Development plan · Cork County Council
Cork County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume One: Main Policy Material
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
Cork County Council · 2022–2028 · 564 pages
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- 291 CONTENTS Contents 13.1 Introduction 292 13.2 Strategic Policy and Legislation 292 13.3 Key Energy Targets 293 13.4 Cork Energy 293 13.5 Renewable Energy 294 13.6 Wind Energy 296 13.7 Development Proposals 299 13.8 Solar Energy 301 13.9 Other renewable Energy 302 13.10 Bioenergy 304 13.11 Hydrogen Energy 305 13.12 Gas Storage 306 13.13 Combined Heat and Power 306 13.14 Direct Heating 306 13.15 Further Renewable Energy Considerations 307 13.16 Transmission Network 308 13.17 Energy from Oil and Gas 310
- 292 13.1 Introduction 13.1.1 Reliable energy services are essential to the daily functioning of society and the economy. Demand for energy has continued to increase in line with population and economic growth. The greenhouse gases produced in the production and use of energy are one of the major contributors to climate change and a ‘radical transformation’ of our energy system is required to meet National, European, and International climate policy objectives. 13.2 Strategic Policy and Legislation 13.2.1 In terms of energy and climate change, there are a wide range of legislative provisions, mandatory targets and policies / action plans and adaption plans to consider and the most relevant of these are discussed below. The challenge for this Plan is to optimise the contribution Cork can make to the energy transition agenda by including policies to support the significant behavioural change required to transition to a low carbon future and by supporting efficient delivery and use of energy, minimising the energy demands of new development and guiding and supporting people toward the optimum energy choices. International Level 13.2.2 The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the international legal framework for addressing climate change at a global level with the ultimate objective being to stabilise global greenhouse gas emissions. The 2015 Paris Agreement seeks to accelerate and intensify the actions and investment needed for a sustainable low carbon future, and individual member states have their own set targets. European Level 13.2.3 The European Union (EU) has put in place a framework strategy for resilient energy and climate change policy for all member states called the Energy Union. The strategy addresses supply security, the integrated internal energy market, energy efficiency, climate action and research and innovation. Various EU Directives have set legally binding targets for member states on reducing emissions and increasing the share of energy coming from renewables. These targets are regularly updated and adjusted. 13.2.4 In 2020, the European Commission proposed as part of the European Green deal, to increase the greenhouse gas emissions reduction target from 40% to 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, which will enable Europe to be the first Carbon neutral continent by 2050. Other targets will need to be adjusted accordingly and publication of revised targets is awaited. National Level 13.2.5 The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021, outlines a key commitment set out in the Programme for Government, how Ireland will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 7% per annum for the next 10 years (51 % overall), and achieve a ‘climate resilient and climate neutral economy’ by 2050. As part of the Bill, local authorities must prepare individual Climate Action Plans and the National Climate Action Plan must be reviewed yearly. 13.2.6 The Climate Action Plan 2021 defines a roadmap for how to achieve carbon neutrality, setting out over 180 actions across all relevant sectors - electricity, industry, enterprise, housing, heating, transport, agriculture, waste and the public sector. Policy has five key aspects: • Decarbonisation which includes reducing GHG emissions and greater use of renewable energy; • Energy Efficiency- improving energy rating of buildings, phasing out of oil and gas boilers etc. • Energy Security – increase indigenous renewable sources of energy etc. • Internal Energy Market - maintain and develop links with energy markets, improve interconnectedness. • Research, Innovation and Competitiveness – support the development of new technology. 13.2.7 The White Paper ‘Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030’ has set out a framework to guide policy and the actions that Government intends to take in the energy sector from now up to 2030, taking into account European and International climate change objectives and agreements. The vision sets out how Ireland will transform its energy systems, move to lower emission fuels, increase the generation of renewable energy, improve energy efficiency performance, implement smart and interconnected energy systems, have a strong regulatory market and reposition energy consumers to have a more active role within the energy sector. A review of the policy is currently taking place. The White Paper acknowledges that the transition to a low carbon future will impact on people’s lives and affect their choices around using less energy, switching to lower carbon options for transport and heating, shifting their energy use to off peak times, investing in smart technology and potentially engaging in energy production on an individual or community level. It is acknowledged that the development of new infrastructure to support the energy transition can give rise to community concerns, and the active engagement of communities in the development of such infrastructure is critical. Community led projects will also have an important role to play in the transition process. GO TO CONTENTS
- 293 13.2.8 National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) outlines the government agreed to support the adoption of a net zero target by 2050 at EU level, and to pursue a trajectory of emissions reduction nationally which is in line with reaching net zero in Ireland by 2050. The Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) enshrines a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for Ireland of 30% by 2030 relative to 2005 levels. This reduction target for Ireland has increased to 55% in September 2020 as seen in paragraph 13.2.4. 13.2.9 The National Planning Framework 2018-2040 (NPF) seeks to transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society by 2050 (National Policy Objective No. 8). The aim of this objective is to shape our choices over the coming decades and to keep our attention on a renewable-focused energy generation system. National Policy Objective 55 promotes the use of renewable energy to meet national objectives towards achieving a low carbon economy by 2050. 13.2.10 Regard has been had, in the preparation of this plan, to all National Policy and Legislation, Interim Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Statutory Plans, Renewal Energy and Climate Change (2017) and the Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines, and the associated Specific Planning Policy Requirements, in order to contribute to realising overall national targets on renewable energy and climate mitigation, and in particular wind energy production and the wind energy resource. (See Wind Section for more details). Regional Level 13.2.11 The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) 2020, for the Southern Region has committed to implement regional policy consistent with the Climate Action Plan 2021 and the National Planning Framework to transition to a low carbon economy and society. Local Level 13.2.12 Climate Adaptation Strategy 2019 -2024 - Under the National Adaptation Frameworks (NAF), which was published in response to the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, all Local Authorities were tasked with producing a Climate Adaptation Strategy for their functional areas. Cork County Council adopted its Climate Adaption Strategy in 2019. This strategy sets out the Council’s strategic priorities, measures, and responses for climate adaptation over a five-year period. 13.3 Key Energy Targets 13.3.1 Taking all of the above policy documents together, key national energy targets1 for 2030 include the following: • A 34% share of renewable energy in energy consumption by 2030 2. • Increase electricity generated from renewable sources to 70%. • 5GW of offshore renewable energy. • Up to 1.5 GW of grid scale solar energy. • Onshore wind capacity of up to 8.2 GW. • Increase our greenhouse emission reduction target to 55% by 2030. 13.4 Cork Energy 13.4.1 Cork plays a significant role in the security of energy supply and electricity production in Ireland being home to two Power Stations at Aghada/ Whitegate operated by the ESB and Bord Gáis, Whitegate Oil Refinery which supplies about 40% of our national petroleum needs, and Whiddy Island Oil Terminal which stores Ireland’s oil reserves. The Kinsale Gas Field is currently being decommissioned as the gas field is depleted. Opportunities for future uses of the gas field for carbon storage and capture are currently being considered. 13.4.2 In terms of renewable energy Cork currently has 38 commissioned wind farms with capacity to produce 603 MW of electricity and 43 permitted solar farms with capacity to produce 358MW of electricity. 13.4.3 Gas Networks Ireland has plans to develop Ireland’s first Central Grid Injection (CGI) facility for delivering renewable gas into the national gas network with the GRAZE project, in Mitchelstown, Co Cork. It is envisaged that the facility will enable the development of on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) plants, which will supply the CGI plant. It is intended that the Mitchelstown facility will be the first of a number of transmission connected facilities, delivering renewable gas into the natural gas network. It is estimated that GRAZE Gas will deliver 8% of Ireland’s residential gas demand, equivalent to the gas demand of 56,000 new homes. The GRAZE project will also provide support for the development of two Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, as part of a network of stations being developed by Gas Networks Ireland. These stations will support vehicles switching from diesel to renewable gas, which offers a 99% reduction in particulate matter emissions when compared to diesel. 1 European and National targets for Renewable Energy and GHG emission reduction are continuously being updated and are highly likely to be adjusted further in the lifetime of this plan. The targets outlined in this chapter are the most current target at the time of writing. 2 National Energy and Climate Action Plan 2021-2030 GO TO CONTENTS
- 294 13.4.4 Energy generation in Cork is likely to evolve significantly over the next number of years as the move towards a low carbon economy increases and the need to produce more energy from renewable sources. Cork is well positioned to become self-sufficient in renewable energy and contribute to the achievement of national energy targets outlined above. During the life of this plan, the Planning Authority will prepare a renewable energy strategy for the county. 13.4.5 Other aspects of energy use are also likely to change over the life of this plan as carbon pricing creates behavioural change, buildings became more energy efficient and transport demand is reduced due to modal shift, greater alignment between where people live and work, and reduced commuting due to increased take up of remote working. The need to reduce overall energy demand is also acknowledged. County Development Plan Objective ET 13-1 Energy a) Ensure that County Cork fulfils its potential in contributing to the sustainable delivery of a diverse and secure energy supply and to harness the potential of the county to assist in meeting renewable energy targets and managing overall energy demand. b) During the life of this plan, the Planning Authority will prepare a renewable energy strategy for the county. 13.5 Renewable Energy 13.5.1 Renewable energy can be defined as energy developed from sources that are constantly replenished through the cycles of nature and, unlike fossil fuels, are not finite. The main sources are wind energy, solar energy, water energy (hydro, wave, and tidal energy), geothermal energy (from heat below the surface of the earth) and biomass (wood, biodegradable waste, and energy crops). 13.5.2 Wind, hydro and solar photovoltaic are used to generate electricity; wave and tidal have potential to do so in the future. Geothermal and biomass (Anaerobic Digestion AD) can be harnessed to contribute to both heat and electricity. Thermal solar energy is generally used for water and space-heating. Biomass is particularly useful for the heat sector and can also be used to generate electricity. Biofuels and biodiesel can contribute to the transport sector. 13.5.3 Achieving 70% renewable electricity by 2030 will involve phasing out coal and peat-fired electricity generation plants, increasing our renewable electricity, reinforcing our grid (including greater interconnection to allow electricity to flow between Ireland and other countries), and putting systems in place to manage intermittent sources of power, especially from wind. 13.5.4 It is important therefore that Cork County sets out its ambitions with regard to renewable energy in this context and shows its ability to help contribute to achieving these national targets in consultation with local communities and businesses. 13.5.5 Large scale renewable energy projects should seek to provide for a community gain element to the establishment of such infrastructure in local areas as outlined in the Programme for Government. The National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 outlines the need to facilitate community participation and to support up to 10% community renewable electricity projects by 2030. 13.5.6 The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), key to the delivery of national targets, provides support to renewable electricity projects in Ireland and will enable a framework for community participation. The RESS scheme is a competitive auction- based scheme which gives an opportunity for renewable energy projects to bid for capacity for approximately 15 years and is a key link for accelerating delivery of diverse renewable energy technologies in line with the plans set out in the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan. The RESS 1 auction in 2020 had 82 successful projects across the country with 63 of these applications for solar farm developments. The RESS includes a community projects category to help deliver sustainable renewable energy community initiatives. County Development Plan Objective ET 13-2 Renewable Energy a) Support Ireland’s renewable energy commitments as outlined in Government Energy and Climate Change policies by facilitating the development of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydro and bio-energy and energy storage at suitable locations within the county where such development has satisfactorily demonstrated that it will not have adverse impacts on the surrounding environment (including water quality), landscape, biodiversity or amenities. b) Support and facilitate renewable energy proposals that bring about a direct socio-economic benefit to the local community. The Council will engage with local communities and stakeholders in energy and encourage developers to consult with local communities to identify how they can invest in/gain from significant renewable energy development. c) Support the development of new and emerging renewable energy technologies / fuels for the transport sector. d) To promote the potential of micro renewables where it can be demonstrated that that it will not have adverse impacts on the surrounding environment (including water quality), landscape, biodiversity or amenities. GO TO CONTENTS
- 295 13.1 – Key Energy and Renewable Energy Infrastructure in County Cork GO TO CONTENTS
- 296 Hybrid Energy Systems 13.5.7 Hybrid Energy Systems usually consists of two or more renewable energy sources used together to provide the energy security needed that a standalone resource will never be able to supply due to various conditions and constraints. Solar, Hydrogen and battery storage have all been linked with wind energy to create hybrid systems. Solar and Wind can also work well together with solar having its peak output in the summer while wind output is likely to be greatest over the other seasons. Other hybrid combinations, such as wave and tidal energy also have potential to contribute to meeting our renewable energy targets. The renewable energy sector is becoming increasingly competitive and Hybrid Energy/ co-location of renewable energy systems, where feasible, will expand the sector by optimising the energy potential of a location. County Development Plan Objective ET 13-3 Hybrid Energy Systems Support and facilitate proposals for hybrid energy systems and /or co-location of renewable energy where applicable where such development has satisfactorily demonstrated that it will not have adverse impacts on the surrounding environment (including water quality), landscape, biodiversity or amenities. 13.6 Wind Energy 13.6.1 Wind Energy3 is the largest generator of renewable energy in Ireland, providing 28% of Ireland’s electricity in 20184 . Wind contributed 85% of all electricity produced from renewable resources in 2018. 13.6.2 In 2020, installed wind capacity reached 3,700 MW within the Republic of Ireland. Cork County currently has 38 commissioned wind farms with capacity of 603MW, equivalent to approximately 16% of the national capacity. However, if Ireland is to meet our renewable energy target then we need to double capacity nationally over the next ten years. On a pro rata basis, that could see capacity in Cork expand to 1,100MW. At present they are valid but unimplemented permissions in the county for a further 200MW of wind power. County Development Plan Objective ET 13-4: Wind Energy In order to facilitate increased levels of renewable energy production consistent with national targets on renewable energy and climate change mitigation as set out in the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030, the Climate Action Plan 2021, and any updates to these targets, and in accordance with Ministerial Guidelines on Wind Energy Development, the Council will support further development of on-shore wind energy projects including the upgrading, repowering or expansion of existing infrastructure, at appropriate locations within the county in line with the Wind Energy Strategy and objectives detailed in this chapter and other objectives of this plan in relation to climate change, biodiversity, landscape, heritage, water management and environment etc. Wind Energy Strategy 13.6.3 Cork County Council developed a wind energy strategy for the County Development Plan 2014 using the guidance provided in the “Planning for Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006” and the SEAI Manual ‘A Methodology for Local Authority Renewable Energy Strategies’ April 2013. The 2006 Guidelines included a methodology for a sieve mapping analysis of the key environmental, landscape, technical and economic criteria to identify the most suitable location for wind energy development. Cork County Council’s Strategy, illustrated in Figure 13.3 below, was based on these Guidelines and a number of key policy considerations as follows: • The approach taken by other adjoining Local Authorities (Kerry, Limerick, South Tipperary, and Waterford) to Wind Energy in their respective County Development Plans. Of particular importance are the instances where adjoining Counties have adopted a policy discouraging wind energy projects. • The location of all existing and proposed wind energy developments and their cumulative impacts. • The pattern of population distribution, so that the main centres of population can be avoided. • Accessibility to the electricity distribution grid. • Important or high value landscapes. • Nature conservations sites and in particular Natura 2000 sites (SPA and SAC). • The Water Framework Directive and River Basin Management Plans for the County, so that impacts on the rivers, lakes and other waterbodies of the County could be avoided. • The Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) Wind Atlas, 2003 was utilised to identify areas with viable wind speeds. 3 On and off shore wind energy 4 Energy in Ireland 2019 Report by SEAI. Page 45. GO TO CONTENTS
- 297 13.6.4 The Strategy identifies three categories of ‘Wind Deployment Area’ for large scale commercial wind energy developments - Acceptable in Principle, Open to Consideration and Normally Discouraged. See Figure 13.2 Policy Considerations for Wind Energy Projects and Figure 13.3. Wind Energy Strategy Map. 13.6.5 In this Plan, commercial wind energy developments are those wind energy developments where the primary purpose is to generate electricity for connection to the grid irrespective of their scale. Other policies apply to the planning of wind energy developments where the primary objective is to generate electricity for use on-site (sometimes called: ‘autoproducers’). See paragraph 13.7.3- 13.7. 5. County Development Plan Objective ET 13-5: Wind Energy Projects a) Support a plan led approach to wind energy development in County Cork through the identification of areas for wind energy development. The aim in identifying these areas is to ensure that there are minimal environmental constraints, which could be foreseen to arise in advance of the planning process. b) On-shore wind energy projects should focus on areas considered ‘Acceptable in Principle’ and ‘Areas Open to Consideration’ and generally avoid “Normally Discouraged” areas as well as sites and locations of ecological sensitivity. 13.6.6 ‘Acceptable in Principle’: These areas (River Ilen basin north of Skibbereen and an area south of Macroom) are an optimal location for wind farm development with minimal environmental impacts. They have viable wind speeds (>7.5m/s) and good proximity and access to the grid. These areas exclude urban areas and town green belts, avoid Natura 2000 Sites (SPAs and SACs), high value landscapes and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). County Development Plan Objective ET 13-6: Acceptable in Principle Commercial wind energy development is normally encouraged in these areas subject to protection of residential amenity particularly in respect of noise, shadow flicker, visual impact and the requirements of the Habitats, Birds, Water Framework, Floods and EIA Directives and taking account of protected species of conservation concern. Figure 13.2 Policy Considerations for Wind Energy Projects GO TO CONTENTS
- 298 Figure 13.3 – Wind Energy Strategy Map 13.6.7 Open to Consideration’: This area comprises almost 50% of the County area. Within these areas there are locations that may have potential for wind farm developments but there are also some environmental issues to be considered. This area has variable wind speeds and some access to the grid. Urban areas, metropolitan/town green belts, and Natural Heritage Areas (NHA’s) within this area are not generally considered suitable for wind farm developments. The area excludes Natura 2000 sites. Any proposals within Freshwater Pearl Mussel Sub Basin Catchments or in other sensitive catchments must be able to demonstrate that they have been designed in a manner which prevents any risk of peat slippage or erosion; and ensures the ongoing protection of water quality and the maintenance of natural hydrological processes. The cumulative effect of wind energy developments with regard to landscape and visual impacts and also impacts on Natura 2000 sites will also be a consideration. High design standards in terms of environmental protection measures are likely to be required to be included in projects located in sensitive catchments. County Development Plan Objective ET 13-7: Open to Consideration Commercial wind energy development is open to consideration in these areas where proposals can avoid adverse impacts on: • Residential amenity particularly in respect of noise, shadow flicker and visual impact; • Urban areas and Metropolitan/Town Green Belts; • Natura 2000 Sites (SPA’s and SAC’s), Natural Heritage Areas (NHA’s), proposed Natural Heritage Areas and other sites and locations of significant ecological value. • Architectural and archaeological heritage; • Visual quality of the landscape and the degree to which impacts are highly visible over wider areas. In planning such development, consideration should also be given to the cumulative impacts of such proposals. 13.6.8 Normally Discouraged: These areas (coastal areas, some areas in North Cork, Cork Harbour, and the Lee Valley) are normally not suitable for commercial wind farm developments due to their overall sensitivity arising from ecological, landscape, amenity, recreational and settlement, considerations. GO TO CONTENTS
- 299 13.6.9 The area shown as “Normally Discouraged” on Figure 13.3 includes provision for a buffer of 800m around coastal and inland wetland SPAs (Ballymacoda Bay, Cork Harbour, Clonakilty Bay, the Gearagh SPAs) and 500m around upland SPAs (Stack’s to Mullaghareirks, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle Bog SPA and Mullaghanish to Mushermore Mountain SPA). County Development Plan Objective ET 13-8: Normally Discouraged Commercial wind energy developments will be discouraged in these areas which are considered to be sensitive to adverse impacts associated with this form of development (either individually or in combination with other developments). Only in exceptional circumstances where it is clear that adverse impacts do not arise will proposals be considered. 13.6.10 The Councils Wind Strategy has been reviewed in light of the requirements of the Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2019, particularly the sieve mapping exercise outlined in the Draft Guidelines. It is considered that the strategy remains applicable and appropriate. The strategy facilitates commercial wind energy development in approximately 55% of Cork County with the remaining 45% unlikely to be suitable. 13.6.11 Wind farms in the county are currently concentrated in three main locations in the county; south of Millstreet in the Derrynasaggart Mountains; east of Millstreet in the Boggeragh Mountains and South of Dunmanway. County Development Plan Objective ET 13-9: National Wind Energy Guidelines Development of on-shore wind should be designed and developed in line with the ‘Planning Guidelines for Wind Farm Development 2006’ and ‘Draft Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2019” and any relevant update of these guidelines. County Development Plan Objective ET 13-10: Development in line with Best Practice Ensure that wind energy developments in County Cork are undertaken in observance with best industry practices, and with full engagement of communities potentially impacted by the development. In accordance with the Code of Practice ‘Good Practice for Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2016’, wind energy development operators are required to put in place an effective complaints procedure in relation to all aspects of wind energy development projects, where members of the public can bring any concerns they have about operational difficulties, including noise and nuisance to the attention of the wind energy development operator. County Development Plan Objective ET 13-11: Public Consultation and Community Support (a) Require wind energy developers to carry out active public consultation with the local community in advance of and in addition to the statutory public consultation required as part of the planning application process. (b) Applications for large scale wind energy development require a ‘Community Report’ with the planning application documents detailing the full extent of community and wider public engagement. County Development Plan Objective ET 13-12: Small Scale Wind Energy Development Consider proposals relating to the potential for relatively small-scale wind energy developments within urban and industrial areas, and for small community-based proposals outside the key areas that are identified as being appropriate for wind energy development. Community ownership of wind energy projects enables local communities to benefit directly from local wind energy resources being developed in their local areas, ensuring longterm income for rural communities. 13.7 Development Proposals 13.7.1 All planning applications for wind energy development should include a comprehensive assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed development on the receiving environment and landscape. The Planning Authority will require the following criteria to be covered by prospective applicants; • The requirement for Environmental assessments (EIA, AA etc.). • Community engagement and participation aspects of the proposal. • Grid Connection. In particular grid connections with the potential to impact on the strategic function of the national road network should be discussed and agreed with Transport infrastructure Ireland and should use alternative available routes where feasible in the first instance. GO TO CONTENTS
- 300 • Geology and ground conditions, including peat stability; and management plans to deal with any potential material impact. Reference should be made to the National Landslide Susceptibility Map to confirm ground conditions are suitable stable for project; • Site drainage, water storage and hydrological effects such as water supply and quality and watercourse crossings; management plans to deal with any potential material impact on watercourses; the hydrological table; flood risk including mitigation measures; • Landscape and visual impact assessment, including the size, scale and layout and the degree to which the wind energy project is visible over certain areas and in certain views; • Visual impact of ancillary development, such as grid connection and access roads; • Potential impact of the project on natural heritage, to include direct and indirect effects on protected sites or species, on habitats of ecological sensitivity and biodiversity value and ,where necessary, management plans to deal with the satisfactory co-existence of the wind energy development and the particular species/habitat identified; • Potential impact of the project on the built heritage including archaeological and architectural heritage; • Consideration of carbon emissions balance is demonstrated when the development of wind energy developments requires peat extraction. • Local environmental impacts including noise, shadow flicker, electromagnetic interference, etc.; • Adequacy of local access road network to facilitate construction of the project and transportation of large machinery and turbine parts to site, including a traffic management plan; • Information on any cumulative effects due to other projects, including effects on natural heritage and visual effects; • Information on the location of quarries to be used or borrow pits proposed during the construction phase and associated remedial works thereafter; • Disposal or elimination of waste/surplus material from construction/site clearance, particularly significant for peatland sites; and • Decommissioning considerations. Other Wind Energy Developments 13.7.2 Proposals for the generation and consumption of electricity in a single premise will be considered on their merits in all areas of the County including the Strategic Employment Areas around Cork Harbour. 13.7.3 Many small-scale renewable energy generation installations for domestic, agricultural and some industrial activities are generally ‘exempted development’ and may not require planning permission. However, in some circumstances particularly where proposals are located within or on a site or feature of ‘heritage or environmental’ value such proposals will be exempted and will therefore require planning permission. (See Planning and Development Regulations 2001- 2020). Further information on these exempted developments is available by contacting Cork County Council or the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. 13.7.4 Furthermore, the Council recognises the importance of community ownership of wind energy projects and how they enable local communities to directly benefit from local wind energy resources and ensuring long term income for rural communities. Micro generation is a concept that where energy is created and consumed on-site, and not exported to the grid. In this context it is understood as zero or low carbon heat and power generated by individuals, small businesses, and communities to meet their individual energy needs. The opportunities and benefits these technologies will give rural areas, and in particular islands off County Cork the chance to be self-sufficient and have energy security. 13.7.5 There is a need to increase the public acceptance of wind energy generation in Ireland. Other countries in Europe have had positive experiences with community wind farm projects. By introducing community projects, it will engage the locals and consumers in a positive way and change community perception of wind energy. The White Paper for Energy 2015 places emphasis on the need for people to be supported in a change ‘From Passive Consumers to Active Citizens’ and outlines that community-based energy initiatives will emerge to facilitate and drive the energy transition. GO TO CONTENTS
Source Cork County Council: Cork County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume One: Main Policy Material (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.