Development plan · Kildare County Council
Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 6: Infrastructure and Environmental Services
One part of the council's development plan written statement, which the council publishes in parts. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
Kildare County Council · 2023–2029 · 19 pages
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- Chapter 6 Infrastructure & Environmental Services 6.1 Background The availability of high-quality water, drainage infrastructure and environmental services are necessary to facilitate the sustainable development of the county and to protect the environment. While Irish Water is responsible for all aspects of public water services planning, delivery and operation, Kildare County Council, as an agent of Irish Water continues to provide certain water services functions for County Kildare. The Council is responsible for the management of surface water, with the Office of Public Works (OPW) having overarching responsibility for flood risk management. The Council also has a statutory role in regulating waste management and pollution in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in co-operation with regional support organisations such as the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) and the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority (WERLA) offices. It has and will continue to be a policy of the Council to support Irish Water and their role in relation to water supply and wastewater treatment, to manage surface water in a sustainable manner, to minimise waste in accordance with the principles of the circular economy approach and to provide flood protection measures and to reduce flood risk as far as possible. This chapter sets out specific policies and objectives in relation to the following: • Water • Wastewater • Surface Water and Flooding • Pollution (waste, water, air, noise, and light). 6.2 Planning Policy Context The policies and objectives set out in this chapter are consistent with national and regional planning policy outlined in the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Eastern Midlands Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 (RSES). The NPF includes objectives relating to, inter alia. • the sustainable management of waste generation, • enhancing water quality and resource management, • ensuring the efficient use of water resources, • improving air quality, and • managing noise. Aim: To create an environment characterised by high quality infrastructure networks and environmental services that complement the overall settlement and economic strategy and ensures the health and wellbeing of those who live and work in the County, also securing the economic future of the County.203
- • The RSES includes objectives relating to, inter alia. • proposals to ensure the efficient and sustainable use of water resources, • addressing water leakage, • the facilitation of strategic wastewater treatment infrastructure, • addressing areas at risk of flooding, and • the integration of sustainable water management solutions. 6.3 Other Relevant Policy and Legislative Context In addition to the planning policy context outlined above this chapter has also had regard to the policy and legislative provisions outlined in the documents listed below: • Water Services Act (2017). • Water Framework Directive (2000) • River Basin Management Plan for Ireland (2018-2021). • Water Services Policy Statement 2018-2025’ • Irish Water’s ‘Water Services Strategic Plan’ (2015) (WSSP) • EPA - Code of Practice for Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems (pe≤10) (2021) • Greater Dublin Area Strategic Drainage Study (2005) • EU Floods Directive • National Flood Policy Review Report (2004) • The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities, DECLG and OPW (2009) • Implementing the National Flood Risk Policy (2018) • Eastern-Midlands Regional Waste Management Plan 2015-2021 • A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy 2020-2025. • Kildare Litter Management Plan 2020-2023. • Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Quality in Ireland Report 2013-2018. • European Communities (Environmental Noise) Regulations 2018. • Kildare Noise Action Plan 2019-2023. • EU Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe (CAFÉ) Directive (2008/50/EC). • Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) • Ireland’s Nitrates Action Programme 2017-2021 6.4 Infrastructure Strategy The Council recognises the importance of the continued development of sustainable wastewater, water supply, and drainage services in the county to facilitate economic development and to provide a high quality of life for a growing population. Alleviation of flood risk and the consequences of flooding including the provision of Flood Management Systems throughout the county is also a key component of the County’s Infrastructure strategy.204
- 6.5 Water and Wastewater Services As outlined in 6.1 above, Irish Water is responsible for public water services in Ireland. This extends to all public water services, involving the supply of drinking water and the collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater. Kildare County Council remains the designated Water Authority for the assessment and approval of on-site wastewater treatment systems and is responsible for monitoring Group Water Schemes, surface water drainage, and administering the Rural Water Programme. The Water Services Act (2017) provides the legislative framework in relation to the planning management and delivery of water supply and wastewater collection and treatment services. It incorporates a comprehensive review, update and consolidation of all existing water services legislation and facilitates the establishment of a comprehensive supervisory regime to ensure compliance with specified performance standards. The ‘Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)’ provides the overarching set of arrangements governing the management of water quality across Europe. It is a single piece of legislation covering water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, with its remit being to protect and restore water quality with the aim of achieving at least “good” ecological status within the lifetime of the WFD. Management of water quality is centred on regions, through the implementation of the River Basin Management Plan (RBMP). Kildare is included in two of the regions, the Southeast Region, and the Midlands/East Region. Ireland is now preparing for the 3rd cycle, which will propose a River Basin Management Plan for 2022 to 2027. The Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and the Drinking Water Directive set standards for wastewater and water supply respectively and have been transposed into Irish legislation through Regulations. National policy for the delivery and development of water and wastewater services is set out in the ‘Water Services Policy Statement 2018-2025’ (2018). This high-level policy statement identifies key objectives for the delivery of water and wastewater services up to 2025. Three themes are identified: quality, conservation, and future proofing. 6.5.1 Water Services Irish Water’s ‘Water Services Strategic Plan’ (2015) (WSSP) sets out strategic objectives for the delivery of water services up to 2040. The WSSP identifies current and future challenges regarding the provision of water services and identified priorities to be tackled in the short to medium term. Objectives include ensuring a safe and reliable water supply and providing effective management of wastewater. Specific priorities include delivery of improved services, remediation of drinking water quality problems, complying with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, reducing leakage and catering for growth.205
- Work is currently ongoing on Irish Water’s National Water Resources Plan which will be a 25-year strategy to ensure a secure and reliable drinking water supply to the Region. The Water Supply Project remains the project identified to deliver a ‘new source’ of water supply for the Eastern and Midlands area to meet the longer-term growth of the Region up to 2050 and to ensure resilience and security of supply. The Parteen Basin option has been identified by Irish Water as the preferred water supply scheme to deliver the widest benefit to the greatest number of people, with the least environmental impact and in the most cost-effective manner. The scheme comprises the abstraction of water from the lower River Shannon at Parteen Basin in Co. Tipperary. Treated water will then be piped to termination points in the Eastern and Midlands area. Whilst further assessment is required it is anticipated that planning permission will be sought from An Bord Pleanála for this Strategic Infrastructure Project. Irish Water, working in partnership with Kildare County Council and Dublin City Council, is progressing with the Barrow Water Supply Scheme Area Extension project. Once completed, this project will extend the water supply from Srowland Water Treatment Plan in Kildare and facilitate a strategic link with the Ballymore Eustace Water Treatment Plant. With the demand for water increasing, it is essential that water resilience projects are progressed to ensure that there is an adequate supply of treated water for now and into the future, to support population growth, and social / economic development. This project will increase the security and resilience of the drinking water supply for Kildare and the wider Greater Dublin Area (GDA). On completion it will decrease the dependence in Kildare on the River Liffey water supply. According to Census 2016, almost 90% of households in Kildare obtained their water supply from a public source (86% from the public main, 3.5% from a public group water scheme) while just over 7% of households in the county source their water privately. Policies It is a policy of the Council to: IN P1 Ensure that water supply infrastructure is sufficient to meet the growing needs of the population and facilitate economic development within the county. IN P2 Ensure the protection and enhancement of water quality throughout Kildare in accordance with the EU WFD and facilitate the implementation of the associated programme of measures in the River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021 (and subsequent updates). Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: IN O1 Work with Irish Water to protect existing water infrastructure, reduce leakage, improve water quality and upgrade water supply infrastructure throughout Kildare.206
- IN O2 Support Irish Water in delivering key water service projects in the county as set out in the Water Services Strategic Plan (2015) including: • The Eastern and Midlands Regions Water Supply Project and to preserve the corridor for this scheme free of development. • The Barrow Water Supply Scheme Area Extension Project. IN O3 Promote water conservation and best practice water conservation in all developments, including rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling. IN O4 Ensure that adequate water services will be available to service development prior to the granting of planning permission and to require developers to provide evidence of consultation with Irish Water regarding capacity in the network prior to applying for planning permission. IN O5 Manage, protect, and enhance surface water and groundwater quality to meet the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive. IN O6 Require an undisturbed edge or buffer zone to be maintained, where appropriate, having regard to the riparian buffer zones (Table 12.4 refers) to maintain the natural function of existing ecosystems associated with water courses and their riparian zones, and to enable sustainable public access. The width of the edge or buffer zone shall be determined during the appropriate environmental assessment such as EcIA or AA. IN O7 Protect recognised salmonid water courses in conjunction with Inland Fisheries Ireland such as the Liffey catchment, which are recognised to be exceptional in supporting salmonid fish species. IN O8 Support the implementation of Irish Water’s Water Safety Plans to ensure that public drinking water sources and their contributing catchments are protected from pollution. IN O9 Actively implement the provision of public water fountains within town centres to help reduce plastic waste. IN O10 Work with the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) to identify issues affecting water quality in Kildare. IN O11 Promote the protection of private water sources, and the development of community connections in accordance with national policy and regulations, and to administer the multi annual Rural Water Programme (2019-2021). Action It is an action of the Council to: IN A1 Install public water fountains in two towns as pilot schemes within 1 year of the adoption of this Plan. 6.5.2 Wastewater Services Irish Water is responsible for the collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater throughout the county. According to Census 2016, almost 73% of households in Kildare were served by public sewerage connections, while almost 23% had septic tanks or other individual treatment systems.207
- The largest wastewater treatment plants in Kildare are located at Leixlip, (serving Kilcock, Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, and Straffan) and Osberstown (serving Naas, Newbridge, Kilcullen, Athgarvan, Prosperous, Sallins, Clane, and Kill). While there are smaller plants located in Athy, Kildare, Monasterevin, Castledermot, Robertstown and Ballymore Eustace among others serving their local catchments. In relation to domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWTS) ‘The EPA – Code of Practice – Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems (pe≤10) 2021’; published under Section 76 of the EPA Act 1992 provides guidance for single houses or equivalent developments with a population equivalent of less than or equal to 10. It sets out a methodology for site assessments, selection, installation, and maintenance of an appropriate DWWTS. This CoP replaces the previous 2009 CoP and applies to site assessments and subsequent installations carried out on or after 7th of June 2021. Policy It is a policy of the Council to: IN P3 Support Irish Water to ensure adequate and appropriate wastewater treatment infrastructure is available over the Plan period to service the projected growth of towns and villages throughout Kildare in accordance with the Core Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: IN O12 (A) Work in conjunction with Irish Water to promote the ongoing upgrade and expansion of wastewater services to meet the future needs of the county and the region including facilitating the provision and zoning of appropriate sites required for wastewater services infrastructure as necessary. (B) Pursue with Irish Water, additional investment commitment in the provision of increased capacity of waste-water treatment plants (WWTPs), increasing the number of projects under the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme (STVGP), so as to ensure sustainable growth patterns in the County. IN O13 Ensure that adequate wastewater services will be available to service development prior to the granting of planning permission and to require developers to provide evidence of consultation with Irish Water regarding capacity in the network prior to applying for planning permission. IN O14 Maximise the use of existing capacity in wastewater services in the planning of new development and to ensure that full consideration is given to the level of investment required in the provision of wastewater services, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas, when zoning for new development. IN O15 Ensure all new developments connect to public wastewater infrastructure where available.208
- IN O16 Prohibit the discharge of additional surface water to combined (foul and surface water) sewers to maximise the capacity of existing collection systems for foul water. IN O17 Promote the changeover from septic tanks to collection networks where feasible and desirable (subject to a connection agreement with Irish Water). IN O18 Discourage the provision of single house septic tanks and treatment plants in the plan area to minimise the risk of groundwater pollution. Where such facilities are permitted, full compliance with the prevailing regulations and standards, including the EPA’s Code of Practice for Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (pe≤10), (2021) as may be amended, will be required. IN O19 Ensure that existing and permitted private wastewater treatment plants are operated in compliance with their wastewater discharge licenses, to protect water quality. Action It is an action of the Council to: IN A2 Carry out on-going monitoring and registration of private septic tanks in the County in line with the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Inspection Plan. 6.6 Surface Water / Drainage The Council is responsible for surface water drainage in the county. Management of surface and storm water is important to avoid increased flood or pollution risk in the storm water network, rivers, and streams throughout Kildare. Compliance with best practice guidance for the collection, reuse, treatment, and disposal of surface waters for all future development proposals is therefore imperative. Groundwater is protected under EU and National legislation. Local Authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have responsibility for enforcing this legislation. The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), in conjunction with the DECLG and the EPA issued guidelines on the preparation of groundwater protection schemes. A Groundwater Protection Scheme for County Kildare was prepared by GSI in partnership with Kildare County Council and is updated regularly by GSI. The ‘Greater Dublin Area Strategic Drainage Study (2005)’ delivered an overview of the performance of the drainage infrastructure in the regions catchments and proposed infrastructural improvement works to facilitate the anticipated future growth in the catchment to 2031. Irish Water, with the support of Kildare County Council, now manages the major and minor capital works for combined (surface water) and wastewater networks.209
- The Council will seek to ensure the sustainable management of surface water discharges through Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). SuDS is a naturebased solution to water management that aims to manage surface water as close as possible to its origin by replicating the natural characteristics of rainfall run-off from any site ensuring water is infiltrated or conveyed more slowly to the drainage system and ultimately to water courses via permeable paving, swales, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, detention basins, ponds, and wetlands. SuDS can achieve multiple objectives such as removing pollutants for urban run-off at source, improving water quality, controlling surface water run-off from developments, and ensuring flood risk does not increase further downstream. Furthermore, SuDS can offer the opportunity to combine water management with amenity/green spaces, which can increase amenity and biodiversity. The use of SuDS therefore complements a green and blue infrastructure planning approach. Properly designed and located SuDS features can be incorporated within and can complement the amenity and aesthetic value of open spaces. SuDS areas do not form part of the public open space provision, except where they contribute in a significant way to the design and quality of open space as defined by the Planning Authority. Policy It is a policy of the Council to: IN P4 Ensure adequate surface water drainage systems are in place which meet the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive and the River Basin Management Plan in order to promote the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: IN O20 Maintain, protect and enhance capacity of the existing surface water drainage systems in the county. IN O21 Facilitate the development of nature based Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, including the retrofitting of SuDS in established urban areas. Culverting entire drains and streams will generally be prohibited; interference with natural drainage systems is to be minimised and the Council will explore opportunities to remove culverted drainage systems in favour of open, natural drainage systems. IN O22 Require the implementation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) and other nature-based surface water drainage as an integral part of all new development proposals.210
- IN O23 Require new developments to reduce the generation of storm water runoff and ensure all storm water generated is disposed of on-site OR attenuated and treated prior to discharge to an approved water system, with consideration for the following: • The infiltration into the ground through the provision of porous pavement such as permeable paving, swales, and detention basins. • The holding of water in storage areas through the construction of green roofs, rainwater harvesting, detention basins, ponds, and wetlands. • The slow-down in the movement of water. IN O24 Only consider underground retention solutions when all other options have been exhausted. Underground tanks and storage systems will not be accepted under public open space, as part of a SuDS solution. IN O25 Promote the use of green infrastructure (e.g., green roofs, green walls, planting, and green spaces) as natural water retention measures. IN O26 Ensure as far as practical that the design of SuDS enhances the quality of open spaces. SuDS do not form part of the public open space provision, except where it contributes in a significant and positive way to the design and quality of open space. In instances where the Council determines that SuDS make a significant and positive contribution to open space, a maximum of 10% of open space provision shall be taken up by SuDS. The Council will consider the provision of SuDS on existing open space, where appropriate. The ‘Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems Guidance Document’ prepared as an action of this plan shall supersede this standard. IN O27 Ensure that all development, including rural one-off residential developments will maintain existing surface water drainage systems, particularly at access points to the development. IN O28 Ensure development proposals in rural areas demonstrate compliance with the following: • The ability of a site in an un-serviced area to accommodate an onsite wastewater disposal system in accordance with the County Kildare Groundwater Protection Scheme, and any other relevant documents and legislation as may be introduced during the Plan period. • The ability of a site in an un-serviced area to accommodate an appropriate on-site surface water management system in accordance with the policies of the Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study (2005), in particular those of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). • The need to comply with the requirements of the Planning Systems and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage, and Local Government (2009). IN O29 Support the conservation, protection and enhancement of Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM), as appropriate to the individual catchment. IN O30 Require all plans and projects to comply with the Best Practice Interim Guidance Document ‘Nature-based solutions to the management of211
Source Kildare County Council: Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 6: Infrastructure and Environmental Services (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.