County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied)

1. Page 181

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 178 Chapter 9 Natural Resource Development Chapter 9 – Natural Resource Development 9.1 Renewable Energy (General) The Government has identified increased renewable energy generation as a key measure in the strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet international obligations (refer Chapter 3: ‘Climate’). Notably, one of the measures outlined in the ‘Climate Action Plan, 2021’ (DCCAE) is that 80% of the Country’s electricity shall be generated from renewable sources. National planning policy in this area is encapsulated in National Strategic Outcome 8 (NSO8) and National Policy Objective 55 in the NPF: + The Council also acknowledges Eirgrid’s Strategy 2020-2025, entitled ‘Transform the Power System for Future Generations’ sets out plans for an estimated 25% growth in electricity demand by 2025, along with a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. ‘ New energy systems and transmission grids will be necessary for a more distributed, renewables-focused energy generation system, harnessing both the considerable on-shore and off-shore potential from energy sources such as wind, wave and solar and connecting the richest sources of that energy to the major sources of demand.’ (NPF Commentary on NSO8, p.15)

2. Page 182

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 179 Chapter 9 Natural Resource Development Alongside this strategic context, the value of Donegal's natural, built and cultural heritage must also be considered in the preparation of this policy framework. 9.1.1 Ocean Energy The EU Blue Growth Strategy 2012 identifies ‘Blue Energy’ as a sector that could not only help compliance with the EU renewable energy targets but could also deliver sustainable economic growth and jobs in the blue economy. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources published a framework for the sustainable economic development of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy resources entitled ‘Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP)’ in February 2014. The OREDP’s sets out the following vision: “Our offshore renewable energy resource contributing to our economic development and sustainable growth, generating jobs for our citizens, supported by coherent policy, planning and regulation, and managed in an integrated manner”. The OREDP recognises that development of offshore renewable energy represents a significant opportunity for ports, particularly along the western Atlantic coast. This constitutes a significant opportunity for Killybegs in particular from an economic and employment generating as well as technological research and training. 9.1.2 Bioenergy Biomass is the biological material derived from living, or recently living organisms. For centuries people in Donegal relied upon our natural resources including peat as a source of fuel and seaweed for the fertilisation of crops. While the harvesting of peat is increasingly unsustainable there is a wide range of sustainable and affordable alternatives. The County has large areas of sustainable managed commercial forestry which has potential for use as wood fuel for both domestic and commercial markets. In addition, the growth of interest in energy crops such as willow, rape seed and miscanthus, all represent alternative biofuel opportunities which are viable and already growing in the County. 9.1.3 Fossil Fuels Nationally the supply of gas will be strategically supplied through inter-connections between Ireland and the UK, which will secure sufficient gas supplies for the foreseeable future. A new gas pipeline has been constructed from Belfast to Derry and the Council would support the extension of existing services into the County. 9.1.4 Solar Energy Traditionally Solar Energy has not been a prevalent renewable energy source in County Donegal, however advances in technology mean that the capacity for production of electricity from light (photovoltaires) to electricity and solar thermal for heat, is increased. It is estimated that a typical 2.5kWp system could provide up to 50% of a households annual electricity.

3. Page 183

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 180 Chapter 9 Natural Resource Development 9.1.5 Geothermal Energy Ireland has an excellent source of geothermal energy, a clean and sustainable heat energy stored underground, that can be extracted through a number of engineering methods involving shallow and deep drilling. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has prepared mapping of the country identifying areas of geothermal potential. This mapping is available at the SEAI's website along with other information on geothermal energy (refer www.seai.ie.). General Objectives E-O-1 CC To sustainably develop a diverse and secure renewable energy supply to meet demands and capitalize on the County’s competitive locational advantage. E-O-2 CC To secure the maximum potential from the wind energy resources of the County commensurate with the receiving environment and local developments patterns consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development, thereby contributing to the national drive towards ensuring the security of energy supply. E-O-3 To facilitate the strengthening of the electricity grid to a minimum rating of 220KV to enable the harnessing and distribution of energy. E-O-4 CC To facilitate the sustainable development of Donegal as a Centre of Excellence for renewable technology, and Killybegs as an offshore service centre and renewable energy hub.

4. Page 184

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 181 Chapter 9 Natural Resource Development E-O-5 To ensure that wind energy developments do not adversely impact upon the existing amenities of residential properties, and other centres of human habitation (as defined in ‘Definitions’ below). E-O-6 To support and facilitate proposals for hybrid energy systems and or co-location of renewable energy where such development has satisfactorily demonstrated that it will not have adverse impacts on the surrounding environment and subject to other objectives and policies of this plan. E-O-7 To recognize that natural gas, particularly renewable and indigenous gas with the exception of fracking proposals, will continue to have a role to play in the transition to a low carbon economy. General Policies E-P-1 It is policy of the Council to facilitate the development of grid reinforcements including grid connections and transboundary energy network (electricity and gas) into and through the County, within the Region, and to support the development of cross border grid connections, subject to other objectives and policies of this Plan. E-P-2 CC It is a policy of the Council: a. to facilitate the appropriate development of renewable energy and energy storage projects arising from a variety of sources, including hydro power, ocean energy, hydrogen, bioenergy, biomass, solar, wind, district heating systems and geo-thermal and the storage of water as a renewable kinetic energy resource, in accordance with all relevant material considerations and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area; b. not to support the process of Hydraulic Fracturing (or fracking). c. applications for Solar Farm developments should be accompanied by glint and glare assessments. E-P-3 CC It is a policy of the Council to facilitate solar energy installations in residential, commercial, industrial and public building projects, provided such proposals do not detract from the built heritage, in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. E-P-4 CC It is a policy of the Council to become a centre of excellence for research and development of renewable energy technologies including wind, hydro, tidal and wave and specifically to facilitate the development of Killybegs Harbour and Donegal Airport as maintenance, service and supply centres for onshore and offshore energy facilities in the context of other objectives and policies of this Plan. E-P-5 It is a policy of the Council to seek to ensure that, where practicable, power lines be routed underground, having particular regard to the scenic amenity of the receiving landscape. E-P-6 It is a policy of the Council that when designing, planning and consenting for new electricity grid infrastructure, opportunities to use the existing roads and rail

5. Page 185

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 182 Chapter 9 Natural Resource Development network for such development will be considered in accordance with any protocols developed between ESB/Eirgrid, TII, DECC/DOT and Local Authorities E-P-7 It is the policy of the Council to support utility scale solar installation of a scale and design that would assimilate into the landscape, subject to other objectives and policies of this plan. E-P-8 It is a policy of the Council to support and facilitate proposals for secure, appropriately scaled energy storage systems and infrastructure, including green hydrogen gas storage which supports energy efficiency and reusable energy systems, subject to other objectives and policies of this plan. 9.2 Wind Energy Donegal County Council acknowledges the importance of wind energy as a renewable energy source which can play a vital role in achieving national targets in relation to reductions in fossil fuel dependency and therefore greenhouse gas emissions. In terms of wind speed and consistency, Donegal is ideally and strategically located on the North-West Atlantic coast and this wind energy resource has already been harnessed to a significant degree. Thus Donegal already generates significant wind energy outputs relative to other counties in Ireland and has become an energy exporter, despite the limited available electricity grid infrastructure in the County and significant environmental and heritage designations covering over one-third of the County. It is therefore challenging to achieve a balanced approach to the identification of further suitable locations that will not detract from the scenic and environmental resource of the County. The potential for offshore wind, and the capacity of Donegal to help realise this potential in terms of onshore facilities (particularly at Killybegs Port), is addressed in Chapters 7: ‘Economic Development’ and 14: ‘Marine, Coast and Islands’. With regard to onshore wind energy, the Council’s approach has been prepared having regard to the ‘Wind Energy Development Guidelines, 2006’ (DHPLG) (‘the Guidelines’) [the Planning Authority has been advised that it may not have regard to the Draft Guidelines, 2019 pending finalization]. Whilst the importance of addressing climate change is at the fore of national policy, and whilst the Government’s commitment to achieving targets as discussed above is acknowledged, the Guidelines provide that this must be achieved in a balanced way: ‘ the development plan must achieve a reasonable balance between responding to Government Policy on renewable energy and enabling the wind energy resources of the planning authority’s area to be harnessed in a manner that is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development, taking into account the legitimate views of local communities.’ (p.11). Map 9.2.1: ‘Wind Energy’ designates ‘areas considered suitable or unsuitable for new wind energy development that have been identified on foot of a comprehensive analysis of the environmental sensitivities and the wind energy potential of the County’. The mapping has been prepared using a spatial sieve analysis of factors (in accordance with the Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006). The Sieve Mapping Methodology is set out at Appendix B of this Plan. In the event of a discrepancy occurring between Map 9.2.1 and the written objectives and policies contained in the Plan, the written text shall be the key material consideration and take precedence over Map 9.2.1. Arising from this process, and in accordance with Policy WE-P-1 and Map 9.2.1, the Plan identifies the following policy area designations as the means of determining the principle of the acceptability or otherwise of proposed wind farm developments.

6. Page 186

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 183 Chapter 9 Natural Resource Development (a) Acceptable In Principle Wind farm developments shall be generally acceptable in principle in these areas. (b) Open to Consideration Wind farm developments shall be generally open to consideration in these areas. (c) Not Normally Permissible Like the other two designations, these areas were identified on foot of a comprehensive analysis of the environmental sensitivities and the wind energy potential of the County. On foot of this determination, and in-line with national guidelines, it follows that most windfarm developments will not normally be permissible. This should apply in particular to such proposals on previously undeveloped sites, inclusive of sites with a lapsed un-implemented permission (and where substantive works have not been undertaken). Notwithstanding, and having regard to previous planning assessments and decisions and the subsequent investment incurred, it is the position of Donegal County Council that a more balanced approach is required when dealing with windfarm proposals in these areas where, crucially, there is an already existing strong planning history. This refers to the following categories: Existing Windfarms; Developments Under Construction; Developments Where Permissions Have Lapsed But Where Substantial Works Have Been Completed; and Sites With a Live Permission but not yet started. For such sites, it is considered reasonable to allow for the consideration of proposals for the augmentation, upgrade and improvement of such developments in accordance with the details set out in Policy WE-P-1(c)(ii.) below. The objectives and policies contained in this Section of the Plan set out a broad framework against which all windfarm proposals shall be considered. However, individual windfarm proposals are likely to give rise to additional issues covered by other provisions in the Plan and thus proposals shall also be subject to compliance with all other pertaining objectives and policies contained in this Plan. Within each of the wind energy area designations on Map 9.2.1, and along the interface between the designations, there may be small areas that do not fully meet the intent of the designation. Such anomalies shall be considered individually and in the context of all other objectives and policies contained within this Plan, should an application for development be submitted in these. The onus shall be on the applicant to make the case that the site does not meet the characteristics of the designation within which it is, but ultimately it shall be a matter for the Planning Authority to adjudicate on such matters.

7. Page 187

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 184 Chapter 9 Natural Resource Development

8. Page 188

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 185 Chapter 9 Natural Resource Development As well as implementing the undernoted policy framework, it will be the practice of the Council: a) in accordance with Article 22A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), to require all windfarm developers to submit a Community Report with their planning application, which report shall be consistent with the relevant provisions of ‘The Code of Practice for Wind Energy Development in Ireland, Guidelines for Community Engagement’; Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (December 2016); and b) to ensure that for all applications for renewable energy projects, details of the proposed grid connection and all associated infrastructure are considered in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Natura Impact Statement as may be required; to ensure that all roads associated with the development of wind farms are maintained or repaired at the developer’s expense to the satisfaction of the Council. Wind Energy Policies WE-P-1 CC That the principle of the acceptability or otherwise of proposed wind farm developments shall be generally determined in accordance with the three areas identified in Map 9.2.1 ‘Wind Energy’ and as detailed below: a. Acceptable in Principle Wind energy development shall be generally acceptable in these areas. b. Open to Consideration Wind energy development shall be generally open to consideration in these areas. c. Not Normally Permissible Windfarm development proposals on previously undeveloped sites, inclusive of sites with a lapsed un-implemented permission (and where substantive works have not been undertaken) will not normally be permissible. WE-P-1A The augmentation, upgrade, repowering and improvements of: existing windfarms; windfarm developments under construction; developments where permission has lapsed but substantial works have been completed, or on sites with an extant planning permission will be open to consideration in all three designated areas ( ‘Not Normally Permissible’, ‘Open to Consideration’, and ‘Acceptable in principle’) on Map 9.2.1 where such proposals shall be generally confined to the planning unit of the existing development, or where a modestly-proportioned projection (relative to the established unit) beyond the established site can be demonstrated to be essential and unavoidable for the project in terms of operational efficiencies, and can demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that all environmental issues can be adequately addressed. WE-P-2 That wind farm developments: a. Must not be located within the zone of visual influence of Glenveagh National Park; b. Must not be located within the following areas, subject to the possible exceptions set out in Policy WE-P-1A: i. the Gweebarra River Basin; ii. areas contained within ‘Especially High Scenic Amenity’ on Map 11.1 ‘Scenic Amenity’ and iii. St. John’s Point.

9. Page 189

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 186 Chapter 9 Natural Resource Development WE-P-3 To ensure that the assessment of wind energy development proposals will have regard to the following: a. sensitivities of the county’s landscapes; b. visual impact on protected views, prospects, designated landscapes, as well as local visual impacts; c. impacts on nature conservation designations, archaeological areas, county geological sites, historic structures, public rights of way and walking routes; d. local environmental impacts, including those on residential properties, such as noise, shadow flicker and over-dominance; e. visual and environmental impacts of associated development, such as access roads, plant and grid connections from the proposed wind farm to the electricity transmission network; f. scale, size and layout of the project and any cumulative effects due to other projects; g. the impact of the proposed development on protected bird and mammal species; h. the requirements and standards set out in the DEHLG Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006, or any subsequent related Guidelines (or as may be amended). i. ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2009)’; and j. the protection of drinking water sources and public water services infrastructure. In addition, all applications for wind farm development located on peatland and bog, including repowering and augmentation projects, shall be accompanied by a ‘Peat Stability Risk Assessment Report’. WE-P-4 To support and facilitate, appropriate on site wind energy development by auto producers/micro producers (see definitions below) where energy generated is primarily required to meet the immediate needs of the development, whether community/ agricultural and/or small enterprise, subject to compliance with all other relevant objectives and policies contained within this plan. The Wind Energy Map 9.2.1 does not restrict the location of turbines for the purposes of auto-production. (see definitions below) WE-P-5 To ensure that all roads associated with the development of wind farms are maintained or repaired at the developer’s expense to the satisfaction of the Council. WE-P-6 To ensure that all windfarm development proposals demonstrate how the proposed development will be of enduring economic benefit to the communities concerned, through a form of community investment/ownership, benefit or dividend, or similar. WE-P-7 To ensure that the decommissioning, post-operational restoration and restoration of habitats of redundant windfarm developments is achievable and practical once a wind energy development ceases to generate electricity. WE-P-8 To ensure that the assessment of Wind Energy Development Proposals have regard to the following Specific Biodiversity Related Requirement: a. Loss of functionally linked habitat: Developers of wind energy proposals on greenfield sites shall undertake a preconstruction appraisal of habitats. Should habitats suitable for supporting Special Conservation Interest bird species be present, developers will be required to undertake pre-construction bird surveys to confirm whether the site supports a significant proportion of bird populations (typically taken to be 1% of the population of a SPA, at time of designation).

10. Page 190

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    County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 187 Chapter 9 Natural Resource Development Depending on whether qualifying birds represent breeding or overwintering species, surveys will need to be undertaken in the breeding season or overwintering period (October to March). If a site represents functionally linked habitat, avoidance / mitigation measures will be required and the proposal will need to be supported by a bespoke Appropriate Assessment. b. Mortality due to collision with operational wind turbines: Wind energy development proposals shall demonstrate that they can be delivered without resulting in adverse effects on the integrity of European sites. Vantage point surveys will be required to establish: (i) the overall use of the development site by Special Conservation Interest birds and (ii) more detailed usage by Special Conservation Interest birds of the turbine swept area taking account of specifications such as turbine height, blade length, nacelle (blade hub) rotation speed and the number of turbines. Mitigation measures may need to be delivered to ensure that any residual risks are appropriately avoided or reduced. c. Disturbance displacement: To avoid potential permanent disturbance displacement impacts on Special Conservation Interest bird species, Donegal County Council will generally not support wind energy proposals within 1km of Special Protection Areas unless clear evidence from the applicant or scheme promoter can demonstrate no adverse effect on site integrity will arise. d. Water Quality: Any wind energy developments within 1 km of sensitive SPAs / SACs shall ensure that potential adverse impacts on the European sites due to water quality impacts are assessed and, where required, mitigated. Mitigation measures include, but are not limited to, water quality and ecological baseline studies, run-off / leachate modelling, delivery of Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs) and Water Management Plans (WMPs) and compliance with industry good practice. Definitions: 1. Auto-production Auto-production of electricity is the production of electricity for a consumer’s own use on a premise/site where the energy is to be consumed. While there is no upper limit to the definition of an auto-producer, the Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) must be less than twice the Maximum Import Capacity (MIC). Auto producers are generally industrial large volume energy users who generate wind energy to offset their immediate energy needs and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. For generation up to 0.5MW, auto-producers do not have to apply via the Group Processing Approach Process (Gate queue) for connection to the grid. For generation of between 0.5MW and 1MW they are processed as non GPA applicants if they can demonstrate there are no interactions and public good criteria are met. Auto-producers can avail of an export tariff, agreed upon between the autoproducer and their energy supplier. The tariff rates offered vary with electrical supplier and technology exporting to the electrical grid. However, it is more cost effective for an auto producer to use the electricity generated to replace imported electricity. 2. Micro-production Micro-generation is a subset of auto-production classified by ESB Networks as generation of less than 11kW when connected to the three phase portion of the distribution grid (400V). However, in the case of most users, who are connected to the single phase portion of the distribution grid (230V), a maximum rating of 6kW is permitted. Small scale wind energy developments (consisting of 1 turbine) with a total height of 13m for domestic use or 20m for agricultural and light industrial use are

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