Development plan · Kildare County Council
Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 7: Energy and Communications
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 · 30 pages
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- EC O24 Require the submission of a Glint and Glare Assessment as part of any solar energy development proposal where there is likely to be any impact on neighbouring uses, transportation and aviation safety. EC O25 Require decommissioning and site rehabilitation plans (including phasing where appropriate) as part of any solar farm development application, including identification of sustainable waste management solutions for components (PV solar arrays, steel support frames, battery storage, etc.) at end-of-life in accordance with the waste management hierarchy. The disposal of same to landfill will not generally be permitted. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 42 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Planning Authority may grant permission for more than 5 years, in appropriate circumstances. EC O26 Only permit the removal of hedgerow where the removal of same has been clearly demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority, to be necessary for the development of a solar farm(s). 7.7 Hydro Energy There are three ESB hydroelectric power stations located in the county - Golden Falls, Leixlip and Poulaphouca. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P6 Facilitate the development of new river-based hydro energy plants subject to all necessary environmental considerations. River based hydro energy developments shall not be permitted within Natura 2000 sites or within designated and proposed Natural Heritage Areas or, ex situ of these ecologically sensitive areas where proposals will adversely affect the integrity of Natura 2000 sites; impact on the ecological integrity of NHA/pNHAs, or the habitats of protected species (without appropriate licence) as designated under National and European legislation. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: EC O27 Support proposals for hydro energy installations, including small-scale hydroelectric projects on the rivers, watercourses, freshwater dams and weirs across the County, where projects do not negatively impact on freshwater species, biodiversity and natural or built heritage features. Many of the rivers and tributaries in the county are protected under the Birds and Habitats Directives or other heritage designations, which will require consideration during the investigation of any possible suitable site. EC O28 Require that, in sensitive landscapes, powerlines connecting the hydro unit to the national grid shall be laid underground. EC O29 Require, appropriate buffer zones around dams, reservoirs and embankments constructed for the purpose of electricity generation.231
- EC O30 Support the development of small-scale hydro-electricity projects in the county, in particular for on-site consumption to meet the electricity requirements of proposed new buildings, or refurbishment of existing buildings appropriate to their riverside location and setting. Such developments shall be subject to an AA Screening Report, and where applicable, Stage 2 AA. They shall have a regard for any hydrological connection shared with a European Site and shall account for any potential likely significant effects and provide mitigation and monitoring where appropriate. EC O31 Proposals for hydro-electric energy schemes, including micro-hydro schemes shall incorporate landscaping of dam walls and ancillary developments and also include measures to minimise noise emissions and to reduce the overall impact of schemes. 7.8 Geo-Thermal Energy The Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory Framework for Geothermal Energy was launched at the Geoscience Conference in November 2020. Geothermal energy means energy stored in the form of heat beneath the surface of solid earth. It is generally classified as deep or shallow, depending on the depths involved. Deep geothermal energy can be used for both thermal and electricity generation but as of yet, due to the depths involved and the resultant costs, it has not been developed to any scale in Ireland. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has developed a geothermal mapping system which identifies the temperature at various depths for the whole country. This type of renewable energy generation may become viable as technologies advance. Shallow geothermal energy, also known as ground source energy, is most frequently used for providing heat and has been harnessed by homes and commercial and recreational buildings in Ireland for heating purposes. Geothermal energy is extracted through heat pumps which work by circulating a heat transfer fluid around a sealed pipe network buried in the ground. The ground maintains a constant temperature in Ireland of between 11 and 13 degrees and the heat pumps take advantage of this by transferring the heat stored in the ground in winter to the building and doing the opposite to cool buildings in the summer. For each unit of electricity used in a heat pump up to four units of heat are generated. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P7 Facilitate large and smaller scale geothermal energy generating developments both standalone and in conjunction with other renewable energy projects, subject to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and consideration of environmental and ecological sensitivities in particular the sensitivities of protected surface water or groundwater bodies and groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems and to have regard to the Draft Policy Statement on Geothermal Energy for a Circular Economy (2021) published by the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications (or any subsequent updates).232
- Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: EC O32 Promote the use of geothermal heat pumps for space heating and cooling as well as water heating in domestic, commercial and recreational buildings subject to the protection of water quality and any other relevant considerations such as the Geological Survey of Ireland’s (GSIs) Geothermal Suitability maps. 7.9 Bio-Energy Bio energy may be defined as energy derived from biomass. Bio energy technologies are broken into three groups: • Combustion – using biomass solely and with fossil fuels; • Biochemical process – leads to the production of biofuels; • Thermochemical process - leads to the production of biogas. Biomass is defined as the biodegradable proportion of products, waste and residues from agriculture, forestry and related industries, including fisheries and aquaculture and the biodegradable fraction of industrial and municipal waste. It can produce electricity and/or heat. Biomass can be burned to produce heat that is used to create steam to turn turbines and produce electricity. Projects involving the combustion of biomass can range in size from a domestic boiler to industrial installations. The main feedstocks are wood chip and wood pellets, energy crops and the combustion of municipal waste in waste-toenergy facilities. Biofuels may be defined as liquid or gaseous fuels for transport produced from biomass. Biogas can be injected into the natural gas grid to complement or substitute natural gas and can also be compressed and used as a transport fuel. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P8 Facilitate and support the development of projects that convert biomass to gas or electricity subject to national and regional policy. Such projects shall be subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: EC O33 Support the location of biomass installations, particularly where the operator can demonstrate that the wood chip/wood pellets utilised are derived from environmentally sustainable sources, in areas that do not affect residential or visual amenity which are subject to normal siting, design, environmental and planning considerations and which are served by public roads with sufficient capacity to accommodate increased traffic flows. EC O34 Support and promote domestic biological treatment including compositing of kitchen and garden waste.233
- 7.10 Strategic Energy Zones (SEZs) Strategic Energy Zones (SEZs) are areas of national priority for renewable energy investment as well as to provide a test bed for new technologies. The development of proposals for Strategic Energy Zones must be considered in the context of existing infrastructural assets as well as future development. SEZs have a role to play in the provision of a secure and reliable electricity supply. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P9 Co-operate with the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) in identifying Strategic Energy Zones. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: EC O35 Identify Strategic Energy Zones in conjunction with EMRA as areas suitable for larger energy generating projects, community and micro energy production, whilst ensuring environmental factors (including landscape, biodiversity and archaeology) and a regional landscape strategy are considered. 7.11 Micro Renewable Energy Certain energy installations that are identified as being micro-generators will qualify for an exemption from requiring planning permission as per the provisions of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). These planning exemptions apply to residential scale and some commercial scale wind turbine, solar arrays, heat pumps and biomass boilers subject to meeting certain conditions. The Council will encourage the small-scale generation of heat and electricity by individuals, small businesses and communities to meet their own needs and as an alternative to or to supplement grid connected power. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P10 Facilitate micro-renewable energy installations and auto-generator installations where it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Council that they will not result in a significant adverse impact on residential, visual or environmental amenity. Such projects shall be subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA.234
- 7. 12 Energy Efficiency 7.12.1 Low Carbon District Heating District heating is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to heat apartments, homes and mixed-use developments. The concept of climate justice, which is a key aim of the Plan, entails the protection of populations made vulnerable by climate change impacts. Low Carbon District Heating could reduce energy costs for lowincome families and in doing so promote Climate Justice. District heating networks can be based on a variety of technologies and renewable energy sources, such as combined heat and power (CHP), bioenergy, geothermal or energy from waste. Such schemes work particularly well in built-up urban areas where there is a near constant demand. For the system to work, water is heated using a boiler located in a central heating plant. The heat is distributed to the individual houses via an underground network of insulated pipes. The water in the network is continually circulating and always available. Immersion heaters, boilers and hot water storage tanks are not required which frees up space for other purposes. The use of a renewable energy solution to provide heating and hot water to houses and businesses contributes to sustainability as it reduces demand for and consumption of energy while using a renewable form of fuel. District heating provides an innovative, local-level solution that allows us to decarbonise heat while also integrating more renewable electricity. District heating systems create a local-level heating (and, if required, cooling) grid which delivers lowcarbon heat to residential, commercial and public buildings. These systems are widely used across Europe, and supply 90% of all heat in sustainable cities such as Copenhagen and Stockholm. District heating is also supported at regional level where RPO 7.38 of RSES states that: ‘Local authorities shall consider the use of heat mapping to support developments which deliver energy efficiency and the recovery of energy that would otherwise be wasted. A feasibility assessment for district heating in Local Authority areas shall be carried out and statutory planning documents shall identify local waste heat sources.’ Where data centre developments are approved in the County, the Council will expect district heating systems to be developed for adjoining residential, community and/or commercial developments. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P11 Support Ireland's renewable energy commitments outlined in national policy. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: EC O36 Promote and encourage the use of district heating systems in new residential and commercial developments where such development does not have a negative impact on the surrounding environment, landscape, biodiversity or local amenities. EC O37 Facilitate the use of heat mapping or other appropriate analysis to support developments which deliver energy efficiency and the recovery of energy that would otherwise be wasted.235
- EC O38 Promote district heating proposals in conjunction with neighbouring authorities. Action It is an action of the Council to: EC A4 Carry out a feasibility assessment for district heating in County Kildare and identify local waste heat sources or renewable energy sources to facilitate such proposals. 7.12.2 Air to Water Heat Pumps Air to Water Heat Pumps are becoming the norm for energy efficient heating and cooling especially in well insulated and sealed homes. This may be considered a simpler and more cost-effective option than Geothermal heating. Air to water heat pumps can also be retrofitted into homes. Homes heated in this way have an air source heat pump fitted on the ground or on a wall outside the house. The pumps are powered from the electricity supply. Air to Water Heat Pumps are especially clean sources of energy if the electricity used to power them is generated from renewable sources such as solar PV panels or wind turbines. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P12 Facilitate air to water heat developments at appropriate location and scale. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: EC O39 Support air to water heat developments, including the retrofitting into existing homes, in conjunction with other renewable energy projects, subject to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and consideration of environmental and ecological sensitivities. EC O40 Support and promote the use of air to water heat pumps in domestic, commercial and recreational buildings subject to the protection of water quality and any other relevant considerations. 7.12.3 Energy from Waste The Council recognises that there is much potential for the capturing and utilisation of waste heat generated by particular premises which could be captured and reused onsite. Such waste heat can be generated from processes including thermal generating stations, site power generation, industrial processes, wastewater systems and waste to energy plants. Proposals for waste to energy development, including anaerobic digestion and dry digestion for farm or other wastes and by- products, will be considered subject to appropriate development management standards and necessary environmental assessments. Suitable areas for such development include those with intensive agricultural activities, such as sheep, dairying, pig and poultry farming.236
- Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P13 Promote the appropriate development of waste heat technologies and the utilisation and sharing of waste heat in areas where feasibility is demonstrated for its use in the delivery of low carbon district heating technology. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: EC O41 Promote the circular economy in terms of waste planning and management by promoting the development of local biodigesters subject to the prior grant of an Industrial Emissions License from the EPA. 7.12.4 Energy Efficiency in Buildings The design, construction and operation of new and existing buildings, have a significant role to play in reducing energy demand and increasing energy efficiency into the future. The energy efficiency and renewable energy requirements for the construction of new residential and non-residential buildings are primarily addressed in the current Building Regulations Part L. The regulations prescribe that a reasonable proportion of the energy consumption to meet the energy performance of a dwelling is provided by renewable energy sources. The Council will promote energy efficient design and recommends consideration of energy design at the earliest stage in the design process through careful site selection and the design of new buildings with regard to orientation so as to maximise solar gain and cooling. Careful consideration should also be given to the adaptability of buildings over time to enable the building stock to be retrofitted to meet higher efficiency standards in the future. The upgrading and refurbishment of homes and business premises can make a significant contribution in reducing energy demands and costs. The energy performance of existing buildings is one of the foremost considerations in responding to the energy challenges in the county and Kildare County Council is committed to removing fossil fuel burning from its buildings where possible. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P14 Require high levels of energy conservation, energy efficiency and the use of sustainable and renewable energy sources in new and existing buildings. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: EC O42 Prioritise the reuse and improvement of existing buildings over demolition where possible. EC O43 Ensure that measures to upgrade the energy efficiency of vernacular buildings acknowledge their inherent vernacular characteristics, techniques and materials and do not have a detrimental physical or visual impact.237
- EC O44 Require all new development to be designed to take account of the impacts of climate change, and that energy conservation, energy efficiency and energy renewable measures are incorporated in new and existing buildings through the appropriate design and location of new development, in accordance with relevant building regulations and guidelines. Action It is an action of the Council to: EC A5 Report annually on energy usage in all Council public buildings and strive for a significant improvement in energy efficiency in all public buildings in line with the requirements of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP). Target It is a target of the Council to: EC T2 Achieve a target of 33% improvement in energy efficiency in all buildings in line with the requirements of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP). EC T3 Retrofit all existing council housing stock before 2030. 7.12.5 Electric Vehicles The Council will promote and support the development of the necessary infrastructure required by Government to accommodate electric vehicles and as outlined in the “Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025” published by the Department of Transport. Electric Vehicles (EV) refer to both Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). All new cars sold in Ireland will be zero carbon emission or zero carbon emission capable by 2030. The ultimate aim is to decarbonise the national car fleet by 2050 so that it will be low or near zero emissions. A Priority for EV charging is to facilitate the maximum use of night-time renewable electricity where possible. In this regard, residential housing developments have a key role to play in the provision of overnight EV infrastructure and to assist in the delivery of low carbon energy. The Council will promote and support the development of the necessary infrastructure required by Government to accommodate fuel cell vehicles. ‘Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles’ use fuel cells to combine stored hydrogen with oxygen to generate electricity (as opposed to electricity from the public grid which currently is part-generated from fossil fuels), which then powers the vehicle’s electric motors. They offer greater range and faster re-fuelling than current electric vehicles.238
- Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P15 Promote the necessary infrastructure to support the continued roll out of electric vehicles. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: EC O45 Promote the delivery of EV charging facilities across the County where demand is proven, both on sites owned and occupied by Kildare County Council and private sites and ensure that EV charging points are installed in such a way that they do not cause significant obstruction to footpaths, cycle lanes, access to Train stations, or bus lanes/stops. The EV charger should be compatible with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s Triple E Register. EC O46 Ensure that all new suitable fleet vehicles purchased or replaced in the Council’s fleet meets latest procurement guidelines relating to fleet electric vehicles. 7.12.6 Decarbonising Zones A Decarbonising Zone (DZ) is an area identified by the local authority, in response to action 165 of the ‘All of Government Climate Action Plan, 2019’. Target 10.2 of the subsequent Climate Action Plan 2021 is to implement decarbonising zones in each local authority. The DZ is an area within a county which will see the implementation of numerous mitigation measures in support of the national transition objective, 2030 emission reduction targets and the requirements of the National Adaptation Framework. The range of 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, energy storage, grid frequency/inertia, etc. Kildare County Council has identified Maynooth as its inaugural decarbonisation zone and this will be reflected in future local authority projects in the Maynooth area, future local area plans and community engagements. This plan also promotes ‘Sustainable Urban Extensions’. These areas should include exemplar energy production (i.e., district heating) and energy efficiency similar to that proposed for the DZs. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: EC P16 Support the identification and development of decarbonisation zones in Kildare over the lifetime of the Development Plan. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: EC O47 Work with the Council’s Climate Action Office and other stakeholders to identify decarbonisation zones in the County.239
- EC O48 Ensure that all new developments within decarbonising zone fully commit to the identified aims of those zones. EC O49 Promote the generation and supply of low carbon and renewable energy alternatives within decarbonization zones. Action It is an action of the Council to: EC A6 Work with the Council’s Climate Action Office, and other appropriate stakeholders to prepare an Implementation Plan for the county’s designated Decarbonisation Zone. EC A7 Require that the Council explore integrating solar PV for EV charging in Kildare County Council owned car parks throughout the County, potentially utilizing the space on the roof tops of publicly owned buildings. 7.12.7 Peatlands The inclusion of the midland region on the EU Platform for Coal Regions in Transition will greatly assist in providing for a “Just Transition” for the midland region. The aim of this EU Platform is to provide support for regions heavily involved in fossil fuel industries and provide opportunities for national, regional, and local representatives and EU staff to discuss how these regions can best decarbonise their economies. As part of this Platform, a Regional Transition Team was established to assist the midlands in planning for the phasing out of peat fired electricity generation. Whilst recognising that the cessation of industrial peat harvesting will have positive environmental impacts, the Council supports the Regional Transition Team in pursuing funding opportunities and actions to mitigate the effects of these job losses, positioning the region to develop alternative forms of employment, attract investment and maximise existing employment opportunities and resources. The Council recognises the great potential that the circa 80,000 hectares of industrial peatlands in the midlands offer in relation to after uses ranging from amenity, tourism, biodiversity services, ‘wild areas’, flood management, climate mitigation, energy development, industry, education, conservation and many more. It is the policy of the Council to support the long-term strategic planning for industrial peatlands as per Regional Policy Objective 4.84 of the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy. The Council supports the preparation of a comprehensive “after use” framework plan for the industrial peatlands and associated workshops, office buildings, industrial sites and power stations in the midlands, which meet the environmental, economic and social needs of communities in these areas, and will work with all stakeholders involved in the process in this regard. The Council considers that there is significant potential to develop a Green Energy Hub in County Kildare, which focuses on the higher order aspects of the industry such as research, new technologies, headquarter development, assembly, maintenance and financing. The ‘Local Just Transition Plan for West Kildare’, commissioned by Kildare County Council, was published in March 2022. On a strategic level, the purpose of the plan is to identify bottom-up, smaller scale, localised measures to complement larger regional and national development measures and investments. In doing so, the Plan identifies projects to support and advance sustainable, social, economic and240
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.