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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- INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTIlITIES 421FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 protected by way of technical input into forward planning processes such as the preparation of Local Area Plans, Masterplans etc. Fingal is also progressing the Santry River Restoration and Greenway Project. Avoiding new developments increasing flood risk elsewhere including that which may arise from surface run off; Avoiding inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding; Improving the understanding of flood-risk and ensure flood risk management in accordance with best practice Avoiding unnecessary restriction of national regional or local economic and social growth; Ensuring effective management of residual risk for development permitted in floodplains; Flood Risk Management Core objectives Fingal is continuing to examine ways to more effectively manage the potential impacts of climate change on flooding and flood risk in line with the Flood Risk Management Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan 2019. In response, the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) for the Development Plan has considered climate change and resultant increases in rainfall intensity, changed rainfall patterns and increased risk from fluvial and coastal flooding. Inland Fisheries Ireland’s (IFI) Planning for Watercourses in the Urban Environment 2020 outlines an integrated watercourse protection strategy that has been developed through consultation with a wide range of experts in the area. Watercourses including rivers, lakes and streams are an integral part of our environment and if managed appropriately can significantly improve the quality of life for people living in urban areas. The implementation of this strategy should not only protect watercourses and their associated riparian zones in urban areas, but also shall provide other benefits important for the wellbeing of people living nearby.
- INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTIlITIES 422FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029
- INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTIlITIES 423FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 See also Chapter 5 Climate Action (Section 5.5.6 – Flood Resilience) for further information on flood risk management. 11.5.2.3 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) of the County has been carried out to support the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Fingal Development Plan. The assessment was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Flood Risk Management Guidelines and the EU Water Framework Directive. The SFRA Report is a separate document to be read in parallel with this Plan. The SFRA identifies and maps flood risk in the County and has supported a sequential approach to planning, in accordance with the recommendations of the Flood Risk Management Guidelines. Policy IUP12 – Flood Risk Management Ensure the continued incorporation of Flood Risk Management into the spatial planning of the County of Fingal, to meet the requirements of the EU Floods Directive and the EU Water Framework Directive and to promote a climate resilient County. Policy IUP13 – Protection of Fingal’s Floodplains, Wetlands and Coastal Areas Protect and enhance the County’s floodplains, wetlands and coastal areas subject to flooding as vital green infrastructure which provides space for storage and conveyance of floodwater, enabling flood risk to be more effectively managed and reducing the need to provide flood defences in the future. Policy IUP14 – OPW Continue to support and assist the OPW in implementing and delivering the relevant Flood Risk Management Plans for rivers, coastlines and estuaries within Fingal. Objective IUO16 – OPW Flood Risk Management Guidelines Have regard to the OPW Flood Risk Management Guidelines 2009, as revised by Circular PL 2/2014, when assessing planning applications and in the preparation of statutory and non-statutory plans and to require site specific flood risk assessments to be considered for all new developments within the County. All development must prepare a Stage 1 Flood Risk Analysis and if the flooding risk is not screened out, they must prepare a Site-Specific Flood Risk Assessment (SSFRA) for the development, where appropriate. Objective IUO17 –Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Implement and comply fully with the recommendations of the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment prepared as part of the Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029. Objective IUO18 – SFRA Recommendations All Flood Risk Assessments must comply with the recommendations from the SFRA report. Objective IUO19 – Medium Range Future Scenario Climate Change Predictions
- INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTIlITIES 424FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Surface water designs must include ‘Medium Range Future Scenario Climate Change Predictions’. Objective IUO20 – Tolka River Flood Study Maps Prepare a flood map using data from both the River Tolka Flood Study extents and recently provided National Indicative Fluvial Mapping as well as site specific modelling to ensure the most up-to-date flood maps for Tolka River are available, within 1 year of making this Development Plan. Objective IUO21 – Precautionary Principle in OPW Guidelines Require all developments in the County to be designed and constructed in accordance with the ‘Precautionary Principle’ as detailed in the OPW Guidelines and to minimise the flood risk in Fingal from all potential sources of flooding as far as is practicable, including coastal, pluvial, fluvial, reservoirs and dams, and the piped water system. Objective IUO22 – Flood Alleviation Measures Support and facilitate the provision of new or upgrading of existing flood alleviation measures where appropriate. Objective IUO23 – Protection of Rivers, Streams and Watercourses Ensure that where flood protection or alleviation works take place that the natural and cultural heritage of rivers, streams and watercourses are protected and enhanced to the greatest extent possible. Objective IUO24 – Cross-Boundary Flood Management Work with neighbouring Local Authorities when developing cross-boundary flood management work programmes and when considering cross-boundary development. 11.5.3 Water Quality of Waterbodies Ireland’s rich water resources are of strategic importance and clean water is essential for creating a healthy society and supporting a growing economy. Our drinking water is primarily sourced from our rivers and lakes as well as from groundwater sources. The NPF notes it is essential that we have a resilient water supply to serve the existing population and for the additional 1 million people projected by 2040. Our water bodies are also a resource for leisure activities and for the tourism sector and most of our bathing waters are of very high quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consider urban wastewater to be one of the principal pressures on water quality in Ireland and the treatment and disposal of wastewater in an environmentally sound manner is critical for human health. This means that we need to ensure adequate treatment and capacity, storm water overflows operating correctly and that we avoid direct discharges of untreated wastewater. In conjunction with the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), a Groundwater Protection Scheme has been prepared for Fingal, which provides Guidelines for the planning and licensing authorities in carrying out their functions, and a framework to assist in decision-making on the location, nature and control of developments and activities in order to protect groundwater. Use of the scheme helps to ensure that within the planning and licensing processes, due regard is taken of the need to maintain the beneficial use of groundwater. The
- INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTIlITIES 425FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Groundwater Protection Scheme is available at www.gsi.ie. 11.5.3.1 Quality of Bathing Water (Coastal) The Bathing Water Quality Regulations, 2008, set out our obligations for bathing water quality checks and public information during the bathing season. Fingal take 9 samples in total, 1 before and 8 during the bathing season. Samples are generally taken fortnightly during the bathing season. Bathing water quality on Fingal beaches is generally classified as ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’, and water quality results for Fingal’s beaches can be checked on the EPA website: https://www.beaches.ie/. If test results don’t meet the necessary standards, Fingal has a process in place for notifying beach users. Fingal currently monitors 10 identified beaches within the County for water quality, with regular updates on bathing water quality during the bathing season, which runs from 1st June to 15th September each year. Fingal will continue to support the retention of the Blue Flag status of Velvet Strand beach at Portmarnock and the recently added Balcarrick, Donabate and Rush South Beach. 11.5.3.2 The River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for Ireland 2018 to 2021 The RBMP sets out and seeks to implement supporting measures to improve water quality in over 70 water bodies on a prioritised basis and identifies the actions that Ireland will take to improve water quality and achieve ‘good’ ecological status in water bodies (rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters) by 2027. Ireland is required to produce a RBMP under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). UÉ’s planned capital investment in the upgrading of wastewater treatment plants and collection systems will address the priorities set out in the RBMP. 11.5.3.3 Draft River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for Ireland 2022–27 The third cycle RBMP will be published in 2023 and will cover the period from 2022 to 2027. The Plan aims to build on the progress made during the previous cycles to ensure the long-term delivery of water quality improvement. The third plan and further cycles every six years will involve the ongoing protection of water bodies. Recent data on the existing water quality in Fingal for the period 2013–2018 (published in 2019) shows that the majority of our river and coastal water bodies have achieved good or high status, while our lakes and transitional waters have significantly higher percentages of poor status water bodies. Policy IUP15 – Water Quality Support initiatives to improve water quality and to achieve good ecological status in compliance with the Water Framework Directive and associated River Basin Management Plans, particularly those which employ nature-based management measures, and explore opportunities for targeted watercourse improvement interventions which are designed to deliver a wider range of environmental benefits. Policy IUP16 – IFI Guidelines Planning for Watercourses in the Urban Environment 2020
- INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTIlITIES 426FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Protect inland and sea fisheries and take full account of Inland Fisheries Ireland Guidelines Planning for Watercourses in the Urban Environment 2020, when undertaking, approving or authorising development or works which may impact on rivers streams, watercourses, estuaries, shorelines and their associated habitats. Policy IUP17 – Groundwater Strive to achieve ‘good status’ in all waterbodies and protect and develop, in a sustainable manner, the existing groundwater sources and aquifers in the County and control development in a manner consistent with the proper management of these resources in compliance with the Water Framework Directive, the Eastern River Basin Management Plan 2017–2021 and any subsequent plan. Policy IUP18 – Groundwater Protection Schemes Promote the reduction of groundwater pollution and to protect and improve the aquatic environment and water-dependent ecosystems through proactive discharge and emissions management and through the enhancement of the physical condition of waterbodies and to implement the recommendations contained in any Groundwater Protection Scheme prepared under EU Ground Water Directives. Policy IUP19 – Bathing Water Quality and Beaches Maintain and enhance Fingal’s beaches for bathing to a high standard and protect and improve water quality and bathing facilities for them to attain Blue Flag standards. Objective IUO25 – River Basin Management Plans Maintain, improve and enhance the environmental and ecological quality of our surface waters, groundwater and aquifers by implementing the EU Water Framework Directive through the relevant programme of measures set out in the River Basin Management Plans and to take into consideration the River Basin Management Plan and Programme of Measures when considering new development proposals. Objective IUO26 – Riparian Corridors Establish riparian corridors free from new development along all significant watercourses and streams in the County: ¨ Ensure a minimum 10m wide riparian buffer strip measured from the top of the bank either side of all watercourses. This minimum 10m wide riparian buffer strip applies to lands within development boundaries– i.e. within designated settlement boundaries (as per Fingal County Council’s Settlement Hierarchy set out in Chapter 2, Planning for Growth, Table 2.20). ¨ A minimum 48m wide riparian buffer strip is required in all other areas outside of development boundaries. ¨ Where lands encompass urban and rural areas, a transitional approach from the urban riparian requirements to the rural riparian requirements may be appropriate and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. ¨ Notwithstanding the above, cognisance must be taken of Flood Zone A and B, as outlined in the SFRA. See also Chapter 14 Development Management Standards (Section 14.20.5 Riparian Corridors) and the SFRA.
- INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTIlITIES 427FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective IUO27 – De-culverting of Watercourses Promote de-culverting to restore watercourses to their natural environmental state. 11.6 Waste Policies and Objectives Fingal’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 and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 and the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2022 and the National Food Loss Prevention Roadmap 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 these 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. Fingal has developed and implemented a range of policies and actions, including public education and awareness initiatives to promote circular economy waste management principles. Fingal continues to support regional initiatives including the Ballymun Rediscovery Centre, which is the National Centre for the Circular Economy bringing together the skills and expertise of artists, scientists, designers and craftspeople united in a common purpose of sustainability. The overall vision of the EMRWMP is to rethink the approach taken towards managing waste
- INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTIlITIES 428FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 so that it is now seen as a valuable material. In recent years, there has been a significant move away from landfill. In Fingal, Balleally and Dunsink landfills have been closed for a number of years and there are no landfill sites remaining in the County. Gas is now being collected at both Balleally and Dunsink and is being used to generate electricity for the national grid. Dunsink’s proximity to Dublin City now provides significant opportunities for other uses to be considered. Fingal will continue to promote more sustainable and localised approaches to litter and waste management and continues to manage a network of bring centres together with civic amenity sites and bottle banks for the recycling of a range of household and commercial waste streams outside of current private kerbside collection systems. There are many Bring Banks facilities in Fingal which are open 24 hours a day and glass, cans and textiles can be recycled at them. Fingal currently operate two recycling centres – Coolmine Recycling Centre, Dublin 15 and Estuary Recycling Centre, Swords. The Recycling Centres accept a full range of recyclable materials, bulky waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment, household hazardous waste, paint tins, etc. Fingal will continue to identify suitable sites for bring banks to ensure that developing settlements have ease of access to such facilities, subject to funding and resources available, although it is acknowledged that there can be difficulties identifying suitable additional sites. Fingal’s Litter Management Plan 2019 sets out our objectives for preventing and managing litter in Fingal, and our implementation plan to meet those objectives. The Plan is action-based and focuses on the prevention, enforcement and management of litter, with the objective of a consistently cleaner environment for the citizens of Fingal. A key component of Fingal’s waste management policy is the development and delivery of a comprehensive education and awareness campaign and Fingal County Council now employs an Environmental Educational Officer to promote Environmental Awareness Programmes within the County. Fingal’s Gum Litter Taskforce – Gum Litter Awareness Campaign
- INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTIlITIES 429FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy IUP20 – Implementation Of Existing Waste Management Policy Support the implementation of existing waste management policy and promote education and awareness on all issues associated with waste management, both at industry and community level, including the promotion of waste reduction by encouraging reuse, recycling and recovery of waste. Fingal County Council will continue to promote and support the objectives of the Eastern and Midlands Region Waste Management Plan 2015–2021, or such plans as may be updated. Policy IUP21 – Environmental Policy, Legislation and Guidance Have regard to European Union, National and Regional waste and related environmental policy, legislation, guidance and codes of practice to improve management of material resources and wastes. Policy IUP22 – Transition From A Waste Economy Towards A Green Circular Economy Support the principles of transition from a waste economy towards a green circular economy and implement good waste management and best practices to enable Fingal to become self-sufficient in terms of resource and waste management and to enhance employment and increase the value recovery and recirculation of resources, in accordance with the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2022. Policy IUP23 – Segregated Public Waste Bins and Compactor Bins Promote a Countywide system of segregated public waste bins and segregated compactor bins. Objective IUO28 – Eastern Midlands Region Waste Management Plan Implement the provisions of the Eastern Midlands Region Waste Management Plan 2015–2021 or any subsequent Waste Management Plan applicable within the lifetime of the Development Plan. All prospective developments in the County will be expected to take account of the provisions of the Regional Waste Management Plan and adhere to the requirements of that Plan. Objective IUO29 – Sustainable Waste Recovery And Disposal Provide for, promote and facilitate high quality sustainable waste recovery and disposal infrastructure/technology in keeping with the EU waste hierarchy, national legislation and regional waste management policy to adequately cater for Fingal’s growing population. Objective IUO30 – Hazardous Waste Adhere to the recommendations of the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2014–2020 and any subsequent plan, and to co-operate with the EPA and other agencies in the planning, organisation and supervision of the disposal of hazardous waste streams, including hazardous waste identified during construction and demolition projects. To continue to promote the use of clean technology and minimisation of hazardous waste production in all development within the County.
- INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTIlITIES 430FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy IUP24 – Recycling / Re-Use Promote and encourage the establishment of re-use, recycling and repair activities to prevent and minimise waste generation and disposal, in accordance with the Eastern Midlands Region Waste Management Plan 2015–2021 (or any subsequent plan). Policy IUP25 – Litter Management Support the implementation of the Fingal Litter Management Plan 2019 and any subsequent plans through enforcement of the litter bye-laws, street cleaning and continued roll out of education and awareness campaigns. Objective IUO31 – Network of Bring Infrastructure Provide for and maintain the network of bring infrastructure within the County (i.e recycling centres, civic amenity facilities, bring banks) to facilitate the recycling and recovery of hazardous and nonhazardous municipal wastes and ensure the provision of adequately sized public recycling facilities in accessible locations throughout the County. Objective IUO32 – Bring Bank Facilities Seek to identify suitable sites for new bring bank facilities to ensure that developing settlements have ease of access to such facilities over the Plan period, subject to funding and resources available. Objective IUO33 – Home Composting Continue to promote home composting and explore the potential for composting in rural areas and promote the development of composting (digestor) plants for organic solid waste at appropriate locations within the County. Continue to promote developments to manage food waste in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations. Objective IUO34 – Waste Management in New Developments Require the provision of appropriate, well designed, accessible space to support the storage, separation and collection of as many waste and recycling streams as possible in all new commercial and residential developments within the County. See also Chapter 14, Development Management Standards (Section 14.20.12: Waste Management) Objective IUO35 – Education and Awareness Continue to raise environmental awareness of waste prevention and minimisation and reduction in illegal dumping through the continuation of Council based initiatives, with particular emphasis placed on the involvement of local schools, community organisations, individual households and businesses. Objective IUO36 – Partnership Approach Continue to develop the Council’s partnership approach with the Tidy Towns Associations, community groups, farming organisations, trade unions, the business community, the local media, sporting organisations, tourism bodies and Gardaí in the support and fostering of anti-litter initiatives within the County.
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.