Planning Framework – First Revision (April 2025) 3.3.3 NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements (DHLGH July 2025) 3.3.4 Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024) 3.3.5 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES) 3.3.6 Other Plans and Strategies taken into Consideration 3.3.7 Development Plans – Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2007 3.3.8 Settlement Plans 3.3.9 Adjoining Local Authorities’ Development Plans 3.4 Settlement Hierarchy 3.4.1 Compliance with National and Regional Population and Housing Targets 3.4.2 Core Strategy Statement 3.4.3 Settlement Hierarchy and Strategy 3.4.4 Retail Planning 3.4.5 Housing Strategy 3.4.6 Climate Action 3.4.7 Economic Strategy 3.4.8 Core Strategy and relevant Environmental Assessments 3.4.9 Core Strategy Map 3.5 Conclusion53

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 3 | Core Strategy 3.0 Introduction This chapter sets out the Core Strategy of the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029. The Core Strategy illustrates how the vision for the county will be achieved in a manner that is consistent with the guidance, strategies and policies at national and regional level, in particular, the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES). The purpose of the Core Strategy is to set out an evidence-based strategy for the future development of the county. 3.1 Core Strategy The preparation of a core strategy as part of the development plan establishes a transparent evidence-based strategy for the sustainable spatial development of the county. It sets out the quantum, location and phasing of development for the plan period in accordance with the population target and housing supply target, in the form of a settlement hierarchy, the Core Strategy Table and the Core Strategy Map. The Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, requires the inclusion of an evidencebased core strategy in development plans which demonstrate how the development plan is consistent with the National Planning Framework and the relevant regional spatial and economic strategy. The core strategy must take account of any policy of the Minister in relation to national and regional population targets and serves to reinforce the role of the development plan as the fundamental link between national, regional and local policies. The core strategy must also provide the policy framework for other documents within the organisation including the local economic and community plan, area plans and the zoning of land in settlements. The core strategy of a development plan must: • Set out the area of land already zoned, or proposed to be zoned, for residential use, or a mix of residential and other uses, and indicate the number of housing units to be provided in that area; • Where appropriate, indicate if the lands are to be developed on a phased basis; • Show that the planning authority has had regard to relevant guidelines issued by the Minister under Section 28 of the Act in setting the objectives relating to retail development; and, • Set out a settlement hierarchy for the development area which provides details of: o That part of County Clare within the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area and the Key Town of Ennis as set out in the NPF and the RSES; o Other towns referred to in the hierarchy; o Policies or objectives in relation to national or regional population or housing supply targets that apply to the towns and cities referred to in the hierarchy; o Policies or objectives in relation to national or regional population or housing supply targets that apply to areas or classes of areas not included in the hierarchy; o Projected population and housing growth in the settlements in the hierarchy;54

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 3 | Core Strategy o The national primary, national secondary, regional and local roads; o Inter-urban and commuter rail routes; and o Rural areas to which the Sustainable Rural Housing – Guidelines for Planning Authorities apply. The Core Strategy of the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 contains: (1) A Core Strategy section of the written statement, outlining the origins and broad aims of the strategy, including in particular the population and housing targets or allocations for the plan period; (2) A diagrammatic Core Strategy Map, depicting how the Planning Authority anticipates its area will develop over the plan period and in line with the availability of infrastructure, services and amenities, and, (3) A Core Strategy Table, summarising the key statistics in the Core Strategy regarding the distribution of future housing and its ability to deliver on the objectives of the RSES. 3.2 Strategic Aims The strategic aims of the Core Strategy are: • To demonstrate how the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 is consistent with national and regional planning strategies, guidelines and policies including national and regional population targets and housing demand projections, and the NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements (July 2025); • To strengthen the role of the development plan as the fundamental link with national, regional, county and local policies; • To provide the policy framework for settlement plans, particularly in relation to landuse zoning, and to ensure a strategic approach to zoning that allows an appropriate level of development throughout the plan area. • To set the context for the key infrastructure of the county and its role; • To provide a framework within which the provision of sustainable infrastructure, amenities, economic investment and development can take place to maximise the use of resources in the county, for current and future generations; and, • To comply with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. 3.3 Relevant Plans, Policies and Strategies The following sets out a brief summary of the main provisions of the National Planning Framework, the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region and the NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements (July 2025). It also sets out the plans and strategies at national, regional and local level that have been taken into consideration in the preparation of this development plan.55

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    __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 3 | Core Strategy 3.3.1 The National Planning Framework (NPF) 2018 The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, on behalf of the Government, has prepared and published the National Planning Framework under Project Ireland 2040. This is the overarching policy and planning framework for the social, economic and cultural development of our country. It is a national document that will guide the strategic planning and development for the country over the next 20 years at a high-level, so that as the population grows and that growth is sustainable (in economic, social and environmental terms). The National Planning Framework coupled with the National Development Plan form Project Ireland 2040, which sets the context for each of Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies to develop their regional spatial and economic strategies. From these, local authorities form their county development plans in a manner that will ensure national, regional and local plans align. The vision set out under this National Planning Framework is based on a set of values that will ensure long term economic, environmental and social progress for all parts of our country. In framing a new way forward, the National Planning Framework draws upon lessons learned from the National Spatial Strategy and highlights a vision of success based on better choices compared to a ‘business as usual’ approach. 3.3.2 National Planning Framework – First Revision (April 2025) The National Planning Framework (NPF) revision process was approved and published by Government and the Oireachtas in April 2025. The revised NPF provides the basis for the review and updating of regional strategies and local authority development plans to reflect matters such as updated housing figures, projected jobs growth and renewable energy capacity allocations, including through the zoning of land for residential, employment and a range of other purposes. 3.3.3 NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements (DHLGH July 2025) The Guidelines set out the following Policies and Objectives: Policy and Objective 1: It is a policy and objective of these Guidelines that the housing growth requirements for each planning authority set out in Appendix 11 are reflected in the relevant City or County Development Plan, subject to consistency with the policies and objectives of the National Planning Framework – First Revision (2025), relevant Ministerial Guidelines issued under 1 Appendix 1 of the ‘NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements’ (DHLGH July 2025)56

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.