Development plan · Galway City Council
Galway City Development Plan 2023–2029
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Galway City Council · 2023–2029 · 386 pages
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- Climate ActionThe City Development Plan recognises the strategic role that land use and spatial planning can play in providing for population growth in a compact, sustainable way that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy demand and address climate change adaptation. The Core Strategy has been developed in line with this approach. It has focused on mitigation and adaptation measures that will reduce the need to travel, enable and support sustainable transport options, protect and enhance the natural environment and deliver compact growth patterns including for the encouraging of regeneration on a number of brownfield sites while also supporting increased use of renewable energy and implementation of flood protection measures. This approach has been further reflected throughout the plan which includes for a series of ambitious policies and objectives designed to address the challenges of climate change and support the transition to a low carbon economy. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) the world’s leading authority on climate science published a report in August 2021, which affirmed that this generation are the last that can prevent irreparable damage to the planet. They confirmed that only rapid and drastic reductions in greenhouse gases in this decade can prevent climate breakdown with every fraction of a degree of further heating likely to compound the accelerating effects. In this regard implementing measures to achieve national policy and targets over the lifespan of this plan will be critical to addressing the climate and biodiversity crisis. This chapter in particular focuses on climate actions and environmental measures, however this approach is also well integrated in the Core Strategy and also permeates through all other chapters in the Plan. Figure 2.1 - Mitigation and Adaptation - Climate Action Source: CARO Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 47
- Climate ActionAs indicated climate action is a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures to tackle climate change. Mitigation can be defined as an intervention to reduce the flow of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This can be achieved by reducing the source of the gases, by reducing energy demand and switching to renewable energy sources or by creating carbon sinks to store greenhouse gases in peatlands, forests or soils. The goal of mitigation is to reduce future climate change by slowing the rate of increase in (or even reducing) greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Adaptation focuses on measures that reduce the impact of climate change that is already taking place and planning for adverse effects that will happen in the future as a consequence of greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere. The goal of climate adaptation is to minimise the risk and cost associated with climate change and protect lives and property by building climate resilience into existing systems. Adaptation includes measures such as flood and coastal protection and sustainable urban drainage and nature based solutions. This chapter considers a number of these measures while the balance of chapters in the plan also include for a range of policies and objectives that contribute to mitigating and adapting climate change. Taking action to mitigate and adapt to climate change and facilitating a transition towards climate resilience and carbon neutrality will deliver economic, environmental and social co-benefits. These include cleaner air, creation of green jobs, improved public health and support for biodiversity. In land use planning improved air quality will come about where policies are implemented to promote the use of renewable energy and decarbonisation of energy systems that reduce the use of fossil fuels. Similarly, policies to integrate land use and transport systems will increase accessibility and promote walking and cycling and correspondingly reduce dependence on the private car, benefit social cohesion and community well-being. Where policies support investment and enhancement of green infrastructure this can contribute to biodiversity, carbon sequestration and reduce flood risk and provide for recreation and amenity. Policies and other measures that support energy efficient building design and retrofitting of existing building stock will reduce costs associated with heating and cooling and reduce fuel poverty. To encourage Galway to become more climate resilient there is a need to have an emphasis on such policy objectives, as these will build climate resilience through a focus on mitigation and adaption. In particular these include policies focused on: a) Nature –Based Solutions (adaption and mitigation) b) Flood risk and water management (adaption and mitigation) c) Renewable energy (mitigation) d) Transport (mitigation) e) Built environment (adaption and mitigation) f) Overall cross-cutting climate change and environmental policies (adaption and mitigation sustainability) 48 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Climate Action2.2 Climate Change International and European Context International climate policy has been informed by the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) established in 1992. The most significant global climate agreement produced to date is the Paris Agreement 2015. Ireland ratified the Paris Agreement in November 2016 and is therefore legally bound by its commitments, including limiting the increase in global temperature to under 2 degrees Celsius. above pre-industrial levels and preferably to keeping it below 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement also included an aim to be globally carbon neutral by 2050. In line with global climate commitments the European Union (EU) has set a legally binding target for its member countries to reach climate neutrality or net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This target and the framework to achieve it is set out in the European Climate Law which increases these targets in 2020 to require at least a 55% reduction in net emissions of greenhouse gases compared to 1990 levels by 2030. This is supported by the European Green Deal, an action plan to make the EU’s economy and society sustainable. It identifies investment and financing options to support a just transition to climate neutrality by 2050 by investing in environmentally friendly technology, supporting the transition to a decarbonised and circular economy, eliminating pollution and restoring biodiversity. The Green Deal also includes a ‘Just Transition Mechanism’ to provide targeted support to alleviate the socio-economic impact of the transition to climate-neutral economy. The transition to a low carbon, climate resilient economy and society is considered by the EU to present significant challenges and require fundamental changes to certain industries and livelihoods. Such impacts will be unevenly spread with some regions and communities impacted more than others. The EU Council however underlies that the transition to climate neutrality will also create alternative employment and economic opportunities and benefits through the development and roll out of new technologies, increase in new jobs and markets and the benefits that retrofitting schemes will bring. The EU recognizes the need to put in place an enabling framework to ensure that the transition is cost-effective, as well as socially balanced and fair enabling a just transition so that no region or sector will be disadvantaged through the transition to a low carbon climate resilient economy. The Irish Government, in line with EU policy and member obligations is committed though national legislation to support climate action and a just transition through funding supports and initiatives that will alleviate the socio-economic impact of the transition to a climateneutral economy. National Context and Legislation The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 aligns with targets set by the EU and supports Ireland’s transition to a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. This Act significantly amends and strengthens the earlier Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act of 2015. It follows through on Ireland’s increasingly ambitious commitments in the area of climate action, which were included for in the Programme for Government and the Annual Climate Action Plan. It provides for the nationally legally binding framework to enable Ireland to achieve the ‘national climate objective’ as included in the Act which has a key provision ‘to reduce the extent of further global warming, pursue and achieve, the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy’. A climate neutral economy is defined as a sustainable economy and society where greenhouse gas emissions are balanced or exceeded by the removal of greenhouse gases. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 49
- Climate ActionThe legislation provides for specific mechanisms, plans and strategies that will be used by Government to achieve the national climate objective. These include the preparation of carbon budgets allied to sectoral emission ceilings and other actions that support the government’s policy on climate change. The first two five-year carbon budgets are required to provide for a total reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 51% over the period to 2030, relative to a baseline of 2018. The Climate Action Plan (CAP), first prepared in 2019 sets out a roadmap to deliver a 51% reduction in Ireland’s overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, and to achieving net-zero emissions no later than 2050. Under legislation the Climate Action Plan is required to be updated annually to accommodate new and emerging technologies, changing scientific consensus and evolving government climate action policy. The CAP must also comply with the carbon budget programme and sectoral emission ceilings and other actions necessary to support government policy on climate change. The CAP also acknowledges the need for a just transition and the need to build climate resilience in all communities. A National Long Term Climate Action Strategy is also a requirement under the legislation and is required to be reviewed every 5 years. The purpose of this strategy is to specify how it is to achieve the ‘national objective’ consistent with the carbon budget programme. It must also include for the projected reduction in emissions and enhancement of carbon sinks for a minimum period of 30 years. A National Adaptation Framework, which is required to be reviewed every five years was already an obligation since the original Act 2015. It must specify the strategy for the application of adaptation measure in different sectors and by local authorities to reduce vulnerability of the State to the negative effects of climate change. The National Adaptation Framework was published in 2018. It included a requirement for each local authority to make and adopt local adaptation strategies. Galway City Council adopted the Climate Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 for the city in September 2019. Sectoral adaptation plans are also required to be prepared by seven government departments and to sit under the national framework. Each plan is required to identify the key risks faced across the sector and the approach being taken to address these risks and build climate resilience. The National Mitigation Plan, also an obligation under national climate legislation was published in 2017. This original document included for mitigation responsibilities of a range of government departments relating to topics that included electricity generation, the built environment, transport and agriculture. It included over 100 actions for government and public bodies to implement and begin the process of developing medium to long term mitigation choices for the next decade and beyond. However in 2020 the Supreme Court quashed the National Mitigation Plan deeming it non-compliant with climate legislation. A new national mitigation plan is required to be prepared. A key addition to the amended climate legislation that will integrate with Development Plans is the obligation for each local authority to prepare five yearly Local Authority Climate Action Plans. These will need to specify mitigation and adaptation measures, consistent with the relevant elements of the governance framework. In addition the legislation requires that these Local Authority Climate Action Plans must be taken into account when making a development plan. The framework for meeting national targets is supported by the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC). It functions in advising and making recommendations to the Ministers and the Government, this function and their reporting have been further developed in the recent legislation to match the expanded governance framework. 50 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Climate ActionPlanning and plan making is carried out within the framework of planning legislation. The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) includes for mandatory objectives that must be included as a consideration in the making of development plans. In this regard the legislation requires plans to include for objectives relating to climate action and specifically to have sustainable settlement and transport strategies and to promote sustainable energy use, reduction of greenhouse gases and adaptation measure. The legislation also obliges development plans to be in alignment with the policy direction in the National Planning Framework (NPF), the relevant Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES) and Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines. Planning legislation in addition to environmental legislation also provides the basis for protecting the natural and built environment and for the carrying out of strategic environmental assessments of both plans and projects where the anticipated environmental effects of objectives and policies in a development plan or a specific development can be measured. The transition to a Circular Economy is an action under the Climate Action Plan 2019 that will form part of Ireland’s transition to a climate resilient economy. A strategy is currently being developed to provide a national framework to enable the transition and the ambition of a national rate of circular material use which will exceed the EU average by 2030. The strategy will be given statutory footing by the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022.The goal of a circular economy is to minimise waste and consumption of raw materials through ensuring that the materials remain in use for as long as possible by designing products that are durable and can be repaired and remanufactured. In contrast to the linear economy, which depends on raw materials to produce goods which are disposed of as a waste product at end of life. The circular economy treats waste as a resource that can be reused and recycled. The transition to a circular economy is key to achieving targeted reduction in carbon emissions and the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient economy as the extraction of natural resources and the disposal of waste is a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity and habitat loss globally. The development of the circular economy will also create new opportunities for local economies through reuse and remanufacturing and alternative business models such as sharing and leasing schemes. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 51
- Climate ActionThe transition to a circular economy is also central to national waste policy, A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (2020-2025) and National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy will replace Regional Waste Management Plans and will contain targets for all waste streams to prioritise reuse and repair, reduce resource consumption and reduce contamination of recyclable material. Policy 2.1 Circular Economy 1. Support a successful transition to a circular economy where waste and resources are minimised in accordance with emerging legislation and national strategy including the Circular Economy Programme 2021-2027. National and Regional Context - Planning Policy The key role that spatial and land use planning has in relation to Climate Action is reflected at national level in Ireland Project 2040 which includes the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the National Development Plan (NDP). The NPF acknowledges that the planning process provides an established means through which to implement and integrate climate change objectives, including for mitigation and adaptation, at local level and to the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society. It includes a number of cross-cutting objectives which together, within the broader planning perspective of achieving sustainable development, support the National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 8 which would see Ireland ‘Transitioning to a low carbon economy and climate resilient society’. The NDP outlines how national investment priorities will be delivered in a manner that supports the NPF priorities, the targets in the national Climate Plans and plans for a shift towards a decarbonised society. This investment strategy includes for transformation of the energy systems away from fossil fuels to renewable energy, retrofitting for improved energy efficiency. It also includes for investment in sustainable mobility measures, urban regeneration to support compact growth and for flood relief investment programmes. The Northern and Western Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) incorporates the notion of a low carbon future integrated into five growth ambitions in the regional strategy. The RSES identifies a number of key Regional Policy Objectives (RPOs) related to climate change, energy, renewable energy, transmission network, environmental protection and flooding. These objectives are designed to respond to climate change and to build a climate resilient region that is primed to transition to a low carbon economy and society. The RSES also recognises the significant opportunities that will come with climate action for the region through resource efficiency and the commercial application of technology to existing and emerging energy. The Plan, framed by the Core Strategy has been prepared in line with climate legislation and national and regional policy guidance and includes for a range of cross- cutting climate and environment policies and objectives which align with national ambitions on climate action. These measures also include support and encouragement for associated appropriate investments and actions by public bodies, the community and business interests. At regional level local authorities are supported by the Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs). Galway City is under the remit of the Atlantic Seaboard North CARO. These CAROs are mandated to coordinate climate action at local government level. Their remit is to assist in the preparation of adaptation strategies and support local authorities with the necessary competency and expertise on climate action across all functions and activities. 52 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Climate ActionLocal Context – Galway City Local authorities, being at a level of government closest to local communities and enterprise are uniquely placed to effect real positive change. In regard to climate change local authorities can both lead and contribute greatly to the delivery of the national transition objective of low carbon, climate resilience in the longer term and also act to improve the ability to plan for and respond to severe weather events in the shorter term. This is recognised in the commitment made by all local authorities to sign up to the Local Authority Climate Action Charter (2019). This charter recognises the capacity for local authorities to provide leadership at the local level around climate action. The charter sets out a number of commitments including to adhere to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to act as advocates for the climate action through policy and practice, in their organisational capacity and through working with local communities. In light of this commitment and the obligation for all local authorities to make and adopt local adaptation strategies as required under the National Adaptation Framework, Galway City Council commenced preparation of Climate Resilient Galway City 2019-2024, an adaption plan for the city. The preparation for this plan involved reviewing past climate events and trends over a 30 year period in order to understand the impact of climate change on the city and likely future impacts. Analysis of the data indicated that the city must prepare for an increase in the risk of coastal flooding, tidal surges and coastal erosion due to increased storm activity and projected rises in mean sea levels. The risk of river and surface water flooding was also predicted to increase as a result of patterns of rainfall becoming more intense. The projected increase in rainfall intensity was also identified as likely to lead to an overloading of the surface water networks, leading to more road and street flooding, overland flows and property flooding. The review also concluded that in this context the water network and wastewater treatment facilities will need to adapt to manage increased flows. It showed too that Galway City is also vulnerable to high winds which has potential to damage property and critical infrastructure, cause disruption to transport networks, community and economic activity and increase the risk to resident’s health and wellbeing. With climate science predicting an increase in summer mean temperatures the risk to energy and transport networks as a result of heat related damage is also an issue to be addressed. With an increase in temperatures, offices, homes and commercial premises in the city are likely to be at risk of overheating and requiring additional facilities for cooling. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 53
- Climate ActionGalway has a rich natural heritage which is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and the risks posed in particular by temperature rises and the likelihood of an increase in extreme weather events. Such events are likely to impact negatively on the diverse range of habitats and wildlife which are vulnerable to changes in climatic conditions. Biodiversity is also likely to be impacted due to changes in the timings of seasonal events which may lead to disruption of existing flora and fauna, reducing the range of species and habitats and disrupting ecosystem services. In the context of climate change Galway City Council adopted a climate adaptation strategy - Climate Resilient Galway City 2019-2024 in 2019. It sets out Galway City Council’s short and medium term objectives for the adaptation to climate change. The strategy is based on four main themes: critical infrastructure and buildings, natural and cultural capital, water resources and flood risk management and community services and sets out specific actions under each. Other initiatives at city level include the preparation of a pilot Decarbonisation Zone (DZ) at Westside. The Government’s Climate Action Plan includes for an action for each local authority to identify a Decarbonising Zone. This is a spatial area in which a range of climate mitigation measures are identified to address low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate needs to contribute to national climate action targets. The range of policies and projects developed are specific to the energy and climate characteristics of the spatial area covered by the DZ. This can include a range of technologies and measures addressing electricity, heat, transport, building energy efficiency, carbon sequestration and energy storage. The DZ must at a minimum reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 7% per annum from 2021 to 2030 (a 51% reduction over the decade), in line with targets set out Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. Galway City Council has selected the ‘Westside’ area of the city as a DZ and will work in partnership with local stakeholders including public bodies, utility providers, community groups, schools, businesses and the established Sustainable Energy Communities (SEA) including Galway Energy Co-op SEC, University of Galway SEC and Galway City Council SEC to prepare and deliver an implementation plan for a DZ in 2023. The range of policies and projects that will be developed will be specific to the energy and climate characteristics of Westside DZ. As with the intent for the DZ, the plans should also address the wider cobenefits which can include air quality, improved health, biodiversity, embodied carbon, lower noise levels, waste, water and also benefits relating to adaptation. Westside DZ will act as a demonstrator area with potential to roll-out the initiatives to other parts of the city and will have an objective to increase citizen awareness and behavioural change in relation to climate action. The Council will prepare an Energy Master Plan for Galway City which will include a greenhouse gas baseline emissions inventory (BEI), establishing an emissions baseline for the city. The BEI will also provide a baseline of energy use and sources in the city for the baseline year 2018 and estimate the increase in demand for energy in line with the projected growth of the city’s population. The Energy Master Plan will provide a register of opportunities for decarbonising projects including energy retrofitting of residential and nonresidential buildings, a roadmap for electrification of the heat and transport systems and the identification of viable renewable energy and energy storage projects to target opportunities to achieve the 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions required nationally by 2030. As referenced climate legislation requires each local authority to prepare five yearly Local Authority Climate Action Plans that will be required to integrate with respective development plans. These will need to specify mitigation and adaptation measures, consistent with the relevant elements of the governance framework and relative to the local authority area. The legislation requires these to be prepared within 1 year of the commencement of the Act and supported by government guidelines. 54 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Climate ActionPolicy 2.2 Climate Action 1. Support the implementation of International, European and National objectives as detailed in the following: • EU Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021; • the European Green Deal; • The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015 to 2021; • The annual Climate Action Plan and any revisions thereof; • The National Climate Adaptation Framework 2018; • The National Climate Change Strategy; • EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030; • Sectoral Adaptation Plans and • The National Climate Mitigation Plan (when prepared and adopted) 2. Support the implementation of national objectives for climate change adaptation and climate change mitigation to achieve a just transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable, carbon neutral economy. 3. Support through plan policy and objectives, the national objective of the legally binding path to net-zero emissions no later than 2050, and to a 51% reduction in emissions by the end of 2030; through implementation of 5 year carbon budgets, by way of reducing greenhouse gases, promotion of sustainable transport, use of renewable resources, improving energy efficiency and supporting nature based solutions. 4. Support, facilitate and advance the implementation of policies and actions set out in the Galway City Council Climate Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024. 5. Prepare and make a five year Local Authority Climate Action Plan in accordance with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Amendment Act 2021 and future supporting guidelines. Review the development plan to ensure consistency with the Local Authority Climate Action Plan and future climate action policy and guidance and if required bring forward a variation of the plan. 6. Support national sectoral emissions ceilings and carbon budgets once adopted where applicable. 7. Manage the climate risks associated with climate change through the development of climate adaptation measures and sustainable planning and development, including through the planning, design and implementation of the Coirib go Cósta Galway City Flood Relief Scheme in conjunction with the OPW. 8. Support the implementation of water management measures through mechanisms such as SuDS, rain water harvesting, use of grey water, water storage and nature based solutions to adapt to the impacts of climate change. 9. Support the designated and any future Decarbonising Zone (DZ) in the city and associated implementation plan promoting measures to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and improve general environmental conditions in this area. 10. Support Energy Master Plans prepared by Sustainable Energy Communities in Galway City in particular to support the recommendations of the Galway City Energy Master Plan and associated Energy Action Plan setting out pathways for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission associated with energy use in Galway City. 11. Support initiatives to advance good soil management, carbon capture and carbon sequestration where feasible in the city. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 55
- Climate Action12. Collaborate with the Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) and any other relevant stakeholder in respect of the implementation of existing and future climate change adaption and mitigation strategies and climate action policy to support the transition to a low carbon economy. 13. Increase awareness and support behavioural change in relation to climate change, climate resilience and the transition to a low carbon economy. 14. Enable opportunities to activate EC funded projects such as the EU Horizon Europe Missions under the two missions of (i) Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities and (ii) Adaptation to Climate Change, including societal transformation. 15. Require a climate action statement that considers energy, emissions and sustainable transport as part of every Local Area Plan, Masterplan, Spatial Framework, and Regeneration and Opportunity Site. 16. Support measures to reduce the reliance on single use plastics in the city with a particular emphasis on taking single use plastic bottles out of use as a measure to be pro-active in supporting the Climate Action Plan 17. Support the Third level sector to become centres for Climate Mitigation and Learning. 2.3 Planning & Sustainability – Achieving Sustainable Planning Outcomes Planning and the planning system is a key enabler responding to the challenges posed by climate change and in building climate resilience and supporting the transition to carbon neutrality. Locally, the Development Plan sets out a land use planning framework that integrates climate adaptation, mitigation measures, sustainability and the environment into spatial policy. In particular the Core Strategy, policies and land use zoning objectives can encourage compact growth, support and integrate sustainable mobility with land use, provide for green infrastructure, address flood risk, and provide for renewable energy. This approach directly responds to the need to protect and enhance natural resources, reduce energy demand, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect against the risks posed by climate change in the city. Green and Blue Infrastructure (Adaption and Mitigation) Galway City is fortunate to have a rich legacy of natural capital. It includes coastline, woodlands, river, canal system and protected habitats. A fifth of the total land area of Galway City includes areas designated as protected habitats, recreational and amenity lands and lands in agricultural use. This network of spaces constitutes the city’s green and blue infrastructure. It provides a range of benefits including the support of biodiversity, recreation, leisure and sustainable mobility opportunities and general well-being. Good policy support and management of these resources can enable this green and blue infrastructure to deliver benefits to sustain a good standard of natural environment and address climate change impacts. Through active management these benefits can be deployed as nature based solutions to adapt to climate change. Nature-based solutions are defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as “actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human wellbeing and biodiversity benefits”. Green and blue infrastructure can provide significant environmental benefits including flood water storage, urban cooling and improved air quality. They also have an important role in tackling the biodiversity crisis, sequestration of carbon, absorbing filtering and attenuating water, preventing erosion and filtering pollutants from the air and water. 56 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
Source Galway City Council: Galway City Development Plan 2023–2029 (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.