Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 5: Sustainable Mobility and Transport

1. Page 51

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   generally be required in Military Operating Areas. Solar/PV Panels and External lighting and Power Lines (See also Solar Energy in Chapter 7) Solar/PV Panel Arrays can give rise to glare problems for pilots and for air traffic controllers, so that any proposed arrays in the vicinity of aerodromes or helipads, or on their approaches, should be assessed within ‘Glint and Glare’ studies in relation to runway thresholds, flight paths, and control tower/s. External lighting under runway approaches should normally be of the cut-off type (i.e. not showing light above the horizontal), and lighting masts should not protrude above any obstacle limitation surface (unless ‘shielded’ by an existing object of equal or greater elevation). Overhead power lines should be avoided on runway approaches close to an aerodrome or close to a helipad, with power lines routed underground in such locations. 5.13.7 Military Aviation Activities Although Casement Aerodrome at Baldonnel is located wholly within South Dublin, its Approach and Take-off-climb Surfaces extend well into Kildare – to between Naas and Blessington in respect of Casement Runway/s 04/22, and to between Maynooth and Clane in respect of Casement Runway/s 10/28. These are shown on Development Plan maps (Map Ref 5.4) and it should be noted that the designations of all of Casement’s runways were changed in 2019, so that the runways referred to in previous Kildare Plans as 05/23 and 11/29 are now designated 04/22 and 10/28. Operations at Casement Aerodrome do not fall under IAA or ICAO control (as it is a military aerodrome); however, ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices are applied as policy by the Department of Defence at Casement Aerodrome. In addition to providing safeguarding for aircraft operations to/from Casement Aerodrome, the Plan also recognises that much of the airspace above County Kildare is a “Military Operating Area” with designation “MOA4”. The IAA provides that this airspace is available to non-military aircraft at most times but can be closed to nonmilitary flying at short notice so that “military flying training, aerobatics, and air combat manoeuvres” can take place however Kildare County Council would strongly discourage such manoeuvres taking place over built-up areas. 5.13.8 Helipads To safeguard operations at helipads, it is proposed that a 1 in 8 slope in all directions around existing or future helipads will be preserved free of any new obstacles, and that no overhead wires will be allowed in their vicinity. 5.13.9 Aerial Sporting and Recreational Activities in Kildare The various aerodromes and airfields within (and close to) Kildare provide a variety of recreational facilities. These include Gliding at Gowran Grange (with associated Lee Wave Soaring Area above Kildare & Wicklow), Ballooning at Carragh, General Aviation recreational flying at Kilrush and at Weston, Flight Training at Weston, and Parachuting from Clonbullogue Aerodrome (in Offaly). Other activities include Microlight flying, Hang-gliding (near the Wicklow border), Unmanned and Model Aircraft Flying at Newbridge and Blessington, and Acrobatics by Air Corps aircraft.188

2. Page 52

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   The development of such aviation-related recreational facilities will be encouraged, subject to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned. 5.13.10 Aviation in General Policy It is the policy of the Council to: TM P12 Support the safe and efficient navigation of aircrafts throughout the County. TM P13 Discourage noise-sensitive developments in the immediate vicinity of airports and aerodromes. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: TM O131 Safeguard aerodromes and air navigation in Kildare by application of international ‘obstacle limitation standards’ – in particular the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices contained in “Annex 14” to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (for those aerodromes subject to ICAO Standards), and the EASA Aerodrome Certification Specifications (for any aerodrome subject to EASA Specifications), and to take into account (per ICAO guidance) any ‘shielding’ that may be provided by existing ‘obstacles’ in the vicinity. TM O132 Analyse the impact of any new aerodromes, or of an intensification of use of existing aerodromes, on the established character and amenities of an area, with a general presumption against development where the technical and safety requirements associated with such development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the County. TM O133 Consult with the Irish Aviation Authority in regard to applications in the vicinity of aerodromes, and in regard to developments that may exceed 45 metres in height above ground level, or 45m above the aerodrome’s datum level, or where it is considered appropriate. TM O134 Refer, where appropriate, proposed wind farm development applications located within MOA4 (as per Map 5.2) and refer proposed solar farm development applications located within 3km of the Curragh Camp to the Department of Defence. TM O135 Restrict or prohibit development such as landfills (or other attractants to birds) in the vicinity of aerodromes or flight paths, or within 13km of Casement Aerodrome, or within 8km of Weston Airport. TM O136 Limit residential development and other land uses impacted by noise, such as nursing homes, schools, hospitals and conference centres within the Noise Significant Area Boundary delineated for Weston (Map 5.3) and Casement (Map 5.4) and ensure that any noise sensitive uses are subject to an appropriate noise assessment and mitigation measures to protect residential amenity. TM O137 Restrict or prohibit smoke-, dust-, steam-, or thermal-plume-producing development under Approaches to aerodrome runways, which may interfere with the safe navigation of aircraft; and to require new external189

3. Page 53

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   lighting and any solar/PV arrays in such locations to be analysed in relation to potential visual interference. TM O138 Restrict or prohibit development or industrial processes in the vicinity of aviation Communication, Navigation or Surveillance equipment which might interfere with such equipment, and to refer such development to the IAA. TM O139 Refer any proposed overhead power or communication cables in the vicinity of an aerodrome to the IAA, and to require any such cables to be routed underground within 100m of a runway and under all Public Safety Zone areas. TM O140 Require an aviation analysis to be provided for any proposed development within the areas coloured dark grey on the CDP “Map of Areas of Aviation Significance”, and to require aviation analysis for development of over 15m in height (above ground level) within the areas coloured light grey on the same map, and for development of over 30m in height above ground level in all other areas (and this analysis should take into account the elevations-OD/AMSL (a) of the proposed development, and (b) of the ground levels on the site, and (c) of any relevant aviation ‘obstacle limitation surfaces’. Please see Map Ref. 5.2. TM O141 Seek, when considered necessary, information such as aircraft movement (and/or passenger) logs, and aircraft movement and passenger forecasts, and aviation noise records and forecasts, in relation to any significant proposed developments at existing airports/ aerodromes or at any proposed airports/aerodromes. 5.13.11 Public Safety Zones Public Safety Zones in the vicinity of aerodromes are areas in which development or certain types of development, may be restricted to provide added safety for the persons on the ground. The adoption of Public Safety Zones (in which development is restricted can have the collateral / added benefit of restricting development in these areas where higher levels of aircraft noise occur. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: TM P14 Improve protection for the public on the ground, in the event of an aircraft crash occurring, through the provision of Inner and Outer Public Safety Zones around all aerodromes.190

4. Page 54

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   Objectives It is an objective of the Council: TM O142 Prohibit all new development involving human occupancy in the Inner Public Safety Zones (of 1km length by 100m width) at all aerodromes in Kildare, as identified on the Development Plan maps. TM O143 Coordinate with South Dublin in limiting all new development in the new Outer Public Safety Zones (of 2km by 200m) at Weston Airport with occupancies per half hectare of: • 60 persons or less for housing/residential, • 85 persons or less for retail or leisure, • 110 persons or less for working premises, and • with a prohibition (in all Public Safety Zone areas) on sports stadia, and on any new sensitive/institutional development such as schools or medical facilities, and on any new development involving 24-hour occupancy such as retirement homes. TM O144 Review Public Safety Zone dimensions and occupancy limits in accordance with actual and predicted air traffic figures and having regard for any recommended international airport Public Safety Zone practice. 5.13.12 Weston Airport Weston Airport (also called Weston Aerodrome) is located to the north-east of Celbridge to both sides of the boundary between County Kildare and South County Dublin. Most of the aerodrome, runway and associated infrastructure is located on lands within the South Dublin County Council administrative area, with a small part of its runway and its paved Stopway and its Clearway located in County Kildare. Weston is of a size that would fall under EASA [European Aviation Safety Agency] Certification Specifications, but it has been temporarily exempted from coming under EASA control due to low annual passenger figures, and continues to be licensed by the IAA, so that ICAO’s “Annex 14” Standards and Recommended Practices continue to apply at Weston for the time being. If passenger numbers increase sufficiently at Weston, it will become liable to EASA Certification (rather than being licensed by the IAA), but this will not change the safeguarding being applied, as the EASA and ICAO requirements have become coordinated as of November 2018. As of 2021, the IAA no longer applies an Outer Horizontal Surface around Weston aerodrome. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: TM P15 Support the safety of operations at Weston Aerodrome, and to prevent encroachment of development around the Aerodrome which may interfere with its safe operation, in the context of the proper planning and sustainable development of the surrounding area and amenities.191

5. Page 55

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   Objectives It is an Objective of the Council to (re Weston): TM O145 Prevent encroachment of development, and incompatible development, in the vicinity of Weston Aerodrome which may interfere with its safe operation. TM O146 Have regard for the advice of the statutory bodies responsible for the control and safety of operations at Weston Aerodrome, in the context of the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and the protection of amenities. TM O147 Refer any development within 3.6km of Weston Aerodrome’s runway (i.e. within the plan area of its Horizontal and Conical Surfaces, as are indicated on Kildare CDP Maps) to the Irish Aviation Authority, and to limit the heights of development in its vicinity in accordance with ICAO ‘obstacle limitation’ requirements. TM O148 Ensure a balanced approach to any further lengthening of the permitted runway or over-run areas having regard to the need for environmental and other assessments including noise and assessment of the impact on local communities. TM O149 Continue to develop a common protocol with South Dublin County Council to guide the consideration of planning applications at Weston Airport.192

6. Page 56

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   5.13.13 Casement Aerodrome & Air Corps Operations Casement Aerodrome is located wholly within South Dublin county area, at about 2.5 kilometres from the county boundary with Kildare. It is headquarters of the Irish Air Corps and the principal State military aerodrome, with substantial fixed-wing training and helicopter operations. It should be noted that Casement’s ‘obstacle limitation surfaces’ reach 15km from the aerodrome, and extend by a considerable distance into Kildare, and in some locations (as at Lyons Hill, and in the Kilteel area) are below existing ground levels. Height restrictions under Casement’s Outer Horizontal Surface [OHS} and the Approach to its Runway 04 extend as far as Blessington. Please refer to Map Ref 5.4. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: TM P16 Safeguard the current and future operational, safety and technical requirements of Casement Aerodrome and to facilitate its ongoing development for military and ancillary uses within a sustainable development framework. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: TM O150 Prevent encroachment of incompatible development, on the approaches to Casement Aerodrome which may interfere with its safe operation. TM O151 Refer any significant proposed development (including wind and solar farms), where appropriate, within 6km of Casement Aerodrome’s runways (i.e. within the plan area of its Inner Horizontal and Conical Surfaces) or under its Approach Surfaces, to the Department of Defence, and to limit the heights of development under its ‘obstacle limitation surfaces’ which extend into Kildare (as are indicated on Kildare CDP Maps) in accordance with ICAO ‘obstacle limitation’ guidance. TM O152 Refer any development of greater than 45m height above ground level within 37km of Casement Aerodrome to the Department of Defence.193

7. Page 57

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   5.13.14 Other Small Aerodromes and Helipads in Kildare Gowran Grange Aerodrome (see Map Ref 5.5) Gowran Grange Aerodrome, with one grass runway, is located beside the R411 Road south-west of Punchestown Racecourse and is home to the Dublin Gliding Club. It is not licensed (for passenger traffic) by the IAA at date of writing the CDP, and its ‘obstacle limitation’ restrictions will particularly affect any development in the nearby elevated land at Glebe West. [A separate adjoining airstrip within Punchestown Racecourse is no longer in operation.] Kilrush Aerodrome (see Map Ref 5.6) Kilrush Aerodrome, with two runways (one paved and one of grass) is located beside the R418 Road between Kilcullen and Athy. Although previously licensed by the IAA, it is not licensed at date of writing the CDP. Kilrush ‘obstacle limitation’ restrictions will particularly affect any development in nearby elevated lands at Bullhill and Lipstown. Airfield at Clarkestown Another small private unlicensed airfield with grass runway exists at Clarkestown to the west of Naas. Airfield at Stramillan A small airfield has been permitted (for possible glider use) at Stramillan near Monasterevin, but this is not yet developed. Helipad/s The county contains some private helipads but does not contain a hospital helipad at date of writing the CDP. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: TM P17 Safeguard the current and future operational, safety and technical requirements of Kilrush and Gowran Grange aerodromes, and of other small permitted airfields with the County. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: TM O153 Ensure that any new development within a 2.7km radius of Kilrush Aerodrome, or within 2.7km of Gowran grange Aerodrome, or of permitted airfields at Clarkestown and Stramillan (i.e. within the outlines of their Conical Surface as indicated on the CDP maps) will be subject to the obstacle limitation requirements of ICAO’s ‘Annex 14’, and also be referred to the IAA. TM O154 Require that any new development in the vicinity of an existing permitted helipad not project above a 1 in 8 gradient commencing at 10m from the centre of the helipad.194

8. Page 58

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   5.13.15 Aerodromes in Other Counties which affect Kildare Dublin Airport The only area within Co. Kildare that is affected by Dublin Airport is a small area on the northern boundary of the County, which is subject to a Dublin Airport requirement that any proposed structure higher than 90m above ground level be notified to the Dublin Airport Authority for assessment. Please refer to Map Ref 5.2 below. Moyglare and Dolly’s Grove Airfields (in Meath) The ICAO ‘obstacle limitation surfaces’ for two small unlicensed private airfields in Meath extend into north Kildare near Maynooth (at distances of 2.7km from these airfields). The ‘surfaces’ for Moyglare airfield (with one grass runway) extend to around 1.85km over Kildare, and the ‘surfaces’ for Dolly’s Grove airfield (with one paved runway) extend to around 850m over Kildare. Please refer to Map Ref. 5.2 below. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: TM P18 Safeguard the operational, safety and technical requirements of permitted airports/aerodromes/heliports in adjoining counties whose ‘obstacle limitation surfaces’ extend above Kildare. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: TM O155 Have regard for the ICAO obstacle limitation requirements of airports/aerodromes in adjoining counties whose ‘obstacle limitation surfaces’ extend above Kildare. TM O156 Refer to the IAA, the IAA-ANSP (Air Navigation Services Provider) and to Dublin Airport Authority any proposed development of more than 90m above ground level which might lie under the small part of Dublin Airport’s Obstacle Limitation Surface which lies above Kildare.195

9. Page 59

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   5.13.16 Future Aviation Facilities in Kildare Although Covid 19 has seen a significant reduction in Aviation over the recent past, it is anticipated that Aviation will play an important role in Kildare over the coming years. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: TM P19 Support the sustainable development of aviation, and of aviation sporting and recreation facilities, in the county (including new airfield/s or helipad/s), where such development will be consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the surrounding area and amenities. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: TM O157 Require that any future aviation facilities will be compatible with the sustainable development of the surrounding area and amenities, and will be compatible with local transport strategies, and will be subject to appropriate noise control. TM O158 Ensure that any future aviation facilities will comply with ICAO “Annex 14” Standards and Recommended Practices (or with EASA Specifications, if applicable). TM O159 Require that any extended or new aviation recreational facility will comply with IAA guidelines and will not cause interference to existing military aviation. TM O160 Require that there will be no obstacle extending above a 1 in 8 gradient (commencing at 10m from the centre of the helipad) at any new heliport or private helipad.196

10. Page 60

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    AREAS OF AVIATION SIGNIFICANCE & AERODROME CONTEXT MAP Stage This drawing is to be read in conjunction with the written statement Date Description Scale: N.T.S. Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi Licence number CYAL50250173 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland/Kildare County Council Map Ref: V1-5.2 Drawing No.: 200/22/1345 County Development Plan 2023-2029 Inner Horizontal Surfaces Approach Surfaces Conical Surfaces Take-Off Climb Surface (shaded in green when below approach surface) Locations of Aviation Significance for any development Locations where Developments of up to 15m in height above ground are unlikely to have aviation significance Military Operatings Areas MOA3 MOA4 Danger & Restricted Areas EI-R16 EI-R15 Prohibited Area EI10 (Curragh Military Camp) Legend Airfields & Aerodromes Weston Airport (Map Ref 5.3) Gowran Grange Aerodrome (Map Ref 5.4) Casement Aerodrome (Map Ref 5.5) Kilrush Aerodrome (Map Ref 5.6) Drawn By: M O'Loughlin Date 28/01/2023 County Development Plan 28/01/2023 Date the Plan comes into effect Checked By: L Crawford Date 28/01/2023 Date: January 2023 County Development Plan 09/12/2022 Plan adopted by Elected Members Approved By: C O'Donnell Date 28/01/2023197

Source Kildare County Council: Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 5: Sustainable Mobility and Transport (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.