Development plan · Fingal County Council
Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 – Written Statement (Consolidated)
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Fingal County Council · 2023–2029 · 662 pages
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- ClIMATE ACTION 201FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029
- ClIMATE ACTION 202FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 minimise energy use, promote energy conservation and use of renewable energy sources. The Plan provides for effective management of our resources to ensure that our carbon footprint is reduced. Fingal has been and continues to be impacted by coastal erosion. The National Coastal Change Management Strategy Steering Group was set up and had its first meeting in September 2020. The group is tasked with considering the development of an integrated, whole of Government coastal change strategy. These recommendations, when published, will play an important part in any Coastal Change Management Policy of the Development Plan. 5.4 Strategic Aims 5.4.1 National Level The national Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23) is committed to achieving a net zero carbon energy system for Irish society and create a resilient and sustainable country. Decarbonisation is a must if the world is to contain the damage from the impact of GHG emissions and build resilience for our countries and communities. The Climate Action Plan sets out 180 actions, together with numerous sub-actions, that need to be taken at a time when the warning signs are growing, and the time for taking action is rapidly reducing. It identifies how Ireland will achieve its 2030 targets for carbon emissions and puts us on a trajectory to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Every relevant sector is addressed: electricity, enterprise, housing, heating, transport, agriculture, waste, and the public sector. The National Adaptation Framework (NAF); Planning for a Climate Resilient Ireland 2018 by Department of Communications, climate action and Environment (DCCAE) which was developed in accordance with section 5 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 sets out the national strategy to reduce the vulnerability of the Country to the negative effects of climate change and to avail of positive impacts. It outlines a whole of government and societal approach to climate adaptation. Under the Framework, a number of Government departments will be required to prepare sectoral adaptation plans in relation to a priority area that they are responsible for. The Framework states that regardless of how successful efforts to reduce GHG emissions prove to be, the impact of climate change will continue over the coming decades because of the delayed impacts of past and current emissions. This NAF and its successors will set out the context to ensure Local Authorities, regions and key sectors can assess the key risks and vulnerabilities of climate change, implement climate resilience actions and ensure climate adaptation considerations are mainstreamed into all local, regional and national policy making. The NPF has as a National Strategic Outcome; “transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society”. Every year Government issue an Annual Transition Statement which includes an overview of climate change mitigation and adaptation policy measures adopted to reduce GHG emissions and to adapt to the effects of climate change in order to enable the achievement of the national objective of transitioning to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by the end of 2050. The National Mitigation Plan (NMP) 2017 by Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) includes over 100 individual actions for various Ministers and public bodies to implement in an effort
- ClIMATE ACTION 203FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 towards decarbonising our economy, progress of which will be reported to Government annually in its Annual Transition Statement. The actions relate to decarbonising electricity generation, the built environment, transport and agriculture, forestry and land-use sectors. The NMP will be succeeded by new NMPs at least every 5 years as provided for under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. 5.4.2 Regional Level The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) 2019 for the Eastern and Midland Region sets out an integrated policy to enable the creation of a sustainable region with the capability to be resilient to future climate change. The RSES identifies a number of key Regional Strategic Outcomes which include, the need to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of our protected habitats and species including landscape and heritage protection, to identify, protect and enhance our green infrastructure and ecosystem services, to ensure the sustainable management of our natural resources, to build climate resilience, to support the transition to a low carbon economy by 2050 and the protection of the healthy natural environment to ensure clean air and water for all. In terms of addressing the future challenges of climate change, the Council will work closely with the Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs). The Dublin Metropolitan Climate Action Regional Office (run by the four Dublin Local Authorities assisted by Codema) and the Eastern and Midland Climate Action Regional Office (run by Kildare County Council) will be responsible for planning and actions regarding Climate Change mitigation and adaptation in their regions. CARO’s shall ensure coherence and coordination with the RSES when formulating regional climate change adaptation plans. 5.5 Policies and Objectives The approach taken with our policies and objectives in relation to climate action is to set out broad or highlevel policies and objectives, such as indicating that Fingal County Council will support the implementation of applicable European and National legislation and policy in relation to climate action as well as the general principles of mitigation and adaptation. As we move through this chapter, the policies and objectives will become more localised and specific, focusing on the various elements of mitigation and adaptation such as compact and sustainable settlement patterns, a resilient built environment, green infrastructure, energy efficiency and clean energy and sustainable transport. The policies and objectives set out below accord with the overall objectives of national climate action policy, the Fingal County Council CCAP as well as the climate action principles set out in the NPF and RSES.
- ClIMATE ACTION 204FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy CAP1 – National Climate Action Policy Support the implementation of national objectives on climate change including the national Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23), the National Adaptation Framework 2018 and the National Energy and Climate Plan for Ireland 2021–2030 and other relevant legislation, policy and agreements in relation to climate action. Objective CAO1 – Climate Action Legislation Consider a variation of the Plan to align with amended/new climate action legislation. Objective CAO2 – Fingal County Council Climate Change Action Plan Implement Fingal County Council’s Climate Change Action Plan 2019–2024 in consultation and partnership with stakeholders including the Dublin Metropolitan Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) and Codema. Objective CAO3 – Quantification of Greenhouse Gases Support the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) in identifying a robust method for quantifying the relative GHG impacts of alternative spatial planning policies as part of the European Union ESPON ‘QGasSP’ research programme. Policy CAP2 – Mitigation and Adaptation Prioritise measures to address climate change by way of both effective mitigation and adaptation responses in accordance with available guidance and best practice. 5.5.1 Compact and Sustainable Settlement Patterns In terms of climate change and land-use planning, the Development Plan plays an important role, by guiding the sustainable growth of the County, encouraging more compact mixed-use development and greater use of active and sustainable transport options such as cycling, walking and public transport, restricting development in areas that are at risk of flooding or coastal erosion and protecting the natural landscape and biodiversity. Both the NPF and the RSES establish the importance of addressing climate action and the need to promote sustainable and compact growth and to progress climate change mitigation and adaptation through land-use planning. The NPF includes National Strategic Outcome No. 8 to “Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society” and at a regional level, the RSES outlines climate action as one of the three key principles underpinning the Strategy in line with national policy. Good planning policies, which promote a compact urban form, linking of transportation and land-use planning and the protection and enhancement of biodiversity create climate resilient communities and neighbourhoods. The policies and objectives that result in proper planning and sustainable development are consistent with those that result in a climate resilient society and this is recognised and supported in Fingal’s recently adopted Climate Change Action Plan 2019–2024. Chapter 2 Planning for Growth sets out a sustainable settlement strategy for the County in which compact growth, including brownfield redevelopment and urban infill, is a priority in line with the NPF and the RSES.
- ClIMATE ACTION 205FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Chapter 3 Sustainable Placemaking and Quality Homes sets out a strategy which places a focus on the development of lands located within the footprint of existing settlements, centred around convenient public transport options and developed to increased densities to prioritise sustainable low carbon movement and the creation of walkable mixed-use neighbourhoods. This strategy is also reflected in Chapter 6 Connectivity and Movement. Policy CAP3 – Climate Resilient Settlement Patterns Promote sustainable settlement and transport strategies within the county and identify measures, including targets for modal shift, to reduce energy use, GHG emissions and adaptation to climate change. 5.5.2 Resilient Development It’s important that existing and future development within the County responds and is resilient to the impacts of climate change. As such, there is a need for both new and existing development not only to mitigate against climate change, but also to respond and adapt to such changes. Chapter 14 Development Management Standards contains comprehensive guidance regarding the standards and criteria by which development proposals within the County will be assessed. A central guiding principle of this chapter is to ensure that climate action forms an integral consideration in the Development Management process. Policy CAP4 – Sustainable Environmental Infrastructure Ensure that the County’s need for sustainable environmental infrastructure is addressed in a way which contributes to wider climate action goals and targets. Policy CAP5 – Climate Mitigation and Adaptation in the Built Environment Ensure the built environment is equipped for the impacts of climate change by supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation measures as part of new and existing developments. Policy CAP6 – Climate Mitigation and Adaptation in relation to the Archaeological and Built Heritage of the County Advance and support mechanisms through which the Council can develop resilience, adapt or mitigate the impact of Climate Change on the archaeological and built heritage of the County. Policy CAP7 – Appropriate adaptation of Ireland’s built and Archaeological Heritage Promote awareness and the appropriate adaptation of Ireland’s built and archaeological heritage to deal with the effects of climate change. 5.5.2.1 Climate Mitigation Actions for Buildings With regard to climate mitigation actions, existing commercial and residential development require targeted intervention in order to reduce their impact on climate change. The government’s Housing for All Plan will support the retrofit of 500,000 homes in Ireland by 2030 to a B2 Building Energy Rating (BER).
- ClIMATE ACTION 206FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 In line with this overall approach, proposals for major retro-fitting of existing buildings should seek to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, improve the efficiency of resource use (such as water) and minimise the generation of pollution and waste from existing building stock. Such retro-fitting projects should also seek to use innovative energy efficiency measures, such as de-centralised and renewable energy in order to further reduce their carbon footprint. Another key mitigation measure in relation to the built environment is to ensure that proposals for substantial demolition and reconstruction works can be justified having regard to the ‘embodied carbon’ of existing structures as well as the additional use of resources and energy arising from new construction relative to the reuse of existing structures. Climate mitigation actions will also be required to be integrated into the building design, construction and operation of new development within the County. In this regard, sustainable building design will include consideration of the building fabric, energy efficient services, energy generation and material resource conservation. A key climate mitigation action which shall be implemented into all new development relates to the need to reduce energy demand, to increase energy efficiency and to provide renewable energy on-site if possible. 5.5.2.2 Climate Adaptation Actions for Buildings With regard to climate adaptation actions for buildings, both existing and future development should be resilient to climate change. This should include promoting nature-based solutions such as green and natural infrastructure as the key component of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), as well as grey infrastructure such as walls, embankments and attenuation tanks. The Council will seek to add green spaces to Fingal County Council owned buildings where appropriate, including roof tops, car parks and appropriate areas to contribute to air purification within our towns and villages. Climate change will have a huge impact on Fingal. Addressing challenges in all areas is vital. The addition of green spaces to office roofs including County Hall and all Fingal owned buildings and top floors of car parks and apartment buildings will add important air purifiers to our towns and villages. We have seen this done successfully in other European cities. 5.5.2.3 Climate Action Energy Statements In order to ensure that all future development aligns with the principles of energy efficiency and the use of efficient and renewable sources of energy, all applications for significant new developments, or for significant refurbishment projects, shall be required to submit a Climate Action Energy Statement as part of any overall design statement for a proposed development. Chapter 14 Development Management Standards refers in further detail. This statement shall also provide outline information relating to the anticipated energy performance and CO2 emissions associated with the development. Details as to the required contents of any such Climate Action Energy Statement are included in Chapter 14 Development Management Standards.
- ClIMATE ACTION 207FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy CAP8 – Retrofitting and Reuse of Existing Buildings Support the retrofitting and reuse of existing buildings rather than their demolition and reconstruction where possible. Policy CAP9 – Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings Support high levels of energy conservation, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources in existing buildings, including retro-fitting of appropriate energy efficiency measures in the existing building stock. Policy CAP10 – Climate Mitigation Actions in the Built Environment Promote low carbon development within the County which will seek to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and which will meet the highest feasible environmental standards during construction and occupation. New development should generally demonstrate/provide for: a. Building layout and design which maximises daylight, natural ventilation, active transport and public transport use; b. Sustainable building/services/site design to maximise energy efficiency; c. Sensitive energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings; d. Energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the increased use of renewable energy in existing and new developments; e. On-site renewable energy infrastructure and renewable energy; f. Minimising the generation of site and construction waste and maximising reuse or recycling; and g. The use of construction materials that have low to zero embodied energy and CO2 emissions. Policy CAP11 – Climate Adaptation Actions in the Built Environment Development proposals should demonstrate sustainable design principles for new buildings/ services/site. The Council will promote and support development which is resilient to climate change. This would include: a. Measures such as green roofs and green walls to reduce internal overheating and the urban heat island effect; b. Ensuring the efficient use of natural resources (including water) and making the most of natural systems both within and around buildings; c. Minimising pollution by reducing surface water runoff through increasing permeable surfaces and use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS); d. Reducing flood risk, damage to property from extreme events– residential, public and commercial; e. Reducing risks from temperature extremes and extreme weather events to critical infrastructure such as roads, communication networks, the water/drainage network, and energy supply; f. Promoting and protecting biodiversity and green infrastructure.
- ClIMATE ACTION 208FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy CAP12 – Climate Action Energy Statements All new developments involving 15 residential units and/or more than 1,000 sq. m. of commercial floor space, or as otherwise required by the Planning Authority, will be required to submit a Climate Action Energy Statement as part of the overall Design Statement to demonstrate how low carbon energy and heating solutions, have been considered as part of the overall design and planning of the proposed development. 5.5.3 Energy It is clear that a key part of our efforts to tackle the climate emergency is a switch to renewable sources and to make our current use of energy more efficient. In this regard, Fingal County Council welcomes and supports the use of renewable energy generated either by large renewable energy facilities, by microrenewable technologies installed in buildings, or through the adaptation of existing facilities in the County to utilise their existing outputs such as heat generation. The drafting of a Local Authority renewable energy strategy (LARES) is currently being progressed by the Council. The LARES will promote the use of renewables throughout the County. This Plan supports renewable energy projects through the inclusion of appropriate policies and objectives, while also having regard to relevant National and Regional policy for both on-shore and off-shore renewable energy. The decarbonisation of the energy sector by shifting from fossil fuels to low or zero-carbon energy sources is a key element of climate action policy. This will require the energy sector to embrace a more diverse range of low, zero-carbon and renewable energy sources and to provide for secure, resilient, decarbonised and decentralised utilities. In addition, area-based initiatives, such as Decarbonising Zones, and initiatives aimed at changing how energy is produced and consumed, such as the SEAI’s Sustainable Energy Communities play an important role in transitioning towards low carbon energy solutions. 5.5.3.1 Renewable Energy A renewable energy source means energy that is sustainable, something that can’t run out, or is endless, like the sun and is, therefore, a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, which are finite. Renewable energy sources includes wind energy, solar energy, water energy (hydro, wave and tidal energy), geothermal energy (from heat below the surface of the earth), ambient energy (from air) and biogas (anaerobic digestion). Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23) includes a commitment that 80% of our electricity needs will come from renewable sources by 2030. The plan states that achieving this target 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. Currently within Fingal, the principle renewable energy sources include solar, wind and micro-renewables, but opportunities exist for other renewable energy sources to be provided in the future including green hydrogen and biofuels such as biomethane and this Plan seeks to assist in the diversification of renewable energy provision in the County.
- ClIMATE ACTION 209FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029
- ClIMATE ACTION 210FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 5.5.3.2 Solar Energy With regard to solar energy, there are a range of technologies available to exploit the benefits of the sun, including photovoltaic panels (PV), solar thermal panels, solar farms and solar energy storage facilities. Small to medium scale solar rooftop PV installations are suitable for urban areas, particularly large industrial roof spaces, where land availability is limited. Solar PV can be installed in new developments or retro-fitted on to existing buildings. 5.5.3.3 Wind Energy In terms of wind energy micro-renewable wind energy generation has a significant part to play in reaching national targets for renewable electricity and potential may exist for on-site and micro wind energy production in industrial areas and business parks subject to the requirement to protect residential amenity in surrounding areas. In residential areas of the County, micro-renewable wind energy generation is currently permissible under the provisions of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 (as amended). Potential also exists for the production of electricity from large-scale off-shore wind energy facilities off the coast of Fingal in the Irish Sea. In this regard, Fingal County Council supports the implementation of the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan 2014 and subsequently reviewed in 2018 and will co-operate with state and semi-state agencies in relation to the implementation of projects in the Irish Sea. Where appropriate, Fingal County Council will also seek to facilitate infrastructure such as grid infrastructure on the land side of any renewable energy proposals of the offshore wind resource, in accordance with the principles of the National Marine Planning Framework. 5.5.3.4 Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy refers to the heat energy generated and stored in the Earth. This energy can be used for heating our homes and if the source is hot enough, electricity generation. To support its commitments under the national Climate Action Plan 2023 and the 2019 Programme for Government, the government carried out an Assessment of Geothermal Resources for District Heating and also prepared a Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory Framework for Geothermal Energy in Ireland. According to these documents, Ireland has a recognised potential for low-to-medium temperature geothermal energy resources (> 400 m deep) suitable for large-scale or district heating and cooling in municipal, residential and industrial areas. To support the greater deployment of geothermal energy in Ireland, the government is developing a policy regulatory framework to facilitate the exploration for, and development of, geothermal energy resources. 5.5.3.5 Other Sources of Renewable Energy In addition to the primary sources of renewable energy addressed above, other sources of renewable energy exist, including green hydrogen and biofuels such as biomethane (and associated infrastructure) which have the potential to contribute to the overall goal of decarbonising the energy sector. Another source of renewable energy would be biomass, which is plant or animal material used as fuel to produce electricity or heat and examples include wood, energy crops and waste from forests, yards, or farms.
Source Fingal County Council: Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 – Written Statement (Consolidated) (2023–2029) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.