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
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of Cork County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume One: Main Policy Material, each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- 381 17.4 Policy Context International and European Context 17.4.1 National climate change policy is embedded in a wider, international and EU level policy framework as outlined below. Table 17.1: International and European Climate Change Policies and Agreements United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (1992) The framework’s objective is ‘to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system’. Kyoto Protocol 1997 The Protocol is based on the principle of common responsibilities: it acknowledges that individual countries have different capacities in combating climate change owing to varying levels of economic development. The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy This is a voluntary, bottom-up approach for local governments to combat climate change and move towards a low emission, resilient society. Cork County Council is a signature party to the Covenant of Mayors, Europe since 2012. EU Adaptation Strategy 2013 The strategy aimed to make Europe more climate resilient. By taking a coherent approach and providing for improved coordination, it aimed to enhance the preparedness and capacity of all governance levels to respond to the impacts of climate change. The strategy has been a reference point to prepare Europe for the climate impacts to come, at all levels. Paris Agreement 2015 The Paris Agreement entered its implementation phase in 2020, and in doing so replaced the 1997 Kyoto Protocol as the framework for achievement of the objective of the UNFCCC. The Paris Agreement established goals relating to temperature, climate resilience and financial flows. Specifically, these are to: • hold the global average temperature increase to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C • enhance adaptive capacity and foster climate resilience and low-emission development in a manner that does not threaten food production • make finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low GHG emissions and climate-resilient development. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2015 The 17 SDGs, adopted by all United Nations member states, at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, address the environmental, economic, and social challenges that all countries need to tackle by 2030 to achieve inclusive, people-centered, and sustainable development with no one left behind. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. SDG 13 refers to the need to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. EU Climate and Energy Framework 2021 to 2030 This includes three components to enable progress on the mitigation of emissions: the EU Emissions Trading System, the Effort Sharing Regulation and the Land use, land use change and forestry regulation. Each component covers specific activities leading to GHG emissions and removals. These three pieces of climate legislation are to be updated with a view to implementing the net greenhouse gas emissions reduction target set out in the ‘EU Green deal’. EU Green Deal (2020) The European Green Deal is a set of policy initiatives by the European Commission with the overarching aim of making Europe climate neutral in 2050. First climate action initiatives under the Green Deal include: • A proposal to introduce European Climate Law to enshrine the 2050 climate-neutrality objective into EU law. • European Climate Pact to engage citizens and all parts of society in climate action. • 2030 Climate Target Plan to further reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% and towards 55% by 2030 (as opposed to 60% by 2050 under the Paris agreement). National Context National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (2014) 17.4.2 National climate change policy is embedded in a wider, international and EU level policy framework as outlined below. GO TO CONTENTS
- 382 17.4.3 At a national level, the National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (2014) sets out the national objective of achieving a transition to a low carbon economy. This was given legislative effect by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Act 2015. The Act provided for the development of a National Adaptation Framework (NAF), which was published in December 2017. The NAF requires sectoral and local adaptation strategies to be developed and the Council’s Climate Adaptation Strategy is set in this context. Climate Action Plan (2021) 17.4.4 Current national policy with regard to climate action is set out in the national Climate Action Plan 2021 which following the Climate Act 2021, commits Ireland to a legally binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050, and a reduction of 51% by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels). The previous, 2019, Climate Action Plan highlighted the requirement for a transformational shift of our economies and societies towards climate resilient and sustainable development and a profound change in the systems and practices which support our lifestyle. It sets out that in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, climate action must be seen as complementary to other important policy objectives, such as promoting sustainable economic development pathways, improving energy security, and addressing air pollution impacts on human health. Many of the changes that are required will have positive economic and societal co-benefits, including cleaner air, warmer homes, and a more sustainable economy for the long term. 17.4.5 The Climate Action Plan (2021) places a renewed emphasis on the urgency of climate action and outlines that the report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (August 2021) and the EPA’s Climate Status Report for Ireland 2020 confirm that we have a limited window for real action to reduce emissions to ensure that current and future generations can live sustainably in a low-carbon and climate-resilient world. 17.4.6 The Climate Action Plan (2021) assumes full implementation of the 2019 plan and introduces additional measures to be undertaken across Irish society and economy to achieve the level of change required. The Plan is to be updated annually, including in 2022. 17.4.7 While Ireland’s GHG emissions, with full implementation of the Climate Action Plan 2021, were projected to decrease by an annual average reduction of 3% between 2021 and 2030, further measures are required to meet national and EU ambitions to keep the global temperature increase to 1.5°C. Despite the economic impact of COVID-19, GHG emissions in Ireland decreased by only 3.6% in 2020, demonstrating the scale of the decarbonisation challenge for Ireland over the coming decade. 17.4.8 In May 2019 Dáil Eireann declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency. Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act (2021) 17.4.9 The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 requires us, in law, to pursue and achieve no later than 2050, the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity-rich, environmentally-sustainable and climate neutral economy. The Act requires local authorities to prepare individual Climate Action Plans to include both mitigation and adaptation measures, and for these to be updated every five years. It provides for annual reviews of the National Climate Action Plan and the development of a national long term climate action strategy every five years. Project Ireland 2040 17.4.10 Two national plans exist under the umbrella of Project Ireland 2040 – The National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan. The National Planning Framework’s national strategic outcomes of a Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society (NSO 8), Compact Growth (NSO 1), Sustainable Mobility (NSO 4), and the Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources (NSO 9) ensure that climate action is enshrined in spatial planning in order to tackle Ireland’s higher than average carbon-intensity per capita and enable a national transition to a competitive low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. 17.4.11 These outcomes are supported by National Planning Objective 54 – an objective 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. 17.4.12 In alignment with the National Planning Framework this County Development Plan must deliver compact, connected, sustainable growth that must meet our needs for power, heat, travel, land use and other resources in a greatly more efficient and sustainable way. 17.4.13 The National Development Plan established a government fund of at least €500 million (up to 2027) to further the aim of achieving Ireland’s climate and energy targets. GO TO CONTENTS
- 383 Programme for Government 17.4.14 The Programme for Government 2020 has a strong focus on climate action including a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7% a year on average over the next 10 years. The Government will commit to an allocation of 10% of the total transport capital budget for cycling projects and an allocation of 10% of the total capital budget for pedestrian infrastructure. The Government’s commitment to cycling and pedestrian projects will be set at 20% of the 2020 capital budget (€360 million) per year for the lifetime of the Government. 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. This ratio will be maintained in each Budget by the Government. Regional Context 17.4.15 The Southern Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy places climate action at its heart, presenting climate change as the most serious threat to human life and the environment. It identifies three priority areas for action to address climate change: • Decarbonisation (RPOs 87, 88 and 90-94); • Resource efficiency (RPOs95-103); and • Climate resilience (RPO89) 17.5 Climate Change in County Cork Future Adverse Impacts 17.5.1 The Environmental Protection Agency confirms that the climate trends observed in Ireland follow the global average. Ireland’s climate continues to warm up in line with the global trends. Climate change impacts are projected to increase in the coming decades and during the rest of this century. Predicted adverse impacts include: • sea level rise, • more intense storms and rainfall events, • increased likelihood and magnitude of river and coastal flooding • water shortages in summer • adverse impacts on water quality • changes in distribution of plant and animal species • effects on fisheries sensitive to changes in temperature 17.5.2 These impacts in turn will lead to increased flooding events, associated impacts on water quality, disruption to critical infrastructure services, threats to built heritage and economic impacts. 17.5.3 Extreme weather events observed recently in County Cork include Hurricane Ophelia in October 2017, Storm Emma (temperature of -7oC recorded) in March 2018, and high temperatures and drought conditions in summer 2018. 17.5.4 Ireland’s GHG emissions increased by 10.1% from 1990 to 2019. The latest projections show that full implementation of additional policies and measures, outlined in the 2019 Climate Action Plan, will result in a reduction in Ireland’s total GHG emissions by up to 25 per cent by 2030 compared with 2020 levels. 17.6 Cork County Council Climate Action Commitments 17.6.1 National and regional planning policy and national and international climate change policy determine climate change commitments which Cork County Council must meet, and the Council is committed to climate action through the initiatives described in the following paragraphs. GO TO CONTENTS
- 384 Climate Action Charter 17.6.2 Cork 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 in relation to climate change. This charter acknowledges that local authorities will, with the support of Central Government, ‘exercise our planning and regulatory roles to help improve climate outcomes in the wider community and beyond the public sector, by developing and implementing robust evidenced based policy and standards on climate action, through appropriate and relevant adaptation and mitigation measures’. The charter requires proactive climate action and ensures that climate change is a key consideration of every aspect of Local Authority policy and operations. 17.6.3 The Council is also a signatory, since 2012, of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. Signatories pledge action to support implementation of the EU 40% greenhouse gas-reduction target by 2030 and the adoption of a joint approach to tackling mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 17.6.4 In 2019 the Council adopted a ‘Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024’, a high level document designed to mainstream the issue of climate change in Local Authority plans, policies and operations. It sets out the Local Authority’s strategic priorities, measures and responses for climate adaptation in the County over a five year period with the aim of building resilience and preventing the worst of risks. 17.6.5 Some climate adaptation actions may involve proposals to build hard flood defences at certain locations. Any such mitigation will be subject to AA and EIA/SEA processes as appropriate to the individual proposals. Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) 17.6.6 Cork County Council is the lead authority in a shared service guiding other Councils in the Atlantic Seaboard South Region as they plan for Climate Action. The CARO had a key role in assisting and coordinating the preparation of county level adaptation strategies. It is mandated to: • Drive Climate Action & Build Capacity within Local Government Sector; • Coordinate Engagement across Various Agencies and Government Departments; • Translate Sectoral Efforts to Local Level; • Build on Climate Action Experience & Expertise. County Development Plan 17.6.7 Spatial planning has a pivotal role in enabling and delivering positive climate action measures. The Council’s commitment to climate action is a core consideration permeating this plan which shapes the plan as an important climate action tool. It will ensure that all development considers climate change mitigation and adaptation, and that the location of development will seek to promote climate action and maximise climate action opportunities, particularly through the integration of transport and land uses. This is reflected in the Core Strategy which facilitates sustainable transport and sustainable patterns of growth in urban and rural areas, well balanced throughout the county reflecting the need to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, reduce use of non-renewable resources while taking account of the need to plan for the effects of climate change. 17.6.8 Climate change considerations permeate all chapters of this plan and the formulation of policies, in relation to Settlement Patterns, Transport and Mobility, Energy, Placemaking, Economy, Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure, have been informed and influenced by climate change mitigation and adaptation requirements. In addition, climate change is a key consideration of the Environmental Reports accompanying this plan. 17.7 Climate Action Strategy 17.7.1 This plan sets out spatial planning policies that have been formulated to address the urgent need for climate action. The implementation and success of these will be achieved through a combined effort shared by key stakeholders and through behavioural change and the efforts of individuals. While climate action is challenging it also presents opportunities. GO TO CONTENTS
- 385 17.7.2 The IPCC (2018) points out that potential benefits from transforming our economy to avoid the worst climate impacts could include: • Economic opportunities, jobs and innovation from efficiency gains and the green economy. • Scaling-up of technological innovations in energy, buildings, transport, industry and agriculture sectors. This could be accelerated by breakthroughs in digitalisation, information and communication technology, artificial intelligence and biotechnology. • Cost savings from the long-term transition from fossil fuels to energy efficiency and renewable energy. This is projected to far outweigh the costs of transition as a result of efficiency gains, reduced air pollution, better health and lower environmental damage. • Co-benefits of improved air quality, reduced congestion, reduced nitrate pollution, improvements in health and wellbeing, enhanced nature and ecosystem services, as well as reduced poverty and inequality, food and water security and reduced disaster risk. 17.7.3 Climate action is an integral aspect of sustainable development and as such it permeates all sections of this plan. 17.7.4 Given the dynamic nature of international and national climate policy context, the County Development Plan will be kept under review to ensure continued consistency with relevant guidelines. Core Strategy - Integrating Land Use and Transport Planning 17.7.5 The Planning and Development Acts require development plans to contain a mandatory objective addressing ‘Climate Change Adaptation.’ The core strategy of this plan sets out how the plan will influence and facilitate sustainable settlement and transportation strategies in urban and rural areas and facilitate sustainable transport choices in order to deliver significant modal shift from private car to active travel and public transport, which will address the issues outlined in the mandatory objective above. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, a key planning policy lever is to address transport which has the highest energy use by sector and, in terms of emissions, is second only to agriculture. The remaining chapters of this plan outline the policies and objectives that need to be implemented to achieve the targets set down in the Core Strategy including the essential transition towards a competitive, low carbon climate resilient future. Transport and Mobility 17.7.6 Increases in greenhouse gas emissions from transport have been recorded in 5 out of the last 7 years and GHG emissions from transport accounted for 20.3 per cent of Ireland’s total national emissions in 2019. Between 1990 and 2019, emissions from transport showed the greatest overall increase, at 136.9 per cent, with road transport increasing 142.4 per cent. 17.7.7 In addition to integrating land use and transport planning, Chapter 12 Transport and Mobility of this plan, focusing on sustainable transport, contains a range of objectives to facilitate and promote modal shift to active travel and use of public transport. These include the promotion of the 10-minute town concept and liveable settlements, the promotion of pedestrian and cycle permeability and connectivity via attractive, convenient and safe linkages, the promotion of active travel facilities and infrastructure, the promotion of public transport use, and requirements regarding parking and EV charge point provision. Energy 17.7.8 Chapter 13 Energy and Telecommunications of this plan outlines the challenge 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. 17.7.9 Its vision is to facilitate and support investment in sustainable energy production and infrastructure in Cork to meet the future local and national needs, while transitioning to a low carbon economy, addressing the climate change challenge with greenhouse gas emissions and protection of the environmental, cultural and heritage assets of the county. 17.7.10 In relation to renewable energy an objective is outlined to facilitate the development of renewable energy sources at suitable locations where such development will not have adverse environmental impacts, and to support and facilitate renewable energy proposals that bring about a direct socio-economic benefit to the local community. It also outlines an objective that will promote building energy efficiency and conservation. GO TO CONTENTS
- 386 Economy and Employment 17.7.11 Chapter 8 Economic Development of this plan recognises the need to plan for a more sustainable future in the context of climate change, shifting demographics, technological development and the transition to low carbon, bio and circular economies. It also promotes smart working / remote working which offers employees flexible work arrangements and contributes to a lower carbon output through the associated reduction in commuting. 17.7.12 This chapter recognises that renewable energy projects can contribute to the diversification of the rural economy and benefit local communities and it supports the provision of appropriate renewable energy proposals in accordance with the provisions of this Plan, and in particular, the Objectives of Chapter 13 Energy and Telecommunications. Placemaking 17.7.13 Chapter 3 Settlements and Placemaking contains a range of placemaking objectives seek to deliver attractive, compact, permeable, liveable settlements in which active travel and public transport will be prioritised and thereby reducing GHG emissions from cars. 17.7.14 This chapter recognises the role of the existing building stock, brownfield lands and infill sites as an integral part of delivering sustainable growth within the built envelope of our towns and villages. It also recognises opportunities for the upgrading and future proofing of the building stock to cater for smart technologies, energy / fuel upgrades etc. Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure 17.7.15 The concepts of climate change and biodiversity are strongly interconnected. Biodiversity is affected by climate change and it also contributes to climate change mitigation and adaptation through the role of ecosystems in the global carbon cycle. 17.7.16 Increasing demands of people for space, fuel, food, and other resources threatens biodiversity locally and globally. Climate change is a significant and increasing threat to biodiversity – the earth is currently losing biodiversity at a rate seen only during mass extinctions. Irish biodiversity is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and has a low adaptive capacity compared to other vulnerable sectors. Conserving biodiversity is a critical supporting component of addressing climate change. 17.7.17 Chapter 15 Biodiversity and Environment of this plan contains a range of objectives that aim to protect the natural environment, biodiversity and ecosystems, delivering benefits essential for all sectors of society, and contribute to efforts to halt the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems and the environment. 17.7.18 Chapter 14 Green Infrastructure is an important element of an overall aim to enhance biodiversity. Green Infrastructure is commonly defined as an interconnected network of multi-functional green space, urban and rural, that is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities and wildlife. Green infrastructure is based on the principle that protecting and enhancing nature and natural processes, and the many benefits human society gets from nature, are consciously integrated into spatial planning and territorial development. Green Infrastructure has direct climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits, such as through carbon storage, flood alleviation and cooling urban heat islands, as well as more indirect benefits such as through enhancing biodiversity and promoting active travel. The chapter outlines that climate resiliency is based on the role and potential of green and blue infrastructure, particularly through the ecosystem services that they provide, to contribute to climate mitigation and climate adaptation. Water Management 17.7.19 Water Management is of significant relevance to climate change adaptation. Climate change will have significant effects on the availability of water sources and on the capacity of water bodies to assimilate wastewater discharges through lower water levels in rivers and lakes in longer and drier summer periods but also through the impact of extreme weather events such as flooding on water services infrastructure. The effects of climate change are already being felt in our communities highlighting the need for water services infrastructure to be resilient to the impacts of climate change. 17.7.20 Chapter 11 Water Management in this Plan outlines an objective that the design and planning of water services infrastructure shall fully consider the potential impacts of climate change and the need for measures to increase the resilience of this infrastructure to any such impacts. The chapter outlines the need for nature-based solutions to water management (including the application of sustainable urban drainage systems, river channel protection etc.) and outlines the overall approach to flood risk management. It also outlines that the impacts of climate change on new development are to be considered. GO TO CONTENTS
- 387 Residential Density 17.7.21 Delivering compact growth, as envisaged in the National Planning Framework, is crucial to addressing climate change. Cork County Council is committed to delivering higher densities across its Settlement network to create vibrant, diverse settlements which support communities and businesses, and which are a vital part of our transition to a lower carbon society. Cork County Council seeks to show leadership as both a policy maker and housing agency of the State in its commitment to deliver increased densities and compact growth. 17.7.22 Chapter 3 Settlements and Placemaking and Chapter 4 Housing in this Plan highlight a range of land activation measures to deliver increased density across the County. Rural Housing 17.7.23 An important element of the rural settlement strategy is to improve the connection between where people live and work recognising the unsustainable nature of commuting patterns and detrimental impact on climate and the environment. This chapter supports the renewal and development of rural settlements, protecting their viability and promoting measures which strengthen and support vibrancy to create attractive places to live and work and support for local services. 17.7.24 This chapter promotes sustainable approaches to dwelling design by encouraging proposals to be energy efficient in their design, layout and siting, finishes, heating, cooling, and energy systems having regard to the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions. Built and Cultural Heritage 17.7.25 In this regard the plan specifically recognises the likely significant impact of climate change on the archaeological heritage of the County and provides a framework for managing the County’s archaeological resource in the context of these climatic threats. Marine, Coastal and Islands 17.7.26 This chapter specifically supports the provision of infrastructure for the renewable energy sector. Decarbonising Zones 17.7.27 The Climate Action Plan 2021 outlines ‘implementing decarbonising zones in each local authority’ as one of the targets to meet the required level of emissions reductions, by 2030. The current working definition of a decarbonizing 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 to contribute to national climate action targets. This would include the exploration of co benefits of climate change mitigation and adaptation. It is intended that this could lead to the development of low carbon town projects for future calls under the Climate Action Fund and early progression of demonstrator projects harnessing a range of technologies and initiatives. The Plan supports the identification and delivery of a decarbonising zone in the County in line with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Circular LGSM01-2021. Integration of climate action strategy in this plan 17.7.28 The following diagram outlines how climate change is integrated into the plan in compliance with Section 10(n) of the Planning and Development Act. GO TO CONTENTS
- 388 Table 17.2: Climate Action Strategy Reduce Energy Demand Reduce Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas Emissions Address Adaptation Measures with particular regard to location, layout and design of new development • Climate Change mitigation is mainstreamed in policy formulation. • Core Strategy is formulated to deliver sustainable settlement growth patterns. • The Avoid-Shift-Improve transport policy approach is taken to inform the allocation of growth and the integration of land use planning and transport. This approach will reduce the need to travel and promote modal shift from the use of the private car. • Policy to deliver higher levels of growth in locations benefitting from high quality public transport corridors (in particular Carrigtwohill, Midleton and Cobh, with increased levels of growth in Little Island). • A diversity of land uses in settlements is provided for; in particular through aligning population and employment growth as appropriate. • Policies to deliver compact growth to reduce the need to travel are set out. The plan will deliver higher densities of development at appropriate locations proximate to high quality public transport corridors. • Objectives to enhance connectivity between travel modes are set out including an objective for a multi modal transport hub, including park and ride, at North Esk, Little Island. • Objective to require application of most recent DMURS standards to new developments. • Objectives are included to promote liveable towns where a large portion of the population may choose to walk to access most of their everyday needs within an attractive ten minute walk of their home. Objectives will deliver a high level of priority and permeability for walking and cycling. • Objectives to enhance permeability and connectivity in our settlements are outlined – attractive, inclusive, safe connections and public realm. • Objectives for enhanced placemaking are outlined which will promote liveable settlements that are attractive to both live in and walk in. • The plan creates awareness of the wider benefits of active travel. • The use of e-vehicles is supported through e-vehicle charge point provision requirements. • Revision of car parking standards to apply maximum car parking standards to all non-residential developments and to residential developments within Metropolitan Cork. • Revision of bicycle parking standards to deliver increased quantum of bicycle parking provision for residents/employees/visitors and higher quality, appropriately located bicycle parking facilities. • Energy efficiency in dwelling design and in our building stock, including upgrading and future proofing of the building stock to cater for smart technologies, energy / fuel upgrades etc., is promoted. • The provision of infrastructure for the renewable energy sector is supported. • The generation of renewable energy is facilitated as appropriate. • Awareness of the need for behavioural change and energy efficiency is created. • Objectives to facilitate remote/smart working are set out. • The need to plan for a more sustainable future in the context of climate change, shifting demographics, technological development and the transition to low carbon, bio and circular economies is recognised. • Objectives to protect and enhance biodiversity are set out in the Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity and Environment Chapters as well as site specific objectives. • Rural settlement strategy to improve the connection between where people live and work recognising the unsustainable nature of commuting patterns. • Objective supporting the introduction and development of Decarbonising Zones in appropriate locations. • Specific Climate Action chapter and objectives. • Given the dynamic nature of international and national climate policy context, an undertaking is given to keep the County Development Plan under review to ensure continued consistency with relevant guidelines. Climate adaptation is mainstreamed in policy formulation. Objectives to enhance and protect biodiversity are set out in the Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity and Environment Chapters as well as site specific objectives. Support for the County Council’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (2019). Objectives to promote nature-based solutions to water management. Objective to require the application of sustainable urban drainage systems. Flood risk management and avoidance of development in flood risk areas. Objectives to promote climate adaptation through placemaking measures (e.g. to provide shade or shelter through appropriate planting within our public realm) and to explore links between biodiversity and carbon capture. Objective supporting the introduction and development of Decarbonising Zones in appropriate locations. Specific Climate Action chapter and objectives. Given the dynamic nature of international and national climate policy context, an undertaking is given to keep the County Development Plan under review to ensure continued consistency with relevant guidelines. GO TO CONTENTS
- 389 17.7.26 Specific objectives which seek to deliver climate mitigation and adaptation permeate this plan as described above. The following table outlines additional specific climate action objectives. County Development Plan Objectives Climate Action CA 17-1: Support national and local climate change objectives set out in the following: • National Planning Framework • Southern Region Spatial and Economic Strategy • Climate Action Plan (2021 or any successor plan). • National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (2018 or any successor framework). • National Mitigation Plan (2017 or any successor plan). • Cork County Council Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. CA 17-2: In order to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, an increase in renewable energy production, an increase in energy efficiency and enhanced biodiversity, support the transition to a low carbon, competitive, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050 through implementation of the polices of this plan that seek to deliver the following: • compact growth, • integrated land use and transport, • sustainable transport choices, • liveable settlements, • renewable energy production and reduced energy consumption, • enhanced ecological biodiversity and • climate adapatation measures such as through flood risk management, sustainable urban drainage systems and high quality placemaking and design. CA 17-3: Enhance awareness of climate action issues by promoting and facilitating behavioural change at an individual level. CA 17-4: Cooperate with the Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) to develop monitoring of climate action achievement and to inform future policy direction. CA 17-5: Support the Council’s identification and development of decarbonising zones in line with the national Climate Action Plan. CA 17-6: The Council will undertake the preparation of a Climate Action Plan as required by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. GO TO CONTENTS
No text on this page — it is probably a drawing, a map, a photograph or a scanned page. See it in the PDF.
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.