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
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 – Written Statement (Consolidated), each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- ClIMATE ACTION 211FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy CAP13 – Energy from Renewable Sources Actively support the production of energy from renewable sources and associated electricity grid infrastructure, such as from solar energy, hydro energy, wave/tidal energy, geothermal, wind energy, combined heat and power (CHP), heat energy distribution such as district heating/cooling systems, and any other renewable energy sources, subject to normal planning and environmental considerations. Policy CAP14 – Wind Energy Strategy Prepare a Wind Energy Strategy. Policy CAP15 – Micro-Renewable Energy Production Support and encourage the development of small-scale wind renewable facilities / micro-renewable energy production. Policy CAP16 – Offshore Wind-Energy Production Support the implementation of the 2014 Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) and any successor thereof, and to facilitate infrastructure such as grid facilities on the land side of any renewable energy proposals of the offshore wind resource, where appropriate and having regard to the principles set out in the National Marine Planning Framework. Policy CAP17 – Geothermal Energy Support the exploration for, and development of, geothermal energy resources having regard to emerging government policy on geothermal energy. 5.5.3.6 District Heating and Waste Heat District heating and waste heat recovery are a highly significant source of low carbon energy, and as set out in the RSES. District Heating is a system for distributing heat generated in a centralised location through a system of insulated pipes for residential and commercial heating requirements such as space heating and water heating. These networks typically use locally sourced heat energy and distribute to local homes and businesses, therefore, reducing the County’s reliance on imported energy and fuel. District heating utilises low carbon heat sources such as renewable energy and waste heat recovery, reducing the County’s CO2 emissions, while achieving energy efficiency and climate change mitigation. District heating is specifically referred to in the national Climate Action Plan 2023. Furthermore, a number of actions have been included in the Climate Action Plan 2023 to provide for a switch to alternative sources of heating such as district heating and renewable gases. In order to ensure the future development of District Heating in the County, it will be necessary to ensure that significant new residential and commercial developments, in close proximity to potential heat sources (such as datacentres) are ‘district heating enabled’, where feasible, so as to ensure that valuable opportunities to capture and utilise waste heat are realised. Where this is not feasible, the proposed energy and heating solution should offer a similarly efficient and low carbon solution. Details as to the requirements a development must meet in order to be considered ‘district heating enabled’ is provided in Chapter 14 Development Management Standards.
- ClIMATE ACTION 212FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy CAP18 – Waste Heat, District Heating and Decentralised Energy Actively encourage the development of low carbon and highly efficient district heating and decentralised energy systems across the County utilising low carbon heat sources such as renewable energy and waste heat recovery and to promote the connection of new developments to district heating networks where such systems exist/can be developed in a given area. Policy CAP19 – Supporting the Potential of District Heating in Fingal Support the potential of district heating in Fingal, all Climate Action Energy Statements submitted to the Council (see Policy CAP12) shall include an assessment of the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of district or block heating or cooling, particularly where it is based entirely, or partially on energy from renewable and waste heat sources. Policy CAP20 – Capture and Utilisation of Waste Heat Encourage proposed and existing developments and facilities (such as data centres) to capture and utilise otherwise wasted heat, and use waste heat either on-site, or in an adjoining, and nearby sites, in compliance with all relevant Energy Efficiency Regulations. Objective CAO4 – District Heating Systems Identify suitable location(s) for the delivery of district heating systems within the plan area. 5.5.3.7 Decarbonising Zones, Energy Initiatives and Energy Zones A number of significant strategies and initiatives have been introduced or are being prepared in order to further drive the transition towards low carbon energy use across the County as a whole as well as in local communities. 5.5.3.7.1 Decarbonising Zones Action 165 of the 2019 Climate Action Plan identified the need to engage at a local level and included a specific action which requires Local Authorities to identify and develop plans for at least one Decarbonising Zone (DZ) in their administrative area. A Decarbonising Zone is a spatial area identified by the Local Authority, in which a range of climate mitigation measures can co-exist to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate needs. Fingal County Council is working to identify a Decarbonising Zone and work is progressing in conjunction with Codema and CARO on the identification and implementation of this zone to provide for the development of demonstrator projects which will harnessing a range of energies technologies and initiatives. 5.5.3.7.2 Energy Initiatives Public and stakeholder engagement is extremely important in addressing climate change and it is recognised that there is a need to foster and build momentum on wider citizen engagement in climate change, across all age groups. A successful established example of community engagement in this regard is the SEAI’s Sustainable Energy Communities initiative, which assists groups of people to come together to improve how
- ClIMATE ACTION 213FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 energy is used for the benefit of their community with the common goals of using less energy, using clean, renewable energy and using smart energy. 5.5.3.7.3 Energy Zones This ongoing work will also assist in the identification of potential ‘Strategic Energy Zones’ in accordance with Regional Policy Objective (RPO) 7.35 of the RSES which states that “EMRA shall, in conjunction with Local Authorities in the region, identify Strategic Energy Zones as areas suitable for larger energy generating projects, the role of community and micro-energy production in urban and rural settings and the potential for renewable energy within industrial areas”. 5.5.3.7.4 Dublin Regional Energy Masterplan Codema is developing the Dublin Region Energy Master Plan, which will develop evidence-based, and costed pathways for the Dublin region to achieve its carbon emission reduction targets to 2030 and 2050, building on the energy areas identified in the Spatial Energy Demand Analyses (SEDAs) for the four Dublin Local Authority areas. Policy CAP21 – Decarbonising Zones Support the designation and implementation of a Decarbonisation Zone or Zones within the County in order to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate needs. Policy CAP22 – Strategic Energy Zones Support the designation of potential Strategic Energy Zones within the County in conjunction with the Eastern and Midland Regional Authority. Policy CAP23 – Strategic Energy Communities Support the ongoing efforts and future development of Sustainable Energy Communities in Fingal through the SEAI ‘Sustainable Energy Communities’ Initiative. Policy CAP24 – Dublin Regional Energy Masterplan Support the preparation of the Dublin Regional Energy Masterplan by Codema and to support its implementation in conjunction with neighbouring Dublin Local Authorities, Dublin Metropolitan CARO and other relevant stakeholders. 5.5.4 Waste 5.5.4.1 Circular Economy Chapter 11 Infrastructure and Utilities and Chapter 14 Development Management Standards of this Plan, seeks to integrate a more sustainable approach to waste based on circular economy principles. National climate action policy emphasises the need to take action to address climate action across all sectors of society and the economy. In the waste sector, policy on climate action is focused on a shift towards a ‘circular economy’, encompassing three core principles: designing out waste and pollution; keeping products and material in use; and regenerating natural systems.
- ClIMATE ACTION 214FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Fingal County Council’s approach to waste management is consistent with the EU Waste Hierarchy and the circular economy approach to waste which promotes the principles of prevention, re-use, recycling, energy recovery and sustainable disposal. The transition towards a circular economy is already well underway and the Government’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy 2020–2025 outlines the new focus which goes beyond simple management of waste and moves towards how we look at resources more broadly, thereby capturing the maximum value of all materials. This Waste Action Plan provides Ireland with a roadmap for waste planning and management and is supported by the Circular Economy Act 2022, and the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2022 to comply with EU Waste Directive obligations. Fingal will continue to facilitate the implementation of national legislation and national and regional waste management policy having regard to the waste hierarchy, including the Eastern Midlands Region Waste Management Plan 2015–2021 (EMRWMP), which informs Development Plan policies and objectives. The implementation of the EMRWMP must ensure that European and national mandatory targets are achieved and, in doing so, that the health of communities in the region, its people and the environment are not compromised. A National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy is currently in preparation and this will replace the existing Regional Waste Management Plans. 5.5.4.2 Construction and Demolition Waste In addition to setting out policy measures relating to issues including municipal waste, food waste and single use plastic, the Waste Action Plan addresses the issue of construction and demolition waste as it relates to the planning system. The Waste Action Plan highlights the ongoing revision of the 2006 Best Practice Guidelines on the Preparation of Waste Management Plans for Construction and Demolition Waste Projects as well as the intention to bring construction and demolition waste within the framework of statutory planning Guidelines. It also notes that construction and waste management plan Guidelines will be updated to ensure that there is a consistent application of planning requirements. Policy CAP25 – Circular Economy Support the shift towards the circular economy approach as set out in the National Waste Policy for 2020–2025. Policy CAP26 – Waste Management Plans for Construction and Demolition Projects Have regard to existing Best Practice Guidance on Waste Management Plans for Construction and Demolition Projects as well as any future updates to these Guidelines in order to ensure the consistent application of planning requirements. 5.5.5 Sustainable Transport According to data collected by the SEAI, the transport sector was the single largest consumer of energy in Ireland, accounting for 42.3% of energy use in 2018. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, data collected by the EPA indicates that the transport sector was responsible for 20.4% of total greenhouse gas emissions in
- ClIMATE ACTION 215FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029
- ClIMATE ACTION 216FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 2019, second only to the agriculture sector. This data demonstrates the need not only to reduce transport by private vehicles, but also to reduce the direct emissions from vehicles themselves. Promoting and delivering more sustainable forms of transport and movement in the County is central to the overall approach to the development of the County during the lifetime of this Plan. This approach recognises the benefits of providing better infrastructure and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and incorporating these with our rich natural heritage resource, limiting the use of the private car to essential use only and promoting a switch to electrical vehicles through the provision of EV charge points in suitable locations throughout the County. It should also be noted that the Local Authority is providing EV charge ducting in all new social housing units and ensures the provision of EV chargers in accordance with the building regulations in all new developments. With regard to the provision of enhanced, suitably located, integrated, more frequent and sustainable public transport, Fingal County Council will continue the work with the NTA and TII to ensure the delivery of key public transport projects that will directly benefit Fingal and encourage a move away from dependency on the private car and towards a low carbon society. Fingal County Council also continues to prioritise the promotion of active travel as part of its ongoing commitment to climate action through the work of the Environment, Climate Action and Active Travel Department which is responsible for the delivery of sustainable active mobility solutions. Chapter 6 Connectivity and Movement of this Plan sets out a strategy which responds to key transport challenges by seeking to minimise the need to travel and by promoting a shift from private car use towards more sustainable forms of transport. 5.5.5.1 Decarbonising Transport and Electric Vehicles (EVs) The national Climate Action Plan calls for the combination of measures to influence the spatial pattern of development, urban structure and overall mobility, with low carbon technology measures, such as a significant increase in the EV fleet. The Plan sets out a government target to accelerate the take up of EV cars and vans so that Ireland reaches 100% of all new cars and vans being EVs by 2030. Approximately one third of all vehicles sold during the decade will be Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). In order to cater for this growth in electric vehicles, it will be necessary to ensure that sufficient charging points and rapid charging infrastructure are provided to appropriate design and siting considerations and having regard to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as amended, which have been updated to include EV vehicle charging point installation. Regard will be had to advances being made in EV charging technology as well as the development of new, efficient, innovative and accessible ways of providing charging points. Policy CAP27 – Electric Vehicles Ensure that sufficient charging points and rapid charging infrastructure are provided on existing streets where such infrastructure does not impede persons with mobility issues and in new developments subject to appropriate design, siting and built heritage considerations and having regard to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as amended, which have been updated to include EV vehicle charging point installation, so that EV Street Charging Points be provided to every community of the County.
- ClIMATE ACTION 217FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 5.5.6 Flood Resilience Surface water management and flood prevention remain the responsibility of the Local Authorities and the Office of Public Works (OPW). The management of surface water drainage in Fingal over the lifetime of this Plan and beyond will be key to reducing surface water run-off both mitigating and adapting to climate change and flooding. With more extreme rainfall events anticipated with climate change, Fingal is likely to experience increased flooding (pluvial, fluvial and coastal, groundwater and network) in vulnerable areas of the County. The Floods Directive calls for member states to undertake strategic flood risk assessments and to identify flood risk management measures. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has prepared flood maps for future climate scenarios and Flood Risk Management Plans outlining measures such as flood alleviation schemes / flood defense works (grey infrastructure) to manage flood risk within the relevant river catchments. Fingal County Council will actively encourage and promote the use of green solutions such as swales, tree pits, green roofs, downpipe planters, ponds and wetlands for drainage, which minimise negative environmental impacts resulting from development. Green infrastructure as part of Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS), also has a role to play in reducing flood risk and in integrated water resource management. Green infrastructure reduces the rate and volume of water entering the drains by intercepting it, providing temporary and permanent storage areas, and allowing water to infiltrate into the ground rather than being directed to drains. Facilitating run-off to percolate through natural features such as the natural ground, tree pits, green roofs and swales, will provide for staged water treatment helping to remove pollution and sediments and thereby, improving the water quality of our rivers in line with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. Establishing space for rivers corridors also plays a role in adaptation responses to achieve flood resilience. Protecting existing river corridors and landscaping and providing natural flood management measures such as the creation of wetlands within river corridors can help to manage river flooding by reducing the volume of runoff, by promoting water infiltration into the soil and slowing runoff to streams, and by delaying the downstream passage of flood flows. This Plan has been subject to and is accompanied by a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), prepared in accordance with the Guidelines for Planning Authorities DEHLG and OPW, 2009. Consequently, this Plan zones appropriate sites for development and identifies how flood risk can be reduced. Chapter 11 Infrastructure and Utilities sets out a riparian corridor policy approach for the County’s rivers including policies and objectives relating to SuDS. Chapter 14 Development Management Standards sets out additional supportive objectives and required standards in relation to Surface Water Management, foul and surface water drainage systems, water conservation and green roofs. Policy CAP28 – Flood and Water Resource Resilience Support the delivery of soft, green and grey adaptation measures to enhance flood and water resource resilience where appropriate in the County.
- ClIMATE ACTION 218FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy CAP29 – Flood Risk Assessment and Adaptation Address flood risk at strategic level through the process of Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, and through improvements to the County’s flood defences. Policy CAP30 – Natural Flood Risk Mitigation Encourage the use natural flood risk mitigation or nature-based solutions including integrated wetlands, green infrastructure, and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) as part of wider adaptation and mitigation responses to achieve flood resilience. 5.5.7 Coastal Management Fingal 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, tasked with considering the development of an integrated, whole of Government coastal change strategy. Best practice in coastal zone management suggests non-interference with the coast and coastal processes if at all possible. This is mainly due to the often complex and unforeseen consequences on other parts of the coast that can be caused by protective measures and the costs associated with the installation and future maintenance of coastal protection structures. Fingal County Council will continue to work with relevant authorities such as the Office of Public Works on the identification and development of additional flood protection measures where necessary. This Plan acknowledges the dynamic nature of the coastline and includes a range of policies and objectives on how coastal change is to be managed. Coastal monitoring continues to be an integral part of coastal management. With this in mind, the OPW in consultation with Fingal County Council is piloting the Rogerstown Outer Estuary as one of 5 National locations. Drone flights have commenced, and this pilot will inform the roll out of a National programme. Coastal defence proposals for Portrane, Rush and Rogerstown Outer Estuary are progressing, and an Options Report has been completed and the preferred option has been communicated to the community through a series of virtual information meetings. The installation of specially designed Y-shaped groynes structures combined with beach supplementation and flood embankments at the Burrow and a floodwall in Rush are considered the preferred coastal defence options. Fingal County Council is the first Local Authority in the Country to undertake a risk assessment of the effect on climate change hazards on its heritage assets. The results of this risk assessment will act as a robust baseline for the prioritisation of mitigating actions. The Council will consider the inclusion of objectives in relation to climate change adaptation to ensure climate change measures are not detrimental to heritage assets.
- ClIMATE ACTION 219FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029
- ClIMATE ACTION 220FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy CAP31 – Coastal Monitoring Monitor coastal erosion and accretion along Fingal’s coastline to identify locations at risk of coastal erosion and flooding. Policy CAP32 – Coastal Protection Ensure the provision of appropriate coastal protection measures in locations at risk of coastal erosion and flooding. Policy CAP33 – Coastal Zone Management Support coastal zone management measures for adapting to climate change which include restoration of degraded ecosystems, increased flood resilience, water quality improvement, habitat conservation and provision of amenities for the residents of and visitors to Fingal. Policy CAP34 – Engagement with Key Stakeholders Continue to work with national and regional authorities and other key stakeholders with regard to flood defence required to protect vulnerable urban areas from worst case scenario sea level rises in the coming decades. 5.5.8 Nature-Based Solutions and Green Infrastructure Green infrastructure can assist the County to adapt and become resilient to the effects of climate change while also playing a role in climate mitigation. The County’s green infrastructure features include natural and semi-natural features (the marine environment, parks, woodland, waterbodies, etc.) and nature-based infrastructure (such as green roofs, tree pits, rain gardens and green walls). These natural assets and urban greening elements provide a range of functions and benefits (ecosystem services) that contribute towards climate change adaptation and mitigation. The County’s trees, vegetation and soil capture and store carbon and provide evaporative cooling and shading in our urban areas and settlements, mitigating the urban heat island effect. Increasing, restoring and connecting habitats rich in biodiversity that provide valuable ecosystem services, is essential to increasing the County’s resilience to climate change and improving quality of life. Chapter 9 Green Infrastructure and Natural Heritage sets out adaptive green infrastructure and urban greening policies and objectives to help implement climate action in the County. Policy CAP35 – Climate Action and Green Infrastructure Protect, connect and expand the County’s green infrastructure while optimising the climate change adaptation and mitigation services it provides. 5.5.9 Climate Action as a Cross Cutting Theme Climate action is a cross cutting theme and one of the main components of this Plan. In line with the above, every chapter of the Plan contributes to the overall effort to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate
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.