Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 7: Energy and Communications

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   Aim: To encourage and support energy and communications efficiency and to achieve a reasonable balance between responding to EU and National Policies on climate change, renewable energy and communications and enabling resources to be harnessed in a manner consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the county. Chapter 7 Energy & Communications 7.1 Background Kildare has a long history of energy production related predominantly to the commercial exploitation of peatlands. Kildare County Council recognises the potential economic benefit of a transition from fossil fuel-based energy production through to investment in renewable energy. Irelands ‘Climate Action Plan 2021 – Securing Our Future’ sets out the Government’s roadmap for taking actions that aim to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero no later than 2050. Kildare County Council adopted a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for the county in 2019, which takes on the role as the primary instrument at local level to: ensure a proper comprehension of the key risks and vulnerabilities of climate change; bring forward the implementation of climate resilient actions in a planned and proactive manner; and ensure that climate adaptation considerations are mainstreamed into all plans and policies and integrated into all operations and functions of Kildare County Council. 7.2 Planning Policy Context In the preparation of this chapter of the Plan, regard has been had to the following; • EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EU • 2030 EU Climate and Energy Framework 2014 • EU Effort Sharing Regulations 2018 • EU Directive 2001/77/EC Renewable Energy • EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (2002/91/EC) • The Paris Agreement 2015 • The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Conference of Parties, Glasgow 2021. • EU Commission European Green Deal 2019. • Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework • National Development Plan 2018-2027 • Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019 • Energy White Paper Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015 - 2030 • The National Climate Change Adaptation Framework Plan 2018 • The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 • The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act, 2021 • Climate Action Plan 2021 • National Peatlands Strategy 2015 • Kildare Climate Change Adaptation Strategy222

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   • Interim Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Statutory Plans, Renewable Energy and Climate Change 2017 • The National Renewable Energy Action Plan 2010 (Irish Government submission to the European Commission) • The Government’s Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012 – 2020 (DCENR) • The Government’s White Paper on Energy Policy - Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030 (DCENR) 7.3 Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Climate change adaptation is the process of adjusting to current or expected effects of climate change while climate change mitigation is action to limit climate change by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases or removing those gases from the atmosphere. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P1 Reduce our carbon footprint in line with national targets for climate policy mitigation and adaptation objectives, as well as targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions. Objective It is an objective of the Council to: EC O1 Ensure that energy intensive sectors incorporate significant renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint. Action It is an action of the Council to: EC A1 Prepare, within 1 year of the adoption of the County Development Plan a Sustainable Energy Climate Action Plan (SECAP) for County Kildare to identify the target which County Kildare can contribute in delivering its share of overall Government targets on renewable energy and climate change mitigation over the plan period, and in particular wind energy production and the potential wind energy resource (in megawatts), and commence a variation to the County Development Plan, as appropriate. 7.4 Renewable Energy Under EU Directive 2001/77/EC Renewable Energy, renewable energy sources are defined as renewable non-fossil energy sources such as, but not limited to wind, solar, geothermal, wave, tidal, hydropower, bioenergy, landfill gas, sewage treatment plant gas, biogases and bio-char (i.e. the thermal treatment of natural organic materials in an oxygen-limited environment).223

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   Due to increased energy requirements and Governments’ target of 80% share of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, our electricity supply must move away from fossil fuel sources to renewable and sustainable forms of generation. The Council recognises the range of new and developing technologies and supporting infrastructure that can contribute to minimising greenhouse gas emissions and to securing a greater proportion of our energy needs from renewable resources. It is an objective of this Plan to support the establishment of a Mid-East Energy Bureau in collaboration with Wicklow County Council, Meath County Council and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. This agency would lead the delivery of sustainable energy solutions in Kildare and beyond, by advocating, educating and innovating on climate action and would encourage and guide communities, businesses and citizens to participate in the energy transition and achieve carbon neutrality. Policies It is the policy of the Council to: EC P2 Promote renewable energy use generation and associated electricity grid infrastructure at appropriate locations within the built environment and open countryside to meet national objectives towards achieving a net zero carbon economy by 2050. EC P3 Support the roll-out of the Smart Grids and Smart Cities Action Plan enabling new connections, grid balancing, energy management and micro grid development Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: EC O2 Adopt an informed and positive approach to renewable energy proposals, having regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, including community, environmental and landscape impacts and impacts on protected or designated heritage areas / structures. EC O3 Support initiatives for limiting emissions of greenhouse gases through energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy sources which make use of the natural resources in an environmentally and socially acceptable manner. EC O4 Support infrastructural renewal and development of electricity and gas networks in the county, subject to safety and amenity requirements, subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA so as to ensure and protect the favourable status of European sites and their hydrological connections. Such developments will have regard for protected species and provide mitigation and monitoring where applicable. EC O5 Support and encourage the sustainable development of renewable energy auto production units (the production of energy primarily for on-site usage) for existing and proposed developments in line with relevant design criteria, amenity and heritage considerations and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA so as to ensure and protect the favourable status224

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   of European sites and their hydrological connections. Such developments will have regard for protected species and provide mitigation and monitoring where applicable. EC O6 Require developers of proposed large scale renewable energy projects to carry out community consultation (including, but not limited to Sustainable Energy Communities, where established) in accordance with best practice and to commence the consultation at the commencement of project planning. Details of all such consultation shall accompany planning applications for proposed renewable energy developments. EC O7 Support, encourage and co-operate with Sustainable Energy Communities (SECs) in the preparation of energy masterplans for their communities and in the delivery of infrastructure and services and to assist in the development of SECs in communities (both urban and rural) throughout the County. EC O8 Support the roll out of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), which enables communities to become involved in energy generation projects and, where possible, provide the use of public land for the development of community owned Renewable Energy projects. EC O9 Ensure that whenever possible and appropriate, community benefits are derived from all renewable energy developments in the county. EC O10 Support energy efficient lighting at appropriate locations in both urban and rural areas. Actions It is an action of the Council to: EC A2 Establish a Mid-East Energy Bureau in collaboration with Wicklow County Council, Meath County Council and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. EC A3 Prepare and implement an overall Renewable Energy Strategy for the County in accordance with the current Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for County Kildare. 7.5 Wind Energy One of Ireland’s greatest natural resources is wind. The country has one of the most advantageous wind regimes in Europe suitable for the production of electricity especially during the winter months when energy demand is at its highest. Notwithstanding Kildare’s inland location, the County has potential in this regard. A Wind Energy Strategy forms part of this Development Plan and is presented in Appendix 2. The Strategy has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Wind Energy Development 2006, and subsequent updated Guidelines and constitutes a plan led approach to wind energy development in County Kildare. The Strategy designates areas across the county where wind energy developments are acceptable in principle, open for consideration and not normally permissible. County Kildare has the potential to generate 53.5 MW from wind energy production during the lifetime of this Development Plan taking account of permitted wind farm developments. However, given that this figure relates to planning applications determined within the last 3-4 years, it is considered reasonable to double225

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   this figure to account for wind energy proposals that have yet to come forward to planning stage and be constructed by the end of the Plan period in 2029. Therefore, it is considered that 107MW is the more realistic wind energy target for Kildare to the end of this Plan period which will contribute towards realising overall national targets on renewable energy and climate change mitigation. Site suitability is an important factor in determining the suitability of wind farms having regard to possible adverse impacts associated with, for example, residential amenities, landscape, including views or prospects, wildlife, habitats, designated sites, protected structures or bird migration paths and compatibility with adjoining land uses. The Council is therefore required to achieve a reasonable balance between responding to overall positive Government policy on renewable energy and enabling the wind energy resources of the Planning Authority’s area to be harnessed in a manner that is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development. The Council recognises that community ownership of wind energy projects enables local communities to benefit directly from local wind energy resources being developed in their local areas, ensuring long-term income for rural communities. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P4 Have regard to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s ‘Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Wind Energy Development’ (or any subsequent updates) and the Kildare County Council Wind Energy Strategy when assessing planning applications for wind farms. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: EC O11 Encourage wind energy developments in suitable locations in an environmentally sustainable manner whilst having regard to Government policy and the County Wind Energy Strategy, while being sensitive to the EU and national target of 30% of land for biodiversity. Subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA so as to ensure and protect the favourable status of European sites and their hydrological connections. Such developments will have regard for protected species and provide mitigation and monitoring where applicable. EC O12 Support small to medium scale wind energy developments within agricultural, industrial or business areas and support small communitybased proposals in urban and rural areas where they do not negatively impact upon the environmental quality (i.e. the habitats, species, hydrological connections and air quality of the area) and visual or residential amenities of the area, subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA so as to ensure and protect the favourable status of European sites and their hydrological connections. Such developments will have regard for protected species and provide mitigation where applicable.226

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   EC O13 Support the repowering (by replacing existing wind turbines) of existing windfarm development and the extension of existing and permitted wind farms on a case-by-case basis subject to further appropriate public consultation and proper planning considerations and environmental considerations such as the movement of qualifying interest species of European Sites. Projects shall provide mitigation and monitoring where applicable. EC O14 Support the establishment of a local Community Benefit Fund as part of any significant wind energy development application, which supports the development of local recreation amenities, provides additional community project funding or community owned Renewable Energy projects. EC O15 Require applicants to submit a report addressing the issues contained in Section 6 of the County Wind Energy Strategy ‘Considerations for Wind Farm Development Planning Applications’ at application stage. Decommissioning and site rehabilitation plans shall also be submitted at application stage and shall identify sustainable waste management solutions for wind turbine components (battery storage, blades etc.) at end-of-life in accordance with the waste management hierarchy. The disposal of same to landfill will not generally be permitted. EC O16 Require comprehensive winter and summer bird and wildlife surveys for all proposed wind farms sites in accordance with EIA, EU Habitats and Species Directives and all other relevant environmental legislation, so that impacts on wildlife can be fully assessed and evaluated and so that appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures can be considered. Turbine design and adaptation should use the best available technology to minimise harm to birds and other wildlife. Target It is a target of the Council to: EC T1 Support the target in the Climate Action Plan 2021 for a doubling of existing on-shore wind energy from circa 4GW (today) to 8GW by 2030. 7.6 Solar Energy There are three basic approaches used today to harness and gain maximum benefit of solar energy in buildings. These are Passive Solar; Active Solar Heating; and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. There are a range of technologies available to exploit the benefits of the sun, including solar panels, solar farms, and solar energy storage facilities, all of which contribute to a reduction in energy demand. As solar energy technologies have become more effective, areas in Northern Europe like Ireland have become viable for technologies including solar panels/ tubes on roof spaces and the commercial development of solar farms together with storage facilities. As a result, solar generated energy is increasingly contributing to a reduction in energy demand and energy costs for a range of commercial, industrial and residential227

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   properties. The government agreement on the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings, announced on 28 July 2022, increased the target for solar PV under the Climate Action Plan 2021 from the initial target of up to 2.5GW to a revised target of up to 5.5GW as part of its effort to produce 80% of Irelands electricity from renewable sources by 2030. On-site microgeneration technologies can make a significant contribution towards a reduction in energy costs and this will continue as technologies develop further. This type of generation is supported in the Climate Action Plan 2021, by Actions 105,107,108 and 138. Larger commercial solar farms have scope for harnessing a sizable amount of solar energy while also having the greater potential for energy storage and this type of generation is supported in the Climate Action Plan 2021, Actions 102 and 104. However, the scale of these farms has the potential to affect surrounding landscapes. Cumulative impacts may also arise with farms located close to each other. Site selection is vital for potential solar farms as solar resource, topography and proximity to the grid must be considered. The Council is required to achieve a reasonable balance between responding to the Climate Emergency and adhering to overall positive Government policy on renewable energy, while also enabling the solar energy resources of the Planning Authority’s area to be harnessed in a manner that is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development. At present, there are no national planning guidelines to guide the future development of solar farm proposals. In their absence, the Council will assess the appropriateness of individual applications received considering the following: Site aspect, suitability, and topography The Council will favour the reuse of previously developed land such as brownfield land, contaminated land or industrial land and non-productive agricultural land in preference to productive land. Biodiversity While it is not compulsory for solar farms to require an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), an EIAR may be required for projects where the proposed development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) sets out the criteria for determining whether a development would or would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment. Furthermore, all development proposals must be screened for Appropriate Assessment and shall be subject to full Appropriate Assessment where they have the potential to have significant adverse impacts on the integrity of a Natura 2000 site, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, in accordance with Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/42/EEC. In any event, impacts to flora and fauna will be a consideration of any application. The removal of extensive stretches of hedgerow and mature trees, wetland areas and areas of biodiversity interest (including within the development site) will not be permitted. Retention and appropriate management of existing habitats will be favoured over the planting of introduced pollinator friendly species in order to maintain and228

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   restore the existing seedbank and local biodiversity. Where the removal of minor sections of hedgerows or trees is proposed, the applicant shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority, that such removal is necessary for the development of the particular solar farm(s). Where the removal of minor sections of hedgerow is proposed, compensatory planting will be required elsewhere within the development. Measures to treat invasive species and/or avoid their translocation must also be provided. Where it is not possible to retain the area beneath the solar panels for biodiversity purposes, a minimum of 10% of each overall solar farm site shall be reserved for biodiversity purposes, including planting of native and pollinator-friendly species or the construction of new wetland habitat. All existing habitats on solar farm sites should be retained and appropriately managed. The planting of ‘pollinator friendly’ seed mixes should be avoided. Appropriately detailed habitat management and restoration plans (including cutover bog restoration, where appropriate) for all solar farm applications must be submitted. Landscape character Where appropriate all applications should be accompanied by a Landscape Impact Assessment (LIA) that considers the subject site in its wider context, to include the subject site, other permitted/in the pipeline renewable energy proposals, and the impact of same on the landscape sensitivity classification, scenic routes and protected views. Residential amenity Noise and traffic impacts during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases will be examined to determine whether residential amenity of adjoining/nearby properties would be adversely impacted. Flooding Solar farms located within areas identified as being within Flood zones A or B will be subject to a Site-Specific Flood Risk Assessment, as per the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines 2009 for Planning Authorities (or any updated guidelines). An assessment of stormwater run-off rates must be completed for each development, and attenuation measures proposed as appropriate. Architectural/Archaeological Heritage Potential impacts to Protected Structures and their settings as identified in Appendix 6 and Monuments and Places as identified in Appendix 5 of the Development Plan shall also be considered. Impact on Traffic A Glint and Glare assessment will accompany any application to consider any impacts to low flying aircraft or passing vehicles. Road Access to the site during operational and decommissioning phases will be examined to determine if the access and corresponding road network is adequate.229

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    Access to the grid Indicative details of the potential connection to the grid shall be provided with all planning applications. Operations Details of management, fencing, lighting and upkeep of the site should be submitted. Lifespan Details with respect to the estimated length of construction phase activities, their impacts, the proposed lifespan of the development and decommissioning and reinstatement of the subject site should all be submitted. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P5 Promote the development of solar energy infrastructure in the County. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: EC O17 Support the building of integrated and commercial-scale solar projects at appropriate locations subject to a viability assessment and environmental safeguards including the protection of natural or built heritage features, biodiversity and views and prospects. EC O18 Encourage and support the use of appropriately scaled solar energy in residential, commercial and industrial developments. The incorporation of solar technologies into the built fabric of existing buildings will also be encouraged where it does not materially affect the character of the structure or adjoining structures. EC O19 Promote the development of solar energy infrastructure for on-site energy use, including solar PV and solar thermal technologies. On-site battery storage projects shall be considered subject to fire safety, environmental safeguards and the protection of natural or built heritage features, biodiversity views and prospects. EC O20 Support and favour the ongoing delivery of solar technology on Council owned buildings and sites and projects in accordance with the Kildare County Council Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (and any successor to same). EC O21 Support the provision of solar farms in appropriate locations in accordance with the criteria as set out in Section 7.6 of this Plan and environmental considerations such as the movement of qualifying interest species of European Sites. Projects shall provide mitigation and monitoring where applicable. EC O22 Support the installation of solar panels on residential roof spaces. EC O23 Support the installation of solar collectors and panels for the production of heat or electricity in commercial and industrial buildings in line with relevant design criteria, building regulations and technical guidance documents.230

Source Kildare County Council: Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 7: Energy and Communications (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.